I. Continue in Old Time Doctrine - I Timothy 4:16
A. Biblical Doctrines
1. Concerning Salvation
2. Concerning the Scriptures - II Timothy 3:16
In order to continue in the old paths, it will take not only continuing in Biblical Doctrine concerning Salvation, it will take continuing in the doctrine concerning the Scriptures! Let me begin by saying if you have not trusted Christ alone for salvation, the rest of what I say is meaningless to you because you are lost and need to get saved! Go back and read my previous posts regarding salvation and make the decision today to trust in Jesus alone to save you.
Many question whether we have God's Word today. I can tell you with authority from the King of Kings that we do in fact have God's Word today. Some believe that the Bible contains the Word of God or that it becomes the Word of God. Neither position is correct because the Bible is the Word of God.
Before I go further, let me state my position clearly. I believe the King James Version is the Word of God. This is the only Bible I read, study, and preach. There is alot of debate about the various versions that are available. Versions such as the NIV, RSV, NASB, etc, contain the Word but it cannot be accurately said that the NIV is the Word of God. The King James Version was translated accurately from the Hebrew Masoretic Text (Old Testament) and the Greek Textus Receptus [Received Text] (New Testament). The KJV is the only translation that has come only from these two texts. Modern translations such as the ones mentioned above were translated from the Critical Text (Wescott-Hort Text) or are attempts to blend the two (i.e. the New King James Version). I am not backing down from this issue but I am going to stand my ground! God has blessed and honored the KJV and very simply the KJV is the Word of God!
In today's post, we will begin studying II Timothy 3:16 as we look at Old Time Doctrine concerning the Scriptures. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." This verse speaks of the Writing of Scripture, the Worth of Scripture, and the Work of Scripture. Today we will notice the Writing of Scripture.
a.The Writing of Scripture "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..."
This phrase tells us What was given, How It was given, and Who gave It.
i. What was given "All Scripture was given..."
This is pretty straightforward and simple. All Scripture. All of it! All 66 books of the Bible are equally inspired by God.
ii. How It was given "by inspiration of God"
I believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible. By this I mean that the individual writers were directed by God in their choice of words (verbal) and that every part of the Bible (plenary) is inspired. The word "inspiration" means "God-breathed" and emphasizes that God originated the Bible. II Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." This verse relates the same truth. The Holy Ghost moved upon the writers and guided them to write down exactly what He wanted them to write in the Scriptures. Inspiration describes the origin of the Bible and the reason we have God's Word today is because of preservation. God inspired His Word, then He preserved His Word. Psalms 12:6-7 "The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever." Thank God for the inspiration and preservation of His Word!!!! AMEN!!!
iii. Who gave it "God"
God is the Author of the Bible! This is the reason that the Bible has the right to demand our obedience. If the Bible was not God's Word, I would not bother doing any of the things I do. But I hold in my hands the Word of God! The Bible is true, the Bible is trustworthy, the Bible has been tested and trampled on, but it still remains! I am glad God gave us His Word! The question is - will you obey the Bible? If you are truly continuing in the old paths, the answer should be yes! Let me close for today with this simple command from James 1:22 "But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, decieving your own selves."
In the service of the King of Kings,
Bro. Troy
08 May 2012
03 April 2012
Continuing in the Old Paths part IV
In considering the old time doctrine of salvation, we have used an outline by Dr. Ernest Childs, that he used to teach my Systematic Theology I class at Ambassador Baptist College. We have considered the means and method of salvation. Now notice the nature of salvation, or to preserve alliteration, the miracle of salvation. I trust that you, dear reader, have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. If you are born again, surely you must realize the miracle that has taken place. Notice Ephesians 2:1-10:
"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [I love this...] BUT GOD, [emphasis added], Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should in them."
Hallelujah! I can see my past in this passage, I can see my pardon in this passage, and I can see my purpose in this passage!!! Glory to God! I'm saved by the good grace of God! I was dead in my sin, but I am made alive by the Spirit of God! I could call recess right here and just praise God awhile! Oh, dear reader, can you see what lengths Jesus went through for you? As I am writing this post, it is the Tuesday before Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. This week we especially think of the fact of Jesus dying on the old rugged cross, being buried in a borrowed tomb, and rising from the dead on that glorious Sunday morning! Dear saint of God, your soul ought to be stirred this week! Look at the Cross! Look at the empty tomb! Do you realize the miracle of salvation?
In Dr. Childs' outline, he covered in the class five theological terms that describe the nature of salvation. I wish to share just one of those words with you today. The word is "justification." Notice I Corinthians 6:9-11
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not decieved: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you:but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God."
What does it mean to be justified? It means literally to be declared righteous. Some have simplified it as "just-as-if-I'd-never-sinned!" Hallelujah!!!! When I got saved, when I trusted Jesus as my personal Lord, and Savior, God the Father looked at me and saw me - not as dirty, rotten, Hell-bound sinner; but just as righteous as His only begotten Son! Glory to God! I'm about to have a shoutin' spell just typing this! What a miracle! There are two aspects to justification.
The first aspect of justification is the forgiveness of sin, and the removal of its guilt and penalty.
All of my past, present, and future sins were forgiven! Jesus washed my sin away with His blood! Our choir sings this song often and I love it - "Jesus buried my past." Here is the chorus: "Jesus buried my past, in the middle of God's nowhere, is where it was cast! Sins forgiven! Bound for Heaven! Jesus set me free at last, on the Cross, He cried 'It's finished' and Jesus buried my past!" Verses 9-10 of I Corinthians 6 describe some pretty rotten people, don't they? Paul makes it plain to whom he was referring in verse 11 "And such were some of you..." Notice the past tense there. "And such WERE some of you" God used to see me in verses 9-10, but now He sees me in verse 11!!!! Hallelujah!!!! Amen!!!!
But there is another exciting aspect of justification - the imputation of Christ's righteousness! II Corinthians 5:21 says "For He [God the Father] hath made Him [God the Son] to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." The word imputation means to reckon to one's account. There is a three-fold imputation in the Bible. First, Adam's sin was imputed to the whole human race (Romans 5:12). Second, our sin was imputed to Christ while He was on the cross. Third, Christ's righteousness is imputed to the redeemed at the moment of salvation. "Justified, I'm happy in Jesus today! The sins I've commited are all in the past. They'll never condemn me, for He holds me fast. I'm justified, I'm justifed! I'm happy in Jesus today!" God sees me just as He sees Jesus!!! He loves me as He loves Jesus!!! I'm so glad for the miracle of salvation!!!!! We need to keep preaching and sharing the old time doctrine of salvation.
In the next post, we will begin examining the second example of an old-time doctrine in which we must continue - Doctrine concerning the Scriptures.....
In His Service,
Bro. Troy
"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [I love this...] BUT GOD, [emphasis added], Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should in them."
Hallelujah! I can see my past in this passage, I can see my pardon in this passage, and I can see my purpose in this passage!!! Glory to God! I'm saved by the good grace of God! I was dead in my sin, but I am made alive by the Spirit of God! I could call recess right here and just praise God awhile! Oh, dear reader, can you see what lengths Jesus went through for you? As I am writing this post, it is the Tuesday before Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. This week we especially think of the fact of Jesus dying on the old rugged cross, being buried in a borrowed tomb, and rising from the dead on that glorious Sunday morning! Dear saint of God, your soul ought to be stirred this week! Look at the Cross! Look at the empty tomb! Do you realize the miracle of salvation?
In Dr. Childs' outline, he covered in the class five theological terms that describe the nature of salvation. I wish to share just one of those words with you today. The word is "justification." Notice I Corinthians 6:9-11
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not decieved: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you:but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God."
What does it mean to be justified? It means literally to be declared righteous. Some have simplified it as "just-as-if-I'd-never-sinned!" Hallelujah!!!! When I got saved, when I trusted Jesus as my personal Lord, and Savior, God the Father looked at me and saw me - not as dirty, rotten, Hell-bound sinner; but just as righteous as His only begotten Son! Glory to God! I'm about to have a shoutin' spell just typing this! What a miracle! There are two aspects to justification.
The first aspect of justification is the forgiveness of sin, and the removal of its guilt and penalty.
All of my past, present, and future sins were forgiven! Jesus washed my sin away with His blood! Our choir sings this song often and I love it - "Jesus buried my past." Here is the chorus: "Jesus buried my past, in the middle of God's nowhere, is where it was cast! Sins forgiven! Bound for Heaven! Jesus set me free at last, on the Cross, He cried 'It's finished' and Jesus buried my past!" Verses 9-10 of I Corinthians 6 describe some pretty rotten people, don't they? Paul makes it plain to whom he was referring in verse 11 "And such were some of you..." Notice the past tense there. "And such WERE some of you" God used to see me in verses 9-10, but now He sees me in verse 11!!!! Hallelujah!!!! Amen!!!!
