I don't want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying.
- Woody Allen
While there are many important temporal and eternal issues, given our mortality and a number of life's unpleasant realities, the question "What must I do to be saved" reigns supreme. Thankfully, a careful study of mankind's ultimate concerns leads step by step to 10 great reasons to believe the Bible holds the eternal answer.
The problem is, with over 750,000 words, it's challenging to discover the most important of Scripture's directives regarding Biblical Salvation. While best to study God's word accurately and in its entirety, particularly those passages emphasizing this topic of topics, the following in conjunction with our step by step companion article “Following Christ” may prove helpful as both a summary and starting point.
Individually and collectively we are all telling ourselves a story. For those interested in successfully navigating the challenges and pitfalls of this life and the next, three immediate questions present themselves:
- How honest of story tellers are we?
- How well do we know God’s narrative?
- To what degree are we living it out?
If you are looking for magic words or a simple lists of do’s and don’ts that will grant and guarantee salvation you will no more find it here than you will in the Bible. This is not because such a list does not exist. According to Scripture such an all important list does exist and God’s offer of love and salvation, while free gifts of grace, are also clearly conditional.
Like the Bible, what you will find in this article are enough bits and pieces (principles and hyperlinks) of the whole truth in regards to what we must do to be saved to whet the appetite of those who not only “believe God is, but that He is a rewarder of those who diligently (not casually) seek Him.” Again, this is in keeping with the whole of Scripture. Take for example the fact that the Bible is not written topically. Regrettably, and for a variety of reasons, there is no Book of Salvation, or for that matter any of the other great issues facing mankind. Rather the instructions on even the most important and eternal of themes seem to have been broken up and scattered throughout the entirety of God’s word.
Given the myriad of ways Omnity might reveal truth, doing so primarily through the Bible in it’s current form is reminiscent of nothing less than a test:
- “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. “ 2 Corinthians 13:5-7 MSG
Almost as if something and/or someone were trying to hide the truth:
- “And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.” Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG
Such a tragic mistake is compounded by the degeneration of the sociopolitical global landscape seizing control of the entire world since 2020. Given the demonically deceptive shift in the Times and Seasons thrust upon us, if there was ever an acceptable time to confuse Christianity, starting with Biblical salvation, with an all expense paid ticket to board a pleasure cruise, rather than a draft notice to report to a Kingdom of God Battleship, those days are long past...
As Paul warned: “And if the [war] bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?” 1 Corinthians 14:8 AMP
It should be abundantly clear things changed substantially in 2020. Nationally and globally, the world has never scene the like of even the following short list:
1. Covid-19 and variants, of questionable origin, mandates promoting and/or requiring untested and dangerous MRNA “vaccines” and “boosters” with negative efficacy and even deadly side effects revealing unprecedented control of healthcare and politics by the collusion of pharmaceutical companies and bureaucrats. To the point of threatening the removal of medical licenses of physicians prescribing safe and reliable treatments proven effective against respiratory and other illness. Example: In 2015 Ivermectin won the only Nobel Prize award for treatments of infectious diseases since six decades prior.
2. Economic and institutional, social and quarantine lockdowns crippling businesses and institutions, education and families, from the elderly to children.
3. Individual mandates, social distancing and mask requirements restricting interaction and breathing.
4. BLM and Antifa’s spreading of widespread rioting and looting, violence and lawlessness in the name of blatantly FALSE narratives such as Critical Race Theory (CRT) and systemic police brutality. Both undermining the foundations of society by calling good evil and evil good. All the while elevating career felons like George Floyd to sainthood status while ignoring the plague of black on black violence and murder, particularly within liberally controlled inner cities like the Obama’s Chicago.
5. Campaigns of disinformation and destruction by the emerging Iron Triangle of liberal governments, legacy media and global corporations influencing and poisoning the hearts and minds of billions.
6. Wokism’s ridiculous and dangerous plandemic of social engineering’s impact on lower and higher education, spread by the super carriers mentioned above.
7. The impact of Transgenderism’s incoherent and devilish reversal of truth and goodness on genuine science and health care, parenting and morality, teens and children.
8. Political attack on democracy, particularly in the U.S. by election fraud, boarder crossing and registration tampering.
9. Worldwide manipulation and control of all the above, as well as governments and economies, national budgets and banking, healthcare and communication, goods and services… by global elites implementing a Great Reset thus instituting a New World Order.
Such atrocities, and more, have been researched and documented, warned against and explained in detail by reliable professionals in related fields.
For more information see Conflict Theology, Times And Seasons, as well as the rest of QC's eBook series.
Regrettably, even in the face of such daunting challenges on such a previously unknown global scale, during and after churches reopened their shuttered doors, modern Christianity continues with business as usual. Rather than seriously reconsidering failed doctrines and lifestyles, not to mention current and coming crises, Churchianity continues to promote presumption rather than repentance and worldliness over brokenness while promoting 100's of different sects and denominations, various Christs and versions of the gospel.
This all but universal habit of simply and stubbornly assuming salvation, and all that accompanies it, bodes poorly and is itself compelling evidence of our glaring need to rightly understand and appropriately respond to the underappreciated deadly and deceptive nature of our Enemy. As repeatedly warned against throughout Scripture's context of Conflict Theology.
What we know is that Bible’s offer of salvation came at great price. This is no where more more evident than in the case of Christ’s costly atonement. Taken as a whole, God the Son’s inconceivable incarnation and lowly birth, life of obscurity and misunderstood ministry, devilish betrayal and mock conviction, brutal torture and frightful crucifixion represent the ultimate journey of humility and indignation, suffering and sorrow. A suffering without which mortal mankind would never survive the grave much less be offered even the least of the glories of heaven.
While most of modern Christianity agrees Christ’s cross is the basis of Biblical faith, few today reinforce Jesus’s command that each of us bare our own:
- “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:23-26 NIV
1. Jesus and His apostles gave their all in life and death that most of the rest of us might get into heaven with little or cost.
2. Jesus and His apostles gave their all in life and death to show us the way and true cost of salvation.
Each and every would be believer must decide which of these two diametrically opposed principals is most in keeping with the authority of Scripture. The blessing of modern life and Churchianity may seem to argue for cost-less Christianity. Indeed beautiful buildings and people, songs and sermons, prayers and programs may all well have their place. Nevertheless beginnings are not endings. The disciples began their journey with Jesus by asking “Rabbi, where do you live?” to which Jesus replied, “Come and see.” Only later would the resurrected Christ explain all that He would require, “…you will be my witnesses (martyrs) in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Although necessary, the beginning looked very different than the end. In the same way, as spiritual infants believers today should thrive on the milk of the gospel. Yet, even as infants learn to eat meat, so too Scripture demands genuine Christians mature into radical disciples fully appreciating the privilege and responsibility built-in to the Bible’s insights and warnings, promises and commands. Our difficult and ongoing struggle to comprehend and comply with Christ’s more costly demands is thoughtfully and humorously illustrated in the poem, “When I Became A Christian” by Adrian Plass. Do yourself a favor and watch this short YouTube rendition.
Understanding the Bible may seem daunting. Thankfully it's chief Author and Architect included tips and clues to help navigate and interpret it's passages. But beware. While those familiar with Scripture may recognize some or all of the following vital verses, few today appreciate their true significance. This disconnect begins with a lack of understanding or willingness to fully embrace the gravity of our situation. Modern life, being filled with more immediate concerns and pleasures, redirects our attention from difficult truths to more pleasant distractions. Such denial suggests the reality, much less the demands of a genuine life of faith, are unreasonable.
Truth be told, most the modern church invests only a few minutes a day in uninterrupted Bible Study and Prayer. Instead, living in a post-Christian era, Churchianity relies on "easy believism" or even "Me-ism" passed off as doctrine. When most "believers" refuse to stop and pray for even 10 minutes a day, and/or are unable to quote 10 verses in a row (perhaps outside of the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23), it's easy to see how what seems right and feels good can eclipse the Bible's actual message.
The following are some of the most important passages in all of Scripture. While on the surface they may seem less than amazing, these handful of verses provide insight and access into the Kingdom of God.
Two Key Verses
Two passages in particular set the proper tone for both interpreting and implementing all of Scripture. They address the fundamental question of what God wants most from every member of mankind and constitutes our appropriate response. With Hell to loose and Heaven to gain, our appropriate response to God is so vital a topic that it may be said the entire Bible was written to illustrate and explain what the Creator and Savior requires from mankind in general and each of us individually.
It’s helpful to lay a foundation prior to building on these two crucial passages of Scripture. For example, it’s a surprise to 99% of the church of the modern world that when it comes to pleasing and serving God, how we treat each other is far and away more emphasized by Christ and His apostles than theology. While certainly not alone, perhaps James the half brother of Jesus and head of the original church in Jerusalem explains it most clearly:
- “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, 'Some people have faith; others have good deeds.' But I say, 'How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.' You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?" James 2:14-20
But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. - NLT
"But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." NIV
- "The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed. But if he does a poor job through ignorance, he'll get off with a slap on the hand. Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities! "I've come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I've come to change everything, turn everything right side up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I've come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be— Three against two, and two against three; Father against son, and son against father; Mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; Mother-in-law against bride, and bride against mother-in-law." - Luke 12-47-53 MSG
Jesus expands on this subject in regards to salvation in several of His most famous and important teachings including the Sheep and the Goats as well as the Rich Man and Lazarus and Rich Young Ruler. These treaties are far more than parables. The first is a future glimpse of the final and eternal judgment of all mankind. The second represents the Bible's only recorded conversation between human beings in the afterlife. Like in the Good Samaritan and perhaps more so, Jesus takes pains to once again explain a vital Divine truth, namely that when it comes to eternity "To whom much is given much is required."
It's no stretch to say the average citizen of the modern world enjoys fabulous wealth given unprecedented advances of science and technology. In comparison with more than half the Earth's current population and ninety nine percent of all human beings throughout history, we live lifestyles that in many ways exceed those of ancient kings and approaching those of mythological gods. It's as if we've inherited the hopes, dreams and prayers of all past generations and then some! Constantly taking for granted such unparalleled blessings, we live largely unaware of our opulence. Even something as commonplace as a grocery store would be a marvel to much of humanity now and through the ages.
Unfortunately the reverse is true for literally billions of impoverished as just a few facts clearly illustrate:
- Poverty fact estimates report that “almost half the world - over three billion people - live on less than $2.50 a day” while “80% of humanity lives on less that $10 a day.”
- 1.2 billion people still don’t have electricity and all the necessity and comforts it affords.
- Less than 9% of the world’s population own a car.
- Poorest 20% have access to only 1.5% of resources.
- World’s middle 60% consume 21%.
- World’s richest 20% consume 76.6 %.
- The wealth of the richest 10 people equals that of the poorest 3.5 billion.
- More than 80 percent of the world’s population lives in countries where income differentials are widening.
- According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.”
- Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation.
A leading indicator of wealth and it’s proper usage, particularly in light of Christ’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” is disposable income. How much we spend and what we buy reveal the values of individuals and society as a whole. Both can clearly be seen by the following:
- 8 billion dollars a year is spent on cosmetics in the U.S.
- 11 billion dollars a year is spent on ice cream in Europe.
- 17 billion dollars is spent annually on pet food in the U.S. and Europe.
- 70 billion dollars a year are generated globally by the movie and music industries.
- Over 100 billion dollars is spent on alcohol each year in Europe alone.
- Globally, over 400 billion dollars is spent on illegal drugs annually.
- The U.S. military annually spends 640 billion dollars a year with the next eight nations spending 607 billion with a total global expenditure of over 1.7 trillion dollars.
- "Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh." Luke 6:20-21
- "Jesus said, There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.
- “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. Luke 6:24-26
- “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46
- “John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do? He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” John 3:7-14
- “Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:16-26
- "Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, 'You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.' These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law." Romans 13:8-10
- Less that 1/3 of the world claim to be Christians on a survey. This percentage is highly inflated when judged by orthodox doctrine much less adherence to Biblical lifestyles.
- Within the developed world, including all “Christian Nations” morality has been inverted in a single generation.
- “God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” Romans 2:6-16
How Diligent Must We Be?
Moving beyond God’s merciful compassion for the physically and spiritually poor, the first of the two great verses on which the understanding of the entirety of Scripture hinges is “To whom much is given much is required.” Here as elsewhere Jesus identifies our responsibility to please God by learning to know Him and fulfilling His requirements. The second continues the concept by addressing what kind of effort is acceptable. Hebrews 11:6 explains:
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." KJV
This incredibly important verse begs the question, how much "diligence" is required? By the Holy Spirit, the apostle anticipates this question in a variety of ways but perhaps nowhere as simply as with his metaphors of the athlete, farmer and soldier.
- "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:12-13
- "Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things." 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Of the three the least dedicated is likely to be the athlete. Soldiers have the most to loose, putting their lives and those of their units on the line. Farmers must also be diligent or face eventual bankruptcy or starvation. Athletes, particularly non professionals, have only the the honor of winning "the prize" at stake. Even so, what amateur athlete doesn't train at least a couple of hours a day (10-20 hours a week, less than half the average time spent watching TV) and professional athlete several dozens of hours a week?
Understanding Scripture
The study of Scripture is essential for those who would take the topic of Biblical salvation seriously. Historically, seven rules for Biblical interpretation have been employed in theology and a number of other disciplines. Today, given the glaring doctrinal errors prevalent in Churchianity, it seems an eighth rule of emphasis is required.
Unlike a person, the Bible lacks the ability to warn the reader when important or pivotal points are misunderstood. Or does it? Evidence abounds supporting Scripture's Divine inspiration and authority. A bold claim yet one being reinforced daily as ancient prophecies begin to unfold. If such is the case, it would stand to reason that God, in His infinite wisdom, would find a way to communicate the truths most important to humanity.
As with all literature, a sincere desire to comprehend the Author's intent is a necessary ingredient to understanding scripture. With a good faith effort, simply employing the Rule of Emphasis when reading the Bible yields easily understood meta messages. The Rule of Emphasis uses the following criteria to determine the importance the Bible places on a subject or topic, directive or warning, promise or condition:
- Authority of author: Scripture itself claims to be authored by the direction of God: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Seen in this light every verse comes fro the highest Authority. Even so, in certain instances extra consideration may be given to the New over the Old Testament. The teachings of Christ would seem to merit the highest consideration
- Vitality of concept: What importance does the plain meaning of the passage's language communicate? To what degree does the author use adjectives and adverbs to accentuate the topic?
- Development of thought: How many verses are used to develop the thought? Is it continued throughout most of or the entire chapter.
- Repetition of idea: Do subsequent chapters continue the same or a complementary train of thought? Does the author reinforce the concept in additional Bible books? How many of the Bible's 66 books and 40 different authors develop the same or similar theme?
- Detail of instruction: How much time and trouble does the author invest in detailing the concept? The more precise and compelling the instruction the higher the emphasis being communicated.
- Indirect references: Beyond the direct language, does the author support the theme with indirect references. These might include citing other passages as well as the use of metaphor and typology.
- Stated benefits: What are the clearly stated benefits of understanding and complying with directives or meeting conditions associated with promise?
- Explicit or implicit warnings: What level of disappointment or danger is the author warning of? What risks are involved in failing to heed the warning? How easily reversed are the negative consequences being discussed? Are the outcomes described temporal or eternal?
Sadly the vast majority of modern Christians show little or no interest in the rigors of honest Bible study much less costly discipleship. Prophetic Christians recognize our desperate need for not only individual and corporate renewal but revival if not reformation. These understand the realistic hope requires honesty enough to admit the true extent of our need in light of the Bible’s guidelines for benefiting from God’s supply. They also daily confess any lack of discipline in regards to doubtful habits and/or besetting sins short-circuiting their work and prayers to more fully experience the power of God.
The following graphic emphasizes that knowingly or not, all who have heard the story and claims of Christ are somewhere to found on a continuum from inappropriate two appropriate response:
The above chart begs the question at what level of belief and response does living faith and thus Biblical salvation begin. Jesus was asked this question of questions twice, by the Rich Young Ruler and in the story of the Good Samaritan. With care and by employing the right tools students of scripture can identify key thoughts, passages and even the most important words throughout the Bible.
