Four Things God Wants You to Know

[Jay T]

Also, reading The Basics of Understanding the Bible would be helpful.

Eccles. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.
12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

Since it is impossible for man to keep the 10 commandments in their own human strenght, that is where Jesus Christ comes into the picture....as He will do the works of Righteousness, in us.....IF...we let Him.

 

[bibleberean]

The Good News!

When you believe the gospel and receive Christ all of your sins are forgiven

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

You have eternal life!

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

God imputes or credits you with righteousness

2 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.

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

We are free from the Law

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We are delivered from the Power of Darkness

Ephesians 2:2 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 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

More to come

 

[Jay T]

We are free from the Law2 Peter 3:15,16......even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
3:16 As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We are delivered from the Power of Darkness

Ephesians 2:2 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 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

More to come

2 Peter 3.... even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
3:16 As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

 

[bibleberean]

The Good News!

When you believe the gospel and receive Christ all of your sins are forgiven

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

You have eternal life!

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

God imputes or credits you with righteousness

2 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.

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

We are free from the Law

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We are delivered from the Power of Darkness

Ephesians 2:2 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 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

More to come

We are regenerated and permantley indwelt by the Holy Spirit

Titus 3:5 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;

Ephesians 4:3-8 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Isn't that good news?

Believe the gospel and put your faith in Jesus Christ and you can know that you are saved.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

1 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, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 

[Jay T]

When you believe the gospel and receive Christ all of your sins are forgivenYes, all 'past sins'.......Romans 3:25 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"

You have eternal life!

Yes, Once all the conditions are met...as Jesus said.

[quote:372fb]God imputes or credits you with righteousness

Yes !!!
Thru Jesus Christ, the born-again person 'can' ...keep all 10 commandments (Exodus 20:3-17)!

As it is written: Romans 10:3 "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.
10:4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth".

We are free from the Law

Again YES !
The born-again person is free, from the Law which demands the death penalty, for those who commit sin (Romans 6:23).]/color]

We are delivered from the Power of Darkness

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Jesus Christ provides us with grace...which is stronger than satan's hold on people, to commit sin.

Isn't that good news?

Believe the gospel and put your faith in Jesus Christ and you can know that you are saved.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

[/quote:372fb]And the proof that one has the Jesus Christ in their lives....is:

1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

 

[bibleberean]

The Good News!

When you believe the gospel and receive Christ all of your sins are forgiven

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

You have eternal life!

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

God imputes or credits you with righteousness

2 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.

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

We are free from the Law

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We are delivered from the Power of Darkness

Ephesians 2:2 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 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

More to come

We are regenerated and permantley indwelt by the Holy Spirit

Titus 3:5 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;

Ephesians 4:3-8 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Isn't that good news?

Believe the gospel and put your faith in Jesus Christ and you can know that you are saved.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

1 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, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

You are Indwelt by Christ

John 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

 

[Jay T]

You have been taught wrong...

The end of Galatians and also in 1 Thessalonians give strict warnings to Christians that they could still be judged and condemned.

Please tell me how these clear instructions (warnings) given to born-again Christans aren't a warning that they could still end up in the lake of fire.[/quote]This is more true than most anyone wants to admit to.

The Bible tells us over and over again.....there is no such thing as, "Once Saved, Always Saved" (while living in disobedience, to what God says to do).

In fact, it is the church....that God will, JUDGE...FIRST !
1 Peter 4:17 "For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God ?
4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?"

OH...HOW FEW.....understand, what the gospel is !!!

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".

 

[bibleberean]

The Good News!

When you believe the gospel and receive Christ all of your sins are forgiven

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

You have eternal life!

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

God imputes or credits you with righteousness

2 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.

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

We are free from the Law

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We are delivered from the Power of Darkness

Ephesians 2:2 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 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

More to come

We are regenerated and permantley indwelt by the Holy Spirit

Titus 3:5 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;

Ephesians 4:3-8 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Isn't that good news?

Believe the gospel and put your faith in Jesus Christ and you can know that you are saved.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

1 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, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

You are Indwelt by Christ

John 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

We share the Destiny of Christ!

Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Titus 3:5 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 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

[Khristeeanos]

There is a difference between works of merit (done to earn salvation which are not recogized by God) and righteous acts of a saint (which is a God-work done through a Spirit-filled Christian).

 

[Jay T]

There is a difference between works of merit (done to earn salvation which are not recogized by God) and righteous acts of a saint (which is a God-work done through a Spirit-filled Christian).

You are most correct !

Thus has God identified His people in Revelation 14:12......"Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus".

And, it is my understanding that saints...are Christians, right ?

And...the Commandments of God, are those found in (Exodus 20:3-17).

 

[bibleberean]

From the Website of Tom and Sandra Hooper.

The Gospel

What you are about to read may change your life forever.

I have a question for you. How perfect do you think you must be to get into heaven? What if I told you that you had to be perfect like God? Believe it or not, that is what the Bible teaches. God is completely holy. Since God is completely holy, how could God accept us into His presence unless we are holy as He is?

Here is our problem. We know we are not perfect, but rather, sinners. The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

I would like to bring up the struggles a certain man had in his day. We would have to admire the struggles this gentleman had to attain salvation. His name was Martin Luther.

Martin Luther entered the Catholic Priesthood for one reason, and that was to save his soul. We must understand that in Martin's time, the doctrine of salvation was confusing on many points. They taught in those days that a person had to be perfect if he wanted to go to heaven. Although it was confusing, the fact is, they were correct that one must be perfect to enter into heaven.

Martin entered the monastery with the hopes that he could make himself perfect. He would do things like sleep in his cold cell without blankets. He would spend time begging, and there were times he went many days without food, just to mortify the flesh. But Martin found no comfort for his struggles.

Another thing Martin did was go to confession. He found little hope there too. He would spend as much as six hours a day in confession, going over all the things he did. One day his confessor got so exasperated with Martin. He told Martin that the next time he came to confession, that it not be over these little sins, but for things like murder or idolatry, but not for little sins. But Martin, being a better theologian in his day, knew the issue was not whether the sin was big or little, but whether or not it had been confessed, because he knew that just one small sin could banish us from God forever! He reached an impasse because he knew that in order for sins to be forgiven, they had to be confessed, and for them to be confessed, they had to be remembered, and if they could not be remembered, they could not be confessed and therefore they could not be forgiven! He was in despair. But think about this for a moment. Even if Martin confessed all his sins, he still had tomorrow to face and more sins!

One day Martin's confessor said to him, "Why don't you teach the Bible?" So Martin began to lecture on the Psalms and came to 22:1 where it says, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Martin contemplated on that verse and wondered why Jesus experienced the despair of soul, the kind of agony Martin was experiencing. It began to dawn on Martin that Jesus experienced that because He died on the cross for sinners.

Then Martin began to lecture on the book of Romans, and came to Romans 1:6 where it states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;" and another, "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17 ). Martin hated the phrase the righteousness of God. He said what gave him terror was because he was such a great sinner and God was righteous, that was the problem. But as he studied the text, he began to see the connection between the phrase "the righteous of God" as revealed in the Gospel, and the phrase "the just shall live by faith." Then Martin realized there are two ways to look at the righteousness of God.

The righteousness that God has as an attribute as being God.


The righteousness which God gives to those who believe in Christ.

As Martin continued his lectures on the book of Romans, he came to chapter 3. "That all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." He also pondered Romans 3:24, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"

And then as Martin began to look at the life of Abraham in Romans chapter 4, he began to discover that justified is not God making us righteous day by day so that we can enter into heaven, but justification means that God declares us to be as righteous as Christ Himself is. It's a legal declaration that God makes about us.

Now, before we put this all in perspective, let's look at what 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "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."

What that verse actually means is that when Jesus Christ died on the cross, our sins were credited to Him. He took our sins, and in exchange He gives us His righteousness. Look at the picture just below and you will see how the transfer works.

