Pastor Lazarus Muoka Explains True Salvation: God Knows His Own
In a profound reflection on Christian faith, Pastor Lazarus Muoka draws from 1 Timothy 2:19 (KJV) to emphasize that true Christian life is not merely about belonging to a religious group or professing faith outwardly. Instead, it involves a real and total transformation that comes exclusively through Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul's words remind us that God's foundation is firm and unshakable, and those who genuinely belong to Him are known by Him, marked by a clear departure from iniquity.
The Call to Depart from Iniquity
The second part of the opening text issues a serious command: "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." This statement underscores a critical truth: authentic salvation produces a tangible change in life. Many individuals desire God's blessings but are unwilling to abandon the sins that separate them from Him. Scripture, however, clearly teaches that sin is the great barrier between humanity and God, as highlighted in Isaiah 59:2 and Romans 3:23.
Sin is not to be taken lightly; it destroys fellowship with God and can lead to eternal separation if not forgiven. The natural human condition, as described in Jeremiah 17:9, is one of spiritual corruption, making self-transformation impossible through good works or moral efforts. Proverbs 20:9 reinforces this, questioning who can claim purity from sin, with the honest answer being no one. Thus, salvation becomes necessary as a divine intervention to rescue mankind from sin's bondage and penalty.
The Transforming Power of Christ
The gospel offers good news: what humanity cannot achieve on its own, Jesus Christ has accomplished. Romans 5:8 reveals that God demonstrated His love by sending Christ to die for sinners, not the righteous. His mission, as stated in Matthew 1:21, is to save people from their sins, not merely in their sins, delivering them from its power.
When a person genuinely comes to Christ in repentance and faith, a supernatural change occurs, described in 2 Corinthians 5:17 as becoming a new creature. This transformation affects every aspect of life, altering desires, priorities, and direction. Ezekiel 36:26 prophesies this inner change, where God replaces a hardened heart with one that desires Him, showcasing the transformative power of Christ at work within the soul.
Evidence of True Salvation
Returning to the opening text, the Bible asserts, "The Lord knoweth them that are his." Many may claim to know God, but the crucial question is whether God knows them as His own. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21 that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. Profession without transformation is perilous, as Titus 1:16 describes some who profess to know God but deny Him through their works.
True salvation produces visible fruit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22–23, with qualities like love, joy, and peace emerging in a believer's life. This does not imply perfection overnight but indicates a clear change in direction, where the believer seeks to please God rather than pursue sin, as 1 John 3:9 explains.
The Urgency of Salvation
The message of salvation is urgent, given life's uncertainty and the reality of eternity. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that everyone will face judgment after death, where religious titles and earthly achievements will not matter. Jesus speaks of the narrow way of salvation in Matthew 7:13-14, contrasting it with the broad road that leads to destruction.
The gospel calls for repentance, as Acts 3:19 states, meaning a turn away from sin toward God, resulting in a changed life. Romans 10:9 clarifies that salvation is received by faith, but genuine faith produces a transformed existence.
Testimony of Transformation: A Drug Addict Finds Salvation
Proverbs 14:12 aptly describes the perilous path that can lead to destruction, as illustrated by the testimony of Precious Nwobodo. For 17 years, she was a drug addict, entangled in multiple atrocities, but through The Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, she found salvation on February 19, 2023.
After attending a service where the General Overseer's video message moved her to tears during an altar call, she experienced a profound change. The next day, while attempting to take drugs, she felt her head bloating and prayed for deliverance, promising to never use drugs again. God answered her prayer, freeing her from addiction, as well as from other vices like chasing prostitutes, stealing, and cultism.
Unlike many who spend heavily on rehabilitation centers only to relapse, Precious received God's intervention free of charge. She now advises youths to avoid drugs and free lifestyles, which lead to destruction, and instead seek God's blessings for eternal life. She prays for the General Overseer, all members worldwide, and her family to receive eternal life in heaven.
