"GOD's Simple Plan of Salvation"

 

     My Friend: I'm asking you the most important question of life. Your joy or your sorrow for all eternity depends upon your answer. The question is: Are you saved ? It is not a question of how good you are, nor if you are a church member, but are you saved ? Are you sure you'll go to Heaven when you die ?

     GOD says in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again. In John 3:7, JESUS said to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again." In the Bible GOD gives us the plan of how to be born again which means to be saved. HIS plan is simple ! You can be saved today. How ?

     First, my Friend, you must realize you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death. "For the wages [payment] of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). This includes eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell. ". . .it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement" (Hebrews 9:27).

     But GOD loved you so much HE gave HIS only begotten SON, JESUS, to bear your sin and died in your place. ". . .HE hath made HIM [JESUS, WHO knew no sin] to be sin for us. . .that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM" (2nd.Corinthians 5:21).

     JESUS had to shed HIS blood and die. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission [pardon]" (Hebrews 9:22). ". . .GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8).

     Although we cannot understand how, GOD said my sins and your sins were laid upon JESUS and HE died in our place. HE became our substitute. It is true. GOD cannot lie.

     My Friend, "GOD. . .commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). This repentance is a change of mind, a turning to GOD in agreement that you and I are sinners and also agreeing with what JESUS did for us on the Cross. In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas "'. . .Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? And they said, Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved. . .'"

     Simply believe on HIM as the ONE WHO bore your sin, died in your place, was buried, and WHOM GOD resurrected. HIS resurrection powerfully assures that the believer can claim everlasting life when JESUS is received as SAVIOR. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved,. . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a;3-4).

     "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" (John 1:12). "For whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). Whosoever includes you. Shall be saved means not maybe, nor can, but shall be saved.

     Surely, you realize you are a sinner. Right now, wherever you are, repenting, lift your heart to GOD in prayer. In Luke 18:13, the sinner prayed: "GOD be merciful to me a sinner." Just pray this simple prayer:

Oh, GOD, I know I am a sinner. I believe JESUS was my substitute when HE died on the Cross. I believe HIS shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection were for me. I now receive HIM as my personal SAVIOR. I thank YOU for the forgiveness of my sins, the gift of salvation and everlasting life, because of YOUR merciful grace. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     Just take GOD at HIS WORD and claim HIS salvation by faith alone. Believe, and you will be saved. No church, no lodge, no good works, no water baptism can save you. Remember, GOD does the saving. ALL of it !

     GOD's simple plan of salvation is: You are a sinner. Therefore, unless you believe on JESUS, WHO died in your place, you will spend eternity in a Devil's Hell. If you believe on HIM as your crucified, buried, and risen SAVIOR, you receive forgiveness for all of your sins (past, present and future) and HIS gift of eternal salvation by faith. 

     You say, "Surely, it cannot be that simple." Yes, that simple ! It is Scriptural. It is GOD's plan. My Friend, believe on JESUS and receive HIM as your personal SAVIOR today. If HIS plan is not perfectly clear, read this post over and over, without closing the post until you understand it. Your soul is worth more than all the world.

     "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Mark 8:36). Be sure you are saved. If you lose your soul, you miss Heaven and lose all. Please ! Let GOD save you this very moment. GOD's power will save you, keep you saved, and enable you to live a victorious Christian life. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but GOD is faithful, WHO will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1st.Corinthians 10:13).

     Do not trust your feelings. They change. Stand on GOD's promises. They never change. After you are saved, there are three things to practice daily for spiritual growth: PRAY - you talk to GOD. READ Your Bible - GOD talks to you. WITNESS - you talk for GOD. 

     You should also be water baptized in obedience to the LORD JESUS CHRIST as a public testimony of your salvation and then unite with a Bible-believing church without delay. "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our LORD. . ." (2nd.Timothy 1:8). "Whosoever therefore shall confess [testify of] ME before men, him will I confess also before MY FATHER which is in Heaven" (Matthew 10:32).   Ford Porter

GOD's SIMPLE PLAN OF SALVATION

A Matter of Life or Death

Carefully embodies the 1933 original and 1956 revised editions. All Scripture texts are from the KJV.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Is on Our Side"

 

James 1:13-18 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of GOD: for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth HE any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. 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. Of HIS OWN will begat HE us with the WORD of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of HIS creatures."

