Biblical Salvation is this: "...repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:21
There is no greater question in life than that of your eternal destination. Do you know for certain that you have been saved accrording to God's word?
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You Must Be Born Again Would you say that you are saved and on your way to Heaven? Would you say that you have been BORN AGAIN and are a new creature? Or are you really not 100% sure? Many people believe that as long as they believe the facts of salvation, or as long as they believe in Jesus that they are saved, but Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” Simply believing the facts or believing in Jesus is no guarantee. For instance, I grew up in a religion that acknowledged Jesus. From a child, I believed that Jesus Christ was the sinless Son of God that came to earth, lived a perfect life and died on the cross to save us from our sins, and was coming again. However, I was NOT saved. I had never been born again. -WHY? Because I also believed a lot of wrong teachings that nullified true saving faith in Christ. I was taught that Jesus died for our sins, but that we also had to “help” pay for them ourselves. I was taught that following the religious practices of my church, doing good deeds, giving money and even saying extra prayers “helped” Jesus save me. You see, my trust was not really in Christ and his all-sufficient sacrifice, but also in myself. Trying to “save” ourselves that way is actually saying that we DON’T trust Christ to save us. The bible tells us of others who also believed in Jesus, who even became his disciples, but who were not born again. “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” (John 6:66-67) Jesus tells us of others who excitedly claim to believe, and receive the gospel with gladness, but only endure for a little while. Matthew 13:20 “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Enduring for a little while is certainly not the eternal life promised through salvation in Christ. Why weren’t they really saved? Because the seed of faith did NOT take root in their hearts. The scripture tells us their hearts were stony and hardened. The seed of faith was not able to get down in and take root, because of a lack of repentance. Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. I have also heard of missionaries who go overseas preaching the gospel to find many willing to believe in Jesus and add him to their collection of gods and idols. They are willing to believe in Jesus, but not in Him alone. They cannot be saved by Jesus AND their gods, but only through faith in Christ alone. How can you know that you are truly saved? How can you know that you have been born again? 1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. We can KNOW that we have been born again by the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit within every true believer. Romans 8:9 “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” If you don’t have the Holy Spirit, then you are not Christ’s. Often, when we meet people who claim to be Christians, we immediately praise God for their salvation and celebrate our common belief. But, when the apostle Paul met some men who professed to be believers, instead of simply accepting their profession, he questioned them. His question to them might surprise you. Acts 19:2a He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) since ye believed? He asked: Have you received the spirit since you believed? Have you been born again? Their answer is even more surprising. Acts 19:2b And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Not only had they NOT received the Holy Spirit yet; they didn’t know anything about the Holy Spirit. They were NOT yet born again. They were not truly saved. They had heard the message of John, but did not know of Jesus. Paul preached to them the gospel of Christ and they believed and afterward, did receive the Holy Spirit. But just think if he had not questioned them. They may have gone on believing that they were on their way to Heaven, when they really weren’t. So, I am asking you today- Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? How can you know for sure? Many people today associate the Holy Spirit with the sign gifts spoken of in the book of Acts such as speaking in tongues, healings and miracles. These “signs” were used by God in the early Church, to confirm the message of salvation preached by the apostles. These are NOT the evidences of the indwelling Holy Spirit that I am talking about. The sign gifts such as these are referred to in the scriptures as “signs of an apostle”. Because the message they were bringing of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ was a new thing, and was not easily accepted by the Jews, God used these miraculous signs to prove that it was of Him. The message of salvation through Jesus Christ has been confirmed already and recorded for us in the Bible forever. We now have the complete and finished word of God available to us and preserved for all time. The purpose of the sign gifts has been fulfilled, and so there is no longer any need for them. The bible however, gives us many “evidences” or assurances of the presence of the Holy Spirit to examine ourselves by. If you have truly been born-again by the Holy Spirit of Christ, the Spirit WILL witness of itself in you. Romans 8:16 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” Here are some ways in which the Holy Spirit works in our lives and witnesses of itself when we have been born again.
2. The Holy Spirit brings us from darkness to light. Before we are saved, spiritual things are a mystery to us. The truths of the bible are not easily understood by us, because we are blinded to them. 2 Corinthians 4:4 “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 “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.” When the Holy Spirit begins to live within us the truths of the bible begin to make sense to us. We who were once blind to spiritual things now see. (Could a blind man suddenly begin to see and not know it with certainty?) 3. We become new creatures. We are born again to a new life with a new nature and new desires to please God. The Holy Spirit, because it is part of God, gives us new desires to live in a way that’s pleasing to God. Instead of living to see how far we can push the rules, we begin to instead see how closely we can follow them. Our love for the Savior brings a desire to please Him. 1 John 2:3-5 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” -Could a sinner suddenly have the Holy Spirit of Christ live inside of him and NOT be changed? NOT according to the Bible. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Notice, it says ANY man, not just some men. If ANY man is in Christ, he is a new creature. If your salvation experience is limited to a prayer you have said, or decision that you have made, or anything else you have done, and you have not become a new creature, you may not truly be born again. 4.The Holy Spirit within us gives us power to overcome the temptations of our flesh and frees us from the bondage of sin.When we are born again of the Holy Spirit, we begin to get victory over sins we once struggled against. Now, that does not mean that we will not ever sin again, but we are no longer enslaved to sin. We have a new master- Jesus Christ. Romans 6:18 “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters:” If you are still a slave to sin, you are not a servant of Christ. 5. The Holy Spirit helps us to discern between truth and error. Charles Spurgeon once said “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” Knowing and understanding the word of God is key in discerning truth. The Holy Spirit IS the Spirit of truth and when he resides within you, it shows you the truth of God’s word. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: 1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. By the way, you should never have to convince a true believer to accept the word of God. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 6. The Holy Spirit gives us a love for the Brethren. Ever hear the saying, “love me; love my kids?” How many of you here have children? How do you feel when someone is not kind to them? Defensive, or maybe angry? It certainly does not ever make us want to be close to that person does it? But how do you feel when someone is loving and generous and shows kindness to your children? It warms your heart and gives you a tenderness toward them right? That’s how God sees our relationship with HIS children. If we are hurtful and unkind to those that He loves, how do you think that makes him feel? 1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” The bible gives us another test to know whether we truly love the brethren: 1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. When we keep God’s commandments, we show that we do love the children of God. If we love someone, we will not want to sin against them or hurt them. 7. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-24 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. “ Have these fruits become present in your life since you believed? Without the Holy Spirit’s presence, often the works of the flesh are more evident: Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. The bible gives us some pretty strong warnings for those who evidence these things rather than the former: 1 Corinthians 6:9 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 8. The Holy Spirit gives us a desire to tell others of Christ. Could a dead man be brought to life? or a blind man receive his sight and NOT want to tell others of this great and precious Savior? Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: “ 9.The Holy Spirit gives us assurance of our salvation. ONLY the Holy Spirit within us can give us a true assurance. 1 John 3:24 “ And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” 1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. If we doubt and fear, questioning our salvation, can we possibly have boldness on the day of judgment? God wants us to KNOW for certain whether we are saved, and to be secure in that. He tells us to “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 1 John is a good place to start reading in order to examine yourself. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. We have looked at 9 evidences of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a born again believer. You may not recognize EVERY one of these evidences in your life, but if you have the indwelling Spirit of Christ within you, you WILL know it. Have YOU received the Holy Spirit since you believed? If you have not received the Holy Spirit, then you are not truly saved. If you are not saved, repent and turn to God today. God loves you so much that he sent his own Son to save us from our sin and to reconcile us to Himself! “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, became a man, and lived a perfect life without sin. He willingly suffered and died on the cross to pay the sin debt we owe. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 If we repent and put our faith in Christ and what He has done on our behalf, we can be saved from the penalty of our sin and reconciled to God. “…and without shedding of blood is no remission [forgiveness of sins].” Hebrews 9:22 No works that we do can pay for our sins. Only through His sacrifice can we be forgiven of our sin. We must repent and trust Christ alone. That means that we must humble ourselves by acknowledging our sin and turning from it, renouncing our efforts to save ourselves, and trust in the only one who can save us, and that is Jesus. “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 Call upon the Lord today, confessing and forsaking your sin, and put your trust in Jesus. He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness, and give you eternal life. If you have believed the message of Christ today, as soon as is possible for you, find a bible-believing Church, be baptized as a testimony of your faith, and read your bible every day. -Sandra Platt |
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Won’t God Just forgive my sins?
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27
Most people today can easily see that they have broken God’s laws at some point in their lives. Some will even admit that they are sinners. Most however imagine that when they stand before God one day, they will simply ask for forgiveness and God will overlook their sin.
Even though we see our sins as small and insignificant in comparison to others’ sins; God views them very differently. In His eyes, if we have broken one of his laws, it’s as bad as if we broke all of them.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
God is so perfect and holy that he simply cannot be in the presence of any sin. He cannot allow sin into heaven to dwell with him. Adam & Eve only had to sin once before they were forced out of the Garden of Eden and away from God’s presence. The punishment for their one disobedience was death. Immediately they experienced spiritual death and began the process of a previously unknown of physical death as well.
Adam’s sin has passed onto all those born after him. Through his seed, we have all inherited a nature to sin and through him we all die.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
We cannot blame Adam though, because we have All at some point chosen to sin. We are ALL guilty and we are ALL already condemned. The sentence has already been passed: Death.
“For the wages of sin is death;” Romans 6:23
The wages (the punishment we have earned) for our sin, according to God’s word is death and separation from God in Hell. A judge here on earth who would allow a convicted criminal to go free merely upon his request for forgiveness would not be a just judge. For justice to be served, the crime must be punished. Our God is holy and righteous and far more just than any judge on earth. Since God is just and righteous, he must keep his word. Therefore he must punish sin.
The good news is that God doesn’t want us to spend an eternity in Hell. He wants to forgive us and bring us once again into fellowship with him. He loves us so much that he sent his only son to take the punishment that we deserve, so that we could be forgiven. Jesus Christ, who never sinned, or broke any of God’s laws, took our punishment for us.
He suffered and died in our place and then rose again the third day conquering death. He served our sentence so that justice would be satisfied and we could be set free. When we receive Christ as our Savior, we are no longer condemned. Our sentence has been paid and we are freed from the penalty of sin. Forgiveness is then ours as well as eternal life in heaven.
How do we receive this forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ?
“ …repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15
“… whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15
Salvation is a free gift from God received by faith in his precious son, not by any works that we can do.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5
“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
If we turn from our sin and toward God in repentance and trust in Jesus Christ alone to save us, that forgiveness can be ours.
“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 3:36 -Sandra M. Platt
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27
Most people today can easily see that they have broken God’s laws at some point in their lives. Some will even admit that they are sinners. Most however imagine that when they stand before God one day, they will simply ask for forgiveness and God will overlook their sin.
Even though we see our sins as small and insignificant in comparison to others’ sins; God views them very differently. In His eyes, if we have broken one of his laws, it’s as bad as if we broke all of them.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
God is so perfect and holy that he simply cannot be in the presence of any sin. He cannot allow sin into heaven to dwell with him. Adam & Eve only had to sin once before they were forced out of the Garden of Eden and away from God’s presence. The punishment for their one disobedience was death. Immediately they experienced spiritual death and began the process of a previously unknown of physical death as well.
Adam’s sin has passed onto all those born after him. Through his seed, we have all inherited a nature to sin and through him we all die.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
We cannot blame Adam though, because we have All at some point chosen to sin. We are ALL guilty and we are ALL already condemned. The sentence has already been passed: Death.
“For the wages of sin is death;” Romans 6:23
The wages (the punishment we have earned) for our sin, according to God’s word is death and separation from God in Hell. A judge here on earth who would allow a convicted criminal to go free merely upon his request for forgiveness would not be a just judge. For justice to be served, the crime must be punished. Our God is holy and righteous and far more just than any judge on earth. Since God is just and righteous, he must keep his word. Therefore he must punish sin.
The good news is that God doesn’t want us to spend an eternity in Hell. He wants to forgive us and bring us once again into fellowship with him. He loves us so much that he sent his only son to take the punishment that we deserve, so that we could be forgiven. Jesus Christ, who never sinned, or broke any of God’s laws, took our punishment for us.
He suffered and died in our place and then rose again the third day conquering death. He served our sentence so that justice would be satisfied and we could be set free. When we receive Christ as our Savior, we are no longer condemned. Our sentence has been paid and we are freed from the penalty of sin. Forgiveness is then ours as well as eternal life in heaven.
How do we receive this forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ?
“ …repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15
“… whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15
Salvation is a free gift from God received by faith in his precious son, not by any works that we can do.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5
“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
If we turn from our sin and toward God in repentance and trust in Jesus Christ alone to save us, that forgiveness can be ours.
“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 3:36 -Sandra M. Platt
Repentance Toward God and Faith in Christ
Paul preached repentance toward God and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Although they work very closely together, they are not the same thing. Our repentance is to be directed at God while our faith is in Christ. When we sorrowfully aware of our sin and desire to turn from it so that we might be reconciled to the God whom we have offended, that does not necessarily mean that we have faith in Christ. Or it may be the other way around, we may have been offered a savior to deliver us from Hell, but have not yet begun to repent. Many attempt to receive the free gift of salvation with no desire to be reconciled to God, but instead continue in sin without repentance.
Repentance is the recognition of our sinful condition, while faith is the solution. Both of these is required for true salvation and one is not sufficient without the other. Throughout the bible we see how one thing prepares the way for another.
The Old Testament prepares the way for the new. Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
The law prepared the way for grace. Romans 3:20 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.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ. Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Repentance Toward God prepares the way for Faith in Christ
This excerpt is taken from The Life walk & Triumph of faith by William Romaine. Speaking of repentant sinners, he writes:
When they were convinced of these truths in their judgments, and the awakened conscience sought for ease and deliverance, they found they were helpless and without strength. They could take no step, no do anything, which could in the least save them from their sins. Whatever method they thought of, it failed them upon trial, and left conscience more uneasy than before.
Suppose they thought of reforming their lives, yet what is to become of their old sins? Will present obedience, if it could be perfectly paid, make atonement for past disobedience? Will the broken law take part of our duty for the whole? No. It has determined that whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. And let him be ever so careful in doing what the law requires, or in avoiding what the law forbids, let him fast and pray and give alms, hear and read the Word, be early and late in ordinances, yet the enlightened conscience cannot be herewith satisfied; because by these duties he cannot undo the sin committed, and because he will find so many failings in them that they will be still adding to his guilt and increasing misery.
What method shall he take? The more he strives to make himself better, the worse he finds himself. He sees the pollution of sin greater. He discovers more of his guilt. He finds in himself a want of all good, and an inclination to all evil.
He is now convinced that the law is holy, just, and good; but when he would keep it, evil is present with him. This makes him deeply sensible of his guilty, helpless state, and shows him that by the works of the law, he cannot be saved. His heart, like a fountain, is continually sending forth evil thoughts, yea the very imaginations of it are only and altogether evil, and word and works partake of the nature of that evil fountain from whence they flow; so that after all his efforts, he cannot quiet his conscience, nor attain peace with God.
Repentance is not a saving work. God does not command us to repent so that we can save ourselves and neither does he expect us to achieve sinless perfection. We can never reform our lives enough to meet God’s holy & perfect standard, but it is such a necessary step in teaching us our helplessness & preparing us for faith in Christ’s finished work. Just as the law was weak in that it was not the fulfillment of righteousness, but a shadow of good things to come, so is repentance a shadow of the rebirth & change only given us by God through Christ Jesus.
Romaine goes on to say:
The law having done its office, as schoolmaster, by convincing him of these truths, stops his mouth, that he has not a word to say, why sentence should not be passed upon him. And there it leaves him, guilty, and helpless. It can do nothing more for him, than shew him that he is a child of wrath, and that he deserves to have the wrath of God abiding on him for ever.
The gospel finds him in this condition, as the good Samaritan did the wounded traveler, and brings him good news. It discovers to him the way of salvation contrived in the covenant of grace.
Repentance brings us to the point of need, making us ready & willing to turn to God to receive the faith that cometh by hearing. When we repent of our sins we become willing to hear the words of life that minister faith to us. Faith is the point of rebirth where the Spirit of God begins to dwell internally and does what our flesh was unable to accomplish.
Why it’s necessary to understand the difference. Some people equate repentance with faith. They believe that because they one day decided to repent of their sin, that that was the day they decided to be saved. Many believe that salvation is as simple as making a decision & saying a prayer. Salvation actually is as simple as faith in Christ; but when we make it a simple to do list, these acts for some become nothing more than empty works. For someone blinded by false religion like Catholicism, the implication that they must do anything at all to be saved such as, reciting a prayer or asking Jesus to come into their heart is simply another confirmation that they must do some sort of work or act to accomplish salvation. They believe that this act is what will save them- like doing penance or good deeds. That prayer of faith becomes faith plus works nullifying grace, which does not produce salvation. I believe this is why we have so many people calling themselves Christians who may not be. These sincere people have been told that if they really meant what they said (their decision), then they can rest assured that they are saved, when in reality, this was simply the beginning of their conviction & a decision to repent. In some cases it is simply the beginning curiosity prematurely harvested. They were rushed into making a decision before repentance was even considered. There was no anguish of heart, no change of mind or turning to God from sin. Then we wonder why nothing changes in them. These people often show no fruit, no changed lives, & no desire to know the Lord, because their one little glimmer of conviction was mistaken for and labeled regeneration.
Some become discouraged & walk away. While others consider that prayer they said to be fire insurance or a get out of hell free card. Some people truly mark the day of their decision as the day they got saved and continue to seek the Lord. They go to church & hear the word. Because of their repentant heart they are now willing to hear the words of life that minister faith to them. For a time they aren’t aware of much change in themselves, occasionally doubt their salvation, yet they cling to that day of decision as the day of their rebirth. Then, sometime months or years later, something genuinely changes in them. They suddenly become aware of the Holy Spirit within them. The lights finally come on. They can now see & understand truths that were not revealed to them before. Their desires change; they are suddenly empowered by the Holy Spirit in areas of ministry or service. There must be an explanation for this. Pentecostals might refer to this as the Baptism of the Spirit. Calvinists might consider this proof of their heretical claim that regeneration precedes faith. Others may refer to it as receiving assurance of their salvation or their re-commitment to Christ.
Might this be the day of their rebirth? The Bible describes salvation as coming to the knowledge of the truth. If the lights have not come on, are they not still blind and in the dark? Can they truly claim to be saved if the eyes of their understanding have not been enlightened? Can they become quickened and brought to newness of life and become new creatures and yet still be in the dark? Can the Holy Spirit of God come into them and bring them from a state of death to life and not create a noticeable change? Can the Holy Spirit fail to witness of itself or perform the duties of His office?
1 Corinthians 2:11&12 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14 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.
Some would say, “Well how can that be? I asked Jesus into my heart years ago.” “The Bible says that “Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved”, so that means I got saved the day that I called upon the name of the Lord.” It is not our decision or our will that saves us. Our decision is only one of repentance & turning to God in order to receive salvation. Salvation is totally of God. John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Our decision does not save us. Our decision is evidence of our repentance and in some instances evidence of saving faith, but not in all cases. We are saved by grace, through faith, not through our will, or decision.
Deciding to pray a prayer or call on the name of the Lord is no guarantee that we are saved. The promise that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved is clarified by the verse that precedes it. “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.” Romans 10:9
Not everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord does so in genuine faith in our Savior. Jesus made that clear in Matthew 7:21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
The calling upon the Lord that saves must be done from the heart in belief. To confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus means to testify of the belief that you already have. We often use terminology that is misleadingly. We tell people to make a decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior or to ask him into their heart. Asking him into your heart is not a biblical interpretation of testifying to the belief that is already there. Simply calling on the Lord’s name with an expectation of being saved and receiving faith afterward are also not the same thing.
We need to be careful to help prepare the soil & to avoid offering false assurances based only on a decision. Sometimes we are so eager to give others the good news that we neglect to prepare the soil. Jesus told us himself that he came to call sinners to repentance. Again the proper order is to repent and then believe. We need to begin by giving them the bad news first. We know that our attempts at repentance are futile. We know that we cannot change our own evil hearts and save ourselves, but the lost sinner doesn’t know that until they try and fail and recognize their lost, desperate situation. That is when the gospel finds him ready. I am not suggesting in any way that we discourage people from making decisions or that we suggest that they wait, or that repentance is a lengthy process, for some it is instantaneous. What I'm suggesting is more discretion, not pronouncing someone saved simply because they said a prayer. Pronouncing someone saved who actually is not can be just as dangerous & destructive as preaching a false gospel. It is like telling them that they are healthy and have nothing to worry about when they are actually dying. Why would they continue seeking a cure for their disease if we convince them they are already cured?
We need to understand that we cannot ever really know for sure whether or not someone has truly been saved, or truly know at what moment that salvation occurred in them. John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Only God knows who is truly saved, and who is not and the moment when the Holy Spirit quickens them. The only evidence we have of someone's salvation is the fruit that results from rebirth. These may not be immediately evident, OR they may have an outward appearance of salvation, that does not last. When Jesus walked the Earth many people chose to follow him initially, but as the trials came the crowds grew smaller & smaller & many fell away. John 6:66& 67 "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?" We should never assure people of salvation based solely on their initial decision. -Sandra M. Platt
Paul preached repentance toward God and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Although they work very closely together, they are not the same thing. Our repentance is to be directed at God while our faith is in Christ. When we sorrowfully aware of our sin and desire to turn from it so that we might be reconciled to the God whom we have offended, that does not necessarily mean that we have faith in Christ. Or it may be the other way around, we may have been offered a savior to deliver us from Hell, but have not yet begun to repent. Many attempt to receive the free gift of salvation with no desire to be reconciled to God, but instead continue in sin without repentance.
Repentance is the recognition of our sinful condition, while faith is the solution. Both of these is required for true salvation and one is not sufficient without the other. Throughout the bible we see how one thing prepares the way for another.
The Old Testament prepares the way for the new. Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
The law prepared the way for grace. Romans 3:20 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.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ. Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Repentance Toward God prepares the way for Faith in Christ
This excerpt is taken from The Life walk & Triumph of faith by William Romaine. Speaking of repentant sinners, he writes:
When they were convinced of these truths in their judgments, and the awakened conscience sought for ease and deliverance, they found they were helpless and without strength. They could take no step, no do anything, which could in the least save them from their sins. Whatever method they thought of, it failed them upon trial, and left conscience more uneasy than before.
Suppose they thought of reforming their lives, yet what is to become of their old sins? Will present obedience, if it could be perfectly paid, make atonement for past disobedience? Will the broken law take part of our duty for the whole? No. It has determined that whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. And let him be ever so careful in doing what the law requires, or in avoiding what the law forbids, let him fast and pray and give alms, hear and read the Word, be early and late in ordinances, yet the enlightened conscience cannot be herewith satisfied; because by these duties he cannot undo the sin committed, and because he will find so many failings in them that they will be still adding to his guilt and increasing misery.
What method shall he take? The more he strives to make himself better, the worse he finds himself. He sees the pollution of sin greater. He discovers more of his guilt. He finds in himself a want of all good, and an inclination to all evil.
He is now convinced that the law is holy, just, and good; but when he would keep it, evil is present with him. This makes him deeply sensible of his guilty, helpless state, and shows him that by the works of the law, he cannot be saved. His heart, like a fountain, is continually sending forth evil thoughts, yea the very imaginations of it are only and altogether evil, and word and works partake of the nature of that evil fountain from whence they flow; so that after all his efforts, he cannot quiet his conscience, nor attain peace with God.
Repentance is not a saving work. God does not command us to repent so that we can save ourselves and neither does he expect us to achieve sinless perfection. We can never reform our lives enough to meet God’s holy & perfect standard, but it is such a necessary step in teaching us our helplessness & preparing us for faith in Christ’s finished work. Just as the law was weak in that it was not the fulfillment of righteousness, but a shadow of good things to come, so is repentance a shadow of the rebirth & change only given us by God through Christ Jesus.
Romaine goes on to say:
The law having done its office, as schoolmaster, by convincing him of these truths, stops his mouth, that he has not a word to say, why sentence should not be passed upon him. And there it leaves him, guilty, and helpless. It can do nothing more for him, than shew him that he is a child of wrath, and that he deserves to have the wrath of God abiding on him for ever.
The gospel finds him in this condition, as the good Samaritan did the wounded traveler, and brings him good news. It discovers to him the way of salvation contrived in the covenant of grace.
Repentance brings us to the point of need, making us ready & willing to turn to God to receive the faith that cometh by hearing. When we repent of our sins we become willing to hear the words of life that minister faith to us. Faith is the point of rebirth where the Spirit of God begins to dwell internally and does what our flesh was unable to accomplish.
Why it’s necessary to understand the difference. Some people equate repentance with faith. They believe that because they one day decided to repent of their sin, that that was the day they decided to be saved. Many believe that salvation is as simple as making a decision & saying a prayer. Salvation actually is as simple as faith in Christ; but when we make it a simple to do list, these acts for some become nothing more than empty works. For someone blinded by false religion like Catholicism, the implication that they must do anything at all to be saved such as, reciting a prayer or asking Jesus to come into their heart is simply another confirmation that they must do some sort of work or act to accomplish salvation. They believe that this act is what will save them- like doing penance or good deeds. That prayer of faith becomes faith plus works nullifying grace, which does not produce salvation. I believe this is why we have so many people calling themselves Christians who may not be. These sincere people have been told that if they really meant what they said (their decision), then they can rest assured that they are saved, when in reality, this was simply the beginning of their conviction & a decision to repent. In some cases it is simply the beginning curiosity prematurely harvested. They were rushed into making a decision before repentance was even considered. There was no anguish of heart, no change of mind or turning to God from sin. Then we wonder why nothing changes in them. These people often show no fruit, no changed lives, & no desire to know the Lord, because their one little glimmer of conviction was mistaken for and labeled regeneration.
Some become discouraged & walk away. While others consider that prayer they said to be fire insurance or a get out of hell free card. Some people truly mark the day of their decision as the day they got saved and continue to seek the Lord. They go to church & hear the word. Because of their repentant heart they are now willing to hear the words of life that minister faith to them. For a time they aren’t aware of much change in themselves, occasionally doubt their salvation, yet they cling to that day of decision as the day of their rebirth. Then, sometime months or years later, something genuinely changes in them. They suddenly become aware of the Holy Spirit within them. The lights finally come on. They can now see & understand truths that were not revealed to them before. Their desires change; they are suddenly empowered by the Holy Spirit in areas of ministry or service. There must be an explanation for this. Pentecostals might refer to this as the Baptism of the Spirit. Calvinists might consider this proof of their heretical claim that regeneration precedes faith. Others may refer to it as receiving assurance of their salvation or their re-commitment to Christ.
Might this be the day of their rebirth? The Bible describes salvation as coming to the knowledge of the truth. If the lights have not come on, are they not still blind and in the dark? Can they truly claim to be saved if the eyes of their understanding have not been enlightened? Can they become quickened and brought to newness of life and become new creatures and yet still be in the dark? Can the Holy Spirit of God come into them and bring them from a state of death to life and not create a noticeable change? Can the Holy Spirit fail to witness of itself or perform the duties of His office?
1 Corinthians 2:11&12 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14 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.
Some would say, “Well how can that be? I asked Jesus into my heart years ago.” “The Bible says that “Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved”, so that means I got saved the day that I called upon the name of the Lord.” It is not our decision or our will that saves us. Our decision is only one of repentance & turning to God in order to receive salvation. Salvation is totally of God. John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Our decision does not save us. Our decision is evidence of our repentance and in some instances evidence of saving faith, but not in all cases. We are saved by grace, through faith, not through our will, or decision.
Deciding to pray a prayer or call on the name of the Lord is no guarantee that we are saved. The promise that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved is clarified by the verse that precedes it. “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.” Romans 10:9
Not everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord does so in genuine faith in our Savior. Jesus made that clear in Matthew 7:21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
The calling upon the Lord that saves must be done from the heart in belief. To confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus means to testify of the belief that you already have. We often use terminology that is misleadingly. We tell people to make a decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior or to ask him into their heart. Asking him into your heart is not a biblical interpretation of testifying to the belief that is already there. Simply calling on the Lord’s name with an expectation of being saved and receiving faith afterward are also not the same thing.
We need to be careful to help prepare the soil & to avoid offering false assurances based only on a decision. Sometimes we are so eager to give others the good news that we neglect to prepare the soil. Jesus told us himself that he came to call sinners to repentance. Again the proper order is to repent and then believe. We need to begin by giving them the bad news first. We know that our attempts at repentance are futile. We know that we cannot change our own evil hearts and save ourselves, but the lost sinner doesn’t know that until they try and fail and recognize their lost, desperate situation. That is when the gospel finds him ready. I am not suggesting in any way that we discourage people from making decisions or that we suggest that they wait, or that repentance is a lengthy process, for some it is instantaneous. What I'm suggesting is more discretion, not pronouncing someone saved simply because they said a prayer. Pronouncing someone saved who actually is not can be just as dangerous & destructive as preaching a false gospel. It is like telling them that they are healthy and have nothing to worry about when they are actually dying. Why would they continue seeking a cure for their disease if we convince them they are already cured?
We need to understand that we cannot ever really know for sure whether or not someone has truly been saved, or truly know at what moment that salvation occurred in them. John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Only God knows who is truly saved, and who is not and the moment when the Holy Spirit quickens them. The only evidence we have of someone's salvation is the fruit that results from rebirth. These may not be immediately evident, OR they may have an outward appearance of salvation, that does not last. When Jesus walked the Earth many people chose to follow him initially, but as the trials came the crowds grew smaller & smaller & many fell away. John 6:66& 67 "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?" We should never assure people of salvation based solely on their initial decision. -Sandra M. Platt
Is Christ Dead In Vain?
We all like to think that we can please God somehow and earn our way to Heaven. Even in our earthy relationships, none of us wants to feel powerless or indebted. Everyone wants to feel as though they have something to contribute.
When it comes to salvation however, we must come to the place where we recognize that we cannot do anything to save ourselves, or earn God’s favor. We have all fallen short of God’s glory. None of us is good enough or holy enough to be in his presence for we have all transgressed his laws.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Rom. 3:10)
Even the works that we try to do to please God are soiled by our sin and unacceptable to Him.
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;” (Isa. 64:6)
As an evil tree can only bring forth evil fruit, man, as a sinful being can only bring forth sinful works. Only a good man can bring forth good works.
“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” (Matt. 7:17-18 )
WHO THEN IS GOOD?
Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, came to earth and lived a perfect life, and always did that which was pleasing to God. By himself, he bore the sins of the entire world, purchasing forgiveness for all who believe. He gave his life for ours. He suffered and died on the cross “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)
CAN WE HELP PAY FOR OUR SINS WITH OUR WORKS?
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8 & 9)
God’s word tells us that we are saved by God’s GRACE through FAITH. Grace by definition means unmerited, or unearned favor. If we earn it, it is no longer grace.
“ And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Rom. 11:6)
Adding works to grace makes it no more grace; just as if we add grace to works, then work is no longer work. It simply cannot be both at the same time. If we are saved BY grace through faith, but grace is no longer grace, then we are not saved. In other words, Grace plus our works, nullifies grace and makes salvation no longer possible.
If righteousness could come through our works, (the conformity to God’s law) then what need would there be for Christ to have died?
“… for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Gal. 2:21)
If there were ANY other way to pay for sins by ourselves, it would have been pointless for Christ to Die. To think we could add anything more to Christ’s once for all sacrifice is an insult as well as a rejection.
“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Gal. 5:4)
Anyone who believes they are justifying themselves through their works is rejecting the sacrifice of Christ and removing themselves from God’s grace.
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Rom. 4:5)
WHAT ABOUT JAMES 2:17?
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”(James 2:17)
Isn’t that a contradiction? The word of God never contradicts itself. The bible is clear that we cannot add works to faith for salvation because our works nullify grace and because our works are corrupt and therefore unacceptable to God. Once we have been made righteous through faith in Christ however, we are then seen as good and can then offer fruits acceptable to God.
In this verse it is not talking about adding works to salvation, but about evidences of true faith.
“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)
True saving faith will always bring about change and new life, showing fruits of that salvation. Faith if it hath not works, or evidences is not living, saving faith, but dead and worthless. Someone who claims to have faith in Christ yet does not have fruits to show for it, does not possess true saving faith.
Christ did for us what we could not do- He gave his life to pay for ours. Will we accept his sacrifice or continue in our dead works? Is Christ dead in vain?
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;” (Heb. 10:11 & 11)
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out”, (Acts 3:19)
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” (Gal. 3:11)
-Sandra Platt
We all like to think that we can please God somehow and earn our way to Heaven. Even in our earthy relationships, none of us wants to feel powerless or indebted. Everyone wants to feel as though they have something to contribute.
When it comes to salvation however, we must come to the place where we recognize that we cannot do anything to save ourselves, or earn God’s favor. We have all fallen short of God’s glory. None of us is good enough or holy enough to be in his presence for we have all transgressed his laws.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Rom. 3:10)
Even the works that we try to do to please God are soiled by our sin and unacceptable to Him.
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;” (Isa. 64:6)
As an evil tree can only bring forth evil fruit, man, as a sinful being can only bring forth sinful works. Only a good man can bring forth good works.
“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” (Matt. 7:17-18 )
WHO THEN IS GOOD?
Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, came to earth and lived a perfect life, and always did that which was pleasing to God. By himself, he bore the sins of the entire world, purchasing forgiveness for all who believe. He gave his life for ours. He suffered and died on the cross “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)
CAN WE HELP PAY FOR OUR SINS WITH OUR WORKS?
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8 & 9)
God’s word tells us that we are saved by God’s GRACE through FAITH. Grace by definition means unmerited, or unearned favor. If we earn it, it is no longer grace.
“ And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Rom. 11:6)
Adding works to grace makes it no more grace; just as if we add grace to works, then work is no longer work. It simply cannot be both at the same time. If we are saved BY grace through faith, but grace is no longer grace, then we are not saved. In other words, Grace plus our works, nullifies grace and makes salvation no longer possible.
If righteousness could come through our works, (the conformity to God’s law) then what need would there be for Christ to have died?
“… for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Gal. 2:21)
If there were ANY other way to pay for sins by ourselves, it would have been pointless for Christ to Die. To think we could add anything more to Christ’s once for all sacrifice is an insult as well as a rejection.
“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Gal. 5:4)
Anyone who believes they are justifying themselves through their works is rejecting the sacrifice of Christ and removing themselves from God’s grace.
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Rom. 4:5)
WHAT ABOUT JAMES 2:17?
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”(James 2:17)
Isn’t that a contradiction? The word of God never contradicts itself. The bible is clear that we cannot add works to faith for salvation because our works nullify grace and because our works are corrupt and therefore unacceptable to God. Once we have been made righteous through faith in Christ however, we are then seen as good and can then offer fruits acceptable to God.
In this verse it is not talking about adding works to salvation, but about evidences of true faith.
“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)
True saving faith will always bring about change and new life, showing fruits of that salvation. Faith if it hath not works, or evidences is not living, saving faith, but dead and worthless. Someone who claims to have faith in Christ yet does not have fruits to show for it, does not possess true saving faith.
Christ did for us what we could not do- He gave his life to pay for ours. Will we accept his sacrifice or continue in our dead works? Is Christ dead in vain?
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;” (Heb. 10:11 & 11)
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out”, (Acts 3:19)
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” (Gal. 3:11)
-Sandra Platt
You must be born again!
John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” NOT “Ye must say a prayer.” If you have not been born again, it doesn’t matter how many prayers you prayed OR how much you really meant them. Ye must be born again!
How can we know for sure that we have been born again? Here are some answers I frequently hear from other Christians:
“By how committed you are…”
“By whether or not YOU have made Jesus your Lord…”
“By knowing the biblical facts of salvation…”
And of course, the most popular answer:
“By whether you asked Jesus into your heart…”
But what saith the scriptures?
1 John 4:13 “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” (we know that we are saved because we recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit within us)
1 John 5:10 “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:” (the Holy Spirit within us, see also John 14:16 & 17)
We will know by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. Some might ask, “Well isn’t he just a still small voice or a silent presence?” When the Holy Spirit of God enters into a sinner, and creates new life, you WILL know it; the Holy Spirit WILL witness of itself.
The bible tells us we become new creatures, with a new nature, and new desires to serve the Lord. The Holy Spirit of Christ within us will do what is natural for it- lead us to holiness and the things which are pleasing to God. The desires of Christ- to do God’s will- will become our desires. As newborn babes we will desire the word of God, and spiritual things that were a mystery to us in our natural form will begin to make sense.
Here are some other ways the bible tells us whereby we can know:
1 John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” (If we are living in sin and darkness like the world, instead of in the light of truth, we are lying to ourselves and are not truly saved.)
1 John 2:3-4 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (Living in disobedience to God’s commandments proves that the truth is not in us, and we are not truly followers of Christ)
1 John 2:19 “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (A clear indication that someone was not truly a born-again believer is their failure to continue in the things of the Lord)
1 John 3:10 “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (In this are the true born-again believers shown, and the children of the Devil: whoever does not live righteously or love his brother is of the Devil)
1 John 4:17-18 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
(If we have fear and doubt about approaching God’s throne o the day of judgment, it casts serious doubt upon our salvation.)
1 John 4:20 “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
1 John 5:2 “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.” (Even the wicked love those who love them, so how can we know for sure that we are loving the brethren? If we keep God’s commandments, because many of the commandments deal with how we treat others.)
1 John 3:24 “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” (The only sure way we can know that we are truly in Christ is by the Holy Spirit within us.)
1 John 5:13 “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (that you may know for certain whether or not you are born again, and so that others may believe also.)
If your salvation experience is limited to a prayer you have said, or decision that you have made, and you have not become a new creature, you may not truly be born again.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of 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.”
How sad that these will be people just like you and me: people who may even go to church, who thought they were saved, for whatever reason. Maybe they said a prayer, maybe they grew up in church, maybe they served God with great zeal, but they were not saved. They were deceived. Do not let this be you.
Have you been born again? Only you and the Lord know for sure. Make sure you KNOW that you have been born again. I didn’t say hope- but know. (Please don’t let anyone else tell you either). Do not rest or cease to seek after God until you do. -Sandra Platt
John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” NOT “Ye must say a prayer.” If you have not been born again, it doesn’t matter how many prayers you prayed OR how much you really meant them. Ye must be born again!
How can we know for sure that we have been born again? Here are some answers I frequently hear from other Christians:
“By how committed you are…”
“By whether or not YOU have made Jesus your Lord…”
“By knowing the biblical facts of salvation…”
And of course, the most popular answer:
“By whether you asked Jesus into your heart…”
But what saith the scriptures?
1 John 4:13 “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” (we know that we are saved because we recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit within us)
1 John 5:10 “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:” (the Holy Spirit within us, see also John 14:16 & 17)
We will know by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. Some might ask, “Well isn’t he just a still small voice or a silent presence?” When the Holy Spirit of God enters into a sinner, and creates new life, you WILL know it; the Holy Spirit WILL witness of itself.
The bible tells us we become new creatures, with a new nature, and new desires to serve the Lord. The Holy Spirit of Christ within us will do what is natural for it- lead us to holiness and the things which are pleasing to God. The desires of Christ- to do God’s will- will become our desires. As newborn babes we will desire the word of God, and spiritual things that were a mystery to us in our natural form will begin to make sense.
Here are some other ways the bible tells us whereby we can know:
1 John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” (If we are living in sin and darkness like the world, instead of in the light of truth, we are lying to ourselves and are not truly saved.)
1 John 2:3-4 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (Living in disobedience to God’s commandments proves that the truth is not in us, and we are not truly followers of Christ)
1 John 2:19 “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (A clear indication that someone was not truly a born-again believer is their failure to continue in the things of the Lord)
1 John 3:10 “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (In this are the true born-again believers shown, and the children of the Devil: whoever does not live righteously or love his brother is of the Devil)
1 John 4:17-18 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
(If we have fear and doubt about approaching God’s throne o the day of judgment, it casts serious doubt upon our salvation.)
1 John 4:20 “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
1 John 5:2 “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.” (Even the wicked love those who love them, so how can we know for sure that we are loving the brethren? If we keep God’s commandments, because many of the commandments deal with how we treat others.)
1 John 3:24 “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” (The only sure way we can know that we are truly in Christ is by the Holy Spirit within us.)
1 John 5:13 “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (that you may know for certain whether or not you are born again, and so that others may believe also.)
If your salvation experience is limited to a prayer you have said, or decision that you have made, and you have not become a new creature, you may not truly be born again.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of 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.”
How sad that these will be people just like you and me: people who may even go to church, who thought they were saved, for whatever reason. Maybe they said a prayer, maybe they grew up in church, maybe they served God with great zeal, but they were not saved. They were deceived. Do not let this be you.
Have you been born again? Only you and the Lord know for sure. Make sure you KNOW that you have been born again. I didn’t say hope- but know. (Please don’t let anyone else tell you either). Do not rest or cease to seek after God until you do. -Sandra Platt
I’m a pretty good person. I would never hurt anyone. I am honest. I love and care for my family. Surely I will go to heaven when I die.
It’s true that most people consider themselves to be pretty good people. They believe that as long as they are kind and loving to their families and don’t rob or kill anyone, that God will have to accept their “goodness” and allow them into heaven. However, the bible tells that God does not see it that way at all. According to him, there are none that ARE good and none that DO good.
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Well, how can that be? Someone might ask. Haven’t I kept most of his commandments?
You see, God does not grade on a curve, according to who is closest to his standard. He grades as a simple pass or fail. Either you are completely perfect and holy or you are not.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Galatians 3:10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Either you have kept all of the law, or you are guilty of breaking all of it.
1. Thou shalt have no other gods. Have you ever put anything before God?
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them. Have you ever prayed to an icon or picture or image?
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in a useless, or meaningless way, or as a curse word?
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Have you always kept the Lord’s day as a day to rest and worship God?
5. Honour thy father and thy mother: Have you always honored your parents?
6. Thou shalt not kill. Have you ever killed?
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Have you ever cheated on your spouse?
8. Thou shalt not steal. Have you ever taken ANYTHING that wasn’t yours?
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Have you ever lied? Even once?
10. Thou shalt not covet. Have you ever wanted what someone else had?
Most people would say that they have kept some of these, but no one can claim that they have kept them ALL. Anyone who says they have is a liar according to the Bible.
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
You see, God gave us his laws, NOT to show us how “good” we are, but to show us how sinful we are.
Romans 3:19-20 what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
God’s word here tells us that no one can look into his perfect law and still try to justify themselves. The law brings knowledge of our guilt before God, and causes us to stop and surrender as a guilty sinners before an all holy God. God Himself, is so perfect and holy that he cannot even look upon sin, so he certainly cannot allow it into heaven.
To think that we are as good as God and able to be in his presence is similar to the claims Satan made, elevating himself to the status of God, and deceiving Eve in the garden with the promise that: “ye shall be as gods.”
On our own, we can NEVER be good enough to be in the presence of God.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Who then is good? Jesus told us that ONLY God himself is good. Who then can ever be good enough to please God? Only one man that ever lived fulfilled ALL of God’s commandments and NEVER sinned. That man is Jesus Christ, God himself manifested in the flesh.
The penalty for our sin is death and separation from God in Hell. Jesus Christ, the perfect holy son of God, who never sinned; took upon himself all of our sins. He paid our penalty when he suffered and died in our place. Then he rose again to show us that he alone has power to save us. Through faith in him, we are made righteous in the eyes of God. Because of what Christ has done for us, God sees his righteousness as our own.
Romans 3:22 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:
John 3:18 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.
We must humble ourselves, acknowledge our sin, and renounce our own efforts to save ourselves. We must repent and put our faith in Christ alone.
James 4:6 God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Psalms 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ephesians 2:8 & 9 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.
Only those who truly see themselves as sinners in need of a Savior can be saved. Any who are trusting in their own righteousness cannot be saved.
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Won’t you believe on Christ today?
Romans 10:9 & 10 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.
It’s true that most people consider themselves to be pretty good people. They believe that as long as they are kind and loving to their families and don’t rob or kill anyone, that God will have to accept their “goodness” and allow them into heaven. However, the bible tells that God does not see it that way at all. According to him, there are none that ARE good and none that DO good.
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Well, how can that be? Someone might ask. Haven’t I kept most of his commandments?
You see, God does not grade on a curve, according to who is closest to his standard. He grades as a simple pass or fail. Either you are completely perfect and holy or you are not.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Galatians 3:10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Either you have kept all of the law, or you are guilty of breaking all of it.
1. Thou shalt have no other gods. Have you ever put anything before God?
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them. Have you ever prayed to an icon or picture or image?
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in a useless, or meaningless way, or as a curse word?
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Have you always kept the Lord’s day as a day to rest and worship God?
5. Honour thy father and thy mother: Have you always honored your parents?
6. Thou shalt not kill. Have you ever killed?
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Have you ever cheated on your spouse?
8. Thou shalt not steal. Have you ever taken ANYTHING that wasn’t yours?
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Have you ever lied? Even once?
10. Thou shalt not covet. Have you ever wanted what someone else had?
Most people would say that they have kept some of these, but no one can claim that they have kept them ALL. Anyone who says they have is a liar according to the Bible.
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
You see, God gave us his laws, NOT to show us how “good” we are, but to show us how sinful we are.
Romans 3:19-20 what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
God’s word here tells us that no one can look into his perfect law and still try to justify themselves. The law brings knowledge of our guilt before God, and causes us to stop and surrender as a guilty sinners before an all holy God. God Himself, is so perfect and holy that he cannot even look upon sin, so he certainly cannot allow it into heaven.
To think that we are as good as God and able to be in his presence is similar to the claims Satan made, elevating himself to the status of God, and deceiving Eve in the garden with the promise that: “ye shall be as gods.”
On our own, we can NEVER be good enough to be in the presence of God.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Who then is good? Jesus told us that ONLY God himself is good. Who then can ever be good enough to please God? Only one man that ever lived fulfilled ALL of God’s commandments and NEVER sinned. That man is Jesus Christ, God himself manifested in the flesh.
The penalty for our sin is death and separation from God in Hell. Jesus Christ, the perfect holy son of God, who never sinned; took upon himself all of our sins. He paid our penalty when he suffered and died in our place. Then he rose again to show us that he alone has power to save us. Through faith in him, we are made righteous in the eyes of God. Because of what Christ has done for us, God sees his righteousness as our own.
Romans 3:22 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:
John 3:18 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.
We must humble ourselves, acknowledge our sin, and renounce our own efforts to save ourselves. We must repent and put our faith in Christ alone.
James 4:6 God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Psalms 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ephesians 2:8 & 9 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.
Only those who truly see themselves as sinners in need of a Savior can be saved. Any who are trusting in their own righteousness cannot be saved.
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Won’t you believe on Christ today?
Romans 10:9 & 10 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.
Recommended reading:
Around the Wicket Gate- Charles Spurgeon
The Life, Walk And Triumph of Faith- William Romaine
Except Ye Repent- Harry A. Ironside
Seasons of life: Man's Journey from the Garden to Glory- Sandra M. Platt Avaialble at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble
Available at Book Heaven Book Store:
God's Hook For reaching Men- Douglas Hammett http://www.baptist-books.com/
Around the Wicket Gate- Charles Spurgeon
The Life, Walk And Triumph of Faith- William Romaine
Except Ye Repent- Harry A. Ironside
Seasons of life: Man's Journey from the Garden to Glory- Sandra M. Platt Avaialble at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble
Available at Book Heaven Book Store:
God's Hook For reaching Men- Douglas Hammett http://www.baptist-books.com/
