SPELLING EDITED E-9. God's WORD is Like a JIGSAW PUZZLE!
Have you ever put together a JIGSAW PUZZLE? You know, one of those interlocking puzzles? I am quite sure that most of you have. Now have you ever tried putting together a jigsaw puzzle where several pieces of the puzzle were missing? Again, most of you have done this as well. How about putting together a jigsaw puzzle where the pieces were placed in a box that did NOT have the right or correct PICTURE on the box? Think about how CONFUSING that would be trying to look at the PICTURE on the box while trying to put pieces together that do NOT match or correspond to that PICTURE on the box. You see, your frame of mind to which you are focusing upon is that PICTURE on the box that you THINK is the correct picture so you are trying to make the individual pieces of the puzzle fit that picture painted on the box. Now consider this. You have in your possession an unopened sealed box containing ALL the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. And on this box is a BEAUTIFULLY PAINTED PICTURE. You are so excited that you open the box and start to put the puzzle together. Then as you are sorting through the individual pieces of the puzzle you happen to notice these INDIVIDUAL pieces that you have just taken of the box to spread them out to get a better look at them did not seem to fit the PICTURE that is painted on the outside of the box. So you begin to fit more and more individual pieces of the puzzle together to form a larger section of this puzzle. And then, as you take a CLOSER look it becomes very clear to you that these pieces of the puzzle are NOT going to FIT the picture that is painted on the box. So my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we all have a puzzle to piece together that paints a BEAUTIFUL picture of our Lord Jesus Christ placed in a breathtaking landscape of God's PLAN of salvation for mankind. The INDIVIDUAL PIECES of this puzzle are EVERY word of God. And NO one word or verse of scripture paints an ACCURATE and COMPLETE picture that God desires us to see. The picture that was painted on the box was done by Orthodox Christianity and church traditions but when each piece of the puzzle of God’s word is put together by the Holy Spirit then the picture painted by the Holy Spirit does not match the picture on the box painted by Orthodox Christianity and church tradition. You see my dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus, we ALL have been given the word of God, the Holy Bible, to read for OURSELVES. But many of us just want to look at the PICTURES on the box that OTHERS have painted. The problem is that all these many different pictures painted by man-made church doctrines CONFLICT with each other. We all have the VERY SAME pieces of the PUZZLE, but the pictures that have been painted FOR us do not SHOW or REVEAL the SAME picture that some other believer shows us. So which picture is the TRUE picture that these pieces of the puzzle are supposed to paint? Now, we all want to SAY that the picture on OUR box is the TRUE picture. But how do we KNOW for SURE, until we OPEN our Bibles and read God's word for OURSELVES in order to see if, in fact, the picture that has been painted FOR us is the TRUE and COMPLETE picture that Almighty God desires us to see? We can NOT know for certain that what we have been taught is, in fact, the TRUTH, UNTIL we search the word of God daily to see if what we have been or are being taught is, in fact, the TRUTH of the WHOLE word of God. Sometimes we get ahead of ourselves and try to say what the picture of the puzzle is BEFORE we get ALL the pieces put together. This is why we have so many different VIEWPOINTS concerning what the “Bible itself actually says”. We all try and support or prove what we believe by saying “The Bible says”....and then quote a few INDIVIDUAL verses from the word of God that we have COME to BELIEVE is the TRUTH, simply because that is what we have been TAUGHT by others. But in reality, many of us are just repeating or showing a picture that has been HANDED down to us generation after generation. And this picture is a FALSE representation of what the pieces in the box actually paints for us when they are ACCURATELY pieced together with the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is what is meant by RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of God. It is high time my dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus that we all OPEN our Bibles and begin to piece ALL the verses together for OURSELVES and quit focusing on these many PARTIALLY pieced together pictures that bring CONFUSION to the body of Christ. So whenever you come across a CONTRADICTION or a point of view that OPPOSES what you have been TAUGHT then get into the word of God for yourself in order to see which one, if either, is the TRUTH. It may be that NEITHER teaching is the truth, what you have been taught to believe, NOR what this other viewpoint that opposes what you have COME to believe is the TRUTH. Perhaps BOTH are incorrect. You will not know what the TRUTH is until YOU yourself search God's word for YOURSELF to see if you are indeed being taught the TRUTH of the WHOLE word of God. I have found in some instances that there is a LITTLE truth on both sides but neither point of view, being ALONE and apart from the WHOLE word of God, is the TRUTH. This is how the enemy DECEIVES us, by dangling a PIECE of the word of God in front of us and, then misleading us to believe something that the WHOLE word of God does NOT teach. In other words, let us search the word of God together and keep what is the TRUTH but lay aside that which does not fit the bigger picture that the whole word of God only can accurately paint. So then, I want to ask you the question, What is it that we can conclude from this analogy of the JIGSAW PUZZLE? First of all, quit listening to the doctrines of MEN without going to the word of God for YOURSELF in order to see if what you are being TAUGHT is, in fact, the TRUTH of the WHOLE word of God. You need to QUIT FOCUSING on the PICTURE that is on the box that someone ELSE has painted FOR you when you are piecing together the word of God. In other words, you need to LAY ASIDE these pictures or viewpoints of others because it may very well be that some of the pictures that someone else has painted for you are FALSE doctrines and those INCORRECT teachings will only confuse you. Say to yourself and to God, “Now I do not know for sure if this teaching is true or not. I have always trusted it to be the truth, but NOW I see in your word another piece of the puzzle that seems to contradict what I have previously been taught. Help me Lord to know the TRUTH, the WHOLE truth and nothing but the TRUTH”. Next, you need to OPEN the Bible for YOURSELF and read it. Take the time to put all of these LOOSE pieces of the puzzle TOGETHER to see if they, in fact, MATCH the picture that has been painted for you by others. Now as you begin to seek the TRUTH for yourself continue to pray and ask God for wisdom, and THEN LISTEN to the Holy Spirit as you read and study the word of God. You do not need that any man teaches you the word of God for he has given us his Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into ALL TRUTH.
Question: Has anyone here heard this before that the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth? Do you know where this verse is found in the Bible? Do any other verses come to your mind that relates to this verse or teaches us the same thing but in different words? Also, I want you to KNOW that if you do not know already that the Bible does NOT contradict itself! Therefore if there SEEMS to be a contradiction, then it is because of how we have INTERPRETED what the word of God is INTENDING to say, but in TRUTH the WHOLE word of God truly means something different than what some have INTERPRETED it to mean. This is WHY we need ALL the pieces of the puzzle put together, before the true picture of what Almighty God intends to say in his word. How many times have we ourselves said something and have been MISUNDERSTOOD by others? The ONLY way for you to clear up all the confusion is by getting those who misunderstood what you were saying to sit down long enough to LISTEN to you as you explain what you really meant to say. Now if they are NOT WILLING to LISTEN to you as you are trying to EXPLAIN what you truly meant to say then they will remain in their state of confusion and MISGUIDED belief of what you TRULY meant to say and HOW you INTENDED to be UNDERSTOOD by others. The word of Almighty God is the same way. It has been MISUNDERSTOOD by some and has caused even some to reject it totally because of all the controversy and seemingly contradictory verses. God says in the book of Hosea chapter 4:6 that his people are destroyed for LACK of knowledge and that if we REJECT the TRUE knowledge of the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ under the New Covenant taught in the New Testament of the Bible then God will also reject us. But the truth of the matter is that God does not want to reject any of us and this is why he gave his Son Jesus to die for us so that we would be CLEANSED from all our sin in order that God could place his Holy Spirit IN us to lead and guide us into all TRUTH. Do not be DECEIVED my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, OPEN that box, OPEN God's word and LAY ASIDE that picture on the box, that picture of what someone else has painted for you and start putting ALL the pieces of God's word together for yourself, until you are ROOTED and GROUNDED in the TRUTH of the WHOLE word of God. And the best place to START putting together the JIGSAW PUZZLE of God's word is FIRST with PRAYER asking God to give you wisdom and understanding. You can use this practice of sorting out all the pieces of the puzzle or more precisely sorting through all the many verses of scripture that speak about the same topic and arrange them in an order that paints a clear picture for you about that particular subject. We will do just that with the many verses in the Bible that teach us “WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?” right here in this Bible study as an example for you to carry with you as you study God's word in other areas such as the last days and the second coming of Jesus, which we will be studying together right after we finish this study. With that being said, I have before you scattered around the room envelopes with a puzzle piece inside with a number on the back of it and with this puzzle piece, there is a slip of paper with a scripture reference on it. Once all 24 envelopes are found you may begin opening them. Take out the puzzle piece and look to see which number or numbers that you have on your particular puzzle piece or pieces since some of you may find more than one envelope. It does not really matter how many you find, but I would like for everyone to have at least one, so please share with others around you. Please do not read the scripture as yet, because I want to take them in the order by which I have numbered them. If you have your Bible with you, then you may look the scripture reference that you have in your envelope up in your Bible but please do not read it yet. I have numbered them in a specific order, because to ME, two DIFFERENT pictures are being painted and I want you to see the picture that has most likely been displayed on most of your boxes first. And then we will gradually paint this other picture that the WHOLE word of God paints for us as well. Once the puzzle is completed, then it is up to you to decide, which picture best fits ALL the pieces of the WHOLE word of God. I will lead off by reading the passage of scripture that lays the foundation of this whole idea of God's word being filled with multiple pieces of a puzzle that paints a BIG picture of God's PLAN for the salvation of mankind and WHAT MUST WE DO IN ORDER TO BE SAVED and in order to receive eternal life in the world to come. I have numbered it 25 on purpose because some Christians place this piece LAST when it should be placed as number ONE. We should always start testing what we have been taught in church by this passage of scripture.
