Heart of Doctrine

Does it matter what you believe?

2004-09-25T13:45:00.000-04:00

I cringe when I hear someone say, “it doesn’t matter what you believe, we are all going to the same place”. The fact is there can be no unity or fellowship outside of a foundation of sound doctrine (Rom 16:17). To say that it doesn’t matter what you believe is to say it doesn’t matter what the Bible says and that His word is insignificant (I Tim 4:13). To say that it is ok to wonder in false doctrine and knowing continue to sin and blasphemy God’s word is heresy (I Tim 4:1-2).

What you believe is the foundation for saving faith (I Tim 4:16). What you believe is the essence of comfort to a believer (Rom 15:4). A sound doctrine causes one not to waver and may convince nay-Sayers (Tit 1:9). And sound doctrine exhorts God and glorifies His finished work (Jhn 7:16-18; Tit 2:10).

Everyone believes something; it is important what you hold on to for your security and steadfast believe. Search the scriptures, mediate on His word, and pray for revelation. Desire to understand Christ doctrine for there is great profit in them. Finally take inventory of yourself and what you believe. Examine what you think is truth and sincerely ask yourself this.
- Is it based on scriptures alone or is it what someone else told you it should be.
- Is it based on grace alone or is there merit in anything you do or add.
- Does it exhorts God and is focused on Christ alone or is wrapped in what you should do.
False doctrine is anything that is contrary to these revelations and must be avoided (I Tim 1:3-4; II Jhn :10).

What Is The Gospel All About? Gary Shepard

2004-09-24T11:24:00.000-04:00

Rom 1:16 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.

The gospel of Christ is not about an offer, it is about His one offering for sins forever. It is not about a proposition but the fact that God set Him forth as the propitiation through faith in His blood. It is not about God giving all a chance but about Him choosing a people in Christ before the world began. It is not about a way available but about Christ the Way alone. It is not about God trying to do something but about God triumphing on behalf of someone. It is not about man's will but about the Lamb's worthiness. It is not about man's decision but about Christ's death. It is not about infused goodness but about imputed righteousness. It is not a matter of apologetics and debate but of apostolic declarations. It is not about our good but His grace. It is not building a church but about the Builder of the Church. It's not about "church planting" but about the church God purchased with His own blood. It's not about how many but about His mercy. It's not about what to give God but about what He's given us in Christ. It's not about law, it's about Christ the End of the Law For Righteousness. In other words, it's all about God, His grace, His Son and His glory!

Does God save sinners through a false gospel? By Doug Weaver

2004-09-23T11:38:00.000-04:00

Recently I was discussing with someone about whether a person could be saved under the preaching of a false gospel. As I have been thinking about this over the past few days several things have been brought to my attention. We know first of all that it is only through the preaching of the Truth, the true gospel that God saves sinners as is clearly set forth in Romans 10:14. This is the means whereby God has chosen to save sinners. The truth about the person and work of Christ must be proclaimed and as He is proclaimed His "sheep hear His voice and follow." All of His sheep are eventually brought under the preaching of the true gospel and the Spirit gives them spiritual life which results in ears to hear and eyes to see Christ.

So the question remains, "Does God save sinners under the preaching of a false gospel?" Well, we must ask another question which will hopefully give us some direction. "Which Christ is being preached?" Does God save His people through the preaching of Mohammed? How about Jim Jones or Joseph Smith? Or maybe Sun Yun Moon? For anyone who understands the Word of God knows that there is only one true Christ who can and will save sinners. (Jn. 14:6)

Friends, if any christ other than the Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible is preached it is no different than hearing a story about Mohammed or some other false prophet in history. The great tragedy of this day is that churches all across this land, using the same Bible as we use, are preaching a different jesus and a different christ. Churches are filled with people trusting in a false christ. Humanism and the flesh have so corrupted the average church today that it is rare to hear of the True Christ who is sovereign and sovereignly saves those whom He wills to save. After hearing of the christ commonly taught today we must conclude that it is not the same Christ that we see revealed in Scripture. So if the christ that is preached in most churches today is not the revealed Christ of Scripture, it is clear that people making decisions under that kind of christ are hopelessly lost.

There is only one Christ who saves sinners and that is the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the all Sovereign Monarch of the universe. It is through the preaching of the Person and work of this Christ that God is pleased to reveal to His lost sheep their utter depravity, God's unconditional election, the irresistible work of the Holy Spirit and the particular, effectual atonement of Christ.

What should I study to know more?

2004-09-18T13:48:00.000-04:00

We know, or hopefully should believe, that the scripture are the only infallible, sufficient rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, and should be looked toward and studied as it is so (II Tim 3:15-17). It sounds simple but to formally state it anyway, one should study His Word. Anything you hear or read from any other source should be suspect. I am not rejecting all references and other books written, for God has used many of them to illuminate His word more clearly. I myself would struggle without a good concordance and Vine’s Dictionary or even many of the other excellent commentaries and articles grounded in the doctrines of Grace. That said they are not replacements for His word and do only to focus us on His message. Always look back to the scriptures and be careful of rantings of men that do not support what they say in the Word of God. You should never believe based on what a man said but seek for yourself and believe because the Bible says (Isa 8:20). Take nothing on the faith of the flesh but continue to search the scriptures for yourself to see what the Spirit teaches (I Cor 2:12-13). For in them is all truth and wisdom and if it pleases God He shall open up our understanding so that His truths might be revealed (Luk 24:45).

How can I better understand what I read?

2004-09-11T13:49:00.000-04:00

(Pro 15:33) “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” Does man come to God bringing the works they have done for salvation, God forbid. Man comes naked and dependent entirely on His mercy and grace. When you come to His word do you bring your ignorance and wisdom for understanding, God forbid. Come to His word humbled and childlike. Come thirsty and hungry for His substance. Come obedient and in faith and seek for understanding.

