BIBLICAL SALVATION – DANGEROUS MISCONCEPTIONS ANSWERED

Studies In Bible Doctrine - Book 5

Mark Bullen

 

MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY

I was raised in an Independent Baptist church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a four year old I was led to ask Jesus into my heart to save me, and a year later was baptized. I was told this was what it took to be secure for Heaven, have my sins forgiven (past, present, and future); and no matter what I did, or how I lived, I could not lose my home in Heaven.

At age fifteen, the fruit of heretical doctrine was evident in my life. If you had asked me if I was secure for Heaven, I would have said, "Yes, I prayed the prayer and got baptized"; but since I was taught that is all it took -- that is all I did. Though kept in church, I lived just like the world, except for the boundaries set by my parents. I did all I could safely get by with, and still be accepted by my peers and parents. How I lived and talked depended on which group I was with. I had no concept of a living, obeying faith in God, or of genuine repentance; not to mention "laboring to be accepted of him" (II Cor. 5:9); or "perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (II Cor. 7:1); or "bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ" (II Cor. 10:4,5). Instead I was in advanced math classes planning to be a chemical engineer and make "lots" of money.

My mother was concerned about how my brother and I were living, and encouraged us to go to a youth camp the summer of 1982. That summer an evangelist preached hard on repentance and judgement day. I went forward with a broken heart and prayed, "God, really forgive me this time, I want to know you and live for you". In Baptist terminology I had "surrendered my life to full-time service"; however, later in studying Scripture I realized this was my true conversion experience, and requested "Believer's Baptism". Baptists often rail on the Catholics for baptizing infants, but baptizing young children, as they now do, was considered baptizing infants when the controversy started in the dark ages.

My own confusion and frustration in deciding when I was "saved" probably started my lack of confidence in modern Baptist doctrine and practice, but I didn't know enough to answer my questions, and my Baptist leaders only gave me the Baptist canned answers.

After my conversion at the youth camp, my brother (who had also repented at camp) and I decided to start a "Bible Club" in our 3000+ student high school. We began carrying our Bibles to school and passing out tracts, witnessing and winning many students --leading them to pray that prayer as we were taught. That next year I memorized over 600 verses including the first 13 chapters of Matthew, we threw away our worldly music, we bought our first suit and tie for church, bought new study Bibles, and began reading many Christian books.

I had a very exciting three year ministry in my public high school before graduating in '85. I then attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri; but only for one semester. After arriving there I soon discovered that this institution was not the place I could entrust my doctrinal training -- I took the Word of God much more serious than they did. The radio tower in the midst of the campus was at that time rented out to the worst rock music station in town; and I could not even play a cassette tape in my dorm without rock beat bleeding through. This and many other things disgusted me so, I could not stay -- God would not let me. The Lord graciously moved me out and back home.

I then rented an apartment in the city (my parents lived in the country) so I could work with a junior high boys class at our church (Young Elijah's Club), and go witnessing more often. I worked for my father's construction business, and took correspondence courses from a college recommended to me by a preacher I respected.

At age 19 I wrote a short book, YOUNG ELIJAH'S, about my experiences in the High School Bible Club ministry, and another pamphlet entitled, "LORD, ARE THERE FEW THAT BE SAVED". The first to motivate teens to witness in their schools, and the second trying to answer my own questions and problems with inconsistent Baptist doctrine.

I soon changed to a more conservative Baptist church across town, and began working with their youth. Then in '87 I decided to attend Hyles Anderson College, which this church recommended. This I did, and was much more satisfied with this school than the one in Missouri; but there were still inconsistencies that bothered me.

At this school I met my wife, Angela, and in September of '88 we were married. This college where we met had many good things to teach us, though, now we see there was much bad also. I thank God that through their influence, my wife and I did not hold hands until after we were engaged, and did not kiss until the preacher said, "You may kiss the bride". We were planning on going back to that school, but the pastor of the more conservative church, in Albuquerque, asked us to work for him. He hired my brother, who had been attending there while I was at college, and myself to work with the youth, and serve as associates. God blessed our efforts, and in the next year we built a youth ministry, which averaged 100 youth at Friday Night Rally, and 150 in Sunday School. We saw many lives changed, and Bible clubs started in schools.

God began dealing with me about starting a church where we could strive to be completely Biblical, without the compromise and worldliness. October '89 found us in Peoria, IL, were my wife was raised. Her father had not been in church for some time, and there were not any churches doing what we felt needed to be done in the area. My wife's parents were the first to attend, but by the spring of '90 we had a special day with 143 in attendance. The next fall, on our 1st anniversary, we were buying a building, had a bus, and 217 in attendance. We baptized 30 in the morning service. We were finding great success being "modern day Baptists".

On our "Second Anniversary Sunday" we had 218 in our afternoon bus Sunday School, and 70 in the morning drive in crowd. God was still dealing with me about being "Biblical" and the more I studied, the more I learned that we were not as "Biblical" as I had thought. The more I learned of our Ana-Baptist forefathers, and the believers of the first century apostolic churches, the more I realized the Baptists of my acquaintance were not following the truth, but had strayed.

I planned for '92 to be a big year for winning souls and church growth. We had started a 32' x 82' addition to the church. The city pulled our permit January 13th because the zoning officer allegedly didn't issue it properly. We appealed and won, and finished our building on the outside; but during this time my wife miscarried, finances became very tight, and due to new regulations, had to stop our bus ministry. My wife, two children, and I were living in a classroom in the church to save money, and God was dealing with me heavily about being "Biblical". The more I learned, the more I realized that to really be Biblical we needed to start over--trying to change the establishment seemed impossible. I shared with the people I might be leaving, and asked them to pray with me about it; but instead of them being willing to call a new pastor and go on, they told me that they didn't want another pastor, and would leave if I did.

I began to share how I felt the Baptists had gone astray on "repentance", and "soulwinning methods", and "baptism". The repentance issue became a major controversy, and I was compelled to stay and try to establish the truth with whoever would listen. We had some long meetings and discussions about "living faith" vs. "dead faith", and what it means to repent. Eventually, due to the fact that I was still quite young, and teaching things contrary to 60+ year old men with mega-churches, the people left. I sold the building, paid the debts, and set out to find the truth, and start over "Biblically".

In '93 we started the year by selling the church building too cheap, and ended it by buying a little farm house on a few acres so we could live and study and start over. We put every last dollar from savings down to buy this house contract for deed, and I began doing construction work to pay the bills. In '92 after my wife's miscarriage, we openly shared that we were praying for twins - a boy and a girl, so our present boy and girl would have a brother and a sister not too far apart in age. One year later in March '93 we received twins - a boy and a girl. The people knew this was a direct answer to direct prayer, and it was a blessing for God to confirm our direction and steps at such a time of trial.

We now have eight children: Micah, Hannah, Malachi, Graceanne, Nathan, Noah, Titus, and Abigail. We live in North Missouri, and are involved in evangelism and establishing Biblical, first century apostolic churches. We have written several tracts and pamphlets which we hope will help you.

While living in Lewistown, IL on our little farmette, we were able to settle down and just be a family -- no longer living in church classrooms, etc. I was able to study, visit churches, order books, and find out what it really meant to be "Biblical" like the FIRST CENTURY APOSTOLIC CHURCHES had been; like the Waldenses, Albigenses, and Ana-Baptists. We began to overhaul our doctrine and practice accordingly. This book primarily combats the heresy of modern day Baptists, and sets forth what their forefathers and the first century believers believed. There are many points of doctrine and practice not covered in this book, but will be or have been in others. If you are honest and sincere, we invite you to study with us as we CONTEND FOR THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS.

In Jesus' Name

Mark Bullen

WHAT MUST I DO TO GO TO HEAVEN?

Every man is born with a God given moral conscience; and a consciousness that there is a God. They know in themselves the basics of what is right and wrong. If you will not fight against these two gifts, then they will bear witness that the Bible is truth. Thus believing the Bible, you can be led to salvation and given new life in Jesus Christ.

THE BIBLE TEACHES:

1. Satan's rebellion against God was his desire to be his own god, make his own rules, and do that which pleased him, rather than what was right, holy, and benevolent -- which is the basis of God's laws, actions, and nature. God is the only one with the Character and Ability to maintain righteous government, so it is his responsibility to govern.

2. Satan told Eve in the garden that she too could be her own god, and choose for herself what was right and wrong if she would eat of the forbidden tree. Mankind has followed Satan in this rebellion against God. This rebellion manifests itself in every condition from murderer to very religious -- yet, because we are living by our standard, as our own god; and not according to true holiness and benevolence (God's way); it is all the same rebellion. Man is at enmity against God, though he is often ignorant of it. He doesn't know God or his ways, therefore thinks he is doing fine. The Bible reveals God as holy, just, and infinitely benevolent -- God is thus infinitely opposed to man's self-governing, selfish, rebellion to God's righteous government.

3. Every man must accept God's law as right, and condemn their rebellion against Him before God can forgive them.

4. When I agree with God's verdict, condemn my rebellious way, and turn myself in to God as a rebel deserving punishment; God then offers me complete pardon on account that Jesus paid for my sins on the cross! When criminal turns himself in, he must still stand trial, and suffer for his crime; but not with God!! When we turn from rebellion to sincere regret and submission, God offers us Jesus as our hope of pardon and eternal life -- restored to his full love and care! Because of what Jesus did, God can give us full pardon, and yet remain just and holy.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity (sin) of us all. Is. 53:6

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, I Peter 3:18

5. God's plan is this: If I will repent and be baptized as a follower of Jesus Christ, accepting him as my King and Savior; then God will forgive my sins, and give me the Holy Spirit (which gives me power to overcome my selfish nature, and do what is holy). This plan is seen in Acts 2:38,

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

When I accept Jesus as my sacrifice for sin, and as my King and Lord; I am accepting God's plan and standard of holiness over my own way. I am putting my faith in God's holy government, and not my self-government. Jesus is God's perfect standard, and thus, He is God's chosen King and Judge for all men. To accept Jesus means to follow and obey him as God's will and way. This is why Paul preached what he did in Acts 26:20,

Repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Putting my faith in Christ is living according to his teachings and example. Without this I am still in rebellion, and cannot be forgiven.

6. Those who remain in their rebellion to God, or go back to it after repenting and turning from it, will suffer their due punishment in Hell.

7. Once we turn to follow Jesus and are baptized, we are to continue on in following Jesus by faithful obedience to the end of our life. As we follow Jesus, he continually covers our failures and faults with his precious blood.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. I John 1:7

8. As Jesus performs his heavenly priesthood for those who walk in the light, their records are kept clean. In this way our obedient faith is counted for righteousness. What wonderful grace God displayed in producing this plan to save a repentant rebel who deserves Hell. If I but continue in his gracious plan, I am assured eternal bliss with him in his Kingdom!

CHAPTER 1 - THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING RIGHT ON SALVATION

Is there anything more important than being right on salvation? Can a person afford to ignore the many passages of Scripture which warn of false teachers, deceivers, and misleading doctrines?

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matt. 7:15

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matt. 15:14

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:29,30

For we are not as many, which corrupt the Word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Cor. 2:17

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; 2 Cor. 11:13-15

Notice from these verses that Paul was outnumbered by truth corrupters even in his day (This is why the "older is better" idea of Bible manuscripts is not always reliable). Also notice that if the blind lead the blind, they both fall into the ditch. There is no promise to those who are following false teachers that they will be safe! God expects us to read and obey the Bible on our own, not just follow the herd. Anyone who is sincerely seeking the truth from the Word of God will be taught of the Holy Spirit, and led to men of greater understanding, like Cornelius.

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Ti. 1:10

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 3,4

The word lasciviousness basically means "absence of restraint". It is possible to teach the grace of God in such a way as to encourage loose living, and destroy the fear of the Lord. Those who teach "salvation without repentance" and "unconditional eternal security" are doing this very thing.

The Bible tells us in Rev. 12:9 and other places that Satan is the grand deceiver. Jesus said that he is the father of lies. Now, you need to have enough sense not to discredit Christianity and the Bible because of all the deceivers and liars there are around. You must be diligent to read and think for yourself with a humble and obedient heart, so God can lead you to the truth in spite of all the deception around you.

MOTIVATION OF FALSE TEACHERS

We must be very careful about judging men's motives; however the Bible does give a number of motives that could be possible:

...to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:30

They serve their belly -- Rom. 16:18; Phil. 3:19

For filthy lucre's sake -- Titus 1:7

They love to have the preeminence -- 3 Jn. 9

They are deceived themselves -- Matt. 15:14

They are sincerely wrong -- Acts 18:24-26

It really doesn't matter to you what their motive is if they are leading you wrong concerning salvation! There is no promise in the Bible that you will escape the wrath of God just because you were sincere. Sincere in our eyes, and sincere in God's eyes are two different things. True sincerity, like Cornelius had, will be honored by God in that they will be given the opportunity to find the truth.

If you are sincerely seeking God's truth, then carefully read our doctrinal series with prayer and your Bible.

But, someone says, "You can make the Bible say whatever you want it to say." If you design to twist

the Scripture, and deceive yourself, that may be true. But, If you mean that two opposing doctrines can both be right and taught in the Bible -- then you don't believe the Bible is God's Word! We can know what is right and wrong concerning doctrine!

If you take all the scripture relating to a certain subject, true doctrine will harmonize with every verse; but false doctrine will only harmonize with a few. These few are obviously understood wrong since your interpretation doesn't harmonize with all the other verses! When you take the whole Word of God on a subject, you can only reach one conclusion. The Holy Spirit said there is no private or personal interpretation of the Word of God -- It only means one thing.

If you ever find a verse that doesn't seem to fit with your system of belief, do not just pass it by -- check it out! The most dangerous thing you can do is twist the Bible to fit your prejudices.

Another danger is interpreting the Bible by our experiences, rather than allowing the Bible to interpret our experiences!

HOW IMPORTANT IS SALVATION?

Jesus said that if your right eye led you into sin, or caused you to stay in sin; it would be better to pluck it out and cast it from you, than for it to send you to Hell. He said that if your right hand caused you to stumble concerning salvation, you'd be much wiser to cut your hand off and be saved, than to have two hands and go to Hell's tormenting fire! Salvation is more important to you than your eyes, hands, and feet. Salvation is more important to you than all the world. Jesus asked, What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

LITERAL HELL

Another reason salvation is so important, is because there is a Judgment day, and a place called Hell! The Bible teaches that the unrepentant will be in the Hell prepared for the Devil and his angels, which is described in Rev. 20:10,

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

WONDERFUL KINGDOM

Jesus will someday rule with a rod of iron in righteousness, and I want to be there! I want to live in his Kingdom, where there is no crime, sin, liquor, drugs, immorality, sickness, death, sorrow, and injustice. I do not want to miss out on Christ's Kingdom, because someone didn't teach me the truth! The reason for this study is because I don't want you to miss out either.

...We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3:13

AMERICAN DILEMMA

We have a dangerous system in America that is drowning men in destruction and enslaving them to deception. You could call it the "build an empire" game. Young men get fired up for the Lord in their young years. They see the "big" preachers come by and display all their glory. The young men, thinking

this is God's way, set out to become one of those "big" preachers, or at least become loyal followers of them.

They never stop to question the system's doctrine or practices, because they are continually reminded of the "great success" -- which is a "sure" sign of God's power and blessing. And, "who are they" to question it?

When they finish Bible college, and go into their own ministry, the pressure is on to "build a church" and "build a name" -- for the glory of God, of course. The Holy Spirit, if in them at all, has an awful hard time just getting their attention. They are not in the gear of double checking their doctrine or studying history to be sure they haven't been slipped a wooden nickel; they are only concerned about the "numbers" in the pew. I know from experience that my heart was sincere, but I was more pressed with reaching the lost with the "gospel" I had, rather than making sure I had a pure gospel.

It is a merry-go-round that is hard to get off; especially as a young pastor of a young church trying to stay afloat. I feel for those out there on that merry-go-round, and I hope this study will rescue some of them who don't have time to study it all for themselves.

When I tried to lead my church out of the deception into pure doctrine, the response I often heard was, "How can Bro.---- be wrong, look at how God has used him?" or "Look at his big church". I would tell them that if success is the criteria for judging pure doctrine, the Pope must be right.

Paul made it clear to Timothy that the time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine, but would heap to themselves teachers to tickle their ears with fables. It is obvious that when this took place, those who taught pure doctrine would

not appear as successful as the hirelings with their fables. For the sincere believer, who knows God, this nonsense is repulsive, but to the carnal man it is quite appealing. He doesn't want a church of Smyrna; but a church of Laodicia. If God doesn't do "big" things for him, he has no use for God.

There is coming a day, and now is, when the true prophets of God will have to stand alone and preach God's Word to a small remnant, if any at all. "As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." "Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

CHAPTER 2 - THE HUMAN AND DIVINE ASPECTS OF SALVATION

This could be the key to understanding everything that happens in the Christian life. If you can fully understand this principle, then you can easily understand this whole study, and God's plan of salvation.

There is a big difference in what God has said he would do, and what God has told me to do. I cannot expect God to do his part, when I'm unwilling to do my part; and I can't expect him to do what he has told me to do.

The majority of the confusion about salvation is misunderstanding the difference between the human and divine aspects of salvation.

THE DIVINE ASPECT

The divine aspect is the part that God does, promises to do, and only can do. The divine aspect is what I can expect from God. God's part in my salvation is PROVISION and PERSUASION. God's spirit strives with men to repent and avail themselves of God's provision; but God never makes their decisions or choices for them.

Atonement, redemption, regeneration, justification, adoption, forgiveness, etc. are all God's part of salvation. I could not do any of these for myself. I could not pay for my sins (atonement); purchase my soul from condemnation (redemption); make myself alive spiritually (regeneration); clear my record in Heaven (justification); acquire the right to be a child of God (adoption); or put my sins out of the mind of God (forgiveness). This is all God's part, and it is wonderful to rejoice in God's part, but not to presume that he will do all this without my cooperation and compliance. All God's promises in salvation are conditioned upon my obedient faith.

THE HUMAN ASPECT

The human aspect is what God has commanded us to do:

For the grace of God that bright salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;... Titus 2:11-14

Notice God's Grace that brings salvation has appeared to all men for the purpose of telling us our part! Paul preached that God commands all men everywhere to repent. Paul preached that lost men should feel after God and find him (Acts 17:27-31). Romans 1 tells us that we should take the light of creation and inner God consciousness and find the truth of God. God expects men to be active in seeking salvation from him, not passive in waiting on God to do what he has told them to do! You can be sure that if God has commanded it of you; you can do it!!

We are to obey our part in faith that God will do his part.

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come... Acts 26:6,7

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Heb. 10:36

If one would say, like the Calvinists, that the sinner has no part in his salvation, then he either believes God wants some to go to Hell, or he is a Universalist, and believes that all will be saved; but all will not be saved! Men who go to Hell, go there because they did not do their part!

CALVINISM?

The Calvinist teaches the T.U.L.I.P. "T" is for Total Depravity -- man cannot obey God or repent, even though God has commanded him to, and threatens him with Hell if he doesn't. This system teaches that

man's depravity is more like physical depravity than moral depravity. It says that man cannot repent: just as a dog cannot repent of acting like a dog. This is obvious error -- is it "just" to torment a dog in Hell for messing on the lawn, barking, eating vomit, and cheating on its "mate"? Of course not! Man's is a moral depravity that has to do with choices he makes, and choices he can repent of! The ability to repent makes man accountable for his actions before a holy God. Who would ever punish a retarded boy for acting retarded? That is physical depravity. God punishes for moral depravity -- the fact that we follow our carnal inclinations to selfishness; but do not have to! The curse of sin has produced much physical depravity; but that is not why we are punished, and it is impossible to repent of physical depravity -- God commands us to turn from our morally depraved choices.

You see, God did not create evil, or make anyone rebel; but, in order for holiness to have virtue, it must be by choice. Thus, there must be another option. The knowledge of this option is essential to give holiness true virtue. I believe in order for the angels to be more than puppets or slaves, God gave them the knowledge of the option -- rebellion, selfishness. Now, they are "holy angels", because they do right by choice. Satan chose to rebel against the righteous will of his Creator, and influenced one third of the angels to follow him. This is how evil entered the universe as more than a concept.

In the Garden of Eden, God placed a forbidden tree in the midst of the garden. This was their option. As long as they willingly obeyed God, they were holy. They didn't need to know the depths of sin to have an option, they just had to know there was an option. When they were influenced to make the choice of

rebellion, they became morally depraved. Our morality

has to do with our choices for selfishness or benevolence -- God is holy because God is benevolent by choice. Our holy nature, in the image of God, was flawed by our first parents, which left us selfish by nature; but by God's grace, we can repent!

Our morality is easily influenced by others--thus man's moral depravity, through parental influence, demonic influence, examples around us, etc. has reached new depths. Man was separated from God by sin, so the greatest influence on man is Satan, who plays on the heartstrings of his pride and selfish lusts. So man's depravity looks almost physical; but men like Noah, Abraham, etc. show that man can resist the evil influences and follow God's still small voice. See Heb. 11:7, "condemned the world" -- this means his example shows other men could do better also. What Heb. 11 says about Abraham (11:8; James 2:22,23), and Moses (11:24-27) would be of no virtue if God made them do it against their will.

It is impossible to believe Calvinistic doctrine and preach Biblical salvation. If a Calvinist in theology, one must be Arminian in methodology, or he cannot preach like the Apostles. They commanded all men to repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. They didn't tell them to wait for the Holy Spirit to enable them.

The next letter in the Tulip is "U" -- Unconditional Election: That God chose before the world began who would go to Heaven and who would go to Hell without regard to anything the person did. Then God created some people as "vessels of destruction" to be evil and go to Hell; and others as "vessels of mercy" to be repentant and go to Heaven. The Calvinistic view of election is warped in the creation of the idea that man is a puppet, and is only doing what God had already planned for him to do.

This concept slanders God with injustice, unloving, and deceitful practices. It also seeks to: relieve man of his responsibility before God; put the responsibility for man's wickedness on God; and thus make it God's fault, and ultimately God's sin.

Many Jews were elect at one time, but cut off, and then replaced with non-elect Gentiles, who became the elect -- this is seen in Romans; and this is what Paul means when he says of the once elect Jews, who had been cut off, "to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants...." God had predestined the Jews to be a part, but many missed out. Peter tells us to make our calling and election sure -- I have a part to play in my being elect and staying elect.

ROMANS 9

In Romans 9 there are some misunderstood presumptions held by Calvinists. The case of Jacob and Esau is simply God influencing men with "free will" to fulfill a promise to Abraham, and make a pure seed for the lineage of Christ. God's choice to use Jacob was before they had done good or evil, but not before He knew what they would be like. This had nothing to do with their personal salvation; but with whose descendants God would use. "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated" was written in the last book of the Old Testament, and only has to do with their descendants.

Verses 14-16 are not inconsistent with man's free will, and God judging man according to his choices. Does God harden little children at the age of accountability -- or sinners who have resisted his light for years? Does God show mercy or compassion unconditionally,-- or just according to his own discretion? Read II Thess. 1:10-12; Romans 2:1-11. When God says, "My spirit will not always strive with man ", and "All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." (Romans 10:21 -- same book, one chapter later); I think we can see this a little clearer. Yes, it is God's choice who will receive mercy; but God's choices are righteous! I had better make sure I am "willing and running" according to his promises!

Pharaoh is a good example of this. Compare what happened to Pharaoh with Romans 1:24, "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts," God hardened Pharaoh's heart by easing the pain of the plagues, which encouraged Pharaoh to rebel -- as he already wanted to. The word "harden" in Pharaoh's case is the same as the word "encourage" in Isa. 41:7. Just as it says in Romans 2:3-5; God's goodness actually causes sinners to be more hardened in their way. God often uses this to show his power to others so they can be saved.

Verses 19-27 are only discussing whether it is right for God to use someone like Pharaoh for his own purpose of "declaring his name throughout the earth" for the salvation of souls. In verses 20-23 God doesn't make someone a vessel of mercy or vessel of wrath before they are born, and against their will; but this is a process during life. That is why we are to make our calling and election sure! That is why "many are called, but few are chosen"!

It is very clear that God called those who refused (10:21), and it is very clear that those who missed out, did so because they "stumbled over the truth" and did not submit themselves to the truth and righteousness of God (9:32; 10:3). The Calvinist's interpretation of this chapter sets it against everything else taught in Romans -- of course, they will try to twist the plain passages to fit their interpretation of a not so clear passage. THE EARLY CHURCH HELD THE VIEWS I HOLD ON THIS PASSAGE, ACCORDING TO THEIR WRITINGS.

The next letter in the TULIP is "L" -- Limited Atonement. They teach that Jesuus only died and made atonement for the "elect". This is easily refuted by John 1:29; 3:16; I John 2:2.

The next letter is "I" -- Irresistible Grace. They teach that, because man is totally depraved, and God has made unconditional choices, he also saves through a force ("grace") that overrides man's free will and he cannot resist it. This force keeps these people living right to the end, which is where the "P" comes in --Perseverance of the Saints. This whole system is obviously corrupt from the roots. When is the last time you saw a Calvinist persevering in holiness?

God doesn't want or make puppets! The Bible is full of verses that show it is man's responsibility to repent, follow, obey, and continue! I dare anyone to read the Bible and underline every time the responsibility is put on man for his actions, and every time God reacts according to man's choices and actions!

Martin Luther shares with us the absurd conclusion that Calvinism brings: "This is the highest degree of faith-to believe that He is merciful, the very One who saves so few and damns so many. To believe that he is just, the One who according to His own will, makes us necessarily damnable."

ANTINOMIANS -- MODERN BAPTISTS

Antinomians also mix up the Divine Side and the Human Side of salvation. Antinomian is a name that means, "without law", or "anti-law"; due to the fact they believe "dead faith" (James 2) will save a man without his obedience to Christ -- the "Law of Christ".

They teach that when a person accepts Christ as Savior, his future sins are all forgiven, and he can never be held accountable for them. They are "under the blood". They believe that one act of faith (receiving Christ) will perpetually justify them -- without ever having to live in obedience. Instead of believing that "I am justified today because of today's obedient faith (which is true -- I John 1:7,9); they teach I am justified today, whether living in rebellion or not, because of an act of faith ten or twenty years ago when I "got saved".

They basically teach that God will do his part without me doing my part. From this point, they change repentance to only a change of mind, or turning from unbelief; but not a change of life to obedience from disobedience.

They make no distinction between ignorant sin, and presumptuous sin. They teach that you get saved now, and later you become a disciple, when you decide to get obedient. They teach that Jesus' good works are imputed to us; "rebellious believers" are taken to Heaven early as "punishment"; Romans 7 is the experience of a believer; and many other heretical ideas, which are refuted in this publication, and in the TRUTH VS. ERROR pamphlet.

In every case the Calvinist and the Antinomian has to preach Arminian doctrine, if they want to tell sinners and saints what God has told us to tell them. It is hard for an Antinomian to get through I John; because it was aimed directly at their Gnostic forefathers.

The Bible says I am to walk in the light so that my sins are continually cleansed in the blood of Jesus. As I walk by this "faith which worketh by love"; and Jesus' blood cleanses me; I am counted righteous before God -- my faith is counted for righteousness. I read God's Word and pray to gain strength for the battle. Calling upon the name of the Lord and confessing sin, is the course of walking with God that brings the promise that I shall not be ashamed or confounded. In obedient faith, I endure to the end-- thus dying in faith, I overcome and lay hold on eternal life. This is called "passing the time of my sojourning here in fear" and "working out my own salvation with fear and trembling".

Being that God has placed conditions on his forgiveness, and the atonement. And, being that God has put the responsibility on man to meet those conditions; it is thus possible for men to lose their inheritance in the kingdom by turning back to rebellion and unbelief. We are not justified by one act of faith; but continuously justified by continuous faith. Therefore, when our living faith stops or becomes dead faith, our justification stops. If God can't get us to repent and go on in the light, we will eventually die spiritually and be condemned. I Cor. 11 tells us that God chastens us so we won't be condemned with the world. MEETING GOD'S CONDITIONS IS MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY.

SOULWINNING

One great danger that I see is when people do not tell the sinner what his part is; but only tell them what God's part is -- as though God will do his part, whether they do theirs or not. Listen! There is no promise of forgiveness to the disobedient! There is no promise of Jesus' continually cleansing blood for those who walk in darkness! There is no promise of inheritance to those who do not overcome! There is no promise of salvation to dead faith or false repentance!

If you tell sinners God loves them and will forgive them if they admit they are sinners and ask for God's free gift of eternal life; yet you do not tell them God demands they forsake their sin and submit to Jesus in faith and obedience as Lord and King; then you are leaving them with the impression that dead faith will save them -- it won't!

People will readily admit they are not perfect, and have sinned; yet not be willing to forsake their sinful way, and submit to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

It is POISONED CANDY to tell sinners all the wonderful promises of God in salvation, and then imply he will do all of this without their repentance and submission to Christ in faith and obedience!

Salvation is by grace, and absolutely free; but God will not give this free gift to those who are still in rebellion to him. God will not forgive those who do not accept Jesus as King, and therefore submit to him in faith and obedience.

God is the rightful King and ruler of all men. Man has joined Satan in rebellion to God, and brought upon themselves the same sentence of banishment. They are counted enemies of God's righteous government.

Now, God, by his infinite love and grace gives his Son, the heir to the throne, to suffer the punishment of all the rebels. It was a plan devised by God and Jesus together.

For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. II Sam. 14:14

Since Jesus has paid the debt, God can righteously forgive and restore his banished to him again -- but wait!! They left by choice in rebellion to his government. What if they do not want to come back? Will the King grant them amnesty and justify them while they remain in rebellion to him? Will the King restore them to full citizenship while they remain enemies of his Kingdom? Will the King pour out his love upon them while they are saying, "We will not have this man to reign over us"? No! If he did, he would be committing a crime against righteousness and his other faithful subjects. There will be no rebels in Christ's Kingdom.

HUMAN AND DIVINE IN THE NEW HEART

I was witnessing to a young man one time who told me he didn't think he could be saved. He said he had tried it many times, yet it never worked for him.

Basically, what happened is that he had the impression many preachers give: that if I pray "the prayer", God will give me a new heart and change me whether I do anything or not. It never worked for him.

I explained to him that God commands us to turn from sin and follow Jesus in obedience trusting that God will then do his part. God is not going to repent for us! When I was converted, I went home and broke up my records and tapes, and began to follow Jesus. I can look back and say, "Jesus completely changed my life". However, Jesus didn't tear up my tapes and records, change my dress, change my friends, and bad habits -- I did! As I obeyed his command, He worked in me both to will and to do of his good pleasure. God gave me a new heart; but on the other hand, I made me a new heart -- look at the Scripture in Ez. 18:30-32,

Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Here we see God telling the people to make themselves a new heart. In Ez. 36:26 God tells them HE will give them a new heart and spirit. Then, in verse 37 God says, "I will yet be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them;" God promises the new heart, but we must go after it by prayer and repentance and self discipline.

Romans 12 commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Thus, it is our responsibility!

Just because God promises grace to help, doesn't mean it is his responsibility. To say we can't do as we have been commanded, is childish rebellion.

In Jude it says we are "preserved" in Christ Jesus. Then in verse 12 we are commanded to "keep" ourselves in the love of God. The Greek word behind "preserve" and "keep" is the same word. It is our responsibility to "keep" ourselves "in" Christ so we can be thus "preserved". We are preserved in Christ the same way we are preserved by walking in the light, or coming to the throne of grace to find help. God makes the provision and we are preserved as we meet the conditions. Notice how John says we are preserved,

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. I John 2:24-25

God says he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance; and also, he would have all men to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth; however, God's will is obviously not being done, because God has chosen to let man make his own choices! God is doing all he can justly do to save man; but has chosen to leave the responsibility with man to respond. If God could save men against their will without violating his own justice, he would; but God has chosen not to -- He doesn't want robots! If God's grace was irresistible, as Calvin taught, then all men would be saved, because that is what God wants. If God made some get saved and not others, then he would be deceitful to say he wants all to be saved.

You see, God uses his great influence on man, but this is not irresistible; and is only used negatively after man has refused God's positive influence and mercy in trying to get them to repent (II Thess. 2:11,12).

The only two foundations possible for the unconditional security doctrine is 1. God is willing to override man's free choice and insure he continues in the light, so his sins are continually cleansed. Or, 2. Man is justified perpetually by one act of faith, so his future sins are forgiven at the moment he believes, therefore he doesn't need to continue in the light. Both of these possibilities are unbiblical. God's condition's are clear, and clearly our responsibility -- real life proves this so. These people who believe God will keep them preserved in Christ, are not preserved in holiness and obedience! So God can keep them saved, but can't keep them spiritual? Yes, and I have some lake property in Cuba for sale, too. GOD'S PART IS PROVISION, AND PERSUASION -- OUR PART IS REPENTANCE AND LIVING OBEYING FAITH.

In the beginning, He made the human race with the power of thought and of choosing the truth and doing right, so that all men are without excuse before God. Justin Martyr 160 AD

CHAPTER 3 - CONVICTION

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Is. 58:1

The Greek word for conviction, used by God in the following verses, is more than just a feeling of guilt, or a personal belief or standard. The Greek world Elegcho means to show someone their sin -- prove guilty. It means to convict in the legal sense, like an attorney before a jury. It is used in the same sense as being convicted of a crime -- prove guilty and summon to repentance.

The underlined phrases or words are the English translation of the Greek Elegcho

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone... Matt. 18:15

Which of you convinceth me of sin? John 8:46

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: John 16:8

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. I Cor. 14:24

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done... Luke 3:19

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. John 3:20

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Eph. 5:11,13

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I Tim. 5:20

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Tim. 4:2

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Titus 2:14,15

This witness is true, Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Titus 1:13

...despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: Heb. 12:5b

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Rev. 3:19

There is another Greek word used for "rebuke"; but it is a softer, less effective rebuke -- Epitimao. The Greek word elegcho is successful and effectual because it supplies the evidence to prove the case.

PREACHERS MUST CONVICT

Preachers and soul-winners must convict (elegcho) in order to bring repentance and change in a person's life. You say, "The Holy Spirit is supposed to do that". The Holy Spirit will do it through your lips, but not without them! Read the verses again! The light of your example, of Scripture, of printed preaching, of verbal testimony, etc. is used by the Holy Spirit to convict; but he commands us to do our part!!

Without true conviction, there can be no true conversion! The preacher must use evidence to prove the case. He must shatter all the excuses and hiding places where sinners hide and justify their way. This is not a fun job, and is the very reason Jesus and the apostles and all great preachers and prophets have been hated of men. When the woman of Samaria asked Jesus for the living water, he immediately changed the subject to deal with her sinful life, and need of repentance. When Jesus comes again in judgment, he will be doing this very work, not to salvation, but to damnation:

To execute judgment upon all, and convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Jude 15

The word CONVINCE in this verse is an intense form of elegcho. If we can convince men of their ungodly deeds before the judgment, persuade them to repent, and submit to Jesus; we can save them from Hell!

Unbelief and faith are acts of the will, not only of the intellect. Sinners are in rebellion to God, whether they fully realize it or not. They must be told, warned, and summoned to repentance.

We will never see true revival and repentance until we pray and work for CONVICTION!

CHAPTER 4 - REPENTANCE

There are some subtle lies being taught about repentance. This is also covered in or TRUTH VS. ERROR book. Jack Hyles teaches that repentance is not from sins, but just from unbelief -- this is subtle and dangerous. It is quite convenient for him with his "easy believe" soulwinning program. I went to his college and could tell a few stories about this nonsense.

Curtis Hutson taught that repentance was just a change of mind, but not a change of life. This is foolishness also. Others say that repentance is, indeed, a change of mind and life; but then they don't change! It is all just talk and concept! They never require the fruit meet for repentance; never exercise church discipline; nor even expect their preachers to meet Bible qualifications. WHAT YOU LIVE IS WHAT YOU BELIEVE! Jesus' major complaint against the Pharisees was that, "they say, and do not".

Hebrews 5:9 says Jesus is the "author of eternal salvation unto all that obey him". Where does this leave those who don't obey him? Jesus says, "If a man keep my sayings he shall never see death." What about those who don't keep his sayings? You cannot continue down the broad road, and expect to be saved as one on the narrow road -- there must be a U-turn somewhere -- this U-turn is called repentance!

People will easily admit they have done wrong, and are not perfect, and usually will pray a little prayer asking God for his free gift (Jack Hyles' soulwinning program); but if you confront them with the necessity of giving up the old lifestyle and following the teachings of Jesus Christ, they will slam the door in your face!

METANOEO VS. METAMELLOMAI

The word used in the New Testament for repentance when referring to salvation is always metanoeo. Metamellomai is used for repentance when someone changes their mind, but not because they see the former direction as wicked; but because of the outcome. Metamellomai is what Judas did before he hanged himself. It is what God would not do in Heb. 7:21. It is what Paul did in 2 Cor. 7:8; but it is never used in regards to salvation. When God is said to repent, he has changed his mind because of mercy -- not because what he was doing was sinfuul.

Metanoeo is changing the heart and mind because of the sinfulness of the way. It is illustrated in Ez. 36:22-37 as God tells what New Testament repentance would be like.

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and your abominations.

The Bible evidence of repentance is "works meet for repentance" -- faithful obedience to Christ. We are not to imply that the sinner clean up and then come to Christ; but that, in a moment, he let go of the sinful way, and begin to walk in the light he has: willingly obeying new light and forsaking newly realized error as he grows. He does not become immediately mature and perfect, but instead of practicing sin in disobedience; he now is declaring war on his old habits, and practicing obedience to the best of his ability through Christ!

Repentance, then, is the result of faith. For unless a man believes that to which he was addicted to be sin, he will not abandon it. And he must believe that punishment looms over the transgressor. He must believe that salvation belongs to the one who lives according to the commandments. Otherwise, he will not reform. Clement 195 AD

We were not created to die. Rather, we die by our own fault. Our free will has destroyed us. We who were free have become slaves. We have been sold through sin. Nothing evil has been created by God. We ourselves have manifested wickedness. But we, who have manifested it, are able again to reject it. Tatian 160 AD

CHAPTER 5 - SAVED AND BORN AGAIN

Am I saved when I am born again, or am I born again so that I will be saved? You thought they were the same event; however, if you want to understand many Bible passages correctly, you must understand the difference.

The term "born again" speaks only of the moment I repent, believe, and receive the Holy Spirit. The term born again speaks only of "regeneration". It is the starting line of my life in Christ. The term "saved" is quite different. I enter the salvation state at conversion (when I am born again); but I am not actually "saved" until I finish my course, and have kept the faith. I must "die in faith" to be sure of being "saved". "Saved" refers to being ultimately saved into Christ's Kingdom; however we are also called saved when we have entered the process at conversion.

1. Verses where "saved" is used for those who are converted, but still on earth.

I Cor. 1:18, For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

2 Tim. 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling,...

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...

2. Verses where "saved" refers to ultimate salvation.

Romans 5:9,10 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

I Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

I Tim. 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

MANY OTHER VERSES: Rom. 8:24; I Peter 1:5; Heb. 1:14; 2 Tim. 3:15; I Thess. 5:8,9; II Thess. 2:13; Heb. 9:28; Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13; Luke 13:23; Acts 2:21; I Cor. 3:15; 5:5; 15:2; I Peter 4:18; Heb. 10:39, and others.

If you will study carefully, you will realize we are to believe to the end to be saved ultimately; follow and obey to the end to be saved ultimately; and overcome to be saved ultimately. Heb. 11:13 speaks of those who "died in faith", this is our goal!

The reason I call myself saved when I am converted or born again; is because I am in the salvation state -- I am on the narrow way. If I die in faith, I am sure to be saved. Romans 8:24 says we are saved by hope; but we don't yet see what we hope for.

CHAPTER 6 - BAPTISM AND THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

There is much unneeded controversy over this matter of baptism. If the Word of God is given supreme authority over emotion, experiences, and personal bias; then the truth can be clearly seen.

In the New Testament, only those old enough to believe in Christ of their own intelligent choice were baptized after they repented and professed faith in Christ. This is called "believers' baptism" or "adult baptism", and has always been the practice of the faithful remnant from the time of Christ. Infant baptism or child conversion and baptism is a perversion of the ordinance. Child evangelism is the baby of the "easy believism" heresy.

In the Bible, baptism was initiation as a follower of Jesus Christ, as well as a rite of ceremonial cleansing. It pictured the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, washing of regeneration, death to the old life, and resurrection to new life, and the putting on of Christ Jesus.

In the Bible people were baptized after they were taught the Gospel message, and professed faith enough to become a disciple of Jesus -- thus enrolling themselves in "learning to observe all things Jesus commanded" (Matt. 28:18-21). Some people were baptized, and later shown to have been false professors. This makes it clear that the water doesn't save, but is our act of faith to trigger God's promised blessings to those who believe. Baptism is not essential to salvation, but willingness and desire to be baptized is essential to salvation. You may not be able to, but you'd better want to.

The apostles never counted a convert that wasn't baptized. They never declared anyone a believer who delayed baptism. They didn't coax their converts into baptism, they commanded them to be baptized, just like they had commanded them to repent in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.

Many modern Baptist preachers have an actual program whereby they coax people into the baptistery -- I have the books. This is a perversion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The reason they have to do this is because of their false repentance and easy believism.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

If you will carefully compare verses, you will see that the baptism of the Holy Ghost happens when we believe, and typically when we are baptized with water. We are baptized with water in faith of God's promised forgiveness and baptism with the Holy Spirit. Baptism without true faith is meaningless; but faith without obedience in baptism is also dead -- God's plan is for us to show our faith by obedience. Follow closely in these verses:

1. Matt. 3:11 John came commanding men to repent, and show it by being baptized with water. John told the people Jesus was coming after and would baptize with the Holy Spirit -- which was promised by God in the Old Testament.

2. Jesus told his disciples that AFTER HE LEFT, he would send the Holy Spirit to dwell IN them, not just with them. (Jn. 14:16,17; 15:26,27; 16:7,8: Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:32,33; 15:7,8)

God promised the indwelling Holy Spirit as a NEW COVENANT in the Old Testament; therefore we find Jesus speaking of it as the "promise of the Father". Jesus received this promise from the Father after he resurrected and ascended -- Jn. 16:7; Acts 2:32,33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

3. In John 20:22 Jesus instructs his disciples about receiving the Holy Spirit, and what would happen after they received him; but they didn't receive him at this time. Jesus made it clear the Holy Spirit would be sent after he departed -- Acts 1:4 "Which ye have heard of me" (Acts 2:33)

What happened on Pentecost is what John the Baptist was speaking of; what Jesus had told the disciples about; what the Father had promised; and is equal to the power in Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8 (Note: Acts 2:33 & 15:7,8)

4. Acts 2:14-17: Peter tells the people that what they see is what God promised in the Old Testament (the New Covenant). In Acts 2:38 Peter tells them how to get it!

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

5. Acts 10:43-48: In order to show Peter that God would receive these Gentiles, God gives them the Holy Spirit before they are baptized. You can see this was a surprise by Peter's statements in 10:47 and 11:15-17. Cornelius received the same gift, when he believed, that the apostles did on Pentecost.

6. If you will compare Acts 15:7-9 with Romans 8:9,15,16 and I John 4:13; you will understand that the Holy Spirit is given as the seal of God's acceptance. In Eph. 1:14, 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; and Romans 8:23, the word EARNEST tells us that the Holy Spirit is our security deposit, down payment, or "engagement ring" from God. Romans 8:9 tells us that those without this indwelling Holy Spirit are not born again. Those who repent and believe show it by baptism -- when God sees sincere faith and repentance he pours out the Holy Spirit upon the believer to indwell and regenerate him. This is our comfort after our mourning (repentance), our assurance of salvation, and the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. He gives us the present help to overcome and endure in obedience to Christ. See Jn. 4:10; 7:38,39.

7. Acts 19:1-6 When these people told Paul they had not yet received the Holy Spirit, he immediately asked them, "UNTO WHAT THEN WERE YE BAPTIZED?" This shows that Paul saw baptism with water in close relation to baptism with the Holy Spirit. "If you were not baptized in Jesus name to receive the Holy Spirit, unto what then were you baptized-- or for what purpose?" He then re-baptized them in Jesus' name so they could receive the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals like to misuse the question Paul asked here, but they don't re-baptize like Paul did. These people were Jews, and that is why they had the sign of tongues.

The case in Acts 8:15 is similar to Cornelius', in that it was not considered "standard procedure" at the time of the writing. I believe God opened the doors of the New Covenant to Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world by the Apostles hands; thus establishing their authority. This is seen by Pentecost (Acts 2:14); Samaria (Acts 8:14-17), and Cornelius (Acts 10; 11:15-18).

8. Those who erroneously teach that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit has to be evidenced by the "speaking in tongues" overlook some important points:

A. I Cor. 14:21 makes it clear that "tongues" were for a sign to Israel -- It fulfilled O.T. prophecy.

B. I Cor. 12:29,30 makes it clear not all believers speak with tongues, so it can't be evidence of salvation.

C. Bible "tongues" are natural languages -- Acts 2; and I Cor. 14:10.

D. What happened at Corinth was not of the Holy Spirit or Paul, a man, would not have had to straighten it out and rebuke those doing it!

Much more could be said, but it will be covered in later publications.

CHAPTER 7 - CONFRONTATIONAL EVANGELISM

If you will read Luke 16:15-31, you will find a man, who, during his life, cared not for the things of God. A rich man who didn't care about lost souls around him, or his own lost soul. Yet, after dropping into Hell-fire, he suddenly got a clear perspective of soul-winning! In fact, he had a better understanding of evangelism than most Christians today.

Notice his words in Luke 16:27-28:

"I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:" (Is this door to door, cold-turkey, contacts?) " For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they come into this place of torment."

It seems so simple, doesn't it? Why don't Christians bear the cross and do it? Abraham says they have Moses and the Prophets -- this means those preaching Moses and the Prophets/ Scriptures of that day. The contention is not about whether someone should testify to them, but whether it would make a difference if someone rose from the dead. This man in Hell had the proper idea! If we could get a look at Hell, it would all come clear to us what our duty is! To testify to them, lest they also go to that place of torment!

The Greek word used for TESTIFY is an intense form of the Greek word for witness. MARTUROMAI is the Greek word for witness, and is where we get our word MARTYR; which simply means WITNESS. The word used for TESTIFY is the Greek word DIAMARTUROMAI, which is an intense for of the word MARTUROMAI. It means to PROTEST SOLEMNLY -- TO TESTIFY. We are going to look at every time this word is used in the New Testament, and I want you to notice it is always verbal, confrontational evangelism or exhortation to believers. It is what Jesus commanded! It is what caused much of the persecution to the Christian Church! It is where we fail, and why we are not more persecuted today!

1. Acts 2:40: After Peter tells the people to repent and be baptized; he gave them the complete "Gospel" in verse 40, And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation. Peter did it!

2. Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem... The Apostles did it! What did Philip do when he went down to Samaria (Acts 8:5-12)?

3. Acts 10:42: And he (Jesus) commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead. Notice the message! Notice the method! Notice the command!

4. Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. Here is that word again used by the rich man in Hell. I WANT YOU SOFT TOUCH, MINISTER-POLITICIANS TO SEE THAT THEY TURNED THESE PEOPLE OFF, AND MADE THEM MAD! Look at verse 6, And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. Now, if I did that, I would have many more critics than I already have. Maybe these "silent prophets" need to read their Bible!

5. Acts 20:21,23,24 "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ...and the ministry, which I received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Notice the message! REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD AND FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. They were preaching repentance and "Lordship Salvation". The ministry that Paul had was that of TESTIFYING THE GOSPEL.

6. Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Jesus approves of confrontational testifying!

7. Acts 28:13 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging: to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Paul says we will be a savour of life to some, and a savour of death to some. Not all will believe, but we must testify to all that we can. (2 Cor. 2:14-16) Do we like the controversy that it causes? NO, but we are accountable to God to warn the wicked (Ez. 3:17-19; I Cor. 9:16).

In the rest of the New Testament you will find this intense form of "witness": this "testifying" in regards to preaching to believers. This is a sermon in itself to these soft spoken, smooth preachers; who are afraid to convict or anger anyone. In I Thess. 4:6; I Tim. 5:21; 2 Tim. 2:14; 4:1; you will find the same Greek word the rich man in Hell used to describe how he wanted someone to speak to his 5 brothers. THINK ABOUT IT! How do you think he wanted his brothers approached! THINK ABOUT IT!

In I Thess. 4:6 we have Paul "testifying" about modest dress and conduct. In I Tim. 5:21 we have Paul "testifying/charging" Timothy to rebuke those that sin, and also to do the other things Paul commanded without preferring one above another -- This should be preached to pastors who leave out the head covering, and other things they say are "unnecessary".

In 2 Tim. 2:14, Paul is telling Timothy to "testify/charge" the people that if they deny Christ, he will deny them (2:11-14).

Last of all, in 2 Tim. 4:1 we have Paul "testifying/charging" Timothy to preach the pure Gospel even when people want to hear fables -- like eternal security, "doesn't matter what you wear", TV is fine, forget the head covering, etc. etc.

SO THAT RICH MAN IN HELL WASN'T TOO FAR OFF WHEN HE ASKED SOMEONE TO GO AND TESTIFY TO HIS 5 BROTHERS. WHAT ABOUT YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, AND PARENTS? HAVE YOU TESTIFIED TO THEM?

I believe this is a major part of that cross Jesus called us to bear in Mark 8:34-38. It takes "denying self" to be a "testifying" believer to lost and saved people; to brother and sister, neighbor and friend -- to love and rebuke in love while hated like Stephen.

The early church brought on most of their persecution by this testifying! If they had hushed and lived quiet, holy lives, they wouldn't have been persecuted near as much! Jesus said, "The world hates me because I testify that the deeds thereof are evil". The disciples were hated and killed because they preached all over and "turned the world upside down" rebuking sin, and calling men to repentance and faith. The early Christians were killed by those they "turned off".

John Wesley was riding along a road one day when it dawned on him that three whole days had passed in which he had suffered no persecution. Not a brick or an egg had been thrown at him for three days. Alarmed, he stopped his horse, and exclaimed, "Can it be that I have sinned, and am backslidden?"

Slipping from his horse, Wesley went down on his knees and began interceding with God to show him where, if any, there had been a fault.

A rough fellow, on the other side of the hedge, hearing the prayer, looked across and recognized the preacher. "I'll fix that Methodist preacher," he said, picking up a brick and tossing it over at him. It missed its mark, and fell harmlessly beside John. Whereupon Wesley leaped to his feet joyfully exclaiming, "Thank God, it's all right. I still have his presence."

The sinners haven't changed, and neither has Satan. We don't expect persecution, because we don't TESTIFY TO MEN THAT THEIR DEEDS ARE EVIL, AND PREACH REPENTANCE TO THEM. Those who go door to door often present a "no repentance", "easy believism" message. They often go with faces painted with makeup, immodest clothes, jewelry; and just invite people to church. Some who have right doctrine don't go door to door just because they don't want to be associated with the first folks we mentioned -- so the world continues to go to Hell wiith that rich man!

The Easy-believe crowd are out making FANS, not disciples. It is easy to get people to be "pro-Jesus" or "Jesus fans"; but it is very different to BE A DISCIPLE and then MAKE DISCIPLES -- Very different! I was raised with the FANS-MAKING-FANS concept of Christianity; but now I am a part of the DISCIPLES-MAKING-DISCIPLES group. It is much harder, but IT IS RIGHT! Fans don't have to obey, just sit on the sidelines; but disciples must obey and follow -- Try telling people this at the door next time....And, uh, by the way, take off your jewelry, makeup, fashion clothes, fancy tie, styled hair, etc.; put on a head veil (ladies), modest apparel, and TESTIFY that they must give up all sin, and follow Jesus in obedient faith! Then you will understand what it means to bear the cross!

"His blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn him, you will be innocent." For this reason, out of fear, we are very earnest in desiring to witness according to the Scriptures--but not from love of money, of glory, or of pleasure. Justin Martyr 160 AD

CHAPTER 8 - THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM

This should be obvious, but since some call "Lordship Salvation" heresy, it is important that we understand the message of the Gospel was not built around Jesus being just a Savior, but a King! The word Gospel means Good News ; the Gospel of the Kingdom is simply the GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST!

John the Baptist preached that men should repent and prepare for the Kingdom, and the King that was coming. Jesus preached, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus sent his disciples out to declare the Kingdom of Heaven. The Apostles continued to preach the same message after the resurrection -- Acts 8:12; 14:22; 19:8; 28:23.

The subject of the Kingdom is not heard enough today. Jesus is not presented to the world as King and Lord; but as some feeble, emotional mother figure who is begging people to accept him so he can serve them. Jesus was promised as King, born as King, preached as King, was rejected as King, and must be accepted as King!

PROMISED AS KING

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zech. 9:9

Jesus comes as King, and Jesus offers salvation as King. In the position of King he saves. To believe on a lifeguard to save you does not mean you must continue to follow him; but to accept Jesus or believe on Jesus as King means submission to his authority. Kings are submitted to or rebelled against. Jesus is presenting himself as the King who has salvation. You cannot accept him as Savior, and not as your King!

BORN AS KING

Jesus was born King of the Jews! The wise men came from the east to worship the promised King! The scribes knew from Is. 9:6, and Micah 5:2 that Jesus the King would be born in Bethlehem as King.

PROCLAIMED AS KING

Jesus presented himself as King -- this is what outraged his enemies. Jesus gave parables such as Luke 19:14; and Matt. 25:31. Jesus' disciples were always asking him when he would set up the kingdom on earth, and wondered what position they would receive. The disciples argued about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Remember what Jesus said would happen to those who said to the king, "We will not have this man to reign over us"?

REJECTED AS KING

There is no doubt that Jesus presented himself as King just from the response of his enemies. They said, We have no king but Caesar! Listen to them in Luke 23:2,

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

The big issue at the crucifixion was not whether Jesus was trying to keep people out of Hell; but whether or not he was King! Jesus expected his disciples to recognize him as the promised King. He is a loving, compassionate King; but nevertheless, he is King. The accusation put over his head on the cross was not, "This is Jesus the Savior of men"; but it said, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews". Kings are submitted to or rebelled against; and men must choose -- they cannot be neutral.

HE MUST BE ACCEPTED AS KING

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him. to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name: John 1:11,12

Jesus came as King, was rejected as King, and , therefore, must be accepted as King! When one accepts Jesus as his King, he then submits to him. When one receives Jesus as King, Jesus gives the gift of salvation to them. Remember Zech. 9:9? If the King comes with salvation, those who rebel against the King will not receive it! Only those who choose Jesus as King, and believe on him as such, will receive the free gift!

Salvation is the free gift of the King; but it is not given to rebels and enemies until they repent and submit in faith. The fact that the King does not give his free gift to rebels, does not mean that surrender, or submission to the King in any way earns or pays for the gift! Jesus is the rightful King that man has rebelled against. We deserve to be hanged for treason! Thank God! Our King loves us! Will forgive us! And give us eternal life if we come back like the prodigal son did to his father. Hallelujah!

Preachers no longer proclaim Jesus as King, so people don't know to receive him as King; and thus much faith is dead faith! Much professed belief is from a rebellious life!

In Acts 17:7, the big uproar was not over Jesus as a great teacher, or as Savior; but as King! The preachers were preaching Jesus as King!

Jesus cannot be accepted as Savior and rejected as King!! He saves in the office of King, or not at all. You don't have Jesus as Savior at salvation, and then later recognize him as King -- that is not Bible! Those who teach this are false teachers! If you don't believe on Jesus as the King that saves those who repent of rebellion to him, and submit in faith; then you don't believe on the Jesus of the Bible!

If you reject Jesus as King now, you will not enter into his Kingdom later!

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living." Romans 14:9

These people who say the receiving of Jesus as Lord means we want them to be sinless and perfect, are not using their heads. I submit to Jesus as King and Lord, and confess him as such; but I still fail my Lord at times. Jesus being my Lord, does not make me a puppet, just a striving servant. The only reason preachers don't preach this, is to cover up all their false converts, who go on in rebellion to Jesus. Those who are converted will not live in rebellion to Jesus; but will follow to the best of their strength and knowledge.

I don't understand how this could even be an issue, when Paul tells us in Romans 10:9,10 that confessing Jesus as our Lord is necessary to salvation. Do these preachers want us to be hypocrites in professing Jesus as Lord, yet not living according to our profession? Why would anyone want to argue about Jesus being Lord and King? If a lost man only wants a Savior, but not a King; then he will go to Hell for rebellion to God!!

There will be no rebels in Heaven, who do not want to serve Jesus as King and Lord. Only those who love Jesus as King and Lord will enjoy serving him in Heaven! Only those who serve him and love him as King and Lord now, will love him and serve him then! God does not give us a new heart desire and attitude on the way to Heaven, but just a new body. Our heart attitude and desire toward Jesus is supposed to be changed already at repentance and the new birth.

Peter preached on Pentecost that Jesus was both Lord and Christ. Some say this is splitting hairs about terminology; but I've been in the churches and colleges who call me a "Lordship Salvation" heretic for this; and it is not splitting hairs! If it is, it is a big enough hair to send you to Hell!

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of Lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, chosen, and faithful. Rev. 17:4

HALLELUJAH!

CHAPTER 9 - ETERNAL SECURITY AND OVERCOMING

The teaching of unconditional eternal security is very dangerous. I was told to ask Jesus into my heart at five years old, and then told I was safe and secure for Heaven, and could never lose my inheritance there even if I lived a wicked life. Had God not led me to true repentance and conversion; and then a better understanding of the Bible; I might have lived according to this heresy like many people I know.

When people who are taught this heresy doubt they are really saved, the reply their preacher gives is, "Well, you prayed the prayer didn't you?". Why don't we hear, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" II Cor. 13:5

The security that the Bible teaches is that those who desire to please God will have the power to do so. Those who desire to follow Jesus to the end, are offered grace to overcome; and those who strive to overcome, will be confirmed. The Bible security is God's promise of abundant provision to sustain us in the battle.

There are three main positions on this subject of eternal security. I want to briefly look at each, so you understand the basics of them.

CALVINISM: John Calvin, a reformer of the 1500's, believed and taught basic reformation doctrine: That men must "continue in the faith" and "persevere"; but that it was God's irresistible grace that "caused" them to do so. Those who were "unconditionally elected", called by God's "irresistible grace", and saved by Christ's "limited atonement", were also kept by God's irresistible grace in faith and obedience to ultimate salvation. Thus, those who fell away only revealed they weren't part of the "elect". This concept violates man's free will and the plain teaching of Christ in Luke 8:13. God is not willing that any should perish; therefore he would use his irresistible grace on everyone -- if this were true. If this were true, it would be God's responsibility to keep us, and the Bible would not have warnings and commands to men to endure, continue, overcome, etc. If God's grace were irresistible enough to save us and keep us, it would also keep us from carnality, sin, etc. When the responsibility for man's obedience is put on God, then it is his fault when we disobey. If the responsibility for man's repentance and faith is God's, then it is his fault that people go to Hell; and he can't justly condemn them.

Neither do we maintain that it is by fate that men do what they do, or suffer what they suffer. Rather, we maintain that each man acts rightly or sins by his free choice...Since God in the beginning made the race of angels and men with free will, they will justly suffer in eternal fire the punishment of whatever sins they have committed. Justin Martyr 160 AD

ANTINOMIANISM: This old heresy teaches that man is perpetually justified by one act of faith, so future sins are forgiven and cleansed at conversion. Thus, it doesn't matter what you do after you "ask Jesus to save you"; because a forgiven person cannot be condemned. The Holy Spirit refutes this misconception in James and the whole New Testament.

From this heresy, repentance becomes only a change of mind for a moment, or a turning from no faith to dead faith that "trusts" presumptuously without obedience. Thus, according to them, Jesus' High Priestly advocacy in Heaven is useless -- You don't need to forgive sins twice! Thus "walking in the light", "sowing to the Spirit", "continuing in the faith", "confessing known sin", etc. is unnecessary and meaningless.

This heresy means unconditional security for those who commit one act of faith in "receiving Christ", whether they live by faith or not. If this is true, then you don't have to obey Christ, live godly, resist temptation, follow Jesus, or anything after you are converted. They say if you don't, God will chasten you, and eventually kill you and take you to Heaven anyway, so you don't make him look bad on earth any more. Any honest student of Scripture cannot accept this "TURNING THE GRACE OF GOD INTO LASCIVIOUSNESS". This is a terrible twisting of God's Word. "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" The Antinomians think so! This heresy is taught by modern Baptists. This is the same heresy Peter speaks of in 2 Peter 3:16 -- The unlearned always find refuge in twisting Paul's epistles. Because Paul is battling Judaism, his language is conducive for Antinomians to wrest. Read 2 Peter 2:18,19.

BIBLE SALVATION: (sometimes called Arminianism) James Arminius opposed John Calvin and taught man's responsibility before God. He taught man had free will or choice, and thus it was man's responsibility to repent, believe, obey, endure, etc. Man is thus responsible for not doing these things, and accountable to God, and in danger of Hell. Arminius did not invent this doctrine, but just defended what God's faithful had always believed from the times of the apostles. That Jesus died for every man, and calls all men to salvation and to repentance. God's grace is not irresistible; and the perseverance of the saints is not automatic or unconditional or God's responsibility. Man must believe on Christ with a living, obeying, continuing faith of his own free will and choice to be saved. Continual justification is based on continual faith. God's part in salvation is PROVISION and PERSUASION; but it is not his responsibility to make man's decisions for them or choose who will make the decision. God made man with free will, and therefore God holds them accountable for their actions and judges them accordingly. This system of doctrine is what the Bible teaches.

I was raised Antinomian, then went to Calvinism, but was never satisfied until I came to the Arminian position. It is hard for those raised in one position to move to another, but if you study your Bible enough, God will lead you. For a while I held the idea that all true believers would definitely persevere, and those who didn't, weren't saved to begin with. However, Jesus' plain words in Luke 8:13 are to the contrary. If Jesus said they "for a while believed"; then for a while they were "believers". This means they were saved, and then fell away because of temptation. Judas, and some others (John 6:64) never did believe; but this is not the only scenario taught in the Bible. If only the false believers are the ones who will not endure, then every time the Holy Spirit exhorts us to "hold fast our profession", "continue in the faith", "hold fast our confidence", etc. He is telling false believers to hold on to their false faith, false profession, and false confidence. It is clear that all the exhortations listed below are to believers: Romans 6:16; 8:13; I Cor. 3:16,17; II Cor. 6:13-7:1; Gal. 6:7-9; Eph. 5:1-7; I Tim. 4:16; II Tim. 2:12; Heb. 3:6,12-14; 4:11-16; 5:7-6:15; 10:22-39; 12:12-25; James 5:19,20; I Peter 1:9-17; 4:17-19; II Peter 2:18-22; 3:14-17; I John 1:6,7; 2:5 compare with 2:24-25; II John 8,9; Jude 20-24; Rev. 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21; 21:7,8; 22:7,12-14.

Many times the Apostles included themselves by saying "we" or "us", as in I Cor. 9:27-10:14, and in Hebrews.

The conditions for salvation are clear in the Bible, and it is clear that it is man's responsibility to use God's provision of grace to meet the conditions God set on Christ's atonement and advocacy. The Antinomians can say the conditions don't exist; and the Calvinists cans say the irresistible grace of God makes us meet the conditions, but the conditions are there, and the responsibility is put on us to meet them. So, no matter what you are, you'd better get busy following Jesus in obedient faith if you want to go to Heaven -- FOR HE IS THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL (AND ONLY) THEM THAT OBEY HIM; AND OBEYING HIM (IN JESUS' DEFINITION) IS "KEEPING HIS SAYINGS". John 8:51, 14:21-24; I John 2:3-5.

You say, "What about salvation by grace through faith?" That is exactly what I believe; but you need to have Bible definitions of "faith" and "grace", not some man's. Titus 2:11-15 gives us a good look at "grace". Grace is in the PROVISION and PERSUASION aspects of salvation. Grace does not do our part for us; nor does grace overlook our part, or cancel it.

Faith and obedience are synonymous when it comes to God giving us a command or condition. In Hebrews 11, the great faith chapter, every time faith is seen in an act of obedience. God testified of Abel's obedience and counted him righteous. Enoch diligently sought God and pleased God, and it was called faith. Noah moved with fear and obeyed God; and by this he became "heir of the righteousness which is by faith"! Can't you see it? Abraham's faith in many acts of obedience was "imputed for righteousness", and called FAITH and FAITHFULNESS. Jesus is not a bank vault where you deposit your soul, and go your merry way. He is the King we trust, and therefore obey and serve.

For what reason was our father Abraham blessed? Was it not because he worked righteousness and truth through faith? Clement of Rome 96 AD

If a person begins following Jesus, and then begins to practice known sin, or continue one that God has recently shown him to be sin; then his record in Heaven is defiled. God begins to chasten him, and gives him space to repent, so he won't be condemned with the world (I Cor. 11:32). If this man repents, while God is chastening, then his soul is saved from death (James 5:19,20). If he despises the chastening of the Lord, and persists in rebellion, then he will die spiritually (Romans 6:16; 8:13; Gal. 6:7-9; Heb. 6,10,12). I believe God will do all he can justly do to bring a person back before cutting him off. I also believe that if a person resists enough to be cut off (Romans 11:22); then he will never come back (Heb. 6). They already had all God has to offer, what more would bring them back? If the Holy Ghost from within could not persuade them, then how will he persuade them from without? Jesus taught this in Luke 8:13, as well as Matthew 18:21-35; 24:9-14,44-51; and John 15:1-1

CHAPTER 10 - WHAT IT MEANS TO BELIEVE ON JESUS

Due to the terrible deception of "easy believism", this chapter is necessary. Believing on Christ has been reduced to praying a prayer, and then expecting Jesus to take me to Heaven someday, whether I follow him or not. Sinners are being told that faith without works is alive, and will save. They are not told that there is no forgiveness without genuine repentance. They are told to trust in dead faith, and led to rely on Jesus, when they have no right to rely on Jesus without repentance and faith that obeys.

If objects are equal to the same object, then they are equal to each other. If there is only one way to Heaven, then all the promises of salvation must be equal to all the other promises. If we remember that the term SAVED primarily refers to ultimate salvation into Heaven, rather than the moment of conversion, we will understand what it means to believe on Jesus.

IF...

1. Matt. 10:22 Enduring to the end = saved

2. Mk. 13:13 Endureth to the end = saved

3. Jn. 8:12 Followeth me = saved

4. Jn. 8:51 Keep my sayings = saved

5. Jn. 10:27 Hear and follow = saved

6. Jn. 1:12 Receive him = saved

7. Jn. 3:3 Be born again = saved

8. Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized = saved

9. Acts 3:19 Repent and be converted = saved

10. Acts 16:31 Believe on the Lord Jesus = saved

11. Acts 26:20 Repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance = saved

12. Rom. 10:9,10 Confess Jesus as Lord and believe in the resurrection = saved

13. Rom. 10:13 Call upon the Lord = saved

14. Heb. 3:14 Hold fast confidence to end = saved

15. Heb. 5:9 Obey Jesus = saved

16. Heb. 10:39 Believe to the end = saved

17. I Tim. 4:16 Continue in the doctrine = saved

18. I John 1:7 Walk in the light = saved

19. Gal. 6:7-9 Sow to the Spirit & faint not = saved

20. Rev. 2 & 3, 21:7 Overcome = saved

21. Rev. 22:14 Do his commandments = saved

...IF ALL 21 ARE EQUAL TO BEING SAVED, THEN THEY ARE ALL EQUAL TO EACH OTHER!

Either there are two or more ways to Heaven, or each statement is just a clarification and definition of the other terms.

"Believe on Jesus" can be made as narrow as to only include a prayer, or intellectual trust; or as broad as to include "obey", "follow", "walk in the light", etc. It is vital to understand that "believing on Jesus" is not just believing in his historical existence, or his historical resurrection; but BELIEVING HIS TEACHINGS TO THE POINT WE OBEY THEM!

Today, men are trying to disregard the other statements, and reduce "repentance" to their definition of "belief", which is "dead faith". Therefore they must change the meaning of "repent" to a change of mind which doesn't change the actions, or a change from no faith, to a dead faith (James 2).

If my son, Micah, and I were on a wilderness trek with an experienced guide; and we were suddenly confronted by a grizzly bear. The guide turns to Micah and says, "Son, you stay calm and do exactly what I tell you." Now, I look at Micah and say, "Son, believe in the guide"; or "Son, trust the guide"; or "Son, follow what he says"; or "Son, hold fast your confidence in the guide to the end"; or "Son, receive this man as your guide" -- I have said the same thing! Wouldn't it be foolish for Micah to look at me and say, "Dad, does 'trust the guide' mean I have to obey him?" OF COURSE TRUSTING AND BELIEVING MEANS OBEYING!!

If a man came to town claiming to be the Son of God, King of Israel, and Savior of the world; and telling people to turn from sin, and be baptized as one of his disciples -- If I then went and told people to believe in this man, they would understand that I meant for them to do what the man said, not just pray a prayer and go on their merry way in sin.

If I told people to turn from sin, and become one of his disciples; I would be telling them to believe in him without ever using the word BELIEVE. Is this that difficult?

Faith cannot do the works of unbelief, nor unbelief the works of faith. Ignatius 105 AD

Into this joy, many persons desire to enter. They know that "by grace you are saved, not of works," but by the will of God through Jesus Christ....But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also--if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness. Polycarp 135 AD

To believe in Him is to do His will. Irenaeus 180 AD

Today Jesus is not presented as demanding repentance and obedience; so faith in him has been reduced to believing as in Santa Claus -- at least those who believe in Santa try to behave.

If a man turns from sin, is baptized a disciple of Jesus Christ, and follows him in faith to the end of his life, he will be saved -- even if he never "officially" asks Jesus into his heart. I don't find one preacher in the Bible telling people to ask Jesus into their heart!

What a tragedy that "salvation" seems to be marked down on the clearance rack: and the prophets of yesterday have become salesmen who have mastered their tricks to get men to buy their watered down product. The better deal we can cut the public, the bigger church we can build, and make true preachers

look like hard nosed cavemen!

The tree is made manifest by its fruit. So those who profess themselves to be Christians will be recognized by their conduct....It is better for a man to be silent and be (a Christian), than to talk and not be one. Ignatius 105 AD

This, then, is our reward if we will confess Him by whom we have been saved. But in what way will we confess Him? We confess Him by doing what He says, not transgressing His commandments, and by honoring Him not only with our lips, but with all our heart and all our mind....Let us, then, not only call Him Lord, Lord, for that will not save us. For He says, "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will be saved, but he that works righteousness." For that reason, brethren, let us confess Him by our works, by loving one another. Second Clement 150 AD

CHAPTER 11 - THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT SALVATION

I recently asked a preacher who was misled on the baptism of the Holy Spirit if he knew the difference between OT and NT salvation. He didn't. I was not surprised, but it just went to show why he was mixed up on the Holy Spirit.

In the Old Testament, people were saved by a living, obeying faith in God. When you read Hebrews 11, and James 2, with Acts 26:6,7; & Romans 3,4; you see that those who believed God in following and obeying him were saved. Their faith was counted for righteousness, and their sins were forgiven on credit -- accounting that Jesus would definitely come and pay for them.

According to Acts 10:43, all the prophets preached "repentance and remission of sins in Christ's name" (Luke 24:47). The OT saints who were saved, served and followed Jehovah God in hope of his promised salvation through the coming Messiah. So we can say they were saved by the same faith we are -- except theirs looked forward to Christ by keeping the ceremonial laws and such; whereas our faith looks back to Christ's coming (and forward to his return) by following his teachings and confessing him as our Lord.

SO WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

1. We do not show our faith by keeping the ceremonial laws. Christ is the fulfillment of those rituals; therefore we look to the real thing, not the type. Instead of obeying God in the OT laws -- God's old covenant with man; we obey God by following his Son Jesus, and obeying his commands. Everyone saved is saved by grace through faith. Nobody was saved by the law. Nobody is saved by dead faith. Their faith lived in serving God through the law; our faith lives in following and obeying Jesus!

The Jews were to use the law as simply a guide to their faith, not to earn merit or salvation. This is where many stumbled, according to Romans 9:32. The same principle that applied to the OT Jews concerning the law (Duet. 30:11-14); applies to us now concerning Christ (Romans 10:6-10). They were to walk by faith in the light they were given, and so are we.

So, they followed and obeyed in faith, just like we do. Their faith was counted for righteousness, just like ours is. Their sins were covered until Jesus came; ours are continually cleansed in the blood (I John 1:7) as we walk in the light. The first main difference is how they were to show their faith (keeping the law Vs. following Jesus).

2. The second, and most important difference is the "Promise of the Father" in our New Covenant or New Testament. Lets look at a couple OT passages about NT salvation:

Jer. 31:31-34, Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel...I will put my laws in their inward parts, and write them in their hearts...

Ez. 36:32-27 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:...And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Joel 2:28-32 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, ...And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered...

Now, if you compare these Scriptures with Heb. 8:6-13; 10:15-17; and Acts 2:15-21 & 33-41; you can see clearly that there is another big difference between OT and NT salvation. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit, which gives us a spiritual re-birth, and helps us to endure to the end.

The promise of the Father, which Jesus obtained after his ascension, is the baptism of the Holy Spirit -- The Spirit rebirth -- The indwelling Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-8; 2:33,38,39)

In the New Testament we all have what only the priests, prophets, and some kings had, so we all know God and are prophets and priests unto God through Jesus Christ.

Thank God! We don't have to look to Moses, Aaron, Elijah, Samuel, etc. for knowledge of God; we can know him ourselves and cry "Abba Father" as a child. We have been adopted through receiving the Spirit of God's Son to dwell in us. We can approach the Throne of Grace, not stand and wait for a priest in the Temple. We can come continually to our High Priest, Jesus, and receive atonement for our sins (Heb. 7:22-25). We now are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, we don't go to the Temple. The covenant of Grace means I live on a higher holier plane than the ceremonial, fleshly worship of the Old Testament. I am one of the true worshippers who worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23), not with my hands or sacrifices, dances, images, instruments, etc.; but with the fruit of my lips, making melody in my heart, walking in the Spirit with sobriety, humility, and holiness.

Hebrews 2:1-4; 10:26-29; 12:18-25; and basically the whole book teaches us that since we have a better covenant, with a better sacrifice, a better priest, a better hope, and better access to God; we also will have greater condemnation if we neglect it!

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven: Heb. 12:25

NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP

There is another important aspect, usually overlooked, that affects our present worship. New Testament worship is uniquely "spiritual", rather than "fleshly". Lets look at some Scripture:

This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. Acts 7:37

The Jews understood the Messiah would bring in a new era, and change things -- and whatever he changed, we were to listen to him, and forget the old way.

Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:21-24

Jesus is going to set the "true standard" of what kind of worship the Father desired. He would set up "true worship". This means the old was faulty.

Peter, writing to the Christian Jews, speaks of the Jew's former practices as "ignorance" in I Peter 1:13,

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

This means old Jewish practices, based on their carnal appetites, was to be discarded for the New Testa