Tag Archives: Gospel

Christian

Once Saved

Why do so many people think to be saved all they have to do is accept Jesus as their savior. As if continuing in Christianity required no effort on their part. While Jesus, himself said follow me, my yoke is easy and my burden light. He never said it was non-existent, that you didn’t have to do anything as a Christian.

In fact, Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15) and go forth and teach those commandments. Matthew 28:19-20 KJV says, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

If you think salvation is only accepting Jesus you’re only getting part of the Gospel. You can lose your salvation even after baptism by continuing in sin.

Quit comparing yourself to the thief nailed on the cross next to Jesus, like you are unable to do anything. 

Quit confusing not sinning with good works.

While our righteousnesses may be as filthy rags, that is no excuse to not do good. God must value and have use of filthy rags.

Once saved, always saved is simply erroneous doctrine and it won’t lead anyone to Heaven.

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Christian

Better Man

Thank goodness the gospel isn’t about working harder or getting better.

The Gospel is not about working harder. What does the Bible say?

James 1:22 KJV
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

1 John 3:8-9 KJV
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. [9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin… .

A central doctrine of the Gospel is to strive hard against sin.

The Gospel is not about getting better.

1 Corinthians 15:3 KJV
… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures… .

Isaiah 53:5 KJV
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

1 John 1:7 KJV
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Another central doctrine of the Gospel is that Jesus died for our sins. He died teaching us how to follow the Heavenly Father and indeed how to be better men and women.

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Christian, Inspirational

Available To All

I had a conversation with a Church of Christ preacher who believed the gospel was available only to humanity.

I don’t believe this to be the case. See Mark 16:15 KJV. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Men may not often have the opportunity to preach to every creature or baptize angels, but I believe the gospel of Christ is available to any creature that can understand it. Only Satan, the Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet have received their final judgment. Revelation 10:20

Except for those three, salvation is available to all.

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Christian, Inspirational

And Now You Know…

The Bible advises us to rightly divide the word in 2 Timothy 2:15.

Part of understanding a verse is context, but part is comprehending all of the words actually written.

There are many today that say God’s love is unconditional. I disagree and here’s why: they are misinformed. Perhaps it is innocent optimism, but I think it is a deceitful lie that causes much more harm than good.

Read John 3:16 KJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Can you spot the condition? You have to believe to be saved.

Read 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 KJV Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Can you spot the condition? Touch not the unclean thing and then you will be received as a son or daughter.

Read Psalm 31:24 KJV Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Can you spot the condition? Trick question. I think there are two. With effort on your part be courageous and additionally hope in the Lord and the Lord will strengthen your heart.

Context is important, but in most cases the Gospel applies to us today, just as it did to those living thousands of years ago when it was first given. When you read the Bible don’t cherry pick. Examine the verse to see what it really says in it’s entirety. There’s a blessing of God. Awesome. But look and see if God expects something of you in return.

Don’t miss out cause you’ve heard or latched on to only half of the story.

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Christian, Inspirational

About

“The gospel is not about behavior modification.” – Joseph Prince

Matthew 9:12-13 KJV But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. [13] But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

So we see contrary to the opinion of Joseph Prince, Jesus came specifically for the behavior modification of sinners. This is inherent in the definition of repentance. Repentance is not only sorrow for wrong doing, but stopping the wrong or sinful behavior.

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