And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18
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Category Archives: f) Apologetics, & Interpretations
Really Saved?
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
Continue readingEvidence of God
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 evident in 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
Why Christianity?
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 only 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.
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.
The Nature of God
The Bible gives us a clear picture of God’s character and qualities.
There is only one God. Throughout history, humanity has sought gods of imagination, lust, and superstition. The phrase “I am the Lord” appears 161 times in the Old Testament, clearly emphasizing that he is the one and only true God. There is no other God that exists.
I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: Isaiah 45:5
God is Omniscient. God knows everything, including the past, present, and future. Nothing surprises him, and nothing is hidden from him.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (to whom we must answer). Hebrews 4:13
God is Omnipresent. He is everywhere at once; you cannot escape his presence.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10
God is Omnipotent. His power is beyond our comprehension, and there are no limits to what he can do. God is in control of everything, all the time.
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
An Eternal and Unchanging God. God is the same today, tomorrow, and forever.
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Psalm 102:25-27
God is Righteous. He is the author of all that is good; he is moral perfection. In him, there is no evil or error. To be in his presence, one must also be morally perfect, and only those clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ are deemed to meet this impossible standard.
For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright. Psalm 11:7
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Psalm 145:17
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
A God of Wisdom: God’s wisdom of God is flawless, righteous, loving, kind, impartial, and far beyond man’s ability to comprehend.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, (reasonable) full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36
The wisdom of God is very often contrary to the wisdom of man. He chose a Christian killer to become the greatest evangelist ever known. He proclaims that there is no one greater than a man who lives in the wilderness, surviving on honey and locusts. And he favors the humble, the lowest elements of humanity, for salvation and glorification.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1st Corinthians 1:25-29
A God of Love God demonstrated remarkable love for humanity by sacrificing his Son to atone for our sins. That love endures today, as each of us has the opportunity to accept his gift of salvation and eternal life. He did this for people who opposed him, not those who loved him. Those who are not for God, who live in sin, are against him; yet he has provided them with a path to salvation instead of an eternity of suffering.
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 5:8-11
A God of Patience God is patient, giving humanity thousands of years to turn to him. He is also patient with us individually, waiting a lifetime for us to repent and accept his Son. However, his patience has limits, and judgment is coming.
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9
A God of Assurance and Comfort. Our lives as Christians are not free of trials and troubles, nor are they meant to be. We will face tests in this life, and these tests can be severe. Thankfully, God is always with us, and our fate is in his righteous and loving hands. We trust him that all things work together for our ultimate good. Those who have faith in Christ can find comfort in this promise. However, those who do not have faith in Christ must face life’s challenges alone, and not all things work for their good.
The Lord is nigh (close) unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23
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
A God of Provision. God supplies everything necessary to live according to his will. His provision is abundant for those who live for him, sometimes beyond reason
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Luke 11:9-10
A God to Call Father. As adopted sons and daughters, we look to God as our Father. He teaches, guides, protects, corrects, and disciplines us with love.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Galatians 4:6
A Sovereign God. God is the ultimate power and authority. He makes decisions and choices according to his good pleasure. No power or being can thwart his will.
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. Colossians1:16-17
A God of Justice and Punishment. God is just and cannot condone sin, for which the penalty is death; and the unrepentant, unredeemed souls will receive just that.
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. Hebrews 10:30
A God to be Feared. Because he is the ultimate authority and power, we stand in awe, reverence, respect, and obedience before him. We fear offending God and desire, above all else, to walk in a manner that pleases him. For those who are lost, there is no fear of God because he is perceived as an abstract or fictional concept. However, after this life, when the words in the Bible are proven true, they will surely come to experience a fear of God. Their fear, though, will not be one of respect; instead, it will be a fear born of remorse and terror – the crushing fear of judgment, condemnation, and imminent eternal agony – fear of the inescapable wrath of God.
Because of this reality, we are deeply grieved for those who have no fear of God and have turned away from Christ. They are destined to face the consequences of their unrepentant sin, and their fate is so terrible that it is unbearable to think about it.
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:29-31
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
A God of Mercy. God is merciful to the contrite who have turned in faith to his son. His mercy is inexhaustible to those who love him.
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
A God of Redemption. Jesus has redeemed us from the penalty of the law that illuminates our sins. This is God’s marvelous gift and an astounding demonstration of his love, providing us salvation from the wrath that is to come – wrath that we richly deserve.
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 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 3:15-18
A God Beyond Comprehension. God, who is everywhere, knows everything, created everything, and whose plans and outcomes were predetermined before time and never fail, cannot be understood by man. We cannot comprehend how he operates. We understand God as well as a dog understands us.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my was saith the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36
This is the nature of God: ruler, architect, creator, the incomprehensible sustainer of all things. He is the righteous and merciful judge, redeeming the faithful and punishing the disobedient
The Unrighteous Nature of Man
God created man and set him above all other creatures with the qualities and competencies of a self-conscious and rational being (a person). He gave us intellect, the ability to grasp abstract concepts (such as faith, morality, truth or lies, and evil), faculties of communication, and feelings of deep emotion. We also possess the capability to act of our own free will, as we have agency, and the ability to make choices. These attributes are elements of personhood; qualities that make us meaningful and valuable. This is what is meant by “made in the image of God”. We have dignity and worth, creatures built for relationships; God created us to have a relationship with him.
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. Genesis 1:26
But the elements of the image of God in which we were made are of capability, not so much character. Man is an innovative and resourceful creature, but he does not possess, in any meaningful way, God’s divine characteristics, particularly that of righteousness. To be righteous is to be morally correct, and we all fall far short of God’s standard of perfection.
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
We see this clearly and profoundly in the world’s immorality and depravity. We also notice it in our daily lives, as we often prioritize our pleasure and comfort. We place our interests, desires, and love of worldly things above our love for God. Jesus tells us that the most important commandment is: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37-38 To love God is to obey him, and to hate God is to live against his will, violating his commandments. This is sin, a malady common to all mankind.
The Terrible Result of Sin
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31
God is clear about how he deals with sin. Every person will be held accountable for their unforgiven sins, and the penalty is eternal damnation. We all deserve God’s wrath that will come when we stand before him and face his judgment.
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-13
The unrighteous nature of man and the coming judgment raise a crucial question. If no one, no matter how hard they try, has a righteous standing before God, then are we doomed to suffer in Hell forever? The answer is yes.
This is why mankind desperately needs a Savior.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 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 9:27-28
The Good News of Salvation
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
The good news is that Jesus Christ is the Savior we desperately need. Jesus redeems us from the penalty of sin and saves us from condemnation and eternal punishment in Hell. God has provided the means for us to be forgiven of our sins, deemed righteous, and reconciled with him. The means of redemption was established when Jesus was nailed to the cross to die in substitutionary atonement for mankind’s sins. He endured the penalty for our sins so we could enjoy peace with God and receive the benefits of being his beloved children – benefits we enjoy both in this life and the next.
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. John 3:16-17
The death and resurrection of Jesus confirmed his deity and the effectiveness of his atonement for us. His resurrection proved that he is who he claimed to be and that everything he said is true. Jesus defeated death, and the promise is that we, too, will be resurrected to eternal life.
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:3-4
Securing Salvation
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
The Word of God is clear on how one is deemed righteous and saved from the wrath of God: believe and confess.
- Believe that Jesus was God incarnate, that he was crucified to atone for your sins, and that he was raised from the dead and is alive, seated at the right hand of his Father in Heaven. To “believe in thine heart” means having a deep personal conviction. This belief goes beyond intellectual understanding; it is a confident, immutable, and resolute truth held in your heart. It is not trivial – it is a belief you would die for.
- Confess is to affirm that Jesus is the Lord of your life. It is crucial to understand that this confession is not a mere utterance but a sincere proclamation based on accepting Jesus as your Lord in your heart. It affirms that you no longer live for yourself; your priority now is to live in obedience and to follow him. Jesus must be in charge, not you. Saving faith is belief combined with submitting to Jesus’s lordship. Belief alone, without surrendering to his authority, will not save you from Hell.
How does one come to saving faith?
What brings someone to the point where they believe and confess?
Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. Hearing means being receptive and understanding the message of the gospel of Jesus. This is why evangelism – preaching, teaching, and personal witness – matters.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
The work of God is transformation, and the response of man is repentance. Those who respond to the call of God and believe undergo a transformation of their soul and spirit. This renewal is a spiritual rebirth, a divine act of the Holy Spirit that gives spiritual life to those who were spiritually dead in their sin. We are changed into new creatures capable of believing and submitting.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened (made alive) us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Ephesians 2:4-5
Being now spiritually alive, cognizant of the will of God and also of our wretched nature, we repent. Repentance is a fundamental change of heart, mind, and direction; a turning away from sin and toward God. It is an active conscience, the inner awareness that judges our actions in light of the moral truth we now embrace, that compels repentance.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
Faith is a gift from God. Saving faith is an undeserved gift by the grace of God; there is nothing you can do to earn it, but you can choose to reject it.
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
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
Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven.
The Bible clearly teaches that faith in and submission to Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. The truth of this is supported by the suffering he endured to bring salvation to humanity. In the Gospels, we learn about his anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal by his disciples, the rejection by his people, and his horrific suffering through scourging and crucifixion. Why would he have endured this if there had been any other way to save us from the penalty of our sins?
Jesus clearly states that he is the only way, not just a way to the Father. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only path to Heaven; all other roads lead to Hell. Trusting anything, anyone, or any religious system other than Jesus Christ is to commit spiritual suicide.
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
If Jesus is the only way to Heaven, then there must be many roads leading to Hell.
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14
Below are four common paths to destruction, each characterized by the failure to make Jesus Christ the Lord over everything in your life.
First, some will end up in Hell because they are satisfied in their unbelief, with no desire or need for God. Prosperity, success, social acceptance, and self-sufficiency often negate their conscious recognition of the need for God. They believe they don’t need to be saved. For them, Christianity is an unnecessary waste of time.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Ist Corinthians 1:18
Secondly, others mistakenly believe they are in good standing with God because they strive to live moral lives and be good people. Overestimating the good within themselves, they assume that treating others well, thinking good thoughts, and doing good deeds should be sufficient to secure a place in Heaven. They, too, are convinced that they do not need to be saved. The word of God tells us otherwise; it is clear that reliance on one’s righteousness ends in death.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6
Thirdly, the next road to Hell is reliance on compliance. The religious are often taught to do something to make amends with God. They attempt to win God’s favor through actions they think will please him, such as self-righteous efforts, following religious rules and rituals, or living piously. However, in God’s eyes, these efforts are futile nonsense. Jesus railed against the Jewish religious leadership, who taught adherence to rules, rituals, sacraments, and traditions for salvation. You cannot work yourself into righteous perfection; that is why you need a savior to deliver you from being judged wanting and condemned. God desires your heart, mind, and soul, not your best efforts at religion.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23
Finally, there is a path to Hell marked by deception, evil, and treachery. It is the perversion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by charlatans of organized religion that leads people away from Christ.
These frauds intertwine corruption, lies, and error with some element of truth, as they teach heresies that go against the Gospel in the Bible. They promote ideas like promised prosperity, the goodness of humanity, and devotion to religious rituals and ceremonies for salvation. They downplay the deity of Jesus, some by dramatic blasphemies such as claiming Jesus is a created being or even that he is Satan’s brother (Mormons). They minimize the punishment for unrighteousness and forget the plan of salvation; all the while, often taking money for personal gain. These persuasive voices tell people what they want to hear, and people believe them no matter how absurd the message is. Be aware that Satan sometimes carries a Bible.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2nd Timothy 4:3-4
The Bible is also clear that those who propagate lies and distortions of the word of God are cursed, and their destruction is inevitable.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 2nd Peter 2:12
Faith Tested
There are two clear objectives in mortal life. The first is to come to Christ for salvation. The second is to grow and mature in the faith, to be sanctified by God, to glorify him, and to live a life that is pleasing to him.
Salvation
Whose (winnowing) fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his (threshing) floor, and gather his wheat into the garner (barn); but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:12
The agricultural symbolism in the verse above is clear. The saved are gathered in Heaven, while the lost spend eternity in Hell. His “threshing floor” represents God’s judgment, with the verdict determined during each person’s earthly life. God’s children—those saved by the blood of Jesus Christ—are distinguished and separated from those who are forever lost and condemned during our brief time here on Earth. To be saved from the wrath of God is the primary reason we are here.
Transcendent, eternal joy and peace await those who successfully arrive at the threshing floor as wheat, not chaff. The word of God is crystal clear on how this is accomplished; it is by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Later, in Heaven or Hell, we will reflect on our time here on Earth, when the quality of our eternity was settled, with either gratitude and joy or deep anguish, remorse, and sorrow. This mortal life is God’s sieve to separate those who are his from those who are not.
Sanctification by Trials
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (diverse) temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work (effect), that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing. James 1:2-4
In this life, God puts us through trials to realize our potential, refine our abilities, build endurance, and strengthen our faith. Our character, whether good or bad, will be shaped, and our station in the next life will be determined. Testing fosters maturity and transforms us into stronger Christians, conforming us to the likeness of Christ. Trials humble us, create dependency on God, and reveal our true character. We who are in Christ can face distress and trouble with a sense of calm, stability, and confidence because we trust that all things are within his control and work for our ultimate good.
A Christian who remains steadfast in faith amidst adversity is a powerful testimony to God’s love, power, and peace. A Christian who maintains unwavering faith when life is easy and prosperous with humility and gratitude is also a compelling testimony to God’s loving generosity.
A man without faith pursues the desires of his heart, believing that peace and happiness come from achieving success based on worldly values such as wealth, vain relationships, status, power, attractiveness, and material possessions. He attributes the troubles in his life to the malevolence of others, bad luck, or foolishness. Without God, a person must navigate life on their own. While he may experience prosperity during his brief time on Earth, he ultimately fails the test that truly matters. However, there is hope, as many turn to Christ during tough times – those who are broken often come to realize their need for a savior.
Life is a grand test, serving as a proving ground to separate the wheat from the chaff. The Elect will come to Christ and obtain eternal life, while the lost will die in their sins. The faithful Christian will be sanctified and transformed to be more like Christ, whereas the unholy person will be consumed by the lusts and depravity of their mind. Our purpose in this life is to come to know Christ, obey God, fear him, glorify him, grow in faith, and share the incomparable gift of salvation available only through faith in Jesus Christ.
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10
John 3:36 