The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Sin

  • Grieve not the Spirit

    “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

    Ephesians 4:30

    Saul was king of Israel. God’s Spirit was upon him, yet Saul chose to sin against God. When confronted with that sin, Saul did not repent (see 1 Samuel 13 and 15). Instead, he chose to continue in that sin. God removed His spirit from King Saul. In its place, God allowed an evil spirit to trouble King Saul (see 2 Samuel 16:14). God sent Samuel to anoint a young man, David, to become the next king of Israel. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward …” (1 Samuel 16:13).

    God had chosen David. “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Later, David became the next king of Israel. God’s Spirit was with David. When David willfully sinned, he was confronted with that sin. Nathan the prophet told David a story of one who had done wrong. David declared that the man should die for his sin (see 2 Samuel 12:1-6). “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man …” (2 Samuel 7a). David’s response? “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). We should recognize that David immediately repented. He wrote Psalm 51 revealing his heart as he sought repentance from God. It would be good to read the entire Psalm, but especially consider the following: “1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight … 7. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow … 9. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:1-4, 7, 9-13).

    David had witnessed what happened in King Saul’s life when God’s Spirit was removed, and an evil spirit troubled King Saul. David did not want God to remove His Spirit from him. He not only prayed for forgiveness, but also to wash him thoroughly, cleanse him, and blot out his sin. However, more than that, David asked God to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. He wanted the joy of his salvation restored. When this happened, David would be in a position to teach others of the forgiveness of God, showing them the way to be converted to God. What an amazing prayer!

    Today, we understand that when one becomes a Christian, God’s Spirit is given and never taken away (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). We are sealed unto the day of redemption. “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). However, did you notice that we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit? Grieve means “to cause to grieve, make sorrowful”. Ephesians chapter four lists many things Christians are to keep out of their lives. Notice the listing of sin, beginning with the instruction, “that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk” (see Ephesians 4:17-22). It then proceeds to teach, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 17:24). It gives more instructions for Christians (see Ephesians 17:23-29) before the imperative to “grieve not the holy Spirit”. When a Christian chooses to willfully sin, it is then that the Holy Spirit is grieved (caused to be grieved, made sorrowful). We are encouraged to refrain from sin. However, when we do sin (because we are a sinful people living in a sinful world), we should learn by example. King Saul did not repent, choosing instead to remain in his sin. On the other hand, after David was convicted of his sin, he immediately repented and prayed to God. David turned from that sin, with a changed heart, back to God. Although there were consequences for David’s sin, God did not turn from David or remove His hand from David’s life. David became the greatest king that Israel ever had. “And when he had removed him (King Saul), he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will”(Acts 13:22). 

    Have you chosen to willfully sin, grieving the Holy Spirit?

    Or

    Have you “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • A Warning from a Watchman

    “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.”
    Ezekiel 3:17

    God called Ezekiel to be a watchman. “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 3:17). He was called to warn the Israelites during their captivity in Babylon. God gave Ezekiel the words that needed to be spoken to God’s people. The people of Judah had to understand that they were being disciplined for their rebellion against God and His Word.      

    The most important message Ezekiel had for God’s people was that although Israel had sinned, and they were under the chastisement of God, He would reveal Himself to them. “11. … I will judge you in the border of Israel: 12. And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you” (Ezekiel 11:11b-12). They had not obeyed or walked with God. However, God left a promise for the future of Israel. He promised to gather them together again and give back to them the land of Israel. At that time, the people would take away the detestable things and all of the abominations (Ezekiel 11:16-18). When this happened, read what God would do for His people: “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). What would happen once they had a heart of flesh? “That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God” (Ezekiel 11:20). God not only wanted them to understand the chastisement (for not walking according to God’s commands), but He promised them a change of heart so they could obey His commands. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, Ezekiel was to remind the Israelites that God wanted them to be His people, and He would be their God.              

    Why was this message so important?

    Sin had so engrained itself into the Israelites at that time that most of the people no longer realized they were sinning against God and His Law, for their hearts had become hard. In the Old Testament, the Israelites’ understanding was darkened – they just did not get it. “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.” Their hearts had become hardened to the guilt of sin. They thought they were living just fine.

