The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Salvation

  • Jesus, the Light that Shines in the Heart

    “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

    2 Corinthians 4:6

    Paul was a great missionary, sent by God, to tell others the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Paul understood the importance of salvation, and he was not ashamed to tell anyone he met what Jesus could do for them. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Salvation means “deliverance from sin and its spiritual consequences, and involving an attachment to the body of Christ (the church), and eternal life in the kingdom of Christ.” It was because of this great need of deliverance from sin and its’ spiritual consequences that encouraged Paul to preach the Gospel Message of Jesus. “1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). Many believed what Paul preached, and it changed their lives. However, as may happen when the Gospel Message is preached, some “believed in vain”. Believed in vain means “without effect; a temporary faith makes no appreciable difference in one’s life because the gospel fails to take effect.” Some people make a mental ascent to faith in Jesus, but unless one truly receives Christ in the heart with a changed life (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), it is only a temporary faith – not real. Nevertheless, Paul taught them Jesus, whom Paul had himself received. “3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It is up to each individual to choose as to whether he or she will believe.

    Paul recognized the primary focus of his life was to spread the Gospel message of Jesus, however he also understood the importance of living a life so that any who saw him knew he was different – that he belonged to Jesus. “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Paul had learned that not all would believe in the Gospel Message of Jesus. Nevertheless, all Christians are to tell others about Jesus and live a life so that others can recognize they have Jesus. It is then up to the individuals to make their own choice – saved or perish; death or life. Wherever Paul went, the people were called to a time of decision – either accept Jesus, or reject Jesus.

    As Paul preached faithfully, he recognized that to some, the Gospel Message was hidden. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Corinthians 4:3). More importantly, Paul understood how it was hidden from them. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Remember: Jesus is the Light of the world. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). If one does not receive “the glorious gospel of Christ”, it is because “the god of this world” (Satan) has hidden it from them (blinded their minds). It is interesting that Satan blinds the mind. Somehow, he is able to convolute the simplicity of the Gospel Message. “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Because of blinded minds, many have rejected Jesus, the Light of the World.

    However, read what God does: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). God “hath shined in our hearts”. Where Satan blinds the mind, God shines in the heart, “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”. If one will receive that Light, one gains the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

    Paul understood the importance of the message he was to deliver: Jesus, God’s Son, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, paying for man’s sin, rose again the third day, and is coming again one day. This was a message the world did not, and could not understand – for Satan blinds the mind. However, the Light of the knowledge of Jesus can change one’s life – if one will only believe.

    Have you received the Light of the knowledge of Jesus, living a changed life, then becoming a savor of life to others?

    Find out how to receive the Light of Jesus: Salvation.

  • Works Shall be Made Manifest

    “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”

    1 Corinthians 3:13

    Once one believes that Jesus died upon the cross to pay for sin, then trusts in Jesus as one’s Lord, there is a growing process that is to begin. Christians learn to walk in obedience to God’s Word. We must also learn to joyfully surrender to His will. Christians are to lay aside the sinfulness of this world, in obedience to God, understanding one day we will be with Him in heaven (see Romans 6:12-13). So as we live here on earth, Christians are to live lives for Christ.

    There are many lives recorded in the Bible that are examples to help us understand how to live as a Christian. Paul was one of the great ones. He recognized the importance of obedience, and recorded the following to help us understand. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). This verse does not mean that one “works” for his salvation. Work out means “to work fully, that is, accomplish; by implication to finish… perform, work out; toil; commit.” Christians are to allow the salvation (that we already have because of Jesus) to be manifested (revealed by how we live Christ-like) in the expression of this new life. Christians need to live Christ-like for our own benefit. However, it is more than this. It is also important for Christians to accomplish, finish, what God has for us to do while we live here in this world. This verse emphasizes that it is each Christian’s responsibility. Salvation here means “of the present experience of God’s power to deliver.”

    The greatest thing to recognize is that Christians have been given the Holy Spirit within to teach us and lead us into the truths found in God’s Word. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). God promises that He will work in our lives, helping us to do what is right and pleasing to Him. God working in Christians emphasizes that God enables us; for we cannot do it on our own. When you read “both to will”, it is letting Christians know that it is to be our desire to do what God expects of us. When you read “and to do,” we understand that all that we do for the Lord here depends upon His working in us, fulfilling His plan. He allows us to accomplish things for Him while we are on this earth – if we will only obey Him. Remember: we are not doing it alone – for God’s power is helping us. We are to not come short of what God has for our lives here on the earth. Christians are to actually accomplish what God has for us to do.

    There is a picture for us that may help in understanding how we can please God. “11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13. Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:11-14). Once I belong to Jesus (He is my foundation), I choose how to build my life here on this earth. In verse twelve, we find six things built upon the foundation “which is Jesus Christ”. The first three listed (gold, silver, and precious stones), picture things that glorify God. Fire cannot destroy the first three. Fire purifies them. However, fire will destroy the last three mentioned (wood, hay, stubble). These things are representative of things from this life and world that we cannot take with us into eternity. It is important that we choose to build lives here that glorify God, and to not choose the temporary things of the here and now. One day, when I stand before God, I will account for the kind of life I lived for Him. My salvation was determined when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. However, one day I will be rewarded for the things I have accomplished for the Lord. (“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10. Also see Romans 8:1). Anything I have done that did not glorify Him will be burned up – for “it shall be revealed by fire”.

    Something that should make the choices in this life easier: Christians are to remember that our lives are no longer our own, for we have been bought with a price. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). Remembering that Jesus gave His life to purchase each Christian’s salvation, Christians are to choose to accomplish the things He has for us to do, pleasing Him.

    Have you chosen to fill your life with the things of this world that will one day be “revealed by fire”?

    Or

    Have you determined to build your life with things that glorify God, looking forward to a reward from Him?

  • That I May Know Him

    “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”

    Philippians 3:10

    The New Testament tells us much of Paul and his ministry. When one reads the New Testament, Paul’s life stands out. Most remember that he led three missionary journeys spreading the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, before he was taken as a prisoner to Rome. Remember how he often referred to himself. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). He was an amazing servant. Paul understood that God sent him to share the Gospel message (see Acts 9:15, 20:24).

    Although God was able to do much through the life of Paul, Paul understood something very important. Philippians tells us a bit about Paul. His understanding of who he was and what was important should be an example for all Christians. “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more” (Philippians 3:4). If there was ever a man who could attain salvation by works of righteousness, it would be most difficult to beat Paul. He gives a listing of all of his worldly and religious achievements that should have gained him salvation if that was how salvation could be attained:

    • “5. Circumcised the eighth day,
    • of the stock of Israel,
    • of the tribe of Benjamin,
    • an Hebrew of the Hebrews;
    • as touching the law, a Pharisee;
    • 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
    • touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:5-6).

    These seven things were such religious attainments in his day, one would think he was bound for heaven. However, he learned salvation could not be acquired by works. Read what he wrote in a letter to Titus: “5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7). Paul understood that it did not matter who he was or what he had achieved in his life. Salvation did not come by works of righteousness that he could do. It only came by the mercy and grace of Jesus. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

    Beyond the understanding that nothing Paul could do could have earned him salvation, he recognized something important. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” (Philippians 3:7-8). He had to forsake everything that he was and thought he should be to follow Christ. He had to die to his old life. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

    In this new life, Paul explained what was important. “9. 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: 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:9-10). Paul understood his righteousness was through “the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God”. What better righteousness could one ever want or need?! However, because of this righteousness which is of God, Paul understood that this enabled him to know Him. He wanted “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (see Philippians 3:9). This knowledge can only come when one chooses to make Jesus Lord in that life. Paul understood this. Paul decided that he wanted to know Him. “13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul spent his life getting to know his Lord, Jesus, personally. He pressed on toward the mark, forgetting what was behind understanding that he had not apprehended. As good as he was, Paul understood the importance of continually reaching to attain the things Christ wanted for his life. He wanted to know Jesus more, and the more he knew Him, the more Paul wanted to serve Him. Because Paul forsook who and what he was, trusted in Jesus Christ, making Him Lord of his life, Paul became a mighty servant for Jesus. He not only shared the Gospel Message of salvation available only through Jesus, but he was able to write down much of the New Testament. In those writings, we find out how to know Jesus. As we know Jesus better, we understand and accomplish the things God has planned for our lives. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

    Have you trusted in Christ for salvation?

    Have you made it your desire to know Jesus more, then enabling you to understand the plan He has for your life?

    Learn how to trust Christ for salvation.

  • Lesson 2: Peter: Acts 3-5

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

    —Acts 4:12

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand that salvation means “deliverance from sin and its spiritual consequences by the Messiah (Jesus).” It is important to know that the only way one can be saved is by Jesus. In this lesson, we will learn what happened to the disciples when they preached these words.