- Come submissively, embrace that understanding, no matter what the result, is by revelation of the Spirit.
- Read first for the literal meaning. Many times passages of scripture mean exactly what they say. Do not over analyze.
- Read in its context. It is dangerous to use pieces of scriptures to prove a position. Be cautious and look what the text surrounding a passage may expound.
- Read and examine words. Words have meanings and I believe uses of words in the scriptures have very special ones. Do not ignore the text but look closely when necessary at specific words and tenses. This to, may amplify the meaning of the entire passage.
- Read considering analogies, symbols, and what the text may be an example of. Be careful not to make it say sometime it doesn’t but examine it for what it may represent. Many times, especially in the Old Testament, there are wonderful pictures of Christ.
- Read with an unanswered questions in mind. This is not really to say ‘be open minded’, which is important, this is to come seeking understanding. Ask questions about what you read and look for the answer. Many times answers are easier to find than meaning and the result is similar.
- Compare scripture with scripture. The very best commentary on any passage is other passages.
- Read for substance. There is a message that applies to you. These messages may nourish, comfort, challenge, or rebuke.
- Read with Christ constantly in view. If you ever read and fail to see Him glorified proceed to the next point and then go back to step one.
- PRAY. Pray constantly over the scripture for understanding and any revelation of the Spirit. Prayer is the best means of understanding and study.

Even with that there may be a lot we never comprehend. But I can ensure you we will understand exactly what God wants and needs us to understand. I am thankful that it pleases God to hide some things to the wise and still a babe, by the grace of God, can swim in the scriptures and suckle all they have to reveal (Mat 11:25).

Are God and Jesus the same person?

2004-09-04T13:51:00.000-04:00

(Eph 4:6) “One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Jhn 1:14) “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The trinity of God is confessable not without mystery. It would be error though in light of all other scripture to come away believing Jesus was part man and part God. Jesus was all man susceptible to their will and limitations of man and at the same time all God omnipotent, knowing all that God knows, and in control of His providence.

In the revelation of one true God there exist three divine persons. It is of the Father, who is of neither begotten nor proceeding (I Cor 8:6). Through the Son, which is eternally begotten of the Father (Jhn 3:17). And by the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Son and unto the Father (Eph 2:18, 3:5). Each process His own personal characteristics and is clearly distinguishable from the other. Yet the three persons are equal in power, righteousness, and glory. Each process divine attributes (I Cor 13:4), perform divine works (Jhn 5:21), and receive divine honors (II Thes 2:16). Each being called “God”. Therefore being but one God they are not divided in nature. Even though they are three essences no one of the three may act independently of the other and cannot be seen or worshiped without exalting all (Jhn 10:30, 12:45).

Why do you believe thedoctrine of the trinity? by Don Fortner

2004-09-03T11:43:00.000-04:00

We worship one God in the Trinity, or "Tri-unity", of his sacred Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and adore each of the Divine Persons as the God of all grace by whom we are saved. What is the basis of our doctrine in this regard? Can we prove the doctrine of the Trinity upon logical, scientific grounds?

I frankly confess my inability to produce a single argument drawn from nature or logic to prove the doctrine of the Trinity. It is a mystery filled with such grandeur that it defies comprehension by every finite mind. But our faith does not stand upon nature and logic. It stands upon the Word of God alone! I believe this doctrine because it is revealed in the Scriptures; and I see the beauty of it because I believe it.

The Apostle John states the doctrine of the Trinity plainly. "There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one" (I John 5:7). In addition to this definitive statement there are numerous examples in which the Trinity is set before us.

1. The Baptism of Christ (Matt. 3:16-17).
2. The Baptismal Formula (Matt. 28:18).
3. The Apostolic Benediction (II Cor. 13:14).
4. The Promise of the Son to Pray to the Father for the Gift of the Spirit (John 14:16).

The New Testament declares that God the Father is God (Rom. 1:7), God the Son is God (Heb. 1:8), and God the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4). Yet, these three Divine Persons are one God (Deut. 6:4).
Someone has accurately stated it this way: "The Father is all the fulness of the Godhead invisible (John 1:18); the Son is all the fulness of the Godhead manifested (John 1:14-18); the Spirit is all the fulness of the Godhead acting immediately upon the creature (I Cor. 2:9-10)."

See that you grasp this doctrine firmly. We worship one God in three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in essence, being, power, and glory, yet, distinct in personality and performance. This doctrine is altogether a matter of faith, simply believing what God has written. There is nothing even remotely similar to the Trinity in creation by which it can even be illustrated.

What do you mean Sovereign?

2004-08-28T13:49:00.000-04:00

Although the word sovereign id not found in the Bible, its inferences and substance in imbedded in every text. In the most simplest terms sovereignty means God is God. Only He, unto Himself, can be exalted above all and is God of very God (Psa 97:9). Arthur W. Pink wrote, “Few could comprehend the solitariness of God”. Image “in the beginning”, to mediate on the fullness of that statement, to truly understand that before any He was. He is the Living God, infinite in His being (Isa 44:6). At the same time, as we define it, God is with us always watching over us to do as He wills (Mat 18:20, 28:20). A sovereign God is without any limitations. He is Lord of Heaven and earth, creator of ALL, subject to none, influenced by none, and absolutely the Almighty (I Cor 29:11). Not only is there nothing He cannot do, within His nature, but also there is nothing left to chance. For all things, that are made by Him are within His dominion (Prov 16:4). Anything less than that takes glory away from God. Anything that gives any control to any of His creations most limits God, which takes away any and all sovereignty.

What is predestination?

2004-08-21T14:31:00.000-04:00

Whatever is done was foreordained and decided before time by the council of His own will (Eph 1:11). We know, or should believe that God made all things for himself (Pro 16:4). I can not accept, nor does the scripture support that God decreed man, placed him on the earth, then left him to his own destiny. Instead he fixed all circumstances to preserve them (Neh 9:6, Mat 6:26). Being God is eternal and not bond by our time his decrees are also eternal, not made in time but before time. (Eph 1:4). Predestinate means simply to pre-determine. It means that all destiny was settled by God and infallibly secured by Him before the world began. When I say all of God’s decrees, I mean all. God in His providence, wisdom, and determinate counsel extends to all things including the first fall of Adam and all other sinful actions of angels and men (Rom 1:24). I must take great care in my explanation that even though He controls all things, God who being absolutely holy and righteous neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin (Jam 1:13). All I can do to expand upon this is to say that by God’s secret council and good pleasure of His will, has foreordained all things for a manifestation of His glory (I Cor 1:31). Simply put, some men and angels are predestinated or elected to eternal life through Jesus to praise His glorious grace (Eph 1:6). While others are left to act in their works, their sins, and their condemnation to praise His glorious justice (Rom 5:20, 9:22). God not only knows and insures all things to come to pass but all things infallibly come to pass for God’s glory (Isa 63:14).

