The following is an explanation of the Gospel that I have been slowly working on for the past few months. I decided to make this so that I could link to it in my social media bios (the main reason why I haven't deleted them.) A big motivation for doing so is to start being more outspoken, so that people can know where I stand. And ultimately for the hope that as many people as possible could be reached with the Gospel message in its entirety.
Here is a link to the PDF version:
https://docdro.id/IFW5Hs3 - I have also attached the PDF file to this post in case anyone wants it.
I have hyperlinked (in the PDF version) Christopher's "Why Millions of Believers are Going to Hell", "There is No Saving Grace Without Repentance", and "Jesus said There Are Many False Converts" under the 'Recommended Teachings' to refer people to after the section I've titled "A Warning for False Converts". I have also linked to various books of the Bible that I think are good places to start, again just in the PDF version.
My intentions for posting it here: so that others can ensure no doctrinal errors have been made and for any feedback for improvements one might have to give. As well as for the edification of others, and so that people can pray for it if they wish to.
Big thanks to Rowan M for helping me proofread this and for vastly improving the clarity and quality of what is written.
Salvation from the Wrath to Come - The Gospel of Jesus Christ
"... Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death."
- Jeremiah 21:8
God, Who made heaven and earth and all therein, has revealed to mankind the way that leads to life and the way that leads to death. By His word, the Holy Bible, we are able to clearly know these two ways, and through His grace, we may choose the way we will go.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
- Proverbs 14:12
"In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death."
- Proverbs 12:28
The Law: Thou shalt love thy NeighbourGod reveals the way of life and death through His laws. God gave us His laws for all people to abide by. When we break the laws of God, we sin against Him, and the result of sin is death.
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
- 1 John 3:4
"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
- James 1:15
In the following verses, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gives a number of these laws:
"... Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
- Matthew 19:18-19
It is sin against God to murder, to have sex outside of marriage, to steal, and to lie. These are all examples of hating one's neighbour, yet Jesus commands us to "love thy neighbour as thyself."
To take a life through murder is one of the greatest acts of hatred that one can do to his neighbour. For a person to end the innocent life of another grieves God immensely.
"And [God] said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground."
- Genesis 4:10
The relationship of marriage is one that is sacred, where God spiritually joins a man and a woman, making them one flesh. The Bible tells us that a wife belongs to her husband, and a husband to his wife. To commit adultery breaks this relationship, destroying families.
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
- Mark 10:9
To steal is to take something that does not belong to you, to violate the property rights of another person.
"Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
- Proverbs 9:16-17
To lie to someone is to tell them something that is not true, to deceive them.
"A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."
- Proverbs 26:20
The Law: The HeartMany people have told a few lies, or maybe a countless number of them, maybe stolen something one time, but at least they've never been unfaithful or killed anyone, right? Jesus tells us,
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: ..."
- Matthew 5:21-22
Being angry with someone for no reason, or an unjustified reason, and harbouring that hatred against them is seen as murderous intent by God and will be judged the same way by Him. Such unjust reasons may include various hateful prejudices, such as of race, sex, or class, or differences that wound one's pride. Jesus also tells us,
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
-Matthew 5:27-28
Those who lust after others are guilty of adultery and/or fornication in their hearts, whether they do so out in public, or privately through viewing pornography, or secretly through their imagination. Jesus shows us that without even committing sin physically, we can still be guilty of a sin by committing it within our hearts; this is true for all sins.
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."
- Mark 7:21-23
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
- Jeremiah 17:9
The Law: Thou shalt love thy the Lord thy GodWe don't want to be murdered, cheated on, stolen from, or lied to, so we shouldn't do these things to others. To do these things is to hate our neighbours, not to love them as ourselves, as Jesus commanded. Nor should there be any place in our hearts and minds to do this evil unto them. Yet when we hate our neighbour so, we hate God as well, as we rebel against His laws. In fact, Jesus reveals to us that all of God's laws can be summarised by two commandments:
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
- Matthew 22:37-40
Many people openly hate and despise the Christian God of the Bible. However, though others might not openly curse God, they can still show hatred to Him through the sin of idolatry. God commands,
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
- Exodus 20:3
Those of false religions, who worship false gods in place of the God of the Bible, are guilty of the sin of idolatry.
"I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD and there is none else."
- Isaiah 45:5-6
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
- Romans 1:20
"Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else."
- Deuteronomy 4:39
Though one might not worship a god of a false religion, there are many things people worship in the place of God. These things could include money, other people, their passions, or their hobbies. Whatever it may be that we love more than the God Who has given us every good thing in our lives, we become idolaters in our hearts. Even if we don't physically bow down to worship these things, in our hearts we do worship them.
"Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?"
- Ezekiel 14:3
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
- James 1:17
As well as their idols, people believe in their hearts that they themselves are worthy of praise and worship, through the sin of pride. Though we often will not admit it, in our minds it is our nature to think ourselves better than others. Maybe because we might have more talent, wealth, beauty, or intelligence than another, we exalt ourselves in our minds above them. Yet the question must be asked,
"For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"
- 1 Corinthians 4:7
Everything we have, even the ability to work to obtain the things that we have, are ultimately given to us from God. So to glorify ourselves in our pride makes no sense and is wicked. Worst of all is when people think that they are better than others morally. They think, 'At least I'm not like those evil people!' However, if anyone examines themselves against the laws of God honestly, they will find that they are guilty of the things that God hates.
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
- Proverbs 6:16-19
"The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
- Psalm 14:2-3
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
- Romans 3:23
The Judgement: The Wrath to ComeBecause all have sinned and broken God's laws, Jesus preached to all people commanding them to repent, which means to have godly sorrow for one's sins.
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
- Matthew 4:17
Jesus preached this because with the coming of the kingdom of God, all who sin will be punished justly, and those who commit such offences will have no part in His kingdom.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Those that are the servants of sin will have no place in the kingdom of God; where the laws of God will not be broken any longer. Jesus warns us where their ways will take them instead.
"The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
- Matthew 13:41-42
"The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night..."
- Revelation 14:10-11
"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:"
- Matthew 25:41
This is the righteous judgement of God, Whose judgement will be executed in the day of judgement.
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first,
and also of the Gentile;"
- Romans 3:6-9
"Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; ..."
- Acts 17:31
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
- Matthew 12:36
The Gospel: Jesus Christ the Son of GodBy sinning against God through violating His laws, we have all chosen the way of death.
"Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die."
- Ezekiel 18:4
This is not what God wants for anyone in this world, even the most evil people.
"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
- Ezekiel 33:11
"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth."
- Psalm 86:15
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
- Isaiah 1:28
We need our sins to be forgiven. However, God is a just and righteous judge, and His righteous wrath for our sin must be satisfied.
So God, in His tremendous mercy and love, made the greatest sacrifice that was ever made, that we may be saved from our rightful death and destruction, and instead be placed upon the way of life.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
- John 1:1-3
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
- John 1:14
The Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth, humbled Himself by becoming a man. This man was Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who is God and one with His Father.
On the earth, this is what He endured:"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is
dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth."
- Isaiah 53:3-9
Christ came to this earth and lived a sinless life. Even though He did no evil, and in fact did many wonderful works, His life was filled with all these sufferings.
"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached."
- Luke 7:22
Jesus Christ did all these wonderful and miraculous works, but despite all this and despite being the Holy God in the flesh, He was despised, oppressed, and afflicted. This was because Jesus lovingly warned the people of the coming judgement, and preached that they should have godly sorrow for their sins. But the people loved their sins, rather than the light of Jesus Christ.
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
- John 3:19
Christ continued in this affliction, up until He was "brought as a lamb to the slaughter;"
Jesus was wrongly accused, the people demanding His death by crucifixion."But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And [Pilate] said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed."
- Luke 23:21-23
"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on theright hand, and the other on the left."
- Luke 23:33
Upon Him was laid, "the iniquity of us all," "and he made his grave with the wicked:"
Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross and died, so that we can be saved from the wrath to come. He died in our place and satisfied the wrath of God, so that we can receive the forgiveness of sins and be redeemed by His blood."In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
- Ephesians 1:7
"Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
- 1 Timothy 2:6
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 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 5:8-10
Jesus Christ was then buried in a tomb. However, He did not remain dead - after three days and three nights, He rose from the grave."And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
- Luke 24:2-7
"And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon."
- Luke 24:33-34
"Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him."
- Romans 6:9
After appearing to His disciples, He ascended into heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of God.
"So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God."
- Mark 16:19
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
- 1 Timothy 3:16
The Gospel: Faith and Repentance"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
- 1 Timothy 1:15
The work of Christ to save sinners from death is finished and complete,
and now this salvation is offered to all the world entirely by His grace; a gift of God, through faith and repentance."For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life."
- John 3:16
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
- John 5:24
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
- John 11:25-26
If we believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, Who died on the cross and rose again, we will not perish, but instead receive the gift of everlasting life!
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
- John 10:28
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
- Romans 6:23
If we believe, having our faith placed in Him, we may be justified in the sight of God by the imputing of Christ's righteousness unto us; God will see the righteousness of Christ instead of the sins which we have committed.
"And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;"
- Romans 4:22-24
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"
- Romans 3:22-24
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
- Romans 10:9-10
For if we believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, we must believe that we ourselves are sinners. That through our evil actions we grieve the holy and merciful God. And that the only innocent, most merciful and most charitable man had to suffer and die in our place in order for us to be saved from the eternal punishment that we are worthy to receive.
If we "believe [this] in [our] heart",
it should break our hearts, and with broken hearts over our sin, we should call upon God, sorry that we have wronged Him.
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
- Psalm 34:18
"A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
- Psalms 51:17
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
- Romans 10:13
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."
- Psalms 86:5
If we accept these truths, we can readily see the true nature of our wretched state, how evil and vile we really are.
"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:"
- Revelation 3:17
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
- Romans 7:24
"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
- Job 42:5-6
And seeing our own brokenness and corruption, we can but mourn and weep to God.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness."
- James 4:9
This is repentance; to have godly sorrow over one's sin. And those who are brought so low as to have godly sorrow over their iniquities, will be forgiven by God in His great mercies, and will have their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ.
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
- Acts 3:19
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
- 2 Corinthians 7:10
"For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."
- Isaiah 66:2
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
- Matthew 5:3-5
"And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
- Luke 5:31-32
A repentant heart is the evidence of humility and meekness before God; for a prideful person won't even admit he does evil, let alone have grief towards God for the evil he does.
However, to receive God's grace,
we must be humbled."But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
- James 4:6
We need to be as lowly and humbled as a child, as one that comes to their father in sorrow for their wrongdoing.
"And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy
son."
- Luke 15:21
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child,[/b] the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
- Matthew 18:2-4
"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."
- Luke 18:16-17
For we are more helpless than children to save ourselves from the consequences of our sin; there is no working our way out of the judgement of our sin. Just as it is impossible for a murderer to be justly absolved of his crimes by doing good deeds and charitable work, likewise it is impossible for sinners to be absolved of their sins by trying to do good works, or by trying to keep the laws of God which they have already broken.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
- Ephesian 2:8-9
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
- Titus 3:5
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
- Galatians 2:16
Because of the pride in their hearts, many believe by that participating in enough religious rituals (such as the wicked Catholic Mass), or doing enough good deeds, this will justify them in God's sight. However, the Bible is extremely clear: salvation is "not by works of righteousness which we have done." For in our wicked, natural state, we cannot even do good.
"They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
- Romans 3:12
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."
- Isaiah 64:6
For us to even do good, we must be spiritually transformed;
we must be born again, of the Spirit of God, and receive the Holy Spirit Who can renew us.
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
- John 3:3
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
- John 3:5
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
Then and only then, with the righteousness of Christ and the Holy Spirit, can we do any good.
And if we are born of His Spirit, then we are made God's children, and God's temple, the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. And His children will follow after His perfect and merciful ways and be sanctified from the world.
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
- John 1:12-13
"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
- 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
And then with our Father will we dwell for all eternity.
"Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
- Revelation 7:14-17
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
- Psalm 23:6
A Warning for False ConvertsThere are many people in this world who call themselves Christians, who sing praises to God every week and tell others how good He is. While these are good things to do, Jesus tells us that many do this in hypocrisy.
"Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments
of men. "
- Matthew 15:7-9
There are billions of so-called Christians, who speak good things with their mouths about Jesus Christ and claim that they are of Him. Yet in reality, in their heart, they are nowhere near the Living God. Jesus warns us what will happen to these people:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
- Matthew 7:21-23
Many will try to point to their supposed "
many wonderful works" in order to justify themselves before God. Yet though they did all these things in the name of Jesus,
they never truly did, "the will of my Father which is in heaven"."The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
- 2 Peter 3:9
The will of God is for all men to repent; to have grief and godly sorrow for one's sin.
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"
- Acts 17:30
Those to whom Jesus will say, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity," are those who never had repentance for their sins; their faith was not true. Therefore they were never born again, nor did they receive the Holy Spirit, and
their sins were never remitted."Then Peter said unto them, 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."
- Acts 2:38
If you are not sorry to God for your sin, then you are not of Him. Therefore:
"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?"
- 2 Corinithians 13:5
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
- Luke 6:48
"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
- Luke 13:3
(See Recommended Teachings below for more on this subject)
Conclusion"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
- Matthew 7:13-14
The way of this world is the way of death, and the vast majority are headed towards its destructive end. We have all chosen this way, and the only option of escape to the way of life is by the Lord Jesus Christ through repentance and faith.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
- John 14:6
"Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
- Acts 20:21
Our lives in this world are fleeting, and afterwards we will stand before God in judgement.
"Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away."
- Psalm 144:4
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
- James 4:14
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
- Hebrews 9:27
"Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity."
- Psalm 98:9
In the end, a fleeting life of sin, devoid of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, will ultimately leave us in eternal destruction. Even if we had everything we ever hoped for in this life, even if we reached all of our goals and achieved all of our dreams.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
- Matthew 16:24-27
Jesus Christ alone is able to save us from our sins, through a repentant heart and faith in Him. And these things He gives to us; we cannot repent and believe by our own power. However, if we ask God in meekness and in fear for these things, acknowledging the truth of our sin, He will give them to us.
"In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"
- 2 Timothy 2:25
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
- Hebrews 12:2
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"
- 1 John 5:14
Therefore:
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
- Ecclesiates 12:13
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"
- Deuteronomy 30:19
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
- 1 Peter 1:24-25
My prayer is that the reader would be blessed by the reading of God's word and that its power would transform your life as it has mine. That through faith and repentance, you would receive the forgiveness of sins, the peace of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life.
By Joshua J.Z. Brunton
Recommended Teachings"Why Millions of Believers on Jesus are Going to Hell" - Creation Liberty Evangelism
"There is No Saving Grace Without Repentance" - Creation Liberty Evangelism
"Jesus said There Are Many False Converts" - Creation Liberty Evangelism
