"Is a Person Saved by Calling on CHRIST ?"

 

Luke 18:9-14 "And HE spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, GOD, I thank THEE, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, GOD be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbeleth himself shall be exalted."

     "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13 pictured at top of post). What a wonderful salvation promise ! Man does the calling; GOD does the saving. GOD is rich unto all who call upon HIM (Romans 10:12 pictured above). The richest people in all the world are those who are saved ! The unsaved billionaires of this world are rich for a second but poor for all eternity. The Bible gives two clear examples of men who called upon the name of the LORD: (1) The tax collector (Publican) cried, "GOD be merciful to me a sinner" (vv.10-14). (2) The malefactor (thief) on the cross said, "LORD, remember me when THOU comest into THY kingdom" (Luke 23:39-43). Knowing their desperate need, they each cried out in faith to the only ONE WHO could save them. The Publican was justified, and the malefactor (thief) would soon be in paradise. However, the Pharisee (vv.11-12) and the other malefactor (thief) (Luke 23:39) refused to call upon the LORD, and both remained in their sins.

     Calling upon the name of the LORD is not a condition of salvation. That is separate from faith; rather, it is an outward expression of one's inward faith. Before a person can call on JESUS CHRIST, he must first believe on HIM in his heart. When the malefactor (thief) cried out, "LORD, remember me !" he had already chosen to believe in JESUS; his words merely expressed the faith that he had. As the Publican cried out to the LORD for mercy, his faith was already in the merciful GOD. Hence, Romans 10:14 (pictured above) asks, "How then shall they call on HIM in WHOM they have not believed ?" You cannot call upon CHRIST for salvation unless you have first believed on HIM in your heart. Calling upon HIS name is simply a natural expression of the faith that a person already possesses. GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is a Person Saved by Confessing CHRIST ?"

 

Romans 10:1-11 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to GOD for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of GOD, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of GOD's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of GOD. For CHRIST is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the Law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven ? (that is, to bring CHRIST down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep ? (that is, to bring up CHRIST again from the dead.) But what saith it ? The WORD is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the WORD of faith, which we preach: 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. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on HIM shall not be ashamed."

     "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JEUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (v.9). Confessing CHRIST with one's mouth is not something that a person does in order to be saved; it is something a saved person does. Those who are saved are to be ashamed of their sin and proud of their SAVIOR ! Just as it is natural for a newborn baby to open his mouth and cry, so it is only natural for a sinner saved by grace to open his mouth and acknowledge CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR. "Let the redeemed of the LORD say so" (Psalm 107:2) ! Romans 10:10, pictured above, gives the chronological order: First comes belief and then confession follows. Believing is inward; confession is outward. Confessing CHRIST is making our faith audible ! When we open our mouth and share what JESUS has done for us and what HE means to us, then we are expressing our faith and making it clear to others. How can one know whether another person is saved unless he says so ?

     Before a person can ever genuinely confess CHRIST with his mouth, he must already have believed on JESUS in his heart. Believing is the root; confession is the fruit. Faith should be expressed outwardly and publicly, and all who believe should confess CHRIST. However, not everyone who does profess CHRIST is a true believer (Matthew 7:21-23 pictured above; Titus 1:16; 2nd.Timothy 2:19). Merely claiming to be a Christian does not make a person saved.

     GOD's army is no place for "secret believers." May we never be ashamed of our COMMANDER in CHIEF (2nd.Timothy 2:3-4) ! Just as a label on a can declares its contents, so by confessing JESUS CHRIST we proclaim WHO lives within (Colossians 1:27 pictured above; 2nd.Corinthians 13:5). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is a Person Saved by Obeying ?"

 

2nd.Thessalonians 1:1-12 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST: grace unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are bound to thank GOD always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of GOD for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of GOD, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of GOD, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with GOD to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from Heaven with HIS mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power; when HE shall come to be glorified in HIS saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of HIS goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you, and ye in HIM, according to the grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST."

     "GOD hath given [the HOLY SPIRIT] to them that obey HIM" (Acts 5:32). "HE became the AUTHOR of eternal salvation unto all them that obey HIM" (Hebrews 5:9). These verses are speaking of obedience to the Gospel. What does that mean ? GOD commands men to be saved: "And this is HIS commandment, That we should believe on the name of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST (1st.John 3:23 pictured as top of post). The sinner must obey the Gospel by believing on the LORD JESUS CHRIST; the one condition for salvation is faith in JESUS CHRIST and faith alone (Acts 16:31 pictured above). "But now [GOD] commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). If a person refuses to repent (change his mind) and believe on CHRIST, then he has disobeyed the Gospel: "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.8 cf. 1st.Peter 4:17 pictured below). Thus, rejecting the Gospel is an act of disobedience - a refusal to obey the LORD's command to repent and believe on JESUS CHRIST for eternal salvation.