Do not fear predestination, but rejoice in it. It is not that He is keeping those away from Heaven; He is providing the only means possibly. This is the assurance that gives peace to a believer. For He did not look to what we have or will do but rather looked at us only through His Son as one of His own. This is what fills my heart with hope that God who is holy choose me as His own before the beginning of time (Act 13:48, Rom 8:30). I am comforted and insured that God not only knows what will happen in the future but it is unchangeable and He insures that those things shall come to pass (Luk 21:18, Rom 9:11).

What is the purpose of man?

2004-08-14T14:34:00.000-04:00

On the sixth day “God created man in His own image, in the image of God created him; male and female created He them” (Gen 1:27). God created man out of the dust of the earth for His glory. God breathed life into his nostrils and man became a rational, moral being, with a free soul (Gen 2:7). In that he is free thinking (Gen 2:19) and felling (Gen 3:10). With that he has a free will (Gen 3:6) and a nature that was righteous and truly holy and without sin (Eph 4:23-24). He was given knowledge and the law of God written on his heart and had the power to fulfill it. After the fall he was no less a rational, moral being, with a free soul. Because of the fall that nature died and the sinless perfection that God created is no more through man (Gen 2:17). What remains is man’s will with the law of God remaining transcribed on his heart and through Jesus the power to fulfill it (Rom 5:19).

So if that is our history what still is our purpose? Man’s chief purpose is to glorify God (I Cor 10:31), and for His elect to enjoy Him forever (Ps 73:25-26).

Is there a little good in everyone?

2004-08-07T18:01:00.000-04:00

We, at least I, cannot fully comprehend how the first unholy corruptible thought could lodge itself in the mind that was supremely fixed upon God. God though justly and holily withheld His sustaining power and permitted Adam to freely choose and He willfully transgressed against God (Isa 53:6). And with that act Adam and all his posterity fell from the state they were created (Ecl 7:29). And all men descending from Adam by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and of themselves, and fell with Adam in his first transgression (I Cor 15:22). 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:”

So is anything we do good? The short answer is NO (Rom 3:23). All deeds are stained with the corruption of our nature and are tainted with sin. C.H. Spurgeon said “Our best performances are so stained with sin that is hard to know whether they are good or bad works.” God commands nothing less than perfection and anything less he cannot except (Gal 3:10).

So are you saying that there are no good works? If done by man the short answer is NO. Be careful judging a man’s deeds without knowledge of a man’s heart. For the heart is the true mirror to a man’s motive and weakness. And if we could hear the silent whispers of a graceless heart we would be deafened by the evil. Evil fills the heart of all men and from a tainted source, tainted water flows (Psm 53:1). Even what we perceive as the highest believer carries with him an endless capacity of sin. Even the best outward deeds are covered with self-righteousness and evil (Jam 16:12). The cradles are not even exempt from being innocent. For every child is born in sin (Psm 51:5), there are no exemptions or exceptions (Ecl 7:20). In a graceless state, the heart of man will choose evil to do continuously, will not discern righteousness, and will not seek God. (Rom 3:10-12)

If we can choose evil can we choose good? (Total Depravity)

2004-07-31T18:03:00.000-04:00

A person always chooses according to his inclination. Every man is bonded to choose what he loves. Fallen man loves darkness and hates light. So when confronted with a choice between darkness and light, he chooses darkness every time. He will always choose what is attractive to him. What his free will desires (Jhn 3:19-20).

Total depravity, although it is not a biblical word in its self, man’s will and nature is throughout and expounded upon in the scriptures. The doctrine states that because of the fall, man is unable and unwilling of himself to savingly believe the gospel (Jhn 6:44). The fallen man is dead (Eph 2:5), blind (II Cor 4:4), and deaf (Jhn 5:25) to things of God. His heart and will are controlled by his nature, which is desperately corrupt. His will is not free but in bondage to evil and sin (Rom 8:2), therefore he will not and cannot choose good over evil.

To better understand our nature let us look at Adam. When God withheld His sustaining power and permitted Adam to freely choose he willfully transgressed against God (Isa 53:6). Cursed was the ground he walked and his generations for his sin (Gen 3:17). The punishment for this sin was death (Jam 1:15). Adam’s death was one of banishment from the fellowship he once had with God (Gen 3:24). A continual condemnation to labor and sorrow in sin (Job 5:7). A temporal spiritual death of his nature (Rom 3:24). Finally an external death of the wicked, not just of the flesh but also of his soul (Job 21:30). Now the fallen state of man and our nature without Gods sustaining power and grace we all are full of unholy and corruptible thoughts and deeds all the time. And for our sins, cursed is the ground we walk. We have sinned and are guilty of death. As Adam died, we too lost fellowship that Adam once enjoyed (Psm 58:3). We are no longer able or capable of coming before God unless through His Son as an intercession for us. We continue to labor in the sorrows of this world (Ecl 2:22-23). And likewise we are a slave to that sin and exist in a temporal death where in the flesh we not only find no rest but also take pleasure in sin (Rom 1:32). How absurd it is to say that someone seeks the Lord for he is not hiding. In the garden it was Adam that hid as God was seeking him. By nature we not only will not seek God, but we do not desire God and love unrighteousness (II Pet 2:14-15).

Are there no exceptions? By Henry Law

2004-07-30T11:48:00.000-04:00

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 53:1 The heart is the true mirror of the man. Its language speaks the real character. If we could hear the secret whispers of a graceless heart, the sound would be uniformly evil. The godless cherish the delusion that there is no being greater than themselves. Their conceit ignores divine supremacy, and scorns to yield to a superior yoke. Such men exist in fearful numbers.

The faithful Word declares it, and truly adds that they are fools! They may pride themselves in imagined wisdom, but their real place is in the depths of ignorance. Their light is darkness. Their boasted knowledge is extremest folly. It follows that from atheism in heart, comes wickedness in life. The spring being impure, what can flow from it but defilement? The tree is rotten at the core; the branches cannot be sound. Their works, the emblems of their hearts, can only be abomination. They only pollute the earth; hateful to God, injurious to man.

Are there no exceptions?

Not one by nature!

There is no good but what the Holy Spirit implants. Where He is absent only evil dwells,and He has no abode in unregenerate men. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 53:1

So is everyone going to hell?

2004-07-24T16:07:00.000-04:00

Give thanks to the Lord, though undeserving as any of us are, that out of His good pleasure alone before time He elected some to an everlasting life (II Thes 2:13). Even though there are those many left to their sins and banished to eternal hell, there are also some scattered among the fallen generation of Adam, of every nation, man and women God has chosen to salvation. Those who must and will be saved (Jhn 15:16). Rejoice; cry out for God has made a covenant of hope (Gal 4:23-28). Even though man willing brings himself under the curse of and full penalty of the law, it pleased God to make a covenant of grace, giving freely eternal life and salvation by Jesus. A sovereign promise given unto all that He has foreordained unto eternal life. The gift of His Holy Spirit to make them willing and able to believe (Exd 3:21, I Pet 1:21).

I must take great care in my explanation that even though He controls all things, God who being absolutely holy and righteous neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin (Jam 1:13). All I can do to expand upon this is to say that by God’s secret council and good pleasure of His will, has foreordained all things for a manifestation of His glory (I Cor 1:31). Simply put, some men and angels are predestinated or elected to eternal life through Jesus to praise His glorious grace (Eph 1:6). While others are left to act in their sins to their condemnation to praise His glorious justice (Rom 5:20, 9:22). God not only knows and insures all things to come to pass but all things infallibly come to pass for God’s glory (Isa 63:14).

The covenant of grace can be and is the only sufficient promise and means of salvation and how everyone is not going to hell. Glory to a sovereign God for His will to save a prince among sinners.

Who then can be saved? by Henry Mahan

2004-07-23T11:55:00.000-04:00

The disciples asked, "Who then can be saved?" Our Lord replied, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:25-26). The first real difficulty in conversion is for a person to realize that he is a LOST SINNER. There are plenty of weak people, even sinful people; but only the Holy Spirit can produce a LOST SINNER who will cry, "O God, be merciful to me, THE SINNER."

The second difficulty in conversion is to teach that sinner THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. He must be taught of God (Jn. 6:44-45) that Christ's blood and righteousness enable God to be just and justify those who BELIEVE. The gospel of free grace and mercy comes to the helpless sinner without any return on his part. Salvation, eternal life, is THE GIFT OF GOD. Even our repentance, faith, works of faith, and labors of love are produced by His presence in us, not by any merit on our part. The third difficulty in conversion is to bring a believing sinner TO REST all his days in the same love and grace that begat him. "As we have received Christ, we walk and rest in Him." We are chosen, called, and KEPT by His free grace.

"A sweet resting place is Jesus Christ to me,The fulness of grace, sovereign, rich, and free."

What is election?

2004-07-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

Whatever is done was foreordained and decided before time by the council of His own will (Eph 1:11). I had two concerns when addressing this subject. First we are told that great harm may come from declaring the truth of election, because it may offend someone who is searching. Second I thought I should defend my doctrine to questions I receive from those who don’t believe. As for the second, we should never consider it as defending that which is unconditional and by God’s revelation. We must understand that it is not our doctrine that they hate; it is the doctrine of God (John 7:7). In addition I fear when it becomes “I” or “My” we lose sight of Him. Let us then look only to the scriptures. For it is impossible to believe the scriptures to be the Word of God and not believe that salvation is of His own will. This may be my opinion but I believe there are more passages that deal with God’s sovereignty and election than any other theological topic I covered. This easily answers my first concern, for any one to believe that God was not the best judge of what or how much is to be known denies God’s providence. For “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

I must stress that this is not mine or simple a Calvinistic doctrine, but God’s (Eph 1:11). Election stands on God is absolutely sovereign. A conditional sovereignty is to say a limited sovereignty. You have not chosen Him but He has chosen you (Jhn 15:16). Election is eternal, taking place before time (Eph 1:4). An Election routed in the foreknowledge of a god assumes you have anything to contribute and gives man power of God’s decrees (Rom 9:11). Election is an unmerited gift of the giver (Rom 11:5). If you add or contribute anything it is not of grace and if not of His free offer and so then it is not election it is dept. “knowing brethren beloved your election of God “ (I Thes 1:4). Election is unto salvation (II Thes 2:13). Many have a false impression of a god standing at the door to heaven rejecting some and permitting others to enter. Dear reader we know that He does not turn away any who seek and knock. The problem is no one is banging down the door. It may be better if one visualizes everyone going to hell deservingly and willfully. And out of pure mercy, and with God’s sovereign electing grace, He pulls some away to the praise of His glory (Eph 1:6).

Oh I pray we make election a savory meat that feeds our soul. Election is a fact that brings Christians assurance and encouragement (Rom 8:33). Prize this truth and hold it firmly. Thank Him that you are a partaker. That the sovereign electing grace of God choose you a sinner while you were dead in sins to repentance, to faith, and afterwards to holiness of living, to Christian service, and a zeal for Him and devotion in His Word.

Are you chosen? By CH Spurgeon

2004-07-09T11:23:00.000-04:00

"Is there any here today who wishes to be holy, who wishes to be regenerated, sanctified, who wishes to leave off sin and walk in holiness and godliness, who wishes to love Christ Jesus and his people, who wishes to be made like Christ? Someone says, 'I do!' Then, my friend, you are elected. But someone else here does not want to be like Christ, does not want to give up the world, does not believe the gospel, does not want to worship God, and does not enjoy the company of godly people. Such a person should not complain if God does not elect him to a life that he despises. The most ridiculos thing I have ever heard is for a man to complain if God does not elect him to a life that he despises. The most ridiculous thing I have ever heard is for a man to complain that he has not been ELECTED TO SOMETHING HE DOES NOT WANT. Think about how foolish this is: the church is full, not one seat is left. A man stands outside and says, 'It is not fair that I do not have a seat in the church. I don't like the preacher, I don't like the gospel, I don't love the others who are there, I would be miserable if I were in there with them, but it is not fair for them to have a seat and for me not to have one!' This is ridiculous!"

