Be Saved God’s Way
 
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). When God sent His only begotten Son to earth to suffer, bleed and die for our sins, He did everything in His power to save us. 
 
But how about us? What response does God expect of us in order to procure salvation? It goes without saying that there is a great deal of disagreement about this. If you ask seven different people, you may hear seven different answers, such as:
 
“Everyone will be saved!”
“Every person that does more good deeds than bad will be saved.”
“Everyone that keeps the 10 Commandments will be saved.”
“Everyone that believes in God and attends church will be saved!” (Very popular.)
“Everyone that believes in Jesus will be saved!” 
“Everyone that repents and prays for salvation will be saved!”
“Everyone that does a minimum amount of good works will be saved!”
 
Clearly, all of these answers cannot be correct. So how can we know for certain what God expects us to do in order to be saved? Jesus said, “Sanctify (cleanse, purify) them by Your truth. Your WORD is truth” (John 17:17). To know what God expects, we must rely on His infallible word, the Bible.
 
If we read the Bible carefully, It is not hard to ascertain what God expects of us in order to be saved. But we must accept everything He commands us to do in connection with salvation. Focusing on PART of what God says may cause us to forfeit salvation altogether.
 
So, what does God command us to do? 
·        We must hear (or read) the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16; 10:14, 17).
·        We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16 & 18; 8:24).
·        We must repent of our sins (Luke 13:3 & 5; 2 Peter 3:9).
·        We must confess our faith in Jesus (Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9-10; Act 8:37)
·        We must be baptized (Mark 16:16) for the remission and washing away of our sins
(Acts 2:38, 22:16).
 
These conditions may not be popular in the religious world, but they are what God specifically commands in order for us to be saved. When the most important subject in the world is studied - salvation, let us ignore the popular doctrines and obey God.
 
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
 
Dennis

THE BRIDGE REMAINS


“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all…”  (1 Tim 2:3-6).


Hundreds of years ago, an enormous tree fell across a deep gorge in Arizona. Instead of rotting and falling into the chasm, it eventually hardened like granite. Ultimately, it became a “natural bridge” that has allowed thousands of people to safely cross the gorge. Although fallen trees have little practical use, that tumbled tree continues to benefit people.


Nearly 20 centuries ago Jesus of Nazareth appeared on earth. His unprecedented teachings, countless miracles and compassion for sinners convinced many that He was their long-awaited Messiah. In the end, however, he was betrayed, tried, beaten, scourged, and crucified. Following six agonizing hours on the cross, he breathed his last. His limp, battered body was taken away and buried. His followers were distraught that their beloved Leader was dead and gone. Some of them probably assumed that they had been deceived all along by Jesus.


Three days later, however, Jesus of Nazareth returned to life, emerged victorious from the tomb, appeared to hundreds, and later ascended to His heavenly Father. He became the Living Bridge over which we can safely cross the gorge of death and join Him in Heaven.


Jesus Christ remains the only WAY to heaven – John 14:6. Believe in Him – John 3:16; repent and be baptized – Lk. 13:3 & 5, Mark 16:16; and follow Him to the end and never look back – Lk 9:62.


Be a Light for Christ in 2025!


Dennis