Righteousness refers to the perfections of God, and He gives that to us, and He gives that to us as a FREE GIFT. What it actually boils down to is that Jesus got what He did not deserve, our sin, and we get what we don't deserve, His righteousness.


The Bible says, "But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:24,25).

So justification doesn't simply mean, "Just as if I never sinned," it means more than that. It means just as if I lived a complete life of obedience and holiness. This is only because Jesus Christ is my substitute, and He meets all the requirements of God's requirements for me.

So please understand, we are not saved on the basis of our merit, that is, anything good we have done, but the basis of Christ's perfect merit, accepted by God the Father.

We can say several things about the righteousness of God, which is a theme in the Scriptures. It is a righteousness that is entirely different from ours.

1) Paul said he wanted to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ. It's a righteousness which we have none. We make no contribution, all we can do is receive the gift. So when you think about it, righteousness has to be a free gift. We can't attain it ourselves.

There are people who have sinned greatly, so much so, that they have ruined the lives of strangers and loved ones, and they ask, "Is there any way I can be forgiven?" Yes, there is.

Remember that picture above? When you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, a transaction takes place. God is crediting to you what you don't deserve, and therefore it is a "free gift." Remember, Jesus got what He didn't deserve, our sin, and we get what we don't deserve, His righteousness.

So, can God really forgive you? You just need to know that the righteousness that God gives is a gift of righteousness. That righteousness covers me and that same righteousness can cover you. It can be credited to your account even though you have sinned greatly, because the issue is not the greatness of the sin, it's the beauty and the completion of the righteousness.

2) This righteousness is unchangeable. The same righteousness that the apostle Paul received, is the same righteousness that I received, and it's the same righteousness you can receive.

3). The righteousness of God is also a permanent righteousness. Remember how we mentioned earlier about Martin Luther confessing his sins everyday? Although a person may confess his sins everyday, it doesn't mean that person is saved. Confessing sins does not save anyone. Going to church does not save anyone.

When you accept Jesus Christ as your "sin bearer," that gift of righteousness is strong enough and powerful enough and permanent enough to take you all the way to heaven.

There's no need for a Catholic to believe in purgatory (a place that doesn't exist anyway), a place where it is believed that a person is made perfect enough to enter into heaven. There's no need to think you can mortify your body, no need to do good works in order to make you perfect so you can enter into heaven. No my friends, these things will not work. The Good News of the Gospel is that when you place your trust in Jesus Christ, God credits you with His righteousness, and you are made perfect enough to right NOW enter into heaven.

Look at it this way. Imagine two trails. One is beautiful because great care has been taken to keep it beautiful. The other is full of ruts and very rough. When a blanket of snow falls on those trails, you cannot tell the difference between the two. That is the same way with us. We are clothed in His righteousness. In the Bible God says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18).

The minute you die, as a believer, you are immediately escorted right into the presence of God because legally you are as perfect as Christ, because you are now clothed in His righteousness, that wonderful gift God gives us.

Paul speaks over a hundred times in the New Testament about the believer being "in Christ." This means that Jesus Christ covers us. We are covered because we are "in Him." We are joined to Christ and we even need not fear death because our confidence is in Him alone. He supplies the righteousness which God demands.

Your entrance into heaven and standing before God will have nothing to do with the good works you have done in the past, but God is going to be looking for the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Isn't this cause for rejoicing and thankfulness knowing there is nothing we can earn or that we owe God?

Yes, we know God wants us to be obedient, for that is part of the Christian life, but as far as our standing before God is concerned, Jesus Christ met all the requirements for us. God made "...him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." The Bible also says, "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25). That my friend, is the good news of the Gospel!

Can you be forgiven? Yes. The Bible says if you want to be saved, you simply "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31)

If you believe what you have read and want to be saved from your sins and have eternal life in the presence of God, I ask you now to bow your head and take a moment to just simply ask Jesus Christ to be your Saviour.

Don't worry about fancy prayers, because saying the sinner's prayer will not save you.

Don't worry about having to go forward in a church service, because going to the altar will not save you.

Don't worry that you have to confess your sins, or turn away from your sins, because confessing and turning from your sins will not save you.

Simply place your trust in what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross. When you accept the fact of what He did, you have accepted Jesus.

Once you are saved, you will find that your desires will change. You will have a desire to turn from your sins and do what is right, you will have a desire to read God's word, you will have a desire to have fellowship with other believers. It will be Christ IN YOU Who will give you a new life and new desires.

BB adds:

If you don't understand this yet pray to God and ask Him for wisdom.

Read this and the other tracts I have posted over and over. Look up the scriptures and read your bible with a deep searching heart.

I am not posting these to argue with people. I want to give the lost the opportunity to hear and understand the gospel...

If you want rest and peace and eternal life come to Christ.

If you are truly searching for God's salvation read these words carefully.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

 

[Soma-Sight]

The minute you die, as a believer, you are immediately escorted right into the presence of God because legally you are as perfect as Christ, because you are now clothed in His righteousness, that wonderful gift God gives us.

Paul speaks over a hundred times in the New Testament about the believer being "in Christ." This means that Jesus Christ covers us. We are covered because we are "in Him." We are joined to Christ and we even need not fear death because our confidence is in Him alone. He supplies the righteousness which God demands.

Your entrance into heaven and standing before God will have nothing to do with the good works you have done in the past, but God is going to be looking for the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Thats the Good News!!

 

[bibleberean]

The minute you die, as a believer, you are immediately escorted right into the presence of God because legally you are as perfect as Christ, because you are now clothed in His righteousness, that wonderful gift God gives us.

Paul speaks over a hundred times in the New Testament about the believer being "in Christ." This means that Jesus Christ covers us. We are covered because we are "in Him." We are joined to Christ and we even need not fear death because our confidence is in Him alone. He supplies the righteousness which God demands.

Your entrance into heaven and standing before God will have nothing to do with the good works you have done in the past, but God is going to be looking for the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Thats the Good News!!

It is for me too... If my salvation is in anyway dependent on me...

I will not be in heaven... I know what I am...and it ain't pretty.

 

[Soma-Sight]

It is for me too... If my salvation is in anyway dependent on me...

I will not be in heaven... I know what I am...and it ain't pretty.

Its definitely not pretty, I will agree with that.....

It just looks attractive at the time.....

 

[bibleberean]

Bible tracts worth reading...

http://www.fundamentalbiblechurch.org/T ... consdr.htm

http://www.biblebelievers.net/Salvation ... cunsav.htm

 

[Jay T]

Bible tracts worth reading...

http://www.fundamentalbiblechurch.org/T ... consdr.htm

http://www.biblebelievers.net/Salvation ... cunsav.htm

Always REMEMBER.....there is no such thing as salvation....while living in disobedience, to God's commandments.

 

[Jay T]

Bible tracts worth reading...

Always REMEMBER......there is no such thing as salvation....while living in 'disobedience' ...to what God says to do.

 

[bibleberean]

Four Things God Wants You to Know

From the Peoples Gospel Hour.

Four Things God Wants You to Know

1. You Need To Be Saved

"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3)

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

"There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

"We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6)

2. You Cannot Save Yourself

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us." (Titus 3:5)

"By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10)

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

3. Jesus Has Already Provided For Your Salvation

"Who [Jesus] his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness." (1 Peter 2:24)

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God." (1 Peter 3:18)

"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." (John 3:16)

4. Jesus Will Enable You to Overcome Temptation

"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished." (2 Peter 2:9)

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Your Part:

1. Repent (Turn from your sins)

"Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)

2. Believe

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31)

3. Do It Now

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6)

"Behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3)

4. Remember

"Every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12)

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews9:27)

"But he that believeth on him...shall not come into judgment." (John 5:24)

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." (Joshua 24:15)

 

[Jay T]

You know, bleberean you are the only Christian I have heard ever... say they are going to heaven...

I don't know of any other Christian who knows what is going to happen to them on Judgement day...they can hope and they can pray...

The term you are looking for is....presumption.

And presumption, is a dangerous thing !!!

 

[bibleberean]

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.