That You May Believe

“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:30-31

Truth and TrustA young father extended both arms upward toward his young son perched on a tree limb that threatened to break. “Jump! I’ll catch you.” The little boy was afraid to jump. He had to make a decision. That decision would depend upon his trust in his father. We must decide to accept or reject the claims made concerning Jesus of Nazareth. The proper decision requires truth and trust.

The Gospel according to John is a book of evidences. It’s purpose, as stated by John, is to help us believe. “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31).


The SignsAt a wedding feast in Cana, Jesus changed more than one hundred gallons of water to wine. The wine was superior to that first served by the host. Note John 2:1-11. Jesus did not at any time touch the liquid nor the containers.

Jesus healed a nobleman’s son. He did not touch the boy. He was a considerable distance away. The nobleman believed (John 4:46-54.

In Jerusalem, Jesus healed a lame man at the pool of Bethesda. His enemies did not doubt the miracle. Their only objection was that He healed on the Sabbath. See John 5:1-16.

Jesus fed multitudes with five loaves and two fish. Twelve baskets were filled with the food left over. Note John 6:1-14.

In the middle of the Sea of Galilee Jesus walked on the water (John 6:16-21).

A man blind from birth followed the instructions of Jesus. He was healed. The enemies of Jesus did not doubt the miracle; they accused Jesus of being a sinner. The blind man said, “One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:1-41).

Jesus’ friend Lazarus was in the tomb for four days. Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!” Lazarus came out of the tomb bound with grave clothes. The religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus because they feared many would believe following this miracle (John 11:1-57).

· The supreme sign was the resurrection of Jesus Himself on the third day. Jesus could not have contrived the miracle alone. His disciples were not expecting His crucifixion and were discouraged. They at first doubted His resurrection. See John 20. On one occasion, more than five hundred people saw the risen Lord (1 Corinthians 15:6).

WITNESSESCourt procedure includes the calling of witnesses to find the truth. John recorded the testimony of many witnesses. He wrote, “... we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

· John the Baptist said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

· Philip said, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law, and also the prophets wrote ...”

· Nicodemus said, “... we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no man can do these signs that You do unless God is with Him.”

· A Samaritan woman said, “Come and see a man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” The friends of the woman said, “... this indeed is the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

· Peter said, “... we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

· Pilate, who did not believe, said, “I find no fault in Him.” He delivered Jesus to be crucified for political reasons.

· Thomas, after seeing the risen Lord, said, “My Lord and my God!”

LOGICAL CONCLUSIONSIf Jesus had been mere man, He would have held the prejudices of His own people. Yet, He ate with publicans and sinners, spoke with a Samaritan woman, and told of a good Samaritan. He refused the opportunity to become an earthly king. He did not accept their values. The opposition never denied His miracles. They brought false charges, but they accepted the reality of His miracles.

Jesus spoke truth. He was never wrong. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Men sent to arrest Him returned and said, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”

He was without sin and could say to His enemies, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?”On the day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus, three thousand were baptized in response to the message proclaimed by His apostles. Enemies of Jesus needed only to produce the body of Jesus in order to discredit the claims of the apostles. They did not because the could not!

Please read the Gospel According to John and study the details of events highlighted in this tract. The premise of John is logical. “Truly, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

WHAT CAN YOU DO?You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38;22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOUFollowing the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile our differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.Please e-mail any comments or questions you might have or for the location of a congregation belonging to Jesus Christ meeting near your home.

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Will The Good People Of All Churches Be Saved?

A. G. HOBBSThis is a question that is met on almost every corner. The average person is quite puzzled and at a loss to explain the situation of those who are honest yet belonging to different religious bodies, believing different doctrines, and following different practices in a religious way.

The least embarrassing way out, if a person does not have to face the Bible for an answer, is to say that all the good people of all religious bodies will be saved --- regardless of his religious affiliation.

Let us face this question honestly and fairly in the light of Divine revelation. Apart from the Bible no one can know who is saved now or will be saved in the hereafter.

(1) What we think about the question will not settle it. All Bible questions must be settled by the Bible and not by what we think.
(2) Neither can it be settled by our feelings. Yet many depend wholly on their feeling for their religious practice, and position.
(3) What our grandparents taught in the past, or think and feel now will not give us a safe answer.
(4) The creeds and conferences of men cannot settle the question.
(5) To whom then can we go? Where can we turn to find an answer that is safe and sound? What a person must do to be saved; to which church a person must belong to please the Lord; what a person must practice in order to please the Lord; and if the good people in any religious body can be saved must all be determined from what the Bible teaches. We are to be judged by the word of the Lord, John 12:48, Revelation 20:12.

Let us, therefore, turn to God’s word for an answer --- meanwhile laying aside our personal ideas with a willingness to be led by God’s word. We cannot arrive at the correct answer to this question unless we are willing to accept some fundamental points which are clearly taught in the Bible. Let us drive our first stake from whence we can begin our survey.

“...our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:15b-18

I. MEN MUST DO GOD’S WILL TO BE SAVED.
Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21. In this same chapter, vv 24-27, Jesus gives the parable of the Two Builders. He who hears and does the words of Christ is building on the rock. He who does not obey Christ is building on the sand. God’s will for people today is revealed by Christ. We are commanded to hear him, Matthew 17:5. Christ chose, trained, and qualified twelve Apostles who were sent the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth in binding and loosing on earth the things that are now bound or loosed in heaven. John 16:13, Matthew 16:19. Since men must do God’s will to be saved, and since only those who do his will have promise of entrance into the kingdom; a number of inevitable conclusions follow:

(a) Men cannot be saved merely because they are good. “For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin.” Ecclesiastes 7:20. “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10. “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

Hence, the major premise that the good People of all churches will be saved breaks down when tested by the Bible. If men can be saved on their own goodness, then Christ died in vain. He prayed, “If it be possible, let this cup pass.” It did not pass. Therefore, it was not possible for God to save the world without the death and suffering, both mental and physical, of Jesus.

Since we cannot be saved on our own righteousness, we must submit to the righteousness of God. David said, “.. for all Your commandments are righteousness.” Psalms 119:172b. As Peter began his sermon to Cornelius and his house, he said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” Acts 10:34, 35. Cornelius was a good man morally, but he was told to send for Peter who would tell him words where-by he and his house might be saved, Acts 11:14. Before Peter concluded his message, he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 10:48. Therefore, baptism is part of the righteousness, one of the commands, to which men must submit before God will accept them.

(b) It takes more than faith to be saved. Some one may be ready to admit that a person cannot be saved on his own goodness (then you admit that your major premise is false); but then insist that all who believe in Christ as their Savior, regardless of church affiliation will be saved. The believer has the right, or power, to become a child of God, John 1:11, 12. Hence, a person is not a child of God merely because he believes. We also read that many believed on Christ, they believed him to be the Savior of the world, the Son of God; but they would not confess him, John 12:42-43. Were they saved? Certainly not! --- but will be denied by Christ in that last day, Matthew 10:33.

No one can come to Christ unless he is lost, Luke 19:10. No one can come to Christ unless he is a believer, John 1:12. Hence, lost, penitent believers are those who are fit subjects to become children of God. No one can accept Christ as personal Savior by faith only. It takes faithful obedience, of which baptism is the first step, Mark 16:16. Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38.

(c) It takes more than being religious to be saved. Jesus said: “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:22-23. Hence, we learn from this passage that many who are religious will be lost. Many who are religious enough to pray and work will be lost. It takes more than prayer to be saved, and it takes more than just working in “some church.” The will of God must be done.

To reject the doctrine of Christ and teach some other doctrine is “evil,” 2 John 9-11. Those who are guilty are evil workers. A person does not have to be wicked or immoral to be guilty of iniquity. Those who have been religiously wrong will be turned away at the judgment as “workers of iniquity.”

A person must not only be religious; but he must be religiously right. In reply, someone may say that those to whom Christ refers in this passage are those who are not honest and sincere. But Jesus does not say so. And this leads right on to the next point:

(d) It takes more than being honest and sincere to be saved. Paul lived in all good conscience, Acts 23:1, 24:16; yet, he at one time was a violent persecutor of the church, Acts 9:1, 26:9, Galatians 1:13. He said that he thought he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Christ. He was honest, but honestly wrong. A person today may be in the same position --- honest, but honestly wrong.

Therefore, it takes more than being honest and sincere to be saved. “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 16:25. A person better not risk his eternal destiny on a way that “seems right.” Paul commands that we prove all things, and hold fast that which is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

Jesus said that those who are to enter the Kingdom are those that do God’s will --- not just good morally, or active religiously in some religion, or just honest in convictions. Hence, we had better study the Bible, 2 Timothy 2:15 learn and understand God’s will, Ephesians 5:17; and then do God’s will, Matthew 7:21.

(e) Ignorance cannot save. Some think that if a person just does the best that he knows that he will be saved. God today does not overlook ignorance as he did in ages past:

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31.

Christ was crucified through ignorance, Acts 3:17; but the ones who did it were guilty nevertheless, Acts 2:23-24.

Paul charged the Jews of his day of being ignorant of God’s righteousness. “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:3.

One must know and obey the truth to be made free from sin, John 8:32, I Peter 1:22; The gospel must be preached and obeyed, Mark 16:15, 16, II Thessalonians 1:7-9. There is no promise that a person can be saved by just doing the best that he knows. He must know and do God’s will to be saved.

II WHAT THEN IS GOD’S WILL?
(a) The alien sinner must:

1. Hear the gospel, Matthew 13:9, Acts 18:8.
The gospel is explained as being the death of Christ for man’s sins, His burial and resurrection, I Corinthians 15:1-4. These are the great facts of the gospel. And they establish the great truth that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.

2. Believe the gospel, Mark 16:15, 16.

3. Repent (change their mind and life), Luke 13:5.

4. Confess their faith in Christ, Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 10:10.

5. Be baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, Act 2:38. Baptism is a burial of the body in water and a resurrection to walk in newness of life, Hebrews 10:2 2, Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:3-5.

When the sinner obeys, or meets these conditions of pardon, he is thus recognizing Christ as his sacrifice for sin; and accepting Him as his Savior from sin. Obedience to Divine commands is no grounds for glorying—save in the cross of Christ. Galatians 6:14.

(b) For those who have been baptized, it is God’s will that:

1. They wear the name Christian, Acts 11:26, 26:28, I Pet. 4:16. No human name not specifically authorized by Scripture should be used.

2. They observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” Acts 20:7.

Every week has a first day; and Christians should not forsake the assembling of themselves together, Hebrews 10:25. The Lord’s Supper should be observed in a worthy manner, I Corinthians 11:29; but it is God’s will that it be done. It is a specific command of Christ where we are told to “do this” in Luke 22:19.

We have an approved example of weekly communion; and the Apostles were guided by the Spirit into all truth, John 16:13. Therefore, it is God’s will that the Lord’s Supper be observed on the first day of every week. Those who fail to do so are not doing God’s will. Secular historians testify that the communion was a vital part of the worship of the early Christians on every Lord’s Day.

3. It is God’s will that we give bountifully of our means on the first day of the week, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 2 Corinthians 16:1-2. It is not his will that the church try to raise money through church suppers or rummage sales, etc.

4. He wants us to pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. One should always be a person of prayer.

5. It is God’s will that we use vocal music in our worship, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16. Music is a general term, while singing is a specific term. Singing is a definite kind of music. Playing is independent of singing; and singing is independent of playing. The Lord did not leave it to us to select the kind of music we like and want. He has commanded that we sing:
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians. 5:19.

God’s will is revealed to us in the New Testament; but it is not revealed that instrumental music be used in the worship; therefore, it is not his will that such be used.

6. Not only does God want us to worship him in accord with Divine revelation; but he also wants us to live a clean and upright life morally. The complete will of God for the Christian cannot herein be set forth; but we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us, Matthew 7:12; do good unto all men; speak the truth at all times and live in such way as to reflect the glorious gospel of Christ.

However, being morally upright cannot within itself save; neither can being religious obligate the Lord to save. He has not promised to save those who are merely good, honest, and sincere; but be declares that those who do the will of his Father shall be saved. Note then this logic:

1. Those who do the will of God will be saved, Matthew 7:21.
2. But one cannot do God’s will, regardless of how sincere he may be, in a religious body not found in the revealed will of God—that teaches doctrine contrary to his will, and worships contrary to Divine revelation.
3. Therefore, the good people of all churches will not be saved.

This conclusion is based on the premise laid down by Christ; and on the fact that the Bible is the final and complete revelation of God’s will to man. There is no promise in the Bible that the good people of all churches will be saved. No one should teach that which is not revealed in the Bible; therefore, no one has Bible authority to teach such doctrine. If God, in his mercy, sees fit to accept those who have not done his will; it will be his business; but no one can have a written hope or assurance of acceptance in disobedience. Take another logical conclusion:

1. Christ has only promised to save the obedient, Hebrews 5:9.
2. No one can obey Christ by entering a religious body or church that Jesus did not build, that wears an unscriptural name, teaches doctrine contrary to the Bible, and worships contrary to Divine revelation for Christians as set forth in the New Testament.
3. Therefore, the good people in all churches will not be saved.

Why? Because they are good? No. Because they have not obeyed Christ. As we come to the next point, be honest and fair—with yourself and with God—and weigh it carefully in the light of the Bible.

III. NO ONE CAN DO GOD’S WILL, OBEY CHRIST, AND FULFILL HIS RELIGIOUS DUTIES EXCEPT IN THE CHURCH BELONGING TO JESUS CHRIST.
This is not being boastful nor self-righteous, but stating a sober fact.

(a) Christ built only one church, Matthew 16:18; and it is his spiritual body, Ephesians 1:22-23. He is head over His body, His church, Colossians 1:18. He built no other church; He is the head over no other church. Christ gives us His design for His church in the New Testsament Scriptures!

Christ’s church did not when it was established, nor does it now, consist of a multitude of different denominations --- wearing different names, believing and teaching different creeds.

All other religious bodies either add to or take away from Divine revelation. They fall short in their doctrine of how to be saved; or they corrupt the worship by innovations; or they fail to maintain the scriptural pattern of congregational independence. [See Leviticus 10:1-3 to understand how God about innovations in worship to Him]

(b) Nearly all religious bodies teach that a sinner is saved by “faith only”, without and before baptism in water for the remission of sins, as declared in Acts 2:38.[Please note: the only place in the Bible the words “faith only” are found together is in James 2:24, where it is preceded by the words “not by faith only.”] Since this is a positive Divine command that stands between the sinner and his salvation, Mark 16:16; the majority of religious people, though honest, have not done the thing that Jesus demands must be done to be saved. Furthermore, it is definitely taught in Romans 6:3-5, that we are baptized into the death of Christ. It is here that we reach the cleansing power of the blood of Christ. We are at this point made free from sin, Romans 6:17, is. Paul here declares that we must obey from the heart (which includes the understanding, the emotions, and will) that form of doctrine “And being THEN made free from sin.”

Hence, denominational preachers are deceiving the people and keeping them from being saved by the blood of Christ. Christ and the Apostles taught that no one is saved from past sins until he has been taught and understands and is baptized into the death of Christ and raised to walk a new life. Therefore, the majority of religious people have never obeyed the gospel of Christ. He is coming in flaming fire rendering vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. Salvation Is In Christ, 2 Timothy. 2:10.

All spiritual blessings are in Christ, Ephesians 1:3; and we are baptized into Christ, Galatians 3:27. We cannot believe into Christ. We cannot mourn, or cry ourselves into Christ. Baptism is the final act of obedience that puts one into Christ. It, of course, must be preceded by faith and repentance.

(c) After one is scripturally baptized, he must worship God in spirit and in truth, John 4:23-24. Worship must be genuine and from the heart; and it must be in accord with revealed truth as to how to worship.

The Lord’s Supper was observed weekly by the early Christians, Acts 20:7. If one belongs to a religious body that does not have the Lord’s Supper weekly, he cannot worship God therein scripturally. Hence, he cannot do God’s will therein. Consequently, according to Christ, he cannot be saved.

In addition to omitting the Lord’s Supper from their weekly worship, most religious bodies add mechanical music to the worship thus corrupting it. If a woman in baking a cake adds one extra ingredients she has not followed the recipe. One drop of poison added to a glass of milk corrupts it. One foreign item added to the worship corrupts it. [See the link to the Lord’s Supper: http://JesusLastSupper.blogspot.com]

We are definite command to abide in the doctrine of Christ and those who do not “hath not God.” 2 John 9. We are also commanded not to add to or take away from Divine revelation, Revelation 22:18-19.

(d) Furthermore, most religious bodies will bind on their members a name that is not in the Bible. Therefore, we confidently affirm, that the church of Christ is the only religious body in which a person can be scripturally baptized, be a Christian and a Christian only, worship and serve God in harmony with Divine revelation with-out addition or subtraction.

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The New Birth(John 3:35)

by Joe HisleIn the John 3:3-7, we find recorded the words of Jesus concerning the new birth. This is a very important teaching dealing with the salvation of every man’s soul. As is often the case with important verses, there is much misunderstanding and confusion about the requirements of the new birth. Many today profess to be “born again” Christians, yet they have never complied with the requirements of the new birth. Others, I am afraid, do not fully appreciate what is involved in this process called the “new birth.” As we begin the study of these passages, may I impress upon you the importance of this study. Jesus said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

To lay the foundation for our study, let us note the basic facts revealed in verse five: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” From this verse we learn:

1. There is one new birth.
2. There are two elements required:
a. Water
b. Spirit.
3. This birth of water and Spirit occurs at the same time.

It is necessary to keep these facts in mind as we study the various ideas concerning the new birth, and remember, the subject under consideration is “birth.” There is no mention of the process of being begotten. The facts are: There is only one new birth required, this new birth requires the two elements of water and Spirit.

Note also, as I think this is significant, the order of these elements, Jesus said, “water and of the Spirit.” The birth of water and Spirit happens simultaneously. One is not “half’ born at one time and then completes the other half at a later time. With these facts in mind, let us notice various ideas about being born again.

Theory One: Baptism Is Not TaughtJohn Calvin was one of the first to corrupt the teaching of the new birth. Calvin tried to eliminate the need for baptism in water by saying “the water represents the Holy Spirit in a spiritual sense.” He would read verse 5, “Except a man be born of the water which is the Spirit.” Of course, this was just one of many errors that John Calvin made with the Scriptures. Mr. Calvin forgot there are two elements in the new birth, equally important and equally essential: water and Spirit[See endnote].

Theory Two: Baptism of the Holy Spirit Is TaughtA second idea comes from those who believe in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This persuasion believes that one “gets religion” at the altar. He is baptized by the Spirit, and at some later date he is baptized in water. Thus he is born of Spirit and water.

It is obvious that there are several scriptural problems with this understanding of John 3. First, this forces two births where there is only one. We are born of water and Spirit, not born of Spirit and later born of water. The Bible says “born again,” not again and again; not once at the altar and once at the creek. Please notice also that the order of the command has been reversed. Jesus said, “water and of the Spirit” Jesus did not say, “Spirit and water.”

Theory Three: “Born of Water” Refers to Natural BirthThere is a third theory about the new birth that seems to be the most ridiculous of all. But before you laugh, let me tell you that this is one of the most commonly held of all unscriptural theories. It says that the new birth consists of the natural birth (literally being born in a bag of water), then being born of the Spirit when one “gets religion.”

Here again, there are several practices that violate the basic requirements of the new birth. This theory requires two births: born naturally and born religiously. The new birth of the Bible is one (singular) new birth. This theory also violates the Scriptures in that it does not allow for the birth of water and of the Spirit to take place at the same time. There would be years between the natural birth (in a bag of water) and the birth of Spirit (getting religion). But the real problem with those who hold this view is that they have missed the entire point of the Scriptures. Nicodemus did not inquire, “How is a child born into the world?” but “How can a man be born when he is old?” The subject of the new birth is already a man. Jesus explains that for a man to enter into the kingdom of God, that man must be born again of water and the Spirit.

Theory Four: Begotten of the Spirit and Born of WaterPerhaps the most common way that I have heard these passages taught we are “begotten of the Spirit” and then “born of the water.” The alien sinner is begotten of the Spirit through the Word of God. He is then born of the water when he is baptized. I would like for you to notice that there are several Scriptural problems with this teaching.

First, the required order is reversed: begotten of the Spirit and then born of the water. This is not the arrangement given by Jesus. If the Lord had intended this arrangement, why did He not say, “A man must be begotten the Spirit and born of the water.” The conclusion is obvious. This is not what the Lord intended.

Second, some tell me that the order in this place is not important How do we know when the order is not important? Is the order important in Acts 2:38? Mark 16:16? Matthew 26:26-27? I conclude that if the order is important in these verses (and I believe it is) the order is important in John 3:5. The theory under consideration breaks up the order of the Lord’s arrangement and places the Spirit as far before water as faith precedes baptism.

Third, a more compelling problem with this way of teaching the new birth has to do with the Greek word gennao, here rendered “born.” I understand the word could have been rendered either “born” or “begotten,” but the word cannot mean both born and begotten in the same place and at same time. A word can have only one meaning in one place. This is a rule of language. Ernesti, in his Philosophy of Language, gives two such rules:

1. The sense of a word can not be diverse or multiform at the same time and in the same place.
2. In no language can a word have more than one literal meaning in the same place.

Here is our dilemma: we must decide which word we want to use. Do we want to render the word “begotten”? If so, “begotten” must apply to both the water and the Spirit: “Begotten of the water and of the Spirit.” If this is the case, the process is “all begetting;” there is no birth at all! The Greek word cannot be rendered both born and begotten. Since Nicodemus asked, “Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born,” the subject under consideration is being born, not being begotten.

There are two elements in the new birth, they are water and the Spirit. A man must be born of both to be born again. He is not begotten of the Spirit and born of the water. He must be born of both water and of the Spirit to be born at all!

What Is the Teaching of John 3?Let us look at the process of being begotten and then being born into the kingdom of God. The alien sinner may be begotten by the Word of God. When the gospel is preached to a sinner, the seed, which is the Word of God (Luke 8:11) has been sown. If that Word lodges in a good heart, that person has been begotten by the Word. The sinner has been begotten, but he has not been born, nor has he been “half born” The birth may be minutes or hours away, or even days or years away --- or sadly, he may never be born.

Birth is actually a transition from one form of life to another. A baby is literally delivered in a bag of water When he takes his first breath of air, he has made the transition from one form of life to another. Similarly, a spiritual transition is made by an alien sinner when he is begotten by the gospel of Christ and obeys the gospel to be born again. In the new birth, he is born of water when he is baptized m water and born of the Spirit when he is quickened (made spiritually alive) through God’s Holy Spirit. His sins are washed away in baptism, and he is brought to spiritual life through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:11 reads, “But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

John 3:6 reads, “Jesus said. . . that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” By this birth of water and of the Spirit, the sinner has made the transition from the life as a sinner to the new life as a child of God. Paul says, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Will this explanation satisfy the basic requirement of the new birth? The answer is “yes.” There is one new birth, and it involves two elements: water and the Spirit. These elements must occur in the proper order and also at the same time. Following are some parallel verses for your consideration.

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 2 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 ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

John 3:5 Born of Water + of the Spirit = entrance in the Kingdom of God

Titus 3:5 Washing of Regeneration + Renewing of the Holy Ghost = Saved

Acts 2:38 Baptism + the gift of the Holy Spirit = Remission of Sin

I hope that we can fully appreciate the opportunity that we have through the grace of God to be born again; to rise above the condemnation that is to reign upon this earth as sons and daughters of our heavenly Father. If you are to have any hope of being righteous in the sight of God, “Ye must be born again!”

EndnotesSee: 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Timothy 2:4; John 17:17; 4:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:15 & 16; Acts 17:11; Dueteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 5:5-6; John 18:37; 2 John verse 9; Revelations 22:18-19

Rt. 4, Ada, Oklahoma 74820

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What Must I Do to Be Saved?

The QuestionThis is the most important question you could ever ask. It is important because what you do now will determine where you will be in eternity. If you will search diligently for the answer and act upon it, you will never regret your decision.

Many LostSadly, very few people ask this question. Most are preoccupied with the everyday affairs of life. Jesus taught that many will be lost. He said, “... broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it” (Matthew 7:13).

Beware!Many sincere and well-intentioned people are ready to answer this question for you. But be careful! Jesus warned, “... if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14). The eternal destiny of your soul is at stake! You must find the Bible answer to this important question.


The SourceThe only reliable source in religious matters is the Word of God --- the Bible. Please search it diligently to be sure you understand what to do in order to be saved. The book of Acts records numerous examples of those who accepted Jesus as Lord. A study of these examples will help you to understand what you must do.

Be CarefulAs you study your Bible, please be careful to notice what it says. The Bible does not say, “Simply believe in the Lord Jesus.” The Bible does not say, “Pray the sinners prayer.” Please observe that those outside of Christ were not told to pray in order to be saved. These ideas are from men; not from God. Do not be misled by human concepts.

The Philippian JailerThe jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” He was told, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved ...” He was then taught by Paul and Silas and was baptized that night. After he was baptized, he “... rejoiced greatly, having believed in God ...” (Acts 16:34). Belief must include obedience. Jesus saves those who obey Him, “... He became to all who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9).

The Message It is important to notice that Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to the jailer (Acts 16:31-32). The jailer understood that forgiveness of sin is found in Christ. He understood that those who accept Jesus as Lord are baptized into Christ. For this reason he was baptized immediately, that same hour of the night (Acts 16:33). This was obedience to Christ. The same message was proclaimed on other occasions. See Acts 10:48; 16:15; 18:8; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27; and Colossians 2:12.

The Key - BelieveThe Gospel According to John was written that you might believe. It gives an account of Christ, with evidence that will enable you to know that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God. When you believe He is the Christ, you will gladly accept Him as Lord in obedient faith. Jesus emphasized the necessity of such belief when He said, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

If you believe, you will obey Jesus as Lord. If you do not believe, you will not obey. Do you believe God raised Jesus from the dead? Will you confess Him before others? Will you be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins in obedience to His instructions?

WHAT CAN YOU DO?You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).
WE WELCOME YOUFollowing the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile our differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the xpression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We welcome you to study the Bible with us. Please e-mail me at bibletruths@hotmail.com for the location of a church belonging to Jesus Christ near you.

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Baptism and Forgiveness

Baptism is NecessaryThe Bible presents this requirement very clearly. Jesus said, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16). If we accept Jesus as Lord we will gladly follow His instructions. There are many who, motivated by allegiance to human systems of thought, do not hesitate to rewrite this statement of Jesus. Jesus did not say, “He who believes is saved already, and let him be baptized because he is saved.” One who believes will be baptized as Jesus instructed. One who disbelieves will not follow the Lord’s instruction.

Jesus told His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20).

Saved When BaptizedThe apostle Paul was not saved on the road to Damascus. He was told to, “rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.” (Acts 9:6). Ananias was sent to him with the message, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the His name.” (Acts 22:16). If Paul was forgiven when he acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God, why did Ananias tell him, “... be baptized and wash away your sins”?

Peter, speaking of Noah’s obedient faith, wrote, “And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you --- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience --- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). We receive God’s free gift of salvation through faith just as Noah was saved through obedient faith.

For ForgivenessIn Jerusalem the apostles presented evidence for Jesus as the Christ. Those who heard said, “... what shall we do?” They were told, “Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Chris for the forgiveness of sins ...” (Acts 2:37-38). At the point of repentance toward God (changing the mind about sin). and acceptance of Jesus as Savior, one should be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. The word translated “for” means “in order to obtain” the forgiveness of sins.

It has been argued that the command to be baptized was given to people who were already saved. If so, then the command to repent was given to those who were saved. Of what were they to repent if they had already received forgiveness for sin? Both repentance and baptism, together, lead to the forgiveness of sins.

Baptized Into ChristThe finest winter coat would be of no value against the cold if it were not put on. In a similar way, unless Christ is “put on in baptism” there is no forgiveness for sin. “For you are all the sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27). Baptism is necessary in order to be IN Christ and have the redemption made possible by His sacrifice. Have you “Put on Christ” in baptism?

Baptism, a symbol of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, expresses our hope for a resurrection like His. “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Jesus Christ have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we to might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection” (Romans 6:3-5) Have you been united with Christ?

The Response: BaptismPhilip, an evangelist, preached in Samaria. Here is the response: “But when they believed Philip preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike” (Acts 8:12). Philip preached Jesus to a man from Ethiopia. The man responded with this question, “Look, water! What prevents me from being baptized?” They both went down into the water and Philip baptized him. (See Acts 8:35-38).

The apostle Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptized (Acts 10:48). The jailer at Philippi was baptized immediately upon hearing the word of the Lord spoken by Paul and Silas (Acts 16:29-33). The response was the same at Corinth, “... many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized” (Acts 18:8). If you accept Jesus as Lord, should not your response be the same today?

If you have not been baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of sins in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you should do so today with the understanding that you are being baptized into Christ for the remission/forgiveness of sins. Then, you should plan to assemble for worship with other Christians in order that you may continue to grow in the grace and knowledge in your new life in Christ.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOUFollowing the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

Please e-mail me, Dennis Crawford, at BibleTruths@hotmail.com for comments or further Bible information, or for the location of a congregation belonging to Jesus Christ near you.

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"SAVED BY WHAT?" A Bible-study

I. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY SAVES?

A. Acts 15:11 (GRACE)
1. What does the Bible say saves?

2. Is grace a free gift?

B. Romans 8:24 (HOPE)
1. What does the Bible say saves?

2. If we see something, is hope involved?

C. Matthew 10:22 (ENDURANCE)
1. What does the Bible say saves?

2. How long we have to endure for salvation?

D. Hebrews 5:8&9 (OBEDIENCE)
1. What does the Bible say is necessary for salvation?
2. What did Christ have to learn before he became the author of salvation?

E. Acts 2:39 (CALLED BY GOD)
1. How does one become a partaker of the promise of God?

2. Who does the calling?

F. 1 Corinthians 1:21 (PREACHING)
1. By what foolishness does the Bible say God choose to save the world?

G. Romans 1:16 (GOSPEL)
1. What is the power of God unto salvation?

H. I Peter 3:21 (BAPTISM)

1. What does the Bible say saves us?

I. Acts 2:21 (CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD)
1. What must one do in order to be saved?

J. Acts 16:31 (FAITH - BELIEF)
1. What does the Bible here teach is necessary to be saved?

K. II Thessalonians 2:10 (LOVE OF THE TRUTH)
1. What does the Bible clearly teach there is necessary to be saved?

Here are 11 ways the Bible says to be saved. Which is right? This is why there are so many different religions in the world teaching so many different ways of salvation, They don't study all the verses.
THE BIBLE IS ITS OWN BEST AND ONLY INTERPRETER!

II. HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND THESE SEEMING CONTRADICTIONS

A. II Timothy 2:15
1. What do we need to do so that God will approve of the things that we do?

2. If we study with the right attitude, can we correctly understand the Bible?

3. What is the right attitude?

B. II Timothy 3:16 & 17
1. Who inspired all scripture?

2. When we read a verse in the Bible, who is talking to us?

3. What is the Bible to be the source of?

4. Does the Bible completely furnish us for all God works?

III. HOW DOES THE BIBLE RECONCILE THESE VERSES?

A. Romans 1:16&17

1. What does the word, gospel, mean?

2. What is revealed by the gospel?

3. What is the power of God unto salvation?

B. II Timothy 1:9&10
1. Was the grace and purpose of God planned before the world began?

2. Is the Grace of God brought to light through the gospel?
C. Galatians 1:6-10

1. Is it possible to be removed from the Grace of God?

2. What is a person removed to?

3. What is the relationship between the Grace of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

4. Can one separate grace and gospel?

5. How can one be saved by grace and by the gospel at the same time?

D. Mark 16:15

1. What is to be preached unto every creature?

2. Is there any contradiction between being saved by the gospel and being saved by preaching the gospel?

E. Colossians 1:23

1. Where is the hope that saves revealed?

2. How did we hear the gospel?

3. What brought about the hope of salvation?

F. Mark 1:15
1. What must one believe in to have access to salvation?

2. AFTER HEARING THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL PREACHED, WHICH REVEALS THE GRACE OF GOD, MUST WE BELIEVE --- TO BE SAVED?

G. Romans 10:17
1. Where does faith come from?

2. What does one have to hear?

3. What is the relationship between the gospel, faith, and preaching?

H. Hebrews 11:1
1. What is the relationship between faith and hope?

2. Do we have to see things to have faith?

I. II Thessalonians 2:13 & 14

1. How did God chose us to salvation?

2. How does God call us to him?

3. Every time we hear the gospel, is God talking to us?

J. Colossians 1:4 & 5
1. Where is the truth contained?

2. Is having a love of the truth and a love of the gospel the same thing?

K. Matthew 7:20 & 21
1. Does just saying Lord, Lord mean we will be saved?

2. What is necessary to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

3. Is obedience to the gospel of Christ necessary?

IV. WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

A. I Corinthians 15:1-4
1. What is Paul declare unto the brethren?

2. By what did Paul say we were saved?

3. What is the gospel that Paul delivered?

4. What is the grace of God?

5. Will this free gift ever be taken away?

B. Romans 6:17 & 18
1. Were we at one time the servants of sin?

2. What happened for us to become servants of righteousness?

3. What is the doctrine that was received? (Gospel)

4. How can we obey from the heart the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

C. Romans 6:3-5
1. How do we get into Jesus Christ?

2. How do we come in contact with the death of Christ?

3. How are we buried with Christ?

4. Can we be in the likeness of Christ's resurrection, if we are not planted in the likeness of his death?

5. How do we obey from the heart, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

D. Acts 22:16

1. What washes away sins?

2. When we realize that we need to be baptized, should we put it off?

3. How do we call on the name of the Lord?
E. Revelations 2:10

1. How long do we have to be faithful to the gospel?

2. Is endurance necessary for a crown of life?

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please e-mail me at BibleTruths@hotmail.com or call 253-396-0290. Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.

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Once Saved, ALways Saved?

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
John 15:4

The doctrine of “once saved, always saved” was a part of John Calvin’s system of thought. It is widely believed today because it has become a part of the tradition of Protestantism. But we need to go back beyond the traditions of men and accept the Bible only.

Abide in MeJesus said to His disciples, “Abide in Me ...” (John 15:6). If they could not fall, why did He tell them to abide? “Abide” suggests a continuing relationship; “to stay in, remain”. Only by abiding in Christ can one bear fruit to God and be pleasing to Him. Continue reading the same verse and you will see that the one who does not abide in Him will be cast into the fire and burned (read John 15:6 and Revelation 2:10).

Continual BeliefJesus said. “Truly , truly, I say to you, he who hears My words, and believes in Him Who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from out of death into life” (John 5:24). This belief must be continuous. When we no longer believe, we no longer have eternal life.

“If You Continue”God will cut off those who no longer believe, just as the Israelites were cut off due to unbelief. “Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22). Notice the “if” (meaning:“in the event that; on condition that”) in this verse!

Willful SinIt is possible for us to receive the truth and then turn from it and be lost. “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26). If we willfully continue in sin, Christ stops being the sacrifice for our sins!

Never Saved?Sometimes it is argued that the one who falls was never really saved. Please note that Peter wrote of those who were saved and who were overcome again by this world: “For if after they have escaped the defilement’s of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Peter 2:20-21).

An Apostle Could FallThe apostle Paul did not consider himself so secure that he could not be lost. He wrote, “but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). If the apostle Paul thought he could be “disqualified”, should we not also have the same concern?

Apostasy ForetoldApostasy: “The abandonment of what one has believed in, as to one’s religious faith.” Paul prophesied apostasy, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will fall away from the faith ...” (1 Timothy 4:1). This falling away did occur. It could not have occurred if the saved could not have fallen.

“Live By Faith”It is necessary to continue to live by faith. One may at any time shrink back and be lost. “But My righteous ones shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My Soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:38-39).

“Lest He Fall”Each believer should take heed lest he fall into temptation and sin, and continuing in the sin, be lost. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). When we think we cannot fall we are most vulnerable. Satan would like for us to overconfident and believe that we cannot fall.

“You Have Fallen”The church at Ephesus was commended for their perseverance, but rebuked for leaving the love they had at first. They were saved, but they had fallen. “Remember, therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at the first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of it’s place --- unless you repent” (Revelation 2:5). If they were saved never to fall, why did Christ tell them they had fallen and require repentance once again?

“Fall Away From God”If it is impossible to fall away, then the following warning is without purpose: “Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

“Have Fallen Away”Some of those who were saved did fall away, and because of the hardness of heart it was impossible to renew them to repentance, “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened, and have trusted the heavenly gift ... and then have fallen away, it is possible to renew them again to repentance ...” (Hebrews 6:4-6). Note! They had repented and were enlightened and then fell away, but through repentance and confession could be renewed again.

Secure In ChristJesus said, “... no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). No one else can remove the believer from God’s hand. But the one who strays removes himself. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me” (John 10:27). When we no longer hear His voice nor follow Him, we no longer “abide” in Him. But we will not fall away if we are careful to continually obey the voice of the Good Shepherd (Revelation 2:10).

WHAT CAN YOU DO?You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOUFollowing the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

Please e-mail me, Dennis Crawford, at BibleTruths@hotmail.com for comments or further Bible information, or for the location of a congregation belonging to Jesus Christ near you.

Read more!