What is Armenian (Freewill) & Calvinism (salvation by grace)?

2004-07-03T14:44:00.000-04:00

I want to first state that in any absents of grace that any doctrine or beliefs will lead straight to Hell. CH Spurgeon said “Beware of relying upon orthodoxy for without love to Christ with all your correctness of doctrine, you will be as a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal” (Psm 18:28).

He who cast his soul entirely on the free grace of God, who through the merits of His Son, as both justifier and redeemer, is by their very testimony a Calvinist. Calvinism is not a set of points nor a doctrine in itself. The beliefs, articulated by the flesh, are dependence upon God and to say complete salvation is of the Lord. I don’t wont someone to see Calvinism as a path. It is not dependent on a choice of theology but reliant on grace. Depravity is not a resolve to a condition but an enlightment of a need (II Cor 2:14). Election is not excepting a doctrinal truth but by the grace of God hope for that sinner (Rom 11:5). Atonement is not what you seek but an act of completion (John 19:30). His calling is not a suggested path but a gracious command (Gal 1:15). Perseverance is not to dwell in your sins but true peace (Psm 30:3). The doctrines of grace, founded in the scriptures, is a since of need, a condition of helplessness, an utter dependence on God, and satisfaction in His finished work (Rom 8:30).

Others believe that God wants everybody to be saved and offers grace that man’s free will may decide to partake. This implies a weakness instead of guilt inherited from Adam. This implies a dept based on the obedience of the sinner rather than grace. This implies that those He died for that it was not sufficient for some are burning in Hell. This implies that God’s decree may not come to pass and what God wants He cannot achieve. If this is true the scriptures are incorrect describing man as dead in sins (Rom 6:2). If this is true the death of Christ was a failure with redemption dependant on the will of man and an implied inability to save His sheep from hell (Mat 1:21). If this is true security of a believer rest on the abilities of the flesh (Heb 15:5).

Armenian, free will, and most modern religion all ends in the same place. No matter what the path or beliefs it ends with redemption of sins. Calvinism, doctrines of grace, or the gospel begins with it. Praise God for His mercy and His sovereign electing grace (Rom 5:8-9).

Why does He not make everybody willing?

2004-06-26T15:09:00.000-04:00

It may be better to re-state why someone believes. They believe only because they were chosen by God’s free will and were redeemed by the sin offering of His Son and later called to His flock. Their redemption was of God and salvation by God. But any that does not believe are condemned by their sins. Yes, they were not redeemed by the Savior. Yes, they remain blind to wander as goats. But when this man dies in this condition it is not his nature or God’s choice that will be punished but his sins. Their unbelief is a result of their works and freewill.

"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Even so, Father, for this was your good pleasure." (Matthew 11:25-26)

At the winding up of this world's drama, God will be glorified in the men that shut their eyes against his grace, as well as in the men whose eyes are opened to receive it.

The sounds of Heaven will sing higher and sweeter in contrast to the screams of Hell.

The Light will illuminate that much brighter when placed against the backdrop of darkness.

Mercy will be that much more gracious compared to the justice we deserve.

We can only appreciate grace if it is given by His will.

If one of His sheep discovers that their wisdom is dashed to pieces and they depend wholly on the sovereignty and grace of God, He is glorified. If a goat having heard the gospel is to wise to believe it, His justice is done and He is glorified as the avenger of His gospel. In either case God is glorified, and in either case Christ devoutly gives thanks.

We see the fact that God does not threat or look at everyone a like (Rom 9:5). Is it not fear, do you murmur at God for it; God forbid. C.H. Spurgeon said “to kick against this fact is only to kick against pricks with naked feet, you hurt only yourself and not the thorn.”

(Rom 9:20-23) “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,”

Some believed and some believed not - Why? by Don Fortner

2004-06-25T11:59:00.000-04:00

The preacher was the apostle Paul. The message preached was the gospel of Christ. Paul expounded the Scriptures, testified of his own experience of the Christ. Yet, we read that "some believed... and some believed not." Why did Luke write that down? What does the Holy Spirit intend for us to learn from this fact?

Without question, the intention of the Holy Spirit is to teach us that THE SALVATION OF SINNERS IS NOT DETERMINED BY THE ABILITY OF THE PREACHER. I do not mean to suggest that a person can be saved apart from the preaching of the gospel (Rom. 10:17; James 1:18; I Pet. 1:23-25). And I do not suggest that it does not matter who you hear (I John 4:1-3; II John 10). If you feed upon the poison of a false religion, you will perish under the wrath of God. But the Holy Spirit does mean for us to understand that saving faith is in no way dependent upon or determined by the gifts, abilities, education, or spiritually of the man who preaches the gospel. No one excels Paul in these areas. Yet, some who heard him "believed not." He preached pure gospel truth. He preached the truth in love. His heart was in his message. He wanted those who heard him to know Christ. Yet, "some believed not."

WHY DID SOME BELIEVE WHILE OTHERS BELIEVED NOT? All heard the same preacher the same sermon under the same circumstances. Only one explanation can be given for the faith of those who believed. They believed because God chose them in eternity, Christ redeemed them at Calvary, and now the Holy Spirit called them and gave them faith by his irresistible power and grace (John 1:12-13; Rom. 9:16-18). Their salvation was entirely God's fault and the result of God's work.

WHY DID SOME NOT BELIEVE? Their unbelief was their own fault and the result of their own work. They did not believe because they would not believe (John 5:40). They would not believe because they had no need of Christ (Luke 9:11). ALL WHO ARE SAVED ARE SAVED AS A RESULT OF WHAT GOD DOES. ALL WHO ARE LOST ARE LOST AS A RESULT OF WHAT THEY DO.

What should I do to be saved?

2004-06-19T16:26:00.000-04:00

Saved from what? Do you want saved from suffering, pain, poverty, sickness, or emotional grief; who doesn’t. Do you want to be saved from hell; who wouldn’t. All that says nothing. Or do you want to be saved from yourself; do you wish to be saved from the flesh. The issue is we will either come before God in our own works and righteousness or we will stand before Him clothed in the righteousness of Christ (Rom 3:20). Do you wish to look at what you have done and try to count it towards salvation and stand before the most high and cry “but I”. Are you carrying the burden of your redemption; is this what you want saved from? Now for you there is hope.

For those that God has striped away your answers and what you can do. For those He has convicted of your sin. To those the Spirit has filled your heart with disgust for the flesh and utter dependence on mercy. For those brought to a place where sin is your greatest plague, where offending God is to you your greatest offense there is hope for salvation; for Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). To you helpless crying out what must I do, rest now on what He has done. For sinners called by Christ you have already been redeemed. A substitute of a mediator bore the penalty of the law and fulfilled that righteousness which was required (Rom 8:3-4). For the sinners burden with the flesh walk now in the new man for you have been called unto His glory. A better question may now be instead of what should I do but what will I do. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31). Yield yourself, surrender your life and will (Mark 8:34). Faith, you will trust in the blood of Christ as the only redemption for sin. Faith, you will trust alone on the righteousness of Christ (Rom 3:24-26). Repent, to turn from your sins. Confess, in an act of baptism (Rom 10:9-10).

“Awake thou that sleepeth, and raise from the dead and Christ shall give the light” (Psa 44:23)

What must I do? by Don Fortner

2004-06-18T13:01:00.000-04:00

Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

"WHAT MUST I DO?"
A MESSAGE TO LOST SINNERS

If you are without Christ, if you are lost, under the wrath of God, and without hope in this world, this message is for you. I want to tell you what you must do. There are some things lost, dead, spiritually impotent sinners can and must do for themselves. You cannot save yourself. You cannot redeem yourself, put away your own sin, justify yourself, or give yourself eternal life. You are spiritually dead. But there are some things you can do. And what you can do you must do.

Was the Ethiopian eunuch lost? Was he dead in sin? Indeed he was. Yet, he did not neglect his soul. He did what he could. Indeed, he did all that he knew to do. He walked in the light God gave him. I hold the eunuch before you as an example of what you must do, if you care for your soul, if you would escape the wrath of God - (Read Acts 8:26-40.).

That Ethiopian BOUGHT A BIBLE AND BEGAN TO READ IT. You can do that. If you would find the Pearl of Great Price you must search for him in the field where he is hidden, in the Word of God (John 5:39).

The eunuch EARNESTLY SOUGHT THE LORD. You can do that too. He went up to the temple at Jerusalem, the place where God had promised to meet with men. It was a long, costly, dangerous journey. But the man was in trouble. He was a sinner in need of a Savior. So he made the trip from Ethiopia to Jerusalem. His immortal soul was at stake! God has promised to meet with men, sinners like you, in the assembly of his saints (Matt. 18:20). If you care for your soul, seek him there.

Though the eunuch did not find the Savior at first, he was not deterred from his pursuit. When he left Jerusalem, he was still seeking the Lord. He was reading Isaiah 53. He did not seek to know the mysteries of Scripture, but the Person of Scripture. No doubt, as he read the prophet Isaiah, he cried out to God from his heart, "Of whom speaketh the prophet?"

WHILE HE WAS SEEKING THE LORD WITH ALL HIS HEART, GOD SENT HIM A GOSPEL PREACHER. Philip, by the arrangement of Divine providence, came and preached Christ to the eunuch. When he heard the gospel, he believed. When he believed, he was baptized. "And he went on his way rejoicing." He walked in the light God gave him, did what he knew he could do and had to do, and God gave him more light. God saved him by his matchless grace. Here is God's word to you: "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give the light."

The question nobody is asking? by Todd Nibert

2004-06-11T13:03:00.000-04:00

The Question nobody is asking is stated in Job 25:4, "How then can man be justified with God? Or how can he be clean that is born of woman?" To the natural man, the answer to this question would be placed under the category of dull and uninteresting subjects. We are by nature so selfish and man centered that this question simply is not important to us. But the fact that nobody is asking this question does not take away from its importance. If we can learn the answer to this question, we have learned the gospel!

The issue behind the question can be stated like this. How can God be consistent with His justice, and yet justify somebody who is unjust?

If somebody asks, "Why bring up the question in the first place? Does it really even matter? It matters because the word of God brings it up. But let me answer the question by asking another question. What would you think of a human judge who justified people who were guilty? What would you think of a judge who let a serial killer go free to walk our streets? Would it matter to you? If God does let people who are guilty into heaven without His justice being satisfied, than God would be no more just the human judge who let the serial killer go free. We shudder at the implications of a God who is not just.

The God of the Bible is holy. In His holiness He hates sin. In Hebrews 1:9 we read, "Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity." God is so holy that He cannot let sin go unpunished. When He described Himself to Moses in Exodus 34:7, He said that He "would by no means clear the guilty". But not only is God holy; we are sinful and guilty! The scriptures say in Romans 3:10-12, "There is none righteous, no not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is non that doeth good, no not one."

If God is so holy that He "will by no means clear the guilty", and we are guilty, how can God bring any guilty sinner into heaven? The Bible does provide us with an answer to this question. We read in Romans 3:25-26, "God set forth Christ to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness.....that He might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus".

The word "propitiation" means literally "an atoning victim". The sins of God's elect were placed upon Christ on the cross. God was the one who placed them there. Only He had the authority to do it. Christ was actually made sin. "For He hath made Him to be sin." God laid this sin on Christ, and the He poured His wrath out upon Him. He punished the sins of His people in Christ. Christ was guilty as the sinner's substitute. He was charged with the sins of His people.

But the imputation of guilt was not the only imputation going one. That perfect righteousness that Christ worked out was imputed to everybody that He died for. And now everybody that He died for is counted not guilty. By virtue of what Christ did on the cross, the people that God brings into heaven are not guilty! That is how God can be just and yet justify the ungodly. They are actually made just by imputation.
Many believe that Christ was making salvation a possibility on the cross if we will just do our part. But Christ was not making salvation a possibility. He was saving! He literally accomplished the salvation of all of God's elect. This is how an unjust man can be just with God.

And dear friends, we can trust the Saviour who accomplished a salvation like that!

How is man redeemed?

2004-06-05T16:28:00.000-04:00

The simple answer is the cross “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree” (Gal 3:13). I would most likely do well to stop at only that for this is the only message that saves a sinner and gives him peace. This is the only way of atonement for transgressions. There is only one way to be justified and seen righteous in God’s eyes.

So what is the cross? The cross is where Christ freely gave Himself. Redemption was an act of divine sovereignty. He voluntarily laid down His life for us (I John 3:16). He Himself gave His head to be crowned with thorns. He Himself gave His cheek to be shaved. He Himself gave His back to be beaten. He Himself gave His hands to be nailed to that tree. He Himself gave His side to be opened. He Himself gave His blood for our sins. The cross where our sins hung. Christ owned them. He carried them with Him that day and made everyone of them His (Heb 9:12). Could He hide them, no there were too many. Could He reject them, no justice must be served and the sins must be punished. And it was on that cross that those sins were punished and redeemed. The cross where we were delivered. Through the proprietary sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, the law and justice of God was satisfied (Rom 3:24-26).

(Gal 1:4) “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”

The cross is the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ and is the central theme of the Holy Scriptures. It is the foundation of our faith, and the only hope we have of eternal life, salvation, and temporal peace.

How does God actually save sinners? by Gary Shepard

2004-06-04T13:05:00.000-04:00

"God hath saved us, and called us with a 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. But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (II Tim. 1:9, 10).

God sets forth for us in two verses of scripture how He saves sinners from their sins. You may think it is another way and preachers may preach differently, but be sure of it, this is the way God says He saves!

He saves first of all by a predetermined purpose. All that God does He does on purpose. It is "his own purpose." Past tense and positively! So wise and powerful is God that His purpose cannot fail. It is a purpose of grace wherein He has purposed to save all His people by the gift of His grace and not their works. "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Rom. 4:5) The saving purpose of God is an unchanging and eternal purpose without any contingency plans for God will do all His pleasure.
Secondly, God saves by a preordained person. Paul tells us that God's purpose of grace and gift of salvation was "given us in Christ Jesus." Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. God saves no one outside of His son because He has placed everything in His Son. This is what He says, "And this is the record, that God hath given unto us eternal life and this life is in his son." (I John 5:11) Christ was the Surety of God's people before the world was and in time was born into this world that He might as a man die as a substitute before divine justice on behalf of them. He alone is the singular substitutionary, sacrificial and successful Saviour! He abolished death for those who believe on Him. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ an thou shalt be saved."

God saves sinners by a particular proclamation. His salvation is revealed by the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel. Life and immortality are brought to light through the gospel Paul says. Not preaching about the gospel but preaching the gospel which is Christ and Him crucified. What God's word says about Him and what He's done. Christ is God in human flesh successfully obtaining eternal redemption for everyone of God's elect. No other message but this particular and distinctive gospel will do. The glory of God is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ as He is revealed in the gospel. (II Cor. 3:7) God's salvation is in a person, His Son.
God also saves by a perpetual power. It is by a "holy calling." This calling is by the eternal Holy Spirit of God. It is a heart call. By this life-giving eternal power and call the people of God are effectually and irresistibly called out of death and darkness to life and light in Christ. His sheep hear His voice and they follow Him. They are "drawn" to Christ (John 6:44) and are kept by the power of God through faith.

Lastly, God saves a pitiful people. They are sinners. Who else would need saving? Christ died for the ungodly! He came into the world to save sinners. Few consider themselves to be real sinners against God. These that God saves are said to be "dead in trespasses and sins" and even their best works are like filthy rags. Pitiful they are but God has determined to save them to the praise of the glory of His grace.
God gets to Himself all the glory in the way He saves. All who are ever saved from sin and judgment are saved by God alone and all who are saved by God are saved this way! Are you saved by God or are you trying to save yourself? Awake to the fact that you cannot by your works or your religion save yourself and then seek in God's word to find out how He saves.

Why a man is Saved? by CH Spurgeon

2004-06-03T13:06:00.000-04:00

If you are asked why a man is saved, the only Scriptural answer is- “Sovereign grace” — grace, unmoved by anything in the creature, flowing spontaneously from the mighty depths of the divine heart. The answer is this– because God willed it that way. “He will have mercy on whom he will have mercy, and he will have compassion on whom he will have compassion.” “It is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.”

If any man is saved, it is not because he willed to be saved. If any man be brought to Christ, it is not of any effort of his, but the root, the cause, the motive of the salvation of any one human being, and of all the chosen in heaven, is to be found in the predestinating purpose and sovereign distinguishing will of the Lord our God. It is God who quickens the souls of those who believe. If men be saved all the glory must be unto God from first to last, and not an atom nor a particle attributed to the goodness, or the power, or the will of the creature.

This is a doctrine which some people have not learned very fully yet, but they will have to learn it if they are God’s people. Jonah, you know, had never learned it from the schools, but when the Lord got him in the whale's belly, at the bottom of the sea, with the weeds wrapped about his head, then it was that he said, “Salvation is of the Lord;” and often some sore trials and terrible afflictions are necessary schoolmasters to teach us this lesson, that salvation is of the Lord alone. It is one of the instinctive apprehensions of every enlightened man’s mind, that if he is saved, it is because of God’s mercy.

Did God die for everyone?

2004-05-29T15:26:00.000-04:00

I see three ways we could possibly answer this question. First yes, second kind of (with conditions), and finally no. If we accept the first premise that God died for all sins of all men they we are forced to do some really big explaining. What will we say to those in Hell, how will we justify to those that died with their sins why they were not saved if He died for all sins of all people. Why are not all men free from punishment? If you reply because of unbelief we must then ignore or try to accept that unbelief is a sin. I not only would say it is a sin but may be the greatest of all sins and therefore He must have paid for this sin on the cross or none would be saved (Mat 12:31). We may accept the second premise then. He only died for some sins for all men. Not only is it not biblical but also this only leaves further questions. If this be true then all men have some sins to answer for and so none are saved. The bible says instead that no sins will be held against us (Rom 4:8) and that there are no conditions of redemption and there is nothing we could add (Psa 49:7). “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said IT IS FINISHED. And He bowed His head and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30). Finished means FINISHED. Christ suffered all sins for some men. Our Lord really, freely, fully, and forever paid the complete and total price for His elect and elect alone by His substitutionary sacrifice on the cross. To answer our question more directly, NO, Christ died for only all the sins of all of His Children or elect. (Heb 10:14) “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” What can man possibly do to change this fact? It is in self-righteousness that a man would even attempt to make the finished work of God “unfinished”. Only the flesh would try to mold God in their image and empower themselves over God. Fortunately Jesus is our redeemer who has saved His people from the deeps of Hell. Not just tries to with the possibility of losing some. No, Jesus is our redeemer, none shall be lost, and “IT IS FINISHED” (Heb 9:12).

(Rom 5:11) “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”

Why do mission work?

2004-05-22T15:56:00.000-04:00

Simply because it pleases God to use the tainted means of the world to do His work for His glory. God uses His Spirit filled word weather it be spoken or read to praise or proclaim the gospel. Simpler and more important still, because God commands it (Mark 16:15). We are ambassadors for Christ (II Cor 5:20). As an ambassador you are an accredited representative of Christ. Our responsibility on the job, at home, during play, at all times is to conduct ourselves as ambassadors of the Lord. And as His voice we are to beseech others to be reconciled to God “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” (II Cor 5:20). We are to seek and to invite men and women to church to hear the gospel, we are to seek men and women and witness to them concerning His sacrifice, we are to beseech men and women to reconcile to God. So does this fly in the face of predestination or God’s sovereignty, God forbid. For there are thousands of redeemed people that have not been called by the Spirit. And called they shall be. This is our comfort when we go forth with the quickening Word of God. It is our privilege and responsibility to go out and cast the lot knowing the disposition of them is of the Lord (Psa 16:33). When we take His message to the world we do so because God has arranged the means that His Children will here His Word and has ordained us to be the massager of life to the souls of His elect and they will receive it, for so the decree of predestination and His sovereignty runs.

(Mat 9:37-38) “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

What is Effectual calling?

2004-05-15T14:56:00.000-04:00

John 6:37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

What power and majesty is the that word “Shall”. He leaves little doubt; he leaves no chance for failure. He does not say with your permission or if you except. It does not read “may” or “might” but an unquestionable “SHALL”. I hear often arguments against election to verses that preach of man coming and man’s faith. This by no means contradicts predestination but instead is the manifestation of a divine plan of a sovereign God. A grace filled heart “shall” come willing, “shall” cry for mercy, “shall” repent, and “shall” believe. And those that Christ died for, for all that the Father gave Him to redeem “shall” come to Him. At a point in time appointed in the life of an elect, fixed at an hour, determined before the foundation of the world, the Lord shall by His Spirit, His Word, sweetly and graciously compile that man to come as they are that he may find comfort in the bosom of the Savior (Rom 8:30). And that He does not by any violation of the free agency of man but by the riches and power of His free grace. A man is not saved against his will, but rather he is made willing by the gentle touch of the Holy Spirit. The hands of the Lord reach into the man and opens his hard heart and makes a new creature of him. To the proud self-righteous man, he is brought to his knees. The man willfully sinning, now willfully repents of those sins. The man living by works and guilt is now powered by love and faith. The man a bond slave to the flesh is now under the authority of Christ (Phil 1:29).

Irresistible grace or effectual calling is the Spirit, Messenger, Word, by an irresistible argument conquering your understanding, by an irresistible reason conquering your affections, and by an irresistible love conquering your heart. By His calling you are subdued and yield to His grace. Some may be drawn gently and over many events while others are drawn so suddenly and profoundly that the moment is sized in their mind. No two calling or convictions may be the same but they are similar in these ways. It is the Spirit that calls (Jhn 6:44), they see themselves as a sinner, and there is a true change and conversion in their heart (Gal 1:15-16).

Jer 31:3 “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.”

Do we need to repent?

2004-05-08T16:24:00.000-04:00

All men are responsible to walk in the light that God has given them (Eph 5:8). Unbelief is not a passive thing. If you go to hell it is based solely on your sins. As much as redemption is only on the price that He paid, damnation is only on your transgressions you made. The sinner does not go to hell because Christ did not die for them but because they are rebels against God (Rom 1:18-20). In the justice of the Lord it is fixed so that those who die in their sins, those who die in unbelief are without excuse. Don Fortner wrote, “If you go to hell, you will have to scratch and claw your way there. Fighting to your last breath against the light God has given you.” God has commanded all to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). And those He died for shall be made willing and will freely repent. Those who do not see the necessity of faith and repentance in the presence of election and grace know not yet the depths of their sin and true mercy. For when you are brought to a place by the grace of God where you loathe your self you willfully and helplessly cry for this mercy and repent. Stated in the scriptures and as a commandment it is a necessity but more than a need it becomes for the broken sinner, presented for the first time with a grace filled heart, a desire. Does this contribute to redemption; no. This is the result of His work in you. Does not repenting and believing contribute to someone fallen into eternal damnation; yes. This is the result of their works (Heb 12:14).

So what is it to repent? What are we commanded to do? Repentance is toward God (Acts 20:21). It is not merely knowing your nature or confessing that you sin against someone but it is being brought to the knowledge that you have spit in the face of the Lord and your nature is total rebellion against His authority. Your repentance is toward the one whom you have offended, it is toward the one that suffered for that sin and nature, it is seeing that each sin against His holy law was one more hammer of the nail that drove into His flesh of His hand. It is weeping that yours and your nature alone was the spear that pierced His side. Repentance is a life long journey that continues to bring us closer to Christ (Rom 7:15-25). Both repentance and faith are necessary and we will not have one without the other. Without repentance releasing the filthy rags it once clung to, faith would not have had empty hands to grasp His grace. Without repentance hating what it once loved, faith could not love what it once hated. Faith could never cry for mercy, if repentance didn’t cry unclean. Repentance is more than just confessing your sins it is a state of heart (I Thes 1:9). It is loathing your flesh and praising His righteousness. It is turning from your sins and turning to God. And so I pray by His grace I shall carry both faith and repentance with me all the way to the gates of Heaven. For each day by His grace as I grow repentance shows me the evil and sins I abhor more and more while faith shows me the light and promise He has provided that I love and rest in more and more.

(I John 1:9-10) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”