Presented Faultless!

How could I ever be lost?

2009-07-20T06:18:00.003-05:00

I caught a phrase on an Internet radio broadcast this morning that caused me to pause and reflect. The gist of the comment was this - "If I focus on myself, I wonder how I could ever be saved; if I focus on Jesus, I wonder how I could ever be lost." (I missed the attribution, but I think they referenced Luther.)

In any event, it's an interesting contrast. If I look at myself, I can't help but wonder how I could ever be saved. Vile, wicked, sinner deserving of the full eternal wrath of God.

Contrast that thought with the fact that Jesus Christ took upon Himself the full wrath of God in my place when He suffered the forsaking of God upon the Cross. "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" was His cry from the Cross when the Father turned His back upon the Son as He bore all the sin of the world. He rose again from the dead three days later proving that the propitiation (satisfactory payment) had occurred. He settled once for all the debt of our sin when he was separated from the Father in our place. Paul wrote in the sixth chapter of Romans, "For the wages (debt payment) of sin (separation from God) is death, but the free gift of God is Eternal Life." No wonder then that when I look upon the work of Jesus, I must wonder how I could ever be lost.

I am saved by Grace alone through Faith alone in Christ alone and I am kept safe by the same Grace.

The Home Run - An Illustration of Grace

2009-04-18T22:56:00.001-05:00

An excellent story and illustration of grace and character...

Not Biblical, but worth sharing.

Ressurrection Sunday 2009!

2009-04-12T01:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Resurrection Day!

I call it as I see it and being a salesman by vocation I like to present things as they are and let you make an educated decision to buy. (or not) Much like God leaves the decision of whether or not you will receive Jesus Christ as your personal savior up to you. The difference is that according to the Bible, you don't actually "buy" your way in to Heaven because Salvation is offered to you as a free gift! You only need to make the decision to believe and receive the offer, or not.

I made the decision to receive Christ as my Savior some 30 years ago on April 19, 1979. That Thursday night I placed my eternal destiny in the hands of Jesus Christ and gave up trying to "buy" my way to Heaven through the concept of somehow having something to offer God. The reality is that we are all sinners and cannot offer God anything. Heaven is a perfect place and God is a perfect being. Although we are fashioned in His image, yet through the fall of Adam, we bear all the inherent faults of this sin cursed world that have marred that perfect image. If He were to allow us in to Heaven with our sin upon us we would have the same mess there as we have here on this earth.

You see, it is our sin that separates us from a holy God. We can't get rid of that sin by "buying" God off through our good works. The Bible tells us that our best deeds are filthy rags in comparison to God's righteousness and holiness. His perfection and righteousness and holiness and justice demand that our sins be paid for before we can have fellowship with Him. He cannot/will not allow sin to dwell in His presence. So what are we to do if we can't "buy" our way into Heaven?

The answer is astonishingly simple. We can't do anything. Nor is there a need to do anything because God has provided the way through the shed blood of His son, Jesus Christ. He has bought us with His precious blood as a substitutionary payment for the penalty of our sins. The Judge became the Judgment. And the proof that the payment was satisfactory is the Resurrection! The resurrection is the big red stamp of God's "PAID IN FULL" on my account. Since Jesus paid for my sin, I don't have to. I only have to accept that fact that He did it. You only have to accept the fact that He paid for your sins in order to receive Eternal Life with God forever in Heaven.

You may know the scripture found in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world (that's you and me, not the dirt) that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ) that whosoever believeth (trusts in, relies upon) in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." Paul wrote the following in Ephesians 2:8, 9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." You see, I know I'm going to heaven because God has given it to me as a gift, not because of any good thing in me. If we were able to "buy" our way in through our good works, you know we would boast about it. We boast about every other purchase in our lives: the house, the car, the boat, the deal we cut on such and such; but when it is outright given to us free and clear, we have nothing to boast about!

I have nothing to boast about within myself; BUT I can boast of the glory of God in His provision of the free gift of eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son on that cross in my place. "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." 2 Corinthians 5:21

He took my sin and gave me His righteousness. If I have the righteousness of God through Christ, my eternal destiny and fellowship with God is restored. As we saw from John, we can have that eternal life by simply placing our faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. Will you right now take a moment and tell God of your decision to receive His free gift? Or not.

How to be sure of going to Heaven.

2009-04-09T22:08:00.003-05:00

This is the direct link if the video won't launch from here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q89MVinazDQ

You can learn more at the Victory in Grace website:

www.victoryingrace.org

Excellent Bible teaching resources!

Remiss Blogger

2009-04-09T21:47:00.002-05:00

I've been *VERY* remiss in updating this blog site. Almost 18 months since my last post. Time to dust off the blog and start a new routine. Maybe make it a personal renewal in light of the Resurrection season. Jesus was crucified today (Thursday) some 1,965 +/- years ago. Sobering to think about it. I hope we all do think about it over the next three days. I love Ressurection Sunday. My favorite day of the year. God Bless and I'll be checking in more frequently this year. Already have compared to last year!

Persecuted Brother - Indian Pastor declared innocent

2007-09-15T19:01:00.000-05:00

"The most precious gift were all those post cards I received, especially from the Netherlands. People wrote me from around the world. It was a present I will never forget for the rest of my life." - Pastor Rohit Ranjan, after enduring three years of upheaval.

Wow, post cards. Its the often overlooked simple things in life that have the largest impact. I guess it's time to put aside the laptop and put some ink to paper and encourage a brother in need.

For complete news article go here:
http://www.bosnewslife.com/asia-pacific/india/3174-breaking-news-indian-court-clears-pastor-of-r

Many are Called - Few are Chosen

2007-08-14T21:24:00.000-05:00

Matthew 20:1-16, Matthew 22:1-14 were presented in another blog discussion I'm following as teaching that "There is no doubt that the invitation is for everyone; however, not everyone will respond to the invitation and of those that do respond, not all will be accepted". Since I totally disagee with that statement, I felt I needed to study it out. Clearly, I don't find these passages to be addressing the issue of Salvation.

Here is my take on these passages for what it’s worth –
Matthew 20:1-16
I personally see Jesus’ sense of humor displayed here. The context immediately preceding and following this passage is one of the disciples (Peter, James, and John named – but most likely all 12 were of similar mind – just like you and I probably would be if we were in their sandals.) worrying about their place of order in the Kingdom. It’s not a discussion of initial membership, but of Believers/Disciples having a proper attitude of serving out of gratitude and not with an eye to potential rewards.

Context preceding Matthew 20:1-16:
Matthew 19:27-30 “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

I emphasized Peter’s “what shall we have therefore” because it caps off the “What’s in it for me?” question. I emphasized Jesus’ “and shall inherit everlasting life.” because it caps off His response. To me He is saying, Peter, you’re going to get a big ol’ throne, you’re going to be a hangin judge, get a big ol mansion, hang out with more folk than you can feed in a month of Sundays, sit on more acreage than Texas; all of this a hundred times over!!! Oh, and by the way, you get everlasting life too.

Point of Matthew 20:1-16:
He then proceeds to drive home this point with the illustration of the Laborers in the Vineyard. I believe His point is, hey guys, it is not “look how long I worked or how hard I worked, or how successful (fruit-bearing) I appeared.” The point is you each get a penny. You each get everlasting life. Don’t be whining “these last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day” but be grateful. You get everlasting life too.

Context following Matthew 20:1-16:
Matthew 20:18-19 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
I take this directive as: Look guys, I’m going to be betrayed, condemned, mocked, scourged, and crucified – and all you’all can do is squabble about who is first and who is last!!! Grow up! Matthew 20:20-28 essentially boils down to “Stop this squabbling about position and start ministering to folks!”

Thus, the “many called, few chosen” in context here is addressing the fact that their will be a variance of rewards which will appear to be out of whack proportionately with the Christian’s situation on Earth (time and effort in the vineyard), almost as one is favored over another; but are totally right (no wrong), and good, and lawful as granted by the Householder.

Moving on to Matthew 22:1-14.
A new day has dawned. (Mt 21:18) We are now removed a number of miles and hours from immediate context of Matthew 20:1-16. Let’s check out the context of Matthew 22:1-14:
I see Jesus’ sense of humor again but directed at the Chief Priests and Pharisees this time. Not the Disciples. The context immediately preceding and following this passage is one of almost baiting the Priests and Pharisees.
He had cleared out the Temple the evening before and they were powerless to stop Him. This morning He’s physically hungry and ends up cursing the fig tree due to its symbolic representation of the nation’s spiritual situation. The Chief Priests and Pharisees have created a system that looks good but has no spiritual fruit. Soon after He arrives at the Temple and the Priests and Pharisees start right of with challenging His authority. He responds by essentially setting them up for the take down that we’ll find in Mt. 22:1-14.

