The Gospel (The Path to Eternal Life)

INTRODUCTION

This page provides a summary of “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24), which is also “the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13), “the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15), and “the faith which was once for all [time] handed down to the saints” (Jude 3) in New Testament (NT) Scripture. This presentation can serve as an introduction for those coming new to the faith or as a review for the professing Christian. We will start “in the beginning” (Gen. 1:1) and build “line upon line, … precept upon precept” (Isa. 28:10–13 ESV) so you understand the relationship between God, Satan, humanity, and sin—and why we need a “Savior” (Luke 2:10–11; Titus 1:4; 3:4; 2 Pet. 1:1, 11; 2:20; Jude 25; Acts 13:23; 1 John 4:14; Acts 5:31; 2 Tim. 1:10; Jude 24–25). Please study the cited verses as you go along; my words are only a way to guide you through Scripture, as Philip did for the Ethiopian (see Acts 8:26–35).

GOD, HUMANITY, AND SIN

There is a God (see Gen. 1:1; Psa. 53:1–3; 115:15; Pro. 1:7; 9:10; Jer. 29:13; Luke 12:5; Heb. 11:6; Deut. 4:29; Isa. 55:6; Acts 17:22–29) who “created the heavens and the earth” (i.e., this universe; Gen. 1:1; cf. Gen. 1:1–2:25; Exo. 20:11; 1 Chr. 16:26; Pro. 3:19–20; Psa. 8:3–8; 33:6; 75:3; 102:25; 104:24; 115:15; 121:2; 124:8; 136:5; Isa. 45:12, 18; Jer. 10:12–13; 51:15; Neh. 9:6; John 1:3, 10; Heb. 1:2, 10; 3:4; Job. 38:1–39:30; Rev. 4:11). He also created humans “in the image of God … male and female He created them” (Gen. 1:27; cf. Gen. 5:2; Mark 10:6; Psa. 8:4–8)—we each have an immortal soul/spirit, which lives on after the body dies; the only question is where (see Matt. 10:28; 16:26; 25:31–46; Mark 8:36–37; Luke 12:5, 20; 16:19–31; Rev. 20:12; cf. Heb. 9:27). God also established laws (scientific, religious, and moral; see 1 Cor. 14:33; Pro. 3:19; 24:3; Exo. 20:3–17; Matt. 22:36–40; John 14:15) that govern this universe and must be obeyed—for He is God, and we are not (see Psa. 8:4; 144:3; Isa. 40:17; John 15:4–5; Gal. 6:3; Job 38:1–4)!

Unfortunately, humans disobeyed God (i.e., sinned; see Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12, 19), and as a result, we now live in a fallen world with sin, suffering, and death, and it is this sin that separates us from God (see Isa. 59:2; Eph. 2:12; 4:18). While we are not born in “original sin” (that is a false teaching), we each choose to commit sin at some point in our lives when we become old enough to know better, as it is written: “There is none righteous, not even one,” “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (i.e., we are all sinners before God; Rom. 3:10, 23). God further tells us that the penalty of sin is “death [eternal, spiritual]” (1 Cor. 15:56; cf. Gen. 2:17; Jas. 1:15; Rom. 6:23; 8:2; Rev. 2:11), also described as separation from God (see 2 Thess. 1:9; Matt. 7:23; 25:41). Only in God can “light” and “life” be found (John 1:4, 8–9; 6:33, 51; 8:12; 9:5; 10:10; 12:35, 46; 14:6; 1 John 1:5; Rom. 4:17; 6:23). Away from Him is only “darkness” (Matt. 25:30; Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13; Jude 13; 2 Pet. 2:4, 17) and “death” (Rev. 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8).

THE DAY OF JUDGMENT (HEAVEN AND HELL)

God will only allow humanity’s rebellion in disobedience (sin) to continue for a while. “He has fixed a day” (Acts 17:31) still yet to come, called “the day of judgment” (2 Pet. 3:7; Matt. 10:15; 12:36; 2 Pet. 2:9; 1 John 4:17; cf. Matt. 24:36–51; 25:31–46; 2 Thess. 1:6–10; 2 Pet. 3:1–13; Rom. 14:10–12), “in which He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31) and eradicate all sin (and sinful things) from His creation and restore it to glory, with no more sin, suffering, or death (see Rev. 21:1–22:21). Nothing and no one sinful/unclean will be allowed to enter heaven (see 1 Cor. 6:9–10; Gal. 5:19–21; Eph. 5:3–5; John 8:21; Matt. 13:41; cf. Heb. 12:29; Rev. 9:20–21; 20:12–15; 21:1–8, 23–27; 22:15; Luke 12:5). In fact, the entire purpose and point of the Gospel is to explain how you can stand before God on Judgment Day and be cleansed from your sin(s) and granted entrance into heaven.

