Misconceptions About Salvation
#9 "We are all saved since Christ died for us."
The cause of this misconception is the failure to realize the difference between Redemption Accomplished and Redemption Applied. It is a failure to realize that Christ's death on the cross was provisional.
It is true that Christ died for every single sinner. He said that the work of redemption is "finished". But it does not mean that every single sinner is therefore saved. No, there is a condition to be fulfilled. One must trust in what He did on the cross in order for that accomplished redemption to be applied to him.
What is an available free water if you don't drink it? Will it quench your thirst? No.
What is an available free medication if you don't take it? Will it cure you of your disease? No.
What is an available free lifebuoy if you don't cling to it? Will it save you from drowning? No.
What is an available toll-free bridge if you don't cross it? Will it convey you across the other side just by its mere existence? No.
What is an open door if you don't enter? Will it get you inside? No.
In the same way, Christ accomplished redemption for us all but that accomplished redemption must be personally received and accepted by faith. At the moment of faith, God applies redemption to us.
Redemption Accomplished must be Redemption Appropriated in order for it to be Redemption Applied.
Wrong---"For God so love the world that He gave His one and only Son that everyone is now saved automatically.
Right---"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that WHOEVER BELIEVES/TRUSTS in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
