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THE GOSPEL IN BRIEF
Understanding The Blessing
A Few Verses To Consider: God is holy (Psa.145:17), and no sin can come into His presence (Hab. 1:13). Man is born in sin so needs a new (spiritual) birth (Psa. 51:5; John 3; Rom.3; Rom. 5:12; Rom.10), and he must realize that (Lev.10:10; I Cor. 2: 14; Eph. 2:3). Christ died for the un-godly (Rom.5: 6-8), rose again (I Cor. 15: 3-4), and if one truly believes on the Lord Jesus Christ he shall be saved from all sin (Acts 16: 27-34; Heb. 10:17- 23). There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (Rom.8:1), and He that possesses the Son of God is sealed by the Holy Spirit and now possesses eternal life (John 3:16, 36; I John 5: 11-13). Isn't that nice to know? Does the reader truly know God's Son ---the Lord Jesus Christ? (John 17:3).
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An Impossible Thing
"It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted (clearly heard) of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit (being awakended and learning of the truth of it), and have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come (eternal issues), if they shall fall away (reject it), to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to them-selves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame." - Hebrews 6:4-6.
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God Answers Salvation Questions
Can one be saved for Heaven by being a “good person”? No!
“…there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10-12 KJV); "For by grace are ye saved through faith...Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV).
Are there “many paths” to God? No, there's only One.
"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 -KJV)
Is everyone a sinner? Yes!
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23 KJV)
Is there really a punishment for bad sins? Yes, and for any and all sins forever.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life..." (Romans 6:23 KJV); “…whatsoever is not of faith, is sin” (Rom. 14:23 KJV).
Does death mean more than going to the grave? Yes, it means not only physical death, but also “the second death” ---spiritual (eternal condemnation).
"...fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28 KJV); “…the second death.” (Rev.20:6-14 KJV).
Was Jesus’ death on the cross really for our sins? Yes, He suffered and paid the price of redemption for all who will receive Him.
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 KJV).
So, did Jesus really rise from the grave? Yes, He arose victorious over death and the grave.
"Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;" (Acts 10:40 KJV).
Are all people saved because of Jesus’ sacrifice? No, only those who believe on Him and receive Him.
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (see John 3:16 and 36 KJV); “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:10-13 KJV).
How is salvation a free gift? It comes without price because Jesus Christ paid the price by suffering and dying for our sins before a Holy God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, eternal life has been made available as a free gift from God:
"...by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." (Romans 5:18 KJV); "...the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23 KJV);
Is it just like any gift that is given? Somewhat, for it doesn't become yours until you receive it. To receive God's gift of eternal life you must receive the Lord Jesus:
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13 KJV); “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life…” (John 3:36 KJV);
What is the urgency? Time is growing short for the Lord’s return; and you should not put off your decision, for you may not be here tomorrow.
"For he saith, …behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV)
Are there other ways to be saved than by Jesus? No.
“Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me, and ye will not come to Me that ye might have life” (John 5:39-40 KJV); “…For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell” (Col. 1:19); “…he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9 KJV).
Most any true Christian can show one the truth of this Gospel message, so real seekers need to talk to real Christians (not just professors of faith) and read God’s Word; and one should not put it off or ignore this.
[adapted from an unknown writer, by R. DeWitt, 01/11]
