WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT THE CHURCH – THE VERY BEGINNING

THE BEGINNING

Today there is a lot of misconceptions about the Church. Because of this we will begin before the beginning of the Church. There is a prophecy that was fulfilled that one would come and prepare the way for another.

THE PROPHECY
Isaiah 40:3-4

“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made ow: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:”

An explanation of this verse will help us to see what this prophecy means in the New Testament. Prepare ye the way. This is a picture of a king that will be travelling among the countryside in his domain. There would be those that would herald the coming of the king and preparation would be made for his travel. My dad used the terminology – this road is crooked as a dogs hind leg. Roads would be straightened as much as possible, valleys filled in or bridges built, mountains reduced in size where the road went and pot holes filled. The purpose was to make the travel a little easier for the king. As the king travelled a herald would precede the king announcing, “the king is coming, the king is coming.”

We need to see the application of this principle in fulfilled scripture. Matthew 3:1-3 gives this picture to us – “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2. And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Matthew makes the statement that John the Baptist is the fulfilment of this prophecy. We then have in John 1:23 John the Baptist statement about himself. “He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”  Here we see that John the Baptist is the herald for the Saviour that was to come. John the Baptist had a very specific message. Matthew 3:2 – “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Notice the response to this message in Matthew 3:5 – “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6. And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Now what was John the Baptist doing? Preparing the way for Jesus.

How is this preparing the way for the Lord?  John chapter 1 explains a lot that was prophesied. Verse 15 records John the Baptist witness of the Word that was made flesh – “…This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. Verse 29, John utters those immortal words “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John stands with two of his disciples saw Jesus and made the claim – Behold the Lamb of God! These two disciples them followed Jesus. As we read further we find Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael to follow him. Matthew 4:18-22. This is the passage where Jesus walks the seashore of Galilee and calls his disciples to follow him. Verse 19 contains the words that every child knows – Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Their response contained in the next verse – “And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Let us now examine the purpose of John the Baptist as he came to prepare the way for the saviour. 1. He preached repentance in the wilderness. 2 When a person repented, John the Baptist baptised them. 3. He preached and extolled the superiority of Christ. Now Jesus has come and preparation has been made for his coming. There are saved and baptised believers that are ready to be put into the church. Jesus walked the seashores of Galilee and called out his church that had already been prepared.

God made great provision for his Son to come and give his life for the lost and also to give his life for his church.

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WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

“We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers; associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel of Christ; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers (only 2 offices) are pastors and deacons; and 2 ordinances, baptism and the Lords Supper.

One will find that I place great emphasis upon the church that Jesus built. The church is the bride of Christ and He has given us a great responsibility if we are members of His Church. Much of the New Testament is written to different churches in different locations. Ephesians 5:25 makes a bold statement “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. If the church is this important to Christ, we should also respect this bride that Christ is one day going to receive as his own. We must get her history correct. We must be able to correctly identify her. We must know her purpose. The Bible reveals these things to us. We simply have to be diligent in our pursuit of the truth. Notice, when the Lord instituted the Lord’s Supper, Luke records this in Luke 22:20. – “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” He did not have all the saved gathered in that room, but he had his church and made the statement that his blood had been shed for them. Shed individually (for each person) for salvation and shed collectively for his church. The next post will use the bible to determine when the church began.Technorati Tags: Jesus, church, covenant blood, bride, faith, gospel, Christ

WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT THE LAW OF MOSES

Colossians 2:14-17

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; 15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

The fundamental law is recorded in Exodus 20 and is the basis for all the law. Details of the law are found in the book of Deuteronomy. Although Christans are under grace and not law, every righteous and moral principle of the Law of Moses is taught in the New Testament.

I. WHAT THE LAW WAS.
    A. It was an expression of the righteousness of God, and His disapproval of sin in man (Romans 5:13) For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (Romans 2:12) For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
    B. It was a standard for right and wrong. It was wrong for Cain to kill Abel but there was no law that said so until the Law of Moses. The Law spelled it out.
    C. it was an expression of the holiness of God (Romans 7:12). Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

II. WHY THE LAW WAS GIVEN.
    A. Because of transgressions (Galatians 3:19). Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of trangressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
    B. To be a schoolmaster (Galatians 3:24). Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
    C. To make sin known (Romans 7:7). What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, thou shalt not covet.

III. THE LAW WAS NOT GIVEN THAT MEN MIGHT OBTAIN LIFE THROUGH KEEPING IT.
    A. It is impossible for any law to give life (Galatians 3:21). Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
    B. No man ever kept the law perfectly (Romans 8:7,8).  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
    C. Christ came to do  what the law could not do (Romans 8:3). For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
    D. Lawful use of the law (I Timothy 1:8-11). But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10. For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11. According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

IV. THE LAW WAS A MINISTRATION OF DEATH.
(II Corinthians 3:6-11). Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8. How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9. For if the ministration of condemnation be glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

V. THE LAW WAS DONE AWAY FOR THOSE IN CHRIST.
(Colossians 2:14-17). 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; 15. And having spiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
(II Corinthians 3:9-11) For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11. For if that which is done away was glorious, much mor that which remaineth is glorious.

VI. IF THE BELIEVER IS NOT UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES, IS HE WITHOUT LAW?
    A. He is under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:3). For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
    B. He has a new priest – an heavenly (Hebrews 7:11,12). If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12. For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

VII. OUR MOTIVE FOR DOING RIGHT WITHOUT BEING UNDER LAW.
    A. The love of God motivates the child of God. It is the Law of love (John 14:23,24). Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
    B. Love is the fulfilling of the law. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law”  (Romans 13:10)
    C. The keeping of the law never caused any to love God, but the indwelling Spirit sheds God’s love in the heart through the new birth (Romans 5:5). And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

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WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER

PSALM 121:1-8; [A Song of degrees] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

One must first understand WHAT is born of God, and what salvation really is. All who hold to a system of law-keeping or works for salvation have failed of grace, and therefore no security is affirmed for them. Only real believers are saved and have security. A distinction must be made between real and nominal believers. Peter was a real believer; Judas Iscariot was a nominal believer and never was saved.

I. THE PART OF MAN THAT IS SAVED AT THE NEW BIRTH.
    A. The inner man (spirit) is born again in the new birth, and never sins again (I John 3:9). Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
    B. It is a spiritual birth (John 3:6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (II Corinthians 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
    C. It is a sanctification of the spirit (Hebrews 10:14) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. How long is forever?
    D. The inner man is sealed unto the day of the redemption of the body (Ephesians 4:30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 1:13,14) 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. (Romans 8:23) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

II. SALVATION IS FROM THE LORD AND NOT THE DEVIL.
God determines how far Satan can go (Job 1:12) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. If Satan can get one child of God, he can get all; therefore, IF he doesn’t get some, then they get to heaven by Satan’s mercy.

III. NOTICE SOME POSITIVE STATEMENTS OF SCRIPTURE THAT TEACH SECURITY.
    A. Psalm 37:23,24: They shall not be utterly cast down.
    B. Psalm 89:29-36: His seed shall endure forever.
    C. Psalm 91:9-12: The Lord is their refuge and no evil shall befall.
    D. Psalm 121:7: They are preserved from all evil.
    E. Isaiah 54:17: Nothing formed against them shall prosper.
    F. John 5:24: The child of God is passed from death unto life (present), and shall not come into condemnation (future).
    G. John 6:37: He shall not be cast out by the Lord.
    H. John 17:24: The prayer of Jesus secures them.
    I. John 10:27,28: It is impossible for them to perish – none can pluck out.
    J. Romans 8:28: All things work to their good.
    K. Romans 8:35-39: Nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ (Believers only are in Christ and have His love, II Corinthians 5:17).
    L. Philippians 1:6: God will continue the good work begun in them.
    M. Colossians 3:3: Their life is hid with Christ in God.
    N. II Timothy 2:13: God cannot deny himself – to deny His child would be to deny Himself.
    O. I Peter 1:3-5: They are kept by the power of God.
    P. II Peter 1:4: They are partakers of the Divine nature.
    Q. I John 5:4,5: They overcome the world.
    R. I John 5:18: Satan cannot touch a child of God.
    S. Jude 24,25: They are kept from falling, and shall be presented to God faultless.
    T. Hebrews 7:25: God saves them to the uttermost.
    U. Hebrews 6:4-6: If anyone could be lost after being saved, it would be impossible for him ever to be saved again.

There is only one plan of salvation. If one were to lose their salvation, they would have to be saved again by that same plan. To loss ones salvation and to be saved again, Christ would have to descend from heaven once more, die on the cross again, be buried and arise again the third day. This is the only way of salvation. The scriptural declaration is; Christ died once for all and by stating that we can lose our salvation says His work on the cross was incomplete and ineffective in securing a lost soul.

IV. THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER OFFERS HOPE TO MEN WHO WOULD BE HOPELESS OTHERWISE (HEBREWS 8:18-20).Technorati Tags: preserve, death, life, holy, spirit, God, Jesus, secure

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.
II PETER 3:18

I. THE MARKS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
    A. Forgetting the Past.  (Philippians 3:13,14) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

        1. Past Failures.
        2. Past Victories.
        3. Past Goals for they are to grow to the Glory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

    B. Forgiving An Offense.  (Ephesians 4:32)  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
        1. The Power of Kindness.
        2. The Place of a Tender Heart.
        3. The Peace of a Forgiving heart.
        4. The Heavenly Example.

    C. Forging ahead in Growth.  (Hebrews 5:12-14)  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
        1. Suspending the Culture of the World.  (Galatians 1:4)  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
        2. Depending on the Lord.
        3. Feeding on the Word of God.  (I Peter 2:2)  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

    D. Following Freedom and Liberty Wisely. (I Corinthians 8:9) But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.  (Romans 14:7,8) For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.

        1. Secure in Salvation. (Ephesians 1:13)   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.
        2. Safe in Conversation – “Way of Living.”  (Galatians 5:1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

III. THE MEANS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

    A. The Scriptures.  (John 17:17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
        1. Sanctification – Set apart to Holy Service to God.
        2. The Truth Effectually Works In You.  (I Thessalonians 2:13)  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
        3. Milk to Meat.  (I Peter 2:2)  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (Hebrews 5:13,14) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that aare of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

    B. The Spirit.
        1. Leading into all Truth.  (John 14:26)  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
        2. Our Change by the Holy Spirit.  (II Corinthians 3:18)  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
        3. Our Walk. (Galatians 5:16-25)

III. THE MOTIVES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
    A. Acquiescence – means consent, agree.
        1. Obedience and Grace.  (Romans 1:5) By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
        2. Graciously receive Christ and Walk.  (Colossians 2:6) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

    B. Affection.  (John 14:15) If ye love me, keep my commandments.
        1. Love of the Saviour.
        2. Love of His Blessings.
        3. Love of His Answers to Prayer.

Technorati Tags: spiritual, spirit, growth, past, failures, victories, goal, God

WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT SANCTIFICATION

SACTIFICATION
I CORINTHIANS 1:1-3; I THESSALONIANS 4:3,4

The word “sanctification” is translated with different shades of meaning, but it carries the principle thought of separation and setting apart for a specific use. Definitions: “to separate from a common condition or use: dedicated; hallowed; pure; righteous; ceremonially or morally; to separate; consecrate; cleanse; purify; sanctify/ to regard or reverence as holy.” From the same word we get the word sanctuary.

I.  What Sanctification Is Not.

It is not a second work of grace so as to bring perfection and sinlessness to the body.

“Forgive us our sins” (Luke 11:4). This is a prayer for Christians. The Corinthian church was sanctified, but not perfect (I Corinthians 3:3; 5:1). “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves” (I John 1:8). “I find then a law that when I would do good evil is present” (Romans 7:21).

II. Use Of The Word In The Bible.

    1. A day may be sanctified. “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work” (Genesis 2:3).

    2. God may be sanctified. “Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread” (Isaiah 8:13).

        “And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12).

        “And for their sakes I sanctify myself” (John 17:19).

    3. People may sanctify other people.

        “And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes” (Exodus 19:10).

    4. People may sanctify themselves (Joshua 3:5).

    5. Material things may be sanctified (Leviticus 8:10).

III. What Sanctification Means To Us Today.

    1. We are sanctified when we are born again. Jesus’ blood is the foundation of it (Hebrews 9:13,14). We are made fit for service to the living God by this sanctification.

Set apart by God (I John 3:9; Ephesians 1:13).

    2. Jesus was made sanctification for us and He IS our sanctification (I Corinthians 1:30).

    3. We sanctify our lives, our prayers and our bodies to God (Romans 12:1,2; I Timothy 4:4,5).

    4. We sanctify our lives daily (Philippians 2:12).

    5. It is God’s will that we sanctify our lives to Him (I Thessalonians 4:3,4). Paul tells how this is done in I Corinthians 9:27. Many lives are fuined because of lack of self-sanctification.
    6. The Christian’s sanctification should be progressive. “But the path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:2).

IV. How We May Know That We Are Sanctifying Ourselves To God.

By the Word of God. “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The word “sanctification” suggests self-denial, prayer and service.

V.  The Unsaved Cannot Sanctify Himself.

Sanctification is a work of God in the heart (II Thessalonians 2:13). The soul is completely sanctified in regeneration (Titus 3:5).

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WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT REPENTANCE AND FAITH

REPENTANCE AND FAITH
ACTS 20:21

The word for repentance means, to undergo a change in frame of mind and feeling – to repent; to make a change of principle and practice – to reform; a change of mode of thought and feeling – reversal of the past. These are the three senses in which it is used.

John preached no literary review or entertaining message. he did not attempt to appeal to the higher nature in man. Though an unpopular doctrine, repentance and faith are as old as man.

:Just confess Jesus” is the rule of modern evangelism, but such a confession must be the result of a changed mind and feeling toward God, must stem from the heart.

I.   NOTICE THE NECESSITY OF REPENTANCE.
     1. Repentance is taught in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 14:6).
     2. John the Baptist taught repentance (Matt. 3:1).
     3. Jesus taught repentance (Luke 13:3-5; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; 2:17).
     4. The disciples were commanded to preach repentance (Luke 24:47).
     5. The disciples preached repentance (Mark 6:12).
     6. The Apostle Paul preached repentance (Acts 20:21).
     7. God commands all men, everywhere, to repent (Acts 17:30

II.  REPENTANCE AS IT IS FOUND IN THE BIBLE INVOLVES:
     1. A knowledge of what sin dies, and of personal guilt (I John 3:4; 5:17).
     2. Personal, self-examination.
          a. Sees sin as committed against God (Psalm 51:4).
          b. Hatred for sin generated in the heart (Job 42:6).
          c. Sorrow for sin because it is against God (II Corinthians 7:10).
          d. A purpose or will to sin against God no longer, involves a sense of helplessness to accomplish this purpose by one’s own self.

III. FAITH TOWARD CHRIST.
Bible faith is: trusting, relying, entrusting or committing to the power of another.
     1. There is no merit in faith as such-the merit is in the object of faith.
        Example” One might have faith in a ladder, but the ladder breaks. One might have faith in baptism, church membership, dedication in infancy, or in personal virtue, but such faith does not save because the object is wrong.
     2. One must have a belief in God before saving faith in Jesus Christ can come (Hebrews 11:6).
     3. The meaning of faith in Jesus:
          a. A reliance upon Him (John 3:16).
          b. A faith from the heart (Romans 10:9,10).
          c. A faith which receives Jesus (John 1:11,12).
          d. A faith which commits to Jesus (II Timothy 1:12).
          e. A faith that will pray to God (Romans 10l:13).

IV. WHY IT MUST BE BY FAITH IN JESUS.
     1. Because none can come to God in any other way (John 14:6).
     2. Because the Gospel alone is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
     3. Jesus is the heart of the Gospel. There is no gospel without Him (I Corinthians 15:1-3

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WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT THE FREENESS OF SALVATION

The blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel of Christ. The cost of salvation is all on God’s side. That cost includes the sufferings of Jesus, who “tasted death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9). “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (I Corinthians 1:30).

The Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20, demands a belief that all can be saved.

I.   LET IT FIRST BE UNDERSTOOD THAT ALL MEN NEED GOD’S SALVATION.
     To believe otherwise is to charge God with foolishness.

     How else can the suffering of Jesus and the death of the cross be explained? (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

II.  GOD OFFERS SALVATION TO ALL MEN -none are excluded.
     “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

     “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37).

     “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money         and without price” (Isaiah 55:1).

     “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21 and Acts 17:30).

III. IT IS THE DUTY OF MAN TO ACCEPT THE BLESSINGS OF THE GOSPEL OF FAITH.
     1. Jesus is a provisional Saviour to all men, and a special Saviour to all them that believe (I Timothy 4:10).
     2. God is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11).
     3. Jesus is the only satisfier of Divine justice for men. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (I John 2:2; Romans 3:26).
     4. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and rejection of the Gospel of Christ (John 5:40).

IV.  WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
     The Gospel is not the Word of God. The Word of God sets forth the Gospel. I Corinthians 15:1-4 tells what the Gospel is.

V.   WHAT IS FAITH IN JESUS?
     1. It is not an historical faith. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble” (James 2:19).
     2. It is a trusting faith (Ephesians 1:11-14).
     3. It is a receiving of Jesus Christ for what He is (John 1:11,12).
     4. It is a matter of the heart turning to God (Romans 10:9-13; II Corinthians 3:15,16; John 3:16).Technorati Tags: blessings, salvation, Jesus, forgiveness

WHAT BAPTISTS BELIEVE ABOUT THE WAY OF SALVATION

THE WAY OF SALVATION
EPHESIANS 2:1-10

Men have added rituals, ceremonies, and human effort to the Bible teaching of the way of salvation until it is necessary that this plain Bible truth be affirmed over and over. The very destiny of souls in eternity is dependent upon what they believe.

I.   THE SALVATION OF SINNERS IS WHOLLY OF GRACE. (EPHESIANS 2:8; ISAIAH 45:22; JONAH 2:9)

II.  ALL MEN NEED THE GRACE OF GOD. (PSALM 14:1-3; ACTS 18:27).
     1. Every New Testament example of a child of God is that of one who became such by the grace of God.
     2. Grace means: to grant as a favour or gift expecting nothing in return. 
     3. It is impossible to work one’s way into favour with God. (Romans 2:4)
     4. God’s saving grace cannot be mixed with works or anything else. (Romans 11:5,6)
     5. Salvation cannot be earned. (Romans 4:4)

III. MEN NEED THE MEDIATORIAL OFFICE WORK OF THE SON OF GOD.
     1. There is only one mediator. (I Timothy 2:5)
     2. There is only one way to come to God. (John 14:6).
     3. Jesus suffered that He might be the mediator for man. (Philippians 2:8-11)
     4. Jesus’ death made full payment for man’s sins. (Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 2:9)
     5. Jesus is now enthroned in Heaven, having risen from the dead. (Hebrews 1:3)
     6. Jesus is in every way qualified to be a suitable and compassionate Saviour. (Hebrews 7:25)

IV.  GOD’S GRACE NOW ABOUNDS (ROMANS 5:20)
         He still extends His grace to men. (II Peter 3:9)

V.   HOW GOD’S GRACE IS OBTAINED IN SALVATION. SOME EXAMPLES:
     1. “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble”. (I Peter 5:5)
     2. “But He giveth more grace”. (James 4:6)
     3. Luke 23:39-43; Acts 9:1-5; 16:31; John 1:11,12.

Technorati Tags: God, Jesus, Christ, salvation, mediator, New Testament, sinner

WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT

THE FALL OF MAN
AND TOTAL DEPRAVITY

Baptists are either misunderstood or misrepresented on this. We do not believe that a man can never do anything that might be considered good. We believe that all the good a man does while unconverted is in a dead, separated state from God thus not good in God’s sight. This is a strange doctrine to the world. Man’s false pride opposes this because it does not honour man.

  1. MAN WAS CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE – UPRIGHT AND INNOCENT (GENESIS 1:27; ECCLESIASTES 7:29).
  2. BY VOLUNTARY TRANSGRESSION MAN FELL FROM HIS HOLY AND INNOCENT STATE (GENESIS 3:1-7; I TIMOTHY 2:14).
  3. WHAT IS MEANT BY “DEPRAVED”?
   “A total tendency to evil, corrupt, wicked, sinful, bad.” By TOTAL is meant man’s entire make-up: soul, body, spirit; no part is untouched by sin; there is no good mixed with bad (Col. 1:21; Eph. 2:1; Psalm 58:3; Isa. 64:6).
  4. MAN IN HIS NATURAL, FALLEN STATE, CANNOT PLEASE GOD (ROMANS 8:7-10).
  5. NO MAN CAN LOVE GOD UNTIL BORN OF GOD (I JOHN 4:7-10).
   Many seek to do right because of restraint and training. Depravity is more in evidence in some, but the guilt is the same, although the degree of commission of sin may vary from man to man (Rom. 3:23).
  6. ALL MEN ARE SINNERS BY NATURE AND PRACTICE (JEREMIAH 17:9,10; I TIMOTHY 1:15; EPHESIANS 2:1-3).
  7. FALLEN MAN IS UNABLE TO SAVE HIMSELF.
   “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” (Titus 3:5). Fallen man must depend upon the mercy of God (Luke 18:13).

Technorati Tags: man, God innocent, born, sinner