The theology of Paul has been faithfully interpreted through great men of the faith. Augustine, Aquinas, Luther and Calvin have captured in doctrine the authority of the Word of God on providence and predestination. They have laid a foundation from which modern Christianity is built.
However in contrast men like Pelagius, Arminius, Wesley, Finney and a host of modern day theologians have detracted from the providential work of God in favor of a humanistic interpretation. This has led to a gospel not unlike the world's ideal of religion. It has sought to win the world by becoming like the world. Regeneration that follows faith appeals to the human aspects of freedom and the dignity of unrestrained free choice. Consistently, these men have had to reevaluate the depravity of man so that he is not as evil as we have been led to believe he is.
They have discarded puritanical expressions of sinfulness for expedient, practical and less offensive terms acceptable to the sinner. Ironically we wonder whatever became of sin and why is immorality on the increase.?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Faith Follows Regeneration
David Hegg's review of John Murray's book: "Redemption Accomplished and Applied" "Much confusion has arisen from the fundamental error of assuming that regeneration follows faith; i.e., that the sinner believes, and is consequently rewarded with the new life. Murray ably demonstrates from the biblical text that, in reality, regeneration precedes faith, that new life is imparted sovereignly to the elect, and the immediate consequences are faith and repentance. In my judgment, the unwillingness of so many today to accept the biblical order of regeneration and faith accounts for the widespread compromise of the gospel. If new life is so dependent upon the decision of a sinner's will, then pragmatism makes sense; let's do whatever it takes to get a decision! But if a man is dead - both unwilling and unable to come savingly to Christ or even prepare himself to come - then we dare not mess with the purity of the gospel, for it is the "power of God unto salvation."
R. C. Sproul (1990). "Regeneration precedes faith", Tyndale House
J. I. Packer. "Regeneration", It raises the elect among the spiritually dead to new life in Christ (Eph. 2:1-10). Regeneration is a transition from spiritual death to spiritual life, and conscious, intentional, active faith in Christ is its immediate fruit, not its immediate cause. Regeneration is the work of what Augustine called 'prevenient' grace, the grace that precedes our outgoings of heart toward God.”
John A. Broadus (distinguished professor of New Testament and successor to Boyce at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary): "1. Q. What is meant by the word regeneration? A. Regeneration is God's causing a person to be born again. 9. Q. Does faith come before the new birth? A. No, it is the new heart that truly repents and believes" (taken from Broadus' A Catechism of Bible Teaching, reprinted in A Baptist Treasury, pp. 67-68).
John L. Dagg (first writing Southern Baptist theologian; president of Mercer University in Georgia): "In our natural state we are totally depraved. No inclination to holiness exists in the carnal heart; and no holy act can be performed, or service to God rendered, until the heart is changed. This change, it is the office of the Holy Spirit to effect. . . . But, in his own time and manner, God, the Holy Spirit, makes the word effectual in producing a new affection in the soul: and, when the first movement of love to God exists, the first throb of spiritual life commences" (A Manual of Theology, pp. 277, 279).
B. H. Carroll (founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas): "The true scriptural position [concerning regeneration] is this: There is, first of all, a direct influence of the Holy Spirit on the passive spirit of the sinner, quickening him or making him sensitive to the preaching of the Word. In this the sinner is passive. But he is not a subject of the new birth without contrition, repentance and faith. In exercising these he is active. Yet even his contrition is but a response to the Spirit's conviction, and the exercise of his repentance is but a response to the Spirit's conviction, and the exercise of his repentance and faith are but responses to the antecedent spiritual graces of repentance and faith." Carroll goes on to state that "repentance and faith are fruits of regeneration" (An Interpretation of the English Bible, Volume 4, p. 287).
W. T. Conner (professor of Systematic Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary): "This change [i.e., regeneration] is one that is wrought in the moral nature of man by the Spirit of God. Nothing but divine power could produce the change. . . . God's power works this change. . . . The man who experiences regeneration knows as well as he knows daylight from darkness that he himself did not work the change." (The Gospel of Redemption, p. 189)
Tom Schreiner, Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary. "Several texts from 1 John demonstrate that regeneration precedes faith. The texts are as follows: “If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him” (1 John 2:29). “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9). “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whomever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1). "
Philip Doddridge, whom some have labelled a "high Calvinist," believed that the new birth was strictly a monergistic event. "In John 3:3, Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again." But how exactly is a person born again, or regenerated? Is it something that man initiates by an act of his own will, or is it something that only God can do in the human heart? Put simply, does regeneration precede or follow faith? "
A. A. Hodge, Outlines of Theology, p. 460. "Conversion follows regeneration and is different from it in the following ways: “Regeneration is God’s act; conversion is ours. Regeneration is the implantation of a gracious principle; conversion is the exercise of that principle. Regeneration is never consciously known by us; conversion is thoroughly a process involving our consciousness. Regeneration is a single act, complete in itself and never repeated; conversion, as the beginning of holy living, is the commencement of a series, constant, endless and progressive”
R. C. Sproul (1990). "Regeneration precedes faith", Tyndale House
J. I. Packer. "Regeneration", It raises the elect among the spiritually dead to new life in Christ (Eph. 2:1-10). Regeneration is a transition from spiritual death to spiritual life, and conscious, intentional, active faith in Christ is its immediate fruit, not its immediate cause. Regeneration is the work of what Augustine called 'prevenient' grace, the grace that precedes our outgoings of heart toward God.”
John A. Broadus (distinguished professor of New Testament and successor to Boyce at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary): "1. Q. What is meant by the word regeneration? A. Regeneration is God's causing a person to be born again. 9. Q. Does faith come before the new birth? A. No, it is the new heart that truly repents and believes" (taken from Broadus' A Catechism of Bible Teaching, reprinted in A Baptist Treasury, pp. 67-68).
John L. Dagg (first writing Southern Baptist theologian; president of Mercer University in Georgia): "In our natural state we are totally depraved. No inclination to holiness exists in the carnal heart; and no holy act can be performed, or service to God rendered, until the heart is changed. This change, it is the office of the Holy Spirit to effect. . . . But, in his own time and manner, God, the Holy Spirit, makes the word effectual in producing a new affection in the soul: and, when the first movement of love to God exists, the first throb of spiritual life commences" (A Manual of Theology, pp. 277, 279).
B. H. Carroll (founder and first president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas): "The true scriptural position [concerning regeneration] is this: There is, first of all, a direct influence of the Holy Spirit on the passive spirit of the sinner, quickening him or making him sensitive to the preaching of the Word. In this the sinner is passive. But he is not a subject of the new birth without contrition, repentance and faith. In exercising these he is active. Yet even his contrition is but a response to the Spirit's conviction, and the exercise of his repentance is but a response to the Spirit's conviction, and the exercise of his repentance and faith are but responses to the antecedent spiritual graces of repentance and faith." Carroll goes on to state that "repentance and faith are fruits of regeneration" (An Interpretation of the English Bible, Volume 4, p. 287).
W. T. Conner (professor of Systematic Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary): "This change [i.e., regeneration] is one that is wrought in the moral nature of man by the Spirit of God. Nothing but divine power could produce the change. . . . God's power works this change. . . . The man who experiences regeneration knows as well as he knows daylight from darkness that he himself did not work the change." (The Gospel of Redemption, p. 189)
Tom Schreiner, Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary. "Several texts from 1 John demonstrate that regeneration precedes faith. The texts are as follows: “If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him” (1 John 2:29). “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9). “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whomever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1). "
Philip Doddridge, whom some have labelled a "high Calvinist," believed that the new birth was strictly a monergistic event. "In John 3:3, Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again." But how exactly is a person born again, or regenerated? Is it something that man initiates by an act of his own will, or is it something that only God can do in the human heart? Put simply, does regeneration precede or follow faith? "
A. A. Hodge, Outlines of Theology, p. 460. "Conversion follows regeneration and is different from it in the following ways: “Regeneration is God’s act; conversion is ours. Regeneration is the implantation of a gracious principle; conversion is the exercise of that principle. Regeneration is never consciously known by us; conversion is thoroughly a process involving our consciousness. Regeneration is a single act, complete in itself and never repeated; conversion, as the beginning of holy living, is the commencement of a series, constant, endless and progressive”
Friday, June 27, 2008
Repentance Follows Regeneration
Quite clearly the order of salvation in Acts 2:37-38 is regeneration or quickening followed by the request for instruction, "what must we do?" The instruction was repent (confess your sinfulness) and be baptized in the name of Jesus. They would receive the remission of sins and then they would receive the same thing they had observed the 120 had received, the gift of the Holy Ghost.
So what does it mean to be "pricked in their hearts"? If it meant conviction of sin or aware of their sinfulness then the absolute condition for salvation is repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus. This order would be disqualified as essential when the believers received the gift of the Holy Ghost and then were baptized in water. (Acts 10:47) The reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost would precede regeneration!
If "pricked in their hearts" meant an awakening sufficient to call on the Lord for salvation then the meaning of Ephesians 2: 1-5 is distorted. The sinner is not really "dead" but seems dead. Or else quickening means some divine intervention by God to enable the truly dead man to be able to call on the Lord. This would make, according to Peter's instruction, "repent" an absolute necessity for regeneration and water baptism the act of regeneration. Remission of sins would be an immediate by product of regeneration. Regeneration would then follow repentance.
So "pricked in their hearts" means quickening (Eph 2:1) and that means regeneration and the new birth (John 3:3). Therefore regeneration is the absolute necessity, "you must be born again in order to see the kingdom of God." That means witnessing unto Christ ( Acts 1:8), all that preceded the "pricking in their hearts" is followed by the plan of salvation to the elect. This is the only offer of salvation to the sinner and not to be confused with witnessing unto Christ.
Now why is this important? It takes the burden off the preacher to convince the sinner, the elect, his need of salvation. This is a responsibility for which we are not equipped. The Holy Spirit does this not us. This is accomplished through a quickening work, regeneration, that causes the elect to be aware of their need.
The Holy Spirit has sole authority to choose who and when to save. It is not up to us. It is our job to go into all the world witnessing to every man, woman, boy and girl. It is the Holy Spirit who directs us to the elect and there are no restrictions to how and when he does it. Acts 8:26
We are not soul winners, the Holy Spirit does that. We do not convert the heathen God does. This is something a true Calvinist understands. We just bear witness unto Christ through preaching by way of word and life. When the Holy spirit has done his quickening then He sends a preacher! That makes the preacher a partner with God in the salvation of the lost. To God alone goes all the glory!
So what does it mean to be "pricked in their hearts"? If it meant conviction of sin or aware of their sinfulness then the absolute condition for salvation is repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus. This order would be disqualified as essential when the believers received the gift of the Holy Ghost and then were baptized in water. (Acts 10:47) The reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost would precede regeneration!
If "pricked in their hearts" meant an awakening sufficient to call on the Lord for salvation then the meaning of Ephesians 2: 1-5 is distorted. The sinner is not really "dead" but seems dead. Or else quickening means some divine intervention by God to enable the truly dead man to be able to call on the Lord. This would make, according to Peter's instruction, "repent" an absolute necessity for regeneration and water baptism the act of regeneration. Remission of sins would be an immediate by product of regeneration. Regeneration would then follow repentance.
So "pricked in their hearts" means quickening (Eph 2:1) and that means regeneration and the new birth (John 3:3). Therefore regeneration is the absolute necessity, "you must be born again in order to see the kingdom of God." That means witnessing unto Christ ( Acts 1:8), all that preceded the "pricking in their hearts" is followed by the plan of salvation to the elect. This is the only offer of salvation to the sinner and not to be confused with witnessing unto Christ.
Now why is this important? It takes the burden off the preacher to convince the sinner, the elect, his need of salvation. This is a responsibility for which we are not equipped. The Holy Spirit does this not us. This is accomplished through a quickening work, regeneration, that causes the elect to be aware of their need.
The Holy Spirit has sole authority to choose who and when to save. It is not up to us. It is our job to go into all the world witnessing to every man, woman, boy and girl. It is the Holy Spirit who directs us to the elect and there are no restrictions to how and when he does it. Acts 8:26
We are not soul winners, the Holy Spirit does that. We do not convert the heathen God does. This is something a true Calvinist understands. We just bear witness unto Christ through preaching by way of word and life. When the Holy spirit has done his quickening then He sends a preacher! That makes the preacher a partner with God in the salvation of the lost. To God alone goes all the glory!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Order Of Salvation
One of the greatest principles of theology is the order of events in our salvation. There were things done before we were born, obviously, Christ came and died for our sins 2000 years ago. But before that there were things determined before the world was created. 1 Peter 1:18-20 (KJV) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. Revelation 13:8 (KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Before the world was created it was decided that Christ would die for the sins of the world!
However our personal involvement was decided before the world was created! Ephesians 1:3- (KJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. This passage of scripture written by Paul is intended to produce comfort and security in the hearers. (good news is always included in the introduction of a letter!) Rather we are lead by preachers today to believe that it is a scary fact that we are predestinated and we have no choice. Remember this God is always just and fair in his dealings with us.
One hundred and fifty years ago a preacher said: "But do you know the limit of it? Christ has bought a ‘multitude, which no man can number’ (Revelation7:9). The limit of it is just this: He died for sinners; whoever in this congregation inwardly and sorrowfully knows himself to be a sinner, Christ died for him. Whoever seeks Christ shall know that Christ died for him; for our sense of need of Christ and our seeking after Christ are infallible proofs that Christ died for us." -Charles Spurgeon
Also important is the order of our personal salvation, here and now. First understand this as sinners man is dead spiritually to God. Ephesians 2:1-5 (KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). What can a dead man do to save himself? Nothing! Isn't he suppose to repent? How can a dead man repent?
If we are to be saved and we are dead to God spiritually then something must take place with us for us to repent. We have to be quickened. That means selection; very specific and special selection and that is what we call election. This is the grace of God.
The first thing to take place is regeneration. Quickening is regeneration or the new birth. Some people call this an awakening provided for us to make a decision for Christ, but this is not consistent with the concept of being dead in sin. If we are given a choice then it is not grace anymore but a cooperation of man with God and that does an injustice to God's loving decision to save us.
Charles Spurgeon said: "I pause once more; for I hear some timid soul say, ‘But, sir, I am afraid I am not elect, and if so, Christ did not die for me.’ Stop, sir! Are you a sinner? Do you feel it? Has God the Holy Spirit made you feel that you are a lost sinner? Do you want salvation? If you do not want it, it is no hardship that it is not provided for you; but if you really feel that you want it, you are God’s elect. If you have a desire to be saved, a desire given you of the Holy Spirit, that desire is a token for good. If you have begun believingly to pray for salvation, you have therein a sure evidence that you are saved. Christ was punished for you. And if now you can say, ‘Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling,’ you may be as sure you are God’s elect as you are sure of your own existence; for this is the infallible proof of election—a sense of need and a thirst after Christ.”
What must I do? If you ask that question you are regenerated and all you need to do is 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. Acts 2:38-39 (KJV)
Now I have given a shallow presentation of the subject of the order of salvation. There is so much more to be said. Perhaps I am participating with God in your calling and election. Maybe you are experiencing this wonderful quickening and you are comming to a new life in Christ. Rush as soon as possible to a good church where they preach the Word and have a way to baptize you. Now tell the preacher you are already saved and have repented and received remission of sins. Don't let him tell you differently. Insist he baptize you as soon as possible.
If he won't go to another Church.
Let me know if perhaps I have been helpful, my e-mail is ldpage@bellsouth.net
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. Revelation 13:8 (KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Before the world was created it was decided that Christ would die for the sins of the world!
However our personal involvement was decided before the world was created! Ephesians 1:3- (KJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. This passage of scripture written by Paul is intended to produce comfort and security in the hearers. (good news is always included in the introduction of a letter!) Rather we are lead by preachers today to believe that it is a scary fact that we are predestinated and we have no choice. Remember this God is always just and fair in his dealings with us.
One hundred and fifty years ago a preacher said: "But do you know the limit of it? Christ has bought a ‘multitude, which no man can number’ (Revelation7:9). The limit of it is just this: He died for sinners; whoever in this congregation inwardly and sorrowfully knows himself to be a sinner, Christ died for him. Whoever seeks Christ shall know that Christ died for him; for our sense of need of Christ and our seeking after Christ are infallible proofs that Christ died for us." -Charles Spurgeon
Also important is the order of our personal salvation, here and now. First understand this as sinners man is dead spiritually to God. Ephesians 2:1-5 (KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). What can a dead man do to save himself? Nothing! Isn't he suppose to repent? How can a dead man repent?
If we are to be saved and we are dead to God spiritually then something must take place with us for us to repent. We have to be quickened. That means selection; very specific and special selection and that is what we call election. This is the grace of God.
The first thing to take place is regeneration. Quickening is regeneration or the new birth. Some people call this an awakening provided for us to make a decision for Christ, but this is not consistent with the concept of being dead in sin. If we are given a choice then it is not grace anymore but a cooperation of man with God and that does an injustice to God's loving decision to save us.
Charles Spurgeon said: "I pause once more; for I hear some timid soul say, ‘But, sir, I am afraid I am not elect, and if so, Christ did not die for me.’ Stop, sir! Are you a sinner? Do you feel it? Has God the Holy Spirit made you feel that you are a lost sinner? Do you want salvation? If you do not want it, it is no hardship that it is not provided for you; but if you really feel that you want it, you are God’s elect. If you have a desire to be saved, a desire given you of the Holy Spirit, that desire is a token for good. If you have begun believingly to pray for salvation, you have therein a sure evidence that you are saved. Christ was punished for you. And if now you can say, ‘Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling,’ you may be as sure you are God’s elect as you are sure of your own existence; for this is the infallible proof of election—a sense of need and a thirst after Christ.”
What must I do? If you ask that question you are regenerated and all you need to do is 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. Acts 2:38-39 (KJV)
Now I have given a shallow presentation of the subject of the order of salvation. There is so much more to be said. Perhaps I am participating with God in your calling and election. Maybe you are experiencing this wonderful quickening and you are comming to a new life in Christ. Rush as soon as possible to a good church where they preach the Word and have a way to baptize you. Now tell the preacher you are already saved and have repented and received remission of sins. Don't let him tell you differently. Insist he baptize you as soon as possible.
If he won't go to another Church.
Let me know if perhaps I have been helpful, my e-mail is ldpage@bellsouth.net
Monday, June 16, 2008
God's Plan Of Salvation
Bad News! We are sinners. The whole world is under the judgement of God because of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. 1 Corinthians 15:22 (King James Version) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
We are not "poor" victims with others to blame for our condition. Our real problem is that we live contrary to the will of God. Failed marriages, financial woes, addictions and wayward children are the result of our separation from God.
The real bad news is that you are not reading this anymore. You have moved on to something else. (I write this for the benefit of those still reading to demonstrate the depth of sinful
depravity.) You are blinded by the god of this world. Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. You may have a good marriage, debt free life, no addictions and obedient children. However you are probably on your way to hell because of your sinful condition.
The sad news is that by now many of you have guessed that I am a Calvinist. I have not said that God loves the sinner. I have not offered hope for your health, wealth for your woes, nor peace for your family. You have already "shifted" into anger mode. You attend Church, pay your tithes, pray regularly and read your Bible daily.
True Christian faith starts with the "wrath of God." Romans 1:18 (King James Version)For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. You hold the truth in unrighteousness.
Now the good news! You are reading this and you "hold the truth!" You have eternal life and a home in heaven! You just need to receive your inheritance from the Lord now! Romans 5:1 (King James Version) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The rich young ruler had all this world had to offer. Mark 10:17-22 KJV
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
All he needed to do was follow Christ in obedience and he would have happiness. He went away sad! He had eternal life. God's will was accomplished in heaven for him but he needed to have "heaven on earth" Matthew 6:10 (KJV) Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. He does not need to receive Christ as Savior, Christ had already received him as a sinner! He only needs to follow Christ in obedience as a saint!
The good news is you are reading this and you are awakened (born again) to the Word of God. Acts 2:37 (KJV) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart. They ask, Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Since you are awakened you ask, "what should I do?" Read the rest of 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.
If you have not been a follower of Christ then you need to repent of your sins. Go to a Church and ask to be baptized. Tell the pastor you have already repented of your sins and you want everybody at church to see you following Christ in obedience by being baptized. Now if the pastor tries to tell you something different then you go to another Church. You tell him you have Christ in your heart and you have repented. All he needs to do is baptize you! Join that Church and follow Christ with them.
If you are already a baptized follower of Christ but like the young rich ruler you are not happy then you need to adjust your life to following Christ in obedience. Take up your cross daily and follow him!
Things To Know:
1.) Man can not in any way by will or works save himself. Titus 3:5 (KJV) 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. Salvation is a gift of God and through His mercy.
2.) Christ is the only hope we have for salvation. Acts 4:12 (KJV) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
3.) Christ as our savior is a substitute sacrifice for our sinfulness. He physically died on a cross for our sin, was buried in a grave and rose from the dead on our behalf. 1 John 2:2 (KJV) And he is the propitiation (substitutionary sacrifice) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
4.) You are born again! You are converted! John 3:3 (KJV) 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. God will give you the gift of faith to repent and believe. You will have the Holy Spirit indwelling and guiding you in the way you should go. John 16: (KJV) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. The Bible will be your constant and daily guide in following the will of God.
Let me know if perhaps I have been helpful, my e-mail is ldpage@bellsouth.net and my phone is 901-493-9644 leave a message with my wife.
We are not "poor" victims with others to blame for our condition. Our real problem is that we live contrary to the will of God. Failed marriages, financial woes, addictions and wayward children are the result of our separation from God.
The real bad news is that you are not reading this anymore. You have moved on to something else. (I write this for the benefit of those still reading to demonstrate the depth of sinful
depravity.) You are blinded by the god of this world. Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. You may have a good marriage, debt free life, no addictions and obedient children. However you are probably on your way to hell because of your sinful condition.
The sad news is that by now many of you have guessed that I am a Calvinist. I have not said that God loves the sinner. I have not offered hope for your health, wealth for your woes, nor peace for your family. You have already "shifted" into anger mode. You attend Church, pay your tithes, pray regularly and read your Bible daily.
True Christian faith starts with the "wrath of God." Romans 1:18 (King James Version)For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. You hold the truth in unrighteousness.
Now the good news! You are reading this and you "hold the truth!" You have eternal life and a home in heaven! You just need to receive your inheritance from the Lord now! Romans 5:1 (King James Version) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The rich young ruler had all this world had to offer. Mark 10:17-22 KJV
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
All he needed to do was follow Christ in obedience and he would have happiness. He went away sad! He had eternal life. God's will was accomplished in heaven for him but he needed to have "heaven on earth" Matthew 6:10 (KJV) Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. He does not need to receive Christ as Savior, Christ had already received him as a sinner! He only needs to follow Christ in obedience as a saint!
The good news is you are reading this and you are awakened (born again) to the Word of God. Acts 2:37 (KJV) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart. They ask, Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Since you are awakened you ask, "what should I do?" Read the rest of 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.
If you have not been a follower of Christ then you need to repent of your sins. Go to a Church and ask to be baptized. Tell the pastor you have already repented of your sins and you want everybody at church to see you following Christ in obedience by being baptized. Now if the pastor tries to tell you something different then you go to another Church. You tell him you have Christ in your heart and you have repented. All he needs to do is baptize you! Join that Church and follow Christ with them.
If you are already a baptized follower of Christ but like the young rich ruler you are not happy then you need to adjust your life to following Christ in obedience. Take up your cross daily and follow him!
Things To Know:
1.) Man can not in any way by will or works save himself. Titus 3:5 (KJV) 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. Salvation is a gift of God and through His mercy.
2.) Christ is the only hope we have for salvation. Acts 4:12 (KJV) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
3.) Christ as our savior is a substitute sacrifice for our sinfulness. He physically died on a cross for our sin, was buried in a grave and rose from the dead on our behalf. 1 John 2:2 (KJV) And he is the propitiation (substitutionary sacrifice) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
4.) You are born again! You are converted! John 3:3 (KJV) 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. God will give you the gift of faith to repent and believe. You will have the Holy Spirit indwelling and guiding you in the way you should go. John 16: (KJV) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. The Bible will be your constant and daily guide in following the will of God.
Let me know if perhaps I have been helpful, my e-mail is ldpage@bellsouth.net and my phone is 901-493-9644 leave a message with my wife.
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