Seek TRUTH - Choose LIFE
SALVATION
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
- John 3:16
WHAT IS SALVATION?
Salvation is a deliverance from danger or peril; but in a religious context - it is more than just a spiritual deliverance of the soul from eternal damnation; it is also a restored inheritance to eternal life. Eternal life not only in duration of time but also in a state of glory that God has intended for us from the very beginning of creation. But as we look around the world, it is engulfed in corruption, violence, suffering and death. Many people object to God’s existence on objections like these: “How can God allow such evil to persist? Why Doesn’t He step in to stop it? God is either all powerful or all loving, but not both. Where was your Jesus when the innocent have suffered? Why does God ignore me? If there is a God – why doesn’t He just reveal Himself?”
These are just some of the most common objections to God’s existence. But does death and suffering really disprove God’s existence? The bible clearly explains why the world is this way. Is God someone who must always do as we tell Him? He wouldn’t be God then. Is our standard of justice higher than that of God? If God really stepped in to destroy all evil – would “you” survive? Since God exists - is He supposed to override the law of cause and effect every time we stumble? Is God responsible for our choices? Are we to blame God for all the bad things so we could take credit for all the good things? If we are to be honest – we are not as good as we would like to think. The things we do, say and the things we think; are they all pure and good? Intuitively, we know that something is broken within us that would explain our poor behavior and conduct in life. This is called SIN. It is an inherited corrupt condition of the spirit. Sin is deeper than our physical and psychological nature; it is spiritual. Spiritual problems require spiritual solutions. We can attempt to improve our physical health through medical intervention, we can attempt to improve our mental health through love and care; but the spirit requires a different healer – God. Our inherited broken spiritual nature is what corrupts our mind and body; Think of sinful nature as a software virus that corrupts the programs and eventually destroys the hardware. This explains why our thoughts and actions are not always pure – proving our sinful nature is deeply rooted within our spirit. So why can’t God just fix everything now? Why won’t He just heal our spirit now? Again, we cannot think of inherited sinful nature as something material or even mental; especially for God to force us to be healed against our consent. Just as physical and psychological health requires our consent – then especially our spiritual health. For any sickness we must first examine the problem, explain it to the patient and have their consent and cooperation in the treatment. Spiritual healing is very similar. At the root of all sins is a corrupt ego that seeks to gratify itself and oppose all established laws. It has become popular to improve yourself, maximize your potential, pursue your ambitions, work on yourself and many other expressions like this. As a result of this pursuit to better oneself - made our culture more selfish than ever. (2 Timothy 3:2-5) Ego is a chasm that can never be filled through consumption. Fame, money, pleasure, power, beauty and all indulgence of the flesh can never fill the void in our spirit that only God can fill. Where does violence come from? What is behind abuse, negligence, slavery, abandonment, coercion, ruined relationships, moral degradation, wars, crime and corruption? These are the deadly fruits of sinful nature rooted in pride. The more power someone has the greater the impact they will have on the world around us. Pride is a perversion of honor; where honor brings life – pride brings death.
THE PROBLEM OF SIN
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21)
“What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,” (Psalm 8:4-6) We are made in God’s image – to govern His creation with Him, but because of our fallen nature –it is now sin that governs the world and interferes with God. The more governing authority or power a person attains the bigger impact that person is able to achieve. The longer a person is in power – the more good or evil they will be able to carry out. Some judgement for sins are carried out in our lifetime through “cause and effect" as some people call "karma". For example: If we neglect or violate speed limits on the road that are placed for our protection – we will either face a penalty from law enforcement officer or worse – bear the fruit of our disobedience through a life altering accident. The bible expresses this concept through sowing and reaping; If we neglect or disobey teaching the next generation the truth that would help them avoid hardships we have gone through – they will repeat our mistakes. Violation of Divine order is manifested though: broken families, ruined relationships, disease, starvation, destruction, heartache, depression, misery, plagues, wars and eventually our physical death and the death of our environment. Those who deny God's existence make a claim that God must prevent evil, but if He did, He would violate our free will: to love, to choose, to thank, to rejoice and to live. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7-8). Cause and effect; sowing and reaping. Not only people of great power have a great impact on our cultures, lives and our environment; there are other spiritual beings with even greater power working behind the physical dimension in the unseen realm that cause chaos in our physical realm through supernatural influence. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Just as our physical and social actions cause physical and social effects - in the same way our spiritual violations impact our spiritual life. Sins have a strong impact on our spiritual nature and relationship with our Creator God. "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear." (Isaiah 59:1-2)
