Author: Don Gerrity

1 John 1: Is Walking In The Light Something We DO? Or Is It About God’s Grace and Our Fellowship With the Lord?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living, Q&A: Grace Of God
1 John 1: Is Walking In The Light Something We DO? Or Is It About God’s Grace and Our Fellowship With the Lord?

What Is Being Addressed In 1 John 1 By Proper Context?

It is important to understand that the context of John’s letter is to thwart a heresy that false teachers were trying to get true believers to accept. This heresy is called –Gnosticism–. This is THE SIN that John is referring too in his letter. Those believing this heresy. John is not talking about all sins.
Gnosticism in incompatible with Biblical Christianity because Gnostics do not believe that a person can be born again IN THE SPIRIT through belief in Christ. They deny that we are saved because Christ died in our place and took on the punishment for our sins but instead rely on extra Biblical ‘secret knowledge’ they say has been imparted to them as if they are special somehow. This was a big heresy in the early church and is being shown as false.

The Gnostic’s teachings were causing fear in some of the believers and had them questioning their faith on Christ alone for Salvation. John is exposing this false heresy to believers who he is addressing.
The Gnostics denied the deity of Jesus as God. They denied that His death on the cross was the remedy for all of our sins. John wasn’t saying that Christians don’t sin; he was saying that those who adhered to the specific sin of Gnosticism were not saved. He was stating that no born again believer could accept Gnosticism, and no one who accepted Gnosticism could be born again in the Spirit. The Gnostics teaching are wrong right to the very core of the Gospel truth about salvation.

It is important to understand that John wrote his letters TO SAVED BELIEVERS. He is addressing people who are ALREADY born again in the Spirit by belief on Christ (John 3) and who are eternally saved through belief on Christ. The key to understanding this passage of Scripture is in the understanding what it means to ‘walk in the light’ and ‘walk in the darkness’. John is giving a comparison here to be sure that the one reading the letter is confident that they are truly saved in opposition to what the Gnostic false teaching was. He uses the contrast of ‘dark verse light’ to achieve this. Let’s move forward in the verses in 1 John.

Context In 1 John Is Refuting The Gnostics False Teaching And The Truth In Opposition About FELLOWSHIP

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have FELLOWSHIP WITH US: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL” (1 John 1:3-4 KJV)

John wants to settle any confusion about the false heresy of the Gnostics and the truth of the Gospel in opposition so that they may not have any fearful questioning in their hearts about the true Gospel. So that their joy may be full. This is the goal of John’s letter. The Gnostics had come in and joined the believing community but they were not believers. They were there to refute the truth about salvation in Christ. John is giving the born again a teaching to encourage them so that their joy may be full. The true Gospel of our salvation ,is what produces such joy and also keeps our faith stable to stand against the enemy lies.

“If we say that we have not sinned, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR, and his word IS NOT IN US.” (1 John 1:10 KJV)

Pretty clear right? We need to remain humble and know the truth. The truth is, we all still have sin. Maybe not ‘really bad ones’, but sin none the less. That is why we needed Christ and His atonement for our sins. No one can save themselves by works and deeds.

“If we say that we have FELLOWSHIP with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS, we lie, and do not the truth: 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.” (1 John 1:6-7 KJV)

John tells us right there that he is not talking about salvation in these following verses, but FELLOWSHIP AFTER our salvation. At the same time, the Gnostics where in community fellowship with other believers but in deceptiveness. So John is talking about both; (i.) The Fellowship of a believer to the Lord. (ii.) a person walking in darkness that was never born again by belief on Christ.

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5 KJV)

First, the Gnostics were spreading lies and stating the opposite to the believing community. And John is going to end any confusions! So many people ignore verse 5 and the context is lost. THAT GOD IS LIGHT and IN HIM is no darkness. Not that the saved cannot walk in darkness and light. Of course, it is better to walk in the truth of God’s light in our life! A believer is eternally saved the moment they believe on Christ (John 3:14-18, 36, John 6:37-40, Eph. 1:13-14, Colossians 2 etc. ). After we are saved, we still have free will to walk in the light of God or do wrong. Of course, we are to strive to do right and avoid sin, absolutely. Sin has consequences in this life and loss of eternal rewards at the judgement seat of Christ. Again, John’s writing in 1 John is about FELLOWSHIP after being saved – not mainly about salvation by John’s own writing in the chapter.

Verse By Verse To See Proper Context

Let’s now look at the passage in whole to see the truth about fellowship, as a born again saved believer, with our Lord an dhow John at the same time is refuting the Gnostics false teachings.

“5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. “

Verse 5: God is LIGHT and God has no darkness in Him. God is perfect. Jesus is God and is perfect. All light. No darkness. Jesus is who we should be imitating in our daily walk in life as believers. Doing so gives strong fellowship with our Lord. We are not to walk in darkness by following any others teaching falsely, who are denying the deity of Christ as the Gnostics were.

“6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:”

Verse 6: Here John teaches about a believer’s fellowship to the Lord and also refutes any in the community of believers, who are not even in the light. Claiming that you are close to God in fellowship, but then living outwardly in darkness all the time is not good fellowship. It is also not true salvation for some who associate with born again believers but are not really saved and born again. Churches today are filled with such people. They are living in darkness thinking they are saved but they are not. Judas Iscariot is a good example. He lived with Christ during His Earthly ministry to Israel but was never a true believer. In the end, he betrayed Jesus. Here John is explaining both situations about FELLOWSHIP.

