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Are There CONTRADICTIONS IN THE BIBLE??

CONTENTS                           

Copyright Page                                          
Poem: Give God Permission # 319
The WAY To Eternal Life                         
Introduction                                                        
Does The Bible Contradict Itself??            
Fear God, Don’t Fear God  Ch. 1          
God Is In Control, Satan Is In Control  Ch.2           
Christ Equal With God, Christ Less Than God? Ch.3           
SALVATION; By Faith Alone, Not By Faith Alone?   Ch.4
Salvation; Once For All, Continuous        
Salvation; Come As You Are, Clean Up Your Act First        
Salvation; All Who Call Christ Lord Are Saved, NOT All Who Call Christ Lord Are Saved
Salvation; The Road To Heaven Is Easy/ Hard   
Seeking God: We must seek God; We cannot seek God Ch.5           
Christ is in us; We are in Christ  Ch.6           
We can understand God; We cannot understand God   Ch.7 
Christ came to live for us; Christ came to die for us Ch.8 
Christ Came to Bring Peace, Christ Came to Bring  Division                Ch.9 
OTHER CONTRADICTIONS??  Ch. 10
Be Happy/ Weep and Mourn                    
Be Bold/ Be Meek                                               
Be Peacemakers/ Be Warriors                   
Concluding Remarks              

Scripture verses taken from: [KJV] King James Version
Yellow bold italics is Jesus’ Words.
John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV]

Written and Compiled by:
His servant, Connie Kramer
Revised from original 10-2015

THIS BOOK IS NOT COPYRIGHTED,
AND IS NEVER TO BE COPYRIGHTED.
This book is free and not to be sold.

IT MAY BE USED BY “WHOSOEVER”
TO EDIFY THE CHURCH, AND TO
HONOR AND GLORIFY GOD.

I always will try to make understanding God’s Word as easy as I possibly can for all. God will truly bless your efforts as you strive to learn more about Him.

1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (KJV)  
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (KJV)  
If you are not God’s child, you can be!

GIVE GOD PERMISSION

All are vile sinners; God’s Word does tell,
We are His enemies; bound for Hell.
But God is so good; He made a Way,
That we might live with Him, some sweet day.

Give God permission; and He’ll change you,
He wants you as His child, pure and true.
He gave His Son pow’r, your life to change,
Give God permission; He’ll re-arrange.

Christ can make you God’s child, and God’s friend,
And some day you will, to Heav’n ascend.
Trust and hope in Christ, can make you pure,
Giving vict’ry o’er sin’s evil lure.

It’s your choice; to give God permission,
He’ll not force you, to make a decision.
He’ll change so many things, all for you,
Give God permission; and He’ll rescue!

He needs permission, ‘fore He steps in,
When He has it; a new life begins.
Repent of your sins; open your heart,
Gives God permission, your new life to start.
*************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Apr.1,1997 # 319
(1 Jn.1:5-10; 2:22-23; 3:1-3; 4:15; 5:1-5,10-12; 2 Jn.9;
Jn.1:12; 3:15-18; Ro.3:10,23-24; 5:1-2,8-10)

God will NEVER force you to love Him, or accept Jesus! He does not want ‘puppets.’ He wants us to love Him on our own. When we do, the many blessings He gives are amazing: true love, joy, peace, forgiveness, that you never had before; and eternal life in Heaven some day. Give God permission!

The WAY to Eternal Life

We must ‘believe’ in Christ to receive eternal salvation of our souls. To ‘believe’ in Christ means: (1.) to believe that Jesus is God [Matthew 3:17; John 10:30], (2.) believe in His virgin birth [Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25], (3.) believe that He never sinned [Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:18-20; 2:22], (4.) believe that He died a substitutional death on the Cross for us, to save us from eternal death [Isaish 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18], (5.) believe that He is alive, that He was indeed resurrected from the dead [Psalm 16:10; Luke ch. 24;Acts 26:23], (6.) believe that He ascended to Heaven and now sits at the right Hand of God, the Father Almighty, interceding for us [Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9], (7.) believe that the power of His precious Blood can cleanse ANYONE who accepts Him, from all their sins [1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5], (8.) believe that salvation (eternal life) is a “GIFT” from God simply by our faith and the grace of God, not by any works we could ever do [Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23], (9.) believe Jesus when He tells us He will personally come again [1 Thes. 4:13-18], and (10.) believe Him when He tells us we must obey His command to LOVE, and to tell others about Him [Matthew 22:36-40, 28:18-20].
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) . . . We must ‘believe’ that Jesus is the only WAY to ever have eternal life in Heaven!
   

CONTRADICTIONS
IN THE BIBLE??

INTRODUCTION

What I write is solely my own opinion, based on what Almighty God has placed on my heart. You may agree or disagree. That is your right.
         
I have been wanting to do a study on this subject for a long time. There are so many people who say God’s Holy Word contradicts itself. This is utterly false!
         
‘CONTRADICT’ means to deny a statement or declaration; or that there is inconsistency or discrepancy in a statement or declaration; or that one statement or declaration goes against another, denying that the other is true.

‘Discrepancy’ means difference, disagreement or inconsistent.
         
‘Inconsistent’ means not following a logical procedure; not proceeding in a logical manner or sequence; lack of logic.
         
‘Logic’ means correct reasoning; valid induction (reasoning) or deduction (knowledge to reach a conclusion).
(1.) NO where does one Bible reference deny or go against another.
(2.) NO where does one Bible reference disagree with another.
(3.) There is NO other Book in the world that is more logical than God’s Word. God does NOT make mistakes, ever!

DOES THE BIBLE
CONTRADICT ITSELF??

God’s Word contains many statements that on the surface,  may SEEM to contradict or fight each other. It tells us we are to be happy, yet on the other hand it tells us to weep and mourn! It tells us we are to be bold, yet on the other hand it tells us to be meek! It tells us we are to be peacemakers, yet on the other hand it tells us to be warriors! Is there a specific reason for this? Or is God just trying to confuse us? The devil thrives on these things. He wants to bewilder, deceive and turn us away from God, make us think God must have made a mistake. My friend, God does NOT make mistakes . . . ever!
         
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; (KJV)

Our God is a God of unequaled wisdom! He most certainly has a definite reason for every word that is written in His awesome Book! It seems to some people that God does not want them to understand just what it is that He wants them to do! It seems to them that God is challenging them as to just how they should respond to Him! What is it He wants? Does He not want us to understand?
         
As we mature in Christ, and trust His Holy Spirit to aid and assist us in all matters; we will be able to see that the Bible does NOT contradict itself! Everything in the Bible has its place!

Can you imagine this Earth as it was “in the beginning,” without any contrasts whatsoever? It was “without form, and void” (Genesis 1:1-2). Living in a world like this would be awful! No blue sky, no green grass and trees, no purple mountains, no beautiful, colorful flowers, etc.! Just like a night with no stars or moon . . . all dull, dark and black!
         
What about life? Life without contrasts would be so dull and boring! Having either all sunshine or all rain would be monotonous to say the least! So it is with the Bible; it too has contrasts, to keep us alert and ever learning. But these contrasts are definitely NOT contradictions! God’s statements all make sense! Every last one of them!
         
The Bible equips us to respond to different needs that arise. Our needs are never the same day in, day out. Our needs for today are in contrast to our needs of a year ago, or even a week ago. It is God’s will that you (and I) gain a better understanding of “all (or the whole) counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). 
God pulls no punches with us; He wants us to completely understand all His Word, so we can live a life that is pleasing unto Him!
         