JUDGEMENT DAY
Very soon, everyone who ever lived will be brought to life to be judged before God. Jesus said: “for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28-29). So does this mean that people will be judged based on their works? Will God place our works on the scales of justice to decide our eternal destiny? How many good works must a violent criminal present before a judge to cover their transgressions? How many truths must you tell to cover the consequences of the lies you have spoken? No good work and no matter how great will ever cover the evil deeds and especially those committed against God. Every sin we commit is first committed against God, then against our neighbor, and then against ourselves. Even if we do not remember our sins we are still going to be held accountable before God. If we do not see the destruction our sins cause, it is only a mater of time until we reap it's fruit. Not only our works are known by God but our words and thoughts are clear in every detail. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) Those who have capacity to change for good and fail to do so out of negligence will also face their share of God’s judgment. (Matthew 12:47-48) "For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:14) We will all be accountable for our actions and we also will be accountable for our sins on the day of judgement. A good judge is measured by their righteous verdict based on truthful evidence and willful transgression of the law. God gives life, health, understanding, opportunities and resources to do His will but our failure - is sin. Our intentional and unintentional sins are written before God in the book of works in full detail before God and there is none who will escape His judgment. "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books." (Revelation 20:12) The bible speaks of the approaching day of judgement that will be accompanied by severe natural calamities unlike the world has ever seen. All to end in a climactic appearance of Jesus Christ - the son of God - to judge the world as it is written: "And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”" (Revelation 6:15-17)
PENALTY FOR SIN
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6)
God is a good judge and He will make sure that absolutely nothing will be missed in our verdict. Also all those sins that someone has committed throughout their life and never got caught by the governing authorities – will be fully punished by God Himself. “For the wages of sin is DEATH,...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). What is this condemnation of death and how bad is it? It is an eternal damnation; physically, emotionally and spiritually. The physical pain of darkness and burning (Matthew 13:42), the mental pain of abandonment (Luke 13:28) and helplessness, the spiritual pain of separation from life and our eternal guilt. Whether the damnation will result in an eternal state of suffering or slow extermination out of existence – eternal life is still a far greater destiny. Choose life! Since the reward through Jesus is incorruptible new body onto eternal life - it is logical to conclude that the dammed will not inherit one or the other. Many people object to faith in a God who would give the damned incorruptible bodies just to infinitely burn them for finite sins. "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (Jude 1:7) Just as Sodom and Gomorrha were destroyed with eternal fire - these cities were permanently destroyed but are no longer burning. So since the damned will not inherit incorruptible flesh, they could not sustain eternal suffering. Eternal damnation is more of an expression of final result, annihilation from existence. "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts." (Malachi 4:1-3)
Ever since the fall into sin in the garden of Eden by the first humans - this is what everyone is destined for after their death - a hopeless condemnation separated from God. This is what we need salvation from but to satisfy God's justice for sins - there must be a price paid for it. But this is horrible news! How can we call this the gospel – the good news? But now that we understand the bad news – we are ready for the good news. God’s plan of redemption from sin's condemnation started at the very beginning because He has foreknown the fall into sin.
COVERING OF SINS
Throughout the bible, when God chose the nation of Israel through whom to bring our redeemer - God gave them very specific instructions to cover their sins through animal sacrifices. Very specific animals, quantities and processions were described in detail to ensure it was valid before God. But even these sacrifices would not erase the sins committed, they would only be covered– until the messiah would come to wash away sin. “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:1-4)
When the catholic church was selling indulgences for the remission of sins – people found a way to abuse that system. They would buy indulgences for sins they knew were planned or buy them for sins they were planning later that day. Something similar happened in the land of Israel through animal sacrifices. People would commit sins knowing they could go to the priests with sacrifices of atonement for them. This was evil in the sight of God and He rebuked them for it saying: “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:13-18)
It is possible to do all the right rituals and obligations – but without a changed heart – it’s a vain religion. We are commanded to fulfill God’s laws to have a holy life and a future – but because of our sinful nature we are doomed to fail. "But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death." (Romans 7:8-10)
ATONEMENT THROUGH CHRIST
So how can Jesus Christ save? His sacrifice has atoned for the sin of all mankind at one time in one man – the man Jesus Christ. How can this be? All rituals and animal sacrifices for sin were only a foreshadowing, pointing towards the messiah – the anointed – the Christ, who would wash away the sins completely.
