SALVATION

By David J. Stewart

Copyright 2000

Introduction

 The most important question you will ever be asked in your entire life—DO YOU KNOW 100% SURE IF YOU DIED RIGHT NOW THAT WOULD GO TO HEAVEN? Have you ever been asked this question before? Have you ever given this question any thought? There are many “If's” in life but this is NOT a matter to be taken lightly. Your soul’s eternal destiny is at stake! 
Many folks are in the dark concerning their soul’s salvation. They’ve heard umpteen religious teachings all their life but aren’t really sure of anything. They’ve never really settled down to business on this matter. Friend, I would like to guide you in the following chapters into many of these Scriptures—with a sincere desire that you may come to the glorious knowledge of the truth and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Savior. I use the term “relationship” carefully, because Judas also had a relationship with the Lord, but still went to Hell in his sins. By “relationship” I mean that you have received Christ's death, burial and resurrection (the Gospel) as payment for your sins, and now you are God's child. 

I thank God for all the millions of Gospel tracts which get passed out each year in this nation; however, it has always concerned me that too many are vague and lacking any real substance. Nothing can replace a personal soul-winner. Howbeit, many people have been led to the Lord Jesus Christ by a simple and short Gospel tract. A simple tract is helpful because many people will not take the time to read a long brochure. Further, salvation is not a difficult matter and God only requires a child-like faith to be saved. 

Nevertheless, there are some people who need more than a simple tract.  It is not unreasonable for a person to have many questions and concerns.  I wish I had found a book such as this when I first began to seek the Lord as a teenager. I have written the following chapters in an attempt to “lay it all out on the table” in hopes of giving you a more complete understanding of God’s wonderful plan of salvation. This just may be the world’s longest Gospel tract. I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will speak to your heart as I speak to your mind in the pages ahead.
There are many uncertainties in this life, but your soul’s salvation does NOT need to be one of them. You can KNOW beyond any shadow of a doubt that you are saved and on your way to heaven. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life…” (1st John 5:13). We all know that we have to die, but we don’t know when. Why not take out a fire insurance policy with God and make ready your soul for the day when you die and pass from this life into the next? 

The honest truth is that God has provided a simple and easy way for all mankind to be saved. God does NOT want one single sinner to perish into Hell. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, but that ALL should come to repentance.” (2nd Peter 3:9). What a wonderful truth!  The promise mentioned is the return of Christ as prophesied in the Bible. There were “scoffers” and “doubters” in those days (just as there are today) who make light of the Bible and laugh at the Scriptural teaching that Jesus Christ will someday return for His own. 

These scoffers are known as “liberals” or “modernists.”  The apostle Paul here assures these folks that God is not a liar and does indeed keep His promises. The reason for the Lord’s delay is simply because He is “LONGSUFFERING to us-ward, not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance.” It is you my dear friend whom God is waiting for! God does not want you to perish! You have no idea how much God loves you, what He has made available to you and how very much He wants you to get saved. Again, it is my humble prayer that the Holy Spirit of God will speak to your heart in the extremely important pages ahead.

The only accurate way to interpret the Bible is to interpret the Bible with the Bible. The Bible speaks for itself! May I say, there will always be areas of doctrine that puzzle us. Someone wisely said that BIBLE is an acronym which means: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. I like that. Every answer brings ten more questions. We're either going to trust God or else put Him on trial in our minds. I choose to trust God.

We are challenged in 2nd Timothy 2:15 to “STUDY to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.” This is how we learn the Bible, i.e., by dividing it (cross-referencing). When we compare one Scripture with other Scriptures, we obtain true doctrine. This is where many people get into big trouble—by failing to “rightly divide” the Word of Truth. 

For example, we are told in Mark 16:16 that “Whosoever believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” The casual reader might mistakenly conclude that water baptism is essential for salvation. This would make water baptism a sacrament. This is not correct however because we are told elsewhere in the Bible that Paul was not sent to baptize, but rather to preach the Gospel. “For Christ sent me NOTTO BAPTIZE, but to preach the gospel” (1st Corinthians 1:17). Paul never would have made such a statement if water baptism were necessary for salvation. This is just one of thousands of examples of why it’s important to know your Bible well. It is my earnest belief that every Christian should have a thorough understanding of the Bible. 

I’ve written this book because I feel it is very much needed. I’ve met many people who thought they were saved, but in fact were NOT. There is an abundance of false teaching and false religion all around us in society. The Devil is a master counterfeiter! Many false religions have birthed from sincere misunderstandings (false teachings) from the Bible. 

2nd Peter 3:16-17 warns us about tampering with the Bible.  Those who do so, do it “...unto their own DESTRUCTION.” Peter was wise to admit that he simply did NOT understand some of Paul’s writings. Honesty is always the best policy. There’s nothing wrong or demeaning about saying “I don’t know.”  Many people are blinded by arrogance and are too proud to admit their ignorance on certain matters. May I say, there are many things which I do not understand. I do not pretend to understand everything in the Bible.

On the contrary, I have many questions for Jesus when I get to Heaven. We are encouraged in 1st Corinthians 13:12 concerning this matter... “For NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY; but then face to face NOW I KNOW IN PART; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” What a wonderful truth—Someday we will know God just as much as He knows us. Until then, we must be content to “know in part.”

This book is all about salvation. I am going to share with you many of the practical truths which God has used to burn my heart over the years. I think of these truths often. I can proclaim with Jacob, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the TRUTH, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant” (Genesis 32:10). God is wonderful to me and His truths are precious indeed. I fervently pray that the truths in this book will be a blessing to every reader. These are NOT my truths, they are God’s truths. I’m simply sharing them with you, gladly, as God has taught them to me from His Word. 

There is NO greater matter in life than the destiny of a man’s soul. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?” (Matthew 16:26). The important thing is that you know your name is written in Heaven in the Lamb’s book of life. If you are not saved, nothing else matters! All the knowledge and wealth in the universe will do you no good if you die in your sins and go to Hell forever. As a Christian, Jesus Christ lives within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. If you are saved, Jesus lives within you (and you in Him). If you are NOT saved, Jesus Christ wants to save you. 

I have included several chapters addressing the “assurance” of one’s salvation. I have personally known quite a few Believers who couldn’t find peace concerning their soul’s salvation. There is no reason to fear and doubt. The Bible teaches that we can KNOW beyond any shadow of a doubt that we are saved. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1st John 5:13). 

When I was younger, I was always afraid to go down into the basement when the lights were out because I didn’t know what might be lurking in the dark. I used to anxiously swing my arm feeling for the pull-string for the ceiling light. I was afraid of the unknown. This is the same reason why a person doubts their salvation, i.e., they are ignorant concerning the Scriptures. They fear, “what if?” What if I’m not really saved? What if I go to Hell? People often fear that which they do not understand.

My goal is not to impress anybody with a nice book; but rather, to help OTHERS. Certainly, this book has been written with the lost in mind, hoping that many unsaved people will come to the saving knowledge of the crucified on the cross, buried and risen Lord Jesus Christ (aka, the “Gospel” - 1st Corinthians 15:1-4). But moreover, I wrote this book for struggling believers, who like me for seven long and painful years of inexplicable mental anguish, fear with uncertainly, unable to settle the assurance of personal salvation.

As a teenager, “What if ___?,” questions daily haunted my mind. What if I'm not saved? What if I did something wrong? What if I missed something? What if I miss Heaven and go to Hell forever? I was terribly afraid. I often cried publicly and privately. I was afraid to talk with anyone about it. It's not easy in a Christian school, and a Christian church, where you've been attending for years, to admit to your church family that you aren't sure you're saved. What will they think about me? I know now, decades later, that all my worries were over nothing. Remember, the world really doesn't center around you, nor me. People are preoccupied with their own lives, burdens and thoughts.

The Bible warns that the fear of man bringeth a snare (Proverbs 29:25). Do you know what is the first group of people listed in Revelation 21:8 who are damned to the Lake of Fire? The first group listed are the FEARFUL. Could this be the people who were too afraid to go to church, so they could hear the Gospel preached? Could this be people who were too afraid to respond to an invitation to receive Jesus Christ after a sermon? Could this be the people who were too elite, wealthy and proud, afraid to be associated with the Savior? What was it that kept them from getting saved? What were they afraid of, that hindered them from asking questions and searching out the truth how to be saved? Please don't let fear rob you of the gift of eternal life! My friend, you can have eternal life, RIGHT NOW, right this very moment, completely free... GETGODSGIFT.ORG (backup video).

Having said that, I authored this book on SALVATION for you my friend, whoever you may be. I love you immensely in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose Holy Spirit indwells my body (1st Corinthians 3:16-17), and I want to be a blessing for the Lord in your life if you'll please let me. I want to engrain in your soul the Biblical truth that eternal life is a PROMISE from God. Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, PROMISED before the world began.” Salvation is not about human performance, not in the least degree. And please notice in Titus 1:2 that we don't “hope” for eternal life; but rather, WE HAVE A “HOPE,” because God made a solemn Promise TO ALL THEM WHO believe on the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16; Romans 10:3-4; Philippians 3:9). 1st Corinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

It is my heart’s desire to help you gain a greater understanding of God’s plan of salvation in the chapters that follow. I believe you will find this book helpful. I’ve endeavored to keep the chapters brief, yet long enough to say what needs to be said. Whether you're saved, unsaved or not sure you're saved—there is something in this book for you. It is my sincere prayer that God’s Holy Spirit will speak to your heart in the pages ahead as I speak to your mind. May God Bless you.

An undeserving sinner saved by God’s loving and merciful grace, 
David J. Stewart
 
An Important Word From My Heart Concerning My Book

By David J. Stewart | April 2014 | Updated November 2015

 *Note from my heart — Everyone, I don't care who you are, adjusts and changes your beliefs over the years. Although not addressed in this book, I'll use as a personal example. Years ago I used to believe in a Young Earth view (which is a widely held view in Baptist churches today). As time passed, I took a middle-of-the-road approach, simply because I didn't have any solid convictions either way, but in recent years I have formed solid Old Earth convictions based upon compelling evidence by faithful men of God such as Dr. Curtis Hutson (see his 6-part series on DEMONOLOGY) and Dr. Max D. Younce's book “DON'T LET SATAN MAKE A MONKEY OUT OF YOU.” Dr. John R. Rice (1895-1980) believed in a Young Earth view; but his successor as editor of The Sword Of The Lord, Dr. Curtis Hutson (1934-1995) believed in an Old Earth (commonly known as the “Gap Theory,” which I am convinced is not a theory, but Biblical teaching).
I respect the freedom of speech rights of others with whom I disagree and vise versa. I love and promote both Dr. John R. Rice and Dr. Curtis Hutson, even though they are diametrically opposed concerning the gap theory (old earth verses young earth). Ultimately, we each have to do our own homework as believers and form our own conclusions, or allow someone else to do the thinking for us (which may be dangerous if the person you are following is wrong on salvation, so be careful). Thankfully, Dr. Rice and Dr. Hutson both agreed 100% on salvation, which is solely by God's grace through faith in Christ.

Many notable Christian authors and leaders have changed their beliefs over the years. The changes aren't always good. Whereas Dr. Kent Hovind of the Creation Science Evangelism ministry once believed in a Pretribulation Rapture, he has recently changed his position to a Postribulation Rapture view. Dr. Roland Rasmussen, radio host Alex Jones and Pastor Steven Anderson also teach a Postribulation view. Contrawise, Billy Sunday, Charles Spurgeon, Harry Ironside, Dwight Moody, Bob Jones Sr., John R. Rice, Jack Hyles, Lee Roberson and many other mighty men of God all believed and taught a Pretribulation Rapture, which is exactly what I believe. The Lord said the timing of His return is a big secret, to keep Christians on their toes (Mark 13:32-37). Only a Pretribulation Rapture position supports the element of surprise, which is compelling evidence of a Pretribulation Rapture taught in the Bible. Jesus said NO ONE KNOWS WHEN CHRIST WILL RETURN!!!
Dr. Oliver B. Greene (1915-1976) and Dr. Max D. Younce believe and teach that Hades (Hell) was compartmentalized, which is what I believe, that is, the place of Torment existed on one side, and Paradise was on the other side (called “Abraham's Bosom.” See the factual story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31). Albeit, Dr. John R. Rice denied the existence of an Old Testament place called Paradise and taught that all Old Testament saints all went directly to Heaven when they died here on earth.

And finally, there is a raging debate in our churches today, and this controversy has existed throughout the millenniums, over exactly what is required by God to be saved and go to Heaven. Dr. Curtis Hutson correctly taught that a person simply needs to admit their sinful condition and believe upon the Lord. Brother Hutson's beloved predecessor, Dr. Rice used to say, “Every man who goes to Heaven goes on a free pass, but he who goes to Hell pays his own way.” And then he would quote Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Yet, sadly, Dr. Billy Graham (who is arguably the world's most well-known evangelist in history) teaches that a person must count the cost, make a full surrender to Christ's Lordship, and pay the price of forsaking sinful living to be saved. This is NOT the Gospel as taught in 1st Corinthians 15:1-4. Whether or not a person believes in an Old Earth or Young Earth, Pretribulation or Postribulation Rapture, saints went to Old Testament Paradise or directly to Heaven, WON'T prevent them from going to Heaven if they trust solely upon the crucified and risen Savior to get their sins forgiven. However, following the false plan of salvation by Billy Graham WILL send you to Hell forever!!! Human works have no place in Biblical salvation. Please read the awesome printed sermon by Pastor Curtis Hutson, “SALVATION CRYSTAL CLEAR.”

Now I've shared all these things with you for a reason. When I originally penned this book about SALVATION in 2001, I prayed and asked God's Holy Spirit to guide me. I am very pleased with the book and believe that it has honored the Lord over the years. Albeit, I was compelled for the benefit of my readers to make some minor changes. One such change is the removal of references to asking Jesus into one's heart to be saved. I am not against preachers who use that terminology, but I prefer not to use it because you can ask Jesus into your heart and still go to Hell. As Brother Jack Hyles (1926-2001) says in his sermon, “STEPS IN SANCTIFICATION (or the root of all heresy)”... “You don't get saved by asking Jesus into your heart, but Jesus comes into your heart when you get saved.” Most of the changes which I have made to my book are helpful additions to the chapters on “Repentance” and “Are You Really A Christian?” In addition I have added chapters 37, 38, 39 and 40 since the original writing in 2001.

I have since learned that you don't have to ask Jesus to save you; but rather, the Bible teaches to simply BELIEVE! It's not sinful to ask, but you you don't need to ask. John 3:16 plainly teaches that “WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM” shall not perish, but have everlasting life! You don't have to walk a church isle at invitation time to be saved. You can BELIEVE right in your pew and be saved, just as I was at age 13 decades ago. Thank God for the gift of His only begotten Son Jesus, the Christ!

With the recent theological plunge in our churches into the heresy of Lordship Salvation, I have read through my book to make sure that I carefully worded my thoughts. Remember, I am just an imperfect sinful man, capable of doctrinal error, but God's inspired words are perfect and very pure (if you have a King James Bible). If my book ever disagrees with the Holy Bible, you follow the Holy Bible! As I explain in my book on Salvation, Lordship Salvation is not God's plan of salvation; it is a satanic deception, intended to provide a substitute for the Gospel. My writings cannot, and should not, replace the Word of God. That has never been my intention. My goal is to simply share with you, the reader, many of the Biblical truths which the Holy Spirit has taught me since I miraculously became born-again by the Holy Spirit of God at age 13.

Remember, Satan's greatest weapon is to con people into living the Christian life without ever being born-again!!! Religion cannot get anybody into Heaven. Religion wants to fit us with glasses, to see through man's view; but the Lord Jesus wants to open our eyes! A man is better to have no hope than a false hope, because a man with no hope is still searching. Acts 13:39, “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”

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CHAPTER ONE

Salvation And The Word Of God

By David J. Stewart

Salvation Begins with the Word of God
 Salvation begins with the Word of God! Apart from God’s Holy Word, we would be up a creek without a paddle. “Being born again, not of corruptible SEED, but of incorruptible, BY THE WORD OF GOD, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1st Peter 1:23). It is the seed of God's Word by which we are born-again! Without “the Gospel,” as recorded in the Scriptures in 1st Corinthians 1:4, no man could know how to be saved. Without the Holy Bible, humanity would not know about the dear Savior, Who bled and died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and bodily resurrected the third day from the dead for our justification. John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

The Word of God is NOT merely a book, the Word of God is alive!  Notice the words, “...which liveth and abideth forever.” It is alive because Christ is alive. The Bible is the “seed” in our heart that can sprout into new spiritual life. This can only happen by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Whether or not the seed dies or lives is dependent upon you. The seed is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you believe upon Christ, then the seed of God’s Word has sprung new life in you through the Holy Spirit—God’s Holy Spirit born in you. You will have been born-again. The bottom line is that you CANNOT be saved without the Word of God for it is the very seed which brings new life into your heart. If you refuse to accept the Bible as God’s Word, then you are well nigh hopeless my friend.  I have witnessed to many people who say they do NOT recognize the Bible as God’s Word.

Perhaps this is the greatest challenge of all for the soul-winner—trying to convince a person that the Bible is God’s Word. Once a person accepts the Bible as God’s Holy Word, then they are more likely to listen to what you have to say from the Bible. I have even heard people curse and say horrible things about the Bible.  When a person tells me they don’t believe the Bible is God’s Word, I realize that our conversation is nearly over because we are thinking on two different wave lengths. We have nothing in common on the matter.  Everything I have to say as a believer is based upon THE BIBLE. To search for salvation apart from God’s Word is futile. That’s like telling a doctor you want to be healed without medicine, or telling a mechanic you want your car repaired without tools. 

I’ve never met a Bible-rejecter who was willing to accept Christ as Savior. You simply cannot be saved without believing the Bible is God’s inspired Holy Word. If you reject God’s Word, you are rejecting the light. There are many people who will call themselves Christians but their faith is NOT based upon the Word of God. Their faith is based upon a false religion, a personal philosophy, an organization, an experience, et cetera. Your faith MUST be based upon the Word of God and the truths it teaches concerning Christ and salvation. 2nd Timothy 2:25, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” If a man will NOT accept the Written Word, neither will he accept the Living Word. Jesus is the Living Word. We learn about the Living Word as revealed in the Written Word.

Do you accept the Bible as God’s Word? You must examine the Holy Bible and make this decision for yourself, no one else can do it for you. Pray and ask God to open the eyes of your understanding. Salvation is a matter of the heart, let God’s Holy Word speak to your heart. It’s been said, “If you want God to comb the kinks out of your head, you must give Him your heart.”  
 

The Word of God is Eternal

The Word of God is eternal! The last Word of Revelation already existed in heaven before the first verse in Genesis was ever written. The Bible is eternal, without beginning or end. “FOR EVER, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). “Forever” means without beginning or end. God is forever eternal and so is His Word. His Word is “settled.” God has not revised, rewritten, paraphrased or changed His Word. Men have NO RIGHT to alter and change God’s Word. There are literally hundreds of English Bibles on the market today that are satanic counterfeits of the truth, intended to deceive mankind. God's Words are inspired. They have always been inspired, because they are God's Words. God doesn't inspire a language; but rather, His Words. The Words of God are inspired into whatever language they are translated, just so long as it is an accurate translation. 
 

God Magnifies His Word Above His Own Name

God magnifies His Word above His very name! “...for thou hast MAGNIFIED THY WORD ABOVE ALL THY NAME” (Psalm 138:2). How dare any man or woman make light of the Word of God. To make light of the Word of God is to make light of God Almighty. God’s Word is more important than God’s name. Why? Because God would be a liar if His Word was not truth. God’s name would mean nothing if His Word was unreliable! Do you see how important the Bible is? It is a dangerous thing to tamper with the Bible. You CANNOT love God and hate the Bible. You CANNOT neglect your Bible and stay in fellowship with the Lord. The Bible means everything to the serious-minded Believer. And by the way, I don’t care how much Bible knowledge you may posses, if you don’t spend time daily walking with your God, you will be carnal. How sad it is to hear of Christian people who mistreat and injure others. They have a surplus of Scriptural knowledge, but somewhere along the way, they drifted away from walking with God. This is the danger of blessing, prosperity and worldly success.
 

The Word of God Became Incarnate

We learn from various Scriptures that the Holy Bible is more than just a book, it is a Person. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD” (John 1:1). “And THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus Christ is the LIVING WORD, the Bible is the WRITTEN WORD. Jesus is the Word of God. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called THE WORD OF GOD” (Revelation 19:13). Let me say, to spend time with God’s Word is to spend time with God. If we obey the Bible, we are obeying God. If we don’t believe the Bible, we are spitting on God. 
 

The Word of God is Powerful

The Word of God is a book of power! “For the WORD OF GOD is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). There is NO book in the universe that can compare to the power of the Word of God. It was the very Word of God that created the universe. It was the Word of God that became flesh and dwelt among men and they beheld His glory as of the only Begotten Son of God. It’s been said, “If man could write the Bible he wouldn’t, and if he would he couldn't.” There is no way possible that such a book could have been written by mortal men. The Bible is the only book in the world that shows men their sinfulness and offers a plan of redemption. The Bible is alive because the Holy Spirit of God is alive, Who speaks to our soul while we read it. God has promised to guide His Children into the truth through His Holy Spirit. God is the Author of the Bible, not man. The Author will guide us if we will allow Him. 
 

No One Can Escape the Word of God

Many people are scared of the Bible. The Bible scares many people because it demands an answer. Everyone must decide whether or not there is a Hell, a Heaven, a God, a Devil, eternal damnation, life beyond the grave, et cetera. Every single human being must decide these things. The Bible is a constant reminder that time is running out. You cannot read and familiarize yourself with the Bible without being convicted by the Holy Spirit of God for He is the Divine Author. John 3:20 tells us why many people avoid the Bible, “For every one that DOETH EVIL hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, LEST HIS DEEDS SHOULD BE REPROVED.The Bible is a book of conviction. Many people miss out on salvation because of their love for sin, because they refuse to admit that they’re ways are sinful. You see my friend, you can’t get saved until you admit that you’re a sinner, deserving of Hell. If you're not willing to admit to yourself and God that you are a sinner, then you don’t need a Savior. Many people will not be honest with themselves. If there’s no crime, then there’s no punishment. Do you see your need for the dear Savior?  

Perhaps you do not accept the Bible as God’s Word. I once heard a man say that he would never accept the Bible as God’s Word until God Himself handed it to him. This man is living dangerously! That’s like saying he won’t be careful around electricity unless he can see it, or saying that he won’t look before crossing the street unless he hears the cars. Faith requires us to believe in spite of all doubts which we may have. No one has an excuse not to follow after God. If you do not believe in God, or fail to acknowledge His Words as being inspired, I encourage you to read Romans chapter one (the entire chapter). If you still do not accept the Bible as God’s Word after reading Romans Chapter one, it’s only because you have not glorified God in your life. One of the chapters in my book is entitled “When They Knew God.” It’s a brief Bible study from Romans chapter one. This is a practical lesson, but straight to the point. There is not a clearer passage in the entire Bible concerning those who run from God. 
 

The Word of God is Precious

The Word of God is precious to the believer because of all the thousands of PROMISES which God has given to us in His Word. Our very hope of salvation is based upon our faith in God’s Word. Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” As believers we don't hope, we have A HOPE! Amen! The Bible is not merely a book—It is THE BOOK. Our attitude toward the Bible is a direct indication of our attitude toward God Almighty. 

Sometimes Christians are called “narrow-minded.” All Believers ought to be as narrow-minded as the Bible. Too many people are experts on evil and dirty thinking. God wants us to be naive concerning evil and knowledgeable concerning good. “...I would have you WISE unto that which is good, and SIMPLEconcerning evil” (Romans 16:19). We ought to hear from God before we hear from man. We should avoid listening to gossip. Learn to say, “I really don’t need to hear this.” It is good for us to get into the Word, but it is MUCH BETTER for the Word to get into us. The Spirit of Christ comes into our heart at the moment we accept Christ as our Savior. Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” As we read and study the Word of God, the Spirit of Christ will reveal to us the true meaning of His Word. The Word of God is inseparable to our salvation and our Christian growth. We must prioritize the Bible as the center of our thoughts and meditate upon the Holy Scriptures throughout our daily lives. 

Here are some notable quotes on the King James Bible:

“The Bible, composes by many authors, over a period of many centuries, yet ONE BOOK, is, in itself, the outstanding Miracle of the Ages, bearing aloft its own evidence of its Superhuman Origin.” —Henry H. Halley (1874-1965)

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible. ” —U.S. President George Washington (1732-1799)

“The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity.” —Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

“The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all who oppose it.” —Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

“The Old Testament is an account of a Nation. The New Testament is an account of a MAN, The Nation was founded and nurtured of God to bring the Man into the world.” —Henry H. Halley (1874-1965)

“The Bible has been the Magna Carta of the poor and oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with it.” —Thomas Huxley (1825-1895)

“It is impossible to enslave mentally or socially a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom.” —Horace Greeley (1811-1872)

“The whole hope of human progress is suspended on the ever growing influence of the Bible.” —U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward (1801-1872)

“That book [King James Bible], sir, is the rock on which on republic rests.” —U.S. President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)

“The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.” —Patrick Henry (1736-1799)

“God Himself became a Man, to give mankind a concrete, definite, tangible idea of what kind of Person to think of when we think of God. God is like Jesus. Jesus was God incarnate in human form. His appearance on earth is the Central Event of all history. The Old Testament sets the stage for it. The New Testament describes it. As a man, He lived the most strangely Beautiful Life ever known. He was the Kindest, Tenderest, Gentlest, most Patient, most Sympathetic man that ever lived. He Loved people. He hated to see people in trouble. He loved to Forgive. He loved to Help. He wrought marvelous miracles to feed hungry people. For relieving the suffering He forgot to take food for Himself. Multitudes, weary, pain-ridden, and heart-sick, came to Him, and found healing and relief. It is said of Him, and of no other, that if all the deeds of Kindness that He did were written, the world would not contain the books. That is the kind of man Jesus was. That is the kind of Person God is. Then: He Died, on the Cross, to take away the Sin of the world, to become the Redeemer and Saviour of man. Then: He Rose from the Dead: is Alive Now: not merely an historical character, but a Living Person: the Most Important Fact of History, and Most Vital Force in the world today.” —Henry H. Halley (1874-1965); Halley's Bible Handbook.

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CHAPTER TWO

When They Knew God

  By David J. Stewart

        Romans 1:16-25, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, WHEN THEY KNEW GOD, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” 

Everyone at Some Point in Life Recognizes God

Romans chapter one gives us the “progression” of people who have decided to travel the highway of destruction (to ultimate misery and judgment) in Hell. Surely, God doesn’t want anyone to perish. The Bible declares that we are responsible for ourselves—we must decide our own fate! Why would a person reject God? Why would any man or woman despise their Creator?  It all begins in Romans one with the easily overlooked little phrase, “...WHEN THEY KNEW GOD...” (Romans 1:21). Every man and woman at some point in life “knew God.” The Greek word for “knew” here means “to be aware of” or “to perceive.” Thus, we have all perceived God’s presence at some point in our life. Everyone has had the chance to do what’s right and seek after God. 

King Josiah in the Old Testament grew up in the worst of sinful conditions with ungodly parents and yet he served the Lord and did what was right. Anyone can do right! ... “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men” (Titus 2:11). God’s “grace” is sufficient for ALL our needs. God is fair! “For the INVISIBLE THINGS of Him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN...” (Romans 1:20). Wow! The Scriptures teach that we can indeed see invisible things! How? “...being understood BY THE THINGS THAT ARE MADE...” (Romans 1:20). We read in Psalm 19:1-3 that “The heavens declare the glory (goodness) of God; and the firmament SHOWETH His handiwork. Day unto day UTTERETH speech, and night unto night SHOWETH knowledge. There is NO SPEECH NOR LANGUAGE, WHERE THEIR VOICE IS NOT HEARD.” Every star is a sermon!

Just as with music, nature needs no interpreter. The Scriptures plainly teach that God has provided enough light (through the things that are made) for anyone to clearly see the things (which are invisible). “...even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE: Because that, WHEN THEY KNEW GOD, they glorified (to esteem glorious-honor, magnify) Him not as God, neither were thankful” (Romans 1:20,21). Christ-rejecters are without excuse! Those who will someday die and plunder into hell fire will be without excuse! Anyone can come to the knowledge of the truth if they so desire. We all perceive and become aware of God’s presence at some point in our life. We all must decide to go down one of two possible paths: God’s or our own.  
 

Most People Turn Away from God, Refusing to Acknowledge Him

Romans chapter one gives us the step-by-step downfall of those who choose the wrong path by deciding they don’t need God. “...they did not like to RETAIN GOD in their knowledge...” (Romans 1:28). What a sad statement! They simply didn’t want God in their life, not even in their mind. 

It all begins with being unthankful and not honoring God. The word “honor” means “to value.” How can anyone not value and want God? When the Scriptures speak of honoring your parents, it means to value them and treat them as such. Jesus, even while dying on the cross, expressed concern for His mother’s well being after He was gone (John 19:26). Do you value (honor) your parents and God? Can you live just as well without Jesus? No, you can’t! Many today are arrogant and self-righteous and don’t want a Savior. They don’t like God and don’t want to think about Him! They mistreat God. 
 

They Become Unthankful Towards God

These people, being unthankful and reluctant to honor God Almighty—became vain and foolish. “...but became vain (empty, silly) in their imaginations, and their FOOLISH HEART WAS DARKENED. Professing themselves to be wise, THEY BECAME FOOLS,” (Romans 1:21,22). So many are foolish today! This lost and wicked world that we are living in today—worships sports and sex; glorifies sin and rebellion; thrives on greed and corruption; practices covetousness and maliciousness; diminishes the sacredness of the family, marriage and God; honors the immoral and heathen; Rejects Christ and has no place or purpose for the Word of God. 

God says; “...they are WITHOUT EXCUSE” (Romans 1:20); “...Who KNOWING the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM” (Romans 1:32). This sounds like TV doesn’t it? People have pleasure in watching others commit sin! Adulterers and homosexuals who would never be allowed into your home to commit their evil deeds are welcomed right into your home through the TV set to do the same. No wonder some have called the TV—Hellivision. Is the TV your idol?  Don’t be too quick to say “no”! Read your Bible lately? How much time do you spend watching the box? Idolatry is anything that means more to you than God.
 

They Become Fools in Their Sinful Pride

By nature man is full of pride, arrogance and self-righteousness. For those who avoid God, live in sin and “do-their-own-thing”—they must redefine God and His truth to maintain self-respect. So they change, discredit and misquote God’s Word. They have a distorted view of God. “And CHANGED the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image...” (Romans 1:23). “Who CHANGED the truth of God into a lie...” (Romans 1:25). So they explain away God and His Holy Word with silly thinking and worldly philosophy. “PROFESSING THEMSELVES TO BE WISE, they became fools” (Romans 1:22). Are you a fool? Did you travel down the wrong path in life after the time “when you knew God?” 

What a statement—“WHEN THEY KNEW GOD!” (Romans 1:21). Some people deny God’s Word. Scriptures say that the “invisible” things of God are “clearly seen.” The rich man in Hell begged Abraham to send Lazarus from the dead to warn his five brothers “lest they also come into this place of torment.”  Abraham said, “If they will not hear Moses and the prophets, NEITHER WILL THEY BE PERSUADED, THOUGH ONE ROSE FROM THE DEAD” (Luke 16:27-31). 
 

There are No Excuses Not to Get Saved!

No excuses! If you go to Hell, it will be no one’s fault but YOUR OWN. People are great blame-shifters. Adam and Eve both sinned—Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent. This is typical of humans, to shift the blame elsewhere. If we cannot shift the blame, then we try to cover our sins as Cain did. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Cain killed Able and then pretended he was ignorant concerning Abel's death. On and on we could go. Everyone wants to shift the blame. 

No my friend, you CANNOT blame anyone else for your wrong doing and mistakes. Anytime you point your finger at someone else, there are three of your own fingers pointing back at you. We are all losers without God. Accept who you are and turn to God in faith for salvation. Let me also say, “there are no losers with God.” Admit to God you’re a sinner and ask Him to forgive your sins, realizing that Christ paid for them.  Decide to rely upon Jesus Christ as your Savior because of all that He did to pay for your sins. Make that decision now! 

Being saved is the easiest thing in the world but people make it difficult. It’s so simple to be saved. You are a sinner my friend. Because of your sins, you deserve to go to Hell. But praise be to God, He sent His only begotten Son Jesus, to died on the cross for our sins. Jesus was buried, and He bodily resurrected the third day. This is “the Gospel” as defined by 1st Corinthians 15:1-4.

John 10:9, “I AM THE DOOR: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Jesus is the Door into Heaven. There is no other way into Heaven except by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:10-12). If you simply BELIEVE THE GOSPEL, you are saved. Just believe and receive!!! It's a gift (Romans 6:23).

The important thing is that you BELIEVE THE GOSPEL to be saved! 1st Corinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” There are many false teachings being propagated in churches and on religious radio nowadays; such as, to “Invite Jesus into your life,” which is not the Gospel. Also, other unbiblical teachings that are common are “Confessing Christ before men,” or “Asking Jesus into your heart,” or superstitiously “Saying 'Jesus is Lord' to be saved,” or “praying a prayer,” et cetera. None of these constitute THE GOSPEL. Millions of people are hellbound, who errantly think they are going to Heaven, because they attend a church and center their life around the teachings of Christ. Jesus warned in John 3:3, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Becoming a Christian is a win-win situation. There are no losers in God’s family, only winners! Please become a child of God now my friend. You don't even have to “ask” Jesus to save you, because the Lord has already promised to “SAVE THEM THAT BELIEVE” (1st Corinthians 1:21). Jesus doesn't need to forgive sins, because He has already paid the full price for everyone's sins on the cross. Thus, eternal life is a free gift, paid for by Jesus' precious blood. But you have to receive it! Forgiveness is a gift that must be received. The moment you believe, you receive! The price of our sins has been paid on the cross of Calvary! The gift of eternal life is yours if you want it, with no obligation whatsoever, just receive it by faith.

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CHAPTER THREE

The Sinfulness Of Mankind

  By David J. Stewart

To be Saved, We Must Recognize Our Own Sinfulness

You must realize and admit that you are a sinner according to the Scriptures. 

 Romans 3:23 tells us, “For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Again in Romans 3:10 we read the words “There is NONE righteous, No NOT ONE.” We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Adam was that “one man” who committed the original sin. God had told Adam and Eve that they would die on the very day they sinned. “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the DAY that thou eatest there of it THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.” (Genesis 2:17). Interestingly, Adam and Eve lived many years thereafter. How could this be? The reason is because they died spiritually, NOT physically when they sinned. Their perfect relationship with God was over. They now had the sin nature and were at enmity with God. The days of paradise in Eden were at an sudden end.  
 

The Curse of the Sin Nature — All Humans are Born with it.

Romans 5:12 teaches us that Adam’s spiritual death has been passed down to all of humanity. This means we are ALL born spiritually dead. Adam and Eve would have lived forever had they not sinned. This is why each person MUST be born-again! The term “born-again” means “being born for the second time.” There is the physical birth and then there is the spiritual birth. We are born spiritually dead into this world without God. We are all born with a fallen nature, a natural tendency to sin. 

The sin nature has been passed down to us from Adam. No one needs to teach a child how to lie, steal, cheat, etc. On the contrary, children need to be taught NOT to lie, steal or cheat, etc. The only two individuals who were ever born into this world without a fallen nature (sin nature) were Adam and Jesus Christ. Adam of course sinned and took upon himself the sin nature; Jesus NEVER sinned, not even once. Adam’s love for Eve superceded His love for God. He chose to sin with Eve at the expense of facing the judgment of God. Adam became a sinner and died spiritually the moment he sinned. He would be a sinner from that day forward, even unto his death. The rest of mankind does not have a choice on the matter, we all have that same sin nature because Adam chose to have it. We are all descendants of our great ancestral father, Adam; therefore, we are all born with the same infectious curse of sin and death. We all have the sin-tainted blood of Adam. We are all born spiritually dead (the natural man). Jesus on-the other-hand NEVER sinned, not even once... “For he hath made him to be sin for us, WHO KNEW NO SIN” (2nd Corinthians 5:21). This was absolutely necessary if Christ was to offer Himself up as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind (as of a lamb without spot or blemish). I will cover this more later. You need to realize at this point my friend that you are a guilty sinner.  
 

Man Cannot Save Himself

As sinners, we cannot do anything of our own effort to reconcile ourselves with God—We must follow God’s plan of salvation. All of our GOOD WORKS CANNOT SAVE US... “For BY GRACE are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES: it is the GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). The truth could not be any plainer than this—you cannot earn your way to Heaven! You cannot brag about your self-righteousness to God because you have no righteousness of your own to offer. Adam and Eve could not make up for what they had done. All of their own good works could not get them out of the situation they had entangled themselves in. They had sinned and were bound for Hell. What were they to do? Ah, but God in His love had a plan to redeem mankind... Christ who knew no sin became as sin so that we who knew no righteousness could obtain Christ’s righteousness. Salvation is God’s FREE GIFT, paid for by Jesus at the cross. No amount of good deeds can undo the bad we have done. 
 

Committing Even the Smallest Sins Make Us Guilty of ALL

NOT BY WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” (Titus 3:5). Read the following words spoken in Isaiah, “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 hates sin so much that He can’t even describe it in words we would understand. So God instead tells us what He thinks about all the good things we do—they’re nothing but filthy rags in His sight. Don’t misunderstand—God loves good works, but God hates when we trust our self-righteousness to get us into Heaven. Salvation is receiving, not giving. If you are trying to please God with the nice things you do in hopes of making it to Heaven someday, you're in for a horrible surprise! Why? Because committing ONE SIN makes us guilty of ALL in the eyes of God... “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet OFFEND IN ONE POINT, he is GUILTY OF ALL” (James 2:10). Whoa! That doesn’t sound too fair does it? The point is that a sinner is a sinner. Whether you sin once or a thousand times, you are still a sinner in need of a Savior. Adam and Eve sinned just once but that was enough to bring them under the condemnation and judgment of Almighty God.  
 

There is None Righteous

We are all sinners. God is simply trying to show you that your NOT as righteous as you may have thought you were. As a matter of fact; “There is NONE righteous…” (Romans 3:10). First John 1:10 declares that if we deny that we have sinned, we are calling God a liar. It is the LAW (commands of God) that show us just how wicked we really are, “...for BY THE LAW is the KNOWLEDGE OF SIN” (Romans 3:20). The law condemns us and points us to Christ. 

As with any court, ignorance is no excuse for the law. Cain killed Able before the Law of Moses was ever given but God still held him accountable. The Law simply reinforces our moral conscience. Let’s read the purpose of the Mosaic Law (which includes the 10 commandments) in Romans 3:19, “Now we know that what things so ever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and ALL THE WORLD MAY BECOME GUILTY BEFORE GOD. The purpose of the Law of Moses was to reveal to Israel and to the rest of humanity just how wicked we really are. No person alive can keep the whole Law of God perfectly, NO ONE. The Law shows us our hopeless condition and then graciously points us to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Salvation is in Christ, NOT ourselves. “Wherefore THE LAW WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST, that we might be JUSTIFIED BY FAITH” (Galatians 3:24). Keeping the ten commandments will not save anybody! Being a nice person CANNOT help you earn you heaven! Getting water baptized simply won’t help! The Law shows us our need for Christ’s work of redemption. The Law was given to us by God that our sin might become “exceeding sinful” in our own eyes. “...that SIN by the commandment might become EXCEEDINGLY SINFUL” (Romans 7:13). Having done it’s job, we must admit our hopelessly sinful condition and turn to Christ for our salvation.  
 

The Reason Why People Become Self-Righteous

The problem that most people face is that they look and compare themselves with other people instead of God’s Word. “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are NOT WISE” (2nd Corinthians 10:12). This passage was written to Believers to warn them against comparing themselves with others. It is unwise to compare ourselves to someone else because everybody is totally different. Each one of us has been created in God’s own image, but very unique at the same time. There is no one else exactly like you nor will there ever be. We must be careful about comparing ourselves with others. This unwise practice has caused many unsaved folks to believe a lie! It’s very easy to view one’s self as being righteous if we COMPARE ourselves to our fellow mankind. Surely most people will look good in their own eyes if they watch the evening news. We hear of all the scandals and crimes being committed. 

No doubt, there are some real sick people in this world. To be Scriptural, we’re all sick. All humans are born sinful and prone to wander into mischievousness. Even Believers sometimes can commit the most hideous of crimes if they wander out of fellowship with the Lord. All people need to trust Jesus Christ as personal Savior to be a Christian and then all Christians need to walk humbly with their God on a daily basis to stay out of trouble. Living the Christian life isn't hard—it's IMPOSSIBLE without the Lord's help. All the Bible knowledge in the world means nothing if you don’t WALK WITH GOD. You hear about all the crime and horrible things that people do and then conclude that your not so bad after all. However; if we will COMPARE ourselves to a Holy God and His perfect Word, we can only say as Isaiah the prophet, “Then said I, WOE IS ME!  FOR I AM UNDONE; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5).  

We read of a foolish man in the Bible who COMPARED himself to another man... “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as OTHER MEN are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:10-14). The Pharisee made the woeful mistake of comparing himself to “OTHER MEN.” The publican had his heart set on God alone. 

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CHAPTER FOUR

The Penalty Of Hell

  By David J. Stewart

Sin Brings the Penalty of Death

        You must realize and admit to God that because of YOUR OWN SINFULNESS, you are under the CONDEMNATION OF GOD and are DESERVING of the PENALTY of HELL FIRE and DAMNATION. 

The Bible makes this clear. WE EARN DEATH by the SINS WE HAVE COMMITTED, just as you would earn wages from working a job... “For the WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH” (Romans 6:23). The Scriptures declare that those who die without CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOR WILL DIE A SECOND DEATH as well as a first death. If you are NOT saved, you are already spiritually dead. You are simply awaiting your future home in hell, the second death. You need to do absolutely nothing to go to hell, but you must be born-again to go to heaven. 

The Bible speaks of a second death... “But the fearful, and UNBELIEVING, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and ALL LIARS, shall have their part in THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: which is the SECOND DEATH” (Revelation 21:8). “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the SECOND DEATH hath no power” (Revelation 20:6).  
 

Committing Even One Sin Makes Us Guilty of All

How many people does a person have to kill to be considered a murderer? Obviously, JUST ONE! So likewise, how many lies does a person have to tell to be a liar? Again, JUST ONE!  Revelation 21:8 tells us that ALL LIARS will have their part in the SECOND DEATH (THE LAKE OF FIRE). James 2:10 affirms this, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in ONE POINT, he is GUILTY OF ALL.” Once Adam and Eve had committed sin, they were bound for an earthly grave as well as an eternal grave in hell forever. Hell is the destiny of all those who are spiritually dead when they die. If you die in your sins, it is too late. It is also worthy to mention that Adam and Eve only committed ONE SIN; thus, disobeying God. What was their horrible sin? Eating some fruit! It is common for people today to diminish the wickedness of sin. We must NOT make the sin of deciding how sinful sin is—ALL sin is wicked and wrong because ALL sin is rebellion against God. Also, Adam and Eve were not degenerate people before they sinned, they were perfect and upright. This teaches us that NO ONE is above sin. We ALL have the potential to sin, no matter how close we walk with God. The old sin nature CANNOT be tamed!  
 

Spiritual Death verses the Second Death

There seems to be a misunderstanding concerning spiritual death. May I say, the “second death” is NOT the same thing as “spiritual death.”  If you are NOT saved, you are already spiritually dead. The “second death” is when you die and go to hell.  Let me say again, if you are not saved—You are already spiritually dead! Your already a child of hell. That’s why you need to get saved, so you can have spiritual life anew in Jesus Christ.  Without Christ, you are of the Devil. Those who are NOT saved have the spirit of Satan working in them, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, THE SPIRIT THAT NOW WORKETH IN THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE” (Ephesians 2:1,2). Satan has the great power of influence upon this old sin-cursed world. The Bible teaches that the natural (unsaved) man is prone to follow worldly philosophies and entertainment (which are really Satan’s teachings and activities). People who are spiritually dead (unsaved) are naturally inclined to heed the Devil’s call because he is bankrupt of any goodness or integrity. Satan’s voice prompts his children to selfish thoughts, self-centered activities and self-righteous religion. Satan is the father of all liars and murderers! The Devil’s goal for each of us to keep us from doing God’s will. Satan has NO WILL for your life, he wants you to do “your own thing.” In so doing, you have forgotten about God. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.  
 

The Second Death is God's Judgment Upon Lost Sinners

The bottom line is this, WE MUST ALL STAND BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF GOD SOMEDAY... “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this THE JUDGMENT” (Hebrews 9:27). ARE YOU READY? The teaching of Hell may not be popular in the new millennium but it is a clear Bible teaching. Let’s look at some Scripture references concerning ETERNAL PUNISHMENT. “...suffering the vengeance of ETERNAL FIRE” (Jude 7). “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the FIRE; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 23). “...for their worm shall not die, NEITHER SHALL THEIR FIRE BE QUENCHED…” (Isaiah 66:24). “Where their WORM DIETH NOT, and the FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED” (Mark 9:44). “...Whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in DANGER OF HELL FIRE” (Matthew 5:22).  “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather FEAR HIM which is able to DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL” (Matthew 10:28). Notice from the Scripture we just read that God has the power to destroy both our soul as well as our body. If “hell” only refers to the grave, then why should we FEAR. If the worst thing that can happen to me is to be annihilated (non-existent), then why in the world should I FEAR? This is the erroneous teaching of the Jehovah Witnesses. They are dead wrong! I always say the same thing to a Jehovah’s Witness, “If you're right about Hell, I’ll just be dead and unconscious someday; But if the Bible is right about Hell, you’ll burn in hell-fire for ALL ETERNITY.” So which road am I safer on, the Jehovah’s Witnesses road or the Bibles?  I’ll take the Bible road any day! “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the DAMNATION OF HELL?” (Matthew 23:33). “And these shall go away into EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46). If there is no consciousness in the grave of the dead, then how can one’s punishment be everlasting? The Bible must be taken at face value, it says what it means and means what it says. The Bible has much to say about hell. The Bible has more to say about hell than it does about heaven, read it for yourself.  
 

Christ-rejecters are Condemned to Hell Already

We are CONDEMNED ALREADY and the WRATH OF GOD is upon us IF we have NOT accepted CHRIST AS OUR PERSONAL SAVIOR. Listen to the Words of John the Baptist, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM” (John 3:36). “God judgeth the righteous, and GOD IS ANGRY WITH THE WICKED EVERY DAY” (Psalm 7:11). If you die in your sins, you must face the TERROR OF GOD. “Knowing therefore the TERROR OF THE LORD, we persuade men” (2nd Corinthians 5:11). The terror is NOT for the Believer but for the unbeliever. “And they journeyed: and the TERROR OF GOD was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob” (Genesis 35:5). “It is a FEARFUL THING to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). For anyone to say that there is no hell or that hell does not have fire is a foolish thing indeed. What fear is there in facing God if there is no Hell which burns with fire. There is no fear in annihilation (ceasing to exist). No my friend, Hell is very real.

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CHAPTER FIVE

The Reality Of Hell

By David J. Stewart

The Rich Man Went to Hell and Was Punished

        We read of the rich man who went to hell in Luke 16:19-31. He died in his sins. Let’s read this factual account in the Scriptures . . .  

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And IN HELL he lift up his eyes, being in TORMENTS, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and COOL MY TONGUE; for I AM TORMENTED IN THIS FLAME. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art TORMENTED. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of TORMENT. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, IF THEY HEAR NOT MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, NEITHER WILL THEY BE PERSUADED, THOUGH ONE ROSE FROM THE DEAD.”

Notice, Jesus did NOT say this was a parable; therefore, WE MUST ACCEPT IT AS LITERAL! Also notice that in all of Jesus’ parables, He always referred to a “certain man” or a “far off country.” Jesus never used specific names in His parables. Jesus used specific names in this account: Lazarus and Abraham. This is a factual account of something that happened. The word TORMENT(S) is found mentioned 3 times in verses 23, 25 and 28. Just as today, A MAN IS ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS WORD. We must believe then that JESUS SAID WHAT HE MEANT and MEANT WHAT HE SAID! The rich man was not a criminal, he was not a drug dealer, he was not a murderer, etc. What was it that kept the rich man from getting saved? Ready for this? He thought he had heaven on earth so he didn’t take the Word of God seriously. 

The rich man lived for himself.  He could have cared less about the poor—people such as Lazarus. Lazarus was very poor and diseased. The rich man was very rich and stingy. Lazarus ate the crumbs out of the garbage pail of the rich man. The rich man was selfish and self-centered but that’s not what sent him to hell. He went to hell because he never put his FAITH in Christ as Savior. He was guilty of the worst sin of all—UNBELIEF. He never stopped long enough to consider his ways and turn to God for the forgiveness of his sins. He probably thought the preacher was a quack and the Word of God was just another religious book. Unfortunately, hell became his new home because of his wealthy pride that blinded him in unbelief.  
 

Most Rich People Will Be Eternally Damned in the Lake of Fire

Oh how many rich people are sadly in hell right now. “Go to now, YE RICH MEN, weep and howl for your MISERIES that shall come upon you” (James 5:1). “For it is EASIER FOR A CAMEL TO GO THROUGH A NEEDLE’S EYE, than for a RICH MAN to enter into the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25). “For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the RICH MAN FADE AWAY IN HIS WAYS” (James 1:11). I’d like to add here, most people in the United States are rich and don’t realize it. These verses may indeed be speaking about you. The United States is a very rich nation. Even homeless people living on the streets have something here that immigrants are willing to risk their lives to have—opportunity. 

People are dying in the oceans and in box cars trying to escape the poverty stricken and communist lands they reluctantly call home. Surely we are a blessed people in the United States. However; along with this prosperity has arisen a stiff-necked people, full of pride. The rich man is Luke sixteen which we just read about had no color TV set—he had no refrigerator, no telephone, no electricity, no car, no plumbing, no washer or dryer, no modern medicine, no camera, no CD player, no radio, etc. By today’s standards he would be considered poor. Yet, he was called a “rich man” by God. I contend that we're all very  rich indeed and in danger of the same kind of fate that the rich man met—Eternal damnation in hell. Do you take the Word of God SERIOUSLY? Or do you take God’s Word lightly? 
 

Hell is a Place of Brutal Torment — Jesus Said that Hell Has Fire!

Let’s look at some more verses concerning hell. Jesus foretells of WEEPING and GNASHING OF TEETH, “...there shall be WEEPING and GNASHING OF TEETH” (Matthew 8:12).  “Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH” (Matthew 22:13). “And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH” (Matthew 24:51). “And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH” (Matthew 25:30). “There shall be WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out” (Luke 13:28). 

“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the FIRE THAT NEVER SHALL BE QUENCHED: Where their worm dieth not, and the FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the FIRE THAT NEVER SHALL BE QUENCHED: Where their worm dieth not, and the FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into HELL FIRE: Where their worm dieth not, and the FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED” (Mark 9:43-48). Hell has fire!  
 

The Wicked and the Righteous Cannot Go to the Same Grave

Do you really think Jesus would have spoken all these Words if hell didn’t have fire?  Let’s hear Jesus’ Words in John 14:2, “In my Father's house are many mansions: IF IT WERE NOT SO, I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU. Jesus said what He meant and meant what He said.  For anyone to deny that hell has fire is unbelief. When a man tells me he doesn’t believe that hell has fire, I know that he doesn’t believe the Bible. The Bible teaches that Hell is fire and eternal damnation. I’ve heard people contend that the word “hell” only means grave. In some places in the Bible this is true, but in most others it means hell fire and punishment. 

Psalm 9:17 is a good example of where “hell” CANNOT mean simply “grave.” ... “THE WICKED SHALL BE TURNED INTO HELL, and all the nations that forget God.” Do not the righteous also go to the grave? If the word “hell” only means “grave,” then both the wicked and the righteous go to the same place. Only a fool would say such a thing. In most cases in the Bible, the word “hell” implies damnation and fire. The wicked go to hell-fire and punishment, the righteous go to Heaven for life everlasting. Don’t be foolish my friend in denying that hell is real. I can assure you that this world we live in is NOT hell. I believe the worst thing about hell won’t be the suffering and torment, it will be the constant realization that you could have been up in heaven serving a loving God for all eternity. 

Oh how bitter the bitterness which will be inflicted upon those suffering in Hell, an eternity to sulk in regrets and resentments. Perhaps this is the “worm that dieth not” which we read about several times in the Scriptures—the conscience. No one knows for sure what the “worms” are but whatever they are, I sure wouldn’t want to find out. The only safe place to be is in the everlasting arm of Jesus... “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are THE EVERLASTING ARMS” (Deuteronomy 33:27). Are you safe and secure in the Everlasting Arms? Only in Jesus Christ can any person find true salvation and security. 



“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  —Revelation 21:8

God Tells the Wicked to Fear Because Hell is Real

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather FEAR HIM which is able to DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL” (Matthew 10:28). God has the power to destroy both our soul as well as our body. If “hell” only refers to the grave, then why should we FEAR.  If the worst thing that can happen to me is to be annihilated (non-existent), then why in the world should I FEAR?  This is the erroneous teaching by the Jehovah Witnesses. They are dead wrong! I always say the same thing to a Jehovah’s Witness, “If your right about hell, I’ll just be dead and unconscious someday; But if the Bible is right about hell, you’ll burn in hell-fire for ALL ETERNITY.” So which road am I safer on, the Jehovah’s Witnesses road or the Bibles? I’ll take the Bible’s road any day! “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the DAMNATION OF HELL?” (Matthew 23:33). “And these shall go away into EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46). If there is no consciousness in the grave of the dead, then how can one’s punishment be everlasting? To “rightly divide” the Word of Truth, you simply CANNOT explain away the reality of hell. The Bible actually says more about Hell than it does Heaven, read it for yourself!

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CHAPTER SIX

The Purpose of Hell

By David J. Stewart

Hell Was Prepared for the Devil and His Angels

 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS (Matthew 25:41). God never intended for one single person to end up in Hell. It is NOT God’s will that anyone should perish in their sins and go to Hell... “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, but that ALL should come to REPENTANCE” (2nd Peter 3:9). It is NOT God’s fault if men and women are stubborn and unwilling to REPENT of their unbelief. Hell was NOT created for human beings but rather for Satan and his horde of demons. We are ALL without excuse for the wrong decisions we make in life—we CANNOT blame God. Perhaps other humans influenced us to make some wrong decisions but that’s not God’s fault. I often tell people, “Don’t give up on God because men fail you.” Let Job be our example, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). What a statement! 
 

Demons KNOW That Their Day of Judgment is Coming

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.  And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither TO TORMENT US BEFORE THE TIME?” (Matthew 8:28,29). All demons know that judgment day is coming for them. These demons in Matthew chapter eight were afraid that Jesus was going to confine them to the pits of hell before their time was come. Evidently some angels are so wicked that God has bound them in chains, awaiting the Day of Judgment. We read of such angels in Jude, “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath RESERVED IN EVERLASTING CHAINS under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (Jude 6). Jesus had the power to send these demons to the everlasting chains of confinement. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down TO HELL, and delivered them into CHAINS of darkness, TO BE RESERVED unto judgment” (2nd Peter 2:4). These demons are reserved in chains awaiting the day of God’s judgment. Even Satan himself will be bound in chains during the one-thousand-year millennial reign of Christ upon the earth, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and A GREAT CHAIN in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:1,2). So we learn that Hell was only intended to be the place of reservation for the fallen angels.  
 

Demons Acknowledge That Hell is a Place of Torment

Notice that the demons in Matthew 8:29 asked Jesus if He had come to TORMENT them. Hell is a place of torment. The demons know that judgment day is approaching. Presently, many of the demons are free to roam about through the earth. We see this in 1st Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, WALKETH ABOUT, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is alive and well folks! The Devil wants to render you useless for God, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy...” (John 10:10). Satan is that murderous thief. We are told in Revelation 12:12, “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but A SHORT TIME.” Satan’s days are numbered! This particular Scripture verse is referring to Satan’s mischief during the tribulation period. The Devil is always good for nothing and up to something. Satan knows the Bible better than any human being but is a rejecter of the truth—he is full of hatred and deliberately changes and counterfeits the truth. After the seven-year Tribulation Period, Satan knows that He will be bound in chains for one thousand years. This time of Satan’s rage during the last three and a half years of the Tribulation Period is known as the time of “Great Tribulation.” The Bible warns of the atrocities of that coming time.   
 

Demons Tremble and Fear God

Also notice in Matthew 8:29 that the demons said, “what have we to do with Thee, Jesus, thou Son of God?” In other words, “we’re minding our own business, why are you here?” The demons fear God! We read in James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and TREMBLE.” The fallen angels know that their time of judgment is inevitably approaching. Hell was created for the Devil and his angels as a jail to contain them until the judgment. Why certain angels are free to roam the earth and others are reserved in chains unto judgment?—the Bible does not say. We’ve seen already from the Scriptures we’ve studied that demons are afraid of Jesus, afraid of being tormented before their time. 
 

The Great White Throne — The Final Judgment of the Unsaved

We read these interesting words in Revelation 20:14, “And DEATH AND HELL were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” How can Hell be cast into the Lake of Fire? How can death be cast into the Lake of Fire? There are two different Greek words used here. The Lake of Fire is the Greek word Gehenna. The word “hell” in Revelation 21:14 is the Greek word Hades. So we learn from the Bible that Hades will be cast into Gehenna. Hades is a temporary place, but Gehenna will be the eternal home of the damned.

Hell is a jail where the unsaved await trial and sentencing before being cast into the prison of the Lake of Fire. Please understand that if you are not a Believer—you are already condemned! ... “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). Death is man’s great enemy! All the wealth, fame and worldly enjoyments a person may experience in this lifetime CANNOT go with them beyond the grave. Once you're dead, it’s over! It’ll be too late to live for God when your six-feet-under.

Death means SEPARATION. The first death is the SEPARATION of body from soul and spirit. This is true of the saved and of the unsaved because we must ALL experience the first death. Only the unsaved must experience the second death. If you’re a Believer, you will receive your resurrected incorruptible body at the Rapture (before the Tribulation Period); If you're NOT a Believer, then your body will be resurrected after the Millennium to stand before God at The Great White Throne of Judgment. “And the sea gave up THE DEAD which were in it; and death and hell delivered up THE DEAD which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works” (Revelation 20:13). There will be a reuniting of the body, soul and spirit at The Great White Throne of Judgment. Body, soul and spirit will all be cast into the Lake of Fire. 

The Bible makes reference to the body being destroyed in Hell... “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy BOTH SOUL AND BODY in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Those in Hell will be cast into the Lake of Fire. The second death is a SEPARATION of your body, soul and spirit from God for ALL ETERNITY! How sad. If man will not accept the gift of eternal life from God, then he will receive the only other alternative—eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire. God never created mankind to be put in such a horrible place, but there is no other place for him. Hell was created for the Devil and his angels. I take it that this is a place where God never goes. The second death means eternal and absolute separation from God.

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CHAPTER SEVEN

Christ Died For Our Sins

By David J. Stewart

        “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1st Corinthians 15:3,4). It is Jesus Christ who died on the cross for sinners, NOT mother Mary or Allah. Muslims don’t even believe that Jesus died on the cross yet deceitfully claim that we all worship the same God—NO WE DO NOT! Allah is a non-existent god. Allah is the god of people who know not the Lord. “Howbeit then, WHEN YE KNEW NOT GOD, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods” (Galatians 4:8). It is the unsaved who serve false and lifeless gods. 
 

Jesus Has the Scars

The Scriptures proclaim that Jesus Christ died on the cross! Buddha CANNOT save your soul because Buddha did not die on the cross for you. Buddha does NOT have the nailed scarred hands that Jesus has. Jesus was nailed to the cross, not Buddha. Mary was NOT nailed to the cross for you. Confucius was NOT nailed to the cross. “The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the PRINT OF THE NAILS, and put my finger into the PRINT OF THE NAILS, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and MY GOD” (John 20:25-28). Thomas wanted to see Jesus’ scars. The reason Thomas wanted to touch Jesus side was because Jesus had been pierced with a spear by a Roman soldier while hanging from the cross. When Thomas saw and felt the scars in Jesus’ hands and feet and His side, he properly recognized Jesus as his Lord and God. Do you properly recognize Jesus? Do you see Him with His scars? Do you realize that He died for you because He loves you and wants you to be in Heaven with Him for all eternity? Yes, Jesus does! Jesus Christ is a person, just like you and me. He is full of compassion and understanding, a friend at all times. 
 

Sin Brings Death

For the wages of sin is DEATH; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). The Bible teaches that it is our sin that brings death. How then could Christ die? The answer is simple, had Jesus not been murdered by His own people, He would have lived forever. Adam would have lived forever had he not sinned, but he did and death was the ultimate consequence. Jesus was perfect in every way, without sin! Jesus was crucified as a criminal for a crime He did NOT commit. He died for you and me, the righteous for the unrighteous. We all deserve to go straight to Hell for our own wickedness—If you don’t agree, then you have not been at the feet of Jesus.


Jesus Paid For Our Sins Because He Loves Us

"But we see JESUS, who was made a little lower than the angels FOR THE SUFFERING OF DEATH, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should TASTE DEATH FOR EVERY MAN" (Hebrews 2:9). Jesus willingly went to the cross as a falsely accused wrongdoer to pay for the sins of the world. It’s hard to imagine that God incarnate (in the flesh) was crucified by us human beings. Nevertheless; Jesus was beaten, spit upon, mocked, stripped naked and nailed to a tree. Perfection was hated and rejected by mankind, Christ was crucified. God did this for you and me because He loves us and wanted to express that love to us. How could any intelligent person reject such a wonderful Savior and God? 

Notice from the verse we just read that Jesus was “MADE a little lower than the angels.” In other words, God became a mortal man. Why? The verse tells us, “...for the SUFFERING OF DEATH.” Jesus came to earth, born of a poor family. Joseph and Mary were too poor to afford a lamb for sacrifice so they offered up two birds instead, “And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24). Jesus could not come to the earth as a mighty King if He was to die on the cross. If Christ had come in power and might, he would have made a lot of phony friends. The Jews had misinterpreted the Old Testament and were anticipating a great King. No, rather, Jesus needed to come to earth as a humble servant... “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8). Jesus is equal with God because He is God. God came to the earth in the “form of God” and in the “fashion of a man.” When people beheld Jesus, they beheld God in the flesh. However, He was humble with a meek and lowly Spirit about Him, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). What a wonderful Savior!

How often do people picture God as a mean Ogre up in Heaven with a big stick just waiting for us to mess up.  Some people are terrified of God and think God is judging them every time they sneeze or break a leg. Listen to this encouraging verse found in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah... “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of PEACE, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). God wants you to have peace more than you want to have peace. God thinks no evil thought toward you. Satan tries to make us think that God hates sinners; on the contrary, it is God’s love for sinners that causes Him to hate sin. God hates sin because it ruins people’s lives! Sin destroys! Sin separates! Sin breaks up families! Sin brings shame and guilt! It is sin that God hates, and not the sinner. God may be angry with sinners, but He doesn't hate them.

Oh that people would realize that God loves humanity! Jesus is a great Guy. How many people do you know who'd be willing to die for you? Jesus did. Don’t listen to the Devil or foolishly develop your own preconceived ideas about Jesus—spend time with Jesus yourself and get to know Him in His Word. Don’t just read your Bible, study and learn it! Ask yourself, “what is God trying to tell me in this passage?” ... “How can I apply this truth to my life?” ... “How can I please God more in my daily life?” Pray and ask the Holy Spirit of God to open the eyes of your understanding and to guide you into the truth of God’s Word. No one can make the truth work for you, you have to apply it to your own life!
 

Jesus Died Once For All

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if ONE DIED FOR ALL, then were all dead (2nd Corinthians 5:14). There is a heresy going around which teaches that Jesus only died for the saved, this is a lie. The Bible teaches the truth that Jesus Christ died for ALL because ALL were dead in trespasses and sins. If a person dies in their sins and goes to Hell, their gift of eternal life will rot in Heaven. All of mankind’s sins have been paid for by Christ at the Hill of Cavalry in Jerusalem. This is where Jesus hung on a cross and paid the great price. Jesus paid for the sins of the vilest wretched sinner and all that sinner needs to do to be saved is to admit their sin and turn to Christ in faith for the forgiveness of sins, believing that Christ and Christ alone will save.

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CHAPTER EIGHT

The Importance Of The Blood

By David J. Stewart

The Blood Had to Be Applied

        “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:  And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the BLOOD, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.  And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.  And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD's passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.  And the BLOOD shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD, I WILL PASS OVER YOU, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:1-13).  

Did you read that? The Lord said... “WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD, I WILL PASS OVER YOU”! The Lord was going to smite the firstborn in all the land of Egypt because of the false gods of the Egyptians. However, the Lord would NOT smite the firstborn if He saw the lamb's BLOOD upon the side posts and upper door lintel. The blood had to be applied! What if the lamb had been killed but the blood had NOT been applied to the door posts? Then the firstborn died! The killing of the lamb was NOT enough by itself, the lamb’s shed BLOOD HAD TO BE APPLIED! The lamb had to be a young male lamb without any disease or abnormalities. The lamb had to be killed and the blood collected so it could be applied to the doorposts of the home. This was the ONLY way of escape for the firstborn amongst both the Israelites and the Egyptians! 
 

The Day of Passover

This event in the history of the Israelites is called the Passover (a Passover day, followed by the seven days of unleavened bread.) “In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's PASSOVER. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread” (Leviticus 23:5,6). So we learn from Leviticus 23:5-6 that the fourteenth day was the day of Passover and AFTERWARDS followed seven additional days of eating unleavened bread. There is a big mistake in modern perversions of the Bible. Even the New King James bible makes this horrible mistake. I will show you. Let’s read Acts 12:1-4 from the King James Bible, “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (THEN WERE THE DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending AFTER EASTER to bring him forth to the people.” 

Notice that Acts 12:3 says the feast of unleavened bread was already being celebrated. This means that the day of Passover had ALREADY OCCURRED. Acts 12:4 tells us that wicked king Herod wanted to wait until AFTER Easter to kill Peter.  Look at most new perversions of the Bible and you’ll find the word “Easter” has been changed to “Passover.” This is totally wrong! There is no way that this could have been the day of Passover since the feast of unleavened bread was already taking place in Acts 12:3. The day of Passover had already occurred. So “Easter” is the correct word. 

This is in perfect harmony with Leviticus 23:5-6. By the way, Easter was a purely pagan holiday in those days. Easter today is celebrated differently than it was back then. Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Though the term “Easter” has it’s origin in heathen idolatry, Believers do not celebrate it as such and therefore it is not wrong. Likewise, we celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas. Some people think it sinful to have a Christmas tree because Jeremiah 10:2-4 mentions the heathen practice of decorating a tree for idolatrous worship. There is a fine line between faith and foolishness folks! God is not against decorating. Isn’t it God Who decorates the colorful flowers? Isn’t it God Who decorates the beautiful sunset? Isn’t it God who decorates animals and birds? Yes, it is our Great God. As long as you don’t bow down to your Christmas tree and worship it, you won’t offend God. Some people can really twist the Bible and come up with erroneous teachings and ideas. We must be careful in our search for the truth, there are many pitfalls. This is why we must ask and allow God’s Spirit to “guide” us into all truth. 


Jesus is Our Passover Lamb (through Christ's blood we are saved)

The Passover is a picture of Jesus Christ (Who is our Passover), “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even CHRIST OUR PASSOVER is sacrificed for us” (1st Corinthians 5:7). The slain lambs in Exodus 12:1-13 picture the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Jesus was as a lamb without spot nor blemish, He was perfect. Jesus was killed and His blood shed for our sins, “...without the shedding of BLOOD there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). There can be no redemption without Christ’s blood. Jesus absolutely had to shed His blood or mankind would have been doomed to Hell for all eternity. 

Beware of corrupt teachers such as Robert Thieme Jr. and popular radio teacher John MacArthur who claim that Jesus’ blood is of no significance! Mr. MacArthur teaches that Jesus’ blood soaked into the ground at the cross and has no redeeming power. These mislead men believe that only the death of Christ is of importance, not the blood. This is corrupt doctrine, lies. From reading Exodus 12:1-13 we have learned that the BLOOD HAD TO BE APPLIED to the door posts of the house if the firstborn was to survive through the night. The Lord said He was specifically going to look for the BLOOD, not the dead lamb. I sincerely doubt the salvation of any person who makes light of the blood of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures proclaim the message of the blood of Christ from Genesis to Revelation. 

Romans 3:25 states, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through FAITH IN HIS BLOOD, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” The word “propitiation” in the Greek means “to appease one’s wrath.” In other words, it is our faith in the shed blood of Christ that removes us from under the condemnation of God’s Law. God’s wrath is turned away and we obtain divine favor because of Jesus’ blood. It is “FAITH IN HIS BLOOD” that brings the forgiveness and cleansing of sins. Anyone who denies the importance of Jesus shed blood is a heretic. 

Let’s read another Scripture concerning the blood, “In whom we have REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). The Bible is clear as can be—the blood of Jesus redeems! How can anyone be so foolish as to deny the power of the blood? “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST” (Ephesians 2:13). We are reconciled and brought back close to God by Christ’s blood. “In whom we have REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14). There are a multitude of other references throughout the Bible teaching that Jesus’ blood is very important. It is a dangerous thing to make light of the blood of Christ, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN” (1st John 1:7). 

It is Jesus’ blood that cleanses away the sinners sins. “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD” (Revelation 1:5). What a wonderful Savior! We owe Jesus a debt of gratitude which cannot be adequately expressed with words. Christ has paid the price to redeem us unto Himself. Only a fool would deny the necessity of the blood for redemption. Yes, the death of Christ is important also but it would not have been sufficient by itself to redeem us. The blood had to be shed and applied to the mercy seat in Heaven (we will study this in the next chapter.) 

Everything concerning our Lord Jesus Christ was leading up to the blood atonement in Heaven. Christ’s virgin death was absolutely necessary to validate the blood atonement; however, Jesus’ Virgin Birth would have been in vain had He not applied the blood in Heaven. The same is true of Jesus’ sinless life, His death, His burial and His resurrection. These all would have meant NOTHING had Jesus not presented Himself before the Father in Heaven. The blood had to be applied to the Mercyseat in Heaven!

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CHAPTER NINE

The Blood Applied In Heaven

By David J. Stewart

        “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now TO APPEAR IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD FOR US” (Hebrews 9:24). Jesus had to appear before God the Father with the shed blood. This is why He told Mary not to touch Him when He arose from the dead. “Jesus saith unto her, TOUCH ME NOT; FOR I AM NOT YET ASCENDED TO MY FATHER: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God” (John 20:17). 

If Mary had touched Jesus, the blood sacrifice would have been tainted with corruption. Jesus was heading towards heaven with the blood which needed to be applied to the mercy seat in Heaven. “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an HIGH PRIEST, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Hebrews 8:1). Jesus is our High Priest! “Seeing then that we have a great HIGH PRIEST, that is passed into the heavens, JESUS THE SON OF GOD…” (Hebrews 4:14). Jesus’ tabernacle is in Heaven, not on earth, “A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (Hebrews 8:2).


The Heavenly Mercy Seat

The Mercyseat is located within this tabernacle in Heaven, just as it was in the Old Testament tabernacle. God had required for the Jewish High Priest to perform a ceremonial sacrifice once per year to atone for the sins of the Israelite people. The sacrifice pictured the coming Messiah Who would someday die on the cross for the sins of all people. This ceremonial event ceased when Christ died on the cross because the shadow of things to come was now obsolete, Jesus had fulfilled the prophecy. 

The Old Testament tabernacle, priests, holy of holies and mercyseat were all a shadow (or replica) of the Tabernacle and in Heaven. “Who serve unto the EXAMPLE AND SHADOW OF HEAVENLY THINGS, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount” (Hebrews 5:8). 

The Old Testament tabernacle was a mirror image of the tabernacle in Heaven where Christ would someday make the ultimate sacrifice with His shed blood. Jesus used His own blood to pay for our sins. Christ’s blood was applied to the Mercyseat in Heaven. For anyone to teach that Jesus’ blood has no redeeming power is a false prophet. To diminish the necessity of Christ's blood sacrifice is an abomination unto God.  


The Blood Applied in Heaven

Just as the Jewish high priest was required to enter into the holy of holies once a year, likewise Christ had to enter into the Holy of Holies to appear before God. The Old Testament tabernacle was divided into three parts: the outer court, the inner court and then the holy of holies. Only certain priests who followed certain cleansing rituals were allowed into the inner court. Absolutely no one could enter into the holy of holies except a certain high priest once a year. Disobeying certain rules meant death.

For example, if the high priest entered into the holy of holies without the lamb’s blood, God would have killed him. The blood atonement was sacred to God. Christ's blood is a serious matter to God. We must not make light of something that God holds dear. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1st Peter 1:18,19). Jesus is precious! Jesus’ blood is precious!

Carefully note that the word “atonement” is an Old Testament word which means “to cover.” Jesus DIDN'T merely cover our sins, He took them away forever with His blood. Amen! This is why, when speaking of Christ's work of redemption, I refer to His “blood sacrifice” instead of using the word “atonement.”

What a wonderful and loving God, that He would provide salvation to us through His own suffering and sacrifice. Surely there is no greater love than this. Do you fail to see God’s love toward mankind? If so, it is only because of your sinful unbelief. Believe my friend and let God have His way with your heart. 


Jesus' Blood Washes Our Sins Away

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22). As believers, We are not to live with guilt over the past. We are to sprinkle our past sins and mistakes with the blood of Jesus. What this means is that you must realize in your mind that Christ’s blood has washed your sins away and they are gone forever. “...Unto him that loved us, and WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD” (Revelation 1:5). 

Have your sins been forgiven? Jesus has made the provision for your forgiveness. All you have to do is say “yes” to He Who knocks at the door of your heart and invite Him in, “Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Is Jesus knocking at the door to your heart? Let Him in. By the way, you can’t invite Him in twice. Would you invite someone into your house who has already entered? Of course not! The same is true with salvation—If saved, always saved. Once Jesus Christ comes in, He never leaves. You can’t throw Him out either! You might stick Him in a closet and forget He’s there, just like any other old stuff in the attic or closet, but He’s still there. You absolutely CANNOT lose your salvation. Whether or not you have ever been saved is another story.  Many folks who think they are saved are NOT! Only Jesus, trust in Him. 


Christ Atoned Once For ALL

“Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did ONCE, when he offered up himself” (Hebrews 7:27). This is important to understand, Jesus died and atoned for our sins ONCE. Jesus is not still hanging on a cross as Catholicism portray Him. The Catholic religion teaches that when you take the Lord’s Supper (Holy Eucharist) that the bread and juice literally become the blood and body of Jesus Christ when digested. They believe this is necessary for renewed spiritual life. This of course is as ridiculous as it is totally unscriptural. The bread and juice simply remind us of what Christ has done for us to redeem us unto Himself, no more. 

There is NO magic power in partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus does NOT die every time. Catholicism teaches that Jesus dies over and over again. This is NOT what the Bible teaches. Jesus died ONCE, He shed His blood ONCE, He applied the Blood ONCE—it is finished. “So Christ was ONCE offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28). “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Jesus did NOT stay on the cross bless God, He did NOT remain in the grave, He arose triumphant over death and is alive forever more. Thanks be to His name. 

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CHAPTER TEN

Christ’s Burial

By David J. Stewart

Jesus Was Accused of Being a Deceiver

        We don’t hear too much about Christ’s burial but it is one-third of the Gospel. The fact that Jesus was buried is as important as His death or resurrection. The burial is significant in that it verified (or officiated) that Jesus was in fact dead. The chief priests and Pharisees were worried that someone might steal Jesus’ body and say that He had arose from the grave so they took drastic measures. “Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that DECEIVER said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch” (Matthew 27:62-66). Can you imagine someone calling the Great God of the entire universe a “deceiver?” Jesus is the great God of the entire universe—He was then (on earth) as much as He is today (in Heaven). How wicked and how foolish are the hearts of those who reject Christ. The Jewish chief priests and Pharisees called Jesus a “deceiver.” These unbelievers weren’t taking any chances that someone might steal Jesus’ body from the tomb: they inspected the tomb for any secret entrances, they sealed the tomb with a large stone, and then they asked the Roman Government to place a round-the-clock guard watch upon Jesus’ tomb. 
 

The Skeptics' Attempt to Disprove Jesus' Words Backfired

Little did they realize that they were benefiting the cause of Christ. Three days later when Christ’s body was gone, word spread like wild-fire throughout the region that Jesus’ body had vanished from a heavily sealed and guarded tomb. Wow!!! The chief priest’s scheme backfired beautifully. They wanted to prevent the people from saying that Christ arose. Ah, but Christ did arise and now the evidence was overwhelmingly in favor of the Gospel. The Jewish religious leaders had blown it!!! The best thing the evil chief priests and Pharisees could have done would have been to leave Jesus’ tomb unguarded and unsealed in the first place. They weren’t that smart. They truly believed that Jesus was a fake, a deceiver. 

They never would have imagined in a hundred years that Jesus’ body was going to vanish. Can you imagine how stupid they felt when the body was gone? Can you imagine the fear that struck their souls? The scheme of the priests and the Pharisees to obliterate Jesus’ deity had failed. Truly, Jesus had been Almighty God in the flesh. What the Pharisees and the priests had intended as evil, God worked it out for good. This is so true of every circumstance in life—when someone tries to hurt and abuse Christians, it ultimately will backfire on the perpetrator. “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones WHICH BELIEVE IN ME, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).  This Scripture is referring to ALL of God’s Children. God will avenge His Children!!! You’d better think twice before you hurt God’s Own.  
 

Two Thirds of the Gospel (Good News) is Bad News

Notice that two-thirds of the Gospel is bad news. The word “Gospel” means “glad tidings” or “good news.” Strangely enough the Gospel was mostly bad news for the disciples—Jesus died and was buried—They had lost their good friend. Jesus meant everything to some of these folks. Some of Jesus’ followers had given up their jobs, home, wealth and friends to minister (serve) with Him. Now everything came to a standstill and Jesus was gone. Oh, the grief and the sadness that filled the disciple’s hearts when Jesus was crucified—Their mentor was gone. 

This little truth has a wonderful practical application for our life. Although the situation seemed bad at the moment for the disciples, the sins of the whole world had been atoned for. What seemed bad was actually very good. Sometimes things may seem to be very bad in our lives but God can make them turn out for good. Notice In Romans 8:28 that all things are NOT good, “And we know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER  FOR GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The Bible says that all things “work together for good.” The Bible does NOT say all things are good. It is a sad thing when a loved one dies, but we know that God is still on His throne and in control. Sometimes we don’t know “why,” but we trust the Eternal One Who does know “why.” Many things in life are bad, but God promises (only for His Children) that ALL things will ultimately work out for good. 

If a person dies in their sins without Christ, then all hope is gone, they are doomed to hellfire forever. Also, We are commanded to be thankful “in everything,” not “for everything.” “IN every thing give thanks…” (1st Thessalonians 5:18). I am NOT thankful that my car breaks down; however, I am thankful that I have a car to break down. I am NOT thankful when my kids get sick; however, I am thankful to God for my wonderful children. We must realize that problems and losses are a part of life. Every birth means a future death, every start means a future end, etc. This is the “reciprocating law of life.” You can’t have light without darkness or joy without misery or work without rest. Though the Gospel means “Good News,” the situation at the time of Jesus' death and burial looked grim. The “Good News” was beyond the understanding of the disciples at that time. God saw the big picture that humanity could not see. Jesus had paid the price of our sins—Paid in full!!! What Satan, the scribes, the Pharisees, the angry mob and the Roman soldiers had meant for evil—God worked it ALL out for the good of the entire human race. What a wonderful God that has such infinite power!!! Let this be an encouragement to us to trust and never doubt the wisdom and workings of God. 

Interestingly, God is NOT mentioned even once in the Book of Esther in the Bible, yet we can see the clear working and intervention of a loyal God to His own in a time of trouble. This teaches us a wonderful truth—When you can’t see the HAND of God, trust the HEART of God!!! 
 

Joseph of Arimathaea — An Unsung Hero

“When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.  And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed” (Matthew 27:57-60). 

This Scripture contains another little truth tucked away in the pages of God’s Word that will bless your soul.  This man’s name was “Joseph” and the Bible says He was also one of Jesus' disciples. No mention is ever made of this man until the time of Christ’s burial. He is mentioned in ALL four Gospels, but not until the time of Christ’s burial. I want you to notice two things concerning this man: first, he was rich and second, he was an unsung hero. It’s often easy to get a negative view of rich people from reading the Bible because the Bible has much to say about the vanity of riches. We read of the “love of money” in 1st Timothy 6:10 as being “the root of all evil” and so forth. However, the Bible does not condemn being wealthy. The Bible condemns hording one’s riches and failing to be rich towards God. This rich man in Matthew 27 was a godly saved man. It is wrong to have a negative attitude towards someone simply because they are better off than we are in life. We must be thankful for what God has provided. Our society has become so materialistic and covetous nowadays—saying, “more, more, give us more!” Hebrews 13:5, “...and be content with such things as ye have.” 

Also, notice that this Christian man was never recognized in the Bible for anything other than providing a burial place for Jesus. He was an unsung hero who’s time had come. Joseph saw the opportunity to use his wealth to serve the Lord and he did so. I wonder what the professional sport's athletes, movie stars and celebrity singers do with all their money? Though the Bible does not condemn being wealthy, It most certainly DOES condemn the majority of wealthy people... “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for A RICH MAN to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).  Most rich people are going straight to Hell when they die!!! Get mad at God, He said it. The wealthy often think they already have Heaven on earth so they don’t need God. 

Howbeit, thank God for the few rich people such as Joseph who remember God. This rich man, Joseph, was hid in the shadows and none of the other disciples knew who he was until the appropriate time. There are many Christians, for one reason or another, who do not make themselves known to the rest of us. They are saved, love the Lord Jesus and are ready for when God needs their services. Thank God for these unsung heroes who love the Lord and are there for Him when they are needed.

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CHAPTER ELEVEN

Christ’s Resurrection

By David J. Stewart

Jesus Was Seen By Over 500 People After He Arose

        “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time” (1st Corinthians 15:3-8). 

The Bible not only declares that Jesus arose from the grave, but also tells us of all the people who saw Jesus in His resurrected body (a physical body). Jesus was seen at the tomb by Mary and others, He was also seen by Cephas, He was also seen by the twelve disciples, He was also seen by over FIVE HUNDRED disciples at ONE TIME, He was seen by the Apostle Paul himself on the road to Damascus. 

Jesus did not raise up from the dead in secret; on the contrary, He appeared unto literally hundreds of people... “For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; FOR THIS THING WAS NOT DONE IN A CORNER. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:26-28). The Apostle Paul was witnessing to King Agrippa concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. The king admitted that he almost became a Christian, what held him back? Why didn’t he get saved? Only God knows. How sad that so many people will go to Hell, having missed Heaven by a thread. Paul explained to King Agrippa that Christ died, was buried and arose again and these things were NOT done in a secret corner. 

Jesus was crucified before a multitude of people, He was buried in a secure tomb with constant guard watch, He was miraculously raised up and seen of Literally hundreds of people. This was no mere rumor started by some religious group. The evidence was overwhelmingly in favor of what Paul was saying to the King, so much that the King was tempted to trust Christ but He chose foolishly not to do so. Oh how foolish was that man! I’ll guarantee he regrets his decision now!!! He is suffering in Hell for his sinful unbelief. Acts 26:28, “...ALMOST thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Unfortunately, “Almost” is NOT good enough. I wonder how many people are burning in Hell right now that “almost” accepted Christ as Savior, but didn’t do so. Why play with God?  
 

All History is Accepted by Faith

There is as much proof that Jesus Christ arose from the dead as there is that Alexander the Great existed. As a matter of fact, there is much more. Can you prove to me that Julius Caesar ever lived? No! You can show me some archeology and a history book, but you CANNOT absolutely prove that this man ever lived. You CANNOT prove to me that anyone in history ever lived—apart from something you read in a book, saw on TV, heard in a class, etc. Everything we believe concerning history is by faith! I CANNOT prove to you that Jesus ever existed. Who says George Washington ever existed? Can you prove that? No, you CANNOT. 

However, no one questions whether or not George Washington existed. Why? Because we blindly accept some of the things we hear and read. The only exception is the people who are still living today who can tell us about things that happened fifty to one hundred years ago. Beyond the last century, history is all by faith—We go by what we read and hear. Everything we believe concerning history is based on something we’ve seen or heard—everything! 

This is why I won’t argue over which Greek text the Bible came from. You can’t prove anything to me and I can’t prove anything to you. There has been so much corruption and tampering throughout history. I don’t believe that God would leave His children at the mercy of historical research to verify which Bible is the true Bible. I believe the King James Bible is the preserved Word of God. Why?  Because it burns the heart like no other book has ever done. These new watered down Bibles don’t do anything for me. The King James Bible has stood the test of time. Show me the Christians who can quote verse after verse, word perfect from of their HIV bible’s, you’ll have a hard time finding one. I have never met one! 

These phony bibles have no conviction, no power, no gravity that pulls us closer to it’s Divine Author. The King James Bible has been preserved for the English speaking people. But you say, “there are more reliable Greek manuscripts now available.” Oh, is that so? Who says! You can’t prove anything to me because you weren’t there centuries ago and neither was I. We must accept history by faith. The big question is what will you accept as truth and what will you reject as lie? I choose to accept the King James Bible as God’s inspired, infallible, inerrant, preserved, incorruptible Word because it faithfully upholds the Deity of Jesus, the Godhead and the precious name of Jesus. 

Evolution is accepted solely by faith. There is NO proof of Evolution. Dinosaur bones don’t prove anything except that there were once dinosaurs. The only thing scientists have learned about the Missing Link is that it is STILL MISSING. If men came from apes, then why are there still apes? Unbelievers have been searching frantically for centuries to uncover any morsel of proof that a half man/half ape creature ever existed. The Bible clearly teaches that such a creature has never existed. A man is a man and an ape is an ape (1st Corinthians 15:39)—Settled!!!

May I say, I am not against history! History contains much truth as well as many lies. In fact, the truth is almost always found in the midst of lies. You and I could argue all day long over which historical items are reliable and which one’s are not. I have faith in God’s Word for what It is today, for what It is doing for my heart personally in the present. The bottom line is you either believe the Bible or you don’t. Either you believe Jesus was resurrected or you don’t. There is nothing I can magically show you to make you believe. The Bible teaches that Jesus arose and is alive forevermore. The Bible is clear concerning the Lord’s resurrection. Either you accept this as truth or you don’t. I surely hope that you do believe it for your soul’s sake.   
 

The Myth of "Good Friday"

There is no such thing as “Good Friday.” That’s right, it was really “Good Thursday” if anything. The Bible says that Jesus arose on the FIRST DAY of the week... “The FIRST DAY of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre” (John 20:1).  The first day of the week was Sunday then just as it is now. There are only two days from Friday to Sunday. So Friday is not accurate... “Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After THREE DAYS I will rise again” (Matthew 27:63). Jesus had told everyone that He would rise up after three days. If Christ arose on Sunday, then He had to die on Thursday. There are many erroneous teachings that have come from false religion that are NOT supported by the Bible.

Some theologians believe that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday and rose again Saturday evening. The Jewish day didn't extend from midnight to midnight as today; but rather, from sundown to sundown (or about 6 p.m. to 6 p.m. the next day). Either way, we know of a certainty that Jesus DIDN'T die on a Friday. The Catholic tradition of Good Friday has it's origin in the pagan Philistine worship of the fish god, Dagon.

There is nothing in the Bible about abstaining from meat on Fridays. There is nothing in God’s Word about abstaining from marriage for ministers. There is nothing in the Bible about sprinkling holy water or of saying “Hail Marys.” There is nothing in the Bible about baptizing babies. There is nothing in God’s Word that says we should confess our sins to a priest or to recite a Rosary. Religion is the worst thing to ever happen to this world. The Devil has duped the minds of so many simple people through false religion (2nd Corinthians 11:13-14). I encourage you to learn the Bible and serve God for yourself. In John 5:39 Jesus commanded for each of us to... SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES!!! Don’t allow religion to control you—Allow God to control you. Give God your heart and let His Holy Spirit guide and teach you. Trust Him as your Savior. Believe upon Jesus Christ to forgive your sins, not the Catholic priest or Lutheran minister. 
 

Jesus Christ Arose BODILY from the Grave

I’d like to clarify here that Jesus Christ arose BODILY from the grave. There are a great number of ministers who will tell you that they believe in the resurrection of Christ but they really don’t. Ask them if they believe that Jesus arose bodily from the grave and see what they say!!! You may get laughed at. The Bible is clear in 1st Corinthians 15:6 that Jesus was SEEN by over 500 people after He arose from the dead. Jesus asked Thomas to touch the scars in His hands and side... “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not FLESH AND BONES, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39). In Acts 1:9 Jesus ascended BODILY into the clouds... “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”

They saw Jesus physically ascended into the clouds when He left earth, and He will return in the same fashion... “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Jesus had a physical body when He arose and ascended into heaven!!! The Scriptures are clear on this and we must beware of any false prophets who would teach us otherwise. Amen!

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CHAPTER TWELVE

Put All Your Faith In Jesus

  By David J. Stewart

Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way to Heaven!

        “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). “For ye are all the children of God by FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST” (Galatians 3:26). The Bible is clear concerning this matter—All people are to believe upon Jesus Christ. The main purpose for which Christ came into the world was to save sinners—“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be SAVED” (John 3:17). We are so blessed to have been made the object of God’s great love, “But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). What a wonderful God! 

It is joyful to know that God loves us. God is not out to get us; but rather, He wants to prepare for us a place in Heaven, that where He is, we may be also (John 14:1-3). God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2nd Peter 3:9). God wants us to believe on His Son, Jesus Christ. To believe on the Son is to believe on the Father because Jesus and the Father are One. There is NO condemnation to those who are resting upon Jesus Christ for salvation... “There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). The only safe place to be is in the everlasting arms of Christ the Lord. 

Those who do not believe on Christ are already condemned—“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). We MUST put our faith in Christ Jesus, there are NO other options. It’s Jesus or Hell! Specifically, we must place our faith in the Gospel. The Holy Bible defines “the Gospel” as Christ's death on the cross for our sins, His burial and bodily resurrection three days later. 1st Corinthians 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” Much heresy has crept into the churches these days; such as, inviting Jesus into your life to be saved, or asking Jesus into your heart, or following Christ, or surrendering your life to Christ, or making Jesus your “Lord” to be saved, et cetera. None of these are the Gospel by which we are saved, to those who believe.

My friend, what will you do with Jesus? The Bible tells us why some people won’t come to Christ—“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were EVIL. For every one that doeth EVIL hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20). We have no excuse if we miss Heaven. God has made salvation very simple and accessible to anyone. Eternal life is a free gift, paid for by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His blood sacrifice. Salvation is received, not achieved. Repentance is a simple change of mind. When a person changes their mind, acknowledging that they are a guilty sinner in the eyes of a holy God, and they believe the Gospel, they are saved. It's that simple!
 

Thieves and Robbers Try to Sneak into Heaven Without Jesus

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by THE DOOR into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1). God says you are “a thief and a robber” if you are trying to enter Heaven through a side door or an underground tunnel. You’re a thief because you're illegally trying to make an entrance. Jesus paid for our sins because we CANNOT pay for our own sins. The ticket into Heaven has been paid for—all you have to do is accept the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

Since you cannot pay for your own ticket into Heaven, you don’t have any other choice if you want to enter into Heaven’s pearly gates. It’s Jesus or Hell folks, I cannot stress this enough! John 10:9 says, “I AM THE DOOR: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Jesus is the Door into Heaven. Listen to John 11:25-26—“Jesus said unto her, I AM THE RESURRECTION, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” Believest thou this? Do you believe the Words which Jesus spoke? Salvation is entirely a matter of faith, not works.

“Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Mary CANNOT save you! The Pope CANNOT save you! The priest CANNOT forgive your sins! Only Jesus CAN save you and forgive your sins!!!

The Bible never tells anyone to “turn from sins” to be saved. Most pastors today fail to properly understand and teach the Gospel. The Devil has duped them with a false meaning of then word “repentance.” Instead of Biblically teaching that repentance is simply “a change of mind” that compels a man to believe the Gospel, preachers instead are errantly teaching that a man cannot believe the Gospel unless he forsakes intentional sinful behavior. This is a false plan of salvation based upon works (human effort). Reformation is not a prerequisite to saving faith. There are no conditions of salvation except to admit that one is a guilty sinner in the eyes of a holy God. 
 

The Simplicity That Is In Christ

I thank God for doctrinally sound pastors. One of the best sermons I've heard on the subject of salvation is by Dr. Ralph Yankee Arnold, titled, “Caught Between Grace And Works.” (MP3). Also, please listen to the excellent MP3 sermon by Dr. Hank Lindstrom (1940-2008), “How Permanent Is Your Salvation?” These sermons helped me to see the plan of salvation more clearly, and I am confident they will do the same for you. The great need of the hour is doctrinally sound PREACHING PREACHERS!!! Thank God for such faithful men, whom God is using to proclaim “the simplicity that is in Christ” (2nd Corinthians 11:3-4). There is so much heresy creeping into our fundamental churches by the hour. The problem is that many sincere pastors, who are good men, are being deceived by the mainstream preachers in the media whom they listen to. Beware of R.C. Sproul, John MacArthur, Paul Washer, Ray Comfort, Jon Piper (and many other Lordship Salvationists) who are all Calvinists. Beware of Calvinism!!! Listen to Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold's helpful sermon, Calvinism And Grace Are Not Compatible!

Jesus said, “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). What a wondrous Savior! Being saved is so simple—all we must do is BELIEVE—“Just enough” faith to call upon the name of the Lord, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be SAVED” (Romans 10:13). The word “call” means to believe. It does NOT means that you have to audibly speak to be saved. Salvation is of the heart, not the mouth! The mouth can do nothing to save you. You must believe in your heart that Christ raised up from the dead, trusting Jesus alone for salvation. Do you believe Jesus arose after being crucified on the cross for your sins and buried? Some folks think Jesus is still dead. Let me tell you my friend, Christ is alive and well, and lives within the heart of every Christian believer. I encourage you to put all your faith in Jesus Christ if you have never done so. TRUST JESUS NOW!

You don't have to “invite Jesus into your life” to be saved. That is a false Gospel. Neither do you have to “ask Jesus into your heart.” That also is a false Gospel. There's nothing in the Bible about “surrendering your life to serve Christ” to be saved. These are all false teachings which are popular in the churches today. The Gospel is not merely “trusting Jesus.” Nor is it “following Christ.” Nor is it “making a commitment to Christ.” Salvation is not mending your ways, forsaking the world, turning from sin or being willing to turn from sin. None of these constitute THE GOSPEL. The Bible defines the Gospel:

1st Corinthians 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

If you realize that you are a guilty sinner in God's holy eyes, and you believe the Gospel, you are saved immediately, securely and eternally. It's that simple! You have to know that you are a guilty sinner, otherwise why would you need a Savior? A person can repent (change their mind) without believing, but no one can believe without repenting. The way of salvation is to BELIEVE on the Son of God. Jesus was asked what “works” a man can do to obtain eternal life. This was the Lord's answer in John 6:28-29, “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” What a precious Savior!!!

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Imputation

By David J. Stewart

        “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God IMPUTETH righteousness without works” (Romans 4:6). What in the world does that big word mean? The word “impute” means “to pass to one’s account, to count over” It means that Jesus took our sins upon His record and then placed His righteousness upon our record. Romans chapter four speaks concerning Abraham, “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was COUNTED UNTO HIM for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Abraham was not saved by good works; rather, he believed God and was saved by Christ’s righteousness. Christ’s perfection was imputed (placed) on Abraham’s record in Heaven. God viewed Abraham in the righteousness of Christ’s own likeness. Abraham believed God concerning the coming Messiah which was to save His people from their sins. Why was Abraham able to simply believe God in place of merit (good works)? It's because Jesus paid the price for all people to be saved. You see, Abraham could NOT have lived perfect enough to please God. All mankind is corrupt and destitute of God and decency. Even in our sincerest efforts, humanity is tarnished with the curse of sin and rebellion. We need God.

We read in Romans 4:8, “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not IMPUTE sin.” Not only was Christ’s righteousness imputed (counted) to Abraham’s record, but Abraham’s sinful record was imputed to Christ. Literally, Jesus became as sin for us and died a sinners death, “For HE HATH MADE HIM TO BE SIN FOR US, WHO KNEW NO SIN; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2nd Corinthians 5:21). 

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14). The children of Israel had sinned by complaining and God was punishing them. Many Israelites were dying from the bite of fiery serpents. The people came to Moses for help and then Moses went to God in prayer. Here’s what God told Moses, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery SERPENT, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live” (Numbers 21;8). This serpent symbolized sin but it represented our Lord Jesus Christ who became as sin for us. John 3:14 says that Jesus, just as the fiery serpent in Moses’ day, needs to be lifted up for all people to look upon for salvation. 

Are you perishing in sin? Look to Jesus! Are discouraged and lonely? Look to Jesus! Are you worried or scared? Look to Jesus! Are you tired or burned out? Look to Jesus! Are you sad or depressed? Look to Jesus! Are you feeling empty or worthless? Look to Jesus! Are you living in conditions of misery? Look to Jesus! Have you recently failed at something? Look to Jesus! Do you have guilt or hurt feelings over something in the past? Look to Jesus! Are you stressed out or panicky? Look to Jesus! Have you a sick loved one? Look to Jesus! Do you have cancer? Look to Jesus! Are you in prison? Look to Jesus! Are you a single parent? Look to Jesus! 

Likewise, are you healthy? Look to Jesus! Are you blessed and happy? Look to Jesus! Is everything going your way? Look to Jesus! No matter what your situation, Look to Jesus! Look to Jesus! Look to Jesus! ... “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1st Peter 5:7). 

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was IMPUTED to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be IMPUTED, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead” (Romans 4:22-24). Amen! These Scriptures were written that we also might have Christ’s righteousness imputed to our record and our sins imputed to Christ’s record. He who knew no sin became as sin that we who knew no righteousness could be made the righteousness of God in Christ. What a wonderful truth! To think that Jesus would actually bare my sins upon His own body and suffer the crucifixion for me. Even more wonderful is that He would place all of His righteousness upon my record so that I might be viewed upon by God as having the righteousness of Christ. Now that’s a loving God! Do you realize all that you will miss if you reject Christ as your Savior? 

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was IMPUTED unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23). Would you like to be the friend of God? It all begins when you say “yes” to Jesus and let Him become your Savior. Jesus earnestly wants to impute His righteousness to your record—all you must do is believe. Admit you’re a sinner, guilty of violating God's holy Law, and deserving of punishment in Hell. Turn to Christ now by faith and trust Him to forgive your sins and save you. We are not saved by our own self-righteousness; but by Christ's righteousness, i.e., the righteousness of Jesus Christ which is imputed to us at the time of salvation by faith in Christ alone. 

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CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Jesus: Our Propitiation

  By David J. Stewart

God's Wrath Appeased Through Christ's Blood

 “Whom God hath set forth to be a PROPITIATION through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:25). The word “propitiation” means “to appease one’s wrath.” “Appeased” means “to make peace with.” Humanity had sinned. God was angered. God’s holiness demanded justice. Humanity could not redeem himself and was at enmity (hostility) with God. Humanity had become the enemy of God because of sin. 

Nevertheless, God expressed His love for humanity by coming down to the earth in the form of a man and laying down His own human life in sacrifice to pay for the sins of humanity. Jesus died, was buried and rose again. Christ's blood was applied in Heaven. The father’s anger was APPEASED by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God’s demand for justice had been completely satisfied by the redeeming work of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus had made peace with God the Father possible again for mankind... “Therefore being justified by faith, we have PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST” (Romans 5:1). Christ had opened the door for all humanity to be at peace with God the Father through faith in the Son of God. 

Propitiation is Jesus meeting the demands of the Father, to appease His wrath, so that humanity could be redeemed to God. Thankfully, Jesus paid the price for our sins. Eternal life is a free gift, paid for by Christ’s own physical blood. This gift can only be received by faith alone in Christ. All you have to do is admit to God that you’re a guilty sinner and believe upon the name of Jesus for forgiveness... “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43).

The choice is completely yours to make! God will not make you believe on Christ when you have it in your own power to do so. If you refuse to believe on Christ, then you are still in your sins and the wrath of God abideth on you... “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM” (John 3:36). Though God’s demand for justice was met by Christ's blood sacrifice, you are willfully rejecting that provision if you reject Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. By so doing, you are negating what Christ did for you; therefore, you are choosing to remain under the condemnation of God’s Law and under the wrath of God. If you go to Hell, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself!  
 

Christ Died for All Humanity

And he is the PROPITIATION for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1st John 2:2). What a wonderful truth, JESUS IS OUR PROPITIATION! Again, It is Christ’s blood sacrifice that squares everything away with God concerning our sin debt. Jesus met the Father’s requirements for justice and God’s wrath is appeased when a sinner appropriates that blood sacrifice through faith in Christ. 

We just read in 1st John 2:2, “And his is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.” Jesus died for all mankind. Calvinists and other false prophets errantly teach that Jesus only died for the elect, i.e., the saved. This is not so. The Word of God plainly states that Christ died for all... “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one DIED FOR ALL, then were all dead” (2nd Corinthians 5:14). And again in Romans 4:5 we read, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth THE UNGODLY, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Whom does Jesus justify by faith? ... THE UNGODLY. Jesus died for ALL SINNERS!

2nd Peter 2:1 gives solid evidence that Christ died for all men, even unbelievers... “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord THAT BOUGHT THEM, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” Here we see that Jesus BOUGHT these false prophets! 
 

Anyone Can Be Saved — Whomsoever Will May Come!

The invitation to be saved is to WHOSOEVER... “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And WHOSOEVER WILL, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). Whosoever will may come to be saved. This is the freewill of mankind. 

Notice again from the Scripture we just read that Jesus is the “propitiation” of THE WHOLE WORLD. All people of every nation may come to know the Lord as personal Savior. God is no respecter of persons. Jesus has made provision for ALL PEOPLE to be saved and become the Children of God by way of Christ's blood sacrifice. 

By the way, anyone who says that all people are the Children of God is a false prophet. You are NOT a Child of God unless you have been BORN-AGAIN (John 3:3). Certainly, we are all God's creation and the object of God's unconditional love, but only those who place their faith in the Son of God are members of God's family.

This whole matter of salvation centers around our sins. Mankind has sinned and we are under the condemnation of God’s holy Law until we repent of our sins, by acknowledging our guilt of sin and believing on the name of Jesus for salvation. Repentance is simply a “change of mind.” Repentance is owning before God that I am as vile a sinner as He has declared me to be in His holy Word.

John 3:20 states: “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, LEST HIS DEEDS SHOULD BE REPROVED.”  In John 5:40 Jesus said, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” Carefully notice that Jesus DIDN'T say “ye cannot come.” The idea that God chooses some to salvation and others to eternal damnation is unbiblical. 2nd Peter 3:9 plainly states, “ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God desires for all sinners to come to repentance.

There are many wonderful unsaved people, who are very friendly, loving and kind. They are honest and good people, humanly speaking. However, this does not merit them Heaven and they will go to Hell if they don’t get saved. This is the sad part about life, many good people fail to realize that all good people are still dirty, rotten sinners when compared to the Holy Word of God. Romans 3:12 tells us that there are NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, no not one. Earthly speaking, there are many good people in the world; Heavenly speaking, there are none righteous, no not one. We must follow God’s Word, not our own reasoning! James 2:10 tells us, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Adam and Eve found out the hard way what just one sin could do—plunging the human race into sin and darkness. Thankfully, God has made a way of escape for mankind, by way of the blood of Jesus Christ.
 

Christ is the Only Mediator, because He is the Propitiation for Our Sins

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the PROPITIATION for our sins” (1st John 4:10). God loved us (all of us) and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to meet the demands which needed to be met in order that all people might be saved. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1st Timothy 2:3-5). God wants ALL people to be saved. Notice that Christ is the ONE MEDIATOR between God and humanity. Do you know why it is Christ and only Christ? ... Because Jesus is the only One Who met the demands of God the Father. Only Jesus was as a Lamb without spot, nor blemish (perfect). Only Jesus was born of a virgin. Only Jesus was sinless. Only Jesus could have paid for our sins and praise God that He did! This is why Jesus is our Mediator, because He is our propitiation. He met the demands of God the Father, so He is now the One and Only Mediator between God and Man. If you want to be saved, go to Jesus. Don’t go to the Pope, or to a priest, or to your minister, or to a religion, or to a baptistery, or to a confessional booth—Go to Jesus Christ and Him alone for salvation and forgiveness of sins. Jesus is our PROPITIATION.

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CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Predestination

By David J. Stewart

        “For whom he did foreknow, he also did PREDESTINATE to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). Does God choose some people for salvation and not others?

Whosoever Will May Come

As we learned in the previous chapter, “WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME” for salvation. The invitation to be saved is to WHOSOEVER... “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And WHOSOEVER WILL, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). Whosoever will may come to be saved. This is the freewill of mankind. 

We read in Romans 10:13, “For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” God is a “whosoever God.” He says that anyone may come to the throne of grace for salvation. All that God asks is that we come by way of faith in Christ Jesus alone. There is NOTHING in the Bible about God choosing anyone for salvation. Mankind has been given a freewill by God to make our own decisions. 


Predestined to be Conformed into Jesus' Image

Let’s look at Romans 8:29 again... “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Predestination means that God has chosen us “to be conformed into Jesus’ likeness.” The Bible does NOT say anything about being chosen for salvation. God knows in advance who will be saved and who won’t but He does NOT choose who will be saved or lost. We decide to accept or reject Christ of our own freewill. 

Nevertheless, there are still those who teach that you cannot be saved unless God first chooses you—this is utter foolishness. This false teaching is popular amongst the followers of John Calvin. May I say, we ought to SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES as Jesus commanded in John 5:39 and not follow the errant teachings of flawed men such as John Calvin or Jacob Arminius. Phooey on Protestantism with its unbiblical sacraments and all the other writings of men which distort the Word of God. The Bible should be our Final Authority as believers.

The truth concerning predestination is that God looked ahead in time, in His foreknowledge, and saw those who would one day be saved and He predestinated them to be conformed into Christ’s likeness. The Bible doesn't say that God predestinates anyone to salvation. No, rather, the Bible says that God predestinates them to be CONFORMED to the image of Christ. This is what predestination means. God has predestinated for my life to be conformed into Christ's image, and directs the events of my life as such.


God Has a Predestined Purpose for Every Believer

God has many plans for each and every Believer! “In whom also we have obtained AN INHERITANCE, being PREDESTINATED ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11). This is very interesting! God has a purpose for every Christian. Jeremiah 1:5 declares, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." God had a predetermined purpose for Jeremiah before the prophet was even born. God has a purpose for all His children. God works all things according to His own will. This is why Romans 8:28 teaches that all things will eventually work out for good for all Believers, “And we know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” 

Notice that all things are NOT good! The Bible says that all things will WORK OUT for good. You WILL experience pain, suffering and loss in this earthly life. Fortunate are those who have had the opportunity to enjoy a rich and happy life with little problems down here; however, most are not as fortunate. There are billions of people living in poverty right now. Millions of children are dying in other nations because of starvation and lack of simple vitamins. Most people don’t know what suffering is. Yet, we all have our heartaches and problems in life. Even in a wealthy nation like the USA which has been greatly blessed by Almighty God, pain and suffering are all too common. No one in this life is immune to loss, sadness, sickness, disappointment and hurt. The Bible does not promise paradise on earth; on the contrary, God told Adam and Eve that they would suffer in pain and toil. Howbeit, the Bible promises that ALL THINGS will work together our good in the end. We know at least that all things will be good when we get to Heaven to be with the Lord. 
 

Predestined to Receive an Inheritance from the Lord

Most people don’t associate the word “predestination” with Romans 8:28. What does predestination have to do with the things in my life working together for good down the road? It has everything to do with it. 

You and I have been predestinated to receive an inheritance from the Lord. Let’s read Ephesians 1:11 once more, “In whom also we have obtained AN INHERITANCE, being PREDESTINATED ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11). God has so many wonderful things for us when we get to Heaven, we cannot even begin to imagine all that will happen. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a “down-payment” or as a “token of His promise” that He has purchased us and we have an inheritance in Heaven, “...ye were SEALED with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the EARNEST of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13,14). The word “earnest” means “pledge.”

A Believer knows that they are saved because they have the Holy Spirit—God’s pledge to every Believer that He will perform all that He has PROMISED to do for us as His Children. Do you have the Holy Spirit living within you? I do! God has given me the Holy Spirit to let the Devil know that I have been PURCHASED By God. I have been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. I am a Child of the King, a member of God’s Family. So the next time you think of Romans 8:28 when things are going bad, remember that ultimately we all fall into God’s divine plan which He will accomplish. No matter how bad things may seem here on earth, be rest assured that our Heavenly Father is still on His throne and is in absolute control, we have NOTHING to fear. Bad things will always happen in life, but someday (within God’s predestinated plan) we will all be very happy and content in the Lord. It’s just a matter of time! 


What God Has Started, He Will Finish

Moreover whom he did PREDESTINATE, them he also CALLED: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified” (Romans 8:30). The word “called” means “to invite.” God invites all men to salvation, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL MEN” (Titus 2:11). If God chose people for salvation, then Titus 2:11 would not be true. The grace of God has appeared to all people everywhere (an invitation to be saved). What we do with that invitation is another story. The word “called” can be misleading if you take it our of context. We must interpret this verse within the context of the complete Word of God. There are plenty of Scriptures teaching that salvation is available to anyone who wants it. This doctrine of predestination simply means, “what God has started, He will finish!” “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you WILL PERFORM IT until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). God will continue with us ‘til the end of this life and beyond. God will never leave us or forsake us... “...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). What a wonderful God!

For those who are saved, God predestinates them to become like Jesus and to receive a divine inheritance... “Having PREDESTINATED us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Ephesians 1:5). God wanted those who would someday be saved to be as His own Children, so God adopted them. If you are saved, you are an ADOPTED child of God. Now Jesus is the “only begotten” Son of God but God has many “adopted” sons and daughters. For those who receive Jesus as their personal Savior, God has already predestined them to be adopted. God says, “You accept Me and I’ll adopt you as my very own child.” A good father tries to leave an inheritance to his children and to his grandchildren... “A good man LEAVETH AN INHERITANCE to his children's children...” (Proverbs 13:22). Truly, God is the greatest of all Fathers and has provided us with an inheritance in Christ Jesus. I believe day-by-day God is preparing things for us in Heaven. Is this not what Jesus said in John 14:2, “...I go to PREPARE A PLACE for you.” This is all part of the predestination of God. God foreknew who would be saved and decided to do all these wonderful things for them. Oh how God loves His Children!

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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The Good Shepherd

  By David J. Stewart

Christ, the Good Shepherd

        I am the good SHEPHERD: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.  How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and ONE of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of THAT SHEEP, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 

“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:11-14). What an encouraging truth! Jesus is the Good Shepherd. All Believers are the sheep of His fold. Jesus is called the “Good Shepherd” because He will not allow even ONE of His sheep to be lost. Amen!

The individuality of each believer is important to God. You don’t hear much of this these days. We often hear broad terms such as “mankind” and “humanity” used in religious teaching, resulting in a loss of feeling special as an individual to God. Let me tell you, if you were the only person to have lived—Jesus would have died on the cross for you! You are very special to God, no matter who you are or what you may have done in your past. Remember—CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY (Romans 5:6). That includes you and me friend.

Perhaps you feel insignificant to God as a believer, thinking you are the least of all believers. Fret not and take to heart the encouraging Words of our Lord in Matthew 11:11, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” No matter how insignificant you may feel about yourself my friend, Jesus said you're already considered greater than John the Baptist in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen and amen!

“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the SHEPHERD and Bishop of your souls” (1st Peter 2:25). The grace of God is all about forgiveness and moving forward for God. Others may not forgive you but God always will, because the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. Jesus doesn’t say, “Well, I'll make it with ninety-nine of My sheep, we won’t miss that one.” No, no, no, ten thousand times no! Jesus said He will NOT leave a single sheep behind, no not ONE. As a matter of fact, Jesus said He would go back and search for that lost sheep until He finds it. This is a wonderful truth teaching the eternal security of the Believer in Christ. We are safe in the hands of Jesus! 
 

Humans are Like Dumb Sheep, Prone to Wander and Fail

We read in Isaiah 53:6 that people are like sheep, “All we LIKE SHEEP have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” People are like sheep! Sheep are not known to be smart or cunning animals when it comes to safety; rather, they are susceptible and tend to wander away from the protection of the shepherd. People tend to wander away from God, from everything that is right and holy. People are easily swayed by the news media and by the politicians of our day. It appears that many people tend to believe everything they hear over the TV set. Quite a few folks have become lazy and have allowed a generation of unbelievers to tell them what to believe instead of making their own intelligent decisions. Most of the silly polls which the media conducts end up somewhere near fifty percent. Our nation is divided on nearly everything. No wonder God likens humanity to sheep. We are as puppets, so predictably unpredictable! 

American society has reached the point of insanity. Young people start smoking for various goofy reasons and then spend a lifetime trying to break the addiction. People pump their bodies with steroids and all kinds of enhancement drugs just to compete or impress others. Look at all the artificial additives in our food that are known to cause cancer in lab animals. Millions of children are legally murdered through abortion annually, yet a woman goes to prison because she took drugs while pregnant and the baby died. A grade school child is arrested for saying “I’ll kill you” to a classmate, but the cartoons he sees on TV are filled with such statements. Illegal drugs and violent crime are glorified by musical artists for our young people emulate. It's all insanity. We’re destroying our own children in this nation. Oh, that people would seek the Lord.

Think for a moment with me, if you will, about the kind of society we live in. One guy won a contest and was put in the Guinness Book of Records for holding up a weight with his arm for five hours. The flesh was tearing off his hand with blood dripping. This is the insanity which Satan puts into the hearts of men. Billions of dollars are spent on space exploration each year, while millions of people are dying from starvation. 

Legalized alcohol is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people each year and costs taxpayers billions in damages. Where are our brains in this country? Why is alcohol legal? It's because of the greed of evil men. If you’ve never lost a loved one to alcohol, be quiet! Ask the mother who just lost her son to beer what she thinks about alcohol? I stood over the graves of a mother and her unborn son, killed by a drunk driver. I saw the father’s tears and the children’s dismay that mommy was gone. Don’t tell me about rights! We outlaw fireworks! We outlaw marijuana! We outlaw pit bull dogs! Why not alcohol? Which kills more? The evil beer companies tell people, “don’t drink and drive.” My question is: How do you know not to drive if you're too drunk to think straight? I mean, If you're intoxicated and out of your mind, how do you prevent yourself from driving? It's all a bunch of hype from the greedy beer companies. Booze has always been synonymous with sin, trouble and disaster. That's why Billy Sunday rightfully termed it, LIQUID DEVIL.

I’m so sick of hearing hypocrites teach, “say no to drugs!” But you can go get plastered on Jack Daniels or Old Style and that’s ok. No sir, it’s not ok! I say... “say no to beer too!” It’s about time we started teaching this to our children. While were at it, how about “saying NO to Madonna,” “say NO to Jerry Springer,” “say NO to AC/DC,” “say NO to gambling casinos,” “say NO to Brittany Spears and other bad influences,” “say NO to abortion,” “say NO to the queer lifestyle,” “say NO to Walt Disney,” “say NO to pornography,” “say NO to Oprah Winfrey,” “say NO to cigarettes,” “say NO to corrupt modern bibles like the New International Version,” “say NO to false religions like Catholicism,” “say NO to the soap operas, et cetera.” 

I know I'm preaching a bit here, so I'll jump off my milk crate now. I'm simply saying that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and oh how our wayward society needs to stop following demonically inspired influences, and start following the God of the Bible. 
  

Follow the Good Shepherd

I am not condoning being hateful in anyway. I do NOT believe in being mean to ANYBODY. Christians who preach the Bible are often wrongfully labeled as hateful. In Psalm 97:10 God commands believers to HATE EVIL. The unsaved often mistake hatred against evil as hatred for sinners, but it's not. I preach against sin because I love the Lord and want to please God, but I also love people with God's unconditional love. God loves us, not because of who we are, but because of Who He is. And so must we love sinners for who we are in Christ.

We are to shine as lights in this old sin-cursed world, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of A CROOKED AND PERVERSE NATION, among whom ye shine as LIGHTS in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Christians are to be harmless and to live decent, holy, upright lives.

Let’s say “yes” to Jesus! It’s not enough just to teach kids to say “NO” to what’s wrong. We must also teach them to say “yes” to what’s right. Just as Jesus is the Shepherd of every believer; likewise, every parent is the shepherd of their own children.Teach them in the Lord. 

Christ is the Good Shepherd and we will never go astray in life if we will simply follow the Light of God's Word. Jesus is the Living Word (Revelation 19:13). Get you a King James Bible and love it, read it, study it, and live it.

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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

  By David J. Stewart

Christ Died on the cross, was Buried and Resurrected the Third Day

 Heresy has crept into many churches today. We are hearing many unbiblical teachings; such as, to be saved you need to “Invite Christ into your life,” or “Ask Jesus to come into your heart,” or “Follow Jesus,” or “Invite Christ to be the Lord of your life,” et cetera. None of these are the Gospel by which we are saved. The apostle Paul said in 1st Corinthians 1:17, “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”

We are saved by believing the Gospel. Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” 1st Corinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Amen! We are saved by BELIEVING THE GOSPEL! So what exactly is the Gospel?

There is no need to guess or wonder what the Gospel is, because God tells us plainly in the Holy Bible:

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you THEGOSPEL which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was BURIED, and that he ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the scriptures” (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). 

Something that I love about God is that He doesn't leave us wondering how to be saved. Although the Bible is open to interpretation on many subjects, God has given us clear and concise instructions how to be saved, that is, BELIEVE THE GOSPEL!!!

As we just learned in 1st Corinthians 15:1-4, the Gospel is three things: Christ DIED on the cross for our sins. Second, He was BURIED. And thirdly, Jesus bodily RESURRECTED from the dead on the third day. Amen! This is the Good News, which is what the word “Gospel” means. The Gospel is the Glad Tidings of Christ crucified, buried and risen for everyone's sins. Romans 10:15, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” The Gospel brings peace between God and man, by the blood of Jesus. Romans 5:1 and 9, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

Have you been saved my friend? Have you been born-again by the Holy Spirit of God, through faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If not, then now is the time... right here, right now! Please, don't go to Hell friend. Simply acknowledge that you are a guilty sinner in the eyes of a holy God and believe the Gospel. Salvation is not doing your best, it is having Christ's best put to your account through receiving Him by faith. God will not save anyone who is trying to be saved, He will only save those who are trusting to be saved. Receive Christ's sacrifice on the cross as full-payment for your sins, believing that He miraculously raised up from the dead 72 hours later for your justification!!! Simply believe and the work is done! John 6:28-29, “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” God had to make getting saved simple, otherwise simple people couldn't understand it. Bless God, He made salvation so easy and simple that even a young child can believe the Gospel and be saved. 1st Thessalonians 4:14, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”

The only prerequisite to believing the Gospel is that you realize you are a guilty sinner in God's eyes. Notice in 1st Corinthians 15:3 that Christ died FOR OUR SINS. 1st John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” You must know what you are being saved from! You cannot turn north without turning away from some other direction. Likewise, you cannot turn to Jesus Christ by faith without at the same time turning your back again unbelief, sin, intellectualism, pride, religion, or whatever was hindering you from coming to the light of the Gospel to be saved. This is repentance, a change of mind. Repentance doesn't mean forsaking the world, giving up sinful bad habits, nor does it mean being willing to reform or turn away from one's sins.

The modern English meaning of the word “repent” is to feel sorrow and turn away from sin. However, the Biblical Greek meaning of “repent” is very different, simply meaning “a change of mind.” People change their mind about hundreds of things all the time. There are many reasons why most people won't come to Jesus Christ to be saved. The Bible commands them to repent (think different) and BELIEVE THE GOSPEL. Mark 1:15,“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” You don't get saved by repenting, you get saved by putting your trust in Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable, like two sides of the same coin. When you believe, you have repented. If you didn't repent, you'd never believe. They happen together, simultaneously. Anyone who separates repentance from faith, requiring you to reform your sinful ways as a step to being saved, is preaching a false plan of salvation! We don't repent AND believe; we repent TO believe!

The Gospel according to the Scriptures is that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, He was buried and rose from the dead three days later. There is ONLY one true Gospel! Galatians 1:6-9, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” There are many different gospels being taught in churches today, which are perverted and accursed of God. I have shown you the true Gospel from 1st Corinthians 15:1-4.

The word “Gospel” means “glad tidings” or “good news” ... “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7). The Gospel is the Good News of Jesus Christ. He has paid the price for our redemption.  
 

The Gospel Without Faith is Dead

Many of the Israelites heard the Gospel but did not believe it, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his REST, any of you should seem to come short of it.  For unto us was the GOSPEL PREACHED, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with FAITH in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into REST, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my REST: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world” (Hebrews 4:1-3). Amen, when you believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you have entered into His rest. We are saved by resting solely in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Moses preached THE GOSPEL to the Jews in the Wilderness, but it was not mixed with faith in them that heard it. Many of the Israelites died and went to Hell for their stubborn unbelief. However, all believers have entered into God’s rest or “God’s Sabbath.”

Jesus today is our Sabbath, in Whom we completely rest for salvation. Hebrews 4:10-11, “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Notice how repentance works in the preceding Bible verse. In order to put your faith in Christ, you have to (of necessity) turn from your unbelief, which in this case was works of self-righteousness. It's not that a person must forsake their own self-righteous works as a requirement to be saved; but rather, it would be impossible to believe on Jesus Christ without turning from whatever it is that is hindering you from doing so.

Again, notice how repentance works in 1st Thessalonians 1:9, “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” These unsaved people turned by faith unto God (the Gospel implied) FROM THEIR IDOLS. It's not that they were required to forsake idolatry to be saved; but rather, it would have been impossible for them to repent TOWARD GOD without in the very process forsaking their idols. How can a man turn to face north without in the process having turned his back against all other directions? This is how repentance works. In fact, repentance is so closely related to faith, that we find the words “believe” and “believed” mentioned 85 times in the Gospel of God, but the word “repent” is not mentioned even once.

You don't have to turn from your sins as a requirement to be saved; but rather, you turn to Christ to be saved. The Bible here is warning all people to enter into God’s rest before it is too late. If you die without Christ, it is too late! 
 

Jesus Is Our Sabbath!

Jesus is our Rest, our Sabbath! The Sabbath Day was first given to Moses to give to Israel on Mt. Sinai. It was a Day picturing the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sabbath pictured man ceasing from his own works (the six day work week) and resting in Christ alone on the seventh day (the Sabbath). As far as a ceremonial law to be observed, the Sabbath was given ONLY to Israel and NOT to any other people. God does NOT expect us to observe the Sabbath day today. If He did, we couldn’t light a fire, couldn’t leave our homes, couldn’t cook, etc. 

The Sabbath was given to a specific people (the Jews) living in a specific region (Israel) during a specific time period (the Old Testament). The ceremonial laws were exclusive to the Jews: the Sabbath, circumcision, the feasts and sacrifices, dietary and clothing laws, etc. Each of these earthly laws for the Jew reminded him of a Heavenly divine law. For example: circumcision was a constant reminder that the Jews were God’s people and were to separate from the gentile world (thus picturing God’s Children being separate from the heathen world). “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written FOR OUR LEARNING, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

God has given us principles to live by through the experiences of the Jewish people. Hence, the Sabbath was a ceremonial law (only for the Jews) which was a lesson to the world that we are to cease from our own efforts and instead rest upon Christ alone for salvation. Isn’t that a beautiful truth! You still have some religions today (such as Seventh-Day Adventists) which teach that you MUST keep the Sabbath to be saved, which is untrue. You do NOT need to keep anything to be saved, just rest in Jesus. Have you entered into God’s rest by believing upon Christ to save you from your sins? Hell awaits those who are NOT resting in Christ. Only Jesus can forgive sin, because only Jesus has the nail-scarred hands and feet. No one else does! 
 

The Power of Salvation is in the Gospel, Not Our Eloquent Words

“For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL OF CHRIST: for it is the POWER OF GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). The best way to win ANYONE to the Lord is to just give them the plain good news (Gospel) of Jesus Christ. If a person won't obey the simple Gospel, then no amount of debate or arguing is going to change their heart's condition of unbelief. The word “power” means “dynamite.” The Gospel is God’s dynamite to those who turn in repentance from their unbelief and to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. 

