Friday, October 10, 2008

How To Get Saved



How To Get Saved?


If there's one important question you need to ask yourself by now, it's this: "How can I be saved?" If I'll die today, how sure am I, I'll be going to heaven and meet Jesus face to face? All people from the beginning of history will stand before God in judgment. The Bible says, "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, (Heb. 9:27). We need not neglect the preparation necessary for this inevitable accounting.
All men, without distinction, need to be saved for the reason that we all fail miserably to live up to the divine standard. The apostle Paul, in the book of Romans proved that all men are sinners.
Rom. 3:23 - "For all have fallen short of the glory of God."
Rom. 3:10 - "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God."
Scripture teaches repeatedly that sinners are capable of nothing but a flawed and imperfect righteousness.
Isaiah 64:6 - "For all of us have become like one who is unclean , and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;"
Ps. 14:23 - "The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one."


No matter how good we are, we can't eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Therefore, the only righteousness by which sinners may be justified is the perfect righteousness of God that is imputed to those who believe. God declares a sinner righteous solely on the basis of the merits of Christ's righteousness.


Only Jesus can do that. Jesus didn't come to help people save themselves; He came to be their Savior from the power and penalty of sin. When a sinner comes to God, repentant and convinced he has no power to save himself from the deserved judgment of divine wrath, and pleads for mercy, God's promise of forgiveness is granted. God then declares him righteous because the sacrifice and obedience of Christ is put to his account.
Col. 1:13-14 - "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."


Salvation is totally from God through Jesus' death. God paid dearly with the life of His Son, the highest price He could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that He had bought for us.
John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."


Jesus came to earth to save us because we can't save ourselves from sin and its consequences. Jesus is the only One able to save. He is the only One who has the power of salvation.


Acts 4:12 - "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."


Salvation is something we can never accomplish on our own. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. We become Christians through God's unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. Without God's grace, no person can be saved. To receive it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves, that only God can save us, and that our only way to receive this loving favor is by faith in Christ.


Titus 2:11 - "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men."
Eph. 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
2 Tim. 1:9 - "Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to Hid own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…"


Receiving salvation means we must repent of our sins. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins. If you want to follow Christ, you must be absolutely willing to "turn from sin". To "turn from sin" means changing the direction of your life, by God's power, from selfishness and rebellion against God's laws. At the same time, you must turn to Christ, depending on Him for forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and purpose.


Acts 2:38 - "Peter said to them, 'Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of you sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
If you have never received Christ as you Lord and Savior, do so without delay. God's invitation is the most important event in our life, no matter how inconveniently it may be timed. Are you making excuses to avoid responding to God's call? We too can resist or delay responding to God's invitation, and our excuses may sound reasonable - work duties, family responsibilities, financial needs, or whatever they may be.


Receiving salvation is simple, direct, and personal. Salvation is as close as your own mouth and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.


Romans 10:8-13 - "But what does it say? 'THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, in your mouth and in your heart' - that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, 'WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.' 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

To receive Christ as your Lord and Savior of your life, you can pray something like this:


"Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you asking for Your forgiveness. I repent of all my sins. I want You to come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Savior. I know I cannot save myself. I surrender my life to You and I ask You to take full control of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."

Signs of Salvation


True Christians will show definite signs of a real experience with God that has resulted in a genuine conversion to Christ. The following are EVIDENCES – (not PROOF!) that a person has passed “from death to life”. The first group are EXTERNAL – ones that you, the counselor, can recognize. The second are INTERNAL, and those which the new Christians should look for in his own life.
OUTWARD:
1.DESIRE FOR SCRIPTURE – A true Christian wants to read the Bible to find out what God expects of him. Scripture is spiritual “food”. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”.
2.DIFFERENCE OF STANDARD – A radical change in habit, action and purpose. A New Christian wants to be different in word, thought and deed. It may take time for the inward change to show outwardly in some things, but never condemn a new convert for what he is until you find out first what he wants to be! “ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:5-16; Ephesians 4:20-24; Philippians 3:7; 1 John 3:1-3).
3.DIFFERENCE OF SELF – A child of God begins to tighten the rein on old habits of self-indulgence. A sterner eye is given to areas of life (such as food and drink, changing both the quality and quantity). Harmful stimulants, late nights (and late mornings), extravagant dressing and living begin to dealt with by the Cross. “Every man that hath this hope in him, purifies himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3; Luke 3:11; Matthew 16:24; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 5:22-23).
4.DESPISED BY THE WORLD – A new Christian will experience trouble from those who know him well, who don’t understand his new life, or from “dead” Christians who have backslidden in hearth and whose lukewarmness the new convert will show up. “Yes – that live godly lives in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (John 15:18-21; Acts 5:40-41; Romans 8:18; 12:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:12; 3:12; Philippians 1:28-29; 1 Peter 2:20-21).
5.SEEKS OTHER CHRISTIANS – A hunger for fellowship and a real love for true children of God is a sure sign of the new birth. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples – if you have love one toward another” (John 13:35; Acts 2:42; Romans 15:5-6; Ephesians 3:17-19; Hebrews 10:25; Peter 1:22; 1 John 1:2, 7; 3:14; 7:7-13).
6.SERVES THE LORD – Looks for ways and means to please the Lord Jesus – begins to witness for Him, and wants to win souls. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Psalm 107:2; Philippians 1:21; Matthew 10:32; 25:29; John 14:12 Peter 3:15).
7.STICKS TO THE TASK – Keeps pushing forward for the Lord despite failure or setbacks – a determination to stay true to God.” . . . This one thing I do – forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward for the things before, I press toward the mark…” (Philippians 3:13-14; 1 John 1:4; Romans 6:1-14; Peter 1:10; John 5:37, 39; Psalm 37:23-24).
[I want to be saved now! How? Answer the question.]


INWARD:


1.ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE – This clears away doubt, makes Christians active for the Lord, decided in his faith and holy in his life. “All that the Father gives me shall come to me ; and the one that come to me will certainly never cast out” (John 6:37; 5:24; 16:27-33; Acts 13:39, Romans 15:13; 8:38-39; 1 John 1:12; 3:20; 4:18; 5:12-13).
2.ALL SUSTAINING PEACE – This peace upholds and undergirds the believer through all trials and tribulations. A freedom from fear no matter how dangerous, difficult or deadly a situation may be. “The peace of God which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ” (Philippians 4:7; Luke 12:32; John 14:1-2, 27; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 8; Isaiah 32:17; 41:10; Psalm 23:4).
3.AWAKENED CONSCIENCE – Greater awareness of thoughts, words or deeds which do not please the Lord. A respect for the power of sin; a fear of the Lord and a keeping of His commandments. “We know that we are of God and the whole world lies in wickedness” (1 John 5:19; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 12:2; John 14:15, 21; Proverbs 19:23; Jeremiah 32:40; 1 Timothy 1:5; James 1:12; Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 3:5 1 Peter 1:13-16; 2:9)
4.SEARCH FOR TRUTH – A genuine desire for reality and solid foundations on which to build the new life both in the Word of God and from other spiritual Christians. “For everyone that does evil hates the light …but he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God” (John 3:20-21; 5:39; 8:12, 31; Matthew 7:21; Acts 17:11; Corinthians 2:9-16).
5.SPIRIT WITNESS – The Holy Spirit provides the indescribable consciousness of acceptance with God on the merit of the Lord Jesus. “For as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14; 8:9; John 14:17; 1 John 4:13; 5:10).
6.SONSHIP AWARENESS – When God is truly Father; the child of God has a warm sense of parental affection and care from the Lord. “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts crying – ‘Dear Father’” (Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:28-29; 8:15-17; John 1:12; 16:26-27; 17:5-6; 21-26; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18; Ephesians 2:18; 1 John 3:1-2).
7.SOCIAL CONCERN – An interest in the needs of others, with desire to promote righteousness, do good “studying and devising ways and means to convert, sanctify and reform mankind.” “But whosoever has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:16-24; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; 9:6, 8; John 9:4-5; Proverbs 11:25).

I Want To Be Saved



What will you do when you die and meet God face to face in the pearly gates of heaven? And what would you say when God asks you, “Why would I let you enter my heaven?” As you mull over this question, read on.
Is it because… (a) you never hurt anyone; (b) you are obedient to the Ten Commandments; (c) you go to church every Sunday; (d) you are basically a good person; (e) you know the lord and you love him; or, (f) all of the above.
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name have cast out devils? And in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I say to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you evil doers.” (Mat 7:21-23)
“For ALL HAVE SINNED, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23)
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (Jam 2:10)
What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and ALL THE WORLD MAY BECOME GUILTY before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom 3:9-20)
The Greatest Problem
Our God is a holy God, while we (mankind) are all sinners. Man in his entire lifetime cannot totally abstain from sin and we know that. Our conscience can testify that many times we have sinned against our God and against our fellowmen.
The Bible is the Word of God, therefore, God is telling us that right now, we have to know that we have sinned and that even one sin or the very first sin that we have committed can send us to hell. The Holy Bible is written in a language that everyone can easily understand (only if he is willing to). The Holy Bible also tells us if we break one of its commandments (of course these commandments can only be found in the Holy Bible, and ignorance of the law excuses no one) we are guilty of breaking it all.
Now, people always think, “Ah, God is merciful, He will understand. God is love, He will forgive,” and then they would go on with their lives gratifying their worldly desires. Yes, God is merciful and loving. But many are deceived in their understanding about God being just and righteous and that God hates sin. People delude themselves in trying to believe that there is a grave sin (which most people believe that this is the sin that God hates), and there is a petty sin that isn’t worth mentioning. A wrongdoing is still wrong no matter how petty it may seem. And God being just and righteous, not even a lightweight offense can be left unnoticed.
“The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and THAT WILL BY NO MEANS CLEAR THE GUILTY; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” (Exo 34:6-7)
If you happen to be a judge, and a traffic offender is presented to you with overwhelming evidence of being guilty and the law dictates that he pay for his offense. You can’t simply accept even the most sincere apology from the offender because if you do, it would mean that it is okay for people to break the traffic rules as long as they will be sorry when they get caught and that no punishment will be meted out for them—this is not justice.
God, being the Righteous Judge would administer his justice to every offender as it is written,
“For the WAGES OF SIN is death” (Rom 6:23a)
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT” (Heb 9:27)
The issue here is not whether you’ve been a good person or not but whether you have sinned or not. God designed man in the likeness of His image to be able to do good works (Gen. 1:26). This is the problem—we are all sinners, God did not design us to be sinners and there is no provision in God’s Law, as found in the Bible, that any religion, any philosophy, any good works can save mankind from the coming judgment. Unfortunately, there is nothing that we can do about it.
The Only Solution
There is only one way to solve this problem—God’s way. And Jesus is the only way. (Acts 4:12)
Repent. Repentance is an abrupt decision to turn away from what the Holy Bible calls sins. You simply decide to:
Repent from the belief that by your own good works you will be saved (Eph 2:8-9)
Repent from the belief that with the religion that you have you will be saved (Col 2:8)
[If you want to know more what a genuine repentance is click here.]
Believe in Jesus of Nazareth as your only Lord and Savior. You might be saying, "But I believe already!" There are two kinds of belief. One is called mental assent. The Lord's brother gave an example, he once said in James 2:19 that even the devils believe. To give you an illustration. Imagine that your father is a carpenter. He made you a new wooden chair to sit on. Now believing that the chair can support your weight without it breaking down in to pieces is mental assent, however, when you sit on it, that's another story, which brings us to the kind of belief I am talking about. To believe in the Lord Jesus is to have a complete trust in Him.
If you have a complete trust in Him you will believe that:
He is the Son of God—100% God—worthy of all worship and all honor (John 20:28)
He lived a sinless life while He was on earth—100% man, tempted in every way (Phil 2:6-11)
By His death on the cross you are saved (Rom 10:9-10)
He rose again from the dead and ascended to God the Father to prepare a place for us in heaven. (John 14:2-3)
Know that salvation is a free gift from God:
“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is THE GIFT of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)
“But THE GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom 6:23b)
Having all these three important things, all you need to do now is to receive it. Today, say this prayer aloud and alone in you room with all your heart and the Holy Spirit will do the rest for you:
Father in heaven, I, say your name, acknowledge that I have sinned in my words, in my thoughts, and in my deeds. I repent from all my sins and ask you to forgive me. I accept your only Son, Jesus Christ, as my personal Lord and Savior and I believe that He died in my place and that on the third day, He rose again to prepare a place for me in heaven. I invite the Lord Jesus Christ to come and take control of my life. I invite His Spirit to dwell in me and change me to the kind of person you want me to be.
Father in heaven, I thank you for forgiving me and for washing me of all my sins by the blood shed by Jesus Christ thousands of years ago and for allowing me to be born again. Amen.
Like I said, you simply decide; you simply believe; and you simply confess before God. He will do the rest.

DL Moody Sermon of Salvation



What Must I Do To Be Saved?


Suppose you do not want to hear a sermon (on this last night) so much as you want to know how to be saved. I want, if I can, to answer that question, "What must I do to be saved?" There is no question that can come before us in this world that is so important; and I think that there is not a man in this audience to-night who does not feel interested in it.
I heard a man, when he was going out the other night, saying: "I do not believe in sudden conversion. I do not believe what the preacher said to-night, that a man could come in here a sinner, and go out a Christian." Now, I want to say that I do not believe in any other conversion. I do not believe that there ever has been a conversion in the world that was not instantaneous, and I want you to mark this: not but what many cannot tell the day nor the hour when they were converted. I will admit that: they may not know the time; but that does not change the great fact that there was a time when they passed from death unto life; that there was a time when they were born [ABCOG: begotten] into the kingdom of God. There must have been a minute when their name was written in the Book of Life. There must have been a time when they were ere lost, and a time when they were saved; but we may not be conscious when the change takes place. I believe the conversion of some is like the rising of the sun, and of others like the flashing of a meteor. But both are instantaneous, really, in the sight of God. There must be a time when life begins to rise; when the dead soul begins to live.
Now, this evening I want to take up some of the Bible illustrations. In the first place, there is the ark. There was a minute when Noah was outside of the ark, and another minute when he was inside. And, bear in mind, it was the ark that saved Noah: it was not his righteousness; it was not his feelings; it was not his tears; it was not his prayers. It was the ark that saved him. If he had tried to make an ark of his feelings, or of his prayers, or of his life, he would have been swept away: he would have been drowned with the rest. But, you see, it was the ark that saved him.
When I was in Manchester, I went into the gallery one Sunday night to have a talk with a few inquirers; and while I was talking, a business man came in, and took his seat on the outskirts of the audience. I think, at first, he had come merely to criticize, and that he was a little skeptical. At last I saw he was in tears. I turned to him, and said, " My friend, what is your difficulty?" "Well," he said, "Mr. Moody, the fact is, I cannot tell." I said, "Do you believe you are a sinner?" He said, "Yes; I know that." I said, "Christ is able to save you"; and I used one illustration after another, but he did not see it. At last I thought of the ark, and I said: "Was it Noah's feelings that saved him? Was it Noah's righteousness that saved him, or was it the ark?" "I see it, now," said he; "I see it." He got up and shook hands with me, and said: "Good-night: I must go. I have to go away by the train to-night; but I was determined to be saved before I went. I see it now."
A few days after, he came and touched me on the shoulder, and said, "Do you know me? " I said, "I know your face, but do not remember where I have seen you." He said, "Do you not remember the illustration of the ark? I said, " Yes." "It has been all light ever since," said he. "I understand it now. Christ is the Ark; He saves me; and I must get inside Him." When I went down to Manchester again, and talked to the young friends there, I found he was the brightest light among them.
Let me take another illustration. There was the blood in Goshen. God says, "When I see the blood I will pass over you." Now He does not say, "When I see Moses' feelings, or the feelings of the people, I will pass over you"; or, "When I see you praying and weeping, I will pass over you"; but, "When I see the blood I will pass over you." It was the blood that saved them, not their righteousness. And a little child by that blood in Goshen was just as safe as Moses or Aaron or Joshua or Caleb. It was the blood that saved them. Look! there is the Jew taking the hyssop. He dips it in the blood, and strikes it on the doorpost. One minute it is not there: the next it is there. The moment the blood is there they are saved. God says, "When I see the blood I will pass over you." Some people say, "If I were only as good as that minister I should feel so safe" or, "If I were only as good as that mother in Israel who has been praying fifty years for the poor and unfortunate, should I not feel very safe? " My friends, if you are behind the blood, you are as safe as any man or woman who has been praying for fifty years. It is not their righteousness and good works that are going to save them. They never saved any one. God says, "When I see the blood I will pass over you." [ABCOG: Moody understands "pass over" to mean "bypass". It can also mean "hover over to protect"] And when I am sheltered behind the blood, then I am saved; and if I am not sheltered behind the blood, I am not saved. That was instantaneous, was not it? God says, "When I see the blood, it shall be a token, and I will not enter." Death came down and passed over Egypt; and where the blood was on the doorpost he passed by; but where the blood could not be found, in he went and took the victim away. The great palaces could not keep out death; wealth and position could not keep out death. He went and took the Crown Prince of Egypt; he took the richest and the poorest, the highest and the lowest. Death makes no distinction, except a man is behind the blood.
My friends, be wise to-night, and get behind the blood. The blood has been shed. The blood is on the mercy-seat; and while it is there you can be saved. God is imputing to His Son your trespasses and sins. He says, "I will look at the blood on the mercy-seat." Press in, my friends; make haste and get in tonight; for the Master of the house will rise up by-and-by and shut to the door, and then there will be no hope.
Take another case. When Israel went over Jordan, God told Joshua to have six cities of refuge; three on each side of Jordan. They were to be built on a hill, where they could be seen at a great distance, and the gates were to be kept open day and night. All obstacles were to be kept out of the way, the highway was to be kept in repair, the bridges and everything in good condition, so that nothing should hinder a poor man flying to the city of refuge. If a man killed another in those days, it was considered a great disgrace if the nearest relative did not take vengeance. "An eye for an eye, and a booth for a tooth." If a man killed another, the next kinsman was bound to put him to death. But if he could escape to a city of refuge he was tried, and if it was found he had not intentionally killed the man, he might live.
Now for my illustration. Suppose I have killed a man. I am out away in the woods working, and my axe slips out of my hand, and kills the man working with me. I know that his kinsman, his brother, is not far away. The news will soon reach him that I have killed his brother. What shall I do? I start for the city of refuge, over there away on the hill, ten miles off. I run - and we are told that in those days there used to be signposts with the word " Refuge," written in great red letters, so that a man might read as he ran; he need not stop. I have been told that there was a finger pointing towards the city, and a man who could not read might see the hand. A man does not have to learn to read before he can be saved. I see that hand; it is pointing to the city of refuge. The gate is wide open, but it is ten miles away. I leap over the highway. I do not look behind, to the right hand or to the left. I do not listen to this man or to that man, but, like John Bunyan, I put my fingers in my ears. The avenger has drawn his sword, and is on my track. I leap over into the highway; and, pretty soon, I can hear him behind me, Away I go, over that bridge, across that stream, up that mountain, along that valley, - but I can hear him coming nearer and nearer. There is the watchman; I can see him on the wall of the city. He gives notice to the inhabitants that a refugee is coming. I see the citizens on the wall of the city watching, and when I get near I hear them calling, "Run, run! Escape, escape! He is very near you! Run! escape!" I press on; leap through the gate of the city; and at last I am safe. One minute I am outside, and the next I am inside. One minute I am exposed to that sword; it may come down upon me at any minute: the next minute I am safe. Do I feel any difference? I feel I am behind the walls: that is the difference. It is a fact. There I am. The avenger can come up to the gates of the city, but he cannot come in. He cannot lay his sword upon me. The law of the land shields me now. I am under the protection of that city; I have saved my life; but I had no time for lingering.
A great many of you are trying to get into the city of refuge, and there are enemies trying to stop you, But do not listen to them. Your friends tell you to escape. Make haste! Delay not for a single moment!
In our country, before the war, when we had slavery, the slaves used to keep their eye on the north star. If a slave escaped to the Northern States, his old master could come and take him back into slavery. But there was another flag on American soil, and if they could only get under that flag they were for ever free. It is called the Union Jack. If they could only get as far north as Canada they were free; therefore they kept looking towards the north star. But they knew if they only got into the Northern States, there might be some one ready to take them back. So it is with every poor sinner who wants to come to Christ. Many men do all they can to hinder him; others will cheer him on. Let us help every man towards the north star. A man has escaped: perhaps he swims across the Mississippi river, or crosses the Ohio river in a little canoe. The master hears of it, and he takes his hounds and sets them on his track, and begins to hunt him down. The slave hears the hounds; and he knows that his master is coming to take him back to slavery. The line is a mile or two away. He escapes as fast as he can. He runs with all his might for the frontier, over hedges and ditches and rivers; away he goes for Canada. By-and-by he comes in sight of Canada. He can see that flag floating in front of him; and he knows that if he can only cross the line before his master and the hounds overtake him, he will be free for ever.
How the poor black man runs! leaping and bounding along; and at last, with one bound, he goes over the line. He is free! One minute he is a slave; the next minute he is a free man, under the flag of Queen Victoria, the British flag! (cheers [ABCOG: by British crowd]) - don't cheer, my friends, but come to Christ - and your laws say that no man under that flag shall be a slave. One minute he is a slave; the next minute he is a free man. One minute it is possible for his old master to drag him back; the next minute he shouts, "Free!"
If Christ tells us that we are free, we are free. My friends, Christ is calling to-night. Get out of the devil's territory as quick as you can. No slave in the Southern States had so hard a master as yours, nor so mean a master as Satan. Take my advice tonight, and escape for the liberty of your soul.
I can imagine some of you saying "I do not see how a man is really going to be converted all at once." Let me give you another illustration. Look down there. There are two soldiers. Now, if you bring those soldiers up to this platform, and ask them how they became soldiers, they will tell you this - that one moment they were citizens, and the next minute soldiers. What was it that made them soldiers? It was when they took the Queen's shilling. The moment they received that shilling they ceased to be citizens, and they became soldiers. Before they received that shilling they could go where they pleased; the next minute they came under the government and under the regulations of the army, and they must go where Queen Victoria sends them. They did not have to wait for the uniform. The minute they received the shilling they became soldiers. What made them soldiers? Receiving the shilling. What makes a man a Christian? Receiving Christ. "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not: but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God."
Now, the gift of God is eternal life. Who will have the gift to-night? When I was down in Manchester I asked that question, and a man shouted in the meeting, "I will! " Who will have it now? Is not there some man here in London, as there was in Manchester, who will say that he will have the gift? Is it not a wonder to have to plead with so many to take the gift? "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life." Who will have the gift now? (Many responses of "I will"; "I will.")
I can imagine one man down there who says "How about repentance? How about getting into the ark or the city of refuge before repentance?" My friend, let me ask you what is repentance? It is right-about-face! I think these soldiers understand that expression. Some one has said that every one is born with his back to God, and that conversion turns him right round. If you want to be converted, and want to repent, I will tell you what you should do. Just get out of Satan's service, and get into the Lord's. Leave your old friends, and unite yourself with God's people.
In a few days, if nothing happens, I expect to go to Liverpool. If, when I am in the train, my friend Mr. Shipton says, "Moody, you are going in the wrong train, - that train is going to Edinburgh" - I should say, "Mr. Shipton, you have made a great mistake; somebody told me the train was going to Liverpool. You are wrong, Mr. Shipton; I am sure you are wrong." Then Mr. Shipton would say, "Moody, I have lived here forty years, and I know all about the trains. He must have been very ignorant or very vicious who told you that train goes to Liverpool." Mr. Shipton at last convinces me, and I get out of that train and get into the one going to Liverpool.
Repentance is getting out of one train and getting into the other. You are in the wrong train; you are in the broad path that takes you down to the pit of hell. Get out of it to-night. Right-about-face! Who will turn his feet towards God? "Turn ye, for why will ye die?" In the Old Testament the word is "turn." In the New Testament the word is "repent." "Turn ye, for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" God does not want any man in this audience to perish, but He wants all to be saved. You can be saved now if you will.
There is another illustration I wish I had time to dwell upon and that is about looking. There is that serpent in the wilderness. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man also be lifted up, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Look here! Just give me your attention for a few minutes. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." How long does it take a man to believe? Or, if you will, how long does it take a man to look? Some people say they believe in educating people to be Christians. How long do you educate children to look? You hear the mother say, "Look," and the little child looks. It does not take a child three months to learn to look. Look and live! You need not go to college to learn how to look. There is not a child here but knows how to look. Christ says, "Look unto me; for I am [ABCOG: the way to] God, and there is none else."
There is the brazen serpent on the pole. God says to the children of Israel, who are dying of the bite of the fiery serpents - "Look, and live!"
Now, there is nothing in looking at a piece of brass which can cure the bite of a serpent. It is God who cures it, and the looking is the condition. It is obedience; and that is what God will have.
One moment the poor sufferer is dying; the next there comes a thrill of life through his veins, and he lives: he is well. My friends, look to Christ, and not to yourselves. That is what is the matter with a great many sinners; instead of looking to Christ, they are looking at the bite.
It is not looking to the wound; it is looking to the remedy. Christ is the remedy of sin. What you want is to look from the wound to the remedy - to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Who will look tonight, and live? Turn your eye to Calvary; believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved

Seven Reasons From The Bible Why A Born-Again Christian Cannot Lose His Salvation


Following are seven reasons from the Bible why a born-again Christian cannot lose his salvation.


Over 200 Scriptures are referenced, which are given at the end for ease of readability. Anyone reading this who doubts the truth of this doctrine, sometimes called "once saved, always saved", is encouraged to look up and read the Scriptures for himself.
1. Eternal Life - The Bible says that ETERNAL life is a present possession [1]. If we could lose that life from God [2] then we never had ETERNAL life. Our life is Christ's life when we are saved [3] (see #4) and Christ cannot die again [4]. I John 5:13 says we can KNOW that we have ETERNAL life. God promised eternal life and God cannot lie [5].
2. Born Again as Sons of God - When we accept Christ we are born again of God [6], are passed from death unto life [7], and become a new creature [8], or creation [9], with all things new. We would have to become unborn to lose our salvation and born a third time to get saved again, which is not mentioned in the Bible. We also become a son of God [10] with a new nature, Christ's nature [11], and Christ cannot deny himself [11]. We get an incorruptible nature [12] and our will is changed [13]. John 10:27 says the believer WILL follow Christ.
After we are saved, God no longer deals with us as sinners but as sons [14]. He chastises but his chastisement is not payment for sin, it is child-training. God may chastise but the payment for ALL sins was made 2000 years ago on Calvary (see #3). Sometimes God may even chastise with death [15]. The fellowship with God may change but not the Father-son relationship. For example, a father tells his boy not to play with the father's delicate tools or they will break. The boy disobeys and breaks the tools. As chastisement the father smacks the boy but the smack does not pay for the tools; the father still must pay for the new tools and the boy is still his father's son. All of our sins were paid for on Calvary and ALL of them are forgiven when we are saved (see #3).
3. What Happens to a Believer's Sins - In God's eyes when we get saved we are perfect forever [16], justified (made as if we had never sinned [17]), and sanctified [18], as far as our salvation is concerned. We still live in a sinful body and still sin but these only affect our fellowship with the Father once we are saved (see #2). The Bible says that God WILL NOT impute (charge up) sin to a believer [19] and that includes ANY sin. If a justified person could go to hell he was never truly justified. If after being saved a sin or sins could cause one to lose his salvation then all of his sins were not paid for at Calvary and forgiven (washed away) when he trusted Christ and his blood [20], as the Bible says [21]. God forgives and forgets [22] every sin, including future sins (all our sins were future when Christ died for them), when we get saved.
4. What We Have "In" Jesus Christ - When we get saved we are placed into the body of Christ [23]. We become "flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone" [24]. Our soul is "circumcised" from our flesh with a circumcision "made without hands" [25]. The Bible says that the body (church) will be presented without spot or blemish [26]. It cannot be without blemish if pieces have to be removed. Our position is settled: we are mystically seated in heaven already [27], a joint-heir with Christ (a joint heir cannot be disinherited [28]), and safe in Jesus' and God's hand [29] where we cannot be plucked out. The Holy Spirit places us IN Christ [23] just as we were IN Adam [30] before we were saved. IN Christ we are safe from condemnation [31], accepted [32], preserved forever [33], sanctified [34], alive forever [35], a new creature [36], perfect [37], righteous [38]; and we have liberty [39], all spiritual blessings [40], and an inheritance [41]. Our inheritance is reserved for us in heaven [42] (see #6), will not fade away [42], is incorruptible [42], and cannot be defiled [42].
Colossians 3:3 says our life is HID with Christ IN God; Satan has to get through God and then Christ to get to us, to cause us to be lost again. If Satan can overcome God and Christ to get one Christian, then he can get all of us because we are all sinners alike [43]. If Satan knew there was a way to make a Christian lose his salvation he is subtle enough that he could cause every Christian to lose his salvation [43.1]. For a believer to go to Hell, Christ and God [44] would have to go to Hell, because we have everything in standing and position that the Lord Jesus Christ has and we are "in" Him [45]. Our security is in a perfect person: Jesus Christ [45.1].
5. "God" Keeps Our Salvation - Throughout the Bible Jesus is called the Saviour [45.2]. Hebrews 7:25 says he saves to the uttermost, or he COMPLETELY saves. Eternal security is not a separate doctrine from salvation; if we are not saved forever then we were never saved at all because Christ saves us from ALL of our sins when we get saved (see #3); and gives us ETERNAL, EVERLASTING life (see #1). Christ came to save [46]. Once we are saved it is God's responsibility, not ours, to keep our salvation, because we never could. Just as a believer can never save himself, he can never keep himself. We are kept "by the power of God" [47], not our power, and "HE is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against THAT DAY" [48]. When we are born again God begins a work in us that He will perform until the day of Jesus Christ [49]. Jude 24 says that Christ, not us, will KEEP us from falling and present us faultless to God. We are confirmed unto the end [50]. Christ is the "author and finisher of our faith" [51]. "Whatever God does, it will be forever and nothing can be put to it or taken from it" [52]; and that includes our salvation, AMEN!
The security of our soul depends on Christ's righteousness, not our own [53] (see #4). If sinning in any way could cause one to lose his salvation, then Paul would have lost his, because AFTER he was saved he said he was the chief of sinners [54]. We get saved by God's grace [55], not by what we do [56], and our salvation remains by God's grace, not according to what WE do; we will be saved from wrath THROUGH him [57].
If we can do something to lose our salvation then God failed and our salvation was not only dependent upon God's grace, but also upon our behaviour - which is works! (Doing works in the Lord's name is not definite evidence of salvation, we must KNOW him as our personal saviour [58], see #8.) Salvation is a gift, not a wage [59]; it is obtained, not attained [60]. It never was deserved and never will be. If our safety is dependent upon our works then we are really saved by our works and must earn our salvation, which is a direct violation of Scripture and the truth of salvation by God's grace ONLY [61].
A person who believes that he must work to keep his salvation, instead of work because he HAS salvation, needs to make sure he is ONLY trusting the Saviour Jesus Christ to take him to heaven and not Jesus Christ plus his good works; he needs to understand how to be saved and what salvation really is [62].
6. Jesus is Faithful - Not only are we kept by God's power but we CANNOT come into condemnation [63]; we are NOT condemned [64]. Our intercessor is Jesus Christ [65] and he pleads our case when we are saved; that is why we can never be condemned again with the penalty of our already forgiven sins, or else Christ's intercession is not sufficient. If we lose our salvation we are condemned again and the Scriptures [66] are not true! Once we are saved and given to Christ [67] we cannot be lost again because John 6:39 says that of all that God gives Christ, Christ will lose nothing (and we are something).
We will NEVER die [68] but will live forever [69] (see #1). Christ will IN NO WISE (under ANY circumstances) cast out any that come to him [70]. All that get saved will NEVER perish [71] (never means NEVER). Christ will NEVER leave us or forsake us [72]. NOTHING (including ourselves) can separate us from the love of God IN Christ [73], and all believers are IN Christ (see #4).
7. The Holy Spirit, Our Seal - God gives the Holy Spirit to every believer when we get saved [75] as the earnest (down payment [76]) of his promise to take us to heaven and give us our inheritance [77] (see #4). We can only be unsaved if we do not have the Holy Spirit [78], which means we would have to lose the Holy Spirit to get lost again; but the Bible says we are SEALED by and with the Holy Spirit UNTIL the day of redemption [79]. The Holy Spirit can be quenched [80] or grieved [81] but not lost.
8. The Sinful Believer and the False Christian - We will not be perfect until we get to heaven, and we may be disobedient, but we cannot lose our salvation. We can still fall, but not so as to be eternally lost, for the Lord upholds us [82]. We are still tempted and tried [83], as Jesus was [84], but only for the purpose of strengthening us and making us more of what the Lord wants us to be. Our works may not stand the fiery test of the judgement [85] but our salvation will [86].
Not all who claim to be saved are. Not all church members are saved. If they are saved, they will eventually show a change and false professors of Christ eventually fall away [87]. Just make sure you are trusting ONLY Jesus [88] and HIS righteousness [89] to get you to heaven, not YOUR faith or a prayer or work(s), and you believe (trust [90]) to the "saving of the soul" [91].
9. Misapplication of Scripture / Rightly Dividing the Word - One should not twist Scripture [92] talking about the Old Testament saints, Tribulation saints, or the losing of a ministry, testimony, nation, or life and try to make it prove a sinner forgiven by the grace of God through Christ's blood can lose his salvation. The Word of God must be "rightly divided" [93] or it can be "wrested unto your own destruction" [94].
Scripture References
1. John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47,51; 10:28
2. I John 5:11-12; Romans 6:23
3. Colossians 3:4
4. Romans 6:9-10; I John 1:2
5. I John 2:25; Tit 1:2; Numbers 23:19; John 3:14-18; Romans 6:23
6. John 1:13; 3:3-7; I Peter 1:23
7. John 5:24; 11:25
8. II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15
9. Ephesians 2:10; 4:24
10. John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26; I John 3:1-2
11. II Timothy 2:13; II Peter 1:4
12. I Peter 1:23; I John 3:9
13. Philippians 2:12-13
14. Hebrews 12:5-8
15. I Corinthians 5:5; 11:30
16. Hebrews 10:14
17. Romans 3:24-28; 5:1,9; Acts 13:39
18. I Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; II Thessalonians 2:13
19. Romans 4:8; 8:33; II Corinthians 5:19
20. Ephesians 1:7
21. John 1:29; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 2:13; I John 1:7,9; 2:12; 3:5; Revelation 1:5
22. Psalms 32:1; 103:12; Isaiah 1:18; 38:17; 43:25; Micah 7:18-19; Acts 13:38-39; 26:18; Colossians 2:13; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; I John 1:7; 2:12
23. Romans 12:5; I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:21-22
24. Ephesians 5:30
25. Colossians 2:8-14
26. Ephesians 5:27
27. Ephesians 2:6
28. Romans 8:16-17
29. John 10:27-30
30. Romans 5:12
31. Romans 8:1-2
32. Ephesians 1:6
33. Jude 1; Psalms 37:28; II Timothy 4:18
34. I Corinthians 1:2
35. I Corinthians 15:22
36. II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10
37. Colossians 1:28
38. II Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9
39. Romans 8:2; Galatians 2:4
40. Ephesians 1:3
41. Ephesians 1:11
42. I Peter 1:3-5; Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 26:18
43. Romans 3:10-12,23; 14:23; James 4:17; I John 1:8-10
43.1. Isaiah 53:9, 11; 59:17; John 8:46; 18:38; II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 1:9; 4:15; 7:26-28; 9:14; I Peter 1:19; 2:22; I John 3:5.
44. I Thessalonians 1:1
45. Romans 6:3; 8:1-2,11; 12:5; I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 1:21; 5:17; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:6,10; Colossians 1:28; 2:7,10; I John 4:13; 5:20
45.1. I Peter 5:10
45.2. Acts 5:31; 13:23; Ephesians 5:23; Philippians 3:20; II Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:3-4; 2:13; 3:6; II Peter 1:1; I John 4:14
46. Luke 19:10; John 3:17; Acts 4:12; Titus 2:13-14
47. I Peter 1:3-5
48. II Timothy 1:12
49. Philippians 1:6
50. I Corinthians 1:8
51. Hebrews 12:2
52. Ecclesiastes 3:14
53. Romans 3:24-27; II Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9
54. I Timothy 1:15; Romans 7:21-25
55. Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 11:6
56. Titus 3:5; Romans 4:5
57. Romans 5:9
58. Matthew 7:22-23
59. Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:18; 6:23
60. Hebrews 9:12
61. Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:21
62. John 3:3,18,36; 5:24; 6:28-29,47; 14:6; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1; 10:9-10,13;
Galatians 3:22,26; Ephesians 2:8-9; I John 5:11-13; Revelation 22:17
63. John 5:24; Romans 8:1
64. John 3:18
65. Romans 8:33-34; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:15-16
66. John 3:18; 5:24
67. John 6:37
68. John 11:26
69. John 6:51
70. John 6:37
71. John 3:16; 10:27-30
72. Hebrews 13:5
73. Romans 8:35-39
75. John 7:38-39; Ephesians 1:12-13; I John 4:13
76. II Corinthians 1:22; 5:5
77. Ephesians 1:13-14
78. Romans 8:9
79. II Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:12-13; 4:30
80. I Thessalonians 5:19
81. Ephesians 4:30
82. Proverbs 24:16; Psalms 37:24-25; 145:14
83. I Corinthians 10:13; James 1:2-4; I Peter 1:6-7; 5:10; II Peter 2:9
84. Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 4:15
85. II Thessalonians 1:7-10; I Peter 4:12-13; II Peter 3:9-13
86. I Corinthians 3:13-15; 5:5
87. I John 2:19
88. John 14:6
89. I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 5:21
90. Ephesians 1:12-14
91. Hebrews 10:38-39
92. Matthew 5:19,22; 7:13,21-23; 8:11-12; 12:32; 13:21; 24:13,48-51; 25:1-13,25-29,34,40-41,45-46; Mark 3:29-30; Acts 1:25; 2:38; I Corinthians 15:1-2; II Corinthians 13:5; Romans 11:16-24; Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 3:6,14; 6:1-6; 9:28; 10:26-27; 12:14; James 5:20; Revelation 2:10; 3:5, 7; 12:17; 14:6-7,12; 22:14
93. II Timothy 2:15
94. II Peter 3:16

The Power of The Cross



The Power of the Cross


When the Apostle Paul went to the great and intellectual Grecian city of Corinth, he said, “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). When Paul described what his message was, he said, “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23).



A Message by Billy Graham:


To the people of Corinth the preaching of the cross was foolishness, nonsense. But Paul said, “The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). In that great intellectual center, the cross of Christ was a stumbling block to the children of Israel, and to the Gentiles it was sheer idiocy.This Gospel of Christ and Him crucified is still foolishness to millions who are perishing all over the world today. How few people recognize that the answer to all the world’s problems can be found at the foot of the cross.As we stand at the cross today and gaze on a confused and frustrated world, God asks the question, “Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:20-21, NIV).“We preach Christ crucified.” This is the focal point of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a picture of blood flowing from Christ’s veins as He hung on the cross. The message of shed blood is repugnant to many, and they turn from such a gory sight, feeling that their delicate sensibilities have been outraged. Many people will accept Christ’s character, but they reject His crucifixion.The people of Corinth were blind to Christ crucified and what it meant. To them, His death in this manner was foolishness. The Greek word here is moria, which literally means “idiocy.” Out of this Greek word comes the word moron. This is how the Corinthians evaluated the crucifixion of Christ.The idea of a world being saved by Christ crucified was indeed foolishness to those who were proud and boastful and who thought the wisdom of the world was vested in them. How different it is for those of us who, in simple faith, know Christ crucified. For us, the cross is the power of God and the wisdom of God.It was my privilege to be the guest of a secretary general at the United Nations in New York. He took me to the little room that has been designated a “prayer room” at the United Nations building. I went into the semidarkness. There was something missing. Immediately I recognized that there was no cross in that room.Here was religion without a cross ... a testimony that the nations of the world are deeply religious but have not yet come to the point where they are willing to accept Christ and Him crucified. Thus, the people of the world stumble on blindly toward eventual judgment and destruction, not realizing that they are rejecting Christ and Him crucified, which is the only hope for salvation.When we look at the cross, we see several things:First, in the cross we see the clearest evidence of the world’s guilt. At the cross of Christ, sin reached its climax. Its most terrible display took place at Calvary. It was never blacker nor more hideous. We see the human heart laid bare and its corruption fully exposed. The Scripture teaches that man’s heart is desperately wicked.Many people have said that men and women have improved through the centuries and that if Christ came back today, He would not be crucified but would be given a grand and glorious reception.Christ does come to us every day—in the form of Bibles that we do not read, in the form of churches that we do not attend, in the form of human need that we pass by. I am convinced that if Christ came back today, He would be crucified more quickly than He was 2,000 years ago. Sin never improves.In the judgment hall of Pilate the cry was heard, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” The people had seen His miracles. They had heard His gracious words. They had seen how He relieved suffering humanity. Then why this rabble cry? Why this murderous spirit?The answer is found deep in the human heart. Human nature has not changed, and as we stand and gaze at the cross, we see clear evidence that mankind is basically wrong, and we hear the thunderous verdict of God Himself when He says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).Second, in the cross we see the strongest proof of God’s hatred of sin. God has stated that the soul that sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:20) and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).To gain a clear understanding of God’s attitude toward sin, we only have to consider the purpose of Christ’s death. The Scripture says, “Without shedding of blood there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Here is a positive statement that there can be no forgiveness of sin unless our debt has been paid.God will not tolerate sin. He condemns it and demands payment for it. God could not remain a righteous God and compromise with sin. His holiness and His justice demand the death penalty.The tendency today is to feel that such a position on God’s part is too severe. So we find ourselves manufacturing another gospel. We may say that sin is not that bad—but God said it is very bad. So bad that He demands the death penalty. When we look at the cross we see how drastically God deals with sin. The Scripture says, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). If God had to send His only Son to the cross in order to pay for sin, then sin must be dark indeed in the sight of God.Third, in the cross we see a glorious exhibition of God’s love. We look out upon the world of nature, and in the provisions and plans made for our happiness we discover a revelation of God’s love. Yet as wonderful as these things are in revealing divine love, nothing is comparable to the sacrifice of Calvary. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).Paul writes to the Roman Christians, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).Fourth, in the cross we see the way to victory. All of us have at times been defeated by Satan. We are held in bondage to sin and are controlled by the power of the devil. The cross is the instrument by which God delivers us from the penalty of our sins and from the hand of Satan.God makes it plain that our carnal nature was dealt with at the cross, so that in our standing in Christ this nature has no more power over us. We are told that our “old man was crucified with Him” (Romans 6:6) and that we do not need to serve sin any longer. The Scripture promises that sin shall no longer have dominion over us (Romans 6:14).Thousands of Christians wrestle with temptation and sin. Satan uses jealousy, pride, gossip, gluttony, sex and sinful appetites to control us. However, in the cross there is power to overcome these temptations and sins. I have proved on a thousand spiritual battlegrounds in my own soul that God is more than able through the cross of His Son to give us daily victory, until we can say with Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).The cross of Christ is not only the basis of our peace and hope—but it is the means of our eternal salvation. The goal of the cross is not only a full and free pardon, but a changed life lived in fellowship with God. No wonder Paul said 2,000 years ago, “We preach Christ crucified.” The world needs this message today. This is the message of hope, peace and brotherhood. This is what the world calls “foolishness” but what God has been pleased to call “wisdom.” What do you call it?

How to Become A Christian



How to Become a Christian


The central theme of the Bible is God's love for you and for all people. This love was revealed when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world as a human being, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. Because Christ died, your sins can be forgiven, and because He conquered death you can have eternal life. You can know for sure what will become of you after you die.

You have probably heard the story of God's love referred to as the "Gospel." The word Gospel simply means "Good News." The Gospel is the Good News that, because of what Christ has done, we can be forgiven and can live forever.

But this gift of forgiveness and eternal life cannot be yours unless you willingly accept it. God requires an individual response from you. The following verses from the Bible show God's part and yours in this process:

God's Love Is Revealed in the Bible"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." —John 3:16 (NIV)

God loves you. He wants to bless your life and make it full and complete. And He wants to give you a life which will last forever, even after you experience physical death.

We Are Sinful"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." —Romans 3:23 (NIV)

You may have heard someone say, "I'm only human—nobody's perfect." This Bible verse says the same thing: We are all sinners. We all do things that we know are wrong. And that's why we feel estranged from God—because God is holy and good, and we are not.

Sin Has a Penalty"For the wages of sin is death." —Romans 6:23 (NIV)

Just as criminals must pay the penalty for their crimes, sinners must pay the penalty for their sins. If you continue to sin, you will pay the penalty of spiritual death: You will not only die physically; you will also be separated from our holy God for all eternity. The Bible teaches that those who choose to remain separated from God will spend eternity in a place called hell.

Christ Has Paid Our Penalty!"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." —Romans 5:8 (NIV)The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, has paid the penalty for all your sins. You may think you have to lead a good life and do good deeds before God will love you. But the Bible says that Christ loved you enough to die for you, even when you were rebelling against Him.Salvation Is a Free Gift"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." —Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)The word grace means "undeserved favor." It means God is offering you something you could never provide for yourself: forgiveness of sins and eternal life, God's gift to you is free. You do not have to work for a gift. All you have to do is joyfully receive it, Believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ died for you!Christ Is at Your Heart's Door"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." —Revelation 3:20 (NIV)Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with you. Picture, if you will, Jesus Christ standing at the door of your heart (the door of your emotions, intellect and will). Invite Him in; He is waiting for you to receive Him into your heart and life.You Must Receive Him"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." —John 1:12 (NIV)When you receive Christ into your heart you become a child of God, and have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer at any time about anything. The Christian life is a personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. And best of all, it is a relationship that will last for all eternity.