     It is essential to understand that obeying CHRIST's commands for daily living is not a requirement for salvation; it is a result of salvation -- making obedience a condition for salvation distorts the Gospel of grace. We do not obey in order to be saved; we obey because we are saved. Any gospel that calls for "surrendering" or fulfilling JESUS' discipleship demands is focusing on what a sinner must do, but when it comes to salvation by grace (the true Gospel), the only focus is on the finished work of CHRIST and what HE has done. No one in Heaven will say, "LORD, I'm here because I surrendered to YOUR LORDship and discipleship requirements." No, our only claim is JESUS CHRIST. GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Do We Have What It Takes ?"

 

By Dr. Tom Sexton

"Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches."  Proverbs 24:3-4.

Do we have what it takes to make a difference in our world today ?

One thing is always the same, and that is GOD uses HIS people to carry on HIS work. Down through the centuries we read about men and women who had what it took to impact their world for the cause of CHRIST.

My beloved pastor, Dr. Lee Roberson, said, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." One of the great truths I learned from Dr. Roberson was to believe every person we meet can have a part in what the LORD JESUS has given us to do.

We must find some way for people to invest their lives in the LORD's work. Think of a target. every church member is not a bullseye Christian, but every child of GOD can, at some level, have a part in GOD's plan for the ages.

We need Christians who have "understanding of the times, to know what" GOD's people ought to do," 1st.Chronicles 12:32. Will GOD find, among us believers, those who have what it takes to make a difference in our world ? What do we need ? These three powerful words, in our text, help us to know what GOD is looking for: "Through wisdom. . .understanding. . .and knowledge shall the chambers be filled. . ."

"Knowledge"

"And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." Proverbs 24:4

First, we need to know GOD. Paul said, "That I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection," Philippians 3:10. Do you know the LORD JESUS as your personal "SAVIOR" ? This is where we all begin. Nail down your salvation. Remove all doubt.

Second, we need to know GOD's WORD. The Bible says, "MY people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" Hosea 4:6. We need to have a firm grip on GOD's WORD. We need to have HIS WORD in our heart. We need to get direction from GOD and HIS WORD.

Third, we need to know the challenges we are facing. The Bible says, "the children of Issachar, . . .which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; . . ." 1st.Chronicles 12:32.

GOD is looking for believers who know what is going on. HE wants us to have the big picture, to know all the facts. "Knowledge" is knowing. Sadly, we know very little about our nation. For example:

Do we know how many different nations are represented in our public schools and Universities ? Do we know how many young people are enrolled in our public schools ? Do we know how many babies we have lost through abortion ? How can we make a difference if we do not know what is different in the world around us ?

"Wisdom"

"Through wisdom is an house builded;" Proverbs 24:3

"Wisdom" is the ability to work with people who have "knowledge." I used to think that what believers needed were people skills to work with people, but now I know that "people skills" is not in the Bible. GOD's people need "wisdom."

One of the things GOD tells us about Moses is, "Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds." Acts 7:22. In other words, he knew how to work with people, all people. 

I believe that GOD has put in people every gift HE has for humanity. We who know GOD must help get the right person doing the one thing GOD has for them. And that, my Friend, takes "wisdom." "Wisdom" is the ability to find the people with "knowledge" and help them to do with their lives what GOD has put them here to accomplish.

The good news is, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD." James 1:5

"Understanding"

"by understanding it is established:" Proverbs 24:3

The reason little is accomplished or "established" for GOD in this world is because very few believers have "understanding." "Understanding" is seeing the big picture of what GOD is doing and putting together all the resources to accomplish it.

"Knowledge" is not enough. You must know JESUS and HIS WORD. "Wisdom" is not enough. We must put "knowledge" to work. Believers who have "understanding" of the times we live in, and "knowledge" of what needs done, will be given the "wisdom" to work with people.

"Understanding" is the most important because it lets us see what we, with CHRIST, are building.

Moses was on a mission from GOD to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt into the promised land. GOD gave Moses and incredibly special gift. HE gave him, "Bezaleel" to help him.

The Bible says, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, . .I have called by name Bezaleel. . .And I have filled him with the SPIRIT of GOD, in wisdom . . . understanding, and in knowledge" Exodus 31:1-3.

GOD gave Moses a gift for the work he was to accomplish. GOD goes on to say that Bezaleel would teach others to "make all that I have commanded thee;" Exodus 31:6. (Read Exodus 38:22).

No wonder the Apostle Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus, "That the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, may give unto you the SPIRIT of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM: That the eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that ye may know what is the hope of HIS calling, and what the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints," Ephesians 1:17-18.

We need "knowledge, wisdom, and understanding" to have what it takes to do the work of the LORD. Do you have what it takes ?