Most often, when anyone states that the Bible contradicts itself, they are simply taking a verse out of context. We should study God’s Word in context (taking what comes before, and after) and let the text before us speak for itself. God’s Word does have contrasts (comparisons) but not contradictions!
         
There is a definite need for renewed confidence in God’s Word. We need the Truth of the Bible, not half-truths the devil offers (Eph. 4:13-14).

                  
FEAR GOD, DON’T FEAR GOD
Chapter 1
         

WE SHOULD FEAR GOD! Anytime in the Old Testament that anyone came face to Face with God, there was great fear! They hid their face, they cried out in terror, they lost all their strength and fell on their face to the ground.
Exodus 3:6  Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. [KJV]
1 Kings 19:13  And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? [KJV] . . .  Fear of the Lord is true piety (loyalty and devotion). It is a fear intermingled with love and hope, and so it is not a slavish dread, but instead reverence.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (KJV)  
Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. (KJV)
Jeremiah 5:22 Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? (KJV) . . . God approves of our fear (reverence) and trembling.

Paul tells us that “fear and trembling” is one of the ‘characteristics’ of all Christians.
Philippians 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [KJV]
         
God has the sovereign right to chastise or correct us; and He also has the right to take away our health or even the life of one who does not fear Him. 
 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (KJV) . . . Any Christian who does not reverence God or take Him seriously, will suffer “loss” in eternity.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13  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. 14  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (KJV) . . . The “Foundation” of all believers is Christ Jesus. We must build, only with high-quality materials (right doctrine and right living) that meet God’s standards. Many build with “wood, hay, straw,” (immature, insensitive to one another, and falling for wrong doctrines). A building is only as solid as its foundation. The Foundation of our lives is Christ Jesus; He is our reason for being. Are you building your life on the only real and lasting foundation, or are you building on a faulty foundation such as wealth, security, success, or fame? He is the Rock, all else is sand!

WE SHOULD NOT FEAR GOD. We must “FEAR” reverence (give His rightful place, honor, worship, etc.) to our awesome Creator God. But God’s children need NOT be ‘afraid’ of Him!
Exodus 20:18-21 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19  And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20  And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21  And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. (KJV) . . . Sometimes God speaks in a mighty display of power, such as a terrific electrical storm, flood, hurricane, erupting volcano, etc.; and other times He speaks to us in a very quiet, personal way. Why the difference? God speaks to us in the way that best accomplishes His purpose. At Mt. Sinai, the display of His awesome power with the lightning, thunder and smoke was necessary to show Israel God’s authority. They would not have listened to Moses and Aaron any other way. We too, should readily take the advice of Moses: “Let your fear of God keep you from sinning?”
1 Samuel 12:20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; (KJV) . . .  If we serve (worship) the Lord with ALL our heart, we do not ever need to be ‘afraid’ of Him. God loves His children!
Revelation 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: (KJV) . . . When the apostle John saw the transfigured Jesus (Mat.17), he fell at His feet as dead. But Jesus’ comforting words “Fear not” gave John courage to face our Lord. Jesus does not want us to be ‘afraid’ of Him! BUT, those who reject Him is a whole different story! Dear one, He holds the eternal future of ALL souls in His Holy Hands. You either reverence Him OR you reject Him! You receive either Heaven or Hell as your eternal home. It’s your decision!

GOD IS IN CONTROL,
SATAN IS IN CONTROL
Chapter 2
         
Just WHO is in control? Is it God? Or is it Satan? My friend, it is BOTH of them!

GOD IS IN CONTROL.
Daniel 4:28-37 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. 29  At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. 30  The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 31  While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32  And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 33  The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. 34  And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35  And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36  At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37  Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. (KJV)  

Daniel begged Nebuchadnezzar to change his ways, and God allowed Nebuchadnezzar one year in which to do this. But regrettably, there was no repentance in the heart of this proud king, and so the dream was fulfilled. Pride and self-conceit are sins that befall the rich, the powerful, the famous, etc.  They take glory and honor that belongs only to God. While those proud words were still in the king’s mouth, powerful words came from God. The king’s understanding and memory were completely gone! All the powers of the rational soul disappeared. How careful we ought to be, not to do anything which may provoke God to put us out of our senses! God resists the proud. God lives for ever, and His kingdom is like Himself, everlasting and universal. His power cannot be resisted! When we honor God, by confessing our sin and acknowledging His sovereignty; then, and only then, may we dare to hope that God will honor us, and restore us to the dignity we lost when Adam sinned in the garden.  Only by the righteousness and grace of our precious Saviour can we ever accomplish this feat. The Lord knows how to humiliate those that walk in pride, but He gives grace and comfort to every humble, broken hearted sinner who calls upon Him.

GOD HAS POWER AND IS IN CONTROL!
Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (KJV)

Genesis 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. (KJV)  

Genesis 7:17-24 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. 18  And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. 19  And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. 20  Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. 21  And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: 22  All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. 23  And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. 24  And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days. (KJV) The flood increased for forty days. The waters rose so high, the tops of the highest mountains were covered over twenty feet. God was in complete control! The wickedness of mankind was (“evil continually” Gen. 6:5), and God had had enough! There is NO place on this Earth that is out of reach of God’s judgments. God’s Hand will search out all His enemies (Psalms 21:8).
         
When the flood was at its peak, Noah’s ark was lifted up, and all within were safe and secure (as we are safe and secure in Jesus). Jesus is our Ark! All those outside the ark perished; every last one! And all those ‘outside Christ’ (those who refuse to accept Him), will also likewise perish. The “ark” represents Christ. All those “in the ark” were saved! All those “in Christ” shall also be saved!

Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. (KJV)  
Genesis 19:4-13 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: 5  And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 6  And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 7  And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. 8  Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. 9  And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. 10  But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. 11  And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. 12  And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: 13  For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. (KJV)
Genesis 19:24-25 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 25  And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. (KJV)
         
God is in complete control! He is sovereign and can do as He pleases, any time and any place! Some people do not seem to think so! If you choose a road of wickedness and evil, you are God’s enemy, and He will most assuredly bring His judgment down on you. This is something you can count on! We ALL are sinners; but there are two kinds of sinners: (1.) unsaved sinners who choose to refuse and reject the only Plan of salvation (Jesus), (2.) and saved sinners who have trusted and accepted Jesus to save their souls from an eternal death. Which are you? Only Jesus can make you God’s friend and give eternal life in Heaven!
         
Please consider the fact that our soul is eternal. And please consider there are only two destinations for that soul: Heaven or Hell! God has so graciously given you the privilege of choosing!

SATAN IS IN CONTROL. 
Satan offered to “give” Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” if He (Jesus) would just fall down and worship him (Satan). How could Satan make an offer like this if he did not have control?
Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (KJV)

In the following verses, Jesus calls Satan “the prince of this world.”
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. (KJV)  
John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. (KJV) . . . Satan is an angel who rebelled against God. The devil is real, not symbolic, and he constantly works against God and God’s children. Satan tempted Eve in the garden and she gave in and sinned; he tempted Jesus in the desert, but Jesus did NOT give in to him (Matthew 4:1-11). Satan has great power, and he has many helpers (demons, and those who reject Jesus)! If you are not a child of God . . . you are a child of Satan (1 John 3:10). Satan CANNOT be in every place at the same time like our awesome triune God, so he needs those helpers; and he certainly has them by the truck load! But even though Satan has this power, we can be delivered from his reign of spiritual darkness because of Christ’s victory on the Cross. Satan is powerful, but Jesus is much more powerful; and more powerful is He who is in us (Holy Spirit) than the old devil. 
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)  

ALL false prophets are under the influence of Satan. They have the spirit of the world (Satan) in them. They do NOT belong to God.

SATAN’S WORK IN THE WORLD.
His goals are opposite of Jesus.
He hates Christ Rev. 12:13. He hates God’s children Rev. 12:17. He does have power and authority Rev. 13:2. He is very popular with unbelievers Rev. 13:4. He blasphemes God and all that belongs to God Rev. 13:6. He is always at war with believers Rev. 13:7. He has great ability to lie and deceive Rev. 13:14.

THINGS TO REMEMBER
Satan is limited by God . . . Genesis 3:1. God has complete control over Satan . . . Luke 13:16. We need not fear him . . . Col. 1:13. Satan’s overthrow and doom is inevitable . . . Rev.20:10.
         
Why does Satan tempt us? Temptation is like an invitation . . . to give in to Satan’s kind of life (pleasure, do as you please) and give up on the kind of life God wants us to live (obedience, loving and serving God and others). Satan started back in the Garden of Eden, tempting Eve (and Adam) and he has not stopped! They gave in, and ever since sin has been rampant.  He even tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:11). But Jesus did not sin! We don’t have to sin either!

Christ Is Equal With God,
Christ Is Less Than God.
Chapter 3         

Another so-called contradiction! Cults eat this one up! There is much controversy over this one!

Christ Is Equal With God.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one. (KJV) . . . Jesus claims equality with God the Father!
John 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. (KJV) . . . Christ’s works of power and mercy proclaim Him to be over all, and that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. The Father was in the Son, and the Son was in the Father, that He knew the whole of His mind. They are ONE! We cannot comprehend this, but we must believe these declarations of Christ, (GOD).
John 12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. (KJV) . . . Jesus plainly states that those who see Him, have seen God, because He is God. If you want to know what God is like, study the Person and Words of Christ Jesus.
John 14:7-10 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8  Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9  Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (KJV) . . . Christ is our (sinners) Way to the Father and to Heaven. In His Person (as God manifest in the flesh), in His atoning sacrifice, and as our Advocate; He is our Saviour and Lord! He is the Truth, fulfilling all the prophecies of a Saviour. When we believe, we (sinners) come to Him by God’s Way. And He is the Life, by whom we receive the life-giving Spirit. We are no longer spiritually dead in sin, but quickened to a newness of life. No man can draw nigh to God as a Father, who is not quickened by Christ Jesus. By Christ, as the Way, our prayers go to God, and His blessings come to us; and this is the Way that leads to eternal rest. He is the Resurrection and the Life. All that see Christ by faith, see the Father in Him. God has revealed Himself to us in the Person of Christ Jesus and we must believe; for the works of our loving Redeemer show so plainly, God’s glory and God in Him. Christ Jesus is most certainly GOD!

John 17:10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. (KJV) . . . This reveals the Father and Son to be one. All mine are thine. The Son has none for His own, we belong jointly to God the Father and God the Son!
         
God’s “glory” is the revelation of His character and Presence. The lives of Jesus’ disciples reveal His character, and He (Jesus) is present to the world through them. Does your life reveal Jesus’ character and presence?

Jesus referred to Himself as the “I Am.”
 John 8:58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.  [KJV] . . . “I AM”  is what God called Himself in Exodus 3:13-15.

Jesus equally with God the Father, sent the Holy Spirit.
John 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:  [KJV]

Jesus has equal honor with the Father.
John 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (KJV)  

Owner of all things, equally with the Father.
John 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV)  

Jesus, is our Source of grace, equally with the Father.
1 Thes. 3:11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.  [KJV]

Jesus unsearchable, equally with the Father.
 
Proverbs 30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? (KJV)  
Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV)  

Creator of all things, equally with the Father.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (KJV) . . . Nothing exists that he didn't make. 
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (KJV)  
Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (KJV)  

Supporter and Preserver of all things, equally with the Father.
Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (KJV)  
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; [KJV] . . . Jesus completely shares God’s attributes! Jesus is the exact representation of the Father’s character!

An equal Part of the God head.
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (KJV)  
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (KJV)  

Equally Eternal with the Father. 
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (KJV)  
Hebrews 1:8-10  But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. [9] Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. [10] And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:  [KJV]

The Inspired Writer of John Called Him “God”
John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  [KJV]

The “Word” is none other than Christ Jesus!
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (KJV)  

The Old Testament Called Him “the Everlasting Father”
Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  [KJV] . . . This Child was born for the benefit of ALL mankind! Notice the other wonderful Names given to Christ Jesus, the Messiah: “Wonderful”, for He is both God and Man. “Counsellor”, for He knows the counsels of God from eternity past to never-ending future; and He gives right and wise counsel to men, which never fails to benefit us. He is the Wonderful Counsellor; no one teaches like Him. “The Mighty God.” In His work as Mediator, no less power than that of the mighty God could bring it to pass. He is God, one with the Father. As the “Prince of Peace,” He reconciles us to God; and He gives peace and joy in our hearts and conscience. When His Kingdom is fully established, there shall be no more war. The government shall be upon Him; He shall be in total charge. There will be no end to the increase of its peace, and the happiness of its subjects (God’s children) shall last for ever!

Jesus Less Than the Father??
John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (KJV) . . . As God the Son, Jesus is also Man. He is 100% God AND 100% Man! Jesus the “Man” willingly submits to God the Father. On Earth, Jesus submitted to many of the physical limitations of His humanity.    
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (KJV) . . . When Jesus came to Earth as Man, He willingly submitted His authority as God the Son! He left the glory and safety of His Heavenly Home to come to Earth as a poor and humble Servant; to die on the Cross --- for us! So when Jesus was on Earth, He was ‘less than God the Father’ because He was a human Man. We need to praise and thank Him for His love for us!

SALVATION     Chapter 4
BY FAITH ALONE? . . . NOT BY FAITH ALONE?

Salvation by Faith alone?

John 3:14-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. (KJV) . . . When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God sent a plague of snakes to punish them for their rebellion. They were doomed to die from snakebite, unless they obeyed God’s command to look up at the elevated bronze snake and by believing that God would heal them if they did (Numbers 21:8-9). Our salvation happens in a similar way; we must ‘look up to Jesus,’ AND believe that He will save us. God provided this ONE and only Way for us to be healed of sin’s deadly bite, and its penalty (Hell). “FAITH!”

John 1:12-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. (KJV) . . . All who welcome and receive Christ Jesus as Lord of their lives are spiritually reborn. Only through faith in Christ, can this new birth take place, changing us from the inside out; giving us new attitudes, new desires, and new motives. When you are born physically from your mother’s womb, this places  you in your parents’ family (John 1:13). Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s family (John 1:12). You must have FAITH!
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV) . . . Abraham was the spiritual forefather of all believers, for he walked in obedient faith. The Holy Spirit seals and sanctifies (sets us apart) when we have faith in Jesus to save us. When some people learn that they are saved by God because of their faith, it scares them. “Do I have enough faith?” “Is my faith strong enough?” are questions they ask themselves.  They are missing the point. Jesus saves us, not our feelings or actions, and He is strong enough to save us no matter how weak our faith is. Salvation is a “gift” because He loves us, not because we have earned it because our faith is strong. Just exactly what role does faith have then? Faith believes and trusts and reaches out to Christ Jesus, humbly and thankfully accepting His wonderful gift of salvation.
Ephesians 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. (KJV) . . . Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  [KJV] . . . Eternal life is a FREE gift from God, it is NOT something  we earn, and it is NOTsomething we must pay back. We CANNOT buy this gift! We need to accept it with humility and gratitude. He saves us because of His mercy, not because we are ‘good’ (Titus 3:5).

Salvation NOT by faith alone??

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  [KJV] . . . Is this a true contradiction? Must we have more than faith to gain our salvation? My dear friend . . . Faith alone saves . . . BUT . . . the faith that saves us is not alone . . . it is accompanied by good works. Charles Spurgeon wrote the following truth: “Faith and obedience are bound in the same bundle; he that obeys God trusts God; and he that trusts God obeys God. He that is without faith is without works; and he that is without works is without faith.” FAITH and OBEDIENCE!
         
True faith transforms our hearts, our conduct and our thoughts. If our lives do not change when we profess Christ, we simply do not believe the truths we claim to believe. Faith without works, is not true faith. There is no way to show we really believe in Christ, except to be diligent in love and good works.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  [KJV] . . . Not all people who sound religious are God’s children. They may refer to Christ as 'Lord,' but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The deciding factor is: are they doing (obeying) the will of the Father in Heaven. Believing (faith) there is a God is NOT enough!

SALVATION
ONCE AND FOR ALL? . . . CONTINUOUS

‘Salvation is once and for all?’ 

John 3:5-8 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. (KJV)
1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.  [KJV] . . . Salvation (being born again) is a once in a lifetime ‘event’ as is our physical birth. Once you are truly born into God’s family, you are there forever! You are not God’s child today, and then not His child tomorrow.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  [KJV] . . . Those “born again’ are brand-new people . . . on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we are not the same anymore. We are re-created, and we live in union with Christ Jesus. Our conversion is not just turning over a new leaf; it is beginning a new life under a new Master.
Romans 5:1-2  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [KJV] . . . The ‘event’ of salvation gives us a blessed new position and condition before Almighty God. No matter what you were or have been . . . you now can stand before God as His child! He loves you! You are justified by faith; (declared NOT GUILTY in the courts of Heaven), you now have peace with God, because of Jesus! Our holy, pure and righteous God, cannot be at peace with a sinner. Justification takes away our sin and guilt, and makes way for peace. “Peace” means we have been reconciled with God. There is no more hostility between us, no sin blocking our relationship with Him. This peace is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins through His death on the cross. We are citizens of Heaven, where our Head (Christ) and our home is, and where we will be shortly. We are God’s children and will live with Him one day!

Salvation is continuous?

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. [KJV] . . .   So, if salvation is a once in a lifetime event . . . how can it be an on-going thing? We can look at salvation from several different viewpoints: (1.) God saves us from the penalty of our sins (eternity in Hell) which is assured to us in the EVENT of our new birth. (2.) God saves us from the power of sin and Satan (Ep.6:12), which involves a PROCESS whereby God repeatedly rescues us from the power and complications of sin. (3.) God will ultimately RESCUE us from the presence of sin; when we finally go Home to Heaven! So you see, salvation is continual too!
         
We are nearing our journey’s end. We must make ourselves ready. It is time for us to get dressed!  We must put OFF the sinful works of darkness. We must put ON the armor of God (light) (Eph.6: 11-18). A child of God must consider himself undressed, if unarmed. The graces of the Spirit fit us with this armor, securing our soul from Satan’s temptations, and the assaults of this present evil world. We (God’s children) must put on Christ! His righteousness for justification; His Spirit and grace for sanctification. The Lord Jesus must be put on as Lord to rule you, and to save you. We must live our lives so as to please God.

SALVATION
COME AS YOU ARE? CLEAN UP YOUR ACT FIRST?

Come as you are!
         

Luke 18:13-14 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (KJV) . . . A tax collector, known for their dishonesty and greatly hated by men was readily accepted by God ‘just as he was.’ He did NOT have to go out and change his ways first!
Luke 23:42-43  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.  [KJV] . . . The thief on the cross could NOT change his life. He would soon die; yet Jesus assured him he would go to Heaven!

Clean up your act first!
         

Matthew 3:7-8 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  [KJV] . . . This sounds like John the Baptist is telling them to  change their ways FIRST! Is this a direct contradiction to the above Scripture? NO!
Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest the one thing: sell all that the hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.  [KJV] . . . Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all he had, and give it to the poor if he wanted eternal life (salvation). It sounds like this truly does contradict the other Scriptures, but it does not! There are always two sides to a story. This is two sides to one single truth! It is an absolute FACT that we can come to God ‘just as we are.’ We do NOT have to break bad habits, get rid of bad attitudes, improve our reputation, or ‘clean up our act’ first, before we turn to Jesus to save us!  BUT we must come in true remorse of our sin, in true humility, and knowing deep in our heart that we NEED Jesus and what He has to offer, for there is nothing we can do on our own to obtain salvation! If we have a proud and arrogant attitude, if we are ‘pious and religious’ like the Pharisees and Sadducees or if we place worldly ‘things’ above Jesus like the rich young ruler, then this is what we must get rid of. There are many people on church rolls today who are so like the Pharisees, including some behind the pulpit. Just because you know what the Bible states, just because you ‘go to church’ on a regular basis, just because you are a ‘good, moral person,’ does not mean you have salvation of your soul.
Consider the following:
1. Do you depend on salvation by faith in Christ Jesus alone?
2. Salvation results from what Christ has done for us, NOT what we have done for Him!
3. Does your faith in Christ reflect His light?
4. Does your lifestyle show you are a Christian?
5. Do you have hope of a heavenly home?

SALVATION
ALL WHO CALL CHRIST “LORD” ARE SAVED.
NOT ALL WHO CALL CHRIST “LORD” ARE SAVED.

All who call Christ “Lord” are saved.         

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  [KJV] . . . All TRUE believers “call upon the Lord Jesus,” but a non-believer will not do so humbly or sincerely. Calling upon His Name shows that we depend on Him, and are ready to give ourselves to Him (body and soul), and that we expect Him to fulfill all His many promises to us.
Romans 10:9 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.  [KJV] . . . There are times people ‘mouth’ the right words, without any conviction or understanding. Right words cannot, nor will they bring you salvation UNLESS they come from your heart! You may be able to fool people around you . . . but you will NEVER fool God! But, once you believe in your heart, and confess Jesus as Lord, you most certainly shall be saved!
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  [KJV] . . .
To “call upon the Name of the Lord” means to believe (by faith) in the Christ Jesus as your Saviour and Lord and make a sincere and total commitment to Him. Many call upon Him only in times of troubles or sorrow. This is hypocrisy; for as soon as their burden is gone, they forget all about Him.
1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  [KJV] . . . Anyone can claim to speak for God. The world is full of false teachers. Paul gives us a test to help us discern (decide) whether or not a messenger is really from God: does he or she confess Christ as Lord? Don’t ever be so naive that you accept the words of all who claim to speak for God; check them out, (including me) by finding out what they teach about Christ. No one can call Christ Lord, unless their faith is brought about by the Holy Ghost. No one could believe with his heart that Jesus is the Christ, unless the Holy Ghost makes it clear to them.

NOT all who call Christ “Lord” are saved.         

Matthew 7:21-22 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  [KJV] . . . Jesus is far more concerned about our ‘walk’ than our ‘talk.’ He wants us to do right, not just say the right words. Jesus will expose those people who sound religious but have no personal relationship with Him. On “that day” (the day of judgment), the only thing that will count is our relationship with Jesus . . . our acceptance of Him as Saviour, and our obedience to Him as Lord! Many people think that if they are “good” (moral) people and say “nice” religious things, they will be rewarded with eternal life. This is not so! In reality, faith in Christ is what will count on Judgment Day. IF we name the Name of Christ, we should depart from all sin and be in obedience to the Lord Jesus.
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  [KJV] . . . To obey God is like building a house on a strong, solid foundation that stands firm when storms come. Your house (your life, Mat.7:24) will withstand the storms of life only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it. You cannot separate what you do, from what you believe. When our life is calm and going well, we don’t think much about foundations.  But when troubles arise, our foundations are tested. Be sure your life is built on the ‘Solid Foundation’ of knowing and trusting Jesus (1 Cor.3:10-11). It’s useless to call Jesus “Lord” if you do not obey Him!
Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: (KJV) . . . We must earnestly desire to know Jesus and be diligent as we strive to follow Him . . . whatever the cost! We cannot dare put off making this decision, because the door (to eternal life) will NOT stay open forever. Ask yourself, “Shall I be one of those who will be saved?” “Will the door be open for me?” I am sure you do not want to hear the words: “I know you not.” This verse is so very sad to me, because many will hear those words! I pray that you will never hear those agonizing words. For more on this, see Luke 13:25 in:  http://www.godcannotlie.org/luke_ch13.htm

SALVATION
THE ROAD TO HEAVEN IS EASY. THE ROAD TO HAVEN IS HARD.

The road to Heaven is easy.

John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. (KJV)
John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (KJV)  
John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  [KJV]
Acts 13:39  And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.  [KJV]
Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. (KJV) . . . There is only one God, and there is only one way to be accepted by Him. God makes people right with Him only by faith in His Son, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  [KJV]
Ephesians 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  [KJV] . . . Because our faith and our salvation are gifts, we should respond with heart felt gratitude, praise, meekness and joy. God makes salvation so easy that even a small child or retarded person can receive it. Just believe God and Heaven is yours!
Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. [KJV] . . . God tells us that if we “call on the Name of the Lord,” we shall be saved! Is that not easy? For NO one will escape the condemnation of the great day (judgment), except those who call upon the Name of the Lord, in and through His Son Jesus, the Christ; for only He is the Saviour of all sinners, and the Judge of all mankind. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was given to the entire world; men, women, slaves, Jews, Gentiles. Everyone CAN receive the Spirit, but everyone does NOT choose to receive Him, for He is given ONLY to those who believe God, and trust and accept His Son, Jesus. A person can “call on the Name of the Lord” only through a truly repentant heart and the Holy Spirit!
1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (KJV)  
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (KJV)  
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  [KJV] . . . We may carry heavy burdens: (1.) sin, (2.) excessive demands of religious leaders (Mat. 23:4; Acts 15:10), (3.) oppression and persecution, or (4.) weariness in the search for God. Jesus can free us from all these burdens. The “rest” that Jesus promises is love, forgiveness, and peace with God, not the end of labors. A relationship with God changes our lives from meaningless, tiresome toil into significant spiritual productivity. Christ invites all to come to Him so that they may receive rest for their souls. “Whosoever” will, let him come; and all who make this wise decision and come to Him will receive rest as Christ’s gift, and obtain peace, joy and comfort in their hearts. But in coming to Him, we must take His yoke, and submit to His authority. Most people do NOT like the word ‘submit.’ It simply means to surrender or yield to His power, to cooperate voluntarily. We must “learn of him” as to our obedience, peace and comfort. He accepts the willing and faithful servant, even if our services are not perfect. Only in Christ can we find rest for our souls! We need not fear His yoke for it is lined with His awesome love! He gives powerful assistance, encourages and consoles us, so that His yoke is a yoke of great pleasure!

The road to Heaven is hard.          

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) . . . The gate leading to eternal life (John 10:7-9) is called “narrow.” This does not mean that it is difficult to become a Christian, but that there is only one way to live eternally with God, and only a “few” choose to walk on that road. Believing in Jesus; accepting Him as Saviour and Lord, and making a lifelong commitment to Him, is the only way to Heaven. For it is Jesus, and He alone that died for our sins and made us right before God. Living His way may not be popular, but it is true and right. I praise God there is only one Way (Jesus), and that Way is not hard!
Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (KJV) . . . Salvation requires more effort than most people are willing to put forth. God makes it quite clear that we cannot save ourselves; there is no way we can work ourselves into God’s favor. The “work” we must do “to enter in at the strait gate” is to be serious and sincere in our desire to know Jesus and to diligently strive to follow Him, whatever the cost. You do NOT want to hear “I do not know you.”
1 Peter 4:17-18 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (KJV) . . . God is so righteous, holy, just and pure. If believers are “barely saved” by trusting and accepting Jesus, what possible chance do unbelievers, who reject and refuse Jesus have? If the way of the righteous be this hard, consider just how hard the end shall be for the ungodly sinner; all those who walk in sin with great delight, thinking all the while how God’s children are fools. Healthy souls need Jesus for life on Earth now, and to guarantee us life eternally! For more, see: http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_peter_ch.4.htm

SEEKING GOD
Chapter 5
MAN MUST SEEK GOD. MAN CAN’T SEEK GOD!

Man must seek God.
         

Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  [KJV] . . . We are made in the image of God, and I believe we normally “seek” God, and that we instinctively ‘long’ for God. I think that it is something that is born within us. Yet the Bible tells us that the unbeliever can’t possibly “seek” God! Is this a contradiction?? No! Both are true!
We are to “call on the Lord while He is near.” Is God planning to move away from us? NO! It is we who move away from Him. We build a wall (of sin) between ourselves and Him. If we  wait until we have run far away from God, and if we keep building that ‘wall’ higher and higher, turning to Him later may be really hard, seeking Him may be next to impossible, for Satan has you spell bound in his web of sin and darkness. You no longer think anything about God; but only things of the world, things that will give you pleasure and satisfaction in this life. What if God should decide to come to judge the Earth before you decide to turn to Him. You would be forever lost to His love.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; [KJV] . . . Seek God now, while you can, before it is too late.
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.  [KJV] . . . God has promised that we would find Him when we search for Him with all our hearts and souls. God wants to be known by you . . . BUT you must have a true desire to know Him.
Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (KJV) . . . “Whosoever” truly seeks God, shall NEVER seek in vain. Those who love Christ, have had His love shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. They have ‘found’ God and Christ and they are truly happy! They shall be happy in this world, and better still, in that which yet to come, and is beyond compare! But, if you reject the urging of the Holy Spirit, you will not find God!
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) . . . God will not settle for you to merely admit that He exists! He wants a personal relationship with you! He wants to change your life! And all who seek God (with all their heart) will find Him, and we will be rewarded with His intimate, loving Presence. We cannot ‘find’ God, unless we believe that He is exactly what He has revealed Himself to be in the Bible. And when we ‘find’ Him, we must NOT remain ‘closet Christians.’ We must tell others about Him and His amazing love!

Man can’t seek God!         

Psalm 14:2-3 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. [3] They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. [KJV] . . . An ‘atheist’ is either foolish or evil; foolish because he won’t believe the evidence that God exists, or evil because he refuses to live by God’s laws. ‘Atheists’ rely on ‘self,’ NOT on God. When anyone speaks in direct defiance of God, they are absolutely foolish, according to the Bible. Only fools say: “There is no God” (Ps.14:1; 53:1). He says this in his heart, but he cannot prove there is none! These people hope and wish there were none, so they are so willing to think there is none. This is the thoughts of a fool; unwise, wicked and profane. Not one person will ever say: “There is no God,” until he or she is so hardened by sin that they really believe that there shall never be anyone to call them to account. But, God’s Word plainly states differently! The ‘disease’ of sin has infected the whole human race. ALL are “gone aside,” “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Any good that is found in mankind, or is done by them, is certainly NOT of themselves (according to God), but is the righteousness of Christ in them.
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. [KJV]
Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. [KJV] . . . Natural man (children of the devil 1 John 3:10; unbelievers, non-Christians) cannot and will not seek God, because they do not want to seek God!
2 Chronicles 12:14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.  [KJV] . . . King Rehoboam’s story is so sad. He “had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.” It is very serious, and dangerous to put off responding to God. If we do not respond by trusting Him completely, we will find ourselves set against or alienated from Him.
Psalm 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. [KJV] . . . Unbelievers are so proud of their power and success. These people will not seek after God, will not call upon Him. They brag of all their accomplishments, and that no one, not even God, can stop them! They live without God and without prayer. They have many thoughts and objects in their lives, but the Lord is NOT included in any of them. They certainly do NOT submit to His will, nor do they care about His glory. They are too busy with their proud lives to be ‘religious.’
Proverbs 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: (KJV) . . . God is more than willing to make known His thoughts to us. BUT, to receive His advice, we must be willing to listen!  Pride must NOT stand in our way. We must humble ourselves and ‘seek’ God! Pride is thinking we know more than God, and this leads to a disastrous trap. God is ready to hear our prayers NOW, but one day some shall cry in vain, for He will not hear. Let us listen to God, and obey the Lord Jesus, so we may enjoy the peace of God, and be free from evil, now and for ever. SEEK GOD!

CHRIST IS IN US, WE ARE IN CHRIST.
Chapter 6

The Bible states that Christ is IN believers.

John 17:23  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  [KJV] . . . I’ve had some smart-alek cult members flippantly ask: “How can this be?” If a person does not believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit, there is NO way they can understand this (Romans 8:9). Jesus’ prayer is that all believers might be united and activated by one Spirit. We are joined together with Christ and God the Father, and other believers through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Those who tend to dispute this fact, or refuse to believe there is a Holy Spirit, throw great doubts on Christianity. We must strive for the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace, and pray that all believers may be more and more united. Only then will we ever find the sweet togetherness (unity) with God and Christ and His saints (believers).
John 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.  [KJV] . . . Christ is ONE with the Father. He had declared and would further declare the Name and character of God. He prayed that God’s love be in us, as He is in us by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:10-11 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. [KJV] . . . If the Holy Spirit is in us, Christ is in us! He lives in our heart by faith, making our soul alive to God, thus marking the beginning of peace, joy and holy happiness which will endure for ever. The righteousness of Christ (1 Cor.1:30) secures the soul, keeping it from eternal death. From the moment Christ comes into your heart, it is your duty to walk after the Spirit, not after the flesh. We are “quickened” (made alive) by the Spirit. We are ‘new’ people and should act as such (God’s children).
Galatians 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. [KJV] . . . When we accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord, God looks at us as if we had died with Christ on the cross. From a legal point of view (in God’s eyes), our sins died with Jesus and we are no longer condemned (Col. 2:13-15). In our relationship, we have become ONE with Christ. Our Christian life began when we were united with Him by His Holy Spirit (John 5:24).
But the focus of a Christian is not dying, but living! Because we have been crucified with Christ, we have also been raised with Him (Rom.6:5), and we have been reconciled with God (2 Cor.5:19), and are expected by God to grow into Christ’s likeness (Rom.8:29). We are no longer alone, for Christ lives in us . . . He is our power and wisdom for living and our hope for the future. Being “in Christ” is being a TRUE Christian!
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  [KJV] . . . Where His Spirit dwells, there Christ dwells. We should really desire that warmth and tenderness be found in us, so we can sense of the love of God, in Christ, within our souls!
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:  [KJV] . . . God’s secret plan is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” God’s perfect plan was to have His Son, Christ Jesus, live in the hearts of all who believe in Him, no matter who that might be! Do you know Christ? Is Christ “in you”? He is not hiding! Invite Him into your life today.

We are in Christ.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  [KJV] . . . God declares us: “Not guilty” when we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. What God is trying to tell us is that the whole human race is on ‘death row,’ and rightly so; for we have been justly condemned for breaking God’s holy law again and again! Without Jesus we would have no hope whatsoever! But thanks be to our gracious, loving God! He has declared us not guilty in the courts of Heaven, offering us freedom from sin and power to do His will. Being “in Christ” is being saved!
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [KJV] . . . Being “in Adam” is being an unbeliever; someone who rejects Jesus, someone who refuses to believe what God so plainly states about His Son. They listen to Satan instead! All those “in Adam” (without Christ) will “die” spiritually and eternally for they are doomed to “everlasting destruction” in Hell (2 Thes.1:8-9). Being “in Christ” is believing all that God tells us about the salvation of our souls, and it guarantees us eternal life in Heaven . . . “be made alive.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [KJV] . . . TRUE Christians are completely new people, from the inside. Jesus gives us a new heart; the Holy Spirit gives us a brand new life. We are not the same person anymore. If we do NOT change when Jesus comes into our life, we’d better check ourselves out! We MUST have Jesus in our heart before we say we are a Christian! We do NOT just turn over a new leaf; but we begin a new life under a new Master.      

Being “in Christ” is to willingly obey Him!
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [KJV] . . . If you are a Christian, do you remember your life before Jesus? Unclean, wicked, not caring a thing about sin, not ever thinking about God! You certainly were “far off” from God! But then one day something wonderful happened! You ‘found Christ’ and you were “made nigh” or brought close to God by the Blood of Jesus! You are now in that awesome place of privilege: “in Christ.” You will never be separated, excluded or hopeless ever again! You now have a togetherness with Christ and His love and the body of believers. Being “in Christ” is truly an amazing blessing!
I don’t think one tenth of this world realizes just how great a gift salvation really is! We should be very careful not to become proud of our salvation. We should instead humbly thank God for what He has done for us, and encourage anyone who might be struggling with their faith. Spiritual pride causes us not to see our own faults and makes the faults of others increase and enlarge. BEWARE!
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. [KJV] . . . People who obey God and live for Christ will be persecuted in some way. They hated Christ . . . and they will hate us! (John 15:18). Even those nearest and dearest to you may turn against you (as is my case). Don’t be surprised when people misunderstand your intentions, criticize you, and even try to harm you because you have taken a firm stand for Jesus! Hang in there in what you believe and know is right, and how you live. Don’t give up! Don’t worry about what people think of you; God is the only one you need to please. This life is only temporary!
         
The Bible teaches that “Christ in us” is referring to His coming into our lives; or the beginning of our salvation! It describes His living in us, His changing us from the vile sinner we once were, to a new creation with a new heart!
         
“We are in Christ” is described in the Bible as our being accepted and adopted by God as His children because we are “justified by the Blood of Jesus.” We have salvation of our souls! We are no longer a prisoner to sin; its guilt and its penalty (Hell) are gone when we trust Jesus to save us! We now want to please God and serve Him and others.

WE CAN UNDERSTAND GOD,
WE CAN’T UNDERSTAND GOD.
Chapter 7

We CAN Understand God.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  [KJV] . . . God surely did not create us exactly like Himself because God has no physical body (John 4:24). So, just how are we made in God’s image? We can reason, create things, speak and have a will as does God. We have the capacity to think, to feel and to know God! We will never be completely like God because He is the Supreme Creator. But, we do have certain abilities: we can copy His character in our love, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, forgiveness, kindness and meekness. By this we can understand Him. 
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (KJV) . . . The heavens declare the glory of God, and proclaim His wisdom, power, and goodness. There is not a person anywhere that has an excuse. God reveals Himself through nature. Just look around you! Certainly you must be able to see God! (Rom.1:20). We learn about God’s holiness through our sinfulness. God reveals Himself to us through daily experiences. We learn about His merciful forgiveness, and our salvation. We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God’s workmanship. There is dramatic proof of His existence, His power, His love, and His care. Those who say the universe happened by chance are fools. (Psalm 53:1). Thank God for all the magnificent beauty all around us, and for being able to ‘understand’ God through His Creation.
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (KJV) . . . God reveals Himself and His grace to us day after day! He helps us understand His laws, and the ways He wants us to walk.
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (KJV) . . . We can be perfect: (1.) In character. We can strive to be as much like Christ as possible. (2.) In holiness. We can separate ourselves from the world’s sinful values, and bring His love and mercy to others. (3.) In maturity. We can’t achieve Christlike character and holy living all at once, but we can mature more each day. (4.) In love. We can truly desire to love others as God loves us. Only God is truly perfect!
John 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. [KJV] . . . We can understand God by learning of His eternal love! When you really love someone, you give freely! We can understand God by His great love that reaches out to ALL people! When we share the Gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus’ love.

We CANNOT understand God.

Psalm 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (KJV) . . . God is not limited nor restricted by time. He is eternal.
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (KJV)  . . . We must know that He is God, supreme over the world.
Isaiah 40:12-31 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? 13  Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? 14  With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? 15  Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. 16  And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. 17  All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. 18  To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? 19  The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. 20  He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. 21  Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22  It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: 23  That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. 24  Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. 25  To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. 26  Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. 27  Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? 28  Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV) . . . Almighty God is  all-powerful; and yet He cares for each one of us personally. No person or thing can ever be compared to God. Even if we describe God to the best of our ability, we can have only a limited understanding of Him and His power, for all we can do is to compare Him to what we know and see on Earth. What are your thoughts of God? Don’t ever limit His work in your life by underestimating Him.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV) . . . We are fools if we think we could possibly know God’s thoughts and ways! His knowledge and wisdom are FAR beyond our wildest dreams. We cannot fit God into our mold; and try to make His plans and purposes suit us. We must instead, have it be our goal, to fit into His plans, and His will!
Jeremiah 23:23-24 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? 24  Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. (KJV) . . . We cannot hide anywhere from God’s all-seeing eye. He is everywhere at the same time. Can you understand this? I can’t!
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (KJV) . . . Only TRUE believers will enter Heaven! All who reject Jesus will be condemned to Hell (Matthew 25:41). Most people refuse to believe (understand) that God did make a Hell. It is there, believe it! http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm

CHRIST CAME TO LIVE FOR US,
CHRIST CAME TO DIE FOR US.
Chapter 8

Christ came to live for us.

John 6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. [KJV] . . . NO one has ever seen the Father; that privilege belongs only His beloved Son Jesus. Jesus came to show us what God the Father is like, and how God expects us to live.
Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (KJV)  
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?  [KJV] . . . Jesus was and is the visible, physical image of the invisible God. He is the complete revelation of what God is like. Philip wanted to see God the Father, but Jesus told him that to know Jesus is to know God. If you are searching for God and His truth, see what the Bible has to say about Jesus. Your search ends in Christ.
1 Peter 2:21-23 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: (KJV) . . . There are many reasons why we suffer. Some is the direct result of our own sin; some happens because of our foolishness; and some is the result of living in a world full of sin. The suffering mentioned in these verses comes as a result of doing good. Christ never sinned, and yet He suffered so that we could obtain salvation. Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan. Christ was bruised and crucified as a sacrifice for our sins, and by His stripes (wounds) the disease of our souls is cured! When we follow the example of Jesus by living for others, we too may suffer. Our goal should be to face suffering as He did . . . with love, patience, calmness, and total confidence that God is in control of all things, now and forever!
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  [KJV] . . . To walk as Jesus did, or to live as He did, does NOT mean choosing 12 disciples, to perform great miracles, or to be crucified. There is NO way we could ever copy Christ’s life. Much of what Jesus did, was connected to who He was (God’s Son). To walk today as Christ did means we must obey His commands and teachings, and follow His example of complete obedience to God and to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. To have true Christian love, we MUST value a person’s soul, and hate everything that would hurt their purity and peace. We must also take extreme caution with spiritual darkness; for it so easily finds its way into our mind and heart, it clouds our judgment, and sears our conscience. It will darken our path, causing us to stumble, as we tread onward to Heaven on that narrow road. We truly need to walk as He walked; allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our every step, word and action.

Christ came to die for us.         

Jesus’ death on the cross was  prophesied in the Old Testament (Psalm 22 & 69; Isaiah 52:13-15; chapter 53). His suffering and agony are vividly told, and His being crucified. This was His mission, this is why He came . . . to die for sinners (us).
Matthew 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. (KJV) . . . Jesus means “the LORD saves.” Jesus came to Earth to save us because we CANNOT save ourselves from sin, nor from its penalty. No matter how good we are, we still possess a sinful nature. Jesus didn’t come to help people save themselves; He came to save them! He is our Saviour! We should thank Jesus for all He has lovingly and willingly done for us!
John 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. (KJV) . . . Lambs were sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29:38-42).
Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (KJV) . . . To pay the penalty for sin, a life had to be given. God chose the sacrifice Himself, His Son. The sins of the world were removed when Jesus died as the Perfect Sacrifice. This is the way our sins are forgiven. The “sin of the world” means everyone’s sin, the sin of each and every individual. Jesus paid the price of your sin by His death. You can receive forgiveness by confessing your sin to Him and asking forgiveness.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (KJV)  . . . A hired hand looks after sheep for money; while a shepherd owns the sheep and is committed to them; and cares for them out of love. The Good Shepherd (Jesus) is not only doing a job; He promises to love us and even lay down His life for us. He died in our place, earning and securing our pardon and freedom from the just punishment of our sin (which is Hell). ONLY His death can obtain that pardon for us, but we must accept that pardon!
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (KJV) . . .  A seed will yield no increase unless it first dies. Christ could have possessed His heavenly glory alone, without becoming man; or He could have entered Heaven alone, by His perfect righteousness, not having to suffer or die; but had He chosen to do that, not one sinner would have been saved. Christ submitted Himself to God for a higher purpose; redeeming our souls! Our salvation is owed to the dying of this Kernel of wheat (Christ). Christ in us is the hope of our glory in Heaven; let us serve Him with a willing mind, and follow His holy example.
           
This is a beautiful picture of the necessary sacrifice of Jesus. Unless a kernel of wheat is buried in the ground, it will not produce any more seeds. Jesus had to die to pay the penalty for our sin, and to show His power over death. His resurrection proves He has eternal life, and because Jesus is God, He can give eternal life to all who believe in Him.
         

CHRIST CAME TO BRING PEACE.
CHRIST CAME TO BRING DIVISION.
Chapter 9

Christ came to bring peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) . . . The outcome of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Worldly peace (absence of conflict, wars), is not at all like the peace that Jesus brings to us. His peace is a confident guarantee (a Promise) that in any given situation; we do NOT have to fear the present or the future. Is your life full of stress? Then ask Jesus to come into your heart and life, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with the awesome peace of Jesus. You will still have times of trouble, sorrow and temptation, but Jesus will be there to assist you in all things! We have peace of mind because of our justification before God, and we know we have eternal life waiting for us. The peace of God is shown by its humbling and holy effects.
Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  [KJV] . . . Can you imagine not being “anxious about anything”! Is it impossible? NO! We all have worries: jobs, homes, health, family, school, etc. But we can take our worries to God in prayer. Worry less, pray more! God’s peace “passes all understanding.” It’s so wonderful we can’t explain it. You must simply experience it for yourself to understand it! Christ came to bring us this amazing peace, that will keep us from sinning, and keep us calm, giving us inward satisfaction and comfort.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (KJV) . . .   The peace of Jesus should act as a referee in our hearts. Our hearts are always the center of conflict because our feelings and desires seem to clash: hopes - fears,  trust - distrust, love - jealousy, confidence - doubt! We can deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants IF we trust in Jesus! He can bring peace to our troubled heart.

Christ came to bring division.

Matthew 10:34-38 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. [35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [36] And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. [37] He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. [38] And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. [KJV] . . . Jesus brings “division” into our lives! You are either for Him OR you are against Him! You must make your own decision!
Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: [KJV]
John 7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him. [KJV] . . . Christ Jesus ‘divides’ people of the world. You either accept Him OR you reject Him! It’s that simple. You cannot straddle the fence and say: “I’ll decide tomorrow.” In doing that, you have already decided against Him.
         
We can NEVER place any person above Jesus! We must love Him FIRST and MORE than anyone or anything! If we don’t, we are not worthy of Him and what He offers to us. Jesus is not encouraging us to disobey our parents or to cause conflict in our homes, but His Presence demands a decision from us. As we take up our cross and follow Him, our views on life; our values, morals, goals and purposes will set us apart from others. We should love our family, but, our commitment to God is more important. God MUST come first, ALWAYS!
         
To take up our cross and follow Jesus is often misunderstood. People think it means any trouble or sorrows we face. Actually, it means to be willing to take a firm stand for Jesus publicly. It means to say “NO” to self, and “YES” to Jesus. It is to deny self!
John 1:11-12  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: [KJV] . . . The Jews, His own people, rejected Jesus, even though the entire Old Testament pointed to His Coming. Christ’s Coming made it possible for us to have inner peace; but following Him will cause division and conflict in our lives with all who reject our Lord. We are hated by those who reject Christ, and we offend them because of our testimony and conduct, but we MUST tell others of Jesus!

OTHER CONTRADICTIONS??
BE HAPPY. WEEP AND MOURN.
Chapter 10

Be Happy.

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (KJV) . . . God does not want His children going around with long, sad faces. He wants us to be happy.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (KJV) . . . Paul was in prison when he wrote these words, yet he is telling a church to rejoice. This attitude teaches us an important lesson: just because things are bad on the outside does not mean we cannot be happy inside. We can still have joy, because no matter what happens to us, Christ Jesus is always with us (Heb.13:5). Don’t let life’s situations get you down; and don’t take unimportant events too seriously. If you do not have joy in your life, you may have taken your eyes off Jesus. Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us.

Weep and mourn.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ words seem to contradict each other. Yet God’s way of living nearly always contradicts the world’s view of things. To truly live for God, you must be ready to say and do things that seem strange to the world around us. Give when others take, love when others hate, help when others injure and/or wrong you, give up your own rights to serve others, etc. Those that mourn are happy. Mourn . . . for what? Your sin, your displeasing God. Only Godly sorrow can bring about true repentance, watchfulness, a humble mind and a dependence for the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. We must constantly seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to cleanse away all evil. All who mourn in this fashion shall be comforted by their God.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. (KJV) . . . There must be tears, sorrow and deep grief for offending God. We must truly grieve and mourn and weep in genuine sorrow for our sins. We must express deep heartfelt sorrow for what we have done. All sin must be wept over now, in Godly sorrow, OR in the hereafter in eternal torment (Luke 16:23). God will not refuse to comfort anyone who truly mourns for their sin, and He will exalt anyone who humbles themselves before Him. Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up!

BE BOLD. BE MEEK.
Be bold.

Ephesians 3:12  In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.  [KJV] . . . Because of Christ Jesus and our faith in Him, we can come fearlessly into God's Presence, assured that He will welcome us. . . . It is an awesome privilege to be able to approach God, and we can do this with freedom, confidence and boldness (courage). Thanks be to Christ Jesus, by our faith we can enter directly into God’s awesome Presence through prayer. We are welcomed with open arms by God, because we are His children through our acceptance of Jesus (1 John 3:1). We need NOT be afraid of God. We can talk with Him about anything and everything. He is waiting to hear from us, and He is pleased when we call upon Him.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV) . . . When we go to God in prayer, we can go with boldness because of Jesus.  We have confident assurance because God is our Friend and Counselor. We ask for mercy to pardon all our sins, and grace to purify our souls and help us live a life that will please Him. We can access God’s Throne for our daily needs, in times of temptation, to ask for wisdom and guidance, etc.

Be meek.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [KJV] . . . “Blessed” means to experience spiritual hope and joy. The meek are those who quietly and willingly submit to God. They can stand up to insults, in that they are either silent, or answer in a gentle manner. They are patient, mild natured, calm and peaceful. In other words, they imitate our precious Saviour.  Those who are meek are happy, even in this world. Meekness does not promote earthly wealth, fame, or possessions; but in the realm of eternity it gives tremendous benefits.
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (KJV) . . . We are to always imitate Christ’s compassionate, forgiving attitude. We must let love guide our life, and the peace of Christ rule our heart. We must always be thankful, in ALL circumstances (1 Thes.5:18). We must live as Christ’s representative. Those who are the elect of God (chosen ones), holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all.

BE A PEACEMAKER. BE A WARRIOR
Be a peacemaker.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  [KJV] . . . “Blessed” means much more than happiness. It points to the fortunate and enviable state of those who are in God’s Kingdom. The Beatitudes do NOT promise us laughter, pleasure or earthly prosperity. “Blessed” means to experience hope and joy, no matter what the circumstances are around us. To find hope and joy (the absolute and deepest form of happiness), follow Jesus no matter what the cost!
Romans 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [KJV] . . . Many people say they want peace; but they do not follow the things that lead to peace. Love, patience, self-denial, humility and submission make for peace. We cannot edify (build each other up), if we are always quarrelling and fighting with one another.

Be a warrior.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (KJV) . . . We shall face suffering, but we will endure; for our Commander and Chief is there on the front lines with us! Paul compared believers with soldiers; who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to accomplish the results they want. Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly ‘things’ and endure rigorous discipline. Are you in Christ’s army?

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Ecclesiastes 3:16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. [KJV] . . . There is much wickedness in the courts today. Solomon asked how God’s plan can be perfect when there is so much injustice and oppression in the world, concluding that God does not ignore injustice, but will end it at His appointed time.
Ecclesiastes 4:1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. (KJV) . . . The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept and appreciate God’s perfect timing. It is dangerous to doubt or resent God’s timing, for it could lead to depression, defiance or doing things your way without His guidance (a big mistake).
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (KJV) . . . Solomon concludes that fearing God is the heart of true worship. One thing we need, and that is that we believe God and come to Jesus as our Saviour, for He will soon come as our almighty Judge. He will bring to light ALL things, and make clear what truly lies in ALL hearts. Nothing will be hidden! No matter what the contradictions of life are, we all must work toward one goal, knowing God. We need not strive for enjoyment in life, for God gives this freely and abundantly, as a gift to believers.

Books You Should Read

Contradictions in the Bible??

Death, Then What?

False Teachers

God's Will

God's Wrath

God Cannot Lie

God Controls His Creation

Heaven vs Hell

Idolatry

??Is There Really a God??

Judgment in the Great Tribulation Period

??Paradoxes in the Bible??

Prayer

Pride, Violence, Sexual Lust

Resisting Temptation

Satan and Witchcraft

Second Coming of Christ and End Time Events

Sin and Forgiveness

Sovereignty of God

Walking With JESUS

Wicked Peaple Described

Wisdom From Psalms and Proverbs

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http://www.judgmentcoming.org

http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org

http://www.worldlychaos.org