Author: Don Gerrity

Once Saved, How Should We Live?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living

“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)

Being a real Christian is being a follower of Jesus the Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world. If you believe that Jesus was God who became human through the virgin Mary, that He lived a sinless life and that He died on the cross to take upon Himself the punishment for the sins of the whole world, and you have asked Him to forgive you and save you, then you are saved. You have asked for the forgiveness of your sins through Christ’s act of atonement and accepted His free gift of salvation from your sins. You believe in the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement and that you are no longer under God’s condemnation but are part of the redeemed and Bride Of Christ  You have received the very righteousness of God, in Christ.

The question for anew believer is then, “Now what do I do?”. How does God want me to live? First you need to know this one important fact… you will still sin after your conversion. Try your best all you want but you will still have sin in your life. You are no better than an unredeemed person in regard to sin. The difference though is that positionally you are 100% forgiven for all your life’s sins because Jesus paid your sin debt. You are no longer condemned nor will you be judged to eternal death with the unredeemed unbelievers.

Does that mean I am saying to go ahead and sin all you want? Absolutely NOT. Out of gratitude and knowing what a high price was paid for your redemption through the shed blood and pain of Christ on the cross you should be trying to not sin. Yes, absolutely you do need to start turning from your sinful ways while asking God to help you and to change you.

However, you need to understand that not sinning after salvation is not a requirement of your salvation. Salvation is not of works and is only through faith in the atonement that Jesus Christ provided for your forgiveness. This also does not mean that Christians never sin again once they accept the salvation of Christ.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” (1 John 2:1-3 KJV)

As Christians we are to resist sin in an increasing manner and to keep His commandments to the best of our abilities as Christians. Now when I say “His commandments” I am talking about the law of liberty through Christ and not the Ten Commandments. It is in fact, something that a true Christian WANTS to do as we learn about God more and more. The Holy Spirit resides in every person that has repented (believed on Christ). As the Holy Spirit renews our minds over time, we start making a real effort to turn from our sin in an increasing basis during our life.

Because it is something WE NEED to do to be saved? No. Because God starts changing our world view as we learn the truth from the Word of God and this will outwardly produce good works.  Not that doing so saves us from our sin debt, Christ forgave our sins on the cross once – for all. Our salvation was God’s unmerited favor towards us and 100% God’s work through Christ. But once we have become a member of the family of God by receiving the free gift of salvation we start changing because the Holy Spirit starts to guide and correct us. This change in a persons life is a result of what God is doing in the life of a Christian. It is a sort of proof of salvation. This is how we should be living after salvation. In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul sums this up very nicely and so here is the entire text for you to review and gain a better understanding:

“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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

 

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Christian Living Can Be A struggle At Times

Some of these are not easy to do at times are they? Like “Bless those that persecute you” for example. “Repay no one evil for evil.” But isn’t that what God did to us? When we were still full of a sin debt and headed for God’s judgment and were His enemies, He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so we could be saved from His wrath to come? Yes, we are saved, redeemed, and no longer condemned for our sin. But that does not mean that we can go ahead and sin because the debt is paid?

Remember, our sin is the reason Jesus died for us with such a horrible death taking on the punishment we deserve. God has allowed you and me into His family where we now call him Father, Daddy, Abba. Shouldn’t we try our very best to resist temptations and sin in our lives? Oh yes, we will still sin, and that old sin nature is still within us pushing us to sin. But we should be struggling and resisting as hard as we can. And when we do fall to sin, Jesus is there saying I forgive you, now.. go and sin no more.

“Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)

You will hear some preachers tell you that you must not sin or the judgement of God is upon you and you will lose your salvation. Ignore them because they are teaching a false Gospel of works salvation. Something that Paul spoke very strongly against as you can see by reading Galatians. And isn’t it interesting that in the above Scripture that Jesus did not say to the woman, ” Go and sin no more, nether do I condemn you” .. NO! He said, FIRST, “neither do I condemn you” and then  “go and sin no more”.  So yes, try to not sin. But stand firm in your belief in the total sufficiency of Christ’s atonement on the cross, knowing all your sins are done away with and the penalty has been fully paid. You are no longer condemned for  your sins.

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 sin nature present.
In fact, the word ‘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 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 you 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.
Paul describes life after salvation as a race to press toward knowing what awaits at the finish line. As a new believer, your number one goal is to learn about God and His ways (Here is a Quick start for knowing about what God is really like). Start reading the Bible. Use the free study guides found online – there are thousands! The more you know the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit is working in you and guiding you in your life. Your salvation happened in a single moment in time, appointed by God and now the Holy Spirit of God lives within you and will teach you all things. He will start to sanctify you which continues increasingly throughout your life until that day when you will be resurrected at the Rapture. Just pray to your heavenly Father for Him to help and He will. I guarantee you that!
Jesus says to believers,
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:12 KJV)

I Have Committed Bad Sins. How Can I Get Back On God’s Good Side?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Salvation
I Have Committed Bad Sins. How Can I Get Back On God’s Good Side?

“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:…” (Habakkuk 1:13 KJV)

The “Your” in this verse of Scripture is God. He hates sin and He does store up wrath against those that sin because He is so Holy. That said, He hates the sin; not the person. We know this because while we were His enemies and without hope in our sinful ways… It is then that Christ came to forgive us and save all those who choose to receive Him.

Even more so “ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

When it comes down to it there is no sin Christ has not already paid for our deserved punishment except one; not receiving His forgiveness. Not received the pardon through Jesus Christ’s act of atonement is the one mortal sin because with out accepting the forgiveness provided through Christ on the cross, your sins will remain and you will be judged according to your sinful works. God sends no one to the judgement of death eternal. People who refuse such a gift from God as forgiveness have sealed their own eternal fate separated from the love of the God that created them. By choosing to not accept Christ you are forcing God to punish you when all He want sto do is save you!What a tragedy when we have such a loving God.

Just think about the main characters that God chose to include in the Bible for a moment who were all justified by faith and called righteous from God:

Moses:

He freed the Israelites from 400 years of slavery out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea and brought the people to a land already prepared, rich in everything. But Moses also killed a man out of anger. He murdered him for treating a Hebrew slave badly. None the less it was a sin to kill another. He was in a powerful position in Egypt, he could have sent him away to prison or worse. But instead out of anger he killed this man. Did God forgive him? YES.

The Apostle Paul:

His name was Saul before his conversion. He sought after Christians and killed them. He was present when Stephen was stoned to death for his faith in Christ. Later, Saul had an encounter with Jesus and he did a 180 degree turn in his life and became one of the great writers in the New Testament. Did God forgive him? Yes..He did! Paul wrote to Timothy:

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
(1 Timothy 1:15 KJV)

King David:

God saved him from the bear and he slew it with his own hands. He stood up for God and slew the Nephilim Giant Goliath and saved Israel. He became one of the best Rulers of Israel. But did you know that this same David also had an affair with one of his army soldier’s wife and when she became pregnant he sent the husband to the front lines to die to cover up his sin. Then David took her to himself. Adultery and murder. Did God forgive him? Oh yes. In fact, God calls David a man after His own heart! Because God likes this kind of behavior? NOT AT ALL! But David repented and in faith accepted God’s forgiveness. When you accept forgiveness of your sins through Christ and what He did at the cross – God does not even remember your sins anymore! Any of them past, present and future. He paid for them all with His blood and took our punishment for our sins. The Bible says he actually became sin for us!

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 KJV)

The Apostle Matthew:

Matthew was a hated tax collector cheating people of money and then he encountered Christ.

Jesus forgave prostitutes, murders, adulterers. If you are a sinner (and you are!), Jesus can forgive you! Do not be deceived. God loves you even as you are a sinner and all heaven rejoices when a person becomes part of the Bride of Christ (Luke 15:10).

Don’t run from God. Run to Him and ask for forgiveness today. He is waiting and calling you home.

What Does The Bible Mean By Repentance?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Repentance, Q&A: Salvation, Q&A: The Truth About...
What Does The Bible Mean By Repentance?

It is something that every Christian has done. If you have not done this one thing then you may not a Christian but only think you are. Repentance. The Scriptures are clear and Jesus tells us that to be saved one needs to repent.

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 KJV)

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 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. Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?” (Matthew 9:12-14 KJV)

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5 KJV)

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

It is well established that Jesus states very clearly that we must repent from Sin. However, there seems to be much confusion about what the Bible means when it tells us to Repent. Does that mean that we just stop all sins and then we can be saved? Does that mean we must do penance for our sins? Does it mean we need to turn from our sins to retain Salvation? Does it just mean we feel sorry for our sins?

John says, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10). And John was addressing believers here, not those who do not believe. So if he told believers with faith in Christ and the atonement for sins He provided on the cross, then we can also conclude that to ‘repent‘ is not to stop sinning. That is not to say we should try to not sin. However, the word ‘repent’ obviously does not mean to ‘not ever sin’ again.

Is ‘repenting‘ something that we must do after we accept faith in Christ? Is repenting something that we must do over and over again after our moment of belief in accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior? That is when we sin, do we have to do something to have the sins after our initial point of Salvation or risk losing our Salvation?

Clearing The Confusion Over Repentance

The confusion over what ‘repentance’ actually means is due to a misunderstanding over the Biblical verse the modern day definition of the English word repent. The modern day dictionaries do not define the word ‘repent’ in the same way that the Bible defines the word. The definition of the word has changed over time and no longer is defined to mean what it meant in the time that Jesus walked on the Earth 2000 years ago.

Dictionary defines the word ‘repent’ as “to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one’s life for the better; be penitent. “ If this were the definition for ‘repent’ in the Bible then the entire Gospel and Salvation in Christ becomes a false Gospel based on works and our human effort.

God repents many times in Scripture (Genesis 6:6, Exodus 32:14, Judges 2:18, 1 Samuel 15:35, Amos 7:3, etc.). I ask you, does God need to ‘turn from His sins’? NO! That makes no sense right? God is Holy and has NO SIN. The Father has NO SIN. Jesus has NO SIN. The Holy Spirit has NO SIN. Therefore, ‘turning from sin’ is not the Biblical definition of the English translated word ‘repent’ in the Bible.

A read through the book of Galatians shows that the word repent is not defined in the Bible as ‘turn from sin‘.

“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:3-8 KJV)

A review of the Gospel of Christ that Paul taught shows clearly that Salvation is not of human works or effort but that Salvation is a free gift from God. Salvation is not something we work towards receiving. It is a gift that we receive. If someone gives you a gift, do they expect you to work or they will take back the gift? If so, it is not a gift right?

Apparently there were some Jews who wanted to add works of the law as a requirement to be saved. (We see this happening today as well!) This is opposite to the Gospel of Christ. In fact, it is like telling Christ that His sacrifice in blood for remission of our sins was not enough and not sufficient. God forbid a person act like that toward such a loving God! It is such a seriously wrong belief that Paul says,

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8 KJV)

The True Biblical Meaning of Repentance

The word ‘repent’ in the Bible has a completely different meaning than today’s modern dictionary. Once you see the true Biblical meaning of ‘repentance’ you can see how good the good news of the Gospel of Christ really is!

The New Testament was originally written in the Greek. This is important information for interpreting the Scriptures to find the true meaning of passages used in context.

The Greek word for the English word ‘repent’ is ‘metanoia’ and is defined as “…a change of mind, change in the inner man”.

You can see clearly now that the Biblical meaning of ‘repent‘ is nothing like the dictionary definition (change one’s life for the better; be penitent. ) True repentance is not a work that WE DO to gain God’s acceptance and favor. God reached out to us first and provided a way for us sinners to be forgiven completely, but it is NOT from our own efforts. God gives Salvation to us as a free gift to be received. The Bible tells us that BEFORE God created the Earth He established the one and only way for us to be forgiven our sins and that way is by faith in the act of atonement provided by Jesus The Christ, God in the flesh, on the cross.

Repentance is changing our mind and thinking about how to be saved. We are NOT saved by our works, which is what the every religion in the world teaches. Even many ‘Christian organized religions’ are teaching falsely and misusing the word ‘repent’ and they add works as a requirement of Salvation. But that is NOT Biblical teaching. We need to change our thinking about how we are saved to the true way of Salvation. It is 100% the Grace Of God, through faith in Jesus Christ and the atonement He provided by His shed blood. By believing this we have repented and turned towards God while He is already reaching out to us!

You see this world system/world view is not God’s view and He wants us to turn from the world’s way of dealing with sin and instead accept His way of dealing with our sin. To repent is the first step to Salvation in Christ. Repentance does not save a person, but it leads to Salvation as you change your mind about God and your sin debt against Him.

“ Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.” (2 Corinthians 7:9 KJV)

There are Scriptures where it may seem like it is saying that to Repent is to turn away from and stop sinning but those are talking about the process of our sanctification and fellowship with God. It is not about turning from sin as a requirement of our justification in Salvation. However, the Bible is very clear that Salvation is not of works or human effort. Salvation comes by believing the Gospel, not by not sinning. And if you really think about it; if you change your mind (repent) about God and how to have your sins forgiven, you may very well change and stop a particular sin you practiced in your life before Salvation.

But the repenting is the change in your mind from the world’s way of dealing with sin and changing to God’s way of dealing with sin which is believing on Christ for Salvation apart from works of any kind (Ephesians 2:8-9). Stopping the practice of a particular sin is a result of repenting and changing your mind. That is, it is not the repenting itself.

The Main Books Of Salvation Proves This!

The book of John is all about how to be saved. Do you know that the word ‘repent’ nor ‘repentance’ does not even appear once! But the word ‘believe’ on Christ is seen all over the book many times!

The book of Galatians. This is the book fighting against the false Gospel based on works for Salvation right? Again, the word ‘repent’ is not found once in this book contending for the true Gospel! However the word ‘faith’ in Jesus Christ is found all through the book!

The book of Romans. Paul tells us again and again that Salvation is NOT OF WORKS IN ANY MANNER! And where the word ‘repent’ is found, it is not the same Greek word. It does not mean ‘turning from your sin’.

The Christian religions need to stop using the dictionary definition of the word ‘repent’ and start using the Bible definition.

Using The Biblical Definition

Understanding the Bible definition of the word REPENT as simply ‘change your mind’ we can replace the word with ‘change your mind‘ and then reread the passage and the context becomes more clear.

Example: Acts 3:

“19 REPENT ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19 KJV)

 

“19 CHANGE YOUR MIND ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19 KJV)

Acts 3 is about a Change of mind about how to eradicate sin. Not by the Law of Moses, but through Christ in faith.

What About Turning From Our Sin Then?

To be clear…I AM NOT SAYING BELIEVERS SHOULD NOT TURN FROM SIN. If someone has repented… they have basically turned to God in belief and confess that they are a sinful person with a sin nature. In remorse, they ask Christ to forgive them and have mercy on them because they realize that they cannot stop sinning perfectly. They see the Ten Commandments and realize they have broken many if not most of them. They TURN TO GOD for mercy.

Turning from sin alone does not save anyone. Turning to God in belief on Christ Crucified for the payment of our sins does.

Now, after Salvation, our mind begins to renew by the Word Of God (our sanctification – see John 17) and we start to change. We fight sinning. It is a REAL struggle! (Romans 7)

We turn from sinning because that is what our New Spirit wants. I believe strongly in turning from our sins to the best of our ability. But I recognise that with this sin nature still in us… I will fail and sin as well. When I do, guilt hits from the Holy Spirit and I tell God I am sorry and ask God to help me do better.

The point is turning from sin is not a requirement of our justification but we try not to sin after Salvation knowing that when we blow it… Jesus already paid for the sins committed. We still have consequences for the acts of sin – but loss of Salvation is not a consequence because Salvation is eternal and God keeps us saved by His grace.

World’s way of dealing with sin…

(a) There is no God.

(b) If I do good deeds it will make up for my sins and I will be in right standing with God. Or, I am full of sin and so I will run away from anything to do with God so my sin will not be revealed.

(c) I will make myself look like I am good on the outside and go to church everyday. I will assist in the church committees, I will be outstanding in religious things and these good deeds will make me walk in right standing with God.

God’s way of dealing with sin…

(a) God is Holy and He must punish someone that sins. The punishment for sinning is ETERNAL DEATH. (Romans 6:23)

(b) Everyone has sinned, regardless of how good they think they are and no good deeds can every make up for past sins committed.

(c) Jesus, the only Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary (not born into sin as we are), lived a sinless life and freely gave His life on the cross to take the punishment for the sins that we commit and takes our place in punishment so we can be free from the punishment of sin.

(d) As a sinner you and I acknowledge that we have sinned against God. And we ask Jesus to forgive us all our sins (past,present and future) and accept the free gift of salvation from our debt of sin against God. You see the world’s way to God is through works. But the real way to God is by God’s grace through faith:

“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 KJV)

This is what true repentance is. We turn from working away our sin debt, or out right ignoring it, (the World’s way) to accepting His love and forgiveness (God’s way). Jesus, the only son of God who existed before the universe was even created, of His own free will died on the cross and took our place and punishment for sin’s we have committed. On that cross He freed us from our sin debt and gave us God’s very righteousness, in Christ. Once you accept this gift from God through Jesus’ atonement on the cross you are now what the Bible calls “Righteous”. Not because of our works nor our sinless life, but because Christ bore the punishment for all of our sins. It is God who first loved us and reached out to us. Christ will return and set up His eternal Kingdom on Earth in the future. This is the Gospel message.

God is love and waits for you to return to a relationship with Him. This is the “Good News” of the Gospel. So when Jesus tells us that we need to repent it means we need to believe the Gospel message and to believe in God’s world view in how to deal with he sin debt we all have against a Perfectly Holy and Just God.

“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15 KJV)

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14: 5-6 KJV)

Jesus did not tell Thomas that no one comes to the Father except he stops sinning. Jesus said “except through ME”. When a person asks for the forgiveness provided through Christ. When a person invites Jesus to take control of their life. When a person asks Jesus for forgiveness and invites God through the forgiveness provided, then that person become a new creature in the spirit. A new created being. They have repented by doing so. They believed on Christ for Salvation. In fact, God lives within every believer as Jesus said,

“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:19-20 KJV)

I can attest to this truth from my own personal experience in life. He makes it so clear to me in every circumstance in ways that I will know that it must be Him, within me and with me. And He does work through me as well, probably more than I know!

And after many years now I know, that I know, that Christ is with me through the Holy Spirit. It is a mystery – no doubt about it! But it is simply the truth. God gave us the free gift of Eternal life through Jesus, the Christ. And all we have to do is believe, feel sorry about our sin and ask for His forgiveness and He will forgive us, justify us and set us free. After the moment of a person’s Salvation in Christ the Holy Spirit comes and dwells within a believer. And over time the Holy Spirit will make Himself known to you and will teach you all things.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26 KJV)

The Parable of the Lost Son – Are You One?

“ And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:11-24 KJV)

If you have never had a change of mind about the truth that God exists…

…that the Bible is true with proof no other religious writing have,
…that He is perfect in every way,
…that He is Perfectly Holy and Perfectly Just,
…that He never changes,
…that He must punish sin (eternal death)
…and that the only way back to God is to admit you are a sinner
…and that the ONLY way back to the one true God of the universe is through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ, the Son Of God, for the remission of your sin,

THEN I SAY TO YOU… Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand!

Today can be the day of your Salvation. Your Salvation is NOT of works. It is a pardon gift for your sins (past/present/future) TODAY. Come as you are – full of sin and regrets and hangups, guilty before God. God is waiting for you to accept His free GIFT OF SALVATION. It is a HOLY PARDON that is free to you but that Christ paid a heavy price in His blood to obtain for you eternal life with God through your Salvation. He longs to forgive you COMPLETELY for ALL the sins in your life.

Will Being A Good Person Save me?

Don Gerrity Q&A: False Salvation Invitations, Q&A: Salvation
Will Being A Good Person Save me?

If you were to ask 20 random people this question you would likely get 20 answers with “Yes, I think I am a pretty good person.” The question is compared to what or better yet to whom? So what about you? Do you consider yourself to be a good person? Do you believe you are a better person than others who do wicked things? And that God will not judge you because you do more good then bad?

Is it a fair assessment to compare our goodness to the relative badness of others as if we are guiltless? DO we each have our own level of what we feel is good or bad? Do each of us have our own truth or is there an absolute truth that we should be comparing ourselves with?

What would be the absolute truth though? It cannot be truth that we have created for ourselves because that would not be a fair assessment to base our goodness or badness with. There must be an absolute truth about goodness and badness. Good and evil. Being a good person and being an evil person.

God gave us this standard in the Ten Commandments. It is the absolute truth. God is perfectly Holy and Just. And He gave us an absolute truth that we can use to test whether we are good or evil. This absolute truth is called The Law of Moses, which includes The Ten Commandments. We must use God’s standard for this test. Not human standards. Comparing ourselves to other people is not a valid test. We must compare ourselves to God Himself because as the creator of all there is no other standard that would be fair to use.

The Life or Death Test

Let’s take an honest test to find out if you and I are good people. And this test is ABSOLUTE. That means, it is not graded on a scale of percentages. God is PERFECTLY HOLY and a 50% is not a pass. In fact, if you get a 99% pass (I doubt it though!) and fail on just one point, you have utterly failed the entire test according to James 2:10. This is a private self test. Just Be honest with yourself.

Ok let’s go…

1. Have you EVER lied before?

Well.. be honest have you? Yes? Then what does that make you? It makes you a liar right? By telling a lie to another you have broken the ninth commandment of God.

2. Have you ever committed adultery?

And remember that Christ said that those that even look at another with lust has committed adultery in their hearts, even though the physical act was never committed. (Matthew 5:27-28) So again, have you ever committed adultery in this light? Well, be honest. Yes? Then what does that make you? It makes you an adulterer right? By doing so you have broken the seventh commandment of God.

3. Have you ever stolen anything?

Have you found money and kept it? Have you taken something that belongs to another and never returned it? Have you taken stationary item from work for personal use? If so, what does that make you? It makes you a thief right?

4. Have you ever used the Lord’s name in vain?

Did you ever hurt yourself and screamed out “God!” or “Jesus Christ!” ? Did you ever used God’s name as a cuss word? If so, you have broken the third commandment of God.

5. Have you ever looked at things that others have and wish you had them?

Do you see someone with a nice car and wish you had that? Did you ever see someone’s house and thought I wish I had that? If so, you have broken the tenth commandment of God.

6. Have You Ever Worked On A Saturday?

Saturday is the Lord’s Sabbath Day and He commands we REST on that day.

Okay, lets pause the test at this point. I have only asked you six questions. Don’t you feel like it is pointless to go on? I mean if you fail on just one point you have already failed the test of being a good person based on God’s standard of Holiness.

News Flash! We All Fail This Test!

I could go on and on with this self test but it is enough with just the 6 questions above to show you that you have broken at least ONE of the ten commandments of God. (Truthfully, most!) Now, here is a scriptural truth that will makes this an even worse situation and it shows clearly that failing one point makes you a complete failure in being ‘a good person’:

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” (James 2:10-11 KJV)

So if you have lied you are guilty. And because God is so Holy He MUST punish you for you sins. You are a person bound for the Wrath of a Holy God and headed for punishment for your sins.

Paul tells us in Romans that “…ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; “ (Romans 8:23 KJV) This is what the Ten Commandments are all about. They are a mirror showing us just how terribly sinful we all are. Without this absolute truth of the Law of God Almighty, we would not even recognize our sinful ways as being evil and bad.

“For no one is put right in God’s sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make man know that he has sinned.” (Romans 3:20 KJV)

This I am afraid is the state of every human being. Everyday is just more sins being added onto our record and one day we will find ourselves in the court room of God Almighty who is perfectly JUST and we will be sentenced. God is perfectly Holy and perfectly JUST. He MUST punish sin. And what is he penalty for sin? It is VERY severe! In fact it is called the Second death, an eternal separation from the love of God in a place the Bible calls the lake of fire. A placement of severe punishment.

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

The word ‘death’ in this passage of Scripture is not talking about a physical death only. It is talking of a spiritual death as well because if we look at the original Greek the word for death here is hánatos which is derived from 2348, thnḗskō, “to die”) – physical or spiritual death and figuratively separation from the life (salvation) of God forever by dying without first experiencing death to self to receive His gift of salvation.

But wait! Isn’t God perfectly loving as well? Does not the Bible say that God is perfect in His mercy and love? Well YES! But not in a wishy washy sort of way like we humans live and think. God must be true to His own Holiness. God NEVER changes and is perfectly Holy and perfectly just. He loves us yet He must also judge sin and He is so Holy that just one sin and we are doomed to eternal death in a place called hell. (Romans 6:23)

That is, if you think that God will just give you a pass without punishment you are wrong. He must be perfectly just. You will NEVER hear God say, “Oh you have less sins then this other person and you did mostly good deeds so you can enter heaven for all eternity and live forever.” NEVER. Yes, God is full of love and mercy but He must punish our sin because He is also perfectly just. He will not and CANNOT go against His own perfect character.

When you realize this and you know that you stand before God guilty, what do you think will happen when you die? Are you going to be standing at the judgement throne of the Lord God and just tell Him what a ‘good person’ you are? Or are you headed for hell with the devil and his angels?

Know this: Everyone has an appointment with God

You can decide to meet with Him at this appointment as a sinner to be judged to eternal death or as a son or daughter to be accepted into God’s house, a place called The New Jerusalem and Heaven, for life everlasting.

The Apostle Paul makes this clear when he writes:

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17: 30-31 KJV)

And do not believe that we are reincarnated at death to come back according to our deeds and that we keep coming back until we are sinless. Look around you, has that happened to anyone yet? Hebrews makes it very clear that “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27)

And there is no such thing as purgatory! The Bible is very clear…. 1st death, 2nd judgement. — no second chances after death! A place called purgatory is not found anywhere in Scripture. It is a complete fable created by man – not God.

At our appointed time of death we will give an account to God for our lives and what we did here on Earth!

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:11-12 KJV)

Doesn’t that worry you? If not, it should. God is perfectly loving, yes that is true. But God is also perfectly just and Holy. He has a Holy hatred for sin. (Isaiah 59:2) And what are we humans doing? Sinning! What are we all called? Sinners! That is not a good at all for us is it?

It is established that according to God’s Word, all of us are sinners. Even when we think we are “good”. And we cannot make up for our sins with good deeds. If you think that good deeds can save you from the Wrath of God and judgement of God for your sin, you are very wrong. The Bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

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

Thus far I have discussed the first part of Romans 6:23 and that as sinners the wages we earn, where we are headed is physical AND spiritual eternal death and separation from God in a place called hell. That is very bad news for anyone that does not continue in Romans 23:6 to the second part to see how we can escape this eternal punishment for our sins. And what is the solution to not ending up in this situation? “…BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

One very important word in that Scripture is the word “but”. As a sinner we are bound for an eternal death where the unbeliever and unsaved (called the wicked) will be resurrected at the last day; the second resurrection. Their name will not be found in the book of life because they never accepted Christ as Savior from their sins. Such a person will then be cast into the lake of fire where they will perish. BUT there is a way for a person to escape such a judgement. God made a way for us to escape His own wrath and judgement. God is perfectly Holy and just so the penalty for our sin must be paid… Death forever and separation from God. But He loves us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son to suffer the penalty in our place so that we could be forgiven and saved from His own Holy Wrath and judgement.

“ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 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.” (John 3:16 KJV)

We see here again that the wicked and unsaved will perish. So the unsaved will perish and be eternally separated from God. Without accepting the forgiveness provided through Christ’s atonement for our sins, our sin would remain and the wages of sin is an eternal death.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” (John 3:5-21 KJV)

Being born again is called being baptized by the Holy Spirit. The work of salvation is already completed by Christ when he said on the cross, “It is finished.” He paid our penalty for our sins. But God will not force anyone to love Him or want to know Him. He did not create us as robots. He gives us a choice. Believe and be with Him forever in heaven or remain as you are a sinner unto the final judgement. Come to the judgement throne with your own self righteousness in pride, or come humble having asked Christ to save you. What more can God do? How much more can He demonstrate His love for us?

How patient is our God?! While we were His enemy and full of sin against God..it is then He became human (Jesus the Christ) and suffered and died for us and took upon Himself our deserved punishment for our sins. Jesus NEVER sinned and was perfectly just in the eyes of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). So you see, God has met His own perfectness and Holiness. He is perfectly JUST because the punishment for our sins was carried out (on Jesus), yet His perfect love and mercy was also carried out by providing us a way to gain salvation from our sinful nature (by asking for forgiveness through Jesus’ act of atonement).

“ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12 KJV)

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20 KJV)

Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and accept Him into your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to indwell in you and help you learn all truth. Avoid sinning as much as possible (you will still sin but keep trying). Understand that it is not turning from your sin that will save you. It is fully the work of Christ without your efforts or works. All your sins (past/ present /future) are forgiven 100% because Christ paid your penalty already but we are to try our best to not sin and we should turn from our sinful ways.

God says to all of humankind,

“ I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV)

Choose Life!

Know the truth that you are a sinner. You have broken God’s commandments. You stand judged at death. Thank God for allowing His Son, Jesus the Christ, to come down to Earth as a human through a virgin birth. That Jesus never sinned and yet He gave His life as a ransom for your life. Thank God that Jesus came and stands as your defender against God’s own wrath against the sins you have committed.

Thank Jesus that He stands up for you and says to the Father; “I have died and taken the punishment for this person’s sins. The sin debt has been paid in full. Accept Him and see this person’s sin no more. (Hebrews 10:17). Give to this person my own righteousness before God. (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus, forgive me of my sins and in your mercy grant me eternal life.

If you truly repented of your sins (that is changed your mind about your sins and accepted Christ) and you asked Jesus to forgive you your sins and asked Him to come into your life as your personal Saviour, then you have become what the Bible calls “born again”. And the following scriptures apply to you personally:

“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)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:4-5 KJV)

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12 KJV)

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14 KJV)

“ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20 KJV)

Is Salvation By Works or Faith?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Salvation
Is Salvation By Works or Faith?

Are you a Christian? Are you sure?

  • 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.
  • 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.

There is NOTHING we can DO to become a Christian except one; believe that Jesus was the Son of God who came and took upon Himself the punishment we deserve for our sins.

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?

Salvation through Christ is a FREE gift to you and me. An undeserved and unmerited favor from God to you!.

“For by GRACE are ye saved THOROUGH 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)

Never Boast Of Your Goodness Or Good Works

Will your good works save you? No.. they never will. That is why Jesus came to redeem us from Gods wrath to come. Do you need to confess your sins to a priest or pastor to be forgiven sins? No. In fact the Bible is clear that you should ask for forgiveness of sins only to one person…

“For there is ONE God, and ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.  (1 Timothy 2: 5-6 KJV)

Paul is clear on this point! His teachings make up two thirds of the New Testament and it is through Paul God reveals the plan of salvation of grace through faith – not works. Salvation is NOT OF WORKS. PERIOD.

“Now to him that worketh is the reward NOT reckoned of grace, but OF DEBT.  But to him that worketh NOT, but BELIEVETH ON HIM (Jesus) that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Romans 4:4-5 KJV)

Any Denomination Teaching Works For Salvation Is Teaching A False Gospel

It is so clear. Yet this is MADE unclear by the teaching of many religion denominations.  The thing is when one reads the Scriptures, (start in Romans and Galatians) it is very clear that what is currently being taught in many pulpits is NOT what the Bible teaches about the number one purpose for Jesus coming and suffering on that cross.. our penalty of the sins we commit and the sin nature in us – PAID IN FULL.

Paid not in a wishy washy way. Jesus BECAME SIN on that cross and suffered physically and spiritually. The Bible is clear that our sins during our life were nailed on that cross with Him and we are 100% forgiven all ours sins. It is not we who accomplish our salvation by works.. it is 100% Christ who redeemed us. Salvation is 100% grace through faith and not of works. Period. Believing any other way is a false Gospel.

“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.

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.  For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is DEAD IN VAIN.” (Galatians 2:16-21 KJV)

 The real problem here is not with Church going Christians. Many who attend various denominational churches do not believe the faith plus works equals salvation equation. Why? Because they read the Bible and it is very clear how wrong it is. It is a false Gospel which I have come to realize myself. But the problem is that the large majority of church members are not reading the Bible to see for themselves if what is being preached is actually Biblical. More times than not.. what is being taught about the Gospel is NOT TRUE to what the Bible teaches. Because most are not reading the Bible, there are no checks and balances happening with what is being taught.

In Galatians we can see how serious this is. The Galatian church had some who infiltrated and told members that works were needed for salvation. They basically were saying that it is faith PLUS WORKS that saves a person. It amazed Paul how quickly the devil can deceive even believers. And what did Paul, the teacher of the true Gospel of Christ, have to say about this?

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 2:6-8 KJV)

You can see how serious this issue is. This is such an important issue because if you believe that works are a requirement for salvation, such teachers are giving  you a false Gospel. It is not different than trying to save yourself through your own efforts – which is basically following the Law which the Bible calls “the ministry of death” and the “ministry of condemnation”.

“But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:  How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?  For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.”  (2 Corinthians 3:7-9 KJV)

Do NOT continue in he Ministry of death, trying to keep the Ten Commandments for your salvation as if you could actually do so with your sin nature. Impossible! Do not think you are a “good person” or that you are better than anyone else regarding your sin. Do not use a human standard to compare yourself with “other evil sinners” while you think you are good using human standards. Human standards regarding your sin are MEANINGLESS. God is perfectly HOLY and JUST. (See my other article What is God Really Like?)

It is against God’s own character of perfect Holiness that you should be comparing yourself with – and believe me WE ALL FAIL MISERABLY! We are all SINNERS. We have a sin nature within us and it is impossible to never sin – even after you become a Christian! And of course to make things worse there are those who believe in a works based salvation and believe they are better than others when the fact is they are completely wretched within.

“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)

Paul makes this clear. The LAW (Ten Commandments) SAVES NO ONE! Trying to fulfill the law yourself is impossible! The Law shows us how terribly guilty of sin we are before our Holy God. The Ten Commandments are like a mirror so we can see how terribly sinful we actually are.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20 KJV)

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” (Romans 5:20 KJV)

“”The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.” (1 Corinthians 15:56 KJV)

And remember that it is through Paul that the Gospel of Grace was directly given to reach the Gentiles (that is all non Jews):

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  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:  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by HIS grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in HIS blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time HIS righteousness: that HE might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. ”
(Romans 3:19-28 KJV)

I capitalized ‘HE’ above because you need to see clearly that this HE is GOD and Jesus Christ. The Law (Ten Commandments) was given so that we could see what we look like from God’s perspective, using HIS standards, not our human standards of good or evil.

We must rely on the FINISHED work of Christ on the cross. He paid the sin penalty for all the sins of the entire world, past , present and future. Once a person accepts this  free gift/pardon by faith in Christ and believing what He did as the Son Of God, your sins are completely BLOTTED OUT! God no longer holds any of your sins against you because He knew every sin you were going to commit before he created you. That is why Jesus came – to die for you and AS YOU. So that the penalty is paid in full. Double jeopardy rule applies here folks. At the point of belief and salvation you are made a new creation in the spirit. You cannot be punished for that which Christ already took upon Himself as punish FOR YOU.

Again in Romans 4 we see how true this is when Paul writes,

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:4-5 KJV)

To be saved you must rely 100% on Salvation by faith in Christ’s act of atonement, apart from works, to be saved. Otherwise, you may be lying to yourself, thinking you are saved when you are actually NOT! That is a scary position to be in and it is exactly where the devil wants you! Thinking you are saved by your works because you were taught so in church, yet headed for condemnation and judgement. This is NOT where you want to be friends!  So many pastors and preachers and priests and TV Evangelists are teaching a false Gospel. This is called The Apostate Church and is rampant in these end times. In fact, it is a prophecy fulfilled in our time that points to the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to FREE you from your prison of sin!

Jesus came NOT TO CONDEMN but to SAVE YOU and FREE YOU!

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  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.” (John3:15-18 KJV)

Let your guilt turn you towards God in mercy. Ask for His forgiveness of your sins. Acknowledge that you cannot be “good” and”sinless” and that you are not better than any other regarding you sin  and He will save you and free you and you will BE the very righteousness of God, IN CHRIST (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is called living in the spirit with the Holy Spirit living within you, teaching you, guiding you and working through you. It is not following the law to save you, the ministry of death. No it is the ministry of liberty through Christ!

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.   But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 KJV)

A Positional Problem Of Sin

Positionally, those called the unsaved, are in a state of spiritual unrighteousness, with many sins committed – prisoners and slaves to sin. (John 8:34) There is a boundary and we are stuck in the prison of sin because of our debt of sins against a Holy God which we can NOT erase by our own effort, leaving us heading for the full wrath and Holy judgement of God. You cannot escape this prison by your own effort, try as you may by performing good deeds. Even if you do more good deeds than evil deeds it will not erase your sinful acts. Your sin WILL remain until God judges you for your sins. And the punishment is eternal separation from God in hell.

The good news is that the opposite is also true. The saved person, who accepts Christ’s atonement for sin on the cross, was translated from the spiritual prison of sin and unrighteousness to the new prison of righteousness where God abides. And those saved have a new boundary of being 100% forgiven and righteous…and the saved cannot escape this wonderful prison by their own efforts either! Christ made sure of that on the cross!

Jesus says clearly,

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37 KJV)

Those who turn to God asking for mercy, and accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Those that believe Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, born without the sin curse passed down since the fall in the Garden of Eden. That Jesus died on the cross and at that time accepted the punishment for the sins of the whole world and took upon Himself our sins. Instead of God punishing us for our sins, He became a human (Jesus the Christ) and bore our deserved punishment so that His perfect justice would be served. Those that accept this eternal pardon of sin are now called now “the SAVED”.

It is not working your way out of sin – which is a hopeless endeavor. It is not a religious thing; it’s a relational, positional issue between you and God Almighty. It is by faith, believing in the grace and mercy of God toward us and by believing and accepting this great gift of forgiveness; believing in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Savior from what? From your sin debt!

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18 KJV)

There you can see the big flip in our relationship with God! It is a positional change. A prisoner transfer from the prison of unrighteousness, separated from God to the prison of righteousness with God. What a gift!

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” ( John 8:31-36 KJV)

So have you sinned? YES YOU HAVE! And Christ tells us plainly the servant of sin will NOT abide in the house forever. That means, judgment is coming and those who have not accepted Christ for the remission of their sins, will have sins remaining and will be punished – an eternal punishment an separation of God in a place of torment. However Christ gives us the hope and freedom because the Son of God (Jesus Christ) does abide forever and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. So if Christ makes you free from your sin debt.. you are free indeed! And you will abide with Christ forever and ever. What a promise! What a hope!

Is Your Christian Church Religion Teaching A False Gospel?

Bible Prophecy is clear that in the Last Days (the time in which we live) there will be a falling away from the true Gospel. False Gospel teaching religions will arise before Christ returns.

I ask you this, Is it here? Yes, it is! I say this to all people in any formal denominational Christian religion… has your religion become a teacher of a False Gospel? You can know by a few things…

  1. Does it teach faith PLUS works equals salvation?
  2. Does it omit teaching Bible Prophecy which is two thirds of all Scripture? (If you did not know this, it is a big sign!)
  3. Does it teach that the Ten Commandments and fulfilling them in your life is what saves you?
  4. Is it legalistic, you must not do this, you must not do that, you must do this or that or lose your salvation.
  5. Does it promote worship to idols? That is anything or any person that is not GOD HIMSELF?
  6. Does it teach a person can lose their Salvation?

!! If any of these apply – I say to you, that organization is teaching a False Gospel message.

READ YOUR BIBLE and make sure what is taught in the pulpit is what is taught in the Bible! THEN you will know the truth and never again be deceived by any group or person. Let every man be a liar and GOD be TRUE.

Will some, or many even, take offense to this? Yes. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive to many. But as Paul said,

“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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.” (Romans 1:16-19 KJV)

This is NOT my personal opinion!!

Know this; it is what the word of God teaches, used in proper context. If you do not believe this, then start reading the Bible and find out what I found out. Do not just rely on what a priest or pastor tells you, or even what I am telling you in this article, thinking “he must know, he reads the Bible.” NO! Start reading the Bible yourself. There are so many free tools for understanding the Scriptures in proper context, even the tough passages like in the book of Revelation! All right here online and FREE.

I will conclude with this Scripture which basically sums up the true Gospel Of Jesus the Christ and His Kingdom to come. The Law (Ten Commandments) condemns us. It SHOWS us how sinful we are so that we will turn to God and ask for mercy because we cannot keep them!

“Therefore by the deeds of the law (ten commandments) there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the KNOWLEDGE OF SIN. But now the righteousness of God WITHOUT THE LAW is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 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: For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified FREELY by His GRACE through the redemption that is IN Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time HIS (Jesus) righteousness: that HE might be just, and the JUSTIFIER OF him (believers) which BELIEVETH in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? NAY: but by the LAW OF FAITH. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith WITHOUT THE DEEDS of the law. ” (Romans 3:20-28 KJV)

Thanks be to God to save a wretched sinner like me (and you).

Related Articles:

Are We Descendants Of Apes or Did God Create Us?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Knowing God
Truth

Why choose Christianity over other World Religions? This is the first question that everyone should ask about any religion otherwise how can we fully believe in what the religion is claiming. There are many religions in this world and each one claims to follow the `true’ god (or in some cases gods). How can anyone distinguish the truth from the fallacy? How can anyone know if God exists and, if He does truly exist, which religion is the true one serving Him? These questions are of paramount importance to all who seek the truth about God but with so many different views how can we know for sure? Can we know?

Does God The Creator Exist Or Are We Originally From Apes?

The whole premise of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is that the universe and all life in it just happened by chance. Today we know that all life of every existing creature depends upon the fact that DNA replicates itself. This is how eye colour, hair colour, height, etc. are passed on to our children from generation to generation. Sometimes we see slight mutations within organisms of the same species. For example, there are albino mice where the hair is white and the eyes are pinkish in colour and there are regular mice of different colours, but this does not change the fact that they are all still mice. To claim that animals adapt to their environments over long periods of time is one thing but to say that billions of very specifically designed animals, which each have a very delicately balanced relationship between them, occurred simply by chance is at best extreme.

If the insects became extinct tomorrow what would happen to the birds, then the cats, then the dogs, etc.. Each creature in existence on this planet depends on the other to survive. Look at an organism as simple as a plant. The animals and humans of the world breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The plants breathe in carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen. Everything from a microorganism to the vastness of the cosmos; it is all extremely well balanced because each individual is dependent on the other in minute and very specific detail. This extreme order is what forces us to examine the possibility that God exists. Logic tells us that it had to be designed by someone. To say that what we know about the human brain is a result of a series of mistakes in the DNA which began from a single microorganism is a statement that is hard to believe. The number of `mistakes’ in order to create a human brain alone out of a single microorganism, even if over billions of years, is just extremely difficult to believe in. Yet, this is the theory that we have been taught in High School Biology. The fact is that there is still, to this very day, absolutely no proof that man came from the apes. Despite what some may tell you I challenge you to find proof. Every skeleton that was believed to be half ape and half human has been found to be either a mistake in judgment or an all out hoax. We have been taught for years that the theory of Darwinism is true but NO hard evidence exists.

Organisms do adapt to their environments over long periods of time but to say that all creatures developed from a single microorganism billions of years ago? We should all have more proof before we accept that as truth. That is why Darwin’s idea is still called a `Theory’. Even with all of today’s technology, evidence has still not been found. If his theory is true why haven’t we found evidence by now? We have found organisms as small as mosquitoes that are many millions of years old but yet we can find no evidence to support Darwin’s Theory of Evolution that man came from the `apes’.

Yet, this is what is aggressively promoted in schools, and the media in general; that we are alive only because of a series of mistakes in DNA and coincidences too numerous to count. That we have somehow developed from microorganisms into humans over billions of years and that we exist only `by chance’. Today, many believe in Darwin’s theory of evolution because that is what we have been taught since early age, but is it really truth, or is it what “the scholars” think is truth? Promoted by our school system, this has caused a belief that no one is morally responsible for their own behavior. This is obviously in contradiction to the view that because of our sin we are all morally accountable to God.

Can we prove with evidence that God does exist?

In Romans 1:20 it reads,

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (Romans 1:20 KJV)

Notice that in this verse of Scripture it states that we can see evidence of God in creation. With all the extreme complexities in the universe there is still a harmony that can only be explained by believing that a designer created them. But how does God make his existence known to us personally? If we look at nature we can know that He does exist. Just because we cannot physically see God does not in any way mean that He does not exist.

Look at such laws of nature as gravity, or even the wind. We can see, and feel, the effects of them even though we do not know where they originate from. Can you see the wind, or just the effects of the wind? So if you cannot see the wind, do you think the wind does not exist? Or do you believe that the wind does exist because you see and feel the effects of the wind?

Though we cannot physically the see wind or gravity we know that they exist. Suppose that God did create these laws. If God created them how much harder would it be to show who He is to each of us on a personal level? God would have to be infinite if he created every living being (after all, God started everything out of nothing). It would be extremely difficult for us to understand God, let alone relate to Him. We can see that He exists through what he created but He seems impersonal and `far off’ because we do not know how to relate to him.

What if God talked to you audibly? How would you know for certain that it was God and not some advanced technology? What if He came as a man with extraordinary powers that were used for miracles in order to relate to us? Who would believe that he was God? (We must ask this even of Christ Himself if we are to serve Him. We must know for sure that He is the true Son of God otherwise we would be serving under a false pretense.) Just imagine if modern day man built a time machine and went back in time 4000 years. What would the people of that time think about one of us dressed in a space suit having the ability to fly (with the use of a jet pack)? They could very well have thought that we were gods. If this is true, could not a man having a more advanced technology appear to perform miracles to us?

This is an important question to ask about God. Another very important question to ask is, if God does exist which, if any, of the world’s religions and sacred books were inspired from the true God of the universe? How can our mortal minds know God and which world religion is the one that truly serves him? The fact is by ourselves we cannot. If God exists He would have to find a way to relate to us personally, in such a manner that it would leave no doubt in our minds that it is God trying to relate to us. But how could God do this?

For many this is a tough question to answer but we must ask this of every religion; `How do I know that it is the truth?’ It is the answer to this question that sets Christianity apart from all other religions. First, the Bible is comprised of historical facts. There is much evidence from archaeology that confirm the Biblical accounts as historical facts. Even the school system (where God is not valid and prayer is prohibited) recognizes Biblical accounts as historical truth! What of other religions? The historical accuracy of the Bible has been vindicated many times over as have no other religious writings.

The biggest proof that the Bible is the word of God is also the simplest. It is the easiest for us to understand and helps us know that what the Bible says is true. It is the fulfillment of Bible Prophecy. Many sacred writings contain prophecy but prophecy fulfilled is missing from all other sacred writings except the Bible. In fact, 30 percent of the Scriptures contained within the Bible consist of prophecy. In Isaiah, it reads,

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”
(Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV)

 

“ I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.”
(Isaiah 48:5 KJV)

The God of the Bible out right tells us that not only is He the true God, but that He has proof that no other can claim. He says this to us so that we will know that He is the true God. To paraphrase the above Scripture; `BEFORE it came to pass I showed it to you so that you would not believe in false gods’ (or idols, and graven images).

God reaches out toward us and reveals Himself as the true God with absolute proof! Can any other sacred writings actually prove so? Of course, this all is contingent on the statement being correct and that the said proof exists. And it does exist, very much so! All prophecies, except those to still be fulfilled, have a 100% accuracy rate thus far. In other Bible Study Articles on this website you will see prophecies that have already been fulfilled with minute detail, prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled, and even prophecies that are being fulfilled that you can see on your news today! As you read ask yourself, `How do I know that the Bible is the true word of the true God?’ It is the most important question that all of us must ask of all religions in order to believe that the one you choose is the true religion of the true God. God’s prophecies made a believer out of me. Without them I would still not know what to believe.

Many do not realize the importance of Bible Prophecy but the fact that it comprises 30% of the Bible should send a signal to all of us. Today we find that the vast majority of organized Christian religions and churches will not and do not teach what the Bible has to say about Prophecy fulfilled and prophecy not yet fulfilled. For example, the Bible calls the Rapture Event “the blessed hope” and it is part of the Salvation through Christ – yet many denominational main stream Christian churches do not even mention the event in the congregation. We must remember that all Scripture in he Bible is from God and so ALL Scripture is important.

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:1-16 KJV)

At Christ’s first coming, Jesus Himself said that the people of that day and age said they could predict the weather by looking at the colour of the evening sky, yet they did not know the signs of the times. What he was saying paraphrased was, “Look, the Old Testament has many Prophecies pointing out that I would be coming during your time. Why don’t you know? Why is it you seem to have no idea about God becoming Human and arriving in your lifetime?” Considering that Bible Prophecy in the Bible consists of more then 30% of all Scriptures, we should be learning about it more. And given that of the remaining Bible Prophecies are to be fulfilled in our generation should really be tweaking our interest! In fact, if Jesus was asking them why they did not know He was coming when Bible Prophecy said He would, how much more should we know?

We seen all the Bible Prophecies regarding Jesus first coming come to pass exactly as predicted. The rest of the Prophecies for our time will also be fulfilled. The fact is many have already come to pass in our own generation exactly as predicted! Regardless of whether your church is omitting the Biblical Prophecies for our time, God gave them to Christians for important reasons, otherwise He would not have so many Scriptures dedicated to the subject of Bible Prophecies. Start learning them. Christ’s return is now at the very door and He will once again ask us,

” O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?“

This is a short article on a VAST topic and there are resources online that go into depth on this subject from a Biblical perspective. Here are some that I have found:

Who Are The Unrepentant & The Wicked

Don Gerrity Q&A: Salvation, Q&A: Satan & The Lost
Who Are The Unrepentant & The Wicked

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Psalm 53:1-3  KJV)

This is the state of all humankind from our physical birth, until one accepts the gift of the atonement for our sins through Jesus Christ the Son of God. So TODAY, there are two types of humans: The Redeemed (also known as the ‘righteous’, ‘saved’ , ‘forgiven’) and the Unrepentant (also known as the ‘wicked’, ‘lost’ , ‘unsaved’, ‘unforgiven’ ). Many who pick up a Bible and read it see the word ‘righteous’ and think it is all about a person that does good. And that the ‘wicked’ is a person that does evil. While a person who is a Christian may perform good works this is NOT what these two words mean. It is not what a person does (good works vs evil works) determining which group you are a member of. These two words are talking about a person positionally in regards to eternity. You are in one of two camps; those who call Jesus Lord or those that deny Christ. Those that deny Christ are referred to as the ‘wicked’, ‘unrepentant’ and ‘those that are perishing’ in the Bible. As we see above, ALL have sinned and are born into this world with the sin nature. All belong to the group called ‘the unrepentant and the wicked’. Also , ‘There is none that do good’. So doing good works will not allow a person to become part of what the Bible describes as ‘the righteous’ group of people who are heaven bound.

Who Are The Redeemed / Righteous / Saved?

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:4-5 KJV)

To be translated from the camp of the unredeemed and wicked into the camp of the righteous is not something our works can accomplish. It is through faith alone. That is, doing good works is not how a person can become righteous. Jesus said we are all imprisoned and slaves to the sin nature. There is NOTHING a person can do themselves to erase the sins they have committed. In fact, it is God who provided a way for us to be part of the group called the ‘righteous’. Those the Bible calls the ‘righteous’ and the ‘redeemed’ are those individuals who believe that Jesus is the Son Of The Living God. The third part of the Triune God (The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit). Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and was not born in sin as humankind has been since Adam and Eve fell in the garden of Eden. Jesus lived a sinless life and was God in human form; Jesus is fully God and fully man. Ultimately, Jesus (God in human form) took the punishment for the sin of the world on the cross and all who accept His free gift of salvation are forgiven their sins because Jesus took the punishment for the sins we have, or will commit.

“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)

These are called the “Righteous” in the Bible. It is not being righteous through good works but is the fee gift from God for all who accept Christ as the Lord of their life. It is not that Christians are any better, or more ‘good’ than non Christians. We ALL are sinners – even after accepting Christ! John writing to believers in Christ clearly states that, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10) If you are a believer and are a ‘Christian’ and you think you are good and others are evil. That you are somehow better then an unrepentant person then you REALLY need to re-evaluate what you think it means to be a Christian!! You are giving real Christians a very bad reputation indeed. Do not leave out the “lest any man should boast” part of the above Scripture!! I write this because we see this happening much today. And the lost see it and dismiss the truth of Christ because of it! You misrepresent Jesus by doing this.

Please STOP. Change the way you think about others. Do not be a boaster as if you did anything good to gain salvation.

The devil is working through you if you do this. If you are shocked by me saying this.. read my article ‘The Sifting of a Person” where I talk about the fact that even the Apostle Peter had the devil work through him. We are all sinners – that is a fact! Only God can save us from our sins and the resulting everlasting punishment. There are many articles on this website on why this is true and I encourage you to read them. This article however, focuses more on the group of people the Bible calls the Unrepentant and the wicked.

Some would say, “I believe in God”. That is enough.

However, to believe in God is NOT ENOUGH. James states clearly that “…Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19) So not all who believe in God will end up in Heaven. So there is a distinction between the redeemed and the lost. So which camp of people are you currently a part of? To answer that you need to see the truth of the Bible in how it describes the wicked/lost.

What The Bible Says About The Lost (The Wicked)

“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” (Ephesians 4:17-19 KJV)

The lost, of which myself was also a part of prior to my salvation in Christ (as were all Christians beforehand), have a futile mind, having their understanding of God’s truth darkened. The more they rebel against God the more alienated they become from God. The more they reject God the more blinded they become in their heart – their very being. Once a person rejects Christ and the Gospel they remain “in sin”, controlled by the ruler of this world who is currently Satan. They eventually become uncaring and care only for themselves as they do not believe there is a God. It’s every man for himself.

The Unrepentant – The Wicked

Here is a passage in Scripture that describes an unredeemed, wicked person. And remember this means all of us prior to accepting Christ.

“A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:12-19 KJV)

“A proud look, a lying tongue”. Sound like anyone we know? This describes Satan to a tee. He deceived Adam and Eve and continues doing so to all the world today. We see here the wicked give “False witness”. Do you know those who continually see the worst in everyone? Those who gossip behind your back to make others hate you? They wink at you, smile and shake your hand under a false pretense. They seem good to your face but they stab you in the back when you are not looking. Those that act as if they are the most important? Show offs? Boasters in themselves? Those that put down another so that they will look good themselves. Do you know anyone like that?

Yes, I know you do!!! We all have!! Why? Because humankind has a “sin nature” and it is the nature of Satan – not God. And we all have this to some degree. Even the redeemed still have the sin nature fighting within our minds. And if I am honest, many professing Christians act like this too and have turned others away from Christ in doing so.

The Wicked Are Already Condemned

The Bible calls the wicked “the condemned”, even before physical death.

“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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3: 16-19 KJV)

 

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16 KJV)

The World Is Being Greatly Deceived

The wicked are deceived and do not believe on the one thing God wants for each of us; to have all our sins wiped out through the sacrificial death of Jesus the Christ on that cross. To have all our sin debt paid so we do not have to receive the punishment for our sins which is eternal death – separated from the love of our Father, God Almighty, forever. The name Satan means “Adversary”. He is the enemy of humankind. He is an Angel that was once closest to throne of God Almighty in Heaven and his name was Lucifer. Until he wanted to be like God and through Pride he fell and became the evil one and our adversary, Satan. He deceived 1/3 of the angels of heaven to rebel against God. Today Satan and his fallen angels are the ones ruling the world as we know it behind the scenes

However it is important to remember that Satan is not like God. He is not all knowing and he cannot be everywhere at one time. He is an angel, a creation and he uses his fallen angels to rule this world. Today’s culture has been orchestrated by Satan and he is very good at how he is deceiving us and keeping us all too busy to learn the truth of the Gospel because he knows time is now very short because Christ is coming again soon for His redeemed.

What We Are Today, In One Word

If there was a word to describe our current state of being today it is the word “BUSY”. There is hardly time to eat and sleep these days. Pursuit of “the good life” and wealth is the pinnacle of success. So many of youth’s role models are doing evil things that just 50 years ago would be appalling and something done in secret and hidden from others knowing how evil they are. These same things are being done in the open and are being portrayed as “good things” today. In Isaiah 5:20-23 it reads,

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” (Isaiah 5:20-23  KJV)

Even many of our entertainment media “stars” and Politicians are acting like this blatantly. The time we now live in, during the end of the Church age, is filled with these kinds of things. And they are things called WICKED by God. He will not let it continue forever.

Mobile Communication Technology

The explosion of mobile devices and texting is having a huge negative impact on our youth that is only now coming to light. As parents, we never seen it coming! We thought it was a great way to communicate with our children at school and when they are out and about. We thought, This will be great! But is it really?

When I was young, there were times when I did nothing but just watch Television or go outside and ride my bike alone. You know.. alone time. Quiet time! A chance to regenerate the batteries. The attention spans of our youth (and our adults too!) today are very small and it is becoming an epidemic. They need to be doing “something” every second of the day. Mobile devices are glued to their hands. Many will not speak on the phone to friends and they only text. This technology is pushing people away from each other and it seems the kids believe much of what they see on their mobile devices, taking it as truth without investigation or proof. It is so bad that even on school buses, it is prevalent. Texting each other when they are only 4 feet from each other is a common occurrence. (I know.. I drive a school bus every day).

People are dying in cars driven by those texting while driving. Even if they are just going 5 minutes to the store – they are on the mobile devices and not paying close enough attention to the road. People are walking across streets on their mobile phones and getting hit by cars, or falling in construction holes because they are not watching. It is crazy – and it is REAL.

Zombies Of The Media

Through mass media and mobile technology those in power are duping the world and deceiving them about what is truly happening. The New World Order and the world leaders are pushing this on society. The One World Religion that our current Pope Francis is promoting.

Keep being busy at all times with irrelevant topics of the entertainment world. Believe that evil things are good things and good things are evil. These are the messages being conveyed. We are being blasted with these ideas as being good things. But according to Bible Prophecy it is the beginning of the end for this world system as the Antichrist will be ruling this New World Order and using all this technology in ways Adolf Hitler would have envied having in order to control the people of the world. SATAN IS KEEPING US ALL VERY BUSY INDEED!

Judgement Day Is Coming

The Day Of The Lord (known as the 3 1/2 year Great Tribulation Period) will soon be upon this entire world where God will judge the unrepentant. (see articles on Bible Prophecy) Those left behind at the Rapture are those that simply will not believe in salvation through Christ. So many people today say and believe that, ‘we have everything we need. We do not need God’. The Rapture and ultimately the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord will change those ideas! It is God’s last attempt to have the unredeemed to come to an end of themselves so that as many people as possible turn to Christ for salvation.

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV)

“The god of this age” is Satan. He is blinding the people of the world to the truth of the Gospel. Bible Prophecy points to an end time deception of such enormity that even the elect of God may believe the lie. The world is deceived greatly. Such lies about God abound only because people are not “seeking” the truth. If people would SLOW DOWN and seek the truth…they would find how truthful and reliable the word of God (the Bible ) is and the blinders would come off and they would truly start knowing the TRUE heart of God towards us and accept God’s only method to pardon our sin; the salvation only provided by Jesus the Christ.

Do not be deceived any longer!

Those who reject Christ are greatly deceived and will end up in everlasting punishment just like Satan and his fallen angels. It is a lack of the knowledge of the Gospel truth that is condemning the wicked.

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10 KJV)

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (Matthew 25:41 KJV)

Note to the reader… the Bible tells us that hell was created for Satan and his fallen angles – not for humankind! But if you side with Satan, you will follow where he will end up. This is NOT God’s desire for you!

 Jesus Christ Is Returning – And Soon

Jesus Christ is going to return and Bible Prophecy shows that this event will happen sooner than many think. The last 2000 Bible Prophecies were 100% fulfilled. The 500 or so about the Second Coming of Christ in the End Times will also be fulfilled 100%. In fact, quite a few are already fulfilled and being fulfilled right now in our modern times!

Many today are scoffers and are saying “Where is His return? Things are the same as they always have been”. But what they do not realize is they are fulfilling end time Bible Prophecy (2 Peter 3:3-4) by doing so. The real reason the Messiah, the Christ (the anointed one), has not yet returned in the last 2000 years is because “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) God wants you to be with Him forever.

“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)

Trust In The Lord Jesus or Trust In Other Men?

“Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:5-10 KJV)

Do Not Refuse To Know Jesus!

God’s greatest desire is that you know Him. Not just know He exists but to have a relationship as a Father to a son or daughter. For the yet unredeemed wicked, “Your dwelling place is in the midst of deceit; Through deceit they refuse to know Me,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:5) God says to the wicked of the world,

“ Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.“(Jeremiah 9:23-24 KJV)

Are you one of the world’s wicked people?

What about you? Are you a Biblical Christian? Or do you just think you are because you attend church? Or because you are a good person? Are you heaven bound or bound for everlasting punishment for your sins against a Holy God?  

Base your knowledge ON THE BIBLE and what it says – not just assuming that another person reads and should know. Check if what your pastor and Christian religion is teaching is actually Biblical. When I did.. I WAS SHOCKED and I found the truth. God’s truth. And THAT is the ONLY TRUTH that matters.

Is The Devil A Real Being?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Satan & The Lost
Is The Devil A Real Being?

There are many names describing this angel in the Bible. Some of the names are Satan, the devil, the adversary, the ruler of this present world, son of the morning, Abaddon (means the destroyer), the accuser, angel of light, the anointed Cherub, the beast, the dragon, the son of perdition, the tempter, the king of Tyre, the Antichrist, the god of this age, deceiver, the father of lies, Beelzebub, the prince of the power of the air and many more. But who exactly is Satan? Is he a human? Is he equal in power to God? Is he like God? Despite the stories of the Devil being a person wearing red with a tail and holding a pitch fork his physical appearance is quite the opposite. He is not a fable character nor is he human. He is a Cherub angel; one of the top ranking of all the angels. Angels are not humans who have died. That is we do not become angels when we die. Angels are a completely separate creation of God. Cherub angels are the most high ranking of the angels and they surround God’s Holy throne room. In Ezekiel 28:14, Lucifer is described as “…the anointed cherub who covers;…”. We also find in this passage that he was guardian of the very throne of God where it states, “…I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.”

No other created being was given the intelligence that God gave Lucifer. The very name of this Cherub angel is ‘Lucifer’ which means the “shining one” or “son of the morning”. (Isaiah 14:12 )  The Bible tells us that Lucifer was a very beautiful angel , wise as well, (Ezekiel 28:12). In fact, he was a well respected angel as one of the top angels in the entire angelic creation. But all of that was going to change and in his own beauty he allowed the sin of pride to overcome him.

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14 KJV)

Lucifer wanted to be as God, with ultimate power. He devised a plan so that he could overthrow God’s throne. You need to realize that would be impossible as God is all powerful and all knowing. Yet, Lucifer became so blind in his pride he thought his plan would accomplish this.

Rebellion In Heaven

With all his intelligence and power of influence over other angels Lucifer rebelled and starting to divide the angelic host through deception. He began to deceive other angels. The Bible says that he was able to deceive and gain a following of 1/3 of the angelic order (Revelation 12:3-9) and that is likely millions of angels (Hebrews 12:22). God then judged Lucifer and those angels that followed him and threw them out of heaven (where God’s throne resides) and down to the Earthly realm as we see in Revelation 12:7-9,

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:7-9 KJV)

The angelic host of angels that remained true to God fought the rebel angels and kicked them out of Heaven. Here we see the Arch Angel Michael headed the engagement. The Arch Angel Michael is also the one that will sound the trumpet at the Rapture of believers in Christ . Michael is a very powerful angel and he heads an army of God’s angels even today.

There’s a Snake In The Garden

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV)

It is interesting that once God sentenced the Devil and his angels, and threw them out of Heaven, we see Satan (which means adversary) in the Garden of Eden. He is trying to deceive the newly created beings called “humans” (Adam and Eve) into sinning against God. I say it is interesting because if you think about it maybe this is why Lucifer rebelled with pride to overthrow God and His Throne? This is just an opinion of mine but maybe it is also why Lucifer was successful enough to have one out of every three angels to go along with his point of view. I mean, here is Lucifer, the top dog of angels and closest to God’s throne and the most intelligent being created and God is about to to create the human race. But ultimately, God’s goal is to have this human race, being billions of souls, to be like the Son of God, Jesus Christ. And that the ultimate outcome will be these humans being above even the angels in power and rank, in the end.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2 KJV)

Satan and his fallen angelic army is already sentenced to the lake of fire and a place called “Hell” for the evil acts and corruption of the universe. However, the appointed time for the sentence to be carried out has not yet come. Fallen angels (also known as demons) know they are already sentenced. I say this because there is a New Testament proof of this, right from a demons own words. Jesus is about to cast out a demon from a person and the demon speaks through the person, “… saying, “ And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29 KJV)

From the time of the fall of humankind in the Garden of Eden Satan tried to stop the bloodline of Christ so that the Messiah would not be able to save us from our sins. First through tempting man to murder (Cain) and even going as far as Genetically corrupting all humankind. God of course prevailed and Christ came just as the Bible prophecies stated. Remember, Satan is not even close to the power of God. Satan is a created being and as such can only be at one place at a time and is not all knowing.

God on the other hand is everywhere at all times and knows everything, including the future. And when Christ called out on the cross “It is finished!” – Satan was immediately defeated. The Savior of the world has come. However, Satan’s sentence has not yet been carried out and for a time he is the ruler of this world to an extent, otherwise we would have utopia already and we obviously do not. But Christ will return and take over this rule with full effect. God is ultimately in full control. Since the time of the cross Satan is doing everything possible to prevent humans from accepting Christ. Satan can read the Bible too you know! He knows what is coming and is trying everything to thwart God’s ultimate plan for humankind – to be like His Son, Jesus Christ, ruling and reigning with God forever and ever. He knows that he is soon going to be chained up and placed in a prison called “the bottomless pit” when Christ returns to Earth in the end times in which we are now living.

“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.“(Revelation 20:1-3 KJV)

Satan will in these last days control a worldwide government ruler and dictator which is to come, known as the Antichrist. At some point, Satan will take over this person and Satan will imitate all the prophecies about the return of Jesus Christ. He will demand that the world worship him as God and he will deceive many in the Tribulation period, when God’s Wrath will be poured out upon the Earth on those left behind at the Rapture event (which can occur at anytime now!). Ultimately, at the White Throne Judgement (Revelation 20:11) Satan and his fallen angels, as well as all the unbelieving and unrepentant sinners (called the wicked), will be cast into he Lake Of Fire and Hell.

Hell , in fact, was created for Satan and his angels – not for man. (Matthew 25:41) It is God’s plan that all of humankind be redeemed through Christ. Those that reject such a great gift (Jesus paid with such a steep high price,) of forgiveness and the righteousness of God through Christ will stand at this judgement and will be judged as Satan and his angels because they chose to side with Satan and not God.

Where there is no acceptance of Christ’s act of atonement for our sins, their sin remains and they will be judged by their sinful works and deeds during their life. Their sins were not forgiven and they have chosen the wrong side and the ‘wicked’ will share in the punishment of Satan and the fallen angels.

The Lake Of Fire Is Completely Avoidable For You!

Do not reject such a great gift from God! He wants you with Him for all eternity in Heaven on Earth. And I am not saying this to scare anyone into believing either. Christians going around saying “turn or burn” are not helping people come to the truth of Christ’s salvation. Paul wrote to Timothy, “…my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (2 Timothy 1: 2 KJV)

Paul then goes on to say,

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,0 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:1 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” (2 Timothy 1:8-11 KJV)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the coming of he Kingdom Of God is what was preached. That is the HOPE of the world. Saying “turn or burn” without sharing the true Gospel first makes God look like an angry God who is waiting to pounce you on the head with a hammer all the time. God forbid! God is just the opposite, giving His own Son as a Ransom for our sins so that we could be forgiven. God did not give us a spirit of fear but of faith. (2 Timothy 1:7) The Devil uses fear to deceive the whole world! As a Christian, do you want to be doing the devil’s work thinking you are doing God’s work? NO WAY! But you should know that this can happen if you are not careful nor attentive to the true word of God. It happened to Peter!

“But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” (Mark 8:33 KJV)

Is it true that the unrepentant will end up in hell? Yes, it is Biblical. But the knowledge of how much God truly loves us is what makes a person believe… not just fear from hell fire. Did Jesus talk about the reality of hell? Yes, many times. But He was preaching the gospel first. Yes, we all want to avoid Hell and everlasting torment. But just saying that to scare people into believing will never work. It is the love of God that saves! God is REAL! The facts of the Bible being the real word of God are being shown to you on this website. And since this is so, then what the Bible says is true reality, and God has given you his own Son in blood so you can be forgiven and made the very Righteousness of God in Christ. What greater love is there then this?!

“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.“(John 3:16-17 KJV)

God wants to give you all things and loves you.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
(Matthew 7:7-14 KJV)

Jesus is the narrow gate!

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:1-6 KJV)

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36 KJV)

Why Did God Create Us?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Knowing God

I am convinced that there is not a single person in all of history that has not asked the question, Why Do I Exist? And I would go further to state that the other question most have is , What is the point of living a life and then we die? Is everything about us lost at death? Do we just cease to exist? When we see all the life of the planet Earth, why does humankind seem so different then the rest of nature? Humankind seems to have some traits not found in any other creature.

Knowing the answers to such questions is very important in knowing God. If God created us then there must be a reason and a purpose. If God created us different than all other life on this planet, He must have had a very specific reason. But something seems to be very wrong with the world around us. Most of us can just sense that something is not right here. Why do we have feelings such as guilt over our actions when other creatures we share the planet with do not seem to have such? Why does humankind continually strive for knowledge? And why do we all feel this sense that there is more to our lives then just living and eventually facing death? If God created us, then why do we have to die at all? If God created us with such a distinct difference from all other life on the planet why is there so much evil in the world on an ever increasing basis? No other religious writings in all of history seem to answer such questions as clearly as the Holy Bible does.

The Reason and Purpose For Humankind

The Bible makes it very clear that God created the heavens and the Earth and every living thing that exists. It also makes it clear that we are a race of beings that God made separate from all other types of life that exists.

God wants us to understand this and so the very first Scriptures in the entire Bible speak very simply and directly to us. Verses 1 to 20 of Genesis tell us how God created the universe, the Earth, the stars and the waters on the Earth. Then starting in verse 20 it reads,

“And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:20-25 KJV)

The book of Genesis then goes on and states,

“Then God said, “Let US make man IN OUR IMAGE, in OUR LIKENESS, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. SO GOD created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27 KJV)

One thing we notice is that God is showing that He is a Triune God by using words such as ‘us’, and ‘our’. God almighty is Triune; The Father, The Word (the Son), and The Holy Spirit. Together they are God. It is a mystery to us created beings living within a created time and space but this is what the Bible clearly teaches. All three are are co-equal as one God.

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. “ (1 John 5:7 KJV)

Notice that the “Word” is capitalized. That is because it is a name. This member of the Trinity, named The Word, is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God as we see in John 1,

” In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…

…14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-3…14 KJV)

These verses also show us that Jesus Christ is the part of the Trinity who created everything! He always existed and is an eternal being as God! He existed before creation as The Word and when He became flesh to save us all He is known as The Son Of God.

We can see in Genesis that after God created all the creatures of the Earth He then created humankind. So He shows us that we were created separately and that we are a very different race of beings that He is creating. We see from just these two verses in Genesis 1, that God is making this point very clear to us. Humankind was set apart from the beginning by God Himself. First God shows us why we are different from all other life on this planet when He says, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,…”. So God made humans in His own image. We have many of the same traits that God has. In fact, throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation it is plain to see that believers are described as the children of God and that God is our Father.

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (Romans 8:15-16 KJV)

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6:27 KJV)

“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7 KJV)

“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7: 9-11 KJV)

These are only a few of literally hundreds of Scriptures that make it very clear that God is Our Father, as believers on Christ . Jesus also made this point very clear during His ministry to us. For God to call us His children and for us to call God our Father we must be able to relate to Him on God’s level, at least to some extent. We have the ability to both communicate with God and to also be like Him. That said, remember that God did not create us equal to Himself. The Bible does not say ‘Let us make man equal’, it says “Let us make man in our own image”. So God is clearly far superior to humans. But He created us with the ability to be like Him. And according to the Scriptures, God wants us to become more and more like Him through our life here on Earth and also in the Eternity to come after death.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2 KJV)

This Scripture indicates that we do not yet know “what we shall be”. This implies that part of God’s plan for humankind is that we grow in knowledge and that His goal for us is in the future. That we grow and seek knowledge about God and learn more about God in the same way we learn about our parents from infancy and throughout our lives. It is an ever increasing knowledge to learn about our parents as we reach each stage of life. This is of course, is not speaking to Salvation as if we gradually becoming saved. Salvation happens at the moment of belief on Christ for righteousness (Ephesians 1:13-14).

How much more is this true about learning the knowledge of God and who He really is? This is why we all strive for more knowledge and why we look at the stars of the universe and marvel at God’s creation. God wants us to know Him. Not just know that He exists, but to really know Him intimately, in an ongoing relationship with Him. So the question remains, why did God create us in His image?

If you look at all creation each species of animal has their own way of communicating with each other. Look at Dolphins (an amazing creature to check out by the way), and the way that they communicate. It is a very intricate and complex language. Humans cannot understand them. In fact, either can fish or turtles or sharks. Why? Because God made every creature after it’s own species as we see in Genesis where it reads,

“And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:24-25 KJV)

You see here that God tells us that He made every creature after it’s own kind. I am reminded about my preschool days when I would pull a string on this big red toy with animals all around it. This is a cow, it goes mooooo. This is a dog, it goes woof woof. This is a cat, it goes meow meow. I am sure you can relate. God did not make all creatures with the ability to speak with one another. Sure a dog can learn about it’s owner and how to get a treat and even to protect those protecting it. But all your dog can do is go “woof woof” and jump on you when it has to go outside. There is a relationship between you and your dog but your dog can not really know you the way you may think the dog does. A dog has no concept of God nor can a dog effectively communicate with God or know God’s ways. But the Bible makes it clear that humans can.

This sets us apart from all other creatures on the planet. Humans also are made after our own kind. If God created us in His image it is so we can know Him intimately and have intimate communication with Him.

Physical Humankind

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7 KJV)

God gave humankind life. We are essentially formed from the dust of the Earth, that is the elements on this planet. This is certainly true.

By mass, human cells consist of 65–90% water (H2O), and a significant portion is composed of carbon-containing organic molecules. Oxygen therefore contributes a majority of a human body’s mass, followed by carbon. Ninety-nine percent of the mass of the human body is made up of the six elements oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_of_the_human_body)

Most other creatures also are made of elements on this Earth and that is why we can live on this planet. But here God is singling out this fact about humankind as to make the point that we are also made physically from the dust of the Earth. Many people believe that humans have a soul as a separate being from the body that is eternal. But it is important to mention that humankind did not receive such a soul from God when He created us. The Scriptures do not indicate this is true. It says in Genesis that God “..breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” So we became a living soul, or a living being, when God gave us the breath of life. It is an important distinction to make. I say this is important because I hear it said all the time, even by Christians, that we all have an eternal `soul’. But a soul is not something that is eternal or indestructible. Adam and Eve were not perfect beings with immortality before sinning. Ezekiel 18: reads, “…the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” We can see from this that a soul can die. If Adam and Eve were given an immortal soul at creation, they would never die. If one is immortal he cannot die by the very definition of immortality. Also look at 1 Corinthians 15:53 where it reads, “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (GenESIS 2:15-17 KJV)

This along with so many other Bible Scriptures makes it clear that humans are created MORTAL and not eternal. Eternal life is a spiritual life with Christ having an immortal body. The kind of body we will receive at the Rapture. Adam and Eve were physical and would remain alive as long as they did not sin. Yet, so many Bible teachers today tell people that Adam and Eve were created eternal and that humans were made eternal until they sinned and only then was it possible for humans to die. While this is true partly, it is a simple misunderstanding of the truth.

What the Bible is teaching is that when Adam and Eve were created they originally did not know sin. They were not given an eternal soul as something separate from the body. They had an eternal Spirit. Soul and Spirit are not the same thing.

God breathed life into them and they became living souls/beings. The soul is all about our physical being. The breath of life by God is our Spirit. God created a physical body but it was not alive until He breathed into us the Spirit which comes from God.

God was with them and communicated with them in the Garden. We can see that God was in communication with Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8. The verse seems to indicate that Adam knew God was coming to communicate as if God always came to them and communicated with them. As long as they were without sin in their lives, their life would continue because God was with them. But if they disobeyed God by sinning against Him, they would surely die. This is confirmed in Romans 6:23 where it reads, “For the wages of sin is death…”. God is completely Holy and He cannot tolerate sin. Sinning is such a serious offence against God that the punishment is death.

Disobedience in the Garden

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV)

When the word `knowledge’ is used in this scripture it does not mean that Adam and Eve did not know about evil before they ate the forbidden fruit (before they sinned). The word knowledge is used above in the same way that the Bible uses the words `to know’ in the scripture that states,

“And Adam KNEW Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord.” (Genesis 4:1 kjv)

It is quite clear that the word `know’ in these scriptures literally means to experience intimately. Adam knew his wife before they had sexual relations. But to know his wife was something more; it was an intimate experience. The word knowledge in Genesis 2:16-17 means that they had not experienced nor committed evil themselves until they disobeyed God. Adam knew that he had freedom of choice. Adam could have obeyed or disobeyed God. Satan, the devil, came to deceive Adam and Eve depicted as a snake (the Devil is very subtle in his deceptions) we see in Genesis 3,

“And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:2-5 KJV)

Here we see that Satan is telling Eve that God is a liar and that by eating the fruit she would become like gods, which by implication are immortal. The fact that Eve could choose means that the capacity to sin was in her already, otherwise she would not sin. Freedom of choice is very important to God. He did not want to create robots to love Him. He wants a true relationship with humankind.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” (Genesis 3:6 KJV)

You see Eve and Adam both had the very same image of God that we all have but they also had the capacity to sin. We have a sense of morality and can be tempted to sin. In fact, the senses of ; taste, touch, smell ,sound; these traits allows us to perceive the world around us. These are the senses that the Devil uses to tempt us to sin against God. The Human nature of senses and temptation overcame them and they sinned against God by giving into the deception that Satan provided them with; namely “to make one wise “ (as God).

God created humans to commune with Him and to have an everlasting personal relationship with humankind. After all, this is the very reason for creating us in the image of God. Part of such an intimate relationship demands trust. God wanted trust but when Eve, and then Adam, sinned (ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) the physical death experience we all know began. Adam and Eve’s soul could die because they no longer had a sinless life with God. Humankind’s Spirit became known as the Spirit of Man (Adam). Sin had separated us from God and became a wall between humankind and God in having personal relationship in the Spirit. God then kicked them out of the Garden,

“And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.” (Genesis 3:22-23 KJV)

Remember that God said they may eat of any tree in the garden except one. Well here we see another tree in the garden called the `tree of life’. Apparently this tree gives the ability to live forever. God did not want Adam and Eve to become eternal in their sinful state because then they would be eternally separated from God and He loves us and wants communion with us. Out of His mercy and love He did not allow them a chance to eat of this tree because of their sin. Keep in mind that the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil and the Tree of Life are symbolic and a way for the writer to show us how sin entered the human experience. It was not that the tree itself or the fruit of the tree itself that gave Adam and Eve this knowledge. It is that God told them not to eat of that tree and by doing so they disobeyed God and sinned. Their own conscience let them know by experience that they had sinned and they now understood what evil was because they themselves committed an evil act of rebellion against God.

Here is another way of showing you that this is true; before they sinned Adam and Eve did not recognize that they were naked and openly communed with God not knowing (experiencing) sin (Genesis 2:25). After they willfully sinned, they hid themselves from God and covered their nakedness (Genesis 3:10). Adam and Eve hid from God because they knew they had sinned and done evil against God Almighty. So they knew they could sin before they did but it was only once they actually sinned that they knew the knowledge of good and evil. That is they committed the evil act and then they experienced sin by the act itself.

We are the descendants of Adam and Eve and therefore we all are mortal and separated from God. In Romans we see that “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12 KJV)

Because the relationship with God had changed so did the ability for them to resist evil and thus had no way of controlling the fleshly sinful mind. This flesh in all of us carries with it the consequences of suffering and death. With each generation since Adam and Eve the human evils (such as war, selfishness, and murder) have continually grown worse. We try to do good but we all have sinned against the God that created us. No person can match up to the holiness of God Almighty. In fact, any of our self righteousness and goodness is as filthy rags to God because it only takes one sin to disqualify us from being righteous in God’s eyes.

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).

The Bible also talks about human beings as having a `spirit’ within us. This is part of the image of God that was given to us at creation from God himself that gives us the ability to communicate with God and have an intimate relationship with God. Adam and Eve both had this spirit before they sinned but once they sinned, the connection to God changed drastically.

When we believe on Christ for righteousness, The Spirit within us is the Spirit of God Himself. It becomes a new creation in the Spirit which is the very righteousness of God, in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-21). When God’s spirit lives within us, we have a very intimate relationship with God.

After Adam and Eve sinned, God could not abide where sin is until the punishment for the sins were fully paid. God is perfectly just and sin must be judged. The punishment for sin is severe. The punishment for sin is an eternal death (Romans 6:23 ).  And God must remain true to His own perfect character.

We lost that intimate relationship with God. That said, God is love and full of mercy and He used this situation the devil began and has given us a way to regain this intimate relationship through Jesus the Christ’s act of atonement on the cross. (For those that do not know, `Christ’ means the anointed one, it is NOT Jesus’ last name) So God gave us the Old Testament and later the New Testament so that the world would know that He exists and wants to regain the intimate relationship which is called everlasting life. The Bible is the very word of God and the Gospel of Grace Through Jesus Christ Crucified is the power unto salvation.

“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)

Why Did God Create Humankind?

Let us go deeper a moment. Why would God create us if He knew we were going to sin in the Garden? God foreknew everything that would happen before He created us.Nothing takes God by surprise friends. God has a plan and it is beyond our full understanding. Yet, God gave us enough information to believe this.

So we can see that God created us and that He created us in His own image and that He did so in order that we could be in an intimate relationship with Him.

In Revelation 4, John was shown a vision of heaven where he writes,

“ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4: 10-11 KJV)

Here see that God created all things; the universe, the Earth and all things in and on the Earth for His own pleasure. God is a creative being and it pleases Him to create all that is good. Notice that the Bible does not say that we were created to merely entertain God. God did not create us out of a sense of being lonely nor for his entertaining pleasure. He created us in the image of God so that we could know Him.

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” (Psalm 8:4-5 KJV)

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” (John 15:14-15 KJV)

There is only one God ( Deuteronomy 4:35). He created humans in His own image, “…a little lower than the angels…” and crowned us ”… with glory and honour.”

That does not sound like we were created just to entertain God. And Jesus Christ (God in human form) said Himself that we are His friends. Since we know that God is love and is perfectly good and Holy, He cannot lie. It gave God pleasure to create us to have fellowship with Him forever. It pleased God to create us because He loves us. (Deuteronomy 7:9, Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 23, John 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:4, 1 John 4:7, and so many many more Scriptures !)

Humankind was created by God so we could enjoy fellowship with Him forever, through the saving act of atonement by Christ Jesus. Both in this life and throughout eternity. To fellowship with God and to become more and more like Jesus as the Holy Spirit renews our mind from within our newly created Spirit of God.

Regain A Relationship With God By Removing The Penalty For Your Sin

We are all sinners and no one can match up to the Holiness of our God. The penalty for sin is Spiritual death and we shall all die (except those alive and remaining at His second coming). The real us is our Spirit which resides in our physical body. After death comes the judgement as it speaks about Jesus the Christ and His work of atonement on the cross in Hebrews,

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:26-28 KJV)

Christ came and took on the punishment for our sin upon Himself (He is God in the Flesh) and all who believe on Him and ask Him for forgiveness will be saved. Once a person accepts Christ into His life and believes this He becomes a new creation.

“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.” (Jesus own words from John 3:16-18 KJV)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 KJV)

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1 KJV)

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 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)

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:6-11 KJV)

“ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.…He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:17, 20 KJV)

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What Did Jesus Mean By ‘We Are Servant Slaves To Sin’? What Is Being Positionally Righteous?

Don Gerrity General OSAS Questions, Q&A: Salvation
The Blessed Hope

“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (John 8:34 KJV)

The Greek for the word ‘servant’ in this passages is ‘doulos‘ and means ‘a slave, bondman, man of servile condition’. This idea of being a servant and who we are being a servant to is key in understanding Salvation as being an eternal state – never to be lost.

Lets look at Romans in the Bible and see what Apostle Paul is telling us. In the Book of Romans we see the word SIN is used 48 times by Apostle Paul. The Romans Road to Salvation is something many use to bring people to Christ and so let us get this right!  If you read Romans believing all instances of the word SIN have the same meaning; that is where confusion starts. The fact is that not all instances of the word SIN has the same meaning. Most believe all instances are used as VERBS describing the individual sins that we all commit. We sin because of a sin nature. We do not have a sin nature because we sin. This is important to realize. And because of this we see many pulpits teaching falsely that if we do not REPENT and CONFESS every single sin we commit, that we forfeit our Salvation. If SIN is used as a verb throughout Romans, it is easy to see why people believe that. Other passages by Apostle Paul refute that idea but not everyone sees those passages in their studying and others blindly just listen to Bible teachers thinking they must be correct based on Romans use of the word SIN.

Yet, here is the shocker. There are TWO  Greek words for SIN in Romans and they are hamartanō  – a verb and hamartia – a noun).  What is the ratio of use between these two words of either SIN as a noun or SIN as a verb? Hamartia (a noun) is used 46 out of the 48 times! Apostle Paul is talking about SIN as a noun…as a WHOLE, as a place.  As in SIN, in it’s entirety, not each and every sin we commit. Now, of course every SIN (verb) we commit is included in the noun SIN. As a noun we can look at it as a place as well.

There are two main types of people in the Bible; The Wicked and The Righteous. This not about a person who does evil deeds or good deeds as humans think. The Bible says we all have sinned right? Each one is in a place spiritually speaking. The Righteous are in a place which is IN CHRIST; a place of the righteousness of God, IN CHRIST. The Wicked are in a place called SIN; a place of UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. These two abodes of SIN and RIGHTEOUSNESS are places very separate from each other. Which place your spirit resides depends not on what you DO but on whether you believe on Christ and accept the only payment for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2). If we are in the place called SIN and have not believed on Christ yet, will our good deeds merit us to be deemed RIGHTEOUS? According to the Bible the answer is an emphatic NO.  By the same way then, if we believe on Christ for Salvation and have become the Righteousness of God, IN CHRIST, will we be placed back in the place of the unrighteous and be deemed part of the place of the Wicked by our deeds? The answer is also, NO!

You see, those called the unsaved, are in a state of spiritual unrighteousness and in the place called SIN, with many sins committed in the flesh – prisoners and slaves to sin. We sin because we are sinners at our core being sin nature; we do not have a sin nature because we sin. There is a boundary and unbelievers are stuck in the place called SIN because of their debt of sins against a Holy God which cannot be erased by their own effort, leaving them headed for the full wrath and Holy judgement of God. No one can escape this place by their own effort, try as a person may by performing good deeds or religious rituals and activities.

The good news is that the opposite is also true. The saved person, who accepted the GIFT OF SALVATION by belief in Christ’s atonement for sin on the cross, was translated from the spiritual place called SIN and unrighteousness to the new place of RIGHTEOUSNESS having been made a new creature in the Spirit, who is now created with righteousness where God abides. And those saved have a new boundary of being 100% forgiven and righteous…and the saved cannot not escape this wonderful place by their own efforts either! Salvation through belief on Christ is eternal (John 3:14-18). Christ made sure of that on the cross!

Jesus says clearly,

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37 KJV)

Those who turn to God, and accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Those that believe Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. That Jesus is the Son of God, God come in the flesh. Those that believe that Jesus died on the cross and at that time accepted the punishment for the sins of the whole world and took upon Himself our sins. Instead of God punishing us for our sins, He became a human (Jesus the Christ) and bore our deserved punishment so that His perfect justice would be served. Those that accept this eternal pardon of sins are now called now ‘the saved’, ‘the redeemed of God’ and the ‘righteous‘. Fro the very moment of belief on Christ they were saved eternally and have The Holy Spirit indwelling them. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

God Is Not Just Wanting A Change Of Behavior. God Wants To Transform Your Very Core Spirit Being

It is not working your way out of a sinful flesh nature – which is a hopeless endeavor. It is not a religious thing; it’s a relational, positional issue between you and God Almighty. It is a PRISON TRANSFER sort of speaking and transferring a person from one place (SIN) to another place (RIGHTEOUSNESS). It is by faith, believing in the grace and mercy of God toward us, and by believing and accepting this great gift of forgiveness; believing in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Saviour from what? From your sin debt!

“He that BELIEVETH on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that BELIEVETH NOT the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36 KJV)

“Being then MADE FREE from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18 KJV)

As Christians, we did not make ourselves free from sin! It says we were MADE FREE. By whom? By Christ Jesus! The saved have become a servant slave to righteousness! And before accepting Christ as Lord and savior Paul says in Romans 6:20, “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.” There you can see the big flip in our relationship with God! It is a positional change. A prisoner transfer from the prison of unrighteousness, separated from God to the prison of righteousness with God. What a gift!

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: BUT THE SON ABIDETH EVER.  If the Son therefore shall MAKE YOU FREE, ye shall be FREE INDEED.” (John 8:31-36 KJV)

The prison of righteousness is a prison of FREEDOM from our initial sinful nature in the flesh. Notice that even though God loves you and I, and even though God is perfectly merciful towards you and I, He did not forgive us in a wishy washy way. That is, the punishment for your sin and my sin, still had to be PAID IN FULL. God is perfectly just right? He is not going to just say, ‘well you did some good deeds to make up for your sin, enter heaven’. NO! God is perfectly Holy and perfectly JUST too! The reality is that God loves you and I so much that He sent His own begotten son to take upon Himself, the punishment we deserve. Jesus, the second part of the trinity of God, who never sinned, became the perfect ONCE FOR ALL sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10) for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2 – ALL OF IT!) so we could be 100% forgiven for all our sins. And WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON CHRIST has been transferred to the place of RIGHTEOUSNESS with eternal life in Heaven.

“That whosoever BELIEVETH in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  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.” (John 3:15-17)

That is what true salvation is all about. It is a loving and merciful and UNMERITED GIFT FROM GOD through Jesus on the cross, not anything we do or did. It is not due to any self righteous acts we have done. It is not through our good works, nor our doing penance, nor any religious rituals. It is a GIFT. And as a gift, it must be received. Will you receive God’s gift of eternal life?

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV)

We Were Given The Righteousness Of Christ

Jesus received the punishment we deserved as sinners and so we are now saved from our sin debt. We are completely forgiven in Christ. Many stop there but there is more to it then just this awesome gift of love toward the whole human race. We were not only forgiven by this great act of love. There is more to this gift from God! In 2 Corinthians 5:21 it reads,

“For he hath MADE him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be MADE the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

An exchange was made when Jesus on the cross cried out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) These three words in the Greek it was penned literally mean PAID IN FULL! Christ redeemed us from our punishment from our sins and then we became the very Righteousness of God, in Christ. This is the divine exchange that freed us from the prison of the flesh and sin in an unrighteousness state of being and placed us within the prison of a newly created Spirit with a new righteous state. What a gift God has provided us with. Believers have and are a newly created Spiritual being, in Christ. We still have fleshly sinful bodies until at the Rapture, when our corrupt fleshly bodies and minds catch up completely to our Spiritual change when will be just like Jesus is.

In the meantime, between being born again in Christ and the Rapture and resurrection of the body, there is a struggle within the believer in Christ as Paul explains the doctrine of the Two Natures of the believer in Romans 7:

“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  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.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

 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 7:14-25 KJV)

The Apostle John states,

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2 KJV)

What a blessed hope!