    Emphasis: It is important to understand that the only way for anyone to be saved is by Jesus, and it is each Christian’s job to tell others. We are to be honest in our service to God, and never lie to God.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that Jesus gave His followers’ power, the Holy Spirit, just as He had promised. With that power, they were enabled to be witnesses, and they saw three thousand saved. Those new Believers understood it was important to fellowship with other Believers. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). As they learned more about Jesus, they also learned how to live this new life pleasing Him.

    Peter and John healed a lame man at the Temple gate called Beautiful, which led to an opportunity to preach Jesus. Peter preached that Jesus was the fulfillment of two important prophecies: remembering Moses who told of a Prophet, and Abraham who told of One who would bless all families of the earth. Although the religious leaders rejected this preaching and arrested Peter and John, over five thousand others were saved. Peter and John were ordered to not preach Jesus, but they refused to quit.

    Many Believers sold their possessions and brought the money to the Apostles to help those in need. But there was a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about the amount their land sold for, keeping a portion back for themselves. Because they lied to the Holy Spirit, they both died.

    As the Apostles continued to preach Jesus and many were healed, they were imprisoned again. Nevertheless, the angel of the Lord released them and told them to return and continue to preach. The religious leaders, once again, ordered them to not preach, but the Apostles proclaimed, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We will learn how the religious leaders responded to these words, and how one religious leader’s words spared the Apostles lives.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is an idea for a craft to help them remember.

    We had a picture of the Apostles (that they could color), made a jail, and tied a string to it to remove them from jail. They continued to preach, declaring that they ought to obey God rather than men.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon.

  • The Response of the Heart

    “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

    Acts 2:21

    In the early days of the church, there were varied responses to the Gospel Message of Jesus. Many readily believed. However, most of the religious leaders refused. We can read that their rejection became progressively worse.

    • First, we learn that some people were pricked in their heart, and they believed in Jesus (see Acts 2:37):

    When Peter preached in Acts 2, all of the house of Israel should have recognized Jesus. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe Jesus is the Savior of the world. But, how did they respond? “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they were “pricked in their heart.” Pricked means “greatly pained or deeply moved.” It is important that the Gospel message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this “conviction” (which means “found guilty of an offense”). However, it is more important what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. “38. 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. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means “to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ. To think differently; a change of mind demanding a change of action.” Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that individual’s heart. Notice that God “called” them. Call means “God’s call through the Gospel message.” God must call the person. What did the people do once they understood? “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Those who believed in Jesus, responded to God’s call. There were three thousand people who believed!

    • Then we learn some religious leaders were cut to the heart, but they sought counsel to slay those who preached Jesus (see Acts 5:33):

    Peter preached another great sermon in Acts 3. He wanted the people to recognize that not only was Jesus God’s Son, but that this people had chosen to release a murderer instead of Jesus. However, Peter excused them because of their ignorance. “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). But Peter was there to help them understand – so they would not remain ignorant, by reminding them of the prophets words that are found throughout the Old Testament. “But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled” (Acts 3:18). Peter preached Jesus from the Old Testament (see Acts 3:20-26). Because the religious leaders did not like what Peter and John preached, they arrested them (see Acts 4:3). “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). Nevertheless, many others believed.

    Peter proceeded to preach Jesus to the religious leaders: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The religious leaders told them to quit preaching Jesus. However, the Apostles preached and taught daily – even after being put in prison. When they were ordered to quit teaching in Jesus’ name, they understood it was more important to obey and please God, rather than man (see Acts 5:29). Peter continued by preaching Jesus to these religious leaders. How did they respond to the Gospel message? “When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them” (Acts 5:33). They beat the Apostles, told them to not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Instead of receiving the Gospel message of Jesus, they rejected it and wanted to kill the messengers.

    • Finally, we find they were cut to the heart and killed the messenger, Stephen.

    “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). The rulers of the synagogue rose up and disputed with Stephen. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:9). After lying about Stephen and setting up false witnesses against him, Stephen was allowed to speak. He preached from the Old Testament addressing the false accusations against him. “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:51). These men had not kept God’s Word (see Acts 7:53). “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). Although they were cut to the heart, they rejected Jesus and His Word. They then killed the messenger. Instead of repenting, these religious leaders took Stephen out and stoned him.

    Many believed in Jesus. However many rejected Him. The choice was up to each individual.

    Have you been pricked in your heart when you heard the Gospel Message of Jesus?

    Have you responded to the call of God through the Gospel message?

    What is the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ?

  • Judgment

    “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son”

    John 5:22

    No one wants to be judged. Often, people declare, “Judge not lest ye be judged!” However, it doesn’t really matter whether one wants to be judged or not. There is a judgment day coming. Deep down, people really believe this, too. Even movies have been named with this thought in mind. How many can you think of?

    We must be reminded of some of the things Jesus said about judgment: “22. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23. That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” (John 5:22-23). God has committed judgment unto His Son, Jesus. “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). Jesus’ judgment is just because He does the will of His Father, God.

    However, understand why Jesus came; not to judge, but to give life. “46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:46-47). When Jesus first came, it was not to judge but to offer life. This brings to mind a couple of very famous verses: “16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17). Jesus came the first time to bring salvation that is only available through His perfect life and atoning death. Read how this is explained in the following couple of verses: “For he (God) hath made him (Jesus)to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). (Emphasis added.) See also: “And be found in him (Jesus Christ), 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). (Emphasis added.) One must hear the message, acknowledge what Jesus did, believe, and live a transformed life for Him. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

    Read why Jesus came: “And he (Jesus) said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth” (Mark 1:38). (Emphasis added.) See also: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). When Jesus came, He did mighty miracles. “36. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. 37. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:36-37). When Jesus came preaching and doing many miracles, there were still many who did not believe on Him.

    Now that salvation has been paid for and offered to all the world, a choice must be made by each individual. One must remember that judgment is not immediate. One is welcome to live his or her life here on this earth, whichever way that one chooses. What will happen to those who do not receive the message that Jesus preached? “48. He that rejecteth me (Jesus), and receiveth not my words (Jesus’ Words), hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak” (John 12:48-49). (Emphasis added.) The Words Jesus spoke are the Words by which all will be judged. These are recorded in the Bible for us to know. The ultimate and final judgment will come when each person will stand before Jesus one day. (Those who received Jesus’ Words: see 2 Corinthians 5:10; and those who rejected Jesus’ Words and chose to not believe: see Revelation 20:11-15).

    We understand that God sent His only Son, Jesus, not to condemn the world. He came so that the world could be saved. However, the choice is left up to each individual person – to believe or to not believe. “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).

    Anyone who receives Jesus and His Word will have eternal life.

    Anyone who receives not Jesus and His Word will be judged according to that one day.

    The choice is up to you.

    Have you chosen to reject Jesus’ Words and not believe upon Jesus, the only One who can save?

    Or

    Have you chosen to believe Jesus’ Words and to accept His gift of salvation?

    How to accept His gift of Salvation? How to be saved.

  • Righteousness

    “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:”

    Luke 18:9

    There is a very familiar parable that Jesus told about a Pharisee and a publican. “9. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other menare,extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much ashiseyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14.I tell you, this man went down to his house justifiedratherthan the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14). The reason Jesus told this was to draw attention to the fact that some people “trusted in themselves that they were righteous”. This is a very dangerous thing and everyone needs to understand exactly what this means.

    The word righteous has a very long definition in the Greek. Righteous (Dikaios) means “that which is right, conformable to right … When this absolute justice is applied to man, it is stated that there is no man who in his behavior can fully meet the expectations of God in his life (see Romans 3:10: “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one”)…” This very long definition helps one understand what the Bible means when it says righteous. The definition continues, for in Luke 18:9 it has a totally different meaning. Righteous (Dikaios) means “may also apply to the person who establishes his own rules of life. Such was a Pharisee whom the Lord exposed as righteous in himself (see Matthew 9:13: “But go ye and learn whatthatmeaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”; see Luke 18:9: “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:”). Having set up and kept, or pretended to keep, certain standards, the Pharisees called themselves righteous or just in the sight of God. Most of these rules and regulations, however, were not those of inner holiness and conformity to God, but mere performance of external ceremonial ordinances (see Romans 10:3: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”) … The nonbelievers, referred to as heathen, call others righteous or just, as they compare them with their own standards… Christianity must continually combat such a view …” There is much more to this definition, but this section is very interesting in that it deals with man’s definition of righteous – not God’s. Much like the Pharisee in the parable Jesus told.

    Another time Jesus used this definition was when He was addressing the Pharisees as they challenged Jesus for eating with publicans and sinners whom Matthew had brought to meet Jesus. It would be important for us to remember that when people choose to follow Jesus (as Jesus’ disciples had), there is usually trouble stirring nearby. “10. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12. But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13. But go ye and learn whatthatmeaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:10-13). The scribes and Pharisees (the religious leaders) questioned Jesus – but they did not ask their questions directly to Jesus, instead asking Jesus’ disciples. However, Jesus knew what was happening. He immediately stepped in, and dealt with their challenge of Him eating with sinners. Jesus made it clear why He had come. Jesus had, “not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” If you ponder on that for a bit, understanding what the word righteous means according to what we just read, it might scare you a bit. Jesus told them to learn that they were sick (their self-righteousness would not uphold when they stood before God one day). Until they understood that they were sick (lost, apart from Christ and His righteousness), they would die in their sin and spend eternity in hell. They had to first acknowledge their sin, which leads to repentance. Only a sinner who is repentant before God can receive the righteousness of Christ which gives salvation. “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).

    Have you rejected self-righteousness of your own making and instead chosen to receive the righteousness of Christ?

    How to receive Christ.

  • The Woman at the Well

    “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

    Luke 19:10

    Jesus spoke to people right where they were. We can read that Jesus explained the Gospel message to the Samaritan woman by water, which she had come to draw. “4. And he must needs go through Samaria. … 6. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour” (John 4:4, 6). Notice that Jesus knew that He needed to go through Samaria. Even though Jesus came first to the Jews, understand that He did not come exclusively for the Jews. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

    When this woman who lived in Samaria went to the well to draw water, Jesus asked for a drink. “9. Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.11. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?” (John 4:9-11). This woman recognized that Jesus was not a Samaritan, but she did not know who Jesus was. He began to explain to her. “13. Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14. 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). She answered like most people who want temporary needs met. “The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw” (John 4:15). Instead of meeting her temporary, physical need, Jesus wanted to give her lasting salvation. However, this woman needed to recognize her lasting need. “16. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.17. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18. For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly” (John 4:16-18). It is at this point that she is beginning to understand that this man was different. “The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet” (John 4:19). She began to explain that she had a religion (see verse 20). However, Jesus explained to her that a religion would not do. “21. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:21-22). This woman was focusing on a religious practice in a place. Jesus turned her attention to the Father, God. Worship was not in rituals or ceremonies (religious practices), but real worship must be in spirit and in truth. “23. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). God seeks people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. However, when this woman did not know how to do this, she told Him what she did know. “25. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he” (John 4:25-26). She did not need a religion. She needed a relationship with Jesus.

    Jesus told this woman what she needed; living water that only comes by faith in Jesus. Jesus then let her know that He knew everything about her, helping her belief. Although she was not a Jew, she was watching for the Messiah – and He presented Himself to her, personally. What did she do with that information? “28. The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29. Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:28-29). She not only believed but went back to town and told everyone. They came and met Jesus for themselves.

    What happened because of the woman’s witness? “39. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 40. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. 41. And many more believed because of his own word; 42. And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:39-42). The Samaritan Woman believed, “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman” (John 4:39).

    Have you forsaken religion for a relationship with Jesus, then telling others of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world?

    Learn how to meet Jesus: How to be saved.

  • Now is the Day

    “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”

    2 Corinthians 6:2

    The kings of Judah repeatedly wavered between worship of God and idol worship. They often led the people in idol worship. This was in direct disobedience to what God commanded and required of His people (see Exodus 34:10-17; Deuteronomy 29:10-29). King Manasseh (the worst king of Judah) led the people deeply into idol worship. He was very wicked, and although he humbled himself before God and took away the strange gods from the land, his son Amon restored them once he became king. Amon died after being king for only two years, and his son, Josiah, became king of Judah. Because the people were so deeply involved in idol worship, they should have expected God’s judgment. Judah had witnessed God’s judgment fall upon Israel for their departure from God as they were carried captive by Assyria (see 2 Kings 17:6-18). Judah, too, had forsaken God and disobeyed His commands. God sent a prophet named Zephaniah to speak during the reign of King Josiah.

    Zephaniah declared the words from God: “I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD” (Zephaniah 1:2). The people should have recognized the severity of this warning; especially after having witnessed what the Assyrians had done to Israel, the kingdom to the north. However, Zephaniah explained further what God would do. “I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem …” (Zephaniah 1:4a). God was speaking in judgment against the nation of Judah and the city of Jerusalem.

    Zephaniah listed six particular things that God would deal with; things God wanted them to understand (see Zephaniah 1:4b-6):

    1. “4b. and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place”. God is dealing with their idolatry.
    2. “and the name of the Chemarims with the priests”. The word chemarims means “priests who led the people in idolatrous worship.” God would deal with the priests who led the people in this idol worship.
    3. “5. And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops”. The people were involved in astrology (think horoscopes): worshiping the sun, moon, and stars.
    4. “and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham”. The word malcham means “the national idol of the Ammonites. Another name for Molech.” These people had a “religion” where they worshiped God and Molech. They had forgotten: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4). They compromised wanting to have a part in both. Remember of what they were warned: “14. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; 15. (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 6:14-15).
    5. “6. And them that are turned back from the LORD”. This is apostasy – one who knew God but turned their back on Him, forsaking Him. Read some insight in the New Testament as to how God feels about this. “20. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them” (2 Peter 2:20-21).
    6. “and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him”. This is describing one who has never known the Lord. This had happened before. “…and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). Ones we call lost.

    Because the people had continually rejected God as their Lord, God would now be to them a judge. However, before judgment would fall, there was an invitation to return to Him. “2. Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you. 3. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger” (Zephaniah 2:2-3). Those who turned to God were “hidden” in the day of His anger.

    What is the importance today of remembering the words Zephaniah declared from God to the Israelites? Paul preached on Mars Hill to all those who met together to discuss their gods and philosophies of the day. He called their attention to the altar of the “unknown god” to teach them of the God they did not know: “27. That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being … 29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:27-31). Paul pointed them to Jesus.

    “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The invitation to come is still given today.

    Have you heard the invitation to seek after God only, by recognizing Jesus as your Lord?

    What is the invitation?

  • Obedience to Salvation

    “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

    Philippians 2:12

    Jesus is the ultimate example on how Christians are to live in this world. Hence the name Christian; Christ-like. Paul spent much time recording many instructions and examples of what to do.

    When you read Philippians 2:6-8, you are to understand Jesus is God. He stepped away from His throne in glory “… and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus took the form of a servant (while remaining God), and was made in the likeness of men (while remaining God). Jesus had to become a man in order to pay man’s penalty for sin: death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Now does that verse make a lot more sense?

    While Jesus lived in the form of a servant, made in the likeness of man, He was obedient to His Father, God. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). It was then that he paid the penalty for man’s sin, providing the opportunity of eternal life. Jesus died so that anyone who would trust in this act of “payment for my sin”, could gain salvation. This is the Gospel message. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth …” (Romans 1:16). Salvation here means “of spiritual and eternal deliverance.” How does one gain eternal deliverance? By trusting in Jesus as one’s Lord.

    Once one believes that Jesus died upon the cross to pay for sin, then trusting in Jesus as one’s Lord, there is a growing process that is to begin. One of the first things a Christian is to learn is to walk in obedience to God’s Word. One who belongs to Christ must learn to joyfully surrender to His will. Jesus was willing to lay aside His glory for a time, becoming a man, in obedience to His Father. Christians are to lay aside the sinfulness of this world, in obedience to God, our Father, understanding one day we will be with Him in heaven. “12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Romans 6:12-13). One of a Christian’s greatest concerns should be to not live a disappointing life for Christ. God is good in that He will place other Christians in our lives to help and encourage us.

    There are many lives recorded in the Bible that also help us understand how to live as a Christian. Paul was one of the great ones. He understood the importance of obedience, and recorded the following to help us understand. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Work out means “to work fully, that is, accomplish; by implication to finish… perform, work out.” It is important for Christians to accomplish, finish, what God has for us to do. It emphasizes that it is our responsibility. Salvation here means “of the present experience of God’s power to deliver.” This helps us understand that we are not doing it alone – for God’s power is helping us. We are to not come short of what God has for our lives here on the earth, today. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). God working in me emphasizes that God enables us; for we cannot do it on our own. But He allows us to accomplish things for Him while we are on this earth – if we will only obey Him. All that we accomplish for the Lord here depends upon His working in us to accomplish His plan.

    Read what the writer of Hebrews left to encourage us as he came to the close of the book. “20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21). A Christian can be “perfect in every good work” (complete, accomplishing everything God wants us to accomplish on this earth). Note that it is doing His will, and recognizing that Jesus is the one who accomplishes these things in our lives. We cannot do it alone.

    There are no shortcuts to working out one’s salvation. It is a constant, day by day, working at growing in a more Christ-like life. It is much like working out a temporary survival in this wicked world. The greatest thing to understand is that Christians have been given the Holy Spirit within to teach us and lead us into the truths found in God’s Word. Our hope of surviving today is knowing that we have a permanent home with Jesus one day.

    Have you learned to obey the Lord, enabling you to work out your own temporary survival (salvation) in this wicked world?