The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Salvation

  • The Way of the Cross

    “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

    Galatians 5:16

    It is always important to remember salvation is by faith in Jesus and His atoning death upon the cross. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Once one trusts in Jesus, it is incumbent upon that new Christian to make Jesus Lord of that life. We then understand that the Christian life is not just difficult; it is impossible to live apart from the Holy Spirit. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). We are taught to walk in the Spirit. The only way to do this is to learn to deny oneself and do what Christ would have us do. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). It is with these thoughts that I awoke the other morning singing the following song. As I looked up the words to it, I was amazed at the three-fold teaching.

    I Must Needs go Home by the Way of the Cross

    Author: Jessie Brown Pounds (1906)

    “1. I must needs go home by the way of the cross;
    There’s no other way but this.
    I shall ne’er get sight of the Gates of Light
    If the way of the cross I miss. [Refrain]

    2. I must needs go home in the blood-sprinkled way,
    The path that the Savior trod,
    If I ever climb to the heights sublime,
    Where the soul is at home with God. [Refrain]

    3. Then I bid farewell to the way of the world,
    To walk in it nevermore;
    For the Lord says, “Come,” and I seek my home
    Where He waits at the open door. [Refrain]

    Refrain:
    The way of the cross leads home.
    The way of the cross leads home.
    It is sweet to know, as I onward go,
    The way of the cross leads home.”

    I remembered the song teaching that salvation is only through the cross upon which Jesus died. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). If I miss Jesus, I miss – for there is no other way.

    As I read verse two, I recognized that it was teaching that I must walk in the way that Jesus walked: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). That is exactly what Jesus did. I am to follow His example.

    As I read the words to the third verse, I remembered that one day I will leave this world and all of its’ struggles, to live with my Lord forevermore. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).

    In all ways – salvation, walking, and living by the Spirit in this world, and looking forward to my future home – all are by the way of the cross. They each lead me to my eternal home. So the important thing for me to concentrate upon (once I have been saved) is to walk in the Spirit, and I will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. That is my daily job. Remember the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians: “22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5.22-23). As I walk in the Spirit, I begin to produce that fruit, and my character becomes more like Christ. It is then that others can see Jesus in me.

    Have you chosen to walk in the Spirit, daily, producing fruit that changes your character to be more like Jesus?

  • Filled With the Spirit

    “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit”

    Ephesians 5:18

    Is Salvation all there is to the Christian Life?

    Because Christians have the Holy Spirit, we are to no longer walk in the flesh as the rest of the world walks: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Christians have a new life, and we are to walk in it. If you belong to Christ, live like it.

    How do we live this new life in Christ?

    Christians are to understand what God’s will is. We are commanded to be “filled with the Spirit”.

    “17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:17-18).

    Because Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit at salvation, we do not need to get more of the Holy Spirit. We already have Him. However, the filling of the Spirit occurs when the Spirit gets more of the Believer. Paul preached to the Ephesians and saw many of them become Believers (see Acts 19). However, about eight years later when he wrote the letter of Ephesians to them, he taught them that they needed to be filled with the Spirit (see Ephesians 5:18).

    What does this mean?

    Understand the difference between the “gift” of the Spirit and being “filled” with the Spirit:

    • The Gift of the Spirit comes at conversion – when one is saved, the gift of the Holy Spirit is given: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit dwells within Believers: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9).
    • Being filled with the Spirit comes at consecration: Consecration means “the solemn act of setting something or someone apart as sacred, holy, or devoted to God’s service.” “11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 asinstruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members asinstruments of righteousness unto God. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:11-14). They may be close together or years apart.
    • The Gift is the entrance of the Spirit: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).
    • Being filled is the exit of the old self: “9. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). Obviously we cannot be full of the Spirit if we are half-filled with self.
    • The Gift is the birth of a new man: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and ofthe Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
    • Being filled is the death of the old man: “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Many Believers have never put off the old man.
    • The Gift may leave us carnal Christians: “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). It is tragically possible to live and die a carnal Christian.
    • Being filled makes us spiritual Christians: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9). (You should read all of Romans 8:1-11).
    • The Gift of the Spirit is eternal – He abides with us for ever: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).
    • Being filled with the Spirit comes on submission and faith: “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 6:13).

    The first (gift) commits my soul to God; the second (being filled) commits my life, myself to God.

    Have you done this?

    Or have you committed the eternal soul to God and are holding back the mortal life?

  • Believe in Him

    “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

    John 3:15

    Almost everyone has either heard or memorized John 3:16:“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.” However, have you ever stopped to understand what this verse really means?

    In John 3:16, we are to recognize the way in which God loved the world. Because sin had entered into the world, there was a breach between God and man. The penalty for sin is death (see Romans 6:23). There was only one way to bridge that separation and give life. Because God is a loving and gracious God, He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world.“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God gave His Beloved Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for each individual person’s sin with His life. All one must do is believe upon Jesus, receiving this great gift. “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). Can you better understand this verse now? Read the next verse in that passage to understand even better as to why Jesus came: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).

    After reading both of those verses, understand that the gift of the pardon for sin is offered – all one has to do is receive it. This pardon from sin is understood as a promise from God – but only for those who accept that gift. God wanted each person in the world to be saved from the penalty of sin, however God allows each person to make the choice: believe unto salvation or believe not (“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” John 3:18).

    Why would God, who is known for His great love, condemn people? Each person was already condemned because of that separation. God provided the way to be saved – leaving the decision up to each individual. People condemn themselves when they choose to not believe in Jesus (the Light, see John 8:12) and continue in sin. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Those who choose to not believe, love darkness – because their deeds are evil. Surprisingly, many people enjoy sin.

    What if one chooses to continue in sin, rejecting the gift God offered? John summed up the consequences of rejecting this gift of Jesus in the last verse of that chapter. It tells what becomes of one who does not believe that Jesus came and died, living again, enabling Him to take away the sin of each individual who would only 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). This, too, is a promise.

    No one talks about the wrath of God anymore. What exactly is the wrath of God? It is mentioned most often in the New Testament. One clear understanding of it is found in the reading of Romans chapter one. In that chapter, one can understand that God’s wrath is holy and just in its’ indignation against sin. It is so much more than just anger at the willingness of people to continue in sin, it is extreme anger mingled with disgust or abhorrence of that sin.

    How can one escape the wrath of God. and choose this gift God offered? Remember what Jesus declared: “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). It is declared simply in the Scriptures: “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). Because one receives the Lord Jesus, believing by faith, that one will be saved from God’s wrath. “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:9).

    Life is fleeting and short. No one knows what tomorrow may hold. It is up to each individual to decide. Choose life (eternal with Jesus), or receive the penalty for sin – the wrath of God abiding on him.

    Each person has a choice to make:

    • Believe on the Son and have everlasting life, or
    • Believe not the Son and have the wrath of God abide upon them.

    Have you chosen to receive the gift of salvation (life) by believing in Jesus?

  • Wisdom or Power?

    “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

    1 Corinthians 2:5

    Paul began the first book of Corinthians addressing a problem. He wanted the Believers (Christians) to understand what was important: the preaching of the Gospel Message. Paul later summed up what that Gospel Message is in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “… that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”. These are the basic truths of the Gospel Message. Paul emphasized the power that is in that salvation. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). See the following to help understand what this verse means:

    • preaching means to speak intelligently about the word of the cross
    • cross means the whole passion of Christ and the merit of His sufferings and death
    • them that perish means exposed to eternal death
    • foolishness means foolishness or absurdity
    • saved means those who have obtained salvation through Christ and are kept by Him
    • power means a person in whom the power of God is manifested

    Jesus came to pay the penalty for “them that perish”, taking that eternal death away from any who would only believe. The “power of God” was then revealed in those who believed in Christ’s work on the cross: “the whole passion of Christ and the merit of His sufferings and death”. Each Believer was changed.

    There were a couple of groups in that day (and in our day) that could not get past this “foolishness” of the preaching of the cross. “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:22). The Jews were bound in their religious system and the outward showing of the rituals of the Old Testament Law. The Greeks sought after wisdom. Wisdom means “the knowledge of how to regulate one’s relationship with God; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual). What did Paul want them to understand? “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23). The message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection would not be accepted by the “religious” Jew, for they were bound in their religious system, having to “do” something. The Greeks thought it was just absurd to believe that one must trust in Christ as apposed to intelligently gaining their own salvation, in their own way. Both groups did not understand that it is only through the cross, in the “power of God” (see 1 Corinthians 1:18) that one is saved. Paul further explained this to help them understand: “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Neither the wisdom of man or the strength of a religion can save one. It is only by faith in Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross.

    Paul explained this further. “1. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1-2). Paul shared “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” which is the “the testimony of God”. Paul did not use fancy teaching or enticement to help them understand the Gospel Message. “4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Demonstration means “manifestation”. Because Paul just preached the truth of Christ, a Believer’s (Christian’s) faith was not by man’s reasoning or wisdom. The Spirit of God is manifested, and one can choose to believe. It is then that the power of God is acknowledged in that life. We call this becoming “saved”. All men need the salvation provided by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. However not all will receive it. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). The preaching of the cross reveals the only means of salvation. Remember how Paul taught this in Romans. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:8-13). Salvation is not of any man – not even Paul. Each person must choose to believe by the correct faith – faith in Jesus’ completed work on the cross.

    Does your faith stand in the wisdom of men?

    Or

    Does you faith stand in the power of God?

    Click here to find the way to Salvation by faith.

  • 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.