The supremacy of Jesus Christ.

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. ^{Colossians 1:15-22}

Jesus is God. All things were created by him and for him, and all things are held together by him. He has reconciled us to himself, that even though we were filthy and evil, by his grace we are deemed holy, unblameable, and unreproveable in the sight of God. Clothed in his righteousness, we will not suffer the wrath of God, but instead enjoy the inheritance of his beloved children.

Set your affection on the things above.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ^{Colossians 3:1-2}

If saved by the grace of God, a redeemed, transformed soul, then pursue Christ and the spiritual things of God. Do not live for the fleeting pleasures and lies of the world. Our joy and peace are found in Jesus Christ; he is all you need.

Living as a Christian.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels (emotions) of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. ^{Colossians 3:12-17}

These six verses present a beautiful vignette of the Christian life. First is our standing as those chosen, deemed holy (set apart from the world) and beloved of God. For this, we are eternally grateful for the grace of God and the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf.

The new man, transformed by the Holy Spirit, has profound, sincere mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  We forgive one another, just as Christ forgave us. Overarching all our thoughts, actions, and desires is a godly, Christian love (charity) for others. We are to be a testimony to the goodness of God.

The peace of God consumes us, and we abide in the word of Christ, living in submission to him. His word produces wisdom, and we are to develop each other and hold each other accountable, as we worship the living God.  For the undeserved blessings that God showers upon us, we are eternally grateful.

Engage lost souls with compassion, humility, and kindness

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. ^{Colossians 4:5-6}

Be careful, controlled, and kind when speaking with the lost. Be wise, not clever. Pray for the words, be present, and work to handle the word of God accurately. Aim to say, “come and see” and not “stay away.”

The good news of Jesus is the power of God for salvation.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  ^{Romans 1:16-17}

The word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ, reveals the perfect righteousness of God, the path to salvation, and has the power to transform souls. Those who hear the gospel, believe, and submit to the lordship of Jesus are deemed righteous, forgiven, and reconciled to God by the atonement for their sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. This is revealed to all with faith, and it is in this faith that we endure to the end.

Those who reject God are given over to themselves.

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, ^{Romans 1:21-22}

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: ^{Romans 1:24}

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: ^{Romans 1:26}

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient (proper); ^{Romans 1:28}

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. ^{Romans 1:32}

The result of God’s judgment is that he gives man up to the lusts of his heart, to his reprobate mind. Man is free to do as he pleases, and his natural, unfettered desires lead to dramatic immorality, depravity, and perversion. We can see society progressively degrade as man falls further and further into the abyss of a godless, hopeless, and meaningless existence of wasted opportunity. Hearts are hardened, and the light of the truth fades. They claim to be wise, shunning the word of God, but instead are fools worthy of the eternal damnation to which they are headed.

Compliance with rules, rituals, and traditions is useless for salvation.

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. ^{Romans 2:29}

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. ^{Romans 3:20}

The children of God are those who believe in their hearts. The moralistic, legalistic, religious man who sits in pious judgment of others will himself face God’s judgment. These pillars of empty religion, deluded that they are the chosen, are no better than those they judge and will not escape accountability for what they have done in this life. Being unrepentant and confident that their religion or lineage has provided salvation, they are instead storing up the wrath of God at judgment. There is no salvation in attempted adherence to the commandments, sacraments, or traditions of religion. The law is the measure that provides the knowledge of sin.

The Problem – no person is righteous enough.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre (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.  ^{Romans 3:10-18}

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. ^{Romans 3:23}

All men are by nature unrighteous and will be judged, then condemned to an eternity of punishment. There is no fear of God in man, and we all deserve the wrath to come.

The Remedy – justification with God by faith in Jesus Christ.

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.  ^{Romans 3:22-26}

The righteousness of God is attributed to man by faith, not by works, in Jesus Christ. This unmerited gift from God is available to anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God, was resurrected from the dead, and submits their life to Him. By Jesus’s work on the cross, we can be redeemed from the penalty of sin; forgiven, reconciled, and declared righteous in the eyes of God. Jesus’s blood on the cross is the propitiation (appeasement) for our sins.

Our standing with God – we have peace, grace, and hope.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom (Jesus) also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:1-6

By faith in Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous and reconciled to God, and are no longer his adversaries (the past). By faith, we live in his grace – unmerited and undeserved favor – receiving the continual gift of forgiveness for our sins (the present). We eagerly anticipate a future where we will radiate God’s glory and reflect his perfect, holy character. Our sanctification will be complete, sin will be removed from our existence, and we will finally be like Christ (the future).  

In right standing with God, the “tribulations” (tough times) we endure mature us in our faith. As we persevere through life’s challenges, our character is developed as we are sanctified and made more like Christ. Through this, our trust and reliance on God increase, and confidence in the promises to come deepens. We endure because we live in the love and strength of God through the Holy Spirit that lives within us.

 Christ died for his adversaries.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. ^{Romans 5:7-11}

God’s great love for us is demonstrated by his provision for salvation (including the sacrifice of his beloved Son) for the ungodly, people who are at enmity against him. We are saved from God’s coming wrath and reconciled to him by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Serve God, no longer living for your sinful desires.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. ^{Romans 6:11-14}

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. ^{Romans 6:18}

Though we stand in grace and receive the mercy of forgiveness every day, we do not let sin rule over us. We serve God and are no longer slaves to sin. Let God reign in your life and pursue a righteous, holy, obedient, grateful life that pleases him. You are a slave to what you seek. We were slaves to sin, headed to death; but now we are slaves to Christ, headed to eternal life.

The price of sin is death, but the gift from God is eternal life.

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ^{Romans 6:22-23}

This is as clear as it can be.

Christians struggle with sin until their mortal life is over.

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. ^{Romans 7:23-25}

The struggle with sin dogs the Christian throughout his life on earth. While we are in our mortal bodies, we sin. It is a trial for Christians to resist without succumbing to temptation and enticement.

There is NO condemnation for those in Christ.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  ^{Romans 8:1-2}

Though we struggle with sin, we who are in Christ will not be condemned but will enjoy everlasting life and peace. This is because the righteousness of Jesus is imputed to us by his work on the cross. Those without Christ are at enmity with God. Carnally minded souls cannot please him; for them, condemnation and death await.

 We are children of God, heirs to his kingdom.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 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. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. ^{Romans 8:14-17}

Those in Christ are the children of God, heirs to an incomprehensible and staggeringly magnificent inheritance. That inheritance is heaven (access granted because in Christ we are holy and blameless before God), and to be partakers in the glory of God.

Our suffering is insignificant compared to our inheritance.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ^{Romans 8:18}

Suffering we experience in this life is insignificant compared to the peace and joy of our assured future in Heaven. God understands our trials and struggles; he hears our prayers and gives us the strength to endure.

For God’s children, all things happen for their good.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  ^{Romans 8:28-29}

God works everything we experience and endure (the good, the bad, and the terrible) for our ultimate good. The result is that our character is developed, our faith is tested and strengthened, and we are conformed to the qualities of Jesus Christ. The objective is not a life of comfort and ease; it is to make us worthy to be the brethren of Jesus Christ.

God’s purpose will always be accomplished.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? ^{Romans 8:30-31}

God determined before the foundation of the world those called to faith, and that they would be justified (deemed righteous) and glorified (made perfect, sinless humanity). There is no chance the saved Christian will fail to reach heaven. Our salvation is assured, our fate is in God’s hands, and we should rest and rejoice in that fact.

We are forever secure in the love of God.

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 8:37-39}

There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. Those in Christ cannot lose their salvation.

God is sovereign and makes choices.

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. ^{Romans 9:15-16}

Our righteous, sovereign God chose the souls destined for heaven before the beginning of time. Salvation from the penalty of sin is predicated upon one’s faith, which is also a gift from God. He chose you, provided you with the gift of salvation, and gave you the ability to accept that gift. Therefore, salvation is entirely by the grace of God, not by any actions one may take. The sad news is that man has the free will to reject it all.

Righteousness is by faith, not compliance.

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; ^{Romans 9:30-32}

For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. ^{Romans 10:3-4}

The Jews were zealous in their study of the scriptures, yet they were ignorant of the meaning. They did not understand the unattainable standard of righteousness that God demanded, and believed themselves worthy because of their attempted compliance and their lineage. There is no salvation because of lineage or for the self-righteous.

They did not grasp the provision of Christ in that he frees men from the condemnation of the law. They did not realize that faith is in your heart, not with a rabbi, priest, in a temple, or anywhere else. They did not understand the far-reaching nature of God’s grace and that all mankind (not only Jews) could come to saving faith. Christ is the end of attempting to attain righteousness by compliance with the laws of God or the rules and traditions of man.

Faith brings righteousness.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ^{Romans 10:9-13}

Salvation is available to all men who believe that Jesus is God, that he defeated death in resurrection, and make the Lord of their lives. Those who believe in their heart, are happily obedient and submissive to Jesus, are those who are deemed righteous, called the children of God, looking forward to the promised inheritance. Salvation is attained by faith, not by utterance.

Faith comes by hearing the word of God.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ^{Romans 10:17}

Faith in Jesus comes from hearing the “good news.” It is then the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart that brings faith and salvation from hearing the gospel.

God’s wisdom and will are beyond man’s comprehension.

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counselor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen ^{Romans 11:33-36}

Here, Paul’s doxology praises the infinite, incredible, incomprehensible will and ways of God. Mankind is not capable of grasping the mind of God. His plans are beyond our ability to fathom. Man has given nothing to God, and he owes mankind nothing. He is the beginning and end and all things. All things are from him, for him, and he holds all things together. Fear God, be eternally grateful that our creator loves the world unto salvation.

Live for God, reject the world, and prove his perfect will.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ^{Romans 12:1-2}

Souls redeemed by the grace and mercy of God should give all that they are to him. Live in the word of God and do not seek the temporal pleasures or profane objectives of the secular world. The body is where our humanness resides; be disciplined to resist sin and control the desires of the flesh. The mind is where we struggle with sin; strive to choose righteousness and not be conformed to the Spirit of the world; that is Satan’s domain. Submit to God and prove that his will is good, reasonable, and perfect.

Be ready, Jesus’s return is imminent.

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.  ^{Romans 13:11-14}

Be good, be righteous, and walk in the light because the end of our time and our glorification is closer than ever before.

Every person will give an account of themselves to God.

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. ^{Romans 14:11-12}

Every person will stand before God and face his judgment. Those who appear before God in their own spiritual filth (unrighteous) will be condemned to an eternity of punishment. Those who appear wrapped in the righteousness of Jesus will be saved from God’s wrath and will be rewarded for their good works.

Filled with joy and peace.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. ^{Romans 15:13}

Our faith in God brings us joy and peace through our certain hope of salvation and inheritance.

Beware false teachers

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. ^{Romans 16:17-20}

Beware those wretched souls who teach error, bad doctrine. They are enemies of the cross who serve their appetites and are marked for destruction. Don’t argue with them; avoid them. Be wise and pursue what is good, be ignorant and innocent of that which is evil. Do not get involved in heresy, be set apart (sanctified) because Satan will shortly be defeated.

Jesus, the man, was God incarnate.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. ^{John 1:1-3}

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. ^{John 1:14}

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. ^{John 8:23}

The Word, or “logos” in Greek, means the mind of God. The “Word” embodies God’s wisdom, will, and nature. The Word is the revelation of God, and Jesus is the fullest revelation of God to the world. Jesus is God, who lived among us as a man to bring the light of life into the world.

Jesus is the light of life for Mankind.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ^{John 1:4-5}

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. ^{John 3:19-21}

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ^{John 8:12}

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. ^{John 12:36}

I am come a light into the world the whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness ^{John 12:46}

Light is a metaphor for knowledge, truth, life, goodness, and holiness. Jesus is the source of light, and he brought the light of the good news of salvation into the world. Faith in the light revealed to us leads to our salvation. Where the light of Christ does not shine, darkness prevails. Darkness is ignorance, lies, death, malice, and evil. It is the natural abode of mankind, the domain of Satan, where individuals are willfully blind to the truth of the gospel. Natural man embraces their sinful nature and resists the light, believing the falsehood that it is better to live without God and pursue worldly desires. But living in darkness without Jesus gives fleeting satisfaction and ultimately leads to death. To live in Christ is to bask in the light, a place of eternal truth, mercy, and grace.

Jesus is the savior of mankind.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. ^{John 1:29}

 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 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 3:16-18}

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. ^{John 3:35-36}

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}

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. ^{John 6:40}

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. ^{John 6:47-48}

I say therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. ^{John 8:24}

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? ^{John 8:24}

And if any man hear my words and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. ^{John 12:47-48}

Jesus provided an escape from God’s wrath and the means to be reconciled with him. We are not just given mercy for our sins, but also the grace to be deemed Children of God. Jesus saves us from Hell and makes us heirs to the Kingdom of God, enjoying eternity in Heaven.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death.” Then, in the same verse, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This gift is the miracle of substitutionary atonement that Jesus accomplished on the cross on our behalf. His sacrifice for our sins redeems us from the penalty of death, but those who reject the Son are not saved but remain condemned and will face the wrath of God and endure the grave consequences of eternity in Hell.

Salvation is by the grace of God alone. (Sola Gratia)

But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. ^{John 1:12-13}

Our salvation is a gift from God and not by anything we have done, other than faith and submission in Christ. Salvation is not earned, as an unrighteous man is incapable of that. Our salvation is not because of our lineage (of blood), or by how good we have tried to be (will of the flesh), nor by compliance with the rituals and traditions of religion (the will of man). Our salvation is by the grace of God alone; it is an unmerited gift to those who believe.

Men are drawn by God to himself.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ^{John 6:44}

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. ^{John 6:65}

All who come to know Jesus were drawn by God. It is by the sovereign grace and power of God that souls are chosen to be his before the beginning of time. The scriptures are also clear that it is man’s responsibility to believe, but salvation is a miracle of God.

To love Jesus is obedient submission to his Lordship.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him. If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.  ^{John 8:31-32}

If you love me, keep my commandments. ^{John 14:15}

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of the Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. ^{John 14:21}

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my saying: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. ^{John 14:23-24}

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ^{John 15:10}

Faith that leads to heaven stands on humble love for Jesus. To love him is to be obedient to him. It is the submission to Jesus as Lord that testifies to saving faith. Without love (submissive obedience), you may believe, but you will die in your sins and are headed to hell. Know that Satan believes in Jesus, but he will not submit.

Save your life by giving it to Jesus Christ.

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.  ^{John 12:25-26}

Those who live for their desires will perish, but those who live for Christ and despise the unrighteousness of their own life (to hate their life in this world) will have eternal life. God the Father will honor those who serve his son.

Love one another in humble service.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash on another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. ^{John 13:14-15}

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ^{John 13:34-35}

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. ^{John 15:12}

These things I command you, that ye love one another. ^{John 15:17}

“Love one another’ is the second greatest command from God. To love is to serve, and we are to do this with humility. Humility is to place others above oneself and is one of the most Christlike qualities that you can possess. In our world where people are out for themselves, it is this love for our fellow man that sets Christians apart from the secular, lost folks.

Jesus is the only way to Heaven (Sola Christus)

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}

Jesus is crystal clear on how one gets to heaven. It is only by faith in him that he is the way to heaven. There is no other way. The exclusivity of Jesus for salvation has massive ramifications for humanity. The Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, those who think they are good people, along with some who claim to be Christians but have perverted the gospel, are all headed to hell.

Peace in Christ

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ^{John 14:27}

These things I have spoken into you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ^{John 17:33}

Christ speaks these words at a time when he should have had no peace at all. He should be gripped with crippling anxiety and fear as he faces crucifixion. His people have rejected him, religious leaders are about to send him to a brutal death, one of his disciples is betraying him, and one is about to deny him. His followers are devastated as their messiah seems to have failed, their objectives are lost, and their lives are turning quickly into chaos. However, God is always in control, regardless of how dire or disastrous things may seem. Jesus will have peace and can give peace because He is God Almighty, transcendent beyond worldly circumstances, situations, or occurrences.

Peace from Christ is a product of justification and reconciliation with God. We have peace in our standing with God; we are no longer his enemies. Our peace is not the absence of current trouble but the security that our life, in this world and eternally, is in the hands of God. We are his children; all things happen for our ultimate good, and our Father will never forsake us. Peace from Christ is a gift. It is in our faith and trust in Jesus that peace is realized.

Why John wrote this book.

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

The Apostle John wrote this book so that we might be saved from God’s wrath.

These five paradoxes illustrate how contrary the Christian life is to life outside God’s plan and wisdom.

We Die to Live.

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. ^{John 12:25}

Those who prioritize their own interests over God, clinging dearly to temporary pleasures and fleeting satisfaction, will ultimately perish in their sin. To follow Christ, you must put your old secular and sinful life to death. You must “hate’ your old life in this world to fully pursue God’s will, focusing instead on the incomparable, eternal inheritance that awaits in Heaven. While the cost of such a transformation may seem awfully steep, it is not. When you give your life to Jesus, you exchange a futile and vain existence, bowing to a malevolent taskmaster for the love of a forgiving God. As his adopted children, we carry a light burden, and our souls find rest in the loving grace of God.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ^{Matthew 11:28-30}

We are Strong when We are Weak. 

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. ^{2nd Corinthians 12:9-10}

When our circumstances are favorable, and we achieve success in life’s pursuits, we often rely less on God. But when we feel weak and overwhelmed by life’s challenges or hardships, we become humbled and more receptive to God’s will. We turn to him for strength, wisdom, and endurance. Through his strength, we develop righteous character amid adversity. We are grateful for the humbling experiences, his grace that helps us endure trials, and his strength when we are weak.

We Give to Prosper

Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. ^{2nd Corinthians 9:6}

Generous giving is a hallmark of true Christianity, in contrast to the human instinct to hoard wealth. Joyfully giving from the heart is a beautiful testimony of faith and tangible proof of your love for and trust in God. I can personally attest that generosity has a profound impact on both tangible and intangible prosperity. You will find you cannot outgive God when you give something meaningful with the right intentions.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.  ^{Luke 6:38}

Greatness is Found in Humility 

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. ^{Matthew 23:11-12}

The world often suggests that greatness comes from pride, power, and dominance. However, Jesus teaches that true greatness lies in humility and in serving others. He, the highest authority, exemplified this humility by humbling himself to the point of death, offering salvation from sin to the world through his sacrifice. Achievements gained through ungrateful arrogance are repulsive, while accomplishments rooted in humble service reflect the nature of Christ.  

He who has, More will be Given, He who has Little, it will be Taken Away

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. ^{Matthew 13:11-12}

Those who have faith in the truth of God’s word will receive greater enlightenment, illumination, and revelation. Conversely, those who do not believe and have rejected Jesus will find that any light they have will be taken away. The longer you refuse Jesus, the more you will be surrendered to a reprobate, profane, and perverted mind, and the deeper your pit of darkness becomes.

A Quote from Tozer

Christians are, or should be, clearly different from those without Christ as they live out these paradoxes. I love this excerpt from A.W. Tozer’s book The Root of the Righteous (1955):

“A real Christian is an odd number anyway. He feels supreme love for One whom he has never seen, talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see, expects to go to Heaven on the virtue of Another, empties himself in order to be full, admits he is wrong so he can be declared right, goes down in order to get up, is strongest when he is weakest, richest when he is poorest, and happiest when he feels worst. He dies so he can live, forsakes in order to have, gives away so he can keep, sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge. And all the while he may be confounding his critics by his unbelievable practicality: his farm may be the most productive, his business the best managed, and his mechanical skill the sharpest of anyone in the neighborhood.

The man who has met God is not looking for something – he has found it; he is not searching for light – upon him, the Light has already shined. His certainty may seem bigoted, but his is the assurance of one who knows by experience. His religion is not one of hearsay, he is not a copy, not a facsimile print; he is an original from the hand of the Holy Ghost.

We have not described a superior saint – merely a true Christian, far from perfect and with much yet to learn, but his firsthand acquaintance with God saves him from the nervous scramble in which the world is engaged and which is popularly touted as progress.

No doubt we shall hear many a tin whistle and see many a parade bravely marching off toward the Four Freedoms or the United Brotherhood of Mankind or the Age of Atomic Progress, and we will be expected to fall in step. Let’s be cautious. We are waiting for the trumpet note that will call us away from the hurly-burly and set in motion a series of events that will result, at last, in a new Heaven and a new earth.

We can afford to wait.”

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ^{James 1:2-4}

Life with Christ isn’t free of trouble. You’ll still face trials that often cause emotional or physical pain, misery, grief, or suffering. However, your attitude, resolve, and response will be rooted in Christian principles and character.

God tests us with difficult times to build endurance and strengthen our faith. Testing fosters maturity and shapes us to be more like Christ. Trials humble us, deepen our reliance on God, and reveal the state of our faith. The true depth of an untested Christian’s conviction is often unknown, even to themselves. Untested faith may be no faith at all, but faith that has endured and blossomed in adversity is a very precious thing to possess.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  ^{Job 23:10}

James encourages us to face life’s trials with calm, confident competence, staying steady in the face of challenges. We can do this when we trust that God is in control and that he works everything together for our ultimate good. With him, we can successfully navigate trials and become a strong testimony to his perfect will. Conversely, a person without faith is often driven by emotions like anger, fear, or distrust. They tend to respond with self-serving, expedient solutions that prioritize their own interests.

We trust that our heavenly Father will lead and protect us, allowing us to face each day with joy and gratitude. Those who live without Christ are left to navigate life on their own. For them, enduring trials may help build character, but there is no benefit beyond the grave. In contrast, for Christians, trials provide opportunities to serve God and demonstrate our peace through faith in Christ to the world.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  ^{John 16:33}

This beautiful verse reminds us to look to God’s incredible creation and understand that our fate is completely in his hands.

Psalm 1 – Blessed Are the Godly

This is undoubtedly the most famous Psalm, and for good reason. It provides deep comfort and security to those who have the Lord as their shepherd. The words beautifully express fatherly love and guidance. We experience endless joy and gratitude, blessed with goodness and mercy as we dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Truly inspiring stuff.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust Only the Lord, not Yourself.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

To fear God means recognizing who and what he is: the only living God, the creator of everything, the judge of our souls, whose wrath can destroy us, and who can save us through his loving mercy and grace. Because of this, we live in awe (fear, even paralysis, with overwhelming possibility), respect, reverence, and obedience to our Father, who has complete authority and power over all. That is what it means to fear the Lord.

If we fear and also love him for his mercy and grace, we are driven to obey his word, to try to live according to his will, and to act in a way that pleases him. God provides us with the strength to do these things and grants us the wisdom to live according to his plan.

The fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. ^{Proverbs 9:10}

Matthew 7:13-14 – Few Will Find the Way to Heaven

This, the best-known verse in the Bible, was a shocking statement to the Jews. “God so loved the Jews” is what they would expect to hear, but that is not what he said. God loves the world – all of us. Here is the meaning of these two verses:

he gave his only begotten Son – God gave what was most dear to him, his beloved Son, as the ultimate atonement for sin, as a gift to us, something not deserved. His love for the sinning world was not sentimentality but a love that bore a tremendous cost.

whosoever believeth in him – not the whole world benefits from the gift. Those who believe, trust, and obey; who give their lives to; who rely entirely upon his Son, Jesus, will reap the benefit of God’s grace (unmerited favor) to the unrighteous world.

should not perish, but have everlasting life – this speaks to the quality of our eternal existence. To “perish” does not mean annihilation but ruin, failure to realize God’s purpose, and exclusion from his fellowship. To perish is to endure the wrath of God, which is an eternity in the fire of Hell. “Everlasting life” is to avoid God’s wrath because Jesus paid for your sin by his sacrifice on the cross. Through faith in Jesus, you trade Hell for Heaven and experience an eternity of joy because you will be in a right standing with God. Jesus did not come to judge; instead, he provided us the opportunity to accept the gift of salvation. The judgment of the world comes later.

John 3:36 – The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

This is my favorite verse. It presents the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a single verse: Find Christ, and you will have eternal life; reject Christ, and you will endure God’s wrath.      

Romans 5:1-2 – Our Standing with God

being justified – to be declared righteous in the sight of God and reconciled to him.

by faith – justification occurs through the whole-hearted conviction and trust in the word of God. Faith is to believe the word of God and the resulting submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

we have peace with God – the state of hostility with God is over; we are now at peace with him.

into this grace wherein we stand – grace is the free, unmerited, and undeserving favor of God, the undeserved gift of forgiveness of our sins. Because of his grace, we stand in a favorable position with God to develop a personal relationship of reliance and obedience with him.

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God – hope is the conviction of certainty (not a wishful hope), and glory is the full manifestation of God. We will radiate the glory of God, his perfect, holy character; our sanctification will be complete, sin will be removed from our existence, and we will finally be complete. Our hope is looking to our future in Heaven.

Romans 6:23 – The Great Gift from God

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

No one on Earth meets God’s perfect standard of righteousness; therefore, everyone needs a Savior. Salvation is a gift from God to humanity, obtained through faith in Jesus, who gives eternal life.

Romans 8:18 – Our Suffering now is Nothing Compared to the Joy that is Coming

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

The trials and struggles we face on earth are minor compared to our victory, validation, and joy when Christ and God’s Kingdom are revealed. We who suffer in faith will be glorified when the season of faith ends.

Romans 8:28 – God Works All Things for Our Good

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God is sovereign, the ultimate authority, and we find great comfort in knowing that He is in control of our lives and that everything we encounter has passed through his hands. We rest confidently in the belief that God ultimately uses all things for our good, even if it doesn’t seem that way at the moment. He will use every event and circumstance—the good, the bad, and the terrible—to accomplish his will for those who belong to him. His purpose is to shape us to be more like his Son, and there is no better outcome we could hope for than to become more like Jesus Christ. Although we may not understand the why, how, or when of what God weaves together, we trust him because we are his possession, and He cares for us. This is the comfort enjoyed by the children of God. Those who have rejected Jesus are on their own, and not everything happens for their good.

Romans 12:1-2 – Live for God, Reject the World

Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is by the Grace of God, Not by the Work of Man

Our salvation is a gift from God; the only thing we can do is accept it. We cannot earn salvation, so we are eternally grateful for this gift. We are saved to live in obedience and to do “good works,” but our good works do not save us. Any religion that says you must do good works to earn your way into heaven is telling you a lie.

It is common for man-made religious systems to claim that one must follow commands, rules, rituals, sacraments, pious living, baptism, repetitive chants, or make payments to earn salvation. The arrogance of attributing salvation to human effort is blasphemy to God; salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ. Underestimating the sufficiency of Jesus’s sacrifice for humanity would be very unwise.

Philippians 4:4-8 – Rejoice and be Anxious for Nothing

This is a wonderful verse of comfort:

Rejoice in the Lord – Be grateful and joyfully acknowledge the blessings that you have in Christ.

Let your gentle spirit be known – demonstrate gentleness, yielding, patience, self-control, tolerance, leniency, and generosity. The opposite of being contentious and self-seeking. Not spineless, but selfless.

The Lord is at hand – Christ’s return is imminent. I also believe this speaks to our closeness with God and to the fact that he is with us always.

Be anxious for nothing – anxiety is a natural, useless feeling. We worry about what might happen, and Satan uses it to take the joy out of our lives. God gives us the power to deal with anything, and the knowledge that all things are in his hands gives us comfort, and anxiety evaporates when we trust in him.

Let your requests be made known to God – Gratefully ask God for what you need. Take everything to the Lord. Pray about everything, worry about nothing.

The peace of God – This is peace from God, the removal of anxiety, and the tranquility that comes from being a beloved child of God. It is one of the most impactful benefits we experience as Christians. Salvation and a relationship with God are not only beneficial after this life but also provide a joyful and abundant life now.

Shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – Guarding our affections and thoughts to stay in step with Christ helps us avoid the snares of Satan and the entanglements of sin. We are to focus on the good things.

• True – valid and reliable
• Honorable – worthy of respect
• Just – things that are correct, moral, and righteous
• Pure – clean and moral purity
• Lovely – amiable, agreeable, pleasing
• Good report – praiseworthy, measuring up to the highest standards
• Virtue – the character of moral excellence, righteousness
• Praise – worthy of worship and glorification. Praiseworthy

1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 – The Dead and Alive in Christ Will be Taken Out of the World

These verses describe the next event on God’s prophetic timetable. Those who have died in faith and those who are alive in faith will be suddenly caught up and taken out of this world. The dead will be resurrected, and together with the living, they will be snatched up to meet Jesus in the clouds. How wonderful it would be if he came now so we can avoid physical death and go straight to Heaven.

This marks the end of the church age; all those who abide in the word of God (his church) will be taken from the world. This event will mark the beginning of seven years of catastrophic judgment, during which God’s wrath will be poured out on the unbelieving world. The suffering inflicted on mankind will be beyond comprehension, unlike anything ever seen before. Also, know that no Bible prophecy needs to occur before the church’s rapture. It can happen at any moment. Please be prepared!

1st Peter 1:2-9 – Our Incredible Christian Reality

We are the “elect,” whom God knew before the beginning of time to be his. God planned our salvation; Jesus purchased our salvation, and the Holy Spirit applies our salvation – regenerating our spirits to make us alive. The “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” signifies the new covenant, which embodies God’s forgiveness and our response through obedience.

We praise God because, by his grace and mercy, we are born again (our spirits renewed from death to life) with the unwavering hope of salvation, confirmed by the resurrection of Jesus. We look forward to the promise of an inheritance that will never diminish or fade away. This inheritance is ours because we are reconciled, justified, and adopted by God as his children. We are protected by his power so that the promise will be fulfilled, as Jesus will lose none of those the Father has given him. Our salvation is certain.

Trials test our faith in Jesus Christ during mortal life. We will suffer through trials for a time, and those who endure will be honored and glorified when Jesus returns to take us out of this world. We will escape the wrath of God and be received as his children for eternity in paradise. We, therefore, live with “joy unspeakable” because of our conviction of these things and confident hope in God’s promises.

1st Peter 5:6-11 – Christian Conduct and Reward

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God – to humble yourself is to be submissive and obedient to God. The scriptures are clear that God abhors arrogance and pride. His “mighty hand” is the righteous power and authority he wields.

that he may exalt you in due time – God will lift you up at the proper time, after you have been tested, according to his will.

casting all your care (anxiety) on him, because he careth for you – Give all your trouble in this world to God because he loves you, and all things work for the ultimate good for those who love him.

be sober, be vigilant – be calm, clear-minded, practice self-control, be focused on God, be alert to your surroundings and situation, and seek and follow the will of God.

your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour – know that Satan is at work to destroy you and all that you love – to devour you. He also wants to ruin your testimony. Satan cannot take away your salvation, which God has sealed, but he can wipe out your testimony and the good you can do for the Kingdom of God.

resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. Resist Satan by being vigilant in your faith (abiding in the word of God) and in obedience to God. Do this, and Satan will flee from you. Take heart that all Christians experience the same suffering while here on earth.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Our suffering here on earth is temporary, and the result of enduring suffering in reliance on God is:

• To Perfect – make us complete by maturing us, preparing us, equipping us
• To Establish – put us on a solid footing
• To Strengthen – we come out of trials stronger, being reliant on God, we can endure anything ^{Philippians 4:13}
• To Settle – to confirm, approve, and give us peace

1^st John 2:15-17 – Do Not Love the World.

The world system, ruled by Satan, holds nothing of real value but leads to death. The transformed, regenerated Christian abandons the things of the world for salvation from God’s wrath and the promise of eternal life. John calls out the fundamental temptations that ensnare souls in Satan’s traps: lust for improper physical satisfaction, coveting what you don’t have, and pride in what you think you have. You cannot love and pursue the world and also love and seek God at the same time.

Revelation 19:17-18 & 21 – God Prepares for Battle

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Herein are the coolest set of verses in the Bible. They speak to man’s incomprehensible arrogance and his swift fate. This is Armageddon, the great final battle of man and evil against Jesus Christ. God prepares for battle by calling the birds on earth to gather for the “supper of the great God,” where they will feast on the carcasses of the armies of mankind. The outcome is so obvious and certain that it is the insanity of humanity writ large.  I can imagine the panic in the ranks when the angel summons the birds, and the realization of imminent disaster sets in. Their discomfort will not last long as Jesus kills them instantaneously with his word. The end will be anticlimactic, and the fowls will be filled with their flesh.

Now faith is the substance (certainty) of things hoped for (the promises of God), the evidence (conviction) of things not seen. ^{Hebrews 11:1}

Faith defined.

Faith is confidence, trust, and conviction that what we believe is true. Our faith is believing the Word of God, which leads to submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Faith begins by hearing the good news; through it, we are justified and have peace with God.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ^{Romans 10:17}

What is it that the Word of God tells us to believe?

When we hear the Word of God, we hear some incredible things. We are told that everyone is spiritually dead, unrighteous, an enemy to God, and headed for eternal damnation. We are told that God implanted himself in a teenage Jewish girl and was born Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect, sinless life. We are told that God orchestrated an amazing plan to save us from Hell by his son, God incarnate, suffering a brutal death on the cross to atone for our sins, and then was raised from the dead. We are told that only those who believe this will enter Heaven, and those who do not believe will spend eternity in the agony of Hell.

Who would believe this?

This incredible message is delivered through preaching by mortal men, maybe a sweaty evangelist in a $2,000 suit. We read scriptures written by a God we cannot see, hear, or touch, yet we are expected to believe or face a punishment so terrible it is beyond comprehension. Who in their right mind would believe any of this? Our intellect, rational reasoning, and culture lead us to dismiss this as nonsense and move on with our lives. And that is precisely what most choose to do.

The Miracle.

Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on him who he hath sent. ^{John 6:29}

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ^{John 6:44}

But here is the miracle of faith: those who hear and believe the good news of Jesus Christ are drawn and empowered by God to do so. Faith is not something we produce ourselves. It is God who gives us faith, and it is God who brings our spirit to life. Salvation by faith is an unearned and undeserved gift from God’s grace and mercy; a gift that, by free will, we can choose to accept or reject.

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

Faith – the perfect defining element of character for salvation.

It is interesting that God selected the intangible quality of faith to determine a person’s eternal destiny. God examines our faith and, if it is genuine, counts it as righteousness, bringing salvation. It is faith in his Son, rather than actions, religious rituals, piety, or lineage, that matters. Since saving faith resides in the soul involuntarily, it is never contrived or inauthentic; it is the perfect trait to confirm a devoted and transformed heart. Faith is not something that can be conjured; it either exists or it does not.

The Substantiation of Our Faith

Through life’s trials and challenges, we experience answered prayers that confirm, validate, and strengthen our faith, demonstrating that the object of our belief is real and that we are not running this race in vain.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. ^{John 15:7-8}

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

Recognizing God’s work in our lives is another powerful confirmation of the validity of our faith. God moves to guide us and shape our circumstances, and his impact is clearly seen in our lives.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ^{Philippians 2:13}

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. ^{Psalm 32:8}

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ^{Proverbs 3:5-6}

Fools for Christ

Our faith is visceral, and the secular world sees Christians as naive, ignorant fools. But we know that when the time for faith is over, we will be proven wise, and the worldly man will be revealed as a fool in his godless intellect. God takes great joy in saving humble, trusting souls who believe despite the world’s wisdom.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.^{1st Corinthians 1:18-21}

Man’s Unbelief is Natural

The origin of faith is God. The persistence of unbelief results from free will, molded by a hardened heart driven by worldly desires and a conscience seared by love of sin. Humanity’s default is to not believe the Word of God.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ^{1st Corinthians 2:14}

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 3:18}

The central tenet of Christianity can be summarized as, “I believe what the Holy Bible tells me.” However, the Bible contains a wealth of information, and different interpretations of its scriptures have led to varying dogmas among Christians. Still, the core and essential beliefs below form the foundation of Christianity. Those who believe otherwise are probably not true Christians.

God the Father

There is only one living and true God. He is eternal, unchanging, all-powerful, sovereign, incomprehensible, merciful, loving, gracious, patient, truthful, faithful, wise, all-knowing, and ever-present. He embodies perfect righteousness, morality, and holiness, free from evil, error, or sin. God works everything according to his immutable and righteous will. He forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin, rewarding those who diligently seek him. At the same time, he is just and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin and ensuring that the guilty are severely punished.

God the Son, Jesus Christ

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  ^{Matthew 16:15-16}

Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah), the Son of the living God, who was God incarnate, the Word (revelation) of God living among us. ^{John 1:14} He is our advocate in heaven, ^{1 John 2:1} and the light of the world. ^{John 8:12} Jesus is God, not a created being. He created all things ^{John 1:3} and all things were created for him. ^{Colossians 1:16} Jesus alone is the way to eternal life. ^{John 1:4} He is our only hope for salvation from the penalty of our sins and eternal life in Heaven ^{John 14:6}

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ^{1st Peter 1:3-5}

God the Holy Spirit

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. ^{John 14:16}

The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, guiding, comforting, informing, counseling, and disciplining. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the “comforter” and said the Holy Spirit would be with us forever.

Jesus the Redeemer

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. ^{John 1:29}

Jesus is the spotless Lamb, the ultimate sacrifice who redeems us from the penalty of our sins. He bore the punishment for the ungodly through his brutal death on the cross. Jesus is the Redeemer for all who call on his name; he will either be your Savior or your Judge.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. ^{1 Corinthians 15:17-20}

Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead. This confirmed his divinity and his substitutionary atonement for our sins. If there had been no resurrection, Jesus would not have died for our sins but rather for his own. Christianity rests on the reality of the resurrection.

Nobody is Righteous Enough

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one ^{Romans 3:10}

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ^{Romans 3:23}

No one on earth is righteous enough to stand alone before God. Everyone is guilty in God’s eyes and faces condemnation; therefore, all people need a Savior, as no one can enter Heaven without the redemption offered by the blood of Jesus Christ. If you stand before God wrapped in the righteousness of Jesus, you will live; if you stand before God relying on your own righteousness, you will perish.

 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ^{Romans 6:23}

Judgement is Coming

Everyone will be held responsible for their actions, thoughts, and intentions during their mortal life. You can stand before God forgiven and as an heir to his kingdom, or as a soul who died with unforgiven sins.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. ^{Hebrews 9:27}

Salvation is by Faith in Jesus Christ Alone (sola fide) and by the Grace of God Alone (sola gratia)

For by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works let any man should boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9}

There is nothing man can do to earn salvation; it is a gift from God. Good works during your life do not bring salvation; only faith in Jesus Christ does that. We are saved by faith, not by good works. ^{Galatians 2:16} The only way to be saved is to know there is nothing you can do to be saved other than casting yourself on the mercy of God.

Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven (solus Christus)

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}

There is only one way to heaven, and that is by faith and submission to Jesus Christ. This message of exclusivity carries terrible consequences for most of humanity.

The Bible is the Only Authority on Faith, Doctrine and Practice (sola scriptura)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. ^{Romans 1:16}

The Holy Bible is God’s word, his revelation to us, and it contains everything we need to know. It is the ultimate authority on all matters of faith. The traditions of organized religion, doctrines from human imagination, and proclamations from mortal committees are meaningless. Only God’s word reveals the truth; there is nothing else to consider.

 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ^{Revelation 22:18-19}

God is in Control

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ^{Romans 8:28} 

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. ^{Peter 5:10}

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ^{Matthew 19:26}

Those in Christ are under the care of the creator and sustainer of all things. He controls every part of our lives except what we foolishly keep from him. Nothing happens to his children without passing through his hands; nothing surprises him, and everything that occurs is for our ultimate good.

The Return of Jesus Christ.

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. ^{Hebrews 9:28}        

Jesus came to Earth the first time as a suffering servant. He did not come to judge but to save the world. For thousands of years since his departure, humanity has had the opportunity to turn to him and be saved from the inescapable wrath of God.

When Christ returns, He will not come as the humble servant who saves, but as the conquering king bringing God’s wrath upon the unrighteous world. This event will undoubtedly be the most dramatic and momentous in human history. 

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. ^{Revelation 19:11-16}

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. ^{Romans 1:19-20}

Although God is not physically present or audibly speaks to us, there are undeniable, tangible markers in the world that attest to his presence.

The first point to consider is that we are here. There is no debate that, even under ideal conditions, the probability of the simplest life forms emerging from nothing is effectively zero. Consequently, the odds of a sophisticated mammal capable of comprehending a complex language and contemplating abstract concepts are then absolutely zero. Yet, here you are. How can we account for that?