But there is another exciting aspect of justification - the imputation of Christ's righteousness! II Corinthians 5:21 says "For He [God the Father] hath made Him [God the Son] to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." The word imputation means to reckon to one's account. There is a three-fold imputation in the Bible. First, Adam's sin was imputed to the whole human race (Romans 5:12). Second, our sin was imputed to Christ while He was on the cross. Third, Christ's righteousness is imputed to the redeemed at the moment of salvation. "Justified, I'm happy in Jesus today! The sins I've commited are all in the past. They'll never condemn me, for He holds me fast. I'm justified, I'm justifed! I'm happy in Jesus today!" God sees me just as He sees Jesus!!! He loves me as He loves Jesus!!! I'm so glad for the miracle of salvation!!!!! We need to keep preaching and sharing the old time doctrine of salvation.
In the next post, we will begin examining the second example of an old-time doctrine in which we must continue - Doctrine concerning the Scriptures.....
In His Service,
Bro. Troy
02 April 2012
Review of Continuing in the Old Paths parts 1-3
Today, I would like to refresh our memory of what we covered when I intially began this topic of Continuing in the Old Paths. Our text is II Timothy 3:14 "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them." Today I will post the outline of where we are at in this message.
I.Continue in Old Time Doctrine
A.Bible Doctrines
1. Concerning Salvation
a.The Means of Salvation
1)Substitution
2)Atonement
3)Redemption
4)Propitiation
b.The Method of Salvation
1)God's part - Conviction
2)Man's part - Repentance and Faith
Romans 10:13:
a)The Scope of Salvation - "For whosoever..."
b)The Sincerity of Salvation - "...shall call..."
c)The Source of Salvation - "..."upon the name of the Lord..."
d)The Sureness of Salvation - "...shall be saved."
I have one more point from Dr. Child's outline on salvation. Look for that tomorrow and be sure to go back and read or re-read the previous posts.
God bless,
Bro. Troy
I.Continue in Old Time Doctrine
A.Bible Doctrines
1. Concerning Salvation
a.The Means of Salvation
1)Substitution
2)Atonement
3)Redemption
4)Propitiation
b.The Method of Salvation
1)God's part - Conviction
2)Man's part - Repentance and Faith
Romans 10:13:
a)The Scope of Salvation - "For whosoever..."
b)The Sincerity of Salvation - "...shall call..."
c)The Source of Salvation - "..."upon the name of the Lord..."
d)The Sureness of Salvation - "...shall be saved."
I have one more point from Dr. Child's outline on salvation. Look for that tomorrow and be sure to go back and read or re-read the previous posts.
God bless,
Bro. Troy
27 March 2012
I'm Back!!!!
Wow! I didn't realize just how long it has been since I lasted posted a message on here. Well, I am back. Look for the completion of "Continuing in the Old Paths" soon. There is still much that is on my heart on thought and I look forward to posting on here on a regular basis, with God's help
06 August 2010
Continuing in the Old Paths part III
We are continuing our look at continuing in old-time doctrine, which involves continuing in Bible Doctrine. We are looking at the Biblical doctrine of Salvation. We have noted the means of salvation. Now that's look at the method of salvation.
b. The Method of Salvation
Having looked at just how God has provided us with salvation, now let’s consider how we get saved. I am sure that many of you are familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” I am glad that we have a very simple salvation. God has already done the work of providing the way to get saved – through the sacrifice that His Son made on the Cross of Calvary. We will look at both God’s part in salvation and man’s part in salvation.
1) God’s part – Conviction
Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit applying the truth of the Word of God to our hearts. “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” Romans 10:17
“And he [Paul] said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Acts 9:5 The pricks that Jesus is referring to is the conviction that Paul felt for his sin. “And he [the Comforter – The Holy Spirit] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8. I am so glad that I felt the conviction of the Holy Ghost in my life so that I could get saved. Here is a very simple thought: you MUST realize that you are lost before you can be saved! Dear friend, you must understand that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 You and I, along with every single man, woman, boy, and girl on this planet are sinners. We sin every day. We are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners. We are born with the sinful nature inherited from Adam and Eve. Sin is the direct opposite of what God is. God is holy and perfect. Oh! How sinful we are! Dear reader, will you realize and accept the truth of the Word of God? If you are lost, the Holy Spirit is inviting you to realize that you are sinner and then trust in Christ for salvation. God’s part in salvation is conviction.