Given Christ’s harsher sayings and His judgments of His church, it can be a costly and even eternal mistake to simply assume salvation. For those endeavoring to know God’s will, discerning between faith and presumption is essential. Particularly when genuine faith by definition requires some level of expectation. The answer to the puzzle is this: presuming is not presumptuous to the degree we exchange our all for God’s. Yet be warned. while gifts of God like faith and grace are generally viewed as encouraging forces for good nevertheless Scripture directly and indirectly repeatedly warns that God is not mocked. Many well meaning believers have at times willfully or even inadvertently moved beyond presumption to profanity (treating the holy as common). A serious and sometimes fatal mistake. For this and a myriad of reasons, it’s best to approach God with brokenness and contrition, repentance and reverent fear. Honesty, what God desires most from mankind, is always the best policy. Frequently confessing that Omnity is the great I AM, and I am nothing great is good start. As is creating and memorizing a strategic daily prayer that respectfully yet purposefully weaves back and forth in ever increasing levels of repentance to intercession. For examples see Rob’s Daily Prayer and Acceptable Worship.
Having already identified two of the most important Scriptures: "To whom much is given much is required" and "He (God) is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" we are ready to review what are perhaps the most foundational passages regarding the all important subject of Salvation.
1. Believe: "What Must I Do To Be Saved?" Interestingly the question of all questions is recorded only a few times in the New Testament. It was asked of Jesus by a religious lawyer in the story of the Good Samaritan and again by the Rich Young Ruler. Perhaps the most quoted passage is Paul's reply to a terrified Philippian jailer:
- “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.” A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God." Acts 16:20-34
- "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." Romans 10:9-10
2. Honesty: "Spirit and Truth…" While there may be some who strive to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength" for His own sake, most on the path of doing so develop a brokenness regarding our individual and collective need of God's presence and power, provision and protection. From our microscopic place in an overwhelmingly large, ancient and hostile universe to universal pain, death and an uncertain eternity, our situation could hardly be more dire. Sadly, an appropriate response to this most basic of truths is often the first casualty in a ubiquitous onslaught of temptation, deception and demonic resistance.
Jesus reveals the need for honesty in His encounter with the Samaritan Women at the Well:
- “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:19-24
- "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:5-9
Sin not only incorporates actions, but thoughts, words and attitudes. The Greek word hamartia, translated "sin" 170 times literally means "missing the target." Applicable as an archery term, Christ and His apostles explain fallen human nature itself is in a constant state of sin, or missing the mark of God's holiness and design for man.
Mirroring life, sin can best be described as both events and a process. Succinctly put, sin is the inevitable result of failing to understand and appreciate God as our Creator and Savior, as well as our place in His creation. This being true, in a sense willful ignorance is the fountain head from with sin springs. In modern culture this translates into failing to be concerned enough with life's ultimate questions to discover if there are compelling reasons to believe that faith is reasonable and the Bible authoritative.
An honest and accurate diagnosis of the problem of sin requires a prognosis of deep and ongoing humility, brokenness and repentance. Often misunderstood, Wikipedia defines the term repentance as follows:
- In Biblical Hebrew, the idea of repentance is represented by two verbs: שוב shuv (to return) and נחם nicham (to feel sorrow). In the New Testament, the word translated as 'repentance' is the Greek word μετάνοια (metanoia), "after/behind one's mind", which is a compound word of the preposition 'meta' (after, with), and the verb 'noeo' (to perceive, to think, the result of perceiving or observing). In this compound word the preposition combines the two meanings of time and change, which may be denoted by 'after' and 'different'; so that the whole compound means: 'to think differently after'. Metanoia is therefore primarily an after-thought, different from the former thought; a change of mind accompanied by regret and change of conduct, "change of mind and heart", or, "change of consciousness".
The word repent may be synonymous to the military term "about face." Real repentance encompasses more than thinking and feeling, wanting and wishing. As in making an about face, one must stop moving in the previous direction, make a 180 degree turn and proceed in the opposite direction. As a prerequisite of salvation, Biblical repentance requires the mind, heart and will beginning and continuing to act in concert resulting in a reversed in course full of "love and good deeds".
- "So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And 'don’t sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:25-32
3. Work of God: "Don't Work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life..." Having sought Jesus out after His miracle of feeding the five thousand, Christ told the large crowd that the work of God was to believe on Him who God had sent:
- Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.' Then they asked him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?' Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'" John 6:26-28
Elsewhere He elaborates:
- One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple. Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish. Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce? Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple." Luke 14:25-33
Jesus suggest we count the cost in both civilian and military terms. The Bible explains that rather than living in a vacuum, humanity is engulfed in a cosmic war as a result of the fallout of the original sin of the Luciferian Rebellion. So much so, Scripture refers to Satan or the Devil, as he is now called, as the "god of this world" and the "prince and power of the air" who has "blinded the eyes of men, taking them captive to do his will."
Scripture's handling of the true spiritual nature of the origins of human and angelic existence and interaction reveals a far different context than meets the eye. As dramatized in Eternity… The Wager, even a brief overview of the History of Eternity illustrates the Devil's temptation, deception and accusations against the soul of humanity. Such reality goes a long way towards both explaining the presence of evil and the New Testament's call to daily being as diligent as athletes, farmers and soldiers.
4. Obedience: "…such shall not inherit the Kingdom of God" The good news is the Bible contains approximately 1,200 promises. It also contains nearly 1,500 conditions and over 6,000 commands. Taken together, the latter outnumber the former five to one. Thankfully Jesus and His Apostles help narrow the field to about a dozen deal breakers and finally to two great commands, or even one if two is too many.
Before examining these, we do well to understand what such summary commands must encapsulate:
- Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
- When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21
Note: Given decades of Churchianity's nearly wholesale insensitivity to abortion's slaughter of over a billion babies within a single generation, obedience can hardly be addressed without broaching the subject. Suffice it to say that Biblically speaking, it seems unlikely that any will escape the coming judgment of God, in this life or the next, having participated in, condoned or merely ignored such anti-christ behavior without brokenhearted repentance and becoming authentically pro-life. Additionally, all who genuinely seek to serve God, much less revival, must come to grips with not only abortion's collateral damage, but the well orchestrated and devastating effect our sins of omission and commission have had in regards to abortion and the Church. What does scripture say about abortion? Will God not judge America for staining the stars and stripes crimson? Can "the Judge of the whole earth" acquit clergy and laity blameless as the womb itself is turned into the most dangerous place in the world on our watch? Have we not cursed our very blessings by allowing or even participating in the murder five times the population of the earth in Christ's day? Like the Pharisee and Levite in Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan, have Catholics and Protestants alike aborted the power of prayers, worship and communion by passing by on the other side? Seeing Jesus warned that what we have done to the least we've done to Him, offering God lifestyles of contrition leading to "love and good deeds" might be the absolute least He may yet accept when judging His church.
5. Additions to Faith: "add to your faith goodness..." Like his counterparts, the great Apostle Peter warns that Christianity is about spiritual growth through "love and good deeds." So along with a "cheat sheet" of don'ts, Scripture provides a quick list of do's perhaps most succinctly stated by Peter himself:
- "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
- Virtue: excellence, resolution and Christian energy - Amplified Bible (AB)
- Knowledge: intelligence - AB; spiritual understanding - Message (M)
- Self-control: alert discipline - M
- Perseverance: steadfastness, patience, endurance - AB
- Godliness: piety - AB ; reverent wonder - M
- Kindness: brotherly affection - AB; warm friendliness - M
- Love: generous love - M
- "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11
- Will be neither Barren nor Unfruitful.
- Will not be Short Sighted to Blindness.
- Make our Call and Election sure.
- Never Stumble
- Will receive abundant entrance into Heaven.
6. Wise Virgins: "Five of them were foolish and five were wise…" Within the last of twenty centuries of Church history most First World Christians have adopted a series of doctrines that have an appearance of wisdom while being anything but. Rather than basing any altered or new beliefs on Scripture, these modern tenants are actually a watering down of the very foundation of faith "once for all entrusted to the saints." One such teaching is a concept known as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. While the Bible does foretell a fantastic event were the dead in Christ rise and righteous are caught up from earth to ever be with the Lord, Scripture's timeline for the Rapture is clearly near the end, rather than prior to, the terrible prophecies recorded in the Book of Revelations. Past scriptural fulfillment, as well as the stage being set for such world changing events as the rise of the Antichrist and Mark of the Beast, Pre-Rapture and Armageddon, make it imperative our generation understand and appropriately respond to such a powerful prophetic witness.
Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the case. Far from answering Scripture's call to "become like Christ" most modern Church attenders are far more passionate in conforming to worldly trends resulting in among other things, a generation largely Biblically illiterate. Fewer still invest the time to accurately study prophecy, opting instead to believe whatever sounds good provided it cost little or nothing. Tragically for billions, such "Christian" world views are hardly producing the "spotless bride" Jesus demands. Rather than striving for genuine sanctification, those even passingly interested in the subject have been led to believe "positional righteousness" based on belief in Christ is equivalent to a heavenly "get out of jail free card."
Sadly for us all, certain scriptures are misused to prop up such doctrine, while others are ignored or worse. Of these perhaps none more so than a handful of Christ's own teaching on the subject, including His warning of Ten Virgins:
- “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:1-13
Apparently having enough oil. Whatever the oil is, it would appear to be the difference between being ready for the marriage feast or forever missing it. The difference between eternal heavenly bliss or being rejected as those alienated from God.
7. Walk in the Spirit: "For to be carnally minded is death: but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" Salvation, as with all that is good in life, hinges on an initial and ongoing appropriate response to our Creator and Savior. Thankfully scripture assures "God is not willing that any should perish" but that all should come to the knowledge of truth, repentance and salvation. Even so, in Christ's Sermon on the Mount He warns most will perish:
- "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14
The Message version puts it this way:
- "Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention." Matthew 7:13-14
The Message goes on more explicitly:
- "Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned. Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here." Matthew 7:15-23
Found in various forms throughout the New Testament, walking in the Spirit involves the process of learning to understand who God is and what He's doing as well as His demands on mankind in general and each of us individually.
More a journey than a destination, initially receiving and subsequent growth in the ability to sense and respond to the Holy Spirit requires diligence in the following disciplines:
- Bible Study: As the ultimate Author of scripture, in reading and interpreting, memorizing and implementing Biblical directives we begin to speak the language of the Spirit. Becoming familiar with the meta messages and nuances of God's word is essential if we hope to filter through our thoughts, those of others and the alluring siren call temptation and deception.
- Prayer: While called to "pray without ceasing" most modern Christians have all but ceased to pray. The reasons for this are many, including our having reasonable and sometimes serious issues with God. Nevertheless as noted in physics "a body at rest tends to stay at rest and a body in motion tends to stay in motion." So too we must rouse ourselves, daily praying fervently for our revival and that of others. Genuine Christians should become familiar with all modes of prayer in hopes of mastering the art of intercession. Learning to be still and wait on the Lord is as important as regular fasting and even wrestling with God.
- Training: As athletes work had at strengthening their bodies and minds, so genuine believers seriously strive to transform their hearts and souls.
- "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ." Romans 8:5-9
- "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Colossians 3:2-10
8. Grow in Grace: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…" The population of the world in Christ's day is estimated to have been approximately 250,000,000. Of that there may have been a few million Jews. Of these, Jesus chose twelve as first disciples and then apostles. Of the twelve, Peter, James and John were handpicked for special training. Among them, in the Gospels and Book of Acts, Peter often play's the preeminent role.
When it comes to communicating truth, like authors throughout time Peter appears to reiterate and summarize his most important thoughts. This is particularly true in his final chapter, where he saves his most emphatic words for last:
- "But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment. Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness." 2 Peter 3:10-13
- "So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don't know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it. But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!" 2 Peter 3:14-18
Most argue reasoning through scripture in this way is too difficult. Yet reducing the Bible's 31,102 verse to simply "Jesus loves me this I know" disregards Christ's own warning that "man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." For this and many other reasons diligence is required to discern spiritual truth. Thankfully physical life was designed to reveal the spiritual. Just a human birth requires conception, gestation and birth so too the process of being "born again." Yet rather than the end, birth is only the beginning of the journey. Every child must grow in a variety of ways to become healthy, happy and productive. Failure or refusal to do so results in disease, disappointment and even death.
At this point God's grace takes center stage. Far from the loosely defined popularized notion of being the ability to "sin and get away with it" the true Grace of God provides power to avoid or overcome temptation and deception including the nearly ubiquitous original sin of entitlement. Evident throughout scripture, perhaps no more so than in the testimony of the Apostle Paul:
- "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners —of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16
- "For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them —yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. " 1 Corinthian 15:9-11
9. Forgiveness and Mercy: "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us…" Christ's costly atonement makes possible God's offer of the forgiveness of sins. Through it, those pleasing God have the hopeful promise of forever experiencing the riches of His faithfulness, mercy and love. Even so, thankful acceptance of such a priceless gift includes the willingness to extend the same to others who have wronged us in real and/or imagined ways:
"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." Luke 11:4
"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part." Matthew 6:14-15
- "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven. The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn't pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market. The poor wretch threw himself at the king's feet and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.' Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt. The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, 'Pay up. Now!' The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.' But he wouldn't do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king. The king summoned the man and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn't you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?' The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that's exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn't forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy." Matthew 18:22-35
- "To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, gift wrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind." Luke 6:27-36
- "Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:13
10. Endurance: "He that endures until the end shall be saved…" Like so many endeavors, when it comes to salvation the final word is endurance. Whether facing temptation, deception or even persecution Christians are called to stand their ground. Next to Christ, the apostle Paul is the New Testament's preeminent example of this virtue. Once a persecutor, he was knocked off his high horse by so glorious an epiphany of Christ as to leave him blind. From the moment of his healing it became clear Paul's path would be that of suffering:
- "When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: "Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?" He said, "Who are you, Master?" "I am Jesus, the One you're hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you'll be told what to do next." His companions stood there dumbstruck—they could hear the sound, but couldn't see anyone—while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing. There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: "Ananias." "Yes, Master?" he answered. "Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He's there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again." Ananias protested, "Master, you can't be serious. Everybody's talking about this man and the terrible things he's been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he's shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us." But the Master said, "Don't argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I'm about to show him what he's in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job." Acts 9:3-16
- "I've worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death's door time after time. I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather." 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
- "And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." Ephesians 6:10-18
- "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:4-13
The appropriate response to such questions is to humbly and diligently seek answers from our Creator and Savior who scripture assures is "not willing that any should perish". We must learn to honestly and passionately discover the lost art of intercession, praying as if our very souls depended on it. We must study to show ourselves approved. We must learn like Peter to confess our shortfalls and learn to live holy and blameless lives.
Mindful of the vital clues from Scripture listed above offered with the practical steps of our companion article “Following Christ” let us strive to draw near to God that He might draw near to us that we might rise to the challenge of answering yes to Christ's most salient question, "But when the Son of Man returns will He find faith on the earth?"
Biblical faith can be spelled in a variety of ways. Risk is one. Cost is another. No wonder cheep grace accomplishes so little, and costly grace so much. In Saul/Paul’s case, grace was an almost inconceivable transfiguring force turning the chief of sinners and persecutor of the Church, into the most notable and persecuted of apostles! A miraculous transformation, according to Paul himself, intended to extend the same offer to all Christians.
The path to Biblical salvation and genuinely following Christ has collective and individual aspects. The following resources should provide help in both regards. First, in priming the pump for drilling down into deeper aspects of Christian life. Second, in assisting with the identification and implementation of Kingdom citizen soldier directives. While not for the feint hearted, such insight and encouragement is vital for those ready to redouble their efforts to know and and be known by God.
- David Wilkerson's Call to Anguish
- James 4-5's Prayer of Anguish
- Revival Hymn
- Howard Pittman Death Testimony
- Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
- John Wesley's The Almost Christian
- Jackie Pullinger's Go Video
- The Insanity of God
- The Heavenly Man
- God's Hostage
- Evan Roberts Welsh Revival
- Lessons from Azusa Street
- Smith Wigglesworth
- Charles Finney Power from on High
- QC Walking In The Spirit
- QC Conflict Theology
- QC Times And Seasons
- QC Eternity...The Wager
- Quantum Christianity Introduction Volume 1 & 2
More information
In the Red Dropdown Icon you'll find resources that we hope will both stimulate and facilitate your pursuit of and understanding of the God of the Bible. To get started simply place your cursor on a category of interest and see where it leads. You can also join the discussion in a variety of ways including posting comments to God Blogs as well as making comments or asking questions by email or text.