Online home for members of the Body of Christ for the training and promotion of the Children of God as Ambassadors for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20).
The believer’s standing before God is perfect, because CHRIST, by one offering, hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14 . “He that believeth on the Son is not condemned.” John 3:18.
On the cross of Calvary our LORD Jesus Christ became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, and when the sinner, by the Faith, accepts that work, his relationship is forever established. The same LORD is now the believer’s Advocate, at God’s right hand, to maintain his fellowship with God. 1 John 2:1-2.
Certainly there are many Christians who know very little about true fellowship with God, although they are children of God. This relationship has been established because of Faith in the finished work of the LORD Jesus Christ. They have salvation, BUT experience very little of the true joy of salvation.
What the member of the Body of Christ must come to know, is that we have been blessed “with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 . “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 . “All are yours: And we are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23.
Through the Faith in the LORD Jesus Christ we have BEEN:
“Delivered from the wrath to come” 1 Thessalonians 1:10
“Delivered from the power of darkness” Colossians 1:13
“Delivered from the fear of death” Hebrews 2:15
“Delivered from the law” Romans 7:6
“Delivered from this present evil age” Galatians 1:4
Through the Faith in this same LORD Jesus Christ we have BECOME:
“Partakers of the Divine nature” 2 Peter 1:4
“Partakers of His holiness” Hebrews 12:10
“Partakers of His sufferings” 1 Peter 4:13
“Partakers of the heavenly calling” Hebrews 3:1
This is because we are partakers of Christ. Hebrews 3:14 . Christ is our righteousness, our holiness, and our redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30.
The Christian’s spiritual resources are unlimited, but very few Christians ever learn how to possess their possessions.
Beginning as a newborn babe in Christ, the believer is exhorted to add to his faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love; and thus to grow in Grace and in the knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-7 ; 2 Peter 3:18.
“That ye might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10.
Our God would have us abstain from the very appearance of evil. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” So that we may be vessels, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s Service. 2 Timothy 2:19-22 . As sons of God, we are called to Salvation, Separation; Service.
Christ said, “Occupy till I come.” Every member of the Body of Christ should be constantly occupied WITH Christ and FOR Christ.
Read about the LORD Jesus and Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 . Martha was occupied FOR Jesus. Mary was occupied WITH Jesus. Christ said, “Mary hath chosen that good part.” Luke 10:42
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
In speaking of Salvation, so many Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers recite a litany of methods in order to receive Salvation:
1. You must accept Christ as your Savior
2. You must Accept Christ as your LORD
3. You must accept Christ into your heart
4. You must receive God's gift of Salvation
5. You must Ask Christ into your heart
6. You must Receive Christ into your heart
7. You must repent of your sins
8. You must repent and then accept Christ into your heart
9. You must accept Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior
ETC ETC ETC...It goes on and on. Who knows what that all means anyway!
To become a Child of God, a member of the Body of Christ...YOU MUST, YOU HAVE TO...BELIEVE. BELIEVE the Record in God's Word that God gave of His Son.
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation.
The fact is, that by the work of God, (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), there has been accomplished and there is available: for any and every sinner who BELIEVES the record that God gave of His Son, an accomplished redemption, a perfect salvation. And we shall see by the same Divine authority the further fact that this perfect salvation can be had by the believing sinner without any additional work, religious endeavor or church ceremony.
The righteousness of God has been made available for any one who will believe the truth of God. "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." Romans 10:4-5.
And to believe means: that upon which a man or woman is prepared to act. Or to put it more simply: believe is to accept as true, to accept as real! You are not Saved if you are secretly NOT believing the record God gave of His Son
THEN let us BELIEVE the fact...that is, "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
Paul was directed by the Holy Spirit to write to fellow Christians, “ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). What a difference it would make in the life and behavior and service of Christians, if they would permit the Holy Spirit to teach them and constantly remind them that the LORD of Glory, Who suffered on the cross of Calvary, the eternal, omnipotent, sinless Christ, was the Creator of the heavens and the earth; and that this world belongs to Christ by right of creation AND by right of redemption. Little wonder then that God, the Father, desires that God, the Son, in all things should have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18).
We should be able to understand the meaning of Philippians 4:19 when we read Romans 8:32. Note these two verses: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”, and, “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?”
Surely now we can understand better Colossians 3:23 and Colossians 3:17: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily (from the soul), as to the LORD, and not unto men.”, and, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the NAME of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks unto God the Father by Him.”
Some saved church members join with the great number of unsaved assembly members in their comment, “this is taking religion too seriously.” The great majority of saved assembly members give little heed to Colossians 3:16, “let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” There it is again, another very important ‘LET’ in Philippians 4:6-7, which it behooves every Christian to obey in these days of uncertainty, unrest, of international political, economic, and religious confusion, “Be careful (anxious, full of worry) for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, ‘LET’ your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth (is greater than, SURpasseth) all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Let us never forget the words of our LORD Jesus Christ, in John 12:26 and John 5:23, and let us, by God’s Grace and power, obey 1 Corinthians 15:58. Note the truth in these verses. Christ said, “if any man serve Me, Him will My Father honor”, “That all men should honor the Son even AS they honor the Father: he that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father Who hath sent Him.” “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always, abounding in the ‘WORK OF THE LORD’, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain ‘IN THE LORD’.”