A saved person who is walking in darkness needs to restore fellowship with the Lord and ‘walk in the light’. As believers, we are to walk in the light, that is to walk by what Jesus said. We should have good works in love for others. Not that these works saves us. No. We are saved by belief on Christ alone; it is HIS finished work, not ours that saves us.

An unsaved person needs salvation before fellowship will even matter. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 7:15-23 as well. Having ‘many wonderful works’ does not save anyone. Being born again does (John 3:5-18, John 6:37-40). They are walking in darkness because they are not even born again, nor saved. Again, it is not by their works determining salvation. It is by accepting or rejected Christ.

“7 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.”

Verse 7: John then shows a true believer that is born again, walking in proper fellowship. This should be our goal as believers. He writes that confessing our sins ‘cleasnses us from ‘unrighteousness’. So that means a born again believer still has sins to contend with doesn’t it? Right there refutes any person who says they never sinned since their conversion. They are making Jesus as a liar and are also deceivig themselves. They are walking in darkness and are far from fellowship with the Lord; they may even not be saved. As a born again believer, Christ removed all our sins and we are now complete in Him in The Spirit (Colossians 2), and were MADE BY GOD the righteousness of God, in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-21). Not that WE MAKE OURSELVES righteous. We need to follow The Lord as believers and this produces a very close fellowship and relationship with the Lord.

In the Greek this was originally written, the tense for the word ‘cleanseth’ is a present and continuous action. Once a person accepts the FREE GIFT of Salvation through Christ’s shed blood on the cross, the blood of Jesus Christ keeps on and keeps on cleansing you from every sin! Just like an ocean’s waves on a beach, the Grace of God keeps rolling in to cover all and any sin committed in the life of a believer. Amen!

“8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

Verse 8: In 1 John 1:8, John reminds us that we’re all sinners – even as born again believers! Be humble and not boastful over your ‘many good works’ (Matthew 7:15-23, Eph. 2:8-9, Gal. 3, 5:4-5). John is refuting the false Gnostic teachings. As a believer, we will still sin and stumble. Our mind has not yet been made perfect (1 Cor. 15:50). That is why one day we need a bodily resurrection. Only our Spirit has been MADE perfect (2 Cor. 5:21, Colossians 2:10) . The devil and his angels, they are working and scheming against believers (Eph. 6) and sometimes, as a believer, we just ‘blow it’. Acknowledge this. God is certainly NOT SURPRISED! As a believer, I may stumble and fall in sin. Yet, Jesus foreknew about that sin and still died on that cross for us! (Romans 5:8) In fact, later in 1 John 2, John writes that Jesusu paid for all sins of the whole world. Not just believer’s sins (1 John 2:2). Again, context matters. We cannot be SINLESS until our bodily resurrection when our minds will be like Christ’s mind; perfected for ever. But acknowledging our sins and confessing them to God, motivates us to sin less.

“9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:9-10 KJV)

Verse 9 & 10: In 1 John 1:9-10, John tells us how sinners can remain in fellowship with the Lord. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” The indwelling Holy Spirit works to restore you to proper fellowship with the Lord. When we fall into a sin as a believer, confess it to the Lord (He knows about it anyway! He knew you would do it, BEFORE you did it!) Acknowledge your sin to God. Thank Jesus that He already paid fro that sin on the cross for you (1 John 2:2).

Do not run away from God in guilt. Know that that sin was paid in full by Christ. Feel the remorse! But run TO GOD. That is a very health thing to do. Ask Jesus to help you overcome that temptation next time. Think God will not answer that prayer? Yes He Will! It is called truth and growth in faith. Move forward knowing Jesus already paid for that sin you committed (1 John 2:2). This is faith. That is walking in the light as well. It is building a stronger bond relationship between you and your heavenly Father. It is true fellowship with the Lord who wants to help you. He loves you more than you can imagine.

The Gnostics taught that no one has sinned and no one needs to believe in the Christ. They completely denied the deity of Christ. John refutes their false teaching and states clearly that ALL HAVE SIN – even born again believers. If a person does not acknowledge this, then they are not only walking in darkness; they are walking in the boastful sin of pride. Pride is the sin Lucifer (who was the closest to God’s throne in heaven, the top angel) when he wanted to be as God in boastfulness. It is the sin that started this whole mess humankind is in. We need to be HUMBLE before God. All glory to Christ crucified, died and risen (1 Cor. 15:1-4)! It is HIS work to be boastful about – not ours (Eph. 2:8-9). That is true faith. That produces great gratitude in the love and what God has freely given to us! Eternal life. His love for us is what motivates us to help others come to the knowledge of the truth and hopefully to believe and be saved.

“…freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8 KJV)

In the Greek this was originally written, the tense for the word ‘cleanseth’ is a present and continuous action. Once a person accepts the FREE GIFT of Salvation through Christ’s shed blood on the cross, the blood of Jesus Christ keeps on and keeps on cleansing you from every sin! Just like an ocean’s waves on a beach, the Grace of God keeps rolling in to cover all and any sin committed in the life of a believer.
By the continuous waves of God’s Grace, born again believers are always in God’s light in regards to salvation. But to remain in close relationship with God, and to live a life for Him and His Kingdom, walking in darkness is in opposition. It causes a drift and a distance which we want to avoid. Why?