Pieces of the Puzzle What must I do to be SAVED?
Puzzle Piece #25.
Isaiah 28:9-13.
“Whom shall he (Almighty God) teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? THEM that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (Why or How are we weaned from milk and ready for the stronger meat of God's word?) 10. For (Or in that) precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; HERE a LITTLE, and THERE a LITTLE: 11. For WITH stammering lips and another tongue will he (Almighty God) SPEAK to this people. 12. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith you may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; HERE a LITTLE, and THERE a LITTLE; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.”
In other words, Almighty God HIDES a little HERE and a little THERE, so that we will have to SEARCH for all the little pieces of the puzzle that form the BIG PICTURE of God's PLAN of salvation. So then, the point that I want you to see is that we cannot build a church doctrine on just one verse of scripture. We need to compare scripture with scripture to see what the whole word of God is teaching us. Question: Does anyone have any questions, thoughts, or comments about this passage of scripture in Isaiah 28:9-18? A question that has been asked before is “What is meant by the word PRECEPT?” The definition of the word "precept" from the American Heritage Dictionary means a rule or principle imposing a particular standard or action of conduct. It is a law or ordinance warning beforehand. Now in this particular passage of scripture, this word “precept” actually means an utterance which is perhaps described as a syllable that makes no sense, a sound that is even mocked at. So then, when left in the context of where it is found the word “PRECEPT” is actually God speaking to believers in what the Bible calls other tongues or an unknown tongue, which is unknown to the one speaking. You see, whenever the Holy Spirit gives a believer the UTTERANCE to speak in other tongues, then it is not ONLY us speaking to God, but ALSO Almighty God speaking to us in our inner man. I know that for myself when I was first filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues I only spoke a few words or syllables that quite frankly seemed to me to be nonsense. The thoughts kept coming to me to stop because to my mind it made no sense, but I had a good teacher who told me this would happen and to just continue praying by faith. So then, as I prayed more and more everyday sentences or lines began to form, but yet they seemed to repeat like I was saying the same thing over again. The more I prayed then more lines came and developed sentence after sentence or line upon line until this prayer language became more and more fluent and just flowed out of me. Now at the time, I did not know about this verse here in Isaiah and therefore I did not know that God was speaking to me as I was speaking to him. I only knew the scriptures in the New Testament that assured me that I was speaking directly to God in mysteries that even if I myself did not know what was being prayed I knew that God did know because he was the one who gave me the words to speak to him. But one thing that I did notice that the more I prayed in the Spirit the more revelation of God's word came to me. So LITTLE by LITTLE, HERE a LITTLE and THERE a LITTLE I saw things in the word that no one taught me, but rather I saw them because God opened my eyes of understanding. If you want we can put this subject of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues on the list of things to study in the near future. And for those who want to learn more about the Holy Spirit and do not want to wait, you can read the studies called “THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER”, “STIR UP THE GIFT THAT IS WITHIN YOU” and “HAS SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES CEASED?”
But for now, if there are no more questions or comments, let us see what puzzle piece #1 has to say about being saved.
Puzzle Piece #1.
Luke 23:32-43.
“And there were also two other, malefactors (Thieves or criminals), led with him (Speaking of Jesus) to be put to death. 33. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots. 35. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37. And saying, If you be the king of the Jews, save yourself. 38. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If you be Christ, save yourself and us. 40. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Do not you fear God, seeing you are in the same condemnation? 41. And we indeed JUSTLY; for we receive the DUE reward of our DEEDS: but this man (Speaking of Jesus) has done nothing amiss. 42. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, REMEMBER me when you come into your kingdom. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily (Or truly) I say unto you, Today shall you be with me in paradise.”
Thanks for reading that passage of scripture for us. Go ahead and place your puzzle piece on the table and see if it connects to the one that I placed down.
Question: Do you think this thief on the cross was SAVED?
Why or why not do you believe what you believe? Now, I want you to think about HOW you arrived at your answer based upon something else that you have already learned and how your answer was built or put together like a puzzle using other pieces of information whether or not all the information is correct or incorrect. I would adventure to say that most Christians do in fact believe that this thief on the cross was saved due to the fact that he realized his guilt for the crime or sin that he himself committed by confessing his wrongdoing. And not only confessing his wrongdoing but also realizing his worthiness of receiving death for what he himself had done. We also see another great attribute in this thief on the cross which is that he recognizes Jesus as being an innocent man who was not worthy of death. We then see this man that was guilty of his crime or sin asking Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into his kingdom. Jesus responded by saying verily or TRULY you shall be WITH me in PARADISE this day which to ME definitely shows that Jesus accepted this thief crying out to him for forgiveness. The Old Testament saints were accepted or kept by the Law of Moses but they were not saved or justified by the Law of Moses because that was NOT the CORE or central part of God 's PLAN of salvation which is for God to save mankind THROUGH faith in his Son Jesus. However, there are some Christians who do not believe that this thief was saved because Jesus had not actually died on the cross for his sins as yet. In other words, they maintain that Jesus never said the words, “It is FINISHED” nor was he raised from the dead as yet, so then the sacrifice for sins of this thief was not yet paid. And I agree that there is SOME truth in what they are putting forth as their line of reasoning but again this is only one piece of the puzzle. You see, we ALSO KNOW that Jesus said that he would be IN PARADISE with Jesus that very day. Now if you truly want to know if this thief was granted the opportunity to hear the GOSPEL in this place Jesus called PARADISE, then you will want to read the study “WHAT and WHERE is PARADISE?” but for now I want us to focus upon the thought as we continue this study in God's word that every time you read a verse or passage of scripture that it is NOT the ONLY piece of the puzzle.
Question: Is this one verse ALL that the Bible has to say about WHAT one must do in order to be SAVED?
Most of you would say, Why NO, absolutely not, there are many other verses that speak about being saved. Some of you can even quote many of them by memory. But rather than just quoting these verses randomly I would like to take them in a specific order, which I will explain why a little later. So then, whoever has puzzle piece #2 if you do not mind would you please read the verse that is in your envelope with your puzzle piece, then after you are finished go ahead and place your puzzle piece on the table and see if it fits with the other two pieces that are already on the table.
Puzzle Piece #2.
Acts 2:21.
“And it shall come to pass, that WHOSOEVER shall CALL on the name of the Lord shall be SAVED.”
Question: Now without having ANY previous knowledge of the thief on the cross realizing his worthiness of death for the sins that he committed and then calling out to Jesus to remember him in his kingdom, would anyone of us TRULY KNOW what God means by this ONE verse in Acts 2:21? What does it mean to CALL upon the NAME of the Lord? What does the word “SAVED” mean? Some may wonder and ask WHAT NAME or what Lord? Some may even wonder why do I need to be saved? Other may wonder does the "WHOSOEVER" include me?
So you can see what I mean by just pulling out one verse to answer the question “WHAT must I do to be SAVED?” is not what the WHOLE word of God TRULY teaches us about what a person must do in order to be saved and obtain eternal life in the world to come. Now we do learn something new from this particular verse in Acts 2:21.
Question: Would anyone care to comment on what you have learned from this ONE verse that was just read in Acts 2:21 keeping in mind that you know absolutely NOTHING else about the Bible?