    Why is it important for us to know this? Do Christians still have the same problem today? Is sin so engrained in our hearts and lives that we do not even realize how much sin is present in our lives? Are our hearts hardened to sin? What are Christians to do? In Ezekiel, God told His people that he would take the stony heart out and give them a heart of flesh. It was only then that they could walk with God and keep His Word. It was then that they would be God’s people and He would be their God. Without a change of heart, God’s Word cannot be written in one’s heart.  How can one’s heart be changed? “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). God’s Word tells us that by faith in Jesus, believing in the heart, Jesus can save, changing the heart.

    After conviction of sin and by belief in Jesus, God will give one a heart of flesh instead of a stony heart. “3. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward” (2 Corinthians 3:3-4). When God’s Law (the Bible) is in our heart, the Spirit of the Living God constantly reminds us when have disobeyed God’s Word. It is then that we are convicted of sin, and our heart’s desire will be to eliminate sin from our lives and live pleasing to God.

    A Christian cannot continue to live a sinful life, for because Christ is in a Christian’s heart and life, sin cannot be tolerated. The Spirit will convict. If that Christian does not correct, there will be discipline (see Hebrews 12:5-8). If one professes to be a Christian and continues in sin, that lifestyle betrays the heart – for it does not belong to Jesus (see 1 John 3:8-10). 

    Have you heard the warning of the Watchman, heeding the warning to not rebel against God’s Word?

  • Hardened Through Deceitfulness

    “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
    Hebrews 3:12

    Before Jesus went to the cross, he left some encouraging words for his followers. He promised that he would send the Comforter (also called the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost) to them. Read the following to understand the job of the Comforter (Holy Spirit). “7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9. Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” (John 16:7-11). This is an important job. When one is faced with sin, it is the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) that convicts (reproves) the heart of sin. It is then up to the individual as to what they do with that conviction. Ideally, when one feels the conviction of sin, there is a turning away from that sin to Jesus. This is repentance. This conviction of sin comes often to Believers (Christians). However, there is an initial recognition of sin for each individual. It is then that the recognition of one’s condition of sin is revealed, recognizing that there is a separation between that sinner and a perfect and Holy God. This is referred to as a call (or “draw”) to salvation only found in Jesus. Read how Jesus described this event: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44).

    Read the following issue for all who hear the offer of salvation in Christ. “4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6). Once a person has heard the conviction of sin from the Holy Spirit (“once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift”), there is a choice that must be made. One choice is to either act upon that conviction (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23), confessing sin and trusting in Jesus to take that sin away, thereby becoming a Christian (“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8). The other choice is to ignore that conviction and continue in one’s sin. If one chooses to ignore the conviction of God’s Spirit, there may not be another chance to repent. We have a vivid example from the Old Testament that most are quite familiar with. Remember Pharaoh and the ten plagues (see Exodus chapters 7-14). Pharaoh did not acknowledge God. “And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go” (Exodus 5:2). God then sent ten plagues. For the first five plagues, we read that Pharaoh hardened his heart. However, for the final five plagues, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. There arrived a point that God no longer allowed Pharaoh the privilege of choosing to turn to God and His will. Pharaoh had lost his opportunity, and God removed the opportunity. The same can happen to one who hears the conviction from God’s Spirit upon the heart today. If one chooses to reject God and His will (choosing their own will, continuing in sin), there is no guarantee that God will provide another opportunity for repentance. One may just spurn away their day of grace, which would render that one separated from God – forever. Remember Esau: “16. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Hebrews 12:16-17). He waited too long. 

    By one’s attitude toward Christ and His gift, that one reveals the true condition of that heart and soul. Read the following warning and invitation: “12. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12-13).

    Have you responded to the conviction of sin, repenting and turning to Jesus Christ while it is today?

    How to be Saved

  • The Strong One versus the Stronger One

    “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”
    Galatians 3:22

    Jesus was teaching the people. He wanted them to understand the power He held. The people were having a hard time understanding, so he explained. “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace” (Luke 11:21). This “strong man” he is referring to is the prince of this world, the devil. (See Ephesians 2:2: “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”) We are to understand something very important. However, in order to understand this, one must know the difference between one who belongs to Jesus and one who does not.

    One, who believes in Jesus by faith, belongs to Him. “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). Also, understand it by the following verse. “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe” (Galatians 3:22). We then declare that a Believer (Christian) has Jesus in their heart.

    A person who does not have Jesus in the heart (an unconverted sinner) does not have Him in His rightful place. Instead, by default, Satan has taken up residence (“a strong man keeps his palace”). In this condition, the person sins willfully, which is a picture of Satan’s “goods.” This is the place where Satan dwells, where he works. This becomes his stronghold, the place of which he wants to keep away from Jesus. Satan then can continue to do his wickedness. That is the condition of all without Jesus in their heart. Moreover, all seems well in that life, until there is a challenge to this status quo. When Jesus is presented, the battle begins.

    As Jesus continued teaching them, He told them of a Stronger. “But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils” (Luke 11:22). Jesus is the Stronger One. Notice what He did. Jesus has invaded what Satan thought was his territory. Jesus has been (and still is) destroying Satan’s armor and claiming his spoils. [“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8) and “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15.)] Understanding this, we can learn that one who has repented of their sin, asking forgiveness from God, has been freed from the strong one (Satan) and belongs to the Stronger One (Jesus). A decision has to be made by each individual, for there is no neutral ground in this conflict. If one thinks they can remain neutral and stay out of the conflict, this is what Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth” (Luke 11:23). A side must be chosen.

    When one believes in Jesus by faith, that heart is now clean. The difference (of the decision) is whether the individual has accepted Jesus into that heart, making His residence permanent. Remember the following must happen: “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). This decision has to be made. The danger of trying not to make a decision is pictured in what Jesus told them immediately after explaining all of this.

    See what happens when one does not become a “new creature” in Christ (believe in Jesus by faith). When one cleans up, lives good for a while without actually having a nature change that is required to live as a true Christian, read what happens. “24. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26). When one cleans up, lives religiously, or just in their own righteousness without the true righteousness that comes from Jesus’ finished work on the cross, the last state of the person is worse than the first. That person is left with no hope and will suffer the wrath of God that is yet to come.

    “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). Once sealed, always belonging to Jesus (the Stronger One).

    Are you one who has cleaned up your life on your own (still bound by the strong one),

    or

    Have you become a new creature in Christ (belong to the Stronger One)?

    How to be Saved

  • Knowledge of Sin

    “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

    When we think of the first man Adam, we remember that it was by him that sin entered into the world. However, immediately after that sin came a promise from God – He would send one to deliver mankind from that sin. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). From that point forward, mankind waited for God to send the Promised One; and from then on, mankind recognized the separation from God. 

    Just as sin entered into the world by one man, Adam, also because of that sin came death. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). We understand as we read the Bible that God revealed mankind’s sin to them through the centuries, by His Law. “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). In having this Law, people could understand just how sinful they were, and just how far from God they had become. Instead of living by faith – looking for the Promised One, the people tried to obey that Law – but failed. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

    We also understand after reading Romans 3:20, that no man can be justified by that Law. However, this was not revealed without the assurance that God sent One who could deliver mankind from sin and death. (Death is a result of the initial disobedience of man.) “19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:19-21). This helps us understand that the purpose of the Law given by Moses is to reveal mankind’s sin. We can then understand that God never intended for mankind to live perfectly under the Law, for it is impossible. However, the intent of that Law is to reveal to mankind their need for grace – only provided by the Savior, Jesus (that One promised from Genesis 3:15). “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). It is then we can begin to understand the grace that Jesus offers. Grace is something offered that no one deserves.

    To help one understand the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 better, read the following: “14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. … 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:14-17). When Jesus came, lived a sinless human life, died upon the cross, and rose from the dead, he defeated the devil and death – allowing Him to be able to reconcile people to God once and for all.

    When Jesus came, He fulfilled every letter of the Law. This is something that no man had ever done, or ever will do. In that fulfillment, he took upon himself the curse of the Law for us (because we are cursed for not fulfilling it). See what he accomplished by doing this. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). (Compare that with Deuteronomy 21:22-23.) All one has to do is believe, by faith, that Christ took that curse for us.

    We must understand that the Law was only given to reveal mankind’s sin. The Law cannot save anyone. One must have faith in Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, we can read of the failure of mankind because they were unable to fully obey the Law. In the New Testament, we see that through Jesus, He not only fulfilled that Law, but also died so that we could have eternal life. If only one would believe. Just as through Adam, all will die, through Jesus, all can live. “21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive …” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

    Have you come to the knowledge that you are a sinner, needing salvation that only comes by faith in Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • How Can One Love Jesus?

    “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
    John 14:15

    Why is it so important to study the books of History and the Prophets in the Old Testament, along with the New Testament? “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). As we remember the history of Israel and Judah, we are to remember that God always dealt with his people. He warned of discipline for disobedience and promised restoration of His people when they repented. God is the same today. God disciplines Christians to bring them back to Him when they are not living according to the Bible’s teachings. “5. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Remember, God loved us so much, He sent His only begotten Son to die upon the cross to pay for our sins. We are to show our love to Him by obeying His commands – remember Jesus’ words. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

    Recognize some things we just cannot help but notice. God has always warned His people to avoid sin and people who sin. “14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:14-19). 

    God has always called people to turn from their sin toward Him. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). These were encouraging words for the Israelites in King Solomon’s day.

    God wants people to live a just life, not a wicked life. God also warned us in the following verses.  “23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life … 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:23, 27). It is important to protect each heart – for what is placed in each individual’s heart will come out. Avoid wickedness and evil.

    Christians today are to recognize the destruction sin can do to a life. Remember what James teaches. “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). Lust means “to satisfy the carnal appetites.” Christians are to choose to do what is right (what pleases God) over what we want to do. When we choose our own pleasures over God’s plan, it is sin and it brings death. Also, see the following verse. “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death” (Proverbs 11:19). 

    Christians must also be careful that something that has the appearance of good is not just a form of godliness, denying the power of Jesus (never having known Jesus themselves). “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). We are to be cautious and make sure that what seems good is something that is truly from God.

    There is something else important to recognize. Once one becomes a Christian and begins to follow the Lord, that person must forsake all of the things of their past life. When Jesus called his disciples, they forsook all to follow Him. “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:11). When the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus and confessed Him as their Lord. “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds” (Acts 19:18). Deeds means “an act, practice; works; meaning conduct.” They had to remove their “deeds” from their sinful past. “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver” (Acts 19:19). Curious arts means “a standard term for magic or black arts; pointing to the lengthy and various rituals involved in incantation ceremonies and the precision with which they were performed.” The people understood that they must eliminate theses wicked things from their lives. It did not matter to them the monetary cost.  They wanted to live a new life pleasing God. Once they did this, read what followed. “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:20). Many people were saved, and God’s Word was spread.

    Are you avoiding evil and eliminating wicked things from your life, choosing to obey Jesus’ commands?

  • Nicodemus

    “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

    Jesus had many personal encounters with different men and women – some who committed themselves to Him, and Jesus to them; and some, who did not.

    “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1). The Pharisees were a part of the religious leaders of the day. Jesus had been teaching in the synagogues and the Temple. When Nicodemus had a question about Jesus’ teachings, he went to Jesus, Himself, by night for the answers. “2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:2–3). See that Jesus knew the heart of Nicodemus. Nicodemus did not come to challenge what Jesus taught (as we know many religious leaders did), but he truly wanted to understand who Jesus was and why He had come. Jesus went straight to the heart of the matter. Unless a man gives up his old life, being born again, he cannot “see the kingdom of God.” See the following verse to understand “the kingdom of God”: “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you means “it is located in your heart and affections; not external.” The kingdom of God cannot be seen with human eyes. That is one reason we refer to being saved as “asking Jesus into one’s heart.” Jesus began to explain this to Nicodemus.

    “4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit… 9. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10. Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” (John 3:4-6, 9-10). Even when Nicodemus did not understand, Jesus patiently explained.

    Jesus had often taught the people of things they knew, yet often they still did not understand. Nicodemus, a “master of Israel”, did not understand. Jesus took him back to the Old Testament Law that Nicodemus knew. “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14). Remember: After the people spoke against God in the wilderness, fiery snakes bit them. The people were dying because of snakebites. God told Moses to make a brazen serpent. This serpent was to remind them of their sin against God. Moses held it up, and anyone who looked upon that serpent held high did not die, even though the poisonous snake bit them. (Numbers 21:4-9 to remember the events). Because of this faith, they were physically saved. Jesus reminded Nicodemus of that event, for it took the same kind of faith to be saved from sin – faith in Jesus – for He would take the sin of man upon Himself as he was hung on the cross to die (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

    Jesus explained this with the following: “15. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. 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” (John 3:15-18).

     Jesus explained it simply to Nicodemus: Jesus was the teacher from God who came to teach the world how to be saved from sin – to believe in Jesus, God’s Son, for by unbelief, they were condemned to eternal death. See John 3:19-21 to understand that Jesus was the Light who came into the world, and He acknowledged that man loved darkness (their sin) more than the Light (Jesus). As you try to understand Jesus as the Light, imagine a very dark room – with absolutely no light. In that room, one cannot see anything. However, if you turn on a flashlight, you can see the area where the light shines, revealing what was previously hidden. Jesus is just like that – He reveals what is hidden “because their deeds were evil.” Jesus came to drive that darkness away, revealing the sin that had to be removed – but only by the Light, Jesus.  

    We understand that Nicodemus at some point believed in Jesus by the following verses: “Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them)” (John 7:50). Nicodemus was one of the two that took Jesus’ body and buried it after His death upon the cross (John 19:38-39).

    Nicodemus became a Believer of Jesus.

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

    How to be Saved

  • The Blind Man

    “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”
    John 12:46

    There was a particular blind man that Jesus healed. Jesus had just told his disciples that He was the Light of the world. “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). When they encountered a blind man, Jesus made clay and anointed the eyes of the blind man. He then told the man to go wash his eyes. The blind man went, washed his eyes, and came again seeing.

    There was much discussion about this man amongst the people. They finally took him to the Pharisees. When the Pharisees asked what happened to him, he told them. After much discussion, they called him again asking how he could see. All he knew was, “whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25b).

    The religious people challenged Jesus’ authority to give this blind man sight. “We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is” (John 9:29). This man, who was once blind, did not understand them. This is a marvelous thing! Even though these religious leaders did not know Jesus, the blind man was just glad that he could see! This blind man understood enough to know that God is the one that heals. “32. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing” (John 9:32-33).

    The religious leaders did not like his answer. “34. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out” (John 9:34). They cast him out of the Temple.

    When Jesus heard, he found the man. “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” (John 9:35). The man who had been healed had a question. “He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?” (John 9:36). Jesus declared to him that He was the Son of God. Read the man’s response. “And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him” (John 9:38). This man who was blind could now see. But more than that, he met Jesus and believed that He was the Son of God. He could not only see physically, but spiritually he “saw” Jesus.

    What happened next? Jesus had a point to make. “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind” (John 9:39). The religious leaders heard what Jesus had to say. The Pharisees responded. “And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?” (John 9:40). Jesus responded: “Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth” (John 9:41).

    The Pharisees did not think they were blind. Jesus pointed out that they were right. They could see. Most importantly, they could see the sin in their lives and chose to let it remain – even though Jesus was right there. For Jesus is the only one who could take that sin away, curing the blindness in the Pharisees. Remember why Jesus cam: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). In this instance, the Pharisees chose to remain in darkness. Read what the Bible teaches about those who choose to remain in their sin. “26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27).

    Have you chosen to see (believing in Jesus), or to abide in darkness (remain in sin)?

    How to be Saved

  • The Individual’s Choice

    “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
    Ezekiel 18:20

    God wanted Ezekiel to make it clear to His people that God saw everything. Because God sees all, Ezekiel was to make sure the people understood that God also sees each individual and judges them accordingly. Especially notice the following: “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). When a person chooses to reject God, that soul dies. It is an individual choice each person must make. (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.)

    Understand this better with the following: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:20). Each individual is accountable to God for his or her life – not the life of their father: God has no grandchildren, only children. (“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” 2 Peter 3:9.)

     “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” (Ezekiel 18:21).    Remember what is clarified even better in the New Testament for us: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  And also: “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 … 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13). 

    God then made a specific call to His people: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30). It was up to each individual person to repent and turn from his or her sin (transgressions) and turn to Him – even as it is today. Remember: the people of Israel were evicted from their land because of their sin against God, forsaking Him for idol worship, and refusing to repent. However, the children who came after them would not be held accountable for their parents’ sins. Each one of them had the choice: the choice to repent and turn to God.

    God never changes. God wanted to save people in the Old Testament times, New Testament times, and He still wants to save people even today. However, God allows each person to choose – to believe, or not to believe. We should know all have sinned (remember Romans 3:23). But we should recognize how to have life eternal. “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 believes in Jesus can have life! Instead of choosing continual sin, one must choose Jesus by faith: then he or she can have life. “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).

    There is an amazing picture of this in the Old Testament. It is a picture of God seeing an individual and holding him accountable for sin. Almost everyone is familiar with an event that happened in Genesis chapter four. God had accepted Abel’s offering and not Cain’s. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts …” (Hebrews 11:4). Cain became angry. God gave Cain a warning:  “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (Genesis 4:7). Cain had an opportunity right there to change his heart and to choose right. God warned that if he did not, sin was there waiting. Nevertheless, Cain had the choice to rule over that sin. If you remember, Cain ignored God’s warning and allowed sin to rule in his life. Cain rose up and killed his brother. He went out from the presence of the Lord – never to return.

    Have you chosen a life in obedience to Jesus by faith, knowing it is only then you will have eternal life?

    How to be Saved

  • The Separation

    “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

    While living in the garden and tending it, God gave only one command to Adam and Eve – do not eat of the fruit of one particular tree in the garden. “16. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).

    Satan then entered the picture in the form of a serpent. “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). Satan came to Eve under the guise of a serpent, and he challenged God’s Word as he spoke to Eve. He omitted some of the Word of God – just a couple of words. He questioned the Word of God. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Genesis 3:6). Eve did not trust God’s Word. Eve was deceived. She took of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and then gave it to Adam who was not deceived, but took of it willingly. “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Timothy 2:14). They chose to disobey God. (Remember Proverbs 3:5-6.)

    When man disobeyed God’s command, it separated them from God. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). It was then that their eyes were opened. “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” (Genesis 3:7). They recognized they had sinned. Because of that sin, there was immediate separation from God. When man disobeyed God (sinned), his spirit was changed. Remember that before, Adam and Eve met with God in the cool of the day. “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). Now, Adam and Eve hid from God. When confronted with their disobedience, they could have confessed their sin. Instead, they passed the blame – made excuses (see Genesis 3:9-13).

    Because they sinned, they hid from God. They now loved evil more than righteousness. “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. 20. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:19-20). Man was no longer perfect as when God created him. No longer innocent. They died spiritually. Man no longer possessed the same God-like character.

    After God cursed the serpent (Satan), God gave a warning and a promise of hope to all of mankind. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). There would be a constant conflict between Satan and mankind – forever. Nevertheless, God promised that the war was won from this point. For He promised to send One to deliver mankind from Satan and the punishment for sin (death: see Romans 6:23) forever. God promised to send His Son, Jesus. Jesus came and defeated Satan.

    Although God cast them out of the Garden of Eden, remember God gave the promise of redemption through Jesus. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

    Do you love the darkness or the light?

    How to be Saved