Also, I do not want you to be uninformed. All Bible prophecy has already been fulfilled except that concerning Jesus’ return[1], which is also “the day of judgment” and “the day of the Lord” (1 Thess. 5:2; 1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Pet. 3:10; cf. Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32). This will occur on the very day Jesus returns (see Acts 1:11; Matt. 8:38; 2 Thess. 1:6–10; Jude 14; Rev. 1:7), and at this time in history, this can now happen at any instant. All pre-conditions and Bible prophecies that were to precede that event have already been met (e.g., the apostasy has occurred, and the “man of lawlessness [sin]” has been revealed; see 2 Thess. 2:1–12). We are told to “be on the alert” (Matt. 24:42–43; 25:13; Mark 13:35–37; Acts 20:31; 1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:18), for Jesus’ return and Judgment Day will arrive “quickly” (i.e., suddenly, rapidly; Rev. 22:7, 12, 20), “like a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2; cf. 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 16:15), when it is unexpected by most (see Matt. 24:37–42; Luke 17:26–27; cf. Heb. 11:7), and without any further warning whatsoever besides the warning you are getting right now by reading this Gospel presentation (see Matt. 3:7; 24:36–44; 25:10; Mark 13:32; Luke 12:40; 17:28–30; 2 Pet. 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:2; Rev. 3:3; 16:15; 22:12, 20; 2 Cor. 5:20; Col. 1:28; cf. Heb. 11:7; 1 Pet. 3:19–20; 1 Cor. 9:16; Exo. 19:21; Isa. 21:6–12; 62:6; Jer. 6:17; Eze. 3:17–21). The only reason Judgment Day hasn’t come yet and you are still able to read this is that “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9; cf. 2 Pet. 3:4; 1 Pet. 3:20; Lam. 3:22–23; Jer. 29:11), giving time for more people to turn to Him (see Rom. 5:6, 8; 1 Pet. 1:20; Acts 26:18; John 3:16–17; 1 Thess. 1:9; 5:9; Titus 3:4; Lam. 3:22–23; Jer. 29:11)!

OUR HOPE (JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, OUR SAVIOR)

God, who “desires all men [people] to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4), out of His “love” (see 1 John 4:8, 16; cf. John 3:16–18; Lam. 3:22–23), “grace” (see John 1:14; Eph. 2:5, 8; Rom. 1:7; 3:24; 5:2, 15; Luke 2:40; Acts 11:23; 13:43; 20:24; 1 Cor. 1:3–4; cf. Psa. 86:15), “peace” (see Eph. 6:15; Matt. 5:9; Luke 1:79; 19:38; 24:36; John 14:27; 16:33; Rom. 16:20; Php. 4:7, 9; Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Thess. 3:16; Isa. 9:6), “patience” (see 2 Pet. 3:9; Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 1 Tim. 1:16; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 3:15; Psa. 86:15), “kindness” (see Rom. 2:4; Rom. 11:22; Eph. 2:7; Titus 3:4; 1 Pet. 2:3; cf. Lam. 3:22–23; Psa. 86:15), “compassion” (see Matt. 9:13, 36; Rom. 9:15; Jas. 5:11; Exo. 34:6; Lam. 3:22–23; Psa. 103:8), and “mercy” (see Matt. 5:7; Mark 5:19; Luke 1:50, 54; Rom. 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:3; 2:10; Jas. 5:11; Jude 21; Psa. 86:15), has provided a way for us to stand before Him on Judgment Day “holy and blameless” (see Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; cf. 2 Pet. 3:14)—i.e., “without sin” (Heb. 4:15), declared “NOT GUILTY” of sin (see Heb. 9:28; Jude 24; Rom. 6:10; 8:3). He sent Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:18; Mark 1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 8:12; 9:34; 10:36, 48; 20:21; Rom. 1:4, 5–8; 3:22; etc.), “Jesus of Nazareth,” “His only begotten Son” (John 3:16), “the Christ, the Son of God,” “the Messiah” (John 3:16–17; 1:45; 11:27; Matt. 1:1; cf. Matt. 16:13–16), to live as a man (see John 1:1, 14; Heb. 1:2–3; 2:14; Col. 1:15; Phil. 2:5–8) and live a perfect and sinless life (see 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 9:14; 1 Pet. 1:18–19; 2:21–24), fulfilling the Old Testament (OT) Mosaic Law, for us (see Matt. 3:15; 5:17). He is the only person to ever do so.

