Tag Archives: Bible Doctrine

Study of the Church – Part 5

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This portion of The Study of the Church is devoted to the main purpose of the church.  Not to be confused with the egocentric “Purpose Driven Life,” the purpose we examine here is so wonderful, it is difficult to describe the experience. 

The Church – Its Worship

Matthew 28:17a

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him. . .”

Is there anything else so sublimely wonderful?  No.  Nothing else in this earthly coil will come close to lifting us to heaven than worship of Him.  People chase after this or that exhilarating experience – some even quite dangerous ones.  They want to feel something outside the limits of their flesh.  No mountain climbing, speed racing, plane jumping, gambling, joy-riding, pharmaceuticals, or any other thrilling experience will come close to the pure, selfless worship of God.  It is unique to those who are saved, and those who are saved are the only ones who can understand what is being described here.

There are three essential components to the worship of God – and all three are interconnected one to the other. 

1. Faith

Exodus 4:31

And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that He had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

2. Spirit

John 4:23-24

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Spiritual worship is directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit – which is why true believers must never join in ecumenical worship services!

Philippians 3:3 

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

3. Truth

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

Jesus Christ = truth, (grammatically, Way, Truth and Life are predicate nominatives – that means they equal the subject of the sentence, which would be I – Jesus Christ) therefore there can be no hypocrisy or false pretenses in the true worship of God.  There is no better example of true and false worship, than that our Savior gave us in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican.

Luke 18:9-14

9 And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

pharisee and the publican

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

To worship is to bow down in awe, to pay honor to a Holy God in humility and reverence.  He is not your buddy, co-pilot, pal, or “the man upstairs.”  He is so far above us that our question should not be – “why does God let this happen to me?”  But, rather –

Psalm 8:4 What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?

sage

Friday Proverb – How Well Do We Receive Instruction?

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If you are a regular reader of these Friday Proverb studies, you will be well grounded in the fact that true wisdom only comes from God.  Intelligence is not to be confused with wisdom!  Your IQ is largely a combination of genes, whereas Godly wisdom is a gift from our Creator. 

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Today’s Proverb demonstrates the stark contrast between the wise  and foolish.

Proverbs 10:8

 The wise in heart will receive commandments:

old bible

How much do you love the Word of God?  Do you put it aside for sports, soap operas, or other worldly pursuits?  How do you feel about Bible Doctrine?  Do you find it wearying?  Or edifying?  Do you think you know all there is to know about Bible doctrine?  Or do you feel you could spend your whole lifetime studying the Word and still never know it all?  This discussion brings to my mind a rather infamous intellectual, who is completely devoid of wisdom:

oreilly

This man, Bill O’ Reilly, claimed on numerous occasions that the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is a collection of allegories.  How on earth would he know that?  While no one could argue that he is indeed intelligent – he is completely bereft of wisdom, because he is completely bereft of the Holy Spirit.  He can not understand doctrine because he does not know the Teacher.  Nor can he receive doctrine – because he is not even in the classroom with the students of the Word.  And, like many others outside the household of faith – he creates his own doctrine! 

but a prating fool shall fall.

last days of jesus

Millions upon millions of sheeple mistakenly believe that today is “Good Friday,” or the day that our Lord was crucified.  Why do they believe that?  Because they took the word of a powerful, organized religion –  the Roman Catholic Church – over the Word of God.  Rather than searching and studying the Scriptures for themselves – they let the Vatican do it for them.  Virtually all organized religions now believe this teaching of the corrupt Roman church.  We even follow their calendar! 

Whenever we receive our doctrine from something other than the Bible – we are fools. 

John 5:39

Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.

Repentance – #7 – The Evidence of Repentance

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Acts 26:19-20

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20 
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles,  that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

The evidence (proof) of repentance towards God, and faith towards our  Lord Jesus Christ can be positively seen in truly converted individuals – and it is demonstrated vividly for us in Scripture.

REPENTANCE IS A CHANGE OF MIND, HEART, AND WILL

1. Doubting Thomas repents – Thomas refused to believe that Christ had been raised from the dead until he could see with his own eyes, and touch with his own hands,  the risen Savior.  

John 20:24-29 –  24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.  25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.  26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said,  Peace be unto you.  

27 Then saith he to Thomas,  Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.  

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him,  My Lord and my God.  

29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.   

Thomas repented, believed, and made his great profession of faith with – “My Lord and my God.” 

2. Three thousand (!) changed their minds, hearts and wills on the day of Pentecost, and immediately gave evidence of their repentance. 

 Acts 2:41-47 –  41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles  44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.  Please take note that these believers did not go back to living the way they did before their conversion.

3. Saul of Tarsus experienced repentance when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.  He then gave evidence of repentance – 

Acts 9:1-18 –   And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,  2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord?

And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.  

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.  8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.  9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.  

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.  

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,  12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.  

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:  14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.  

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.  

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

4. Cornelius, his entire family and friends repented when they heard the gospel as preached by Simon Peter, and then evidence of repentance followed their conversions.  Acts 10:24-48

5.  The Philippian jailer and his house repented after being witnessed to by Paul and Silas – the evidence of repentance followed.   Acts 16:26-34 –  26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.  27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.  28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.  29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,  30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.  32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.  33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.  34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Don’t be fooled by the “God loves me no matter what I do,” preaching out there.  While it is true that He loves without measure – He also demands proof of conversion.  Not for Himself – He knows who is truly saved or not.  The evidence of repentance is to give Him glory and honor, to exalt His Word and His name above our own, and that our lives may testify of His Grace and Mercy.  Some people claiming the name of Christ, live like the very devil.   Sinners should never be able to say that believers are hypocrites, and no different than the world.  We should demonstrate our repentance in such a fashion that we lead some to their own repentance.

Repentance is a change of the mind, the heart, and the will. 

The proof of repentance is. . .

1.turning from sin

Ezekiel 18:30

Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

2. turning to God

Acts 26:20

. . . that they should repent and turn to God,

3. followed by good deeds

Acts 26:20

. . .and do works meet for repentance.

This concludes our seven part study on repentance. 

The next series will be an in depth study of The New Birth.

Repentance – #4 – Does God Repent?

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I could hardly wait to cover this aspect of repentance, as it also covers one of the so-called “contradictions,” in the Bible.  If, after this study, any readers still insist this is a contradiction, we will assume that person is not saved, and does not want to know or understand the Word.  

OK – DEEP BREATH – HERE WE GO!

Numbers 23:19

 God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?

Genesis 6:5-7

5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.

7  And the Lord said, 
I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them.

OK – Bible critics – Ahah! There it is, right there.  A HUGE contradiction.  Only – sorry – it’s not a contradiction.  It is a PARADOX! 

THAT’S RIGHT – IT IS NOT CONTRADICTORY – IT IS PARADOXICAL!!!!

God makes TWO covenants with mankind. 

1. The first is UNCONDITIONAL. 

When He makes an UNCONDITIONAL covenant – HE NEVER REPENTS!  Israel haters take note – He made such a covenant with Abraham.  

Gen. 12:1-3  Now the Lord had said unto Abram,  Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee  2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing  3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.   It will stand FOREVER because – “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent.” Ps. 110:4.   He made an UNCONDITIONAL covenant with Israel. 

Romans 11:23-35

23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

27 For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.

29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

2.  The second is CONDITIONAL.  

“The Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. “ 

Gen. 6:3    In the days of Noah, God gave the human race 120 years to repent.  Only Noah and his family repented and “found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

Gen. 6:8  Noah and his family met God on His terms and conditions – and so – were not judged with the unrepentant.  “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering to us,“

NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.”  2 PETER 3:9

It is abundantly clear,  my Calvinist friends, that God wills to save all lost souls!  He is “not willing that any should perish.”  To be saved, one must meet His terms and conditions, which are – “repentance towards God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Acts 20:21  IF a sinner does NOT repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, THEN God will repent, CHANGE, and judge the sinner. 

In His love, He bestows Grace – BUT –  if salvation by Grace is rejected – In His justice – He terminates Grace. 

THIS IS THE WAY THAT GOD REPENTS

Next up – Impossible to renew unto repentance!  If you find Bible doctrine fascinating and irresistible – then you are in good company.

1 Peter 1:12-13

12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Repentance – #3 – From Dead Works

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Hebrews 6:1

 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. . .

The writer of Hebrews, whom I believe to be Paul, gives us something to think about in that phrase – “repentance from dead works.”  What does that mean?  Well, sometimes, as in the Book of Proverbs, a concept is better understood by contrasting it – by exploring what it isn’t – before we study what it is.

There are three categories of works in the Bible.  Good works, wicked works, and dead works.  We will address them in that order.

1.  Good works.  

Mat. 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.   ONLY truly born-again, or saved souls can ever do good works and please God.  The lost, or unsaved, no matter how many works they do, can not do good works.   

Psalm 14: 1-3 –  The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.  2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.  3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

 Believers are not to hide their good works, but let them be seen in a manner which glorifies our heavenly Father.  Mary of Bethany anointed the head and feet of Jesus while he sat at the table of Simon the leper.  Some disciples took exception to this, claiming it was an extravagant waste.  

And Jesus said,  Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.  Mark 14:6.

as believers, we need to do all we can to the glory of god, not in order to be saved, but because we are saved. 

2.  Wicked works.  

Col. 1:20-21 –  20 And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled.  Unregenerated, natural man, can only do wicked works.  

1 Cor. 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.  The unsaved, natural man, walks according to the world system, motivated by the “prince of the power of the air.” (Satan)  His thoughts,  speech,  and behavior are filled with the lusts of the flesh.  He is a child of wrath, and ALL his works are wicked because he is dead in sin.  

Eph. 2:1-3 –  1 And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;   2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:    3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

we will now address dead works – from Hebrews 6:1

3.  Dead works. 

We should all be able to recognize them, because they get a great deal of media attention.  Religious works fall well into this category.  These are works performed by the religious, for the purposes of earning eternal life. Legalistic, it requires the keeping of moral and ceremonial laws of God, in an attempt to win God’s favor and be saved by the works.  

Eph. 2:8-9 –  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Paul wrote –  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.  Rom. 3:20. 

Dead works are performed by the religious, who are –   . . .ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.  Rom. 10:3-4

Our beloved Apostle Paul is an excellent example of repentance from dead works.  He clearly states that he has “no confidence in the flesh,” then goes on to list his dead works of which he had to repent. 

Philippians 3:1-9

3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

When he compared his own self righteousness which was by dead works of the law, with the Righteousness of Christ which is by faith, he counted the former Paul and his works as nothing but rubbish. 

Paul knew the meaning of “repentance from dead works!!!” 

Next up – Repentance and God!

How to Witness for Him – #7 – Following Up

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Think of a new-born baby, umbilical cord still attached – abandoned in the center of a forest full of wild animals.  Exposed to the elements, and unable to fend for or care for itself.  Well – that’s exactly what happens when you lead someone to Christ, and then drop them!  As the baby Christian’s spiritual “foster parent,” you have great responsibility to nurture the new born Christian to ensure he/she is established and on the best food and water, has shelter, and is protected from the elements. 

Acts 2:41-42

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Hmmm.  Did you get that part?  Any question about what happened to the three thousand after they were saved?  Nothing vague about that.  When you, personally lead a person to Christ, then you, personally, are responsible.  Yes, you will receive the soul winners crown at the Judgment Seat of Christ, but the responsibility does not end with your joy at the birth!  Abandonment of spiritual babies, is one of the reasons for stunted growth, and future backsliding.  It also stunts the growth of the church, because spiritual babies, are not ever matured enough to reproduce themselves.

THERE ARE SEVEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP THE BABY CHRISTIAN TO GROW SPIRITUALLY.  THIS ALSO APPLIES IF YOU, GRACIOUS ONE, HAVE ADOPTED THE BABY OF ANOTHER BELIEVER.

1. Put a King James Bible directly into their hands.  Remember – new born babies cannot even bring food to their own mouths.  Write something personal on the dedication page, open the Bible and demonstrate its features.

2. Make sure the Bible has a good concordance and index, and it might also be a good idea to show the baby how to use the computer to search Bible verses.  This is subjective, because the internet is overflowing with corruption and can potentially confuse, or even seduce  the baby Christian. 

3. Make sure you emphasize, that he  can know he is 100% saved through God’s Word.  Stress the “Three Fold Proof of the New Birth.”  

4. Start him out right – not on junk food.  Not force feeding, but make sure it is plentiful enough to sustain the baby until the next “feeding.”   It’s important to make clear, that we are to be obedient to the Lord in all things. 

5. Lead him to a New Testament church.  Invite him to be your guest at your church!  Take him with you, and sit with him.  When the invitation is given, encourage him to go forward with you, and make public profession of his faith in Jesus Christ.  Remember – babies can’t walk without help! 

6.  Encourage him to tell others about his new birth.  Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”

7.  Either teach him the basics of Bible doctrine, or get him enrolled in a “new believers class.”  He will not be able to reproduce (witness) effectively, until he has a solid foundation.  Some of the essentials include the Trinity of the Godhead, the deity of Christ, and the inerrancy and divine inspiration of the Bible.  If you do not have a class for new believers near you, the studies on our Apologetics and Doctrines page are thorough, doctrinally sound, and may be used to give the new believer a solid foundation.    You are free to print off and use any of those articles. 

ONCE THE NEW CHRISTIAN HAS BEEN FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN THE SOLID BIBLE DOCTRINES – THEY WILL BE READY TO:

GO WITH THE GOSPEL

God’s Plan of Salvation – Introduction

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As we enter into this all-important focus of Bible Doctrine, please take note of these three important imperatives:

  1. There are seven irrefutable facts revealed in God’s plan of salvation.
  2. It is God’s plan – not man’s.
  3. There is no other plan that can save your lost soul and make you a child of God.

Acts 4:12

 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Revisionist history states that the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved, but that is not entirely true.  It still exists, and is regrouping for the final phase of the story of the world.  At one point, during  its zenith – all roads led to Rome.  And in a very real sense – all organized religions also lead to Rome – not to God and His salvation.  There is only one way – God’s way.  And, God’s Way is a Person; and the Person is His Son – Jesus Christ.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

GOD’S THREEFOLD PLAN OF SALVATION

I.  Christ appeared here, on this earth, to save each and every one of us, from the penalty of sin.  He accomplished this, by putting away our sins, through sacrificing Himself on the cross.  Heb. 9:26 – For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

II.  He then appeared in heaven, in the presence of God, after His resurrection, to save us from the power of sin.  Heb. 9:24 – For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

III.  Christ will appear again on this earth, for the second time, as “Lord of Lords and King of Kings,”  to save us from the very presence of sin.  Heb. 9:28 – So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.  

Please come back, for an in depth, seven part study of – God’s Plan of Salvation.

The New Birth – #1 – Jesus and the Two Births

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John 3:1-6

3 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

In the above Scriptures, we see Jesus Christ and Nicodemus – coming face to face.  The Son of God – Jesus – and the son of natural man – Nicodemus.  Although Nicodemus was a very religious man, he was not a child of God.  We can sense his discomfort and shock during the “meeting of minds” he had with the Lord.  It is the same today when people learn that their religion is not enough.  It NEVER is!  Nicodemus comes to Jesus secretly,  thinking of Him only as “a teacher come from God.”  Nicodemus did not know Jesus, but Jesus knew Nicodemus –

John 2:24-25

24 But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men,

25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for He knew what was in man.

But Jesus knew that Nicodemus needed more.  Jesus knows that we need more.

  1. We need more than a teacher – we need a Savior
  2. We need more than religion – we need regeneration
  3. We need more than the law – we need life.

Jesus came right to the point when He said  – “Ye must be born again.”  Nicodemus then asks – “How can a man be born when he is old?”

Then, our blessed Savior points out the difference between the two births – “That which is born of the flesh is flesh (the flesh can not change ) and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (the Spirit can not change)

THE FLESH BIRTH. . .

1. The flesh birth produces an old, sinful nature – even in a tiny baby!  Ps. 51:5 – Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

2. The flesh birth produces a corruptible nature. – 1 Peter 1:23 – Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

3. The flesh birth produces an old nature under the sentence of death – from the moment an infant draws breath! – Rom. 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

4. The flesh birth produces an old nature, that makes every single unsaved person – a child of the devil.  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.

THE NEW BIRTH . . .

1. The new birth produces a sinless nature.  1 John 3:9 – Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

2. The new birth produces a nature that cannot sin.  1 John 3:9 – Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

3. The new birth produces a righteous nature.  2 Cor. 5:21- 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.

4. The new birth produces a divine nature.  2 Peter 1:4 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

narrow way

Every born again person, no matter what spiritual age, has two natures.  The old nature, from the flesh birth, and the spiritual nature from the new birth.  By the old birth – we are children of the flesh; by the new birth we are the children of God. To what degree we allow the old flesh nature dominate, will determine how much we sin, and conversely, how much we allow the new spiritual nature to dominate, will determine how closely we walk with the Lord.

John 3:7

 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The New Birth – Introduction

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It is of the greatest importance to fully grasp what Jesus meant when He said to Nicodemus – “Ye must be born again.”  The New Birth is Spiritual, and it is as much a birth as the actual physical birth of a human being. 

the new birth is not just a figure of speech!!!!!

Our first birth is of the “seed of man,” and the second birth is of the “seed of God.”

