One Requirement for Salvation

My wife took me to Maine for my birthday several years ago. One of our excursions included lobstering in the Casco Bay just off South Portland. We had a great time learning about lobstering and being allowed to bait and drop lobster cages.

This photo is our lobsterman and guide showing us how to measure the lobster to ensure they were keepers. The lobster had to be at between 3 ¼ and 5 inches for us to keep them. Anything outside that range had to be thrown back into the bay.

We had the option of purchasing the lobsters we caught at a very inexpensive “boat price” so that we could take them into Portland and have them prepared for dinner. We chose to not purchase ours because… well… we didn’t really care for lobster.

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Lobstermen and lobsterwomen are particular about their catches. I’ve read the rules, watched videos on the trade, and witnessed personally what they go through to ensure they only take the lobsters qualified as “keepers.” They don’t rationalize keepers because of their shape, color, or how they act. A very nice small lobster goes back into the water. On the flip side, a not-so-nice pinching lobster that fits the size requirement remains a keeper.

Jesus is no different. He desires that every person be with Him for eternity. However, not everyone will meet the requirement. It doesn’t matter our size, color, or niceness. If we meet the requirement, we are with Him now, and for eternity. If we don’t, we are apart from Him for the same amount of time.

Size is the big qualifier for keepers in Maine.

Jesus’ requirement is found in Acts. Paul and Silas were imprisoned, and God shook the foundations of the prison. All the doors opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer awoke, he feared those under his charge had escaped. He drew his sword to kill himself and Paul stopped him. The jailer fell down before Paul and Silas and asked the question…

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30, NASB)

Here’s the answer he got from Paul and Silas…

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)

Jesus paid the price for our sins. All we have to do is believe in faith that He did, and we can be saved.

In next week’s post, I’ll be talking about what goes along with this decision. I look forward to having that discussion with you.

Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.