Every sin we commit is against God but God cannot simply forgive sins. Sin must be punished by the standard of God’s law (Romans 6:23). No man would be willing to die for another man’s sins - let alone be able to set him free from the bondage of sinful nature. God is eternal and cannot die for the sins of men to save them from sin's condemnation. But God in His wisdom has manifested Himself in mortal flesh - as Son of God and son of man. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (1 Timothy 3:16) Jesus Christ is the only One who was born of a virgin - without the seed of sinful man that carries sinful nature. Jesus Christ as Son of God was able to take upon Himself the penalty of sin for all mankind - past and future generations. Jesus Christ as Son of man was able to die a torturous death on the cross thereby satisfying the justice of God's condemnation for sin. Yet because He himself had no sin of His own (1 Peter 2:22) death had no power to contain Him (Acts 2:24). Jesus Christ conquered death and risen from the dead on the third day, and is alive today to intercede before God the Father on behalf of all those who put their trust in Him and accept the gift of eternal life (Romans 5:8). “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-22)
It is through Jesus Christ that we can be saved from the wrath of God for our sins. His wrath was poured out on Jesus Christ once and for all. "And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 4:2) We are offered reconciliation with God, freedom from eternal condemnation, healing of our heart through forgiveness and a relationship with our creator. All you need to do is believe - place your trust in Jesus Christ. Salvation is offered but cannot be forced upon you against your free will. We receive salvation first through the reception of God's truth. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)
HOW ARE WE SAVED?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Salvation in Jesus Christ is a result of the two: Atonement for sins and the expressed faith of those who believe. Jesus Christ gave up His life on the cross to take our place of God’s wrath for our sins (Isaiah 53:12). He rose from the dead to intercede in heaven for those that believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:13-17). Jesus came to redeem everyone who would or would not believe to have eternal life (John 3:16) but not all will believe and therefore not all will be saved. If we do not believe - we will not be saved.
We need to acknowledge our sins (Psalm 38:18), accept our need for Jesus Christ`s forgiveness, believe that Jesus atoned for our sins (1 John 1:7), ask Him for forgiveness (1 John 1:9), repent of our sins (Luke 13:2-3), dedicate our life through baptism (Acts 2:38), become His disciples (John 8:31), bear fruit of our faith (Matthew 3:10, John 15:2) and continue in our sanctification (Hebrews 10:10, Revelation 22:11) through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us (Romans 8:9). On the great Day of resurrection - the day of the LORD - all believers from all time will receive new incorruptible bodies (1 John 3:2-3) that will be suitable to be in God's presence; this is when our salvation will be fully revealed.
Think of the Christian life as wedding betrothal of man and woman. There is an engagement event, the betrothal period and the eventual wedding. All three stages are - referred to as - salvation.
SEEK TRUTH
"Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6) Many problems can arise from ignorance; not knowing about something that can bring life and preserve it, success, finances, relationships, health, history, and many other current problems are stemmed from our lack of knowledge and experience. The first step to solving a problem is the acknowledgement that there is a problem. Before a doctor can provide treatment he must first identify the sickness. To identify our spiritual condition we must first consider the truth expressed through the Holy Bible or someone who will tell it`s truth with love and compassion (Romans 10:14). “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The word of God is compared to many things throughout the bible, one of them is a mirror. As we observe our spiritual state through the mirror of God`s word – we are able to realize how desperately we need God. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105) The word of God is a mirror and a light that tells us who we are, what our spiritual condition is, what our destiny is with and without God. Before we ask God for forgiveness we must first acknowledge our sin and failure before God. As we examine the world around us and how it coincides with the biblical truth written thousands of years ago inspired by God, we are compelled to believe it. Faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:14, 17) God’s truth that penetrates our hearts (Hebrews 4:12) and our consciousness. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:20) Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39)
GRACE
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8) What is Grace? The word Grace - means: undeserved gift, mercy, undeserved or unearned favor.
The same word is used for any and all the blessings that we experience on a daily basis or throughout time. God pours out His grace through work of the natural environment that He established: weather, health, laws of nature that enable our planet to sustain life and even God’s power and mercy that sustains the breath of all life - whether they do God’s will or whether they deny His existence. “. . . for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45) God’s grace extends into the atonement through Jesus Christ, which applies to those who believe the gospel - the good news. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Grace also applies to the gift and presence of the Holy Spirit who WORKS IN US to bring us to repentance.
This word grace is also used to describe the power of God working towards each person’s sanctification through the word of God. “But by the GRACE of God I am what I am: and His GEACE which was BESTOWED UPON me was not in vain; but I LABOURED more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10) So not only is grace the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, it is also God’s leadership in our sanctification though the Holy Spirit as we walk in faith. Without grace - our faith, repentance, obedience and sanctification would be impossible, in vain and we would cease to exist.
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)
FAITH
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). What is faith? Faith has two natures: active and passive. Passive faith is accepting the information we receive to be true - as truth or a fact. Active faith is acting on the information we received.
The christian faith is expressed as a relationship with God rather than a tradition. Relationships are built on truth and love to produce trust. This trust - is our faith in God and in His atonement that reconciles us with Him. God gives us His truth in love and we reciprocate that love through our faith. And just as love without action is vanity – faith without action is also vanity. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?“ (James 2:20). True love towards God will transform the heart of the believer – this is our living faith, faith that is producing fruits of the renewed spirit. We show our love towards God though our obedience to His word. Jesus said “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Just as children honor their parents though their obedience, so do we honor God through our obedience to His word.
If no one can be saved by keeping the law – what commandments are we keeping? These are the same basic ten commandments we were given earlier, but instead of our own effort to obey them perfectly for our salvation – we are in obedience to them though our love towards God in gratitude. The first 4 commandments pertain to our relationship with God and the other 6 commandments pertain to our relationship with other people; whether they are believers or not. “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” (Romans 6:14-19).
REPENTANCE
Jesus said: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:5-6)
Repentance –"to change one's mind”. This describes a transformation of the mind by the word of God. This results in change of behavior towards sin and God’s will.
"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;" (Isaiah 1:16) "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)
An apology without changed behavior is just manipulation and an insult to God. If you have hurt or insulted someone who loves you, will you ask for forgiveness and continue offending them? If you love them - you will stop, if you don't stop offending them - you are proving you do not love them. If our love and gratitude does not transform us - we have not repented.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Not only are we not abusing God’s grace to sin or disobeying the basic commandments because we are "no longer under the law" – but rather we are changing our mind towards loving our God and savior. The transformation of our mind is in return transforming our heart though humility and gratitude for His grace towards us – though which we were redeemed. The deeper we understand the depth of our depravity that God has redeemed us from – the deeper we fall in gratitude towards God and compassion to those who live without hope. Jesus said: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him (John 14:21)
We still must make a choice regarding our repentance on a daily basis. Our ego is still alive and well within us, hardwired into our flesh; and even though our spirit is revived by the spirit of God - our old sinful nature will still be warring against the things of God.
"Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." (Galatians 5:16-18)
It has become popular to say that "Jesus did it all, Jesus paid it all"; as if we are renouncing any accountability. This is liberal Christianity. As if repentance and obedience to God's will doesn't matter because Jesus fulfilled the law. Yes, Jesus fulfilled the law in perfect obedience to the Father as an example for us to follow - NOT to be passive listeners. (James 1:25, Romans 2:13)
BAPTISM
What is Baptism? Again considering the analogy of the wedding engagement - this would be the engagement announcement. This would be a woman’s declaration to the world that she is engaged to her groom. She has committed herself to marry this man, and as she falls deeper in love with him – she will transform her mind to prioritize her groom, carry herself with honor and dignity, leave behind anything from her past that is against the will of the man she loves. Love is the answer to many issues of life.
Water baptism is a symbolic immersion into water and rising from it. We symbolically bury our old life in the grave and rise to a new life with Jesus as our Lord and savior. "Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12) Baptism is our public declaration of faith through repentance. A symbol of commitment to follow Jesus – to become His disciples. And just as Jesus rose from the dead – so will we have the same hope to inherit eternal life at the resurrection. Baptism is also a public announcement that we are anointed by God to do His will.
"There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," (1 Peter 3:12) Messiah means Christ which means anointed; this is where we get the word missionary from. We are therefore Christians - having been anointed by God to be Holy, meaning “separate” from the world, to serve His will and be His nation.
"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (1 John 3:2-3) Baptism is a conscious decision by the believer to commit their life to God. Those who have been baptized as infants or into a different religion will need to be properly baptized, but it will be best to confirm with a discerning leader of a church.
Before Jesus started His ministry John the Baptist came out to prepare the nation of Israel to accept their messiah, saying: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11). John was NOT baptizing people into water - but unto repentance. The same applies to the baptism of the spirit by Jesus Christ. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free;" (1 Corinthians 12:13). We are NOT baptized into the spirit - but rather by the spirit - into the body of one church. Everyone will be baptized/immersed: either by the Spirit into the body of the church unto eternal salvation - or by fire into the lake of fire unto eternal damnation; your choice - choose life!
DISCIPLESHIP
Once we come to faith in God, believe in the atonement that Jesus Christ paid for our sins on the cross, confess our sins in humility, turn from them in repentance, declare to the world through baptism that we are now the children of God – we must continue our path as disciples of Jesus. By grace we receive the Holy Spirit Who enables us to do God’s will, comforts us in our trials, teaches us to discern the word of God, rebukes us to correction when we stumble into sin, compels us to love our enemies and so much more. It is the Holy Spirit Who revives our dead spirit – dead spirit that was slave to sin before our conversion.
The Holy Spirit is not a force of God – but God Himself. "Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent Me. Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. (Isaiah 48:16-17) God is Triune, meaning that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are in union as one being. Jesus said: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) This means that we worship God in obedience to His Spirit living within us. When we accept God’s word as divine truth and sincerely follow it in our heart, mind, word and deeds – we are worshiping God with our lives.
Discipleship comes from the word discipline. How disciplined we are in our faith? Are we living the Christian life on the weekends, holidays, special occasions – or on a daily basis? Just imagine if your fiance wants to spend time with you only on the weekends, only to receive blessings, only on their terms, continues to go on dates with other people and ignores you all the other time - how long will that relationship last? How will someone become successful in any skill, trade, sport, art or goal if they only think about it and sometimes practice? The same principles apply to our discipleship in our faith. In another way - faith is disciplined obedience and trust to our God.
What information do we consume, what people we interact with, how we serve other believers and non-believers and how consistent are we? The bible clearly describes our performance as fruits of the spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22-26) To be clear once again; we are not earning atonement, forgiveness or salvation through our disciplined obedience – which is faith, but rather - we are confirming that we are genuine Christians.
SANCTIFICATION
Jesus said in His prayer to the Father: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John 17:17-19) We are sanctified - made holy - made separate from the world through our knowledge and obedience to the word of God. Jesus said: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) If we do not consume the word of God - the Holy Spirit cannot remind us, it's not even logical. The same way we can't be remember material on an exam that we haven't studied.
Once God regenerated our spirit and renewed our heart (Ezekiel 11:19) we have a new nature living within our old flesh. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (Galatians 5:16-18) The spirit and the flesh will war one against another until our last breath. So even when we stumble into sin through temptation we know we are forgiven through God’s truth found in His word and testified to us through the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). God is our Father, Jesus Christ is our mediator and the Holy Spirit is our guide living within us. Now the law of God is written in our hearts - the love for God and love for our neighbor. Love is an expression of care towards someone without expecting anything in return. How great is God’s love? (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16)
It is written that "...we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10) All those who in faith accepted the atonement of Jesus Christ are sanctified. (Hebrews 3:14-15) There are sacred holidays and sacraments to take part in such as baptism (1 Peter 3:21) and communion (1 Corinthians 11:28) but they are not a means of salvation, but rather our reverence before God. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) These serve to sanctify us and are a demonstration of our love towards God and to those He has redeemed.
As we mature in our discipleship we will develop discernment for sound doctrine through which we are further sanctified and will become able to teach others. As new believers in Jesus Christ we are compelled to better understand God’s truth. Living in this modern age we have access to more information than any generation in the history of the world. One of these sources is the Holy Bible. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1-Timothy 4:16)
As we study the word of God we will also spend time in prayer. Prayer is NOT limited to a particular place, time or pose (John 4:24) but our prayer life reveals our reverence before God.
GLORIFICATION
"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-8)
"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:2-3).
Glorification is the final stage of our salvation, when the promise of eternal life will be fully manifested. This is the time of the first resurrection; when all those who died in faith will be raised to life in new incorruptible flesh; and those Christians who remain alive will be changed to new flesh. (1 Corinthians 15:35-54) When Jesus raised from the dead - He was raised in a new flesh that was no longer limited to physical laws that we are still bound to. "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)
When we receive new glorified bodies at the day of resurrection – only then we will experience the fulfillment of our salvation, the hope of eternal life will be manifest. “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40). In other words, those saints who have committed their lives to Christ and have already died - have not yet entered into eternal life. This is so that we can all enter it together at the day of resurrection for the marriage ceremony our union with our Creator. (Revelation 19:7)
One of many joys of glorification will be a reunion with all the saints who have passed away throughout the history of the world (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Salvation cannot be earned by any work but the bible speaks of incorruptible treasures (1 Peter 1:3-5) that each will receive according to their perseverance to do God's will. "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." (1 Peter 5:4)
Not only we have hope in eternal life upon our resurrection but also for transformed bodies that are fit to be in God's presence and so much more that would enhance our eternal existence. Eternal life is not only about the unending duration of life but a fulfillment of peace, love and joy that all of us seek for in all the wrong places. God made mankind in His image to be in His presence and on that great day our relationship with God will be fully restored as children of God, citizens of new heaven and earth, one nation and one family.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) Each person who will enter the glorified state will receive an eternal reward, accordingly.
WARNINGS OF APOSTASY
Apostasy is a very serious concern to every christian. It is a state of denial, rejection of God's saving grace through temptation, hardship, deception and doubt that can compel us to fall into disobedience, sin, rebellion and death.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9) Our declaration to the world as children of God also attracts the attention of evil beings in the spiritual dimension, who through their own rebellion cannot be saved as we do who are made in God's image. These beings do not rest and are constantly working to ruin as many lives as possible, especially those who have placed their trust in the hope of salvation through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39) Another external attack we face as Christians is the vanity of everyday life that distracts us from pursuing God's will for us. Our jobs, careers, businesses, hobbies, entertainment, education, family, friends and other life troubles have a strong impact on our faith. We must overcome those struggles so that our hope of salvation may be fully realized. Other life troubles like natural disasters, political unrest, wars, disease, discrimination, persecution, death in family also have a very strong impact and can really shake our faith in these hard times.
"Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them." (Ephesians 5:6-7) Deception is another serious threat that can influence the behavior of the believer. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits...." (Matthew 7:15-16) We are constantly reminded to be watchful, study the scriptures, spiritually examine ourselves to ensure we are in sound doctrine and that we follow it faithfully. If we are living in disobedience through deception we are still accountable for our sins."Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire" (Matthew 7:19, John 15:1-2) If we are living in willful disobedience then this sin is even more serious. We are saved by grace through faith, yet if we draw back - it is not the lack of grace from God but rather our lack of faith that is the problem. For as many Israelites as God called out of Egyptian slavery to inherit the promise land - a large majority of them did not enter it. But why? Because of their disobedience and ingratitude. They were not seeking to love God for Who He is but only to get what they wanted. Many of us would likewise abandon a relationship with someone who is ungrateful and manipulative. Jesus even told His disciples and followers: "...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:2-3)
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 10:26) After we have become Christians we will still stumble into sin from time to time, yet if we intentionally continue to sin - it is only a matter of time until the Holy Spirit living inside us will stop rebuking our hardened hearts. Every sin we commit is a sin that Jesus Christ died for to redeem us. How can we continue to offend Him? If your fiance intentionally continues to ignore, disobey, dishonor, insult and offend you and your family - it is very likely the wedding will be canceled.
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him...." (Hebrews 10:38) Aside from those external forces, we have our internal battles to overcome in order to stay faithful to God. These verses and many other like it reveal that there is a real possibility to draw back from the faith into damnation. If a bride for some reason changed her mind about marriage to her groom and she abandons the engagement - the groom will not force her to marry him. Doing otherwise would violate her free will. To truly love someone means that love must be freely given. We as a church are a collective group of Christians who are in a way - engaged to Jesus Christ who is our groom. It is critical that we honor God accordingly as: God, Father, Savior and Lord. "...But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." (Hebrews 10:39) "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4:11)
ETERNAL SECURITY
"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
(2 Corinthians 1:21-22) As Christians - we are anointed by God with the presence of the Holy Spirit living within us - to empower us to live holy; to be His children so we can inherit eternal life. Once we receive the promise of our glorification through resurrection at the end of days - our salvation will then be completed together with all believers who ever lived. (Hebrews 11:39-40)
Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. (John 10:27-30) As Christians we understand that no outside circumstance can directly block our salvation path - they can be very strong opposition forces. Our submission to God enables us to be empowered to overcome any challenges we will face throughout our life.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5) While our salvation has not fully manifested - let us faithfully walk in humility, patience, gratitude, love, truth and holiness.
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 1:20-25)
As it is written: “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (1 Timothy 4:16)
CHOOSE LIFE
Sample Prayer
Our Father in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ. I have sinned against You and now I seek your forgiveness through Jesus Christ who took my sins and died in my place. Give me a new heart to love and forgive others. Reveal Yourself to me in my life through Your Word and guide me with Your Spirit to do Your will. Strengthen my faith and bring Your peace and blessing so I could do Your will. And may Your name be praised forever. Amen.