2) Man’s part – Repentance and Faith
Friend, God has done all the work necessary for salvation. Our part in salvation is simple: repent and believe! “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks [anyone non-Jewish], repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21 That verse reveals that salvation is for anyone, Jew or Gentile, and that salvation consists of both repentance and faith. If the Holy Spirit has convicted your heart that you are a sinner, you must now repent of your sin. Repent means to change your mind and direction. This doesn’t mean you have to promise to quit anything or join something, but it is does mean that you are agreeing with God about your sin and that you are seeking His forgiveness. Faith involves trusting Christ as your Savior. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13. Let’s break down that verse as we finish looking at the method of salvation.
a) The Scope of Salvation “For whosoever…”
Dear reader, ANYONE can get saved. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just a chosen few. “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.” John 3:16
Jesus died for ALL men and women! The Holy Spirit said in Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride [the church] say, come, and let him that heareth say, come, and let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely.” Praise God! One of the aspects of the song that we will be singing in Heaven is this: “…for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Rev. 5:9.
b) The Sincerity in Salvation “shall call…”
This is calling on God to save you. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God.” Those who are “poor in spirit” realize that they cannot do anything for themselves and they call upon God to save them. To get born again, you must realize that you are lost and that you need Christ. That is why this verse says “for whosoever shall call…” If you are lost, call right now upon God to save you. He will! What the exact words you use are not important. The publican said “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner!” What is important is that you realize Christ has done all the work necessary for salvation and simply trust in His finished work.
c) The Source of Salvation “upon the name of the Lord…”
The Word of God says to “call upon the name of the Lord.” Don’t call on Mary, Buddha, Allah, Mohammed, your good works, or anything else! Call on the Lord. He is ready to hear you cry out to Him! He wants to save you! God does not want you to go to a devil’s Hell, but He wants you to be able to fellowship with Him both here and in Heaven. “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the Father but by me.” John 14:6.
There is no other way, He is THE way!
d) The Sureness of Salvation “shall be saved”
Praise God! If you realize that you are lost sinner and deserve to go to Hell, and that Jesus paid that penalty for you, and you call on Him, you SHALL be saved! There is no might, or maybe, or hope-so! As John R. Rice (now in Heaven) used to say, “we have a know-so salvation.” You don’t have to doubt, or wonder. In fact, if you doubt your salvation, you are either doubting that you trusted Him for salvation, or you are doubting that God would do what He said He would do. Friend, Jesus died on the Cross, so that you could be saved. He doesn’t want you to spend time doubting. Base your assurance on what He did, and what the Word of God says! Don’t base your assurance on your feelings, or your circumstances. There are some mornings when I don’t feel saved, but I know that I am saved because of what Jesus did and what Jesus said.
If you are not saved, why not get saved right now? You can pray this simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and that You died for me. I ask You to forgive my sin and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” If you prayed that prayer and meant it, God had to save you because of what He wrote in His Word. If you just trusted Christ as your Savior, let me know and I’ll be glad to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.
If you are saved, take some time to “stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.” (Job 37:14) Praise the Lord for the method of salvation!
b. The Method of Salvation
Having looked at just how God has provided us with salvation, now let’s consider how we get saved. I am sure that many of you are familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” I am glad that we have a very simple salvation. God has already done the work of providing the way to get saved – through the sacrifice that His Son made on the Cross of Calvary. We will look at both God’s part in salvation and man’s part in salvation.
1) God’s part – Conviction
Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit applying the truth of the Word of God to our hearts. “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” Romans 10:17
“And he [Paul] said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Acts 9:5 The pricks that Jesus is referring to is the conviction that Paul felt for his sin. “And he [the Comforter – The Holy Spirit] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8. I am so glad that I felt the conviction of the Holy Ghost in my life so that I could get saved. Here is a very simple thought: you MUST realize that you are lost before you can be saved! Dear friend, you must understand that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 You and I, along with every single man, woman, boy, and girl on this planet are sinners. We sin every day. We are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners. We are born with the sinful nature inherited from Adam and Eve. Sin is the direct opposite of what God is. God is holy and perfect. Oh! How sinful we are! Dear reader, will you realize and accept the truth of the Word of God? If you are lost, the Holy Spirit is inviting you to realize that you are sinner and then trust in Christ for salvation. God’s part in salvation is conviction.
2) Man’s part – Repentance and Faith
Friend, God has done all the work necessary for salvation. Our part in salvation is simple: repent and believe! “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks [anyone non-Jewish], repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21 That verse reveals that salvation is for anyone, Jew or Gentile, and that salvation consists of both repentance and faith. If the Holy Spirit has convicted your heart that you are a sinner, you must now repent of your sin. Repent means to change your mind and direction. This doesn’t mean you have to promise to quit anything or join something, but it is does mean that you are agreeing with God about your sin and that you are seeking His forgiveness. Faith involves trusting Christ as your Savior. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13. Let’s break down that verse as we finish looking at the method of salvation.
a) The Scope of Salvation “For whosoever…”
Dear reader, ANYONE can get saved. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just a chosen few. “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.” John 3:16
Jesus died for ALL men and women! The Holy Spirit said in Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride [the church] say, come, and let him that heareth say, come, and let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely.” Praise God! One of the aspects of the song that we will be singing in Heaven is this: “…for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Rev. 5:9.
b) The Sincerity in Salvation “shall call…”
This is calling on God to save you. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God.” Those who are “poor in spirit” realize that they cannot do anything for themselves and they call upon God to save them. To get born again, you must realize that you are lost and that you need Christ. That is why this verse says “for whosoever shall call…” If you are lost, call right now upon God to save you. He will! What the exact words you use are not important. The publican said “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner!” What is important is that you realize Christ has done all the work necessary for salvation and simply trust in His finished work.
c) The Source of Salvation “upon the name of the Lord…”
The Word of God says to “call upon the name of the Lord.” Don’t call on Mary, Buddha, Allah, Mohammed, your good works, or anything else! Call on the Lord. He is ready to hear you cry out to Him! He wants to save you! God does not want you to go to a devil’s Hell, but He wants you to be able to fellowship with Him both here and in Heaven. “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the Father but by me.” John 14:6.
There is no other way, He is THE way!
d) The Sureness of Salvation “shall be saved”
Praise God! If you realize that you are lost sinner and deserve to go to Hell, and that Jesus paid that penalty for you, and you call on Him, you SHALL be saved! There is no might, or maybe, or hope-so! As John R. Rice (now in Heaven) used to say, “we have a know-so salvation.” You don’t have to doubt, or wonder. In fact, if you doubt your salvation, you are either doubting that you trusted Him for salvation, or you are doubting that God would do what He said He would do. Friend, Jesus died on the Cross, so that you could be saved. He doesn’t want you to spend time doubting. Base your assurance on what He did, and what the Word of God says! Don’t base your assurance on your feelings, or your circumstances. There are some mornings when I don’t feel saved, but I know that I am saved because of what Jesus did and what Jesus said.
If you are not saved, why not get saved right now? You can pray this simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and that You died for me. I ask You to forgive my sin and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” If you prayed that prayer and meant it, God had to save you because of what He wrote in His Word. If you just trusted Christ as your Savior, let me know and I’ll be glad to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.
If you are saved, take some time to “stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.” (Job 37:14) Praise the Lord for the method of salvation!
12 July 2010
Continuing in the Old Paths part II
We are looking at "Continuing in Old Time Doctrine." We are currently looking at Bible Doctrines and we began by studying the doctrine of salvation. We will now finish noting the Means of Salvation.
2) Atonement
Atonement is the Old Testament term for the temporary covering of sin. The High Priests would have to come year after to sacrifice the blood of a spotless lamb, pointing forward to the day when The Spotless Lamb of God would shed His precious blood for our sin!
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. – Romans 5:11
3) Redemption
Let’s begin by defining redemption. Redemption is the divine act by which Jesus Christ paid the whole demand of the Law against the sinner setting him free from the curse and bondage of Law forever! Hallelujah! It is this aspect of salvation that we will be singing about in Heaven.
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; - Revelation 5:9
Why is redemption so important? Let’s look at the Greek words translated “redeem”.
There are four.
a) Agorazo – this means to buy in the market place
b) Exagorazo – this means to purchase out of the market place never to be sold again
c) Lutrao – to set free by paying a price
d) Apolutrosis – full or complete loosing
Put these definitions together and we have the blessed fact that I was a slave in the slave market of sin, but Jesus Christ shed His own precious blood on the cross of Calvary, buying me out of the slave market, never again to be sold! He indeed set me free! Free from sin’s penalty! Free from sin’s power! Praise His holy name! – one day, I will be free from sin’s presence! “Thank God I am free, free, free from this world of sin. Washed in the blood of Jesus, I’ve been born again! Hallelujah, I’m saved, saved, saved by His wonderful grace. I’m so glad that I found out that He would bring me out and show me the way!”
4) Propitation
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. – I John 2:2
Propitation is the final means of salvation that we will notice. Propitation means simply that God’s righteous wrath against sin and the sinner has been appeased because Christ bore all the penalty of sin on the Cross. I am so glad that He bore sin’s penalty for me! I could never have been able to satisfy God’s righteous wrath, but He did! Hallelujah for the means of salvation – substitution, atonement, redemption, and propitation!
2) Atonement
Atonement is the Old Testament term for the temporary covering of sin. The High Priests would have to come year after to sacrifice the blood of a spotless lamb, pointing forward to the day when The Spotless Lamb of God would shed His precious blood for our sin!
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. – Romans 5:11
3) Redemption
Let’s begin by defining redemption. Redemption is the divine act by which Jesus Christ paid the whole demand of the Law against the sinner setting him free from the curse and bondage of Law forever! Hallelujah! It is this aspect of salvation that we will be singing about in Heaven.
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; - Revelation 5:9
Why is redemption so important? Let’s look at the Greek words translated “redeem”.
There are four.
a) Agorazo – this means to buy in the market place
b) Exagorazo – this means to purchase out of the market place never to be sold again
c) Lutrao – to set free by paying a price
d) Apolutrosis – full or complete loosing
Put these definitions together and we have the blessed fact that I was a slave in the slave market of sin, but Jesus Christ shed His own precious blood on the cross of Calvary, buying me out of the slave market, never again to be sold! He indeed set me free! Free from sin’s penalty! Free from sin’s power! Praise His holy name! – one day, I will be free from sin’s presence! “Thank God I am free, free, free from this world of sin. Washed in the blood of Jesus, I’ve been born again! Hallelujah, I’m saved, saved, saved by His wonderful grace. I’m so glad that I found out that He would bring me out and show me the way!”
4) Propitation
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. – I John 2:2
Propitation is the final means of salvation that we will notice. Propitation means simply that God’s righteous wrath against sin and the sinner has been appeased because Christ bore all the penalty of sin on the Cross. I am so glad that He bore sin’s penalty for me! I could never have been able to satisfy God’s righteous wrath, but He did! Hallelujah for the means of salvation – substitution, atonement, redemption, and propitation!
21 June 2010
Continuing in the Old Paths part I
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them – II Timothy 3:14
I am glad to be identified with the old time way. Paul told his young preacher boy Timothy to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned…” We need to continue in the old time religion, if it is going to survive this generation. I believe that walking in the old paths involves continuing in the things which we have learned. In my previous message, we examined Jeremiah 6:16 and saw that we must walk in the old paths. Now we will examine three ways in which we must continue in the “old-time religion.” This will be done in a series of posts. Remember you can post questions and comments on here. I hope that if you are lost and reading this, that you will pay close attention to the first point. Those who are saved, I pray that the following messages will help you to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saint.” (Jude 3)
I. Continue in Old Time Doctrine I Timothy 4:16
Continue in the right Beliefs
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. – I Timothy 4:16
First, we must continue in the old time doctrine, or to put it another way, we must continue in the right beliefs. We have to make sure our doctrine is right. What is doctrine exactly? Doctrine is defined as a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject. We can continue in the old time doctrine because it comes from the Word of God. Let us examine two ways in which we can continue in old time doctrine.
A. Continue in the Biblical Doctrines
We must continue in Biblical doctrines. Why is our doctrine so important? Because as Dr Ernest Childs taught me – “What people see me do, they think I believe.” Therefore it is fundamentally important that we have the right beliefs, and those beliefs must come from an incorruptible, unchanging source – The Holy Scriptures. Dr. Tom Farrell says often “The Holy Spirit wrote the Holy Scriptures to make us holy saints.” If we don’t continue in Bible doctrines, they will not make it to the next generation. I would like to examine three important Bible doctrines in which we must continue.
