The following questions have been submitted by readers or from people who subscribe to our "Daily Walk" E-Mail Bible Studies, etc. If you have a question, or would like to subscribe to our "Daily Walk" Bible Studies, click here.
"Is it possible for someone to be free from sin completely?"
The only person in the history of the world who was totally and completely free from sin was Jesus Christ. “In Him was no sin... He is “the Lamb of God...without blemish or defect... He came to take our sins away and there is no sin in Him.” (1 Peter 2:22, John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 John 3:5)
Notice that 1 John 3:5 tells us that “Christ came to take away our sins...” The Sinless One came to offer Himself as a sacrifice for sinners like us! “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us!” (1 John 3:16)
Although we will never be completely free from temptation and the presence of sin in this life and in this world, Christ’s death has freed us once and for all from the penalty and punishment for sin that we deserve.
“Anyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins...There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...Whoever believes in Him is not condemned...” (Acts 10:43, Romans 8:1, John 3:18)
The moment you put your faith (trust) in Jesus Christ alone, God removes all sin from your record forever and no longer holds it against you!
“God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not holding people’s sins against them... God made Him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us [and to be punished in our place], so that in Him [Jesus] we might become the righteousness of God...This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe...Happy are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19&21, Romans 3:22, Romans 4:7&8)
Having permanently set us free from the penalty and punishment that our sins deserve, God is also working to set believers free from the power and influence of sin in our lives right now! God has provided His Spirit and through Him we never have to yield to sin. This is a spiritual growth process that began the moment we were born again and continues throughout our lifetime. To learn more about God's power to deliver us from sin's power in our lives right now, carefully read Romans 6:1-14.
God’s desire is that we sin less and less and become more and more like our Savior Jesus Christ – the Sinless One. One day in the future, believers will die and go to be with the Lord in heaven, or if Christ returns first, we will be caught up to be with Him. At that moment we will be completely free from sin forever! We will no longer face temptation and we will experience absolute freedom from sin’s presence! This is true because we will be in heaven where there is no place for sin or its consequences. At that time, every believer will be set free from sin once and for all - forever!
The three aspects of our salvation in relation to sin are; 1) All believers have been saved from the penalty of sin; 2) We are being saved from the power of sin in our lives; and 3) We will be saved from the presence of sin all together in the future!
Notice that 1 John 3:5 tells us that “Christ came to take away our sins...” The Sinless One came to offer Himself as a sacrifice for sinners like us! “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us!” (1 John 3:16)
Although we will never be completely free from temptation and the presence of sin in this life and in this world, Christ’s death has freed us once and for all from the penalty and punishment for sin that we deserve.
“Anyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins...There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...Whoever believes in Him is not condemned...” (Acts 10:43, Romans 8:1, John 3:18)
The moment you put your faith (trust) in Jesus Christ alone, God removes all sin from your record forever and no longer holds it against you!
“God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not holding people’s sins against them... God made Him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us [and to be punished in our place], so that in Him [Jesus] we might become the righteousness of God...This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe...Happy are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19&21, Romans 3:22, Romans 4:7&8)
Having permanently set us free from the penalty and punishment that our sins deserve, God is also working to set believers free from the power and influence of sin in our lives right now! God has provided His Spirit and through Him we never have to yield to sin. This is a spiritual growth process that began the moment we were born again and continues throughout our lifetime. To learn more about God's power to deliver us from sin's power in our lives right now, carefully read Romans 6:1-14.
God’s desire is that we sin less and less and become more and more like our Savior Jesus Christ – the Sinless One. One day in the future, believers will die and go to be with the Lord in heaven, or if Christ returns first, we will be caught up to be with Him. At that moment we will be completely free from sin forever! We will no longer face temptation and we will experience absolute freedom from sin’s presence! This is true because we will be in heaven where there is no place for sin or its consequences. At that time, every believer will be set free from sin once and for all - forever!
The three aspects of our salvation in relation to sin are; 1) All believers have been saved from the penalty of sin; 2) We are being saved from the power of sin in our lives; and 3) We will be saved from the presence of sin all together in the future!
1 Peter 2:22, John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:16, Acts 10:43, Romans 8:1, John 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:19&21, Romans 3:22, Romans 4:7&8, Romans 6:1-14
In one of your articles you wrote that the Bible teaches that salvation is "absolutely free", "apart from our works", and "apart from our personal devotion and obedience". If this is true, why should anyone bother to try and live a good life?
Yes! Salvation is “the gift of God; not of works...” (Ephesians 2:8-9). But this passage goes on to say that we have been "created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned ahead of time for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). In other words, one of God's primary purposes for saving us is to enable us to do works that are pleasing to Him and helpful to others. We are not made right with God by our works, but once we have been born again into God's family, the Holy Spirit motivates and empowers us to do good works. These works are not the "root" (or cause) of our salvation, rather they are the "fruit" (or result) of our salvation. We are not saved because of anything we do, but only because of what Christ has already done for us by His death and resurrection. Once we have put our faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, He begins the process of producing His good works in us. Another real possibility relates to the those who have put their faith in Jesus (and are truly His children), but choose to live in constant disobedience to Him. According the the Bible, God will discipline His children who live this way, because He loves them too much to let them hurt themselves and others. They will never lose their eternal salvation (because it is based only on what Christ has done for us, not on what we do for Him), but they will experience God's discipline/punishment in this life, until they confess their sins to Him and start walking in His will. God does this so that they will experience the abundant life He longs for us to enjoy and so that we will learn to do good works and share the good news of the gospel with others!
See Romans 3:20-25a, Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:4-8, 2 Timothy 1:9-10, Galatians 5:22-23, Hebrews 12:6, Psalm 89:31-37
What does the word "faith" mean and is it any different than the word "believe"?
The words "faith" and "believe" are synonyms - they mean exactly the same thing. To "have faith in" means to "believe in" and to "believe in" means "to have faith in". In the Bible the words "faith" and "believe" mean to trust in or rely on someone other than yourself. The Bible makes it clear that simply believing in (putting your faith in) Jesus Christ alone, is the one way - the only way - to receive forgiveness of sins, new life, and a home in heaven forever! On the other hand, our good works are rejected as a means of getting right with God. "Without faith it is impossible to please God...I tell you the truth, whoever believes has eternal life...not by works of righteousness that we have done, but only by His mercy he saves us." (Hebrews 11:6, John 6:47, Titus 3:5)
See John 3:15-19, John 5:24, John 6:47, John 7:37-38, John 8:24, John 11:25-26, John 20:30-31; Acts 10:43, Acts 10:38-39, Acts 16:31; Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:22-26, Romans 3:28, Romans 4:5; Galatians 2:15-16, Galatians 3:6-9, Galatians 3:22-26; Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 11:6, etc. Note: There are over 160 different verses in the New Testament that make it clear that a person can only be made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ alone.
"How can I know that there is a God?" (Note: This question was submitted by someone living in a country where Christians face extreme persecution and even death.)
First, you must look at the evidence. It’s actually all around you! Any rational person can see a clear and evident intelligent design everywhere in creation. Of course, where there is intelligent design, there is also an intelligent designer.
Consider the following statements, “The heavens proclaim [reveal] God’s glory, and the expanse of the planets, stars, and galaxies show off His creative handiwork... what may be known about God is clear... because God has made it clear! For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made [the creation], so that people are without excuse.” (Psalm 19:1 paraphrase; Romans 1:19-20)
In other words, God’s omnipotence (His infinite power) and His glorious divine being are clearly revealed by the billions and trillions of things He has created! For this reason, no one will ever be able to make an excuse for their unbelief. God Himself has provided the evidence!
Second, you must consider the words and actions of the One who claimed to have come directly from God’s throne in heaven to earth. Jesus Christ is unique among all the religious leaders and icons in the history of the world in that He claimed that God was His personal Father and that He was God’s One and Only Son. And, that He was the revelation - the unique unveiling - of God to man!
Jesus said, “The one who sees Me, sees My Father [in heaven] also” and “The One who knows Me, knows My Father [in heaven] ” and “I and My Father are One.” (John 14:9, 14:7, 10:30)
The only way to know if His claims are true, is to again examine the evidence. Jesus Himself said, “Don’t believe Me unless you see me doing the works [the miracles] My Father does, but if I do them, even if you don’t believe Me, look at the works that I do in My Father’s name, so you may know that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me...” (John 10:37-38)
Four of the greatest historians of all time (the biblical writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), have provided reliable and credible written records of the numerous miracles Jesus performed! What these writers have preserved for us amounts to irrefutable proof that Jesus did what no other prophet, priest, or holy man has ever done. He repeatedly performed the supernatural miracles that only God can perform! No other religious leader can make such claims. Note: The one book that you should read before you die (regardless of your nationality or religion) is the Gospel of John. This book has been printed in most of the world's languages and can easily be accessed online. People from every nationality and religion in the world have has their entire lives changed forever, simply by reading this amazing book!
Jesus is also the only One in history who willingly and deliberately died for our sins, suffering the penalty we rightfully deserve and promising full forgiveness of sins to anyone who simply believes in Him (no matter your nationality, religion, or lack of religion). His invitation is truly universal and open to all people everywhere!
The last thing I want to emphasize is the evidence related to the resurrection of Jesus Christ which was witnessed by several hundred people over a forty-day period before He ascended into heaven! They all saw Him alive after His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection (including 500 people who together saw Him at the same time). He spoke to them, talked with them, laughed with them, taught them, touched them, hugged them, and ate with them. Even His enemies could not deny that He had come back to life! They simply tried to cover it up because, by their own admission, they refused to believe He was the Messiah.
Jesus is the only religious leader in the history of the world who has ever back from the dead! All of the rest, including Abraham, Moses, Mohamed, the Buddhas, Confucius (and all the others) died and stayed dead - never to be heard from since! There is no explanation for Jesus' resurrection, except that He Himself is God the Son sent from heaven by God the Father! The Father Himself said, “This is My dearly loved Son, listen to Him” and Jesus said, “Whoever believes [in Me] has eternal life! I AM the Bread of Life! ...I AM the resurrection and the life! ...I AM the way, the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father except through Me! ...Unless you believe that I AM, you will indeed die in your sins...” (Luke 9:35, John 8:24, John 6:47-48, John 11:25, John 14:6)
Any honest and openminded person (whether they are religious, an agnostic, or an atheist) who takes the time to examine and investigate Christ's life, death, and resurrection will be confronted with an overwhelming amount of historical and biblical evidence that cannot be easily ignored or dismissed. Whether they choose to believe in Him for forgiveness and eternal life is their choice, but it will not be for lack of evidence!
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it back again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father... I tell you the truth, whoever believes has eternal life!” (John 10:17-18, John 6:47)
Consider the following statements, “The heavens proclaim [reveal] God’s glory, and the expanse of the planets, stars, and galaxies show off His creative handiwork... what may be known about God is clear... because God has made it clear! For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made [the creation], so that people are without excuse.” (Psalm 19:1 paraphrase; Romans 1:19-20)
In other words, God’s omnipotence (His infinite power) and His glorious divine being are clearly revealed by the billions and trillions of things He has created! For this reason, no one will ever be able to make an excuse for their unbelief. God Himself has provided the evidence!
Second, you must consider the words and actions of the One who claimed to have come directly from God’s throne in heaven to earth. Jesus Christ is unique among all the religious leaders and icons in the history of the world in that He claimed that God was His personal Father and that He was God’s One and Only Son. And, that He was the revelation - the unique unveiling - of God to man!
Jesus said, “The one who sees Me, sees My Father [in heaven] also” and “The One who knows Me, knows My Father [in heaven] ” and “I and My Father are One.” (John 14:9, 14:7, 10:30)
The only way to know if His claims are true, is to again examine the evidence. Jesus Himself said, “Don’t believe Me unless you see me doing the works [the miracles] My Father does, but if I do them, even if you don’t believe Me, look at the works that I do in My Father’s name, so you may know that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me...” (John 10:37-38)
Four of the greatest historians of all time (the biblical writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), have provided reliable and credible written records of the numerous miracles Jesus performed! What these writers have preserved for us amounts to irrefutable proof that Jesus did what no other prophet, priest, or holy man has ever done. He repeatedly performed the supernatural miracles that only God can perform! No other religious leader can make such claims. Note: The one book that you should read before you die (regardless of your nationality or religion) is the Gospel of John. This book has been printed in most of the world's languages and can easily be accessed online. People from every nationality and religion in the world have has their entire lives changed forever, simply by reading this amazing book!
Jesus is also the only One in history who willingly and deliberately died for our sins, suffering the penalty we rightfully deserve and promising full forgiveness of sins to anyone who simply believes in Him (no matter your nationality, religion, or lack of religion). His invitation is truly universal and open to all people everywhere!
The last thing I want to emphasize is the evidence related to the resurrection of Jesus Christ which was witnessed by several hundred people over a forty-day period before He ascended into heaven! They all saw Him alive after His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection (including 500 people who together saw Him at the same time). He spoke to them, talked with them, laughed with them, taught them, touched them, hugged them, and ate with them. Even His enemies could not deny that He had come back to life! They simply tried to cover it up because, by their own admission, they refused to believe He was the Messiah.
Jesus is the only religious leader in the history of the world who has ever back from the dead! All of the rest, including Abraham, Moses, Mohamed, the Buddhas, Confucius (and all the others) died and stayed dead - never to be heard from since! There is no explanation for Jesus' resurrection, except that He Himself is God the Son sent from heaven by God the Father! The Father Himself said, “This is My dearly loved Son, listen to Him” and Jesus said, “Whoever believes [in Me] has eternal life! I AM the Bread of Life! ...I AM the resurrection and the life! ...I AM the way, the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father except through Me! ...Unless you believe that I AM, you will indeed die in your sins...” (Luke 9:35, John 8:24, John 6:47-48, John 11:25, John 14:6)
Any honest and openminded person (whether they are religious, an agnostic, or an atheist) who takes the time to examine and investigate Christ's life, death, and resurrection will be confronted with an overwhelming amount of historical and biblical evidence that cannot be easily ignored or dismissed. Whether they choose to believe in Him for forgiveness and eternal life is their choice, but it will not be for lack of evidence!
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it back again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father... I tell you the truth, whoever believes has eternal life!” (John 10:17-18, John 6:47)
Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:19-20, Acts 1:1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:3-11, Acts 10:43, Acts 16:31, Luke 9:35, John 8:24, John 6:47-48, John 10:17-18, John 11:25-26
How can I know if I have a spiritual gift and how can I know exactly what gift I have?
"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4.10-11)
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, we also receive a spiritual gift (each and every one of us!). This gift includes a unique God-given ability to serve Him and His people. Some spiritual gifts involve speaking, while others involve doing.
In the passage above, Peter instructs us to "employ" our spiritual gifts, meaning we should serve God and His church (i.e., other believers) using the gifts and abilities He has given us.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (I Corinthians 12.4-7)
The apostle Paul tells us that our gifts differ from one another. Therefore we will do different types of work, in different ways, with varying results. In some cases we may see the direct results of exercising our spiritual gifts, but often the results are not immediately visible. None-the-less, if we use our gifts motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, they will always have eternal value and significance!
You will likely discover your gift by seeing see a need or problem and attempting to solve it or work toward solving it. The body of Christ, His church, is compared to a human body. In order for it to be healthy and functional, each member must be connected to the other parts (fellowship), and each part must be working together (service).
In order to discover and use your spiritual gift, look around your church and think about the needs of the community of believers. Ask yourself, "What can I do to make the church work better?" "What can I do to ease the pain or provide encouragement for a believer who is having difficulty?" "Where is there a need and how can I meet that need?"
Note: Our desires to serve the Lord often reveal our spiritual gifts and how we can use them. So find a ministry or service that you love and then "serve the Lord with gladness" (Psalm 100:2). If you find yourself serving in an area of ministry that you don't enjoy or where you don't feel gifted, it is generally a good idea to try something else - a different area of service or ministry.
They are a variety of ways to use our spiritual gifts. Christian service can be anything from preaching the Gospel to giving out water in Christ’s name. The thing to remember is that God has given you a unique ability to serve Him and His people with your very own spiritual gift. God has gifted you in a special way and He wants you to uses the gift that He has given you to serve others.
“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4.16)
I encourage you to seek out a local church or group of believers and meet together with them. Get involved in the lives of other believers for mutual benefit. Also, be willing to let others minister to you and serve you.
Here is a list of some of the most practical spiritual gifts.
The Gift of Service - This gift involves serving others in very practical ways (caring, sharing, cooking, cleaning, working, carrying groceries, making repairs, building, providing transportation, etc.). There are many, many ways to serve others. Those with this gift will find many opportunities to uses it. They will also enjoy personal fulfillment as they care for and serve others! They will be blessed as they are blessing others!
The Gift of Teaching - This gift involves studying the Scriptures and sharing what you learn with others for their personal benefit and spiritual growth. This gift can be used one-on-one as you teach a child or friend. Or, it can involve teaching a small group in a Sunday School class or community Bible study. Your teaching may be directed toward a group of children or one of your own children. It may be directed to teenagers or adults. It may involve speaking to large groups in a church or small groups in your house or outdoors. One of the ways to know if you have this gift is if you are passionate about studying and learning God's Word and passing it on to others. Note: Sometimes well meaning leaders try to direct or push people into becoming teachers. But, many people do not have this gift and it is always best to serve using the specific spiritual gift God has given you (and not to force yourself to do something that you don'y enjoy).
The Gift of Helping - This gift involves helping others in a variety of ways. Just like the gift of Service it is focused on meeting specific needs. Those with this gift may be leaders in some cases, but usually they are assistants (helpers). Often those who have the gift are working behind the scenes, faithfully seeing that things get done in the church and looking for opportunities to help whenever and wherever help is needed. They are doers and not just observers. There are numerous ways to help people, so if this is your gift use it and enjoy it!
The Gift of Encouragement - This gift involves providing kind words and acts to help those who are discouraged or depressed, or those who just need some positive input or a boost in their morale. It includes building others up both emotionally and spiritual. It may be offering just an encouraging word or two, or a considerable amount of time supporting someone going through a difficult time. Those with this gift may use it to encourage children, teenagers, or adults (including widows and orphans, etc.). Everyone needs encouragement and if this is your gift, you will have many opportunities to use it!
The Gift of Mercy - This gift involves reaching out to people who may be experiencing addictions, or may be homeless or helpless. Generally, it includes working with those who are unworthy and undeserving, or those that can't help themselves. Mercy is very different than justice. Justice is designed to penalize or punish people who have broken the law and deserve to face the consequences. On the other hand, mercy is about withholding punishment from those who deserve it. It involves giving people what they don't expect and caring for them with kindness and compassion! It may also involve holding them accountable or teaching them to be responsible in caring for themselves and others. In may involve confrontation, intervention, and restoration over time. It is a very challenging gift to use. If this is your gift, ask God to show you how and where to use it. In addition, ask Him for wisdom in dealing with each person you serve.
