Definition of salvation as in rescue: the act of saving someone from sin or evil: the state of being saved from sin or evil. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 instructs us, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” When you ask Jesus to come into your heart, He comes into your heart! Yes, He does! But what does that really mean? Who did you just invite into your heart? I hope this helps!

When I was 11 years old, I went to Vacation Bible School. One day when my teacher was sick, we went in with the High School crowd. I felt intimidated, so I went to the top of the bleachers and hid behind a beam! Even though I was hidden from view, I could hear what the speaker was saying. He was talking about asking Jesus into your heart. He said, “IF you want this, then pray this prayer right now.” I repeated the prayer, and I meant what it! He then said that Jesus answered that prayer and came to live inside of anyone who prayed it—and because I prayed that prayer, I was now going to heaven. That’s all I knew! Remember, I was 11 years old! I had no idea the magnitude of who was now living inside of me! I knew from Christmas carols that He was the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Lamb of God and the Son of God. I knew Jesus was born of a virgin, crucified for my sins, rose from the grave and ascended into heaven. Over the years I came to know more and more about Jesus, who He is and who I am in Him. I soon realized that salvation (getting saved) was bigger than I ever imagined! And Jesus was much more than just getting-out-of-hell-free insurance!

Many people have that misconception—salvation is their safety net when they die. Yes, it does give us the right to heaven—we become children of God, our sins are forgiven, by His stripes we are healed. But it is so much more! Salvation is the right to call upon the Lord and know that He will answer. It is the right to have a relationship, a deep heartfelt mind-altering relationship, with Jesus. Salvation gives you the right to command demons to stop, give back, and come out in His name. Salvation gives you the right to become empowered by the Holy Spirit. Salvation is love, peace, security, safety, healing, and authority. Salvation gives you the right to come into the presence of the Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth. It gives you the right to worship God, ask of Him, know Him, and understand Him.

Salvation gives you a first-hand look into the spiritual realm. It opens your eyes to see, your ears to hear, your heart to feel that which others cannot. Salvation is the key to unlock things you’ve never understood in God’s Word, the Bible. Salvation unleashes faith to operate in your life to know that which you have not known and to believe that which you have not seen. Salvation gives you the ability to stand and not get weary, to accept trials even though you don’t like them. It takes you places where you never before would have agreed to go and moves you to do things the world would call foolish. Salvation does not kick in at death—it’s a daily reminder of what is and what is yet to come. Salvation is not just insurance. It’s assurance of all the promises of God throughout the entire Bible. Walk daily in your salvation. It’s a right given by God. Salvation is a decision. Salvation is a lifestyle.

If you do not know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, simply pray the following prayer from your heart: “Jesus, I ask you to come into my heart. Forgive me of all my sins and wash me totally clean. Be the Lord of my life. I give You permission right now to do whatever You need to do to make me the man/woman of God You’ve always called me to be. I thank You, Lord, that my name is now written in Your book of life and when I leave this earth, I will instantly be with You in heaven! Thank you, Jesus, for saving me!

-by Emil Liko 5/31/26