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The truth and reality about receiving salvation is that people need to become members of the household recognized by Christ.
MUCH HAS BEEN SAID and written about salvation on Judgment Day. However, what is more important is what the biblical truths teach about this day which is swiftly drawing near.
So, who will be saved on Judgment Day? What are the characteristics that God seeks in those who will be the recipients of His blessings?
The truth and reality about receiving salvation is that people need to become members of the household recognized by Christ. This was made clear by the Savior Himself:
“When once the Master of the house gets up and closes the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door [again and again], saying, Lord, open to us! He will answer you, I do not know where [what household—certainly not Mine] you come from. Then you will begin to say, We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets. But He will say, I tell you, I do not know where [what household—certainly not Mine] you come from; depart from Me, all you wrongdoers!” (Luke 13:25–27 Amplified Bible)
The household being referred to is the household of God as the Bible attests:
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone.” (Eph. 2:19–20 Amplified Bible 2015)
Thus, salvation entails not only knowing Christ as the Savior and doing His will, but also belonging to the household of God. The apostles further explained that this household of God that was built on the foundation of the apostles, who is Christ as the chief cornerstone, is none other than the Church Of Christ (Matt. 16:18 Today’s New International Version; Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).
Invoking Christ’s name in prophecies, acknowledging Him as Savior and even doing works of wonders, are not enough for people to be assured of salvation. In fact, Christ Himself expressed His repugnance to those who do so but are not in God’s household when He stated: “And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]” (Matt. 7:23 amp).
True believers of Christ can be found in God’s household; as He commanded, they entered Christ’s fold or flock, which is the Church Of Christ (John 10:7, 9 Revised English Bible).
While the Bible proves that people must first belong to God’s household or the Church Of Christ so that they will receive His blessings, it also teaches the kind of life that they must live to be certain of His rewards. This is what the Bible says:
“And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God.” (Titus 2:12 New Living Translation)
Thus, a very vital characteristic of true members of God’s household who will be worthy of His blessings especially on the day of Christ’s Advent is that they renew their lives completely—from godless living to a life that is moral, decent, righteous, and devoted to God. Apostle Paul expounds on how renewal of life can be achieved—that God’s people must never allow any part of their body to become “a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning,” instead, they should use their whole body “as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God” (Rom. 6:13 nlt).
Moreover, the Holy Scriptures state in no uncertain terms the evil result if members of God’s household which is the Church Of Christ do not live righteous and holy lives:
“I will teach you about God’s power. I will not hide God All-Powerful’s plans. …
“There is no hope for the person that does not care about God when that person dies. That person has no hope when God takes his life away. When that evil person has troubles, and cries to God, God won’t listen. That person should have wanted the happiness God gives. That person should have prayed to God all the time.” (Job 27:11, 8–10 Easy-To-Read Version)
When troubles beset the lives of God’s servants who do not live in holiness and they call on Him, their prayers will not be answered. Moreover, they will die without hope for salvation.
God’s chosen ones should not allow this to happen to them. And so, they must always uphold the intensive renewal of life as true members of the household of God.
Apostle Paul underscored the utmost significance of being righteous and holy amid widespread wickedness in this world:
“Good people might have many problems. But the Lord will save those good people from every one of their problems.” (Ps. 34:19 etrv)
In addition, God does not abandon, but protects and helps the true members of His household who lead holy lives:
“For the Lord loves what is right and does not abandon his faithful people. He protects them forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be driven out. The righteous will possess the land and live in it forever.
“The Lord guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him. If they fall, they will not stay down, because the Lord will help them up.” (Ps. 37:28–29, 23–24 Good News Bible)
Hence, righteous servants of God are not on the losing end. Even amidst troubles, if they cry out to the Lord for help, plead with Him, and bring to Him all their complaints, He will help them and be their protector (Ps. 142:1–5 gnb).
More importantly, as Judgment Day draws nearer, God will not fail the righteous members of His household or the Iglesia Ni Cristo:
“Therefore the Lord waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them].” (Isa. 30:18 amp 2015)
Undoubtedly, the reward to those who keep on doing what is good and lead holy lives is well worth their struggles and sacrifices, for eternal life awaits them on the Second Advent of Christ.
