Ed Hubbard
Salvation Experience
My testimony begins before the earth was created when God graciously chose me to be His object of saving love (Ephesians 1:4, John 15:16). Jesus lived my perfect life, obeying all of God’s commands, and resisting all temptation. He then absorbed God’s fierce wrath against the sins of all Believers, died in my place, arose from the dead, and returned to Heaven, where He currently reigns (Psalm 97:1).
God regenerated me (John 1:12-13) as a young child nearly 70 years ago, called me (Romans 8:30), justified me (Romans 8:30), redeemed me (Romans 3:24), and adopted me (Ephesians1:5). I realized that I was a sinner and alienated from God. A guest evangelist was speaking in our church when I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to ask my father for permission to get out of my seat and walk the long aisle to the platform to receive spiritual guidance. I remember the evangelist saying, “Here is the first child to come to the Lord this week.” In the prayer room, I wept over my sins (Matthew 5:3), repented, and believed in the Gospel (Mark 1:15).
My testimony continues today. I am on an adventure like no other — the adventure of sanctification: becoming what I am in Christ (Colossians 3:10). Continually changing. Continually conforming. Some days two steps forward and three steps backward. Never perfection, but maintaining the direction. As C.S. Lewis said, “I know that I am made for another world because nothing in this world can ever satisfy my longings.”
Something To Pass Along
Be 100% certain that you are a Believer. Know what you believe and why you believe it. How do I know that I am redeemed? The Book of 1 John gives several tests of the genuineness of our faith. The primary one is love (1 John 4:8). We know that God is love, but do I love God? (Do I love God enough to regularly talk to Him in prayer? Do I love God enough to enjoy listening to Him by reading and studying His Word? Do I love God enough to want to please Him in all of my thoughts and actions?) Do I love others? (1 John 4:20-21). Am I abiding in love (1 John 4:16)?
Know and embrace every attribute of God.
Know and embrace every precept and principle and promise found in God’s Word.
Do not even try to synthesize scientism or the latest cultural “morality” with the Bible. View all of life through the lens of the Bible. /li>
Do not add to or subtract from biblical truth. Do you want to hear God talking to you? Read the Bible. Do you want to hear God audibly talking to you? Read the Bible aloud.
Expect God to use you wherever you are and whatever you are doing in His name.
When I left my home and my home church to attend university, I knew I was saved and I believed the Bible, but my faith was sorely tested. I wished I had known then what I know now — but some things just take time.
Key Scripture
"Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23:6 NASB
Since “the days of my life” began at my conception, I have always enjoyed God’s blessings and protection. Since “forever” means forever, I am saved forever (which, of course, is the definition of eternal life.) travels with Bill as much as she is able, assisting in evangelism, discipleship, and counseling.
If you are a senior and would like to submit your testimony, we invite you to contact us for details on how you can participate. We would love to include your story!