What I am trying to do is to get you to SEE that we often draw CONCLUSIONS of what we believe a particular verse means BECAUSE of the knowledge that we have ALREADY been TAUGHT. So then, WHAT IF we were TAUGHT WRONG? Then obviously this added conclusion would most likely be wrong as well. This is why it is important to lay aside as much as possible what we have previously been taught when we are trying to discern the TRUTH between two or more different points of view and even highly controversial subjects and look at the passage of scripture with a fresh unobstructed unbiased look. For ME, I learned that WHOSOEVER of any person or whatsoever of any human being in the whole world may call upon the name of the Lord and they shall be SAVED. Before this verse, we only knew about the THIEF that was convicted of his crime. So some may have concluded from that ONE verse that ONLY thieves could be saved or ONLY those who were actually caught stealing needed to be saved. Who knows what runs through the minds of different people? My point is this, we must have MORE pieces of the puzzle in order to put together the picture that Almighty God INTENDS for us to see. I also want to take a moment and point out that we also need to consider the CONTEXT and in the context, we see the phrase “And it shall come to PASS” which to ME, speaks of a FUTURE period of time. So then, after reading further in the CONTEXT of this verse I began to see in the previous verse that in the future there would be SIGNS in the SUN and in the MOON. And after comparing other verses in the Bible that spoke of this time in the future when these SIGNS shall appear I came to the conclusion that when or at this time in the future that the SUN shall be turned to darkness and the MOON shall be as blood, then those who are still alive and who CALL upon the NAME of the Lord shall be SAVED. Please read Acts 2:19,20, which is the context of verse 21 we just read.
Acts 2:19,20.
“And I will show wonders in heaven above, and SIGNS in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: 20. The SUN shall be turned into darkness, and the MOON into blood, BEFORE that great and notable day of the Lord come (Which is speaking of the WRATH of Almighty God being poured out in the last days):”
So to ME, I am seeing that when these signs shall appear, then at the TIME of mankind seeing these signs that WHOSOEVER will CALL upon the NAME of the Lord, then they shall be SAVED. I also see from comparing other verses of scripture with scripture that the word “SAVED” here in this particular verse does not mean the obtaining of eternal life at this point in time that is being prophesied which is yet in the future at the coming of Jesus. But rather, in this PARTICULAR verse, it means being saved ALIVE from the wrath of Almighty God in order to go into the 1000 year reign of Jesus in their mortal bodies to be taught of the Lord. You see, the word that is translated as “SAVED” here is the Greek word “SOZO” and means saved, healed, rescued, protected, delivered, safety, and being brought back into right relationship with God. Again those who want to go deeper in the word of God on this subject of the end of this present age when these signs shall appear and men shall CALL upon the name of the Lord please read the studies “Wrath of God versus the Great Tribulation” and the “The Second Coming of Jesus”. But, for now, let us continue by considering some questions that some of you may be having, particularly if you have never heard that this verse is referring to a time in the FUTURE. Also, those of you who may not know already the Bible study that will follow this study we are doing presently will be on the last days, the book of Revelation, and the second coming of Jesus. It is planned to be a six-week study so again bring your Bibles and be prepared to take notes.
Question: Now since I said this particular verse in Acts 2:21 is speaking of a FUTURE time, then some of you may be thinking does this mean that WHOSOEVER in other places of the Bible also means only in the future? That is to say, does this mean that NOT everyone is eligible to call upon the Lord and be saved? HOW did you arrive at your conclusion? Some of you may be thinking that since I said Acts 2:21 is speaking about the FUTURE that this means that ONLY at this particular time in the FUTURE that WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be SAVED and therefore may be wondering if WHOSOEVER calls upon the name of the Lord today will be saved? Now to be perfectly honest and Biblical in order to answer these questions with SOUND Biblical TRUTH then we need to find more verses of scripture in order to compare these verses that we already have with whatever else we find in the word of God on this subject of WHAT must I do to be SAVED? We also as well need to consider all these questions that have been raised while we search and compare more Scripture with Scripture. So then, who has puzzle piece #3? Would you please read the verse you have with your puzzle piece, then after reading the verse place you puzzle piece on the table and see where it fits.
Puzzle Piece #3.
Acts 4:10-12.
“Be it KNOWN unto you ALL, and to all the people of Israel, that BY the NAME of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even BY him does this man stand here before you whole. 11. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12. Neither is there SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: for there is NONE OTHER NAME under heaven given among men, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED.”
Question: What did you learn from this particular passage of scripture in Acts 4:10-12?
Now to ME, this passage of Scripture leaves absolute NO doubt that the NAME of Jesus of Nazareth is the ONLY name given among mankind whereby or the MEANS by which we MUST be SAVED. In other words, there is NO OTHER WAY to be saved and obtain eternal life in the world to come other than through Jesus Christ the Son of Almighty God.
Question: What other verses do you know of in the Bible that teach us this SAME TRUTH which we learned in Acts 4:10-12 about the name of Jesus being the ONLY name under heaven whereby we must be saved?
How about John 14:6, which CLEARLY teaches us that the ONLY WAY to have access to Almighty God the Father is through his Son Jesus. Those of you that have your Bible with you please turn to the gospel of John chapter 14 and anyone who wants may go ahead and read verse 6, please.
John 14:6.
“Jesus said unto him, I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: NO man comes unto the Father, but BY me.”
So to ME, it is absolutely CLEAR again from this verse that Jesus is the NAME. And, as well, from other verses in the Bible, we know that Jesus is the NAME the Lord that WHOSOEVER shall CALL upon WILL be SAVED. But some may be wondering, does the WHOSOEVER really mean whatever person in the entire world whoever calls on the NAME of Jesus as their Lord and Savior shall be SAVED? And WHEN do this WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved go into effect? NOW, in the FUTURE, or BOTH? Who has puzzle piece #4? Would you read the verse that is with your puzzle piece, and then see if it fits together with any of the other puzzle pieces when you are done reading the passage of scripture that you have?
Puzzle Piece #4.
John 3:15-18.
“That WHOSOEVER BELIEVES in HIM should NOT perish, but have eternal life.(WHY?) 16. FOR (Or BECAUSE) God SO LOVED the WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes IN him should NOT perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the WORLD; but that the WORLD through him might be SAVED. (You see, the Bible says that the WORLD MIGHT be saved through Jesus which means that some people in the world may NOT be saved. NOT because God chose them to be lost but rather because THEY chose NOT to BELIEVE) 18. He that BELIEVES on him is NOT condemned: BUT he that believes NOT is condemned already, BECAUSE he has NOT believed IN the NAME of the only begotten Son of God.”
Question: What did you learn from this particular passage of scripture in John 3:15-18?
So then, from this verse, it is made clear that Jesus was sent by Almighty God the Father as the atonement for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD. In other words, WHOSOEVER of whatever person in the whole world who BELIEVES in the NAME of Jesus, the Son of Almighty God, shall be SAVED and obtain ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come.
Question: So then, is this what we just read these 4 passages of scripture ALL that the Bible has to say on what we must do to be saved?
Again many of you will immediately agree that the Bible does indeed have much more to say about what we must do in order to be saved AND obtain eternal life in the world to come. So then, who has puzzle piece #5? Would you mind reading the passage of scripture that you have in your envelope, please?
Puzzle Piece #5.
Romans 10:8-14.
“But what says it? The WORD is nigh you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we PREACH; (Speaking of the true gospel of our salvation) 9. That if you shall CONFESS with your MOUTH the Lord Jesus, and shall BELIEVE in your HEART that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be SAVED. 10. For with the HEART (Or the inner man, or the spirit of man) man BELIEVES unto righteousness; and with the MOUTH CONFESSION is made unto SALVATION. 11. For the scripture says, WHOSOEVER BELIEVES on him shall not be ashamed. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto ALL that CALL upon him. 13. For WHOSOEVER shall CALL upon the NAME of the Lord shall be SAVED. 14. 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?”
So then, the answer to our earlier question is that WHOSOEVER means whatever person in all the world no matter WHO they are or WHEN they call upon the name of the Lord they shall be SAVED. In other words, the WHOSOEVER is NOT limited to just the FUTURE when these signs in the sun and the moon shall be seen. But rather, it means BOTH now and in the future. However, we must keep in mind or in our memory the DEFINITION of the Greek word “SOZO” which in both places in the Bible, the verse in Acts 2:21, which speaks of a time in the FUTURE and the passage of scripture in Romans 10:8-14, which speaks of NOW, when we consider what the Greek word “SOZO” actually means in the context of where it is found. For example, in BOTH of these cases, the Greek word “SOZO” means being brought back into right relationship with Almighty God or RECONCILED to God. But as I said before, in Acts 2:21 the Greek word “SOZO” does not include the meaning of ETERNAL LIFE at that particular time, because those of the nations who call upon the name of the Lord when they see these signs in the sun and in the moon will go into the 1000 year reign of Jesus in their MORTAL bodies and this would not be possible if the Greek word “SOZO” actually means in this verse that they are saved in that they receive eternal life right at that moment in time. To truly understand what I am saying those of you who have never heard this before you need to read the in-depth study that I have called “The Great Tribulation Versus the Wrath of God”. But again, with these verses that we have already read most of you will agree that this is NOT ALL that the word of God has to say on WHAT we must DO in order to be SAVED. So then, whoever has puzzle piece #7 would you please read the verse that is with your puzzle piece and then when you are finished go ahead and see where your puzzle piece might fit?
Puzzle Piece #6.
Mark 16:15,16.
“And he said unto them, Go you into all the world, and PREACH the GOSPEL to every creature. 16. He that BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED shall be SAVED; but he that believes NOT shall be damned.”
