The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Salvation

  • Work out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

    “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

    Paul wrote the book of Philippians to a church he had established on his second missionary journey while accompanied by Silas, Timothy, and Luke (see Acts 16). Paul rejoiced after hearing about the church at Philippi and the growth they had experienced, encouraging them to continue growing in Christ. They were to live every part of their lives pleasing to God. A very important part of that was to learn to have the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Paul took them to the ultimate example for every Christian: Jesus.

    Read the example of Jesus looking upon the need of sinful man instead of Himself. “6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:6-11).

    Jesus, God, laid down his glory to become in the likeness of man, humbling himself to the death upon the cross for the sins of all mankind. By doing this, anyone has the opportunity to be saved from the penalty of sin – if one would only “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” There has never, nor will ever be, a greater selfless act than Jesus’ death upon the cross. Because of Jesus’ obedience to His Father, God, He was lifted up by God, Himself, who “highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” 

    Paul believed that the Christians at Philippi needed to be reminded of what Jesus did for them. Paul wanted the Believers to understand the seriousness of the Christian life, and the diligence it takes to live it. Although they had listened to Paul and followed his instructions, it was extremely important that they understood why they were to do the things he had taught them to do. “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 you “work” for your salvation. The words work out means “to accomplish; finish; toil; commit.” Christians are to allow the salvation (that they already have because of Jesus) to be manifested (revealed by how they live Christ-like) in the expression of this new life. It is the actualization of what one already possesses! Christians need to live Christ-like for their own benefit and to encourage non-Believers to want what they have through Christ. See how it is further explained in the following verse. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). All Christians have to “earnestly contend for the faith” which reveals to us that each one must work diligently to accomplish a faithful Christian life.

    What do we understand happens when a Christian works diligently to live a Christ-like life, even through many times of testing? “7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:7-9). Christians understand that at the end of our time here on this earth, we are to desire to be found unto “praise and honour and glory” when we see Jesus.

    Would they have to do all of this work on their own? “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. When you read “both to will,” it is letting us know that it is to be our desire to do what God expects of us. When you read “and to do,” we understand that we are to actually complete what God wants us to accomplish. Once Christians remember that our life is no longer our own, for we have been bought with a price (see 1 Corinthians 6:20), and remember what it was Jesus did to purchase each Christian’s salvation, Christians are to want to live a life pleasing Him.

    Have you learned to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, understanding God will help you?

  • Righteousness and Salvation

    “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
    Ephesians 6:10

    In this world, one only needs to look around to see just how prevalent sin has become. This sin is what separates man from the perfect and righteous God. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). However, instead of man wanting to reestablish the broken relationship, that separation from God, man’s tendency is to continue in that sin. “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.” (Isaiah 59:7).

    Paul understood this, for he was one who recognized he was a sinner separated from God (“… that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” 1 Timothy 1:15b). In that recognition that he was a sinner, he wanted all people to understand they were in the same condition in which he found himself. “10. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. …18. There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:10-18). But more than that, he wanted all to recognize that God knew, and He had made a provision to restore that broken relationship.

    Man needed an intercessor (a mediator between a sinful man and a Holy God). In order to be worthy, the intercessor had to be perfect, sinless, enabling Him to redeem man from the condemnation of sin – death. God sent His only Son into the world to pay the penalty for man’s sin. In the book of Isaiah, God told the people what He would do. “16. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. 17. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke … 19. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. 20. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 59:16-20). Jesus, the Redeemer, came. He became the intercessor, bringing salvation by His righteousness. With that, when the enemy comes, there is a standard that is lifted up against him. It is Jesus, the Redeemer. He came – just as God declared He would. “4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) … 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 2:4-5, 8-9).

    However, sin reigns in this world. Paul wrote important words to the churches in Ephesus. “10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:10-12). Paul warned that Christians are in a battle – but it is not “against flesh and blood.” Paul told specifically who and what the battle would be fought against: the devil and his demons who rule in this world.

    How can Christian’s possibly stand against the “wiles of the devil” (wiles means “to work by method; connected with evil doing; to deceive, beguile”). Because of the previous picture that we read of the righteousness and salvation that Jesus took upon Himself (see Isaiah 59:16-17), we can understand even better what Paul taught. He gave us this same reference (of armament) to understand what is available to Christians as we learn to stand becoming zealous against sin in our day. We are in a battle, and we must be prepared to withstand. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). The Christian’s armor:“14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17).The final action Paul taught Christians should take as we stand against the “wiles of the devil” is Prayer. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). These are necessary to withstand in these wicked days.

    Have you trusted in Jesus’ righteousness, having His salvation?

    Have you taken up the Christian’s Armor, enabling you to withstand in this evil day?

    How to be Saved

  • Jesus, the Only Salvation

    “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

    Paul heard of some troubles in the church at Corinth. He then wrote a letter to the Corinthians (the book of 1 Corinthians in the New Testament Bible). He addressed them as the fellow Christians, saved by grace, which they were. He also wanted to remind them of something. “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). No matter what problems Christians may have, God is faithful to those who are called by Him.

    Paul had heard of the factions and discord that was troubling the church at Corinth. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). It was not good to have factions or discord in the church. These had caused contentions in the church. The first problem Paul addressed concerned the Believers who had been saved under different leaders ministries. They were making an issue out of something that should not have been a cause for division. “12. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Can you readily recognize the problem Paul pointed out? The people were choosing to follow a man instead of God. They were divided because some had been saved under the teaching of Paul, some under the teaching of Apollos, and even some of them under the teaching of Peter (Cephas). Only one group was correct – the group that declared, “and I of Christ.” All, who are Believers, are saved by Jesus Christ. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead …12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10, 12).

     The Believers in Corinth had neglected the foundational truth Paul (and even Apollos and Peter) had taught – “the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4). It was not by the preacher or teacher that one was saved, it was by the Gospel message of Jesus. The people had forgotten that salvation (deliverance from the penalty of sin) was only through Jesus, and instead they were fighting amongst themselves over their favorite teacher, emphasizing the one who had baptized them. This caused divisions. There was to be unity. For when the people were divided, they did not do what they were supposed to do. Because they were so busy fighting, they were not growing in their Christian life. The people were not reaching out, teaching people about Jesus. Not only that, but they were to teach the new Believers how to live that new life in Christ. These things were to be the primary functions of the church.

    The people in the church at Corinth had turned the focus from the Gospel message of Jesus to the baptism by one of God’s servants. Paul dealt with this issue. “17. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18. 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 1:17-18).

    Paul wanted to remind the people of something important: it was not the messenger who presented the Gospel message that was to be remembered (“not with wisdom of words”), but it was the message that was to be remembered. Paul taught Jesus in simple language that anyone could understand. By the world’s standards (“to them that perish”), this is foolish, for the better the orator, the more likely people will be enticed to do as the speaker teaches. Nevertheless, Paul wanted them to understand this is not the way to bring someone to Christ. For when people are saved, it is not the great speaker, but “it is the power of God.” Only God has the ability to save souls. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). God does not operate by the world’s wisdom. God chose to use people to declare the Gospel message to other people, introducing them to the only way to be saved. “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). The Gospel message of Jesus is the only way in which one can be saved.    

    Have you chosen to follow man instead of God?

    Or

    Are you growing in your Christian life and telling others about Jesus?

  • Jesus: The Power of God unto Salvation

    “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

    Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. He wanted the people to hear the Gospel message of Christ. “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). Paul wanted people to understand some important truths of the Gospel of Christ, which is the only means of eternal salvation. 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.” Paul was not ashamed to tell anyone what Jesus could do for them. Paul wanted people to understand the ability to be delivered from sin. It was important they heard the truth. It is then an individual must decide what to do with that truth (the Gospel message that salvation is only through Jesus). It is a choice to believe it, or reject it.

    Paul explained to the people of sin, and then proceeded to teach them why they needed “salvation” that comes only from Jesus. “21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:21-22). God had revealed Himself to mankind, but they did not give Him the glory and honor He deserved. Many did not fully understand the separation of sinful man from God. They did not believe what God had revealed to them, instead, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” The next verses (in Romans chapter one) tell how the people were foolish by not recognizing God as the Creator, but instead change Him into a corruptible image. They rejected God. Therefore, when man rejected God, “God also gave them up to uncleanness” (see Romans 1:24) allowing mankind to be just what they are – sinful creatures. Once this happens, mankind often chooses to live a depraved lifestyle. Understand: God does not make anyone do anything, but God wants all of mankind to choose to turn from sin and accept the free gift of salvation that He offers.

      Nevertheless, just because God does not make mankind do anything (as in choosing to believe in God and accept his gift of salvation), He does require man to be accountable for his deeds. “6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath … 11. For there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:6-11). Therefore, we understand that man without Jesus is exceedingly wicked. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Moreover, there is a penalty: God will “render to every man according to his deeds.”

    One must understand that without the Law found in the Old Testament, man did not fully understand their lost condition or their need of salvation. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). See that the law revealed that man is sinful. Then one can understand the importance of salvation that is only available through the Saviour, Jesus. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). Once one recognizes that he or she is a sinful man who stands before a Holy God, a choice must be made. To continue in that sin, or ask God to take that sin away.

    How did God plan for that sin to be taken away – enabling man to stand justified before God? See the following verse: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Justified means “the justification bestowed by God upon men through Christ, through the instrumentality of faith.” Because of what Jesus did upon the cross (took the penalty of sin), see what Paul revealed. “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). The law only revealed sin; it could not take away man’s sin. Faith, in what Jesus did to take away that sin, is the only thing that justifies man before God. Only those who believe God and his gift of salvation will gain eternal life. It is a choice. Continue in sin, or believe Jesus will take that sin away.

    Remember that when Jesus came, God made salvation available to anyone. “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). Whosoever believeth.

    Is your foolish heart darkened, professing yourself to be wise, becoming a fool?

    Or

    Have you believed, by faith, in what Jesus did upon the cross to take away your sin?

    How to be Saved

  • Iniquity Separates

    “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
    Isaiah 59:2

    Excerpt from Year Two Quarter Three, Lesson 3: Isaiah 40-66: Grace and Salvation

    “This section begins with a pointing out of the people’s sin. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1). Especially notice what the people had been doing. “Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God” (Isaiah 58:2). They had been seeking God and His ways – daily. Moreover, they were going to the Temple when required and performing their duties. We can understand that outwardly it appeared they were doing everything right: they were seeking after God, wanting to know His ways, going to the Temple, and doing what they were supposed to do. However, from God’s perspective, they were sinners who needed their sin declared aloud. Knowing what sin is was not enough. Going through the motions of religion was not enough. There was a serious problem! God was not pleased. “4b. … ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 5. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?” (Isaiah 58:4b-5)…

    “God wanted to see a people humbled before Him, seeking forgiveness for their sins. This would change their whole outlook. “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward” (Isaiah 58:8). Then God would hear them and answer them (see Isaiah 58:9-14).

    “God’s people had not yet learned how to do it correctly. Nevertheless, that could not stop God from doing all he planned. “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear” (Isaiah 59:1). It was God’s people in the error. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). They were a sinful people, and everything they tried to do to become a righteous people failed. God was warning them again that because of their sinfulness, the enemy would come in and take them away from their homeland. But one day, in the distant future, God gives hope again, of one who can take their sin from them. “And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 59:20). And this verse introduces us to what the rest of the book of Isaiah is all about.

    “Remember back for a minute. We read that God’s glory filled the Tabernacle when Moses completed it in the wilderness (see Exodus 40:34). God’s glory also filled the Temple that King Solomon built (see 2 Chronicles 5:14). We will read in Ezekiel how God’s glory departed before the coming invasion of the Babylonians to carry God’s people out of the land. Do you remember why the glory of the Lord departed? The people sought idols instead of watching for Jesus to come. Remember what we can read in John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Jesus came. He was God’s glory. Nevertheless, the world (as a whole) rejected Him. As we read Isaiah chapter sixty, we find a promise. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1). One day, Jesus will come again. And at that time, God will turn His attention back to His people, the Israelites. However, before that day comes, see what will happen. “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:2). The world will become a very dark place before the Lord returns to rule and reign. At that time, God will make Jerusalem what He had always intended for it to be – and the whole world will want to come and see it! (“… And they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel” Isaiah 60:14b.)” 

    Remember why it was that Jesus sent Paul to proclaim the message of salvation to all: “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

    Have you turned from darkness to Light (Jesus), from the power of Satan unto God, receiving forgiveness of sin?

  • A Religion, or a Relationship?

    “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.”
    Ephesians 4:18

    A religious practice had so engrained itself into the Israelites during the New Testament times that the people no longer realized they were to look for their Messiah: for their hearts had become hardened. When Jesus came and died to set them free from their religious system, restoring the relationship with God, they rejected Him. The religious Jews had their understanding darkened – they just did not get it. See this explained in the following verse. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18). Blindness means “callousness or hardness.” Paul was a Pharisee, a part of that religious system. He had been instructed in the Old Testament, and declared that, “after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee” (Acts 26:5). He not only knew the Old Testament Scriptures, but he lived by them. He was very religious. However, when Jesus called him, Paul listened to, and obeyed, that call. It was then that Paul understood that he had been living in darkness. He saw the Light, Jesus, and believed. He then had a great burden to tell the religious, Jewish people who were living in darkness and help them understand that Jesus was the only way to remove the “blindness of their heart.” Paul became a missionary in the New Testament times, wanting to declare the truth of Jesus to those religious, Jewish people. When he entered a city, he migrated toward the Jews and their Synagogues where he taught them Jesus from their Old Testament Scriptures. Some believed, but overall the Jewish people rejected the message. So much so that many times these religious Jews tried to kill Paul. When Paul was rejected repeatedly, he declared that he would take the Gospel message to the Gentiles “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it” (Acts 28:28). There was a dynamic shift.

    The Gentiles have predominately received the Gospel Message since that time. However, one cannot help but recognize that today, not many Gentile people are willing to receive the Gospel Message of Jesus. One can understand that there is a sort of darkness that has come upon the world as a religious system of “Christianity” has taken precedence within the world today. Many who claim the name of “Christian” today have a religion, not a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul could see this happening in the newly established church in his day. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18). Blindness means “callousness or hardness.” Just as the Jews had their religious system, many churches have established their own “religious system.” This leads to people believing in a “church” or “religious acts” (such as baptism, attending church, doing good deeds, loving others, or a recognition of God, etc.). Above all, one must actually hear the call of repentance of sin (repent means “to think differently; a change of mind demanding a change of action”), and then turn to Jesus who is the “Salvation of God” (Acts 28:28). One’s heart must be enlightened by the Light, Jesus: “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).

    How can one’sheart be enlightened today? “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” (Romans 10:8-10). One must have a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus. Without Jesus, one has a religion. A religion is a cheap copy of the real thing. It would be a tragedy for anyone to have attended church, followed the religious instructions of what to do to live as a “Christian,” yet to never really know what a true Christian life is. Paul recognized that many Jews in his day had a religion. He then understood what Isaiah had written and quoted it. “26. Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Acts 28:26-27).

    Have we come full circle? Do the people today hear, and not understand? Do they see, yet not perceive? Have the hearts of the people “waxed gross” and become “dull of hearing?” Have the religious people in the churches today closed their eyes, lest they be converted? Why has this happened? “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). Without a change of heart that receives Jesus, one cannot become a true Christian.

    Do you have a religion?

    Or

    Have you believed in your heart unto righteousness, confessing Jesus, establishing a relationship?

    How to be Saved

  • Are you Bold to Speak of Salvation?

    “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

    In the very early days of the church, there was a boldness of sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ (His death, burial, and resurrection). Peter was the first to preach to the crowds, calling the people to a time of repentance and belief in Jesus. When he preached, many people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus. Because it was the early establishment of the church, the Apostles were able to heal and do many great things. One of the first was when Peter and John went to the Temple and healed a lame man in the name of Jesus. Not only was he healed, but this man also praised God for this healing. When the people heard what happened to the lame man, they came and heard a message from Peter where he said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19a). Repent means “to think differently; to feel compunction (a feeling of guilt that follows doing something wrong).” There had to be a change.

    However, read the religious leaders’ reaction to this preaching of Jesus. “2. Being grieved that they taught the people … 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day…” (Acts 4:2-3). Because the religious leaders did not like what Peter and John preached, Peter and John were arrested. Nevertheless, recognize that many other people believed the Gospel message. “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4).   

    When the religious leaders challenged Peter and John, asking why they taught Jesus, read what Peter said. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole … 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10, 12). (Remember that “this man stand here before you whole” was the man who was previously lame that had been sitting at the Temple gate.) When Peter and John spoke this boldly for Jesus, claiming there was no other name by which anyone could be saved, see what the religious leaders who did not believe in Jesus recognized. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The religious leaders were amazed that these men (remember they were fishermen) could speak like this. They recognized that these men had been with Jesus. Moreover, because of the lame man that had been healed, they could not deny the truths these men taught – but they did not want the name of Jesus spread. Therefore, they commanded Peter and John not to speak of Jesus any more. Their response? “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). They were going to continue to preach Jesus and His resurrection. 

    After being released from prison (see Acts 4:23), they returned to the other Believers, praying and rejoicing, thanking God for what He had done. “… And they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31b).

    Take notice that these men were bold as they taught the people of salvation that is only given by Jesus. They remembered what Jesus had taught them. “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). After Jesus died, was buried, rose from the dead, and then ascended back into heaven, they began to understand. They had witnessed these important events and taught the people because Jesus told them to go and “… be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b).

    Does anyone share the Gospel message of Jesus’ salvation in our world today? If the message of repentance is shared, does anyone respond? What is a Christian to do in this world today? The Bible message has not changed. The only way to have life is to believe in Jesus for salvation. “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).

    Why do we not see many people saved? “18. 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. 19. 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 3:18-19). They do not believe.

    Have you repented and then believed in Jesus for salvation? Have you told anyone about Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 3: Isaiah 40-66: Grace and Salvation

    Key Verse

    I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

    —Romans 11:11

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse for this lesson. We learned in our last lesson that God’s people, as a whole, failed miserably at keeping God’s Law. Because of that, there would be judgment. However, in this lesson, we will find that because they failed to be the people God intended for them to be (“they stumbled”), which allowed a time where God opened the gift of salvation to the Gentile people. Understand that this was to show the Israelite people what God had intended for them – so that they would become jealous of Christians today! We will learn in our lesson today just what it was that the Israelite people missed.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that even though Israel failed in being a light to the world, this became an opportunity for Gentiles to become Christians. Christians must be the light to the world to show them Jesus!

    Lesson Summary: Remember what we have learned so far: Isaiah examined the sins of Judah, speaking to the kings in their courts. He spoke during the days of Uzziah (Azariah, a good king), Jotham (a good king), and during the days of King Ahaz (a very bad king). He also strongly influenced King Hezekiah, a very good king.

    In our last lesson, we saw the reality of a world apart from God, all those who do not obey God’s Law. There were ten burdens of destruction upon the nations, and six woes upon Jerusalem and Judah. Nevertheless, even with the words of destruction, there was a hope of restoration for God’s people. 

    In this lesson, we understand that there is a hope of Grace and Salvation pictured in the book of Isaiah. We discovered that the first thirty-nine books deal mainly with the judgments of God and the history of His people (remember this is the theme of the Old Testament). In this lesson, we will look at the last twenty-seven chapters understanding they deal with the grace of God as it is extended through His Messiah, and the promise of restoration (much like the theme of the New Testament). Not only this, but we understand that because Israel would never fully commit to God, God set them aside for a period of time. However, during that period of time, God opened the door for the Gentile people (an extension of grace) to have an opportunity to believe in Jesus (Salvation) – if only they would believe. Isaiah chapters 40-66 can easily be divided into three sections. Interestingly enough, right in the middle of the second section is Isaiah chapter 53. This chapter deals with the Messiah, Jesus. It is a vivid description of Jesus’ atoning death on the cross.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 3 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 3 Student Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to go with this lesson.

    We made footprints and glued them to construction paper (you could also trace the child’s foot onto the paper) along with Isaiah 52:7.

  • Do You Confess, or Deny Jesus?

    “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
    Matthew 10:32-33

    As you read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), you learn of Jesus’ Teachings. More than that, as you read of Jesus’ Miracles, one can see the compassion of Jesus and the call to faith – to believe in Jesus. In Jesus’ Parables, He specifically wanted to teach His followers about heavenly things. However, more than that, in those parables, there was another call for a time of decision – to follow Jesus and His teachings, or to refuse them and thereby reject Him.

    But did all believe? “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:37). Many did not believe though they saw many great miracles. Often times, those who did believe were afraid to admit that belief in Jesus. “42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). Notice the reason those who believed because of Jesus’ words but were hesitant to admit that belief. They were afraid of their “friends” or “colleagues,” the Pharisees. It is important to recognize that no one should be afraid to acknowledge their belief in Jesus – no matter what one’s friends might say. (Remember what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” Matthew 10:32-33.) 

    See how Jesus responded to the lack of any of the chief rulers to confess. (Confess “means to agree with; confess publicly, acknowledge openly; profess ‘the Lord being Jesus.’”)  As you continue reading, see that Jesus cried out. One can almost sense His frustration in consistently declaring the truth, yet the refusal of most to act upon it. “44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 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 12:44-47). Understand that Jesus directed the people’s attention to God. When the people saw Jesus, they were in fact seeing God – for Jesus had come to the earth to be revealed to mankind, as the “light into the world” for He had the words of life – if only one would hear them. However, if one refused, read what He declared. “48. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 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. 50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:48-50).

     God knew their hearts. If they rejected Jesus, God would judge them one day. Notice that Jesus declared that He spoke the words of God to the people.

    The following is a great example of one who heard of Jesus, went to see Him, and openly believed. We can read of this man, named Zacchaeus. Most people remember the children’s song that tells of him. And it is quite accurate with what the Bible teaches us. Jesus was passing through Jericho. “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich” (Luke 19:2). He was a short man who could not see Jesus as He passed because of the crowd. So, “he climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Saviour passed that way, He looked up in that tree, and He said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down. For I’m going to your house today.’” Jesus went to his house, and Zacchaeus believed in Jesus. We understand this because Jesus declared, “This day is salvation come to this house …” (Luke 19:9b). Jesus added something very important for all to remember. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Remember that this is why Jesus came into the world.

    Have you openly believed in Jesus, or are you like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who were afraid?

    How to be Saved

  • Believe, by Faith

    “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
    Acts 15:11

    Jesus’ ministry began shortly after John the Baptist introduced Jesus saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b). Then “… Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). There were many facets of Jesus’ ministry. Not only did he preach repentance to the people, but he healed many as well. “35. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36). The words moved with compassion means “from the bowels; to feel deeply; to yearn, have compassion, pity.” Jesus saw the need of the people. However, especially notice that it took a decision on the part of the person, or persons, involved – to believe or not to believe. Remember: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

    Sometimes after Jesus healed someone, He would say to tell no one. However, oftentimes the one healed told everyone – insomuch that Jesus could not enter into the city for the crowds that wanted to see Him. This hindered Jesus’ ability to preach. “1. And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them” (Mark 2:1-2). Soon the crowds heard He was in town and went to find Him. “3. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:3-5). Four friends brought a man sick of the palsy to Jesus to be healed. Palsy means “the loss of motor power in the muscles or the voluntary muscular motion; equivalent to motor paralysis.” These friends lowered the sick man (who could not come on his own) through the roof because there were too many people in the house. Nevertheless, Jesus saw their faith. Faith means “faith in Christ to be able to work miracles or to heal the sick.” Do you remember what Jesus went about preaching? Repent. Repent means “to change the mind; regret or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward God; sorrow for unbelief and sin and turning from them unto God and the gospel of Christ.” Jesus wanted the people to turn from their sin. Therefore, he forgave those who came to Him in faith.   

    “But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7. Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:6). These scribes understood that it was only the Lord, “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases” (Psalm 103:3). Yet, they witnessed Jesus declare this man’s sins were forgiven. “8. And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9. Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10. But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11. I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion” (Mark 2:7-12).

    When Jesus forgave that man’s sins, the scribes were “reasoning in their hearts.” Amazingly, Jesus knew their thoughts and answered their unspoken questions. Remember: God knows all. In addition, to show these unbelieving religious leaders He had the ability to not only heal but also forgive sins, Jesus told the man to take up his bed and walk. And he did. All were amazed at this healing.

    Christians understand that sinners must be brought to Jesus. Just as these four friends brought their friend to meet Jesus, we, too, must bring our friends to Jesus. However, most importantly, we must understand that although the four friends brought this man with palsy to Jesus, this man had to decide for himself. He had to have faith in Jesus, believing His words. When the man obeyed, he was healed. It was not his friends’ faith that saved him. It was incumbent upon that man to decide whether he believed Jesus’ word or not. He had to act upon the word of Jesus. When he immediately arose, took up his bed, and went forth – that showed his faith in Jesus. No one had ever seen anything like that before.

    Remembering that Jesus came to provide salvation, if you do not tell your friends about Jesus, who will?

    How to be Saved