“So that your joy may be full!”

We still have sin after Salvation but they were already penalty paid by the power of Jesus’ shed blood. Until we are resurrected with new immortal bodies, without this disease we have called sin and The Flesh, sin will happen in a believers life; though our Newly Created Spirit wars against the Flesh (Romans 7). These two conflicting beliefs IN THE MIND exist within every believer. Renewing these old Spirit thoughts by God’s truth in the Word is the goal (Romans 12, John 17:17). The holy Spirit is within a believer orchestrating this renewal.

Do not misunderstand me. The struggle against sin for a believer is VERY REAL. The Apostle Paul struggled greatly with the fight against the Flesh in Romans 7. Although our sins after Salvation do not separate us from the family of God, sin will affect our fellowship with our God as our Father. That is what John is talking about in 1 John. Thankfully, loss of Salvation and being kicked out of the family of God is not found in the Scriptures. Jesus already paid for all sins of the whole world and anyone who believes this, has had all sins ‘paid in full’ by Christ. He became sin for us and imputed His righteousness to us (2 Cor. 5:21).

When I tell you it affects our fellowship with God, that does not mean God turns away from us when we sin and turns back to us when we repent and change our mind about a sin. No God is within us always. Jesus said that he would never leave us nor forsake us. We are His for ever.  It does affects our fellowship because WE FEEL GUILTY and may not turn to God in this guilt. We should do the opposite though and run to God when we sin and confess it and ask Him for help. That is a prayer He will answer!

As an analogy,  a son or daughter, leaves home for drugs and partying. This greatly grieves their father. They are still his kids and he loves them move than anything. Didi they stop being the father’s son or daughter? No. But fellowship has been broken. If the son or daughter comes back home and confesses how wrong they were, will the father forgiven them? Well, yes, with great joy! We see this also in the Parable of the Prodigal Son Jesus taught right. Salvation and fellowship are NOT the same thing is my point. By salvation we are born again in unity into the family of God and we become His children. That is when fellowship comes into play. We want a good relationship with God. He has so much love for us!

As believers we are all on a journey and we all have struggles in life and battles with the schemes and temptation of evil in the world (Eph. 6). The struggle is real but we must believe in faith as the Apostle Paul wrote,

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence MIGHT ABOUND. But where sin abounded, GRACE DID MUCH MORE abound:” (Romans 5:20 KJV)

 

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17 KJV)

 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 KJV)

 

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Bible Study Videos: Learn The Bible in 24 Hours Series, Chuck Missler

Don Gerrity All Videos, GO: Bible Study Videos, Q&A: Uncategorized List

Dr. Chuck Missler (RIP) is an internationally known author, is among the best-known Bible expositors in the world, and is a prominent speaker on the subject of Bible prophecy and is featured on many Christian radio and television stations worldwide. He is well known for his Biblical studies including this video series,  Learn the Bible in 24 Hours.

May 2018:  Dr. Chuck Missler has passed into his real home, Heaven. RIP! May his teachings continue reaching the lost and encouraging believers until the day we go to be home with the Lord. Thank you Chuck. You will be very missed!

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Will You Make Your commitment To Christ To Be Saved? Is This A Salvation Invitation? NO!

Don Gerrity Q&A: False Salvation Invitations
Will You Make Your commitment To Christ To Be Saved? Is This A Salvation Invitation? NO!

Salvation by the Gospel Of Grace that the Apostle Paul taught is a Salvation with no good works or religious rituals required. It is not our self righteous good deeds that will make us acceptable to God for our justification. Following The Law of Moses will not save a person neither and that includes God’s Ten Commandments, an absolute truth from God of what is Holy and acceptable. The problem is we cannot keep the Ten Commandments perfectly as God does.

“For by GRACE are ye 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 KJV)

This verse by the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians and to everyone is very clear.

The problem with a Salvation invitation asking for a commitment to Christ is implying to a person that it is their own works that will save them. They need to DO something in order to be justified and kept saved. That however, is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ we find in the Bible.

A commitment to Christ could imply many things such as obeying, being a good person, making a better effort to do good to others and the list goes on and on. Are those things bad to do? No, they are good to do and after our Salvation we should be walking in good deeds and helping others and working on being a better person as a believer.

However, to a person that is not yet saved none of these things MAKE a person righteous. None of these things justify a person with God. None of these things erase the debt of sins we have committed against others and against God.

You see friends, the Bible does not tell us that the wages of sin is good works. The Bible does not tell us that the wages of sin is religious rituals. The wages of sin is not being a good person nor treating others right. The Bible states very clear that God says that the wages of sin is DEATH. An eternal death in a place called hell.

“For the wages of sin is death;…” (Romans 6:23 KJV)

In our own efforts we have no hope and we are already lost and headed for eternal death in a place called hell.

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18 KJV)

Yet, God loved us so much that the second part to this verse in Romans 6 tells us how to be saved. Here is the full verse:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 KJV)

Salvation is a GIFT from God to be received and is a gift of God’s amazing grace. It is a gift of God’s Grace. The word gift in this verse in the Greek it was penned is the Greek word ‘charisma‘ and is defined as ‘a favor with which one receives without any merit of his own, an unmerited favor’.

This is a gift we do nothing to earn. A GIFT is not something we work for. It is something we can decide to accept or reject.

How Do We Accept And Receive This Gift Of Eternal Life?

  • Going to church does NOT make you a Christian.
  • Doing good works and being good to others alone does NOT make you a Christian.
  • Being a “good person” does NOT make you a Christian.
  • Being born into a family of a certain denomination does NOT make you a Christian.
  • Being baptized as a baby does NOT make you a Christian.
  • Being baptized with water alone does not make you a Christian.
  • Speaking in ‘tongues’ does NOT make you a Christian.
  • Asking a priest in a confessional booth to absolve your sins does not make you a Christian.
  • Doing penance does not make you a Christian.
  • Following Sacraments does not make you Christian.
  • Being a good person does not make you a Christian.

There is NOTHING we can DO to become a Christian except one; BELIEVE that Jesus was the Son of God, God in the flesh, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life and took upon Himself the punishment we deserve for our sins on the cross, and rose again. If you BELIEVE this then you are saved. You do not even need a prayer; although it is okay to pray about it with God!

Salvation is by BELIEF in Christ’s work of atonement for our sins, without works as a requirement. It is a FREE GIFT to forgive your sins and wash you 100% clean. And to MAKE you 100% righteous in your Newly Created Spirit.

God is a Perfectly Just being and He MUST punish the sins we committed. But God also loves us perfectly and is Perfect in His Mercy towards us. By sending Himself in the human person of Jesus Christ, living a completely sinless life and taking the punishment that we deserve, God has paid the penalty for our sins. But have you accepted His FREE GIFT of forgiveness? Do you believe?

Believing in the atonement of Christ is the only thing that can save us. Here are many Scriptures about how to be saved. You will notice good works nor self righteous deeds nor religious rituals are not even mentioned. These have been added by mankind at pulpits leading many astray from the true Gospel Of Grace that Apostle Paul taught. These things are not found as the way to receive Salvation and justification with God; but the word “BELIEVE” and “FAITH’ is!

“For by grace are ye 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 KJV)

 

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye BELIEVED, ye were SEALED with that holy Spirit of PROMISE, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-16 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that BELIEVETH on him is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH NOT is condemned already, because he hath not BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 KJV)

 

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the FAITH of Jesus Christ, even we have BELIEVED in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16 KJV)

 

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the FAITH of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by FAITH:” (Philippians 3:9 KJV)

 

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV)

 

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that BELIEVETH on me shall never thirst.But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and BELIEVE NOT. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and BELIEVETH on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:35-40 KJV)

 

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and BELIEVETH on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24 KJV)

 

“And he BELIEVED in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6 KJV)

 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that BELIEVETH; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV)

 

“Even the righteousness of God which is by FAITH of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that BELIEVE: for there is no difference:” (Romans 3:22 KJV)

 

“To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which BELIEVETH in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26 KJV)

 

“But to him that worketh not, but BELIEVETH on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:5 KJV)

 

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” (James 2:23 KJV)

 

“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that BELIEVETH that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5 KJV)

 

“These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13 KJV)

 

…. and the list of Scriptures proving this goes on and on and on.

 

Is The Doctrine Of Sinless Perfection Biblical?

Don Gerrity General OSAS Questions, Q&A: Salvation
Is The Doctrine Of Sinless Perfection Biblical?

There are some Christians that are believing the false doctrine of Sinless Perfection as a requirement to keep Salvation. This false doctrine states that a believer must attain a state of sinlessness after Salvation, otherwise losing Salvation. And when we do sin that every sin we commit must be repented (which they believe wrongly to mean ask forgiveness for in sorrow as if their sins were not all paid for on the cross by Christ).

If this were Biblical truth, and it is not, then are we not in the same circumstance as we were before receiving Christ? Where is the assurance of our Eternal Salvation in that belief? Some would say we cannot know if we are saved until the day of our judgement by God. Many Christian religious organizations teach this unbiblical belief. Is that Biblical truth though? No, it is not.

The book of John says otherwise:

“These things have I written unto you THAT BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God; THAT YE MAY KNOW that YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13 KJV)

Two things about this verse should be jumping out at you right now:

1. We CAN KNOW if we are saved ETERNALLY.
2. Salvation is through BELIEF on Christ alone.

Now this next point is not a personal opinion of mine, and so, do not shoot the messenger okay?

“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you,that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
(1 John 1: 4-10 KJV)

John writes this so that our joy may be full. Because once you know the truth of your assurance of eternal Salvation, our joy should be full! We see in this passage of Scripture that if we believe we are without sin that we make Jesus to be a liar! I would say that is pretty serious. What a slap in the face for Christ who paid such a high price for our Salvation!

It reads that God is light because He does not lie and He is PERFECT in every way. God shed His light upon all people and those that BELIEVE the Gospel Of Grace are walking in the light of truth. We are to walk in that same light of perfection but it is not something we can accomplish perfectly as God through our own self righteous efforts; that is by our fleshly Adam Sin Nature.

Without believing and receiving the free gift of Salvation through the only atonement for sins by Christ crucified we have the shadow of darkness that we walk under.

