Or ... is this life on earth the only Hell that there is?
"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." (Ps. 9:17)
Hell ..., is there really such a place?
About the only time you ever hear the word "hell" spoken is when someone is cursing. It doesn't seem to get mentioned much in churches anymore. Think about it; when was the last time you heard your minister preach a message on that horrible place of the damned?
According to the Scriptures, Jesus preached more about Hell then he did about Heaven. This is because he loved his listeners and didn't want them to go to that terrible place. However, the popular teaching for today is that God is too loving to send anyone to Hell. To preach otherwise would be considered negative and judgmental.
Then there are also those of you who believe that this life on earth is the only "Hell" that anyone will ever experience. Nothing could be further from the truth! Hell is a real place; and unfortunately, many people are going there because they have not been properly warned about it. The same Bible that tells us about the wonders of Heaven speaks also about the misery of Hell. If you are going to believe in one, you had better believe about the other.
In looking at this subject of Hell, there are two things that I want you to sincerely consider:
ONE - JUST HOW BAD IS HELL?
Some people mockingly claim that Hell is going to be a place where they will have one big continuous party with all of their old "drinking buddies". However, they will be in for a drastic surprise the very moment they enter there. Think about some of the things that will be missing in Hell that we have in this life.
There will be no water in Hell. The Bible tells us about a man in Hell who begs for just a drop of water that he might cool his tongue. (Luke 16:24) Consider: this man still had a craving for water, but he could not get his thirst quenched. In Hell a person will still have the appetites of the flesh, but they will never get them satisfied. The cravings will still
continue for the drunkard, the dope addict, the homosexual, or the child molester, etc. But none of these will be able to indulge in their sin.
There will be no friends in Hell. No parties or happy reunions. No sympathy or love for others. Everyone will be too obsessed with their own suffering and pain to care about anyone else. Jesus described it as a place of darkness where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 8:12).
There will be no rest in Hell. Again, the Bible tells us that Hell is a place of continuous torment. Those who go there will have "no rest day nor night." (Rev. 14:11) Some of you may get very tired working a long shift; but you can always look forward to finally going home and getting some rest. There will be no chance of that in Hell. Maybe your tombstone will say "rest in peace"; but if you are in Hell, you will never rest again.
There will be no hope in Hell. This is probably the worst thing about Hell. There will be no chance of ever getting out of that terrible place of torment. Think of the mental despair that one will experience. After a thousand years there will still be thousands and millions
and billions of years to come of suffering and torment.
Oh dear reader, don't be so foolish to fall for the lie that people in Hell just burn up and cease to exist. Don't you realize that if God can keep a "burning bush" from being consumed, he can keep people in Hell from burning up? Jesus referred to Hell as a place of "everlasting punishment" (Matt. 25:46).
TWO - JUST HOW BAD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO GO TO HELL?
At first, no human being was supposed to go to Hell. It was originally "prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matt. 25:41) However, Jesus tells us that the vast majority of people are going to Hell instead of Heaven. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matt 7:13,14)
Many of you have the idea that only the "very bad" will go to Hell. You think that only such people as violent criminals and atheists deserve to go there. After all, you claim that you believe in God; but so do the devils (James 2:10), and look where they're going. Maybe you never have robbed any banks or murdered anybody, but according to the Bible you are still an unrighteous sinner in God's sight, and deserve to go to Hell (Rom. 3:10, 23). You might even be very religious; (been baptized, attend church faithfully, perhaps even sing in the choir); but those things won't keep you out of Hell.
How bad do you have to be to go to Hell?
The Bible says that if you have broken just one of God's commandments, you are guilty of breaking them all (James 2:10).
Maybe some of you are thinking: "Well, then, how good do I have to be to go to Heaven?
The answer is: You can't be good enough! (lsa. 64:4) The only thing left up to you is to admit that you are a helpless, guilty sinner, and then depend on someone else to save you from Hell. That someone else is Jesus Christ; God manifest in the flesh. He shed his blood as a payment for your sins so that you could have everlasting life.
Won't you trust him today? Don't put it off any longer. You might die and be in Hell tomorrow!
Remember, you don't have to believe in Hell in order to go there! "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation ... ?" (Heb. 2:3)
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Wouldn't it be hateful and unfair for God to send anyone to that terrible place of torment?
Have you ever noticed that when a person dies, most relatives and friends automatically assume that he or she went to Heaven?
It never really seems to matter whether that person ever met God's standard for righteousness or not. They just figure that God will be "goodhearted" and let everyone in, regardless of their so called shortcomings. After all, nobody's perfect, right?
Many even seem to think that it is old fashioned and cruel to believe that God would ever send anyone to a place called Hell.
About the only time that you ever hear the word "Hell" spoken is when someone is cursing. No one seems to take it seriously anymore.
Some refuse to believe that such a place even exists. However, the same Bible that tells us about the wonders of Heaven also tells us about the misery of Hell. So if you are going to believe in one, you had better believe in the existence of the other.
Some people mockingly claim that Hell is going to be a place where there won't be any "goody two-shoes" judging them and they will be able to have one big continuous drinking party.
Then, of course, because of religious upbringing, there are those who claim that they believe there is a Hell, but they have the idea that only the very worst criminals of our society deserve to go there (rapists, child-molesters, violent murderers, etc.).
May I remind you that it was Jesus who stated that the MAJORITY of people are going there. In Matt. 7:13,14; He said: "Enter ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and MANY there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it." Jesus spoke this shocking truth because He loved His listeners and did not want to see any of them go to that terrible place.
As a matter of fact, Jesus preached more on the subject of Hell than He did on Heaven.
Unfortunately, the popular teaching by most modern ministers seems to be that God is too loving to send anyone to Hell. To preach otherwise would be considered too negative and judgmental; and possibly cause people to stop coming to their churches. Because of this, many people do not feel any guilt for their sins, and cannot see any reason why they should repent or forsake them. They expect to be able to get away with anything and take advantage of God's mercy. They have no fear of being judged by a righteous, all-powerful God.
This philosophy has allowed our society to become so permissive in the last forty years that anything is considered acceptable today (extramarital sex, homosexuality, abortion, etc.).
However; besides being loving, God is also HOLY and will not just look over these things. The Bible says: "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." (I Cor. 6:9,10)
God is not "hateful" if He sends people to Hell. Since He is their Creator and Judge, He has every right to send them there. "Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? God forbid: For then how shall God judge the world?" (Rom. 3:5,6)
Friend, have you ever considered that maybe you deserve to go to that horrible place of the damned. Maybe you have wondered just how bad one really has to be to go to Hell? You may be a devout Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal or belong to any other religious organization and still be headed for Hell.
According to the Bible; if you have committed even one sin, you are considered guilty of breaking God's law and deserve to go to Hell when you die. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10) If you have ever committed murder, you are guilty. If you have ever committed adultery, you are guilty. If you have ever stolen something, you are guilty. If YOU HAVE EVER EVEN TOLD ONE LIE, you are guilty and deserve to burn in Hell. For the Bible says: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers and idolaters, AND ALL LIARS, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE..." (Rev. 21:8) According to Jesus, God has even kept a record of every single word that you have ever spoken; "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." (Matt. 12:36)
Listen, no matter how good you have tried to live your life, you cannot plead innocence. NO ONE CAN! "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Eccl. 7:20)
Possibly you are thinking: well then, how good does one have to be to go to Heaven? Maybe you feel that if your good deeds outweigh your bad, surely a loving God would allow you into Heaven.
This shows that you do not understand the PERFECT righteousness of God. For God does not grade on a curve. According to the Bible, the world will be judged upon the basis of God's perfect righteousness. Jesus Christ, who is God manifested in human flesh, demonstrated this righteousness by living a perfect sinless life. If you honestly consider it, there is no way that your life could ever match up to that kind of standard.
You may even be full of religious zeal, but that is no better than the Jews which the apostle Paul talks about in Romans 10:2,3: "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 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."
You see, anything that you might do to try to make yourself worthy of Heaven is not God-righteousness; it is SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. This self-righteousness is nothing but "filthy rags" in the eyes of God. For, compared to Jesus Christ, "...there is none righteous, no not one." (Rom. 3:10)
The only way that you can have the righteousness of God is by repenting of your self-righteousness and receiving Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour. This happens when you stop trying to establish your own righteousness and completely rely upon the perfect sacrifice that He offered on Calvary as a "once and for all" payment for your sins. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Rom. 10:4) "For he (the Father) hath made him (the Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Cor. 5:21) "...even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe." (Rom. 4:5)
WILL A LOVING GOD SEND YOU TO HELL?
YES, but He does not want to; nor will it be His fault if you go there. For God is "...not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (II Pet. 3:9)
Friend, the Bible says that God has done His part to show how much He loved you. "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)
Now, will you respond to that love by repenting of your sins and trusting Jesus Christ alone to get your soul to Heaven?
Remember, the very moment that you repent and receive Him as your personal Saviour, that VERY MOMENT; you will be saved from Hell... FOREVER!
If you refuse to do so, you leave Him with no other choice but to cast you into Hell forever. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36)
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Do you have it; and how important is it for the salvation of your soul?
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Gal. 2:21) In this verse, I would like to call your attention to the very important word "righteousness".
RIGHTEOUSNESS: What is it? Who has it? How and when does one receive it? How long does it last?
If a person needs righteousness to get to Heaven, these are some questions that must be answered upon the authority of the Word of God.
I. What is righteousness?
In Psalm 45:7, "righteousness" is recognized as the direct opposite of wickedness. It could be described with adjectives such as pure, holy, just, etc.
The dictionary defines righteousness as a "condition that is considered right according to some standard of morality and justice".
The question is: who determines that standard, man or God?
The Bible makes mention of two kinds of righteousness. One is measured by a human standard, while the other is measured by a divine standard.
In the book of Romans, Paul alludes to these two kinds of righteousness when voicing his concern about the eternal salvation of his own people: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 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." (Rom. 10:1-3)
Do you see the two different "righteousnesses"? One is God's (divine righteousness), and one is their own (human or self-righteousness).
Paul admitted that the Jewish people
were very moral and religious, but obviously that was not enough to qualify them as righteous according to God's standard.
The Scriptures teach that God will judge the world in righteousness by one man. (Acts 17:31) That man is Jesus Christ who lived a perfect, sinless life. He is the divine standard of righteousness.
II. Who has righteousness?
Since divine righteousness is the standard by which God determines who will qualify for Heaven, no one deserves to go there. "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Eccl. 7:20) Because of sin, human righteousness will always come up short of qualifying a person for Heaven. "As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one." (Rom. 3:10) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23)
You may consider yourself a very moral, religious person; but Jesus said: "except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:20)
III. How and when does one receive righteousness?
Remember when Paul said that the Jews were trying to "establish their own righteousness?" Whether it be the rite of circumcision, sacrificing in the temple, or keeping the law, etc.; they were always trying TO DO SOME THING to make sure that they would be righteous enough at the final judgment.
Unfortunately, this is the same thing being taught by most churches today (get baptized, attend church, keep the commandments, etc.).
Dear reader, if you have done or are doing any of these things to make sure that you will finally get to Heaven, you are just trying to "establish your own righteousness." The only righteousness you have is "self-righteousness".
You must repent of this!
You cannot do anything to EARN God's righteousness!
Neither is God's righteousness something a man can bestow on you through some physical, outward act such as circumcision, baptism, or confirmation.
It can only come by a spiritual, inward operation which the Holy Spirit performs on a person's heart.Jesus told the Pharisees: "the kingdom of God cometh not with observation ... for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20, 21)
Remember: "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh upon the heart." (I Sam. 16:7)
The Old Testament prophets often made mention of a circumcision of the heart. Paul also refers to this in Romans 2:28, 29. The only kind of conversion that is really going to change a man is a genuine heart conversion!
The Bible says divine righteousness is imputed (accounted) to a person the moment he completely trusts God's Word, before any works are performed.
Consider Abraham in Romans, chapter four: "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Rom. 4:3) Notice: this imputation of God's righteousness took place before any physical acts of obedience were performed. "How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised:..." This "sign" or "seal" was a physical outward label for others to see what had already been done in his heart. (This same principle applies with the ceremony
of baptism today.)
IV. How long does righteousness last?
That depends on whose righteousness you have. If it is your own, then it will only last as long as your physical life and you will spend eternity in Hell. However, if you have God's righteousness, then it will last forever. For the Bible says His righteousness is an
"everlasting righteousness." (Psalms 119:142; Isa. 51:6-8)
Dear reader, what about you? You can't work for righteousness or it would be your own. You must submit to God's righteousness by faith in his Son who paid the price for your sin. "For he (the Father) hath made him (the Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that
we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Cor. 5:21)
Remember, the very moment that you sincerely repent and call upon Jesus Christ with a BELIEVING heart to save your soul from Hell, that VERY MOMENT... you have GOD'S Righteousness and it is EVERLASTING!
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Is salvation of the soul a lifelong series of choices, or can one be saved instantly as a result of one single choice?
If you were to die today, do you know absolutely for sure that your soul would go straight to Heaven?
What if you die five years from today? Are you convinced that you will go there?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could know for sure? For then, any problem or hardship that you might face down here would not be so unbearable: because you would know that when this physical life ends, you are going to a place where there is no more pain, or sorrow, or death. And just think, you will be living in that place with Jesus for millions and billions of years, never to end!
Friend, the Bible reveals to us that a person can know for sure that his soul has eternal life now, therefore guaranteeing him of a future home in Heaven. This guarantee can be secured instantly in this present world as the result of one single "choice". That "choice" being: to sincerely repent and totally rely upon Jesus Christ alone for the salvation of one's soul.
Listen to what the Scriptures say in I John 5: 11-13: "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 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 Son of God."
Now, there are many religious people who would object to this on the grounds that there is always the possibility that a Christian can choose to turn away from Jesus and die in that condition, resulting in condemnation to Hell. They do not believe that a person can have an "eternal security" for their soul in this life as long as he still has a "free will".
Consider what kind of conclusion this "free will" objection will lead to.
First of all; a free will is a wonderful privilege from God because it gives man the ability to independently respond to Him. After all, God could have created man as a race of "mindless zombies" or "computerized robots". However, this would never be a satisfying relationship for Him.
Keeping this in mind; we must conclude that those who are already in Heaven still have a "free will"; or do you suppose that they are just like "zombies" or "robots"? Of course they are not! But if they still have a "free will", then wouldn't there be the possibility of them turning away from God sometime in the future and end up in Hell? They could never have the peaceful security in knowing that they were safe in Heaven forever. For, even if they were to behold God in all of His glory [some call this the Beatific Vision], there would always be the chance that they could end up like Lucifer and his angels.
The point is: in order to be consistent; all of those who believe that a person can never be eternally secure in this life because of his "free will" must conclude that a person could never be eternally secure in Heaven either!
Having considered all of that; may I remind you that there is such a thing as a FINAL CHOICE. For when one makes a "final choice" about a particular matter; he may have had a free will up to that point, but not after. He may have a free will in other matters, but he cannot go back and reverse that particular choice because it was "final".
You see; ONCE A PERSON MAKES A "FINAL CHOICE", HE HAS SURRENDERED ANY OPPORTUNITIES TO USE HIS FREE WILL TO CHANGE THAT CHOICE!
To illustrate this, let's suppose that a person has been diagnosed with cancer in one of his feet. The doctor gives him a choice as to how he wants to keep it from spreading. Either he can try to treat it medically, hoping to stop it; or he can have the foot amputated, guaranteeing that it wouldn't spread. If he has the foot amputated, he has made a "final choice". Two years later, he may wish that he had never made that choice, but he can't change it, because it was "final".
This same principle of "final choice" can also be applied to receiving salvation by the grace of God. The reason for this is that when a person sincerely repents and through faith depends upon Jesus Christ alone for the salvation of his soul; he immediately receives "everlasting" life. Jesus said: "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." (John 5:24) The Scriptures teach that "...the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom. 6:23)
The adjectives "everlasting" and "eternal" before the word "life" prove by context that it is speaking of something that is permanent, endless, etc.
The very fact that this life is a "gift" from God and that it is "everlasting" necessitates that it must be received as the result of one single, "final" choice. Jesus said: "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, BELIEVE THAT YE RECEIVE THEM, AND YE SHALL HAVE THEM." (Mark 11:24)
Consider this for a minute, suppose that you were to pray, believing that God would give you His gift of everlasting life [through Jesus Christ] today: would you have to ask for it again next week, or next year? Of course not, because if you had really believed that God would give it to you, and that it was "everlasting", [as Jesus said it was]; then you would have already had it. If you were to keep asking for it, then you must not have really had enough faith to believe that Jesus would give it to you in the FIRST PLACE!
Listen to how He puts it as He is speaking to the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John: "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water [the physical water in the well] shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him SHALL NEVER THIRST; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into EVERLASTING LIFE." (John 4:13,14) Please notice; in the physical realm, in order for a person to keep from getting thirsty, he has to keep on taking drinks of water. However, in the spiritual realm, once a person has taken a drink of the "living water" of salvation, he will never have to take another drink again, for he will never be thirsty for it again! He had a free will beforehand to choose whether to drink of it or reject it, but not after, for he has made a "final choice".
Another example of this can be found in the Scriptures when Jesus 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. I and my Father are one." (John 10:28-30) Friend, since God is more powerful than anyone, even the devil himself could never pluck one of God's children out of His hand. Neither would someone be able to jump out, because once they have entered into God's hand, they have made a "final choice". Suppose that a small child wants to cross a busy street. His father will take him, but only if he puts his hand into his father's. As they get halfway across, the excited child may try to pull away from his father's grasp. However, because of the loving father's strength and knowledge of the potential danger, he would never let go of his child. The child had a free will to choose as to whether he wanted to put his hand into his father's, but once he made his choice, he could not reverse it.
The apostle Paul speaks about the time that he had made his "final choice" about the destiny of his soul when he tells Timothy: "... 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." (II Tim. 1:12) Please note that he doesn't say "whom I am believing" or "which I am committing". This is because he knew that there was a time in his past when he had made that "final choice" to commit the responsibility for his salvation to Jesus Christ alone!
Friend, if you haven't already; right now you have the "free will" to make that "final choice". Why don't you admit your need for salvation and commit to Jesus Christ the responsibility of saving your soul from Hell. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Heb. 7:25) After all, that's why He died on the cross and rose from the dead!
Remember; the very moment that you completely trust Jesus Christ to save your soul, you have made a FINAL CHOICE and can always be thankful that you will NEVER have to be cast into Hell. For Jesus said: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT." (John 6:37)
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Can the grace of salvation be received by "hope" in the promise of God, or must it be received by "faith"?
Have you ever watched the evening sun set in the east? Have you ever heard of an apple falling up from the ground into a tree? Of course not! The reason for this is that because of the earth's rotation, the sun always sets in the west. Also, because of gravity, the direction of the fallen apple will always be downward.
When God created the universe, He established certain principles that would help to keep things consistent and in order. These principles are often referred to as the "laws of nature".
Friend, the Bible records that there are also certain principles which can be found in the spiritual realm. For example, it speaks of a law of sowing and reaping, the law of sin, the law of liberty, etc. Please understand that these are not like traffic laws which state "do this" or "don't do that". They are "operating principles of cause and effect".
I would like to call your attention to one of these spiritual laws which is mentioned in Romans 3:27. It is called the "law of faith". This is a principle which pleases God and brings much glory to Him. It allows one to show God that they are willing to believe what He says, regardless of the circumstances. For the Bible says: "But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11 :6)
I suppose that most people in our community would claim to have "faith that is pleasing to God" because of part of this verse. They believe that "God is". They acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being. However, according to the Bible, this kind of faith by itself is not enough to please God. "Thou believest that there is one God, thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble." (James 2:19) You see, even though the devils believe in the existence of God, they are still condemned, because they haven't trusted in Him.
In order for your faith to qualify as one that pleases God, you must also believe that "He is a rewarder to them that diligently seek Him". In other words, when someone prays to God for something, they must be persuaded that He can and will do what He says He will do. Otherwise their prayer is without faith and therefore not pleasing to God.
Jesus emphasized the importance of this "faith principle" in Mark 11:24. "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye shall receive them, and ye shall have them."
This is not to say that one never receives anything from God unless they have faith. After all, even the staunchest atheist receives many wonderful things from God (physical life, health, etc.) in spite of his unbelief. However, when it comes to certain things, God refuses to give them to us unless we truly have faith that He will. This way, He is not forcing them on us, but giving us a choice as to whether we want to receive them or not.
A Scriptural example of how this "faith principle" works can be found in the book of James, chapter 1:5-7. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. FOR LET NOT THAT MAN THINK THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE ANY THING OF THE LORD." From this verse we can understand that if a man would ask God for wisdom, but does not have the faith to believe that God will give him wisdom, then he will not get wisdom. He may claim that he hopes that God will give him wisdom, but "hope" IS NOT "faith". "Hope" always has a tinge of doubt mixed with it. Whereas faith is positively "knowing" that one's prayer will be answered, based on the promise of God's Word.
Let me briefly illustrate the difference between "hope" and "faith" by asking you a question: Do you know that there is a God, or do you hope that there is a God? You see, if someone only hopes that there is a God, then there must be some doubt as to whether they really believe in His existence or not. Merely "hoping" that God exists fails to qualify as real "faith" compared to "knowing" that He exists.
Now that we have established that there is a difference between "hope" and "faith", I would like to ask you another question: If you were to die five years from now, do you KNOW absolutely for sure that you would go to Heaven?
Unfortunately, there are many sincere, religious people who answer: "I hope so, but nobody can really know that for sure".
According to the "law of faith", this reply proves that they actually lack what is necessary for the salvation of their soul. They might have "hope" but THEY LACK FAITH! I repeat; HOPE IS NOT FAITH! They have never really trusted in the power of God's grace to save them from Hell. They are really still trying to make themselves worthy of going to Heaven by living a "good" life. They are really still trusting in their own "self righteousness" instead of receiving "God's righteousness". They cannot claim to have God's gift of everlasting life, because they don't believe that He will really give it to them until the day they die.
However, the Bible says: "For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph. 2:8,9) Listen, because of God's wonderful grace, He freely offers "everlasting life" as a gift to those who will receive it by FAITH alone in the one, perfect sacrifice of His Son on the cross at Calvary. This way, the "law of faith" guarantees that there can be no chance of anyone boasting that they deserve to go to Heaven because of their "good" life. For the Bible says: "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by THE LAW OF FAITH." (Rom. 3:27) "Therefore it is of FAITH, that it might be by grace... And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace..." (Rom. 4:16; 11:16)
Friend, if you have believed a "gospel" that claims you can lose your salvation, you did not have FAITH to believe that God offers "everlasting life" as a free gift. You may profess to be saved for now: but if you can do something which would cause you to be lost in the future, you can only "hope" to be saved for eternity. You may say that you have everlasting life now, but if it can be ended, then it isn't really "everlasting" to begin with. It is only probationary , dependent upon your behavior. Because of this, God's promise was made of none effect, and your "faith" was made void (see Rom. 4:14). According to the LAW OF FAITH, since you did not believe that God would give you "everlasting" life when you prayed to be saved, you did not receive it.
You are just like that man who asked God for wisdom, but didn't really believe that God would give it to him.
As a matter of fact, the Scriptures even state that because of your refusal to believe the written record of God, you are really insinuating that He is a liar. "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT GOD HATH MADE HIM A LIAR: BECAUSE HE BELIEVETH NOT THE RECORD THAT GOD GAVE OF HIS SON. AND THIS IS THE RECORD, THAT GOD HATH GIVEN TO US ETERNAL LIFE, AND THIS LIFE IS IN HIS SON. HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH LIFE; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 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;..." (John 5: 10-13)
What about you? Are you willing to believe the record of God? That He will give you "eternal (everlasting) life" through faith in His Son?
If you are, then... right now... why don't you pray and ask Him to, believing that He will? For it is then that the "LAW OF FAITH" will go into effect.
Remember, the very moment that you call upon God with a believing heart to save your soul from Hell, that VERY MOMENT ... you have "EVERLASTING LIFE"... AND ARE SAFE FROM HELL FOREVER!
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If you do not believe that Jesus has saved your soul from Hell forever; can you really claim to be "saved" at all?
Although there are many different denominations that claim to be "Christian"; there are basically only two kinds of belief about salvation among them.
The more popular belief teaches that salvation is something that can be gained and lost many times in this life. It claims that a person is saved by grace initially, but that there is
always the possibility of him doing something wrong at a later time that would cause him to lose his salvation. If he happens to die in a lost condition, he goes to Hell, even though he may have been in a "saved" condition earlier. Because of this, he can never know for sure that his soul is safe from Hell until he has actually made it to Heaven.
The other belief is that salvation can be received only once, and that it can never be lost. It teaches that once a person truly repents and trusts Jesus Christ to save him, he immediately receives everlasting life and can know for sure that he is going to Heaven
when he dies.
Think about it! These two beliefs are completely opposite of each other. One glorifies man, while the other glorifies God.
Which of these two beliefs does your church teach?
Which of these two beliefs are right?
Let's see what the Bible says about it. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ ]esus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:8-10)
From these verses of Scripture, there are three things to consider:
FIRST - THE GRACE OF SALVATION "For by grace are ye saved... the gift of God..."
Grace is the positive side of mercy. Mercy is when God doesn't give us something bad that we really deserve (everlasting damnation). Whereas, grace is when God gives us something good that we really don't deserve (everlasting life).
In the context of salvation; grace is best explained by the idea of a free gift. The Bible says that "the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom. 6:23)
When God offers us salvation as a gift, it is truly an "act of grace" on His part, because He is doing it out of a pure love for us. After all, God doesn't really need us. He could have gotten along just fine without us. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5 :8)
The "grace of salvation" completely eliminates the possibility that a sinner can do anything to make himself worthy of eternal life; because if he could, then God would be in debt to him. In the application of salvation, this would deny God glory and the credit of grace on
His part. "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." (Rom. 4:4)
Many people state that they believe that salvation is by grace initially, but they think that it is possible for them to lose it. Actually, however, THEY ARE REALLY BELIEVING A "SALVATION BY WORKS"!
They claim that they must hold on to their salvation by faithfully doing certain righteous activities such as " going to church, keeping the commandments, praying daily, etc." They warn that if one slacks off from doing these things, it could cause him to fall back into sin, thus losing his salvation. But if this were so; then when anyone finally made it to Heaven, they could boast how they got there because they had faithfully
"gone to church, tried to keep the commandments, prayed daily, etc." These righteous activities became their "works" that determined whether they would be "finally" saved or not. These "works" would cancel out salvation by the grace of God, for if it is "...by grace, then is it NO MORE OF WORKS; otherwise GRACE IS NO MORE GRACE..." (Rom.11:16)
The Bible says: "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the LAW OF FAITH." (Rom. 3:27)
SECOND - THE FAITH FOR SALVATION "Through faith ... Not of works ..."
While "works" cancels out salvation by grace, "faith" compliments it. "Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace... " (Rom 4:16)
Faith is the channel through which salvation is imparted to the soul.
WHAT YOU BELIEVE WHEN YOU ASK JESUS TO SAVE YOU DETERMINES WHETHER YOU RECEIVE SALVATION OR NOT.
Jesus demonstrated this spiritual principle when He healed the centurion's servant: "...as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." (Matt. 8:13) Also, when He healed the two blind men: "According to your faith be it unto you." (Matt. 9:29)
In salvation by grace, "faith" is trusting God to do by His OWN POWER what He has promised to do (give everlasting life). In other words, SAVE you from what you deserve, which is everlasting damnation in Hell.
In order for anyone to really receive "everlasting life", they must understand and believe that God will
give it to them ONE TIME, FOREVER!