Question: What did you learn from this particular verse if scripture in Mark 16:15,16? Have you ever heard preachers dogmatically teach that BAPTISM does NOT SAVE a person? If so, then HOW does this verse fit into God's PLAN as to what HE says in his WHOLE word as to WHAT we MUST DO in order to be SAVED? Well to ME, here in this passage of scripture I see an ADDITIONAL CONDITION that I myself see as being required in order for us to be SAVED, because to ME, I personally cannot TAKE AWAY from God's word by simply ignoring this verse of scripture. To ME, it must fit in the big picture of God's PLAN of salvation. In other words, we cannot just throw it out and pretend it does not exist. For a deeper understanding on this subject of baptism being a requirement or a CONDITION that must be met in order to be saved please read the study entitled "HOW BAPTISM SAVES!" This in-depth study may surprise many of you. Proverbs 18:12,13 teaches us that only a fool judges a matter BEFORE he hears the WHOLE matter. And the reason he is a fool to judge a matter BEFORE he hears the WHOLE matter is because of his PRIDE. He or she THINKS that they already KNOW the matter, but in truth, they have not HEARD the WHOLE matter.
Proverbs 18:12,13.
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty (Or full of pride thinking they know that which they truly do not know), and before honor is humility. 13. He that answers a matter BEFORE he HEARS it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
So then, take the time and read the WHOLE matter that is laid out in-depth for you in the study called “How baptism SAVES”, but for now let us move on to the next piece of the puzzle and we will see that being BAPTIZED is actually PART of the GOSPEL that is being PREACHED by the apostles. Who has puzzle piece #7? Would you please read the passage of scripture that is with your puzzle piece and again when you are finished reading please go ahead and see where your piece of the puzzle fits?
Puzzle Piece #7.
Acts 2:21-41.
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 22. You men of Israel, HEAR these WORDS; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as you yourselves also know: 23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25. For David speaks concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27. Because you will not leave my soul in hell, neither will you suffer your Holy One to see corruption. 28. You have made known to me the ways of life; you shall make me full of joy with your countenance. 29. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. 30. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32. This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has shed forth this, which you now see and hear. 34. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he says himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit you on my right hand, 35. Until I make your foes your footstool. 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37. Now when they HEARD THIS, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO (Or what shall we DO in order to be SAVED)? 38. Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, SAVE YOURSELVES from this untoward generation. 41. Then they that gladly RECEIVED his WORD were BAPTIZED: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Question: What have we learned so far from ALL of these verses of scripture that we have read when we put them all TOGETHER?
Let me see if I can summarize what we have learned by comparing scripture with scripture. From the verse of the thief on the cross, I myself have learned that in order to be ACCEPTED by God a person must first see that they NEED to RECONCILED to God, as in, “SOZO” or placed back into right relationship with Almighty God. And the thief on the cross openly admitted to Jesus that he was GUILTY and worthy of death but Jesus was INNOCENT and NOT worthy of being crucified. Yes, one must first recognize that he or she has sinned and is worthy of the punishment of death BUT one MUST also BELIEVE in the NAME of Jesus. The thief had not yet HEARD the gospel which was about to be PREACHED to him in paradise. Again please read the study “WHAT AND WHERE IS PARADISE?” for a deeper understanding to know what and where paradise was during the Old Testament times and where it is today. For you see, Jesus went to the paradise in the belly of the earth to PREACH the gospel of salvation to those who died in the Old Testament times. The next thing that I have learned is that we must CALL upon the name of the Lord Jesus in order to be saved, as in, forgiven of all our sins. I also learned that just saying that we are sorry for our sins is not all that is required of us but we must also REPENT or turn away from living in sin. So then, in this verse, we see that not only are we to realize that we are guilty and worthy of death for the sins that we have committed, but we are called to REPENT of our sins and ALSO follow up in OBEDIENCE and be BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus. Please read the study “TRUE BIBLICAL REPENTANCE” for a deeper understanding of what it truly means to REPENT of your sins, and the study “DOES BAPTISM SAVES US!” to understand the MEANING of what baptism truly is and why we are baptized in water. But for now, let us move on the puzzle piece #8. Whoever has piece #8 please read the scripture that you have and then fit your puzzle piece into place.
Puzzle Piece #8.
Romans 8:24,25.
“For we are SAVED BY HOPE: but hope that is SEEN is NOT hope: for what a man SEES, why does he yet hope for? 25. But if we HOPE for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” Question: Does HOPE save us? If so HOW does HOPE save us? Is this verse in Romans 8:24,25 the ONLY verse in the Bible that teaches us about HOW we are SAVED? Now, if someone were to take this passage of scripture out of its context and try to teach that this is ALL a person must do in order to be SAVED is to simply HOPE that they are SAVED, then that teaching would not be the WHOLE word of Almighty God on the subject of HOW to be SAVED. So you have to be careful when people dogmatically teach a church doctrine from ONE verse of Scripture. Anyone can demand that this passage of Scripture CLEARLY states that we are SAVED BY HOPE so, therefore, anyone who HOPES they are saved will be saved. Now, many of you would probably get up and leave the room and not consider anything that person has to say BECAUSE you yourself KNOW that the word of TRUTH, the Holy Bible, has much MORE to say about what we must do in order to be SAVED. But not all Christians read and study the Bible for themselves. And that is how FALSE doctrines get into churches. And that is my point EXACTLY! There is much MORE than just these few verses that we hear over and over which some of us have been told teach us that we are saved by FAITH ALONE or we are saved by GRACE ALONE. So which is it? I have heard both sides argued dogmatically with no willingness to LISTEN to what the OTHER side has to say. So then, is it GRACE ALONE, or is it FAITH ALONE that saves us. Perhaps it is BOTH. Well, if it is BOTH, then there can be no ALONE added to the Bible when it comes to what we must do to be saved. You can search the scriptures all the way from beginning to the end and you will not find the term ALONE used with either GRACE or FAITH. With that being said whoever has puzzle piece #9 go ahead and read the passage of scripture that you have in your envelope.
Puzzle Piece #9.
Ephesians 2:8,9.
“For BY GRACE are you SAVED THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: 9. NOT of WORKS, lest any man should boast.”
Question: Is this passage of scripture in Ephesians 2:8,9 the ONLY passage of scripture in the entire Bible that teaches us what we must do in order to be SAVED? Clearly, to ME, it is NOT all the word of TRUTH has to say about what we must do in order to be saved. So why then, do so many Christians dogmatically teach that this one verse says it all? When clearly this one passage of scripture is not ALL that the word of truth has to teach us about what we must do to be saved. Question: Do we just IGNORE these OTHER verses of scripture, which teach us that there are CONDITIONS that we must DO in order to be SAVED? HOW do we FIT them into the BIG picture of God's PLAN of salvation because we just cannot IGNORE them, reason them away or throw them OUT like they are NOT part of God's PLAN of salvation?
What do we do with these other verses then, since this verse in Ephesians 2:8,9 clearly states we are not saved by WORKS? Does not being obedient to the word of God seem to you as a WORK? What IF you refused to be baptized because you do NOT want to have ANY WORKS as a part or as a CONDITION for you to be SAVED? The point that I want you to see is that NONE of these verses in these passages of Scripture ALONE and by themselves teach us ALL of what we must do in order to be SAVED and obtain eternal life in the world to come. We must have ALL the pieces of the puzzle BEFORE we can truly understand the BIG PICTURE of what Almighty God wants us to see as HIS plan of salvation for us. You see, if we just throw pieces of the puzzle or verses of Scripture to the side that does NOT fit our THEOLOGY then we are TAKING AWAY from what the WHOLE word of God is teaching us. With that being said let us take a look at the next piece of the puzzle. Whoever has puzzle piece #10 go ahead and please read the passage of scripture that you have and then fit the piece into position.
Puzzle Piece #10.
Romans 5:5-10.
“And HOPE makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ DIED for the ungodly. 7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8. But God commends his love toward us, in that, WHILE we were YET SINNERS, Christ DIED for us. 9. MUCH MORE THEN, being now JUSTIFIED by his blood, we SHALL be SAVED from wrath through him. 10. For if, when we were enemies, we were RECONCILED to God BY the DEATH of his Son, MUCH MORE, being RECONCILED, we SHALL BE SAVED BY his LIFE.”
Question: Does anyone have any questions or comments on this passage of scripture in Romans 5:5-10?
Now to ME, I am seeing from this passage of scripture that the TRUE BIBLICAL meaning of what it means to be SAVED is broken down into TWO parts.
Question: Does anyone want to expound upon what the FIRST part of being SAVED means according to this particular passage of scripture?
Well to ME, I see that the sinner is FIRST RECONCILED back to God BY the DEATH of his Son Jesus as being the FIRST PART of being saved or the first STEP of being SAVED. The word “RECONCILE” means to re-establish a relationship or friendship between. So then, when one is reconciled to God they are “SOZO” or SAVED, in that, they are brought back into right relationship with Almighty God. To ME, this is what the word "SAVED" means when pertaining to the FIRST part or step of BEING SAVED. You see, the words “BELIEVE” and “SAVED” are both CONTINUOUS verbs, as in, we must continue to believe in order to be saved and we are continually BEING saved. In other words, salvation is a process that conforms us to the image of Jesus. I will explain this more fully as we continue this study in God's word. Now it is TRUE that if, like the thief on the cross, one would die shortly after being reconciled or SAVED, as in, being brought back into right relationship with Almighty God, BEFORE they were to commit any further sin, then they would no doubt receive ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come. But the truth of the matter is that at the moment a person calls upon the name of Jesus and is saved they do not ACTUALLY receive eternal life at that point in time. In truth, what we as believers are given when we accept Jesus as our savior is the PROMISE of eternal life that is based upon certain CONDITIONS that must be met in order for the promise to be fulfilled. In other words, IF we do this, then we will inherit eternal life in the world to come, but if we do NOT DO that which God plainly spells out for us to do in his word, then we will NOT inherit eternal life in the world to come. Now I believe we would all agree that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES the gospel of Jesus Christ and REPENTS of their sins and calls upon the name of Jesus on their deathbed will without fail be forgiven of all their sins and would in fact receive eternal life in the world to come WITHOUT having done anything other than BELIEVING upon the name of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for them. However, there seems to be a DIVISION in the body of Christ in that some Christians believe that once a person accepts Jesus as their personal savior, then they are ETERNALLY SAVED! Case closed! They say that the Bible says that we are SAVED by GRACE and NOT of WORKS and that we HAVE ETERNAL LIFE NOW! Therefore when a person believes the gospel and accepts Jesus as their savior, then they are SAVED at the MOMENT they confessed their sins and they are ETERNALLY SAVED and therefore they can NEVER ever lose their salvation no matter what! End of discussion! God does NOT give you a GIFT and then take it away from you!
But what does the WHOLE word of God teach us on this subject of what we must do in order to be saved and obtain eternal life in the world to come? I do not want to get really hot and heavy in this particular Bible study by covering all the verses that those who teach the once saved always saved doctrine or the doctrine of eternal security. So then, for those of you who desire to get a deeper understanding on this subject of OSAS or Once Saved Always Saved, and the doctrine of eternal security please read the study entitled "IS ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED BIBLICAL?" Perhaps we can do a group Bible study on this topic at a later time. I will say that I myself do believe in a form of eternal security, in that, ANY believer can BECOME fully PERSUADED in his or her OWN heart and mind that they themselves will never lose their salvation but I do NOT believe that this assurance is AUTOMATICALLY imparted to every believer as a GUARANTEE that they shall never lose their salvation the moment they accepted Jesus as their savior. In other words, each individual person needs to take the responsibility to PERSEVERE in their faith unto the end and be found faithful in order to obtain their reward of ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come. I am quite confident that this TRUTH will be clearly seen if so be you continue in this study with an open heart and mind to seek the truth of the whole word of God. For you see, looking at being fully persuaded from the side of the PERSON, we know and understand that we become deceived. So from our perspective, we can not be totally guaranteed of salvation. But looking at salvation from the Father’s point of view, there is an unwavering guarantee and assurance of salvation FROM God to us. God will not be the one who does not follow through to perform his word. And that is why WE must never cast away OUR confidence in HIS PROMISES. But true born-again Christians can grow COLD and drift away from God even though the Holy Spirit is nudging us to stir up OURSELVES to drawback close to God. God does not force anyone to be saved. Nor does God force any Christians to remain saved. But he will always draw us by his Holy Spirit to read his word and do the things that will keep us from falling away. And IF we OBEY the leading of the Holy Spirit by PERSEVERING in our faith then each and every Christian can BECOME fully persuade in their OWN heart and mind that they will ENDURE unto the END to be saved. They will remain on GUARD and not fall asleep spiritually. They will not give the Devil PALCE in their live. They will KEEP deception out by faithfully reading and studying God's word daily. With that being said let us continue in this Bible study to see what must we do in order to be saved. So then, whoever has puzzle piece #11 would you please read the passage of scripture that is with your piece of the puzzle.
Puzzle Piece #11.
Romans 3:19-28.
“Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and ALL the WORLD may become GUILTY before God. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall NO flesh be JUSTIFIED in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22. Even the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God which is BY faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that BELIEVE: for there is no difference: 23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24. Being JUSTIFIED FREELY BY his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25. Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation (Or an atonement for sins) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the REMISSION of sins that are PAST, through the forbearance of God; 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the one who justifies him which believes in Jesus. 27. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
Question: What did you learn from this passage of scripture in Romans 3:19-28?
In verse 21 we learned that ALL the world is GUILTY before God.
Question: Do any other verses come to mind which teaches us that we are all guilty before Almighty God and that we all are in need of a savior?
How about Romans 3:23, which says,
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Galatians 3:22 also teaches us that God has CONCLUDED us ALL to be under sin and therefore the whole human race is guilty before him. But God did this so that he could shed forth his love and grace upon us to bring us back into right relationship with him.
Galatians 3:22.
“But the scripture has CONCLUDED ALL under sin,(But WHY? Why did God conclude the whole human race to be under sin and therefore fallen short of his glory?) THAT (Or so that) the promise BY FAITH of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”
We read something very similar to this in Romans 11:32 when speaking of Israel once again being brought back to God.
Romans 11:32.
“For God has CONCLUDED them all in unbelief, THAT (Or in order that) he might have mercy upon ALL.”
The “THEM” here is this passage of scripture is speaking of God’s chosen people Israel. God cut off every last branch from his Olive tree and the ONLY WAY for any Hebrew Israelite to be grafted back into a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with God is to BELIEVE in his Son Jesus Christ. In others words, God's plan of salvation that he kept secret from the foundation of the world is that the REDEMPTION of mankind and the salvation of those who believe come THROUGH his Son, Jesus of Nazareth, the LAMB that was slain in the mind of Almighty God before he ever created mankind. We also see from this passage of scripture that those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as our sacrificial lamb is FREELY JUSTIFIED by having ALL of our PAST sins forgiven. So then from Romans 3:25 we begin seeing that our salvation is divided into stages. The first stage is that we are FREELY reconciled, justified, redeemed, and “SOZO” or saved, as in, we are brought back into right relationship with Almighty God by his GRACE through FAITH and NOT of any WORKS which we have done.
Now if we go on and continue to read in Ephesians chapter 2 we will clearly see the reason why Almighty God saved us, OR MORE precisely WHY God RECONCILED us back to himself. Remember and keep in mind that the meaning of the Greek word “SOZO” that is TRANSLATED as SAVED also mean being placed back into a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with Almighty God. Please read Ephesians 2:8-10, which teaches us that we are saved and made NEW creatures in Christ Jesus to DO GOOD WORKS of righteousness.
Ephesians 2:8-10.
“For by grace are you saved through faith; and THAT (Speaking of the GRACE of God, the SALVATION that was given to us from God, which we received THROUGH the FAITH that God has given to EVERY person. In other words, ALL three are a GIFT from God so that being placed back into right relationship with God is) NOT of yourselves: it (Speaking of GRACE, SALVATION, and FAITH) is the GIFT of God: 9. Not of WORKS, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are HIS WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God has before ORDAINED that we should WALK in them (Meaning that we were saved to DO GOOD WORKS.” And if we do NOT bear good fruit then we are DISOBEDIENT to the GOSPEL of our salvation. And being disobedient to Almighty God and his Son Jesus is a SIN. And the wages of sin is DEATH unless we REPENT and confess our sin to receive forgiveness.
Question: So then, what if we fail to walk in righteousness and do good works? What if we SIN? We know that all our PAST sins are forgiven, but what about FUTURE sins that we may commit?
We know from 1 John 1:9 that if we CONFESS our sins that God is FAITHFUL and JUST to FORGIVE us of our sins. But John goes on to write further in the next chapter that we are NOT to sin, but IF we do and NOT WHEN we sin as many of us are taught today that you WILL sin so get used to it because it is a part of life. But the word of truth says IF we sin, then we have an ADVOCATE with Almighty God the Father, which is Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, all our PAST sins are forgiven us, as well as, any sin both now and in the future that we MAY or may not commit are forgiven us IF we REPENT and CONFESS of sin. Whoever has puzzle piece #12 would you please read the passage of scripture that is in your envelope and then when you are finished go ahead and fit your piece in the puzzle.
Puzzle Piece #12.
1 John 2:1-6.
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin NOT. And IF any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and NOT for ours ONLY, but ALSO for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD. 3. And hereby we do KNOW that we know him, IF we KEEP his commandments. 4 He that says, I know him, and keeps NOT his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is NOT in him. 5. But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6. He that says he abides in him ought himself ALSO so to walk, EVEN AS he walked.”
Now for some of you, this may be the first time that you have ever heard that we are to WALK EVEN AS Jesus walked, which was WITHOUT SIN. If so, then do not get too deep in fear and worry that you will never be able to live your life without sin, because God does NOT expect you to OBEY his commandments in your OWN strength. We will talk about this more in-depth later on in this study. But for now, I want you to read verse 4 again. Does this verse teach us that if we SAY that we are SAVED and do NOT keep the commandments of God, then we LIE and the TRUTH is NOT IN us? To ME, it definitely does teach me that if we willingly DISOBEY the commandments of God, then we SIN and the wages of sin is DEATH.
Question: So then, how do we reconcile these seemingly contradictory statements in God's word?
Are we FREELY SAVED? Is our salvation CONDITIONAL? The only way that I myself have found to harmonize these APPARENT contradictions in God's word is to teach that our salvation comes in STAGES. The first stage is that we are FREELY justified, reconciled, redeemed, or “SAVED”, as in, brought back into right relationship with God.
And then, the second stage of our salvation which is the RECEIVING of the END of our salvation which is our obtaining our reward of ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come. And this second stage of receiving the END of our salvation IS indeed CONDITIONAL upon our WALK with God after we have been reconciled back to him. Again, I will explain this further as we continue this study. Whoever has puzzle piece #13 go ahead and read the passage of scripture that you have with your puzzle piece.
Puzzle Piece #13.
Mark 10:17-30.
“And when he (Jesus) was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and knelt to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I DO that I may inherit ETERNAL LIFE? 18. And Jesus said unto him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19. You KNOW the COMMANDMENTS, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor your father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21. Then Jesus beholding him LOVED him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23. And Jesus looked round about, and said unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24. And the disciples were ASTONISHED at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that TRUST in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26. And they were ASTONISHED out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27. And Jesus looking upon them said, With men it is impossible, but NOT with God: for with God all things are possible. 28. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed you. 29. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30. But he shall receive a hundredfold NOW in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and IN the world to COME ETERNAL LIFE.”
I want you to notice that the question that this young rich man asked Jesus was WHAT must I DO in order to inherit ETERNAL LIFE? You see, when we see the DIFFERENCE between being SAVED, as in, being brought back into right relationship with Almighty God from the believer OBTAINING his of her reward of ETERNAL LIFE in the world to COME then it is easy to see the TRUTH about the later stage of our salvation being CONDITIONAL upon our WALK with God. Now some Christians believe and teach that we may lose our REWARDS but we shall never lose our salvation. We will take a look at one of the verses that they use to come to their line of reasoning later on in this study but for now I want to give you the scriptures or the pieces of the puzzle that will complete the bigger picture of what we must do in order to be saved and to receive eternal life in the world to come.
Questions: Are there any questions on this passage of scripture we just read in Mark chapter 10, verses 17-30 before we move deeper into the word of God?
Whoever has puzzle piece #14 would you please read the passage of scripture that you have in your envelope and then fit your piece into the puzzle.
Puzzle Piece #14.
Galatians 6:1-9.
“BRETHREN, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, RESTORE such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you ALSO be tempted. 2. Bear you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5. For every man shall bear his own burden. 6. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. 7. Be NOT deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. 8. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9. And let us NOT be weary in WELL DOING: FOR (or BECAUSE) in due season we shall REAP, IF we FAINT NOT.”
All through the word of God, we find these CONDITIONAL statements that IF we DO or do NOT do this or that, then we shall be BLESSED, or shall RECEIVE some blessing or reward for our OBEDIENCE and trust in Almighty God. And even though it is not always spelled out for us as it is in this particular passage of scripture it should be obvious that IF we do NOT DO the things God requires of us, then we will NOT REAP or obtain that INTENDED BLESSING that Almighty God has PROMISED to his faithful and OBEDIENT followers.
Questions: Does anyone have any questions on Galatians 6:1-9 before we take a look at the next piece of the puzzle?
Whoever has puzzle piece #15 would you please read the two passages of scripture that you have?
Puzzle Piece #15.
Matthew 10:16-22 / Matthew 24:8-13.
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18. And you shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what you shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what you shall speak. 20. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you. 21. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22. And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that ENDURES to the END shall be SAVED.”
Matthew 24:8-13.
“All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10. And then shall many (Of YOU the understood subject, and then MANY of YOU shall) be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall DECEIVE MANY. 12. And because INIQUITY (Or SIN) shall ABOUND, the love of MANY (Again still speaking of many of YOU, true born-again believers, the LOVE of MANY of YOU) shall wax cold (Or shall GROW COLD). 13. But he (Or YOU) that shall ENDURE UNTO the END, the SAME shall be SAVED.”
Question: What does the term unto the END mean to you? What is Jesus talking about here in these passages of scripture in Matthew 10:16-22 and in Matthew 24:8-13?
Now to ME, the END speaks of the END of our natural mortal life. In that, we must be found FAITHFUL UNTO the END in order to be SAVED and be accounted worthy to receive our inheritance or promise of ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come. I also see the END as speaking about when Jesus returns. In other words, whichever one comes first for each individual will be the END of the FINISHING of their good FIGHT of FAITH.
Questions: Does anyone see a difference in these two passages of scripture in Matthew chapters 10:16-22 and 24:8-14?
For ME, I see the focus in the first passage of scripture is on PERSECUTION and holding fast to the confession of our faith by NOT denying our Lord Jesus Christ. And in the second passage of scripture I see the added focus upon how SIN shall ABOUND and how sin will creep into the church and DECEIVE many believers into following the lust of the flesh over obeying the Holy Spirit, which takes us back to Galatians 6:1-9 that teaches us that WE shall REAP what we sow. In other words, we shall RECEIVE the reward of our WORKS meaning if our works are having SIN in our lives when Jesus comes again or when we die we shall REAP everlasting contempt, and if we remain FAITHFUL unto the END by having our WORKS being found RIGHTEOUS in that we are found without sin, without spot or blemish we shall REAP the reward of ETERNAL LIFE. But before we go deeper into the word of God taking a closer look at the verse that teaches us about the wages of sin I would like to take a look at a few more verses that have the focus on not denying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Question: Does anyone have any questions or comments before we take a look at puzzle piece #16?
Whoever has puzzle piece #16 please read the two passages of scripture that you have in your envelope, and then when you are finished go ahead and fit your piece of the puzzle into the picture.
Puzzle Piece #16.
Mark 8:31-38 / Luke 17:33.
“And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must SUFFER many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get you behind me, Satan: for you savor not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. 34. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35. For whosoever will SAVE his life shall LOSE it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the SAME shall SAVE it. 36. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38. Whosoever, therefore, shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Luke 17:33
“Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall PRESERVE it.”
Question: Does anyone have any thoughts as to what Jesus means by those seeking to save their lives shall lose their lives, and those who lose their lives shall save their lives?
Me personally, I like the choice of the translators who chose to use the word “PRESERVE” as opposed to SAVE here in the gospel of Luke. To ME it gives us a CLEARER picture of the whole word of God because we ourselves do not SAVE ourselves in our OWN strength. To ME, the word “PRESERVE” shows simple OBEDIENCE, rather than choosing our own way in which we ourselves think will please God.
Questions: Does anyone have any questions or comments? Is Jesus just talking about our physical lives that we shall lose? Or is Jesus teaching us that if we seek to save our physical lives by denying him that we shall LOSE the promise of ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come?
Now while these passages of scripture speak about both the giving up of our own fleshly desire including that of material things, and the loving NOT our lives even unto death, I want to focus on the laying down of our lives for the sake of Jesus and the gospel as in, being persecuted and even martyred. Whoever has puzzle piece # 17 would you please read the passage of scripture that you have?
Puzzle Piece #17.
Luke 13:23-28.
“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there FEW that be SAVED? And he said unto them, 24. STRIVE to enter in at the STRAIT gate: for many, I say unto you, will SEEK to enter in, and shall NOT be able. 25. When once the master of the house is risen up, and has shut to the door, and you begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you NOT whence you are: 26. Then shall you begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in your presence, and you have taught in our streets. 27. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you NOT whence you are; DEPART from me, all you WORKERS of INIQUITY. 28. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves THRUST OUT.”
Question: What does this word "STRAIT" mean to you here in Luke 13:24?
When I looked up this word "STRAIT" in the Strong's exhaustive concordance found here in Luke 13:24 I found the Strong's number 4728 and also found that this same Greek word “STENOS” is used in Matthew 7:13,14 as well and means narrow, strait. This is most likely what many of us have been taught that this word means. But I remember from a study I did a long time ago that I found something that I myself had NOT ever been taught about the strait gate that I feel should be taught. So I looked the word “STRAIT” up in the American Heritage Dictionary to see if my memory would be refreshed. This dictionary defines the word “STRAIT” as a narrow passage connecting two wide bodies of water, a position of DIFFICULTY, perplexity, distress or NEED. This word also means STRICT, rigid, or righteous, narrow, restricted, and to draw tight.
Question: What do you think a captain of a ship does when he is going through a “STRAIT” or a very narrow space?
Well to ME, I believe he would pay very CLOSE ATTENTION as he navigates his ship through this strait with very little room to make a mistake. Let us read Matthew 7:12-27, that teaches us that there will be FALSE teachers among us that are really WOLVES dressed in sheep clothing. In other words, they may SAY that they are Christians, but there WORKS, or the FRUIT that they bear shows to us that the TRUTH does not ABIDE in them, because they are workers of INIQUITY or SIN.
Matthew 7:12-27.
“Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, DO you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (This is the golden rule that every believer should live there life by, DO unto others as you would have them do unto you) 13. Enter you in at the STRAIT gate: (WHY? Why does Jesus WARN us to STRIVE to enter in at the difficult and narrow passage?) FOR (Or because) wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: 14. Because STRAIT is the gate, and NARROW is the WAY, which leads unto LIFE, and FEW there be that find it. 15. BEWARE of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16. You shall KNOW them BY their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17. Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19. EVERY tree that brings NOT forth GOOD fruit is HEWN DOWN, and CAST into the FIRE. 20. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. 21. NOT EVERY ONE that said unto me, Lord, Lord, shall ENTER into the kingdom of heaven; BUT he that DOES the WILL of my Father which is in heaven. 22. MANY will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your NAME have cast out devils (If you are not a true born again believer then you have NO authority to use the NAME of Jesus to cast out devils and the devils will attack you. So Jesus is talking about true born-again believers here who will NOT inherit eternal life in the world to come because they are living in sin when they die)? And in your name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that WORK INIQUITY. (There are some that want to argue that these people were never really saved, to begin with, because Jesus uses the phrase I NEVER knew you. However, in Luke we have this same account repeated to us and the word “NEVER” does NOT appear in the text. Jesus simply says DEPART from me you WORKERS of INIQUITY for I know you NOT) 24.THEREFORE (Or for this reason) whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and DOES them, I will liken him unto a WISE man, which built his house upon a rock: 25. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell NOT: for it was founded upon a rock. 26. And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them NOT, shall be likened unto a FOOLISH man, which built his house upon the sand: 27. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it FELL: and GREAT was the FALL of it.”
These are some SERIOUS pieces of the puzzle to just LEAVE out because they do not fit the PICTURE that we have been TAUGHT as what must I do to be saved, which is for some Christians being saved simply means to BELIEVE in the name of Jesus and you shall be SAVED. In other words, to THEM WORKS play no part in ANY part of our salvation. That is to say, some Christians have been TAUGHT that we do good works because we ARE saved and we do them out of LOVE and thanksgiving to God for saving us but we are NOT REQUIRED to do good works to KEEP us saved. How many of you have been TAUGHT this way or something very similar? I know that I myself have heard many times that we are NOT saved BY WORKS and therefore we in NO WAY KEEP ourselves SAVED by DOING GOOD WORKS. However, the word of TRUTH is literally filled with these kinds of verses of scripture that clearly teach us that we MUST CONTINUE steadfastly in our faith in order to be found worthy to obtain ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come. There are WARNINGS in nearly every book of the New Testament for the church to be a DOER of the word, for the believer to OBEY the gospel, for the believer to RESIST the devil, for the believer to FLEE all types of SIN, and for the believer to WALK EVEN as Jesus walked. But yet many of us are taught that SIN is a PART of our lives, as in, we are EXPECTED to SIN. Now I personally do NOT believe that SIN has any more DOMINION over us. For a deeper understanding as to HOW you can live FREE from SIN please read the study "HOW TO LIVE FREE FROM SIN!", but for now, I want us to check out the Strong's concordance to see what the word “NARROW” means in the Greek language. The word that is translated as narrow is the Greek word “THLIBO” which means to press upon, to crowd up to, to PERSECUTE, to cause trouble, to be narrow, to be troubled, to be afflicted and to suffer tribulation. So then, the STRAIT gate and the NARROW way is a way that needs our FULL ATTENTION in order to get THROUGH it. The mere use of the words STRIVE to enter and that there are those who SEEK to enter but are not able and only a FEW find their way through shows to ME, that we can NOT do this ALONE in our OWN strength. Even in one of the definitions we see the word NEED. In other words, with a man it is IMPOSSIBLE, but WITH God it is CLEARLY not just merely possible, but rather it is EXPECTED of us to be a DOER of the word of God and NOT just a hearer only whereby we DECEIVE our own self.
Questions: Does anyone have any questions or comments?
Whoever has puzzle piece #18 would you be so kind as to read the passage of scripture that you have and then fit your piece of the puzzle into the picture.
Puzzle Piece #18.
1 Peter 4:12-19.
“Beloved, think it NOT strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13. But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of , but on your part he is glorified. 15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in matters of other men. 16. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17. For the time is come that judgment must BEGIN at the HOUSE of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18. And if the righteous SCARCELY be SAVED, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God COMMIT the keeping of their souls to him in WELL DOING, as unto a faithful Creator.”
Question: Have you COMMITTED the keeping of your soul to your faithful creator?
The Bible teaches us that we can become FULLY PERSUADED that God is able to KEEP ALL that we have COMMITTED unto him against that day of our Lord's return. Please read 2 Timothy 1:11-13, which teaches us to HOLD fast and KNOW that God is FOR us and NOT against us.
2 Timothy 1:11-13.
“Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I KNOW whom I have believed, and am PERSUADED that he is able to KEEP that which I have COMMITTED unto him against that day. 13. HOLD FAST the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”
Question: Does reading this passage of scripture in 2 Timothy 1:11-13 bring any other passages of scripture to your remembrance?
One comes to my mind, so whoever has puzzle piece #19 would you please read the passage of scripture that you have in your envelope.
Puzzle Piece #19.
Romans 8:35-39.
“Who shall SEPARATE us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36. As it is written, For your sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors THROUGH him that loved us. 38. For I am PERSUADED, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be ABLE to SEPARATE us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Question: What does this passage of scripture in Romans 8:35-39 mean to you?
Now for ME personally, I have read from teachings on Once Saved Always Saved that use this passage of scripture to try and support their reasons that once a person accepts Jesus as their savior then they are ETERNALLY SAVED from that point on and therefore can NEVER lose their salvation no matter what.
Question: Do you see how one can draw this conclusion of being ETERNALLY SAVED from this ONE piece of the puzzle BY throwing out the rest of God's word?
Now I myself am really big on believing the promises found in God's word, and no matter how much that I would love to believe in this doctrine of eternal security, I simply cannot, because to ME, there are far too many pieces of the puzzle that clearly show that from the time we accept Jesus as our savior till the time we receive the END of our salvation there are CONDITIONS that we must, without fail, be met in order to receive ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come and IF we do NOT meet these CONDITIONS, then those believers who do NOT overcome shall NOT receive their crown of eternal life. For a deeper understanding on this subject of O.S.A.S., or once saved always saved and the teaching of eternal security please read the study "IS ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED BIBLICAL?". But, for now, I want you to know and understand that I do INDEED believe that ANY believer can BECOME FULLY PERSUADED in his or her OWN mind and heart that THEY THEMSELVES will never ever lose their salvation. I sincerely believe that this kind of strong FAITH can be developed by any Christian from reading and meditating on God's word. I totally believe that the PROMISES in God's word that will produce in THEM that DILIGENCE to PERSEVERE unto the END to the receiving of ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come. However, I do NOT believe that this FAITH in having the ASSURANCE that you shall never cast away your faith is automatically transferred to every believer the very moment that they accept Jesu as their Savior. But rather, that assurance must be pursued by each individual and keep themselves strong THROUGH the power of God's word. Again, this is another study in and of itself, which we will do if the majority of the group wants to study this subject more in-depth.
Whoever has puzzle piece #20 go ahead and please read the passage of scripture that you have in the envelope and then fit your piece into the puzzle.
Puzzle Piece #20.
Hebrews 10:23-39.
“Let us HOLD FAST the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to GOOD WORKS: 25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26. FOR (Or because) if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (These verses are speaking of the Hebrew Christians going back to the law of Moses in order to be saved) 28. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30. For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions; 33. Partly, while you were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, while you became companions of them that were so used. 34. For you had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35. Cast NOT AWAY therefore your confidence, which has great recompense of reward. 36. For you have need of patience, that, AFTER you have DONE the WILL of God, you might receive the promise (Speaking of receiving the great recompense of the reward of ETERNAL LIFE). 37. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38. Now the JUST (Those who are JUSTIFIED, RECONCILED or brought back into right relationship with Almighty God by faith) shall LIVE BY FAITH (In other words, we as believers should LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY and godly in this present world before God BY FAITH): BUT if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that BELIEVE TO the saving of the soul.”
Question: What does the phrase the just shall live by faith mean to you?
Whoever has puzzle piece #21 would you please read the passage of scripture that you have and then fit your piece in with the puzzle.
Puzzle Piece #21.
Revelation 2:1-29.
“Unto the angel of the CHURCH of Ephesus write; (So Jesus is speaking to true born-again believers) These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2. I know your WORKS, and your labor, and your patience, and how you cannot bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars: 3. And have borne, and has patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and have NOT fainted. 4. NEVERTHELESS I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. 5. Remember therefore from whence you are fallen, and REPENT, and DO the first works; OR ELSE I will come unto you quickly, and will REMOVE your candlestick out of his place, except you REPENT. 6. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7. He that has an ear, let him HEAR what the Spirit says unto the CHURCH; To him that OVERCOMES will I give to eat of the tree of LIFE, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. 8. And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9. I know your WORKS, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10. Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, and I will give you a crown of LIFE. 11. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; He that OVERCOMES shall not be hurt of the second death. 12. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things says he which has the sharp sword with two edges; 13. I know your WORKS, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not DENIED my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. 14. BUT I have a FEW things AGAINST you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (So Jesus will hold us responsible for allowing those among us to teach false doctrine that causes some to lose their salvation if their false teaching is believed.) 15. So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16. REPENT; OR ELSE I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against THEM with the sword of my mouth. 17. He that has an ear, let him HEAR what the Spirit says unto the CHURCHES; To him that OVERCOMES will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it. 18. And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things says the Son of God, who has his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19. I know your WORKS, and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your WORKS; and the last to be more than the first. 20. Notwithstanding I have a FEW things AGAINST you, because you suffer that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21. And I gave her space to REPENT of her fornication; and she repented NOT. 22. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they REPENT of their DEEDS. (Jesus is speaking of those Christians who become DECEIVED by the FALSE teaching that if they do not repent of their WORKS that will cause them to lose their salvation that they will be cast into great tribulation to be killed) 23. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of YOU (Speaking to the CHURCHES) according to your WORKS. 24. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25. But that which you have already HOLD FAST till I come. 26. And he that OVERCOMES, and KEEPS my WORKS unto the END, to him will I give power over the nations: 27. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28. And I will give him the morning star. 29. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.”
Question: So what about those believers who drawback and do NOT overcome, will these UNFAITHFUL believers still receive their PROMISE of ETERNAL LIFE in the world to come?
How many times do you see the words “WORKS” and “OVERCOME”?
Now to ME, this warning that Jesus gives to the WHOLE CHURCH definitely teaches ME that if I do NOT overcome the enemy that tempts me, then I will give in to temptation and sin and the wages of sin is DEATH. But if I am overcome by the enemy and do sin, then I must REPENT in order to be restored to a right relationship with Almighty God. It is when a believer does NOT overcome and does NOT REPENT that if they die in this state of sin that they will LOSE their reward of ETERNAL LIFE and will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
Whoever has puzzle piece #22 would you please read the passage of scripture that you have?
Puzzle Piece #22.
Revelation 3:1-22.
“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things says he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your WORKS, that you have a name that you live, and are dead. 2. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your WORKS PERFECT before God. 3. Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and HOLD FAST, and REPENT. If therefore you shall NOT watch, I will come on you as a THIEF, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you. 4. You have a FEW names even in Sardis which have NOT defiled their garments; and THEY (Speaking of ONLY those FEW who have no SIN in their lives) shall walk with me in white: for they are WORTHY. 5. He that OVERCOMES, the SAME shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will NOT blot out his name out of the book of LIFE, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6. He that has an ear, let him HEAR what the Spirit says unto the churches. 7. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; 8. I know your WORKS: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have KEPT my word, and have NOT denied my name. 9. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10. Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have (WHY? Why do we need to HOLD FAST to our faith?) THAT (Or so that) no man take your CROWN. 12. Him that OVERCOMES will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13. He that has an ear, let him HEAR what the Spirit says unto the churches. 14. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15. I know your WORKS, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot. 16. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. 17. Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18. I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and REPENT. 20. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21. To him that OVERCOMES will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.”
Question: Do you see the repeated pattern of Jesus seeing our WORKS? And even though some of our works are good Jesus warns us that he has a few things against us that we need to REPENT of in order to be found PERFECT before Almighty God. It is VITAL that you understand that we MUST obey all the MORAL commandments of Almighty God lest we SIN! Know you not that the WAGES of SIN is DEATH? Jesus has delivered us from the BONDAGE of sin so that sin will no longer have DOMINION over us. That means that God has GIVEN us the POWER to live our lives free from sin. Please read the study “HOW TO LIVE TOUR LIFE FREE FROM SIN!”
Whoever has puzzle piece #23 please go ahead and read the passage of scripture that you have in your envelope.
Puzzle Piece #23.
Revelation 22:10-15.
“And he says unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12. And, behold, I come quickly; and my REWARD (Singular, as in one reward for each faithful believer and one reward to mete out to the workers of iniquity) is with me, to give every man ACCORDING as his WORK shall be. 13. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14. BLESSED are THEY that DO his COMMANDMENTS, that THEY (Speaking of ONLY those who DO or KEEP the COMMANDMENTS of Almighty God) may have RIGHT to the tree of LIFE, and may ENTER IN through the gates into the city. 15. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whore mongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.”
Question: Now that you have seen these OTHER pieces of the puzzle have they helped you see how vitally important it is to be faithful to DO good works and to OBEY the leading of the Holy Spirit of Almighty God?
Whoever has the puzzle piece #24 would you please read the final scripture that I want to point out to you in this study of what must I DO to be SAVED?
Puzzle Piece #24.
Romans 1:16,17.
“For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL of Christ: for IT (Speaking of the gospel) is the POWER OF God UNTO salvation to everyone that BELIEVES (speaking of CONTINUALLY believing unto the END); to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17. For therein (Or within the WHOLE GOSPEL of salvation) is the righteousness of God revealed from FAITH to FAITH: as it is written, The JUST (Those who have already been freely justified or brought back into right relationship with God) shall LIVE BY FAITH.”
Now for ME, the word of God says that we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. And I believe that the Holy Spirit has shown me that it IS possible for us to LIVE without sin. The Holy Spirit has shown me how to OVERCOME sin by taking one temptation at a time BY FAITH. So them from temptation to temptation I overcome from FAITH to FAITH. That means with each temptation that comes along I BELIEVE in the PROMISES of God's word unto the END of each temptation. In other words, I sincerely BELIEVE in the PROMISE of God's word that if I RESIST the temptation from the Devil than God will PERFORM his word and the Devil will take his temptation and FLEE away from TEMPTING ME. I BELIEVE in the promise of God that he will NOT ALLOW me to every be tempted ABOVE that which I am able to BEAR unto the END of each temptation and God always gives me the STRENGTH to not give in to any temptation that I use my FAITH to overcome. And that is how we LIVE from FAITH to FAITH. Giving in to sin is DEATH. So we DIE from UNBELIEF to UNBELIEF. We LIVE by overcoming SIN by our FAITH in the PROMISES of God taking ONE temptation at a time. You see, one must FIRST BELIEVE that they CAN live without sin before they will be EMPOWERED by the GOSPEL and the Holy Spirit to OVERCOME. Job 5:24 teaches us that there is coming a time that we shall NOT SIN and I personally believe that we are fast approaching that time. The context of this verse of scripture leads me to believe that it is speaking of the time of great tribulation. I will explain more on this in the next Bible study series, which will be on the last days and the return of Jesus.
Job 5:24.
“And you shall know that you tabernacle shall be in peace; and you shalt visit your habitation, and shall NOT SIN.”
I know that there are some here who wrestle with the same sins over and over and deep inside you hate that you can not seem to get victory over this area of your life. If you are truly tired of fighting and seemingly always losing these battles with the enemy, then I implore you to read the study "HOW TO LIVE FREE FROM SIN!"
Remember the JUST shall LIVE BY FAITH. Are you CONTINUALLY BELIEVING the PROMISES that are in God's word? We began our walk with God THROUGH FAITH and seeing it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God without faith, then for certain, we must CONTINUALLY TO USE our FAITH to DO the WORKS of God. The PROMISES of God are given to us to BELIEVE and by believing the promises of God we overcome sin THROUGH HIS POWER and NOT our OWN power.
Next week we will begin a six week series on the end times and the second coming of Jesus.
Are there any questions or comments? Thanks for being such attentive students of God's word. And may God bless you richly as you continue to see the truth of the WHOLE word of Almighty God.
Your brother in our Lord Jesus Christ, Mark. RETURN TO HOMEPAGE AT |
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