Peter Tan-Chi - Experience True Salvation
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Summary
The sermon, titled "Experience True Salvation," explores what genuine salvation entails based on 2 Peter 1. True salvation offers God's rich provisions: forgiveness of sins, a new divine nature, the Holy Spirit, and precious promises—everything needed for life and godliness. It requires a diligent response: growing in faith by adding moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Evidence of true salvation is transformation and increasing fruitfulness. Without growth, one risks self-deception or backsliding. The reward for faithful response is a glorious, abundant entrance into heaven.
Topic: Experience True Salvation
What’s the main topic today? Everybody read «Experience True Salvation.» I’m going to talk about who a true Christian is and what it means to have salvation. The last thing I want is for you to deceive yourself into thinking you are a Christian when you are not. On the other hand, I want to assure you that if you are a real Christian, I want to assure you of salvation.
So, what’s the topic today? Experience what true salvation is. The question is, what is true salvation?
Number one: to experience true salvation, you will experience the riches of what God is offering us. It’s God’s provision; salvation is God’s gift—the riches of our salvation.
Number two: you will learn how to respond. If you are truly saved, there will be evidence. How do you respond to true salvation?
Number three: if you respond properly, what will you experience? A glorious entrance to heaven. So, are you ready?
Peter's Introduction: Bond-Servant of Christ (2 Peter 1:1-2)
Let’s begin. 2 Peter 1:1. Everybody read together: «Simon Peter, a bond servant and apostle of Jesus Christ.» Right at the start, I want you to notice the depth and genuineness of Peter. He describes himself not just as an apostle; he says, «I am a bond servant.» The Greek word for bond servant is «doulos.» In the Greek language, there are different kinds of servants. An ordinary servant, which you are familiar with, has rights. You can choose your master, resign, quit your job, or take a day off. But a «doulos,» which Peter is saying he is, has absolutely no rights. You are a slave, meaning you have no other option.
You see, many of us don’t understand—we were bought by Jesus. You belong to Jesus, completely owned by Him because He paid for you with His blood. Once you understand true Christianity means the Lord is my master, you will stop fighting and struggling with obedience. You realize, «Hey, I am a slave of Jesus.»
Now, can you ask your neighbor, «Are you a slave of Jesus?» You know what they will tell you? «I am the boss of Jesus; I tell Jesus what to do for me.» My friend, you need to change your mindset.
Look at the next verse. He tells us he is writing this to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This few verses are powerful. To those who have received a faith of the same kind— that word «same kind» is so precious. What Peter is saying is that our faith and your faith are exactly the same. Let me repeat that. Your faith today, based on what you believe in Jesus, salvation is by grace through faith. That faith is exactly the same faith as the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter. He’s saying that is what you have. This salvation is amazing; it’s very precious.
Notice how we are saved by faith. What kind of faith? By the righteousness of our God and Savior. Do you know this? The title of Jesus is God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your faith is anchored on Jesus, our God and Savior. Think about it, and then look at the next verse: «Grace and peace be multiplied.» In other words, you can multiply. You can grow in grace and knowledge, but you must grow; it can be multiplied. So do not stagnate.
And then he continues. Notice the word «knowledge» is repeated in chapter one many times. It’s called true knowledge, not fake news—true knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. So what is this true knowledge? This true knowledge is repeated by the Apostle John. Do you mind reading what this true knowledge is all about? Everybody, please read together: «This is eternal life.» The only definition of eternal life you will ever find in the Bible is John 17. What is eternal life? «That they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.» Notice eternal life has to do with intimacy. «Know you.» This word «know» is from the Greek word «ginosko.» It means knowing not just in the head; it is knowing in the head and the heart—it’s all over. In other words, it’s intimacy with God. Many of us have religion, but I wonder if you have a personal intimacy. God wants you to know Him. May I suggest a New Year’s resolution? Make it a point: «Lord, I want to study the Bible so that I will know you more. I want to fast and pray; I want to know God more.» What about you? Do you want to grow?
1. The Riches of True Salvation (2 Peter 1:3-4)
All right, what does it mean concerning the richness of our salvation? Look at the next verse. Let’s read together: «Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.» Wow! You know what the Bible says? Our salvation because of Jesus Christ—God has granted us, by His power, everything pertaining to life and godliness. God is telling you, «Whatever you need to live the Christian life, I have given it to you.»
Question: how can you avail yourself of God’s riches if you are ignorant? What has God provided for us? Are you aware of what He has given you? That’s the problem; you are ignorant. You don’t know. That’s why some Christians you will notice have lives that are not vibrant—there’s no excitement, there’s no life. But you see other Christians who are excited. You see that in their family and their life. There’s no shortcut other than experiencing who Jesus is and who God is.
Notice the next verse: «For by this He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.» Let me explain: the richness of our true salvation involves precious, magnificent promises. What are these precious magnificent promises? God tells us that when you come to Jesus, through salvation, it involves magnificent, precious promises. Can I give you an example of the promises of God I’m claiming for myself? One of them: God promises to forgive all of my sins. I’m so happy that all of my past sins have been completely forgiven.
Are your sins completely forgiven? Yes or no? All right, praise God. Are you aware that God also promised a new beginning for you? Are you aware of that? Yes or no? Are you aware that God promised deliverance from sin for you? Look: precious, magnificent promises so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature. What does that mean? God has given you a new nature; the Holy Spirit is in you. You have new life in you. For what purpose? So that you escape the corruption that is in the world.
You see, most Christians have this bad excuse: «I’m only human; that’s why I cannot overcome sin.» Excuse me, you have a new nature. Yes, I’m in my body, but God tells me when I come to Jesus, I have a new nature. Nature dictates appetite; a new nature will produce new desires. Friends, if you have family members or friends who claim to be Christians but show no transformation, that is not a true Christian. How can you have a new nature without transformation? Do you understand? New nature, new life will grow. Growing in Christ is not always immediate, but you will be transformed—new nature, new appetite, new desire.
If you have no desire for Bible study, no desire for worship, no desire to put God first, no desire to make God happy—you have to examine yourself. Do I really know Jesus? Am I really born again? Because if you don’t have new desires, something’s wrong.
Now, is it possible to be a real Christian and not have desires? Can I tell you something? I call that abnormality. It is possible to have a baby that loses its appetite. A baby that is no longer wanting to eat or drink has two possibilities: the baby is sick—some Christians are sick. You lost your appetite for God; you are sick, but I have good news for you, you can recover. The other possibility is that the baby is dead—there is no life, but you think the baby is alive. A Christian who has no appetite for holiness, no appetite to please God, no appetite for God’s Word, no appetite for worship is either sick or does not have life.
That’s why you must understand the meaning of God’s amazing riches of salvation given to you. Notice: if any man is in Christ, everybody read, «He is a new creature; the old things pass away; new things have come.» In Christ, you have the divine nature; you are no longer the same. Notice this verse: «In Jesus you have been made complete.» So my friend, I have good news for you: if you are in Christ, everything you need to live a godly life, you have it. Amen?
Question: how do you appropriate all of these provisions? That’s why we want you to learn to pray; we want you to grow.
2. Response to True Salvation: Diligence and Growth (2 Peter 1:5-9)
Principle number two: response to true salvation. If you really have a new nature, new life, eternal life, how will you behave? All right, let’s find out.
«For this very reason, apply all diligence to your faith, moral excellence; in your moral excellence, knowledge.» Before I go to the next verse, I want you to notice something. Because of what God has given you—forgiveness of sin, new life, new nature—what must you do? Notice: «For this very reason,» we just read verse three and four. Applying all diligence means make it your priority. All diligence is something urgent; you don’t postpone it. That’s the meaning. You now apply with all your effort. On top of your faith, the foundation is your faith.
What must you apply? Moral excellence. After moral excellence, what must you apply? Knowledge. What does that mean? The Christian life is by grace; I agree. Everything is from God. But once you have God’s grace, you have to grow. Notice what Peter said: «Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.» The grammar is simple and precise: «grow» is in the imperative mood; it’s a command—no option. You have to grow. It’s in the present tense; you keep growing. Don’t ever become complacent—no, keep growing. I want you to keep growing in what?
Notice: keep growing in grace and knowledge. You see, many Christians stop growing. The day you stop growing, you are in danger. Let me repeat: true Christianity is 100% by grace. But once you have grace, it motivates you; it changes you. You do 100% to obey God. We are saved by grace, and because of grace, I must do my part.
What do I mean? Let’s make sure theologically we are on the same page. Everybody, please read together: «For by grace, something you don’t deserve, you have been saved through faith.» In other words, salvation is by grace, not because of you; it’s because of God, through faith. Faith is trusting in His promises, trusting in what He has done. It is the gift of God, not as a result of works that no one can boast. So are we clear? Salvation is by grace through faith. Agree? Yes or no?
However, grace is never alone. Grace will motivate you to change; it gives you the power to obey. What’s my proof? Let’s look at Titus: «The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation.» Agree? The grace of God gives salvation, but don’t stop there. What else? «Instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, to live sensibly, righteously, and godly.» In other words, the grace of God will transform your life. It’s a process; you may not be transformed immediately.
Everybody, what is the grace of God? Read: «To deny.» It gives you the power to deny ungodliness. It gives you the power to deny worldly desires. It gives you the power to live sensibly, righteously, and godly. Can I tell you something? The Christian life is not hard; it’s impossible. You hear me repeating this again and again: the Christian life is not difficult; it is supernatural. You cannot live the Christian life in your own power; you need a new nature. You need the Holy Spirit. That’s why it’s all by grace.
And then the Bible tells us what God is doing. Let’s read together: «Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.» Paul is telling the Philippians, «You work out.» Notice: not «work for,» work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Take it seriously. When you go to the gym, you don’t work for a body; you already have a body. But you work out your body to make it into shape. Yes or no? To be strong, salvation is the same. Work out—work out your salvation seriously with fear and trembling.
Notice the next verse; I love this verse. Please read: «For it is God.» You see, God is at work in you. God is at work through the Holy Spirit in me. What does God do in my life through salvation? He changes your desire to will and to work. God changes your appetite. I don’t know about you, but my desires have changed. What about you? Have your desires changed after coming to Christ? I have many friends who were womanizers and addicts, but after coming to Christ, something happened; their appetites changed.
It does not mean you will never sin, but something happens. Salvation, through faith, without transformation, is fake Christianity. Salvation is not because I am good; salvation is not because I am changing—no, no! Salvation is by grace, but real grace will impact your life. The richness of Christ will make you want to do something about your life.
Let’s look at this verse to understand. «For this very reason, applying all diligence, you must apply all diligence. Keep moving forward in your faith. Supply what? Moral excellence and knowledge.» So faith is foundational. On top of your faith, what must you supply? Moral excellence and knowledge.
What is moral excellence? Moral excellence is from this word «virtue,» Christ-likeness. What does it mean? You become a better person. Treat people better; treat others better morally—keep growing. Be Christ-like. Moral excellence, not just outwardly, but inwardly—keep growing. The Apostle Peter describes seven character traits that you need to grow. The first one is moral excellence; the next one is knowledge.
Why is knowledge important? Because knowledge impacts the way you act. The most important thing about you is what you believe to be true about God. What does that mean? The battle in the spiritual life is your mind. Let me repeat: we are in spiritual warfare, and the battlefield is in your mind. The Bible says together: «We walk in the flesh; we do not fight according to the flesh. Our warfare is not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.»
What is this divine warfare? We are destroying speculations raised up against the knowledge of God. We are taking every thought captive. So the battle is your thought life—what you think about God. When you are in trouble, when you have problems, it determines whether you will be victorious or whether you will fail. The battle begins in the mind. If you believe the lies of Satan—that God does not love you, that God does not care enough for you, that God is not big enough to overcome your human problems—you have fallen into the lies of Satan. There’s no way you can have victory.
That’s why knowledge is crucial. The key to transformation is the renewing of the mind. Once you renew your mind through the Word of God, you’ll experience what the will of God is—good, acceptable, perfect. But the foundation is your thought life. Therefore, what do I do every day? I read the Bible. When I read the Bible, I want to learn about who God is. I ask myself, «What can I learn about God?» I want to learn about the promises of God. I want to find out the will of God.
You can only grow and change your mindset when you study the Bible. So Peter is saying you need to grow in grace, moral excellence; you need to grow in your knowledge of who God is. And then in your knowledge, what do you need to grow? You need to grow in self-control. In your self-control, you need to grow in perseverance. In perseverance, you need to grow in godliness.
Now I don’t know about you, but I need to grow in self-control. You know the Apostle Paul tells us, «You need to practice self-control.» How many of you need to grow in self-control? I won’t look at your waistline; do you need to practice self-control in your eating? Do you need to practice self-control in your mouth, in your tongue?
Let me tell you, for me, I don’t have a problem with gossip; I don’t gossip. I don’t say bad things about other people. My problem is timing; I am learning to control my tongue regarding timing because I always like to jump in when people are talking. They are asking for advice, and before they finish, I give them advice because that’s my gift—I’m a teacher. My family tells me, «Daddy, allow us to finish.» So I learn among the elders and among the pastors; I let them talk. After they finish, I now say, «Would you like to hear my perspective?»
I need to practice self-control. What about you? What area do you need to practice self-control? What about temper? How many of you have temper problems? Raise your hands higher—blessed are the humble. If you have a temper problem, learn to practice self-control.
After self-control, what do you need to practice next? You add perseverance. What is perseverance? The Bible says you are to run with endurance the race that is set before us. The Christian life is a marathon; you need perseverance. Most Christians give up. You know why? Because you are discouraged. You pray for something, and nothing’s happening. The Bible says, on top of your faith, you must add what? Moral excellence and perseverance.
What is perseverance? You don’t give up. Don’t give up on yourself; don’t give up on your friend; don’t give up on others. You know why? Because God does not give up on you. To persevere means what? You keep trusting God.
Do you need to grow in the area of perseverance? You know, this is some quotations I like you to practice. I tell people, «Everybody, you know what I tell people? Please be patient with me; God is not through with me yet.» Can you turn to your neighbor and tell your neighbor, «Please be patient with me; God is still not through with me»?
And then you know what I like to add? «I am a work in progress. I am not all that God wants me to be yet, but praise God by His grace, I am no longer the same person I used to be.»
What are the next traits? Well, the Bible talks about godliness. What is godliness? You know, godliness is derived from two words in Greek. The first one is «eu,» which means «good.» The second part is «worship.» You grow in godliness. You need to grow—meaning God is very central in your life. Whatever you do at home, whether you are a cook or a housewife in the office, whatever you do, you are conscious of God’s presence.
What is the next character trait? Let’s find out. In your godliness, what must you add? Brotherly kindness and love. Brotherly kindness means being kind, being nice. Can you tell your neighbor, «Let’s be nice to one another»? In Tagalog, «Basta,» and in English, «Don’t be rude. Be kind.»
My friend, some of us don’t think of others; we think of ourselves—be kind. And what’s the last one? Be loving. That love is «agape,» sacrificial love. Right, my friend? This love is divine; it comes from God. You cannot love like this; it is from God. Love one another; love is from God.
Now I will now read it in the Greek form: «Agape one another.» Agape is from God. «The one who does not agape does not know God, because God is agape.» We agape because He first agaped us. That kind of love is supernatural. My friend, are you growing in love? God commands you to love your enemies. Your family members are not your enemies. If you have a hard time loving your family members or other Christians, you need to grow. You must let God transform your heart to love.
All of this is only possible because of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. All of this is the work of God. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. So the Christian life doesn’t seem hard; it is impossible. But if you’re a true Christian, you will grow.
So can I share with all of you now the formula that God uses to make you grow? Number one: you need to have God’s Word every day. Make it your resolution to read the Bible.
God’s Spirit: surrender your life to the Holy Spirit every day. I don’t like this, but God uses problems. How many of you have no problems today? You have no problems? How many of you have problems? Raise your hand—Hallelujah! God wants you to grow; you don’t grow without problems.
Okay, prayer: surrender your problems to God. Prayer and worship—you need to practice worship regularly. And you need God’s people; you need a small group.
And then time: the result is spiritual maturity, Christ-likeness. In time, you will grow.
3. Result of True Salvation: Fruitfulness and Glorious Entrance (2 Peter 1:8-11)
Lastly, the result of true salvation: what is the result of true salvation? «If these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.» If these qualities are yours and they are increasing—in other words, don’t stop growing. If these qualities are yours and they’re increasing, what will happen to you? The result of true salvation is that you will not be useless; you will not be unfruitful—in short, you become useful; you become fruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
«He who lacks these qualities is blind, short-sighted; you don’t see beyond; you only see yourself.» Let me give you an example of the warning: «You have forgotten how God has forgiven you, having forgotten His purification from your former way of life.»
Here’s the warning: 2 Peter 2. Everybody read: «If after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.» The Bible says if you have experienced the power of Christ in your life, but somehow you go back and you’re entangled, you know what the Bible says? Your last state now is worse.
The Bible says it would be better for them not to know the way of righteousness than having known it, turning away from the holy commandment handed over to them. My friend, my biggest challenge is when I have to talk to old Christians. Have you tried talking to people who were born in a Christian family and somehow they reject Christ again? You know when you start talking to them. You know what they say? «I know that already. I’ve been there; I’ve done that; it did not work for me.»
Manos, you know what the Bible says? «It has happened to them according to the true proverb: a dog returns to its own vomit, and a sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.» You know why? Their nature has not been changed. The Bible is saying if you say you’re a Christian but you go back to sin as a way of life, you are like a pig that goes back. In other words, you don’t have a new nature.
I’m not judging you; I’m not saying a Christian can never sin, but I’m just saying you must be careful. Peter gives you a warning: don’t go back to your old ways; it’s dangerous.
Are we clear? All right, so as we close, therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent. Don’t be lazy; be diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you. «For as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble.» What does that mean? You’ll never stumble. My friend, all of us fall from time to time, right?
But can I tell you, if you practice these things, God is telling you, you don’t have to stumble. You don’t need to, but if you stumble, you get up again. It’s okay; you get up again.
Everybody read: «In this way, the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.» You know what the meaning of the word «abundantly supplied» to you? The day that you pass from this world, as you meet Jesus, the Bible says the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied.
It means you will have a warm, amazing welcome to the King of Kings. My friend, look at the Apostle Paul standing. «A warm welcome is laid up for me, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—not only to me but to all who have loved His appearing.»
It’s called a grand entrance. Would you like to enter heaven with a grand entrance, or would you like to enter heaven? Would you like Jesus to welcome you? Yes or no? What I’m trying to tell you is this: sooner or later, you and I are going to die. Sooner or later, you are going to meet Jesus.
The only question is this: how will you meet Jesus? How will you enter heaven? Is it with a grand entrance? Is that your desire? Yes or no? You know my prayer: all of us will enter heaven with a grand entrance, amen? Where Jesus will say, «Welcome, come home.» You know why? Because true salvation is very rich; it’s all from God.
True salvation requires a response; you respond properly if you are truly saved. And through salvation, you will have an amazing result: a grand entrance to heaven. Is that your desire? Yes.
Closing Prayer
Now some of you here are not sure. I know some of you are, and today you are not sure. I will pray for you. Let’s bow our heads.
Lord Jesus, I want to be sure that I belong to You. Lord Jesus, I humble myself before You. I confess I’m a sinner; I need You. I now ask You, Jesus, be my Lord, be my Savior. I surrender my life to You; I trust You, Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. Change my heart. Thank you. In Jesus' name, we all pray. Amen and amen.