1. Salvation
This doctrine is the most important doctrine to continue in because it determines your eternal destiny. If your doctrine is not right about salvation, you will die and go to a devil’s hell. Salvation is the work of God.
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. – Psalms 3:8
Salvation is of the LORD. – Jonah 2:9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
From the above verse, there is only one condition for salvation and that is faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. I would like to be very detailed in this matter of soul salvation, so we will consider the means, method and nature of salvation. The following is not a result of my own study, but a organized outline of the Biblical doctrine of salvation as given in my Systematic Theology class taught by Dr. Ernest Childs. Dr. Childs’ outline is not based on his opinion but on a careful study of the Word of God.
a. The Means of salvation.
There are four means by which God has supplied salvation.
1) Substitution
Because we are born in sin, we deserve to die and spend eternity separated from God.
Romans 3:10 – 23
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The above passage clearly teaches us that man is sinful and unable to satisfy the demands of a righteous and holy God.
Romans 6:23a – For the wages of sin is death….
The death referred to in this verse is not just physical death, but also eternal death in the lake of fire eternally separated from the God of Heaven. But I am glad that God did not leave us in that state. The verse ends by stating – but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because we needed to die, a substitute was required, One Who is innocent, willing, and acceptable to God. Only One has ever fulfilled those requirements and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.
II Corinthians 5:21
For he [God the Father] hath made him [God the Son] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Hallelujah for the Accepted Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ!
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus became my sin for me and took my place, dying for me! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
I am glad to be identified with the old time way. Paul told his young preacher boy Timothy to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned…” We need to continue in the old time religion, if it is going to survive this generation. I believe that walking in the old paths involves continuing in the things which we have learned. In my previous message, we examined Jeremiah 6:16 and saw that we must walk in the old paths. Now we will examine three ways in which we must continue in the “old-time religion.” This will be done in a series of posts. Remember you can post questions and comments on here. I hope that if you are lost and reading this, that you will pay close attention to the first point. Those who are saved, I pray that the following messages will help you to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saint.” (Jude 3)
I. Continue in Old Time Doctrine I Timothy 4:16
Continue in the right Beliefs
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. – I Timothy 4:16
First, we must continue in the old time doctrine, or to put it another way, we must continue in the right beliefs. We have to make sure our doctrine is right. What is doctrine exactly? Doctrine is defined as a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject. We can continue in the old time doctrine because it comes from the Word of God. Let us examine two ways in which we can continue in old time doctrine.
A. Continue in the Biblical Doctrines
We must continue in Biblical doctrines. Why is our doctrine so important? Because as Dr Ernest Childs taught me – “What people see me do, they think I believe.” Therefore it is fundamentally important that we have the right beliefs, and those beliefs must come from an incorruptible, unchanging source – The Holy Scriptures. Dr. Tom Farrell says often “The Holy Spirit wrote the Holy Scriptures to make us holy saints.” If we don’t continue in Bible doctrines, they will not make it to the next generation. I would like to examine three important Bible doctrines in which we must continue.
1. Salvation
This doctrine is the most important doctrine to continue in because it determines your eternal destiny. If your doctrine is not right about salvation, you will die and go to a devil’s hell. Salvation is the work of God.
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. – Psalms 3:8
Salvation is of the LORD. – Jonah 2:9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
From the above verse, there is only one condition for salvation and that is faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. I would like to be very detailed in this matter of soul salvation, so we will consider the means, method and nature of salvation. The following is not a result of my own study, but a organized outline of the Biblical doctrine of salvation as given in my Systematic Theology class taught by Dr. Ernest Childs. Dr. Childs’ outline is not based on his opinion but on a careful study of the Word of God.
a. The Means of salvation.
There are four means by which God has supplied salvation.
1) Substitution
Because we are born in sin, we deserve to die and spend eternity separated from God.
Romans 3:10 – 23
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The above passage clearly teaches us that man is sinful and unable to satisfy the demands of a righteous and holy God.
Romans 6:23a – For the wages of sin is death….
The death referred to in this verse is not just physical death, but also eternal death in the lake of fire eternally separated from the God of Heaven. But I am glad that God did not leave us in that state. The verse ends by stating – but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because we needed to die, a substitute was required, One Who is innocent, willing, and acceptable to God. Only One has ever fulfilled those requirements and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.
II Corinthians 5:21
For he [God the Father] hath made him [God the Son] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Hallelujah for the Accepted Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ!
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus became my sin for me and took my place, dying for me! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
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