Are you saved by works or by faith?

This is a very important question that we need to ask. Why? Your eternity depends on it. As we read in the bible, we see that the law is extremely important. Don't believe me, read Psalm 119. We break his law, aka the moral law aka the 10 commandments every day. God is a righteous Judge of all the earth. He can not have sin in His presence. It must be punished eternally because we sin against a Holy God.  You may say that this is unfair but let me give you an example. 

If I lie to my child what would he be able to do to me. Nothing. If I lied to my wife I might be sleeping on the couch. If I lied to government I could be facing jail time. What changed in this scenario? The offense is the exact same. It's the one who I lied to that changed. The authority of the one whom I lied to constitutes the punishment.  God is holy and just and perfect. When we sin we do it against the maker of everything. You can't get any more authority than that. That's not Gods will though. We deserve hell but He wants to save us anyway. 

 We also see that Gods requirement for us to be redeemed to Him is a sacrifice. This sacrifice was made for us 2,000 years ago on a bloody roman cross. Jesus paid the fine for us. He died and 3 days later, rose again defeating death and the grave. It's by repentance and faith alone in Christ alone that we are saved. Repentance is more than asking for forgiveness but also turning from your sin. In Mark 1:15 Jesus said "and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

Thats the Gospel or also known as the good news. Now lets look at the primary question. Some say we have imputed righteousness, they are saying "you do your best and Jesus does the rest." That is contrary to what the bible teaches, its also teaching works righteousness. Thats contrary to what the bible teaches, which is infused righteousness. This means that we are forgiven because of Jesus's work alone. That we are covered by His righteousness and forgiven fully of sin.  That's the difference between all other religions and Christianity. Thats also what makes it so amazing, that we enemies of God, are saved by Him. The other religions  must work themselves into heaven and we can't do anything. We rely on Jesus's merit and work alone. 

Lets look at some scripture that clearly points to faith alone and not works righteousness. Galatians 2:16 says "yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."  

Galatians 3:5-7"5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith-

6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?

7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham." 

Hebrews 11:6-7 says "6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." 

I pray that this shows you that it's by grace alone, faith alone by Christ alone that we are saved. If you aren't saved please repent and put your faith in Christ today. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2"For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. "  We are not guaranteed tomorrow. 10 out of 10 people die. 

Are you an enemy of God?

I want you to take a look at this question seriously and look at the bible to see if you are an enemy of God.  When we first open our bibles up to the first book, our question is answered rather quickly. This is a serious question.  It is also one of the most important questions you will ever be asked.  In Genesis 3:6 we read "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate."  This is speaking of the original sin.  This disobedience lead to the corruption of all humanity as well as nature as we read in Romans 5:12" Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned".  Sin spread throughout humanity and so did death. In Romans 6:23a we see why "for the wages of sin is death,"

If we continue reading in the Old Testament we see a man with the name of Moses.  He is who God gave His 10 commandments to.  Some of you might say that we are no longer under the law.  In a way that is correct. So far as that we don't have to live it out perfectly without once infringing on the law-James 2:10- "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in point has become accountable for all of it."  We also must understand that the Law or 10 commandments we never meant to save us.  We are suposto look at it and say "God I can’t do this on my own".  These laws that are given are a glimpse of Gods character.  Let’s go over a couple of them to see how you compare. Let’s try the 8th commandment. It says "You shall not steal", have you ever stolen anything no matter what the value?  Or how about the 3rd which says “You shall not take the name of the lord your God in vain", have you used the name of God lightly or as a curse word? Or, how about the 7th which says "You shall not commit adultery", this one ties into the New Testament because Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28"You have heard it was said," You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Have you ever looked with lust?

You may look at this and so "ok what do I do about my sin?” Well, there was a sacrifice that was paid for you and your sin.  The reason for the sacrifice is explained in Hebrews 9:22 "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”  It also had to be a perfect sacrifice.  That's why Jesus was born, was to be a "lamb led to the slaughter" Isaiah 53:7. In John 1:29 it says "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!". He takes away our sin. He doesn't cover them up but takes them away. When He was on that bloody roman cross, there was much more going on than you think.  God’s wrath was being poured out on Him to pay for our sin. In Isaiah 53:10a it says "Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; an offering for guilt,” This sacrifice was so that you can have forgiveness of sin.  In Acts 13:38 it says "Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” this "man" that is mentioned is Jesus. Not only did He die on the cross paying for our sins and taking on the full measure of God’s wrath but He also rose on the third day!

At this point you may be asking “ok, so what do I do now?” Now that you have seen your sin for what it is. The very thing that Jesus “laid down His life” for 1 John 3:16a.  I want you now to look at the very words of Jesus Himself in Mark 1:15” and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”  So let’s look at this repentance. I’m sure you may look at that and figure that it’s just us saying we are sorry for what we have done.  It is however much more than that.  It’s a complete turning from our sin.  It’s hating what we once loved and loving the things of God.  Putting your faith in Christ and in His work done on the cross as well as Him rising on the third day, proving that His sacrifice was worthy and has truly paid for our sins.  Trusting or putting your faith that its by His sacrifice that we are justified (made right) with God.  We become redeemed or also known as born again.  Which is what Jesus was talking about in John 3:3 “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  I pray that you take a look at this seriously and think on this.  Think about it like your life depends on it, because it does. 

Counting the cost

When we look back at the martyrs of the church, we see that they were willing to die for there faith in Jesus. They would not bow to other gods and they would not stop preaching. We see that they weren't just willing to die but live as well. 

They lived holy and set apart life's. They believed the gospel and and they couldn't help but share it with everyone they meet. They knew that Jesus was the way, the truth and the life. They knew that no one comes to the Father but by Jesus. 

It's by repentance and faith in Christ alone that we are saved. Jesus said to count the cost. Have you counted the cost of your faith? Are we willing as a church today to live the same way? Are we ready and willing to spread the gospel at any cost? No matter the situation? 

As Spurgeon wrote "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for." It's about time we start living out our faith.

I cling!

Do we need to build a relationship with someone to Evangelize them? No. No where did Jesus say " Go and make relationships and then preach the gospel". Rather He said in Matthew 28:19-20" 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.". Where did this teaching of friendship evangelism come from. Should we preach the gospel to those we know? Of course but also those we don't know. Irregardless of the culture or the situation. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22" To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." And he explains more in verse 23"I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.". He doesn't say he becomes their friend and slowly over time try's to share the gospel because as it says in Proverbs 27:1"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. ". We are not guaranteed another day, or another minute for that matter. The point is, is that we should be doing what it says in 2 Timothy 4:2"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.". We should care about the lost and pray for them. Most of all, we should share the gospel with them in love and kindness but not altering it in anyway. It's our job to preach and the Holy Spirits job to change hearts. John 16:8-9 says "8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;". Lets remember what our role is and what His is. "Nothing to the cross I bring, ONLY to the CROSS I ClING".

Cliques in Church?!

Cliques aren't Biblical and they have no place in the church. 1 Corinthians 1:10"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.".  When we look at what the word of God says so clearly, we can't help but ask, "why the ignorance and abandonment of the clear direction of the word of God?". 2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,". We must take our direction from the word of God. Popularity has no place in the church. Jesus said in Matthew 20:26"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,". Far to many people in the church place to much emphasis on themselves or on the pastor. They exude all sorts and kinds of pride for no reason. We read in Proverbs 16:5"Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. ".  Pride has no place in the church either. It's one of the things that God hates. We read in Proverbs 6:16-17 "16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,". We must be willing to do as Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.". We have to remember that we are all guilty and "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"Romans 3:23. We must live out the gospel in all our relationships and in all situations. As well as do what 2 Corinthians 10:5b says" and take every thought captive to obey Christ,".  Leonard Ravenhill said"One of these days a simple soul will pick up the Word of God, read it, believe it and live it. Then the rest of us will be embarrassed.". Lets not let that be us. 

Faith check

 I would like to take the first section of this blog to speak about the reason behind this blog.
The reason is for the Glory of God and the spreading of His gospel.  The gospel if you don't know is the most important thing you will hear during your life.  The reason being, the way you react to the gospel will determine your eternity.  When I speak with people about this and I see them struggling, I often tell them to think about it like there life depends on it because it does. 

Lets start at the beginning.  Man is totally depraved. What is depraved you may ask?  Well Webster's dictionary describes depraved as the following,  a very evil quality or way of behaving.  The bible speaks of it in much the same way.  The bible tells of mans true evil heart. In Jeremiah 17:9 it says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?".  In this we see that it isn't about your surroundings as a child or how people treat you.  Jesus said in Matthew 15:11 "it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of mouth; this defiles a  person" and in verse 18 He says "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.".  So we can plainly see that depravity is a heart issue. 

Lets discover why we even have this issue.  Look at Genesis 3:6 and you will see that after the first lie from the devil to deceive Eve, came the first sin from human toward God. They ate of the fruit in which they were told not to. This first sin put enmity between us and God. Why? God can not have sin in His presence so He requires perfection. You may say this is harsh, but let me remind you of something - you aren't God.  Later on we see in the scriptures that God puts together His requirements for us to live a righteous life.  They are called the 10 commandments.  In Exodus 20:1-21 the law is laid out for us. The one thing in this that we have to remember that God didn't give us the law because He also lives by it but rather because He is it.  This is the way He is all the time and this is the way we must be all the time. In James 2:10 it says "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.". 

Lets look at a few of them and think about these for a moment.  It says that you shouldn't steal, have you ever stolen anything regardless of its value?  The next one says that you shouldn't lie, have you ever lied?  Another one says that you shouldn't use God's name in vain, have you ever taken His name in vain?  The last one we will look at is adultery, have you ever committed adultery?  You might say no to the last one but lets look what Jesus said about adultery in Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.".  Can you say you honestly have never done any of these?

That is the point of the gospel.  The meaning of gospel is actually good news.  We can't do it but Jesus did.  Jesus is the son of God and is God at the same time.  He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect sinless life and died a bloody death on a roman cross for our sins.  It wasn't just a death, it was also a legal transaction that was happening on the cross.  In Isaiah  53:5 "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.". You may ask why a bloody sacrifice?  Look back at the old testament and you will see that a sacrifice must be paid for sin.  Now that the penalty for our sins have been paid in full there are no more sacrifices necessary.

Now that we have looked at the problem and the solution to the promise. Its time for a response from you.  You may read this and blow it off or it may even make you angry.  It ought to make you thankful when you realize who we are and who He is and what He has done for us.  Some say "pray this prayer and you will be a Christian.".  I am very sorry to say this but I cant find that verse anywhere in the bible.  What Jesus himself said in Mark 1:15"and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel".   Repentance and belief is what it takes.  Two sides of the same coin.  In Ephesians 2:8 it says "For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,".  

I pray that you take the time and search your heart and seek out the truth in Gods word.  I pray that if you are a Christian that you share your faith.  I most of all pray that God's name is glorified and more and more people around the world learn of His loving kindness and the gospel!