3. The nearness of salvation
As far as religion is concerned, salvation is always out of reach. You can’t have it now, nor can you be sure you will have it at all. You have to keep working and striving, and only find out if you’ve done enough once you’re dead. The message of the gospel is unique because it says you can have salvation now and know it. Because the work was all done by Christ on the cross, salvation is a gift to be received, not a reward to be earned.
When you receive that gift the record of your sins is cleared, the dominion of sin in your life is broken, and your future with Christ in glory is guaranteed.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes..."Romans 1 16 (NKJV)
4. The neglect of salvation
It would have been a terrible thing for the human race if salvation had never been provided. We all would have been doomed to perish without hope. But how much more terrible it is to think that millions will perish when salvation was available, but they failed to take it.
If the Bible is true (and there’s an abundance of evidence that it is), then there is nothing more important than ensuring you are saved.
"How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?"Hebrews 2 3 (NKJV)
The Bible isn’t merely a book of ethics, a code of conduct or a record of history. It is the revelation of the need of mankind and the answer to that need in Christ. The apostle Paul states that the Holy Scriptures are able to make us “wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15, NKJV).
To possess salvation is the greatest of blessings – words could never express how wonderful it is to know Christ. To miss salvation is the greatest of tragedies – words could never express how terrible it is to be lost. Treat salvation seriously and take it soon, because “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