Notice that God had chosen Israel as His people to propagate the Gospel throughout the earth. The Old Testament high priest would make atonement once a year for Israel’s sins. The Israelites were saved by putting their faith in the coming Messiah, Who was represented by the spotless lamb and blood sacrifice. People in foreign nations could also be saved if they put their faith in the God of Israel. Salvation has always been by grace through faith! Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Good Works Verses Grace

  By David J. Stewart

Salvation Cannot Be by Works and God's Grace

 “NOT BY WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5). This Bible verse makes it plain and simple that good works will not save anyone. Listen to the message of Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.” How many Scriptures does God need to put in front of our face before we get the idea—salvation is not by merit. “Knowing that a man is NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and NOT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW: for BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED” (Galatians 2:16). The road to Hell is paved with good intentions!!! The plain teaching of the Inspired Word of God is that salvation is NOT BY WORKS. You just read the Scriptures for yourself.
 

Salvation is of God, NOT Dependent Upon Man's Works

Over and over the Bible proclaims that good deeds CANNOT merit us salvation. Someone needs to tell this to the Pope! He preaches a message of kindness and love, but rarely mentions the name of Jesus Christ. You’ll never hear the Pope speak of the torments of Hell. I’ve never heard him speak of being born-again either. All the love and kindness in the world will NOT get you into Heaven. Catholicism teaches that a person must keep the “Seven Sacraments” to obtain Heaven. This of course is a lie of the Devil! You do NOT need to be baptized to go to Heaven! You do NOT need to confess your sins to a priest in order to be forgiven. No priest can forgive anyone’s sins!!! You do NOT need to go to confirmation to be saved, no sir! These are lies of the Devil. 

I once witnessed to a Catholic man concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. He said that he believed in “faith AND works.” Though I believe he was sincere, he does NOT understand the Bible very well. Romans 11:6 clarifies this matter, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But IF IT BE OF WORKS, THEN IT IS NO MORE GRACE: otherwise work is no more work.” If salvation comes by works, then it is NOT by God’s grace anymore. The whole reason that Jesus died on the cross is because we cannot do enough good works to get saved. There is NO amount of good deeds that can reconcile us to God. Only through Jesus Christ can anyone be saved. If it is possible for us to get to Heaven by living a good and upright life, then Jesus died for nothing... “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, THEN CHRIST IS DEAD IN VAIN” (Galatians 2:21). 

In John 6:29 Jesus tells us the only WORK which men must do to be saved... “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” Amen! 
 

Jesus Christ Paid a Sin Debt that We Could Not Pay

Jesus paid a debt He did not owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay. That's God's grace! Like it or not, you are just too sinful and wicked to save yourself—you CANNOT earn your way into Heaven. This is the very reason why God had to provide a way of escape for humanity. This way of escape has been provided through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God did this because He loves us very much, more than we can possibly comprehend. Don’t make the mistake of creating God in your own image, you were created in God’s own image. You are the object of the Heavenly Father’s love—so much so that He created you in His very own likeness. Jesus paid for our sins because He loves us... “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1st John 3:16). What a precious Saviour! 
 

Most Rich People Spit On God's Grace by Rejecting Christ

God wanted you to be like Him. Someday, if you’ll let Him, He wants to give you everything... “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?” (Romans 8:32). If God was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son for us, don’t you think He'll also give us all things? Yes, that is exactly true. God says... what’s mine is yours! Of course, this does not include sinful things because sin belongs to Satan and man—not God. Everything that is righteous and holy will be ours when we get to Heaven to be with Jesus. 

Perhaps you ask, “then why doesn’t God make me rich now?” Because that would likely be the worst thing that ever happened to you my friend. Great and many are the sins of the rich and famous. You are abundantly rich if you have Christ in your heart. There are two ways to be rich: Have all you want OR want all you have! The greatest things in life are NOT things. Money CANNOT buy anyone into Heaven. 

Ted Turner is filthy rich! He owns more land than anyone else in this nation, second to the US government. It was Mr. Turner who said that “Christians are losers.” I heard him say that he is “looking forward to going to hell.” As an unbeliever, he will get his wish soon enough. I can tell you my friend, Christians are anything but losers. Bill Gates is undecided whether or not there is a God. Warren Buffet doesn’t believe in God at all. These are some of the richest men in the world, yet they are poorer than poor without Jesus Christ as Savior. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes for all the money in the world. They give away billions of dollars to charity each year but that doesn’t merit them one iota with God. Their good deeds CANNOT save them. 

The ONLY way to be saved is to crawl to the feet of Jesus Christ as a hell-deserving sinner. There aren’t many rich people who are willing to crawl on their spiritual knees to the mighty throne of God—it’s beyond their dignity to admit they deserve to burn in Hell. Let me tell you, whoever you may be, you are a hell-deserving sinner! Yes you are, and so am I. Your good works mean nothing to God concerning your salvation... “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). Your money, kindness, sincerity, generosity and commitment mean nothing to God if you are relying upon your own self-righteousness. If you are trusting in the righteousness of Jesus Christ (realizing that you have no righteousness of your own), then all the good things you do as a Child of God are well pleasing unto the Lord. 
 

The Apostle Paul Relied Upon God's Grace, Nothing Else

“But by THE GRACE OF GOD I am what I am” (1st Corinthians 15:10). The Apostle Paul knew where his bread and butter came from. He knew Who had given him the wisdom and ability to write to the churches. Paul didn’t take anything for granted, but gave God the benefit of the doubt for everything good in his life. God’s grace is God's goodness, His doing for us what we certainly don’t deserve. We deserve to go straight to Hell, but God has given us the gift of eternal life. This is by God’s grace. God’s grace is everything that God has ever done, is doing, or ever will do for us. We deserve nothing! When someone arrogantly claims that they are trying to impress God with their good works, they are unknowingly admitting that they know nothing concerning the grace of God. Salvation cannot be of grace and works as we have already learned from Romans 11:6. The grace of God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves, if we could save ourselves, then we wouldn’t need the grace of God or a Savior. 
 

God's Throne of Grace

The grace of God is available to help each believer through every trial and problem in life because we can’t make it on our own. God wants to help us through the tough times. It is our privilege and God-given right to approach God's throne of grace in times of trouble, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE TO HELP in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). This is only made possible by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Amen!

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CHAPTER NINETEEN

The Gift of God

  By David J. Stewart

Nothing in Life is Free

 “For the wages of sin is death; but the GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Eternal life is a gift, complements of the Godhead, i.e., God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. 

Nothing in this life is free, not even salvation. That’s right, not even salvation! Jesus paid a great price with His own precious blood. It is Jesus Who has the scars in His hands, feet, head, back and side. Jesus was beaten beyond recognition... “As many were astonied at thee; HIS VISAGE WAS SO MARRED more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14). 

Listen to the Prophetical Words of king David concerning Jesus Christ... “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all MY BONES: THEY LOOK AND STARE UPON ME. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalm 22:16-18). Jesus' skin had been torn right off His bones. Perhaps this was from the cat-o-nine-tails whip (a whip with nine strands of leather, each with a piece of glass, rock or jagged metal at the end). Perhaps the bones Jesus spoke of were in His wrists, pulled apart by the nails and the weight of His body hanging on the cross. Most of the pictures of Jesus hanging on the cross show a little blood, but this is not accurate. Jesus must have been bathed in blood from head to toe, hanging naked upon the cross in shame for our sins. 

The Roman soldiers ripped Jesus beard out, smote Him over the head repeatedly with a rod to drive the crown of sharp thorns into his scalp, He was physically beaten with their fists, stripped naked, spit upon, scourged with a whip and mocked. Jesus did this for us because He loves us so. Oh, yes my friend, Jesus paid a great price for your salvation. The gift of eternal life which is freely offered to us cost God a great price. I bid you, please do not say “no” to Jesus. The trifle sufferings of this life cannot be compared to the eternal damnation of those who die in their sins without Christ as Savior. Hell is forever. The sad thing is that no one needs to go to Hell, Jesus has paid the price. 
 

Eternal Life is Offered as a FREE GIFT to All Humanity

Eternal life is a gift. Even though a gift is free, it MUST be accepted. If I buy someone a gift and place it under the Christmas tree, the gift will sit there until someone claims it. Jesus has purchased you a gift, it is sitting in Heaven with your name on it, but you MUST reach out by faith and receive it. If you don’t, then it will go unclaimed. Eternal life is a FREE gift from God... “But not as the offence, so also is the FREE GIFT. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the FREE GIFT is of many offences unto justification” (Romans 5:15,16). How much plainer could the Bible be concerning the gift of eternal life? 

Let’s say you go out and buy me a nice gift. When you offer it to me, I open my wallet and try to pay you some money. You say, “no, no, it’s a gift!” I continue to try to pay you for your gift, but you refuse. This is no different than the person who seeks to impress God with their own self-righteousness. Eternal life is a gift my friend and there’s nothing you can do to buy it. If you try to earn it, then it is no longer a gift. You can observe the Seven Sacraments all you want, but it will avail you no good on Judgment Day. You had better receive the gift of God, so that Christ's righteousness will be imputed to your record. We need HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 
 

A Gift Has No Strings Attached

I have often used the illustration of a gift in Sunday School or while out soul-winning. If I offer you a gift, all you have to do is to REACH OUT AND TAKE IT. That is all you have to do and nothing more if it is truly a gift with no strings attached. Salvation is a gift with NO strings attached. 

I once witnessed to an Islamic Muslim man who didn’t believe Jesus was ever crucified. I asked him, “Do you KNOW if you died today that you would go to Heaven?” He abruptly responded in amazement by saying, “How arrogant!” He said it was wicked arrogance for anyone to even think of claiming to “know” that they were going to Heaven. He believed that a person must win the favor of Allah by their own merit. He said that all we can do is our best and hope that Allah will be merciful. He has been deceived of the Devil.

First, the Bible says we can KNOW we’re saved in 1st John 5:13... “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life...”  

Second, if the Muslims believed the Bible (which they don’t), they would KNOW that eternal life is a free gift. Every religion in the world can be categorized as either “DO” or “DONE!” Either you believe you must “DO” something to merit salvation OR else you believe Jesus did it all for you and it is “DONE.” The Muslims are following a “DO” religion; whereas, all true Christians are following the “DONE” religion. Jesus paid it all.

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CHAPTER TWENTY

Another Jesus

  By David J. Stewart

There is Only One True Biblical Jesus, the Rest are Counterfeits

        “Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth ANOTHER JESUS, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive ANOTHER SPIRIT, which ye have not received, or ANOTHER GOSPEL, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (2nd Corinthians 11:1-4). 

The Apostle Paul was not the average minister. Paul had a sincere desire to go above and beyond the mere formalities of religion, he truly cared about people and wanted to protect them from false religion and false prophets. Here in 2nd Corinthians 11:1-4, Paul warns us that some people are dangerous and extremely hazardous to our spiritual health. There are many people today, just as then, who preach ANOTHER JESUS—not the Jesus which the Scriptures portray. 

If someone comes along teaching that Jesus never died on the cross, then you know he’s an imposter—a heretic (such as Islamic Muslims). If someone teaches that Jesus’ physical blood has no redeeming power, then you know he’s a false prophet (such as John MacArthur). If someone says that Jesus is not Almighty God or that there is no Godhead (Trinity), then you know that he is a liar (such as Jehovah's Witnesses). If someone teaches that trusting Jesus as Savior is not enough in itself to be saved, then you know that he is of the Devil (such as Seventh-Day Adventists). If anyone says that a priest can forgive your sins or that you should bow down and pray to a statue (Mother Mary), then you know that he is of the Devil (such as Catholics). If someone denies the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ, as Martin Luther King Jr. did in his writings, then you know he is an unsaved man without Christ.

There are thousands of religions in this world. My dear friend, salvation is not found in any of them! You don’t find salvation in a religion, you find it in a person—Jesus Christ!!! There are many concepts of Jesus in the minds of people throughout the world, but the true Jesus is only portrayed in God’s Word. Satan has introduced many false Christ's and false bibles and false religions into the world to deceive mankind. We are warned by the Apostle Paul against accepting ANOTHER JESUS. 
 

We Must Test Every Teaching with the Light of God's Word

Paul also warns us of those who bring in ANOTHER GOSPEL or ANOTHER SPIRIT... “For if he that cometh preacheth ANOTHER JESUS, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive ANOTHER SPIRIT, which ye have not received, or ANOTHER GOSPEL, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” The Gospel is the “Good News” of salvation. We are saved by God’s grace through our faith in Christ alone. 

Most ministers today teach some OTHER way of getting to Heaven besides through Jesus Christ. They teach a false plan of salvation. The Bible calls them wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). They do this to their own destruction! The Bible tells us to TEST the things which people teach... “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but TRY THE SPIRITS whether they are of God: because MANY false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1st John 4:1-3). People are spirits in the flesh. That is what we are! When we try (or test) the spirit of another, we are simply finding out whether or not they have God’s Spirit. We are NOT to judge or condemn anyone, we are simply told to decipher whether or not they are saved. Either they have God’s Spirit or they don’t. We can KNOW if a person is saved or not by the doctrines which they believe concerning salvation and Jesus Christ.

As believers, we are commanded to “try the spirits” (test other people) to see if they are saved or not. If the person is not saved, we are to avoid yoking together with them... “BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2nd Corinthians 6:14). This means that a Believer is NOT to marry an unbeliever; a Believer is NOT to go into business together with an unbeliever; a believer is NOT to become close friends with an unbeliever, et cetera. This is a command from God. If a believing man marries an unbelieving woman, he will have the Devil for a father-in-law. We are not to entrust a Sunday School class or other position of church leadership to an unsaved person. We must test every doctrinal teaching using the Word of God as our Final Authority. 

Here are two critical tests:

Jesus is Almighty God!

Anyone who teaches that Jesus is NOT Almighty God is a liar.  Every Believer has God’s Spirit!  The test is simple!  The Bible tells us what the test is.  If a person fails this test, they are NOT of God and have not His Spirit.  The test is to ask the other person what they think about Jesus!  Specifically, you want to find out if this person believes that Jesus Christ is Almighty God.  “Every spirit that confesseth that JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH is of God.”  What does this mean?  Nearly every false religion believes that Jesus had a fleshly body.  This Scripture must mean something entirely different.  Here’s the real question: Do you believe that Jesus existed before He came to the earth?  Do you believe that the pre-incarnate Christ became flesh?  Do you believe that Jesus is Almighty God?  Do you believe that the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) became flesh? 

The Jehovah witnesses believe that Michael the archangel became Jesus—they have the spirit of ANTICHRIST. Every false religion attacks or diminished the deity of Jesus Christ in one way or another. Many new perversions of the bible diminish Christ’s deity! Modern bibles that change and twist important Scriptures concerning Christ are all of the Devil. Listen to what the King James Bible proclaims concerning Jesus... “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL with God” (Philippians 2:6). Pick up a New International Version [NIV] and make sure your sitting down when you read it. The NIV says that Jesus thought “equality with God not a thing to be grasped.” That's the exact opposite of what the King James Bible teaches!

We are surrounded by deceivers... “For many DECEIVERS are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2nd John 1:7).  Those who deny that Jesus Christ is Almighty God in every way are NOT of God! Jesus is the Creator, He is the Father, He is the Holy Spirit, He is the Son, He is Omnipotent (all powerful), He is Omnipresent (all present), He is Omniscient (all knowing), Jesus is Wonderful!!!

Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way to Heaven!

Anyone who teaches that Jesus is NOT the Only Way to Heaven is a liar. We’ve often heard the saying, “all rivers lead to the ocean.” This simply is not so with salvation. It all depends which way you are going. Do all airplanes lead to Chicago? Of course not! There is a great danger in adopting the silly sayings of ignorant people concerning God and salvation. 

Another lie you may have heard is “We are all God’s Children.” That sounds cute but it’s NOT true! We are all God’s creation, but we are NOT all God’s Children. You are only a Child of God if you’ve been born-again into God’s Family. 

I witnessed to a man concerning his faith and He said he believed in reincarnation. This doctrine teaches that when a person dies, they come back again as an animal, or vise-versa). This of course is another lie of the Devil! I asked the man why he believed such a thing and he said his beliefs were based upon the fact that a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. His beliefs concerning God and salvation were based on his own logical human reasoning. This is the foolishness of the human mind! Listen to the warning of Proverb 14:12... “There is a way which SEEMETH RIGHT unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” It is a dangerous and foolish thing to decide for yourself what is right and wrong. God’s Word is pure, decent and upright—there is NO reason for any sensible person to ignore the Bible. There are nuts everywhere in this world who know NOT the Lord and have adopted a crazy insane form of thinking. Even some Believers end up out in left field doctrinally because of a lack of proper Bible knowledge and a close walk with God. There is a fine line between faith and foolishness. We must combine common sense with godly wisdom. 

So anyone who denies that Jesus is God Almighty or that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven is unsaved.
 

The Plan of Salvation is Simple, but the Devil Tries to Corrupt It

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST” (2nd Corinthians 11:3). “In whom the god of this world (Satan) hath BLINDED THE MINDS of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2nd Corinthians 4:4). Satan is a master counterfeiter! The Bible is clear that salvation is SIMPLE! Salvation is found in the Person of Jesus Christ, nowhere else. Satan BLINDS the MIND of the unsaved in an attempt to prevent them from accepting the truth. Most people already KNOW the truth, but willfully reject it. 

They have some form of FALSE THINKING that overrides God’s truth. Humanism is an insane form of thinking that invades the human mind convincing it of it’s own superiority over God and His Word. This is the big problem—humanism! Humanism has no church, no organized religion, no building—yet it is the biggest religion in the world. Humanism is the religion of “self” ... “Beware lest any man spoil you through PHILOSOPHY and VAIN DECEIT, after the TRADITION OF MEN, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Satan uses a counterfeit Jesus, false gospels, corrupt bibles, worldly philosophy and useless teachings and traditions—to blind the minds of billions of people around the world. “And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own TRADITION” (Mark 7:9).  Remember, “...LET GOD BE TRUE, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). 
 

Have You Believed Upon the Biblical Jesus?

Ignorance concerning Christ won’t keep you from being saved, BUT a misconception of Who He is may. If you believe on the True Christ as He is, you WILL be saved. The only way to be saved is to simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ apart from all else. However, if you’ve been taught that Jesus is not God and you refuse to admit that your thinking is corrupt, you are on your way to hellfire! You must believe on the correct Jesus. You must acknowledge Christ as He is. If you only view Christ as a prophet or as a good man, you can trust him all you want but it won’t do you any good because you have found another Jesus. 

Let’s read this powerful passage again... “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth ANOTHER JESUS, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (2nd Corinthians 11:3,4). The Apostle Paul warned of false prophets who would bring in damnable heresies, teaching ANOTHER JESUS which is not of the Scriptures. If you say that you are trusting Christ AND keeping the Seven Sacraments to be saved as a devout Catholic, then you have never been saved, because you've never completely trusted Christ. I have witnessed to many folks who tell me that they are trusting Jesus AND something else (e.g., baptism, good works, church membership, confirmation, confession, religion, the Virgin Mary, Saint Anthony, uncle Joe, etc). You must trust Christ alone to save you!  

       Our faith + Jesus and good works = Hell

       Our faith + Jesus = Heaven

It’s as simple as that folks!

       Our faith + the wrong Jesus = Hell

       Our faith + the True Jesus = Heaven

We must make sure we are completely trusting the “Jesus” of the Scriptures and not some mythical or fictitious Jesus. Jesus as taught in the Scriptures died, was buried and rose again bodily 3 days later. Most religions have a misconception of Christ and nearly all false religions diminish Christ’s deity (that He is God). We read in John 6:40... “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which SEETH THE SON, and BELIEVETH ON HIM, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” Do you see Jesus? How do you see Him? Have you been viewing a counterfeit Jesus? Hopefully you have found the true Jesus and are trusting Him. 

This chapter, ANOTHER JESUS, has been written to help you recognize the proper Jesus of the Bible. All you need to do is simply believe on Him the best you know how. Call upon His name for salvation to forgive your sins.  
 

Ignorance Verses Misconceptions

Please don’t misunderstand me, when I got saved I was green behind the ears and very ignorant concerning Who Christ was; HOWEVER, I did not have a distorted image of Who Christ was. There’s a big difference! If I had been in a false religion or had been influenced by a corrupted perversion of the Bible, I would have had a more difficult time getting saved. Why? Because I would have had to admit my thinking was wrong in order to grasp the truth. This is very difficult for some people. Salvation is NOT difficult, but we tend to make it difficult. The hardest thing about getting people saved is first getting them lost. Fortunately, when I was saved it was only a matter of accepting and believing the truth. All I knew was that I was a lost sinner and needed Jesus to save me. I only knew that I was a sinner and that Jesus had died on the cross for me. That’s all you need to know to be saved. God only requires a child-like faith to be saved. Salvation is NOT difficult. 

The problem is that many people have been taught misconceptions concerning Christ. As I’ve already mentioned, you’d be surprised how many people will say they’re trusting Jesus AND SOMETHING ELSE. This is NOT acceptable to God. Seventh-Day Adventists claim to have faith in Christ, yet will tell you that their faith in Christ cannot save them by itself. Adventists believe that the bad and good they do in life will have an affect on their salvation. This of course is totally unscriptural. To be saved, these folks would have to admit the errors of their thinking and then turn to Christ ALONE for salvation. No one is worthy to be saved, no one. Salvation is a free GIFT from God, paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. If we believe on the name of Jesus—that ALONE is perfectly sufficient and acceptable to God for salvation. We must always remember that we are saved solely by Christ's righteousness, and not by our own self-righteousness.  
 

Have You Believed a Lie?

I AM simply saying that you CANNOT be saved if you willfully maintain certain distorted views of Who Jesus really is. Certain misconceptions would not matter. For example: some people view God as a big ogre up in heaven with a big stick ready to beat us over the head when we sin. This is FAR from the truth! However, this misconception would NOT keep a person from getting saved. However, If you believe (as Islamic Muslims do) that Jesus never died on the cross—then you simply CANNOT be saved until you repent of your unbelief, you are an unbeliever. Sadly, there are over one billion Muslims in the world who do not believe that Jesus was ever crucified. “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 26:12). 

We must NOT create God in our own image. There are over one billion Roman Catholics in the world who believe good works are necessary for salvation and that faith alone in Christ cannot save. The Bible says there is more hope for a complete fool than for someone who is too blinded by pride to admit the errors of their way. It is a foolish thing to create God in one's own image. We must realize that we are created in God’s image and CANNOT redefine God. Good works are NOT a necessary part of salvation and WILL prevent you from being saved if you trust in them for salvation. Mary CANNOT save you and praying to her is idolatry! Oh, how I wish Catholics would stop believing a lie, and forsake their false religion.

So many people today are following the lie that salvation is conditional upon the life we live; but the Bible says we are saved by HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (Matthew 6:33), i.e., the righteousness of Jesus Christ. No amount of religious devotion, keeping of the Sacraments, reciting the Rosary, or performing good deeds can substitute for the righteousness of God... “For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Amen! Salvation is found only in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you THE TRUTH?” (Galatians 4:16). 

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CHAPTER TWNETY-ONE

Faith Is Not Optimism

By David J. Stewart

        Faith is not optimism! I once heard a man say, “Boy brother, you just gotta believe!” Though he was sincere, he was speaking of optimism, not faith. The dictionary defines “optimism” as: “The optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well.” This is definitely NOT faith. 

I can say all day long that “I believe” a chair will hold me up, if I stand on it, but that’s NOT faith—that’s optimism. Faith would be for me to go over and stand up on the chair. Do you see the difference? To stand upon the chair would require my trust, my faith, that it will hold me up. One can say he believes in Jesus all he wants to but that is NOT faith unless he actually places his trust upon Christ. Salvation is NOT merely a belief, it is believing on Jesus Christ. Believing requires a personal decision on your part to trust Christ.

Salvation is a new birth. I've never liked the term “relationship” concerning salvation, because Judas (one of Christ's very Apostles) had a “relationship” with Jesus, but he still went to Hell in unbelief. Either you are a child of God or else you are a child of the Devil. Believing that Jesus is real is NOT enough. Even the demons believe that Jesus exists... “...the DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, and tremble” (James 2:19). You must not only acknowledge that Jesus is the Savior—you must personally TRUST HIM! You must decide for yourself to rely 100% upon Christ, in that He died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and bodily resurrected three days later for our justification. Only Jesus died on the cross for you! Only Jesus shed His blood for you, and me, and all mankind. Only Jesus has the nail-scared hands and feet. Jesus paid it all!

Have you believed THE GOSPEL? Do you believe on the precious name of Jesus Christ? You should remember a time in your life when you received Christ as your Savior. If not, there’s no time like the present! Maybe you remember (as I do) praying many times for God to save you, but you don’t remember exactly the date when you were saved. That’s easy—The first time! You see, you're not saved when you pray; but rather, when you BELIEVE. The very first time that I called upon the name of the Lord, I was saved, because I believed the Gospel. God only requires a childlike faith for salvation. 

If you have just enough faith to “call upon the name of the Lord,” then that’s all the faith required for salvation... “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord SHALL BE SAVED” (Romans 10:13). That is a promise from God. And by the way, the word “call” here doesn't mean to vocally call upon; but rather, to invoke, that is, to come to Jesus to be saved. What if a person was mute, having their tongue cut out, as did some victims of the American Civil War? Salvation is of the heart my friend, not the mouth. Faith is NOT optimism, it is trust. 

There are millions of people who are optimistic they will make it to Heaven one day, but they won’t. Jesus plainly said in Luke 13:23-24, “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” This is the woeful deception of religion and good works. Satan has provided many false substitutes for the Gospel. The Bible is clear, “The just shall live by FAITH” (Romans 1:17). You must put your faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 


I Couldn't Find Peace About My Salvation

When I first became a Christian, I doubted my salvation for several years. I simply didn’t understand the Bible enough to KNOW whether or not I was saved. I had dozens of questions going through my mind. Did I have enough faith? Did I really “believe” on Christ? If I did believe, then why am I unsure about my salvation? What if I’m not saved? What if I missed something? Is God upset with me because I keep asking Him to save me? Does it show a lack of faith because I keep asking God to save me? Why can’t I find peace on the matter?  

Over the years that followed as a teenager, I purposed in my heart to learn the Bible. I wanted to know everything about salvation and faith there was to know. Anytime I heard a sermon about faith or believing, I listened attentively on the edge of my seat. I read every Gospel tract I could get my hands on, each several times through. Time and time again I would admit to God I was a sinner and ask Him to save me. I was scared. I remember reminding God in prayer that I had a right as His child to KNOW if I was saved. I told God that I would get saved in a heartbeat if I wasn’t saved. The big problem was that I didn’t KNOW 100% sure whether I was saved or lost. I was confused and uncertain about my salvation.


I Finally Received the Assurance of My Salvation

The doubts continued for several years. The Holy Spirit showed me many wonderful truths and finally, in time, I grasped the assurance of my salvation. I had been saved all along but lacked the Bible knowledge to be at perfect peace about it. I had been afraid of something which I didn’t understand. I had been looking to a prayer and a past experience instead of looking to what was in my heart in the present. I was focusing on myself, rather than focusing upon the righteousness of Jesus Christ. I eventually learned the simple truth that all God expects of a person to be saved is to BELIEVE the Gospel. Most preachers today misunderstand the Gospel, and instead teach a false plan of salvation of partial faith in Christ plus works.

I had learned that salvation is of the heart, not the mouth (Romans 10:9, “...and shalt believe in thine heart...”). It wasn’t my prayer, nor even my faith that saved me—it was HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (Matthew 6:33), in response to my faith. After several years of searching and wondering, I finally had the assurance of my salvation. I realized with Jonah in Jonah 2:9 that “Salvation is of the LORD.” My part is only to believe, and God does the rest. Salvation is receiving, not giving. Salvation is not doing your best, it is having Christ's best put to your account through receiving Him by faith. God will not save anyone who is trying to be saved, He will only save those who are trusting to be saved. Eternal life is a free gift, paid for by Jesus' redeeming blood sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12, 24; 1st Peter 1:18-19).

Next to my salvation, my assurance is the greatest gift which God has ever given to me. I had learned that faith is NOT optimism. As we read earlier in Luke 13:23-24, many people think they will enter into Heaven when they die, but “SHALL NOT BE ABLE.” They were deceived by the Devil. They believed a lie, accepting a substitute for the Gospel. It is ok to doubt, just so as long as you BELIEVE. Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” No amount of doubt can keep a soul out of Heaven if that soul believes upon the Lord Jesus Christ... “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...” (Romans 16:31).

Don't trust your feelings, because feelings change from one day to the next. Rather, trust only the Word of God, which NEVER changes. A demon's favorite activity is to make religious people feel comfortable in their unbelief. Satan's greatest weapon is to con people into living the Christian life without ever being born-again. Religion wants to fit us with glasses, but the Lord wants to open our eyes. Oh, how people need the truth of the Gospel.

Matthew 7:14, “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” The reason why “few” people ever find the narrow way which leadeth unto eternal life is because there are so many satanic substitutes (e.g., humanism, religion, psychology, evolution, heresy) to mislead them. Most people are optimistic in their false religion, satisfied with a lie. A man with no hope is far better off than a man with a false hope, because the man with no hope is still searching. The hardest part about winning people to Christ is first getting them lost, convincing them that Satan has deceived them. Famous author Mark Twain said, “It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”

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CHAPTER TWNTY-TWO

Help Thou Mine Unbelief

  By David J. Stewart

        Question: How much faith do you need to be saved? How much do you need to believe to get your prayers answered? In Mark chapter nine, a man’s son was possessed, afflicted by a demon. The father had brought his son to Jesus’ disciples but they could not heal him. Then Jesus came and the father told of his son's pain and suffering. The young man would jump into burning fires, gnash his teeth, foam at the mouth, try to commit suicide, etc. The father asked Jesus if anything could be done and this was Jesus wonderful reply... “If thou canst believe, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM THAT BELIEVETH” (Mark 9:23).

What a wonderful thing to hear! The father begins to cry. Could this stranger from Nazareth make my son well again? After years of watching his son live in torment, could there be any hope? Jesus is about to heal the boy. What a wonderful Savior! If we simply believe, ALL things are possible. Do you believe?

But we still haven’t answered our question: How much do we have to believe to see results from God? Let’s hear the father’s response to Jesus Words... “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF” (Mark 9:24). Notice the father's interesting statement... “help thou mine unbelief.” 

The fact that the father asked Jesus to help his unbelief, shows that the father wasn’t sure how much faith he had. Did he have enough faith? Evidently the father feared he might not have enough faith to help his son. In desperation he casts any doubts he may have upon Jesus and begs for mercy. Why did Jesus grant this man’s request? Did not the father say he had unbelief? 

There’s two little magic words which the father said to Jesus... I Believe! You see, it doesn’t matter how much doubt you may have—Just as long as you believe. Isn’t that a wonderful Saviour! It didn’t matter how much doubt the father had as long as he “believed” that Jesus was able to heal the young man. Amen!

The disciples were trying to heal the boy in their own power, not the Lord’s. This is why Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith. Our faith must be in Jesus Christ, nothing else. This broken-hearted father had just enough faith to say “I believe.” But that’s all Jesus needed to hear to heal the afflicted son. Notice that Jesus did NOT say “all things are possible to him that believeth MUCH.” No, Jesus simply requires us to believe! No amount of doubt can prevent our salvation or hinder answers to prayers if we just believe on Jesus. Do you recognize the power of Christ? 

The disciples were powerless to heal the young man. The father was frustrated. Jesus said, “O FAITHLESS generation, how long shall I be with you?  how long shall I suffer you?  bring him unto me” (Mark 9:19). What is so amazing to me is that the father had more faith than the disciples did. This is really interesting. You’d think that the disciples would have demonstrated great faith from being around Jesus so much, but they were powerless. How could this be? The father said to Jesus, “help thou mine unbelief.” He admitted his existing doubts. 

The disciples were respected and recognized by the crowds as men of faith. The disciples would never have admitted to such unbelief publicly. The father did say he had just a little faith, but IT WAS FAITH! That’s all that mattered. This was the great difference. The father had faith, the disciples didn’t. What an interesting passage of Scripture! Notice that Jesus did NOT rebuke His disciples for having “little faith.” Jesus rebuked His disciples for being “FAITHLESS.” They had NO faith in the matter! They were trying to heal the sick boy in their own strength. The bottom line is you either have faith in Christ or you don’t. 

There is only one reference in the New Testament about “increased faith” and it was the disciples who made reference to it... “And the apostles said unto the Lord, INCREASE OUR FAITH. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (Luke 17:5,6). Jesus never taught degrees of faith. On the contrary, Jesus taught that you either had faith or you didn’t. Jesus taught that faith as a grain of mustard seed was more than sufficient to accomplish all that we might need or expect from God. It is fascinating to learn that the mustard seed is a tiny seed that produces one of the largest plants in the world. The black mustard plant in Israel grows to be over 12 feet tall. Jesus purposely chose to use the mustard seed as an illustration because of this very fact. Faith, no matter how small, will open the windows of Heaven and call forth the grace of God. 

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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Just Enough Faith

  By David J. Stewart | February 2003

        I used to wonder if I had enough faith to be saved. What if I didn’t have enough faith at the time I thought I was saved? What if I didn’t get saved? How could I know if I had enough faith? How do you measure faith? I remember attending a revival meeting as a teenager and I learned a wonderful truth which I have never forgotten. I will share it with you now.

Let’s look at Romans 10:13... “For whosoever shall CALL upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” What a precious promise from God! If we will only call upon the Lord Jesus for salvation, that is all the faith we need to be saved. 

How much faith do you need to be saved? ... JUST ENOUGH! 

If you have “just enough” faith to put your trust in Christ and go to Him for the forgiveness of your sins, that’s all the faith required. As a matter of fact, the more doubt you have, the greater your faith if you simply act on the belief. If you have so much doubt, that you CANNOT believe on Christ, then you have a serious problem. However, If you have “JUST ENOUGH” faith to take God at His Word and obey the Bible, then you are doing exactly what God expects of you. 

Jesus never one time spoke of degrees of believing. Jesus simply told us to “believe on Him” ... “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and BELIEVETH ON HIM, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). If you “believe” upon Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, that is all that matters. Do you believe Jesus can save you? Do you believe that you are a sinner? Do you believe you deserve to go to Hell because of your sins? Do you believe Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood? Do you believe He was buried and rose up again three days later? Do you believe that Jesus came to the earth as God in the flesh? If you believe these Bible truths and have “JUST ENOUGH” faith to CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD—You will be saved! This is what Romans 10:13 says. You don’t need to spend countless hours worrying over whether or not you have enough faith. If you have “JUST ENOUGH” faith to “CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD,” that’s all the faith you need to be saved. Either you “believe” on the Lord Jesus, or you don’t. I believe!

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

None Other Name Under Heaven

  By David J. Stewart

Salvation is Only Found in Jesus Christ

        Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby WE MUST BE SAVED (Acts 4:10-12).  Salvation can only be found be found in the name of Jesus Christ. You CANNOT find salvation in the name of Allah. You CANNOT find salvation in the name of the Pope. You CANNOT find salvation in the name of Buddha.  You CANNOT find salvation in the name of a religion or a denomination. You CANNOT find salvation in the name of an evangelist. You can only find salvation in the person of Jesus Christ. This is God’s plan.

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place CALL UPON THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1st Corinthians 1:2). We must call upon the name of Jesus to be saved... “For whosoever shall call upon THE NAME OF THE LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). The word “call” here means “to believe.” The Scriptures are very clear that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven. We must believe this and personally make the decision to rely 100% upon Christ for salvation. We do this because of the blood sacrifice of Christ. He has paid for our iniquities that we might be saved. We must trust Jesus because He is the ONLY One Who qualified to pay for our sins. And thankfully He did!

We must confess our guilty condition before God and believe on Jesus Christ to forgive our sins. Christ's work of redemption includes ALL the necessary things required to make our salvation possible—Christ’s virgin birth, His deity, sinless life, death, burial, bodily resurrection, blood applied, et cetera. All these precious items were necessary for our redemption to occur. Thank God for giving us a second chance through His Son Jesus Christ. 
 

The Word of God Portrays a Clear Image of Who Jesus Is

The Word of God portrays a specific image of God and Who He is. Who are men to decide what is acceptable or unacceptable concerning God? Who are men to decide what makes sense and what does not on spiritual matters? We must push away our sinful pride and turn to the precious Word of God for guidance, salvation and truth. This is the bottom line—Either you have faith in the Word of God or you don’t! Everybody has their own idea of what is normal and what is abnormal, of what is good and what is bad, of what is right and what is wrong, etc. Everybody has their own book they live by. People don’t even agree on the weather.

We must cease from our own finite worldly wisdom and turn to the infinite wondrous truths of the eternally preserved Word of God and ask the Holy Spirit of God to guide our hearts and minds into all truth. Some truths are beyond our limited comprehension. The Godhead (Trinity) is a mystery to say the least. We read in 1st Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: NOW I KNOW IN PART; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” All things CANNOT be understood. There will always be some things that just don’t make any sense, but we know that they’re true because the Holy Spirit tells us they’re true. Someday we will know. As a matter of fact, we will know even as we are known by God. This means that we will be able to read God’s mind and have a perfect knowledge. That’s what the Bible says, “...then shall I know EVEN AS I AM KNOWN.” God knows you inside and out my friend.  
 

Only God is to Be Worshipped —Jesus Rightfully Accepted Worship!

“I am the LORD: THAT IS MY NAME: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images” (Isaiah 42:8). Jesus is THE LORD, that is His name. It is very proper to refer to Jesus as “THE LORD.” Notice the pre-incarnate Christ speaking here in Isaiah... “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no SAVIOUR” (Isaiah 43:11). Jesus is the Savior of the world... “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOUR, WHICH IS CHRIST THE LORD” (Luke 2:11). This was God, our Saviour, speaking to Isaiah. Isaiah 43:11 declares that there is no Savior other than the Lord God of Israel—Jesus Christ. 

Isaiah 42:8 makes clear that God will NOT share His glory with another. This is further Biblical evidence of the Deity of Jesus Christ. For a person, or a religion such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, to claim that Jesus is “a God,” but not “Almighty God” is a perversion of the Scriptures. God clearly says in Isaiah 42:8 that He will NOT allow idolatry. Only God is worthy of praise; therefore, only God is to be praised and glorified. It would have been sinful for Jesus to accept worship from others if He were anyone other than Almighty God. But Jesus DID accept worship from people time and time again. As God, Jesus had every right to accept the praise of men, women and children...

“And, behold, there came a leper and WORSHIPPED HIM, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean” (Matthew 8:2). 

“Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, WORSHIPPING HIM…” (Matthew 20:20).

If you have a modern perversion of the Bible, you might not find the word “worshipped,” but rather “knelt.” This is an injustice to God’s Word because you can kneel before a king without worshipping him. To remove the word “worshipped” is to attack and diminish the Deity of Christ. Salvation can ONLY be found in the Lord Jesus, nowhere else. According to the Scriptures, Jesus came to this earth as God Almighty in the flesh... “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” (1st Timothy 3:16). Amen!
 

Beware of Modern Corrupt Bibles

Most modern bibles diminish Christ’s Deity by corrupting 1st Timothy 3:16. You’ll find something like, “He was revealed in a body,” or some other misquote. Who was revealed in a body? What kind of body? Proponents of modern bibles claim that the King James Bible is too difficult to understand, but “God was manifest in the flesh” certainly makes much more sense than, “He was revealed in a body.” Who's kidding who? The publishers are out to make a buck, plain and simple. It is evil. It is wrong to change or misquote God’s Word for any reason, especially to make a buck. A new Bible version is published every 6-months, and gullible people keep buying them. There is no sin God hates any more than tampering with His Word, watering It down to increase It's marketability... “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2).

Tragically, the corrupt New International Version (NIV) of the Bible removes the name above every other name, JESUS, in 38 places! You can keep your ole NIV Devil, I'll cherish my precious King James Bible. 
 

Jesus is Almighty God!

Jesus is God, Almighty, Eternal God! Let’s read Isaiah 42:8 again... “I am the LORD: THAT IS MY NAME: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Jesus is worthy of worship because He is God. If Jesus were not Deity, then God would be giving His glory unto another. Christ is the second Person of the Godhead, mentioned in the Bible. The word “Trinity” may not be in the Bible but the word “Godhead” most certainly is, i.e., if you are using a King James Bible. All modern bibles pervert the Word of God by removing the word “GODHEAD” completely.

Scriptures are clear that there is ONE God (Deuteronomy 6:4) Who has manifest (or revealed) Himself to mankind in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost... “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). Three individuals, all 100% Almighty God. It may not make good math, but it certainly makes good Bible. What a wonderful truth! 

An Islamic Muslim once asked me the question: “If God can do anything, why would He have to come to earth as the Son of God and die on a cross to forgive people?” He didn’t believe that Jesus was ever crucified. He denied the Godhead. He said it all sounded silly to him. I answered his question with another question: “If God can do anything, why would the Bible seem silly?” Who are we to decide the sovereign matters of God Almighty? This man was creating God in his own image instead of realizing that we are created in God’s own image. We must not create our own concept of God!   
   

Jesus is the All Powerful Living Word of God

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his NAME is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13). Jesus is the Living Word and the Bible is the Written Word. Jesus is named the “Word of God.” Our attitude towards the Scriptures reveals our attitude towards Christ. No person can love Christ and hate the Word of God, for Jesus is the Word of God incarnate. Praise God! Jesus is Almighty God and He came to this old sin-cursed world as Almighty God to redeem sinful man. He lived among unworthy sinners because He loved us and wanted to save us from our sins, death and Hell. Jesus died, was buried and rose again triumphantly over death. Jesus ascended bodily into Heaven with His shed blood, to present Himself before the Father on our behalf (Hebrews 9:12,24). Christ is alive and well today, living bodily in Heaven with the Father. Jesus is omnipresent (all present), omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing). Christ's Spirit lives within the body of each and every born-again believer (Romans 8:9).  
 

Jesus is Lord of the Universe

“That at the NAME OF JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). Someday EVERY knee shall bow before Jesus Christ and confess that He is the Lord of the Universe. The vilest of wicked men WILL bow before his God and Creator. The most rebellious of feminist women WILL bow in humility before God Almighty. Oh, for a thousand tongues to praise the precious Name of Jesus! What a Savior, Jesus is mine! There is NONE OTHER NAME on earth or in the universe given by God amongst men, whereby we must be saved. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! 

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Salvation is of the Heart

By David J. Stewart

        “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Salvation is of the heart, NOT the mouth. I’ve actually heard radio preachers teach that a person needs to audibly profess Christ in order to be saved. Would you please show me that in the Bible? 

On the contrary, we read the opposite in Matthew 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto me, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” We are NOT saved by saying certain magic words or by performing certain religious rites. The Scriptures are clear—we are saved by doing God’s will. And John 6:40 tells us what God's will is concerning salvation—to BELIEVE on Jesus Christ!

These people in Matthew chapter seven were sincere I believe, they were religious no doubt. Let’s hear their testimony in Matthew 7:22, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” They had done so many wonderful things “in Jesus name,” but listen to what Jesus told them in Matthew 7:23... “And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Whoa! These people had spent their lives prophesying “in Jesus name,” casting out devils “in Jesus name” and doing many wonderful works “in Jesus name.” Now they're about to be cast into Hell for their disobedience. They failed to do GOD’S WILL. People get the wrong impression that they can earn their way to Heaven or merit salvation by their own works—this is a lie of the Devil! There is NOTHING we can do to earn Heaven. We ALL deserve to burn in Hell. 

The passage of Scripture we just read is perhaps the most shocking and eye-opening truth in the Bible. It’s hard to imagine these sincere people going to Hell after spending so much time trying to help others in the name of Jesus. We learn a few truths from this passage: 

First, The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Many sincere and loving people will be shocked someday to find out that their name is NOT in the Book of Life. They thought they were going to Heaven, for any number of reasons, but THEY WERE WRONG. “There is a way which SEEMETH RIGHT unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). 

Second, Many false religions operate in Jesus’ name. I cannot stress this fact enough, beware! I once witnessed to a Hispanic couple in their home concerning Christ. The man barely understood English, but the mother was able to understand. They had several wonderful children. The kids had been coming to our Baptist church on the bus for awhile, but then stopped coming. We continued visiting them on Saturdays. Unfortunately, this family had been caught up with the Jehovah's Witness false cult. I tried to explain to the mother that these people were NOT their friends and were not of God. She said, “but they talk about Jesus.” I explained Matthew chapter seven to her. She said, “but they came to visit me when I was in the hospital and brought me a box of food.” I did my best to open her eyes to the truth, but she just wouldn’t listen. In her mind, anyone who came “in Jesus name” was of God and readily accepted into her home. I prayed with the family and then left. I only wish I could get people to realize that most religion is of the Devil. Jesus said in Matthew 7:23 that false prophets are “workers of iniquity.” 

Third, The only way to be saved is by doing GOD’S WILL. What is God’s will? We find the answer in John 6:40, “And this is the WILL of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” God’s will is for each and every person to see Jesus as He is portrayed in the Word of God and to BELIEVE ON HIM. Many religions come to us today, but they have “another Jesus.” We must believe on Jesus Christ as he is presented in the Scriptures—as God manifest in the flesh. 

Fourth, We are NOT all God’s Children. I often hear Modernists say, “We are all God’s Children.” Not so! We are all God’s creation, but we are definitely NOT all God’s Children. A “Modernist” is someone who speaks of spiritual matters, but is unsaved. They make light of the Bible. These are not God’s Children. Only those who are truly born-again can truthfully claim to be the Children of God. Someone has foolishly taught concerning salvation that all rivers lead to the ocean. Actually, it all depends how you look at it. It depends on which was you're traveling. Do all airplanes fly to Tokyo? Do all trains lead to Boston? It is frightening the way people think, and base their eternal destiny on such foolish thinking. God Authored the Bible for us, to show us the way of salvation, so we wouldn't have to guess or make erroneous conclusions.

“For with the HEART man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). It is with the heart that we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. The confession of the mouth can only follow the believing of the heart. It is the believing of the heart that makes us righteous in God’s eyes because of Christ’s righteousness which is applied to our record. If we believe on Christ in our heart but fail to confess Him to men with our mouth, we are still saved. Why? Because it is “with the heart” that a person believeth unto righteousness. The very fact that a mute person cannot confess Christ audibly is proof that God doesn't require it as part of saving-faith. Salvation is of the heart. We are saved by believing on Christ.

Neither is water baptism necessary for salvation, but it is something that God wants us to do if we have the opportunity to do so. When we get baptized, we are making a public profession of our faith. We are displaying outwardly what has happened inwardly. Baptism pictures the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We symbolize our faith in the Gospel in being baptized. It is similar to wearing a wedding ring. The ring doesn’t make you married, it is simply a symbol of ownership. You own each other. If the ring is destroyed, the marriage is still valid. Two people do not need a ring to be married in God’s eyes. 

Likewise, water baptism does not save, nor is it required to be saved... “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that BELIEVETH NOT shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The emphasis is upon BELIEVING. Water baptism cannot save a person any more than walking into a garage makes one an automobile. A wedding ring means nothing if you have no marriage. Likewise, water baptism means nothing if you haven't believed in your heart on the Lord. Salvation is of the heart. 

It is NOT what you say in a sinner's prayer that is important. In fact, you don't need to pray at all to be saved. What does matter is that you BELIEVE in your HEART that Jesus is the Savior, the Son of God, and you trust upon Him and His blood sacrifice to wash away your sins. You need not open your mouth to be saved, salvation is of the heart.

It is not uncommon these days to hear people claim that they “used to be a Christian.” That is not true. There's no such thing as a former Christian. They may have experienced the philosophy of Christianity, or belonged to a religious organization; but they never became a born-again Christian in Christ Jesus. So many people today have churchianity without Christianity. The world's churches are filled with religious people who are woefully ignorant of the truth of God's Word. Their minds have been filled with religious ideas and Biblical stories; but they've never personally come to God as a filthy, dirty, rotten, guilty sinner in need of salvation. It is only when we repent, by owning to God that we are as vile a sinner as He has declared us to be in His holy Word, and place our faith in the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ to wash away our sins, believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that we are born-again anew.

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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The Unbeliever

  By David J. Stewart

        We are all hell-deserving sinners, guilty, worthy of death and punishment. Whether we agree with the Bible or not, the truth cannot be changed. If a person claims that Hell does not exist and thinks a loving God would not send someone to burn in Hell forever, then that person is an UNBELIEVER.  He or she simply do NOT accept the plain teaching of God’s Word. If you do not believe the Bible is God’s Word, then you are an UNBELIEVER. No true Believer with the indwelling Holy Spirit can honestly DENY that the Bible is God’s Word. Revelation 21:8 makes clear that UNBELIEVERS will one day be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity (the second death)... “But the fearful, and UNBELIEVING, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” It is the UNBELIEVER who will burn in Hell down-the-road when this life comes to an end. NO ONE escapes dying or judgment! 

As a matter of fact, the UNBELIEVER is the ONLY person that will burn into Hell someday. When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, you are no longer under the condemnation of God’s Law. The curse is removed. Your sins have been placed on Christ’s record and Christ’s righteousness is placed on your record. Amen! This is called “imputation.” The dictionary defines the word “impute” as “the attribution to a source or cause.” In other words, your sins are attributed to Christ and His righteousness is attributed to you... “For he hath made him to be sin for us, WHO KNEW NO SIN; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2nd Corinthians 5:21). Jesus became as sin for us and died a sinner's death on the cross, that we who knew no righteousness might be made as the righteousness of God. What a wonderful Savior! When a man trusts Jesus Christ as his Savior to forgive his sins, that man is JUSTIFIED (Just-if-I’d-never-sinned). There are only two types of people in this world: the WHOSOEVER WILLS and the WHOSOEVER WONTS... “For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Either you are trusting Jesus Christ OR you are not, plain and simple! If you are NOT, then you are an unbeliever in danger of hellfire and damnation.   

God judgeth the righteous, and GOD IS ANGRY WITH THE WICKED EVERY DAY” (Psalm 7:11). It is not a trifle nor light matter with God that people live in sin. Sin is not a light matter to be laughed at... “Who KNOWING THE JUDGMENT OF GOD, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans 1:32). Many people enjoy watching others commit the same sins they commit (it’s called TV). The Bible says that these people KNOW Judgment Day is coming, yet continue in their sins because they don't care. They are enslaved to sin... “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the SERVANT OF SIN” (John 8:34). Let’s go a step further, “He that committeth sin is OF THE DEVIL” (1st John 3:8). It is sin that brings eternal punishment, which should cause born-again believers to have a passion for lost souls. 

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM” (John 3:36). These are the stern words of warning spoken by John the Baptist under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God is ANGRY with Christ-rejecters! God is ANGRY with false religion! God is ANGRY with those who pervert and change His Word into lies. God must be ANGRY at quite a few folks nowadays, billions. There are over one-billion Christ-rejecting Islamic Muslims. There are another one-billion Christ-rejecting Catholics that have glorified Mary instead of Jesus (by the way, Mary was a rotten sinner just like anybody else). I recently saw a bumper sticker that said, “Jesus is coming soon and boy is He angry!” Yes, God is angry with those who reject Jesus Christ. It’s not an option to get saved, it’s a command from God Who, “commandeth all men every where to repent.” Will you obey the Master? 

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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

The King James Bible

  By David J. Stewart

God Promised to Preserve His Word

        When someone asks me if I use the King James Bible, I always say, “What other version is there?” As far as I’m concerned, the King James Bible is the Book for me. There are no other Bibles. I don’t like to call the King James Bible a Version; I call it the “King James Bible.” God only authored ONE Book and promised in Psalm 12:6,7 to preserve it forever... “The WORDS OF THE LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt PRESERVE them from this generation FOREVER.” As silver “purified seven times,” that’s how pure God’s Word is. Don’t tell me that God, Who has the power to speak the world into existence, isn’t powerful enough to preserve His Word.  
 

All Modern Bible Versions are Corrupted

The Scriptures are clear that God is NOT a God of confusion... “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1st Corinthians 14:33). All the different Bibles on the market today are confusing, they all say different things. 

For example, many new Bibles remove the Word “begotten” from John 3:16. The King James Bible says, “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). Why would anyone want to remove this truth from God’s Word? It's a malicious attack on the Deity of Christ. All Believers are adopted Sons of God; but only Jesus is the begotten Son of God. To remove the word “begotten” from John 3:16 is a direct attack of the Deity of Christ. If this doesn’t make you upset, something is wrong!

We must be on guard as Christians to the counterfeit attempts of the Devil. The Bible warns us that Satan masquerades as an angel of light... “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2nd Corinthians 11:13,14). Scriptures are clear that our enemy, the Devil, wears the mask of a decent and good guy. Satan comes to us as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The highway to Hell is paved with good intentions and Satan is ready and willing to corrupt our thinking any way possible. 

Destroying our faith in God’s Word is Satan’s number one goal and tactic. The serpent in the Garden of Eden asked Eve, “Hath God said?” Eve’s faith was shaken in the Word’s which God had spoken. The next step was for Eve to disobey God. If Satan can only keep us from accepting the Bible as God’s Word, then he has won the battle over our soul. If Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, then why would it be difficult to suspect that Satan has gone into the publishing business as well. It doesn’t surprise me one bit that many of the new perversions of the bible contain thousands of errors. 

So it is vitally important that each believer be aware of Satan’s methods. One of the best ways for a sports team to prepare for future games is to study their opponent's past games on video. They are studying the enemy. We must do the same. The Bible gives us much information concerning the methods by which Satan corrupts and destroys. The only way we can recognize Satan, his disciples or his works is by comparing them to the truths of God’s Word. Apart from this test, they may be very wonderful people to know and be around, but still lost and on their way to Hell. Don’t let them take you with them! 

God has promised to preserve His Word as we learned in Psalm 12:6,7. This means that God’s Word DOES exist somewhere in the world today. I believe the 1611 Authorized King James Bible to be that Book. Many people have used the excuse that the archaic English of the King James Bible is too hard to understand. Should we rewrite Shakespeare because it is too hard to understand? Of course not. So why can’t we study the King James Bible in the beauty of the King’s English? The honest truth is that the King James Bible is not difficult to understand with a little study. It is written at a fifth grade reading level. 
 

Unbelievers Cannot Understand Biblical Truth

If you're not a believer, then you won’t be able to understand the Bible properly until you accept Christ as your Savior. This is the real problem. Most cults are started by people who attempt to study the Bible without the presence of the Author. The Holy Spirit is the Author. The Bible is NOT supposed to make sense to unbelievers... “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are FOOLISHNESS UNTO HIM: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1st Corinthians 2:14). The doctrine of the “Godhead” is foolishness to the unbeliever. The idea of God coming in the flesh is foolishness to the unsaved person. The concept of being “born-again” doesn’t make sense to the unconverted soul.

I once had a man say to me, “That born-again stuff just doesn’t make any sense to me, I’m sorry.” His sinful heart of pride and unbelief blinded his eyes from acknowledging the truth. He chooses to believe a lie rather than seek after the truth. The Bible is clear that the natural man (the unsaved man) CANNOT comprehend the Word of God and it is utter foolishness unto him. 

You can’t rewrite the Bible to simplify It for the unbeliever. The unbeliever won’t understand the truths of God until the Holy Spirit indwells him at salvation. You can rewrite the Bible all you want and it won’t do any good. The only thing that the unsaved man can understand is that he is a dirty sinner, who is guilty and needs to come to Jesus Christ for cleansing and salvation.

All the modern perversions of the Bible are copyrighted. It's all about making more money... “For the love of money is the root of ALL evil...” (1st Timothy 6:10). One Bible versions after another keeps flooding the market. It’s just about to the place where you can join the “Bible of the month club.”  
 

We are Born Again By the Incorruptible Word of God

Perhaps you are wondering what a chapter about the King James Bible is doing in a book called “Salvation.” Let me explain. The Bible teaches that we are born-again by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. Why? Because He is the One Who paid for our sins. We learn Who Christ is and what He did to take away our sins in the Word of God. So basically, we are saved by putting our faith in the Word of God... “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the WORD OF GOD, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1st Peter 1:23). 

We read in Hebrews 4:2, “For unto us was the GOSPEL PREACHED, as well as unto them: but the WORD PREACHED did not profit them, not being mixed with FAITH in them that heard it. Many of the Israelites in the Wilderness died and went to Hell because they heard the Gospel preached, but didn’t believe the things they heard. You see my friend, you CANNOT be saved apart from God’s Word. If you don’t accept the Bible as God’s Word, then where will you find Jesus? It is the Word of God that brings the Light of Jesus Christ into our darkened heart. 

Jesus Christ is called the Word of God in Revelation 19:13, “...and his NAME is called The Word of God.” Do you know why? It's because every single thing we know about Jesus Christ comes directly from His Written Word. The Word of God presents a picture of Jesus Christ and Who He is. We read in John 6:40, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which SEETH THE SON, and BELIEVETH ON HIM, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” It doesn’t get much simpler than that. What must a man do to be saved? You must do God’s will? What is God’s will according to John 6:40? ... To simply believe on Jesus Christ as He is portrayed in the Word of God. 

This is why it is vital that you have the Word of God. Notice the Words of 1st Peter 1:23 again, “Being born again, NOT of corruptible seed, but of INCORRUPTIBLE, by the WORD OF GOD, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Again, God is clear that He wrote ONE, INCORRUPTIBLE Word. There are many corrupted bibles on the market and in our churches. You can only be born-again of the INCORRUPTIBLE Word of God. So if your version of the Bible is corrupted, then you're in serious trouble. You're likely to believe a false gospel. You must have a proper view of Christ and of God's plan of salvation if you are to be saved. Believing that Jesus was merely a good man or a prophet is NOT acceptable to God. You must receive Him as the Son of God, the Christ. 
 

Corrupt Bibles are leading People Astray from the Truth

All modern Bible versions present a watered-down image of Christ. By straying away from the message of Christ's redeeming blood, many people have foolishly fallen into the heresy of Lordship Salvation. Thus, fewer and fewer people are getting saved nowadays because of perverted bibles. The King James Bible is by far the most accurate and reliable Bible we have in the English language today. The problem with modern corrupt versions is that people are being led astray.

For example: we read in Philippians 2:5,6 of the King James Bible, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL WITH GOD” (Philippians 2:5,6). The Bible couldn’t be more clear that Jesus came to this earth as God in the flesh. Jesus forgave sin that only God has power to. Jesus accepted Worship that only God is entitled to. Jesus is equal with God the Father in every way. Now read the same Scripture from one of the most popular bible perversions on the market today, the New International Version (NIV)... “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” Whoa! Stop the press! Can you see the horrible contradiction  and why I make a fuss over the Bible? I love the King James Bible.

I actually had a man write to me, claiming that Jesus was not God, and he quoted Philippians 2:6 from the NIV to support his claim. I kindly informed him that he had been deceived and was using the Devil's bible. The new English Standard Version (ESV) is evil, whose authors claim it is true to the scholarship of the King James translators. What they don't tell you, and it is a malicious deception, is that the ESV comes from an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT Greek manuscript than the King James Bible does. It's like comparing apples with oranges. Or in the case of the ESV, a real lemon.

If a person is to be saved, then they must accept Jesus Christ as the Bible portrays Him. Surely, the simplest of faith is all that God requires to be saved; but that faith must be in Lord Jesus Christ; and not in “another Jesus” which many false religions have to offer. Too many folks say that they’re trusting Jesus, but don’t really know Jesus. Anybody can say they're a Christian, and that they’re trusting Christ; but salvation is of the heart (which only God can see). 

The word “sanctimonious” refers to someone who does everything right on the outside, but things aren’t right on the inside. They look very sincere and cross every “t” just right. They dot every “i” just right. They look like the genuine McCoy. However, they are hypocrites! They are pretentious and fake. Jesus made reference to such people in Matthew 23:27, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed APPEAR BEAUTIFUL OUTWARD, but are WITHIN FULL OF DEAD MAN’S BONES, and of all uncleanness.” People aren’t always what they seem! We must not be sanctimonious. 


The 1611 King James Bible Has Stood the Test of Time

I only use the 1611 Authorized King James Bible and would accept no others. The King James Bible is the soul-winners Bible and has stood the test of time. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “...man shall NOT live by bread alone but by EVERY WORD which proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” If I am to live by EVERY WORD of God, then I need an “Every Word Bible.” Not all Bibles say the same thing. Therefore, they can’t all be God’s Word. There are multitudes of counterfeit Bibles on the market. We are to live by EVERY WORD of God. This means that God’s Word has an exact number of Words in it. Surely a translation will NOT have the same number of words as the original Greek or Hebrew; however, there is an exact meaning which must carefully be conveyed by the translators. 

When men translate or paraphrase the Bible, they are warned by God against ADDING or SUBTRACTING from God’s Word... “Ye shall NOT ADD unto the word which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH ought from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2). When I find a bible that is missing certain verses and passages of Scripture, I know it’s a counterfeit. When I find a bible that diminishes Jesus Christ and Who He is, I know it’s a counterfeit. When I find a bible that diminishes the existence of hellfire, I know it’s a counterfeit. When I find a bible that removes the word “begotten” from John 3:16, I know it’s a counterfeit. When I find a bible that removes the word “virgin” from Isaiah 7:14, then I know it’s a counterfeit. In mentioning these counterfeit bibles, I am using a lowercase “b” on purpose. I have no respect for counterfeit bibles. There is NO compromise! Christians are much too complacent concerning the Bible and false doctrine. We should stand and contend for the truth... “Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” (Psalm 94:16).   
 

Tampering With the Word of God Brings Destruction

Tampering with God’s Word is a woeful iniquity. It is a deadly and wicked sin to change the Bible... “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall ADD unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall TAKE AWAY from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18,19). 

God does NOT take it lightly when someone alters His Word. Listen to the warning by the Apostle Peter in 2nd Peter 3:16, “As also in all his (Paul’s) epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (twist), as they do also the other scriptures, UNTO THEIR OWN DESTRUCTION.” Peter admitted that some of Paul’s writings were difficult to understand. They were NOT difficult to read but to comprehend. Some people were attempting to REWRITE Paul’s words into a more understandable paraphrase. Peter said they were doing it unto THEIR OWN DESTRUCTION. 

In other words, these people were changing the Bible into lies. They didn’t know what they were doing! This is the same situation today. These so called “experts” have rewritten and changed the Word of God to allegedly make it more easily understandable. The result is a lot of heresies and misinterpretations of the truth. The King James Bible is NOT hard to read, but will be impossible to comprehend if you are not a Believer. For the Believer, we must “study” ... “STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH” (2nd Timothy 2:15). We must not be lazy in our Bible studies.

The King James Bible is not “a book,” it is “The Book.” It is not a version; it is the Bible. It is the Hope of our salvation and a Lamp unto our feet. It presents our only hope in Christ crucified. It awakens man to his sinful condition and directs us to our wonderful Saviour. It is as a friend while we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The Word of God has been preserved, Word for Word, in the King James Bible. May we love, cherish and obey the precious Word of God, for to do so is to love the precious Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Amen!

*******

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Are You Really A Christian?

By David J. Stewart | May 2003 | Updated July 2015

 
       Since I have started my online ministry in 2002, I have learned so much about salvation from e-mails from faithful web visitors, reading books by godly men and listening to fundamental Baptist preachers. I used to lead people in a sinner's prayer to be saved, but I don't do that anymore, because salvation does not require prayer. It's acceptable for a sinner's prayer to accompany one's faith when receiving Christ, but God does not require a prayer to be saved. The reason why I don't lead people in a sinner's prayer anymore is because I've heard too many people say they were saved by praying a prayer. We are saved by God's imputed righteousness through faith in Christ.

We are saved by acknowledging our sinful condition (Romans 3:19) and believing the Gospel (Mark 1:15). We are saved by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31; Galatians 3:26), believing that He died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and that He raised up bodily from the dead three days later according to 1st Corinthians 15:1-4. No human effort is required nor allowed in salvation. Either God does all of the saving or else you are not saved.

I also used to tell people to invite Jesus into their heart, but then I realized that you can invite Jesus into your heart all you want and never be saved at all. In fact, you can make a full surrender to Christ, forsake the world, give your life to Christ, join a church, tithe, pray, tell others about Christ, live an upright life, and yet never be saved at all. We see this evidenced in Acts 10:1-2 in the story of Cornelius, who was a devout religious man without Christ. Thankfully, Cornelius was saved later in the chapter, after hearing the apostle Peter preach the gospel. We are saved by acknowledging our sinful condition in the eyes of a holy God and receiving the gospel as payment for our sins.

Dr. M.R. DeHaan gives the following excellent explanation between salvation verses discipleship . . .

"There is a vast difference between coming to Jesus for salvation and coming after Jesus for service. Coming to Christ makes one a believer, while coming after Christ makes one a disciple. All believers are not disciples. To become a believer one accepts the invitation of the Gospel, to be a disciple one obeys the challenge to a life of dedicated service and separation. Salvation comes through the sacrifice of Christ; discipleship comes only by sacrifice of self and surrender to His call for devoted service. Salvation is free, but discipleship involves paying the price of a separated walk. Salvation can't be lost because it depends upon God's faithfulness, but discipleship can be lost because it depends upon our faithfulness." DeHaan, M. R. Hebrews. Zondervan Publishing House, 1959 (p. 117).

Pastor Hal Lindsey provides the following helpful and doctrinally correct words . . .

"There are those who, in their zeal to get people to turn from their sinful ways and receive the Lord, almost put repentance on a par with believing... Repentance, as it relates to Christ, means to change our minds about Him, who He is and what He's done to provide forgiveness and deliverance from our sins. When we place faith in Jesus as having taken our place personally on the cross and borne the penalty due our sins, then we're automatically repenting, because we couldn't accept Him in this way without having had to change our minds in some way concerning Him." Lindsey, Hal. The Liberation of Planet Earth. Zondervan Publishing House, 1974 (p. 136, 137).

Here are two more excellent quotes by Charles Ryrie and Zane Hodges, correctly differentiating between salvation verses discipleship . . .

"It is an inexcusable error to confront sinners with problems that concern the Christian life and call upon them to make promises regarding them. An unsaved person is never called upon to surrender himself to God. The saving act is in no instance represented as our 'giving ourselves to God'; it is, on the contrary, taking His Son as our Savior." Ryrie, Charles. Balancing the Christian Life. Moody Press, Inc., 1969 (p. 170).

"Eternal life is free. Discipleship is immeasurably hard. The former is attained by faith alone, the latter by a faith that works... the former brings with it the righteousness of God so that a man is 'justified freely by his grace' (Romans 3:24). The latter develops a personal righteousness, based on good deeds, so that a man was also 'justified by works' (James 2:24). The former constituted the believer God's workmanship, the latter fulfilled the wonderful purpose for which he had been created. The former cost man nothing, the latter could cost him everything, including life itself." Hodges, Zane C. The Hungry Inherit. Moody Press, Inc., 1972 (p. 114, 115).

Those are some excellent quotes, doing a good job of showing why Lordship Salvation is a heresy. Any one who teaches that salvation is not easy; but also that say—you must forsake all, cease from sinful bad habits, commit your life to follow Jesus and confess Him before men—They have corrupted the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus (2nd Corinthians 11:3-4). They are teaching a false plan of salvation, which does not produce the new birth. We are saved by faith alone in Christ's death on the cross for our sins, His burial and bodily resurrection (1st Corinthians 15:1-4).

I am not saved by any human effort or self-righteousness of my own; but rather, I am saved by completely resting in Christ because of what He did to pay for my sins on the cross. Jesus promises to save anyone who comes to Him for forgiveness (John 6.37). Believe and the work is done! Acts 20:21 speaks of “repentance TOWARD GOD.” The Word of God NEVER teaches repentance FROM sin to be saved; BUT, rather, repentance TOWARD GOD. Repentance is a change of mind, a change of mind from what you want to do to get to Heaven to what God says you must do to get to Heaven—concerning sin and the Savior. Childlike faith is all that is required for salvation. If a person knows they are a guilty sinner, bound for Hellfire, and turns in faith to Jesus Christ to forgive their sins and save them—that person has repented.


The Saved, Crucified, Risen and Ascended Life

I recently heard a precious MP3 sermon by Dr. Jack Hyles, titled “STEPS TO SANCTIFICATION (or the root of all heresy).” In the sermon Brother Hyles explains that we are saved solely by trusting Jesus as our Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9). And then as a new believer, God wants us to be crucified with Christ, crucified to the lusts and desires of the flesh (Galatians 2:20). But that's not all, God wants us to raise up with Christ to live for others (Philippians 2:4-5). But that's not all, then God wants us to ascend with Jesus into Heaven by walking with Him in sweet fellowship (Colossians 3:1-2). Dr. Hyles explains how heresy happens when preachers confuse and mix the crucified life with the saved life, or the risen life with the saved life, et cetera. Please listen to this edifying sermon by Dr. Jack Hyles in its entirety.

So we have two popular doctrinal extremes in our churches today concerning salvation, which are both heresy:

On the one hand you've got preachers who are sick and tired of shallow Christianity, barely outside the gate, so yet saved as by fire, so they corrupt the gospel by adding the requirement to crucify the sinful desires and old life. Biblically, we don't have to give up anything to be saved, because Jesus gave His life and died on the cross for our sins. Eternal life is a free gift that is free for the taking, no strings or obligations attached. Our part in salvation is simply to completely rest in the finished work of Christ. Adding any human effort to God's plan of salvation is heresy!

On the other hand there are preachers who are tired of heretics adding human effort (works) to the gospel, so they merely tell people to “trust Jesus” to be saved, and leave off the sin question all together. This also is heresy. Ladies and gentlemen, NO ONE ever got saved who didn't know that he is a sinner! You've got to know that you are a sinner. You've got to know what you're being saved from.

So we see two extreme positions here, and BOTH are wrong. In the preceding sermon link, Dr. Hyles graciously admits that he has been wrong at times by holding both positions, as nearly every preacher has done, and so have I at times. It is tempting while preaching to say that those who are living in deliberate sin are not saved. This is simply not accurate and I am against all forms of Lordship Salvation. The truth is that if a homosexual has placed his or her trust in Christ alone for eternal life, acknowledging their sinnership, they are very much saved. Brother Hyles rightly concludes that the correct position is somewhere between these two extremes; that is, you must acknowledge that you are a sinner in order to be saved. It is not optional.

Again, here is the life-changing MP3 sermon, STEPS TO SANCTIFICATION, or as I like to title it . . .

The Saved, Crucified, Resurrected And Ascended Life 
(awesome MP3 sermon by Dr. Hyles!)

To be saved, as Dr. Hyles rightly teaches, you MUST address the SIN QUESTION and the SON QUESTION. It's not enough to admit you're a sinner and turn over a new leaf. That's mere reformation. You must trust upon the Lord Who died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and believe that He raised up from the dead three days later. Likewise, it's not enough to trust in the Lord. You must come for salvation upon the basis that you are a condemned sinner in God's eyes (Romans 3:19). Romans 4:5 teaches that Christ saves THE UNGODLY, and that's the only type of people which God saves. Those who are still holding onto their self-righteousness cannot be saved, because they first need to repent of their DEAD WORKS (Hebrews 6:1). We are saved by completely resting in Christ, Who is our Sabbath today (Hebrews 4:10-11).

Christian author Michael Patrick Bowen correctly explains Biblical repentance...

“Repent, as Christ meant it to be in terms of salvation, means to change your mind from trusting in what you can do for God to trusting only in what He can do for you.”

SOURCE: Michael Patrick Bowen, a quote from the awesome book, “I NEVER NEW YOU” (Page 114)

Ray Comfort and John MacArthur frequently lift Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon's words out of context, attempting to bolster up their straw-man of Lordship Salvation; but if you read the entire sermon, titled “REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE,” you'll find the following quote (which you'll never hear from Mr. Comfort or Mr. MacArthur because it totally contradicts their teachings) . . .
“'Repentance' is a grace. Some people preach it as a condition of salvation. Condition of nonsense! There are no conditions of salvation.” —Charles Spurgeon

SOURCE: http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0044.htm (Charles Spurgeon, from a sermon titled, REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE, preached at the New Park Street Chapel, Southwark, on Sept. 23, 1855)

Spurgeon is not saying that repentance (metanoeo, that is, a change of mind) is not necessary for salvation; but rather, metamellomai, which means “to care afterwards, that is, regret, a changed life” is not required for salvation. The change of mind is whatever was previously keeping you from coming to Christ, which the Bible says is sin in John 3:20. When a man repents, he now sees himself as a guilty sinner and therefore comes to Christ to be forgiven and cleansed of his sins (Romans 3:19-20; Galatians 2:24-26). We are saved immediately by trusting Christ, but sanctification is a lifetime process. We are saved immediately by trusting Christ, but it takes a lifetime to become Christlike.

The question is, are you really a Christian? The question is not if you are a church member. The question is not if you've been water baptized. The question is not if you've committed your life to serving God. The question is not if you are religious. I ask you, are you really a Christian? Have you been born-again by the Spirit of God? Are you saved? Has there been a time in your life when you were convicted by the Holy Spirit of God about your sins, realizing that you are a sinner? God's plan of salvation is very simple. YOU ARE A SINNER! Unless you receive Christ's payment for your sins, you will spend eternity burning in the fires of Hell. No human effort is required nor allowed for salvation. You are a Christian if you have received Christ's payment for your sins by faith in the gospel, that is, by faith in Christ's death on the cross, His burial and His bodily resurrection from the dead three days later. This is the gospel (good news) according to 1st Corinthians 15:1-4. Believe and the work is done!!!

Am I Going To Heaven?

Fortunately, a person who is living in such gross sin (and all sin is gross to God) can become saved... “Whosoever will” may come! “...and him that cometh to me I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT” (John 6:37). What a wonderful promise from Jesus Christ, our God and Savior! Anyone, no matter how deep they’ve gone into sin, can come to Christ for salvation. We read in Isaiah 1:18, “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.” It’s interesting that the word “crimson” in Hebrew means “worm.” It was a worm used in the making of dyes for clothing. Stains are hard to get out! Perhaps you feel that your life has been permanently stained with sin and there is no hope for you. Oh, yes there is! The blood of Jesus can wash away the toughest stains which sin may leave on your soul! “...Unto Him that loved us, and WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD” (Revelation 1:5). Jesus saves! 
 
Many Will Seek To Enter into Heaven, But Few Will Be Able
When Jesus was asked by His disciples if there were many people saved, the Lord said that many people are deceived, having a false hope. Luke 13:23-24, “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

I have spoken with countless religious people throughout my life concerning God, the Bible and salvation. Sadly, ninety-five of them thought they are going to Heaven, but they were bound in their sins for Hell. Religion is a curse upon the world, offering people false hope. I am frustrated at the subtlety of Satan and how he deceives so many people with false beliefs. A man with no hope is far better off than a man with false hope, because the man with no hope is still searching.
One man I used to work with said that he was a saved Christian and I began to rejoice with him in his faith. A few statements later he said, “I go to church every Saturday to get salvation.” Immediately a warning flag went up in my mind and I sincerely doubted the man’s salvation! Why? It's because you don’t obtain salvation every Saturday! This man doesn’t understand the Holy Scriptures. I proceeded to explain to him that “Salvation is not of works, but of faith”! Salvation is not found in any religion, but in a person; namely, the LORD JESUS CHRIST! You get saved only ONE TIME! In John 3:7 Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again,” not born again and again and again. You can only be born ONCE physically; likewise, ONCE spiritually. This is because once you've been born of the Holy Spirit of God, He will never leave nor forsake you. If saved, always saved!

Another gentleman I spoke with said that he had grown up a Catholic, then became a Seventh-Day Adventist and then a Methodist. He spoke of Jesus as “our Lord” so I felt strongly that he might be a Christian. A month later he made the statement, “My problem with all the religions in the world is that they all say something different and cannot agree.” Again, this was a warning flag to me that he may not be a true believer. Why? It's because he is looking to religion, not Jesus. He has “Churchianity” without “Christianity!” Most of the people I speak with concerning salvation have “a form of godliness, but [deny] the power thereof: from such turn away” (2nd Timothy 3:12). Religion wants to fit us with glasses, but the Lord wants to open our eyes.
Another person I spoke with told me that he was a strict Catholic. He said that he believed in “having faith in Christ,” but he also said he believed “works were necessary” for salvation. He said “I believe in faith and works!” I kindly and quickly pointed out Romans 11:6 to him... “And IF BY GRACE THEN IT IS NO MORE OF WORKS: otherwise grace is no more grace. But IF IT BE OF WORKS, THEN IT IS NO MORE GRACE: otherwise work is no more work.” Clearly, salvation is either “BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH” in Jesus Christ alone OR you are doing what Cain did—offering your WORKS to God. It CANNOT BE BOTH! God rejected Cain’s offering and he will reject your efforts as well. Abel demonstrated his faith in the coming Savior through a blood sacrifice. God was pleased by his faith. Cain had no faith, but misunderstood and tried to please God in his own SINCERE but foolish efforts, just as countless millions do today! Cain went to Hell, Abel went to Heaven! 
 

Have You Personally Been Born Again?

May I say, if you’re a true Believer, you should KNOW how you became a true believer! If you’re a genuine Christian, then you have the Holy Spirit of God inside (Romans 8:9) and you can KNOW beyond any shadow of any doubt that you are saved (1st John 5:13). You might have some doubts or concerns about your own salvation, which is normal, but you should at least be able to explain to someone what it means to be saved. If you can’t tell someone else how to be saved, you had better examine your own heart and make sure you are really a Christian! If you know how you were saved, then you should be able to tell someone else how to get saved. Now maybe you don’t know all the Scriptures, but at least you should be able to tell someone the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Can you do this? Do you know how you got saved? Do you know why God saved you?
Salvation is so simple! We are saved by believing the Gospel. The Gospel means “Good News.” The Bible defines the “Gospel” as Christ's death on the cross for our sins, His burial, and His bodily resurrection. The Gospel is the good news that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, Who lived a sinless life and went to the cross to be crucified, Who shed His blood and die for our sins. All you need to do to be saved is to BELIEVE the Gospel, that's it. To “believe” simply means to rely upon. If you will right this moment receive Christ's sacrifice upon the cross as full-payment for your sins, you will immediately be born-again by God's Holy Spirit. Salvation is not rehabilitation, nor is it education, nor is it reformation; but rather, it is regeneration. We are regenerated by the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, this very moment that we acknowledge our sinnership and believe the Gospel. No man ever got saved who didn't know that he is a sinner. You've got to know what you're being saved from.

Repentance is necessary for salvation, but “repentance” does not mean what many people think it means. Biblically, repentance unto life is defined simply as “change of mind,” not a change of lifestyle. If you changed your life as a requirement to be saved, you didn't get saved. Salvation is the free gift of God, paid for in full by Jesus' broken body and shed blood. Jesus died on the cross as our LAMB, and then three days later He miraculously raised up as our HIGH PRIEST. If Christ died on the cross but did not rise, then we have a sacrifice without a Highpriest. Praise God, Jesus is risen, ascended into Heaven and now intercedes for the saints on the Father's right-hand. Romans 8:34, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” What an awesome Savior!!!

Remember, ONLY Jesus paid for your sins on the cross, so ONLY Jesus can forgive those sins and save your soul from Hell. In short, It’s Jesus or Hell! Rich people are filled with sinful pride and refuse to humble themselves to admit before God that they cannot save themselves. It is not easy for wealthy people to humbly admit that they need a Savior. This is why God chose the poor of the world rich in faith. God made salvation in such a way that you must humble yourself to admit you are a wretched sinner who cannot save yourself. You need a Savior! Thank God, we have One, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God slain for the sins of the world. John 1:29, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

My heart's desire is for you to be saved friend. I want to present as many Biblical truths to help you understand how to be saved. It is so simple. One of my favorite Scripture passages is Hebrews 4:10-11, “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Just as God ceased from His works after 6-days of creation, and then rested on the 7th day; likewise we are saved by ceasing from our own self-righteous dead works, and completely resting in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Any plan of salvation that demands a change of lifestyle on the part of the sinner is a false Gospel. A changed life is the FRUIT of genuine repentance, and not a part of the ROOT of saving-faith; yet, you cannot mandate that FRUIT for salvation, otherwise you've corrupted the simplicity that is in Christ. We've got a bunch of fruit-inspectors running around in our churches today, deciding who is saved and who is not saved based upon their works. That is a false plan of salvation. Biblical salvation is a free gift which is freely received WITHOUT WORKS. Romans 4:5, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” That means there may never be any outward works, but if there is inner faith, there is salvation. To teach otherwise is to place a stipulation upon the free gift of God.

The Devil has many sugar substitutes in the churches today, offering a religious package from the cradle-to-the-casket, but Jesus said “Ye Must Be Born Again!” (John 3:7). Our churches are saturated with cotton-candy religion today, which dissolves into nothing when bitten into. Religion is dead. Only the Holy Spirit of God gives spiritual life to those who acknowledge their sinnership and believe the Gospel. Are you really a Christian? Have you been born-again? Being a church member won't help you get to Heaven. Getting water baptized will get you wet, but it cannot help save you. You've got to be born anew by the Holy Spirit of God.

If you do not have the Holy Spirit living inside your body, convicting you about the sins in your life, then you are not saved. The Holy Spirit is God in us. It was that very truth that compelled me to get saved when I was 13-years-old. When the pastor said that you've got to have the Holy Spirit to be saved, I knew that I didn't. Praise the Lord, I do today, and the blessed Holy Spirit has been with me since the day I was saved. Looking back, it was like a light switch being flipped on. There's no spiritual memory before I was saved, nothing, just darkness; ah, but the presence of the Holy Spirit has been very real to me since the moment I got saved, shining the light of Jesus Christ in my soul, because the Godhead indwells my body in the form of the Holy Spirit. 1st Corinthians 3:16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Please make sure you're really saved.

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CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

How To Know You're Saved

By David J. Stewart

The Holy Spirit Beareth Witness

 You can know for certain that you are saved!!! I say this confidently because God knows whether or not you are His Child. Any uncertainties which you may have concerning your salvation does not change God’s certainty of your salvation. If you are God’s Child, then He has promised to tell you that you are saved... “The Spirit itself BEARETH WITNESS with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). When you became a believer, the Godhead moved into your body—i.e., God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit came into your soul to live forever. The Godhead lives within our body in the Person of God, the Holy Spirit. It is God’s very Spirit that testifies to our own spirit that we are a Child of God. What a wonderful blessing!!!

How does God’s Holy Spirit bear witness to our spirit that we are saved? Listen to the precious Words of Jesus... “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another COMFORTER, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16,17). Wow!!! What a wonderful truth to know that God (the Comforter) lives in my body. This is how I know I’m saved—He lives within me! He talks with me and walks with me all along life’s way. The Holy Spirit is “God with me.” He’s that little voice that continually convicts me, comforts me and brings truths to my mind to remind me of how to live for God. 

The Holy Spirit speaks to me about God’s will. I remember when I first became a Believer as a young man. There were some obvious changes in my life which occurred, but I did not recognize them until years later. One big change was a sincere desire to read and learn the Bible after I became a Christian. Another big change was a conviction over the sins in my life and the fact that God wanted me to live right. I had never felt that before until I became saved. I remember for the first time in my life experiencing that little small voice of the Holy Spirit saying, “GOD doesn’t want you to do this anymore” or “GOD wants you to start doing this.” Something was very different in my life after I became saved. I even recall hearing my mother say to me, “You’ve really changed lately and I’m proud of you.” Again, God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit came to live within my body in the person of God the Holy Spirit the day I accepted Jesus as Savior. The Holy Spirit is a Spirit, just as I am a spirit. He is God in every way.

Also, When I became a believer many years ago, God’s Spirit merged in holy matrimony with my spirit—a marriage. This is why the Church is referred to as the “Bride of Christ” in the Book of Revelation. Jesus is the Bridegroom of the Church. There is a spiritual union between God’s Spirit and the spirit of each and every one of His Children. If you do not have the Holy Spirit living within your soul—you are NOT God’s Child!!! Only a Child of God has the Holy Spirit living inside—It is His very presence that makes you God’s Child. If you are God’s Child, it is simply because God literally lives in you. This is called the “new birth” or being “born-again” ... “Ye must be BORN AGAIN” (John 3:7). It is the Holy Spirit’s uniting with our spirit that conceives the new birth within us. It is the Word of God which is the Seed that brings salvation.  

Characteristics of the Holy Spirit

 I’d like to say a bit concerning the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a Person, just as I am a person. I believe He has a physical body in Heaven, just as God the Father and God the Son each have a physical body in Heaven. We read that Jesus sits on the right hand of the Father in Heaven. 1st Peter 3:22 states concerning Christ that He is... “gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God.” For someone to do a physical act (such as “sit”), they would require a body. Therefore, it is only logical that God the Father and God the Son have physical bodies in Heaven. They both sit upon their thrones.

True, God told us He is a Spirit and they that worship Him must do so in spirit; however, we are all spirits as well. We are spirits living in a material world. What John 4:24 means is that our DEAD spirit cannot communicate with His LIVING Spirit unless we become born-again... “And you hath he quickened, who were DEAD in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). The word “quickened” means “to make alive.” When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, God the Father forgives our sins. His living Spirit then brings life to our dead spirit and we become united in spiritual union with God. This is the new birth. Salvation is a birth—a second, spiritual, miraculous, new birth. Even though Jesus’ body dwells in Heaven, His spirit dwells in our soul if we are truly saved. This is why Jesus is referred to as the “Spirit of Christ”... “Now if any man have not the SPIRIT OF CHRIST, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9). 

Incidentally, don’t let anyone fool you concerning the resurrection of Christ—He arose in a physical body. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, His body was seen moving farther upward and upward into the Heavens... “And when he had spoken these things, WHILE THEY BEHELD, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of THEIR SIGHT. And while they LOOKED STEDFASTLY toward heaven as HE WENT UP, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye GAZING UP into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner AS YE HAVE SEEN HIM go into heaven.” There’s no doubt about it, Jesus left this earth in a physical body. He rose up into the clouds until His body could be seen no longer. He went to Heaven.

Also, Jesus was seen visibly by over 500 Christian brethren in one meeting AFTER He arose from the dead. 1st Corinthians 15:6, “After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.” Jesus did not appear to the unbelievers; but rather, only appeared to the saved. The same will be true at the pretribulation Rapture, when Christ appears only to the saved and gathers them up into the clouds ever to be with the Lord. 

Unsaved People Don't Have the Holy Spirit

 Either you have the Holy Spirit within or you don’t!!! Either God lives in your body or He doesn’t. Either your saved or you are not. I wanted to start this chapter with the Holy Spirit because God has PROMISED to bear witness with our spirit if We are indeed His Children. The presence of the Holy Spirit is the best way to know your saved. Why? ...because the world CANNOT receive what they CANNOT see.  An unsaved person CANNOT see the Holy Spirit of God. They don’t feel the conviction from God to forgive others, even as we have been forgiven by Christ (Ephesians 4:32). The Spirit of God guides us as we read the Scriptures. The unsaved person CANNOT makes heads-or-tails out of the truth they are reading. To the unsaved, everybody is a Child of God, which is NOT true. 

To the unsaved, the Cherubim's of Ezekiel one are flying saucers—ridiculously NOT true. To the unsaved, the Bible is strictly supposed to be a Book of love and the homosexual lifestyle is to be tolerated, which is unbiblical. To the unsaved, the Bible is a fairytale; but to us who believe it is God's holy Word. There is a world of difference between the saved and the unsaved. Look over your life and try to see the Holy Spirit. I honestly believe that many Believers have problems with the assurance of their salvation simply because they are ignorant of the Holy Spirit—His presence, His purpose, His power, His Deity, His knowledge, His person, et cetera. 

Learn about the Holy Spirit for He is your Guide and Comforter through life and beyond. He is God in you! He will rebuke you and chasten you with conviction when you sin. He will empower you as you tell others of Christ. The Holy Spirit will strengthen you and heal you. He will remind you that God loves you dearly during the darkest hours of your life. Volumes of books could be written about the wondrous Holy Spirit. Look up the term “Holy Spirit” in a Strong’s Concordance and read all the Scriptures concerning Him—this is how you learn about Him. 

It is Human to Fear the Unknown

 Now I’m going to help you immensely if you are still having doubts about your salvation. I’ve introduced you to God the Holy Spirit—Because you need to recognize Him in your life. If you are saved, He lives inside your soul.

Now I’d like to tell you why you have doubts. We read in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.” Have you ever walked into a dark room and were afraid while looking for the light switch? I have. I remember as a small boy going down into the pitch black basement. We had one of those old ceiling socket lamps that had a long string hanging down. You’d pull the string to turn the light on or off. I would walk slowly into that dark basement while gently swinging my arm, feeling for that string. I couldn’t find it fast enough it seemed!!! Why was I scared? ...because I didn’t know what might be lurking in the dark. 

The same is true of walking down a dark alley at night. People are afraid of the unknown—this is normal. People are naturally afraid of the things in life which they don’t understand. If someone says they have AIDS, most people want to get as far away from them as possible—but the truth is that AIDS is not contagious. Many deformed people are shunned and made to feel as inferior because of the way they look. Why? ...because people don’t know how to deal with something their afraid of.

Ignorance is largely the problem!!! Why do people fear their salvation? ...because they are ignorant of the Word of God!!! It’s as simple as that. This book I have written contains many truths which the Holy Spirit of God has taught me over the years through my own painful experiences. I take no credit for myself—these are God’s truths!!! I simply needed to hear from God and He opened the eyes of my understanding through the Scriptures. This is why Jesus tells us in John 5:39 to... SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES!!! I had feared concerning my salvation for over seven long emotional years. I was so afraid of missing the boat to Heaven and ending up in Hell. The Lord gave me the sweet knowledge and assurance, beyond-any-shadow-of-a-doubt, that I am saved. I had been focusing upon whether or not I did everything just right to be saved; but I came to understand that I am saved by HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, i.e., the imputed righteousness of Christ Jesus. Amen! My part was simply to believe. 

Salvation is of God, Not Man

I had to learn that it was God’s Salvation, not mine—God did the saving, not me. I was looking to what I had done in the past—Did I mean what I said? ... Did I pray just right? ... Did I have enough faith? ... What if God didn’t save me? ... Am I really saved? ... What if I didn’t know I was a sinner? ... What if I only turned over a new leaf? ... What if? ... What if? ... What if? I was driving myself out of my mind worrying!!! Sound familiar? I was looking to a past experience and not to the faith which I PRESENTLY possessed in my heart. I realized one day that salvation does NOT rest in a past experience—It rests in Jesus Christ. I had a present faith in the Lord as my Savior. I wasn’t born with that. Somewhere along the way I had become a believer, but couldn’t remember where or when. 

Oh, I could point to a bunch of times and places where I prayed the sinner's prayer, asking for Christ to forgive my sins; however, I had little idea WHEN I had been saved. To this day, I can't remember the exact year, but I remember the place. It was scary not being able to identify a particular time when I was saved. I had asked the Lord to save me dozens of times for fear I hadn't been sincere enough each time. I was scared and kept asking the Lord to save me. I was confused, wondering which of those dozens of times I had cried out to God He had saved me. The answer is simple my friend—The very first time!!! The very first time you turn to Jesus Christ—even with the smallest amount of faith—He forgives all your sins and comes to live inside your body in the form of the Holy Spirit. All the other fifty or so times I had prayed for God to save me was simply done in ignorance and God didn’t mind that a bit—He knew that I needed to learn many things.

The older I get, the more I realize how little I really know. God’s infinite power and creation is beyond the scope of human understanding. We must trust God with the things we don’t understand. We must not place God on trial as the heathen do. Do you realize that God can listen attentively to the prayers of ten thousand saints all at the same time!!! How can a mere human being comprehend such power and greatness??? Oh, that men would fall on their faces before God in repentance. God is so wonderful and precious!!! Do you fear God? You certainly should. 

Jesus: Our Defense Attorney

God is very real to me and it is a bit scary sometimes to realize that I MUST one day stand before Him. However, my fears are alleviated when I realize that I am safe in Christ, and that He is my Defense Attorney (Advocate) in Heaven (1st John 2:1). If you've ever been summonsed to court, and had the privilege of having a lawyer, then you know the sweet peace that having a lawyer brings. Jesus' blood sacrifice made everything right between God the Father and me the day I got saved.

However, I still fear to stand before the God of the universe, because I must give account for my life (Romans 14:12; 2nd Corinthians 5:10-11). I look forward to that day, but I fear it as well. I want God to settle every matter, and make things right. I surely don’t deserve anything besides hell-fire but thank God that Jesus atoned for my sins so that I could be saved and become heir to share in Christ’s riches in eternity. This is true of each and every Child of God. Are you a Child of God? 

You Can Know You're Saved Apart from All Past Experiences

 I would like to say again that your hope of salvation should not rest in the past. However, you should remember AT LEAST A TIME AND PLACE where you believed on Jesus to save you. It might have been at home in your room, or at the park, or in a subway, or at church, et cetera—It does NOT matter “where” or “when”—Just as long as you confessed you were a sinner to God and trusted Jesus Christ to forgive and save you. That is very simple isn’t it? Salvation is simple.

Perhaps you say, “But I don’t know what I prayed years ago, I can’t remember?” Don’t fret my friend, I’ve been where you are. First, stop looking to the past!!! Ask yourself this question: If I died right now, am I 100% sure I would go to Heaven? If you think you would, but are not confident about it, then ask yourself this next question: What or Who am I trusting to get me to Heaven when I die? If your answer is Jesus Christ alone, because of what He did on the cross to pay for your sins, then you have no cause to fear. 

Now ask yourself this question: Why am I trusting Jesus? What is so special about Jesus that I am supposed to trust Him alone? Here is how I would answer...

“Because I came to God as a guilty, hell-deserving sinner who could NOT save myself. God Almighty came down from Heaven into this sin-cursed world and became flesh. Jesus was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life as God in the flesh. Jesus came as the Christ (the Messiah) to save lost sinners. He was falsely accused and wrongfully tried. Jesus was beaten, mocked and shamed by the Roman soldiers. Jesus was crucified on a cross. He shed His precious blood for our sins. He died and was buried. Jesus then arose bodily from the dead three days later. He ascended into Heaven to present Himself before the Father with the shed blood (Hebrews 9:12,24). Jesus sprinkled His blood on the heavenly Mercyseat in the presence of God the Father. God was pleased and His requirement for justice was completely satisfied by Jesus’ blood. The blood made salvation available for ALL mankind.” That's why I trust Jesus for my salvation... because Jesus has the scars. Why should I trust Jesus? ...because Jesus paid the price!!! Jesus paid a debt that He did NOT owe, because we owed a debt that we could NOT pay. 

What is Important is That You're Trusting Christ Now

If you have present, trusting faith in Jesus Christ, that He is the only One Who can cleanse your sins, and you are trusting Him alone for salvation—then you are saved. Think about this: You weren’t born trusting Jesus—If you are trusting Jesus now then you MUST have started at some point. Listen my friend, you don’t just accidentally wake up one day and find out that you have faith in Christ. No, at some point in the past you made a DELIBERATE and CONSCIOUS DECISION to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. If you are trusting Jesus “now,” then somewhere in the “past” you started—Where or when is not important just so long as you are trusting Him NOW. 

I’m simply saying that you CAN determine if you're saved by what is in your heart NOW—you do NOT need to confirm past prayers or experiences within your mind. Salvation is NOT a prayer, although you may pray for Jesus to save you. Salvation is NOT an experience, although you might remember a specific time and place where you called on Jesus. Salvation is NOT a decision, but you’ll need to make the decision to call upon Jesus to be saved. What is salvation??? Salvation is a supernatural act of Almighty God in response to your faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, because of what Jesus accomplished to pay for our sins and redeem us back to God. If Jesus hadn’t died on the cross or shed His blood, then it would be in vain to trust Him. 

The reason why we are commanded to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is because Jesus paid the price to satisfy God’s wrath. Only through Jesus Christ can mankind be reconciled with God the Father... “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, BUT BY ME” (John 14:6). Do you see my friend? If you are saved now, then that is all that matters—Not what happened in the obscure past which you’ll never be able to remember. Are you trusting Jesus today? Are you looking to the Lord presently for salvation? Then you must have started somewhere!!! Where or when does NOT matter just as long as you are trusting Him NOW. 

The Smallest Amount of Faith in Christ Will Save

 Jesus NEVER told anyone “to pray” to be saved. Jesus never told anyone “to make a decision” to be saved. Jesus never told anyone “to have an experience” to be saved. Jesus never told anyone “to have much faith” to be saved. No, Jesus simply told the people to believe on Him. Any amount of faith is satisfactory, just so long as it is placed in Jesus Christ. This is true today as well as 2,000 years ago, or 4,000 years ago. Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abraham believed the Lord and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Either you have faith or you don’t. You don’t need a certain amount of faith to be saved—even the smallest amount of faith will satisfy the Father in Heaven. 

The question is do you have faith in Christ??? Most people will admit that Jesus exists, but they aren’t relying upon Him for salvation. They are trusting their own self-righteousness and religion to save them. They have a distorted view of Christ. How do you view Jesus? Every false religion diminishes Jesus' Deity. Jesus wants us to accept Him as God Almighty... “for if ye believe not that I AM he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Faith is not the absence of doubting; but rather, the presence of trusting belief. Hence, no amount of doubt can negate even the smallest amount of sincere trust in the gospel for salvation. All the faith a person needs to be saved is JUST ENOUGH. That is, just enough to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved as promised in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Ignorance of the Bible Causes Fear and Insecurity

I hope some of the things I have shared with you has been helpful. I have asked the Holy Spirit umpteen times throughout the writing of this book for guidance and wisdom. I believe He has helped me throughout. Though I don’t claim to be an author, I do claim to be a sincere man with an honest heart’s desire to help others obtain God’s salvation and the full assurance of that salvation. So much could be said about this matter. 

Note that “eternal security” is different from “assurance of salvation.” Some folks believe you can lose your salvation. This is NOT true. However, we are not discussing that matter. We are discussing “How to know you're saved.” I just wanted you to know the distinction between the two. Many fine folks are saved, but live in constant fear due to a lack of understanding about the Bible. I cannot stress this point enough. 

During my time of doubt I set out to learn everything I could about salvation. I kept my ears and eyes open for anything in a sermon, a tract or a book that involved faith or salvation. I remember as a teenager telling God that He owed it to me to give me the assurance of my salvation if I were really His Child. Likewise, I also told the Lord that if I were NOT saved, He owed it to me to tell me so I could get saved. I put God on the spot. I was frustrated and wanted an answer soon. I told God that I would get saved in a second if I were to find out that I was not saved. The big problem was that I just didn’t know. Had someone shown me the things I’ve just shared with you, I think I would have found my answer. I was so concerned back then about whether or not I had prayed the correct thing. I repeatedly asked God to save me, month after month, year after year, tear after tear. Why couldn’t I find peace. It wasn’t until I did a thorough study of the Bible that I found peace.

A good example of what I’m saying is something that happened to me years ago. I used to be scared to work on cars. Why? ...because I was afraid of getting hurt by something I didn’t understand. I was afraid I might also do some major damage to the car. I had the opportunity to take some auto repair classes shortly thereafter. Do you know—something amazing happened—I wasn’t afraid to work on cars anymore. I even rebuilt a few engines. I lost the fear when I gained the confidence, when I understood what was going on. This is what you need—Confidence, which can only come from an understanding of how the Bible works. 

To start, try to find out why each Bible Book was written. Did you know that the Apostle Paul wrote Romans specifically to lead the Romans to Christ? Did you know that Paul wrote Galatians because some of his converts were yoking together with a false religion? Did you know that Paul wrote Philippians while sitting in prison? Did you know that the Apostle John wrote 1st John so we could KNOW we’re saved? ... “These THINGS have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1st John 5:13). 

So we see that we can KNOW that we’re saved. There is no excuse to wonder or fear. What “things” did John write about? Well, I think the two preceding verses sums it all up very nicely, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and THIS LIFE IS IN HIS SON. HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH LIFE; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1st John 5:11,12). Eternal life comes from God alone. This “eternal life” is found in Jesus Christ alone. If you have the indwelling Holy Spirit, you have salvation! Simply trust Christ with all your heart. Put all-your-apples-in-one-basket so to speak. Don’t trust the church, the Pope, self-righteous works, good deeds, baptism or anything else—only Jesus!!! Remember, salvation is NOT found in a religion, it is found in a person—Jesus Christ!!! 

The Holy Bible Defines The Gospel

The reason why there are so many different thousands of religions is because Satan has deceived the minds of men, confusing them and hiding the gospel of Jesus Christ to prevent people from being saved...

2nd Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Religion wants to fit us with glasses, but the Lord wants to open our eyes. Most people who have doubts about their salvation do so because their minds have been filled with all sorts of religious teachings that do not accurately reflect the Biblical gospel message. 
 

FAITH that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again for MY sins, plus NOTHING equals salvation. Those three elements compose the gospel. The truth of the gospel is simple. There is no need to guess what the gospel is because the Bible plainly tells us what it is...
1st Corinthians 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

It is very popular in these apostate times to hear such things as “Trust Jesus” or “Make a commitment to Jesus” or “Invite Jesus into your heart” or “Surrender to the Lord” to be saved, but none of these are the Gospel. The cross upon which Christ died MUST be included or else it is a false plan of salvation. Most unsaved people believe that a man named Jesus once lived and died as a human being, but they completely reject the idea of a miraculous resurrection or a miraculous virgin birth as the Son of God. The Biblical Gospel is that Christ DIED, He was BURIED (officiating His death), and He was RESURRECTED three days later. This was nothing less than a miracle of God's Holy Spirit.

Our part in salvation is simply to believe the Gospel. Whatever else is involved in our salvation is God's department. Anyone is saved who receives the Gospel as full payment for their sins. We are saved solely by faith in Christ's death on the cross, burial and bodily resurrection from the dead the third day.

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CHAPTER THIRTY

Fallen From Grace

  By David J. Stewart

Once Saved, Always Saved - A Person CANNOT Lose Salvation

 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.  For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE” (Galatians 5:1-4).  Many sincere folks have misinterpreted this Scripture to conclude that a Believer can lose their salvation—this is a false teaching!  “Falling from grace” does NOT mean falling away from God’s salvation and God’s promises.  God made us a promise in the Bible, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).  My part is to “call”, God’s part is to “save.”  I cannot save myself, nor can you.  Only God can save a person because only God can forgive sin.  No priest or Pope can forgive (or absolve) anyone’s sins.  Penance is simply NOT a Bible doctrine.   I must go to Jesus and Him alone!  Thanks be to God, I did this as a young man and have been saved since that day.  Though I am still a sinner and often fall short of God’s standards, I am still a Child of God—safe and secure in the everlasting arms of the Father.   I CANNOT lose my salvation, no way.  No amount of evil or wrong doing can undo what God has done.  I didn’t deserve to be saved in the first place so my actions have no bearing on my salvation.  This does not give us a license to sin, it just means that salvation starts and ends with God.  The only thing God requires of us is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins.  Thank God!  Jesus washed my sins away and wrote my name in Heaven!  He saved a vile, dirty, rotten sinner from hell-fire!  God placed Jesus’ righteousness on my account and placed my grievous sins on Jesus account!  The Father declared me J-U-S-T-I-F-I-E-D, Just-if-I’d never sinned!  Now that’s a wonderful God! 
 

The Church at Galatia was Beginning to Fall Into False Religion

What does the Apostle Paul mean here in Galatians 5:1-4?  What is meant by the phrase “fallen from grace?”  In order to fully understand what Paul meant, we must understand the purpose of the Book of Galatians.  The Believers at Galatia had fallen victim to a false religion.  And let me pause right here to say that there are MANY false religions in the world today, right in our own neighborhoods. These “deceitful workers” that appear as angels of light are two-fold the “children of Hell.”  Not only are they unsaved but they subtly propagate damnable heresies to lead others into Hell with them (the blind leading the blind).  They are dangerous and must be exposed for who they are—antichrists!  They are against Christ! 

There were false religions in Paul’s day as well.  One false religion in particular had preyed upon the church at Galatia.  This false religion wanted to merge with the true Believers in order to promote their own false religion.  This was a false religion that taught “works” was necessary to be saved.  They believed that a man needed to be circumcised in order to be saved.  This was known as Judaism (the keeping of the ceremonial laws, etc).  Listen here to Paul’s warning to the Galatia Christians, “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.  For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, THAT THEY MAY GLORY IN YOUR FLESH” (Galatians 6:12,13).  This false religion didn’t care about these true Believers, they only cared about promoting their own heresies and foolishness.  
 

The Devil's Crowd Seeks to Yoke with Compromising Believers

This is so often the case, greedy people try to capitalize on the goodness of God’s Children.  I’ve had several people in my lifetime try to recruit me into selling something door-to-door: Amway, life insurance, long distance phone service, etc.  They knew I was a zealous soul-winner and figured they’d make an easy buck if they could get me to do all the work for them.  I never did help those lazy rascals.  Paul heard of the evil which was happening in Galatia and writes this letter of warning to the church.  Paul brings to attention the fact that these unbelievers DON’T keep the very law that they claim can save them if they obey it.  No person can keep all of God’s law, “...there is NONE RIGHTEOUS, no not one” (Romans 3:10).  This is true of false religion today as well.  I’ve met many religious people who take God’s name in vain, wish the boss would burn in hell, hate their spouse, etc, etc.  These are unsaved people who trust in their good works to get them into Heaven someday—good luck!  They won’t make it!  They’ve yet to realize their sinful condition.  One cannot be honest with God until willing to first be honest with one’s self.  This takes an honest person.  Most people run from the truth at all costs and refuse to face the facts.  You can deal with the truth, but a lie cannot be dealt with.   The truth is often painful to accept.  
 

Jesus is the ONLY Way to Heaven!

Having laid the groundwork, now let me explain what Paul meant when he said, “Ye are fallen from grace.”  Paul was simply saying that Jesus is the only ticket to Heaven.  If you miss Jesus, you will have missed your only bus ride to Heaven.  If an unsaved person rejects Christ as Savior, then there is NO OTHER WAY to be saved.  This is all that Paul was saying.  Paul speaks strongly in Galatians 3:1,2, “O FOOLISH Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  Are ye so FOOLISH? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”  Nobody likes to be called “foolish.”  Paul’s strong words must have been a big surprise to these folks; nevertheless, they were much needed words.  “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16).   I find myself quoting this verse often because many people do not want to hear the truth.  We must learn to accept the truth, seek the truth and love the truth because God is truth.  
 

The Gospel is Easily Perverted, Just Add or Subtract

The Galatians had heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and yet we’re being entangled into this works religion mess.  Paul was starting to wonder if these folks had really been saved in the first place.  “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would PERVERT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST” (Galatians 1:6,7).  The Gospel is easy to pervert, simply add something to it and it is corrupted.  For example: If you add baptism to the Gospel, then you have added a “work” to God’s simple plan of salvation by grace through faith.  No good deeds can save us and they absolutely cannot be added to salvation otherwise you will have perverted the truth of the Gospel.  Baptismal regeneration perverts the Gospel of Christ.  Some people have the false impression that they are saved, but they truly are NOT because of various misunderstandings concerning salvation.  Adding or subtracting anything to simple Gospel of Christ is a sure road to Hell.
 

If You Reject Jesus as Saviour, then You are Fallen from Grace

If you have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, look no further.  You must simply believe the Gospel, making the decision to trust Christ as Saviour, asking Him to forgive you of all your sins.  If you have heard the Gospel of Christ but it hasn’t affected you, I feel sorry for you.  If you refuse to call upon the name of the Lord, you are fallen from grace (you have rejected your only way to salvation).  If you have called on the Lord but are also trusting in your good works to get you into Heaven, then you are not truly trusting Christ.  I’ve actually met some people who have told me that they are trusting "faith and works" to get them into Heaven.  No sir!  You won’t get into Heaven any other way than through the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.  
 

If You Add Works to Faith, then You are Fallen from Grace

Notice again the Words which we just read in Galatians chapter three, “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the WORKS of the law, or by the hearing of FAITH?”  Do you see?  Salvation cannot be by works, only by faith.  If the Galatians had fallen prey to the false belief that circumcision was necessary for salvation, then it would have revealed beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were NOT saved.  I often am concerned myself about the salvation of other professed Believers.  You’d be surprised just how many people think they’re genuinely saved simply because they made a commitment to Christ at a crusade or turned over a new leaf at a revival meeting.  Let me tell you, your sins are the big issue my friend.  Have your sins been dealt with?  Have you gone to God as a dirty, rotten, hell-deserving sinner and pleaded for forgiveness for the sins you’ve committed?  Have you turned to Christ in faith, believing that He alone paid for your sins and that He alone can forgive and save you?  “Fallen from grace” simply means that you have overlooked the saving power of the Gospel, you have been deceived and sold a phony life insurance policy.   I don’t know about you but I have “all Saints insurance” with Jesus Christ.  It’s a free policy paid-in-full by Jesus Christ Himself.  God the Father is my agent.  Anybody can have this insurance.  I have no deductible and no hidden costs.  Are you insured with the Heavenly Father?  Don’t miss your only bus to Heaven, trust in Jesus now and let Him become your personal Savior.  
 

A Born Again Person Can Never Fall from Grace

Also, let me make clear that you only need to be saved once and can NEVER fall from grace.  As I’ve mentioned before, we didn’t deserve salvation in the first place and we never will deserve it.  If we cannot do good deeds to earn Heaven in the first place, then we cannot do evil deeds to lose it.   We are kept saved by God’s power and God’s promise, our part was only to believe on Christ.  Once saved, always saved and that’s the Gospel truth!  The Bible teaches that a person must be “born-again”, NOT “born-again and again and again.”  We are born physically into this world one time and we can only be born of God one time.  We become a “new creature” in Christ when God’s Holy Spirit unites in a Holy Marriage with our own spirit (that spirit which was once dead in trespasses and sins but is now made alive by the presence of God's indwelling Holy Spirit).  
 

A Man Will Reap What He Sows

You have probably heard the following verse quoted at some time in your life, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).  I became curious one day about the context in which this statement was made.  Surely, we ALL deserve to get what we have coming to us—none of us are without sin.  However, what is the application in Galatians 6:7?  Paul makes this interesting statement that we will “reap what we sow.”  I searched the Scriptures and learned that the Apostle Paul had made this statement (about reaping what you sow) in regard to the Galatians who were about to enter into a false religion.  The people which Paul had previously ministered to in Galatia were about to sow something evil.  Paul was warning them that false religion can only lead to confusion and Hell.  As I mentioned earlier, Paul was skeptical concerning their salvation.  Had they been saved at all?  Were they going to follow this false religion?  The Apostle Paul certainly had a reason to be very concerned.  Paul was simply saying that you had better make sure you don’t wind up in some false religion, because you'll have to answer to God one day for it. 

You had better “try the spirits” as we are warned in 1st John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but TRY (or test) THE SPIRITS whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”   People are spirits in the flesh, that is who we are.  Once the tent of the body is no longer fit for use, the spirit returns to God.  So what the Scripture means by “trying the spirits” is simply—test someone with the Bible.  Ask them if they believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Ask them if they believe that Jesus is God Almighty, Who came in the flesh.  Ask them if they believe in the virgin birth and the blood atonement of Jesus.  Ask them if they believe in the bodily resurrection and the coming physical return of Christ.  Ask them if they believe that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are all One in the same Being.  Ask them if they believe that Jesus is Eternal, without beginning or end (He had no Creator).  

Please don't miss your only bus ride to Heaven (falling from grace) by following a false religion that perverts the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The only way to be saved is by simple heart's faith in the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Jesus paid a debt He did not owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay.  If you will simply believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, then you will be saved.  Be not deceived my friend!!!

*******

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Biblical Repentance

by David J. Stewart | May 2001 | Updated June 2016

       “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE” (2nd Peter 3:9).

        There is much debate and confusion in churches today over what it means to “repent.” If you say that believing is all that is required to be saved, then you'll be accused of preaching “easy believism.” If you teach that repentance is required for salvation, then you'll be accused of “adding works” to faith for salvation. Neither of these teachings is correct. The truth is that you are not saved by repenting, you are saved by your faith in Jesus Christ!

Satan blinds people from seeing the Gospel. 2nd Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” The Gospel is the light, the truth, by which men are saved if they BELIEVE. Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” 
 

Repentance is Toward God from Unbelief

Our text passage of Scripture teaches that God wants everyone to “repent.” The word “repent” concerning salvation in the Holy Bible comes from the Greek word, metanoia, which is a noun meaning “a change of mind.” The verb form of the word is metanoeo, which means, “to think differently.” It is important to know that the modern English dictionary provides a completely different meaning of the word “repent.” The English dictionary defines repent as “turning away from sin; sorrow for sin and a desire to reform.” But this is not the Biblical Greek meaning of the word. Repentance is a change of mind. Since the Greek meaning of the word “repent” does not tell us what to change our mind about, supplemental information is required. That is, additional information is needed. The Bible tells us the answer in Acts 20:21b, “repentance toward God.” Repentance is toward God.

Certainly, to repent toward God involves turning from something. You cannot face north without turning your back to the south. For some people it means turning to God from intellectualism that had blinded them from the truth of the Gospel. For others it means turning to God from their sinful ways that had hindered them from coming to the light to be saved. For some it may be turning from wealth, or bitterness against God, or false religion, that had hindered them from seeing the glorious light of the Gospel (2nd Corinthians 4:4). But the meaning of repentance is to change one's mind, and not the act of forsaking anything. Repentance is thinking differently toward God from whatever it was that hindered you from being saved in the first place. The emphasis is upon believing the Gospel, not upon forsaking anything. Please read, The Great Meaning Of Metanoia.

Although repentance is definitely necessary for salvation, it doesn't mean what most people think it means. Repentance and faith are like two sides of one coin—You cannot flip a coin over without turning both sides at the same time. Likewise, a man who believes has also repented. A man who turns to God by faith from his idols has repented from his unbelief. We are saved by believing the Gospel. You cannot believe on the Lord Jesus Christ without repenting from whatever was hindering you from coming to the light. But we are saved by believing, not by forsaking anything. If a person didn't repent (i.e., change their mind), they would never come to God at all.

We are all guilty sinners, under the condemnation of God's Law, justly deserving of being punished in Hellfire forever. Romans 3:19, “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become GUILTY before God.” I thank God the Father for sending His only begotten Son into the world to pay my debt of sin. Jesus paid for our sins with His own literal blood (Hebrews 9:12, 24; 12:24; 1st Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 1:5).

In Dr. Jack Hyle's excellent book titled, “Enemies of Soulwinning,” he correctly states:

 So, from what must a person repent in order to be saved? He must repent of that which makes him lost. Since "believing not" makes him lost, "believing" makes him saved. In repentance there is a turning from the thing that keeps him from being saved to the thing that saves him. So, yes, there is a repentance from unbelief in order to believe. It is simply a change of direction. It means a turning around. You are going away from believing, and you decide to turn around and believe. You change your direction; you change your mind. With your will you believe and rely upon Christ to save you. In order to believe, you have to repent of unbelief. That which makes a man lost must be corrected.

SOURCE: Dr. Jack Hyles, a quote from chapter 4, titled “Misunderstood Repentance—An Enemy Of Soul Winning,” from the classic book titled, ENEMIES OF SOUL WINNING!

Pastor Danny Castle correctly says:

“You are not saved by repenting, you are saved by your faith in Jesus Christ.”

SOURCE: Pastor Danny Castle, a quote from the 2016 sermon titled, “Acting Responsibly.”

Dr. Jack Hyles 100% correctly and Biblically states concerning repentance...

“Repentance is not some little silly, 'I'm sorry.' Repentance is not simply a fear of God. Repentance is not a monk fasting and afflicting his body in a monastery. Repentance is not remorse because of sin's consequences. Repentance is not penance performed before the pope as you kiss his toe... Repentance is not being sorry for what I've done wrong. It is not confessing one's sins to a priest. It is not just conviction of sin. It is not the signing of a pledge of abstinence. Repentance is that thing when you come before God and see yourself as you are, and see Him as he is, and say with Isaiah 'Woe is me, for I am unclean!'” —Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001), a quote from the timeless MP3 sermon, THE GOODNESS OF GOD LEADETH TO REPENTANCE!

Amen and amen!

God's law is a measuring stick, which shows us that WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES because of our ungodly condition, and then the law BRINGS US to Christ. Galatians 3:24-26, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” The whole notion that a person has to experience a profound regret for sin, and a consuming desire to depart from sin, and intent to reform, have NOTHING to do with Biblical repentance unto salvation. Repentance is turning to Jesus by faith because you realize that you are a guilty sinner incapable of saving yourself and you rest totally in the death of Christ upon the cross, His burial and His resurrection from the dead three days later. That's the Gospel!

My friend, you are lost because you are a sinner! Jesus Christ came into the world to pay your sin debt and mine. No religion can save you! Unless you by faith accept Christ's payment for your sins, you will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. Christ died upon the cross for our sins, He was buried, and He bodily raised up from the dead three days later (this is called “the Gospel”). We are saved by acknowledging that we are an unholy sinner in the eyes of a holy God, and we receive the Gospel by faith as full payment for our sins. When you turn to Jesus as the Christ to be saved, you have turned your back against sin, otherwise you never would have come to Christ to be saved. John 3:20, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

You need God's righteousness to enter Heaven, which is solely through faith in Jesus as the risen Christ. The Lord took our sins upon Himself on Calvary's cross, and by faith God places His righteousness upon us (2nd Corinthians 5.21; Romans 4.5-6). This beautiful Bible doctrine is called IMPUTATION. What an awesome Savior!

Dr. M.R. DeHaan gives the following excellent explanation between salvation verses service . . .

"There is a vast difference between coming to Jesus for salvation and coming after Jesus for service. Coming to Christ makes one a believer, while coming after Christ makes one a disciple. All believers are not disciples. To become a believer one accepts the invitation of the Gospel, to be a disciple one obeys the challenge to a life of dedicated service and separation. Salvation comes through the sacrifice of Christ; discipleship comes only by sacrifice of self and surrender to His call for devoted service. Salvation is free, but discipleship involves paying the price of a separated walk. Salvation can't be lost because it depends upon God's faithfulness, but discipleship can be lost because it depends upon our faithfulness." DeHaan, M. R. Hebrews. Zondervan Publishing House, 1959 (p. 117).

Pastor Hal Lindsey provides the following helpful words:

"There are those who, in their zeal to get people to turn from their sinful ways and receive the Lord, almost put repentance on a par with believing... Repentance, as it relates to Christ, means to change our minds about Him, who He is and what He's done to provide forgiveness and deliverance from our sins. When we place faith in Jesus as having taken our place personally on the cross and borne the penalty due our sins, then we're automatically repenting, because we couldn't accept Him in this way without having had to change our minds in some way concerning Him." Lindsey, Hal. The Liberation of Planet Earth. Zondervan Publishing House, 1974 (p. 136, 137).

Here are two more excellent quotes by Charles Ryrie and Zane Hodges, differentiating between salvation verses discipleship:

"It is an inexcusable error to confront sinners with problems that concern the Christian life and call upon them to make promises regarding them. An unsaved person is never called upon to surrender himself to God. The saving act is in no instance represented as our 'giving ourselves to God'; it is, on the contrary, taking His Son as our Savior." Ryrie, Charles. Balancing the Christian Life. Moody Press, Inc., 1969 (p. 170).

"Eternal life is free. Discipleship is immeasurably hard. The former is attained by faith alone, the latter by a faith that works... the former brings with it the righteousness of God so that a man is 'justified freely by his grace' (Romans 3:24). The latter develops a personal righteousness, based on good deeds, so that a man was also 'justified by works' (James 2:24). The former constituted the believer God's workmanship, the latter fulfilled the wonderful purpose for which he had been created. The former cost man nothing, the latter could cost him everything, including life itself." Hodges, Zane C. The Hungry Inherit. Moody Press, Inc., 1972 (p. 114, 115).

Those are some excellent quotes, doing a good job of showing why Lordship Salvation is a heresy. Any one who teaches that salvation is not easy; but also that say—you must forsake all, cease from sinful bad habits, commit your life to follow Jesus and confess Him before men—They have corrupted the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus (2nd Corinthians 11:3-4). They are teaching a false plan of salvation, which does not produce the new birth. We are saved by faith alone in Christ's death on the cross for our sins, His burial and bodily resurrection (1st Corinthians 15:1-4).

I am not saved by any human effort or self-righteousness of my own; but rather, I am saved by completely resting in Christ because of what He did to pay for my sins on the cross. Jesus promises to save anyone who comes to Him for forgiveness (John 6.37). Believe and the work is done! Acts 20:21 speaks of “repentance TOWARD GOD.” The Word of God NEVER teaches repentance FROM sin to be saved; BUT, rather, repentance TOWARD GOD. Repentance is a change of mind, a change of mind from what you want to do to get to Heaven to what God says you must do to get to Heaven—concerning sin and the Savior. Childlike faith is all that is required for salvation. If a person knows they are a guilty sinner, bound for Hellfire, and turns in faith to Jesus Christ to forgive their sins and save them--that person has repented.

THE PREACHING THAT PRODUCES REPENTANCE (Dr. Ironside; awesome stuff on real repentance!)

Repentance Towards God

You can put all the faith in Christ you want, it means nothing if you're in denial about your sins... "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1st John 1:10). The entire matter of salvation deals with OUR SINS. Thus, repentance is when we come to the realization that we have sinned AGAINST GOD. Notice what Joseph said to Potiphar's wicked, adulterous wife who tried to seduce him in Genesis 39:9, "There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin AGAINST GOD?"

Dr. Harry Ironside (1876-1951) is 100% correct on repentance. He says in his gospel tract, ANOTHER GOSPEL?:

"When anyone comes promising salvation to those ‘who make full surrender' of all that they have to God, and who 'pay the price of full salvation' he is preaching another gospel, for the price was paid on Calvary's cross and the work that saves is finished. It was Christ Jesus who made the full surrender when He yielded His life on Calvary that saves us, not our surrender in any way to Him."

SOURCE: Harry A. Ironside, from the Gospel tract, Another Gospel.

Dr. Ironside is Biblically correct!

Joseph realized that if he did commit adultery, he would be sinning AGAINST GOD! In Luke 15:21, the repentant prodigal son said, "Father, I have sinned AGAINST HEAVEN, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." Notice what king David said in Psalm 41:4,  "LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned AGAINST THEE." Notice what the Apostle Paul taught in Acts 20:21, "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." You see, lost sinners need to repent TOWARDS GOD. Carefully notice in Mark 1:15 what Jesus said... "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Notice that Jesus DIDN'T say "repent ye, and forsake your sins." No, rather, He said, "repent ye, and believe the gospel."

Repentance is changing your mind about whatever is keeping you from coming to Jesus to be saved, which the Bible says is the love of sin in John 3:20. John 8:12 says that Jesus is the light. Folks who love their sins WON'T come to Jesus to be saved because they don't want to be proven wrong in their sins. But when a man sees the our God, and admits that he is an unholy sinner, condemned under God's holy law, only then that man comes to Christ to be saved (Galatians 3:24-26).

Why So Many Preachers Are Being Misled Concerning Repentance Unto Salvation (the purpose of God's law)

The Sin-Question and the Son-question

Tragically, few people today have genuinely repented. Many people today falsely claim to be "Christian," but they are not. They have never repented concerning their sins. Please note that I said "concerning their sins," and not "from their sins." There is a big difference. Salvation involves BOTH the sin-question and the Son-question:

THE SIN QUESTION. If a person does not see their need, then why would he or she need a Savior? To be saved, the sin-question must be dealt with. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), guilty before God (Romans 3:19), and justly deserving of eternal punishment (Romans 6:23). 1st John 1:10 states that we are calling God a LIAR if we deny that we have sinned. Many people today falsely think they are going to Heaven because they "committed their life to Christ," or "made a decision for Christ." There can be NO salvation without the Law of God.

Many unrepentant people today, who are proud and self-righteous, "think" they are saved simply because they "gave their life to Jesus." This is the nonsense being taught in Charismatic circles today, and by their televangelists. Judas gave his life to Jesus and went to Hell. The Pharisees gave their lives to God, and went to Hell. You'd better get BORN-AGAIN! We are saved through Jesus' blood, that takes our sins away. The great evangelist Charles Finney said...

"The severity of the Law should be unsparingly applied to the conscience until the sinner's self-righteousness is annihilated, and he stands speechless and condemned before the Holy God."

Too many preachers today explain the CURE without the GUILT of sin. We don't hear much today about the GUILT of sin. What we do hear a lot about is the CURE. Televangelists utterly fail to preach against America's sins. All we hear is how someone was on the brink of bankruptcy, but then sent in their last $20 to The 700 Club, and now their life is a bed of roses. 2nd Peter 2:3 describes these greedy imposters in exact Words... "And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." Woe unto America's televangelists!!!
 

THE SON QUESTION. It is not enough to merely decide to turn over a new leaf to be saved. One cannot admit his or her sinful condition, and then attempt to reform the sinful flesh, expecting to be saved. Only Jesus has the nail-scared hands and feet, and we can only be saved through Christ. Roman Catholics readily admit their sinfulness, but foolishly trust the Catholic Church to save them, instead of relying on Jesus Christ alone as the Word of God teaches (John 14:6). There can be NO salvation apart from the name of JESUS (Acts 4:10-12).

Thus, repentance is a change of mind, i.e. turning by faith to Jesus Christ for forgiveness, because of the acknowledgment of one's sinful condition. It's that simple. It is the blood of Jesus that washes our sins away; not water baptism, not church membership, not turning over a new leaf, not surrendering one's life to God, not forsaking one's sins, not making Jesus Lord, et cetera. We are sinners, and Jesus is the Savior! To go to Heaven, our sins must be washed away by Jesus' blood, and all we have to do is BELIEVE upon the Lord as our Savior. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and only He has the nail-scared hands and feet. Thus, only through Christ's sacrifice for our sins can we receive eternal life.

REPENTANCE AND FAITH (you don't repent first, and then have faith. They are inseparable!)

Except Ye Repent, Ye Shall All Likewise Perish!

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:1-5).

Some people had brought bad news to Jesus, about the tragic deaths of others. We experience these same types of reports almost daily in modern times. In fact, there's not a day that passes that we don't hear from the newsmedia about the tragic deaths of so many people. Death is often sudden, and without warning. This is what Jesus meant when He warned... Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Jesus was simply saying that life is unpredictably short, and all that matters is whether or not we're ready to meet our Maker! You need to get saved! Hebrews 9:27 states that we all have an appointment with death. Death is often sudden and we have no guarantee of tomorrow (Proverb 27:1). Are we any better than others, that we are immune to heartache and tragedy? No, not for one moment. Are you ready to die? Have you been born-again by the Spirit of God?

Charles Spurgeon Rightly Said: “Repentance is a grace... There are no conditions of salvation!”

I recall hearing of a tornado that ripped through a little Baptist church in Georgia, killing many of the members. Were they being judged by God? No, not at all. The earth is under a curse because of man's sin, and all men are susceptible to the woes of living in a fallen world. This is the curse that sin has brought upon the human race. Life is short. All that will matter 100 years from now is whether you DIE IN THE LORD (Revelation 14:13), or you DIE IN YOUR SINS (John 8:24). Hopefully, you'll die in the Lord. 2nd Corinthians 6:2 states, "...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Only a fool would postpone getting saved.

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions and neon signs; the road to eternal life is plain and simple (Matthew 7:13-14). The road to Hell exalts religion; but the road to Heaven exalts Jesus. There are two types of religions in the world: DO and DONE. Either you believe that you must DO something to get into Heaven OR you are simply resting upon Jesus and His precious blood. DO or DONE, which are you? I’m in the DONE category! Jesus paid it all! 
 

We are Not Saved by Repenting, We are Saved by Trusting Jesus!

God COMMANDS us to repent... “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30). You “repent” by believing the Gospel. 2nd Thessalonians 1:8-9a, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction.” It is heresy to teach repentance as a separate act from believing. I've heard many false preachers, such as Evangelist's Ray Comfort, David Cloud, Jack Chick and Paul Washer, teach that a person who believes the Gospel without repenting is not saved. My friend, it is impossible to believe the Gospel without repenting. If a man didn't repent, he would never come to Jesus Christ. John 3:20, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” Repentance and faith are so closely related that the Bible simply tells us to “believe” to be saved. John 3:16, “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.”

Biblical repentance is the Greek word metanoeo, which simply means to change one's mind so as to compel that person to come to Jesus Christ for salvation. The reason why repentance is necessary for salvation is because without repentance no person would ever come to Christ to be saved. The man who believes has repented, which is why the words “believe” and “believed” are mentioned 85 times in the Gospel of John, but the word “repent” is not mentioned even once. The man who believes has repented, and the man who repents has believed. Repentance without faith is not genuine repentance; but rather, mere self reformation, which is what Judas experienced. Faith without repentance is mere optimism and religious devotion, not genuine salvation. To be saved, a person must realize that they are a guilty sinner in the eyes of God, and receive the Gospel of Christ's DEATH on the cross, BURIAL and RESURRECTION as full payment for their sins.

Ray Comfort and John MacArthur frequently lift Pastor Charles Spurgeon's words out of context, attempting to bolster up their straw-man of Lordship Salvation; but if you read the entire sermon, titled “REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE,” you'll find the following quote (which you'll never hear from Mr. Comfort or Mr. MacArthur because it totally contradicts their teachings) . . .

“'Repentance' is a grace. Some people preach it as a condition of salvation. Condition of nonsense! There are no conditions of salvation.” —Charles Spurgeon

SOURCE: http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0044.htm (Charles Spurgeon, from a sermon titled, REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE, preached at the New Park Street Chapel, Southwark, on Sept. 23, 1855)

We are saved by believing the Gospel, not by repenting of our sins. Many preachers misunderstand repentance. If a person must turn away from sinful behavior, that is behavior modification, not the gift of God. We read in John 6:28-29 that the work of God is to “BELIEVE” on Jesus Christ. We read in 1st Corinthians 1:21 that it pleases God to “SAVE THEM THAT BELIEVE.” We read in John 6:40 that the Father's will is to “BELIEVE” on the Son. No mention is made of repenting! This doesn't mean that repentance is not necessary to salvation; but rather, it simply means that the man who realizes he is a guilty sinner in God's eyes and believes the Gospel is saved. Repentance and faith are inseparable. You don't get on a plane and leave Michigan, and then secondly fly toward Hawaii. Rather, you are moving toward Hawaii and leaving Michigan at the same time. Likewise, the person who believes has also repented of their unbelief. The only prerequisite to be saved is to realize your need for the Savior because you are a sinner.

We are saved immediately by trusting Jesus Christ, but sanctification (discipleship) is a lifetime process. We are saved immediately by trusting Christ, but it takes a lifetime to become Christlike. Becoming Christlike is not required for salvation, but to simply trust Him. Eternal life is the free gift of God, paid for by Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His precious blood sprinkled upon the Mercy Seat in the heavenly Holy Place.

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CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Easy Believism Defended

  By David J. Stewart

        Soulwinning Christians are sometimes accused of propagating “Easy Believism.” Some might call this the “1-2-3-follow-me-plan-of-salvation.” This is where a soul-winner takes a Bible and shows someone a few quick verses (concerning salvation of course) and then leads him or her in the sinners prayer to get saved.  Many critics have tried to discredit other soul-winning Believers who have successfully won many souls to Jesus Christ. These scorners accuse us of being “out for the numbers” so we can brag to others of what we’ve done for God. Let me tell you my friend, it is “...GOD THAT GIVETH THE INCREASE” (1st Corinthians 3:7). I cannot save anyone (surprised huh?). That was a joke of course. No priest or Pope can save you-Only Jesus!!! All we can do as soul-winners is to speak the Gospel of Christ to lost sinners and then pray that God will work in their hearts. However, it will be God that does the saving, not us. 
 

Jesus Said, "Compel Them!"

Someone who would criticize a church for knocking on doors to win souls has a problem. Thank God for the churches who take the time and effort to go out into the streets and the community preaching the Gospel. Listen to the Words of Jesus Christ Himself, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and COMPEL THEM TO COME IN, that my house may be FILLED” (Luke 14:23). Look up the word “compel” and you might be surprised. It means “to force or make someone do something.” Wow!!! Does Jesus want us to force people to get saved? Well, yes and no. No, because you can’t force a person to accept Christ. Yes, because God wants us to preach the Gospel throughout the world. Unsaved people need to hear the truth of the Gospel, or they won't come to Christ. The fastest growing genuine New Testament churches have always been soulwinning churches! 

We must be gentle though, “...be gentle unto all men, apt (ready) to teach, patient” (2nd Timothy 2:24). We are COMMANDED to go forth preaching the Gospel, “GO ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The biggest problem with believers today is that they have lost their “get-up-and-GO.” The Holy Bible says, “GO”!!! Soul-winning is NOT an option, it is a command from God. You can argue and speculate whether or not a Christian should go out door-to-door-soul-winning, but you cannot argue about soul-winning.  A church is supposed to go soulwinning, whether the church grows or shrinks in attendance!  We have a duty to share the Gospel with the lost. 
In the parable of The Sower And The Seeds, Luke 8:11 says that the “seed” is the inspired Word of God. The fourth group of seeds are those born-again Christians who have grown to maturity and are soulwinners. Luke 8:15, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” The parable is not about salvation, it is about bearing fruit as a believer. Most believers never grow to maturity, evidenced by their woeful lack of interest in winning souls to Jesus Christ, by sharing the truth of the Gospel with them. 


Tragically, Most Churches are Not Soul Winning Churches

If you’ll do some homework you’ll find that the Believers who are not actively involved in a soul-winning church rarely ever tell a soul about Jesus Christ-If ever!!! When do you tell others about Jesus??? This is what the ministry is all about--Finding a way to get the Gospel to others. Very few Believers have any idea what I am talking about- It’s called soul-winning. Also notice the word “filled” in Luke 14:23-God wants His house FILLED! If God is not interested in numbers, He’s sure not interested in empty pews!!! God wants us to “compel” others to come to church to hear the preaching. Perhaps this means giving away bikes, a meal or a computer as a promotion. This is acceptable to God--He told us to “compel” others to come. God wants us to “compel” others if necessary to allow us to share the Gospel of Christ with them. They won’t come to us--We must go to them!!!  
 

Lifestyle Evangelism - An Enemy of Soul Winning

There is a great enemy of soul-winning called “lifestyle evangelism.” It is the belief that a Christian does not need to go soul-winning, just as long as he lets his light shine (a lifestyle) so others will come to him and want what he has. Now I’m not against letting our light shine-God commands us to do so, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). However, this is NOT acceptable as an end in itself. Too many lazy Believers are looking for excuses not to go soul-winning. Jesus wants us to tell others about the good news of Christ. This is all God is asking of us. We don’t need to act religious or wear some strange clothing. No, we simply need to be ourselves and share with others what the Lord has done for us through His infinite grace. God is simply saying that He wants us to put forth as much effort as possible (to do what it takes) to help bring other folks to Christ as Savior.  
 

It's Not Our Place to Judge a Person's Sincerity

The argument against “easy believism” is that many people are coerced into praying a prayer but DON’T actually get saved because they didn’t know what their doing.  Unfortunately, I would have to agree that this does happen sometimes; However, it is not for us to judge what is going on in another persons heart. There are people in the past with whom I had spent countless HOURS UPON HOURS teaching them the Word of God. Today many out of them are out of church and I sincerely doubt their salvation. 

Whether you spend five minutes or five years teaching someone--some people will disappoint you. It’s painful to see many years worth of labor go down the tubes to Satan. The Apostle Paul felt the same way towards the Galatians, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you LABOUR IN VAIN” (Galatians 4:11). These folks were dabbling with false religion and the Apostle Paul was sick over it. I know to an extent how Paul must have felt.

The only true test of whether a person is saved or not is by the testimony of their own mouth. 
 

Like it or Not, Salvation is Easy

I simply don’t buy this criticism of “easy believism.” Why not? Because it is EASY to get saved. God only requires faith as a small grain of mustard seed for us to be saved. I’m tired of dead-beat Believers attacking dedicated Christians Who are getting the job done. Praise God for the soul-winners!!! “High-pressure, button-hole evangelism” some call it. So be it!!!  Of course it’s high-pressure when a Bible-toting soul-winner walks up to a child of the devil and presents the Gospel. Of course your going to offend wicked sinners when you tell them they deserve to go burn in hell. I could introduce you to multitudes of Believers Who would thank God that some soul-winner cared enough and was willing to OFFEND them one day. 

Jesus said, “...blessed is he, whosoever shall not be OFFENDED in me” (Matthew 11:6; Luke 7:23). Most people are offended at the mention of Jesus’ name. Many people throughout history have even lost their lives for mentioning Jesus’ name. What a wonderful Savior--Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!!!  We hear of churches which claim to have hundreds of people saved (even thousands) on a single Sunday. I say “Amen!!!” It’s easy for the critics of red-hot soul-winning Christians to sit on their blessed assurance and criticize. These dead-beat Believers never do anything for God, they just try to quench the spirit of those who have a zeal for God.  
 

Hypocrite Believers Attack Soul Winners

I once heard a Christian man say he didn’t believe in “putting cow’s up on the roof to get people into church.” What a sad attitude this man had! I heard another Christian man say that he would quit his church in a heartbeat if they ever gave away pumpkins as a promotion to bring kids to church. It’s hard to imagine a man having so little loyalty for his own pastor and church that he would quit everything over a lousy pumpkin giveaway--this is where Christians are at nowadays. Fight over this, fight over that. If you don’t want to give out pumpkins at your lukewarm church, fine, but don’t criticize the red-hot soul-winning church that does. If a pumpkin or a cow up on the roof will bring people to church to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I say wonderful!! If a church can use promotions to bring lost sinners to Christ, amen. I am NOT condoning Halloween--it is Satanic in origin.

However, God created pumpkins and I love pumpkin pie!!! Should we never display a rainbow in our churches because it is the official icon today of homosexuality? Those heathens stole the rainbow, I want it back! There’s a fine line between faith and foolishness. Hell has fire folks!!! If you don’t agree with me, I sincerely wonder just how much you believe in a place called hell that burns with fire and brimstone. Those who die in their sins will plunder into the depths of hell-fire and be tormented. How could anybody be against promotions which bring people to church to hear the Gospel. If a pie in the face or a water-balloon toss will fill the pews-Amen! 
 

God Loves Aggressive Soul Winners

Perhaps you think God is not interested in numbers.” Oh? You had better read Luke 14:23, “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be FILLED.” “Filled” is the opposite of “empty.” Lord deliver us from lukewarm Christianity!!! Jesus said He wants us to be hot or cold!!!   Listen to the Words of Revelation 3:16, “So then because thou art LUKEWARM, and neither COLD nor HOT, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” God detests middle of the road Christianity. Where are you?  The term “easy believism” was conjured up by some jealous and immature people who were too lazy to do any soul-winning for themselves. 

That is so typical of human nature--If I am not willing to do what is right, then I must tear down and discredit those around me who are doing what is right-to make myself feel better. This is childish and foolish. Unfortunately, many people never grow up. We must grow up in the Lord. The Apostle Paul said, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away CHILDISH THINGS” (1st Corinthians 13:11). What childish things did the Apostle Paul put away? Childish thinking, understanding and speaking. So many adults are still stuck in the rebellious teenage mentality. So many adults are like little whining and fighting children. It’s not hard to get people saved, it hard to get Believers to obey God’s Word and GO soul-winning with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Life is short, heaven and hell are real, we must GO if souls are to be saved. Too many believers are sitting on the premises instead of standing on the promises. God only expects us to do what we can. 

"...How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15).

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CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Lordship Salvation Exposed

By David J. Stewart

       There is a heresy going around in many of our churches today known as “Lordship Salvation.” This false doctrine teaches that a person must accept Jesus Christ as the “Lord of their life” to be saved. Proponents (supporters) of Lordship Salvation wrongly define “repentance” concerning salvation to mean a literal forsaking of the act of sin in a person's life. So unless a person is willing to cease from lifelong sinful bad habits, they are told they cannot be saved because they have not repented. This nonsense is epidemic in America's churches today.

To be saved, one must turn in faith to Christ alone, believing on Him for the forgiveness of sins. Acts 20:21 speaks of "repentance TOWARD GOD." The Word of God NEVER teaches repentance FROM sin to be saved; BUT, rather, repentance TOWARD GOD. Repentance is a change of mind concerning sin and the Savior. Childlike faith is all that is required for salvation. If a person knows they are a guilty sinner, bound for Hellfire, and turns in faith to Jesus Christ to forgive their sins and save them--that person has repented. 
 

What Is The Gospel?

The Bible teaches that we are saved by the power of the gospel. Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” We are saved by believing the gospel. Beware of ADDING more requirements that God did not add for someone to be saved.

What is the gospel? 1st Corinthians 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” As you just read, the Bible defines the gospel as Jesus' death, burial and resurrection from the dead three days later. The word “gospel” means “good news” or “glad tidings.” So, Biblically, we are saved by believing (receiving) the gospel as full payment for OUR SINS.

Today's radio preachers have strayed away from the simple gospel message of Christ's DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION. In sharp contrast we hear nonsense about “inviting Jesus into one's heart” and “making a commitment to Christ” or “having a relationship with Jesus” to be saved. May I say, Judas had a relationship with Jesus and still went straight to Hell. You had better believe the gospel truth! Christ died for our sins! He was buried! He arose from the dead three days later!

Christ died and rose, that's history; Christ died and rose for me, that's salvation! 
 

The Error Of Expecting Everyone To Have The Same Salvation Experience As Saul (Paul)

I recently heard a popular Baptist evangelist/radio preacher, say that everyone should have the same Lordship salvation experience as Paul (Saul) when he got saved. Kindly, that's wrong. Paul's conversion experience was definitely out of the ordinary. You can read the full story in Acts 9:1-16, but here are the primary Scriptures...

Acts 9:5-6, “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”

It is wrong to demand this type of spectacular experience from anyone to be saved. The Bible is filled with plenty examples of saints who were saved quietly and without any sensationalism. Not everyone has the same immediate dedication to serve God that Paul did. Paul was raised as a Pharisee in the strictest sense of the law (Acts 26:5). Paul was a woeful threat against the new Testament Church, Galatians 1:13, “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it.”

God's Holy Spirit had been dealing with Saul's heart for a long time, which is why God said to him in Acts 9:5... “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” The word “pricks” here means “a point, that is, a sting or goad.” A “goad” is a long pole with a point on the end used to poke at livestock (like cattle) to get the herd to move. It is very effective! God had been poking at Saul's conscience for a long time, and now the chickens finally came home to roost. When the Lord confronted Saul, he instantly repented and asked God where to go from there. I love the story of Paul because it shows that some of the most stubborn sinners also have the potential to become the best Christians when they get saved.

Oh listen my friend, Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of Lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Lamb of God, the Prince of peace, the Everlasting Father, the Rose of Sharon, the Bright and Morning Star, the Lily of the Valley, the Son of God, the Savior, the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Resurrection, the Door, the Great Shepherd, the One and Only, the Redeemer, the Great Physician and Almighty God of the entire universe!!! These are all wonderful and accurate names for the precious Lord Jesus Christ, but the only one that matters concerning our salvation is SAVIOR! Jesus Christ is the Savior of all the world. Whether or not you receive Him as your personal Savior is completely up to you. Your going to Heaven depends upon it.


Receive Christ As “Savior” To Be Saved, Not “Lord And Savior”

We often read in tracts that one must accept Jesus as “Lord and Savior” to be saved. This heresy is not taught in the Bible. Many Bible preachers and teachers use this terminology in their preaching.

Let me say, there is a “growing-in-grace” period for the believer in Christ. As a matter of fact, it is a life-long growing process. Being born-again happens immediate, but the sanctification of the believer (conforming us into the image of Christ) is a lifetime process. No Christian can ever claim to have “arrived” in this fleshly body. We are all sinners saved by God’s grace—deserving of hell. It matters not how good a Christian you may think you are, you are a nobody without God. Immature believers hypocritically point fingers, saying “He has sinned” and “She has sinned,” when they ought to be saying “WE HAVE SINNED!”

Listen to the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:3, “For if a man think himself to be something, when HE IS NOTHING, he deceiveth himself.” There are no big shots in the Church, only little shots. Jesus said that the greatest are made to serve. Matthew 20:27, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Jesus washed His disciple's dirty feet as an example to us how to serve OTHERS. Yet, this has absolutely nothing to do with salvation, which is a gift. DISCIPLESHIP and FELLOWSHIP are not the same as SONSHIP. Some people attempt to use 1st John 1:6 to support the Lordship Salvation heresy, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” Please notice that the subject is “fellowship” and not “sonship.” Sonship is established the moment that we are born-again by the Spirit of God.

Oh the delusion of so many people, they think they’re God’s gift to the world. Let me tell you, we are nothing without God. The only good thing about any believer is the Lord Jesus Christ. Apart from God, we are simply wicked, hell-deserving, sinners. Don’t misunderstand the Bible, we are special to God and the object of His love—so much so that He laid down His own life for us. However, Jesus Christ will never truly be in absolute control of our life until we are rid of this earthly body. Question: how much would a person have to make Jesus the Lord of their life to be saved? The answer is simple, none. Why? Because you can do NOTHING of your own to merit God’s free gift of eternal life—it was paid for by Jesus alone. It is silly and wicked for anyone to teach that a person must make Jesus the Lord of their life to be saved.

A person only needs to trust the Lord for salvation, not dedicate their life to serve Him. In John 12:42-43 we read that “many” of the chief Jewish rulers believed on Jesus, but secretly so for fear of being kicked out of the synagogue by the unbelieving Pharisees. The Bible says they valued the praise of men more than the praise of God. Here we plainly see that these chief rulers hadn't received Jesus as Lord of their life. John 12:42-43, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

Recognizing Christ as the Master of your life has nothing to do with being saved. You need NOT do anything to be saved except admit that you’re a sinner and believe the gospel. The only sin which you must literally forsake to be saved is the sin of unbelief! Since unbelief is the only sin that can keep a person out of Heaven, it is the only sin which must literally be forsaken to be saved. When a lost sinner turns to Christ for salvation, they have just turned from their unbelief (this is repentance, a turning point, a change of mind). 
 

John 3:20 Explains The Meaning Of Repentance

John 3:20, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

 John 3:20 is an excellent Scripture to help us understand what it means to “repent” concerning salvation. Jesus teaches in John 3:20 that unsaved people who love their sins WON'T come to the light to be saved. John 5:40, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” Notice that jesus didn't say “ye cannot come”; but rather, “ye will not come.”

The Lord teaches that people who love their sinful lifestyle WON'T come to the light to be saved, to avoid being reproved for their sins. That is, they don't want to face the realization that the life they are living is wickedness. The heathen world doesn't want to feel guilty for their sins.

The light is the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ Who died, was buried and resurrected. 2nd Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Since the unsaved man refuses to come to the light of the gospel to be saved because he loves his sins, then it becomes clear that the man who repents has changed his mind and is now coming to Christ to be saved. The very act of coming to Jesus Christ to be forgiven of one's sins is plain evidence that repentance has taken place. All that God requires to be saved (concerning sin) is that a person admit they have a sin problem.

Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” The Greek word for “repent” in this Scripture is metanoeo and means “a change of mind.” Notice that repentance concerning salvation is a change of mind and not a change of lifestyle. Although the Bible does not specify what the change of mind is, John 3:20 provides the answer for us.

The word “reproved” in John 3:20 is the Greek word elegcho¯ and means “to confute, admonish: - convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.” The word “confute” means “to prove false or wrong.” The ungodly world do not want to be told that their sexual immorality, drunkenness and abortions are sinful and wrong. Thus, they rename the sin of sexual immorality to “sexual freedom.” The sin of drunkenness is now called “a disease.” The sin of abortion has been renamed to “freedom of choice.” And the vile sin of homosexuality is now considered an “alternative lifestyle.” The Bible calls these acts “sin.”

Again, the word “confute” means “to prove false or wrong.” Unsaved heathens don't want to be proven wrong concerning their sins. That's why they won't come to the light (truth) of the gospel to be saved. No one likes to be told that they are doing wrong and are sinning against God. Homosexuals don't want to be proven wrong concerning their same-sex perversion. Abortionists don't want to be proven wrong regarding their mass-murdering of human life. Unrepentant sinners don't want to be proven false or wrong! 
 

Lordship Salvation Eliminates Growth in Grace

Jesus said in John 3:16, “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.” That settles it! The doctrine of Lordship Salvation is dangerous because it adds to what Jesus said concerning salvation. Jesus said, “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish.” For Christ to be the Lord of your life means that you have given Him complete control of your life. Though this would be a wonderful change in the life of any believer, it is NOT a requirement for salvation.

Again, the Bible speaks of “growing in grace” ... “But GROW IN GRACE, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2nd Peter 3:18). Every new convert needs to grow in grace. It is impossible for a new believer in Christ to have the understanding and discernment that a mature Christian would have. How can a newborn baby run a marathon without first learning to walk, and how can he or she walk until they first learn to crawl? 1st Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may GROW thereby.” The Christian life is all about changing. Moment-by-moment, we must ask the Holy Spirit to show us areas in our life that need improvement, as we obey the Word of God.

Salvation is simple, men make it complicated. Many people are confused on this subject. God wants nothing from you to be saved. Eternal life is a free gift, paid for by Christ's precious blood (1st Peter 1:18-19). As a matter of fact, only those who come to Jesus empty-handed will ever be saved. Just admit that you are a sinner (repent) and believe the gospel. Repent And Believe To Be Saved.
 

Lordship Salvation Adds To The Simple Plan Of Salvation

I cannot say for sure whether or not these Lordship salvation folks are saved, I do believe they are sincere. What I am saying is that the doctrine of Lordship salvation is of the devil. Salvation is a FREE GIFT of God and we must NOT add or subtract anything from it. Jesus paid a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay. The price has been paid in full by Christ's precious literal, physical, blood. All we need to do is accept the free gift of eternal life. “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the FREE GIFT came upon all men unto justification of life” (Romans 5:18). Eternal life is a free gift to each and every one of us, paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

The Devil is a trickster my friend—he is a busy beaver, working to kill, steal and destroy. I am not saying that every preacher who says to receive Christ as your “Lord and Savior” is a heretic. A lot of the old-time preachers used that phrase, but meant it very differently than false teachers do today. The Roman Catholic religion has infiltrated many of our religious circles, introducing works salvation into our churches. The heresy of Lordship Salvation teaches that faith in the Lord is not enough to be saved; but rather, some degree of self-righteous works are also required, although they deny that such works are self-righteous. They certainly are self-righteous! Adding anything to simple faith in the gospel is a false gospel of self-righteousness!!!

It only took God one day to take Israel out of Egypt, but it took God forty years to take Egypt out of Israel. Think about that! Though many of the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness were saved, they never saw the Promised Land. In the same way, we are saved the moment we trust upon Christ; however, it takes God a lifetime to straighten us out. Everyone's life is a mess! This does NOT mean we are not saved, it simply means that we still have a lot of spiritual growing-up to do. Whether Jesus is the Lord of your life or not, you simply need only trust the Lord as your Savior to be saved.

Anyone who adds anything to simple faith in Christ is wrong. Salvation is NOT found in good deeds or merit, it is NOT found in religion or behavior, it is NOT found in giving up sins or turning over a new leaf, it is NOT found in being kind or giving away lots of money, it is NOT found in how good a person you may think you are—salvation is found in a person, Jesus Christ.

I recently heard on the news of a man who won $3 billion (that’s billion with a big B) in a lawsuit settlement. He developed lung cancer from smoking cigarettes all his life. The cancer had now spread to his liver and to his brain. Needless to say, this man won’t make it much longer. Death is right around the corner. What good is $3,000,000,000 if you can’t enjoy it? I wonder if this man is ready to die? Is he saved? Will he go to heaven or hell for all eternity? How about you, are you ready to die? Are you right with God? Do you know what it means to be right with God? Let’s see what the Bible says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have PEACE WITH GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Anyone can have peace with God. We must come to God the Father through the Son Jesus Christ.

Do you believe that Jesus is God’s Son Who came to this earth as God Almighty in the flesh? Do you believe that Jesus is Almighty God today? Do you believe He died in your place to pay for your sins and redeem you from hell? Do you believe Jesus was crucified, buried and raised up after three days? If so, won’t you trust Christ now as your personal Savior if you’ve never done so? If you will simply confess to God that you are a wicked sinner, deserving of hell and receive the gospel as full payment for your sins, then you will be immediately forgiven and saved eternally.

You don’t need to make Jesus the Lord of your life to be saved; but rather, just believe that Christ died for YOUR SINS and has risen from the dead. Do you believe? Have you made Christ's payment upon the cross your hope for Heaven? You don’t need to cease from sinful bad habits to be saved. There's only one sin that a person must literally forsake to be saved and that is the sin of UNBELIEF. The only sin that can keep a man out of Heaven is unbelief; so that's the only sin which must literally be forsaken to get saved. 
 

Sorrow Over Sins Not Required For Salvation

The Bible never requires a person to feel the emotion of sorrow over sins to be saved. Instead, God simply requires us to have a change of mind (the Biblical meaning of repentance) concerning sin that compels us to believe the gospel to be saved. Feeling guilt over sin is not repentance; but rather, acknowledging one's guilt is repentance unto salvation. Romans 3:19, “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” The law of God diagnoses man's problem, which is SIN! Christ is the solution!

Jesus never told anyone to give up their sins to be saved, He simply asked us to believe on Him (John 6:40). All Jesus wants from us is simple childlike faith. Jesus didn't require people to give up their sins to be saved, He saved them and then told them afterwards to go and sin no more, Jesus said, “...go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). To be saved, a person needs only to confess their own sins and seek Christ's forgiveness; hence, they have repented. 
 

The False Repentance Of Judas

“Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.” —Matthew 27:3

Did you know that Judas repented? Read our text verse above in Matthew 27:1. Yes, Judas repented, but he still hung himself and went straight to Hell forever. Why? It's because Judas was only sorry for what he had done. A different Greek word is used for “repented” in Matthew 27:1 (which means “to feel remorse afterwards”) than the Greek word “repent” in Mark 1:15 (which means, “a change of mind”). Mark 1:15, “...repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Notice that the Bible doesn't say to repent and turn from sin; but rather, repent and BELIEVE THE GOSPEL.

The only turning from sin that God requires for salvation is the admission of our sinnership, the renouncement of our sins, the realization of our guilt. It simply means that whereas we used to defend our sins as an unsaved person, now we've had a change of mind and say, “I have sinned and am guilty in God's eyes.” Biblical repentance is turning to the Lord to be forgiven of our sins. So we see that genuine repentance unto salvation and belief are inseparable.

God gave us the Law to show us the awfulness of our sins (Romans 7:13), to convince us of our GUILT OF SIN (Romans 3:19). Thus, we MUST come to Christ for salvation as a sinner. This is the only extent to which a person must “turn from sin” to be saved. God only saves “THE UNGODLY” (Romans 4:5). To require a change of lifestyle is a works-based false gospel. To “repent” concerning salvation means “a change of mind” (not a change of lifestyle). Whereas an unsaved person used to defend their sins and live shamelessly in shameful sin without guilt, now there has been a change of mind and they desire forgiveness in Christ, knowing that they've broken God's Law and deserve to be punished. The Law points us as SINNERS to Jesus Christ the SAVIOR to be saved (Galatians 3:25-26).

I wrote this article because there are some people who errantly say that believing on Christ is sufficient to save a person who does not come as a guilty sinner. Judas is a perfect example of what I am saying. The Bible says that Judas “repented” (Greek: metamellomaiin, meaning, “to regret”) in Matthew 27:3. Yet, Jesus said Judas had a devil (John 6:70). Judas didn't repent toward God in faith to be saved; but rather, he felt regret that he got caught for betraying the Lord. Judas brought the 30 pieces of silver back to the Pharisees, but they refused it. Judas cast down the coins on the floor and went and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).

Turning from the act of sin is not salvation. The false repentance of Judas evidences this truth. This is why I wrote this article. I am NOT adding a step to salvation which the Bible does not teach. There are NO STEPS to salvation. I am simply warning everyone that there is a false form of salvation, a false type of repentance, that professes faith in Christ without Biblical repentance (which is simple “a change of mind,” where a person becomes “GUILTY BEFORE GOD” in their own eyes as Romans 2:19 teaches). 
 

Jesus Is The Savior Of All Men

Read the following precious Scripture, which teaches that Jesus is the Savior of all men, SPECIALLY of them that believe...

1st Timothy 4:10, “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

Jesus is everyone's Savior. The question is have you received Him as your Savior...

John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”

Let us ponder the words of Jesus, who said in John 6:37, “...him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Any sinner who sincerely wants to be saved, may be saved, if he'll simply come by way of the cross of Jesus. Jesus didn't say that He would turn someone away who is covetous or a drunkard; but rather, He promised not to turn anyone away for any reason!!!

Never let anyone lead you astray from the simplicity of God’s Word. The “growing in grace” process is a lifetime process. No believer is without fault or sin. If we as believers had to meet a certain standard for Jesus to be our Lord, then NONE of us would qualify.


Mark 1:15 — “Change Your Mind” And Believe The Gospel

In the Gospel of John we find the words “believe” and “believed” mentioned 85 times, but the word “repent” is not mentioned even once. Clearly, the person who believes on Christ has repented, and the person who repents has believed. Repentance is a change of mind that compels a person to place their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ to be saved, and these things happen at the same time. Let's replace the word “Repent” in Mark 1:15 with the Greek meaning of repentance, which is “a change of mind.” So instead of saying, “Repent, and believe the gospel,” we could literally say, “Change your mind and believe the gospel.” This is the Biblical interpretation of Mark 1:15.

It is a false understanding to teach Mark 1:15 as turning away from the act of sin (e.g., drunkenness, stealing, adultery, et cetera) as a prerequisite to placing one's faith in Christ. That is known as the heresy of “Lordship Salvation.” Christ is already the Savior and Lord of all mankind. You don't make Jesus Lord, He is Lord. Albeit, we each must receive Christ as our Savior to be saved; and then as our Lord as we follow Christ in fellowship and discipleship. Contrary to wrong teaching, you don't have to receive Christ as “Lord” to get saved. It is a false gospel to say that “Jesus is either Lord of all or He's not Lord at all.” That's a false statement.

King Solomon was saved, but he was backslidden. 1st Kings 11:4, “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.” It is possible to be saved, but not sold out for God. We read in John 12:42 that “many” of the Jewish chief rulers “believed” on Jesus as the Christ, but they were afraid to tell anyone. Clearly, these rulers DIDN'T honor Christ as the Lord of their life. Verse 43 plainly tells us that these saved rulers loved the praise of men more than from God. John 12:42, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

What has happened in our church circles is that many people are sick and tired of shallow believers who continue in open sinfulness; so they have perverted the gospel message in an unscriptural attempt to force people to depart from a lifestyle of sin. Granted, many people who profess to be saved aren't; but we must never alter or change the gospel to cater to our human agendas, or to force people to live an upright life. The manner in which a person lives has absolutely nothing to do with salvation. 
 

Don't Try To Work Out God's Salvation

Also, notice in the Bible that we are admonished to “WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION” and not GOD'S SALVATION. Philippians 2:12, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” We have no part in God's salvation. John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Dr. Jack Hyles does an excellent job explaining this awesome truth in his timeless book, “SALVATION IS MORE THAN BEING SAVED.”

Christ died, that's history; Christ died for me, that's salvation. Salvation is as simple as coming to Christ as a sinner to be saved. It's easy to be saved. Anyone is saved who receives the gospel as full-payment for their sins. HE IS RISEN!!!

Salvation is a miracle of God in response to our faith. Salvation is a miraculous, new, second, spiritual, BIRTH! Salvation is instant, that is, being born-again is immediate. However, sanctification takes a lifetime. Discipleship is an ongoing process, so also is fellowship; but Sonship is instant the second that we believe the gospel, irrevocable. We are immediately SAVED BY FAITH IN JESUS; but living a consecrated life requires time, until a believer grows in grace to the point where they are ready to DIE WITH CHRIST, RISE WITH CHRIST and ASCEND WITH CHRIST.

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CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

You Can Count On Jesus

  By David J. Stewart

        “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED” (Romans 10:11). I have heard some preachers on the radio say, “a person who is ashamed of Jesus is not saved.” This is heresy my friend—Don’t you believe that garbage for one moment. Romans 10:11 is a quote from the Old Testament... “...he that believeth SHALL NOT MAKE HASTE” (Isaiah 28:16). Psalms 34:22, “The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”

In other words, whosoever believes on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior will not be disappointed. Jesus will NOT let us down. We will not have to run in shame or hide on the Day of judgment. Jesus will make good on His promise to us. Jesus said what He meant and meant what He said, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). What a blessed promise from God!!!

So many people have foolishly misunderstood Romans 10:11. Just because a person is ashamed of Jesus does not mean they are not a Believer. Was not Peter ashamed when he denied Christ three times and cursed the name of Jesus? Were not all the disciples scared when they forsook Christ while he was being scourged and crucified? Was not Joseph of Arimathaea a secret Believer? “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38). He feared for his life. Yes, they were all afraid and ashamed. They didn’t dare tell anyone who they were for fear of being crucified themselves.

People who fear embarrassment, harassment or rejection by their co-workers, family and friends usually are reluctant to bring up the name of Jesus. It is the same type of fear as the disciples dealt with. However, does this mean they were not saved? Of course not—they were still saved! Peter didn’t lose his salvation when he cursed and denied Christ, he simply lost his inner peace. Later Peter bitterly wept and asked God to forgive him. Of course, he was instantly forgiven. God knows that we are only human, “For HE KNOWETH OUR FRAME; HE REMEMBERETH THAT WE ARE DUST” (Psalm 103:14). What a wonderful truth!!! God never forgets that I am made of the dust of the earth, He is patient and longsuffering. He knows me better than I could possibly ever know myself. How foolish it would be for me or anyone else not to trust God wholeheartedly. If God is longsuffering with the unsaved, how much more is He patient with His own?—very much so. 

Do you see my friend? We are not able to live perfect as long as we dwell in this earthly tent (body). We will always be at war with the sinful flesh. Every Believer has three primary enemies: Satan, the world and the flesh. We can only defeat these enemies in the power of God’s Holy Spirit. We must pray and ask God to keep us from temptation. But when we do fall, we must understand that we are only human beings incapable of being perfect. The key is to identify our weaknesses and focus our Bible study and prayer in those areas. On the contrary, this certainly does not give us God's permission to sin. We are to strive to be perfect while at the same time realizing that we will never be perfect in this life. 

Someone put it this way, “Do your best and put the rest into God’s hands.” Surely, it is a sin for us to disobey the leading of the Holy Spirit; however, we are sinners and will falter at times. This is the great dilemma in the Believer’s life, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Romans 7:19). These were the words of the mighty Apostle Paul, the great defender of the faith. He doesn’t sound too much in control does he? He says he’s prone to do the opposite of what he wants to do. Sound familiar? If you’re a Believer it should. 

Listen to Paul again in Romans 7:24, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Paul doesn’t sound too confident does he? Compare this to the health, wealth and prosperity preachers that have infected our TV and radio channels everywhere. Paul asks the question, “who shall deliver me?” The Apostle Paul answers his own question in Romans 7:25, “I thank God THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. So then with the mind I myself serve the Law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” This is a life-long battle and only Jesus can deliver us from our self. Jesus said, “...the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). We must not forget this. 

In conclusion, it is silly for anyone to say that a person is not truly saved simply because they may sin or deny the Lord at a particular moment or time in their life. John the Baptist became so discouraged while in prison that he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He were really the Christ. Matthew 11:2,3, “Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?”

We all go through the valleys of life. This does not make it right but it surely does not mean where not saved either. Salvation is of God, not man. We don’t obtain salvation by works and we don’t keep it by works. I made a decision to trust Christ as Savior when I was just in grade School. I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and He did. I have been saved ever since. Though I am far from perfect, I know that Jesus will NOT let me down because I am trusting upon Him.

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CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Soul Winning

  By David J. Stewart

Soul Winning is God's Plan to Bring Lost Sinners to Christ for Salvation

        The term “soul-winning” simply refers to the practice of trying to lead lost sinners to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.  Surely, I nor you can save anybody—Only Jesus Christ can save!!!  However, God Almighty has entrusted the job of soul-winning to ALL HIS DISCIPLES.  If you are a saved, born-again Believer, then you are COMMANDED to be a soul-winner.  Listen to the clear teaching of Jesus Christ Himself in Matthew 28:19 and 20, “Go ye therefore, and TEACH ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: TEACHING THEM to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  It is our duty as Children of God to “teach them.”  Teach who?  We are to teach the Gospel of Christ to lost sinners.  We are to teach those whom we lead to Christ how to win others to Christ.  We are we supposed to teach them.  What do we teach them?  “...to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”  It was the responsibility of the disciples in Jesus’ day to teach the Gospel to all nations (all people).  If someone became a Believer, accepting Jesus Christ as Almighty God and Savior, then the disciples were to help that new convert grow in the Lord and become a soul-winner also.  This is God’s divine plan to win the lost to Christ—We are responsible!!!  

I am sickened when I hear some dead-beat, backslidden Believer criticize soul-winning.  The Bible praises the soul-winning Christian, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and HE THAT WINNETH SOULS IS WISE” (Proverb 11:30).  It is wise to win souls to Jesus!  It is wise to go soul-winning!  It is wise to witness to friends, family and strangers concerning the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ!  Don’t let the pessimism of fools rob you of your reward in heaven—soul-winning is wise!!!  By the way, the opposite is also true—it is foolish NOT to be a soul-winner—It is foolish to criticize soul-winning—it is foolish NOT to warn your loved ones of the coming day of judgment when they will stand before God.  We read the following words in Mark 16:15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.”  
 

The Blood of Jesus Can Wash Away Anyone's Sins

Lest there be any doubt as to whom we should witness to, God tells us to witness to ALL.  As an example: The gruesome mass murderer, Jeffrey Dahmer, was considered more of a creature than a man by many.  Even still, a couple of soul-winning Christians went to visit his prison cell to witness to him.  Unbelievably, Dahmer confessed Christ and was baptized a couple weeks later.  Shortly thereafter he was murdered by a follow prisoner himself.  Did this wicked man really get saved?  Only God can answer that.  Many people scoffed and accused Dahmer of simply trying to get a lighter sentence, etc.  The bottom line folks is that WE DON’T KNOW.  If Dahmer was sincere, He is in heaven right now.  Jesus clearly stated, “...him that cometh to me I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT” (John 6:37).  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1st John 1:9). What a blessed promise!—Anyone, no matter how wicked or sinful, can come to the Lord Jesus for forgiveness and salvation.  If Jeffrey Dahmer came to Jesus Christ as a wicked sinner seeking forgiveness, he found it.  We cannot rightfully judge what has happened or not happened in another person’s heart—Only time will tell.  Never underestimate the power of the Gospel.
 

Someone, Somewhere is Always Ready to Be Saved

Soul-winning works folks!!!  Many people who will not come to church or read a tract will listen to someone whom they feel respects them.  Jesus said, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for THEY ARE WHITE ALREADY TO HARVEST” (John 4:35). The Bible teaches that there is always someone who is ready to get saved.  You may witness to many people who seem disinterested but in fact, you have sowed a seed in their heart that the Holy Spirit will use to lead them closer to salvation.  Eventually, hopefully, some soul-winner will have the joyous opportunity to win that person to Christ as Savior.    This is why Jesus said, “And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth” (John 4:37).  My point here is that you may think your wasting your time witnessing to some people, but your not.  Only God knows the countless number of sinners who were eventually reached for Christ because of all the failed witnessing attempts by other soul-winners.  You simply don’t know my friend what is going on in the heart and life of another person.  It is our duty to witness to others concerning Christ crucified, whether they listen or not is an entirely different matter between them and God.  Our job is to get the Gospel out to sinners.  Ecclesiastes 11:1 declares, "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."  Soul winning is never in vain.  You never know which of those planted seeds may one day sprout into a born again believer.  The seed of God's Word needs to be planted first before anything can happen.  Soul winners are seed planters.  The Holy Spirit waters the seeds.
 

Most Believers are Immature and Apathetic Concerning Lost Souls

Most Believers are NOT soul-winners.  This is because they are NOT soul-conscious!!!  There is no burning hunger in their hearts to see sinners come to know Christ as Personal Savior.  There is no sadness over the fact that most of the world is headed straight for hell to burn in torments of fire and brimstone.  The Bible teaches SOUL-WINNING.  soul-winning!!!  I believe in approaching people concerning their salvation.  If the Gospel offends them, so be it.  If hell is real and hell has fire and people without Christ go to hell—We must warn them!!!  I once had a preacher (of all people) tell me that he didn’t believe in “shoving the Gospel down people’s throats.”  He was upset at my mention of “door-to-door witnessing.”  Now I don’t believe in being rude or unkind to people but I certainly disagree with his statement.  Going door-to-door soul-winning is taught in the Bible.  The Bible tells us that the Apostle Paul was a door-to-door soul-winner, “...but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from HOUSE TO HOUSE” (Acts 20:20).   Houses have doors and doors need to be knocked on if the Gospel is to be taught to the folks living inside.  Sure, most people won’t listen to you BUT SOME DO LISTEN AND SOME DO GET SAVED.  
 

The Apostle Paul Was a Door-to-Door Soul Winner

The Apostle Paul was a door-to-door soul-winner!!!  Acts 20:20 has been referred to as the “Christian’s 20/20 vision.”  Are we better than the Apostle Paul?  I think not.  If the Apostle Paul went door-to-door, we have no excuse not to at least confront our loved one’s and friends concerning Christ.  The idea that only a pastor or evangelist is supposed to be a soul-winner is NOT taught in God’s Word.  ALL Believers are expected by God to make an effort to lead others to Jesus Christ for Salvation.  Unfortunately, people are selfish and self-centered by nature and seek not the things of the Lord.  These were the words of the frustrated Apostle Paul, “FOR ALL SEEK THEIR OWN, not the things which are Jesus Christ's” (Philippians 2:21).  Paul was a loner, he had a hard time finding other Believers who cared about lost souls.  This is the same situation we face in America today.  So many Believers have been choked by the cares and riches of this present world.  It’s difficult to find Believers that truly have a heart’s concern to see folks saved anymore.  Sadly—music, TV, sports, cars, sex, alcohol, drugs, casinos, the stock market, parties, lotteries and Hollywood have become the false gods of America.  Certainly, each of us can do more for Christ in our personal soul-winning efforts.  Every Believer should have a tract ministry, a life of prayer, a consistent Bible study and a time for witnessing to others concerning our wonderful Savior. 

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CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Misconceptions Concerning Christ

  By David J. Stewart

        There are many misconceptions concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.  False religions have portrayed Jesus Christ as everything from a space alien to merely a myth.  Many people believe that Jesus was only a prophet.  The Bible teaches that Jesus is God, Almighty God.  He came to earth as the Son of God, God in the flesh.  He has existed and will exist for all eternity, without beginning or end.  Jesus was never created but He is the Creator of all things.  Jesus existed in heaven before He ever took on the form of a man in the flesh.  At times, Jesus made physical appearances in the Old Testament (to Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Nebuchadnezzar, etc). 

Jesus is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere).  Jesus lives within the body of every Believer as the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is named as the second person of the Godhead—One God Who has manifest (revealed) Himself to mankind in the form of three distinct individual Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.  By the way, the Holy Spirit is a person.  I often hear Believers say, “something spoke to my heart.”  That “something” is the Holy Spirit.  Do you recognize the Holy Spirit in your life?  Every Believer needs to acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence and welcome Him because He is God and He already lives within your body.  
 

Jesus is Almighty God

Perhaps you ask, “can a person be saved if he or she doesn’t believe that Jesus is God?”  The Answer is that a saved person WILL believe that Jesus is God.  A saved person WILL believe in the virgin birth of Christ.  A saved person WILL believe that Christ died on the cross.  Now when I accepted Christ as my Savior as a teenager, I had never heard of the deity of Christ.  I didn’t know that Jesus was God until a few years later, BUT when I learned that Jesus was God I readily accepted that truth and have never doubted it one time since.  The Holy Spirit bared witness with my spirit that this was the truth.  If you were to tell me that you do NOT believe Jesus is God, then I would have no doubt that you are NOT saved.  No way!  Listen to the Words of Christ, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).  If you look in your King James Bible, the pronoun “he” is in italics.  Italics were added by the 48 King James translators because they felt it was necessary to add clarity to the original meaning.  One language doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing in another language so the translators had the great responsibility of making sure that the proper original meaning was conveyed into the translated Bible.  The added words were put into italics by the translators out of fear of making a mistake.  They left the final decision up to us—This was very scholarly of them because they wanted to be as honest and accurate as possible in their translating work.  This allows us to decipher the meaning for ourselves without any translator’s bias.  You won’t find any italics in other versions of the Bible—They all foolishly assume they are correct.  The result is much heresy and errors.  The King James Bible is a beautiful work of art and scholarship.  So what John 8:24 literally says is “I AM.”  Jesus was claiming to be the “I AM” of Exodus 3:14, “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”   If you don’t believe me then take a look at John 8:57,58, “Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.”   Jesus claimed that He existed before Abraham was ever born!  This made the Jews very angry because they knew what Jesus was claiming—to be God Almighty.  They began to stone Jesus, “Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:59).   Jesus said that the person who does not believe that He is the “I AM” will die in their sins.  Do you believe Jesus is the “I AM?” 


You MUST Believe Upon the Biblical Jesus to Be Saved

Ignorance concerning Christ won’t keep you from being saved BUT a misconception of Who He is may.  If you will only believe on the “True” Christ—You may be saved!!!  The only way to be saved is to simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ apart from all else.  However, if you’ve been taught that Jesus is not God and you refuse to admit that your thinking is corrupt, you are in danger of hell fire!  You must believe on the correct Jesus.  You must acknowledge Christ as He is.  If you only view Christ as a prophet or as a good man, you can trust him all you want but it won’t do you any good because you have found another Jesus.  “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  For if he that cometh preacheth ANOTHER JESUS, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (2nd Corinthians 11:3,4).  The Apostle Paul warned of false prophets who would bring in damnable heresies, teaching ANOTHER JESUS which was not of the Scriptures.  If you say that you are trusting Christ AND keeping the seven sacraments to be saved, then you have never completely trusted Christ.  I have witnessed to many folks who will tell me that they are trusting Jesus AND something else (baptism, good works, church membership, confirmation, confession, religion, Saint Anthony, uncle Joe, etc).   You must trust Christ alone to save you!  You must come empty-handed to the Savior if you want to be saved—You can bring nothing of your own to merit salvation—It must all be of Jesus because only Jesus can save.

       Our faith + Jesus and good works = hell

       Our faith + Jesus = heaven

It’s as simple as that folks!

       Our faith + the wrong Jesus = hell

       Our faith + the true Jesus = heaven

We must make sure we are completely trusting the “Jesus” of the Scriptures and not some mythical or fictitious Jesus.  Most religions have a misconception of Christ and nearly all false religions diminish Christ’s deity.  We read in John 6:40?  “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which SEETH THE SON, and BELIEVETH ON HIM, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”  Do you see Jesus?  How do you see Him?  Have you been viewing a counterfeit Jesus?  Hopefully you have found the true Jesus and are trusting Him.  This chapter “misconceptions concerning Christ” has been written to help you see the correct Jesus of the Bible.  All you need to do is simply believe on Him.   Call upon His name for salvation and the forgiveness of sins.  Jesus will not disappoint you. 

when I became a Christian, I was green behind the ears and very ignorant concerning Who Christ was; however, I did not have a distorted image of Who Christ was either.  There’s a big difference.  If I had been in a false religion or had been influenced by a corrupted perversion of the Bible, I would have had a more difficult time getting saved.  Why?  Because I would have had to admit my thinking was wrong in order to grasp the truth.  This is very difficult for some people.  False religion is one of the most common methods which Satan uses to blind people.  I’ve often said, “The hardest thing about getting people saved is getting them lost.”  Fortunately, when I was saved it was only a matter of accepting and believing the truth.  All I knew was that I was a lost sinner and needed Jesus to save me.  I only knew that Jesus had died on the cross for me.  That’s all you need to know to be saved.  God only requires a child-like faith to be saved.  Salvation is NOT difficult.  
 

Many People Have the Wrong Jesus

The problem is that many people have been taught misconceptions concerning Christ.  As I’ve already mentioned, you’d be surprised how many people will say they’re trusting Jesus AND SOMETHING ELSE.  This is NOT acceptable to God.  Seventh-Day Adventists claim to have faith in Christ yet will tell you that their faith in Christ alone cannot save.  They believe that when a person dies that their works follow them afterwards.  In other words, the bad or good they did in life can have an affect on their salvation after they’re dead and gone.  They believe that Jesus will decide whether or not they are worthy to be resurrected and enter heaven.  This of course is a lie and totally unscriptural.  To be saved, these folks would have to admit the errors of their thinking and then turn to Christ ALONE for salvation.  No one is worthy to be saved, no one.  Salvation is a GIFT from God, paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.  If we believe on Jesus, that ALONE is perfectly sufficient and acceptable to God for salvation. 

I AM simply saying that you CANNOT be saved if you willfully maintain certain distorted views of Who Jesus really is.  Certain misconceptions would not matter.  For example: some people view God as a big ogre up in heaven with a big stick ready to beat us over the head when we sin.  This is FAR from the truth!  However, this misconception would NOT keep a person from getting saved.  However, If you believe as Islamic Muslims do—that Jesus never died on the cross—then you CANNOT be saved until you repent of your unbelief, you are an unbeliever.   Sadly, there are over one billion Muslims in the world who do not believe that Jesus was ever crucified.  “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?  there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 26:12).  “Conceit” (stubborn pride) has sent billions of unrepentant souls to hell.  We must NOT create God in our own image.  There are over one billion Roman Catholics in this world who believe sacraments and good works are necessary to salvation.  They believe that Mary (Jesus’ earthly mother) is a co-savior with Jesus.  This is a lie of the devil and NOT found in God’s Word.  Mary was a mere human, no more.  She is no different in heaven today than any other saint in heaven.  She is a sinner saved by grace, as ALL God’s Children are.  The Bible says there is more hope for a complete fool than for someone who is too blinded by pride to admit the errors of their way.  It is a foolish thing to create God in our own image.  We must realize that we are created in God’s image.  Good works are NOT a necessary part of salvation and WILL prevent you from being saved if you trust in them for salvation.  Mary CANNOT save you and praying to her is idolatry.  “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you THE TRUTH?” (Galatians 4:16).   This is plain old-fashioned Bible teaching.  
 

Satan is a Master Deceiver and Counterfeiter

Many of the misconceptions concerning Christ have resulted from watered-down perversions of the Bible.  There are many counterfeit bibles selling on the market and being used in churches today.  It should NOT surprise you to learn such a thing, for the devil is a master counterfeiter.  “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, TRANSFORMING themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is TRANSFORMED into an angel of light” (2nd Corinthians 11:13,14).   The word “transformed” here means that Satan has the ability to “change” his appearance.  He comes to us as a wolf in sheep’s clothing.  He offers us a new and better bible.  He offers us a new religion, another Jesus.  The devil promises us a better life that he CANNOT deliver.   We must not be ignorant of Satan’s tactics or methods.   It’s been said, “Satan is to be dreaded as a lion, dreaded even more as a serpent and dreaded most of all as an angel.”

Many misconceptions about Christ have their source in people’s ignorance concerning God’s Word.  The following Scriptures reveal the Heavenly father’s desire concerning our attitude towards Christ.  “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.  And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.  Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; HEAR YE HIM” (Matthew 17:1-5).   Moses and Elijah had appeared.  Peter said he wanted to build three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah.  God the Father stepped in and said, No way!  You magnify Jesus only!  The message is clearly—we must worship, praise and listen to the Words of Jesus Christ only.  “And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.  And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.  And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, SAVE JESUS ONLY” (Matthew 17:6-8).  God wanted to make sure that only Jesus was worshipped and glorified so He immediately removed Moses and Elijah.  Peter, James and John looked up and only Jesus remained.  This is a lesson to us also that ONLY JESUS is to be worshipped; not Mary, not the Pope, not Allah, not Buddha, not Confucius, not a denomination, not a religion, not a man—ONLY JESUS.  Beware of any doctrine, religion or person that diminishes (makes less) of Jesus Christ in any way.  
 

Misconceptions Concerning Christ as Creator

Another misconception concerning Christ is that he was created with Lucifer—This is a lie.  Jesus is the Creator of the universe, He was NOT created.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD.  The same was in the beginning with God.  ALL THINGS WERE MADE BY HIM; and without him was not any thing made that was made.   In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4).  Jesus is the Word that is God.  It is Jesus Christ Who created ALL things.  This should not be a surprise in the least seeing that Jesus is Almighty God.  God had no creator for He has no beginning.  “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  FOR BY HIM WERE ALL THINGS CREATED, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:14-17).   “Firstborn” refers to the fact that Jesus was the first to receive the resurrected body.  We will receive our resurrected bodies at the rapture when Jesus returns “FOR His own.”  Jesus came the first time “TO His own” when in Israel, He is coming at the rapture “FOR His won” and Christ will return seven years after the rapture “WITH His own” at the second coming.  We read in Acts 17:25, “GOD THAT MADE THE WORLD and all things therein, seeing that HE IS LORD of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing HE GIVETH TO ALL LIFE, AND BREATH, AND ALL THINGS.”  Jesus is the Creator!  Jesus is the Lord!  Jesus is God!  The Eternal Godhead of the universe walked this earth in the visible body of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).  
 

Misconceptions Concerning the Godhead (Trinity)

The doctrine of the trinity is often attacked by false religion and the unbelieving.  The word “trinity” is NOT in the Bible, but the word “Godhead” most certainly is.  This doctrine cannot be denied for it is taught throughout the Bible.  “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and WE will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).  Who is “We?”  God the Father and God the Son of course.  When you receive Christ as your Savior, you get the full package.  If you are saved, God the Father and God the Son live in your body in the form of God the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit merges and unites with your dead spirit at salvation and you are “quickened” or “made alive.”  “And you hath he QUICKENED, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).  If you are saved, you don’t have a problem believing in the Trinity because He lives in your body.  I say “He” because there is only ONE GOD.  “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is ONE LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4).  There is only ONE God.  Those who believe in the trinity are sometimes accused of being “polytheists” (a belief in multiple god’s).  This of course is far from the truth. 

The Bible teaches that there is only ONE true and living God.  However, we cannot dismiss the fact that this ONE God has revealed Himself to mankind as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  Three distinct persons all equal in power, might and knowledge. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the SPIRIT of CHRIST, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9).  This Scripture is clear—if you do NOT have the Holy Spirit living within your body—you are NOT a Child of God.  Notice that the Holy Spirit is called the “Spirit of Christ.”  This is simply because they are both one in the same Spirit of the same ONE God.  Jesus Christ lives within my body as the Holy Spirit.  They are the same God, yet two distinct persons.  Notice the Bible prophecy concerning Christ in Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a child is born (Jesus) , unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder (during the Millennium): and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The EVERLASTING FATHER, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever…”  What a wonderful promise from God!  One can only await with great anticipation for the day when Christ will reign and the world will be under His perfect government—no more political scandals, no more corruption, no more bribes, no more favoritism, no more injustice, no more treason, no more lies, no more taking advantage of the less fortunate.  What a day that will be! 

Notice the phrase, “the EVERLASTING FATHER” in Isaiah 9:6. Jesus is called the “Everlasting Father.”  Jesus and the Father are ONE.  Jesus is as much the Father as the Father is the Father, yet they are two distinct persons.  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST” (Matthew 28:19).   Three persons, ONE God.  If you are saved, you believe this—You may not understand it, but you wholeheartedly believe it.   “But wisdom is justified of all her children” (Luke 7:35).   Are you a Child of Wisdom, a Child of God?  Notice the powerful words of Romans 1:20, “ For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD; so that they are without excuse.”  We covered this in an earlier chapter.  “Godhead” refers to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  The invisible spirit world is clearly seen by the things which are made.  This means that every person knew at one time in their life that there was a God.  It is only when a person fails to glorify God in their life that their foolish heart is darkened and grows cold. 

I don’t believe anyone is born an atheist.  Somewhere at some point in their life, they knew God.  Life and people can sometimes be cruel. This often turns many people away from God and His Word.  They fail to differentiate between God and religion.  God is God and religion is religion—don’t confuse the Two.  I’m saying, don’t blame God because man fails you!  Religion can often be a very bad thing.   The great preacher and pastor, D.L. Moody, once said, “People have just enough religion to be miserable.”  This is so true.  Let’s take a look at another Scripture concerning the “Godhead.”  “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the GODHEAD bodily” (Colossians 2:9).   Jesus came to this earth as God (the Son) in the Flesh, but He was also the Father and the Holy Spirit in the flesh.  Jesus had the absolute fullness of the Holy Spirit, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God GIVETH NOT THE SPIRIT BY MEASURE UNTO HIM” (John 3:34).  Jesus had unlimited power while on the earth.  He said He could have called twelve legions of angels to come to His rescue if He simply spoke the word (Matthew 26:53).  Jesus had the Holy Spirit “without measure.”  This is amazing! 

As Believers, the Holy Spirit “indwelt” us at salvation.  That is to say, the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) moved into our body and united with our spirit (which was dead).  We became a Child of God, a member of the body (family) of Christ.  God's Holy Spirit is united with our spirit in a spiritual marriage.  However, even though God now lives in our body, we need to daily “yield” our will to obey His will.  To do so brings the “fullness” of the Holy Spirit.  You see, the Holy Spirit can’t fill our mind and heart if we are full of ourselves.  If we want the fullness of the spirit, we must empty our minds of the world and fill it with God’s Word.  We must keep our heart close to the Lord in truth, gratitude, humility and holy fear.  The Christian life can only be lived ON PURPOSE.  This requires a sincere desire on our part to live according to God’s Word.  Many people do not want to live for God.  However, Jesus had the 100% fullness of the Holy Spirit.  Nowhere in the Bible is it ever said of any other man that he had the Holy Spirit “without measure”—This was only said concerning our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   Truly this was the Son of God, God reincarnate. 
 

Jesus Died for the Sins of the Whole World

Another misconception concerning Christ is that He only died for Adam.  Others believe that Jesus only died for the saved.  These are erroneous teachings.  1st Corinthians 5:21 reads, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”   Some people believe this verse only applies to the saved because “us” and “we” refer to the Believers unto Whom this epistle of Paul was written.  Though this letter was indeed written to the Believers at the Church of Corinth, we must consider other Scriptures before making such faulty assumptions.  The Bible says in 1st Timothy 2:4-6, “Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for ALL, to be testified in due time.”   “ALL” people everywhere may be saved.  God is no respecter of persons and “ALL” are welcome at the feet of Jesus. “For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).  God says, “WHOSOEVER” desires salvation may come to Jesus for salvation—that means anybody.   “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).  There’s that word “WHOSOEVER” again.  Notice that God loves the entire world.  God loves people—all people, in every nation, of every race, of every background, of every village, of every upbringing, of every heartache, of every deformity, of every handicap, of every mistake, of every sin, of every attitude, of every religion, of every belief—God loves people!  “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (the promise of His return), as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE” (2nd Peter 3:9).  God loves ALL people and does NOT want one single sinner to perish into hell.  God doesn’t send anyone to hell, we choose to go there by our own unbelief and love for sin.  The Scripture we just read tells us why Jesus hasn’t returned yet—because God is patiently waiting for more sinners to repent and get saved.  God wants people to repent of their “unbelief.” 
 

There is Only One Jesus; but Many Fakes

Don’t be deceived folks, there is only ONE Jesus.  All of the misconceptions concerning Christ are simply decoys which Satan has cleverly conceived to prevent people from being saved, “In whom the god of this world (Satan) hath BLINDED THE MINDS of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2nd Corinthians 4:4).  Don’t you see my friend?  The devil is a master liar and counterfeiter.  More people will burn in hell someday because of religion than probably anything else.  I’ll say it again, salvation is NOT found in a religion but in a person—Jesus Christ!!!  Do you have salvation?  Have you admitted your sinnership?  Only Jesus has the scars so ONLY Jesus can save!!!  Only Jesus shed His blood for your sins so ONLY Jesus can wipe the slate clean.  If you want to be saved, come as an empty-handed sinner to Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness.  You’ll bring nothing but you’ll leave with everything and then some.  Don’t bring your good works with you—God will not accept them.  Don’t bring baptism, kindness or religion—God will not save you if you do.  You MUST come empty-handed, offering nothing for salvation.  Salvation is of God, we deserve nothing except eternal fire in hell.  Leave your misconceptions behind and turn to the True and Living Christ—Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of peace, Creator, Saviour, Lord of lords and King of kings, the I AM, the Alpha and the Omega (the Beginning and the End), the Light, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Resurrection, the Spirit of Christ, the Door, the Good Shepherd, and Friend. 

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CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Divine Justice

  By David J. Stewart

“...And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1st John 2:1)

You are in trouble with the Law—God's Law. All humanity is sinful in God's eyes, because we've all broken God's Laws. Romans 3:19 states: “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” The word “guilty” in Romans 3:19 means “having lost one's case in court.”

God's Law indicts (formally charges) mankind for having violated God's holy Law. God has declared all mankind “guilty,” and has thus declared the death penalty for those found guilty, to suffer eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

“Revelation 21:8; Re:21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Thankfully, Jesus offers to be our Advocate (Defense Attorney) . . . “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” The word “advocate” comes from the Greek word parakletos and means “an intercessor.” Hence, Jesus Christ is our defense attorney who intercedes for us in God's divine court. This is only made possible by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ...

1st Peter 1:18-19, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

If it weren't for Christ's sacrifice, then divine justice would not be possible for mankind. The penalty for sin had to be paid. Either we had to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire, or else God's Son had to suffer in our place and suffer the wrath of God the Father, Who forsook His Son at Calvary. God only turns His back on Christ-rejecters Who die in their sins. They have chosen by their own unbelief to pay for their own sins. Jesus shed His physical blood for our sins at Calvary, to pay for our sins, thus enabling God the Father (the Prosecutor) to offer mankind complete justification.

When we receive the Gospel as payment for our sins, we are justified in the eyes of God, Who places Christ's righteousness upon our record. That's a pretty good deal don't you think? Jesus took our sins upon Himself on the cross, and then placed His righteousness upon us, just as if we'd never sinned. You can have all this for just the taking, by faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Do you believe that Christ died, was buried and miraculously rose from the dead for your sins? Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

Please note that salvation is NOT a plea-agreement. A plea-agreement is still a conviction. A plea-agreement is a lesser sentence for a crime accepted by the accused to avoid going to a jury trial (where if convicted, the maximum sentence would be imposed). This is how man's inferior court system works; however, God does not need a jury, for He knows everything about everyone and every situation. There is nothing that God does not know. Proverb 24:12, “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?”

Astronomers have estimated that there are at least a billion trillion stars in the universe. Numerically stated that is one sextillion, or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars! There are many more no doubt, but this is the minimum that man has discovered in God's incredibly vast and amazing universe. Amazingly, the Bible teaches that God has a name for each and every star. Psalm 147:4, “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.” If God can create, maintain, name and keep track of that many stars, He can certainly keep track of the number of hairs upon our head or what sins we have committed.

It is often said that Christ died for us, but the main thing was that Christ died FOR GOD in order that God could accept us back, for Christ and Christ alone satisfied the righteous and holy demands of God! All that God requires is that we come by way of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (John 14:6). There is no other hope of salvation (Acts 4:10-12). If we do not accept the plea agreement, then we are summoned to stand trial at The Great White Throne of Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The lost will be judged according to their works (Revelation 20:13).

If any sinner, no matter how vile or wicked, repents of their sins by owning before God that they are as vile as He has declared them to be in His holy Word, and that sinner turns by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven, believing that He is the Christ, the Son of God—then God will save that person. Christ's righteousness is then imputed (charged) to that person's account... “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works” (Romans 4:5-6). If we are willing to admit our guilt of sin, and believe on Jesus Christ for forgiveness, then God is willing to justify us on the basis of Christ's blood sacrifice and set us free from the curse of the Law. Amen and thank you Lord!

And one final note, there's something called “Double Jeopardy” in the 5th Amendment of the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution), which states that no person can be tried for the same crime twice. Although God is not governed by man's laws, the same principle holds true concerning salvation. Once you receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and your sins are washed away forever, you'll never be in danger of losing your salvation or being tried twice for the same sins again. You cannot be tried for the same sins twice. Once God forgives you, it's over. In other words, if saved always saved. Once you repent of your unbelief and turn to Christ by faith, receiving His death, burial and resurrection as payment for your sins, then you are freely justified forever on the basis of Christ's sacrifice!!!

It is God's salvation. Man has no part except to believe. John 1:13, “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Jesus paid it all. We go to Heaven because of where we are looking, and not because of what we are doing. Isaiah 45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Man had sinned. God the Father in His love sent His only begotten Son to the cross to pay the price to redeem man back to God. Christ's sacrifice was acceptable to God the Father as payment. This is divine justice. No other payment will suffice. Only Christ's sacrifice is acceptable to God the Father. Therefore, no amount of religious devotion, self-righteousness, dedication to Christ, nor involvement with the churches can free a man from the curse of the law and the burden of his sins.

My friend, if you are unsaved, then you are in trouble with the court of Heaven. You have been summons to The Great White Throne Of Judgment, where you will be sentenced. The Bible says that you are already GUILTY if you have rejected Jesus as the Messiah.

John 3:16-18, “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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

If you have rejected Christ, then you have already been found guilty by a grand jury (the Godhead). When you enter into court one day in eternity, you WON'T have an attorney present. You have already been arraigned (formal charges have been brought against you). You can foolishly try to plead not guilty, but God has your entire life recorded since the day that you were born. The sins that you thought would STAY in Las Vegas were RECORDED in Heaven. God's got it all down in His books. You don't stand a chance!

So why not do the right thing and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Receive what He has done FOR YOU, because He loves you and wants you to be with Him forever. The choice is yours. Most people are fools, headed straight for damnation in the fires of Hell beneath. I don't know about you, but I want to spend eternity with Jesus, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, the angels, the saints and all the host of Heaven in peace, joy, love and righteousness!!!

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CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Salvation is a Gift, Not a Reward

  By David J. Stewart

        “For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him” (Matthew 21:32).

In Matthew 21:32, Jesus plainly taught that repentance is synonymous with believing on Jesus. Who was it that believed?; the publicans and harlots. It was the self-righteous crowd who refused to repent and get saved. The Bible doesn’t tell us that the publicans and harlots gave up their sinful lifestyle. No, rather, the Bible simply states that they repented and believed on Jesus, i.e., they acknowledged their guilt of sin and wanted Jesus to save them. Eternal life is a free gift, freely given, and freely received. 

There is a large group of heretics in America today, most of them from California, who require lost sinners to literally forsake their sins to be saved. Who can do that? Everybody, even the best of Christians, sins every day. Do you know why California has been nicknamed the “Granola state”? It’s because it’s a place filled with fruits and nuts. For some reason California leads the way in false prophets. 

I don’t enjoy exposing anyone as a false prophet; but it is my duty as a Christian (Ephesians 5:11). I have received much criticism lately for exposing Ray Comfort’s false gospel. I do so without apology. Mr. Comfort is far more subtle than John MacArthur in his false teachings; but by careful scrutiny of Ray Comfort’s doctrinal position as compared to the inerrant Word of God, he comes up lacking. Mr. Comfort plainly states in THE EVIDENCE BIBLE (in his commentary concerning John 3:16) that a person cannot be made alive in Christ until they forsake their sins through repentance…

"We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and until we forsake them through repentance, we cannot be made alive in Christ." —Ray Comfort

SOURCE: THE EVIDENCE BIBLE, by Ray Comfort, pg. 1345; 2003, Bridge-Logos Publishers, Orlando, Florida

You cannot show me this teaching anywhere in the Scriptures. Although it is true that a carnal believer cannot fully please God; there is nowhere in the Scripture where God says he won’t save a person who holds on to personal sins. Ray Comfort is wrong on salvation, which makes him wrong on everything else too. Get mad at me if you want, the Bible is on my side. Salvation is the free gift of God… WITHOUT WORKS! Romans 4:5 and 6 couldn’t be any plainer: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.” I love that word… imputeth! That means God literally takes Jesus Christ’s righteousness and places it upon our sinful record, declaring us justified… JUST-IF-I’D never sinned at all. What a Wonderful Savior! 

Misleadingly, Ray Comfort and John MacArthur horribly take Charles Spurgeon's words out of context in many of their sermons and writings, claiming that Spurgeon taught Lordship Salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth, as this quote by Spurgeon himself plainly reveals...

"You must not expect that you will be perfect in "repentance" before you are saved. No Christian can be perfect. "Repentance" is a grace. Some people preach it as a condition of salvation. Condition of nonsense! There are no conditions of salvation. God gives the salvation himself..." —Charles Spurgeon

SOURCE: Charles Spurgeon, from the sermon titled, REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE, New Park Street Chapel, Southwark, on September 23, 1855.

Why doesn't Ray Comfort and John MacArthur quote that? What Spurgeon did teach was that a sinner must “renounce” (i.e., reject one's sins) to be saved. To "renounce" does not mean to literally forsake, otherwise Spurgeon would have used a different word. It is clear from Spurgeon's own statement that he didn't believe in Lordship Salvation at all. Ray Comfort and John MacArthur are barking up an empty tree. Spurgeon simply believed that a person who attempts to justify any sins in their life cannot be saved, until they RENOUNCE all sins as being a violation of God's Holy Law... "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God" (Romans 3:19). Jesus said in John 3:20... "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." It is not that we cannot be saved by holding onto our sins; but that our love for sin will prevent us from coming to the Savior to be saved. 

Lordship Salvation is of the Devil and I’m going to fight it for the rest of my life. Salvation is receiving; not giving. You don’t have to give up anything to be saved. A gift is given unconditionally and freely received (Revelation 22:17).

I recently heard John MacArthur on the radio (his sermon tape, The Call To Repentance), in which he said that a person must exchange the world for salvation. This is unbiblical. If a person must give up the world to be saved, then how can salvation be a “free gift” (Romans 5:15; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9)? The errant theology being taught today by unscholarly men is akin to a bank offering you a “free gift” if you open a new account with them. Is it really a gift since you have to open a new account to obtain it? No Sir, not at all; It’s false advertising. A genuine “gift” means you don’t have to do anything other than freely receive it. Well, there’s a lot of false advertising in the religious world today concerning salvation. 

Salvation is not a reward; but rather, a free gift. If you have to open a new bank account to obtain a so-called “gift,” then it’s not truly a gift; but rather, a reward that you earned by opening a new account. Anyone who tells you that salvation is a free gift; but first you have to forsake your sins to get it, is a liar! Salvation is not a reward; It’s a free gift paid for by Jesus’ literal, physical, precious blood (1st Peter 1:18,19; Hebrews 9:12).

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CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

His Righteousness

  By David J. Stewart

        “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).

The Bible teaches that we are saved by HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, i.e., Christ's righteousness. We read in 2nd Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God IN HIM.” And again in Romans 10:3-4 we are told, “For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

The Bible plainly teaches that mankind has NO self-righteousness to offer God... “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.” Our self-righteousness is filth to God, because even the best we have to offer cannot undo the sins we've already committed. No matter how much good a person may do, the sins which they've committed are still recorded in Heaven (Revelation 20:12). Thus, we need the righteousness of Jesus Christ which is only made possible by His blood sacrifice for sin . . .

Romans 3:25 states, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through FAITH IN HIS BLOOD, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.”

Colossians 1:14, “In whom we have REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, even the forgiveness of sins.”

1st John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN.”

Revelation 1:5, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.  Unto him that loved us, and WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD.”

We are saved by Jesus' righteousness. Amen!

So many of the world's religions today teach a works-based salvation, where you are required to do this and do that to get to Heaven; but the Bible calls that a false gospel. The Bible tells us that Christ has already made the payment for our sins, so that we may be freely pardoned by God's grace and mercy, by simple faith in Christ. Eternal life is a free gift. Salvation is of the Lord. Our part is simply to acknowledge our guilt of sin and trust the Lord as our Savior.

In Galatians 2:21 Paul states, “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Thankfully, righteousness does not come by the Law, or else we'd all be in big trouble. Who amongst us is without sin? None of us! I am the biggest sinner I know, and so are you if you'll be honest with God. We need HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS to get to Heaven. This is what Matthew 6:33 commands us to do... seek “HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Many people fail to understand the Biblical doctrine of IMPUTATION, but it is beautiful. Literally, God charges Christ's righteousness to our record at the time of salvation... “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom GOD IMPUTETH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITHOUT WORKS” (Romans 4:6). Amen! That is such a wonderful Scripture. God the Father charges Christ's righteousness to our account, so that we are viewed in God's eyes as having the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and this is all done freely by faith, without any required works of self-righteousness. Salvation is receiving; not giving. It is the gift of God; not a reward that must be earned or maintained. Salvation is solely of the Lord. All we need do is BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are saved by HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!

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CHAPTER FORTY

Don't Leave Out The Cross
(The “Gospel” Defined)

by David J. Stewart

        There is a CROSS-LESS gospel being taught in many religious circles today. To be defined properly, the Gospel must include the cross. 1st Corinthians 1:18, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” Christ didn't just die, He was crucified upon the cross of Calvary!

As difficult as it is for some Christians to grasp, there are countless people who believe Jesus died, was buried and raised up, but they don't understand that Christ was sacrificed UPON THE CROSS FOR THEIR SINS. I heard a popular Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) singer recently give her testimony on the radio. She said she was saved at age 3 by “praying the Jesus prayer.” My friend, prayer is not the Gospel. Starting a relationship with Jesus is not God's plan for salvation. Inviting Christ into your life is not the Gospel. Asking Jesus into your heart is not the Gospel. Much of what we hear on religious radio stations these days concerning salvation are false teachings. Deciding to follow Jesus Christ is not the way to be saved. Making a full surrender to serve Christ is not God's way of salvation. You may do all of these things and yet never have been born-again at all!

Jesus proclaimed in John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Christ paid our debt of sin in full with His broken body and shed blood. We are saved by simply accepting Christ's sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins. We are saved by GOD'S IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS (Romans 10:3-4). We cannot be saved by our own faulty, insufficient, tarnished, unacceptable and self-righteous, DEAD WORKS (Hebrews 6:1; Isaiah 64:6). Even though we have no righteousness of our own to offer God, He counts (credits) a man's faith in the Gospel as righteousness. Romans 4:5-6, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.” The words “counted” and “imputeth” in Romans 4:5-6 are the same exact Greek word, which means they are interchangeable. By faith, God imputes (or counts) Christ's righteousness to us, and our sins to Christ. Amen! Thus, being saved has absolutely nothing to do with one's personal performance, labours, merits, or works; but rather, we are saved solely by God's righteousness, by faith in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

That's an awesome God! Literally, God is willing to apply all of Christ's righteousness to our account in Heaven (2nd Corinthians 5:21; Romans 4:5-6), and all He asks in return is for our faith in His only biological (begotten) Son, Jesus, the Christ.

What has happened over the years is that unskilled hands, woefully lacking Biblical knowledge, have become popular religious radio personalities and even Christian leaders in apostate churches. Oftentimes their influence is given to them merely for family association (like Joel Osteen). Tragically, most radio Bible teachers are dry, dead and incompetent. They certainly don't know how to preach, lead or inspire people for God.

It is very popular in these apostate times to hear such things as “trust Jesus,” or “make a commitment to Jesus,” or “invite Jesus into your heart,” or “surrender to the Lord” to be saved, but none of these are the Gospel. The cross upon which Christ died MUST be included or else it is a false plan of salvation. Most unsaved people believe that a man named Jesus once lived and died as a human being, but they completely reject the idea of a miraculous resurrection or a miraculous virgin birth as the Son of God. The Biblical Gospel is that Christ DIED on the cross for our sins, He was BURIED (officiating His death), and He was RESURRECTED from the dead three days later. This was nothing less than a miracle of God's Holy Spirit.

Most people recognize Martin Luther King Jr. as a Christian, but he was not in any sense of the word. Martin Luther King Jr. in his own writings rejected Christ's virgin birth, deity and bodily resurrection from the dead. King was a Modernist (i.e., an unsaved person who pretends to be a Christian, perhaps even sincerely). No man can be saved who rejects Christ's death, burial and resurrection. If someone claims to be a Christian, ask them if they believe in the miraculous resurrection of our Lord from the dead.

Matthew 28:6, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

John 21:14, “This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.”

Romans 8:34, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”

1st Corinthians 15:13-14, “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”

The cross and the resurrection must be included in any Gospel presentation to be Biblical. Placing your faith in Jesus means nothing unless the cross of Calvary is included. Tell the world, Christ is crucified and risen! Our Lord has risen and is in Heaven seated on the right-hand of the Father, interceding for the saints as our heavenly High Priest. The Messiah was crucified upon a cross for OUR SINS. He died, was buried and rose from the dead. This is the Gospel (the good news) of the Lord Jesus Christ. Tell the good news to the world that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who died in our place for our sins, was buried and He has risen!!!

You've probably heard the following statement... Have FAITH that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead, plus or minus NOTHING to be saved. The preceding statement sounds really good. The problem is that it's not true. It's missing something. THE CROSS IS MISSING!!! Any gospel presentation that leaves off the cross is a false plan of salvation. Christ died upon the cross for our sins, He was buried, and then He was raised up from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I've been paying much greater attention in recent years to the drastically different gospels that are bombarding society today, and have infiltrated our churches...

I recently heard a visiting Baptist missionary in our church give his two-point outline to be saved. He said: 1) you must believe that Christ is resurrected, and 2) you absolutely must recognize Christ's Lordship in your own life. This may sound good, but it is a false plan of salvation. The cross was not mentioned. Sin was not mentioned. Making Christ Lord was ADDED to the Gospel. There's nothing in the Bible about making Christ one's Lord to be saved. You don't make Jesus “Lord”—HE IS LORD! The Gospel is delicate, clearly defined in the Scriptures, and we must be very careful not to pervert it. Amen!

Always include THE CROSS when presenting the Gospel. Always include THE LAW, whose intended purpose is to show men their sinnership and total inability to save themselves. By “law” I mean make sure that a person understands they are a guilty sinner in God's eyes for breaking His commandments in the Bible. Romans 3:19, “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” The purpose of the Mosaic law was never intended to compel people to stop living in sin, forsake the world, or turn over a new leaf in order to be saved. These are false doctrines. The purpose of the Old Testament law is to be a schoolmaster, to “BRING US TO CHRIST.” This is the plain teaching of Galatians 3:24-26, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

The simple plan of salvation is this... YOU ARE A SINNER!!! Christ has made your payment and mine in full. You can either pay for your own sins in Hell for all eternity, or you can receive Christ's payment for your sins instead. I have already received Christ's payment. Have you? Salvation happens when you acknowledge your guilt of sin in God's eyes, and you receive the gospel as full payment for your sins.

Christ DIED upon the cross for our sins, He was BURIED, and He RAISED up, having shed His precious blood to wash away our sins. Christ sprinkled His liquid blood upon the heavenly Mercy Seat in the presence of His Father (Hebrews 9:12, 22-24; 12:24). Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” You don't have to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. If you receive the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as payment for your sins, then you are saved securely and eternally.

Let us all be more diligent to include THE CROSS when presenting the plan of salvation. May we be careful to always teach the three-fold nature of the Gospel: Christ DIED, He was BURIED and He was RESURRECTED from the dead three days later. May we always teach sinners about the LAW OF GOD (i.e., the Ten Commandments or Mosaic law), which God intended to be used as a measuring stick, by which when men and women are compared, we are shown our total sinnership and utter inability to save ourselves. The LAW shows men their desperate NEED, and then CHRIST fulfills that NEED. Only Jesus Christ can deliver a person from sin and Hell.