     The child of GOD should consider joy when facing a trial for an important reason according to today's text: The LORD is on our side as we go through the difficulty. A vital truth taught in this section is that no man ought to believe that the LORD is tempting him. When King David wanted to have a census of the nation, we read in two related texts of conflicting influences acting on David. In 2nd.Samuel 24:1, which is pictured above, we find that the LORD "moved David" against his subjects. In 1st.Chronicles 21:1, which is pictured below, we see that Satan was the one who influenced King David to count the Israelites. The truth is that both the LORD and Satan were acting upon David regarding the census. It was Satan who brought the temptation but the LORD who then used David's failure for HIS OWN purposes.

     As the believer considers how he will react to his trials, he must remember that the LORD is on his side, urging him to do that which is righteous. In this passage, we see that:

(1) The LORD does not tempt any man to sin (v.13).

(2) Each man is tempted by his own flesh (v.14).

(3) The LORD only gives good and perfect gifts directly from Heaven itself (v.17).

(4) The saints are born again by the work of the LORD through "the WORD of truth" (v.18).

The fundamental principle we must remember is that GOD is good, all the time. Some accuse the LORD of attacking HIS children when they face trials since HE sovereignly directs the affairs of men at all times. But we see in James 1 that GOD allows testing in order to teach us patience, to impel us to seek HIS wisdom to overcome our problems, to give us the victory over hardships, and to remind us that HE is forever on our side. Always consider joy when facing trials. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Crown of Life"

 

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love HIM."

     In addition to gaining patience and wisdom, the third reason why a saint can consider joy when facing a trial is because the one who is victorious over his testing will receive "the crown of life." The word "crown" in this verse is the Greek word stephanos; this crown was a wreath or garland of leaves, usually associated with an athlete who was victorious in a competition. The winner of the contest experienced elation and honor. Some have suggested that this crown is associated with the trial of life. When the believer lives victoriously, he has great gladness and a feeling of satisfaction and self-respect, comparable to wearing a stephanos. This gratification and joy for overcoming a trial is part of the abundant life that JESUS promised (John 10:10 pictured above).

     All saints should seek to avoid the actions of Ananias and Sapphira, who failed to beat their testing and brought to themselves sorrow and regret. They could not fully embrace the abundant life because of their lust. Hebrews 12:1, which is pictured above, instructs us to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." How many people have experienced sadness and self-disappointment because they did not cast aside the besetting sin in their life ? Conversely, how many others have understood authentic joy and true contentment because they sought, through faith, to do that which is right ?

     The Scriptures mention another "crown of life" in Revelation 2:10, pictured above. This crown is also a stephanos of life, but it will be given specifically to those saints who faced persecution that may have ended in martyrdom. In either life or in death, those who obey and honor the LORD can experience the joy and honor of the "crown of life." KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Learning GOD's Wisdom"

 

James 1:5-8 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the LORD. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

     James gives the child of GOD a second reason, in addition to learning patience, for considering joy when he is facing a trial. In the midst of adverse circumstances, the believer can call upon the LORD for the wisdom to know how to face any difficulty. Therefore, let the saint rejoice ! GOD's wisdom has two sources. The first source of wisdom is a proper reverence for the LORD: "fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. . ." (Proverbs 1:7 pictured at the top of the post). The second source of wisdom is GOD's Holy WORD: "Let the WORD of CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom. . ." (Colossians 3:16 pictured above).

     To adequately use the wisdom that we receive from the LORD, we must be aware of some important truths. First, we must understand the characteristics of GOD. Our LORD is a GOD of grace WHO is willing to give us wisdom, and HE bestows it "liberally" (freely, v.5). Even when the Christian does not utilize this wisdom correctly, the LORD does not "upbraid" (scold) the misguided saint. HE continues to graciously give HIS wisdom to HIS seeking child. Second, the believer needs to understand the characteristics of prayer. The examined believer must ask the LORD for wisdom by means of prayer, and that petition must be offered by means of faith (v.6). He must not distrust the LORD when approaching the throne of grace nor question HIS willingness to give the wisdom for which he prays. The Bible compares the saint who doubts to the waves of the sea; the petitioner must not go up and down with his confidence in the LORD to answer his prayer. Every child of GOD can have certainty that the LORD will make provision for HIM when he asks for the LORD's will to be done (1st.John 5:14 pictured above). KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Consider Joy While Learning Patience in Trials"

 

James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

     The most profitable way to face any trial or tribulation is to choose joyfulness. Verse two of our text instructs the believer to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." The underlying Greek word translated "count" primarily means "to lead before the mind." In the forefront of our thinking, we should have an attitude of joy, especially as one anticipates a trial coming. The instruction in this passage could be reworded, "Consider joy when facing tribulation" (see Philippians 4:4 pictured above).

     Having a joyful disposition in life will help us to be ready for any type of trial or test that comes our way, described in our text as "divers temptations." If the believer considers James 1:2, pictured above, as the proposition for the entire epistle, he will connect it with the main premise for each section of the epistle. One should first consider joy when he is facing the temptation of:

(1) showing prejudice (James 2:1-13)

(2) living a life of faithless deeds and a deed-less faith (James 2:14-26)

(3) attempting to be an ill-prepared teacher (James 3:1), who has an undisciplined tongue (James 3:2-12) and lacks spiritual wisdom (James 3:13-17)

(4) being selfish and self-centered (James 4:1-10)

(5) acting presumptuously (James 4:13-17)

     The joyful child of GOD should only "fall" into a temptation, for the saint can never find joy when he walks directly and intentionally into a temptation. Just as the believer looks deeply into the "mirror" of GOD's WORD and makes adjustments, so he should be observing and considering all parts of his life so that he does not find himself marching into the pit of sin's enticement. What can help the saint find joy when facing trials and temptations ? We will see these principles in the verses to come.

     The Bible charges believers to be joyful and content when facing trials, but James does not leave his instruction without an explanation as to why this should be so. The first reason that the saint ought to consider joy when facing a trial is because the difficulty can train him to be patient (James 1:3 pictured above). The question the reader might ask is: How does a trial teach me patience ? The answer: The child of GOD must wait until the hardship comes to an end. Everyone knows that patience entails waiting. The farmer who has planted the seed has to wait for the first rain to come. The injured construction worker must stay in the hospital to wait until he heals enough to be released. The issue with most people is that they "just do not have the time !" to learn patience.

     What is happening when the LORD sends a trial ? HE allows the difficulty so that we can examine our faith (v.3). Many say, "You are trying my patience." That is wrong, for, in fact, we do not have any patience in our natural flesh. Patience only comes with the aid of the HOLY SPIRIT. The LORD is developing endurance by means of the trials that HE sends. David's faith was examined when he worried whether he had enough men to fight future wars. He failed the test once he demanded that Joab enact a census (2nd.Samuel 24:2 pictured above, also read 24:1-19). Whenever the saint is facing an ordeal, he needs to remember that he cannot jump over the trial, cannot go around the trial, and cannot go under the trial. The only choice that a person has is to go through the trial. The examinee ought not to manipulate circumstances to get out of the testing. In the midst of our hardships, we must understand that GOD is using these events so we can learn to be more patient. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Nothing Separates Us from HIS Love"

 

Romans 8:28-39 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose. For whom HE did foreknow, HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom HE did predestinate, them HE also called: and whom HE called, them HE also justified: and whom HE justified, them HE also glorified. What shall we then say to these things ? If GOD be for us, who can be against us ? HE that spared not HIS OWN SON, but delivered HIM up for us all, how shall HE not with HIM also freely give us all things ? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GOD's elect ? It is GOD that justifieth.

Who is he that condemneth ? It is CHRIST that died, yea rather, that is risen again, WHO is even at the right hand of GOD, WHO also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? As it is written, For THY sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD."