“Be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10). “Knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD Christ.” (Colossians 3:25).
Surely as we meditate upon what we have quoted from God’s Book, the Bible, we must know that the Christian belongs to Christ; that he is not his own; that he is bought with a price, the precious shed blood of the Eternal Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-23). We should know what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, “the love of Christ constraineth us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Before Paul wrote this to the Corinthian Christians he wrote, in 1 Corinthians 16:22, “if any man love not the LORD Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (“accursed, the LORD coming”). Another apostle, John, wrote; “we love Him, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19).
Remember that assembly, congregation, denomination members, (whatever you want to call them), however decent, respectable, moral, kind, gentle, religious and zealous, who DENY the eternal DEITY (that means He is GOD) and virgin birth of our LORD Jesus Christ, His perfect, sinless life, His vicarious death, His resurrection and ascension in a body, are called deceivers and antichrist (2 John 7); and they make God a liar, because they believe not the record that God hath given of His Son. (1 John 5:10).
Inasmuch as the LORD Jesus Christ, Who is now in heaven appearing in God’s presence for Christians (Hebrews 9:24 and Hebrews 7:25), is the Author and Finisher of our Faith, and wants all Christians to be Faithful Ambassadors, witnesses, and laborers, we do not want it said of us what is being said concerning so many denomination members, “they practice Christianity only when it is convenient and entails no sacrifice, hardship nor suffering.” And SHAME on the "spiritual" leaders...Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers, who have changed conviction for convenience. (John 12:43, Galatians 1:10, and Jude 16).
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
Some may suppose that it would require little boldness today to proclaim the Grace of God in all its purity. Who is ever persecuted now, at least in free, “enlightened lands”, for preaching God's Grace?
Ah, but do not be deceived. Satan was no less active in his opposition to the truth when Constantine exalted the professing Church to prominence than when his predecessors persecuted the Church and sent its members to death by fire and sword. Indeed, Satan, was doubtless, more successful in Constantine's day than he had been when persecution raged.
Does any believer in the Word of God suppose that Satan has relented in his opposition to the truth today, just because men, at least in this land, are not burned at the stake or thrown to the lions? Do not be misled. Satan's enmity against God and against His Word continues undiminished. His hatred of "the Gospel of the Grace of God," is as bitter, and his opposition to it as determined as it ever was. AND, well does he know that the constant discouragements connected with being in the minority often succeed in silencing those who would stand against physical persecution.
Today Satan uses the new evangelicalism with its highly- organized highly-financed campaigns, and its woeful lack of doctrinal and dispensational teaching of the Word...to neutralize the saints.
Multitudes are attracted to these neo-evangelical extravaganzas, at which the participants are for the most part performers, and those who stand for the truth often feel very small as compared to the vast unthinking majority. But let us never forget that God uses "things that are not" to accomplish His work (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Let us, who know and love the truth, then, determine by God's Grace that nothing shall make us unfaithful to our glorious commission; that, whatever the cost, we shall faithfully and boldly proclaim to others the unadulterated Gospel of the Grace of God, "the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery." Romans 16:25
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
Here is Mark 16:14-18, and Acts 28:25-28, “AFTERWARD HE APPEARED UNTO THE ELEVEN AS THEY SAT AT MEAT, AND UPBRAIDED THEM FOR THEIR UNBELIEF AND HARDNESS OF HEART, BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED NOT THEM WHICH HAD SEEN HIM AFTER HE WAS RISEN. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE. HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES; THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS; AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER.” Mark 16:14-18.
So, let me ask you...WHAT DO RELIGIOUS LEADERS DO ABOUT THESE SIGNS?
“AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE: IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES; THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS; AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER” Mark 16:17-18.
I remember a true man of God say, “if these signs following in these verses are the credentials of a Christian, then no Christians have lived on the earth since the first century.” It would be pretty funny, if it were not sad, to hear the explanations and twisting of Mark 16:14-18, by men of God who are leaders among aggressive evangelical Christians.
Many of these brethren corrupt and change the Scriptures to fit into their denominational or church creeds and programs. They do not preach, “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”, “with signs following”. Instead they preach “he that believeth and is saved shall be baptized”. Then they conveniently forget the signs. When one of these religious Pastors, or Preachers, in this way twist the Scriptures they publicly condemn him...BUT...they wink at their own twisting. It is clear that “Signs” followed believing and baptizing and what God hath joined together let no man put asunder, UNLESS we can show that God LATER ON separated them.
So, get out your Bible. Read CAREFULLY! Find one chapter where water baptism is mentioned without some sign, miracle, or Jewish symbol recorded in the same chapter. Then carefully compare Matthew 26:28 with Luke 3:3, and Acts 2:38:
“For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28.
“And He came into all the country about Jordan. Preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Luke 3:3.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38.
“FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.” This is stated in very plain language, which no man has the right to alter.
We have been so hindered from being open, honest, sincere, unafraid students of Scripture, because of denominational loyalty, or obstinate wills, or preconceived opinions based upon traditions. Someone has said that the three most difficult words for a Pastor or Preacher to say are, “I was wrong”. Is Acts 2:38 our “Gospel of Grace” message? Here it is, read it:
“REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.”
WHAT ABOUT JOHN’S BAPTISM?
Now let us read carefully John 1:31,
“AND I KNEW HIM NOT: BUT THAT HE SHOULD BE MADE MANIFEST TO ISRAEL, THEREFORE AM I COME BAPTIZING WITH WATER.”
Why did John the Baptist baptize with water? “That Christ might be made manifest to Israel”; “for the remission of sins?” What was the significance of the water baptism received by Saul of Tarsus who was converted some months after Christ died on the cross? Hear his own testimony: “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins. calling on the name of the LORD.” Acts 22:16.
“BE BAPTIZED AND WASH AWAY THY SINS.” Very plain language is this. Paul was not “buried to witness to the world that he had been buried with Christ in baptism” as so many Children of God do today, because they feel, or have been told, that this is pleasing to God. W-a-s-h does not spell b-u-r-y.
Note the order in Acts 8:5-13: Philip presented the message of Mark 16:14-18 in Samaria. The people believed Philip and God’s Word. Then Peter and John came several days later and laid hands on those baptized believers and they received the Holy Spirit.
SO, WHEN WERE THE TWELVE BAPTIZED?
Some Bible teachers, Pastors, and Preachers, teach that the Jews, including the twelve apostles, who were converted while Ya-hweh Yahuwshua, The LORD Jesus Christ, was on earth, received “kingdom” water baptism. THEY say ““Christian” baptism began on the day of Pentecost when the Body of Christ began.” Then they claim that the twelve apostles, with the one hundred and twenty, were the first believers to be baptized into the Body of Christ. However, this then runs them into trouble, because they admit that the Twelve were not RE-baptized. And, Of course, then they have more trouble with the message of Peter on the day of Pentecost and the sale of their houses and lots. Acts 2:41-43; Acts 4:34.
These men, then, twist Acts 2:38 as they do Mark 16:14-16. They preach “repent and receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized with water” not even quoting the words “for the remission of sins” Then, of course,They forget about “the sale of their property” They say, “Well, that was a kingdom program”. But, they then preach “he that believeth and is saved shall be baptized”, but “no signs”!
You can ask any intelligent spiritual preacher, “Does water baptism help to save a sinner?” “Will water baptism help get any one into the true Body of Christ Church?” “Does water baptism have any merit or value to help the believer’s standing in Christ?” Does the believer have to prove to God or to man that he is saved by receiving water baptism?” To every question there will be a prompt, dogmatic, unmistakable “NO”. If there had been any value whatever to water baptism in connection with the Pauline Gospel of Grace, by which we are saved during this Age of Grace, that greatest of all soul winners, the Apostle Paul, instead of saying “I thank God I baptized only a few of you” would have baptized every believer he saw and he would have boasted about it!
Pay Attention, there is something radically wrong with all of the different water ceremonies practiced by Christians. It is high time that some of the Bible teachers in the groups of Fundamentalists, who are not afraid of men, should rescue their fellow Fundamentalists from their inconsistencies, and learn why Christians are wholly disregarding Ephesians 4:3-6.
AND WHAT ABOUT FOLLOWING CHRIST IN BAPTISM?
Now and then we will hear some fundamental Pastor call upon members of the assembly to follow Christ in baptism. Now, the LORD Jesus was circumcised thirty years before He was baptized. Luke 2:17-27. Right after He was baptized He went on the Jewish Sabbath into the Jewish synagogue, as had been His custom. Luke 4:16. He told the Jews to whom He ministered to obey the law and find the priest and present a gift, Matthew 8:1-4, Matthew 23:1-3.
While Christ was on earth He was a Minister of the Circumcision, under The Law, sent only to Israel, preaching “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”, healing the sick. Romans 15:8; Matthew 15:24; Galatians 4:4; Luke 19:9; Matthew 10:5-8. While Jesus of Nazareth was being approved by God in the midst of Israel with signs and miracles, (Acts 2:22), so far as the Holy Scriptures are concerned, only ONE Gentile man received a blessing from Him, and that man loved the Jews and built them a synagogue. Luke 7:1-8. So tell me, should we tell believers to follow Christ to the Jewish synagogue on the Jewish Sabbath, OR, because it conveniently fits our “church creed”, JUST in the matter of baptism?
Note Matthew 10:5 “go not to Gentiles”. If we are to go back to The LORD Jesus Christ on earth for our program today in this Dispensation of Grace, we will certainly run into an Old Testament religious Jewish program. Going the other side of the death and resurrection of the LORD Jesus we shall find the priests, offerings, sacrifices, the Scribes and Pharisees in Moses’ seat. We will not find the Dispensation of Grace for Gentiles, or membership in the Body of Christ. Let’s not join with those whose slogan is “back to Jesus”, because we are, NOW, as members of His Body, seated WITH Him in the heavenlies where He is far above. Let’s not go back to the land of the Jews under The Law. I mean, should we go back to where Jesus called the Gentiles “dogs”?!? Matthew 15:25-27.
Some years after Christ was resurrected and ascended up into Heaven, God opened a door to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27. Paul was “the apostle to the Gentiles”. And the Apostle Paul said, “Christ sent me not to baptize”. Paul never once intimated that water baptism was a witness to the world that a member of Christ’s Body had been baptized into the death of Christ, buried and raised with Him. The baptism of Romans 6:3-4 is both meritorious and efficacious and IF there is any water there (which there is NOT), then it is water baptism that made saints out of sinners. To which we say, “God Forbid”!
Now pay attention, in Luke 3 we see John preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). In Luke 3:21-22 we read that Jesus was baptized with water. Surely it wasn't for the forgiveness of sins, as John was preaching, for we read in the first portion of 2 Cor. 5:21, "Him who knew no sin." Jesus, while on earth, was God in the flesh who NEVER sinned. He needed neither to repent (turn) from sin, nor to be forgiven of any sin.
Also, some have said that Matthew 3:15 implies that through water baptism Jesus was being identified with mankind. However, THAT was accomplished in Bethlehem. We read in Luke 2:41-52 that Jesus at age 12, under the Law of the Passover Feast, was at Jerusalem in His Father's House, listening and talking to the teachers. Wouldn't Jesus have had enough understanding at 12 years old to have been baptized, IF baptism was for a public testimony of His faith?
But Jesus Himself gave the reason He was being baptized in Matthew 3:15, when He told John the Baptist to "Permit it to be so now for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." So, in accordance with The Law given to Moses, Jesus was thirty years old at the time He was baptized, as we read in Luke 3:23, "And when He began His ministry Jesus Himself was about 30 years of age."
The Scriptures teach us that at His,(Jesus'), baptism we see Him coming as High Priest TO the Kingdom of Priests: the Nation of Israel, "And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel" (Exodus 19:6). "But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast" (Isaiah 61:6). In the New Testament we read in the writings of the Apostle Peter, who in his own words was "an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the Pilgrims of the Dispersion" (1 Peter 1:1), "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles" (1 Peter 2:9, and 1 Peter 2:12).
PAY ATTENTION, when priests were ordained, The Law prescribed certain rituals to be followed, including the ritual of washing them with water, or baptism (Exodus 29:4). That ceremonial washing was performed at the baptism of Christ.
The following Scripture verses from Numbers 4 require all those who perform the service or the work in the tabernacle to be 30 years old: Numbers 4:3, Numbers 4:23, Numbers 4:30, Numbers 4:35, Numbers 4:39, Numbers 4:43, and Numbers 4:47. Hebrews 3-10. And then Psalm 110:4 tells how God the Father designated His own Son the Perfect High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus also had a second Baptism which He spoke of in Mark 10:38-39, "But Jesus said to them, You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They said to Him, We are able. So Jesus said to them, You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized".
The Lord Jesus Christ was approximately 33 years of age when according to 2 Cor. 5:21, "He who knew no sin, became sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (Hebrews 9:10-15, Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:10-13). By His own death upon the Cross for mankind's sins, Christ was identified with death and died in our place, was buried in our place, and arose from the dead (Hebrews 9:11-12) to offer His OWN blood in God's Tabernacle in Heaven as a propitiation or satisfaction to God, and sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). You or I could never follow our LORD in this Baptism.
“KNOW YE NOT THAT SO MANY OF US AS WERE BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH? THEREFORE WE ARE BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH: THAT LIKE AS CHRIST WAS RAISED UP FROM THE DEAD BY THE GLORY OF THE FATHER, EVEN SO WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE.” Romans 6:3-4
Now, with these verses read Colossians 2:11-12, “In Whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through The Faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.”
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27.
Then note Ephesians 4:5, “ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM”
All of these baptisms refer to one and the same Divine Baptism. In which a believer is baptized into Christ, into the death of Christ, into the resurrected Christ, into the Body of Christ. Colossians 2:11. Is God’s explanation of the baptism of Colossians 2:12, “without hands”? This Divine Baptism is what makes the believer a member of the true Body of Christ Church and makes him complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10.
