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When The Book of Romans Uses The Word SIN, is it an action verb?

There are many teaching that if we do not confess every sin that we commit that we forfeit our Salvation, unless we repent. But is this Biblical truth or is it a misunderstanding partly because of the Bible translation to English of the word SIN in the Book of Romans?

Romans is one such case where understanding the translation from Greek makes all the difference in the meaning. Apostle Paul wrote Romans. And when the proper meaning is seen then we can see how other Scriptures from Apostle Paul agree. Context matters. The translation of certain key words in passages and what the same writer states elsewhere in the Bible matter. They should not contradict. They MUST AGREE.

This is what makes this so important to understand about Romans, written by Apostle Paul. It is a BIG part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, amen! We are to look at the Gospel passages from before the cross in the light and through the lens of what Apostle Paul taught. Peter and all the Apostles agreed to this in Acts 15. And so, we need to get this right!

The New Testament was written in Greek and what we read today is translated into English. And so there are times we need to look at the Greek to see the true meaning of words. One is the word SIN in Romans. The other is the word REPENT throughout the New Testament. I have already addressed the word REPENT in my other article. This article is regarding the word SIN in Romans but it is also related to the words repent and confess and right believing in what repentance and confession actually is defined as by the Bible.

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 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 pulpits thinking they must be correct based on Romans use of the word SIN.

Yet here is the shocker folks. 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 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. Why is it important then? Because it thwarts the idea that if we do not confess every single sin that it somehow means we will not make it to Heaven and will cause loss of Salvation.

You see, Jesus did not only die for the confessed sins of believers! No. He paid for ALL SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD and that includes believer’s sins and unbeliever’s sins.

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.” (1 John 2:2 KJV)

And Jesus told Nicodemus that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM hath everlasting life. And that “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18 KJV) Salvation is BELIEF ALONE my friends! It is ALL the Grace of God.

John the Baptist was baptizing them and they were confessing their sins, yet it was before Jesus even started His ministry, let alone died on that cross. This was confessing UNTO repentance. A change of mind about their sin and instead of doing good deeds and Law following to gain the favor of God – they were crying out o God for MERCY. They were acknowledging their sins to God. However, confessing sins to God in itself will not save anyone because if you miss just one sin you did, say 20 years earlier, where would you be? Still unsaved! It only takes one sin to disqualify us from Heaven because it is a perfect place without sin.

But John was showing them their sins against God in preparation for the one coming who would bring in the New Covenant; the prophesied Messiah and the one that WOULD SAVE THEM. After Christ died on the cross, we repent (change our mind) believing that the work of Christ on that cross was a sufficient and the ONCE FOR ALL payment (Hebrews 10:10, Colossians 2) for the sins of the world. And by BELIEF on Christ alone to save us from our sins (Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:18) what Christ accomplished is placed on our account and all our sins were PAID IN FULL. This is in fact what Jesus cried out on the cross just before He expired physically. PAID IN FULL! is the Greek for IT IS FINISHED! An accounting term of debt erasure!

From the moment we BELIEVED ON CHRIST we were SEALED by the Holy Spirit forever (Ephesians 1:13-14). Colossians tells us that we were Baptized WITH CHRIST and we DIED WITH CHRIST and we rose again WITH CHRIST because Jesus nailed all our transgressions to that cross. This is an amazing truth believers! One to shout for joy about!

Be grace conscious! It is by the Grace of God that people come to repentance and belief unto Salvation through Christ Jesus, our Lord.

IT IS FINISHED!

Is Being A Disciple A Requirement Of Salvation?

Is every believer a disciple? Is being a disciple the same as being a saved believer? Is being a disciple of Christ a requirement of Salvation?

There is a mass confusion in the Christian community over these very questions. Believing that discipleship is a requirement of Salvation is called Discipleship Salvation or Lordship Salvation. It is such an important issue to settle in your belief as it is rampant false teaching and is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am addressing this head on by the Word of God to help you understand this deceptive teaching, as a believer, and for you to see the truth by proper context which matters greatly when seeking to understand Scriptures.

In John 8, we read this verse, which if read without the context, seems to show that a ‘true believer’ must be a disciple.

“…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.”(John 8:31-32 KJV)

The problem with isolating this one verse out of John 8 and making it a foundational doctrine and requirement of Salvation is simple. It is not what Jesus is teaching in John 8 if you read and see the context.

Jesus just saved a woman caught in adultery and thwarted an effort by the Pharisee religious leaders to discredit Jesus in His teachings (John 8:6). Teaching which these Pharisee leaders worried would diminish their power.

A discussion began that became very heated between these Pharisees and Jesus. We see this attempt to discredit Jesus as the Messiah start when Jesus makes a statement of rebuke to the Pharisees.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I AM the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record IS NOT TRUE.” (John 8: 12-13 KJV)

Then Jesus responds with great authority basically telling them if they do not believe He is the Messiah that they will die in their sins (verse 24). Jesus told them He is the Messiah that Abraham looked forward to in faith for Salvation. He is the Messiah sent by the Father in verse 58. And they set their minds to stone Him to death.

In the midst of all this back and forth arguing, many watching Jesus’ responses to the Pharisees verbal attacks had believed on Jesus.

“As he spake these words, many BELIEVED ON HIM. 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.”

Do you hear echoes of Jesus earlier telling Nicodemus how to be saved in John 3?

“He that BELIEVETH ON HIM is not condemned: but he that BELIEVIETH NOT is condemned ALREADY, because he hath NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18 KJV)

Yes. These are believers Jesus is speaking to now. While being confronted with the claims of the Pharisees, Jesus tells the believers listening to all this confrontation to continue in His word because the knowledge of the truth of the Gospel is the only thing that can set them free. Free from what? Free from their sin debt. The Pharisees then begin refuting Jesus claim to the believers in the crowd,

“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.”

All are servants of sin unless they believe on Christ. He would soon be ushering in the New Covenant by becoming the ONCE FOR ALL sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10) for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2) as the Messiah that He claimed to be. He is encouraging the believers to be disciples in light of His claim of being the Messiah, God in the flesh.

Jesus continues addressing the crowd listening to this confrontational argument with the Pharisees stating,

“And THE SERVANT AABIDETH NOT in the house for ever: BUT THE SON ABIDETH EVER. If the Son therefore shall MAKE YOU FREE, YE SHALL BE FREE INDEED. “

We are free from our sin debt only through the narrow gate; Belief on Jesus the Christ, shedding His blood (John 3:14-18) and paying for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), died and rising from the dead which had not yet happened to Jesus but soon would.

We see here that Salvation hinges on BELIEF ON CHRIST as the prophesied Messiah that was to come; the only begotten Son of God who is God in the flesh by definition as Messiah.

The other point we learn in this passage is that being a believer does not mean being a disciple. They are not the same. A believer can and should be a disciple, but it is not a requirement of Salvation. Jesus was addressing the BELIEVERS. They are SAVED, DEEMED HOLY, RIGHTEOUS and REDEEMED and are NOT CONDEMNED by their belief on Christ. They are not saved by being disciples.

The word ‘disciple’ is the Greek word ‘mathētēs‘ and is defined in Greek
as ‘a learner, a pupil‘. A person is saved by faith and belief alone in Christ and what He accomplished for us on the cross. Apostle Paul wrote,

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV)

This belief on Christ is what saves a person. From this very moment of belief on Christ alone to save a person from their sin debt against God, a person is SEALED and the Holy Spirit indwells the believer (Ephesians 1:13-14). Salvation is not by works but belief on Christ alone.(Ephesians 2:8-9)

Discipleship on the other hand, includes working for the Lord and putting Him first in everything. Studying the Word of God to learn more and more about the knowledge of the truth in Christ. And then helping others understand. It is continuing on in the faith to becoming mature in the faith. Some believers get saved, and are saved by belief on Christ, yet stay babies on milk when they could be maturing to more knowledge in Christ.

If discipleship is a person surrending and working for the Lord, it can not be that being a disciple is required for Salvation because salvation is not of ourselves nor our works. Instead, Salvation is a GIFT to be received.

