I just heard on Three Cosmic Messages Earth’s Final Conflict, “We do not follow God’s Commandments in order to be saved, but because we are saved.” I have heard a similar message before: “We are not saved by our best efforts”, “Jesus finished the work on the cross.”
To be frank, these statements are misleading. In fact they aren’t far from the false doctrine “once saved, always saved”. They imply there is nothing we have to do on our part.
I’m not convinced Jesus is finished working. If he were finished, why do we yet pray?
Jesus dying on the cross is an offer of salvation. What must we do? Accept by believing in accordance with John 3:16, be baptized by immersion in water in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Mark 16:16.
What else must we do to be saved? What does the Bible say?
Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Romans 2:13 KJV (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
And let’s not forget 1 John 1:9 and Proverbs 28:13. If we err and sin these verses instruct us on how to be free.
Finally, with belief, we are saved by our best efforts in Christ who gives us both strength and guidance that we may walk in the Light. And when we need help with our efforts, we call upon the Lord. Roman’s 10:13.
Tag Archives: Mark 16:16
Discernment Part 1
Can you learn discernment between right and wrong, between good and evil? I believe the answer is yes.
One easy way to learn and/or teach discernment is with a game of what’s worse? It’s a game we’ve been playing since the time of creation. What’s worse, lying or murder? What’s worse, murder or stealing? Societies have developed their moral codes over the centuries. If you’re wondering what the correct answer is, which is worse, Google the average sentence for murder in the US, the average sentence for theft in the US, the average sentence for perjury in the US. The general consensus or public idea of justice and judgment are reflected in the sentences of convicted offenders. To see what other societies think, google the offense in the country in question.
I think God is the ultimate judge, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t develop our own sense of justice and judgment.
Here’s one example of what’s worse: not understanding baptism or believing that people go to Heaven immediately when they die. I believe the answer is not understanding baptism. Understanding and being baptized properly are critical to ones salvation. Mark 16:16. Beliefs of what happen to people when they die, whether they sleep awaiting judgment or go immediately to be judged, are not in my opinion necessarily critical to a person’s salvation.
Conditions Too
Some claim the love of God is unconditional. They do not know God nor the scriptures.
In an earlier post we discovered the first condition of Christianity in John 3:16. It is belief.
What are some other conditions? Mark 16:16 tells us that in addition to belief in Christ we must be baptized to be saved!
Let’s look at some other verses to see if we can spot the condition:
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.
If we want to be a son or daughter of God Almighty, what must we do? The condition is clear. Be separate and touch not the unclean thing.
John 14:21 KJV He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
If we want the Father and son’s love we keep his commandments.
Learning to spot conditions in scripture will help teach you proper discernment and help you in rightly dividing the Word of God.
Malpractice
The Bible says in Luke 11:52 KJV
Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
Who are the lawyers? Any teacher or preacher of the Word of God is a lawyer. It is impossible to teach or preach the Word without practicing law. Unfortunately, Christianity is rampant with malpractice.
How do they prevent others from entering into the Kingdom of Heaven: misinformation and incorrect doctrine. They bring people to the door. They teach a “Prayer of Salvation” and do not usher the people through the door.
Baptism is crucial to salvation. Mark 16:16. It is being born again. Only after baptism do you enter into the Kingdom of God.
Be careful to not place anyone between yourself and the door of Heaven. Study on your own to show yourself approved. 2 Timothy 2:15. Remember James 1:5 KJV,
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Let Me Be Your Midwife
In 2 Kings 19:3 KJV … Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
I am convinced that many people do not know how to be born again. Jesus said in John 3:3 KJV … Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
What must I do?
Believe in Jesus, that he is the Son of God who died on the cross for our sins, that he is the promised Christ and our Messiah. John 3:16-18.
Acknowledge and repent of your sins. Matthew 3:2,6.
Be baptized by immersion in water by another in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost for the forgivess of your sins. Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16.
Knowledge, belief, and strength are all required for salvation. A prayer of salvation is insufficient to save you if you don’t continue in faith to be born again. Persevere, believe, and be baptized.
Baptism is not only a public declaration of faith it is the birthing process. Arise from the water a new man or woman in Christ, Born Again!
2 Corinthians 6:17-18 KJV says, 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.
I have heard that some have found difficulty in finding someone to baptize them. This has been done by errant preachers placing restrictions on baptism, such as requiring membership at their specific congregation or making you wait a certain period of time. I am a strong believer that being a member of the Church of Christ begins in the heart. You don’t have to join a local congregation. That being said, I am an advocate of attending a church for learning, fellowship, and communion, but membership in the Church of Christ is not given by men, but by God.
If you can make it to the Dover, TN area I am willing to baptize you, if you’re willing to meet the three steps listed after “what must I do”. I live near Kentucky lake and there are also some nearby swimming pools.
Feel free to contact me, Dean at (931)305-8834. I don’t generally answer the phone if it isn’t someone I know, so please send me a text first. Introduce yourself, let me know what you would like to discuss and I will return your text or call you back.
Alter Calls are Nice
Alter Calls are nice.
Prayers of Salvation have pretty words.
But, why won’t you be baptized by immersion in the name of God into his family?
Mark 16:16 KJV says, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
The Talk
Long before a parent needs to have “the talk” with their child they need to discuss God with them.
A father should tell his son(s) and daughter(s), we have one Father, even God in Heaven, and ask the children to call himself by his first name, rather than father or dad. Matthew 23:9 KJV.
As soon as a child can comprehend who God is, tell him or her about Jesus, the only begotten Son of God who died on the cross for our sins and lived to show us how to live by following his Holy Father, our Father.
Conversations with children should include informing them of the Ten Commandments and the statutes and precepts of the Lord. I don’t necessarily think you need to go into detail about what adultery is, but a careful conversation on adultery might make “the talk” easier at a later date.
Keep in mind “the talk” probably needs to take place earlier than you think. Kids pick up a lot from what’s on television and at school.
When your child is ready, let them repent of their sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus. Mark 16:16
Only by frequent conversations with your children will they be able to make it to Heaven. Remember that children key off what they see. If you live righteously you can teach your children to live likewise!
Of Bondage and Baptism
I believe baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost is necessary for salvation. Mark 16:16.
So how do those imprisoned whether man or angel get baptized? They must ask. Ask their jailer. Ask the warden. Ask.
Even Demons Dare to Dream
Have you ever wondered, can I make it to Heaven? Even fallen angels wonder the same thing.
The truth is only three beings have their final judgment now. They are going to be damned to Hell forever. One is the Devil. The other two may not know their final judgment yet, they may not even be alive. They are two individuals found in the book of Revelation, the Anti-Christ and the false prophet. Revelation 20:10
Because of God’s great mercy even demons might make it back to Heaven. 2 Peter 2:4 tells us that demons haven’t received their final judgment yet.
A continuing hope in Christ is key for both them and us. If they have opportunity then like us they should be baptized (Mark 16:16) and confess their sins (1 John 1:9). It might be easy to lose hope in chains and darkness, but to both demons and men I say remember. Remember only three in the Holy Bible have already been judged, therefore to the rest of us – hope remains.
Mercy triumphs over judgment.
State of the Church
Recently, I have heard a few people comment on the great freedom we have to worship the Lord here in the United States and how blessed we are that it is so. What good is that freedom if the Church members will not hear and do not do God’s word.
Where is the persecution Christ promised? John 15:20. Satan is satisfied to give you religious freedom if what you practice is mediocrity and lukewarm Christianity.
What can combat mediocrity and lukewarm Christianity is the truth:
Baptism is required for salvation! Mark 16:16.
Following the Ten Commandments is expected. Exodus 20, John 14:15. I have heard it well expressed the first four show love for God and the last six show love for others. My advice is where you hear a law in the Holy Bible and it seems wise and good, keep it. Write them on your mind and heart. His precepts will guide you.
Read the Holy Bible and pray for understanding. Don’t be afraid to disagree with your pastor or others. Many who cling to denominational creed simply cannot hear the truth.
It is said speaking in tongues is evidence of the Holy Spirit. The Truth is evidence of the Holy Spirit. He is also known as the Spirit of Truth. He takes of Christ and gives to you.
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