Copyright © 1998 by Bernie Parsons

Salvation of the eternal soul is the most important subject that will ever concern us. However, when it comes to understanding what the Bible teaches on salvation, it seems there are about as many doctrines as there are teachers and preachers. Only the word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ, will save our souls. Men come, and men go. Their bodies decay in the graves. Jesus, the risen Lord and Savior of the world, is the only one to follow.

John 4:6: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

The biggest obstacle to understanding what the Bible teaches on salvation of the soul is Calvinism, and modified Calvinism. To see where John Calvin went wrong, please read this article: Errors of Calvinism

Are we saved by grace, faith, or works? I have heard preachers, teachers and church members discuss, debate, and argue this subject for years. Almost always they argue in favor of Calvinism, or a modified form of it.

Romans 3:4: "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."

Galatians 1: 6-12: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."

So, which is it? Are we automatically saved by the grace of God, as some teach? Some say that there is nothing that we can do to influence the outcome, the eternal destination of our souls. They say that God chooses some for salvation, and those can never fall from grace. They follow Calvinism—sola gratia.

Others teach that we are saved by faith alone—sola fide—that if we will only believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we shall be saved; there is nothing else that must be done. This is modified Calvinism

Still others say that we must work hard at being righteous, that only by obeying the teachings of God can we hope to save our souls.

What does the Bible teach?

Acts 15:11: "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

Romans 3: 23-24: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"

Romans 5:21: "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 11:5-6: "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

2 Timothy 1:9: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

Titus 2:11: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,"

Titus 3:7: "That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

From these Bible truths springs a false doctrine, created by man—particularly one John Calvin, and his followers—a perversion of the gospel of Christ! There is no doubt that we are saved by the grace of God, for the word of God tells us so. But what does this mean? We must understand what grace is, what the grace of God means, and how it relates to our salvation.

The word grace is derived from the Latin gratia, generally understood as having to do with pleasing, or finding favor. God’s grace, as the scriptures indicate, has to do with God showing favor and mercy toward us. This is summed up in the statement Jesus made in:

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

By the loving favor and mercy of God toward His creation, He sent His son, Jesus, to die for us. It was not because of anything we had done that caused God to do this favor.

Romans 5: 6-8: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Titus 3:4-7: "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life"

Now that we understand what grace is, and what God’s grace actually is, how does it relate to the saving of our souls? Does it mean that God selects us for salvation, and there is nothing we can do that will ever bring about a "fall from grace"? Some religious folks teach this abominable doctrine, which is a perverted "gospel".

Galatians 1: 6-7: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

What does the Bible say?

Galatians 5:4: "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."

1 Corinthians 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

Luke 8:13: "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away."

2 Peter 1: 10-11: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

2 Peter 3:17: "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness."

Revelation 2:5: "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

The word of God plainly states that it is possible to fall from grace! In other words, it is possible to "fall out of favor" with God, to lose the benefit of His love and mercy. How does this happen? Is it because God does not choose us for salvation, or that He chooses us for condemnation and destruction? No! Is it because God changes His mind, and suddenly withdraws His offer of salvation? No! Is it because God shows partiality toward some? No!

Acts 10: 34-35: "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

Salvation is for everyone! Salvation is without charge! Jesus paid the price for us all! One must fear God, and work righteousness—that is, do what God says!

2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

1 Timothy 2: 3-4: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

What then causes this "fall from grace"? Paul wrote in Galatians 5:4 that it can be caused by attempting to live under the law of Moses. Jesus said in Luke 8:13 that temptation can cause one to fall away. Peter, in 2 Peter 1:10-11, said that we must constantly and attentively pursue faith, virtue, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity in our lives to prevent a fall from grace. He also wrote in 2 Peter 3:17 that we have to be careful lest we be drawn away, and are caught up in the error of the wicked, which causes us to fall from grace.

In Revelation 2:5, the Lord calls for Christians who have fallen away to repent, and return to God. The grace of God is free, and for all. We fall from God’s grace when we turn away from God and pursue unrighteousness in our lives!

God’s grace does save us. It is for all, without partiality or respect of persons. It is without charge, and cannot be earned. It is a free gift.

Romans 5:15: "But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many."

Romans 5:18: "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."

It can be lost when we refuse it, and pursue worldliness and fleshliness, instead of righteousness. Note that it is conditioned on our repentance of our past sins, when we turn to God for salvation through belief in Jesus Christ. A gift offered must be accepted in order for us to possess it!

Mark 1:14-15: "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

Although our souls’ salvation is a free gift from God, He expects us to obey Him in all things in order to receive this free gift. Jesus set that example through His own obedience to the will of God, His Father.

Hebrews 5: 8-9: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"

Obedience is simply carrying out the instructions and commandments of God. Jesus bowed to the will of God, although it was to His own physical detriment.

Matthew 26:39: "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Matthew 26:42: "He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done."

Romans 6:16: "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

We must obey God in order to receive salvation, the free gift of God to all who will accept it!

Please read the section of this article titled Are We Saved By Works?

There are many who preach daily that we are saved by faith alone. I have often heard of people who believe and teach this doctrine as "faith only" preachers and teachers. They tell their audiences that all you have to do to be saved eternally is to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This is a modified form of Calvinism sometimes referred to as sola fide.

They often speak of a "sinner’s prayer", which they advocate—but which you won't find in the Bible! Some have said that salvation is a matter of simply uttering the words, "Lord Jesus come into my heart", or some variation of this. I have heard many testify on radio and on television that this is how they "received Jesus" into their lives, thereby receiving the salvation of their souls.

Another twist on the "saved by faith" doctrine is that if one can only call upon the name of the Lord prior to death, the soul shall be saved. The people who promote this false doctrine quote Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." What they either don't understand, or won't explain, is that the "whosoever" here was written to include the Gentiles (the nations) as well as the Israelites (the Jews). What this scripture means is that anyone who turns to God can be saved, regardless of who they are. It is not a "how to" scripture, but a "who may" scripture.

Jesus Himself refuted this perverted doctrine in Matthew 7: 21-23: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Luke 6:46: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

These, dear friend, are more "perverted gospels"! I become heartsick when I think of the millions of people who have been duped into believing these ungodly and unscriptural doctrines. At the same time, I know that those who truly seek God and His righteousness shall find the truth.

Jesus said, in John 8:32: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

2 Corinthians 3:13-16: "And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away."

Matthew 13:13-16: "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear."

Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Attached to the instruction to believe is also the admonition to "diligently seek him". Those who do not understand the truth do not want to understand it!

Matthew 15:14: "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

Romans 1:21: "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."

Ephesians 4: 18-19: "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."

God reveals His truth to those who seek Him, who love Him and obey Him! So, does faith save us? What does the Bible say?

Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

This is interesting. If you read the above section on Are We Saved By Grace?, note that grace and faith are tied together in our souls’ salvation. Some say that the grace of God saves us without our involvement in the process. This verse, and many others, disprove that doctrine. Faith is an active work on our part—that is, we must trust Jesus as our Savior!

John 20:31: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

Acts 16:31: "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

1 Timothy 1:16: "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."

Hebrews 10:39: "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

1 John 5:13: "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

What powerful testimony! If one were to read only these verses, one might easily conclude that in order to be eternally saved, all one must do is believe in Jesus, as so many teach.

Paul warned to "rightly divide the word of truth", 2 Timothy 2:15. This means to study to correctly understand what God’s would have us do. We dare not build our life upon a few scattered verses of the Bible, seeing that Jesus told Satan in

Matthew 4:4: "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

But, just as those who say that we are saved solely by the grace of God, those who teach that we are saved by faith alone, misrepresent what the Bible actually teaches. Without God’s grace, mercy, and love, Jesus would not have died upon the cross to take away our sins. Unless we believe that He is the Son of God, and believe His teachings and promises, we cannot be saved.

There is more to salvation than merely believing that Jesus is the Son of God. The demons (devils) believed that Jesus is the Son of God!

Matthew 8:28-29: "And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?"

Mark 1:23-24: "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."

James 2:19: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

Do we want to be in a class with devils and demons, unclean spirits? That is where belief alone puts us. James had a lot to say about faith being coupled with works, as we will discuss in the next section entitled, Are We Saved By Works?

Mark 16:15-16: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

This scripture shows that we must believe, but it also indicates that we have to respond to the teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ through obedience.

James 2:24: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. "

The only time the expression "faith only" is used in the Bible, it is preceded by "not"! Faith is necessary for us to be saved, but faith alone in the name of Jesus will not save us! The devils believed, and trembled! Yet, they stayed on Satan’s side, to their own downfall and destruction! Will we do the same?

There are some who are so incensed by these perverted doctrines of "Saved by grace alone" and "Saved by faith alone", that they overcompensate with an overemphasis on the works of men.

The danger here is self-righteousness.

Romans 10:3: "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."

Matthew 15:7-9: "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Luke 18:9-14: "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

1 Corinthians 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

At the same time, we must realize that there are works involved in our souls’ salvation. The Bible clearly states this, as we shall discover through study.

James 2:20-26: "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Philippians 2:12-13: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

Matthew 16:27: "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."

Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

John 6:28: "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?"

John 3:21: "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

John 8:39: "They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham."

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Titus 2:7: "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,"

Titus 2:14: "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

Titus 3:8: "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:"

James 2:14: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"

James 2:17: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

James 2:18: "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

James 1:21-25: "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."

Matthew 7:24-27: "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 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. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 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."

Jesus set the example of good works by the life that He lived in front of His disciples and the world.

Matthew 11:2: "Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,"

John 5:36: "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me."

John 9:4: "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."

John 10:32: "Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?"

Luke 2:49: "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

If it is necessary to work out our own salvation, why does the Bible say that we are saved by God’s grace, and saved by faith? And why do the following scriptures seem to indicate that our works do not save us? Is the Bible contradictory?

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;"

II Timothy 1:9: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

Some take these verses, along with scriptures from Romans chapters 3 and 9, to say that there is nothing that we can do to contribute to our salvation. We know that this is false, from the passages of scripture quoted above that undeniably indicate that we must work at saving our souls!

What are these verses talking about, if this is true? The truth lies in rightly dividing (correctly understanding) the word of God. We must consider, and live by, every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!

It does not take the intelligence or education of a rocket scientist (or "Doctor of Divinity") to understand what the Bible is teaching about salvation. The word of God is so simple, that the crafty and devious have to work hard at perverting it. A little prayerful Bible study clears away the confusion.

2 Corinthians 1:12: "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward."

2 Corinthians 11:3: "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

1 Corinthians :20: "Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"

1 Corinthians 1:27: "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"

1 Corinthians 3:18: "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

1 Corinthians 3:19: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."

When it comes to what can save our souls, what does the Bible say?

We are saved by grace. As was discussed previously, we are saved by the grace of God. In short, had God not seen fit to send Jesus to die for us on the cross, we would be in big trouble. But God, in His goodness and mercy, did choose to offer His son, Jesus, as a sacrifice in our stead.

We are saved by faith. If we do not believe in Jesus as our Savior, then our souls are lost. We will continue to live sinful, fleshly lives, ignoring God’s will and instructions for us. In other words, if we do not believe that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, and that God will reward us as promised, we will not move in obedience to the Lord. Instead, we will continue to follow our own destructive paths.

We are saved by works. God has extended His grace to us; Jesus has died on the cross for us; but we must accept the grace of God, believe in Jesus (and the promises), and do the works that God has asked us to do!

Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

This verse sums it all up! God is a rewarder (grace); we must believe in Him (faith); and then seek out and do what He has asked (works).

Do not let false prophets lead you astray! The Bible is understandable. It is not confusing, neither is it contradictory. You must simply trust God to lead you into all truth. Men do not have the answers. The scriptures contain the word and will of God. Diligently seek Him!

Jesus warned of the false prophets to come.

Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

Matthew 24:11: "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

Matthew 24:24: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

The apostles were forced to deal with them.

2 Peter 2:1: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."

1 John 4:1: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

Titus 1: 9-11: "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake."

Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

2 Corinthians 11: 13-15: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

Ephesians 4:14: "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

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HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN

We keep speaking of being saved by grace, faith and works. What does this mean in everyday language? How does one proceed to take advantage of this great offer of eternal life in heaven?

1) Listen to God—He’s the one with the plan!

Matthew 4:4: "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Matthew 11:15: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Matthew 17:5: "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."

Romans 10:14-17: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2) Believe (have faith, trust)—if you don’t believe, you won’t receive!

Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

John 8:24: "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."

John 14:1-3: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

John 20:31: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

Acts 16:31: "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

3) Repent—of your sins, of your self-directed lifestyle. Turn your heart to God, and bow to His will.

Mark 1:15: "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

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."

Acts:3:19: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"

Acts 17:30: "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"

Acts 26:20: "But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance."

Luke 24:47: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

II Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

4) Confess—your sins, and that Jesus is Lord of all!

Matthew 10:32: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."

Romans 10: 8-15: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 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. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

1 John 4:15: "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."

James 5:16: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

5) Baptism—in water and spirit, for forgiveness of sins by the blood of Jesus,

Matthew 3: 13-17: "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Matthew 28: 18-20: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"

John 4:1-2: "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)"

Acts 2: 38-41: "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. 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. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

Acts 8:12: "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women"

Acts 8:35: "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."

Acts 18:8: "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."

Acts 22:16: "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

Romans 6:3: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"

Galatians 3:27: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Jesus told Nicodemus that one must be born again of the water and of the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:3-5: "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 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."

Baptism is a rebirth, in which the old sinful person is "crucified", or killed off, is buried in the water, and a new spiritual creature arises (is resurrected) to walk in newness of life. This is done in the likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. We "plant" the dead person in the water, and a newly reborn infant of God emerges.

Romans 6:3-7: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin."

Colossians 2: 11-13: "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"

2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

1 Peter 2:2: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"

Our new life is made in the image of Christ. We are spiritual beings, having crucified the old creature of sin. We serve God with all our being, subjecting ourselves to all His will, instructions and commandments. We humble ourselves before Him, yield our will to His will and give our bodies to be the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:12: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

1 Corinthians 3:16: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

2 Corinthians 3:18: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Galatians 5:16-17: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

Galatians 5:25: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Galatians 6:8: "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

Romans 6:13: "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

Romans 6:16: "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

2 Peter 1:15-16: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Romans 8:4: "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

2 Corinthians 6:16: "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

1 Thessalonians 2:12: "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."

1 Thessalonians 4:1: "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more."

1 John 2:1-6: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."

Romans 12:1: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

2 Corinthians 7:1: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

If we devote our entire lives to the Lord, however long or short they may be, we shall receive the promises. We must not tire of righteousness, nor be dismayed at what others do to us. When we stand before God in judgment, we will understand that the salvation of our souls, eternal life in heaven, is worth it all!

Galatians 6:9: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

2 Thessalonians 3:13: "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."

2 Peter 1:4: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

Romans 8: 23-25: "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

Hebrews 6:12: "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Hebrews 10:36: "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

James 5:7: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain."

James 5:10: "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18: "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Hebrews 10:35-39: "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

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Copyright © 1999 By Bernie Parsons