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
Christ is BORN! You Gotta Believe for Salvation, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
If we are going to base our knowledge of God's salvation upon God's Book, the Bible, if we are going to act for time and eternity in this most important of all transactions and receive from God His salvation, THEN let us BELIEVE the fact...that is, "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Therefore, the redemptive work of Christ is a finished work so far as the salvation of man's soul is concerned; and we must KNOW that He will return for the redemption of the body; to save man, soul and spirit. Now...by BELIEVING, we are going to receive this last statement AND this next statement at full face value, without discount, without even the shadow of a doubt, without question or criticism..."By His own blood He entered in ONCE into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."
The fact is, that by the work of God, (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), there has been accomplished and there is available: for any and every sinner who BELIEVES the record that God gave of His Son, an accomplished redemption, a perfect salvation. And we shall see by the same Divine authority the further fact that this perfect salvation can be had by the believing sinner without any additional work, religious endeavor or church ceremony.
Christ is BORN! You Gotta Believe for Salvation, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
Some may suppose that it would require little boldness today to proclaim the Grace of God in all its purity. Who is ever persecuted now, at least in free, “enlightened lands”, for preaching God's Grace?
Ah, but do not be deceived. Satan was no less active in his opposition to the truth when Constantine exalted the professing Church to prominence than when his predecessors persecuted the Church and sent its members to death by fire and sword. Indeed, the devil was doubtless more successful in Constantine's day than he had been when persecution raged.
Does any believer in the Word of God suppose that Satan has relented in his opposition to the truth today, just because men, at least in this land, are not burned at the stake or thrown to the lions? Do not be misled. Satan's enmity against God and against His Word continues undiminished. His hatred of "the Gospel of the Grace of God," is as bitter, and his opposition to it as determined as it ever was. AND, well does he know that the constant discouragements connected with being in the minority often succeed in silencing those who would stand against physical persecution.
Today Satan uses the new evangelicalism with its highly- organized highly-financed campaigns, and its woeful lack of doctrinal and dispensational teaching of the Word…to neutralize the saints.
Multitudes are attracted to these neo-evangelical extravaganzas, at which the participants are for the most part performers, and those who stand for the truth often feel very small as compared to the vast unthinking majority. But let us never forget that God uses "things that are not" to accomplish His work (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Let us, who know and love the truth, then, determine by God's Grace that nothing shall make us unfaithful to our glorious commission; that, whatever the cost, we shall faithfully and boldly proclaim to others the unadulterated Gospel of the Grace of God, "the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery."
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
There are many attributes of God which humanity does not possess...such as the fact that He is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, perfect, incomprehensible, infinite, etc. There are also attributes of God that can be reflected in the lives of believers, His love, mercy, justice, kindness, longsuffering, faithfulness, humility, etc. One of the outstanding characteristics of God (which humanity imperfectly reflects from time to time through the control of the Holy Spirit) is the matter of His Faithfulness.
Proverbs 20:6 says, "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" It is indeed a rarity. Moses, however, was called "faithful in all his house, as a servant" Hebrews 3:5, and Hanani, the brother of Nehemiah in Nehemiah 7:2 was called "a faithful man, and feared God above many." Of course, the Messiah of Israel, our blessed LORD Jesus was "faithful to Him that appointed Him" according to Hebrews 3:2.
Notice the following facts about the wonderful Faithfulness of God:
1. His CALLING reveals His faithfulness!
1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, "Faithful is He that calleth you." 1 Corinthians 1:9 adds, "God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Jesus Christ our Lord."
2. His COMPASSION reveals His faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness!" Hebrews 2:17 says of Christ, "Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
3. His COVENANT reveals His faithfulness!
Deuteronomy 7:9 teaches the real reasons behind God's choice of Israel as a "special people...above all people that are upon the face of the earth" and says, "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations."
Psalm 89:1 speaks of the faithfulness of God, and in Psalm 89:8 we read, "O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto Thee? Or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee?" In Psalm 89:33-34 the Bible says, "Nevertheless My lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer My faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips."
4. His CHARACTER exalts His faithfulness!
Psalm 119:86 says, "All Thy commandments are faithful" and verse Psalm119:90 adds, "Thy faithfulness is unto all generations." Psalm 119:138 says, "The testimonies that Thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful."
Now, consider at least four things about His wonderful character that reveals the Nature of His Faithfulness:
(1) He will FORGIVE our sins!
1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, HE IS FAITHFUL and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
(2) He will HELP us in our trials!
1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, "There hath no temptation (or trial) taken you but such as is common to man: but GOD IS FAITHFUL, Who will not suffer you to be tempted (tested) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trial) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Psalm 119:75 adds, "and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." Psalm 143:1 says, "Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in Thy faithfulness answer me."
(3) He will PROTECT us from the evil one!
2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, "But THE LORD IS FAITHFUL, Who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil (one)."
(4) He will KEEP His promises to us!
Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for HE IS FAITHFUL that promised." Hebrews 11:11 says of Sara, "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful Who had promised."
One of the great hymns that believers enjoy is "GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS"
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not Thy compassions, they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be!
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS! GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS! Morning by morning new mercies I see! All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, Lord, unto me!
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth:” 2 Timothy 2:15. “We are His workmanship.” Ephesians 2:10.
As we stated in a previous article, we are not ready to work FOR God until we are sure that we are first the workmanship OF God, “created in Christ Jesus”. “God hath chosen you unto salvation through belief of the truth.”2 Thessalonians 2:13; “Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17. The sinner saved by grace is the workmanship of God. To be saved by Grace is to be Born Again, “not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”
There are times when some seem fearful that the Word of God will be destroyed; but the Psalmist said: “Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven.” Psalm 119:89. Truly the Word of God liveth and abideth forever. Men and generations may change in their attitude toward God’s Word, but His Word never changes. By this Word of God, we are Born Again, and become new born babes. “As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2.
Some young Christians, as well as old ones, are unceasingly active, but growing very little, because they are not regularly and systematically studying the Word of God.
One of the signs of a healthy Christian is a real appetite for the Word of God, an appetite satisfied by constantly feeding upon that Word. Jeremiah said, “Thy Words were found, and I did eat them, and Thy Word was unto me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart.” Jeremiah 15:16.
Hundreds of times in the Bible do we find the expression, “The Word of the Lord.” “God spake all these things.” Surely the Word of God is life giving and powerful, and “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. Hebrews 4:12.
The moment doubt creeps into the heart as to the plenary inspiration of God’s Holy Book, the moment the individual begins to question the infallibility, accuracy or integrity of the Word of God, the moment Holy respect for God’s absolute authority begins to wane; what follows is that if faith and obedience are not restored, “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25
The Psalmist said, “I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalm 119:162.
“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12.
The ignorance of the Word of God among Christians is appalling!
Think of the wonderful privilege that we have today with the complete revealed Will of God, bound in one volume, with every help imaginable; and yet how few Christians are taking advantage of their opportunity.
I heard a great line a while back that rings so true, “The Church today needs more teach and less preach.” Careful and prayerful Bible students are not easily swept off their feet with false doctrines into Satanic and fanatical cults. “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.” Hebrews 13:9.
God’s instruction to the saint is, “Try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1. Well how can we try them unless we know the Scripture which is “given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Every Christian should be like those at Berea, who “were more noble than they at Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11.
If you want to be a sower for God, remember, “The sower soweth the Word” Mark 4:14. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17.
There is no substitute for the Word of God. God has not promised to bless our logic and eloquence; unless they convey to the human heart His own eternal Word. Nor has He promised to save souls by human philosophies and schemes. The seed is the Word of God,“the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” 2 Timothy 3:15.
When the Son of God was tempted by the devil He used the Sword of the Spirit, “It is written.” Luke 4:4; Luke 4:8-12. So every Christian in his conflict against the Devil is instructed to use the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 . But how can you if you don’t know it!
Remember then, Christian, you cannot grow spiritually; you cannot defeat Satan; you cannot please God and get the greatest joy in your Christian life in service and victory; you cannot escape heresies; unless you diligently, systematically, and prayerfully study God’s Holy Book.
“How sweet are Thy Words unto my taste! Yea sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103.
So we are born by the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23. James 1:18-21. 2 Thess. 2:13.
We grow by the Word of God. 1 Peter 2:1-2.
We are built up by the Word of God. Acts 20:32.
We are separated by the Word of God. John 17:17.
We are clean through the Word of God. John 15:3.
We are to go everywhere and preach the Word of God. 2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 8:4.
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” 1 Peter 1:24-25.
“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” Psalms 119:89.
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth; for thou bast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2.
“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” Psalms 119:140.
“Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” Psalms 119:161-162.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16.
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
A young man waited around recently in a meeting to talk with me. The first question I put to him was, "Are you saved?" He replied, "I hope so." I said, "Do you hope that Christ died for your sins?" He said, "I know He did." Then I asked, "Do you hope that you believe on Him?" He said, "I am sure that I do." I then read to him these words from the Word of God: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth Him that sent me, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, and shall not come into judgment; but is passed out of death into life." John 5:24.
"Do you truly believe?" I asked the young man. "I most certainly do", was his reply. Then said I, "Are you saved?" He said, "I can only say...I hope so." I said "Forget what YOU say, but what does the Word say? Read it for yourself.""Heareth "believeth" hath everlasting life.""Does it say that if you hear and believe you have the right to hope that some day you might be saved?" "No," he said, "hath everlasting life." Then, I said, "why do you not believe it and have the assurance?" He said, "I wish I could."
Dear friends of the Lion and Lamb Ministry, dear Christians the world over, do not dishonor the LORD Jesus Christ, by doubting his Holy Word.
Satan causes many unsaved religious people to feel that they are perfectly safe and that all is well with their souls; while on the other hand he brings doubt and fear into the minds and hearts of many true believers who are really saved, but who are untaught in the Word of God. Many such believers when asked the direct question, Are you a Christian? or Are you saved? reply "I believe so" "I think I am, or, I hope to be saved when I die."
Many Christians are being taught by ignorant teachers to do all kinds of things to keep from losing their salvation. Others depend very largely for their assurance upon their feelings of their faithfulness in service. The Bible speaks of believers as those: "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, Wherein ye greatly rejoice." 1 Peter 1:5.
The sinner is saved by the power of God through The Faith; and receiving the salvation, he becomes a Christian. The Christian is kept by the same power; by the same God; through the same Faith. Let us refer to three verses in the Epistle to the Romans and emphasize the expression "much more" "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. MUCH MORE then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, MUCH MORE, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" Romans 5:8-20.
Certainly if God loved us when we were the children of wrath, when we were His enemies, out in the world in sin, serving the devil, He will not love us any less, now that we have become His children. Looking moment by moment to our Father for grace and strength and guidance, we should walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. We should seek to please Him in thought, word and deed; that is, we should act like God's children. But we are His children by Faith in Christ Jesus. By grace are ye saved. "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform (further perfect) it until the day of Jesus Christ."Philippians 1:6.
A Christian should be confident that the same sufficient grace of the same almighty Savior, that saved his soul, will keep him until the day of redemption."Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall at appear, we shall be like Him: for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2.
Let us always remember that it is the Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. When you believed the gospel of salvation, "Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession." Ephesians 1:13-14. And furthermore God clearly states that this sealing is "unto the day of redemption,"Ephesians 4:30. "For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."Hebrews 13:5.
Can you not rest, as the Apostle Paul did, in the gracious promises of the faithful God? Paul said, "in hope of eternal life which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began."Titus 1:2. Therefore he had always sweet and blessed assurance.
Paul was willing to rest his soul in the One who died for him, and who had taken His seat in heaven, where He ever liveth to make intercession for His saints, and who is, therefore, "able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God, by Him." Hebrews 7:25.
It was this same Christ who declared to His disciples in the John 10, that He was the Good Shepherd who would give His life for the sheep. In this chapter He said: "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."John 10:28-29. Eternal life is eternal life. It is not life for a few months, for a few years. It is life that is forever. And remember Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." John 6:47. When He entered heaven once for all, He obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12.
Eternal life never depends upon our faithfulness in service; it is the gift of God to believers. Romans 6:23
Our desire always should be to be faithful in service for Him who has done so much for us, and who said, "If any man serve me, him will my Father honor.†But at the same time we should say at all times, “And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God, by faith."Philippians 3:9. We are not righteous in God's sight, because of our righteous acts, but because of the acts of Christ, the Righteous. We should live righteously because we are on the way to heaven. But we are not on the way because we live righteously, but because we are righteous by The Faith in the One who was made sin on the cross of Calvary that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:21. We are not discounting the value of good works, but want to impress upon your mind and heart that the believer is justified without works. Christians should always maintain good works.
In Exodus 12 is recorded the story of the Passover. The children of Israel were instructed to slay the lamb and sprinkle its blood above their doors and thus escape the wrath of God when He came that night in judgment upon all the firstborn males of Egypt. God said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you."
"Under the blood" was the only place of safety that dark night. No one was safe because he felt all right, or felt safe.
How many thousands of poor deluded sinners there are today on the road to perdition, to suffer forever the sorrows of the second death, who FEEL all right. They are apparently not the least disturbed about their spiritual welfare or their eternal destiny. "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
The story has been told of two Hebrew boys, the firstborn sons, who were delivered that night in Egypt. Their fathers had been very careful to see that the blood was placed where God had told them. Therefore, the two boys were perfectly safe and in no danger of judgment. But, according to the story, there were two entirely different scenes in the two homes. The boy in one home went peacefully to sleep, having absolute confidence in God's promise and the assurance that he would rise to see another day. In the other home, the boy spent a sleepless and restless night and continually had to be reassured by his father as to the faithfulness of God and his own security under the blood. When the morning came he was just as much alive as the other firstborn, but he was worn in mind and body, and he was ashamed because of his lack of trust and confidence in the almighty Deliverer. Both boys were equally safe, but they were by no means equally certain and assured. So it is with Christians today. Are you not safe, sheltered under the precious blood of Christ?
It is dishonoring to God for any true believer to doubt his salvation!
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father." Romans 8:15. "The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." Romans 8:16. And joint-heirs with Christ. Is it not blessed to be saved for time and eternity? Let us remember that "Jesus having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end." John 13:1.
Do you doubt that God will hear and answer the prayer which Christ made for His own: "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou has given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory?" John 17:24. We believe our Savior. And because we believe Him, we are going to say with Paul: "I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."Romans 8:38-39.
If you have really surrendered to the Son of God and are trusting in His finished work, if you have thrown yourself on the Grace and merry of God for your salvation, in other words, if you have committed your way unto the LORD and you are also trusting in Him, remember that he will bring it to pass. Do not say, "I think I am saved," "I hope I am saved," "I believe I am saved:" But say, "I know I am saved." God says so. "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:" 1 John 5:13.
If you know that you believe, then you know that you are saved. Why? Because God's Word says so. And, "He, that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself." 1 John 5:10.
Now, bow and thank God for your assurance!
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church; Who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.”Colossians 1:18 .
We can only touch on the glories of our LORD Jesus Christ and the eternal relationships between this One who is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and the redeemed sinner who is already seated with that glorious Savior in the heavenlies.Ephesians 2:6 . Isaiah 9:6 .
When we learn that The LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is mentioned by noun and pronoun more than sixty-nine hundred times in the New Testament Scriptures, you see the impossible task of me trying to describe Him in our relationships in one short article. According to John 21:25 ,“even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” concerning this One, who is called:
He was in the form of God. Philippians 2:6 . He was with God. He was God. John 1:1-2 . The Father said, “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” “Unto the Son He saith, ‘Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever'”Hebrews 1:6-7 . “Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever”Romans 9:5 . And Thomas said unto Him (Jesus), “My LORD and my God”John 20:28 .
“He is before all things and by Him all things consist”Colossians 1:17 . By Jesus Christ, God made the world and all things. Ephesians 3:9 . In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9 . All judgment is committed into His hands. John 5:22 . He knows all things.John 21:17 . God hath appointed The LORD Jesus Christ heir of all things. Hebrews 1:2 . Therefore the Son could truthfully say, “All things that the Father hath are mine.”John 16:15 .
All of the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:20 .
This is the Savior who was made after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:16 . This is the LORD of Glory who for sinners was crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:8 . Is it any wonder He could say, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death”Revelation 1:18 . “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the LORD, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty”Revelation 1:8 .
The Scriptures, the Written Word, testify of Jesus Christ, the Living Word. John 5:39 .
This Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church. Sinners saved by grace are members of that Body. “And they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the Church”Ephesians 5:31 .
The LORD Jesus Christ is the true vine and sinners saved by grace are the branches. John 15:1-8 .
“Our LORD Jesus Christ who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him”1 Thessalonians 5:10 . This Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 . He is:
“The Shepherd and Bishop of our souls”1 Peter 2:25 .
“The Author and Finisher of The Faith”Hebrews 12:2 .
“The Apostle and High Priest of our confession”Hebrews 3:1 .
This is the Christ who died that “He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad”John 11:52 . “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him”Ephesians 1:10 . The believer is in Christ. Romans 8:1 . 2 Cor. 5:17 . Christ is in the believer. Galatians 2:20 . Colossians 1:27 .
The believer in Christ is accepted in the Beloved; he is complete in Him; is a new creature in Him and is free from condemnation in Him.Romans 8:2 . Ephesians 1:6 . Colossians 2:9 . 2 Cor. 5:17 .
The believer is a Joint‑Heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 . So, if God hath appointed Christ heir of all things, what does it mean to be a Joint‑Heir with Him? Take a look:
He Himself said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” “I am the Bread of Life” “I am the Light of the World” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” “Before Abraham was, I am.” “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”
He is the one Mediator between God and men. 1 Timothy 2:5 .
He is the Good Shepherd; He is the Great Shepherd; He is the Chief Shepherd. John 10:11Hebrews 13:20 . 1 Peter 5:1-3 . Therefore Christians say along with the Apostle Paul:
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our LORD Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”Galatians 6:14 .
All of the Eternal Purposes of God are centered in that Only Begotten and Well Beloved Son with Whom He was well pleased; that One who was ever the eternal bosom‑companion of His Father; and not only that, but they are centered in that cross of Calvary where that Son, obedient unto that cruel death, was made sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
We will be singing His praises for all eternity and will never tire of hearing of His glories. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom and strength, and honour and glory and blessing”Revelation 5:12 .
So we are rejoicing in the fact that we are serving and worshiping a living, resurrected, glorified Saviour, who is our Advocate at God's right hand, where He ever liveth to make intercession for those who are saved. But let us remember that it is one thing to know Him as the Saviour from the penalty of sin, while it is something different to daily acknowledge Him as LORD, knowing Him with Paul in the fellowship of His sufferings and in the power of His resurrection. Philippians 3:10 .
As Disciples of Christ, we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. And surely no Christian can consistently be a member of any fraternal organization whose members dishonor our LORD and/or deny His Deity.
“All men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father”John 5:23 .
Let us never receive the teaching of any man or woman, that the eternal Christ was the “creation” of the eternal Father before the world began. The LORD Jesus Christ of the Bible said, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father”John 14:9 . After the order of Melchisedec, Christ is without father or mother, beginning of days or end of life. Hebrews 7:3 . He is pre‑existent, co‑existent with the Father and self‑existent. He was called “God” by the Father.Hebrews 1:8 . Romans 9:4-6 , 1 John 5:20 . Isaiah 9:6 . John 1:1-3 .
“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 1:15-17 .
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”Acts 16:31 , while there is still time!
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "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" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
