THE TRUTH ABOUT SALVATION
God created man so He could have a being with which He could have a relationship. This was not possible with the angels, but that is another complete study in it’s self (see Destiny of Man). This relationship is shown in God’s walking with Adam in the Garden of Eden. When Adam fell from grace it broke God’s heart, though He knew it was coming. Man needed a place to exist so God created the whole universe for you and me. When Adam disobeyed God, the relationship was broken. When Eve ate the forbidden fruit, nothing happened (see God's World). Man became separated from God, but God had a plan to restore that relationship. No man could have done any better than Adam.
It is all laid out in the Bible. The proof of the bible being the word of God is another study (see God’s word). For now, just believe that it is, and that it is the path for man and restoration to relationship with God.
It is revealed through Israel (see Destiny of Israel and Destiny of Man). Israel and the law are a shadow and a picture of the church and the fulfillment of the law by Jesus. The blessing, providence, and judgment of man by God are revealed in the path Israel chose; and how God dealt with them. The law was not the Ten Commandments, but the first five books of the Old Testament, including the sacrifices. There are over six hundred commands in the law.
Do you want a relationship with the God who created the entire universe for you? In the following study you will see just how much God loves you. You will also learn that you can refuse the relationship offered. It is worth knowing God and getting to know him. If he created the universe for us, think what lies ahead. The word says eye has not seen and the mind not conceived the wonders that God has for us. Please accept God’s invitation because he has paid the ultimate price for you. He loves you and so do I.
THE FALL OF MAN
When Adam ate of the fruit, they realized they were naked. This was because the glory of God no longer covered them. They now needed a covering over their sin, which was not previously present. They made some leaves for clothing but God brought them skins to wear. This was the first indication that a blood sacrifice had to be made. Some animal gave its life for those clothes.
Rom 5:12 Sin entered the world by one man and death passed unto all men, all
have
sinned
THE GROUND IS CURSED, BUT NOT MAN (mercy Gen 3:17)
In one of God’s supreme acts of mercy, he cursed the ground for Adam’s, and our sake. If He had cursed us, we could never gain his favor again. We live in bodies made of the ground that was cursed and suffer the consequences of that curse. The word has now given us power to overcome all sickness and disease. This again, is another complete study. (see Name of Jesus, see Divine protection)
GOD PAYS A PRICE TO RESTORE A RELATIONSHIP
WITH HIS CREATION
Most don’t think much about what Jesus did. He gave up his place in heaven, took on a physical body, and died for us. Contemplate this for a moment. Would you give up the comforts of your home to help someone who doesn’t even deserve it? He was whipped until the flesh on his back was torn away to the bone. He was beaten until he was not recognizable. He had a crown of thorns placed on his head and driven into his scalp and skull. He was stripped and naked before the world. I could go on and on but you get the message. All this was done to a man who did nothing except help others. That wasn’t even the worst part. He was now going to bare the sins of the world and the guilt and pain of that, which we can not even imagine. You see, he only knew what it was to be perfect. He never felt the anguish of hurting and disobeying the Father. Not only that, but now the Father was going to turn his back on him. For all eternity past Jesus had a relationship of pure perfection and had never been separated. Now he was going to be. We are born with no relationship so we can’t imagine the pain of that. God loves you and so do I.
Jn 1:29 the Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world (not just of the church)
(Note: Understand that the lamb served two purposes in one death explained
later.)
Jn 3:16 God so loved the world (us) that he gave his only begotten son that
whosoever believes in him should have eternal life
(Jesus was not only the lamb of God, explained later)
Jn 4:42 Christ is the savior of the world
Jn 6:51 Christ gave his flesh, the bread, for the life of the world
Rom 5:6 Christ died for the ungodly (not the godly)
Rom 5:8 Christ died for sinners (not the holy)
Rom 5:10 Christ reconciled enemies (not friends)
SOME REJECT THIS INVITATION
No one who understood their state of relationship with God would refuse such an invitation. It is only through ignorance, not stupidity. They remain accountable though, because they refuse to seek and find the truth. It is sad and my heart is heavy for them, but they make a choice not to come. When one looks at Israel and what the bible says about them, there is little excuse to ignore what is said. They are a nation again after 2000 years just like the Bible said. Most all prophesy deals with Israel and it is all happening just as it was foretold. If one looks at history, not taking into account the Bible, it is still obvious that Jesus was the Christ. History tells of his being seen by thousands of people after his resurrection. The power displayed by the men that followed Jesus is also an inescapable observation of something that Christ passed on. Please hear what I say through this message. God loves you and so do I.
