Growing up in a Pentecostal Holiness church, it was not uncommon to be asked, ?Are you saved?? I never really knew how to answer the question. In my mind, I would think ? I certainly hope so! But in my heart, I never really knew. I would mumble ?yes? and quickly move away or change the subject.
What does it mean to be saved? Until I came unto the awakening of my true identity as a Hebrew, I never knew. I thought it meant that I would be spared an eternity in hell. I also considered it a ticket to enter through those Pearly Gates, mansion and walking on streets of gold. In addition to calling myself a born-again believer, I thought salvation was being good, moral and upright.
It is difficult to know and understand what salvation really is apart from the reality of the Israelite struggles and experiences. When our ancestors, the ancient Israelites, entered into covenant relationship with Yahuah, they vowed to obey His Laws, commandments and statutes (Torah). As a result, He promised to Baruch (bless) them and their descendant in every area of life ? including victory over our enemies!
?You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles?
wings and brought you to Myself. 5 Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep
My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations? for the whole earth is Mine. 6 And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy
nation.? These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.? ? Exodus 19:4-6
In the book of Exodus, we see Yahuah promising to make Yashar?al a Kingdom of Priests and a set apart nation who would be favored above all nations. This means that they would have a preeminent status and victory over their enemies. It also means that the Kingdom of Heaven would one day come to earth and settle among a particular family - the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ? chosen to be the royal family and the holders/keepers of the promises, the covenant, the Torah and the promised gift of the Ruach ha Qodesh.
To lose those things as we did due to disobedience would necessitate a means of salvation or return to our once blessed (baruched) status. Yahusha came into the world unto His own. He came to bring salvation from sin, sickness, broken relationships and broken covenants to the people of Yasharal. Though He was rejected, to those who received Him to them He gave power restored to sonship, favor, blessing and high status once again.
For those gentiles who choose to sojourn with us in our nation, they will be given an opportunity to inherit eternal life by their faith in Messiah and obedience to Yahuah?s commandments and to serve within the Kingdom of Heaven.
So, what is it to be saved? It is not only being saved from one?s sin but it is being saved from whatever diminishes us from all of the promises of Yahuah. It is right relationship with Yahuah so that all of the blessings of the covenant can abide on us and our nation - righteousness, sanctification, redemption, wisdom, health and healing, wealth, resources, strong familial love, lasting marriages, obedient children, abundant harvests, premiere status, brotherhood.
In essence, salvation is the restoring of the covenant and all of the promises contained with it. It is a unique Hebraic concept and can only be fully understood within the context of the family that Yahuah choose to be His royal family ? Abraham and His kids forever!
Sis. MarYaH