Can you believe in Jesus and not be saved?
Or, just because you believe in Jesus, does that mean you are saved?

Scripture is clear that there are people who “believe” in Jesus (as the Messiah, as Savior, even as Lord), but because they do not OBEY His commandments or they do not endure, they will NOT be saved.

Now this may sound strange, legalistic or even heretical to many “Christians”. However, God is not silent on the matter. In fact, He has made it extremely clear through the Old Testament prophets, the New Testament writers, and the very words of Jesus, that salvation is given only to those who: first, place their trust in Jesus as Lord AND Savior; secondly, repent of their sins and willfully obey God’s commandments; and thirdly, endure to the end of their very lives without falling away.

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What is your goal in life?  To be successful? Live long enough to see your grandchildren grow up?“But seek first the kingdom of the God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Should not our ultimate goal in this life be to seek eternal life, to end up in heaven with Jesus for ever?

If salvation (spending eternity with God) is our goal in life, then knowing the truth about what God requires for salvation MUST be our ultimate and most important fact-finding mission, shouldn’t it?

We MUST get this one right, or our very eternal lives, and also of those we witness to, are in eternal jeopardy.

Wouldn’t being deceived about what God, the One Who offers eternal life, says about salvation, be like playing a game of spiritual Russian Roulette?

According to a plethora of churches, denominations, “Bible” teachers, and self-appointed prophets – salvation can be yours for:

1) Simply saying the four magic words, “I believe in Jesus.”
2) Attending their church.
3) Being baptized by an official ‘member’ of their church. (All others ‘go to hell’.)
4) Having your loved ones pay ‘priests’ money to ‘perform’ ‘ceremonies’ to get you “to heaven”.

5) Being a good person.
6) Obtaining the “Christ consciousness”.
7) Following whatever they tell you to do. (Though it may change daily.)

The list could go on and on.

Paul, writing to Timothy about the apostasy of the last days, does an excellent job of explaining this condition:

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“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

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“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

(Remember, read all Scriptures twice, slowly, and think about what God is saying.)

Does this not describe the condition of the “church” today? Instead of wanting to know the truth about what God says about eternal life, don’t many people run to the ‘church’ that teaches what they want to hear, not what God actual says? When it comes to obtaining eternal life, doesn’t it make sense that most people want to make it ‘easy’ or at least ‘easier’ than it actually is?

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“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves. Lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2 Timothy 3: 1-5

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[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5[/dropshadowbox]

Imagine two football teams going out onto the field of play, with both coaches “playing the game by their own rules”. One coach thinks it is ok to have 13 players (not 11) on the field. One coach says there is no need to go ten yards for a first down, their team only has to go five yards. One team believes that field goals count as 4 points, not 3. Do you get the picture?

The picture here is utter chaos. Football no longer is “football”. It has become something utterly unrecognizable. All statistics have to be thrown out the window, because there are no set rules, no standard to judge any merits, “wins”, rushing yardage, defensive points allowed, or any other of hundreds of statistics and ways we look at the game of football.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5[/dropshadowbox]

Can’t the same be said of modern day “Christianity”? Aren’t the “players” (Christians) going through the game of life with little knowledge of (or at least deceived about) the “rules” that God specifically gave us to live by, including the way to eternal life?

Isn’t it sad that we do have a rule book, the Bible (I prefer to call them the Scriptures), that is not being used (properly)? Don’t most people who claim to be “Christian”, or followers of Jesus, have very little knowledge about what the Author and Finisher of our faith actually says, and commands, us to do?

Isn’t it obvious, that we must understand what the Lord has to say in regards to eternal life? Isn’t the Word of the Living God the only place where we can find the answers, the insights, and the direction that leads us to eternal life?

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation…” Romans 1:16a[/dropshadowbox]

We will study dozens of these enlightening Scriptures, to get a clear picture of what God wants us to know about true salvation and true faith.

Scripture after Scripture will teach us that Jesus taught you MUST be obedient to the Word of God in order to be saved, to be His disciple, and to be part of the family of God.

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“Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. And it was told Him by some, who said, ‘Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’”

Luke 8: 19-21

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“And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You.’ But He said, ‘More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’”

Luke 11:27-28

Is Jesus saying that those who hear the Word and do NOT do it are NOT His?

1 The eighth chapter of the book of John tells a compelling story of Jews who come to believe in Jesus, yet quickly fall away from the faith.

2  In John 8:24, Jesus told a group of Jews that “if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins”.

3  In verses 30 and 31 John tells us that, “As he spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.’” The Greek word for abide is meno, which means to endure, continue, and remain.

It is important to note that Jesus spoke directly to those who believed in Him. (READ IT AGAIN.) Jesus said to them that “believing” alone is not enough to be His disciple. They MUST abide in His Word in order to be a true disciple.

As Jesus taught them the truth, which was convicting the error of their ways, even though they were “believers”, they fought with Jesus over some of His statements. Being “Abraham’s descendants” was their foot in the door to the Kingdom of God, or so they thought. They quickly turned against hearing what Jesus had to say and clung to their “we are Abraham’s descendants” and “we have one Father – God” line of argument.

(Compare this with modern day preachers’ line of arguments of what one must do to be saved, and the similarities are astonishing, aren’t they?)

Jesus kept the conversation on target, that they must keep His word in order to be true children of God. Right after Jesus said to them that “if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death” (verse 51), they promptly told Jesus that He had a demon (verse 52).

When reading John 8 in totality, we get a clear picture that many Jews came to the point that they believed in Jesus as the Messiah. However, as soon as He taught them the need for obedience to Him; which, by the way, was the very proof He offered them that He was sent from the Father, that He Himself was obedient to God the Father; they turned against Him.

Likewise, as we read in John 6, many of the disciples of Jesus that followed Him, rejected Him simply because they refused to receive what He had to say. They refused to obey Him. Verse 60 says, “Therefore, many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can understand it?’” Jesus explained to His disciples that “My words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (Verse 63).

However, in verse 66 we learn, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.”

These were not John the Baptist’s disciples, or disciples of the Pharisees, or disciples of Herod. These were disciples of Jesus. They were followers of Jesus. Moreover, it was not just a few of His disciples, it was many. Just how many, we do not know. However, it is clear from John 6, John 8, and other Scriptures, that time and time again, Jesus said things that offended His followers and caused them to ‘no longer follow Him’.

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“keep my commandments.”

 

Listen to the very words of Jesus:

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“If you love Me, keep my commandments.”  John 14:15

“He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.” John 14:21

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word: and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”  John 14:23

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In giving Moses the Ten Commandments, the Lord God Jehovah said:

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those that hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Deuteronomy 5:9-10[/dropshadowbox]

Yes, in God’s sovereignty, He even continues the punishment of those who hate Him to that person’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Jesus says:

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“He who does not love Me does not keep My words…” John 14:24a

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”  John 15:10

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Note: Jesus says that keeping His commandments is His definition of abiding in His love.

Read that again! Jesus says that keeping His commandments is His definition of abiding in His love.

It is one thing to say (with your mouth), “I love Jesus”. It is an entirely different thing to actually love Jesus by keeping His commandments. It is obvious from Scripture that many people say they love Jesus, but in all reality, by their actions they show that they do not love Him.

Jesus praying to the Father, asked God to,

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:17[/dropshadowbox]

Sanctify means ‘to set apart’, and in this case, to set apart specifically for His service.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24[/dropshadowbox]

The majority of “Christianity” does NOT worship God in Spirit and in truth. They worship Him with words.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21[/dropshadowbox]

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Jesus said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth,

And honor Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

Matthew 15:6-9

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Do you see that Jesus says there are those who WORSHIP Him – but in VAIN?

Do you worship Jesus in Spirit and Truth?

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“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”3 John 4

“However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you of things to come.” John 16:13

Jesus said that “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:37

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…” Romans 1:18

“…you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness – indignation and wrath…” Romans 2:5-8

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron …” 1 Timothy 4:1-2

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In 2 Timothy 2:15-26 and 3:1-17 there are “believers” like Hymenaeus and Philetus who have strayed concerning the truth, and they “overthrow the faith of some believers”. In the last days it will be perilous because men will have a form of godliness, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth, resisters of the truth.The truth is we MUST obey Him.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Jesus said, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46[/dropshadowbox]

Read it again, slowly, thinking about what Jesus is saying.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Jesus the Christ said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” John 12:48

Jesus also said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

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It is clear through the very words of Jesus that obedience to His commandments are necessary. True believers obey Him. That is how Jesus defines whether we love Him or not. If we disobey Him, we hate Him. (John 14:24a, Deuteronomy 5:9-10)

In Matthew 7:21, just quoted, Jesus says that “he who does the will of My Father in heaven shall enter the Kingdom of God.”

What is the Father’s will for us?

Answer: Obey His commandments!

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: 

Fear God and keep His commandments,

For this is the whole duty of man.

For God will bring every work into judgment,

Including every secret thing,

Whether it is good or whether it is evil.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

“…but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.”1 Corinthians 7:19b

“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.”1 John 3:24

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Blessings And Curses

The entire chapter of Deuteronomy 28 is an excellent place to get key insights to what God says is His will for us, and the consequences of obeying or disobeying His will are explicitly laid out.

In Deuteronomy 28:1, God promises a multitude of blessings “if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today…”

The blessings listed by God for obedience to His commandments are what any sane person could ever want or hope for. Perfect health, prosperity in nearly everything you do, strength and power, and even having your enemies supernaturally flee from your presence!

In Deuteronomy 28:15 God promises a multitude of cursings “if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:”

The cursings include being cursed in the city or country, losing all your possessions, including your family, having disease after disease ravage your body, working exceedingly hard and receiving nothing from it, and even more cursings almost too horrible to comprehend.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“The Lord will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me.”  Deuteronomy 28:20

“The Lord will make the plague cling to you… The Lord will strike you with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with severe burning fever, with the sword, with blight and with mildew; they shall pursue you until you perish.”  Deuteronomy 28:22

“The Lord will strike you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors, with the scab, and with the itch, from which you cannot be healed. The Lord will strike you with madness and blindness and confusion of heart.”  Deuteronomy 28:27, 28

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It gets worse, but surely, you get the picture. Why do “all these curses come upon you”?

“…because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you.”  Deuteronomy 28:45

God not only places these cursings upon you, but your children as well.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, then the Lord will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues – great and prolonged plagues – and serious and prolonged plagues. Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, will the Lord bring upon you until you are destroyed.”  Deuteronomy 28:58, 59, 61[/dropshadowbox]

For those who would love to believe that God changes His mind, says things and not mean them, or promises things and does not do them, listen to the words of the Most High God.

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“For I am the Lord, I do not change.” Malachi 3:6a

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:19

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot of one tittle will by no means pass from the Law till all is fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17-18

“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89

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God has demanded obedience from the beginning of time, from Adam and Eve until now. Jesus, God in human flesh, made obedience to His commandments a central theme of His teaching ministry, as we just have read numerous statements He made in this regard.

We will repeat just two of them here, to refresh our memories:

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.” John 14:21

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

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By the mouths of two or three witnesses, let everything be established.

Even though the words of Jesus should be sufficient for us to understand that there are people who believe in Him yet are not saved, let us look exegetically at the rest of Scripture to confirm this.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him’, and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” 1 John 2:3-5[/dropshadowbox]

It is imperative that you read and reread this Scripture.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him’, and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” 1 John 2:3-5[/dropshadowbox]

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What is the proof that we know God?

If we keep His commandments!

If we say we know Him and don’t keep His commandments, we are liars! Liars, because we really do NOT know Him. If we truly know Him, we obey His commandments.

Can it get any clearer?

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:10[/dropshadowbox]

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What does it mean to practice righteousness?

 

“Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.”

Deuteronomy 6:25

Practicing righteousness is carefully observing all of God’s commandments!

What does God mean when He says you must love your brother?

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.” 1 John 5:2[/dropshadowbox]

What is God’s definition of loving the brethren?

Answer: To love God and keep His commandments!

Many “Christians” today love to quote Matthew 22:36-40, thinking that all of God’s Commandments have been done away with and replaced with just two ‘easy’ commandments: Loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind and loving your neighbor as yourself.

Can you love your brother by murdering him? (6th Commandment)

No.

Can you love your brother by committing adultery with his wife? (7th Commandment)

No.

Can you love your brother by stealing from him? (8th Commandment)

No.

Can you love your brother by lying about him? (9th Commandment)

Certainly NOT!

Can you love God by worshipping other gods? (1st Commandment)

No.

Can you love God through idol worship? (2nd  Commandment)

No!

Can you love God by using His name in vain? (3rd Commandment)

No.

Can you love God by violating His Holy Sabbath? (4th Commandment)

Certainly NOT! But nearly all professing “Christians” do violate this commandment!

Who are YOU to pick and choose which commandments you will obey and which ones you will not obey?

All of Scripture says there is only one way that we can show that we truly love God, by obeying His commandments.

All of Scripture says there is only one way that we can show that we truly love our brethren, by obeying God’s commandments.

Then are we saved by keeping His commandments?

No.

Salvation is a process. 

You might be thinking, “This isn’t what I was taught. Salvation is instant. It is my present possession. You know, the security of the believer and all that. Blessed assurance, I mean, we sing a song that says we have it NOW.”

Sorry, this is NOT what God says.

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Salvation Is A Process 

Yes, we all begin the process on the road to damnation (by being dead in trespasses and sins). Then, by placing our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we move directly onto the road that leads to eternal life. We become “born again”. However, this is the beginning of the process that leads to salvation. We MUST endure until the very end of our lives, continuing to place our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ by obeying His commandments, which is the evidence that we love Him.

Scripture is clear on this matter.

Being spiritually dead, we first become alive (born again) by placing our faith in Christ, as Redeemer, Savior, and Lord.

He gives us the Holy Spirit, which allows us to walk in the spirit, so that we do not walk in the flesh of sin and unrighteousness (breaking God’s commandments).

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” 1 John 3:24[/dropshadowbox]

How do you know if God abides in you?

Read it again.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” 1 John 3:24[/dropshadowbox]

God’s Word says there is a two step process in order for God to abide in you.

First, keep His commandments.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.” 1 John 3:24a[/dropshadowbox]

Second, He will give you the Holy Spirit as evidence that He is abiding in you.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”1 John 3:24b[/dropshadowbox]

Do you see the process?

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:32[/dropshadowbox]

Read it again.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:32[/dropshadowbox]

See the process? Obey Him and the Holy Spirit will be given to you.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39

“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:5-7

“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” 1 John 3:24

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The evidence that our faith in Christ is in vain, is our disobedience to His commandments and not enduring to the end.

Slow down. Slowly contemplate these extremely important Scriptures. They are the very Words of the Living God.

We MUST continue in our obedience to His commandments, in order to not grieve the Holy Spirit (or He will leave us) and to show that we truly do love God.

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IF YOU HOLD FAST

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“..the Gospel that I preached to you … by which you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you – unless you believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-2[/dropshadowbox]

IF you hold fast!

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” Hebrews 3:12-14[/dropshadowbox]

You do not become a partaker of Christ unless you continue in the faith to the end!

You must hold the beginning of your confidence steadfast to the end.

True belief is obedience to His commandments and continuing in the faith.

Unbelief is disobedience to His commandments (sin) and departing from the faith.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he that endures to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13[/dropshadowbox]

Those who endure to the end are saved.

Those who do not endure to the end are not saved.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.” Hebrews 10:26-27[/dropshadowbox]

Those that fall away from obedience to God’s commandments (willfully sin) have only the fiery judgment of hell to look forward to.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but to those who believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:36-39[/dropshadowbox]

We MUST endure all the trials of this life on earth to the very end in order to be saved. In fact, our salvation is NOT assured unless we continue on the road of obedience to His commandments to the very end of our lives. It is then, in the future, at the 2nd Coming, that we receive the salvation of our souls.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9[/dropshadowbox]

Yes, it is a long Scripture, but one that is well worth reading again. Listen to the words of Peter detailing the future of the life of the true believer and follower of Christ.

Your salvation is FUTURE! It is an inheritance. You do not possess an inheritance now. It is given to you in the future. It is RESERVED in heaven. It will be revealed in the last time (not now). You receive the salvation of your soul at the END OF YOUR FAITH! You need ENDURANCE because your life is being tried in the fire.

Your life on this earth is a test, a trial of your faith, that determines whether your faith was genuine or in vain. The need for endurance to finish the race of life doing God’s will is imperative to complete the salvation of your soul. Eternal life is reserved in heaven, and revealed at the 2nd Coming, exclusively for those whose faith was genuine.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness – indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 2:5-10[/dropshadowbox]

Eternal life is given to those who patiently continue in the faith, obeying the truth.

Not only is Scripture clear that our salvation and reward is received at the end of our faith, after we have done the will of God, but that those who disobey God’s commandments (even ‘professing Christians’), are judged by the righteous King Jesus at His 2nd Coming and revelation.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“…and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because of our testimony among you was believed.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10[/dropshadowbox]

Paul writing to the church at Thessalonica proclaims that the Lord will severely judge eternally two groups of people at His return. The first group is those that do not know the Lord. The second group is those that know Him but do not obey Him. This is consistent with all of Scripture. Many of which, have already been quoted.

Isn’t it obvious that there are two main groups of people on earth, those that know the Lord and those that do not know Him? Within the group that knows Him, there are those that obey Him and those that do not obey Him. It is this later group that will receive even a greater judgment than those who do not know the Lord.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“For it would have been better for them to not have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit’ and ‘a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.’”2 Peter 2:21-22

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4:17-18

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Isn’t it apparent that obedience to God is much more important to the Lord than most people want to recognize?

The writer of the book of Hebrews says of Jesus, “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…”Hebrews 5:9

The author of eternal salvation to those who believe in Him?

No.

To those who obey Him.

Eternal salvation is for those who obey Him!

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But, you say, “Isn’t that salvation by works?”

No, it is salvation by true faith! Saving faith! Faith that produces a love for Christ that translates into a life of obedience and good works.

The “Old” Testament strongly established this vital truth long before Peter and Paul.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed; because of them he shall die.” Ezekiel 18:24

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

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Paul, in writing to the Romans about Israel rejecting their Savior, and the opportunity for “Gentiles” to become a part of the family of God wrote:

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches [Israel], He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.” Romans 11:20b-22[/dropshadowbox]

Read it again.

If you continue, you won’t be cut off.

If you do not continue (in the faith), you will be cut off!

Also Note: Does not the majority of the church today “consider the goodness of God”, while leaving “the severity of God” completely out of the discussion?

There are hundreds of Scriptures that tell us to “fear God”. How often to you hear that preached? How often do best-selling “Christian” authors write books on fearing God? Or even a paragraph or two? How often is the wrath of God, the severity of God, the judgment of God, taught? Are not these vital characteristics of the God in whom we believe, serve, and depend upon for our very lives?

The much preached and improperly taught ‘lovey-dovey’ gospel of “Nothing can separate you from the love of God”, is simply not supported as currently taught by preachers of the watered down ‘gospel’ by anything God Himself has said. The goosebump-gospel of easy believism is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The fact that God sent His Son to die for your sins, once and for all on the cross of Calvary, is the explanation why nothing can separate you from the love of God, that the atoning work of Christ on the cross is irrevocable.

On the contrary, our sin and our willful disobedience, separates us from God Himself, not His provision of love through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.

God’s provision for salvation (Jesus’ death on the cross) is His love to us. That cannot be undone.  It cannot be erased. Nothing can separate us from the love (provision) of God.

But our own sin separates us from God Himself.

Are all saved, because nothing can separate us from the love of God?

No.

However, we, through our sins, separate ourselves from God.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2[/dropshadowbox]

To place confidence in a Calvinistic “once saved – always saved” gospel is to deny the truths that God has so perfectly made clear in His Word.

Wouldn’t it also cheapen Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, flippantly dismissing Jesus’ words of required obedience in order to love Him, and make the Gospel ‘of no effect’?

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of Grace?

“For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31

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The gospel of easy believism teaches that all you have to do to be saved is “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ”. They either implicitly teach or imply that to “believe” means to “think in your mind”. No where in Scripture can this be substantiated, but on the contrary, is convincingly refuted.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him’, and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” 1 John 2:3-5

Jesus said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rains descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell. And great was its fall”. Matthew 7:24-27

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? … Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”James 2:14,17

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Read it again![dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? … Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”James 2:14,17[/dropshadowbox]
Can faith alone save you? It is a rhetorical question. The answer is no. Can faith plus works save you? The answer is also no.[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10[/dropshadowbox]
The faith that produces enduring Godly works, saves. In other words, Saving faith saves.  Saving faith produces enduring Godly works. Saving faith is faith in God. Trusting God. Believing God for Who He is, what He says. True faith saves. Because of the object of true faith is Jesus Christ. Faith that produces no works, no endurance, no fruit, is not saving faith.Says who?Says God.It is His salvation that He offers to mankind on His terms and His conditions.Man can try all he wants to finagle his way around the conditions God sets forth for salvation, but it will do him no good. You see, God is in charge. He has the keys to the narrow gate.Such finagling comes from “theologians” who try to use Scripture to make salvation easier to obtain. What they and many preachers fail to understand is that God set forth “conditions” for salvation. These conditions are not works that earn your salvation.Let’s use a parable or example to make it easy to understand.

A basketball team announces that they are giving away free tickets to anyone who shows up at their main box office on July 18th between 4pm and 8pm. They announce one ticket per person is allowed. There are no other conditions.

You are not required to purchase a ticket to get one free. The ticket is simply free. You do not have to shoot a basketball at mid-court and make it, in order to ‘earn’ the ticket. There is no way you can earn the ticket, pay for the ticket, or be someone special that ‘deserves’ the ticket. It is simply the good-hearted free gift from the team.

Even though anyone can get a free ticket, not everyone is going to get a free ticket, because there are conditions.

You have to show up at the main ticket office on July 18th between 4pm and 8pm.

There is only one ticket given per person.

Do all people in the world get a free ticket?

No, if they do not show up between 4pm and 8pm on July 18th.

No, if they do not show up at the main ticket office.

Yes, if they show up at the main ticket office between 4pm and 8pm on July 18th.

Do all the people who show up to the ticket office get a free ticket?

Not if they show up on July 19th.

Not if they want more than one ticket.

Not if they show up at 9pm on July 18th.

See the analogy?

Does everyone who believes in Jesus receive eternal life?

Not if they don’t repent, obey the commandments, and endure.

God offers the free gift of salvation to anyone.

You cannot earn it, work for it, pay for it, or deserve it. It is a free gift.

Does everyone receive the free gift? Is everyone saved?

No. Because God has made conditions in order to receive the free gift.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10[/dropshadowbox]

It is the grace of God, His goodness, to give the gift of salvation for free.

However, God has made conditions in order to receive it.

You MUST believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior. That is an act. You have to DO something. Profess with your mouth. It is a CONDITION.

You MUST repent and be obedient to His commandments. This is a CONDITION.

You MUST endure to the end of your life believing and obeying. This is a CONDITION.

Believing in Jesus, repenting, obeying His commandments, and enduring are not works that earn your way into heaven. They are the conditions that God made in order for you to receive the free gift of salvation.

Do NOT confuse works with conditions.

If there were NO conditions to salvation, then everyone would be saved. We know this is not true because everyone is not saved.

Do you understand? If there were NO conditions, then EVERYONE would be saved. This is what Universalism teaches – but NOT what the Word of God teaches. There ARE CONDITIONS.

God says salvation is a free gift, you cannot earn it. He also says there are conditions to receive the free gift of salvation.

Works are the fruit, or produce of a Spirit led life. All true believers will be judged according to our works at the 2nd Coming of Christ. This judgment, called The Judgment Seat of Christ, does not determine our salvation, but determines the rewards we receive throughout eternity.

More on works, judgment of works, and where works fit into all of this.

You can believe in Jesus. However, you can believe in vain.

For all those who think they only need to “believe” in order to be saved, meditate on this Scripture:

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:19-20

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You believe in Jesus, so do the demons.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46[/dropshadowbox]

You may call Jesus Lord. You may say that you believe in the one true God. You may profess Jesus on a daily, moment-to-moment basis. However, unless you obey God, doing what he commands you to do, your professing is empty and means absolutely nothing in regards to you getting to heaven.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” James 2:24[/dropshadowbox]

Can works alone save us?

No.

You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross of Calvary for your sins, and that He rose from the dead. This is the first step towards salvation. Your faith in Jesus Christ must be genuine. Your faith in Jesus Christ must endure. Your faith must produce evidence of a changed life, in that you obey the commandments of God.

Your belief must be saving belief. There IS non-saving belief.

If you were able to walk up to Jesus, right now, and ask Him, “What must I do to have eternal life?” what do you think He would say?

“Believe in Me.”?

“Place your faith in Me.”?

“Believe that I am the Son of God.”?

Believe it or not (no pun intended), the Scriptures record two different people walking up to Jesus and asking Him this very question of what “shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16 and Luke 10:25)  Jesus’ response was not any of the above three statements. It was in fact the following:

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“…if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17[/dropshadowbox]

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You say, “But, but this is NOT what I was taught. They (preachers) have always told me that would be salvation by works. I always thought that Scripture said I was just to believe and I would be saved.”

Even common sense teaches us that many people say they “believe” something, but by their actions we know, or at least doubt, that they really believe in what they have just proclaimed.

I can say that I believe the hurricane is heading for my hometown. Nevertheless, if I do not place that belief into actions (boarding up windows, seeking higher ground, warning others, protecting my family, etc.), then what does that say about my “belief”?

What it says is that my belief was nothing more than idle words. My belief was in vain.

Doing good works after you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ is not salvation by good works. It is the evidence (and fruit) of true faith.

Thinking that your good works, apart from faith in Jesus Christ, earns you eternal life is the false belief of salvation by good works.

In other words, “True faith in Jesus, produces true works, through obedience to His commandments, throughout the life of the believer.”

A “faith” in Jesus that is spoken, announced, proclaimed, even defended, without works and obedience, is a faith that is in vain.

In vain means worthless, empty, hollow, profitless, useless, valueless, ineffective, and futile.

In addition, “faith” in Jesus with “works” based upon traditions (the commandments of men – denominations, etc), is a vain faith, worthless for salvation.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Jesus said, “Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you saying:

‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,

And honor Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Matthew 15:6-9

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Are there “Christians” today who draw near to God, honoring Him with their words, praising Him with their mouths, teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus, worshipping Him; yet because they teach man-made (church) rules as doctrine, their faith is in vain (worthless)?

 

Absolutely!

Isn’t this exactly what the majority of modern “Christianity” has become?

You say, “But how can you ask such a thing? Do you really think that most people professing to be “Christians” are not saved?”

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]What good is my opinion? Should we not seek the ‘opinion’ of the One who offers eternal life, the giver of the Holy Spirit, the One who is able to “destroy both body and soul in hell”? Matthew 10:28[/dropshadowbox]

What evidence is there that “Christians” today draw near to God, honoring Him with their words, praising Him with their mouths, teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus, worshipping Him; yet because they teach man-made rules as doctrine, their faith is in vain (worthless)?

Look around you. Compare what people are doing with what God says He requires us to do.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Then one said to Him, ‘Lord are there few who are saved?’ And He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:23-24[/dropshadowbox]

Read it again.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Then one said to Him, ‘Lord are there few who are saved?’ And He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:23-24[/dropshadowbox]

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Strive is the Greek word “agonizomai”, which means to fight for, labor fervently, and struggle. This is where we get the word agonize.

Are you striving? Are you fighting for, laboring fervently, struggling with all your might to run the race of life according to God’s instructions?

Or, are you following the doctrines of men through the pop-psychology riddled, comfortable ‘gospel’ of ‘seeker friendly’, ‘purpose driven’, worldly ‘lovey-dovey’ “Christianity”?

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15, 17

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Do you love the world?

Do you love the things that are in the world?

 

How much time do you spend watching television, going to movies, attending sporting events, playing video games, going to concerts, attending parties, talking on the telephone, being on the computer, reading novels and fiction?

Do you participate in these worldly activities?

Are you being entertained by what nailed Jesus to the cross? (Sin.)

Do you think you can listen to, read, or watch sinful acts and still please God?

Are you so deceived that you tell yourself, “I am a Christian, I know that ______ is wrong.”? (Fill in the blank with adultery, murder, lying, using the name of the Lord in vain, stealing, you know, all the things on TV and in the movies…) You say, “I won’t do any of those things. As long as I don’t do them, then I am not guilty of them.”

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]In Matthew 5:20 Jesus said, “For I say to you, unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Our Lord goes on to teach His disciples that, yes, murdering someone is the sin of murder, “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Matthew 5:22a

Jesus acknowledged that adultery is sin, yet also said, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28“And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:30

The sins of commission were not lightened, made easier to get around, done away with, or softened in any way by Jesus. On the contrary, Jesus clarified that sin is not only the act of violating God’s Law; it can also be the attitude of the heart.

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You might well be saying, “Then who can be saved?”

The answer, very few people are.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14[/dropshadowbox]

Difficult is the way which leads to life!

Difficult!

Why is the way of salvation difficult?

Because you have to struggle, agonize, use all your energy (strive) to enter through the NARROW gate! You will be hated. You will be persecuted.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”  John 15:18-20[/dropshadowbox]

Did they persecute Jesus? Yes! Then they WILL persecute you.

Is your life so sanctified (set apart) and unworldly that the world hates you? Or are you doing the same things that the world does?

Do you listen to worldly music?

How much time do you listen to hymns and worshipful music?

Are you entertained by DVDs, movies, video games (with its violence, sex, and immorality) just like the world?

How much time do you spend studying God’s Word?

How much time and money do you spend attending and watching sporting events?

How much time and money do you spend ministering to the poor, the widows, the orphans, the stranger/alien, the sick, the down trodden?

How much time do you spend on the computer, or reading romance novels, spy thrillers, or the latest New York Times bestseller?

How much time do you spend exhorting and encouraging the brethren?

How much time do you spend talking on the phone, chatting with friends, or gossiping the latest ‘juicy’ details?

How much time do you spend adoring God, confessing your sins, thanking the Lord for His provision and goodness, and praying for your loved ones?

How much money do you spend on clothes, electronic gadgets, cars, boats, motorcycles, things for your home, non-eternal things?

How much money do you give to feed the hungry, provide for missionaries and the persecuted believers in the world, or real Christian ministries? (Not buildings, or big named “evangelists” so they can have their names in neon lights, or the American Cancer Society.)

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21[/dropshadowbox]

Yes, there are the sins of omission.

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Jesus’ Parables

How much time do you spend with God? Reading and studying His Word to get to know Him better? Praying? Worshipping Him? Doing His will? Ministering to the poor, the widows and orphans? Preaching the Good News? Leading people to Christ? Visiting the nursing homes, the shut-ins? Feeding the hungry? Teaching others the Words of the Living God? Inviting the poor and handicapped to dinner?

When was the last time you led someone to Christ? Where is the evidence that your life produces fruit?

Producing fruit is what you are here for. Did you know that?

Jesus taught His disciples many truths via parables. In fact, Scripture says that Jesus used many more parables than are actually written down, or contained in Holy Writ.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.” Mark 4:33-34

“Then He taught them many things by parables…” Mark 4:2a

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In Matthew 13 alone are found eight parables, including the parable of the soils, the parable of the wheat and tares, the parable of the mustard seed, the parable of the leaven, the parable of the hidden treasure, the parable of the pearl of great price, the parable of the dragnet, and the parable of the householder.

Thirty-nine of the parables that Jesus taught are found in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

The Apostle John concludes his Gospel account with these words (the very last verse in the book of John), “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” John 21:25

Most people think that all the parables of Jesus are somewhat equal in their importance. However, Jesus proclaimed that one of His parables was the key to understanding all of His parables.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“And He said to them, ‘Do you understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?’” Mark 4:13[/dropshadowbox]

Which parable is Jesus talking about?

The parable of the sower and the seed.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Here is the parable of the sower and the seed, as found in Mark 4:

“’Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside, and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.’ And He said to them, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’ But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, ‘To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, so that
Seeing they may see and not perceive,

And hearing they may hear and not understand;

Lest they should turn,

And their sins be forgiven them.’”

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And He said to them, ‘Do you understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. And when they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure it only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arise for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. Now these are the ones sown among the thorns, they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good grown, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. Note: In Mark’s account of this parable, quoted above, Jesus says the seed is the word. In Luke’s account of this parable, Jesus clarifies it a little by saying, “The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11)

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Question: How are people born again?

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“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth … having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” 1 Peter 1:22, 23

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Now this is THE MOST IMPORTANT parable to understand. If you understand this parable, you will understand ALL parables. Jesus said so! And He also said that you will know the mystery of the kingdom of God! 

So what is the meaning of the parable of the sower and the seed?

Any farmer knows that a grain/seed must die first before it can become alive again, having the chance to produce a plant that contains many heads of grain/seed.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Jesus even taught, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” John 12:24[/dropshadowbox]

Jesus says there are four kinds of soils. In one of the soils, the wayside soil, the seed does not produce a plant. Instead, before it has a chance to be born again, birds come and take it. Jesus said that this was when the word of God is presented to someone, yet immediately it is taken away by Satan before the word has a chance to germinate in the heart.

In the other three soils: stony ground, thorny ground, and the good ground; the seed took root and produced a plant. The seed died and became ‘born again’, producing a plant. However, in two of the three soils, no produce or grain was created.

In the stony ground, the seed immediately came up (became born again), however when the sun came out, it was scorched and withered away, dying. Jesus said that this was when the word of God is presented to someone who hears it and immediately receives it with gladness. The person is ‘born again’, but falls away from the faith. Because the person only endures until tribulation or persecution arises, and then the person stumbles.

In the thorny ground, the seed springs up (became born again), yet the plant is choked by thorns, producing no crop. Jesus said that this was when the word of God is presented to someone and they receive it, but then the desire for things of the world, (money, possessions, worldly activities) overpower the word and it becomes unfruitful in that person’s life.

On the good ground, the seed springs up (became born again), and is fruitful, producing a crop that yields 30, 60, or 100 times the amount of seed. Jesus said that this was when the word of God is presented to someone and they receive it, going on to be productive for God in various ways.

Jesus said that the understanding of this parable was vital for His disciples to understand all the parables. Jesus was teaching and preparing His disciples, (those who currently followed Him as well as those in future generations who would follow Him), to preach the Gospel, the Word of God, to a lost and spiritually dead world.

Could it be that this parable is as simple as it seems to be in Jesus’ very explanation of it?

That as the Word is preached, there are four conditions that it will be received.

1 Some people will not receive the Word, and therefore they will not be born again.

2 Some people will receive the Word, be born again, but eventually fall away because of hardships and persecution.

3 Some people will receive the Word, be born again, but fall away because they spent their time pursuing things, materialism, or being concerned about things in the world.

4 Some people will receive the Word, are born again, persevere, endure, and go on to preach the Word and bear more fruit.

 

NOTE: I said there would be minimal opinion in this booklet. But this is too important to quickly skim over this passage. What do you think Jesus is trying to tell YOU? Are you born again but producing no fruit?

Yes, you may be a “good person”. You may even have some good works attributed to you. But what actually is Jesus talking about when He says “bear fruit”? What is this fruit?

Students of Scripture certainly know what Jesus means, because bearing fruit is a theme throughout the Bible. Here are but a few Scriptures that help us understand this most important of all parables.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“I am the vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch in Me that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire and they are burned.” John 15:1-6

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciple.” John 15:8

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”  John 15:10

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What happens to the branch that does not bear fruit? It is cast out (cut off), withered (dies), thrown into the fire and burned (hell). So how important is it to bear fruit? Really, really important!

So what is this fruit?

Paul said fruit was his spiritual progeny, or those that he had led and discipled to Christ.

In Romans 1, Paul is expressing his desire to preach the Gospel in Rome (verse 15) so that he might “have some fruit among you also”, just as he has “among other Gentiles” (verse 13).

In Philippians 1 Paul is debating whether to die a martyr’s death or stay alive to continue to minister to his fruit. He gave the famous quote, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Then he said that if he lived on, that he would produce more fruit from his labors.

Grape branches bear grapes, which is their fruit. Apple trees bear the fruit of apples. Dogs bear the fruit of puppies.

So what do born again followers of Jesus bear? What is our fruit?

Why of course -other believers!

We are to fulfill the Great Commission. To preach the Gospel throughout the world.

The parable of the seed and the sower is the MOST IMPORTANT parable! From understanding it we may know the mystery of the kingdom of God!

The sower sows the WORD OF GOD!

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth … having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” 1 Peter 1:22, 23

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

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Do you understand the mystery of the kingdom of God now?

Do you understand why few enter through the narrow gate?

Do you understand why there are so many born-again “Christians” that profess to know Him, and are going through the motions, but are not bearing fruit?

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“But He answered and said, ‘It is written. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”Matthew 4:4

Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4

“For there are three who bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”Joshua 1:7-8

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Let’s take a short tour of Psalm 119.

[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!” Psalm 119:1, 2

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!” Psalm 119:9-11

“You rebuke the proud – the cursed, Who stray from Your commandments.” Psalm 119:21

“I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life.” Psalm 119:93

“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teacher I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts.” Psalm 119: 97-100

“Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes.” Psalm 119: 155

“Lord, I hope for Your salvation. And I do Your commandments.” Psalm 119: 166

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