“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. For we are his workmanship, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO good works, which God hath before ordained that we SHOULD walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV)

So a disciple and a believer in salvation are not defined as the same thing. A believer can and SHOULD BE a disciple. But the word ‘disciple’ and ‘believer in salvation’ are not defined as the same and being a disciple is not a REQUIREMENT of Salvation.

Lordship Salvation is the same as Discipleship Salvation. It is basically saying all believers MUST BE disciples and that we need to work to keep our salvation, or we were never saved in the first place. It is basically a disquised ‘works for salvation’ false gospel. That is not what is found in Scripture in proper context from what I see. And verses that believers in Lordship Salvation use are usually about our walk AS SAVED BELIEVERS and not about how to remain saved.

We read in Colossians 2 that when Christ died on the cross, we were made a ew creation called THE SPIRIT. When Christ was buried, so were we. When Christ rose, so did we IN NEWNESS OF LIFE. How is that possible? Because we are IN CHRIST. To God, Jesus sacrifice was completely and utterly sufficient. And so He took us as servants of sin, where He went in saving us. He nailed ALL our life of sins to that cross and said, IT IS FINISHED. And in the Greek that was penned it is an accounting term meaning, DEBT PAID IN FULL. Christ BECAME OUR SIN and paid for it all and now we are COMPLETE IN HIM.

“10 And YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM, which is the head of all principality and power:

11 In whom also YE ARE CIRCUMCISED with the circumcision made WITHOUT HANDS, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh BY THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST:

12 BURIED WITH HIM in baptism, wherein also YE ARE RISEN WITH HIM through THE FAITH OF the operation OF GOD, who hath raised him from the dead.

13 And you, BEING DEAD in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together WITH HIM, having FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES;

14 BLOTTING OUT the handwriting of ordinances that WAS against us, which WAS contrary to us, and TOOK IT OUT OF THE WAY, NAILING IT TO HIS CROSS;” (Colossians 2: 8-14 KJV)

In Hebrews 7 we read this,

“For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this HE DID ONCE, when he offered up himself.” (Hebrews 7:26-27 KJV)

Yes, Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Yes we strive to please Him in great gratitude and respect with our lives. We allow Him to work through us. We are to do good works after Salvation. Christ lives IN every believer. Yet, the fact is that our new Spirit resides in this corrupt Flesh until our bodily resurrection and we cannot FULLY surrender and not sin as if we are perfect and whole yet, though we strive to do so. Apostle Paul struggled as well as seen in Romans 7. So do all believers.

And when you think about it, Jesus is Lord regardless if we surrender to Him fully (or not) right? Salvation is not kept by our works and I cannot find any Scripture that Salvation hinges on being a disciple. What I do find in the Bible is that Salvation hinges on BELIEF ON CHRIST ALONE. (John 3:18, 1 Cor. 15:1-4. )

Myth: Unrepentant sin causes loss of Salvation and a destination of hell for a believer.

Don Gerrity General OSAS Questions, Q&A: MYTHS, Q&A: Salvation July 20, 2018

For those teaching that unrepentant sin means loss of Salvation, it is high time that believers believing this understand that not only are they wrong, they are denying that Jesus’ Sacrifice for us was completely sufficient with the Father. I am not in any way saying to just go live carnally and sin all we want. Absolutely not. We should be striving to live right because of the grace God has given to us to even be eternally saved. If you believe that you can get saved and then just live carnally, because God’s grace abounds (Romans 5), you may need to reconsider that belief.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6 KJV)

After explaining to us in Romans 5 that grace much more covers our sins, some thought that meant we can just live our lives after salvation as we always have, since Christ paid for our sins. But that is the wrong attitude. Apostle Paul also rebuked the Corinthian believers as a very bad example of a group of believers living very carnally and doing things that believers definitely should not be doing. Sexual relations within families not by marriage even. Yet, the church ignored their grievous sins. Were they still saved believers? Yes and Paul addressed them as such while rebuking them. It seems they had the wrong attitude described in Romans 6; Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Did Jesus pay for just believers sins or ALL SINS from ALL TIME?

Jesus paid for the sins OF THE WHOLE WORLD on the cross. ALL SINS (past/present/future). (1 John 2:2).

Did Jesus make a partial payment for the sins of the whole world or did He pay for all sins completely and utterly?

On the cross Jesus cried out IT IS FINISHED. In the Greek that was penned it literally is an accounting phrase meaning a DEBT PAID IN FULL. Jesus did NOT make a a partial payment for the sins if the world; it was a full payment. His shed blood was SUFFICIENT to the Father! COMPLETELY SUFFICIENT!

How do we receive the forgiveness that the payment for all sins by Christ crucified died and risen provides? How does Jesus answer this question?

Was Jesusu answer to this direct question doing more good works? No. His answer was “…Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God..” (John 3:3). And how does Jesus tell us that we become born again in the SPIRIT? Jesus tells us CLEARLY and REPETITIVELY for importance,

“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.” (John 3:14-18 KJV)

Salvation hinges on BELIEF that Jesus as the Son of God, who is God in the flesh (John 1), born of the Virgin Mary (not born in sin) never sinned in thought nor deed, willingly shed His blood and paid in full for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD so that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM and ON HIM alone is UTTERLY and COMPLETELY FORGIVEN.

BUT THERE IS MORE THAN THAT!!

From that very moment of belief on Christ a person is IMMEDIATELY SEALED by the Holy Spirit and has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14, 4:30, Colossians 2). They have become a NEW CREATURE which is called THE SPIRIT. This new SPIRIT is now the REAL US. It is Holy, Righteous and redeemed COMPLETELY (2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 2:10). Our bodies are still corrupt (1 Corinthians 15:50) and not yet fully redeemed as we await our bodily resurrection at The Rapture Event prophesied by Apostle Paul.

DO believers still sin? DO YOU? Be Honest!

Yes we do. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8 KJV, where John was encouraging believers to not fall prey to the false teachings of the Gnostics heresies). Our body and MIND is still corrupt with this THING called sin. In Romans when Paul uses the word SIN, it is used as a noun and not a verb. It is not an action word. It is a THING. Our Spirit is already heaven ready and fully redeemed by belief on Christ. But Apostle Paul taught that we still need to RENEW OUR MIND (which is how we repent after our moment of salvation) by God’s Word and by help of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

“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.” (Romans 12: 1-3 KJV)

Jesus also prayed for us to the Father before heading to the events leading up to the cross stating the same thing. We need to renew our mind.

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

Are the sins we commit after our moment of Salvation forgiven?

Yes. They were forgiven in the ONCE FOR ALL SACRIFICE of Jesus on that cross (Hebrews 10:10-11). From the very FOUNDATION of the world God foreknew all sins that we would commit and yet He still sent Jesus to die and pay for them all (Ephesians 1:4)! Sins of believers are future from the cross as any sins are for unbelievers today and so they too are FORGIVEN.

But why do believers still have sin in our lives?

ANSWER: THE FLESH. We still have this corrupt body that is bent on sinning. That is why when a believer dies physically, their Spirit goes to be with the Lord but their body goes to the grave. Our Spirit is perfect and the very righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21), without sin and can enter Heaven. But as Apostle Paul states, “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” (1 Corinthians 15:50 KJV)

Apostle Paul in Romans 7 shows the conflict of a believer internally as The Spirit (the new us God MADE US in an instant of our belief on Christ) and The Flesh (which has a disease called SIN). The two are at WAR with one another but make no mistake; we are not the Flesh as believers. WE ARE THE SPIRIT still residing in this BODY OF DEATH. Apostle Paul makes this very clear in Romans 7 but one can skip over and miss verse 17 and 20,

“14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, SOLD UNDER SIN.

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

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

17 Now then it is NO MORE I THAT DO IT, BUT SIN THAT DWELLETH IN ME.

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

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

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is NO MORE I THAT DO IT, BUT SIN THAT DWELLETH IN ME.” (Romans 7: 14-20 KJV)

Reading Verse 17 and then again in verse 20 is the truth that so many Christians have not grasped. Paul is saying very clearly that inside of us is the Adam, our OLD NATURE before our moment of Salvation which Paul calls THE FLESH. Our old nature always wants to sin. Whatever feels right was right with no thought given to sin against God. The Flesh is like a disease since our physical birth.

And then there is the NEW CREATED SPIRIT (2. Cor. 5:17-21) we received at our conversion and belief in the Gospel Of Grace that Apostle Paul taught.

The Spirit is now the real us and has become our very nature; though we may not act perfectly living in The Corrupt Flesh body.

The problem is The Newly Created Spirit is residing in The Flesh still and will until our bodily resurrection. Our minds have not yet been renewed completely and so our thinking is not perfect yet. We should strive in the renewing of our mind as it leads to be less deceived by the devil and his angels who scheme against us as believers. Right believing leads to better outward living.

Does the grace of God mean we have a license to sin?

Why is it that whenever the Grace of God through Jesus Christ and eternal Security of the Believer is taught it is assumed that means go and sin all you like? As if by believing the Eternal Security of a Believer that it somehow equates to us wanting to just go and sin all we want? DO YOU FORGET that we, as believers were not just forgiven.. we WERE MADE THE RIGHTEOUS OF GOD, IN CHRIST! (2 Cor. 5:21)

Believers STRUGGLE with our sins and no believer likes their sin! They may commit a sin, and even have repetitive sins, but they will feel very BAD about it. They will later have remorse. Guilt. They tell God and CONFESS the sin and agree with God that they blew it and sinned. Why can’t I stop this sinning God? Why does sin continue to happen in my life when I am now deemed to have DIED with Christ and Risen with Him (Colossians 2, Romans 6:4)? I do not want to sin! Yet, it still happens in my life. Why? BECAUSE WE HAVE THIS FLESH not yet resurrected. We struggle as Apostle Paul did.

Should we turn from our sins believing in the Eternal Security of a Believer?

YES! Paul says to the question of should we sin more with “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:2 KJV). Yes, turn from your sins and when you blow it and do sin, CONFESS IT TO GOD. HIM to help you overcome the sin. Yet, know this; you will struggle with THE FLESH until you receive new glorified bodies at your bodily resurrection when we will finally shed this disease of sin. Yes, TURN FROM YOUR SINS . Isn’t that what we want as believers? YES! But never because we need to in order to remain saved. Our sins were PAID IN FULL 2000 years ago!

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

And YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM, which is the head of all principality and power:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

BURIED WITH HIM in baptism, wherein also ye are RISEN WITH HIM THROUGH THE FAITH OF THE OPERATION OF GOD, who hath raised him from the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision OF YOUR FLESH, hath he quickened together with him, having FORGIVEN YOU ALL trespasses;

BLOTTING OUT the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and TOOK IT OUT OF THE WAY, nailing it to his cross;” (Colossians 2:8-14 KJV)

ONCE SAVED. ALWAYS SAVED!

Believers are secure IN CHRIST. The penalty for our sins was PAID IN FULL by Christ friends!

ENTER INTO HIS REST!

Hebrews 3:18 KJV: “And to whom sware he that they should not ENTER INTO HIS REST, but to them that BELIEVED NOT?”

Hebrews 4:1 KJV: “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of ENTERING INTO HIS REST, any of you should seem to come short of it.”

Hebrews 4:10: “For he that is ENTERED INTO HIS REST, he also hath CEASED FROM HIS OWN WORKS, as God did from his.”

You no longer have to make sacrifice for your sins. JESUS FINISHED all that on the cross! Strive to not sin. Confess your sins. Renew your mind by the Word of God. Walk in the Spirit to avoid the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Be Godly. Forgive others. YES! Yet, understand that to God,

Hebrews 10:10-11: “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS:“

What Does ‘Free From Sin. Free From The Law.’ Mean?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Grace Of God, Q&A: Law of Moses, Q&A: Salvation, Romans July 10, 2018

FREE!! FREE AT LAST!

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

The English word ‘dominion’ here in the Greek is ‘kyrieuō‘ and is defined as ‘to rule over’. In essence, in today’s English would be the words ‘your master’.

Does that mean we will never sin as believers? No. But sinning will not be master over us. We have the Holy Spirit living within us to guide us into all truth and to change us by the renewing of our mind by the Word of God. It is an inward change that happens over time and changes us on the inside, in our inner man. This change slowly works it’s way outward into our lives and affects others.

What is it, according to Apostle Paul, that causes sin to not be master over us as believers anyway?

Is it because we work so hard to not sin? NO , it does not say that. Is it because we obey the Law of Moses? No, it does not say that either.

Why will sin not be master over us then?

Because we are not under the law but under grace. Reading this verse backwards helps clarify what Paul is actually stating to us.

‘UNDER GRACE, we are NOT UNDER THE LAW, and so sin is not our master.’

Do you see how clear this verse is?

Paul goes on to say even more about Law following verses Salvation by the Grace of God through Christ Jesus in Romans 7:

“But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.” (Romans 7:8 KJV)

First off what is ‘concupiscence’? It is defined in the Greek as ‘lusts and desires’. So let’s replace the word so we can see exactly what Paul is meaning in this verse.

“But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of lustful desires. For without the law sin was dead.”

Paul is telling us that following the Law of Moses actually causes us to sin more! You see, that is the very purpose of the Ten Commandments. Here are other verses by Apostle Paul explaining this:

“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)

“The sting of death is sin; and the STRENGTH OF SIN IS THE LAW.” (1 Corinthians 15:56 KJV)

The very STRENGTH of sinning is following the Law of Moses for justification. The Law and Ten Commandments as many know it by were given by God to bring the Jews to their knees in understanding that we CANNOT EVER justify ourselves nor make ourselves Holy in our own self righteous efforts. The Law is a mirror so we can see ourselves as God sees us; wretched sinners needing a Savior. The Law is meant to bring us to our knees and to cry out to God for mercy because only God can MAKE us Holy.

YES! The Ten Commandments are true and they are still valid as God’s Holy standard. However, following them will NOT make you Holy nor give you favor or justification with God. Only by belief in the Son of God, God in the flesh, Jesus The Christ, who never sinned in thought nor deed, who willingly died on the cross and shed His blood to pay for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD (1 John 2:2) and then rose again; it is through this belief a person is justified with God. (John 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

“For the law having A SHADOW OF GOOD THINGS TO COME, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” (Hebrews 10:1 KJV)

The Law of Moses was just a shadow of the real deal folks! Under the Law of Moses, innocent animals were killed because without sin there is no remission of sin. Yet, these sacrifices are not what forgave their sins under the Law (Hebrews 10:4) . It was a remembrance of the one who is to come – the Messiah, and the sacrifice He would make. Jesus is that Messiah who came 2000 years ago. The perfect sacrifice without blemish and without sin. The real deal is Jesus Christ crucified, atoning for our sins on the cross.

The NEW COVENANT began when Jesus died on that cross, paying for the sins of the whole world. When this happened the Old Covenant was REPLACED by the NEW COVENANT of Salvation through the Gospel of Grace through Christ crucified.

“For Christ is the END OF THE LAW for righteousness to every one that BELIEVETH.” (Romans 10:4 KJV)

“Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can NEVER take away sins:” (Hebrews 10:9-11 KJV)

Jesus is the ONCE FOR ALL offering who paid for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2) And if you believe this you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), have become a new creature, a new creation of God, called The Spirit. All your sins have been forgiven and God remembers them against you no more! Jesus paid for all the sins for all of time. We do not have to sacrifice anymore for our sins – they are all paid IN FULL already. Christ perfected all who believe on Him.

“But this man (JESUS), after he had offered ONE SACRIFICE FOR SINS FOR EVER, SAT DOWN on the right hand of God;…” (Hebrews 10:12 KJV)

Jesus sat down because IT IS FINISHED! Sins have ALL been paid for!

^”From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by ONE OFFERING he HATH PERFECTED FOR EVER them that are sanctified.

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

And their sins and iniquities WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE.

Now where remission of these is, there is NO MORE OFFERING FOR SIN.” (Hebrews 10:13-18 KJV)

What does that mean? Glory to God! It means our freedom! At last! Freedom from the chains of our sin debt. Free at at last through belief and trust in the FINISHED work of Jesus on the cross.

Rev 3:16: ‘spue you out of my mouth’

Don Gerrity Q&A: Salvation, Revelation July 9, 2018November 5, 2022

Is Revelation 3 saying a believer will be spued out of Jesus mouth and Salvation is lost?

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I KNOW THY WORKS, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art LUKEWARM, and NEITHER COLD NOR HOT, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I AM RICH, AND INCREASED WITH GOODS, AND HAVE NEED Of NOTHING; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy OF ME gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” (Revelation 3: 14-18 KJV)

Laodicea was a city famous for its wealth. That is what is mentioned in Rev. 3:14-18, and not just general good works. Jesus has no commendation for this Church. This church became worldly wealthy in externals. But had pretty much stopped preaching the Gospel of Grace for salvation. They focused on WEALTH. This church is said to be the state of a majority of Christian organized Church religions of the End Times, the time we now live in. Look around! It is alive today! Mega wealthy churches, false prosperity gospels and prosperity preaching. It is rampant heresy today.

First, notice hot or cold are both seen as good here. It is the Lukewarm that is not good right?

Not all people that attend a church service know the Lord right? Matthew 7 shows how true that is and that many THINK they are true Christians and think they are saved by going to church services and by their works – yet never accepted the free gift of Salvation, not of works, through Christ crucified, died and risen. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 10:10-11)

The Corinthian Church is a church that Paul was rebuking as a very bad example of how believers should be living. In the case of the Church of Laodiceans in Revelation 3, it is their RICHES AND SELF SUFFICIENCY that is being addressed specifically as the root cause of their being so Luke warm, having fallen into a heretical, non-believing church. So far away from the Gospel truth that Jesus wants to spew them out of His mouth.

Jesus addresses these unbelievers to come to Salvation. Why? They think they are saved but are not! They go to church. They tell others they are ‘Christian’. They believe they are spiritually rich and have God’s favour by their externals of wealth. Jesus is talking about unbelievers in this passage – not true believers of the Gospel of Grace through Jesus Christ that Apostle Paul taught.

Their works are useless for Salvation. It is the same as living under the Law of Moses. The Ten Commandments are God’s Holy standard but they cannot make anyone Holy! They are thinking they are rich spiritually yet have not even grasped Salvation through Christ’s act of atonement. A ONCE FOR ALL sacrifice for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:2, Hebrews 10:10-11)

These are people who are trying to cover up their sin by looking good to others instead of acknowledging the truth that they will never match up to the Holy standards of God.

These are people who are trying to cover up their sin by looking good to others instead of acknowledging the truth that they will never match up to the Holy standards of God. Do you see any church religions filled with people like this? It is RAMPANT in these last days! Church religions teaching false Salvation by works and false prosperity gospels. Most MEGA CHURCHES… BEWARE! They teach, ‘Your best life now…God wants you rich…do this..chant that..word of faith movement, declare it…’ ; it is all false!

Just look at Apostle Paul’s life and tell me that the prosperity Gospel is truth. Look how the Apostles as a group suffered for the Gospel message they preached. This ‘NAME IT & CLAIM IT…GAB IT & GRAB IT’ teaching is false gospel! This ‘best life now’ Gospel is false heresy. Go tell a born again believer who is persecuted and even tortured for their faith this and see what they think. What about the porr who are born again, does their not having wealth mean God has abandoned them? It is pure heresy folks, that appeals to the Flesh. Run away from such false teaching church pulpits!

That is NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ! That is PRIDE. The same sin of Satan. Jesus said, I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH. It is Jesus who is the head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22), not us! It is the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:8-9). Naming and claiming something into your life as if God HAS TO DO SO is wrong? Who is acting like God there?

God is calling these unbelievers back to the true Gospel. Calling them out to ‘change their mind’ (the Bible definition of the English translated word REPENT) in Revelation 3 so that they can be saved by entering HIS REST (see Hebrews 4 as well).

They are looking at their wealth, externals and works, thinking they are spiritually rich, instead of relying on God’s grace alone (Romans 4)! Yet, they are the opposite; having a large sin debt that keeps on growing and heading for the Great White Throne judgment. Never having trusted in Christ alone and HIS once for all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10-14, 1 John 2:2).

God does not want anyone to go to condemnation! That is why Jesus came and paid the debt of sins for us. Those that believe this are 100% forgiven. But believing right matters!

In his book, Understanding Revelation, I like how Jack Kelly explained the truth about the HOT, COLD and LUKEWARM aspects of this passage of Scripture when he wrote,

“The church in Laodicea receives no commendation, only this criticism, rich in symbolic sarcasm. Laodicea got its water from nearby Heiropolis, a hot spring resort that still flourishes today, now called Pamukkale. The water came across the valley in an open aqueduct. Having begun its journey fresh from the hot springs, it was luke warm by the time it arrived. Too cool to be used for cleaning or bathing, and too warm to be refreshing, it was unfit for use until it could be either heated up or cooled down. The fire of the Spirit had gone from the Church in Laodicea leaving its members engaged in “form without substance” ritual. Not that they minded. They were happy as clams with their no commitment, no responsibility religion. So it is in much of the emergent church today. They look like a church and do some things that a church does, but you won’t detect the power of the Holy Spirit there and the gospel of our salvation is only obvious by its absence. Even though their congregations are often large and well financed, their spiritual condition is one of poverty.”
– Jack Kelly, Free E-Book, Understanding Revelation

The hot, cold and lukewarm theme to this church of believers becomes clear:

HOT: Hot water is very useful. It cooks..cleans. A hot drink is refreshing. Drink coffee anyone? A hot shower.
COLD: Cold water is very useful. Nice cold drink of water gives life and is refreshing. Sometimes a cold shower is useful.
LUKEWARM: What about lukewarm water? Ever drink a bottle of lukewarm water? Yuck! Spew it out!! It is pretty useless for anything actually.

That is what this passage is all about and it also fits the state of many Apostate Church pulpits today in these End Times. These people today need to stop sitting on the fence of the Gospel of Grace and accept the FREE GIFT WITHOUT WORKS REQUIRED of salvation by being born again in the Spirit through belief on Christ and HIS finished work on the cross alone by faith and not works. To realize that wealthy or poor externally does not make a person saved and that God loves all equally just as James wrote. We are all sinners saved by God’s GRACE and our Earthly wealth has NOTHING to do with our salvation. A believing poor person or rich are BOTH rich Spiritually and both look for the future rewards of Heaven.

“1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 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 2:1-11 KJV)

Jesus is pleading with these people who think they are saved by externals to change their mind and get saved.

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and REPENT. 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. TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Revelation 3: 14-21 KJV)

Here we see Jesus tells them to REPENT which in the Greek it was penned means ‘change your mind’. This word repent is used throughout the New Testament and the vast majority of the time it is used in the context of an unbeliever, who turns to belief in Christ alone for their Salvation by the accomplished work of Christ shedding His blood on the cross, paying for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD (1 John 2:2) and having their own sin debt paid for in full by belief on Christ alone (John 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9 and many more). Changing their mind from external good works for salvation, to belief on the Messiah, Jesus, The Christ.

Also, when a believer accepts Christ by believing in Christ alone for Salvation, where is Christ? Is Christ living inside the believer? Yes, Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us that the Holy Spirit dwells in and seals the person for eternal Salvation. But here in Revelation 3, we see Christ is OUTSIDE the person’s heart and knocking on the door, asking to let Christ in. And that happens only by BELIEF on Christ. (John 3:14-18)

There are people that outright reject God entirely. There are those that reject Jesus. But there are those that seek God using externals, hiding away their own Spirit wretchedness and nakedness before God. They go to church services thinking it is the way to please God and be forgiven. They say prayers even but they have never understood that Salvation is not of ourselves in any manner. It is only by belief on what Christ did on the cross 2000 years ago. Salvation is not by good works, being a good person, religious rituals, or doing more good than evil. ( Ephesians 2:8-9) That is not the Gospel of Christ crucified. That is doing the same as the Jews living under the Old Covenant. Apostle Paul calls this the Ministration of death and condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:7-9).

Jesus tells these people to REPENT and believe on Him alone for Salvation, not relying on their self righteousness nor wealth. Jesus says to come as you are! Salvation is HIS WORK ALONE! He can MAKE you Holy.

Jesus says,

“To him that OVERCOMETH will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

Who is it that overcometh? John, the writer of Revelation, by what he was told to write down, is the same John that wrote,

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even OUR FAITH. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that BELIEVETH that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5 KJV)

Do not go through rituals nor believe it is your works or wealth that save you without being born again! Jesus gave a very strong warning against that in Matthew 7:15-23. Even ‘many wonderful works’ done using Jesus’ name will not save anyone! Only belief and trust in the FINISHED WORK of Christ on the cross will.

“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14 KJV)

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19 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 Cor. 5:21 KJV)

Through one man, Adam, were were all born sinners but by the blood atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His rising from death are we MADE righteous BY GOD.

Where you will spend Eternity is at stake!

You can understand Salvation through Christ in the next minutes of your life. Find out why Jesus had to die and how to be saved by reading my full article at:

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Zechariah 3:1-4: Robes of Righteousness

Don Gerrity General OSAS Questions, Q&A: Salvation May 5, 2018

“And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord and Satan was standing at Joshua’s right side to accuse him. The LORD said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” (Zechariah 3:1-4 KJV)

Linda Harris is Administrating director at JESUS IS THE LAMB and she has written an excellent commentary on this passage of Scripture that is very significant in understanding Salvation by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. She has graciously provided permission to use it here on SeekKnockFind.org.

You can find Linda at her Facebook group called, JESUS IS THE LAMB located at https://www.facebook.com/groups/6350851779/. I am a member of her group and her commentary on this is so beautiful I just had to share it.

Here is Linda’s commentary…

Robes of Righteousness!

God has made a way for our sins to be taken away. He gives a picture of this in Zechariah 3:1-4:

“Then he showed me Joshua, the high priest, standing before the Angel of the LORD, (this Angel of the LORD is Jesus in “pre-incarnate” form), and Satan was standing at Joshua’s right side to accuse him. The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?

Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.”

Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away YOUR SIN, and I WILL PUT RICH GARMENTS ON YOU.”

The filthy clothes represent sin. Isaiah 64:6 reads, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” In other words, even our “best” efforts are unclean compared to God’s perfect righteousness.

The RICH GARMENTS represent Christ’s own righteousness, which is absolutely perfect and without any sin whatsoever. They are the garments worn by the children of God who have submitted to the atoning work of our Savior Jesus. This is why the parable of the prodigal son includes these verses: Luke 15:21- 22 “The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (This is repentance.) I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the BEST ROBE and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.” (The repentant son is restored to full SON SHIP.)

Isaiah well understood this fact when he wrote, in Isaiah 61:10 “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

On account of this robe of righteousness that is given to every believer who trusts in what Jesus has done to save them from the penalty for their sins, they stand QUALIFIED to enter the Kingdom prepared only for God’s children.

Colossians 1:12 “Give thanks to the Father, WHO HAS QUALIFIED YOU to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” You are only qualified if you have been restored to the full status of son ship. ONLY those who are children of God wear the ROBES of righteousness given to them by the LORD HIMSELF.

Romans 3:21-26 reads,

“But now a RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD comes through faith IN JESUS CHRIST to ALL WHO BELIEVE. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are JUSTIFIED freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented HIM as a SACRIFICE OF ATONEMENT THROUGH HIS BLOOD. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just, and the one who justifies those who have FAITH IN JESUS.”

Which is why, in Revelation, we read verses like these: Revelation 7:9 and 13-14:

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were WEARING WHITE ROBES.” “Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes – who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.”

No matter when people trust Him, even in the very final days of this world, He gives the Robe of Righteousness to them.

Revelation 7:15-17:

“Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

God’s perfect righteousness is HIS PERFECT HOLINESS. This righteousness is in the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This righteousness is ALSO BESTOWED onto every single person who trusts in Jesus’ atoning work.

The Moment of Salvation Verses Our Service After Salvation

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living, Q&A: Salvation March 12, 2018

Salvation Is By Belief On Christ And The Only Atonement For Sin; Christ Crucified, Died And Risen

Jesus explains Salvation through Him in John 3 through conversation with Nicodemus, one of the Jewish leaders, that knew Jesus must be sent by God due to all the miracles Jesus performed.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 KJV)

Jesus then goes on to explain that for a person to be born again means a new birth of a spirit from God. And how does Jesus tell us is the way we are reborn in the Spirit? Jesus then uses a series of repetitive statements to make it crystal clear:

“14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM should not perish, but have ETERNAL LIFE .

16 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world THROUGH HIM might be saved.

18 He that BELIEVETH ON HIM is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH NOT is condemned ALREADY, because he hath NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:14-18 KJV)

Salvation is by BELIEF IN Jesus, the Christ, the foretold Messiah without anything else added. Believing that Jesus is God in the flesh who came to pay the penalty for all the sins of the whole word on the cross.

Notice that Jesus did not mention our self righteous works nor penance nor ANYTHING; ONLY BELIEF ON CHRIST. Salvation is not something we work to achieve in our self righteousness. Nor do we keep our Salvation by doing good works nor by performing religious rituals. Salvation is God’s FREE GIFT to us. And as a gift we can accept it (by BELIEF ON CHRIST ALONE) or reject it (by UNBELIEF in Christ who provided the FINISHED atonement for the sins of the whole world on the cross.)

When Christ was on that cross He said, IT IS FINISHED just before His physical death. In the Greek this was penned, He literally said, DEBT PAID IN FULL. Christ had paid in full the penalty for the debt of the sins from all of time and for every person that ever lived. Not just for those who BELIEVE IN HIM but for everyone. Salvation is eternal. Once you believe you are saved eternally. Jesus did not make a oartial payment!

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

It is God’s desire that everyone accept the free gift of eternal life. Yet, the choice is ours.

Service After Salvation

And then there is our service for God AFTER the moment of our Salvation.

Salvation is a FREE GRACE GIFT TO BE RECEIVED FROM GOD and is an undeserved and unmerited favor. Salvation is by BELIEVING in the only atonement for our sins which is Jesus The Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who is God, born of the Virgin Mary, who NEVER SINNED in mind nor deed and willingly died on the cross in torment as He took the punishment for the sins of the whole world upon Himself. All who believe this are from the moment of belief SEALED With the Holy Spirit and have become eternally saved (Ephesians 1:13-14) as sons or daughters in God’s family of redeemed.

This is not MY THOUGHTS ON SALVATION! This is what the Bible, Jesus and Apostle Paul clearly taught!

Now after Salvation we should start walking by the new creation of Spirit. We need our minds renewed to match up to the now righteous, sinless, perfect Spirit we now ARE IN CHRIST. This Spirit is now the REAL US. We cannot do this perfectly because we still have this fleshly body with a sin nature and bent toward sinning. Our flesh is at war with the new us; the Spirit. Apostle Paul struggled with the Two Natures if a Believer in Romans 7. Read it and pay close attention to verse 17 and 20.

Do We Sanctify Ourselves or Does The Holy Spirit Sanctify Us?

In John 17:17, Jesus answers this question.

“SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH: THY WORD IS TRUTH.”

Before Jesus became human His name was ‘The Word’. (John 1) Jesus Christ is not only the truth, He is the way and the life!

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)

Jesus Christ is the only way back to a proper relationship with God. Such a relationship requires a perfectly Holy Righteousness but we have sins committed standing in the way of this. That is why The Word (Christ) became human, never sinned, and shed His blood for the remission of our sins. From they very moment of Belief on Christ and the atonement for our sins through the Passion of Christ, God made us the Holy Righteousness of God, in Him.

“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)

What Is Our Part As Born Again Believers?

Again, what should we do as believers? First, thank God for such an amazing gift! Second, read the Bible because it is God’s Word and the absolute truth. The more you read the Bible and the words of Jesus the more the Holy Spirit renews your mind. You will see the truth and be set free from the guilt of your sins and set free from the punishment of your sins. You will look at things from God’s viewpoint and not the world’s viewpoint and that will empower you to accomplish the good works of God through you.

“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.” (John 8:31-32 KJV)

Notice the word “make”. The Bible does not ever say it is our efforts making us saved and righteous before God. And it is not our own efforts that sanctify us completely. Only the Holy Spirit renews our minds and changes us from the inner self outwardly. That said, by reading the truth from the word of God we are pressing toward the goal of the Holy Spirit. It says over and over again what Jesus said in John 8. It is God alone that MAKES US positionally righteous and justified. It is never our works accomplishing this. It is our belief in Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! (John 1:29)

Writing to even the the carnal believers in Corinthians Paul makes this statement,

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” ( 2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV)

And we see in Titus,

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” ( Titus 3:5-7 KJV)

Paul also makes it clear that we should do our part in this renewing of our mind. How a person thinks and believes about the world will determine their actions in the world. A person’s viewpoint is an important key factor in how a person lives. We all begin with the world’s viewpoint. And who is controlling the world’s viewpoint of truth? The Bible says it is our adversary, Satan.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)

In Ephesians 6, Paul continues and is telling us to put on the whole armour of God and “stand in the power” of God’s might (Eph. 6:10) and it is all about knowing the truth in the Bible and allowing this to transform us. And that means we should be studying the word of God to know the truth. Knowing the truths in the Bible will also protect us from our adversary!

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
(Ephesians 6:13-17 KJV )

We have our part to do in the Holy Spirit’s work of renewing our mind to God’s view point and truth.

You still have free choice after the moment of your Salvation to walk by the Spirit in truth (by God’s word) or to walk by the flesh in carnality as the Corinthians were doing. Are you still saved either way after Salvation? Yes. Paul called the Corinthians believers.

Does that mean there are no consequences for sin and we can just keep sinning and ignoring God’s word without consequences? No!

We have our part to do and why would we not want to know the truth from God’s word? Jesus redeemed us with His shed blood and has given us all things. Christ says in John 15 to abide in Him and His words and Christ will abide in us.

Do not just listen to Pastors or Priests. Do not just read my articles or e-books and believe. No.. start reading your Bible after your moment of Salvation, having received this most amazing GIFT from God. The Holy Spirit within a believer will Sanctify you and guide and teach you the truth.

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

When that happens over time, you will be changed and conformed more and more into the image of Christ. God will place desires in you to accomplish good works He has prepared for you to perform.

Start reading the amazing truth in God’s word; The Bible.

Is Water Baptism A ‘Requirement’ of Salvation?

Don Gerrity Q&A: False Salvation Invitations, Q&A: Salvation, Q&A: The Truth About..., Q&A: Water Baptism March 11, 2018

Baptism is not a REQUIREMENT OF SALVATION through Christ Jesus. There are pulpits that teach that WATER baptism is required for salvation. Although Water Baptism is something for a Christian to do, it is something done AFTER a person has become a believer in Christ as an OUTWARD expression of becoming saved by BELIEF ALONE in Jesus, the Christ, God in the flesh and the only atonement for sin that He provided on that cross 2000 years ago.

Let’s go through some of the Scriptures people use in stating that Water Baptism is required and see the truth.

John 3:18, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:8-9

Salvation Is By Belief On Christ Crucified, Died and Risen Alone

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV)

This passage of Scripture by Apostle Paul is a foundational truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and agrees with Jesus’ own words in John 3 where He defines whether a person is saved or condemned based on their belief or disbelief on Christ Jesus:

“He that BELIEVETH ON HIM is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH NOT is condemned ALREADY, because he hath NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18 KJV)

Ephesians 1:13-14 shows us that a person is SAVED from the very moment of BELIEF. Water Baptism is not required. Baptism of the SPIRIT is required. And we receive this newly created Spirit by BELIEF on Christ alone for Salvation and justification with God. Apostle Paul goes on to state that Salvation is not of ourselves nor by being a good person nor by any religious ritual.

“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)

Acts 2:36-38

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO? Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:36-38 KJV)

The Jewish people were just told by Peter that the crucified the actual foretold Messiah and savior of the world. In reply, realizing it as truth they asked WHAT SHALL WE DO? Some are taking this question and making it ‘What shall we do to be saved?’, but that is NOT what the text shows. An important distinction to observe. If a person sees this question as ‘what must we do to be saved?”, then they read into the text that water baptism is REQUIRED for Salvation but that cannot be the case because if you read further in Acts 8, it shows the Holy Spirit coming with laying on of hands BEFORE water baptism (Acts:17). And we also read this in Acts 8,

“But WHEN THEY BELIEVED Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12 KJV)

They first believed and then were water baptized. Yet, it says no where in this passage that the WATER baptism was a requirement of Salvation.

Acts 16:30-31

“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED, and thy house.” (Acts 16:30-31 KJV)

How much clearer can it be than this? Salvation is by BELIEF on Christ alone for Salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:17

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” (1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV)

This is Apostle Paul who stated this! If Water baptism is a requirement of Salvation, wouldn’t we see Paul stating so? Instead, we see Paul stating the opposite.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, UNLESS YE HAVE BELIEVED IN VAIN. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV)

Salvation is by BELIEF on CHRIST, His atonement for our sins, His death and His rising from the dead. No water baptism is stated here by Apostle Paul.

1 Peter 3:21

“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” ( 1 Peter 3:21 KJV)

This verse is used to support the idea that water baptism is a requirement for Salvation. Yet, what is the text in parentheses all about in this verse? Look at the words closely. It starts with ‘The LIKE FIGURE…’ and in parentheses ‘NOT the putting away of the filth of the flesh’. This is our SINS. Water baptism is NOT putting away our sins. What is then? Read on in parentheses and it reads next, ‘a good conscience toward God’, and how do we get that? Read on, ‘BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.’

This is all about believing on Christ alone for Salvation. It is all about the Baptism of the Spirit that happens to a person from the very moment of belief as Apostle Paul taught in Ephesians 1:13-14 (see above).

Romans 1:16

“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)

Again Apostle Paul stating clearly that Salvation is by Belief on Christ.

1 Timothy 2:5

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV)

This is a powerful verse. Jesus paid it all and we are not saved by ANYTHING we DO, including water baptism. You must realize that not only can no other person saves us but that we cannot save ourselves neither! Belief on Jesus Christ crucified for atonement of our sins is what saves us. HE is the ONLY mediator between us humans and God the Father.

We cannot even be our own mediators!

Trying to be our own mediators is the same as following the Law to save us and following the Law of Moses saves no one. Do not misunderstand that statement. Yes, the Law of Moses (including the Ten Commandments) is Holy and true. The point is that following the Ten Commandments in our own self righteousness will never MAKE US HOLY. We are only made the righteousness of God, IN CHRIST(2 Corinthians 5:21).

Is Being Water Baptized Wrong or Unscriptural?

Water baptism is Scriptural. Stating that it is a requirement for justification with God is not. I am not saying that believers should not be water baptized. Being water baptized is an outward expression of what happened when we became saved by BELIEF ALONE in Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world.

It is also a statement, announcement and celebration of a BIRTH. A BIRTH OF THE SPIRIT in us. Our newly created spirit of God, that we BECAME from the very moment of belief on Christ. By BELIEF on Christ we were changed from being UNRIGHTEOUS (and already condemned in our sins headed for hell) to being the very RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD, in Christ. (John 3:15-18, 2 Corinthians 5:21). A believer is SEALED by the Holy Spirit for all eternity from the very moment of BELIEF.

Water Baptism is not a REQUIREMENT of Salvation. BELIEF ON CHRIST and the only atonement for our sins through Jesus crucified is the only requirement.

Does That Mean What We Do, And How We Live After Salvation Does Not Matter?

Of course not. We are to do good works after we are saved. We are to help others and love others as Christ loved us. It is okay to perform a religious act that lines up with the fact that Salvation is not by works but by belief and faith in Christ’s once for all sacrifice for our sins (Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 10:10).

Good works are, well, good right? Being a good person in love for others is good right? Celebrating Christ in a religious act is also good. However, we should never make these things we DO as a requirement of our Salvation. We do them in great gratitude of experiencing God’s love for us. We do them as Christ who lives within us does good works through us.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Do We Need More Forgiveness Because As Believers We Will Still Sin?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Forgiveness, Q&A: MYTHS, Q&A: Salvation January 5, 2018

Colossains 1:27 Christ In Your. The Hope of Glory.

Contrary to this myth being taught in church building and pulpits, the Bible teaches us that Jesus already gave us all the forgiveness we will ever need. How many churches do we see today asking members to come to the front to gain forgiveness for sins this past week? What about going to a confessional to get your sins absolved? Colossians and the Book of Hebrews tells us otherwise.

“And YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2:10 KJV)

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened TOGETHER WITH HIM, having forgiven you ALL TRESPASSES;” (Colossians 2:13 KJV)

This truth is so often overlooked.We need to watch the tense of these passages as well. God foreknew every sin of every person from Adam and Eve until the end of the Kingdom Age to come. He knows everyone that will be born physically. He knows even the number of hairs on each persons head (Matthew 10:30). God also foreknew each person that will accept the gift of salvation by belief on His blood atonement and His rising from the dead and who will reject God’s great gift of redemption through Christ crucified, died and risen.

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” (Ephesians 1:4-5 KJV)

It is not that God has predetermined who will go to heaven and who will go to hell. That is false. Jesus said that WHOMSOEVER believeth on Him has eternal life in John 3. When Jesus died on that cross HE did not only pay for the believers sins, He paid for all the sins of the whole world, believer and non believer,

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

Jesus blood atonement for all sins was given as a gift and as a gift it is either accepted or rejected by each person. When someone accepts the gift of salvation by belief on Christ, as God, who never sinned and went to the cross willingly to die and pay for our sins and then rose again, God foreknew it. Our core being is our Spirit. God is a Spirit being and so to be born again as a member of God’s family, we must be born again in The Spirit (John 3). God foreknew the acceptance of the person and placed their old Spirit of Adam (dead sin bent Spirit we are born with) and placed it on the cross WITH CHRIST 2000 years ago. When Jesus died, our old Spirit of Adam died with Him. At that moment, God made us a completely new creation in the Spirit and gave us a born again Spirit of God. Our old spirit died and rose again with Christ. This new Spirit of God we have been made into is in perfect UNION with Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells within our new born again Spirit and sealed us in salvation forever (Ephesians 1:13-14). As Jesus explained it in His prayer for all Church Age believers,

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” (John 17:21-23 KJV)

Because God foreknew that a person will accept the gift of salvation, He also chose to predestine those who choose to accept this great gift of redemption, to all that salvation provides to the believer. This gift of salvation includes forgiveness of all of the person’s sins committed during their life (past/present/future) and literally making them, by imputation of God, the very righteousness of God, in Christ.

“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)

We see in Colossians 2 that when Jesus died on that cross HE quickened us TOGETHER WITH HIM on the cross, that is our old Spirit of Adam, and so all our sins were judged and bore by Christ. The penalty for our sin was paid by Christ and we, together with Christ, had our sins 100% penalty paid having ALL OUR SINS PAID IN FULL. We were made alive together with Christ. Again, ALL means all. Before the very foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) God foreknew all that each of us would do as individuals and that is long before you or I came into physical existence right? God foreknew every sin you and I would commit. God is the alpha and omega. He sees the beginning to the very end. God created TIME itself and is outside of time. So He seen and knows all the sins we have committed or will commit in the future. Yet, Jesus Christ still died on that cross to forgive us and save us from perishing in our sins. This is the unconditional love of God.

“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God FOR US: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 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 9:24-28 KJV)

On that cross 2000 years ago, Christ solved our SIN PROBLEM! All our sins have been TAKEN AWAY completely from us and will no longer condemn a believer. In fact, as we see in 1 John 2:2, Christ paid for the sins OF THE WHOLE WORLD (not just for believers but for ALL people in ALL AGES). And God then OFFERS this FREE GIFT of Salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) to all people. And whosoever BELIEVETH on Christ for the atonement of sins then RECEIVE the GIFT of Salvation . Free will is important to God. We each have a free will to choose to accept the gift of Salvation and Eternal life or to reject Christ and remain with our sins in pride; sins still to be paid for at the Great White Judgement of unbelievers. This is what Jesus said Himself in John 3:

“He that BELIEVETH ON HIM is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH NOT is condemned ALREADY, because he hath NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18 KJV)

The Book of Hebrews cannot be denied! Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross washed away our sins and the penalty of sin against us ONCE FOR ALL. A believer is completely and utterly forgiven.

“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.” (Hebrews 10:10 KJV)

“For by ONE OFFERING he hath PERFECTED FOR EVER them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14 KJV)

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let that sink in to your belief. We have been PERFECTED FOREVER by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Yes, we have that Fleshly stinking thinking in our minds just after Salvation; the remnants of the old sin nature until our bodily resurrection in the future. Right now, only our Spirit has been redeemed and our body is still corrupt with this thing called sin. It is not ready nor can inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:50) which is why one day we will have a bodily resurrection at the Rapture. Yes, we still fall into sin and stumble. Yet, we have been given a newly created spirit. This spirit is the NEW US whereas the Flesh is the OLD US wanting to sin continually. It is a struggle Apostle Paul describes as a war within ourselves in Romans 7. As believers on Christ, God now sees us in the newly created spirit. Our sins are not a barrier anymore to God as God is indwelling us right? If the Holy Spirit is sealed and lives within us that means our sins have been paid for. God sees us through Christ because we are in Christ and Christ is in us as we see Jesus prayed for us,

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” (John 17:20-23 KJV)

Jesus prayed this. Jesus is God (John 1). Do you think it will happen then as believers? YES! WHAT A PROMISE! One with Christ and one with the Father. Amazing grace indeed!

Christ came and died on the cross, wiping out the penalty for sins Himself. We did not do it by being a good person. We did not do this by doing good deeds. We did not do it by our religious rituals. We did not do this by following the Ten Commandments. We do not keep it by our good works after Salvation. We do not keep it by never sinning again after Salvation. (we strive to not sin of course as Apostle Paul in Romans 7). Will anything we have done, nor will do, give us or keep our Salvation? NO! God alone did this for us! Christ Alone did this for us. Jesus ONCE FOR ALL took all our sins away in full payment that was sufficient. Jesus replaced the Old Covenant with the New Covenant and when you believe on Christ alone for Salvation this is what God Himself has to say about it:

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I REMEMBER NO MORE.” (Hebrews 8:12 KJV)

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I REMEMBER NO MORE.” (Hebrews 10:16-17 KJV)

In fact, as a believer we should not have a sin consciousness. We should not be focusing on not sinning as a way to remain saved. That is no different that Law following for righteousness and it will cause a person to sin more because “…the strength of sin is the law.” (1 Cor, 15:56) Yes, we strive to not sin but our minds have not been renewed fully yet and we will at times sin as a believer. When we do, we thank God that He forgave our sin on that cross and we confess our sin as wrong. We ask God to help us overcome the temptation in the future. We ask God to give us more faith. Believers need not walk around feeling condemned all the time because we sometimes blow it and sin.

If you have accepted the FREE GIFT of eternal life and Salvation, by faith and belief on Christ alone, and the atonement for sin HE provided as God in the flesh then you have been set free from the penalty of your sins COMPLETELY and UTTERLY and are no longer condemned.

YOU ARE FORGIVEN.

FOREVER FORGIVEN.

God no longer remembers your sins nor holds them against you. He seen them all from the foundation of the world and seen Christ die and take the punishment for them crying out on the cross “IT IS FINISHED” which in the Greek it was penned literally means “debt paid in full!”. And He seen you one day receiving His free gift of Salvation from your debt of sins and no longer remembers them.

THAT is the unconditional love of God. That is utter forgiveness. Amen! Do not let ANYONE take this from you as a believer teaching otherwise.

What Should Be Focusing On

REST IN CHRIST, WHERE YOU NOW ABIDE

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” (Hebrews 4:1 KJV)

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:3-5 KJV)

Know who God has made you, in Christ!

Believe it and then walk in life knowing it.

RENEW OUR MIND BY GOD’S WORD

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

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

Read the Bible. Believe what it say and who it says God made you at your conversion in salvation. This is what repentance is for a born again believer. It is renewing the old sin bent beliefs and thoughts ion the mind and replacing them with the truth from the Bible, by guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The word REPENT is defined by the Bible as ‘change your mind’. Before salvation is is changing your mind about how to be justified and righteous with God; not by works but by faith on the Messiah, The Christ who bore our sins in death and rose again. Once born again we still REPENT, that is change our mind about many things. It is a changing of our world view to God’s view, by God’s Word.

We live outwardly by what we believe in our MIND.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV)

By renewing our MIND with God’s truth from the Bible, we make better decisions. As we understand and believe who God made us, in Christ, it impacts our life. As we abide more and more in Christ by truth, our sanctification (John 17:17), our new creation in Christ changes our minds and we produce good works in love for others outwardly into our lives. This is ‘walking in the Spirit’ and it helps us to avoid the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

If you have a strong sin consciousness and are always worried that God is just waiting to punish you, you are in wring belief and the devil will use those false beliefs from the Old, now dead, Spirit of Adam you once were. The old thoughts are in your MIND, but your Spirit is born again. Hebrews 10 tells us that Christ paid fro all your sins. God no longer remembers your sins against you. God is FOR YOU. God is WITHIN YOU. Believe it and have no more consciousness of sins and start renewing your mind to the truth of who God has made you, in Christ.

We will never be ‘sinless’ until our bodily resurrection
at the Rapture but we will ‘sin less’
as we renew our mind to the truth of
who we now are in Christ!

God bless.

How Can I Know That I Am Really Saved?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living, Q&A: Salvation January 3, 2018faith, Salvation

This doubt is something all believers face at one time; especially in the early times after receiving Salvation through Christ. Let’s look at a few important Scriptures and then a very important doctrine taught by the Apostle Paul in Romans 7 which is vastly under taught in the pulpit, yet is so vitally important to the faith.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye BELIEVED, ye were SEALED with that holy Spirit of PROMISE, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-16 KJV)

“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)

Jesus talking about Salvation said 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. He that BELIEVETH ON HIM is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH NOT is condemned already, because he hath not BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 KJV)

BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE!

Salvation is NOT something we work for. It is not by being a good person nor never sinning. It is not what we do that saves us but what Christ DID on the cross.

SALVATION IS A GIFT to be RECEIVED through belief.

“For BY GRACE ARE YOU 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 things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13 KJV)

“WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH that Jesus IS THE CHRIST IS BORN OF GOD: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep HIS COMMANDMENTS (Don: this is not talking about the Ten Commandments. It is the commandments Jesus gave to love others as God loves you and to love God.) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even OUR FAITH. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that BELIEVETH THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD?”
(1 John 5: 1-5 KJV , with my comments added in brackets)

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

Rest in the Lord.

He will never fail you though we fail all the time still in this Body of Flesh. All who believe on Christ are SAVED and HAVE (present tense) eternal life because the Spirit of God indwells a person from the very moment of belief.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also AFTER THAT YE BELIEVED, YE WERE SEALED with that holy Spirit OF PROMISE, Which is the EARNEST (Don: in Greek means ‘guaranteed down payment’) of our inheritance (Don: eternal life/heaven) until the redemption of the purchased possession (Don: until our bodily resurrection), unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV, with notes by me)

Once a person believes on Christ and the atonement for sins through His sacrifice on the cross as the Son of God, who is God in the Flesh that person is a new creation in the Spirit. This new spirit in the person is now the NEW REAL US. It is the seed of God which is perfect and never sins. However, a believer still has this bodily corrupt and sinful Flesh nature until our bodily resurrection when Christ returns. As a believer on Christ, the new you in the spirit wars with the Flesh and it is a real struggle. We do at times fall into sin as believers but that is the Flesh and not the spirit. Our spirit is eternal and our sins will not prevent a believer from keeping their eternal life. Apostle Paul is clear, yet so many believers miss this important truth that believers have TWO NATURES now; the Newly Created Spirit (the new you!), and the Flesh nature (corrupt body with sin nature).

Read Romans 7 Carefully

Apostle Paul is a saved believer, just like you and me right? (that is, if you accepted Christ for Salvation.) Read Romans 7 VERY CAREFULLY. I am adding some info in brackets to help in understanding this vital passage that so many believers do not yet understand.

“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 (Don: I WANT to do good and not sin), that DO I NOT (Don: yet, I sin instead); BUT WHAT I HATE, THAT DO I. (Don: I hate sin, yet I still find myself sinning)

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 (Don: My newly created spirit does not want to do it and so, because the spirit is the new me, it is not me doing it), BUT SIN THAT DWELETH IN ME (Don: It is the Flesh nature doing the sin. Sinning comes naturally to this nature)

For I know that in me (that is, IN MY FLESH,) DWELETH NO GOOD THING (Don: we are completed wretched! All are sinners!) : for to will is present with me (Don: I WANT to do good and not sin); but how to perform that which is good I find not. (Don: Yet I still fail utterly and sin.)

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. (Don: The sin nature is the one sinning, not my perfect newly created spirit which can never sin)

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 (Don: the inward man is the newly created spirit of God which is eternal and perfect and has the very righteousness of God in Christ;2 Corinthians 5:21):

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. (Don: belief on the atonement for sin He provided, not our works) So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; (Don: with the REAL us, our Spirit and inner man) but with the flesh the law of sin.”
(Romans 7:14-25 KJV, with my own notes in brackets)

This is why Paul goes on to teach that he rather boast in his weaknesses because it is ALL Christ that saves us. In John 15, Jesus Himself tells us that we can do NOTHING without Him abiding. That is, without the Holy Spirit (God) indwelling us. And that happens by belief on Jesus Christ in faith in the only atonement for sin, Christ crucified, which He provided to us as God in the flesh; the only begotten Son of God. In other words, we must be born again of the spirit (John 3) and believe on Christ alone for our Salvation. By doing so, all the sins of a person’s life are forgiven and penalty paid by Christ.

Once a believer our focus should be on walking in The Spirit which is the ‘new us’ and abide in the Word of God. By doing this, we renew our mind to God’s truth and worldview. And by doing such, we find a peace in our Salvation through God and avoid the lusts of the Flesh.

IT IS FINISHED!

Did Jesus pay for just believers sins or ALL SINS from ALL TIME?

Did Jesus make a partial payment for the sins of the whole world or did He pay for all sins completely and utterly?

How do we receive the forgiveness that the payment for all sins by Christ crucified died and risen provides? How does Jesus answer this question?

BUT THERE IS MORE THAN THAT!!

DO believers still sin? DO YOU? Be Honest!

Are the sins we commit after our moment of Salvation forgiven?

But why do believers still have sin in our lives?

Does the grace of God mean we have a license to sin?

Should we turn from our sins believing in the Eternal Security of a Believer?

ONCE SAVED. ALWAYS SAVED!

ENTER INTO HIS REST!

FREE!! FREE AT LAST!

Why will sin not be master over us then?

The hot, cold and lukewarm theme to this church of believers becomes clear:

Where you will spend Eternity is at stake!

Robes of Righteousness!

Salvation Is By Belief On Christ And The Only Atonement For Sin; Christ Crucified, Died And Risen

Service After Salvation

Do We Sanctify Ourselves or Does The Holy Spirit Sanctify Us?

What Is Our Part As Born Again Believers?

John 3:18, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:8-9

Acts 2:36-38

Acts 16:30-31

1 Corinthians 1:17

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1 Peter 3:21

Romans 1:16

1 Timothy 2:5

Is Being Water Baptized Wrong or Unscriptural?

Does That Mean What We Do, And How We Live After Salvation Does Not Matter?

What Should Be Focusing On

Believe it and then walk in life knowing it.

We will never be ‘sinless’ until our bodily resurrection at the Rapture but we will ‘sin less’ as we renew our mind to the truth of who we now are in Christ!

BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE!

Rest in the Lord.

Read Romans 7 Carefully

We will never be ‘sinless’ until our bodily resurrection
at the Rapture but we will ‘sin less’
as we renew our mind to the truth of
who we now are in Christ!