This sentence is spoken by Paul and Silas in answer to the question of the jailer of Philippi about what must be done to attain salvation. The concept of salvation is mentioned here, but what exactly are we talking about?
When a rescue story is told, it is often observed that the people involved were in mortal danger and were able to escape death thanks to outside intervention.
We can imagine an individual pulled from the flames by a courageous firefighter, saved thanks to his swift intervention. We also think of a person who fell from a boat in the open sea and was rescued by a helicopter, likewise saved. Finally, consider hikers in the desert, thirsty and dehydrated, who escape certain death thanks to a team of rescuers. All are examples of successful rescues.
In each of these cases, we clearly identify the danger on the one hand and the rescue measures on the other.
On 26 April 1986 at 1:23 a.m., the Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurred. A few days later, images showed men engaged in decontaminating radioactive waste in order to control the spread of radiation. Sadly, many of the people involved in these operations lost their lives. In this context, the danger was imperceptible to the naked eye and had to be grasped on the basis of the available scientific knowledge.
There was no warning about the mortal danger, and only those who paid attention to the scientists could suspect the peril.
Many people live without concerning themselves with the possibility of life after death. They do not consider the risk of ending up lost, nor the need for a means of salvation. This danger is imperceptible and none of our physical senses can detect it. However, the teachings of the Messiah Jesus could alert us if we took them into account.
We find the same principle with the generation in the time of Noah and then of Lot.
Noah and Lot, aware of the imminent danger, took care to inform their families, friends and fellow citizens. However, these considered them irrational and gave no credit to their warnings. Those who lost their lives in these circumstances finally realized, too late, that Noah and Lot were right.
The Bible declares that man without God is hopelessly lost!
So today we find ourselves with a mortal danger threatening all humanity, with various warnings from the Bible proclaimed by preachers throughout the world. The means of salvation has a name: the Messiah Jesus. It is enough for anyone to believe the Messiah Jesus in order to be saved.
This means of salvation may seem irrational, resting simply on belief in Jesus Christ. It also involves aligning one's life with his teachings. Some may find this approach simple or naive, but the Scriptures affirm that it is the only way to enter the kingdom of God.
It is therefore important to consider that man is lost without God. This situation requires an intervention that can be summed up in three words: believe in Jesus.
During his life, man must therefore make a choice that will determine his condition beyond death.
Dominique Lormier