Notes From the Pastor's Desk

February 11, 2024

When A Sinner Is Saved

Luke 15:7 says, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” When a sinner is saved from sin, several things happen. One thing is for sure, if any man be in Christ he is a new creature — old things are passed away and all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17). Let me give you several things the Scriptures indicate that happens when one is “born again.”

I. Heaven Delights

We are informed from the Scriptures that there is heavenly activity when a sinner is saved (Lk. 15:7). Who rejoices in heaven? First the Soverign (God) rejoices. The Lord does not delight in man's condemnation but rather man's salvation (Matt. 9:13). Also, the saints rejoice. I believe somehow word gets around heaven when a person has a loved one who was saved after his or her death.

II. Hell Is Deprived

Satan cannot remove or eliminate the place called hell, because it is eternal (Rev. 20:10). Satan knows it is his doom, so the Devil seeks to fool everyone he can about salvation, so he can take people to hell. He wants all the company he can muster, since misery desires company. When a sinner is saved we can say, “Hallelujah, that is one Satan doesn't have any longer.”

III. Holy Spirit Descends

When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, the Holy Ghost came down as a dove (Matt. 3:16). The Spirit of God comes into the life of every new born believer (Rom. 8:9). He is a constant companion to the genuine child of God. He is in us to give us spiritual power to serve God (Acts 1:8).

IV. Holiness Is Derived

Man is dead, damned and depraved, but when he or she is saved, we partake of His Holiness (Heb. 12:10). The believing sinner is clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). Abraham was justified when he believed (Gen. 15:6). Holiness is a divine product of the God who is holy.

V. Heaven Is Desired

When one is saved God puts a homing pigeon instinct in that person's heart for a place called heaven (Phil. 1:23). None of us want to go to heaven by the way of death, but since you have been saved you long to go to heaven. Heaven will be wonderful because there will be no devil, no death, no debt, or no disturbances. Wonderful things happen when a person is saved.