Although some religious bodies teach that man is saved by ‘faith only’, the Bible plainly teaches that ‘obedience’ to God and His will (plan) is essential to salvation.
Let us consider what Gods’ word [ie:Bible] has to say:
1). Jesus will come “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8.
2). “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth”…1 Peter 1:22.
3). “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17.
4). On Pentecost when the apostle Peter (inspired by the Holy Spirit), preached the gospel of the death and resurrection of Christ to the great number of Jews present (Acts 2:5), they did not ask what to believe, they believed what Peter preached. That is why they asked what to DO to be saved, to receive salvation! Acts 2:37.
Peter told them to repent (change their minds, change their actions), and be baptized FOR (in order to) have remission of their sins. Acts 2:38.
That answer was Gods' answer back then and it is Gods' answer today!
And that is NOT FAITH ONLY, but faith enough to DO (action/obedience) what Peter told them to do to be saved from their sins.
That is what obeying the gospel is all about! But, it does NOT stop there.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, obeying the gospel is present tense, indicating an act continuing. Faith, repentance, baptism (for remission of sins as above),
is obeying the first principles of the gospel or becoming a Christian (one IN Christ).
After obedience to the gospels first principles, a Christian must be faithful in worship and in work – that is continuing to obey the gospel.
Those who do not continue faithful are fallen from God’s grace. Galatians 5:4.
God’s word tells us, ‘Faith Only’ will NOT save! Are you obeying God’s gospel or are you sitting idle with ‘faith only’ as your doctrine?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
ORGANIZING the BIBLE
The Bible is the inspired word of God which makes us furnished (prepared) unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Inspired means ‘God-breathed’;
Greek: theopneustos
2 Peter 1: 20-21…….“knowing this first, that NO prophecy [teaching] of the scriptures is of private interpretation…for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The writers of the scriptures inked their pens, God gave the words.
The two big sections of the Bible are the Old Testament and the New Testament. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, and half of the book of Exodus discuss the creation and down to the giving of the (OT) Law to Moses and the Israelites at Mt. Sinai. The Old Testament (10 commandments and numerous other laws) was given ONLY to the Nation of Israel. Deuteronomy 5:1-3.
The purpose of the Old law was to prepare the people to receive the Messiah (Christ) when He came. The Old Testament was no longer in effect after Christ came and was crucified.
The New Testament went in to effect on the Day of Pentecost - Acts 2; Galatians 3:23-25; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 9:15-17.
Many today are ignorant of the fact that the Old Testament is NOT our law today. A testament, or will, goes in to effect after the one who made it dies.
Again, Hebrews 9:15-17.
It is good to study the Old Testament (Romans 15:4) to learn much about God, the history of the world - including creation - and how God dealt with man in times past. Hebrews 1:1.
In addition, there are many prophecies in the Old Testament about Christ and His kingdom, which is the church. Matthew 16:18-19. Some do not believe that the kingdom has come. But the bible plainly states that it has, that the kingdom IS the church, and that Christ is King. Mark 9:1; Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 12:28.
The first four books of the New Testament are the birth, early years, and personal ministry of Christ. The book of Acts is the history of the establishment of the church (kingdom), how one gets into the church (kingdom), and the growth of the church.
The next 21 books are written to churches and individuals telling how to live as a Christian (one IN Christ), how to worship, and the work of the church.
The last book – Revelation – deals with the final resting place of ALL humanity – Heaven or Hell – and the great spiritual battle going on between God and His people and the Devil and his people. This spiritual battle is ongoing until the end of time and Christs’ return. Revelation was written in signs and symbols, a lot of it is not literal, but figurative. It was also to encourage the early church [church in any age] and Christians undergoing horrific persecution at that time. It also underscores who will be triumphant – GOD.
The New Testament tells one how to be on Gods winning side and spend eternity in Heaven with God and His angels.
See previous posts: ‘How Does One Become a Christian’; ‘Are We Under the Old Testament Today?’
Greek: theopneustos
2 Peter 1: 20-21…….“knowing this first, that NO prophecy [teaching] of the scriptures is of private interpretation…for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The writers of the scriptures inked their pens, God gave the words.
The two big sections of the Bible are the Old Testament and the New Testament. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, and half of the book of Exodus discuss the creation and down to the giving of the (OT) Law to Moses and the Israelites at Mt. Sinai. The Old Testament (10 commandments and numerous other laws) was given ONLY to the Nation of Israel. Deuteronomy 5:1-3.
The purpose of the Old law was to prepare the people to receive the Messiah (Christ) when He came. The Old Testament was no longer in effect after Christ came and was crucified.
The New Testament went in to effect on the Day of Pentecost - Acts 2; Galatians 3:23-25; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 9:15-17.
Many today are ignorant of the fact that the Old Testament is NOT our law today. A testament, or will, goes in to effect after the one who made it dies.
Again, Hebrews 9:15-17.
It is good to study the Old Testament (Romans 15:4) to learn much about God, the history of the world - including creation - and how God dealt with man in times past. Hebrews 1:1.
In addition, there are many prophecies in the Old Testament about Christ and His kingdom, which is the church. Matthew 16:18-19. Some do not believe that the kingdom has come. But the bible plainly states that it has, that the kingdom IS the church, and that Christ is King. Mark 9:1; Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 12:28.
The first four books of the New Testament are the birth, early years, and personal ministry of Christ. The book of Acts is the history of the establishment of the church (kingdom), how one gets into the church (kingdom), and the growth of the church.
The next 21 books are written to churches and individuals telling how to live as a Christian (one IN Christ), how to worship, and the work of the church.
The last book – Revelation – deals with the final resting place of ALL humanity – Heaven or Hell – and the great spiritual battle going on between God and His people and the Devil and his people. This spiritual battle is ongoing until the end of time and Christs’ return. Revelation was written in signs and symbols, a lot of it is not literal, but figurative. It was also to encourage the early church [church in any age] and Christians undergoing horrific persecution at that time. It also underscores who will be triumphant – GOD.
The New Testament tells one how to be on Gods winning side and spend eternity in Heaven with God and His angels.
See previous posts: ‘How Does One Become a Christian’; ‘Are We Under the Old Testament Today?’
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)