Context preceding Matthew 22:1-14:
Mt 21:18-22 A new day dawns, He curses the fig tree on His way to the Temple.
Mt 21:23- 32 The Priests and Pharisee’s challenge His authority and He baits them with the left jab of the “Whence is John’s baptism” question. When they duck it, He sets them up with the Two Sons parable. The right hook punch here is the jaw dropping statement that the Publicans and Harlots (2nd son) will go into the Kingdom before the Priests and Pharisees. (1st son)
Mt 21:33-46 He rolls His hip and swings away again with another parable. Wham, the parable of the Murderous Husbandmen hits its mark! Matthew 21:45 “And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.” They perceived that He spake of them. I can almost read their thoughts myself… Psst, hey guys, do ya s’pose He means us here? Tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor!

Point of Matthew 22:1-14:
A foundational basic principal of Bible Study is context and plain sense. When the context indicates a simple, plain sense, we don’t need to overwork the text. We simply need to take the Word for what It says. As much as I would like to align this story eschatologically with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, it would be overworking the plain sense of the text.
Simply stated, the point of Matthew 22:1-14, is the Priests and Pharisees and their self-righteous followers were the original invitees of the wedding but they would be replaced with the Good and Bad bid to come from the highways. Even if they attempted to crash the party, they would be cast out.

Context following Matthew 22:1-14:
Matthew 22:15-22 The Pharisees continue their wicked attempts to entangle Him, tempt Him, and discredit Him. All to no avail. They leave in frustration.

Thus, the “many called, few chosen” in context here is addressing the fact that there were many Priests and Pharisees in Israel who thought they should be rewarded of God for their sanctimonious deeds; but would be replaced instead of rewarded. Further insult is added to injury in that the preferred replacements were drawn from the “low-life” ranks of the Publicans and Harlots. Thereby tweaking the noses of the Priests and Pharisees, and giving a wink and a nod to the Disciples as a reminder of His previous day’s lesson.

The dialogues of Matthew 20:1-16 are primarily between Jesus and His Disciples. The dialogues of Matthew 22:1-14 are primarily between Jesus and His Detractors. Parables that are not explained by Him in the immediate context are for the most part simply teaching stories and not foundation stones for doctrine.

The scripture seems to teach that all are called and few answer by faith alone, apart from works.

Because He Lives,
David

Way of the Master - God Loves You tract critique

2007-08-10T16:10:00.000-05:00

I had a friend ask me about the Way of the Master presentation today which led me to examine their presentation and provide comment. So from my point of view, here's my take on the Way of the Master gospel presentation.

They use the 10 commandments heavily as the schoolmaster to bring you to Grace; but, then they mix in confusing terms that almost nullify Grace.

From their God Loves You tract:
“If you stepped into a courtroom and offered to pay a $50,000 fine I couldn't pay, what an insult it would be for me to say I would give your offer of help "some thought." Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, then by the grace of God hold on, because you have just begun the "abundant life"�you are going to be busy swimming upstream against the world (with all its sinful pleasures), the flesh (your sinful nature) and the devil (you'll find out about him). Read the Bible daily, obey what you read, and you will never fail.”

My issues with above:
1. Repent
It concerns me when Repent is used in Gospel presentations without defining the Biblical definition of (Gk) metanoia – “change of mind” as opposed to the modern English definition of “change your ways” “have remorse” etc.. Biblical Repentance is changing my mind, or simply realizing that Salvation is God-provided and not Me-provided. All of the religions of the world teach Me-provide by somehow earning God’s favor. Christianity alone teaches God-provided by Christ Alone through Grace Alone. No Works. Period. And if works don’t come in to play when obtaining Salvation, they have no play in keeping Salvation.
(Works do come in to play in terms of Fellowship with God, Rewards from God, and having Abundant Life and blessings while here on Earth.)

2. Baptism
“…and be baptized” adds a work. And if it’s of works, then it is no more of Grace. Baptism is a step of obedience after Salvation, not part of obtaining Salvation. It falls in the discipleship and service arenas of the Christian walk; it has nothing to do with becoming a Christian.

3. Receive the Holy Spirit
Receiving the indwelling of the Sprit is simultaneous with the rebirth. He is the Earnest of our Salvation.
Ephesians 1:12-14 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

4. Then hold on…
The remaining items bring disciple issues in to the mix, at best are confusing, and at worst indicate that somehow the individuals’ works of holding on are going to maintain Salvation.

My opinions, for what they’re worth.

Biblical Testomonial Instances of Salvation - Part 2

2007-08-06T20:28:00.000-05:00

A few more examples for consideration... From Acts, no less.
Hmmm, Believe, Believe, Believe... and I thought it was John that had cornered the market on Believe.
Believe - (Greek - pisteuo pist-yoo'-o - to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.)

The extended study will seek to determine exactly what it is that they believed. Was it a Lordship Salvation works gospel, or an Easy Believism "crossless" or "sinnerless" oversimplified non-gospel, or just what? Exactly?

Simon –
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Ethiopian Eunuch –
Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Dionysius -
Acts 17:34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Crispus -
Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Biblical Testomonial Instances of Salvation

2007-08-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

Here's a discussion starter. I know the exact day of my salvation - April 19, 1979. Time-wise it was about 8:00 pm. I was 14 years old. It was that evening that I came to the realization that Eternal Life was a free gift from God and that my own works and merit had absolutely nothing to do with my entering God's Heaven. I trusted in Jesus Christ as my Savior.

Now, I realize that many Believers can't point to the exact timing of their salvation - why? Because salvation is received the moment a person repents - changes their mind - realizing that salvation is the Grace-full free Gift of God and not something that can be earned by self-effort. God knows the exact nanosecond when that event occurs in each believer’s life, even if the believer can't articulate exactly when it occurred. Every believer, prior to their moment of belief, had seed planted and watered through exposure to varying facets of Biblical truth. It is at the moment of salvation that God gives the increase. The believer is born again.

I think the analogy or comparison of the physical birth with Spiritual birth would break down due to the fact of the 9 months in the womb. Therefore, I would personally equate the Spiritual birth with the physical conception - the moment that God grants life. John 3:3 "born" - Greek:gennaw gennao ghen-nah'-o ---> to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate:--bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring. Thus, Nicodemus' question of entering back into the womb - how could he be conceived again?

My discussion starter is this... can you point to scriptural accounts of believers' moments of Salvation? I initially present the following for consideration:

The Samaritans - John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Martha -
John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

John -
John 20:8-9 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Peter -
Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Mark 8:29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. Luke 9:20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. John 6:68-69 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

I'm Saved! - but am I kept safe?

2007-08-02T01:05:00.000-05:00

That would depend upon Who does the keeping. When it comes to salvation, it sure isn't me. If it didn't earn salvation by works in the first place, how in the world can it be construed that my works are involved in keeping it?

2 Timothy 1:12b ... for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

John 17:11-12 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 1:4-5 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

I am presented faultless! Not by any merit of my own - before, during, or after my salvation. It is Christ who loved me, gave Himself for me, sanctified and cleansed me, and will present me glorious, no spots or wrinkles or any such thing; but holy an without blemish! Wow! That is amazing grace!

Salvation and Discipleship - different issues.

2007-07-30T23:09:00.000-05:00

"To me, the Bible does not teach a Christian must have good works to earn (Eph. 2:8, 9; Rom 4:5) – or keep (I Pet 1:4) – salvation. While our works committed after our salvation have a tremendous impact on those around us in terms of testimony and upon ourselves in terms of eternal rewards(I Cor. 3:11-15) they have no impact whatsoever on our salvation (Titus 3:5).

Salvation and Service are distinctly different doctrines and while we should possess and evidence both (Eph 2:10), it is possible to have only one. A born again believer can lack the evidential works of Service as seen in the Corinthian church; and the Fool can lack Salvation while having the evidential appearance of good works as seen in the example of the kind, charitable Atheist. Salvation and Discipleship are different issues.

Warnings to maintain good works for service/discipleship should not be construed as a means of obtaining or retaining salvation. Salvation is the free gift of God apart from our works; Discipleship/Christian Growth is the struggle of the two natures. (Rom 7, 8; Eph 4:22-24, Col.3:9-11)"
-excerpt from an email of mine summarizing my understanding of Salvation and Discipleship.

List of Scripture Referenced Above:
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Titus 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;
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Romans 7 and 8 - not posted for space' sake. I will do a seperate expositional post soon.
Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Colossians 3:9-11 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Presented Faultless!

2007-07-30T22:02:00.000-05:00

Presented Faultless! Wow, that's a very intense statement. Sobering, too. But not presumptious, and here's why - it's all by His doing, not mine. In me, there is no good thing. Nothing good. But in Christ, I have been made the Righteounsness of God. How can that be? Simple, by grace alone.

Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
2 Corinthians 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.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Please feel free to join me on this Blog journey of discovering grace in everyday life.