If we say we walk in the light but we have unbelief toward how we are saved by the Gospel Of Grace through Christ’s atonement for sin, then the truth is not in us and we are still walking in darkness.

The truth here being the Holy Spirit of God. Once we receive the free gift of Salvation through Christ we have the Newly Created Spirit within us and were MADE HOLY, RIGHTEOUS and REDEEMED in our new spiritual selves. Salvation is never by our own efforts in self righteousness. Salvation is not by deeds nor religious activities nor by the false doctrine of sinless perfection. By this belief on Christ alone and acknowledging that we do commit sin, Jesus cleanses us of our sins as He paid for the penalty of our sins on the cross.

To this such a person would answer that, after Salvation, God now gives us the power to not sin and so we have to maintain a sinless perfection. I ask you if you believe this, “Are You Without Sin?” I mean have you never had an evil thought? Because an evil thought is enough to say you have not attained sinless perfection. But they would reply, “only willful sins done in the flesh” that we act upon matter. Is that really true though? No, it is not true because Jesus Himself tells us so.

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
(Matthew 5:27-28 KJV)

The problem we all have since our physical birth is that we all have this disease within us Paul calls SIN in Romans and the word sin is used as a NOUN, not a verb;  A Sin Bent Nature. I am telling you friends that we all have sin in our lives before and after Salvation. After Salvation should we strive to live Holy lives to the best of our ability? Yes! However, we must acknowledge the truth in this passage that we will fail many times and still sin. We have sin everyday friends. If you do not think you have sins then you are lying to yourself. Sinless perfection is NOT possible folks, and if you think it is, it is the Bible that says you are a liar, deceiving yourself. When the Bible talks about sinless perfection such as in 1 John 3:9, it speaks of the Newly Created Spirit within which we received at our moment of belief on Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Cor. 5:17-21, Colossians 2), which is reborn as the Spirit of God. Until our resurrection of the body, at the Rapture Event when we receive new physical bodies without the Sin Nature, we are still in this sinful body which Paul calls a “…body of death”.

After our belief in the Gospel Of Grace, we still have the old “Adam” nature thoughts and beliefs in the MIND; wroing beliefs that is a sin bent which the Apostle Paul calls ‘ The Old Man’ and ‘The Flesh’. After Salvation, we have a NEWLY created Spirit which the Bible says cannot sin and will never sin. But our mind needs renewing by God’s truth (Romans 12).

This should put to rest the idea that we are to maintain a sinless perfection after we accept the FREE GIFT of Eternal Life, try as we should. The Apostle Paul taught the doctrine of The Two Natures In The MIND Of A Believer in Galatians 5 and Romans 7, yet so many miss it or ignore it and instead decide to believe pastors or religion organization churches instead of the Word Of God.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that YE CANNOT DO THE THINGS THAT YE WOULD.” (Galatians 5:17 KJV)

Notice it reads, ye would and not ye should. This is because our newly created Spirit always wants to do the right thing and never sin because our Spirit never sins. That is we WOULD. We strive to not sin as believers because that is what our New Spirit after Salvation wants. That is we SHOULD. This new Spirit is the new us now! And so Paul says that we should ‘walk by the Spirit’. This is how we avoid sinning more and we sin less. Perfectly without sin? NO. But we can avoid the lust of the flesh this way. As we renew wrong beliefs, we make better decisions in the MIND and that works outwardly into sinning less and doing good works because right believing in the MIND, leads to right living outwardly. Our new Spirit and the indwelling Holy Spirit is continuously renewing or minds with truth.

Because of the Adam nature in our mind (old thoughts and beliefs left over when our old Spirit of Man DIED with Christ on the cross : Colossians 2, Romans 6) fighting to sin, we will still fail and sin. This is exactly where the devil attacks. He does not attack our new Spirit because it is eternal and Holy. In fact, our new Spirit is the very righteousness of God, IN CHRIST (2 Cor. 5:17-21). So the devil attacks these old left over beliefs in our MIND, called the Flesh and excites them to tempt us to sin. The battle is in the mind but we are SEALED in Salvation in our Spirit; already complete  and risen WITH CHRIST (Colossians 2).

The false doctrine of sinless perfection some are believing is wrong. Very wrong.

Paul also taught the doctrine of the Two Natures In The Mind Of A Believer in Romans 7 where we read,

“14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” (Romans 7: 14-20 KJV)

Reading Verse 17 and then again in verse 20 is the truth that so many Christians have not grasped. Paul is saying very clearly that inside our mind is the old Adam, flesh nature thoughts, beliefs and processes which always wants to sin. It is like a disease since our physical birth. And then there is the New Created Spirit we received at our conversion and belief of the Gospel Of Christ, The Gospel Of Grace that Paul taught. And that when we fail and sin, and believe me we ALL DO! (1 John 1:10), it is not the REAL US that does it. It is this disease we have called the SIN. The Newly Created Spirit within is PERFECT (1 John 3:9) and without sin. It is of the seed of the Spirit Of God and is perfectly Holy.

This is why the Apostle Paul tells us that our present body, with this Sin Nature, will never inherit the Kingdom of God.