Jesus was God manifest in the flesh—fully God and also fully man, God incarnate, “the Son of God” (Matt. 4:3; 27:43, 54; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; 3:38; 4:41; 1 John 5:20), “the Son of Man” (Matt. 8:20; 9:6; 10:23; 13:37; Acts 7:56), “the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15), “the radiance of His [God’s] glory and the exact representation of His nature” (Heb. 1:3), and “ ‘Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us’” (Matt. 1:23). Jesus then willingly “gave Himself up for us” (Eph. 5:2; cf. Eph. 5:25; John 10:15, 17; Matt. 26:53; Isa. 53:7–8), being put to “death on a cross” (Php. 2:8; cf. Acts 5:30; 10:39; Eph. 2:16) for our sins to redeem us: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:16–17).

Further, Jesus was “raised from the dead” (Acts 4:10; 3:15; John 2:22; 21:14; Rom. 6:4–5, 9–11; 7:4; 1 Cor. 15:20; 1 Thess. 1:10; cf. Rom. 1:4; Col. 2:12; Acts 2:22–24) after “three days” (Matt. 12:40; 26:61; 27:63; Mark 8:31; 10:34; cf. Acts 10:40; 1 Cor. 15:3–8), and He “ascended into heaven” (John 3:13; Acts 2:34; cf. Acts 1:9–11; John 20:17; Eph. 4:8, 10), where He is now “seated at the right hand of God [the Father]” (Col. 3:1; cf. Eph. 1:20; Heb. 1:3; Luke 22:69; 1 Pet. 3:22), ruling and reigning in His Kingdom (see Matt. 28:18; Rev. 19:15; Eph. 1:20–22; Php. 2:9–10; Col. 2:10, 15; 1 Pet. 3:22; cf. Rom. 8:38–39; Col. 1:15–16), and where He has gone to “prepare a place for you” (in heaven; John 14:1–3; cf. John 6:39–40, 44, 54; 14:18–23; 14:28; Rom. 8:17; Php. 1:23; 3:20; 1 Thess. 4:13–18; 2 Thess. 2:1; Heb. 9:28; 1 John 3:2–3; 1 Cor. 15:50–57; 2 Cor. 5:6–8; Rev. 3:21; 21:22–23; 22:3–5). He was seen (and touched) by hundreds of eyewitnesses after His resurrection (see Acts 1:3; 2:32; 3:15; 5:30–32; Matt. 28:9–17; Mark 16:1–14; Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–20, 24–29; 21:14; 1 Cor. 15:3–8)—Christianity is the only religion with a “living God” (see. Matt. 16:16; Acts 14:15; Rom. 9:26; 2 Cor. 3:3; 1 Tim. 3:15; 4:10; Heb. 3:12; Heb. 9:14; 10:31; 12:22; cf. 1 Thess. 1:9; Matt. 22:32; 1 Cor. 15:12–22).

THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL

God has told us that He will accept His Son’s death on the cross as full payment (“atonement,” “atoning sacrifice,” “propitiation”) for your (and my) sins (see Heb. 9:26–28; 1 John 1:7; 2:2; 4:10; Rom. 3:25–26; 5:8, 21; Matt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 15:3; Col. 1:13–14, 20–22; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 2:17; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18; Rev. 1:5)—if you believe in Him as your Lord and Savior and are obedient to the Gospel (see Heb. 2:17; 9:26–28; 1 John 1:7; 2:2; 4:10; Rom. 3:25; 5:21; Matt. 26:28; Col. 1:13–14, 20–22; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 2:17; Rev. 1:5). Jesus came to “rescue” (see Col. 1:13; Gal. 1:4; cf. 1 Thess. 1:10; 2 Tim. 3:11; 4:18; 2 Pet. 2:9) and “redeem” us (see Titus 2:14; cf. Gal. 3:13; 4:5; 1 Pet. 1:18) “from the domain of darkness” (Col. 1:13; cf. 1 Thess. 5:4–5; 1 Pet. 2:9; Eph. 5:8; 6:12; Rom. 2:19; Acts 26:18) and bondage under sin, Satan, and death.

