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“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

Devotional Study 9

Act 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

Would you like to be called “Noble” by God and the Bible? The church at Berea was designated that in the New Testament. They received that title because they were open to changing when they discovered new truths in the Word of God. Some churches are known for the level of their emphasis on the Scriptural truths. Hopefully all Baptist congregations are churches of The Book. The old Baptist adage is: “The Bible is the sole source of faith and practice.” The concept sounds impressive. Living up to such a high standard, however, may be more difficult. If we follow the example of the church at Berea, we will tend to be closer to reaching the goal.

The church at Berea was declared to be noble because the people received the teachings of Paul and Silas. Undoubtedly the duo used the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. The acceptance of such a message by the majority of a Jewish synagogue is amazing. Even at that time Jewish resistance to Christian truths was substantial. Apparently the number of Jews and Greeks who became believers at the town of Berea was substantial.

The people in that region recognized the authority of the Scriptures. As they used the Old Testament to check out the message of the two preachers, it confirmed to them that they had truth from God. Any church which becomes famous for its love of the Lord must have members with a strong Biblical background.

One advantage of having the Berean spirit is protection against gullibility. By checking everything out in the Scriptures before accepting the teachings, they were anchored firmly in unchanging truth that came from heaven. Paul warned, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14). So many people today are constantly changing their views about religion and even salvation. The Word of God is alive and powerful enough to transform anyone who receives its principles. It is not, however, a document which man is allowed to change in order to accommodate his fickle views. The Scriptures must be interpreted in light of the culture of the time in which the truths were given. The principles discovered, however, are timeless. They are relevant to us in our day and have been in all the ages since they were given.

In the last verse you notice that Jews from Thessalonica came and “stirred up the people” by challenging the Gospel shared by Paul. Even a great but young church like Berea could experience conflict from those with a critical attitude. This should make us watchful toward those who could hinder the work of the Lord. Would you like to be called noble like Berea? Be a people open to the changes the Lord desires and test everything by the Scriptures.

Pastor Danny Pitts

Download a collection of devotionals by Danny Pitts, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Shady Grove:

FBCSG_DEVOTIONALS.pdf

• Message Four
• Imputation

Rom 4:20-25 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Rom 5:12-21 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

14 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.

15 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.

16 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.

17 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.)

18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

2Co 5:17-21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

In message three, we looked at the wonderful truth that Jesus Christ died as our substitute on the cross for our sins and arose again for us. In order for Jesus Christ to die for our sins, our sins had to be placed on him. This is referred to as our sins being imputed unto Jesus Christ. This is the wonderful subject that we will now consider together.

FIRST What does imputation mean

1. Webster: To attribute to another; charge with, ascribe
2. Scriptural use: To ascribe to a person as coming from another

SECOND Adam's sin was passed to the human race

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

1. Adam fell into spiritual death, which is spiritual separation from God, when he sinned and this also brought about physical death.
2. Adam was corrupted by sin and passed his corrupt nature to the entire human race.

Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

All the sorrow, sickness, death, and trouble of every sort in the human race has been brought about by the intrusion of sin. The lost human race is in a complete state of ruin. Unless God had intervened, we would have no hope. But, praise the Lord, God has intervened. He has done something marvelous about our sin, he has reckoned, counted, imputed our sin to Jesus Christ. That is God's answer and provision for our sin problem.

THIRD The sin of the human race was imputed to Jesus Christ

Remember our scriptural use of impute as stated in point one. God has ascribed our sins, my sins, your sins, the sins of all the human race, past, present, and future, to Jesus Christ.

1. God laid on him

Isa 53:6 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.

Notice carefully the wording here in Isa. 53:6

“All we like sheep have gone astray.” The entire human race has sinned. There is not a single exception to this, except Jesus Christ. “We have turned every one to his own way.” This means we have turned from God's way of life to pursue our own course of life. “And the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” This is what our God of love has done for us. Thank you Lord! We are so grateful to you and we praise you!

2. God made him

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Notice again carefully, the wording used here.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us.” This is a work of God on our behalf. He loves us so much that he made the Son of his love sin for us. Yes, Jesus Christ took our place and took our sin unto himself. Thank you Lord Jesus! “Who knew no sin.” God's word is so careful to maintain the truth that Jesus Christ was no sinner. Jesus never sinned in any manner.

Joh 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

“That we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” What a great exchange, he got our sin and we get his righteousness.

3. Jesus Christ did bare our sins on the cross.

1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

God's wording is so careful to assure us that, in Jesus Christ, our sins have been taken care of on the cross. Thank you Jesus!

FOURTH God has imputed his righteousness to those of us who have come him for salvation through Jesus Christ

Again, we call careful attention to our scriptural use of impute. God has ascribed his righteousness to all his saved people.

Rom 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 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: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Rom 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Rom 4:23-25 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Christian friends, these great truths should inspire us to lovingly serve our Lord. Note again 1 Pet. 2:24 “That we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. By whose stripes ye were healed.”

Sinner, will you, just now, ask God to save you through Jesus Christ?

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

• Message Three
• Substitution

Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1Pe 2:21-25 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

The substitutionary work of Jesus Christ in paying the sin debt of poor lost sinners by dying on the cross and arising again in their place and on their behalf is the very heart of the gospel message.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

FIRST: The meaning of substitution

1. Webster: A person or thing serving or used in the place of another.
2. Scriptural use: Jesus Christ serving for us as he was used by God to pay the sin debt of us poor lost sinners.

SECOND: Who designated the substitute to pay our sin debt and provided the substitute to die in our place?

God himself did this for us

Gen 22:1-14 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

One: The example of Abraham clearly illustrates this truth

1. God required Abraham to offer Isaac, his son of promise, unto him. Vs. 2
2. As Abraham and Isaac traveled to where God commanded, Isaac asked a perfectly rational question. Vs. 7
3. In faith Abraham answered Vs. 8
4. At the right moment, God intervened Vs. 11-12
5. At that point, Abraham saw the substitute Vs. 13

Joh 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Two: The significance of the place God directed Abraham to

1. Go to “the land of Moriah” Vs. 2
2. King David's purchase 1Ch 21:18 Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
3. The temple location 2Ch 3:1 Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
4. The mountain range outside the Jerusalem wall, Jesus Christ, our substitute died for our sins Joh 19:16-18 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. 17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

These four passages of scriptures, which span over 1,900 years, tie together the location where Abraham offered Isaac, to the area where Jesus died for our sins.

Three: Look who God provided in our place

Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Joh 3:16 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.

THIRD The substitution work accomplished in our place and on our behalf by Jesus Christ

1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed

• The absolute clarity stated

Who his own self/ bare our sins/ in his own body/ on the tree

• The purpose achieved

That we being dead to sins/ should live unto righteousness/ by whose stripes ye were healed

OH, how we need to praise God!

Rom 8:31-32 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 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?

Sinner, Jesus died and arose in your place and on your behalf, will you, right now, ask him to save you?

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Email D. Lavell Lee

• Message Two
• Born Again of God, Regeneration by God
• John 3:3-8, Eph. 2:1, Titus 3:4-7

Joh 3:3-8 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.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 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.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Tit 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 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;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Salvation comes to a person by way of that person being spiritually born into the family of God through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for his sins.

FIRST The natural man does not have spiritual understanding concerning the spiritual realm of God. The natural man is an unsaved person.

Joh 3:3 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.

This is what Jesus apparently meant in declaring to Nicodemus that “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This truth is further taught in the following passage of scripture.

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

SECOND The natural man cannot enter the kingdom of God apart from a spiritual birth by God

Joh 3:5 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.

THIRD When the natural (unsaved) man comes to God in humble repentance for his sins and places his faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For his sins, he receives a spiritual birth from God.

Joh 1:11-13 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 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: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

1. The spiritual birth is not hereditary, or of human descent “Not of blood”

2. The spiritual birth is not by self effort or desire “Nor of the will of the flesh”

3. The spiritual birth is not by human design “Nor of the will of man”

4. The spiritual birth is by the direct action of God “But of God”

Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit

5. The spiritual birth comes by the sinner receiving Jesus Christ into his own heart “As many as received him”

1Jo 5:9-13 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

6. The spiritual birth comes by the authority of God “To them gave he power (legal authority)”

7. The spiritual birth makes one a child of God “To them gave he power to become the sons of God”

8. The spiritual birth comes by faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the sinners' behalf “Even to them that believe on his name”

Joh 3:16 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.

9. The spiritual birth gives one spiritual life, the very life of God

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

1Jo 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

10. The spiritual life of God is eternal, it never ends

Joh 3:16 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.

Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

11. The spiritual life of God gives one the comforting sense of being a child of God

Rom 8:14-16 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

12. The spiritual life of God gives one an eternal heavenly inheritance with Jesus Christ

Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Eph 1:10-12 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13. The spiritual life of God gives one spiritual understanding of things pertaining to God

1Co 2:10-13 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Born again by God himself with the very life of Jesus Christ into the family of God. What a tremendous blessing and privilege. What a great scope for this privilege is available to the entire human race and is effective in all who place their faith in the saving power of God. We receive a brand new start in life which embraces an entirely new purpose and focus for life which is to bring glory and honor to God and culminates in a new destiny, an eternal future life in the presence and fellowship of God. Hallelujah, and amen! Thank you Lord Jesus!

Sinner, we invite you to be saved right this very moment.

Rom 10:8-13 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; 9 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Email D. Lavell Lee

• Message One
• Save, Salvation
• Matt. 1:21, Ro. 1:16-17, Eph. 2:8-9

Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Rom 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Jesus Christ came into this world with the supreme mission of saving the ruined human race from its sin. God's wonderful goodness and love are manifested in his reaching forth to rescue us from the condition of sin in which we find ourselves. Jesus Christ left all the splendors of heaven and stepped down into this sinful world with the purpose of dying in our place and on our behalf and in doing so, he paid our sin debt. As the New Testament opens in Matthew, chapter 1, verse 21, God's word gets right to the point when he says “Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins”. We are beginning a study about God's salvation from sin through Jesus Christ because the Bible contains the only divinely provided remedy for sin. Salvation is a great inclusive word that gathers into itself the great redemptive acts and processes of God such as love, grace, mercy, regeneration, substitution, imputation, propitiation, righteousness, justification, redemption, reconciliation, forgiveness, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. May God bless our study.

FIRST Salvation's necessity: God is holy.

Exo 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? This means that God is completely separated from anything that is morally amiss and since Ro. 3:23 declares “that all have sinned and come short of God's glory”, no unholy person could ever be allowed into his presence. Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. This passage of scripture sets forth this truth. But, praise the Lord, a saved person is accepted into God's presence. Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

SECOND Salvation's meaning

Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Save, (Greek 4982 Strong's Sozo) Means deliver, heal, make whole, preserve. The believing sinner is delivered and rescued from Satan's grip and brought into the safety of God's kingdom and will never again be in danger of being cast into hell. He is delivered from sin's guilt and penalty.

Col 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: He is also indwelt by divine power, which when walked in, will free him from sin's deadly power. Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh The day will also come when Jesus Christ will come for his own and heal the believing sinner from all the ravages of sin's curse.

Mal 4:2-3 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts. When the believing sinner's dead body is raised from the dead at the coming of Jesus Christ, even the believing sinner's body will be raised incorruptible, never to be sick again and never to die again. 1Co 15:51-57 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rev 21:3-5 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Yes, salvation is God's great rescue from all sin's ruin and consequences. Amen and praise the Lord! Thank you Lord Jesus!

THIRD Salvation's Cause. God himself is both the cause and source of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Psa 51:12-14 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

Isa 12:1-6 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. 5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

(1) God's sovereignty. Before all other considerations, it must be clearly understood that the salvation of lost sinners comes from God's own will and counsel. He decided to save us and how to save us.

Gen 3:6-21 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 20 And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

One Notice what happened with Adam and Eve after they sinned. Verse 7, The first thing they did was to make an attempt at self righteousness by trying to cover themselves with fig leaves. Verse 8, The second thing they did was to hide in cringing fear from the LORD God rather than seeking him out and confessing their sin. Lost sinners have, in one form or another, been trying to establish their own righteousness ever since but self righteousness is never anything better than filthy rags.

Isa 64:6 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.

Sinners also continue to try to hide from God to this day. Verse 12 The third thing they did was to play the blame game rather than just coming clean and saying, I'm guilty, I have sinned.

Two But notice God's action. Verse 8-9 First, He came looking for them and calling them back to himself. Verse 11 Second, he confronted them with their sin. Verse 14 Third, He placed a curse on the serpent. Verse 15 Fourth, He revealed the ultimate defeat of Satan by Jesus Christ and the provisions for sinners salvation. Verse 16-18 Fifth, He revealed the cost of their sin of disobedience. Verse 20 Sixth, He listened to Adam's profession of faith in God by giving his wife the name of “Eve, the mother of all living”. Verse 21 Seventh, He provided clothing for Adam and Eve which required the death and shedding of blood of an innocent animal. This act by God pointed to the eventual shedding of Jesus Christ's blood in his death on the cross over 4,000 years later. In providing the animal's skin for their clothing, he rejected their self effort clothing and pointed to his own righteousness with which he would clothe all believing sinners through Jesus Christ.

(2) God's plan and provision for salvation was formed in the past eternal ages before the earth or man was formed

1Pe 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

We can clearly understand that salvation was not an afterthought by God after Adam sinned but was by God's forethought. God's forethought plan for salvation began to be revealed in the Garden of Eden as God set about to rescue and restore Adam and Eve unto himself. God's rescue plan has been on going ever since that event in the Garden of Eden.

(3) God's love is the well spring of the sinner's salvation through Jesus Christ

Joh 3:16 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. 1Jo 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

God knew that Adam would rebel against him and sin before he ever created him. But God's intention is to have an eternal love relationship with man, and he will not allow his plans to be frustrated, so, in his own great love he provided for sinners' restoration unto himself. Now, restored sinners enjoy the privilege of having an unending relationship with God through Jesus Christ in the eternal future.

Rev 21:3-7 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

(4) God's grace is the manner in which he has acted toward the lost human race in bringing us salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ. Grace means the favor and kindness that God exhibited toward the human race in freely bringing all God's benefits of salvation and new life resources and eternal outcome to the human race which could never be earned by any amount of works. Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. God's grace can be seen by illustration of his favor in the following magnanimous acts toward the human race.

One By his goodness in planning for the redemption of the rebel human race before he even created us. 2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Two In God the Son, Jesus Christ, stooping from his position of wondrous glory in Heaven and actually becoming one of us by adding a human nature to his eternal divine nature so he himself could willingly hang on the cross and pay the sin debt that we could never ourselves pay.

1Ti 3:16 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. Joh 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. Joh 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. Heb 2:9-18 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Three By the very tenor of the voice of Jesus Christ as he began to speak to the mass of people which he came to redeem. Luk 4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? Joh 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

Four By his goodness and kindness as he dealt with all the misery of the sin-fallen condition of the people he encountered in his daily work while he was on this earth. He met them in their points of need and lovingly ministered to them, turning none away.

Act 10:37-38 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Joh 20:30-31 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Joh 21:24-25 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Five By his clear example of humble service by he himself humbling himself and performing the lowest servant duties unto them.

Joh 13:1-17 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Mat 20:20-28 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Six By the wonderful changes that can be observed in the life of the person that has been saved by his grace.

2Co 5:17-18 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Act 9:10-22 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Luk 8:1-3 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

(5) Mercy is the kind tender heart of God's nature that moved him to look with pity on this poor lost human race in all it's sin caused misery which he set about to relieve by cleansing and forgiving us through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Luk 1:76-78 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

Tit 3:5 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;

Eph 1:1-7 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Psa 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

It was with this very kind tender heart that Jesus Christ went about doing his work while on earth.

Mat 9:35-38 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

It was also the same goodness that Jesus Christ exhibited when he prayed for his tormenters while he suffered for our sins on the cross.

Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

SALVATION! LOVE, GRACE, MERCY. What wonderful words of life, but greater still what a wonderful Bible truth that a vile lost sinner can be forgiven of his sins and be washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ which he shed for him on the cross. Yes, washed clean and made a child of God. Oh, our God is so good. Oh, how much our God loves us. We need to be so thankful for this and for the truth that God has extended his rich grace to us and has looked with mercy upon us and has given God the Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross to pay our sin debt. Consider what Ro. 8:31-32 says in this regard.

Rom 8:31-32 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 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?

Yes, because Jesus Christ paid our sin debt on the cross, God is now freed up to be just in accord with his holy nature to give us all things we need in time and eternity.

Rom 3:24-26 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Psa 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Amen!

If you have never been saved, we invite you right now, this very moment, to come to God, tell him you are a lost sinner, tell him you believe Jesus Christ paid your sin debt on the cross and ask him to save you right now. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and be both your Savior and Lord. Ask him now.

Rom 10:8-13 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; 9 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Email D. Lavell Lee

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