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.”
(1 Corinthians 15:50 KJV)

It is also the reason why we need a bodily resurrection in our future as Paul continues,

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
( 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57 KJV)

Heaven is a perfect place and there is no sin there. No one can enter Heaven with the Spirit of Man and a sin debt against God. But we cannot stop sinning perfectly! That is why we need Christ! Paul admonishes that regarding the doctrine of the Two Natures In The Mind Of A Believer in the last verse of Romans 7:

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
(Romans 7:24-25 KJV)

Christ paid for all of our lifetime of sins in the flesh on the cross 100%.

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 KJV)

Jesus Paid for ALL the sins of the whole world! Even the future sins we may commit were PAID IN FULL by Christ on that cross because -ALL- of our sins were future to the cross right? He did not give us a partial payment on our fleshly sin debt! Jesus cried out on the cross, IT IS FINISHED! Salvation is eternal and the word eternal means… well… ETERNAL and FOREVER!

We do not keep our Salvation intact by our own efforts. It is Christ alone that keeps us saved. Jesus tells us this very clearly:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-20 KJV)

“Christ is become of NO EFFECT UNTO YOU, whosoever of you are justified BY THE LAW; ye are FALLEN FROM GRACE.” (Galatians 5:4 KJV)

In God’s sovereignty, He foreknew everything you and I would do in our life and the sins we would commit and yet He still decided to give every person the opportunity to accept Salvation as a FREE GIFT without self righteous works or deeds required. God still came in the flesh and died on that cross for us so that we would be forgiven and saved eternally. What a great gift! (Ephesians 2:8-9) And whosoever believes on Christ alone in faith, He gives them eternal life and keeps them saved forever.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6 KJV)

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.” (Psalms 37:23-28 KJV)

The Grace of God is not a license to sin. There are still consequences for sinning in this life after the moment of our Salvation (steal/jail) and loss of rewards at the judgement seat of Christ for believers after the Rapture. The Loss of Salvation is not a consequence though.

We as believers have the Holy Spirit within to guide us into all truth. We should be reading the Word Of God to renew our minds (Romans 12, John 17). We should be striving to walk in the Spirit and not by the lusts of The Flesh (The Sin Nature).

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 KJV)

Focus on that.

Bible Study Videos By Chuck Missler

Don Gerrity All Videos, GO: Bible Study Videos

Dr. Chuck Missler (RIP) is an internationally known author, is among the best-known Bible expositors in the world, and is a prominent speaker on the subject of Bible prophecy and is featured on many Christian radio and television stations worldwide. He is well known for his Biblical studies including most notably Learn the Bible in 24 Hours, The Book of Revelation, The Book of Genesis, and The Book of Daniel, as well as his topical studies Return of the Nephilim and his Angels series.

May 2018:  Dr. Chuck Missler has passed into his real home, Heaven. RIP! May his teachings continue reaching the lost and encouraging believers until the day we go to be home with the Lord. Thank you Chuck. You will be very missed!

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STUDY REVELATION…. 24 Video Series Playlist:

⇒ View over 100 of Chuck Missler’s Excellent Bible Study Videos on our YouTube Channel

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Prophecy Bible Study Videos By Walid Shoebat

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Walid Shoebat is a Palestinian American, born in the West Bank to an American mother, who converted to Christianity from Islam. He has brought to light important End Time truths in the End Times in which we live. His website is focused on rescuing persecuted Christians. Rescue Christians is not a church, it’s a mission to save Christian lives.

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Prophecy Bible Study Videos By Bill Salus

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Bill Salus is the author of Revelation Road; Hope Beyond The Horizon, ISRALESTINE; The Ancient Blueprints of the Future Middle East, and co-author of “How To Overcome The Most Frightening Issues You Will Face This Century” Both of his timely books take exhaustive and adventurous looks at unfulfilled Bible prophecies intended for today’s international audience. Bill is an expert at explaining the prophetic relevance of current Middle East and world events, and his freelance articles have been featured on World Net Daily, magazines, and extensively over the World Wide Web. Readers appreciate his unique insights, and sensible, rather than sensational approach to understanding the Bible.

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⇒ View more of  Bible Study videos at the SeekKnockFind YouTube channel.

Ezekiel 3:17-19: Is The Blood Of Those We Do Not Warn About Their Sins, On The Hands Of Believers?

Don Gerrity Old Testament, Q&A: Difficult Passages
Ezekiel 3:17-19: Is The Blood Of Those We Do Not Warn About Their Sins, On The Hands Of Believers?

“Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” (Ezekiel 3:17-19 KJV)

Some Christians are taking this verse of Scripture and making it something it is not.  Some are saying that if believers in Christ do not tell others about their specific sins that such believers will be judged and lose Salvation. Others take this verse from the Old Testament and say that God will judge harshly a person that does not tell others who are sinning to warn them of judgement in hell for their sins. Is that what this verse of Scripture is really about?

First look at the context I have highlighted. It says that God “made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel”. This warning is specifically for Ezekiel and not today’s body of Christ in the church age. There is of course a certain truth that we should be sharing the Gospel with the unsaved and warning them that there is a choice to be made for Christ or they will perish.  However, beyond that this passage warning does not apply to us with such consequence of God requiring our blood because another person sins and unbelief.

Who Was Ezekiel? What Was He To Warn People About?

Ezekiel was a prophet and a priest living in exile in the city of Babylon between 593 and 571 BC.  In Judaism and Christianity, he is also viewed as the 6th-century author of the Book of Ezekiel in the Bible that reveals prophecies regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, the restoration to the land of Israel, and what some call the Millennial Temple visions, or the Third Temple. (Source: Wikipedia, Details, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Ezekiel#Life_and_times_of_Ezekiel)

Ezekiel was called by God to warn the people of Israel for their sin of unbelief. The majority of the Nation of Israel had turned away and we instead rebellious against God, and worshiping idols instead. God gave Ezekiel a specific task to warning the nation. This role as a watchman was specifically for Ezekiel as we see above in Ezekiel 3. The question is does this warning, and the consequence of not fulfilling the role, apply today for Christians and the sharing of the Gospel?

I am sure we all, as believers in Christ, understand that we should witness about the Gospel message to the unsaved. However, using this passage from Ezekiel 3 along with the consequence, to guilt us into sharing our faith is a misuse of the text. The notion that believers will have blood on their hands because they failed to tell every person they come in contact with does not really fit the truth of the Gospel and how Jesus tells us a person comes to the knowledge of the faith and realizing who Jesus really is; The Christ, God In The Flesh, the Saviour from our sins.

Who Really Draws People To The Knowledge Of Truth?

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-17 KJV)

The disciples just came back from being sent out to spread the message of the Gospel and were all excited about the things that they witnessed and the powers and works the Holy Spirit performed through them. Jesus kind of stops their excited and asks them all directly, Who Do The People Think I am. And then the key question, Who do you think that I am?  Peter answered correctly that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied to come and save the people.

Now Peter seen the works of Jesus during His ministry on Earth. After all the disciples walked with Jesus and lived with Him 24/7. Peter left his home and family to go with Jesus on His three year ministry. Surely Peter had realized that Jesus was definitely a great prophet sent by God to do such a thing in faith. However, is that what revealed to Peter that Jesus was the Messiah and Christ? The other disciples did not know Jesus was the Christ and Messiah, otherwise they would have spoke up right? So how did Peter know?

Jesus Himself answered clearly when He said, “flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.“. Then Jesus reveals that this is how HE will build HIS church!

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.“

Ultimately it is only God who draws a person to the knowledge of Salvation through Christ. God reveals to a person who Jesus The Christ really is.

Do We Have Our Part To Play In The Salvation Of Others?

Absolutely! Although it is God orchestrating and bringing a person to the knowledge of the faith, the amazing thing is that God chose to do so, not only the Word Of God, the Bible; but through believers! This truth always amazes me. I mean that God would use a sinner like me to help others be saved. That He would use my weaknesses and somehow help others come to Salvation. Well that is just amazing isn’t it? And He uses you as well as a believer! I would say that God, in His sovereignty, uses you and I, as believers, more than we even know! Beyond just approaching a person and sharing the Gospel, even how we live as believers is seen by others.

Just before Jesus ascended to Heaven He prayed for you and me. And what did He pray? We read this in John 17,

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” (John 17:15-19 KJV)

That is why Apostle Paul wrote,

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV)

 

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2 KJV)

The question is, Prove to who? Prove to yourself and also to other unbelievers that are watching. And if you are a Christian, a Bible believer, saved by the Grace Of God, others know it and believe me, the unsaved are watching what you do and how you behave and live for God. The Apostle Paul also wrote,

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV)

These good works are not works required for our Salvation nor justification with God because Salvation is not of works; Salvation is a FREE GIFT to be received in belief (Ephesians 2:8-9). These good works are the works we do AFTER Salvation. After the Holy Spirit has come indwelling in us. It is these good works from our Salvation that can make Christ real to others as they can see a change in you, or something in you that is different and it is something tangible and something they would like to have in their life. Without even speaking a word to them, they can see and understand something is very different about you as a believer.

It is absolutely true that we have our part to play. Jesus commanded us to,

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. “ (Luke 6:31 KJV)

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35 KJV)

I truly believe that God uses us in the Salvation of others more than we can even image. Think back to how you became saved. I know that for me, it was not just one person told me the knowledge of the Gospel and then I was instantly saved. Instead, God used experiences and circumstances in my life that led me to certain people. And one person dropped me a little crumb of knowledge here and another there and then one day,  I just got on my knees in belief of Christ and understanding why He had to die for me and I was saved eternally from that very moment. And now the Holy Spirit resides in me and works through me in helping others come to Christ. It is all God doing this work through us and nothing for us to boast about! (Ephesians 2:8-9).

That is a very different belief than God will require blood at my hands because I did not warn an unbeliever. I see hundreds of people everyday just in daily activities. Am I going to be punished if they are ignoring God? It is God who draws people to the truth of the Gospel Of Grace, NOT ME. If God chooses to use me in that endeavor, here I am. I walk in weakness and meekness to the fact that it is ONLY GOD that can save people. Believe me, no believer can force a person to believe and accept Christ. Each person makes their own eternal decision about Christ and each person will be judged individually if they reject such a great FREE GIFT of eternal life from God.

Is God Requiring Our Blood For Unbelievers Who Reject The Truth At The Bema Judgement Of Believers?

After the Rapture of the Bride of Christ believers will find themselves at a ceremony called the Bema Seat of Christ.