1 Peter 1:23

 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Therefore, one cannot become a child of God by joining a church, any more than a chimpanzee could become a man by joining the human race.  The chimpanzee can dress in human clothing, type on a computer, eat human food, and even drive a car – in many ways living exactly like a man – but the behaviors do not qualify him for the human race.  He is still a chimp.  However, if by some miracle the chimp could be “born again” by the seed of a man, then – and only then – could he become a man.  Acting like a Christian does not make you a Christian, anymore than acting like a human makes a chimp a human. 

The only way to become a child of god is to be “born from above,” by the “incorruptible seed of god.” 

The New Birth is a new creation! 

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.

The New Birth is a spiritual resurrection!

Ephesians 2:1-9 –  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The New Birth is regeneration!

Titus 3:5 – 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

The New Birth is partaking of the Divine Nature!

2 Peter 1:4 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The New Birth is receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by faith!

John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name

The New Birth is being made the righteousness of God!

2 Corinthians 5:21 –  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.

the new birth is compulsory (not optional!) if you are to become a child of god. 

John 3:6-8

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

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.

Repentance – #6 – The Importance of Repentance

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Repentance is so important that god commands “all men everywhere to repent.” 

Acts 17:30

 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

All means ALL!!!!!

1. The lost are to repent.  Jesus said:  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.   (Matt. 9:13)   He said again:  3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem.  5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.   (Luke 13:3-5)

2. Backsliding, born-again Christians are to repent.  Paul said: Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. (2 Cor. 7:9)   The believers in the church at Corinth were quite carnal.  In his first letter to them, he called upon the church to discipline the guilty party, in his second letter he rejoices because the guilty have repented. 

3.  Local churches are to repent!  In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, chapters 2 and 3, our LORD sent seven letters to seven churches.  He called upon five of them to repent.

The church at Ephesus was to repent because she had left her first love. 

The church at Pergamos was to repent because she permitted the doctrine of Balaam to to be taught, and to eat thing sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 

The church at Thyatira was to repent because she suffered Jezebel to teach and seduce God’s servants to commit fornication. 

The church at Sardis was to repent because she was a dying congregation. 

The church at Laodicea was to repent because she thought she was rich and did not need anything.  In her opinion – she had arrived.  She did not know that she was neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm, and God was ready to spew her out of His mouth. 

God called on all five of these churches to repent – or he would remove their candlesticks – and they would cease to give their light in the spiritual darkness of the world. 

 The lost are to repent – or perish.

The back-slidden Christian is to repent – or be disciplined.

The local church is to repent – or lose its effectiveness in a world lost to sin. 

Coming up next, the final installment on Repentance – the evidence of repentance!

Repentance – #5 – Impossible to Renew Unto

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Hebrews 6:4-6

4 For it is  impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance ; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

The words highlighted in red are the key to understanding this challenging portion of Scripture.  The word “impossible” is saying that the person who so sins, will find it impossible to repent again.

Once again, we will first cover what the Scripture does NOT mean, so that we can fully expose what it DOES mean.

!!!THIS PASSAGE – HEBREWS 6:4-6 – IS NOT ABOUT A BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN!!!

1. Simon Peter backslid. . . Matt. 26:69-75 , repented, John 21:3-17, and was restored to fellowship with the Lord.  King David sinned, 2 Sam. 11:1–27, repented, Psalm 51:1-19, and was restored to fellowship with the Lord . . . 2 Sam. 12:13.

ANY BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN CAN REPENT AND BE RESTORED TO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD.  ALTHOUGH THERE ARE REPERCUSSIONS TO BACKSLIDING, SUCH AS LOSS OF POSITION IN THE CASE OF A FALLEN PASTOR,  FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD CAN STILL BE FULLY RESTORED. 

Lamentations 3:22

 It is of the Lord‘s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

2. So if Hebrews 6:4-6 is not about backsliding, what does it mean?  It is about religiousness.  This Scripture is proof that being religious does not save anyone.  Profession and confession without internal conversion – means no eternal life.  By all outward appearances, they appear to be, and are called – Christians. 

But Jesus said –

Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.

22 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?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

Esau so sinned against the Lord when he sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of pottage. . .  Gen. 25:27-3.  Later he tried to repent, but found it impossible to do so!  His repentance was not genuine, in that he lamented over what he had lost, not in what he had done!  He wanted the blessing – but he wanted it on his terms – not God’s.

Hebrews 12:16-17

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

At the Great White Throne Judgment – only the wicked dead will be judged.  They too, like Esau, will try to repent, but will find it impossible. . .

Revelation 20:11-15

11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

great white throne judgment

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.