On Judgment Day, anyone not covered by the “righteousness” of Christ (Rom. 5:17, 21; 1 Cor. 1:30; Php. 3:9), “by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13; cf. Heb. 9:14; 1 Pet. 1:18–19), will be cast into hell for eternity (“eternal death”; see Rev. 14:11; 20:15; 2 Thess. 1:9; Matt. 25:31–46). Your spiritual state is fixed for eternity when you die (see Luke 16:26)—there is no further remedy (i.e., “second chances”) after death (see Heb. 9:27; Luke 16:19–31). Make no mistake; hell is a real, literal place of (eternal) torment (see Matt. 8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 13; Rev. 14:11; 19:20; 20:10–15). Please understand: God sends no one to hell—you send yourself there by refusing “the free gift of God” (Rom. 6:23; cf. Eph. 2:8; Rom. 5:15–17; John 4:10; Acts 8:20; Rom. 3:24), which is “redemption” (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14), “salvation” (Acts 4:12; 13:26, 47; 16:17; 28:28; Mark 16:20; Luke 1:77; 19:9; Rom. 1:16; 10:10), and “eternal life” (John 3:16–17; 17:3; Rom. 5:21; 6:23; 1 Tim. 1:16; Jude 1:21; cf. Rev. 22:17) through Christ. God forces no one to come to Him, but He has “made known” (John 15:15; Rom. 16:26; Eph. 1:9; 3:5) in advance (see Acts 17:30–31; 13:38; Luke 24:47; Rom. 9:17; Col. 1:23; 1 Tim. 3:16; cf. Rom. 5:6; Heb. 9:26; 1 Pet. 1:20; Gal. 4:4) what will happen to those who chose to remain in sin, disobey God, or liked the things “of this world” (Eph. 2:2; cf. Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:1), which are “passing away” (1 Cor. 7:31; 2:6; 1 John 2:8, 17; cf. Matt. 5:18; 24:35; Mark 13:3–13; Luke 16:17; 21:33; 2 Pet. 3:5–10; Rev. 21:1–6) more than Him.

But we must each “choose” (Josh. 24:15; cf. Rev. 22:11, 17; Pro. 1:29; John 6:67–68) whether or not to accept that gift. God gave everyone free will to choose whether to obey Him or not. It is largely pride (Pro. 11:2; 29:23; cf. Jas. 4:6), along with a continued desire to satisfy “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes” (1 John 2:16), that causes one to deny and reject God. It also causes man to wrongfully (and arrogantly) think that he is his own god (see Psa. 14:1; 53:1; Pro. 14:12; 16:18; 1 Cor. 1:18–25; 2:14; 3:19). You must choose to accept and follow “the wisdom of the world” (i.e., the wisdom of man; 1 Cor. 1:20; cf. 1 Cor. 3:19; 1:27; Jas. 3:14–15; Pro. 14:12; 16:25; Rom. 3:4) or “the wisdom from above” (“the wisdom of God”; Jas. 3:17; 1 Cor. 1:21; cf. Eph. 3:10; 1 Cor. 1:20; Acts 5:29; Jas. 1:5; 3:15), which is also “the wisdom that leads to salvation” (2 Tim. 3:15).

THE NEW TESTAMENT PLAN OF SALVATION

It is only by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior through belief and faith in Him, along with obedience to the Gospel and perseverance in faith until death, that one can be saved to eternal life. So, what exactly is Christian faith? Simply put, Christian faith is believing, trusting, and actively obeying God[2] and then approaching Him on His terms as written and instructed to in Scripture (not however we think or feel it should be done). The active part of faith expresses itself in obedience to God and His laws and commandments, as explained below.

Scripture emphatically declares that there is no other way to heaven (described as “Paradise,” Luke 23:43): Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me [Jesus]” (John 14:6; cf. John 10:7–10); further, it is written: “There is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5), and “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). God gave everyone free will to “choose” (Josh. 24:15; cf. Rev. 22:11, 17; Pro. 1:29; John 6:67–68) whether to obey Him through Christ or not, and you can make that choice right now, today, for as it is written: “Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’” (2 Cor. 6:2; cf. Heb. 3:8–15; 4:7)—if you choose God and life over sin and death, today. None of us may get tomorrow, or even this afternoon (see Luke 12:16–21; cf. Pro. 27:1; Eph. 5:15–16).

You must actively choose to disown Satan, who is your father while you are in sin (see John 8:38, 41, 44, 47; Josh. 24:15; 1 John 3:8–10; cf. Matt. 5:6; Rev. 22:11) and accept and follow (believe and obey) God and His Christ Jesus to become a child of God (see John 1:12–13; 11:52; Acts 17:29; Rom. 8:15–16, 21; 9:8; Php. 2:15; 1 John 3:1–2, 10; 5:2; Mark 14:36; Gal. 4:6). When you do so, you are actually adopted into God’s family instead of Satan’s (see Rom. 8:15–17, 23; Eph. 1:5). You must choose whether to believe the Gospel or to think it is “foolishness” (1 Cor. 1:18–24; 2:14; 3:18–20; Luke 24:25; cf. Rom. 1:21; Acts 17:32; Matt. 7:24–27; Matt. 25:1–13; 2 Cor. 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:10; Psa. 14:1; 53:1; Pro. 28:26; Isa. 32:6; 35:8). You are free to choose whether or not you want Jesus in this life; but you must realize, that if you don’t want Him in this life, you won’t get Him in the next life either, which is eternal.

Furthermore, while salvation is “the free gift of God” (Rom. 6:23; cf. Eph. 2:8; Rom. 5:15–17; John 4:10; Acts 8:20; Rom. 3:24), He has specified rules as to how we must claim that gift, and I do not want you to be uninformed about what God requires from those who desire to “call on His name” (Isa. 12:4; cf. Psa. 105:1; 116:4, 13, 17; Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13;1 Cor. 1:2), lest you “die in the wilderness” (Num. 26:65) or be lost “for lack of knowledge” (Hos. 4:6; cf. Rom. 10:1–2). Scripture tells us eternal (final) salvation involves all the following (see Psa. 119:160). You must

1. Be “born again” (John 3:3–8; 1 Pet. 1:3–5, 23–25; cf. 1 Cor. 15:45–49; 2 Cor. 5:17; John 1:12–13; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:9; 5:1, 18; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10; Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:3–11; Jas. 1:18; Rev. 20:6; Psa. 23:3) by

1.1. Hearing (see Rom. 10:11–17; Acts 8:30–35; cf. Acts 4:31; 13:7, 44; 15:7; Luke 8:21; 11:28; Mark 4:13–20; Amos 8:11–12; Rom. 1:16; Luke 16:29–31; 1 Cor. 1:18–24; Matt. 4:4; 11:5; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; Heb. 4:2, 12; Psa. 119:105) the Gospel message (Gospel means “good news,” Luke 1:19; 2:10; Acts 8:12; 13:32; Rom. 10:15; Heb. 4:2, 6; Isa. 41:27; 52:7; 61:1),

1.2. Believing in Jesus, putting your faith and trust in Him— “believe” (John 1:12; 3:14–18, 36; 2:11, 23; 6:29; 8:30; 9:35; 12:44; 14:1; 17:20; 20:29; 1 Tim. 1:16; Mark 1:15; 16:16; Acts 2:44; 4:4; 4:32; 8:37; 9:42; 10:43; 13:48, 19:4; Rom. 4:5; 9:33; 10:11; 1 Pet. 2:6, etc.), “faith” (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 1:17; 3:28; 4:16; 5:1; 2 Cor. 5:7; Gal. 2:16, 20; 3:8, 22, 24; 5:5; Acts 15:9; 26:18; Heb. 11:1–40, etc.; cf. Heb. 11:6), “trust” (2 Cor. 1:9; Pro. 3:5; 22:19; Psa. 37:3, 5; 62:8; 115:9–11; 125:1; 146:3–5; cf. 2 Cor. 4:13–14; Rom. 4:18–22; Luke 23:46; Eph. 1:13 KJV; Php. 1:14, 1 Tim. 1:15; 2 Tim. 2:11; 1 Pet. 2:23, 4:19; Psa. 31:5; 37:7),

1.3. Repenting of your sins (see Matt. 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; 13:3; 15:7; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30–31; Rom. 2:4–5; 2 Cor. 7:9; cf. Rev. 2:5, 16, 21–22; 3:19; 9:20–21; 16:9, 11; 22:11),

1.4. Confessing Christ before men (see Matt. 10:32–33; Luke 12:8–9; Rom. 10:9–10; 1 John 2:23; cf. Rom. 1:16; John 12:42; 2 Cor. 9:13; Heb. 4:14; Php. 2:11; 1 John 4:2–3) (note that confession is more than just a mere verbal act, it also implies active obedience to the Gospel and the commandments of Christ as explained below), and

1.5. Being baptized by immersion (“be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,” initial salvation; Acts 2:38; cf. Acts 8:36–39; 16:33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3–4; Col. 2:12; cf. 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 Cor. 12:13; John 3:5).

And then,

2. Be obedient to the NT commandments of Christ and His apostles (see Matt. 7:21–23; 12:50; 28:20; John 14:15, 21, 23–24; 15:10; 3:36; 1 John 2:3–5; 5:2–3; Rom. 5:19; cf. Acts 5:29, 32; Rom. 1:5; 2:13; 6:16; 15:18; 16:26; Heb. 4:11; 5:9; 11:8; 2 Thess. 1:8; 2 Cor. 9:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; 4:17; Jas. 1:22; Rev. 14:12; Josh. 24:15). Note that a Christian’s motivation for obedience is love, not coercion (see John 14:15, 21–24; 15:10–14; Gal. 5:6; Eph. 3:16–18; 6:24; 1 Pet. 1:8; 1 John 2:3–5; 4:19; 5:2–3). Note also that you were bought and paid for by Jesus, He owns you (gladly!), and you have become a “bond-servant”[3] of Christ (Rom. 1:1; Gal. 1:10; Col. 1:7; 4:7; 2 Tim. 2:24; Titus 1:1; Jas. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:1; Jude 1; Rev. 15:3; cf. Rev. 1:1),

3. Bear fruit for the Lord (see Matt. 3:8; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15; John 15:2, 4, 16; Rom. 7:4), for “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:26)—bearing fruit results from being “doers of the word” (Jas. 1:22), that is, doing good works that result from obedience to Christ (see Jas. 2:14–26; 1:22–25; Matt. 3:8, 10; 7:15–23; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15; John 15:2–8; Rom. 7:4; 1 Cor. 15:58; Rev. 3:2, 15–16; Eph. 2:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; cf. Matt. 5:16; 12:50; 16:27; Luke 3:8; 1 John 2:17; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jonah 3:10), and

4. Persevere in faith: continue in “perseverance” (Rev. 1:9; 2:2–3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12; Rom. 2:7; 5:3; 8:25; 15:4; 2 Thess. 1:4; Luke 8:15; cf. 2 Tim. 4:7–8; 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Heb. 4:1; Jas. 1:12; Php. 2:12–13; 3:12–14; 2 Pet. 1:10; Rev. 2:4; 3:15–16), “be faithful until death” (Rev. 2:10), “hold fast” (1 Cor. 15:2; Heb. 3:6, 14; 4:14; 10:23; Rev. 2:13, 25; 3:11), “stand firm in the faith” (1 Cor. 16:13; cf. Eph. 6:11–14; Php. 4:1; 1 Thess. 3:8; 2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Pet. 5:12; Psa. 62:2), “endures to the end” (see Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13; cf. 1 Cor. 9:12; 10:13; 13:7; 2 Cor. 6:4; Heb. 10:32; 12:1, 7; Jas. 1:3; 5:11; Luke 21:19; Rev. 2:3; 12:11; Php. 3:8; 2 Thess. 1:4; 2 Tim. 2:10–12; 3:11; 4:5; 1 Pet. 2:20), which is final eternal salvation when you receive your “crown of life” (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10; cf. 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4; Rev. 3:11).

BEWARE THE WOLVES

Now you will hear much disagreement among men as to what I have just written above, but we must approach God on His terms, not however men or committees think it should be done. We must examine “the sum” (Psa. 119:160) of what Scripture has to say about salvation to arrive at correct doctrine and teaching—we cannot pick and choose some verses while ignoring others (or even entire books), nor can we rewrite Scripture to suit our own beliefs (as some have done). Please understand that you can be tricked (“deceived,” 2 Cor. 11:3; cf. 1 John 2:26; Rev. 12:9; 13:14; Col. 1:23; Gal. 1:6–9; 3:1) out of your “crown of life” (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10; cf. 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4; Rev. 3:11) by the false teachings, “snares” (see Rom. 11:9; 1 Tim. 3:7; 6:9; 2 Tim. 2:26), and schemes/deceptions of man and the devil (see Rev. 3:11; 1 John 3:7; Rom. 10:2; 16:18; Eph. 5:6; 2 Tim. 3:13; Titus 1:10; 1 John 2:26; Rev. 12:9; 13:14; 18:23; 19:20; 20:8; Hos. 4:6; Jude 3)! We are told that ignorance will not be an excuse on Judgment Day (see Hos. 4:6; Pro. 1:22, 32; 14:15, 18; Rom. 1:21; 16:18; Matt. 15:14; John 4:23–24; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:3; Col. 2:8; Eph. 5:15–17; 1 Cor. 14:20; Jer. 5:21; Mark 4:9; Rev. 2:7; 3:6).

Yes, “beware the wolves” (paraphrase, see Matt. 7:15), for you are surrounded on all sides by “wolves” (Matt. 7:15; 10:16; Luke 10:3; Acts 20:28–30), “vipers” (Matt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Luke 3:7), “false prophets” (Matt. 7:15; 24:11; 24; Mark 13:22; 2 Pet. 2:1; 1 John 4:1; cf. Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10), and modern-day “Pharisees” (Matt. 16:6, 11–12; 16:12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1; cf. John 8:44; Rom. 10:1–4; Php. 3:2; Rev. 2:9; 3:9; Ecc. 1:9), who are teaching opinions, beliefs, “myths” (2 Tim. 4:3–4; 1 Tim. 1:4), rites, rules, rituals, superstitions, “traditions” (see Matt. 15:3–6; Mark 7:6–13; Col. 2:8), “commandments of men” (Titus 1:14; cf. Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:7), and schemes of man (see also Luke 18:8; John 4:23–24; Acts 17:11; Jude 3; 2 Cor. 11:13–15; 13:5; Eph. 4:14; 5:6; 1 Tim. 4:1–3; Php. 3:2; 2 Pet. 2:1–3; 3:16–18; Rev. 3:11; 18:4–5). These “ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15) will try to lure or seduce you with their false teachings into following fake gospels, that is, “a different gospel … a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you” (Gal. 1:6–9; cf. 2 Cor. 11:3–4; Acts 4:12), but you must “contend earnestly for [actually fight for] the faith which was once for all [time] handed down to the saints [the apostles]” (Jude 3; cf. 1 Tim. 2:5; Eph. 4:4–5). You must know Scripture better than the “wolves” do!

IMPORTANT NOTE ON BAPTISM

If you are hearing the truth about baptism for the first time and have been baptized prior by man-invented baptismal rites that are not in agreement with Scripture, such as being baptized by sprinkling, or as an infant, or in a church that teaches that baptism is a “good work” of man or that baptism is merely “an outward sign of an inward grace or faith done out of obedience” (i.e., not for the forgiveness of sins, as indicated in Scripture), I strongly encourage you to be rebaptized into truth and the correct Gospel understanding (see Hos. 4:6). I was rebaptized in a Church of Christ myself after I learned the truth, and I strongly suggest that you do likewise—remember, it is your eternal destiny/salvation that is at stake here. I don’t know about you, but I wanted to be rebaptized into the correct Gospel and into truth, and I do not want to take any chances whatsoever on my eternal salvation! I also hope you can see that those who proclaim that being baptized is not necessary for salvation are doing so against the overwhelming evidence given in Scripture. See also the footnotes below.[4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For a more complete presentation of the Gospel “message of truth” from start to finish, Genesis to Revelation, along with hundreds of referenced Bible verses, see The Message of Truth and The Gospel of the Grace of God books we publish. Also, if you do not know what all the commandments of Christ are, we have them summarized in another book: The Commandments of Christ.

WEBSITES

• https://eachday.org
• https://isi.bible
• https://holyspiritprints.com
• https://christiancourier.com

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