Jn 12:47 If any man hear Jesus and believes not, he is judged by the words
that Jesus
spoke
Jn 8:24 ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins
Jn 16: 8-9 The Holy Spirit will reprove the world
of sin because it doesn’t believe on
Jesus
1Cor 1:18 to them that perish, the cross is foolishness
SOME ACCEPT THE INVITATION BUT CONTINUE
IN THEIR OLD LIFESTYLE
These never gain a relationship. They are too into the world to take the time to know God. It is a shame because what God has to offer is an eternity of much better things than one can gain here. If the heavens and the earth were the beginning, think what will be the ending. There is an eternity ahead with God’s goodness, and gifts to those who will follow. Their lusts for the things of the world, money, sex, objects, etc., are too important to them. When this state exists, they are holding themselves in higher esteem than God; and desire that God serve them. Come as you are, but come and follow. God loves you and so do I.
Mt 6:24 you cannot serve God and mammon (the things of the world)
Mt 6:33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the rest
will be added
onto you
2Tim 2:19 Let every mouth that names the name of Jesus depart from iniquity
Rom 1:18 the wrath of God is on those who hold the truth in unrighteousness
2Thes 1:8 vengeance on them that don’t know God AND on the disobedient
SOME ACCEPT FOR A WHILE, BUT DO NOT CONTINUE
These have lost their way for one of two reasons. Either they have lost faith because the pastor they were under misled them into thinking that all would go well for them from that point on; or else they have let the lusts of the world overpower their desire to follow Jesus. The devil will come harder when one has chosen to follow Jesus. He wants to steal one’s faith and thereby kill the person’s spiritual life. Jesus remains at the door and knocks but the person has a choice to return or not. Too many hold it against God when they are disillusioned by some church leader. They have preconceived notions that are not in truth. Trials and tribulations will come in the world, but God will lead us through them. Trust God and keep at it, this is faith; this is believing. God would not have paid the price he did and then drop you when there is trouble. You must continue to seek him though. God loves you and so do I.
Mt 13:21 Some turn back when tribulation or persecution arise because of the gospel
(These do not endure.)
Mt 13:22 Some become unfruitful because of the cares of the world and riches
(These do not overcome.)
1Tim 4:1 some will depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and
doctrines
of devils
THE OUTCOME FOR THESE TWO
It is obvious what becomes of the ones who reject the invitation of salvation. It is not quite so apparent what happens to the other two. Because salvation is a free gift, how is it that some seem to lose it?
God gives no gift with repentance. If some fall after they have accepted the sacrifice, then has God repented of salvation that was once given? This is not possible. Then how do some stand before God and tell of the things they did for Him, but are told to depart for He never knew them? John says that if they leave, they were never of us. However, they must have believed in what Jesus did, or they would not have done the works in the first place. They have wanted the blessings without having a relationship. They chose to ignore God and thereby choose not to know God. What can one give to God, keeping in mind that God can have or create anything he desires, to pay for the supreme sacrifice he made? There is only one thing of any value and that was also a gift given to us. It is our very selves. God wants us; not as slaves, but as sons. He wants us to love him and be in communication with him. Why? He loves us. He gave up being deity so he could have a body, just so he could die for us. Here is where knowledge of Israel and the law shows how the sacrifice for salvation went. In understanding the following, one can grasp why some can seem to lose salvation when that is not possible. God does not give any gift with repentance, so see how to be saved. It is through relationship, not works. It is through God paying a price that we could never pay, to have that relationship. Be it known though, a relationship with God is the same as a relationship with another human. Without a give and take, there is no relationship even though one knows who the other is. An example would be the president of the United States. Many know who he is. Many know about him, but only a few have a relationship with him. He would have to invite one into his life for them to have a relationship. One could invite him into their lives but he would most likely decline. Some have a temporary relationship with him but then pass along in life, like schoolmates, and loose the relationship. God has given an invitation. Now you must invite him. He is, and will always be very present, to those who want a relationship. He will never say no. We can though.
Mt 25:30 The unprofitable servant is cast into outer darkness
1Cor 10:5-10 An example in Israel, a nation that walks through the desert
after being
led out of Egypt before entering the promise
(Egypt = the world
& Israel = the
believer)
:8 in one day 23,000 fell for fornication
:9 serpents destroyed some who tempted God
:10 some murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer
Ja 5:19-20 if one errs from the truth and another
convert him, the one who brings
him back
has saved a soul from death
Ezek 18:24 when the righteous turns from righteousness, he shall die
CONSIDERING THE TRUTH THAT GOD DOES NOT GIVE ANY GIFT AND THEN TAKE IT BACK, WHY WILL THESE TWO RECEIVE CONDEMNATION RATHER THAN SALVATION?
This is only understood when one realizes what is done at the cross and how. What was actually gained when we first trusted Jesus to get us into the kingdom of God? It was redemption because he was our atonement. When we were redeemed, we were reconciled with God and had the right to come to God for continued grace. This grace is the power working in us to form us into what God wants us to be. We do not gain eternal salvation when we come to Christ, but we gain access to it through the grace that changes us. Do not give up hope or faith in Jesus; he loves you enough to DIE FOR YOU. He said come as you are. We can do nothing without him, but we can do all things with him and He is willing to give us all that is necessary. It becomes clear when one knows what was done in the law of Israel, for that is what Jesus accomplished in full. There was a goat and a lamb. It is explained as common and eternal salvation in the New Testament. God loves you.
Heb 3:17&18 God grieved because he warned them that they would not enter but
they did
not believe his warnings and they fell in the
wilderness and did not enter
(Note: I am concerned for those living in sin thinking they are heaven bound
because some pastor told them once saved always saved. Look close at the
following and
pray for ears that hear. Most pastors must not know this,
or they would preach it. God
loves you and so do I.)
. The following verse explains it in detail but do not be overwhelmed by it. Just continue with Jesus and He does the rest. However, do not walk away. I will put it forth as it is written, followed by a translation from the original words and their meanings. To see what I have done, I will underline the words needing further explanation and put their meaning in parenthesis in the rewriting.
Rom 3:24&25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ whom God has set forth as the propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God.
Being (regarded as innocent) freely by HIS (graciousness) through the
(ransom
paid in full) that is in Jesus Christ whom God has set forth as the (atoning
victim where atone means to make amends) through faith in his blood to declare
HIS (equity of character) (not ours) for the
(toleration not removal) of sins
that are PAST through the (self restraint or toleration) of God.
(Note:
The word remission in this verse is the Greek word for tolerate. In all
other instances in the Bible the word means freedom or pardon. This just
adds to the understanding of this verse in the context that it was meant.
Now that we see that salvation here is only to disregard our past, let’s go on
and see what actually happens at the cross and through the cross;
but not at it. One could say that both common and eternal salvation
comes when we go before the throne rather than the cross since that is where
our lord is now. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Remember, it is appointed unto man once to die and THEN the judgment,
Heb 9:27.)
COMMON SALVATION/THE GOAT
Common Salvation is for all and received when one accepts the truth that man cannot do what is necessary to return to a state of relationship with God. It would take doing the whole law without one mistake their entire lives. When this realization is reached, they turn their lives and eternal destiny over to the lord Jesus and, hopefully, trust him from that point on. This is believing but believing means to have faith in. One can be covered when they come but not gain it eternally if they do not follow. This was accomplished by the goat of the law. It saves or rescues one from past sins and the sin on them through Adam. It reconciles them and gives them access to the grace of God.
THE GOAT
One can do a study on the sacrifices of Israel to have a fuller understanding but I will give the highlights here. Our word scapegoat actually comes form this history in Israel. Hebrews tells a little about this offering. There were two goats sacrificed. One had the sins of the nation put on it. Then it was sent out into the wilderness, the desert where it was presumed that it would die. At the same time another was taken and slain so its blood could be sprinkled on the people and the book and the alter utensils. A red thread was put on the goat that was sent out and another one was placed on the door to the temple. The one on the temple was said to turn white when the goat was slain. On the day Jesus was killed the white thread did not turn red and has not since. Now to the scriptures that speak of the goat:
Mt 5:17&18 Jesus came to fulfill the law and not one little part will pass
away till all
is
fulfilled
Heb 9:19 Moses took the blood of calves and goats to sprinkle the book and the people
Heb 9:22 without shedding of blood is no remission
Heb 9:23 the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these;
but
the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
(Note: Sacrifices is plural revealing the goat and the lamb. It was one
sacrifice,
but fulfilled more than one.)
Heb 9:26 Jesus put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb 10:26 if we continue to live in sin willfully after the knowledge of the
truth, the
sacrifice is of no effect for us.
Hebrews goes on to say in chapter ten that the one sacrifice did it all for the sanctified and their sins will not be remembered by God any more. Sanctification did not come at the cross but it did come through it as explained later. This section goes on to say:
Jesus says come as you are because we cannot fix ourselves. It is only through him that we can change and be holy/sanctified. Without holiness we can not see the lord. Do not stop following. Jesus has promised that He is able to change us. If we walk away or do not repent, which is to try to change, God is not obligated to us any more; though he continues to knock. God loves you and wants to help you.
Romans 3:25 above explained what the sacrifice of Jesus did for us at the cross. Now let’s look at what Jude calls Common Salvation
COMMON SALVATION
Jude 1 Written to the sanctified (to make holy, purify)
Preserved in Christ
(to guard from loss or injury by keeping an
eye on, not to
prevent from escape and not
like a fortress)
and called (invited, appointed)
Jude 3 Jude previously wrote to them of the Common Salvation and exhorted them
to
earnestly contend for the faith
(Salvation is finished by the cross but not at it or Jude would have told them
that
they were in and it was done. However, he told them to earnestly
contend for the faith.)
Jude 4 Now certain men have crept in unawares (they have settled alongside)
turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (sexual nonrestraint)
and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ
and they are condemned
(Note: These men couldn’t slip in if they didn’t believe in the
cross. These deny the lord’s command to refrain from sexual activity outside marriage. Jude is concerned that the saints will not contend for the faith and will fall with these men into losing their present state of being saved. They won’t lose the access but will fall under a condemned state where they will be separated from God at their death. Now Jude gives examples of falling from being a follower of God to a state of condemnation. Remember, Jude is speaking to those who have come to the cross. We don’t have to be perfect, but we do have to contend, to continue to follow and not give up. Trust God, he loves you and died for you.)
Jude 5 After the lord saved his people out of Egypt; he destroyed them that didn’t believe
Jude 6 angels who didn’t keep their first estate, but left their own
habitation are reserved
in
chains under darkness unto the judgment
Jude 7 Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around then gave themselves over to
fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth as an example,
suffering the
vengeance of eternal fire
Jude 8 these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, speak evil of dignities
(Note: These were not raising havoc or they would have been kicked out. They were subtle in their approach and didn’t know they were in a lost state. They were probably against the church leaders who said abstain from fornication and hated Christ’s dominion over them, though they did not hate his sacrifice for them. They wanted their cake and eat it too. These ended up leaving the church to start another or found one that spoke what they wanted to hear. This is not happening too much in the church today because very few are telling it like it is. Over time these have started many congregations that tell the listener what they want to hear. That is where many of our so called Christian bodies come from but they are false teachers and are not going to enter the kingdom of God. The price is high so earnestly contend. If a church tells one that it is easy because no commitment or holiness is required; it is not speaking the truth of God. If it does not say to earnestly contend, it is only telling half the gospel. So we have it. Who is one going to follow, man’s doctrine, or God’s? Not Jude goes on to say:)
Jude 17 beloved, remember the words spoken before by the apostles of our lord
Jude 18 there would be some who follow their own ungodly lusts
Jude 19 The mockers be they who separate themselves, sensual, not having the Spirit
(Romans is where many establish their once saved always saved doctrine. Look at what it says and compare it to what Jude just said.)
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ? shall tribulation, distress,
persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword?
(Note: These are whats, not whos, and the question was who shall separate us. These are things that come in this life to strengthen us through our trust in God.)
Rom 8:28 All things work for good for them who LOVE God.
Rom 8:36 for thy sake we are killed all the day long
Rom 8:37 in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us
Rom 38:39 another list of things that can’t separate us from God
(again, the question is who, not what and the
answer is ourselves if we walk away
rather than trust God and his ultimate
sacrifice for us. This was just shown in Jude 19)
Now let’s see what we do at the cross and what we become through this sacrifice. This is some of the meat where the previous was the milk. This is where one separates himself because he despises dominion. This is where one is a Christian as the original church who died for their beliefs rather than a Ho Hum fake who calls himself a Christian and is actually still lost.
OUR ACT IN ACCEPTING GOD’S INVITATION
Rom 10:9 If you will confess the Lord (means master) Jesus with your mouth and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved
(rescued
from
the condemnation you are already under because of sin, by the mouth
is out
loud)
Mt 10:32 whoever confesses Jesus Christ before men will be confessed before
God the
father by Jesus Christ
Rom 10:10 with the heart man believes onto righteousness and with the mouth
confession is made onto salvation
(This reveals that it is a continuing process, not a
single one time act.)
Phil 2:11 every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (master)
1Jn 1:9 Confess our sins and he forgives them (This must be done in turning from them.)
Rom 14:4-12 all will confess to God and give account of their lives, whether here or at the
judgment seat of Christ (I implore you to make it here and now, it’s too late then.)
Mt 3:6 they were baptized in the Jordon river as they confessed their sins
Rom 10:11 whoever believes on Christ will not be ashamed (not ashamed to confess him)
Mk 8:38 whoever is ashamed of Christ and His words in this adulterous and sinful
generation, Christ will be ashamed of him
(Note: If one is embarrassed to confess Christ in the beginning of their walk; that is OK. It is one of the sins one is to confess and then Jesus gives one the strength to boldly confess Him. Even Peter, one of the chief apostles, was ashamed and scared in the beginning of his walk with Christ.)
Rev 3:16 if one is lukewarm, Jesus will spew them out of his mouth
(These will not be in Christ’s mouth so he can confess them before the Father.)
(The good news is that one is not alone if in one of these states of mind and spirit. Most of us stood there in the beginning. If God expects something from a person, it is His responsibility to make the necessary changes in the person so they are able. He has taken that job on himself. It is done through grace, the power of God working in us. One must continue, however. It is essential to be in the bible on one’s own. Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God.)
Now that we have some understanding of what it means to come to the cross, what is done by us at the cross, and what Jesus did to get us to that point; let’s look at the straight gate and the narrow path that leads to eternal life which few find.
ETERNAL SALVATION/THE LAMB OF GOD
The second sacrifice of salvation is eternal but is received at our death. You see, one is judged righteous or unrighteous by God. Upon receiving this judgment, one receives his eternal destiny. It is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgment. Eternal salvation is finished by the cross but it is not received at the cross. This gift is gained at ones death. When one continues following Christ they know in their heart they shall receive it though.
THE LAMB OF GOD
Again it is of necessity to look into Israel’s past to gain understanding of
the lamb’s accomplishment at the cross. In Exodus chapter 12 the lamb is
explained. It reveals what
one is to do while in the house that is
covered by the blood of the lamb and much more.
Ex 12:2 This is a new beginning
(This new beginning
is a picture of the
New Testament for them in the house, but notice how the lamb is to be known about
for ten days and then one is to be in the house.)
Ex 12:3 every man is to take a lamb according to the house of his father
(God
is father after the goat, cross, is accepted and the lamb is the
lamb of God.)
there is only one lamb per house (the house is the house of God)
Ex 12:4 If the house is too little to eat the whole
lamb, get the neighbors too
(God has already said he wants the whole world in his house and the lamb is big
enough
for
all)
Ex 12:5 It must be a yearling and without blemish
from the goats or sheep
(This actually
reveals two things. The house has sheep and goats, as well as there is
a
sacrifice of a sheep and a goat. The rest of the story through time shows the
difference
and the job done by each, as well as the sheep and goats in the house being
separated.)
Ex 12:6 The lamb is taken on the tenth day but held
in the house and kept until
the 14th day when it is killed.
(This was actually three days when one looks at the
evening and the morning concept. Jesus started his ministry and was known for
three years, which is days in understanding but that is another study.)
Ex 12:7 The blood of the lamb is put on the doorway
of the houses where the people
are to
be inside and eat the lamb. (Since there is one Father, there is only
one house.)
(Jesus said one must eat his flesh. It must be done in the house of God.)
Ex 12:8 Eat it in the night (Jn 9:4-5 While the
light of the son of man is with us, it is
the day and when Jesus was risen, we became that light.)
Eat it roasted with fire (All works are tried by fire and eating the flesh is
doing the
will of God, explained later.)
Eat it with unleavened bread (The bread is the doctrines of Christ.)
eat it with bitter herbs (This is the trials and tribulations that come.)
Ex 12:9 Don’t eat it raw or boiled (There must be fire involved and don’t water it down.)
Ex 12:10 let none of it remain
(Do not just take
the parts you like. Eat it all. Man does
not live by bread alone but by every word out of the mouth of God.)
Ex 12:11 eat it like this: (be prepared)
loins girded (the girdle of truth)
Shoes on (Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace)
staff in hand (the sword of the spirit?)
eat in haste (the morning comes, be sure you are filled before it gets here.)
it is the Lord’s Passover (the destroyer will pass over them in the house)
(Note: There are so many revelations here it would be overwhelming and
I am
only interested in revealing the lamb.)
ETERNAL SALVATION
Jude 20 But ye beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the
Holy Ghost
Heb 12:14 FOLLOW peace and holiness without which no man shall see God
Jude 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God looking
for the mercy of our lord Jesus
Christ
onto eternal life
Jn 15:10 if ye keep Christ’s commandments ye shall abide in His love
Heb 5:9 Christ is the author (means causer) of eternal salvation to them that obey
(Note: Jesus does not command us to believe. He commands those
who do
believe and have come to the cross.)
Rev 19:7 the bride of the Lamb of God makes herself ready
Jude 22 of some have compassion, making a difference
Jude 23 others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the
garment
spotted by the flesh
FEAR
Ps 111:10 the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom, a good
understanding
have they who do his commandments
Pr 1:7 fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools despise wisdom
and instruction
Pr 9:10 fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge
the
knowledge of the Holy is understanding
SPOTTED GARMENTS
Rev 3:4 A few in the church at Sardis have not defiled their garments and
these shall walk with Jesus in white (Sardis is an example to all)
Rev 7:9&14 a great multitude in white before the throne missed the rapture
and
had to go through the great tribulation to wash their robes in the
blood of the
lamb (Note: God does not give dirty robes.)
THE CAUSE OF SALVATION
2 Thes 2:13 salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth
Eph 5:25&26 Christ loved the church enough to give himself for it that He
might
cleanse it with the washing of water by the word
(Note: Notice how one
must be sanctified by the word and not only by the blood by believing.
This
shows that Christ died for the church giving access so he could cause
eternal
life by the word spoken to them. This is if one is obedient.)
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMMON AND ETERNAL IS OBEDIENCE
Now let’s look at what God says happens at the cross. This is the
overlooked meat of the word that most pastors are not teaching. This is
why there are so many disobedient and disillusioned people who have come to
the cross. They are disobedient children in commands as well as being
sinful by choice. They have received the common salvation of
reconciliation only, unless they continue on and obey the gospel. Jesus
said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light MT 11:30. If there is
a yoke and a burden, why do we think we have nothing to do? It
is said that the thief on the cross did nothing for his salvation. Look
closer. He was preaching
to the other thief. He was confessing to an unbeliever. He was
trying to win a soul for Christ.
OUR POSITION AT THE CROSS IS A SERVANT, NOT A SON
This is only possible because we are reconciled. As we follow and learn of God’s will, we become more and more accountable. Don’t worry, though, it is God’s job to raise us up just as we raise up our children. We are children at the cross but a child is the same as a servant.
Gal 4:1 the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different than a servant
Rom 6:18 being THEN made free from sin you became servants of righteousness
Rom 6:20 servants to sin are free from righteousness (This is the old self before repented)
Rom 6:22 NOW, being made free from sin and become servants to God
(Note: This section of Romans reveals how one is a servant of sin to death or a servant of God to righteousness and the end, everlasting life. Then, at the cross, we became servants to righteousness; that is to repent and turn from sin. Now, we are servants of God because we have repented and serve righteousness.)
1Jn 3:7 Let no man deceive you, he that DOES
righteousness is righteous as
Christ
is righteous
Rom 6:16 one is the servant of the one he chooses to serve, sin to death or God to life
Rom 14:4-9 we are God’s servants and he is able to make us stand if we serve
Mt 6:24 you cannot serve God and mammon (the things of this world, self and money)
Eph 2:9 we are not saved by works but we were created unto good works that we
should WALK in them (this is obedience)
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF GOD’S SERVANT
Simply, it is to do the will of God. It is to live righteously and to be holy. There are many works that we are shown in God’s word, but the main and most important is to bring others to the saving knowledge of Christ and his sacrifice for us on the cross as the Lamb of God. In essence, all the other duties given to us are for the purpose of accomplishing this one ultimate will of God. In the following verses it is shown that the ability is only gained by the continual consumption of the word of God, called the bread and the meat. This was first termed in Exodus as eating the lamb and the unleavened bread.
Jn 6:48 Jesus is the bread of life
Jn 6:51 if any man eat this bread he will live forever, the bread Jesus gives is his flesh
which he gives for the life of the world (common salvation)
(Note: This is where Jesus tells that believing in the cross gets one started. It sounds permanent, but when one looks at all scripture, he sees the rest of the story. Jesus only speaks those things he hears from the Father. In John chap. six, Jesus says his flesh is both bread and meat. He also is very specific in what each does for man and what each is.)
Mt 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God
Jn 6:55 Christ’s flesh is meat indeed (This is the every word.)
Jn 6:56 He that eats His flesh, dwells in Him
(eat means continually like a
warn path or grinding and chewing. Meat needs much
more chewing to swallow than
bread.)
Jn 6:57 as the Father sent Jesus and Jesus lives by the Father, so it is that
we who
eat the flesh of Jesus, being sent by Jesus, live by Him
Jn 3:34 The meat of Jesus is to do the will of the
Father that sent Him and to finish
the Fathers work for Him
(This verse could mean that Jesus flesh that we eat is to do the will of the Father, or just
an example of what we are to do; but either
way, we are to obey and do the Father’s will.)
Jn 4:36 he that reaps, receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life
Rom 6:22 being servants to God you have your fruit to holiness and the end
everlasting life
Jn 4:38 Jesus sends us out to reap (Give the bread, the gospel, to others.)
Jn 6:26 You seek me for the bread and were filled, but this meat perishes
(Note: Too many seek God for his gifts for themselves, including salvation.)
Jn 6:27 Labor for the meat that endures onto everlasting life (evidently the bread doesn’t)
Jn 6:27 This meat Jesus gives us and the Father only seals those who receive this meat.
Jn 6:28 How do we work the ‘works of God’?
Jn 6:29 The work of God is that we believe on Jesus who He sent
2Cor 5:18 God has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and has now given
us
the ministry of reconciliation
( This is our work,
ministering reconciliation to God.)
GRADUATION OF A SERVANT
I call it graduation but God actually accepts one as a son at some point along the path. It is only God who knows when this occurs. It is, however, when one has chosen to follow God and do his will. One can walk away at any time but when God changes ones status, He knows that this one will never turn back to sin. This convert is being led by the spirit of God. The love of God and fellow man has progressed too far. It is the grace of God that changes us so do not give up, ever. Stay in the word and it will come naturally.
Acts 10:35 Those out of every nation who fear God
and DO righteousness will be
accepted by God
Gal 5:18 If one is led by the spirit of God, he is not under the law
1Jn 2:29 One who DOES RIGHTEOUSNESS is born of God
1Jn 3:7 One who DOES RIGHTEOUSNESS is righteous as Christ is righteous
Rom 8:14 One who is led by the Spirit of God is a son of God
Jn 15:14 One is a friend of Jesus if they do what He commands them
Jn 15:13 Jesus laid down his life for his friends
(Note: This is what he is also asking us to do for the world according to the
surrounding verses.)
Rom 12:1 Offer your bodies a living sacrifice to God which is your
reasonable service.
Jn 14:12 Believers will do the same works as Christ and even greater ones
Jn 14:15&16 If we keep the commandments of Christ,
He will pray the Father and
the
Father will give the Holy Spirit to us, the spirit of truth
Jn 14:18 followers as the apostles have the Spirit with them and when they
serve,
then the Spirit is in them
Acts 5:32 God gives the Holy Spirit to them that obey Him
Gal 5:19-21 If one denies the spirit who is with
them, he continues in the things
that lead to
not entering the kingdom
Jn 9:31 God only hears them who worship Him and do his will
2Cor 6:17&18 Those who come out from among the
ungodly, be separate, and
touch not the unclean thing are sons of God and God will receive them
This study was not meant to be what you wanted to hear. It was, however, what God wanted you to hear. He loves you and gave his son for you. He now expects from you, but gives you all you need to get it done. His entire will is to get men saved. It is priority above all else and being the body of Christ, it is now our duty. Jesus said to follow him and he would make you fishers of men. He did not say follow him to get all your worldly desires. Stay in the word and you will do fine. It is breaking bread with our Lord.