JESUS: One Name, many titles! "Word of God", "King of Kings",
"Lord of Lords", "Everlasting Father", "Mighty God"...
"Lord of Lords", "Everlasting Father", "Mighty God"...
RU Saved?
Q. "What do you mean "saved" - you might ask?
A. Being "saved" or receiving "salvation" means to be reconciled to God and to have an abundant personal relationship with Him. In fact, God came to the earth as a Man in the person of Jesus Christ to bring reconciliation and salvation, but He was rejected by most leaders and the majority of the people of that time.
2Corinthians 5: 18 "And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19That is, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation. "
However some people did receive Him as their Savior then, later, and throughout the ages as faithful ministers with the gospel of reconciliation preached the "word of reconciliation". Because He is God, He knew this rejection of Christ would happen even before He made this world and all that is in it. That is the True God and Eternal life, who from before the existence of mankind — foreknew all things that would unfold, including the death and resurrection of Jesus— even before He formed the earth and before the law such as time even existed. Revelation 13:8 states that "Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Saved means we have heard the gospel message of salvation and after hearing we have believed and are trusting in Jesus Christ - and as a result we have been "sealed with that holy Spirit of promise."
Ephesians 1: 3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4. 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: 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6.To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. 8. Wherein He has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9. Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: 10. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: 11. In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will: 12. That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13. In Whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Q. "Well, what are we to be saved from?"- you might also ask. Good question.
A. The answer is "ourselves"!
A: Jesus Christ created mankind to live eternally —with free choice and gave them dominion over all the earth. However, mankind lost eternal life and their dominion over the earth when Adam & Eve obeyed Satan rather than God in the Garden of Eden—even though God had cautioned them that if they did the only one thing forbidden them (eating the forbidden fruit)—they would surely die. Satan lied to Eve, deceiving Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and then she gave some also to Adam who chose to go along with Eve's sin, even though he knew that God's punishment of death for disobeying His word would surely come to pass. Thus they also turned over control of the earth to Satan. God's Word in the bible tells us that "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one-Satan". Spiritual warfare continues to this very day— obedience to God word means life— while lawlessness/sin leads to death. [You can read about Adam & Eve in the first 3 chapters of the bible. here] Satan's desire is that all mankind be destroyed and if possible end up in hell (Lake of Fire) which is Satan's final destination.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV) "In their case the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."[gospel means - Good News!]
Since Adam and Eve rebelled against God's authority in the garden of Eden, mankind has incurred the penalty of death and separation from the Eternal Spirit of God. They were barred from the garden of Eden and from the Tree of Life, and an angel was placed at the gate to prevent their re-entry. The original sin that Adam and Eve embraced has resulted in that sin-nature being passed on to each successive generation no matter where their travels across the earth (or space) have brought them.
Because mankind inherited this sin nature from Adam and Eve, the world view of mankind is sin-focussed, and contrary to the very nature of God. Even though we still retained free choice, the influence of the devil in this world is undeniable, and God forewarns us in the scriptures (bible) that our battle is against spiritual wickedness that negatively influences the world around us. That is why people without God's holy Spirit cannot defeat their spiritual enemies.
Ephesians 6:12 "Because your fight has not been with flesh and blood, but with Principalities and The Rulers and The Powers of this dark world and with wicked spirits which are under Heaven." (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)
Ephesians 2:2 (NLT) "You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil--the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God."
But when one turns to God through accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord, Savior, and Friend, that curse is broken and a new Spirit from God—that is "Holy" comes to live in us. Mankind is made up of three parts: a spirit, a soul, and a body. It is our spirit that is renewed or regenerated by God's Spirit (called the Spirit of Christ in the bible). Satan no longer has any authority over us, although we have to remain diligent and faithful to live righteously and soberly in this world.
God's Spirit [sometimes called the "Spirit of Truth/Christ"] teaches us about Jesus, and gives us authority over sin to resist doing evil and enables us to perform righteousness that is pleasing to God—and we greatly enjoy to live this way!
John 16: 12 "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13However when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it to you. 15All things that the Father has are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it to you."
God's Spirit strengthens us against all sorts of attacks by our spiritual enemies. God Himself is our protector, and often He sends His angels to help us or protect us —often from unseen forces, and protects us from fear, anxiety and all manner of harm. You have probably heard many stories of divine intervention and of guardian angels. However, we are not invincible physically and when God allows it, we will be injured, become sick, and we will eventually die, [unless we live to Christ's return for us], but God will reward us by resurrecting us—making us alive again eternally to live in a beautiful new world where there is joy, peace, love, and righteousness.
We needed a Savior to save us from our sin nature (ourselves) and restore the relationship with God that was lost by Adam and Eve.
Romans 3:23 " For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Romans 5:20 "For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness."
Jesus came 4000 years after Adam & Eve sinned and offered Himself as the "Ultimate Sacrifice" —but before that God had instituted "animal sacrifices ":
When man sinned in the garden, God instituted animal sacrifices from that point on. He clothed Adam & Eve with coats of animal skins and then later outlined a written command— through the law of Moses —where the shed blood from these sacrifice's "covered" man's sins but did not remove the guilt and sin-nature passed on to all future generations. He used this method to teach men right from wrong, and to prepare them for the coming of Jesus who would shed His blood as the ultimate sacrifice for man's sin.
Roman 5:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Because Satan the Devil, who is also called the dragon or serpent of old, interfered with God's creation and influenced Adam and Eve to sin against God— God promised Satan that at a future time, from the seed of the woman Eve, a man (Jesus) would be born that would battle Satan and would bruise Satan's head. First, the Man would incur a serious wound (heel) but He would overcome and subsequently deal Satan a death blow (Lake of Fire). That Man later became known as the promised Messiah/Christ (Anointed One) and when He was born miraculously to a virgin girl named Mary, He was named Jesus. [see 123 scriptures of various names/titles of Christ]. Not only would Jesus overcome Satan but in doing so, He would save God's people from the penalty of sin.
Sin and Death Through Adam;
Righteous and Life Through Christ
Romans 5: 12 "Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned in the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him [Jesus] that was to come.
[In God's mind and foreknowledge—Adam/Mankind was made in the image of Jesus Christ before anything that was ever made, was made. The last enemy of man that will be destroyed is "Death"]
Satan was waiting for Jesus the Messiah (Anointed One) to show up so he could destroy Him. Satan used King Herod's jealousy to manipulate Herod to order the slaughter of all male children 2 years and under in order to have the baby Jesus killed. However Jesus and His family escaped to Egypt and returned to Israel when it was safe. Way back when baby Moses was born Satan also manipulated Pharaoh, the King of Egypt to kill all the young male babies that were born to Hebrew families. But God saved Moses—and Moses became the deliverer (Savior) of the Israelites that were held in slavery for 400 years.
Revelation 12:3-5 "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her Child [Jesus] as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a Male Child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her Child was caught up unto God, and to His throne."
John 10:9 "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief [Satan] comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 14. I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15. As the Father knows Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep. 17 Therefore does My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. 18.No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Jesus came with the purpose to lay His life down as the "ultimate Sacrifice". Satan had no idea that by killing Jesus he would actually be walking into a trap, or he never would have tricked people into killing Jesus. If they knew that if by killing Jesus who lived an entire life without sin would form the foundation for every believers salvation and that those believers would receive God's Holy Spirit they would not have killed Jesus.
1Corinthians 2:6 "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:7-8
"For as by one man's [Adam] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One [Jesus] shall many be made righteous." Romans 5:19
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. " 1 Corinthians 15:22
"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He [Jesus] that is in you, than he [Satan] that is in the world." 1 John 4:4
"The thief [Satan] cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I [Jesus] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. " John 3:16
Isaiah 55:6,7 (KJV) "Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
God desires that all people be saved from the penalty or wages sin which is death.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV)
2Peter 2:2 (KJER) "...be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4. And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."
God is patient and longsuffering.
8. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord
10.But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.11. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13. Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness."
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Titus 2:11-12
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:12
"He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved." Psalm 62:2
The like figure whereunto even baptism does 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"
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. "Acts 4:12
"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
"Namely, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation [the Gospel message]. "2 Corinthians 5:19
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2
"The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:17-18
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." Mark 8:35
The Gospel Plan of Salvation is very, very simple!
Repentance, Baptism, and the Holy Ghost
First, we must repent, turning our back on all sin and turning to God in faith. Believe that because God wants us to live Holy - that He will be with us to help us change. Repentance is motivated by Godly sorrow, and it is God calling us to Himself, and this process includes confession of sins to God. Jesus said "many are called but few are chosen", and and when his disciples asked if only few will be saved Jesus confirmed that many would chose the broad path [reject His plan of salvation and retain their sin nature] that would lead them to destruction.
Second, we must be water baptized (immersed) in the name of Jesus Christ. This means that we recognize that Jesus took our place and died for our sins and represents a cleansing/washing/passing away of our sin/soulish nature.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, the new has come into being."
Water baptism isn't just having a bath but is a very spiritual experience of obedience and surrender to God, acknowledging that the old soulish nature is passing away and that you covenant with God to live a holy and spiritual life in the power of the holy spirit which God gives to those who obey Him.
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created anew in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
We are buried with Jesus Christ in water baptism for the remission of sins and we are raised with Jesus by the power of God's Spirit. Jesus set the example when He Himself was baptized in water and He received the Holy Spirit. Soon His ministry with His disciples baptized even more people than John the Baptist did. [see article Baptism]
Jesus disciples/apostles lived and were taught directly by Jesus Himself for over 3 years. They were entrusted with the gospel message and it was Jesus disciples that recorded many of the words and stories of Jesus for us to hear too. Most of them witnessed the mighty miracles performed by Jesus including Lazarus being raised from the dead and of course the resurrection of Jesus Himself. Many of Jesus miracles were nor recorded.
John writes in John 20: 30 "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: 31But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name."
Prior to Jesus ascending to heaven, He gave the disciples instructions to wait patiently and prayerfully for the Holy Spirit to be given to them in Jerusalem. Acts chapter 2 records that 120 faithful disciples were waiting and praying on the day of Pentecost when suddenly the Spirit of God came upon them and they were all filled/baptized by Jesus in the Holy Spirit. They miraculously spoke with tongues (languages) that other people from other nations could understand too. [study gifts of the Spirit 1 Corinthians chapt. 12 and 14]
A crowd of many thousands came to see what was going on and when they heard the disciples preach the gospel message they desired that they too could be saved and receive this same promise of God. They asked what they must do.
Acts 2: 37 "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? 38Then 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. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
The one and only saving name of God is Jesus (Yeshua in Aramaic) which literally means Yahweh-Savior. Jesus was the one God of the Old Testament who came in flesh to be our Savior.
“There is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
“Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name beginning in Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).
"In Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9), and is the fulfillment of Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 we must baptize in Jesus’ name, Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Third, God will pour out the gift of the Holy Ghost on us as He did on the disciples, and we will receive the same Bible evidence – speaking in other tongues. (See Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6.) As Jesus said, “These signs shall follow them that believe … they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17). It takes all three small steps to complete God’s plan of salvation for the New Testament church. Sometimes you will get the Holy Spirit baptism before you get water baptized like the Romans did in Acts 10. Notice how the apostle still commanded water baptism afterwards so dont let anyone tell you any different and steal away your reward for obeying Jesus and His disciples/apostles command as recorded in God's word.
Acts:10: 44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be [water] baptized, which have received the [Spirit] Holy Ghost as well as we? 48And he commanded them to be [water] baptized in the name of the Lord.
God's Mercy to Us
Titus 3:3 "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5Not 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; 6Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;"
The New Man
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Do Not Grieve the Spirit
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”:do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Begin to study God's word. Gospel of John is a great start. The Book of Acts shows you the new testament church in action led by Jesus through the Spirit! God's word trumps man word and any religion out there! Remember that we do not fight flesh and blood, but we fight and resist spiritual wickedness and we trust in God to do the rest and are prepared to stay faithful and endure until the end.
Matthew 24:12 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come."
Here is one more example of people (John the Baptist's disciples) who had heard and responded to the repentance ministry of John the Baptist, but did not witness Jesus ministry. After Pentecost they later they met up with the apostles and disciples of Jesus, namely Paul and Apollos and the following ministry took place:
Acts 19:1 "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2He said unto them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3And he said unto them, To what then were you baptized? And they said, To John's baptism. 4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. 7And all the men were about twelve."
While there are a lot of others that have taught-and do teach contrary to the scriptures... ourselves, we ought to obey the Lord and His commands.The scriptures plainly teach Salvation, which countless numbers of people have come to know and experience by simply responding to God directly in faith. There is no complicated process required to have a relationship with God, and sometimes He even initiates the process.You should know that God will never ask you to harm yourself or anyone else and neither will He ask you to commit any type of sin-ever. God is righteous and there is no sin in Him, and neither does He tempt us with sin. [satan is the temptor]. Jesus is in the business of saving us...freeing us from sin. Be on guard for those that teach anything that contradicts the New Testament scriptures. That is His new covenant with us, which is much better than the old testament (covenant) it replaced. That is why Jesus died for us, to bring in His perfect will for us and make a new covenant between us and Him.
Jeremiah 31:31 "Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they broke, although I was an husband to them, says the LORD: 33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
Luke 22:20 "In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."
Hebrews 9:14,"how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. 15Therefore He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
1Timothy 2:5,6 "For there is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6. who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
Have you noticed how Jesus tells us all kinds of things in His word? He tells us what He has done and what He is going to do.
John 15:15 (ESV) "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
May God bless you in the faith of Jesus Christ.
Q. "What do you mean "saved" - you might ask?
A. Being "saved" or receiving "salvation" means to be reconciled to God and to have an abundant personal relationship with Him. In fact, God came to the earth as a Man in the person of Jesus Christ to bring reconciliation and salvation, but He was rejected by most leaders and the majority of the people of that time.
2Corinthians 5: 18 "And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19That is, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation. "
However some people did receive Him as their Savior then, later, and throughout the ages as faithful ministers with the gospel of reconciliation preached the "word of reconciliation". Because He is God, He knew this rejection of Christ would happen even before He made this world and all that is in it. That is the True God and Eternal life, who from before the existence of mankind — foreknew all things that would unfold, including the death and resurrection of Jesus— even before He formed the earth and before the law such as time even existed. Revelation 13:8 states that "Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Saved means we have heard the gospel message of salvation and after hearing we have believed and are trusting in Jesus Christ - and as a result we have been "sealed with that holy Spirit of promise."
Ephesians 1: 3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4. 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: 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6.To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. 8. Wherein He has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9. Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: 10. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: 11. In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will: 12. That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13. In Whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Q. "Well, what are we to be saved from?"- you might also ask. Good question.
A. The answer is "ourselves"!
A: Jesus Christ created mankind to live eternally —with free choice and gave them dominion over all the earth. However, mankind lost eternal life and their dominion over the earth when Adam & Eve obeyed Satan rather than God in the Garden of Eden—even though God had cautioned them that if they did the only one thing forbidden them (eating the forbidden fruit)—they would surely die. Satan lied to Eve, deceiving Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and then she gave some also to Adam who chose to go along with Eve's sin, even though he knew that God's punishment of death for disobeying His word would surely come to pass. Thus they also turned over control of the earth to Satan. God's Word in the bible tells us that "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one-Satan". Spiritual warfare continues to this very day— obedience to God word means life— while lawlessness/sin leads to death. [You can read about Adam & Eve in the first 3 chapters of the bible. here] Satan's desire is that all mankind be destroyed and if possible end up in hell (Lake of Fire) which is Satan's final destination.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV) "In their case the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."[gospel means - Good News!]
Since Adam and Eve rebelled against God's authority in the garden of Eden, mankind has incurred the penalty of death and separation from the Eternal Spirit of God. They were barred from the garden of Eden and from the Tree of Life, and an angel was placed at the gate to prevent their re-entry. The original sin that Adam and Eve embraced has resulted in that sin-nature being passed on to each successive generation no matter where their travels across the earth (or space) have brought them.
Because mankind inherited this sin nature from Adam and Eve, the world view of mankind is sin-focussed, and contrary to the very nature of God. Even though we still retained free choice, the influence of the devil in this world is undeniable, and God forewarns us in the scriptures (bible) that our battle is against spiritual wickedness that negatively influences the world around us. That is why people without God's holy Spirit cannot defeat their spiritual enemies.
Ephesians 6:12 "Because your fight has not been with flesh and blood, but with Principalities and The Rulers and The Powers of this dark world and with wicked spirits which are under Heaven." (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)
Ephesians 2:2 (NLT) "You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil--the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God."
But when one turns to God through accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord, Savior, and Friend, that curse is broken and a new Spirit from God—that is "Holy" comes to live in us. Mankind is made up of three parts: a spirit, a soul, and a body. It is our spirit that is renewed or regenerated by God's Spirit (called the Spirit of Christ in the bible). Satan no longer has any authority over us, although we have to remain diligent and faithful to live righteously and soberly in this world.
God's Spirit [sometimes called the "Spirit of Truth/Christ"] teaches us about Jesus, and gives us authority over sin to resist doing evil and enables us to perform righteousness that is pleasing to God—and we greatly enjoy to live this way!
John 16: 12 "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13However when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it to you. 15All things that the Father has are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it to you."
God's Spirit strengthens us against all sorts of attacks by our spiritual enemies. God Himself is our protector, and often He sends His angels to help us or protect us —often from unseen forces, and protects us from fear, anxiety and all manner of harm. You have probably heard many stories of divine intervention and of guardian angels. However, we are not invincible physically and when God allows it, we will be injured, become sick, and we will eventually die, [unless we live to Christ's return for us], but God will reward us by resurrecting us—making us alive again eternally to live in a beautiful new world where there is joy, peace, love, and righteousness.
We needed a Savior to save us from our sin nature (ourselves) and restore the relationship with God that was lost by Adam and Eve.
Romans 3:23 " For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Romans 5:20 "For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness."
Jesus came 4000 years after Adam & Eve sinned and offered Himself as the "Ultimate Sacrifice" —but before that God had instituted "animal sacrifices ":
When man sinned in the garden, God instituted animal sacrifices from that point on. He clothed Adam & Eve with coats of animal skins and then later outlined a written command— through the law of Moses —where the shed blood from these sacrifice's "covered" man's sins but did not remove the guilt and sin-nature passed on to all future generations. He used this method to teach men right from wrong, and to prepare them for the coming of Jesus who would shed His blood as the ultimate sacrifice for man's sin.
Roman 5:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Because Satan the Devil, who is also called the dragon or serpent of old, interfered with God's creation and influenced Adam and Eve to sin against God— God promised Satan that at a future time, from the seed of the woman Eve, a man (Jesus) would be born that would battle Satan and would bruise Satan's head. First, the Man would incur a serious wound (heel) but He would overcome and subsequently deal Satan a death blow (Lake of Fire). That Man later became known as the promised Messiah/Christ (Anointed One) and when He was born miraculously to a virgin girl named Mary, He was named Jesus. [see 123 scriptures of various names/titles of Christ]. Not only would Jesus overcome Satan but in doing so, He would save God's people from the penalty of sin.
Sin and Death Through Adam;
Righteous and Life Through Christ
Romans 5: 12 "Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned in the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him [Jesus] that was to come.
[In God's mind and foreknowledge—Adam/Mankind was made in the image of Jesus Christ before anything that was ever made, was made. The last enemy of man that will be destroyed is "Death"]
Satan was waiting for Jesus the Messiah (Anointed One) to show up so he could destroy Him. Satan used King Herod's jealousy to manipulate Herod to order the slaughter of all male children 2 years and under in order to have the baby Jesus killed. However Jesus and His family escaped to Egypt and returned to Israel when it was safe. Way back when baby Moses was born Satan also manipulated Pharaoh, the King of Egypt to kill all the young male babies that were born to Hebrew families. But God saved Moses—and Moses became the deliverer (Savior) of the Israelites that were held in slavery for 400 years.
Revelation 12:3-5 "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her Child [Jesus] as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a Male Child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her Child was caught up unto God, and to His throne."
John 10:9 "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief [Satan] comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 14. I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15. As the Father knows Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep. 17 Therefore does My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. 18.No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Jesus came with the purpose to lay His life down as the "ultimate Sacrifice". Satan had no idea that by killing Jesus he would actually be walking into a trap, or he never would have tricked people into killing Jesus. If they knew that if by killing Jesus who lived an entire life without sin would form the foundation for every believers salvation and that those believers would receive God's Holy Spirit they would not have killed Jesus.
1Corinthians 2:6 "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:7-8
"For as by one man's [Adam] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One [Jesus] shall many be made righteous." Romans 5:19
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. " 1 Corinthians 15:22
"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He [Jesus] that is in you, than he [Satan] that is in the world." 1 John 4:4
"The thief [Satan] cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I [Jesus] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. " John 3:16
Isaiah 55:6,7 (KJV) "Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
God desires that all people be saved from the penalty or wages sin which is death.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV)
2Peter 2:2 (KJER) "...be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4. And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."
God is patient and longsuffering.
8. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord
10.But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.11. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13. Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness."
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Titus 2:11-12
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:12
"He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved." Psalm 62:2
The like figure whereunto even baptism does 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"
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. "Acts 4:12
"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
"Namely, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation [the Gospel message]. "2 Corinthians 5:19
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2
"The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:17-18
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." Mark 8:35
The Gospel Plan of Salvation is very, very simple!
Repentance, Baptism, and the Holy Ghost
First, we must repent, turning our back on all sin and turning to God in faith. Believe that because God wants us to live Holy - that He will be with us to help us change. Repentance is motivated by Godly sorrow, and it is God calling us to Himself, and this process includes confession of sins to God. Jesus said "many are called but few are chosen", and and when his disciples asked if only few will be saved Jesus confirmed that many would chose the broad path [reject His plan of salvation and retain their sin nature] that would lead them to destruction.
Second, we must be water baptized (immersed) in the name of Jesus Christ. This means that we recognize that Jesus took our place and died for our sins and represents a cleansing/washing/passing away of our sin/soulish nature.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, the new has come into being."
Water baptism isn't just having a bath but is a very spiritual experience of obedience and surrender to God, acknowledging that the old soulish nature is passing away and that you covenant with God to live a holy and spiritual life in the power of the holy spirit which God gives to those who obey Him.
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created anew in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
We are buried with Jesus Christ in water baptism for the remission of sins and we are raised with Jesus by the power of God's Spirit. Jesus set the example when He Himself was baptized in water and He received the Holy Spirit. Soon His ministry with His disciples baptized even more people than John the Baptist did. [see article Baptism]
Jesus disciples/apostles lived and were taught directly by Jesus Himself for over 3 years. They were entrusted with the gospel message and it was Jesus disciples that recorded many of the words and stories of Jesus for us to hear too. Most of them witnessed the mighty miracles performed by Jesus including Lazarus being raised from the dead and of course the resurrection of Jesus Himself. Many of Jesus miracles were nor recorded.
John writes in John 20: 30 "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: 31But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name."
Prior to Jesus ascending to heaven, He gave the disciples instructions to wait patiently and prayerfully for the Holy Spirit to be given to them in Jerusalem. Acts chapter 2 records that 120 faithful disciples were waiting and praying on the day of Pentecost when suddenly the Spirit of God came upon them and they were all filled/baptized by Jesus in the Holy Spirit. They miraculously spoke with tongues (languages) that other people from other nations could understand too. [study gifts of the Spirit 1 Corinthians chapt. 12 and 14]
A crowd of many thousands came to see what was going on and when they heard the disciples preach the gospel message they desired that they too could be saved and receive this same promise of God. They asked what they must do.
Acts 2: 37 "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? 38Then 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. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
The one and only saving name of God is Jesus (Yeshua in Aramaic) which literally means Yahweh-Savior. Jesus was the one God of the Old Testament who came in flesh to be our Savior.
“There is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
“Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name beginning in Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).
"In Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9), and is the fulfillment of Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 we must baptize in Jesus’ name, Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Third, God will pour out the gift of the Holy Ghost on us as He did on the disciples, and we will receive the same Bible evidence – speaking in other tongues. (See Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6.) As Jesus said, “These signs shall follow them that believe … they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17). It takes all three small steps to complete God’s plan of salvation for the New Testament church. Sometimes you will get the Holy Spirit baptism before you get water baptized like the Romans did in Acts 10. Notice how the apostle still commanded water baptism afterwards so dont let anyone tell you any different and steal away your reward for obeying Jesus and His disciples/apostles command as recorded in God's word.
Acts:10: 44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be [water] baptized, which have received the [Spirit] Holy Ghost as well as we? 48And he commanded them to be [water] baptized in the name of the Lord.
God's Mercy to Us
Titus 3:3 "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5Not 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; 6Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;"
The New Man
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Do Not Grieve the Spirit
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”:do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Begin to study God's word. Gospel of John is a great start. The Book of Acts shows you the new testament church in action led by Jesus through the Spirit! God's word trumps man word and any religion out there! Remember that we do not fight flesh and blood, but we fight and resist spiritual wickedness and we trust in God to do the rest and are prepared to stay faithful and endure until the end.
Matthew 24:12 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come."
Here is one more example of people (John the Baptist's disciples) who had heard and responded to the repentance ministry of John the Baptist, but did not witness Jesus ministry. After Pentecost they later they met up with the apostles and disciples of Jesus, namely Paul and Apollos and the following ministry took place:
Acts 19:1 "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2He said unto them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3And he said unto them, To what then were you baptized? And they said, To John's baptism. 4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. 7And all the men were about twelve."
While there are a lot of others that have taught-and do teach contrary to the scriptures... ourselves, we ought to obey the Lord and His commands.The scriptures plainly teach Salvation, which countless numbers of people have come to know and experience by simply responding to God directly in faith. There is no complicated process required to have a relationship with God, and sometimes He even initiates the process.You should know that God will never ask you to harm yourself or anyone else and neither will He ask you to commit any type of sin-ever. God is righteous and there is no sin in Him, and neither does He tempt us with sin. [satan is the temptor]. Jesus is in the business of saving us...freeing us from sin. Be on guard for those that teach anything that contradicts the New Testament scriptures. That is His new covenant with us, which is much better than the old testament (covenant) it replaced. That is why Jesus died for us, to bring in His perfect will for us and make a new covenant between us and Him.
Jeremiah 31:31 "Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they broke, although I was an husband to them, says the LORD: 33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
Luke 22:20 "In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."
Hebrews 9:14,"how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. 15Therefore He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
1Timothy 2:5,6 "For there is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6. who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
Have you noticed how Jesus tells us all kinds of things in His word? He tells us what He has done and what He is going to do.
John 15:15 (ESV) "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
May God bless you in the faith of Jesus Christ.
"And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 (KJV)
"For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:56 (KJ2)
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21 (KJ2)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
"For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:56 (KJ2)
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21 (KJ2)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
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