At the Bema Seat Rewards Judgement (1 Corinthians 3) of believers by Christ Himself, you can see that believers may lose rewards and gain rewards by their good works for Christ. However, understand that this Bema judgement is similar to an athletic competition ceremony. It is not punitive against sins committed because those at this judgement are already Raptured and have new immortal bodies without the fleshly sinful mind present.

In fact, the words “sin or sins” is not even found regarding this judgement of believers. Their sins on Earth were already judged on the cross in Jesus Christ. The Bema Seat is where Christ will have us give an account of our lives after our moment of salvation and is based on our MOTIVES for the works we do for God.

God always looks at a persons motives. Those works that were done in the flesh (that is by us attempting to do them for the wrong human reasons) will mean a loss of reward. Those works done with the right motives for God and by the Holy Spirit through us will receive reward. That is, by what we do and why we did the works. So yes, it is important to want to please God and be involved in His work. Yet, even a person who accepted Christ with no works will still be saved and in heaven yet with little or no reward. (1 Corinthians 3:13) Everyone will suffer some loss of rewards and gain of rewards. Some may not receive a reward and feel some shame about it. But overall the feeling is like that of school graduation or an Olympic rewards ceremony. It is a positive event and all at this Bema Seat event are all in Heaven where joy abounds in ways that we cannot yet even comprehend fully right now here on Earth.

I find no where in Scriptures at the judgement of believers that God is requiring the blood of the redeemed for unbelievers that you did not warn about sins they are comitting. In fact, in the Book Of Revelation we see that we will cast these crowns of reward at Christ’s feet because ultimately it is God that has done the works through us.

Like Jesus aid in John 15,

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth IN ME, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING. If a man abide NOT in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is WITHERED; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be MY DISCIPLES.” (John 15:5-8 KJV)

So should we be warning unbelievers of their sins? In a loving way, helping them to understand that God is real and Jesus can save us from sins, sure. Being condescending toward an unbeliever as if we are less sinful then they are, absolutely not.  We as believers have NOTHING to boast about but Christ Crucified just as the Apostle Paul did.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14 KJV)

Is Praying The Sinners Prayer Required To Be Saved? Is An Altar Call Required?

Don Gerrity Q&A: False Salvation Invitations
Is Praying The Sinners Prayer Required To Be Saved? Is An Altar Call Required?

There is not a verse in the Bible that I have found that uses a prayer as the way for a person to be saved. There are lots of prayers for a person or people to receive Salvation. There may have been those who prayed confessing that we are sinful and/or thanking God for what He did on the cross 2000 years ago for us. But never have I read that the first thing required is a prayer of any kind.

The Bible is clear and consistent that Salvation and Justification with God is by faith and belief in Christ alone. No good works nor deeds are a requirement of Salvation (although we should have good works AFTER Salvation). No religious rituals are a requirement of Salvation (although water Baptism AFTER  Salvation is an outward expression). In fact, an altar call to a pulpit is not even required. These actions are not required for Salvation and justification with God.

The Bible is clear that Salvation is by BELIEVING on the only atonement for sin provided by the only begotten Son of God, Jesus The Christ, who was conceived by the virgin Mary. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, who lived a sinless life in mind and deed and who died on the cross paying the penalty for the sins of the whole world. On the third day after His death He rose again and later ascended to the right hand of the Father. And whosoever believes this is saved from the very moment of belief and sealed by the Holy Spirit.  This is the Gospel Of Grace that the Apostle Paul taught us.

Is it okay to pray a sinner’s prayer in gratitude and belief in the true way to be saved? Yes. However, the important point here is that it is not the prayer that saves you. It is your belief in the Gospel Of Grace that the Apostle Paul taught that saves you. Just saying a prayer nor going to an altar call does not save anyone without understanding the Gospel Of Grace. There must be belief in the one and only way God tells us to be saved. We must be careful about this because the sinners prayers (and not all are the same!) are written by humans and some could be in great error and causing wrong belief! And that means a person can think they are saved when they still are not saved. This is a real danger today when there are so many false gospels being preached from TV evangelists, word of faith movement preachers, prosperity gospel preachers and the rampant works for Salvation false gospel.

Here are many Scriptures about how to be saved. You will notice a prayer is not found as the first step but the word “BELIEVE” and “FAITH’ is.

“For by grace are ye 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 KJV)

 

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye BELIEVED, ye were SEALED with that holy Spirit of PROMISE, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-16 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that BELIEVETH on him is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH NOT is condemned already, because he hath not BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 KJV)

 

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the FAITH of Jesus Christ, even we have BELIEVED in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16 KJV)

 

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the FAITH of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by FAITH:” (Philippians 3:9 KJV)

 

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV)

 

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that BELIEVETH on me shall never thirst.But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and BELIEVE NOT. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and BELIEVETH on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:35-40 KJV)

 

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and BELIEVETH on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24 KJV)

 

“And he BELIEVED in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6 KJV)

 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that BELIEVETH; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 KJV)

 

“Even the righteousness of God which is by FAITH of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that BELIEVE: for there is no difference:” (Romans 3:22 KJV)

 

“To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which BELIEVETH in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26 KJV)

 

“But to him that worketh not, but BELIEVETH on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:5 KJV)

 

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” (James 2:23 KJV)

 

“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that BELIEVETH that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5 KJV)

 

“These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13 KJV)

 

….and the list of Scriptures proving this goes on and on and on.

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