But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:John 1:12
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.John 3:15-18
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.John 5:24
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.John 10:27-29
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.John 14:6
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.Acts 4:12
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.Acts 13:38-39
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.Acts 16:31
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.Romans 4:5
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Romans 5:1
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:33-39
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Romans 10:9-10
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.Romans 11:6
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:1 Cor. 15:1-5
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.Eph. 2:8-9
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;Titus 3:5
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.1 John 5:13
Some say that the expression eternal security is unbiblical and should not be used. If that is true, so also are the expressions, The Trinity or the Triune God, the Vicarious (or Substitutionary) Death, Omniscience, Omnipresence, and others that are freely used. These identical words are not in the Bible, but the meaning is there. The Bible teaches that the believer is included in the “eternal purpose” of God (Eph. 3:10, 11); he has “eternal life” (1 John 5:13); his salvation is called “eternal salvation” (Heb.5:9); he has been redeemed by an “eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12); and he is assured an “eternal inheritance” (Heb. 9:15); and he is called “to eternal glory” (1 Pet. 5:10). In view of these expressions, it is surely correct to speak of the “eternal security” of the believer for each and every one of these conditions does make him eternally secure.
The saved person has been redeemed from under the law (Gal. 4:5), and the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13), by an eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12). He is dead to the law (Rom. 7:4), and shall not come into condemnation (John 5:24, Rom. 8:1). He is reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18), and is at peace with him (Col. 1:20). He is justified (Rom. 5:1), and all sins have been forgiven (Col. 2:13). He has been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of the Son of God (Col. 1:13). He has been born again of imperishable seed (1 Peter 1:23); is a son of God (John 1:12); and has eternal life (John 5:24). He is a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). He is perfected forever (Heb. 10:14); is complete in Christ (Col. 2:10); and has been accepted by God (Eph. 1:6). He has been born of the Spirit (John 3:6); baptized by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13); is lived in by the Spirit forever (John 14:16, 17); and has been sealed (or security marked) with the Spirit for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30). He has become the object of God’s love (Eph. 2:4), of his grace (Rom. 6:14), of his power (Eph. 1:19), and of his faithfulness (1 Cor. 1:9). He is a citizen of heaven (Eph. 2:19 and Phil. 3:20); is seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Eph. 2:6); and is already glorified (Rom. 8:30).
ONLY ONE CROSS FOR ALL DISPENSATIONS
Now it is quite true that God has different ages and dispensations and different programs with people but none of the dispensational or racial differences in any way affect the “gospel of Christ” that was foreordained for the salvation of any member of Adam’s family that would “call upon the name of the Lord”. Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13; Acts 10:43; 15:10-11; 13:38-39. (Please honestly read these.) Though all penitent believers in Christ have His death baptism and His burial and resurrection put to their credit.
P. S.
If all the above Scriptures does not teach that the True Believer has Eternal life now and can not lose it.God’s word has no meaning.If you could loose Salvation, you could not be saved again no more than you can be born into the human family two times.You are born into the human family only once and you are born into God’s family only once.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (11 Tim. 2:15).
In Eph 2 the Apostle Paul sets forth the basic three-fold division in God’s dealing with mankind:Time Past (vs 11,12), But Now v. 13), the Ages to Come (v. 7).When the Bible is “laid out” according to this divinely inspired design we easily get an overview of not only that we are reading but when and to whom it was written.Thus the Word of God itself provides us with the key to its own proper understanding and right division:
Time Past: Eph. 2:11-12 sets forth the basic issue in Time Past as the division between the Circumcision and the Uncircumcision, between the nation Israel and the Gentiles.When you find this issue governing the way God was working with man, you know you are in Time Past.This covers the “Old Testament” (see Gen. 17:9-14. Deut. 4:5-8, Num. 23:9) as well as Matthew thru John (see Rom. 15:8, Matt. 105-6; 15:24; John 4:22 and the early Acts period (see Luke 24:47, Acts 1:6-8; 2:14,22,36:5:32:11:19).
But Now:Eph. 2:13 indicates that in the But Now portion Gentiles are no longer “far off” but rather the “middle wall of partition” between Israel and the Gentiles has been eliminated and now “those who were far off are made nigh.” Romans thru Philemon provide the doctrine for the dispensation of grace (Rom. 11:13; 15:16; 16:25, 1 Cor. 14:37, Eph. 3:1-9).
The Ages to Come:God will bring His purposes to fruition and thus Eph. 2:7 points to the Ages to Come.The books of Hebrews thru Revelation focus on this.
The chart below will demonstrate the importance of the secret, hidden nature of the present dispensation of grace (Eph. 3:1-9).Click on the dispensation chart below hide the “mystery” section and you will see the perfect continuity of that “which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). The chart will reveal the mystery program and you will visualize how the prophetic program has been temporarily interrupted by “the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest” (Rom. 16:25-26).
The present dispensation of grace is “the mystery” hid in God until first revealed to the Apostle Paul (Eph. 3:1-9, Col. 1”24-26, Rom. 16:25-26, 1 Tim. 2:4-7, Tit. 1:2-3, etc.)Thus in Paul’s writings alone we find the doctrine, position, walk and destiny of the body of Christ.Remember:While all Scripture is for us, all Scripture is not written to or about us, all Scripture is not written to or about us.This is the key to understanding the Bible.
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident, for, the just shall live by faith” (Gal. 3:11).This verse was written by the apostle Paul as he was rebuking the Galatians for turning away from the gospel of grace and observing certain ordiances of the law of Moses. It is important to note that in this one verse there are two quotes from the Old Testament. These were written by two men who lived under the law, David and Habakkuk.The first part of the verse is from Psalms 143:2. David prays, “And enter not into judgement with thy servant, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.” David knew that he would be condemned if he entered into the judgement of the law, therefore he often mentions God’s mercy, compassion, and forgiveness (especially in many of his Psalms).
In Romans 3:20, Paul refers again to David’s prayer saying “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight.” In defending salvation by faith, Paul states that the law was given “that all the world may become guilty before God,” and “by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:19-20). Then in Romans 3:24 the principle of God’s grace is emphasized: “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” In the following verse we learn the very important truth that this redemption that in Christ’s sacrifice was not just for our sins, but for the sins of those in the Old Testament. According to this verse and verse 26, God is declaring Himself righteous and just in forgiving sins in the past because Christ’s death was for their sins also.
Hebrews 9:15 also brings out this truth: “And for this cause He is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”
In Romans 4, we have an important passage showing that those in past ages were saved by faith without works. Verse 3 states, “Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Quoted from Genesis). But we read that Abraham offered sacrifices, paid tithes, and received circumcision. Yes, but Paul says that he was not justified by works, and adds in the following verse (Romans 4:5-8) that David was not justified by works either. “But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also described the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (taken from Psa. 32:1-2). So God declared Abraham and David righteous without works.
Another example from the Old Testament is Abel. Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” This verse states that he obtained witness that he was righteous, that is, he was justified by faith before he brought the sacrifice.
But some will say, “Did not God command a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins?” Several times in Leviticus 4, we read, “and the priest shall make an atonement (sacrifice) for him concerning his sin and it shall be forgiven him.” The key word here is atonement, which is a translation of the Hebrew KAPHAR, meaning “to cover.” The sacrifice covered the sin, but did not take it away, for Hebrews 10:4 says, “It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goat should take away sins.” God commanded an offering because, is His mind, it signified the future perfect sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Therefore righteousness could not be by the sacrifices of the law, even as we read in Galatians 2:21. “for if righteousness came by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Paul told the Jews in Acts 13:39, “And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
Galatians 3:11 was mentioned at the beginning o this study as containing two references from the Old Testament. The second part of this verse is from Habakkuk 4:2 which reads, ”the just shall live by faith .”This reference is so important that it is also quoted in Romans 1:17 and Hebrews 10:38. It is interesting to note that in Galatians 3:6-13 we have seven quotes from the Old Testament. They all illustrate the truth that the just are blessed through faith. Otherwise, they are under the curse of the law.
Some believe that salvation was by faith plus works because of Mark 16:16. This Kingdom ordinance states, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” However, Hebrews 9:10 says that the law “stood in meats and drinks and divers washings (baptisms), carnal ordinances. “But carnal ordinances cannot save; they were a type of the spiritual reality. Therefore water baptism was a type even as were the sacrifices and offerings. There is no such thing as baptismal regeneration. Sins cannot be cleansed by washing. That water baptism was a type of cleansing from sin can clearly be seen in Acts 22:17, “arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins.” This is similar to various washing of the law which were cleansing and purifying ceremonies (see Leviticus 14 and 15). We now understand why there is no command for water baptism in Paul’s epistles, and why Paul says. “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel.” (1. Cor. 1:17).
Although it is obvious that today we are saved by grace through faith without works, we must also understand that this was also God’s principle in every dispensation. This gives God all the glory and praise in salvation, as often declared in both the Old and New Testaments. “For thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth”(Psa. 86:15).
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness; according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions” (Psa 51:1). Also in Psalm 51, “For thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it, thou delightest not in burn offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Vs 16,17).
Paul’s writings likewise give glory and praise to God, saying, “To the praise of the glory of His grace, whereby He has made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:6,7).
This study would not be complete without considering the passage in James 2:14-26, where we read, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only”(v. 24) This seems to contradict Romans 3:28 which says” a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” The key to understanding the passage in James is to first understand that the word justify (to declare righteous) is used two different ways in the Bible.
The most general use of the word means “to be declared righteous in God’s sight.” As defined in Unger’s Bible Dictionary, is “to show to be just, right, or in accord with reason: vindicate.” This meaning could be clarified by its use in the following verses: Matthew 11:19” Wisdom is justified of her children.” Job 9:20 “If I justify myself, mine own mouth would condemn me Psalms 51:4 “that thou (God) mightiest be justified when thou spikiest” 1 Corinthians 4:4. “For I know nothing against myself, yet am I not hereby justified” It should be evident that James is using the word justify, meaning “to show to be just, right: vindicate.” He is saying that you must have good works to be justified before men. Nowhere in James 2 does it say that God justified a person by his works. Therefore the passage must be interpreted with the idea of being justified in men’s eyes, or in other words, justified as far as man is concerned. This can be demonstrated by the following phrases from James 2:1:4-24: Verse 14: What does it profit? Verse 18: Shew my thy faith without works, and I will shew theemy faith by my works. Verse 21-22 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when He offered Isaac? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works? Verse 24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified. We know that Abraham was declared righteous or justified before God in Genesis 15:6, many Isaac was offered. So he was justified forever in God’s sight by faith alone, but he was justified in man’s sight when by faith he offered Isaac.
We know that Abraham was declared righteous or justified before God in Genesis 15:6, many years before Isaac was offered. So he was justified forever in God’s sight by faith alone, but he was justified in man’s sight when by faith he offered Isaac.
James also emphasized a fundamental principle demonstrated throughout God’s Word; that is, that a true and living faith produces obedience and works. So in James 2 it is stated three times that “faith without works is dead.” A good illustration of this principle is found in Hebrews 11, where we read of many whose obedience and works were the results of their faith. So it is evident that living faith will produce good works as a result of faith (see Titus 2 and 3). Note Titus 3:8 where we read”…that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.”
These observation concerning James 2 are not an exposition, but are meant to be helpful in interpreting the verse and reconciling them with the great truth that justification before God is by faith alone, and this because of HIS grace. “Being justified freely by His grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
After reading the above Scriptures we might wonder what a man has to do with his salvation. These Scriptures tell of God’s eternal “grace” purpose. Man’s responsibility is set forth in other Scriptures.
We have God’s work and man’s part in salvation in II Thessalonians 2:13 and 14: “For we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Here we learn that God chose, God called, God sanctified; man believed the truth; and by the gospel the believer obtained the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
But in the Scriptures listed above for this lesson we see the sovereignty of God, or His eternal PURPOSE, in man’s redemption by grace.
Note II Timothy 1:9: “Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own PURPOSE and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
Here we learn of God’s eternal “grace” PURPOSE; God’s grace and PURPOSE given in Christ Jesus before the world began. This is in harmony with I Corinthians 2:6 to 8 and Ephesians 1:4 and 5. The salvation and calling without any works on the part of man is in harmony with Ephesians 2:8 to 10 - Titus 3:5 to 8 and Romans 4:4 and 5.
And all of this is confirmed by Romans 8:28 to 30, where we read what God predestinated and that all things work together for the good of God’s elect.
Why do all things works together for good for those who are the called according to God’s PURPOSE (Romans 8:28)? Because God foreknew, predestinated, called, justified, and glorified. Who can be against God’s elect? (Romans 8:31 - 33 - 34).
We learn, in Ephesians 3:9 that God wants all His children to see the great truth called “the dispensation of the mystery,” “the mystery of His will” (Ephesians 1:9), “the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3 and 4), “the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19 and 20), which is according to His eternal PURPOSE, which He PURPOSED in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:11).
This is profound truth, wonderful, glorious truth. When did God PURPOSE His eternal PURPOSE in Christ Jesus? Before the world began, when He foreknew and predestinated the mystery of His will, that all things should work together for good to those who would be the called according to His PURPOSE.
Now note Ephesian 1:9 and 11: “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath PURPOSED in Himself. In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the PURPOSE of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.”
In I Corinthians 15:1 to 4 and Acts 3:19 to 25 and Acts 26:21 and 22, and Romans 11:27 to 29, we learn of some blessed events which are “according to the Scriptures,” foretold by the prophets. But truth, according to “God’s eternal PURPOSE” is different. It was not foretold by the prophets. Therefore it is called “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8).
Compare the “searchable” riches of Christ in Acts 17:11 with the “unsearchable” riches of Christ in Ephesians 3:8. In order that Christians might understand God’s eternal purpose God has instructed Christians to pray in Ephesians 1:16 to 18 and Ephesians 3:14 to 21. God’s instruction also is to test things that differ. Divine truth, according to the Scriptures, (in fulfillment of prophecy) is different from the truth of God in Ephesians, according to His eternal purpose.
In that wonderful prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ, He prayed for His disciples, “Father, sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy Word is truth.” (John 17:17).
This prayer was uttered before Christ went to the cross and offered Himself without spot unto God. (Hebrews 9:14).
What is the meaning of the truth in Hebrews 10:10 and 14: “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all?” “For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified?”
Christ offered Himself once for all on the cross. Is it true that by that one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified? The Word of God says, “Yes.”
The Scriptures state this plainly. Then we must conclude that the believer, who meets God at Calvary, is sanctified once-for-all, because that “the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins.” Hebrews 10:2.
This does not mean that the sanctified person (saint) will not be conscious of imperfections, or consider himself sinless, in word, thought or deed. (I John 1:8 to 10). But before God his defiled conscience is forever cleansed. Such is the efficacy, power and value of the precious shed blood of the eternal Son of God.
And Hebrews 10:26 does not say that if a person sins after he receives the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more forgiveness of sins. This is explained in Colossians 2:13 and I John 1:9 and 2:1. But Hebrews 10:26 says, “no more sacrifice for sins.”
“Jesus, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” (Hebrews 13:12).
“Elect” through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 1:2).
The word sanctified, also translated “holy”, means separated by God unto God, for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Every one thus separated is a saint. Some saints do not behave as becometh saints, but no one becomes a saint by behaving, only by believing. (I Corinthians 1:1 and 2 and 3: and I Corinthians 6:19 and I Corinthians 6:5 to 7).
Saints are instructed to walk as becometh saints. (Ephesians 5:1 to 4). But they become saints by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8 to 10 - I Corinthians 6:11).
Now let us read and believe II Thessalonians 2:13 and I Corinthians 6:11: “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through SANCTIFICATION of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are SANCTIFIED, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Salvation is the result of believing the truth and God’s work of sanctification of the believer by the Holy Spirit.
No one is saved who is not first sanctified. In I Corinthians 6:11 note the order, washed, SANCTIFIED, justified.
The believer is saved without works; but unto good works, in which he should walk because he is saved. (Ephesians 2:8 to 10).
In such Scriptures as II Corinthians 7:1, as the “twelfth chapter of Romans and the third. chapter of Colossians and others, saints are exhorted to a holy walk and conversation. But remember that believing sinners are saved by faith in the crucified and resurrected Christ. Now read, Hebrews 13:12; “Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” He suffered to bring sinners to God. (I Peter 3:18). After the believer is sanctified once-for-all (Hebrews 10:10 to 14) he is called to a life of separation and service.
Let us prayerfully consider the Holy Spirit’s exhortation to believers in I Peter 3:15 and 16. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”
If Christians are to give an answer to those who ask the reason of the hope in them, Christians should sanctify the Lord God in the heart. They should also have a good conscience and a good conversation in Christ. They should expect to be falsely accused as evil doers. Think of Paul, the pattern, who suffered in jail as an evil doer. (I Timothy 1:16 - II Timothy 2:8 and 9). The Son of God was falsely accused of being an evil doer and He died between two evil doers, for all evil doers. Read II Timothy 1:8 and 12.
According to John 4:35 to 38, Romans 10:12 to 15, II Corinthians 5:18 to 21, II Timothy 4:5, Christians should not wait for the question before they give a reason of the hope that is in them. Neither should they limit this answer to Sunday. The exhortation is “always”. “Be ready always.” This means to know and practice the truth of II Corinthians 4:5 and 6 and Philippians 2:15 and 16: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the Word of life.”
The God of hope wants to fill every Christian with joy and peace in believing. (Romans 15:13). Our heavenly Father wants every Christian to know the truth of Romans 8:15 - “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father.”
God wants every Christian to have the “know-so” salvation mentioned in I John 5:13 and Romans 8:32 to 39. If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).
This is the reason why every Christian should know the truth of I Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 6:14, I Peter 3:18, Romans 4:4 and 5 and I Corinthians 15:10. That no flesh can glory in God’s presence. That Christians glory only in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. That God’s righteousness is given unto them that work not, but believe on Christ Who once suffered for our sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. That by the grace of God the Christian is what he is, any and all the acceptable good works that he does is by the grace of God. These good works are to be done heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, and in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:23 - Colossians 3:17).
In Revelation 12:9 Satan is accused of deceiving the whole world. In II Corinthians 11:3, the Holy Spirit, by Paul, said, “I fear, lest by any means as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” In the same chapter we earn that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light and has under his control religious messengers who claim to represent Christ (II Corinthians 11:13 to 15). By Satan and his messengers many religious people are deluded into believing a lie.
Christians are to have confidence and assurance (Philippians 1:6 - II Corinthians 5:6 - Hebrews 6:18 and 19), but in stating the reason of their hope they should do so with meekness and fear.
When we are thoroughly established in the truth of Ephesians 2:8 to 10, II Timothy 1:9 and 10 and Titus 3:5 to 8, we can give a clear testimony as to why we know we are saved and on the way to heaven.
As we study the outline of the Gospel of Luke, let us think of the Twenty-third Psalm, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Also read Jeremiah 50:6 concerning Israel, the lost sheep of Jehovah and the Prophecy in Ezekiel in 34:11 and 12, how the Shepherd will come and seek them and when they are found God will put a Shepherd over them. (Ezekiel 37:24).
Note Isaiah 40:10 and 11: “Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently feed those that are with young.”
Christ is the Good Shepherd, Who gave His life for the sheep. (John 10:11). He is the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd, (Hebrews 13:20 and 21 - I Peter 5:4).
We know that David was the hero of those shepherds who kept their flock. David was Israel’s shepherd-king and surely a type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both David and Christ were born in Bethlehem “the city of David.” This was announced to the shepherds. (Luke 2:11 to 16).
Only in Luke do we have the announcement of Luke 1:27 to 33 that Christ is to be born in the city of David, in the house of David, as the Seed of David, to take the throne of David.
The Shepherd seeks His sheep, He came to seek and to save the lost sheep of Israel, even the publicans. (Luke 19:9 and 10). The shepherd drives off the destroyers of the sheep. Christ was the Horn of salvation raised up in the house of David to deliver Israel from Gentile subjugation. (Luke 1:68 to 71).
With such a Shepherd the sheep were thus instructed: “he that hath two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” Luke 3:11.” Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.” (Luke 9:3). “Carry neither purse nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.” (Luke 10:4)
“. . . take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, neither for the body, what ye shall put on.” (Luke 12:22). “And seek not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.” (Luke 12:29).
Finally the Shepherd-King said to His sheep, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupted.” (Luke 12:32 and 33).
With such a program they had to say, “The Lord is My Shepherd.”
Then only in Luke 15:1 to 6 do we find in detail one of the greatest stories of all ages: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” Luke 15:4 and 5. Thus we can see how the Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke is Israel’s Shepherd-King.
In Luke we do not find the Gentile woman of Mark 7:27 and Matthew 15:21 to 25, coming to the Shepherd.
The only Gentile in Luke is the Roman official, who built a synagogue for Israel and who would not dare to come to Israel’s King except through one of the Shepherd’s sheep. (Luke 7:1 to 12).
After this study surely we will not call Luke a Gentile, and follow those who call Luke’s Gospel, “the Gentile Gospel.” Christ was sent in Luke, to the sons and daughters of Abraham. (Luke 13:16 - Luke 19:9 and 10).
In this lesson we simply quote some Scriptures which give us a short autobiography of the apostle Paul.
“I am verily a man, a Jew born in Tarsus, of Cicily, brought up in this city (Jerusalem), at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the perfect manner of the law (Acts 22:3). After the most straitist sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee” (Acts 26:5) “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 26:9). And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.” (Acts 22:4). “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” (I Timothy 1:12 and 13). “To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him (Christ) among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me.” (Galatians 1:16 and 17). “And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time”. (I Corinthians 15:8). “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”. (Philippians 3:7). “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21).
“And He said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” (Acts 22:21). “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” (II Timothy 1:11). “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” (Romans 11:13). “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, . . . “ “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:1 and 8).
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth together thereupon.” (I Corinthians 3:10) “ . . . For they who seemed to be somewhat, in conference, added nothing to me.” (Galatians 2:6). “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11 and 12) “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” (I Corinthians 1:17). “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His Body’s sake, which is the Church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the Word of God.” (Colossians 1:24 to 26).
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24). “But by the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (I Corinthians 15:10). “ I am made all things to all, that I might, by all means save some.” (I Corinthians 9:20 to 25). “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:6 and 7).
In this lesson we simply quote some Scriptures which give us a short autobiography of the apostle Paul.
“I am verily a man, a Jew born in Tarsus, of Cicily, brought up in this city (Jerusalem), at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the perfect manner of the law (Acts 22:3). After the most straitist sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee” (Acts 26:5) “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 26:9). And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.” (Acts 22:4). “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” (I Timothy 1:12 and 13). “To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him (Christ) among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me.” (Galatians 1:16 and 17). “And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time”. (I Corinthians 15:8). “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”. (Philippians 3:7). “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21).
“And He said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” (Acts 22:21). “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” (II Timothy 1:11). “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” (Romans 11:13). “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, . . . “ “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:1 and 8).
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth together thereupon.” (I Corinthians 3:10) “ . . . For they who seemed to be somewhat, in conference, added nothing to me.” (Galatians 2:6). “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11 and 12) “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” (I Corinthians 1:17). “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His Body’s sake, which is the Church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the Word of God.” (Colossians 1:24 to 26).
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24). “But by the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (I Corinthians 15:10). “ I am made all things to all, that I might, by all means save some.” (I Corinthians 9:20 to 25). “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:6 and 7).
Many earnest sincere, conscientious religious people have been saved after having been for years members of some sectarian church-organization.
There are multitudes of zealous church members who have never become new creatures is Christ Jesus. (II Corinthians 5:17).
One of the most heart-searching questions to be considered by them is, “have you experienced I Corinthians 12:13?” Note this verse; “For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one Body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles”?
This is an all-inclusive and all-exclusive message. Put the question to yourself, “have I been baptized into the Body of Christ?”
In religious circles we hear much of “joining the church”, but here we have the all-important” joining of the Church, “which should come before we become identified with some local assembly.
If there is any truth clearly taught in the Bible, so clearly taught that no person should have any excuse for ignorance, it is the fact that, during this age and dispensation of grace, God recognizes one and only one true Bible Church, “the Church which is His Body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22 and 23).
“There is one Body”. (Ephesians 4:4). No church board or committee of deacons and elders can induct any believer into this Body. “For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one Body.”
So far as the adults of this world are concerned, with respect to salvation, the human race is divided into two groups, “dead sinners” and “living saints.” (I Corinthians 6:11 - Ephesians 2:1 to 10).
Dead sinners may be moral or immoral, religious or irreligious, they may be church-members, Sunday School teachers, or reverends; but unless they have been made “living saints” in God’s way (Ephesians 2:4 to 10 - Ephesians 2:13) they are “dead sinners.” Some of them “twice dead plucked up by the roots.” (Jude 12).
All “living saints” are members of the Body of Christ, such have been added to Christ and His Church by a Divine baptism made without hands. Every living saint should be identified with an assembly of saints of like precious faith. But no person is changed from a “dead sinner” to a “living saint” by joining some church-organization. “Living saints” should behave as becometh saints, but they do not become saints by behaving, but by believing. (Romans 4:4 and 5).
In Ephesians 2:15 to 18 we learn that Christ on the cross made peace and settled the God-ordained difference between the Jews and the Gentiles, those that were nigh and those that were far off. (Ephesians 2:17). “And that He might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” (Ephesians 2:16). “That the Gentiles should be joint-heirs, and of the JointBody, and joint-sharers of His promise in Christ by the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6). “Reconciled to God in one Body.” “Baptized in the Holy Spirit in one Body.” “God gave the increase.” (I Corinthians 3:6).
Christ gave gifts unto men, “For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the Body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12).
Here we see that all saints are expected to have a part in God’s great work, the building-up of the Body of Christ: “In Whom all the Building fitly framed together groweth unto a Holy Temple in the Lord. In Whom ye also are builded together for a Habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:21 and 22).
“A Holy Temple in the Lord.” This will yet be the glorious spotless Church of Ephesians 5:26 and 27.
If you are saved, you have received Holy Spirit baptism. If you are saved, you are a member of the Joint-Body, “the fulness of Christ,” and with Him one flesh. (Ephesians 5:31 and 32). If you have not received Holy Spirit baptism, you are not saved.
We have, in Mark 16:14 to 18, a message and program from the heart and lips of the resurrected Christ, that has perhaps caused more unpleasant divisions and ungracious controversy among Christians than any other part of the Bible. We quote what Christ commanded: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:15 to 18).
Has any Christian the right to revise this command of Christ? and make it read “he that believeth and is saved shall be baptized and no signs shall follow?” Certainly no one has God’s permission to do this, Neither has any Christian the right to abridge the command, leaving verse 16 “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved,” and forget or ignore verses 17 and 18, “these signs” shall follow.”
Without explanation or apology, the majority of evangelical “grace” preachers both revise and abridge this commission of Christ and teach “he that believed and is saved shall be baptized, as a witness to the world”; and “no signs.”
The Lutherans teach, “he that believeth and is baptized (by sprinkling) shall be saved, but “no signs following.”
The disciples of Alexander Campbell (The Disciples of Christ also called Christians) teach “he that believeth and is baptized, by immersion shall be saved,” but “no signs following.”
The Disciples and Lutherans do not revise the first part of the command. But the Disciples and the Lutherans differ most radically in obeying Mark 16:16.
The Lutherans teach that the infant son or daughter of Lutheran parents should be baptized. They teach that faith, without sprinkling, will not save; that sprinkling, without faith, will not save. The combination is required. But they agree that the infant cannot believe. If the parents believe for the infant why not let the parents be baptized for the infant?” The Disciples contend that sprinkling is not being buried by baptism in obedience to Romans 6:4 and they teach that no person has “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine delivered you” (6:17) unless that person is born of the water, by being buried under the water. (John 3:5). They stick to the order, “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
This is called “baptismal regeneration.” If water baptism is a factor in the believer’s salvation, the grace message of Ephesians 2:8 and 9 is not true, for there salvation is not of yourselves. If water baptism helps to save a person, Paul, in I Corinthians 1:14 to 17, thanked God that He helped to save a very few. And yet in the same Epistle (I Corinthians 9:21 to 25) the same Paul became all things to all men that he might save some. Did Paul thank God he had helped only a few to witness by water?
The Pentecostalists are more consistent that the Lutherans and the Disciples.
The Pentecostalists claim that, in their message and program, they proclaim the full gospel, that is, they neither revise nor abridge Mark 16:14 to 18, or I Corinthians 12:8 to 11, where the sign gifts are found. They teach faith, water salvation, Holy Spirit baptism, tongues, healing, poison-drinking, raising-the-dead, casting-out-demons and all the miracles, even greater works than Christ performed. (John 14:12). But when they put faith into practice, they miserably fail, and not because of lack of faith or zeal or sincerity.
If Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16 is our gospel for Gentiles in this age of grace, of course, Titus 3:5 to 8 is not. Compare them.
Only as we employ the principle of progressive revelation, and study the Four Gospels and Acts in the light of Ephesians 2:8 to 10 and Ephesians 3:1 to 11, can we know God’s salvation message and program.
