"Insights" (G)
Listed Alphabetically by Topic
Listed Alphabetically by Topic
God - The Great Giver
“In Thy presence is fulness of joy; In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16.11
Many people have a concept of God that renders Him as stern, stingy, and austere; a killjoy who despises pleasure and happiness. He must sit up in Heaven just waiting to squash anyone that appears to be laughing or having too much fun. I have met Christians who look like they suck lemons. They think this is godliness. God’s people live in all sorts of circumstances, but he wants them be happy and content. He is not against wealth , prosperity and good clean fun!
“So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!...” Ecclesiastes 9.7-8 NLT
“Let the Lord be magnified, who delights and takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35.27 AMP
"Happy is the man that finds God’s wisdom….Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." Proverbs 3.13,17
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation". Psalm 68.19
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalm 84.11
"Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." Psalm 34.10
"If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7.11
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4.19
"All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change." James 1.17 NET
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103.2-5
- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -
God Revealed - Creation
People often ask; “How can God hold people accountable if they have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ?”
The answer is quite simple: God can reveal Himself without churches, preachers and missionaries. This is called “Natural Revelation.”
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their (non-verbal) line has gone out through all the earth.” Psalm 19.1-4
“…that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1.18-20
“He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14.17
“Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing.” Isaiah 40.26
The point is that people without a Christian witness can learn about God by observing creation. But with this light comes the responsibility to honor and seek God.
“He made from one, every nation of mankind...that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” Acts 14.26-27
When a person seeks to know Him, God promises to provide more information, including the good news that Jesus died for their sins and rose again the third day. So that they can believe and be saved forever.
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29.13
This is illustrated in Acts 8.27f and Acts 10 where God sent messengers with the Gospel of Jesus to those who sought Him.
Sadly, most people have no desire to know more about God, and gravitate to atheism, false religion, or idolatry.
“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1.21
Scripture taken from, Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition). The Lockman Foundation.
- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -
GOSPEL (part 1)
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? - PART 1
The word "Gospel" means GOOD NEWS. The good news of the Gospel is that salvation is absolutely free! God offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven as a free gift to anyone who will put their faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
The reason salvation is absolutely free to anyone who believes in Christ is because on the cross Jesus paid the full cost for our forgiveness when He suffered for our sins in our place (as our substitute). Therefore -
“…the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6.23
“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2.8-9
“God, in his grace, FREELY makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3.24 NLT
“Grace” means that God saves us because of His love and generosity. He freely gives us what we do not deserve.
“I GIVE unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish” John 10.28
"And whosoever will, let him take the water of life FREELY." Revelation 22.17
Grace is a difficult concept for most of us to grasp. The idea of work and reward applies to most areas of life. However, salvation is not a reward that we earn; it is a gift that we receive….freely! Children seem to understand the concept of grace better than adults because they come into the world helpless with no assets. They quickly learn to depend on others. My grandchildren have absolutely no problem receiving gifts from their grandmother; there is not the slightest thought of paying her back or giving her anything in exchange.
Tomorrow we will see why our human condition makes grace absolutely necessary. There is no other way.
“Thanks be to God for His unspeakable GIFT.” 2 Corinthians 9.15
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
The word "Gospel" means GOOD NEWS. The good news of the Gospel is that salvation is absolutely free! God offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven as a free gift to anyone who will put their faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
The reason salvation is absolutely free to anyone who believes in Christ is because on the cross Jesus paid the full cost for our forgiveness when He suffered for our sins in our place (as our substitute). Therefore -
“…the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6.23
“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2.8-9
“God, in his grace, FREELY makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3.24 NLT
“Grace” means that God saves us because of His love and generosity. He freely gives us what we do not deserve.
“I GIVE unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish” John 10.28
"And whosoever will, let him take the water of life FREELY." Revelation 22.17
Grace is a difficult concept for most of us to grasp. The idea of work and reward applies to most areas of life. However, salvation is not a reward that we earn; it is a gift that we receive….freely! Children seem to understand the concept of grace better than adults because they come into the world helpless with no assets. They quickly learn to depend on others. My grandchildren have absolutely no problem receiving gifts from their grandmother; there is not the slightest thought of paying her back or giving her anything in exchange.
Tomorrow we will see why our human condition makes grace absolutely necessary. There is no other way.
“Thanks be to God for His unspeakable GIFT.” 2 Corinthians 9.15
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
GOSPEL (Part 2)
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? - PART 2
The Bible makes it clear that we can only be saved by GRACE and not by religious devotion, human effort or good works.
There are at least 3 reasons why GRACE is the only way by which we can be saved.
1. Our Condition:
We are sinners by nature and by action. We received our sin nature from the first man, Adam. It is our inborn tendency toward evil. Sin is like a virus passed from generation to generation by physical birth.
“As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.” ROMANS 5.12
We confirm the existence of our evil nature by the sinful things we do; our sins of word, thought and deed.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” ROMANS 3.23
2. God’s Character: God is absolutely holy which means he has no tolerance for evil whatsoever. He must punish sin.
“The soul who sins, he must die.” EZEKIEL 18.4
“The wages of sin is death.” ROMANS 3.23
3. Things look even worse when we learn that we cannot compensate for our sins by doing good. Our fallen human nature renders even our good works to be unacceptable to God.
“Our righteousness is as filthy rags in His sight.” ISAIAH 64.6
“They that are in the flesh [human nature] cannot please [or appease] God.” ROMANS 8.8
“Not by works of righteousness that we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.” TITUS 3.5
Romans chapter 5 summarizes our condition as being “without strength”, “ungodly”, “sinners”, “God’s enemies” and “helpless.” This is not a good picture. We are in desperate need of a savior. We need GOD’S GRACE.
"For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not by works..." EPHESIANS 2:8&9
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
The Bible makes it clear that we can only be saved by GRACE and not by religious devotion, human effort or good works.
There are at least 3 reasons why GRACE is the only way by which we can be saved.
1. Our Condition:
We are sinners by nature and by action. We received our sin nature from the first man, Adam. It is our inborn tendency toward evil. Sin is like a virus passed from generation to generation by physical birth.
“As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.” ROMANS 5.12
We confirm the existence of our evil nature by the sinful things we do; our sins of word, thought and deed.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” ROMANS 3.23
2. God’s Character: God is absolutely holy which means he has no tolerance for evil whatsoever. He must punish sin.
“The soul who sins, he must die.” EZEKIEL 18.4
“The wages of sin is death.” ROMANS 3.23
3. Things look even worse when we learn that we cannot compensate for our sins by doing good. Our fallen human nature renders even our good works to be unacceptable to God.
“Our righteousness is as filthy rags in His sight.” ISAIAH 64.6
“They that are in the flesh [human nature] cannot please [or appease] God.” ROMANS 8.8
“Not by works of righteousness that we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.” TITUS 3.5
Romans chapter 5 summarizes our condition as being “without strength”, “ungodly”, “sinners”, “God’s enemies” and “helpless.” This is not a good picture. We are in desperate need of a savior. We need GOD’S GRACE.
"For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not by works..." EPHESIANS 2:8&9
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
GOSPEL (Part 3)
The Bible states clearly that God wants all people to be saved.
“God… will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” I Timothy 2.4
“The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3.9
“As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Ezekiel 33.11
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3.16
But God had to devise a plan for saving people that was consistent with His justice and holiness. He couldn’t just open wide the gates of Heaven and say; 'Everybody come on in - including Judas, Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, Sadam Hussein and Charles Manson.' No, God can’t allow you, me or any other sinner into Heaven because soon Heaven wouldn’t be Heaven - sin would corrupt and ruin it. God’s justice and holiness demands that our sin must be dealt with.
“The wages of sin is death...” Romans 6.23
God in His wisdom devised a plan whereby He could offer salvation to a race of sinners without compromising His justice or holiness (justice means He has to punish sin, holiness means He must separate Himself from evil). His plan is
based on a principle called SUBSTITUTION. If someone else could pay the penalty for our sins, God could accept us without compromising His holiness and justice. The only person who could qualify as a substitute is Jesus Christ. Being God and man simultaneously, He could represent man and satisfy God’s righteous demands. Being sinless he could pay our penalty. He became our mediator.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave Himself a ransom [a sin payment] for all men...” I Timothy 2.5&6
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name (except Jesus) under heaven given among men, by which we can be saved.” Acts 4.12
When Jesus died on a cross, His intense suffering was the result of God’s judgement of our sin. The penalty for every sin we have ever committed was poured out on Jesus, the perfect, sinless Son of God.
“The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53.6
“For God made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” II Corinthians 5.21
“For Christ has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. He was put to death in His body, but raised again to life by the Spirit of God.” I Peter 3.18
“Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14.6
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
“God… will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” I Timothy 2.4
“The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3.9
“As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Ezekiel 33.11
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3.16
But God had to devise a plan for saving people that was consistent with His justice and holiness. He couldn’t just open wide the gates of Heaven and say; 'Everybody come on in - including Judas, Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, Sadam Hussein and Charles Manson.' No, God can’t allow you, me or any other sinner into Heaven because soon Heaven wouldn’t be Heaven - sin would corrupt and ruin it. God’s justice and holiness demands that our sin must be dealt with.
“The wages of sin is death...” Romans 6.23
God in His wisdom devised a plan whereby He could offer salvation to a race of sinners without compromising His justice or holiness (justice means He has to punish sin, holiness means He must separate Himself from evil). His plan is
based on a principle called SUBSTITUTION. If someone else could pay the penalty for our sins, God could accept us without compromising His holiness and justice. The only person who could qualify as a substitute is Jesus Christ. Being God and man simultaneously, He could represent man and satisfy God’s righteous demands. Being sinless he could pay our penalty. He became our mediator.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave Himself a ransom [a sin payment] for all men...” I Timothy 2.5&6
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name (except Jesus) under heaven given among men, by which we can be saved.” Acts 4.12
When Jesus died on a cross, His intense suffering was the result of God’s judgement of our sin. The penalty for every sin we have ever committed was poured out on Jesus, the perfect, sinless Son of God.
“The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53.6
“For God made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” II Corinthians 5.21
“For Christ has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. He was put to death in His body, but raised again to life by the Spirit of God.” I Peter 3.18
“Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14.6
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
GOSPEL (Part 4)
The problem of mans sinful, lost condition was completely solved 2000 years ago. When Jesus died, he uttered a word (tetelestai) which appears in our English bible as “it is finished” but ancient financial documents reveal that the word was the equivalent of “paid in full.” Our sin debt was fully paid for by the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ.
He didn’t stay dead. On the third day He rose from death and lives today to keep us saved.
Although God offers salvation to everyone, not everyone will be saved. It is a free gift but like all gifts it must be accepted. God gives us a choice in the matter. Often we don’t accept gift offers because we are skeptical; we don’t trust the person who is making the offer.
To receive the gift of eternal life, you must believe the message of the Gospel. You must acknowledge the credibility of the one making the offer (God) and you must believe that Christ (God in human flesh) actually took your place on the cross and died for your sins. You must also believe Jesus rose from the dead because a dead person can’t save anybody.
“BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.” ACTS 16.31
“Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that BELIEVES on me has everlasting life.” JOHN 6.47
“But to him who does not work, but BELIEVES on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” ROMANS 4.5
Believing is exactly the same thing as faith. It means that we look away from ourselves and depend on someone else. We can’t trust in what we have done in the realm of religion, ritual, good deeds, self sacrifice or self improvement. Nothing we can offer is perfect and God won’t accept anything less than perfection.
“For by grace are you saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” EPHESIANS 2.8-9
“But without FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” HEBREWS 11.6
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
He didn’t stay dead. On the third day He rose from death and lives today to keep us saved.
Although God offers salvation to everyone, not everyone will be saved. It is a free gift but like all gifts it must be accepted. God gives us a choice in the matter. Often we don’t accept gift offers because we are skeptical; we don’t trust the person who is making the offer.
To receive the gift of eternal life, you must believe the message of the Gospel. You must acknowledge the credibility of the one making the offer (God) and you must believe that Christ (God in human flesh) actually took your place on the cross and died for your sins. You must also believe Jesus rose from the dead because a dead person can’t save anybody.
“BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.” ACTS 16.31
“Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that BELIEVES on me has everlasting life.” JOHN 6.47
“But to him who does not work, but BELIEVES on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” ROMANS 4.5
Believing is exactly the same thing as faith. It means that we look away from ourselves and depend on someone else. We can’t trust in what we have done in the realm of religion, ritual, good deeds, self sacrifice or self improvement. Nothing we can offer is perfect and God won’t accept anything less than perfection.
“For by grace are you saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” EPHESIANS 2.8-9
“But without FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” HEBREWS 11.6
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
GOSPEL (Part 5)
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THE GOSPEL?
It depends on where you are in your spiritual life.
To find out where you are, answer the following question as honestly as you can:
Have you reached the point in your spiritual life where you know for certain that you have eternal life - that if you died today you would go immediately to be with God in Heaven?
If you answered that question with “NO” or “MAYBE” or “I HOPE SO”, you need to go back and read the four previous insights I shared about the gospel. Read them in succession and then ask yourself; DOES THIS MAKE SENSE? DO I BELIEVE THE GOSPEL? What you believe is a personal choice but in this case the consequences are literally life or death. Believing or not believing in Jesus Christ will determine whether you spend eternity in Heaven or Hell.
"He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." JOHN 3.18
“He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that does not believe the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.” JOHN 3.36
If you answered the above question with “YES” or “DEFINITELY”, you possess a gift to be shared with others. There once was a group of men who discovered a huge cache of food during a famine and began to hoard it. Then they said to one another; “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren’t sharing it with anyone!” II KINGS 7.9
You may say: “Dave, it took you four pages and four days to explain the Gospel; how can I share that with someone when I have only a fews minutes to do so? OK, here’s an example of a condensed version based on personal experience.
Here's what I often say when I'm sharing the gospel with someone I meet. I say, "I began studying the Bible and discovered that anyone can know for certain that they will go to heaven. I’m probably a worse sinner than you but I found out that when Jesus died on the cross it was to pay the penalty I deserved. I am confident I am saved because I trust in Christs death and resurrection.”
That takes only about 20-25 seconds to say! You could also quote John 3.16 which would add just another 10 seconds. In this way, you have planted a seed. If the person shows interest, continue talking to them and let them know that Jesus died for their sins and rose again three days later. So that they too can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven. Tell them that they can know they are going to heaven simply by believing in Jesus Christ alone.
"Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins..." Acts 10:43
"Whoever believes in Him has everlasting life..." John 6:47
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
It depends on where you are in your spiritual life.
To find out where you are, answer the following question as honestly as you can:
Have you reached the point in your spiritual life where you know for certain that you have eternal life - that if you died today you would go immediately to be with God in Heaven?
If you answered that question with “NO” or “MAYBE” or “I HOPE SO”, you need to go back and read the four previous insights I shared about the gospel. Read them in succession and then ask yourself; DOES THIS MAKE SENSE? DO I BELIEVE THE GOSPEL? What you believe is a personal choice but in this case the consequences are literally life or death. Believing or not believing in Jesus Christ will determine whether you spend eternity in Heaven or Hell.
"He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." JOHN 3.18
“He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that does not believe the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.” JOHN 3.36
If you answered the above question with “YES” or “DEFINITELY”, you possess a gift to be shared with others. There once was a group of men who discovered a huge cache of food during a famine and began to hoard it. Then they said to one another; “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren’t sharing it with anyone!” II KINGS 7.9
You may say: “Dave, it took you four pages and four days to explain the Gospel; how can I share that with someone when I have only a fews minutes to do so? OK, here’s an example of a condensed version based on personal experience.
Here's what I often say when I'm sharing the gospel with someone I meet. I say, "I began studying the Bible and discovered that anyone can know for certain that they will go to heaven. I’m probably a worse sinner than you but I found out that when Jesus died on the cross it was to pay the penalty I deserved. I am confident I am saved because I trust in Christs death and resurrection.”
That takes only about 20-25 seconds to say! You could also quote John 3.16 which would add just another 10 seconds. In this way, you have planted a seed. If the person shows interest, continue talking to them and let them know that Jesus died for their sins and rose again three days later. So that they too can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven. Tell them that they can know they are going to heaven simply by believing in Jesus Christ alone.
"Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins..." Acts 10:43
"Whoever believes in Him has everlasting life..." John 6:47
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
GOSPEL (Part 6) - False Gospel
Warnings Regarding A False Gospel
I hope you have come to understand and believe the Gospel and you will deepen your understanding to the point that you can discuss it with others.
Before we leave this subject, we need to heed the warnings in the Bible regarding a false Gospel or what Paul refers to in Galatians as “another Gospel”.
“I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.” Galatians 1.6,7 HCSB
Since believing the Gospel is a life and death matter, it is critical that it is proclaimed accurately. Paul pronounces a harsh curse on those who preach another (different) Gospel;
"Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed." Galatians 1.8-9 HCSB
How as the Gospel being twisted or perverted? The false teachers were adding works to faith as the means of receiving salvation. They were saying that in addition to believing in Christ, one must observe Jewish laws and rituals in order to be saved.
“Some men came from Judea to Antioch and started teaching the believers, “You cannot be saved unless you are circumcised as the Law of Moses requires.” Acts 15.1 GNT
This perversion of the Gospel has evolved into various forms of human effort which are prescribed in addition to faith in Christ. All forms of good deeds and self improvement are clearly excluded from the Gospel of God’s free grace.
“Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace.” Romans 11.6 HCSB
My translation of above verse might go like this; “It ain’t free if you have to pay for it!”
Beware of the following false conditions that are often added to faith;
1. Any behavioral modification, obedience, self-improvement or making a promise to do so. This would obviously require that you do some good deeds. “Not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2.9) This works system is often disguised as the 'Lordship of Christ'. However, the truth is that Jesus Christ is Lord (God) regardless of how you behave.
2. Trying to do something yourself about your sin to be saved. This denies the finished work of Christ. Remember the word, “tetelestai”? ”It is finished.” This means your sin debt was “PAID IN FULL” by Jesus on the cross. We should reject false conditions like “turn from your sin”, “feel sorry for your sin”, “repent of your sins”, or “confess your sins*”. If Jesus suffered for sin, paid for sin, bore our sins, purged our sin, washed us from our sins, has forgiven our sins and offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, then there’s nothing left for us to do about it. *believers confess their sins to restore fellowship with God.
3. All forms of ritual. Baptism, communion, confirmation are symbolic. None of these things can save you or help you get saved in any way. Ritual does not save.
Jesus alone is the savior! Jesus alone saves us from our sin, guilt and condemnation.
"What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."
I hope you have come to understand and believe the Gospel and you will deepen your understanding to the point that you can discuss it with others.
Before we leave this subject, we need to heed the warnings in the Bible regarding a false Gospel or what Paul refers to in Galatians as “another Gospel”.
“I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.” Galatians 1.6,7 HCSB
Since believing the Gospel is a life and death matter, it is critical that it is proclaimed accurately. Paul pronounces a harsh curse on those who preach another (different) Gospel;
"Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed." Galatians 1.8-9 HCSB
How as the Gospel being twisted or perverted? The false teachers were adding works to faith as the means of receiving salvation. They were saying that in addition to believing in Christ, one must observe Jewish laws and rituals in order to be saved.
“Some men came from Judea to Antioch and started teaching the believers, “You cannot be saved unless you are circumcised as the Law of Moses requires.” Acts 15.1 GNT
This perversion of the Gospel has evolved into various forms of human effort which are prescribed in addition to faith in Christ. All forms of good deeds and self improvement are clearly excluded from the Gospel of God’s free grace.
“Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace.” Romans 11.6 HCSB
My translation of above verse might go like this; “It ain’t free if you have to pay for it!”
Beware of the following false conditions that are often added to faith;
1. Any behavioral modification, obedience, self-improvement or making a promise to do so. This would obviously require that you do some good deeds. “Not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2.9) This works system is often disguised as the 'Lordship of Christ'. However, the truth is that Jesus Christ is Lord (God) regardless of how you behave.
2. Trying to do something yourself about your sin to be saved. This denies the finished work of Christ. Remember the word, “tetelestai”? ”It is finished.” This means your sin debt was “PAID IN FULL” by Jesus on the cross. We should reject false conditions like “turn from your sin”, “feel sorry for your sin”, “repent of your sins”, or “confess your sins*”. If Jesus suffered for sin, paid for sin, bore our sins, purged our sin, washed us from our sins, has forgiven our sins and offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, then there’s nothing left for us to do about it. *believers confess their sins to restore fellowship with God.
3. All forms of ritual. Baptism, communion, confirmation are symbolic. None of these things can save you or help you get saved in any way. Ritual does not save.
Jesus alone is the savior! Jesus alone saves us from our sin, guilt and condemnation.
"What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."