Note: The list of spiritual gifts above is incomplete, but we have chosen some of the more practical gifts to serve as examples of how to discover and use your gift to the glory of God and the benefit of others.
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, we also receive a spiritual gift (each and every one of us!). This gift includes a unique God-given ability to serve Him and His people. Some spiritual gifts involve speaking, while others involve doing.
In the passage above, Peter instructs us to "employ" our spiritual gifts, meaning we should serve God and His church (i.e., other believers) using the gifts and abilities He has given us.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (I Corinthians 12.4-7)
The apostle Paul tells us that our gifts differ from one another. Therefore we will do different types of work, in different ways, with varying results. In some cases we may see the direct results of exercising our spiritual gifts, but often the results are not immediately visible. None-the-less, if we use our gifts motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, they will always have eternal value and significance!
You will likely discover your gift by seeing see a need or problem and attempting to solve it or work toward solving it. The body of Christ, His church, is compared to a human body. In order for it to be healthy and functional, each member must be connected to the other parts (fellowship), and each part must be working together (service).
In order to discover and use your spiritual gift, look around your church and think about the needs of the community of believers. Ask yourself, "What can I do to make the church work better?" "What can I do to ease the pain or provide encouragement for a believer who is having difficulty?" "Where is there a need and how can I meet that need?"
Note: Our desires to serve the Lord often reveal our spiritual gifts and how we can use them. So find a ministry or service that you love and then "serve the Lord with gladness" (Psalm 100:2). If you find yourself serving in an area of ministry that you don't enjoy or where you don't feel gifted, it is generally a good idea to try something else - a different area of service or ministry.
They are a variety of ways to use our spiritual gifts. Christian service can be anything from preaching the Gospel to giving out water in Christ’s name. The thing to remember is that God has given you a unique ability to serve Him and His people with your very own spiritual gift. God has gifted you in a special way and He wants you to uses the gift that He has given you to serve others.
“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4.16)
I encourage you to seek out a local church or group of believers and meet together with them. Get involved in the lives of other believers for mutual benefit. Also, be willing to let others minister to you and serve you.
Here is a list of some of the most practical spiritual gifts.
The Gift of Service - This gift involves serving others in very practical ways (caring, sharing, cooking, cleaning, working, carrying groceries, making repairs, building, providing transportation, etc.). There are many, many ways to serve others. Those with this gift will find many opportunities to uses it. They will also enjoy personal fulfillment as they care for and serve others! They will be blessed as they are blessing others!
The Gift of Teaching - This gift involves studying the Scriptures and sharing what you learn with others for their personal benefit and spiritual growth. This gift can be used one-on-one as you teach a child or friend. Or, it can involve teaching a small group in a Sunday School class or community Bible study. Your teaching may be directed toward a group of children or one of your own children. It may be directed to teenagers or adults. It may involve speaking to large groups in a church or small groups in your house or outdoors. One of the ways to know if you have this gift is if you are passionate about studying and learning God's Word and passing it on to others. Note: Sometimes well meaning leaders try to direct or push people into becoming teachers. But, many people do not have this gift and it is always best to serve using the specific spiritual gift God has given you (and not to force yourself to do something that you don'y enjoy).
The Gift of Helping - This gift involves helping others in a variety of ways. Just like the gift of Service it is focused on meeting specific needs. Those with this gift may be leaders in some cases, but usually they are assistants (helpers). Often those who have the gift are working behind the scenes, faithfully seeing that things get done in the church and looking for opportunities to help whenever and wherever help is needed. They are doers and not just observers. There are numerous ways to help people, so if this is your gift use it and enjoy it!
The Gift of Encouragement - This gift involves providing kind words and acts to help those who are discouraged or depressed, or those who just need some positive input or a boost in their morale. It includes building others up both emotionally and spiritual. It may be offering just an encouraging word or two, or a considerable amount of time supporting someone going through a difficult time. Those with this gift may use it to encourage children, teenagers, or adults (including widows and orphans, etc.). Everyone needs encouragement and if this is your gift, you will have many opportunities to use it!
The Gift of Mercy - This gift involves reaching out to people who may be experiencing addictions, or may be homeless or helpless. Generally, it includes working with those who are unworthy and undeserving, or those that can't help themselves. Mercy is very different than justice. Justice is designed to penalize or punish people who have broken the law and deserve to face the consequences. On the other hand, mercy is about withholding punishment from those who deserve it. It involves giving people what they don't expect and caring for them with kindness and compassion! It may also involve holding them accountable or teaching them to be responsible in caring for themselves and others. In may involve confrontation, intervention, and restoration over time. It is a very challenging gift to use. If this is your gift, ask God to show you how and where to use it. In addition, ask Him for wisdom in dealing with each person you serve.
Note: The list of spiritual gifts above is incomplete, but we have chosen some of the more practical gifts to serve as examples of how to discover and use your gift to the glory of God and the benefit of others.
Romans 12:1-16, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Ephesians 4:1-16, 1 Peter 4:10-11
Your article says that Jesus became our "substitute." Please explain what this means.
The word "substitute" means to replace or take the place of another. On the cross, Jesus willingly died in our place as our substitute. He took our sins upon Himself and suffered the full punishment that we rightfully deserve. Taking our place and acting on our behalf, He did everything God required to save us (because we have no ability to save ourselves). On the basis of His death and resurrection, anyone who simply believes on Him alone, is guaranteed forgiveness of sins and eternal life without cost!
Isaiah 53:4-12; Acts 10:43, Romans 3:22-25, Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18
Please define "everlasting life"?
By its very definition "everlasting life" lasts forever, is eternal, and never ends! The Bible says that God Himself is everlasting, His Word - the Bible - is everlasting, and the new life He gives to anyone who simply believes in Jesus Christ is everlasting! God has promised that "whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but will have everlasting life!" (John 3:16). God has never abandoned even one of His children and He never will!
John 3:14-16, John 5:24, John 6:35-40, John 6:47-51, John 6:58, John 10:27-30, John 11:25-26; Romans 6:23, Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 1:13-14. Note: The verses listed here are just a few of the over 80 passages in the Bible that make it clear that everlasting life lasts forever and can never be lost!
Does the Bible teach that there is a place called purgatory?
The idea that there is a place called purgatory (or something like it) is in direct contradiction to the clear teaching of Scripture. The word "purgatory" is not found anywhere in the Bible, nor does the Bible ever mention a place that is better than hell, but worse than heaven. Purgatory is the invention of false religion and the vain imaginations of men.
(Note: We have not included any Bible verses that talk about purgatory, because there are none!)
Do you have to get baptized in order to go to heaven?
In the early church (as recorded in the book of Acts), people were baptized in water only after they put their faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Just like good works, baptism should follow salvation, but it is not a requirement for salvation. Nowhere in scripture does it say that a person will be lost (or not go to heaven) if they fail to get baptized. Faith in Jesus Christ alone is the only way to receive forgiveness of sins and a home in heaven. Baptism is a sign or testimony that a person has already put their faith in Jesus Christ. The story of the thief on the cross is an example of how a person can be saved without ever being baptized. Jesus told the undeserving thief, "Today you will be with me in paradise”. The thief died that same day and was never baptized. In 1 Corinthians 1:17, the apostle Paul makes it clear that baptism is not the gospel and the gospel does not include baptism. However, baptism is still very important, because God has commanded all believers to be baptized. Baptism is also an important testimony (or announcement) to others that we have put our faith in Jesus Christ alone. Baptism pictures our death, burial and resurrection with Christ. Note: Many people were baptized as infants. This practice has no bearing on whether they will be saved or lost. In order for a person to be saved, he or she must put their faith in Jesus Christ alone who died and rose for them. It should also be noted that the Bible provides no record of a baby or little child getting baptized.
Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 23:43; Acts 2:41, Acts 10:43; Acts 16:30-34; 1 Corinthians 1:17.
I have asked different people, "How can a person receive forgiveness of sins and go to heaven when they die?" Often they say things like "You have to do good deeds" or "You have to be religious" or "You have to try your best" or "You have to keep the 10 Commandments" or "You have to dedicate your life to Jesus" or "You have to treat other people right" or "You have to make Jesus the Lord & Master of every area of your life", etc. Do these things actually take away our sins and help us make it to heaven in the end?
Over and over, the Bible makes it clear that we can never be forgiven, or made right with God, by doing good works or being religious, or giving our all to Jesus, etc. Things like going to church, getting baptized, speaking in tongues, giving money, personal devotion, or trying to keep the 10 Commandments are utterly rejected by God as a means of righteousness. Salvation is a free gift, received through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone! As the hymn writer said, "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."
John 4:9; Romans 3:23-25a, Romans 4:5, Romans 5:15-19, Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Galatians 2:15-16; Galatians 3:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7, 2 Timothy 1:9, Revelation 22:17.
Is Jesus God?
Speaking of Jesus Christ, the Bible says, “All things came into being through Him and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being... By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible. All things have been created through Him and for Him." (John 1:3, Colossians 1:15-19)
These passages makes it clear that Jesus is the Creator of all life and the Lord of all! All of the founders and leaders of the world's religions have died, never to be heard from again. Jesus not only died (to take away all of our sins), but He came back to life three days later! Jesus, the Creator of life, died to give us life!
Jesus Christ is indeed God! He is God the Son - equal in essence and nature to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. The Bible describes Jesus as "the Lord of glory", "God overall, forever praised!", "God revealed in a body", "the True God and Eternal Life", "God with us", "the Mighty God", "the Everlasting Father", and "the Prince of Peace." Jesus said, "Unless you believe that I AM, you will indeed die in your sins."
Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, took upon Himself a human body and died as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus loved us so much that He willingly suffered the punishment we rightfully deserve, in our place! "Anyone who believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins” and eternal life with Him in heaven forever!
What many people don’t realize is that Jesus died for the sins of all people, regardless of race, nationality or religion. This means that He died for you too! He loved you so much that He shed His blood on the cross so that you can have new life with the God of creation who cares about you personality. Simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!”
These passages makes it clear that Jesus is the Creator of all life and the Lord of all! All of the founders and leaders of the world's religions have died, never to be heard from again. Jesus not only died (to take away all of our sins), but He came back to life three days later! Jesus, the Creator of life, died to give us life!
Jesus Christ is indeed God! He is God the Son - equal in essence and nature to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. The Bible describes Jesus as "the Lord of glory", "God overall, forever praised!", "God revealed in a body", "the True God and Eternal Life", "God with us", "the Mighty God", "the Everlasting Father", and "the Prince of Peace." Jesus said, "Unless you believe that I AM, you will indeed die in your sins."
Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, took upon Himself a human body and died as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus loved us so much that He willingly suffered the punishment we rightfully deserve, in our place! "Anyone who believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins” and eternal life with Him in heaven forever!
What many people don’t realize is that Jesus died for the sins of all people, regardless of race, nationality or religion. This means that He died for you too! He loved you so much that He shed His blood on the cross so that you can have new life with the God of creation who cares about you personality. Simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!”
John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:8; John 1:1-3; Romans 9:5; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 5:20; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; John 8:24; Acts 10:43; John 3:16; Acts 16:31.
Aren’t there other ways to heaven besides Jesus? What about Mohamed, Buddha or Confucius and the other religions of the world?
Most religions recognize man’s separation from God. This separation is caused by the huge moral gap that exists between God’s perfect holiness and man’s sinful nature. Only Jesus Christ offers an acceptable solution to our sin problem. Sin must be punished in order for there to be justice and righteousness. Both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible teach that the penalty for breaking God’s commandments is death. Jesus’ death was unique because it paid the penalty for our sins. Jesus is both man and God and therefore sinless and perfectly righteous. Since He was sinless, he could take our sins upon Himself and die as our substitute (in our place). His resurrection from the dead is proof that God the Father - the God of heaven - accepted His payment for our sins. No other person in history was sinless! No other person in history loved us enough to die for our sins! No other person rose from the dead! All of the founders and leaders of the world's religions have died and stayed dead, never to be heard from again. But Jesus rose again and is seated at the Father's right hand. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father except through Me...I am the door, if any man enter through Me, He will be saved...Salvation is found in no one else. For there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we can and must be saved."
Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:23-25, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, John 7:38-39, John 10:9, John 14:6, Acts 4:12.
What was the meaning and purpose of the animal sacrifices in the Old Testament?
The Bible says, “Those sacrifices were an annual reminder of sins. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
For 1,500 years under the Law of Moses, priests offered animal sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. However, those sacrifices had no permanent value and they could not cleanse the consciences of those who came to the temple to worship (see Hebrews 10:1-14). Instead of removing sin, those sacrifices served as a reminder to the people of how sinful they really were. Instead of experiencing forgiveness, the people went away feeling guilty, because their sins had caused the bloodshed and death of an innocent animal.
These animal sacrifices also served to illustrate (in advance) the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He willingly and lovingly died as our substitute. At the start of Jesus' public ministry, John the Baptist said about Jesus, "Look! He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
When Christ came and offered Himself on the cross as the “once and for all” sacrifice for the sins of the world, He did not enter the temple in Jerusalem like those former priests. He entered heaven itself on our behalf by His own blood.
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption... He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence... He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
The blood of Christ is “precious” to God the Father and has infinite and eternal value to those who simply put their faith in Him alone.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us...”
Because Jesus paid the full price for our sins, He offers forgiveness and eternal life to us freely and without cost! Our part is simply to put our faith in what He has already fully accomplished for us. This is grace! This is something worth celebrating!
For 1,500 years under the Law of Moses, priests offered animal sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. However, those sacrifices had no permanent value and they could not cleanse the consciences of those who came to the temple to worship (see Hebrews 10:1-14). Instead of removing sin, those sacrifices served as a reminder to the people of how sinful they really were. Instead of experiencing forgiveness, the people went away feeling guilty, because their sins had caused the bloodshed and death of an innocent animal.
These animal sacrifices also served to illustrate (in advance) the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He willingly and lovingly died as our substitute. At the start of Jesus' public ministry, John the Baptist said about Jesus, "Look! He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
When Christ came and offered Himself on the cross as the “once and for all” sacrifice for the sins of the world, He did not enter the temple in Jerusalem like those former priests. He entered heaven itself on our behalf by His own blood.
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption... He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence... He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
The blood of Christ is “precious” to God the Father and has infinite and eternal value to those who simply put their faith in Him alone.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us...”
Because Jesus paid the full price for our sins, He offers forgiveness and eternal life to us freely and without cost! Our part is simply to put our faith in what He has already fully accomplished for us. This is grace! This is something worth celebrating!
Hebrews 10:1-14, Hebrews 9:11-15, Hebrews 9:24-28, John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:18-21, Ephesians 1:7-8, Romans 3:22-25, 1 John 2:2, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 22:17
How can I be sure that I will be faithful enough and obedient enough to persevere to the end and be saved?
Whenever someone asks this kind of question, it concerns me because it shows that they have an inadequate understanding of the gospel of grace and how we receive forgiveness of sins and salvation in the first place!
In my travels to Africa, Central & South America, and the United States & Canada, I have discovered there is widespread confusion (even among pastors and evangelists) regarding the message of the gospel and how a person is made right with God. I often hear preachers, teachers, and others say, “If you want to be saved, you must make a commitment for Jesus” or, “Dedicate your life to Jesus” or, “Surrender your all to Jesus” or, “Devote yourself to Jesus” or “Make Jesus the Lord & Master of every area of your life” or, “Make a promise to follow and obey Jesus always” or, "Persevere (continue) in good works to the end of your life", etc.
You may be surprised to learn that none of these phrases occur anywhere in the Bible to explain how a person is saved or made right with God. The reason for this is they all focus on something that you must do, instead of on what Jesus Christ has already done for you through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
According to the Bible, the message of the Gospel is this: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; He was buried; and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures... Through His name, anyone who believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins... Not by righteous things that we have done, but only by His mercy He saved us... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved...”
Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the very opposite of giving something to Jesus or giving something up for Jesus! You can never be made right with God by your commitment, dedication, devotion, surrender, submission, promise-keeping, obedience, faithfulness, or perseverance. You can never be made right with God by being religious, going to church, getting baptized, or doing good things, etc. The only way that anyone can be saved (forgiven and declared perfectly righteous in God's sight) is by trusting in what Jesus Christ has already fully accomplished for us. The moment a person trusts in Jesus Christ alone (and not in themselves, their religion, or anything they do), they are saved once and for all and forever, and they can never be lost!
There are many examples in the Bible of believers who did not persevere in faith, but are in heaven today. Many of the saints in Corinth did not persevere and suffered severe Divine rebuke and earthly discipline for their immorality. Some were even put to death by the Lord and arrived in heaven prematurely, having forfeited their rewards, but never losing their salvation. In the Old Testament, Solomon is one of many believers (saints) who did not persevere in faithfulness to the Lord. During the last half of his life while He was still the king of Israel, He devoted Himself to idolatry even building many temples for the worship of pagan gods (idols). The Lord pronounced judgment on Him and his family, but Solomon is in heaven right now on the basis of putting His faith in the one true God and His promised coming Messiah. Note: In spite of himself, Solomon was used by God to write three books of the Old Testament.
Nothing we do can save us. Nothing we do can keep us saved. Salvation is of the Lord, not man! By His death and resurrection, Jesus did everything required to save you and to keep you saved for all eternity!
"...because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely and forever those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself."
In my travels to Africa, Central & South America, and the United States & Canada, I have discovered there is widespread confusion (even among pastors and evangelists) regarding the message of the gospel and how a person is made right with God. I often hear preachers, teachers, and others say, “If you want to be saved, you must make a commitment for Jesus” or, “Dedicate your life to Jesus” or, “Surrender your all to Jesus” or, “Devote yourself to Jesus” or “Make Jesus the Lord & Master of every area of your life” or, “Make a promise to follow and obey Jesus always” or, "Persevere (continue) in good works to the end of your life", etc.
You may be surprised to learn that none of these phrases occur anywhere in the Bible to explain how a person is saved or made right with God. The reason for this is they all focus on something that you must do, instead of on what Jesus Christ has already done for you through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
According to the Bible, the message of the Gospel is this: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; He was buried; and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures... Through His name, anyone who believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins... Not by righteous things that we have done, but only by His mercy He saved us... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved...”
Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the very opposite of giving something to Jesus or giving something up for Jesus! You can never be made right with God by your commitment, dedication, devotion, surrender, submission, promise-keeping, obedience, faithfulness, or perseverance. You can never be made right with God by being religious, going to church, getting baptized, or doing good things, etc. The only way that anyone can be saved (forgiven and declared perfectly righteous in God's sight) is by trusting in what Jesus Christ has already fully accomplished for us. The moment a person trusts in Jesus Christ alone (and not in themselves, their religion, or anything they do), they are saved once and for all and forever, and they can never be lost!
There are many examples in the Bible of believers who did not persevere in faith, but are in heaven today. Many of the saints in Corinth did not persevere and suffered severe Divine rebuke and earthly discipline for their immorality. Some were even put to death by the Lord and arrived in heaven prematurely, having forfeited their rewards, but never losing their salvation. In the Old Testament, Solomon is one of many believers (saints) who did not persevere in faithfulness to the Lord. During the last half of his life while He was still the king of Israel, He devoted Himself to idolatry even building many temples for the worship of pagan gods (idols). The Lord pronounced judgment on Him and his family, but Solomon is in heaven right now on the basis of putting His faith in the one true God and His promised coming Messiah. Note: In spite of himself, Solomon was used by God to write three books of the Old Testament.
Nothing we do can save us. Nothing we do can keep us saved. Salvation is of the Lord, not man! By His death and resurrection, Jesus did everything required to save you and to keep you saved for all eternity!
"...because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely and forever those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself."
John 3:16, John 5:24, John 6:35-40, John 6:47-51, John 6:58, John 10:27-30, Hebrews 7:24-27, Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 1:13-14.
What is the significance of the blood of Jesus Christ and why is it emphasized so much in the Bible?
The blood of Jesus Christ has great and eternal significance for every believer.
1. We have been purchased by the blood of Christ - "You [Jesus] were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God... Be shepherds of the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood..." (Revelation 5:9; Acts 20:28)
2. The wrath of God (that we rightfully deserve) has been atoned for, and turned away from us, by His blood - “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:25)
3. We have been justified [declared perfectly righteous] by His blood - “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9)
4. We have been redeemed (purchased and set free) and forgiven forever by His blood – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins...” (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter1:18-19)
5. We have been washed by His blood - “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood...” (Revelation 1:5)
6. We have been made holy (set apart for God) by His blood - “Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” (Hebrews 13:12)
7. We have had our consciences cleansed by the blood of Christ – "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14)
8. We have gained access to God through Christ’s blood - “...we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus...” (Hebrews 10:19)
9. We are constantly being purified by His blood - "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
The benefits described above are only available to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from their own good works, religious rituals or personal commitment, etc. Christ’s blood shed for us on the cross is the only payment for our sins that is accepted by God the Father on our behalf.
1. We have been purchased by the blood of Christ - "You [Jesus] were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God... Be shepherds of the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood..." (Revelation 5:9; Acts 20:28)
2. The wrath of God (that we rightfully deserve) has been atoned for, and turned away from us, by His blood - “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:25)
3. We have been justified [declared perfectly righteous] by His blood - “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9)
4. We have been redeemed (purchased and set free) and forgiven forever by His blood – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins...” (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter1:18-19)
5. We have been washed by His blood - “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood...” (Revelation 1:5)
6. We have been made holy (set apart for God) by His blood - “Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” (Hebrews 13:12)
7. We have had our consciences cleansed by the blood of Christ – "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14)
8. We have gained access to God through Christ’s blood - “...we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus...” (Hebrews 10:19)
9. We are constantly being purified by His blood - "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
The benefits described above are only available to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from their own good works, religious rituals or personal commitment, etc. Christ’s blood shed for us on the cross is the only payment for our sins that is accepted by God the Father on our behalf.
Revelation 5:9; Acts 20:28, Romans 3:25, Romans 5:9, Ephesians 1:7, Revelation 1:5, Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 10:19, 1 John 1:7
How can I be delivered from generational curses caused by the sins of my ancestors?
There are some pastors, evangelists and so-called ‘healers’ or ‘miracle workers’ who teach people that they have been cursed by (or because of) the evil and demonic practices of their ancestors. Many of these teachers claim that they can remove these curses if you have enough faith or if you give their ministries money. This false teaching regarding curses is based primarily on superstition and the misunderstanding (misinterpretation) of a few verses given to the children of Israel in the Law of Moses.
The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve (and all mankind with them), were originally cursed by God in the garden of Eden because of their disobedience (Genesis 3:16-19). Although this is a curse placed on all mankind throughout all generations, it is not some kind of magical, mystical or demonic curse. Instead, it was the pronouncement of God’s judgment and condemnation on the whole world, including each one of us (Romans 5:12-19).
The Bible also tells us that anyone who tries to be made right with God by keeping the 10 Commandments, or any other laws and rules, is also under the curse of God’s judgment (Galatians 3:10). This is true because no one can ever obey God’s commands perfectly. The purpose of the 10 Commandments is not to make us righteous or good, but to show us how unrighteous and sinful we really are (Romans 3:19-22). The commandments reveal our sin and our desperate need for a Savior. It is foolish to rely on keeping the commandments as a means of being righteous in God's sight, it only leads to failure and despair or self-righteousness and religious pride.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is that Savior of the world (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; John 4:42) and that He Himself was cursed for us (Galatians 3:13). He allowed Himself to be cursed and punished most severely in our place, in order to remove both the curse of sin and the curse that God has pronounced against all who break His commandments.
When Jesus died on the cross, He suffered the full wrath of God that you and I deserved. He was cursed, condemned and punished in our place, as our substitute. He was cursed, so that we could be set free from being cursed - from suffering the punishment that we rightfully deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21). By His death and resurrection, all curses have been removed from our lives forever! Satan, the world, and our ancestors have no power over us whatsoever!
If you are uncertain that the curse of sin has been removed from your life and that you are completely forgiven of every sin you have ever committed, just trust in - rely on - what Jesus has already done for you through His death and resurrection (Romans 3:22, Romans 4:5; Acts 10:43; Acts 16:31). Jesus not only died for our sins, but He came back from the dead on the third day after He was crucified (1 Corinthians 15:3&4). As a result, anyone who simply believes in Him has everlasting life (John 3:16).
The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve (and all mankind with them), were originally cursed by God in the garden of Eden because of their disobedience (Genesis 3:16-19). Although this is a curse placed on all mankind throughout all generations, it is not some kind of magical, mystical or demonic curse. Instead, it was the pronouncement of God’s judgment and condemnation on the whole world, including each one of us (Romans 5:12-19).
The Bible also tells us that anyone who tries to be made right with God by keeping the 10 Commandments, or any other laws and rules, is also under the curse of God’s judgment (Galatians 3:10). This is true because no one can ever obey God’s commands perfectly. The purpose of the 10 Commandments is not to make us righteous or good, but to show us how unrighteous and sinful we really are (Romans 3:19-22). The commandments reveal our sin and our desperate need for a Savior. It is foolish to rely on keeping the commandments as a means of being righteous in God's sight, it only leads to failure and despair or self-righteousness and religious pride.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is that Savior of the world (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; John 4:42) and that He Himself was cursed for us (Galatians 3:13). He allowed Himself to be cursed and punished most severely in our place, in order to remove both the curse of sin and the curse that God has pronounced against all who break His commandments.
When Jesus died on the cross, He suffered the full wrath of God that you and I deserved. He was cursed, condemned and punished in our place, as our substitute. He was cursed, so that we could be set free from being cursed - from suffering the punishment that we rightfully deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21). By His death and resurrection, all curses have been removed from our lives forever! Satan, the world, and our ancestors have no power over us whatsoever!
If you are uncertain that the curse of sin has been removed from your life and that you are completely forgiven of every sin you have ever committed, just trust in - rely on - what Jesus has already done for you through His death and resurrection (Romans 3:22, Romans 4:5; Acts 10:43; Acts 16:31). Jesus not only died for our sins, but He came back from the dead on the third day after He was crucified (1 Corinthians 15:3&4). As a result, anyone who simply believes in Him has everlasting life (John 3:16).
Genesis 3:16-19, Romans 5:12-19, Galatians 3:10, Romans 3:19&20, Matthew 1:21, John 1:29, John 4:42, Galatians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:22, Romans 4:5, Acts 10:43, Acts 16:31, 1 Corinthians 15:3&4, John 3:16.
If a born again believer dies without confessing and repenting from a known sin does he/she still receive salvation?
Yes! We receive eternal salvation by trusting in the death of Christ to pay for our sins. Confession of sin is not a requirement for receiving or maintaining salvation. Those of us who have already trusted in Jesus Christ as our Savior, should confess our sins to God because sin interrupts our fellowship and closeness with Him. Unconfessed sin also grieves and "quenches" the Holy Spirit. It limits the Holy Spirit's power and influence in our lives.
There are two types of forgiveness in the Bible;
1. Judicial (legal) forgiveness. When we believe in Jesus, every one of our sins is blotted out, past, present, and future. Since all of our sins were paid for on the cross, sin can never jeopardize our salvation or cause us to lose it. Our sins have been removed once and for all and God has declared that we are 'perfectly righteous' in His sight forever! This is an unchanging reality based solely on the provision of Christ and the judicial pronouncement of God the Father (not on anything we do, whether good or bad).
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)
2. Family forgiveness. This is a matter of fellowship and intimacy within the family of God. Sin comes between us and our loving and faithful heavenly Father. We are still saved (as the eternal sons and daughters of God) but we lose our closeness with Him. Our prayers are hindered, and we experience the absence of peace, joy, and contentment that is ours when we are walking by faith with Him.
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me...” (Psalm 66.18)
As believers, we experience family forgiveness with our Heavenly Father the moment we confess any known sins to Him. Unity and blessing is is immediately restored! To confess means to acknowledge, or agree. As believers, we must agree with God about specific sins that we have committed. Simply put, We must admit to God that what we did was wrong.
Note: We should confess our sins directly to God. Confessing to a person is only appropriate if we have wronged that person. Confessing to a priest, pastor or counselor can never restore our intimacy with God. Through Jesus Christ, we are told to speak directly to our Father about what we have done, taking responsibility for it.
Important Note: We are not required to atone for what we have done or to perform acts of penance or remorse. This is the case because our family forgiveness is also based only on Christ's blood shed for us on the cross. This is the only basis of forgiveness! (1 John 1:7)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all of our unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Once we have openly confessed our sins to the Lord, we should not wallow in despair, self-condemnation, or self-flagellation. Rather, we should rejoice in our Father's grace and forgiveness, and in the fact that our names are permanently written in the Lamb's Book of Life! For "nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Romans 8:38-39)
There are two types of forgiveness in the Bible;
1. Judicial (legal) forgiveness. When we believe in Jesus, every one of our sins is blotted out, past, present, and future. Since all of our sins were paid for on the cross, sin can never jeopardize our salvation or cause us to lose it. Our sins have been removed once and for all and God has declared that we are 'perfectly righteous' in His sight forever! This is an unchanging reality based solely on the provision of Christ and the judicial pronouncement of God the Father (not on anything we do, whether good or bad).
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)
2. Family forgiveness. This is a matter of fellowship and intimacy within the family of God. Sin comes between us and our loving and faithful heavenly Father. We are still saved (as the eternal sons and daughters of God) but we lose our closeness with Him. Our prayers are hindered, and we experience the absence of peace, joy, and contentment that is ours when we are walking by faith with Him.
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me...” (Psalm 66.18)
As believers, we experience family forgiveness with our Heavenly Father the moment we confess any known sins to Him. Unity and blessing is is immediately restored! To confess means to acknowledge, or agree. As believers, we must agree with God about specific sins that we have committed. Simply put, We must admit to God that what we did was wrong.
Note: We should confess our sins directly to God. Confessing to a person is only appropriate if we have wronged that person. Confessing to a priest, pastor or counselor can never restore our intimacy with God. Through Jesus Christ, we are told to speak directly to our Father about what we have done, taking responsibility for it.
Important Note: We are not required to atone for what we have done or to perform acts of penance or remorse. This is the case because our family forgiveness is also based only on Christ's blood shed for us on the cross. This is the only basis of forgiveness! (1 John 1:7)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all of our unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Once we have openly confessed our sins to the Lord, we should not wallow in despair, self-condemnation, or self-flagellation. Rather, we should rejoice in our Father's grace and forgiveness, and in the fact that our names are permanently written in the Lamb's Book of Life! For "nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Romans 8:38-39)
Romans 3:19-25, John 4:42, Galatians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 4:5, Acts 10:43, Acts 16:31, 1 Corinthians 15:3&4, 1 John 1:9, Romans 8:38-39