Also, the planet where that unlikely mammal lives is perfectly designed and created for him. Earth has the exact amount of everything needed for humans and all other living things to thrive. Could Earth’s perfect distance from the Sun or the planet’s perfect composition of rock, water, temperature, and atmosphere be a fluke of nature?

Consider also the incredible diversity of living things here on Earth. There are so many species that they cannot be counted precisely. The most recent authoritative estimate is over 8.5 million, plus or minus a million. Among these millions of species is a wide range of configurations that speak to influence beyond just environmental pressure or the adaptation necessary to survive over time.

For example, the blue whale weighs 400,000 pounds, while the tiny bumblebee bat weighs only 7/100 of an ounce. One lives underwater, and the other flies through the air, using the echo of its screams to find and catch bugs. It seems unlikely that evolution alone could explain the incredible diversity of animals on Earth. Instead, it appears that the vast inventory of unique flora and fauna offers credible evidence of God’s work.

Another demonstration of God’s existence is the human eye. The eye is an amazing example of design perfection, providing the miracle of sight in a highly efficient, compact organ of irreducible complexity. It weighs only a quarter of an ounce, has millions of moving parts and light-sensitive cells, can distinguish over 10 million colors, and can spot a candle flame from about a mile and a half away. The genius of the eye’s design and its realization seems too extraordinary to have happened by chance, pointing to the existence of a divine architect and creator. Even Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution by natural selection, recognizes the obvious:

“To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I confess, absurd in the highest degree” – Charles Darwin.

Then there is morality – principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong. In nature, it is correct and acceptable for the strong to prey on the weak and for the cunning to deceive the naive. In this sense, there is no concept of wrong in nature; there is only the way things are. However, in human society, even though the definition and perception of morality may change somewhat over time, we recognize that some actions and behaviors are good, righteous, and noble, while others are immoral, unrighteous, and even evil.

Few would dispute that murder is immoral or that sacrificing for others is a righteous act. It is easy to recognize evil in our world, such as the depraved individual who massacred 20 innocent children at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Conversely, it is equally clear that someone who volunteers their life to save another or to save everyone represents the highest form of virtue. If there is only nature, with no distinction of morality, what accounts for our fundamental recognition of right and wrong, good and evil? Did we learn about these differences through upbringing, intellect, and life experiences? Or do we live in a world created by a God who intends for us to rise above the instincts of nature?

The evidence is compelling that our world and everything in it is the work of a deity, the Almighty God. However, both accepting and rejecting that conclusion require acts of faith. Some will see the existence of God as obvious and believe that to deny it goes against reason. Others will trust in the tiny odds that everything in creation happened by chance.

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee; Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.  ^{Job 12:7-10}

If the conclusion is that God exists, why is Christianity the correct pursuit of him?

Consider that Christianity sprang from the most obscure beginning, blossomed into the predominant religion on Earth, and has remained so well over the last thousand years. Billions of souls believe that Jesus Christ is God.

How could it be that the words of a man born in a primitive town 2,000 years ago, who delivered his message for only 36 months and gathered a handful of followers before his brutal murder, were not lost to the ages? How is it that this guy’s message has persisted?

Two thousand years after his crucifixion, Jesus is everywhere in society – either worshiped, ignored, mocked, or despised. It’s astonishing that the words and actions of a young Jewish carpenter from so long ago would be the most impactful and influential in human history. That is, unless Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be – God incarnate.

Aside from persistence and ubiquity, here are three more reasons why Christianity, which is faith in Jesus Christ, is superior to any other set of beliefs or concepts of God:

First, interaction and relationship are with God himself, not a prophet or a great moral teacher speaking about a distant deity. We come to know the one true living God who tells us about himself, ourselves, how to live, and how to perish.

Who (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. ^{Colossians 1:15-17}

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. ^{John 1:14}

Secondly, in Christianity, the forgiveness of our sins and our reconciliation with God are gifts he gives us. Every other religion, and even some Christian denominations that have missed the point, base salvation on things you must do, rituals you must perform, sacrifices you must make, or traditions and sacraments you must follow in hopes of earning God’s favor. There is no salvation in these things. Salvation is an unearned, unmerited gift, a miracle, an act of grace by God that saves us from the penalty of our sins and qualifies us for Heaven. Humanity, on its own merits, cannot earn a righteous standing with God.

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. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9}

Thirdly, the foundation of Christianity is a book that claims to be the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God, rather than just words about God. This book is the Holy Bible. Written over 1,500 years by 35 authors, it presents a consistent message of good and evil, God and humanity, life and death, judgment and salvation. The New Testament was written by disciples who knew Jesus personally. The apostles of Christ put words on paper in the power of the Holy Spirit and delivered the message and teachings of Jesus until they were martyred for what they preached. The divine nature, guidance contrary to human instinct, and the profound presentation of the good news of Jesus Christ all show that the scriptures did not originate from human wisdom or imagination.

The conviction that the Bible is God’s word is the essence of faith, and for those who trust in Jesus, the Bible serves as an amazing, dynamic connection with God. You will find it inexhaustible in its ability to reveal meaning, and through it, your life will be transformed. It holds everything we need to know about God and his guidance for us; the answers to all questions that matter are found in the Bible – if you desire to find them.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ^{2 Timothy 3:15-17}

Everything in this work you are reading and belief in the tenets of Christianity are based on faith and trust that the words in the Bible are, in fact, the words of God. The profane, natural man has no such faith. To him, the Bible is foolish nonsense, an archaic work of implausible fiction embraced by the gullible. The secular man cannot accept the things of God; he does not believe because he cannot believe.   

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ^{1 Corinthians 2:14}

In Christianity, believers have a direct relationship with God without the need for an intermediary. The forgiveness of sins, justification, and reconciliation with God are gifts available to everyone. Additionally, Christian doctrine is based on revelation directly from God. These are clear differences that set Christianity apart. No other religion, doctrine, philosophy, or man-made system of living or beliefs offers these things.

What follows is the dire message of Christianity and the hope of the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ.