by Magdalena Kessy | 3 October 2021 08:46 pm10
Many people say they are saved—but what does it truly mean to be saved? Is it just a prayer you say once, or a transformed life that continues daily? Today, we’ll explore this through the story of Zacchaeus, a man whose encounter with Jesus shows what genuine salvation looks like.
Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) gives us the account:
“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ … Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house.’”
– Luke 19:5, 8-9 (NIV)
Zacchaeus wasn’t just curious about Jesus—he was ready to change. When Jesus called him, he responded with joy, humility, and radical generosity. His response revealed a heart that had truly repented.
Notice what Jesus said after Zacchaeus committed to making things right:
“Today salvation has come to this house…” – Luke 19:9 (NIV)
Zacchaeus didn’t just say sorry. He corrected the wrongs he had done. This aligns with what John the Baptist preached:
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” – Matthew 3:8 (NIV)
In other words, true repentance is not just a feeling or a statement—it results in visible, tangible change. This kind of repentance involves both the heart and the hands: a change in attitude and behavior.
Zacchaeus restored four times what he had taken. This reflects the Old Testament principle of restitution for theft or fraud:
“If anyone sins… by deceiving a neighbor… he must return what he has stolen… and must add a fifth of the value to it.” – Leviticus 6:2-5 (NIV)
While the Mosaic Law required a 20% increase, Zacchaeus went far beyond—demonstrating a heart deeply convicted and eager to make things right. This is a key indicator of genuine conversion.
Salvation is not hidden; it produces evidence. Jesus said:
“By their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:16 (NIV)
If we claim to follow Christ, our lives should show it—not just in words, but in deeds. That includes:
Letting go of wealth or possessions gained through sin
Walking away from immoral relationships
Changing how we dress, speak, and conduct ourselves
Making amends with those we’ve wronged
Jesus warned of people who honor Him with their lips but not with their lives:
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” – Matthew 15:8 (NIV)
Repentance that doesn’t lead to transformation is false. A changed heart leads to a changed life.
Just like Zacchaeus, God is calling people today. He is ready to enter your “house”—your life—if you’re ready to respond in repentance and faith.
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10 (NIV)
If your repentance hasn’t resulted in change, it’s time to begin again.
Let go of sinful habits, make things right, and live a life that reflects Jesus. The call is not to perfection, but to surrender and transformation.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
May the Lord bless you and strengthen you as you walk in true repentance.
Please share this message—it may be the turning point for someone else.
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