Jesus emphasized this principle of faith when He said: "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire (everlasting life), when ye pray, BELIEVE THAT YE RECEIVE THEM, and YE SHALL HAVE THEM." (Mark 11:24)
If you are waiting to see whether you get to Heaven or not before you can know that you are FINALLY SAVED, you have not BELIEVED that you received EVERLASTING life through Jesus Christ. You are still DOUBTING HIS POWER and are trusting in your own righteousness.
Those of you who believe that a person could lose his salvation, cannot really claim to be saved "by grace through faith". Of course, at this present time you are not in Hell, so you can say that you are "safe" for the moment. But remember, you are not in Heaven yet either; and you don't believe that you will be "eternally saved" until you get there.
Really, YOU DON'T HAVE FAITH FOR SALVATION ANY MORE THAN THE WORST LIVING ATHEIST, because he is not in Hell yet, either! In fact, as long as any person is physically alive, he can claim to be safe from Hell for the present moment. However, IT TAKES FAITH TO BELIEVE THAT CHRIST HAS SAVED YOUR SOUL FOR ALL FUTURE MOMENTS!
Let's just consider something for a moment. Suppose it were true that a person who was once "saved" could be lost again. But suppose this person never did get saved the second time and ended up dying as a lost man, going to Hell; after having once been "saved"? What was he saved from? Was he saved from the penalty of sin? No; because he did not escape Hell. Was he saved from the power of sin? No; for apparently he fell
back into sin and died as a lost man. And we know that he wasn't saved from the presence of sin; because as long as we are in this life, we will be living in the presence of sin. What was he really saved from then? The obvious answer is NOTHING AT ALL! He may have claimed that he was saved. His friends and relatives may have thought that he was saved. He may have even tried to act as though he were saved. But in the final end of it all, since he went to Hell, HE WAS NEVER SAVED FROM ANYTHING IN THE FIRST PLACE!
THIRD - THE WORKS FROM SALVATION "For we are his workmanship..."
When it comes to "works" in salvation, most people try to put the cart before the horse.
They feel that if the threat of losing their salvation isn't there, it will lead to lawlessness. They do not understand the perfect righteousness of God or that good works are a RESULT of salvation.
For instance, consider an apple tree: it doesn't bear apples to become an apple tree; neither does it bear apples to stay an apple tree. It bears apples because God made it an apple tree.
Just the same with a true Christian; he doesn't strive to live holy or do good works to get saved, or stay saved. He does it BECAUSE GOD HAS SAVED HIM AND LIVES IN HIM! It has become part of his nature. "For it is God which worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Phil. 2:13) He is God's "workmanship"; just like a watch is the "workmanship" of the watchmaker.
Remember, once you have sincerely repented and completely trusted the salvation of your soul to Jesus Christ forever, you can be confident that He will never let you lose your salvation. For He is the "AUTHOR AND FINISHER" of your faith! WHATEVER GOD STARTS, HE FINISHES! "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a
good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil. 1:6)
Friend, the Bible says: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in THE FAITH ..." (II Cor. 13:5)
Maybe, after reading this, you have realized for the first time that, because you had always thought that you could lose your salvation, you have never really had enough faith to believe that Jesus could save your soul one time, forever.
Right now, why don't you ask Him to, believing that He will?
Remember, the very moment
that you sincerely repent and completely trust Jesus to save your soul from Hell, THAT VERY MOMENT , YOU ARE SAVED... FOREVER!
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Can a person who has truly been born again lose his salvation and become "unborn"?
According to the Scriptures, every one of us are sinners by nature and deserve to go to a devil's Hell when we die. Because of our sins, we have become spiritually dead and are condemned. However, the good news is that a person can receive everlasting life and be saved from this condemnation of eternal punishment right now in this life, one time,
forever!
You don't have to wait until you die to see if you make it to heaven. (If you do wait until then, it will be too late, and you will be doomed forever.)
The very moment that a person sincerely repents and trusts Jesus Christ alone to save him, he is passed from spiritual death unto everlasting life. "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." (John
5:24) The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ was relied upon as full payment for this person's past, present and future sins. He is "born again" by the Spirit of God. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that BELIEVE ON HIS NAME: WHICH WERE BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, BUT OF GOD." (John 1:12,13)
Some of the questions that have often been raised about this are: "What about the sins that one commits after they have been born again? Aren't they charged against that person? Don't those sins have to be paid for, also? Isn't that person brought back into the condemnation of Hell unless he repents all over again?"
Listen, it is a practical reality that as long as we are living in this flesh, we will sin. It is our nature. If anyone claims that they do not sin, the Bible says that they are liars. "If we say
that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8)
You are either a saved sinner or a lost sinner.
The Bible also says in the first part of I John 3:9: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin..."
It seems to appear that there is an obvious contradiction here, but, if we "rightly divide the word," we will see that the Scriptures are perfectly consistent and, as Jesus said: "cannot be broken."
I want to call your attention to the Biblical principle that perfectly fits into God's theme of grace for those who have truly been born again.
I am talking about the law of the "inward man." When a person is born again of the Spirit of God, he actually has, not one, but two natures abiding within him.
In his first birth, his physical birth, he received a fleshly nature which craves to please only himself. He was born of the "corruptible seed" of flesh which is under a curse because of the sin of Adam. It will eventually die and return to the dust of the earth.
In his second birth, his spiritual birth, he received a divine nature which craves to please only God. This spiritual birth was by an "incorruptible seed" that will never die.
Don't take my word for it; see what the Bible says and take God's word for it: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." (I Peter 1:23)
Since this seed which is in the born again person is by God and is incorruptible, it cannot be destroyed by sin.
As a matter of fact, sin can't even touch it, and is not imputed to the soul of a person who is born again. The Apostle Paul confirmed this in the fourth chapter of Romans when he quoted David from the Psalms, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." (Psalm 32:1,2)
Now, let's look again at all of I John 3:9 and see that the divine nature within the born again person is not even capable of committing sin! "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed (God's incorruptible seed) remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
So the "born again" person has within him two natures: a "fleshly nature", that craves to sin and will eventually destroy his corruptible seed; but he also has within him a "divine nature" which cannot sin because of an incorruptible seed which will live forever (everlasting life!).
Paul emphasizes this whole principle of the two natures within himself in his letter to the Romans: "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do
that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh), dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that when I do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man." (Rom. 7:14-22)
Paul delighted in this law, or principle, because it explained how his soul would not be charged with sin, in spite of the wretchedness of his fleshly nature. He realized that once a person by faith received Jesus Christ as his Saviour, he received the righteousness of God through faith in His Son which is an "everlasting righteousness" according to Psalm 119:142.
I can almost hear some of you thinking: "If that is so, then what would deter a true born again person from indulging in the sinful lusts of the flesh?"
Actually, there are two things: a positive and a negative.
The positive is that a born again person has the Holy Spirit within him, leading and guiding him away from the temptations of sin. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Rom. 8:14)
The negative is that any sins that the born again person commits will bring upon him the strong "chastening" hand of God. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (Heb. 12:6) This is a punishment against the flesh for corrective measures, not for condemnation of the soul to Hell. "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of
the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." (I Cor. 11:31-32)
Dear reader, what about you? Have you been born again by the Spirit of God and have His incorruptible seed dwelling in you?
If not, you can have it today. The very moment that you sincerely repent and call upon Jesus Christ with a BELIEVING heart to save your soul from Hell, that VERY MOMENT...You have PASSED FROM SPIRITUAL DEATH UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE!
Remember, Jesus said: "...Ye must be born again." (John 3:7)
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Does a person commit a sin if they claim that they know for sure they are going to Heaven when they die?
If a person has sincerely repented and committed the salvation of his soul to Jesus Christ; can he KNOW FOR CERTAIN in this life that he will go to Heaven?Can he be ABSOLUTELY SURE that he will never again be in danger of going to Hell?Is it possible for someone to have too much faith in the promises of God?Or is that presuming too much from God's Word?
Some "christian" religions teach that anyone who claims that they know that they are going to Heaven when they die are committing a "sin of presumption".
Yet, the Bible says that salvation is a "free gift" from God and that man cannot do anything to merit his own salvation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph. 2:8,9)
PRESUMPTION or FAITH, that is the issue!
In order to come to a Scriptural conclusion in this matter, we want to look at the faith of Abraham, who was to be an example of future believers. "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, forseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Gal. 3:7,8)
In the book of Romans, we are told how Abraham was justified in God's sight and received His righteousness. Please notice that it was by grace through faith, without works. "For what sayeth the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 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."
(Rom. 4;3-5)
Remember, Abraham and his wife Sarah had been childless. Yet God promised him that his seed would be multiplied more than he could number, as the stars in the sky. (see Gen. 15:3-6) God promised that Abraham would bear a son named Isaac by Sarah, in which He would establish His covenant with him and his seed after him. (see Gen.17:15-19)
In Romans, chapter four, Paul refers to this promise, and Abraham's faith in it. "And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness." (Rom.4:19-22)
Now, consider the time in between when Abraham had heard this promise from God, and when it was fulfilled.
Would Abraham have been presumptuous if he went home and told Sarah: "I KNOW that God is going to give me a son by you and we will call him Isaac."
Sarah may have argued: "Abraham, don't be ridiculous! How can you say that you
KNOW something like that? You can only "hope" so. You can't possibly know for sure! Besides, even if we could have a child in our old age, there is always the possibility that it might be a girl."
Abraham's response might be: "Sarah, the reason that I can say I KNOW it is going to happen is because I AM FULLY PERSUADED THAT WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED, HE IS ABLE TO PERFORM."
Notice that Abraham believed God would do what He said He was going to do, regardless of Abraham's own weaknesses; and so righteousness was imputed to him.
Consider another event in Abraham's life where he may have been accused of "presuming too much." Remember in Genesis 22 when God told Abraham to offer up his son Isaac as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah? Suppose that one of the young men who went with them part of the way had asked him some questions:
"Abraham, where are you going with your son Isaac?"
"God has commanded me to go up there and offer him as a burnt offering."
"Are you crazy? I thought you said that God promised to establish his covenant with Isaac and his children after him."
"He did."
"Well, Isaac doesn't have any children yet, and if you burn him up, how is that promise of God going to be fulfilled?"
"Oh, I'm not worried, I KNOW that God will do what He says He is going to do, even if he has to raise up Isaac from the dead."
"Abraham, aren't you being a little presumptuous? How can you say that you KNOW that for sure? At best you can only hope so."
"No. I KNOW so. You see, God doesn't lie. So, what He promised, He will perform."
In the Bible, it is said: "By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: ACCOUNTING THAT GOD WAS ABLE TO RAISE HIM UP, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure." (Heb. 11:17-19)
The same kind of faith that Abraham had is what you MUST have in order to be justified and have God's righteousness imputed to you. "Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, IF WE BELIEVE
ON HIM that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered FOR OUR
OFFENSES, and was raised again FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION." (Rom. 4:23-25)
This is the only kind of faith that qualifies one for the grace of salvation to be imputed to one's soul!
Unfortunately, out of a fear of being accused of this "sin of presumption" by their church, many people are coming way short of this faith. They seem to think that it would be arrogant to profess that they have received God's promise of everlasting life for themselves. Because of this, they do not believe that a person can KNOW FOR SURE that he is saved forever, regardless of their own weaknesses. To them, it sounds more virtuous and humble if they say that they "hope" that they are going to Heaven. They will never put their complete faith in Jesus Christ alone to receive His gift of everlasting life.
However, when it comes to depending on God's ability to save, THERE IS NO VIRTUE IN DOUBT OR UNBELIEF!
Friend, if you are willing to honestly admit to God that you are a helpless, guilty sinner, and believe that Jesus has the power to get your soul to Heaven; you can KNOW for sure that you have everlasting life through His Son.
Please consider what the Bible says:
"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. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we KNOW that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we KNOW that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (1 John 5:13-15)
The Bible says in II Peter 3:9 that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. This proves that it is His will for you to be saved!
Right now, why don't you repent, believe and ask Him?
"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Rom. 10:10,13)
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"But God said... Thou fool, this night thy soul
shall be required of thee..."
"Eat, drink, and be merry."
Have you ever wondered where this phrase came from? According to the Bible, it was once spoken by Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a parable about the success of a certain rich man who became "independently wealthy" and chose an early retirement. Now he was really going to "live it up", or so he thought "...And I will say to
my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (Luke 12:19,20)
As we look at this rich man's philosophy, there are five things that we want to consider in God's response to him.
1. "BUT GOD SAID UNTO HIM" - Think of the power that God displays when he speaks. Take creation for instance; whenever God said "Let there be light", there was light. "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them ...For he spake, and it was done, he commanded, and it stood fast." (Psalm 33:6,9) Therefore, when God says something, men should take heed, for HE SPEAKS WITH AUTHORITY AND TRUTH.
Remember the television commercial about the stockbroker firm that used to say: "When E.F. Hutton speaks, everybody listens"? Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case when God speaks. The Holy Spirit of God calls out to men through his Scriptures, but they are only interested in their own selfish desires as this rich man was. The prominent book in today's household is no longer the family Bible, it has been replaced by the "T.V. Guide".
Listen, do you want to know what God says? Then BRING BACK THE BIBLE INTO THE HOME! Jesus said: "Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)
2. "THOU FOOL" - How would you feel if God called you a fool? God calls the atheist a fool in Psalm 14: 1: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Jesus does not specify whether this rich man believed in the existence of God or not, the main thing is that he ACTED like there was no God.
This is just like some people who claim to be "Christians", but live like atheists. They are "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God."
Listen to what the Spirit says: "Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver you." (Psalm 50:22) If you're a "Sunday morning Christian" who forgets about God during the rest of the week, you're only fooling yourself.
3. "THIS NIGHT" - What if you die tonight? Maybe some of you that are reading this have made plans to go out and "eat, drink, and be merry"; but this could be your last day on earth! God says: "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Prov. 27:1) God has given each person a certain amount of days to live on this earth, and then they have an appointment with death. "Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with Thee, Thou has appointed his bounds that he cannot pass." (Job 14:5) Maybe your name will be in tomorrow's obituary column.
4. "THY SOUL SHALL BE REQUIRED OF THEE" - Some people think that death is the end, and they will be rid of all of their troubles. But God says ..."it is appointed unto men once to die, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGEMENT." (Heb. 9:27) This judgement will consist of a thorough investigation of your own personal life. Nothing will be covered up. "But I say unto you, That EVERY IDLE WORD that men shall speak, THEY SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT THEREOF in the day of judgement." (Matt.12:36) Even your secret thoughts shall be judged. "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ" (Rom. 2:16) This judgement will be based on the Sciptures and whether you really repented and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John 12:48) No matter how good you may claim to be, it will not be enough to pass through this judgement. "As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one ... For all has sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:10,23)
This rich man must have forgotten about God's judgment; have you'?
5. "THEN WHOSE SHALL THOSE THINGS BE, WHICH THOU HAST PROVIDED?" - Apparently, this rich man was only concerned about the material things of life. Jesus said that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth." Like many, this rich man didn't realize how "temporary" physical riches and pleasures are. "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (I Tim.
6:7) "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36)
This man was rich, and maybe you claim to be poor, but if you have not been "born again" by the Spirit of God you will both end up in the same burning Hell.
Friend, your life on earth might end before another day passes, but eternity lasts forever! Where will you spend eternity? Remember: "PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD..." (Amos 4:12)
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Isn't homosexual conduct just a natural lifestyle that will not be judged by God as sin?
"And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord cast out before the children of Israel." (I Kings 14:24)
Our country has truly been facing a great moral crisis! For example, 40 years ago, who would have thought that a state of this "one nation under God" would even consider to legitimize sexual perversion by legally recognizing civil unions of same sex couples? We have witnessed such things as "gay rights" marches in our nation's capital and "gay
pride" days in our amusement parks. It just goes to show how low a country will sink when it has abandoned the Bible as its moral guide and allowed television "sitcoms" and "talk shows" to dictate what is socially acceptable.
I suppose that some of you are already
labeling me a "homophobic, hatemongering bigot." I refuse to be intimidated by your name calling. If I am a bigot because I hate sin, then so be it!
I strongly urge each voting citizen (and each political leader who has ever taken an oath of office with his hand on the Bible) to consider what God says concerning this subject.
I. Consider the SIN OF HOMOSEXUALITY.
At the core of this subject comes the question: is homosexual conduct right or wrong?When God began the human race, he created them male and female (see Matt. 19:4-6). After the "sinful fall" of Adam and Eve, people gradually became more and more wicked. There were some who even changed what God had intended for the human sexual relationship. "...for even the women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet." (Rom. 1:26,27)
In the Bible, the word "homosexual" is not used. However, it is very clear that this wicked conduct is identified with the words "sodomy" and "sodomite"; derived from the Old Testament city of Sodom. "But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly." (Gen. 13:13) God destroyed this city because of the sin of
homosexuality. It is quite obvious that he hated this sin. "Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination." (Lev. 18:22)
II. Consider the SPREAD OF HOMOSEXUALITY.
As we study further about this city of Sodom, we see that homosexuality had become widespread among old and young alike. (see Gen. 19:4,5) Since it is physically impossible to reproduce offspring from the homosexual act, homosexuals must recruit the upcoming generation to their perverted lifestyle. "Who knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (Rom. 1:32)
In order to defend their conduct, many homosexuals claim that they were born that way. They contend that they did not choose their sexual desires, it just happened. To them, this seems to justify their conduct. However, in using that logic, every child molester could also justify his conduct. Just because someone has a certain desire for something
does not excuse it or defend it from being morally wrong.
III. Consider the STUBBORNNESS OF HOMOSEXUALITY.
Let's go back to the city of Sodom again. The men of the city wanted to perform the homosexual act on two angels who were guests in Lot's home. When Lot came out and denied their request, they wouldn't take no for an answer. They claimed he had no right to judge them, and became more aggressive and violent. (See Gen. 19:6-9)
This is the agenda behind the homosexual movement in America today. They are trying to force their immoral lifestyle upon our society any way they can through "gay rights" marches, entertainment, legislation or the education system. They are no longer just asking for understanding or counseling. They claim that no one has the right to "judge"
them. They refuse to admit that what they are doing is wrong and should be
discontinued. They want acceptance, approval, and recognition.
IV. Consider the SENTENCE AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY.
"Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground." (Gen. 19:24,25)
As was the case with Sodom, God will not allow the sin of homosexuality to go on for very long unchecked. He will execute judgement on their bodies now and eventually on their souls later. "For the wages of sin is death ..." (Rom. 6:23) "Know ye not that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind ... shall inherit the kingdom of God." (I Cor. 6:9,10)
Statistics show that while the median age of death for married men is 75, it is only 39 for homosexuals. Because of AIDS and other venereal diseases, the homosexual lifestyle has become his "death style."
V. Consider the SALVATION FOR HOMOSEXUALS.
Can a homosexual go to Heaven? Yes! But like everyone else he must admit to God that he is a helpless condemned sinner, and be willing to forsake his wicked lifestyle. There are many who have been delivered from and forsaken this sinful conduct, however there must be a sincere repentance to God and complete trust in Jesus Christ as personal
Saviour for a real conversion. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Cor. 5:17)
Can homosexuals be changed? Many psychologists claim that they can't. Nevertheless, they can if they get saved; for God's word says: "...with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." (Matt.19:26) The Bible records that there were some in the Corinthian Church who were delivered from this sinful life. (see I Cor. 6:9-11 "...and such were some of you")
Remember, no Christian should ever tolerate the sin of homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle; but because of the possibility for them to get saved, they also should never be a part of persecuting homosexuals.
In conclusion, with homosexuals, as with all others, God hates the sin, (does that make Him a bigot?) but loves the sinner and wants to save him. (see John 3:16-20)
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Was Jesus' sacrificial death enough to pay for your sins or are there still some sacrifices that you must do to save yourself?
I would like to call your attention to the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. No doubt many of you are familiar with the accounts surrounding this historic event and have watched as it was dramatized on your television screen. However, it is unfortunate that,
because of religious training, many of you have been deceived and confused as to the purpose and fulfillment of Jesus' sacrificial death.
The Bible says that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (I Tim. 2:13) Even before He was born, the angel announced to Joseph: "thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matt. 1:21) At the beginning of His public ministry, John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and exclaimed: "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29) John was comparing Jesus with the sacrificial lambs which were offered up as atonement (payment) for sins in the Old Testament. However, those sacrifices were only pictures pointing to the real sacrificial Lamb. Look at how the Holy Spirit explains it in the book of Hebrews, chapter ten: "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect... But this man (Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God." (Heb.10.1,12)
As we consider this, let's look at three important things about this HOLY SACRIFICE FOR THE MASSES.
FIRST - It was a HOLY sacrifice.
It had to be holy because God is holy. God would not accept a sacrifice that was tainted by sin. Jesus was the only person who ever lived on earth that could qualify for this sacrifice because he was sinless. He was the only one who didn't need a Saviour! Even His own mother was glad to have someone to save her
from her sins: "My spirit hath rejoiced in God MY Saviour." (Luke 1:47) Jesus is God the Saviour! "Look unto me, and BE YE SAVED, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else." (Isa. 45.22)
Listen, JESUS DID NOT COME INTO THE WORLD TO TEACH US HOW TO SAVE OURSELVES! (This would be like a lifeguard that dove into the water for a drowning man, but instead of saving him he tried to give him swimming lessons.) JESUS CAME TO BE OUR SAVIOUR by offering Himself as the sinless, holy sacrifice for our sins. He was as "a lamb without blemish and without spot." (I Pet. 1:19)
SECOND - This sacrifice was not only holy; it was ENOUGH!
Just before Jesus died on
that cross at Calvary some nineteen hundred years ago, He said: "It is finished" (John 19:30). There is no need for any more sacrifices for sins, whether they are bloody or "unbloody". "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; NOR YET THAT HE SHOULD OFFER HIMSELF OFTEN, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: BUT NOW ONCE IN THE END OF THE WORLD HATH HE APPEARED TO PUT AWAY SIN BY THE SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF." (Heb. 9:24-26)
Christ's sacrifice on Calvary was perfect and complete! YOU CAN'T IMPROVE ON PERFECTION OR ADD TO COMPLETION! No real Christian who believes the Bible would want to continue to participate in a ritual or ceremony with a church which claims to repeat or continue His sacrifice. To do so would actually be a denial of the perfect, finished work of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
THIRD - This holy sacrifice was for the MASSES.
By this we mean that it was made
available for the masses of humanity everywhere on this earth. "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)
Jesus did not die for just a certain select
few. He died for everyone. However, the benefits of His death can only be applied to those who put complete faith in Him as their personal Saviour. It is just as if Jesus wrote out a check for eternal life to everyone in the world; only each individual must endorse it with their personal "faith" in His "one, holy sacrifice" to receive it. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36)
How about you? Have you trusted on that "one, holy sacrifice" for remission of your sins and the promise of everlasting life?
If not, you can do so today and have the wonderful peace of knowing that YOU will go to Heaven when you die. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom. 5:1)
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Isn't it just a way of honoring the persons they represent?
One day, as a second grader in school, I was told the story of "Saint Herman".
According to legend, he was a poor, but devout little boy who lived in the city of Cologne.
Every day on his way to school, he would stop by the church of Saint Mary to pray before an image of the "Blessed Virgin".
One day, after his prayer, he offered to "her" his lunch: a big shiny apple.
Supposedly, the "image" came to life and reached down and received the apple from him.
Well; this story just impressed me so much that; the first chance I had (which was during the morning recess), I ran over to the church and offered to Mary (her statue) part of my lunch.
I didn't have an apple, but I figured that she would like my cookies just as well.
After waiting a while, I was finally persuaded by a fourth grader who came looking for me to go out and play.
From this experience as a second grader, I think I can understand why there are news reports of crowds of people who will flock to a place that may boast of a "weeping" or "bleeding" statue.
Although the statue never came " alive" for me, there were still many times when I would kneel down before it and talk to it as if Mary could really hear me.
Now, after having seen what the Bible says, I realize that such a practice is strictly forbidden by the second commandment: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in earth beneath, or that is in the water that is
under the earth.
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them..." (Exodus 20:4,5)
Of course, this was never listed as one of the commandments in my catechism
and I was never encouraged to see for myself what the Scriptures said about it.
Really, the whole idea of "venerating" images in religious devotions is contrary to the Scriptures and must be considered IDOLATRY.
There are no exceptions, no matter what person the image may represent.
Consider the warning that was given to the Israelites
after the Lord had spoken the ten commandments to them from the mountain.
"Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,..." (Deuteronomy 4:15,16)
God would not even tolerate man to make an image representing Himself because: first of all, it would never do Him justice; and secondly, it would lead to idolatry.
Unfortunately, there are many religious people of today who have been taught by their leaders to ignore God's commandment, professing to know more than what the Scriptures teach.
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became as fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible
man,..." (Romans 1:22,23)
Jesus Christ, whose physical body is the "image of the invisible God" said that: "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)
Some say that "church tradition" allows for the practice of venerating images regardless of what the Scriptures say. However, it is common knowledge that the early churches FORBADE the use of images in there services.
As a matter of fact, as late as 306 A.D.; there was a council of churches held in Elvira, Spain, that condemned the use of images.
The early catacombs show only symbolic designs such as a lamb, fish, anchor, palm branch, etc.
It wasn't until later when some of the churches committed "spiritual adultery " with the Roman state that this pagan concept became identified with Christianity.
People who "venerate" images deny that they are committing idolatry and claim that they are doing nothing wrong any more than when one would honor a loved one or historic hero with a picture or statue.
They claim that the image is just a "help" to remind them of that person.
Some claim that this practice is no different than using a Bible storybook to teach the young or illiterate.
However, their actions prove to the contrary.
For when they "venerate" an image, they believe that they are actually "communicating" to the person that the image represents.
They kneel before, bow to, talk to, and even kiss the image with the belief that the person it represents somehow receives these physical acts
of affection.
Of course, some of you will contend that this is no different than kissing a picture of your mother who may live a thousand miles away.
But surely you don't expect that your mother feels your kiss or hears you talking to her picture.
However, WHEN YOU VENERATE AN IMAGE, YOU DO.
Any honest person will have to admit that VENERATING IMAGES IS NOTHING LESS THAN IDOLATRY!
Some images of the same person are even given distinctive names and personal traits depending on what country they are exhibited in, as though there is a "power" in the image itself. Otherwise, why would crowds flock to certain shrines that are many miles
away when they can "venerate" the same person at an image in their own community.
Friend, if your church sanctions the practice of venerating images, maybe you had better examine what other unscriptural teachings it holds to, also.
This is especially important when it comes to the matter of where your soul is going to spend eternity.
For the last book of the Bible says that IDOLATERS "...shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone..." (Revelation 21:8)
Just because your church claims to be "christian" doesn't mean that they truly are.
Remember, Jesus said: "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." (Matthew 7:21)
What is God's will concerning the salvation of your soul?
According to the Scriptures, you must truthfully admit to God that you are a guilty, helpless sinner, and by faith rely upon Jesus Christ ALONE for your salvation.
"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40)
At that point, you will IMMEDIATELY pass from spiritual death to divine EVERLASTING LIFE.
"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." (John 5:24)
Remember, the
very moment that you completely trust Jesus Christ alone to save your soul from Hell,... THAT VERY MOMENT, YOU ARE SAVED... FOREVER!
Your body will then become a temple of the Holy Spirit, and you should be willing to come out from any group who defends the practice of venerating images.
For the Bible says: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
and what communion hath light with darkness... And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?
For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate,
saith the Lord ..." (ll Corinthians 6:14,16,17)
You should then pray that God will lead you to a good, fundamental, Bible-believing church.
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