Associates of Theology DOS 3 | SIGNET RING BIBLE CO

Course # F001

Doctrine Of Salvation

The Old Testament Types of Salvation

Adam and Eve, illustrating that salvation clothes us. See Genesis 3:21 and Revelation 3:5,18; 19:7,8.
b. Cain and Abel, illustrating that salvation guarantees us acceptance with God the Father. It also demonstrates (in Cain's example) the wrong way to seek acceptance. See Genesis 4:4 and Ephesians 1:6
c. The Ark and the Passover, illustrating that salvation protects us from God's wrath. See Genesis 7:1; Exodus 12:23; Romans 1:18.
d. Abraham and Isaac, illustrating salvation provides for us an acceptable substitute. See Genesis 22:12-14; 1 Peter 3;18.
The Manna and the Smitten Rock, illustrating that salvation satisfies us. See Exodus 16:14; 17:6; Psalm 103:5; 107:9.
The Brazen Serpent, illustrating that salvation cures us. See Numbers 21:9; John 3:14.
Naaman, Illustrating salvation cleanses us. See 2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 51:7.
The Tabernacle, illustrating salvation restores lost fellowship. See Exodus 25:22; Psalm 23:3.

The Vocabulary of Salvation

There are 13 key words in the vocabulary of SALVATION. These are:

Conversion Redemption Justification

Substitution Regeneration Sanctification

Reconciliation Imputation Glorification

Propitiation Adoption Preservation

Remission

We shall now examine each of these important terms.

A. CONVERSION: The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Psalm 19:7a.

The Greek word translated conversion has reference to a twofold turning on the part of an individual. One has to do with repentance (a turning from), and the other with faith (a turning too).

1. Repentance (Greek: metanoia)

* What Repentance is not:

(a) It is not reformation, that act of turning over a new leaf.

(b) It is not remorse, that act of regretting the fruit of one's crime, but

not the root. By way of example, read Hebrews 12:16-17.

* What Repentance is:

It is a voluntary and sincere change in the mind of the sinner, causing him to

turn from his sin. It should be noted here we said sin and not sins. True

repentance involves the turning from one specific sin, and that sin is his

rejection (unbelief) of Jesus Christ! Listen to what Jesus said:

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that

I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter

will not come unto you; but if I depart, I

will send Him unto you. And when he

is come, he will reprove the world

of sin, and of righteousness, and of

judgment: of sin because they be-

lieve not on me; Of

righteousness,

because I go to my Father, and ye see

me no more; Of judgment, because the

prince of this world is judged. John 16:7-11.

God is not primarily interested in convincing a sinner to give up smoking, swearing, drinking, etc., as bad as these may be, for this will never save him. His great sin which has condemned him is his rejection of Christ!

Repentance therefore deals with a turning from this horrible crime of spurning Calvary!

2. Faith

* What it is not

(a) It is not a blind leap into the dark.

(b) It is not supposition

(d) It is not an opinion or hypothesis

* What it is

It is a voluntary and sincere change in the mind of the sinner, causing

him to turn to the Savior. We have now seen both sides of the coin

of conversion. Repentance is a turning from sin, and faith is a turning

to Christ for the forgiveness and cleansing from sin. Paul includes

both concepts during his farewell message to the Ephesians elders in

Acts 20:21.

* How it is produced

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

Romans 10:17. The reference is to the oral communication of the

gospel of Christ. Notice that it is not faith in what is heard, but faith

that comes about by what is heard. This is what Paul meant in 1:16 of

his letter to the Romans when he said the gospel is the power of God unto

salvation.

Saving faith is not man doing his part in response to God having done His part. Saving faith can come about

only through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation is God's work alone. This also shows that

there is no other way to be saved but by the explicit gospel of Christ.

* Why it is so necessary

But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently

seek him. Hebrews 11:6

(1) The Sinner is saved through Faith. See Ephesians 2:8,9 and Romans 5:1.

(2) The Saint is sanctified (grows in and by grace) faith.

Thus by Faith:

We Live - The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17c.

We Stand - ...For by faith ye stand. 2 Corinthians 1:24c.

We Walk - For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7.

We Fight - Fight the good fight of faith... 1 Timothy 6:12

We Overcome - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the

world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4.

B. SUBSTITUTION: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18. Christ became on the cross what He was not: namely, sin; that we might become what we were not: namely, righteous! The Son of God became the Son of man that the sons of men might become the sons of God (Read prayerfully Isaiah chapter 53 and 2 Corinthians 5:21).

C. RECONCILIATION: To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19.

The meaning of Reconciliation

The Greek word allasso means to change from that of enmity to that of friendship. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby. Ephesians 2:16

The implications of Reconciliation

a. That a previous animosity once existed (known as enmity).

b. That the offended party (God) now view things differently (favorably).

The two phases of Reconciliation

a. God has reconciled us to Himself. See 2 Corinthians 5:19

b. Man must realize reconciliation to God is by Christ alone.

D. PROPITIATION: And He (Christ) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2.

1. The meaning of Propitiation. The Greek word hilasmos means to render favorable, to satisfy, to appease.

2. The method of Propitiation. It is by the shedding of pure, innocent, and appliable blood. The blood of Christ! Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25.

3. The necessity for Propitiation. It was necessary because of God's wrath (that stern reaction of the divine nature to evil in man). He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36.

See also Romans 1:18; Ephesians 5:6; Revelation 6:16.

4. The results of Propitiation.

a. God is justified in forgiving sin.

b. God is justified in bestowing righteousness. Read Romans 3:25-26.

c. Redeemed Men and Women abide in God's favor forever!

E. REMISSION: To him (Christ Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43

1. The meaning of Remission. This concept is practically synonymous with the word forgiveness. It refers to a sending back, a putting away. A classic illustration is found in Leviticus 16 where the high priest brought two goats to the tabernacle during the Great Day of Atonement. One goat was killed and its blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat. Concerning the other goat; read verses 21 and 22.

2. The uniqueness of Remission. Of the 13 key words in the vocabulary of salvation remission alone has to do with subtraction, whereas all other terms speak of a glorious addition!

F. REDEMPTION: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. Luke 1:68.

The threefold meaning of Redemption:

a. To pay a ransom price for something or someone: Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12.

b. To remove from a slave market place: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Galatians 3:13.

c. To effect a full release: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24.

Note the costliness of redemption: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers: But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19.

G. REGENERATION: 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.

1. The definition of Regeneration. It is that process whereby God through a second birth imparts to the believing sinner a new nature. See John 3:3 and 1 John 5:1

2. The necessity for regeneration. It is necessary because of human nature. By nature all men are:

a. Dead to God - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

Epheshians 2:1

b. Sons of disobedience - Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of

this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now

worketh in the children of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2

c. Children of wrath - Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in

the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by

nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephesians 2:3

d. Cursed with Adam's sin nature - Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Romans 5:12.

3. The means of Regeneration. Three factors are vital for a sinner to experience regeneration:

a. The Word of God - Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23

b. The Man of God - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:13-15.

c. The Spirit of God - 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.

4. The fruits of Regeneration. The twice-born person now loves the following:

a. Other Christians - We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 1 John 3:14

b. Jesus - Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1 John 5:1-2.

c. The separated life - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15.

d. His enemies - Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:44.

e. The Word of God - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2

f. The Souls of men - Read about Paul's desire for people to be saved. Romans 9:1-3 and 10:1.

g. Prayer - Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

H. IMPUTATION: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:8

1. Definition of Imputation. To impute is the act of one person adding something good or bad to the account of another person.

2. Kinds of imputation. In the Bible there are three main theological imputations:

a. The imputation of Adam's sin upon the human race. See Romans 5:12.

b. The imputation of the race's sin upon Christ. See 1 Peter 2:24 and Hebrews 2:9.

c. The imputation of God righteousness upon the believing sinner. See Philippians 3:7-9.

I. ADOPTION: But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4-5.

1. The Theology of Adoption. The word literally means the placing of a son. Adoption logically follows regeneration. Regeneration gives one his nature as a child of God, whereas adoption gives him his position as a son of God. See Romans 8:15-23.

2. Adoption contrasted. How spiritual adoption differs with civil adoption.

a. We never adopt our own children, but God never adopts any other!

b. Civil adoption provides comfort for the childless, but God had a beloved Son (See

Matthew 3:17; 17:5) prior to adopting us.

c. There are usually many pleasing characteristics in a civil adopted child, but not in

God's children prior to their adoption. See Romans 3:10-18.

d. Civil adoption could never give the child the same nature of the Father, but God's

adopted are given the very mind of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 2:16.

e. In some cases, civil adoption could be declared null and void, but God's adopted

are absolutely secure! See Philippians 1:6 and Epheshians 4:30.

3. The Trinity in Adoption

a. There is an intimacy towards the Father. See Romans 8:15

b. There is an inheritance with the Son. See Romans 8:17; Hebrews 2:11

c. There is an illumination by the Spirit. He both leads us and assures us. See Romans 8:14-16.

J. JUSTIFICATION: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

1. The definition of Justification

Negative considerations (What it is not)

a. It does not mean to be acquitted, that is, to successfully defend oneself against all charges. See Romans 3:19.

b. It does not mean to be pardoned, that is, to be found guilty, but given a second chance.

c. It does not mean to be paroled, that is, to set a guilty person free with certain restrictions.

Positive considerations (What it is)

The great theologian, A. Strong, has defined justification in the following way: By justification we mean that judicial act of God which, on account of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith, He declares that sinner to be no longer exposed to the penalty of the law, but restored to His favor. (Systematic Theology, p.849). Justification is thus that legal act whereby man's status before God is changed for the good.

2. The method of Justification. See Romans 4:16.

a. It is of faith - See Romans 5:1. As this is the best and only way for the sinner to be saved.

b. It is of grace - See Ephesians 2:8-9. As this is the best way for God to be

glorified. See Ephesians 2:1-10.

Note: Some have imagined a contradiction between Paul (Romans 4:4-5) and James (James 2:24) concerning the justification of man. There is no such contradiction:

a. Paul says that through faith a man is justified before God.

b. James says that through works a man is justified before men.

c. Paul says faith is the root of justification.

d. James says works is the fruit of justification.

Yes: You are saved by faith alone; but faith is not alone (without works).

Good works will not justify a man before God, but a justified man will do good

works.

3. The results of Justification

a. The remission of sin's penalty - Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,

and whose sins are covered. Romans 4:7

b. The restoration to divine favor - See Romans 5:1-11

c. The imputation of Christ's righteousness - For he (God) hath made him to be sin

for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 5:21.

Man justifies only the innocent, but God only the guilty. Man justifies on the basis of self merit, but God on the basis of the Saviour's merit.

K. SANCTIFICATION: And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. John 17:19. See also Ephesians 5:25,26.

1. Sanctification defined

Negative Consideration (What it is not)

a. It is not the eradication of the sinful nature. If we say that we have no sin, we de-

ceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and

just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8,9.

b. It is not the second blessing. Some have taken their theology of the second blessing

from 2 Corinthians 1:15. However, Paul describes the Corinthian believers in his

first epistle as already being sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11).

c. It is not the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Read 1 Corinthians 12:13. Paul states all

believers have been baptized by the Holy Spirit, regardless of their personal spiritual

condition. Compare this with 1 Corinthians 3:1-4.

Positive Consideration (What it is)

Sanctification occurs in the various forms some 300 times in the New Testament and 760 times in the Old Testament for a total of 1060 in the Bible. The basic meaning in all these instances is to set apart.

At this point it may help to contrast sanctification with justification.

a. Justification deals with our standing, while sanctification deals with our state

b. Justification is that which God does for us, while sanctification is that which God does in us.

c. Justification is an act, while sanctification is a work.

d. Justification is the means, while sanctification is the end.

e. Justification makes us safe, while sanctification makes us sound.

f. Justification declares us righteous, while sanctification makes us righteous.

g. Justification removes the guilt and penalty of sin, while sanctification checks the growth

and power of sin.

2. Sanctification Achieved

In Romans 6 Paul the apostle clearly lays out the program leading to that lifelong process of growing in grace and spiritual maturity, which is sanctification! The plan involves four simple commands:

1. Know Ye! See Romans 6:1-10

a. That we have buried with him (Christ) by baptism into death! (6:4). Hear Paul states Christ not only died for me, but as me! See 2 Corinthians 5:21. The word baptism simply means identification. This identification with Christ on Calvary is one of many dry baptisms in the Bible. Other would include:

1. The Baptism of sin and suffering upon Christ - Matthew 20:22.

2. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit upon believers at Pentecost - Acts 1:5.

3. The Baptism of believers into the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 12:13.

4. The Baptism for the dead - 1 Corinthians 15:29. Note: This is thought to refer to that act

of living believers identifying themselves with martyred believers by picking up their fallen banners (testimony).

5. The Baptism unto Moses - 1 Corinthians 10:2

6. The Baptism of judgment during the tribulation - Matthew 3:11,12.

b. That we have been planted together... in the likeness of his (Christ) resurrection. (6:5). The believer has now been transplanted two time:

1. To the Cross, where he died with Christ.

2. To the tomb, where he arose with Christ.

c. That because of these two facts, the believer is:

1. Dead to sin (6:2)

2. Freed from sin (the penalty and power of sin - 6:7).

2. Reckon Ye! See Romans 6:11-12

This simply means that by faith we are to act upon these facts regardless of any personal feelings!

3. Yield Ye! See Romans 6:16-23.

a. We are to stop yielding (present tense) our body member as instruments of unrighteousness.

b. We are to once for all yield our body members as instruments of righteousness.

4. Obey Ye!

1. Who are we to Obey?

a. The Christian is to obey His new Master and to ignore his old one (6:16, see also James 4:7). We can serve but one master at a time (Matthew 6:24).

b. The Christian is to obey that form of doctrine into which he has been delivered.

2. Why are we to Obey?

X. Because we are freed from sin - 6:22. This marks the sixth time Paul has stated this fact.

There are three Latin theological terms which may clarify this precious doctrine (teaching). These are:

a. Non posse non pecare - Not able not to sin. This refers to believers before their salvation.

b. Posse non pecare - Able not to sin. This describes them after their sal-

vation. They now have the power to live victorious lives.

c. Non posse pecare - Not able to sin. This describes their existence after the

rapture

L. GLORIFICATION: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:30. See also 1 Corinthians 15:42-43.

a. The meaning of glorification. It refers to the ultimate and absolute physical, mental, and spiritual perfections of all believers. See Romans 8:22,23; and Jude 1:24,25.

b. The time of glorification. It will begin at the Rapture and continue through out all eternity. See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53.

c. The purpose of glorification. Glorification is both logical and necessary final side of the great salvation triangle. It completes justification and sanctification. Note:

a. In the past, Christ the Prophet saved us from the penalty of sin through justification!

b. In the present, Christ the Priest saves us from the power of sin through sanctification (setting apart).

c. In the future, Christ the King shall save us from the presence of sin through glorification!

d. The source of glorification. What kind of body will the believer posses?

1. It will be a body like Christ's Body - 1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:21.

2. It will be a body flesh and bone - Luke 24:39.

3. It will be a recognizable body - 1 Corinthians 13:12.

4. It will be a body in which the Spirit predominates - 1 Corinthians 15:44,49.

5. It will be a body unlimited by time, gravity, or space - Luke 24:31-36.

6. It will be an eternal body - 2 Corinthians 5:1.

7. It will be a glorious body - Romans 8:18.

M. PRESERVATION: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27,28.

This word: preservation, deals with the burning question, Can a saved person ever lose his or her salvation? The only way to answer this question with authority is by the Word of God!

First, we must ask this important question scripturally before we can answer it scripturally: Can Jesus Christ lose the believer? Read John 10:27-30.

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is wholly of grace and totally apart from any good works by man (Ephesians 2:8,9). Now if good works play no part whatsoever in obtaining salvation, how can they help in keeping it? If one must maintain good works to remain saved, then salvation is simply not of grace at all. One cannot have it both ways. The only way to live the Christian live is the way it begins: by grace through faith!

What are the proofs of this precious biblical doctrine? Does the Bible indeed teach once saved always saved? IT SURELY DOES! In fact, the work of the entire Trinity guarantees it.

1. The Work of the God the Father

a. Because of His plan and program. See Romans 8:28-30. Note the features of this

plan:

I. To predestinate all those He foreknew to be conformed to the image of Christ - Romans 8:29.

II. To accept all these in Christ (Ephesians 1:6; Colossians 3:3). This means that the

believer has as much right to be in heaven as Christ does, for the believer is in Christ!

III. To call, justify, and glorify all those accepted in Christ (Romans 8:30). Note

especially the last phrase of this verse, them he also glorified. Glorification, of

course, will not take place until the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). But here in

Romans 8:30 Paul puts the word in past tense! In other words, in God's sight the

believer is already glorified in heaven with Christ! This is one of the strongest

verse in the Bible on eternal security.

b. Because of His power. See John 10:28; Romans 4:21; 8:31-39.

c. Because of His love. See Romans 5:7-11; 8:31-33.

d. Because of His Faithfulness in chastening (child training) His own. Heb 12:1-11

2. The Work of God the Son

a. Because of His promises - See John 5:24; 6:37; 10:27-28.

b. Because of His prayer - See John 17:9-12,15-20.

c. Because of His death - See Isaiah 53:5,11; John 19:30.

d. Because of His resurrection - Romans 6:3-10.

e. Because of His present ministry:

(1) His work as our advocate in heaven assures our eternal security.

See 1 John 2:1.

(2) His work as our intercessor in heaven assures our eternal security.

See Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:23,25.

3. The Work of God the Spirit

a. He regenerates the believer - See John 3:3-7.

b. He baptizes the believer in the body of Christ - Romans 6:3,4.

c. He indwells the believer - John 14:16.

d. He seals the believer - Ephesians 4:30.

e. He strengthens the believer - Ephesians 3:16.

f. He prays for the believer - Romans 8:26.

Let us now hear the conclusion of the matter. Can a saved person ever be lost? If he can, then one is forced to admit the following unthinkable things:

1. It is possible for one who has been purged from sin by the blood of Christ to become unpurged!

2. It is possible for one who has been forever perfected to become unperfected!

3. God does remember that which He promised to forget (see Hebrews 10:17).

4. God does that which He dares anyone else to do: namely, to lay something to the charge of His elect (see Romans 8:33-34).

5. It is possible for one born of God to become unborn!

6. It is possible for one who has been sealed to become unsealed!

7. It is possible for one who has been baptized into the body of Christ to become unbaptized!

8. It is possible for one who has been joined to the Body of Christ to suffer amputation!

9. It is possible for God's very elect to be defeated by Satan!

10. God did not really mean what He said in the following verses:

a. Shall NEVER perish - John 3:16

b. Shall NEVER thirst - John 4:14

c. Shall NEVER be judged - John 5:24

d. Shall NEVER hunger - John 6:35

e. Shall NEVER taste of death - John 8:52

f. Shall NEVER be forsaken - Hebrews 13:5

g. Shall NEVER be moved - Psalm 15:5; 55:22

The Assurance of Salvation

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves .

2 Corinthians 13:5

The Bible is the source of assurance of salvation! The following questions and scriptural references are provided as a guideline for the assurance of salvation. Read each one prayerfully.

First, have you enjoyed spiritual fellowship with God, with Christ and with fellow believer?

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us. and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

1 John 1:3-4

Second, do you have a sensitivity to sin?

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 1:7

Third, are you basically obedient to the commandments of Scripture?

And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep his commandments.

1 John 2:3

Fourth, what is your attitude toward the world and its values?

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:15

Fifth, do you practice sin less (not sinless) now that you have professed faith in Christ?

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not

seen him, neither known him.

1 John 3:6

Sixth, have you experienced answered prayer?

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments,

and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1 John 3:22

Seventh, do you have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit?

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given

us of His Spirit.

1 John 4:13

Eighth, do you have the ability to discern between spiritual truth and error?

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:

because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1

Ninth, do you believe the basic doctrines of the faith?

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

1 John 5:1a

Tenth, have you experienced persecution for your Christian position?

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident

token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

Philippians 1:28

What a wonderful thing it is when a person has a true friend... the type of friend who will never betray his trust. A friend who will always be there when you need him. A friend who is concerned about your needs, your heartaches, your problems and even the things you desire in life. A friend whose love for you will not change even when you change. Such a friend would be a real treasure. This Friend is someone who loves you so much that He gave His life for you. The Bible says in John 15:13: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Jesus Christ gave His life for you nearly 2,000 years ago, before you were ever born. He laid down His life on the cross, was buried three days, and rose bodily from the grave to save you from your sin. His desire was that you might become His friend by accepting Him as your personal Saviour. Jesus not only gave His life for you, He offers His life to you.

Jesus Christ can be the friend you need in your life, but the decision is yours. To turn down the friendship of One who offers freely the gift of eternal life and promises to meet our needs in this life would truly be a tragic mistake.

The Bible says: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. The reason you need the Saviour is because you are a sinner. We are all sinners. As sinners, there is no way we can earn our way, or work our way to Heaven. There is not a thing that a person can do, regardless of how good they are compared to others, we are still sinners and fall short of the glory of God.

The Bible says: For the wages of sin is death...Romans 6:23a. The penalty of sin is death. This speaks of the second death. Revelation 20:14,15 says, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Yes, the Bible teaches that there is an eternal lake of fire where sinners go for rejecting the only payment for their sin: The shed blood of Jesus Christ!

Yes, Jesus Christ is the answer for man's sin problem. The Bible says in Romans 6:23b: ...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God the Father has a free gift for every person who will receive it. That gift is eternal life for all who will believe that the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is all they need to trust in for God's forgiveness. Only Christ Jesus can save you! For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13.

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