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

WordToTheWorld@aol.com

www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Faithful"

 

Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the LORD thy GOD, HE is GOD, the faithful GOD, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love HIM and keep HIS commandments to a thousand generations;"

     How often have you been disappointed in people for failing to keep their word ? You probably cannot even count the number of times others have failed you in some way or another. As human beings, we tend to be lazy, forgetful, or even deceitful at times. In light of this fact, it is sometimes difficult for us to fulfill our obligations to others, and it is often challenging for others to honor their commitments to us, even if they have promised to keep their word. Is it not, therefore, wonderful to know that our GOD will never fail us ? Our text describes HIM as "the faithful GOD." HE is entirely trustworthy, and we know that GOD always will perform what HE has promised because HE, by HIS very nature, is faithful. The word faithful in the Bible means "to be firm." It entails steadfastness and reliability. If GOD HIMSELF is faithful to HIS personal essence, then HE certainly will be faithful in HIS relationship to mankind.

     In Lamentations 3:23 (pictured above), the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, "Great is THY faithfulness." The psalmist wrote, "THY faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds" (Psalm 36:5) and "is unto all generations" (Psalm 119:90). David acknowledged the LORD's faithfulness to answering prayer (Psalm 143:1). Further, the New Testament describes GOD as "faithful" for keeping HIS promises (Hebrews 10:23), for giving us the strength to accomplish HIS will (1st.Thessalonians 5:24), for forgiving us of our sins (1st.John 1:9 pictured above), for safeguarding us from having to endure more trials than we can bear (1st.Corinthians 10:13), and for protecting us from Satan, the evil one (2nd.Thessalonians 3:3). May we glory in the blessed faithfulness of our SAVIOR and LORD, having the assurance that HE will forever keep HIS WORD. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Gracious"

 

Romans 5:13-17 "(For until the Law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no Law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of HIM that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of GOD, and the gift by grace, which is by ONE MAN, JESUS CHRIST, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by ONE, JESUS CHRIST.)"

     Our GOD is not only a merciful GOD WHO has withheld from us that which we rightly deserve, but HE is also a gracious GOD WHO, conversely, bestows upon us that which we certainly do not deserve. Grace has often been defined as "unmerited favor." Surely all who have experienced new life through belief in the PERSON and finished work of CHRIST can attest to the LORD's marvelous grace. We deserve Hell, eternal punishment, and everlasting separation from GOD. Yet, because GOD loved us, HE stretched forth HIS gracious hand and offered us eternal life and a personal relationship with HIM -- something that we could never deserve or earn on our own.

     The Bible continually characterizes the LORD as a GOD of grace. Today's text describes HIM as gracious ("the grace of GOD"; "abundance of grace") and then explains how HIS grace relates to salvation ("the gift by grace"). GOD's offer to mankind -- eternal life through faith alone in JESUS CHRIST -- is not only a gracious gift but it is received only by grace. If grace is unmerited kindness, then one must realize that salvation is obtained through what grace truly is -- GOD's unmerited favor. Man can do nothing to deserve or earn this gift; he must simply accept it by faith. Ephesians 2:8 (pictured above) explains, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD."

     The grace that saves us is also a grace that bestows abundant blessing upon us. Once we are saved, we are blessed "with all spiritual blessings" (Ephesians 1:3 pictured above). As citizens and heirs of Heaven and members of GOD's family, even now we can claim the benefits that come from being a child of GOD. How ? Our LORD gives to us "abundant grace." MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Merciful"

 

1st.Peter 1:3-5 "Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, which according to HIS abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of GOD through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

     If you have received GOD's gift of eternal life through faith alone in JESUS CHRIST's substitutionary death and resurrection, then you are a personal recipient of the mercy of GOD, for HE has withheld from you that which you rightly deserve as a sinful human being. GOD's WORD declares, "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22). As sinful people, we deserve to be "consumed," that is, immersed in the eternal wrath of GOD (John 3:36). Yet the LORD has provided a way for us to escape that which we deserve. Notice Psalm 103:8-13, pictured above, for the psalmist David clearly defines and describes the LORD's mercy: "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." David writes, "HE hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities."

     Today's text describes the LORD's "abundant mercy" toward us in relation to our salvation and our eternal security in HIM. As a result of GOD's mercy, we have received spiritual life as well as the promise of physical resurrection and everlasting life with our SAVIOR (vv.3-4). Believers can look forward "to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for [us]." Do we deserve this ? Of course not, but we can be absolutely certain that the LORD's mercy is eternal, and HIS promises will be fulfilled. And, as believers, we can also be confident that we will never lose our eternal relationship with our GOD. Why ? The very same mercy that saved us likewise keeps us forever secure in HIM (v.5 pictured above). Praise the LORD for HIS bountiful mercy that HE has bestowed on such undeserving sinners as ourselves. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation