Category: Salvation

Saved from Hell, But Lost in Tradition #1

Friday, February 15, 2013

“…God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4 KJV).

Can someone go to heaven without ever learning dispensational Bible study?

When Christians begin to understand (even the basics of) dispensational Bible study, they usually ask, “What about these Christians whom I knew, who died never having known this doctrine? Are they in heaven?” This is an excellent question. It is posed because once believers in Christ begin to grasp the Bible and see its magnificent dispensational truths, it is so revolutionary that it almost seems like getting saved from hell all over again! However, we must never confuse salvation from hell with salvation from false teaching. There are many types of salvation in Scripture, and the context explains what each one involves.

For instance, in 1 Samuel 2:1, Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, prays to the LORD: “I rejoice in thy salvation.” From the context, it is clear that this is not soul salvation from hell; Hannah is saved from despair due to her infertility. Once, she was barren and depressed (1 Samuel 1:5-18); now, she has conceived Samuel. Comparatively, Paul writes that we are “saved by hope.” Although these physical bodies are corrupted by sin and we have our aches and pains, the hope of our resurrection (the rapture) sustains us and guards us against despair (Romans 8:18-25).

Nevertheless, within the confines of these studies, we will discuss two specific types of salvation, and today’s Scripture identifies both of them. God has one overall plan for the heaven and the earth: for all of eternity, He wants to glorify His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in both realms (Ephesians 1:9,10).

Thus, the God of heaven and earth, through the finished crosswork of Jesus Christ, saves people from hell, and makes them Christians (“[God] who will have all men to be saved”). Then, the God of heaven and earth, through sound Bible study, saves these Christians from false teaching, and makes them spiritually mature (“[God] who will have all men…to come unto the knowledge of the truth”).

We will examine this in greater detail….

God is Love

Thursday, February 14, 2013

“…God is love… God is love… We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:8b,16b,19 KJV).

The word “love” is used very flippantly in today’s world. Of the many who speak about “love,” few know what it is. On this Valentine’s Day, we offer sound doctrine from God’s Word to correct the misunderstandings of what love really is. What is love, according to God’s Word?

Today’s Scripture says that “God is love”—God does not simply love, but His very nature is love. What does that mean? In 1 John 3:16, we read: “Hereby we perceive the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:” Our Apostle Paul put it this way: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God’s nature is love—selfless, self-sacrificing!

God’s Word defines love and charity in 2 Corinthians 12:15: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” Love is seeking the best interest of others, even if it costs you something (time, energy, resources, et cetera). Charity is love in deed (demonstrated, manifested in action). God loved us, so He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. It cost God the Father His Son, and it cost God the Son His life. What a selfless act!

Our nature in Adam is selfish, but our nature in Christ is not. Paul declares, “the love of Christ constraineth us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). We who have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, our Christian lives are driven and motivated by Christ’s love for us, not our love for Him. It is this unselfish love of Christ working in us that causes us to look on the things of others, to seek their edification and their benefit, not ours (Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:1-11). This will result in charity, our selfless actions reflecting that love of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:15).

As the lost world observes our Christian service, they will see, “God is love.”

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The (2012) Bible study can be read here or watched here.

God’s Grace on Parade

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

“…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20 KJV).

Today, especially here in southern Louisiana, the Catholic festival of Mardi Gras takes advantage of God’s grace. God’s grace abounds even when drunkenness, lasciviousness, and gluttony are committed overtly on our streets for religion. Because we live in the Dispensation of the Grace of God, they can flaunt their sin without being consumed by fire from heaven!

“Mardi Gras,” French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a day when religious people—professing “Christians”—lose self-control (excess alcohol, food, and partying). The following day, Ash Wednesday, they promise to live “holy” for the next 40 days (Lent). A priest will then place ashes on their foreheads proving that God forgave them for that riotous living. Blasphemy!

Regardless of all its biblical allusions (illusions!), Mardi Gras is still evil and anti-God. It was never Christian, originating from pagan Roman festivals, Saturnalia and Lupercalia (interestingly known for riots, drunkenness, gluttony, and fornication, and subsequent repentance).

The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostles Peter and Paul, was clearly against Mardi Gras reveling and drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3). So why do professing Christians engage in the very activities that God the Holy Spirit condemned?! As Christians, we should “deny” the activities of Mardi Gras (Romans 6:11-15; Titus 2:11-15).

If I appear offended, I am. Mardi Gras, despite its godly façade, is offensive to the great God and my Saviour Jesus Christ! God’s grace continues to tolerate such foolishness from mankind. Man parades his sin, and God parades His grace, holding back wrath.

Are you a Mardi Gras reveler? I declare unto you the wonderful Gospel of the Grace of God. God did for you at Calvary what you could never do: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood and died to put away all of your sins, Mardi Gras revelry included.

If you rest in Christ Jesus alone as your Saviour, God will save you forever, make a trophy of His grace, and then YOUR life will be God’s grace on parade! 🙂

*Adapted from a larger (2012) Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

Replacement Terminology Theology #5

Saturday, February 9, 2013

“For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him” (1 Corinthians 8:5,6 KJV).

Satan deceptively employs terms that the Bible uses—“God,” “Lord,” “Jesus,” “Christ”—but he does not always apply them to the same individuals the Bible does. What ingenuity!

In 2 Corinthians 11:3,4, the Holy Ghost through Paul expressed concern that the devil uses Bible terms to deceive people: “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.”

It is not enough that someone preaches “the gospel,” but that they preach the gospel that the Apostle Paul preached (2 Corinthians 11:4)—the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24): Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day for our justification (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). There are other gospels in Scripture (Matthew 9:35; Galatians 2:7; et al.).

It is not enough that someone preaches “the spirit,” but that they preach the spirit that the Apostle Paul preached (2 Corinthians 11:4)—we have not received the spirit of bondage, law (Romans 8:15), but we are rather under grace (Romans 6:14,15).

It is not enough that someone merely preaches “Jesus,” but that they preach the Jesus that the Apostle Paul preached (2 Corinthians 11:4)—we do not know Christ “after the flesh [His earthly ministry]” (2 Corinthians 5:16), but rather after His heavenly ministry through Paul (Ephesians 3:1-11).

God’s Word says, if we are not careful, Satan will even corrupt us using Bible terms. (Today’s Scripture demonstrates how Satan misuses scriptural names of Deity.)

But, there is much, much more deception in “replacement terminology theology….”

Replacement Terminology Theology #4

Friday, February 8, 2013

“For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him” (1 Corinthians 8:5,6 KJV).

Satan deceptively employs terms that the Bible uses—“God,” “Lord,” “Jesus,” “Christ”—but he does not always apply them to the same individuals the Bible does. What ingenuity!

For instance, the name “Jesus” certainly sets God’s only begotten Son apart from the world’s religious leaders, for it means “Saviour” (Matthew 1:21). There are many rabbis, philosophers, gurus, imams, popes, and ministers, but there is only one Saviour—Jesus Christ. “Jesus Christ… 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). But, there are false Jesuses too. Paul spoke of “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4), one whom Satan would use to corrupt our minds. Even today, we hear about a “Jesus” in religious circles—one who is “too loving” to send anyone to hell, one who dwells in the church “sanctuary,” one who appears in the form of common bread for his followers to consume, one who died for only some rather than all, one who will come to usher us into Israel’s earthly kingdom, one who gives all of Israel’s blessings and promises to us, et cetera.

Another example is Satan’s corruption of the term “Christ,” which is the name and title of Jesus, a unique office that He fulfills in God’s purpose and plan for heaven and earth. The Bible warns of “false Christs” (Matthew 24:23-26). Even today, some religious leaders claim to be “Christ;” some male religious leaders claim to be “the Son of God!” (Blasphemy!)

Using the Bible’s terms, redefining them, and/or completely eliminating them are Satan’s most effectual methods to deceive mankind, especially regarding references to Deity that distinguish the God of the Bible from pagan “gods” and “lords” (today’s Scripture).

But, there is much, much more deception in “replacement terminology theology….”

Something Not Worth Losing

Sunday, February 3, 2013

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 KJV).

Super Bowl Sunday comes annually in the United States. Teams fuel the intense passions in the athletic world by vying for a corruptible trophy. Howbeit, the competition in today’s Scripture is spiritual, is worldwide, never has a halftime, and involves the eternal souls of men!

The human soul is most zealous about religion, politics, and sports. These areas are most personal, so they generate many heated debates and conflicts. However, believe it or not, there are worse outcomes than losing a church member, losing an election, and losing a game. Losing your eternal soul is the greatest of all losses!

In the context of today’s Scripture, Jesus Christ told His Jewish disciples to “take up [their] cross, and follow [him]” (verse 24). “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (verse 25). They should not fear losing their earthly lives for His sake. What is most important is that they not lose their souls!

Jesus Christ declared there is more to life than this physical world and its temporal possessions. There is a spiritual world—an afterlife—to consider. In today’s Scripture, He asks them, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Does it make sense to emphasize this temporary world and its corruptible goods, to the point of ignoring your eternal soul, and wind up losing it in hellfire forever and ever?

Dear reader, there is more to you than just your physical body. Your inner man—your soul, your spiritual body—is everlasting. To ignore Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for your sins, is to remain dead in those sins, resulting in you spending eternity suffering God’s wrath in the lake of fire literally as a nameless, hopeless, disfigured creature.

Your soul is not worth losing! Trust Christ as your personal Saviour today!

Saint, Why Sayest Thou Nothing? #6

Friday, February 1, 2013

“Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews” (John 7:13 KJV).

You are not alone in being shy about witnessing for Jesus Christ….

In the first half of Acts chapter 18, Paul is on his secondary apostolic journey (circa A.D. 54). He arrives in Corinth, a port city adjacent to Athens (southern Greece). After preaching there some Sabbath days—indicating weeks—the Jews begin to “oppose themselves” (verse 6). They do not want to hear that they have killed their Messiah; they refuse to believe that their prophetic program is passing away. Paul, like earlier in Acts 13:46, announces to Israel that God is now ministering to Gentiles without her: “From henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6). Understandably, they grow upset! “God is saving those wretched, pagan Gentiles [us]?!”

Paul fears what these unbelieving Jews might do now that Crispus, the chief of the synagogue, his household, and other Corinthians, have trusted Christ (verse 8). “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city” (verses 9,10). Paul continues preaching in Corinth for 18 months (verse 11), no man killing him… yet!

About six years later, Paul is in Ephesus (western Turkey). He convenes with the Ephesian church leaders, informing them that he now goes to Jerusalem, “not knowing the things that shall befall [him] there” (Acts 20:22). Still, Paul explains what he does know: “The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds [chains/imprisonments] and afflictions [troubles] abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (verses 23,24).

Paul’s attitude should be our attitude. Persecution should not discourage us, nor should it silence us. We have the Gospel of the Grace of God to preach, so let us do that boldly!

Saint, Why Sayest Thou Nothing? #5

Thursday, January 31, 2013

“Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews” (John 7:13 KJV).

You are not alone in being shy about witnessing for Jesus Christ….

Once the Apostle Paul began his ministry, and started preaching the glorious Gospel of the Grace of God (that we are saved by grace through faith without works), legalism (works-religion/Mosaic Law-keeping) contradicted his message and confused and divided Christians (sound familiar?). Two areas where legalism was dominant were Ephesus and Galatia.

Paul instructed Timothy, a church leader in Ephesus, to “charge [command] some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). They have swerved from “godly edifying” and “faith unfeigned [genuine],” and have “turned aside unto vain jangling [useless, foolish talking]; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm” (verses 6,7).

Sometime later, Paul writes a second epistle to Timothy. It is the Apostle’s final letter. Paul pens that he is “mindful of [Timothy’s] tears” (2 Timothy 1:4). Timothy is very discouraged in the ministry, as evidenced by Paul’s encouragement: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God” (verses 6-8).

Timothy is now ashamed of God’s Word and of Paul’s imprisonment. He once courageously proclaimed God’s Word, but now he is craven. The false teachers in Ephesus have intimidated him to silence, lest they have “competition.” Paul instructs Timothy not to fear the lost world. He should endure the suffering that comes with being a Christian. He should speak up about God’s Word! How can he do this? “According to the power of God!” Dear saints, our flesh is weak, but God’s power is more than sufficient to give us boldness to speak His Word to this lost and dying world.

Honesty or Flattery?

Friday, January 25, 2013

“He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue” (Proverbs 28:23 KJV).

Which will ye?

Which type of person would you “favour” more? Someone who told you a feel-good message, that which “tickled your itching ear,” or someone who was honest with you, and rebuked you when you did something wrong? Do you prefer a lie, or the truth? Behold, Satan’s lie, and God’s truth. Choose ye!

LIE #1: Do your best, and then God will do the rest.
LIE #2: Do your best, and then God will do the rest.
LIE #3: Do your best, and then God will do the rest.
LIE #4: Do your best, and then God will do the rest.

While the lie appeals to our flesh, and is thus very popular, it is vain flattery. We enjoy hearing, “You are good enough for heaven if you do the best you can.” Yet, we know deep in our hearts that our shortcomings are our “best.” If they are our “best,” then we are headed to anywhere but heaven!

TRUTH #1: “There is none righteous, no, not one… For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10,23).
TRUTH #2: “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
TRUTH #3: “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:4,5).
TRUTH #4: “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).

The truth, although it hurts our fleshly ego, is still in fact, the truth! Christ’s finished crosswork is a testament to our sins. This “offence of the cross” (Galatians 5:11) insults our self-righteousness, and demolishes any notion that our religious performance can give us a right standing before God.

In what have ye trusted? The truth, or the lie? Honesty, or flattery?

A Rejected Sacrifice

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

“But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:5 KJV).

We are some 6,000 years removed from today’s Scripture, and yet it teaches us a valuable lesson of eternal worth….

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…” (Hebrews 11:4). The LORD gave Cain and his brother Abel clear instructions. Only Abel did what God said because only he believed what God said. Abel, a shepherd (Genesis 4:2), “brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof” (verse 4a). Cain, a farmer (verse 2), “brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD” (verse 3).

Notice what Abel brought—a sheep, a blood sacrifice, and its fat, which is what God said to do. Observe what Cain brought—something he grew. Cain had probably slaved away watering that crop, weeding that patch of ground, and so on. Cain brought the very “best” he could bring—it was the work of his own hands. He rationalized, “Surely, God will accept this fruit of the ground. He knows I put so much effort into it. How can He say no?”

When Cain saw the fire of God come down from heaven and consume his brother’s sacrifice, and yet nothing happened to his sacrifice, today’s Scripture tells us that Cain grew very upset. “How dare You, God! It was my very best, and You do not want it!” Cain probably threw a tantrum and cursed. Eventually, filled with that religious rage, he murdered Abel (verse 8).

Cain symbolizes today’s average religious person, who refuses to do what God’s Word says: “Trust in the finished crosswork of Christ alone and I will save you.” Like Cain, they offer “their absolute best”—tithes, water baptism, acts of charity, penance, church membership, et cetera—things God never commanded them to do for salvation! Those things are “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6) when compared to Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice of Himself.

And when they die, like Cain, they will be greatly disappointed.