     Likely you, as GOD's child, are already familiar with today's text. This glorious passage holds a message of great assurance and comfort to the one who is in CHRIST JESUS. The apostle Paul poses a series of rhetorical questions with their corresponding answers: "What shall we then say to these things ? If GOD be for us, who can be against us ? . . . Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GOD's elect ? It is GOD that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth ? It is CHRIST that died, yea rather, that is risen again . . . Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us (vv. 31,33-35,37).

     Then, Paul bursts forth with his tremendous declaration of faith in the saving power of his GOD and the inability of anything to separate him from GOD's love. Paul is thoroughly convinced, assenting to the evidence and authority of GOD's WORD, and concludes: "Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (vv.38-39).

     Dear child of GOD, I do not know what you are experiencing in your life at the present time, but GOD does. HE loves you. HE loved you enough to send HIS SON to die for your sins. If you have been born of GOD, then absolutely nothing can separate you from the love of GOD. Rest in HIS promise that "all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose" (v.28). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"When No One Seems to Care . . . HE Cares for You"

 

Psalm 142:1-7 " I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before HIM; I showed before HIM my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then THOU knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto THEE, O LORD: I said, THOU art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise THY name; for THOU shalt deal bountifully with me." 

     In David's distress he cried out to the LORD, "No man cared for my soul" (v4b). He was distraught. Although he had called to GOD for help (v.1) he had yet received an answer, and a feeling of loneliness overwhelmed him (v.3a). He found himself in a terribly difficult time of trouble (v.2b), for his enemies were trying to ensnare him (v.3b). Everywhere he turned he was shunned (v.4); all earthly refuge failed him. David was "brought very low," and his foes' strength surpassed his own (v.6). Constant dangers and trials pushed this man of GOD to the edge of despair.

     Today, many of GOD's dear children are facing similar situations and are going through great trials. The world is experiencing rapid transformation and tremendous upheaval. Nations are changing; churches are shifting; families are dividing; moral and spiritual standards are bending. Amid this turmoil, some believers are dealing with separation from loved ones, and this often causes emotional devastation, whether it be separation because of death of a spouse, parent, child, or some other dear one or whether it be separation from family members or fellow believers who are living in sin and resentful of scriptural reproof. But let us not forget that whenever GOD takes a person from our side, HE will fill the void (Psalm 68:5-6 pictured above; Hebrews 13:5 pictured above). And, when our loneliness is a result of biblical separation from false teachers, disobedient brethren, and the world, may we remember that GOD promises to "be a FATHER" unto those who "come out" and "touch not the unclean thing" (2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18). The LORD has a perfect place of refuge for you, and HE absolutely cares when no one else does. You are not alone ! 

     We must keep in mind that even in those moments when it seems to us like no one cares, our LORD does care. And because GOD is all-wise, all-powerful, and all-loving, HE is the best companion anyone could ever have, and HIS presence is eternal ! Separation from HIM is impossible, for the LORD has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b pictured above). However, if we allow our feelings to dominate our thoughts, then we open the door for Satan to take advantage of us. It is in those periods of deep despair and discouragement that we are apt to speak and act according to the flesh rather than the SPIRIT. David's time of dismay prevented him from fully enjoying the promises of GOD; however, he rightly took his troubles, his anxieties, and his complaints to the LORD in prayer (vv.1-2,5-7). He knew in his heart that the LORD was his only real refuge and that GOD would "deal bountifully "with him (vv.5,7). So why, then, did the psalmist cry out, "No man cared for my soul" (v.4) ?

     David initially focused on his circumstances rather than on GOD's assurances (2nd.Peter 1:3-4, pictured above). The LORD wanted him to learn lessons that only the failure of the "arm of flesh" could teach (2nd.Chronicles 32:8). Today when so many faithful pastors, churches, and individuals are going through times of testing and when loneliness increases as we take our stand for the truth and against error, let us quickly ascertain all that the LORD wants to impart. Despondency will overtake us unless we internalize the precious promises of our LORD. Does anyone care ? Yes, "HE careth for you" (1st.Peter 5:7 pictured above), and HE will prove HIMSELF faithful to all who look to HIM in faith during their time of need. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation