Sanctification or the road to holiness

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Sanctification at the New Birth

The act of becoming a Christian is described by our Savior as the New Birth. That often confuses some who are not serious Bible students. If you ask some people when they became a Christian, they may say that they have always been one, or they are trying to become one, or they have asked Jesus into their hearts many times. If it is a birth, then it occurs one time. If I were to ask you when you were born, and you gave me three or more dates, I would wonder if you understood the question! You have one birthday, many anniversaries of that day, perhaps, but one day on which you were born! It may be that the exact date has escaped you, but you remember the place and the time of your life when you met Jesus!

At that time, you became a new creature, old things passed away and all things became new. Let me give you a few of these new things. You probably acquired a new interest in the Bible. God’s Holy Spirit came to live within you, and became your Teacher in the Bible. It began to open up to you and you found yourself interested in what it said. Prayer became a part of your life, not just the “Now I lay me down to sleep” prayers, but conversational times with God. You had a story to share with others about being lifted out of the clay and put on the rock. You had begun a new life!

Now, remember that at this point, you were a baby Christian! Just like a baby, you had certain characteristics that marked you as a baby. You could not walk yet, so you may have just laid down most of the time. You could not feed yourself, so, hopefully, someone fed you from the Word. (Personally, I thank God for a godly Pastor who nurtured me and fed me from the Bible.) You had received the initial dose of Sanctification. Maybe you were like I was. I was so overwhelmed by this initial dose that I felt it was all that I needed and I wanted to go into full time ministry right away! I felt that the Pablum and milk diet I was enjoying would see me through my Christian life. Peter describes the diet of the new Christian: 1Peter 2:2 “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” Paul told the Corinthians, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” (First Corinthians 3:2)

There are those who teach that sanctification is a “second work of grace”, that is an act that occurs whereby God imparts holiness to a Christian all in one dose. Some suggest that Christians tarry somewhere for some period of time to gain holiness. However, the Bible teaches that there are great similarities between the normal physical growth and the normal spiritual growth. Peter, Paul, and many others went through growth pangs, failures, victories, and finally spiritual maturity. Study their lives and you will see the progress in their sanctification.

We sin against newborn Christian babes by not giving them the proper diet and expecting too much from them too soon. They need the care and nurture that a baby needs. We have been stunned to hear of mothers and fathers leaving babies and small children alone for periods of time, whether in hot vehicles or in some other place. We have even criminalized some of these acts! Do you suppose our Heavenly Father looks on our carelessness with new Christians with any less contempt?

The writer of the Book of Hebrews speaks of those who have not been nurtured and thus have not grown to maturity or made progress on their sanctification. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” (Hebrews 5:12) If you want an awakening experience, just give a quiz to average Christians who have been saved for ten or more years, and watch their answers. Use questions that would fit the description of the “first principles of Christian doctrine.” That is what has led me to bring this series on Your Sunday School Lesson on Major Bible Doctrines.

Sanctification along the way

As the babe begins to grow, there are further growth spurts that occur. The baby begins to crawl, then walk, perhaps run, ride a bike, etc. The method of locomotion change with the maturity of the being. The language changes from the initial sounds of babyhood to the more advanced vocabulary and thoughts of the maturing person. The adolescent gives way to the adult who advances to the mature adult.

So in the Christian life, the spiritual babe grows into a child, then an adolescent, an adult, and finally a mature adult. John writes about these stages of the Christian life. First John 2:8 “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” This is the new born stage. The person has just passed from darkness to light and has begun to love the brethren. (Wouldn’t if be nice if we could keep that going into adulthood)

12 “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” Here is the child stage. The person really grasps forgiveness and the fact that he or she has been set free from the penalty of sin. The child experiences the liberty that release from guilt brings, but is not ready to act responsibly yet. There is still growth and maturity ahead.

13 “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.” Here we have three of the stages of Christian maturity in reverse order. The fathers (mature Christians) are addressed as knowing Him who is from the beginning. The Greek word for “knowing” here is ginosko which means knowledge that is gain through experience. It is used of a man’s knowledge of his wife by experiencing intimacy with her. The mature Christian knows the Lord in a way that pure study will not reveal, it takes experience to bring the knowledge of God in this way.

The young men are mentioned as overcoming the wicked one. The young adult is still battling the devil in his life as a primary effort, and does not have the wisdom that is needed for spiritual leadership yet. The little children are commended because the have come to know the Lord, although it is not suggested that they have experienced him for a long period of time (as from the beginning) Henry Blackaby wrote the study, “Experiencing God.” That is what is being spoken to in First John.

14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. One of the problems we face in Christianity is expecting a newborn to behave as a mature adult or putting a spiritual child in a place of authority that demands the wisdom of a mature adult.

What is the spiritual diet and exercise that develops the child into an adolescent, and on to an adult and mature adult? First, reading and studying the Bible. This should involve several types of Bible study. Most Christians merely ready straight through the Bible, or books of the Bible. This is good to gain an understanding of the events and stories of the Bible, but a subject study will help you develop your doctrinal understanding of the Bible. Biographical Bible study will help a person learn what God has done through people in the past, and what He wants to do through you.

Prayer is another part of the Christian’s diet if he would grow spiritually. Perhaps nothing is neglected more than prayer, “O what peace we often forfeit, O, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” Prayer is time with God and helps us to become more godly.

Witnessing and church attendance are two more ingredients in the sanctification diet.

Sanctification complete in Heaven

One day, sanctification will be complete, not in this lifetime, but in Heaven. “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” First John 3:2, NKJV. No one prior to glorification (which is the graduation of the course called sanctification) has experienced complete sanctification. One day, though, we will have totally sanctified minds and bodies and will be free from sin. Hallelujah! Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.

For more on this topic see: New Lifestyle In Christ

What does the Bible say about hell?

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We do not hear too much about the future of unsaved people. Probably it is not considered politically correct or kind to talk of eternal retribution. The word Hell is heard a thousand times more on the street as a slang word than in the pulpits of our churches. However, its neglect does not diminish the truth or the awfulness of it.

Some do not think about Hell because they believe that a loving God would not condemn people to a place like Hell. God condemned the angels that sinned against him to a place of torment. Some are reserved right now in a place similar to Hell. Second Peter 2:4 “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” Verse 9 “9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” The place of torment for the angels that sinned is called Hell in the King James Version, but it is a different Greek word. It is “tartaroo”, meaning the lowest part of Hades.

Some hold false views about Hell. There are those who believe that God is far too gracious and loving to condemn the unsaved to a place of everlasting punishment. Instead, they believe that He blots them out forever. This is called annihilationism. They believe that the unsaved cease to exist in any form, material or spiritual. The story that our Savior taught about the rich man and Lazarus leaves no room for this theory. Luke 16:19-24 ¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

Others believe in restorationism. Their view of God is that He is so loving and kind, that no matter how long it might take, He will restore all creation, including mankind, to Himself. A branch of this theory would include those who believe in reincarnation and various karma. The Bible does not teach this, however. Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

Another view is presentism. This view teaches that whatever Heaven or Hell a person is to receive is experienced in this life only, that reward or retribution is meted out here and now on earth. Jesus taught otherwise: In the Sermon on the Mount, our Savior taught: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21. Now, if all of the rewards we are to receive are in this lifetime, why would He teach otherwise? So, rewards and retribution are still in the future for living persons.

There is a place called Hell. Matthew 25:41 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” It is a prepared place which will endure forever. Matthew 25:46 “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Revelation 20:10 “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

Hell is a place of extreme suffering. Matthew 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” That suffering involves burning forever in a lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 14:10 speaks of unbelievers that die during the tribulation, having worshipped the false god that is the beast. “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

Who all will be in that place of torment called Hell? The first two occupants will be the beast and the false prophet. Revelation 19:20 “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” This comes as the Savior returns to earth to put an end to the Battle of Armageddon. Not long after these first two are cast alive into Hell, God demonstrates His power over Satan by casting him into Hell. Revelation 20:10 “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Just remember, if someone should tell you to go to that place, tell them it is not open for business as of yet! There is a temporary holding cell for those who die without accepting Christ. It is called Hades in the Greek and Sheol in the Hebrew. But the eternal lake of fire has not been opened or occupied to this point.

The fallen angels will be there. We have already looked at Second Peter 2:4. In addition, all of the wicked that have ever lived will be in Hell. Psalm 9:16 & 17 “The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Can you imagine living forever in the same place with every foul and evil person that has ever lived? To be suffering in eternal darkness and fire must be the absolute worst fate possible. Someone said there should be a sign over the door to Hell that reads, “All who enter here, abandon all hope.”

Hell is the exact opposite of Heaven. In Heaven there will be no sickness or crying. In Hell eternal suffering and crying are without end or relief. All occupants of Heaven enjoy eternal bliss and joy, but in Hell every occupant will be unhappy and discontented. No sin will enter Heaven, but in Hell sin abounds and the evil ideas of mankind will have nothing to hinder their fulfillment, except the suffering of the person having the thoughts. Memory will also plague the occupants of Hell. The rich man in Hades, “But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” It may be that someone listening to this lesson has had opportunities to accept Christ. You will remember every one of those opportunities in Hell and gnash your teeth about rejecting the Savior. Someone in Hell will hear “Just as I Am” over and over in their mind, realizing that had they come to the Savior just as they were, He would have saved them from this punishment, but now it is too late!

There are but two places to spend all of eternity. Heaven is reserved for those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. God said that when you make His suffering on the cross the payment for your sin, He would be satisfied. Otherwise, Hell is your only other option. There is no middle ground. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, right now, where you are, admit you are a sinner deserving to be sent to Hell for your sins. Ask God to allow the death of Jesus Christ to be the payment for your sins. He suffered, the Just for the unjust, that you might be saved. Pray this prayer, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner, and save me for Jesus’ sake. Forgive all my sins and give me eternal life as You have promised in the Bible. I right now receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord.”

If you prayed that prayer please see the following to get you started in your walk with God: About Being Saved

What does the Bible say about Heaven?

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A little boy was busy drawing a picture with crayons. His mother asked him what he was drawing. He looked up and said that he was drawing a picture of God. His mother smiled and said, “But, honey, no one knows what God looks like!” He said, “I know, but they will as soon as I finish my picture.” Describing Heaven is a lot like trying to draw a picture of God, virtually impossible. I do not expect that I will be able to draw a picture that will make Heaven understandable to you, but let’s look together at what the Bible teaches about that wonderful place.

The apostle Paul, who had no difficulty describing such things as predestination, foreordination, and other such things hard to be understood, said, “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. {lawful: or, possible} Second Corinthians 12:1-4.

Two things to notice in this passage are that (1) describing Heaven is not possible, and (2) there are three heavens. The first heaven is comprised of the sky, the realm of mists and vapors. When our Lord ascended into a cloud, the angel said to the disciples, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11. The second heaven is the vast universe, the realm of the sun, moon and stars. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.” Genesis 1:1,7,8.

The third Heaven is the sphere where God preeminently dwells. “The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.” Psalm 11:4. Our Savior was asked to teach His disciples to pray, and He said, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Matthew 6:9. Heaven, the third Heaven is a place, just as the first two heavens are defined by a location. Jesus told His disciples, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 It is sometimes called by other names, like “Kingdom” (Mathew 18:1) with its King, a city (Hebrews 11:10) with its citizens, a country (Hebrews 11:16) with its laws and customs, a home (John 14:2) with its family and bliss, and an inheritance (Colossians 1:12 and First Peter 1:4) with its possessions.

What makes Heaven so desirable? First, God is there. God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Heaven is His home, and He has invited us to live with Him. Second, the angels of God are there. (Matthew 22:30 and Matthew 18:10). They are called to minister to the saints of God, Hebrews 1:13 & 14 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” In this lifetime, we try to live in a neighborhood that is safe, where good people can surround us. In Heaven, we will be in the presence of God, the angels, and the redeemed of all ages.

Believers will be spiritually perfect in Heaven. We may yearn for holiness in this life, but it will be a reality in Heaven. Paul said, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” Romans 7:28-20. In Heaven, there will be no struggle within the believer, no sin nature to do battle with the new nature. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” First John 3:2

We will recognize our loved ones in Heaven, and not only our loved ones, but everyone who is there. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John recognized Moses and Elijah. “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.” Matthew 17:1-4. Now, keep in mind that Peter, James, and John had never met Moses or Elijah, nor had they seen photographs of them, but they recognized them.

Paul also addresses this in First Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” Does Jesus know me now? Sure thing! And I will know all of Heaven’s occupants, just like He knows me today, except that there will be no sin in anyone then, so we will only know each other by the righteousness that Christ has bestowed on us. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16, the rich man knew Abraham and he knew Lazarus. Remember that these were only in the spirit realm. They did not have glorified bodies at this point, and yet, beyond the grave there was recognition by name!

Some have asked if we will know what is happening on earth when we get to Heaven. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah spoke of the soon coming death of Christ on Calvary. They were apparently aware of current events on earth. Assuming that we were aware of what was occurring on earth, or that our loved ones who are in Heaven are able to know what earth’s occupants are doing, with all of the bliss and joy in Heaven, would they or we be inquiring into current events on earth? I think not. Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

That brings us to the subject of what we will do in Heaven, and will we really enjoy it. I have heard well-meaning saints say, “If you do not enjoy going to church all the time, you will be miserable in Heaven.” I am sorry to say, that is not a good description of Heaven. First, not everyone in church is saved, and some that are Christians are not good examples of the believers. In Heaven, no one will sing off key, or in a monotone. There will be no crying babies, or uncomfortable pews, and we will not have bodies that will get tired or sore from sitting so long. However, the most important thing is that we will not have carnal natures that rebel against being in the presence of the Lord and His people for long periods of time. I have met a few folks with whom I could spend long periods of time and never look at my watch, but I have never met anyone close to the incomparable Jesus Christ. I cannot imagine what it will be like to enjoy Him forever in a glorified body, free from sin!

Some have wondered if Heaven will just be years of floating on clouds, having nothing to do but sing and relax. It will be a time of rest, for sure. However, when God created Man, He gave him work that he would enjoy doing. While Heaven will be different than earth, the same God governs both and He will have pleasures and joy that will be involved in activities that He has in store for us. Have you ever met someone that was so interesting that you felt that you could spend a lot of time with that person, just listening and visiting. God is so much more interesting and knowledgeable than any human we might know, and eternity will not be boring in His presence.

Several things will not occupy our time in Heaven. There will be no hospitals or doctors’ waiting rooms, for there will be no sickness in Heaven. No one will walk with a limp or need canes or crutches. When Jesus walked this earth, He healed some to give us a glimpse of His power. Every glorified body will be perfect and will never deteriorate or get old. There will be no death, sorrow, poverty, or any of the many things that plague us on earth. “O, that will be glory for me, when by His grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory for me!”

You can make sure of your place in Heaven by trusting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. If you want to have someone lead you in that prayer right now, click here: BBN Chat Live

Should a Christian make New Years resolutions?

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Some feel that this is a secular idea, and so Christians should not get involved. Others point to the fact that most resolutions are never kept, so they should not be made. Still others feel it is a good thing for Christians to do some soul searching and resolve to do some things differently.

While the idea may have secular origins, it may have some merit for the Christian. And it is probably true that many resolutions are short lived, but still the idea can be used for good in a Christian’s life. It is good, at times, to look honestly at our lives and determine to change some of the things that need changing. There is nothing mystical about doing this on New Year’s Eve, but it does provide such an opportunity.

It may be a good time to start daily Bible reading. It may be true that you have tried that before with little success. That should give you more determination to finish the job this year. It could be a time to rid yourself of a harmful habit that has been a part of your life for some time. It may be a time to resolve to be the loving Christian that you have often wished you were. Perhaps it could be a time for a family to get together and make some goals for the New Year.

There are some instances in the Bible of people taking stock of their lives and determining or resolving to do better. Paul told the Corinthians, in 2 Corinthians 8:10, that they should be “resolved or purposed” to be ahead of where they were a year before. This would involve measuring where they were last year at this time, and be sure that they have made progress during the ensuing twelve months. There is no indication that Paul told them to do that at the beginning of a new calendar year, but he at least referred to the year as a unit.

In Genesis 28:20, Jacob made a resolution or a vow to give consistently and routinely to the Lord, specifying ten percent as his commitment. It may be that you ought to start giving to God regularly in the New Year.

There are some who fear making any kind of commitment to Christian living, considering such to be a vow to the Lord. They cite Ecclesiastes 5:4,5: “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” Perhaps the advice given by our Lord in James 4:13-15 would be wise to follow. Ask God to guide you in setting your goals and help you keep the resolutions you make.

Yes, it is possible that you will not keep the commitment throughout the entire year, but if you do not make a resolution, how much less will you accomplish? Pray about it and ask God what He would have you do and ask His help in both making the resolution and keeping it.

Should a Christian have a Christmas tree?

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This question comes up each year around Christmas time, and the reason for the question is a passage in Jeremiah 10:2-5. The prophet says:

“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.”

At first reading, the passage would seem to condemn the practice of cutting down a tree and decorating it. This would also apply to the Easter trees that have become popular, with eggs tied to it for decorations. It would also cover trees decorated for any other purpose.

But is that what the passage is saying? Hardly, for it goes on to say that the tree is not a god, since it cannot move. It is not a rival for our God, since it has no power to do good or evil. The real thrust of the passage is a condemnation of idolatry. The heathen in the land were worshipping false gods, among them a tree god that was worshipped by decorating a tree that had been cut from the forest and brought into the house. The Israelites had adopted the custom and were worshipping the tree god instead of giving God His rightful place in their lives.

We can do the same thing, with or without a Christmas tree. The Christ of Christmas may be replaced by the gifts, the parties, the celebration, whether a Christmas tree is present or not. It is imperative that we do not let anything, good thing, evil thing, or something with neither good nor bad characteristics, come between our God and us. Make sure that your worship is reserved for the Lord alone. For some, this may mean doing away with some things that others do not feel interfere with their relationship to the Lord. As Paul said in Romans 14:5 “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

Must I be baptized to be saved?

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The plan of salvation is very simple and some try to make it very complicated. When Jesus described salvation as a new birth, He was describing it as a new beginning, only in a different dimension. A person is saved by admitting he or she is a sinner, deserving of Hell because of sin, but trusting the finished work of Christ on the cross as the payment for sin. Salvation is not of works, lest any of us should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-10) “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 walk in them.”

Notice what the above Scriptures say. We are saved without our working righteousness, but good works should follow our salvation. Jesus calls baptism a work of “righteousness,” at His baptism by John. Read Matthew 3: 15 “And Jesus answering said unto him, ‘Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he suffered him.” John had hesitated baptizing Jesus, but our Lord told him that it was needful to “fulfil all righteousness.” God imputes righteousness to us through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He does this through faith, and faith alone. Romans 4: 5-7 “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, ‘Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.’”

No one is ready for baptism until they have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Paul, in describing his gospel that he received from Jesus Christ, in First Corinthians 15:1-4, never mentions water baptism. Paul told these same Corinthians that he was glad that he had baptized only two of them. (First Corinthians 1:14) Was he saying that he was glad that he had only led two of them to Christ? When the Phillipian jailer asked Paul and Silas what he had to do to be saved, they answered: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Later, after each member of the family accepted Christ, they were baptized as a testimony of their salvation, not as a part of being saved.

Some would point to First Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Notice, though, that Peter is careful to point out that baptism does not put away the filth or sin of the flesh, but is an answer or a sign of the good conscience toward God. It is the symbol of identification with Jesus Christ or a confession of salvation.

Others would point to First John 5:6 “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” They would say that the water is baptism and that it is added to the work of Christ on the cross to achieve salvation. However, John makes it clear that he did not mean to teach that by giving a clear teaching later in that chapter in verses 11-13 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

A couple of favorites for those who teach “Baptismal Regeneration” are Mark 3:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, etc. In each case, the word baptism follows belief or repentance. It is a sign that the person has done what God has said to be saved, or in the case of the Jews, that they had repented of not receiving the Messiah that God had sent. John the Baptist was baptizing Jews who were repenting of their sins, preparing them for the coming of the Savior. Twelve men, who had been baptized by John, later met Paul in Ephesus and were asked about their salvation. They had repented of their sin, been baptized by John, but were not saved. Once they professed Jesus Christ, they were baptized as a sign of their salvation and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

In summary, to be saved you need to admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior to pay for your sins. Ask Jesus Christ to be your Savior and your Lord and trust His finished work on the cross for you. When you have done that, you are saved! To be an obedient Christian, be baptized and live the Christian life.

For more on this topic visit the BBN Bible Institute and register to study the course #00100 Basics Doctrines

Can I understand the Bible?

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The questions come in various forms, but the theme is the same. Some feel that Bible study is only for the professional clergy and professors who can delve into the original languages and determine the meaning of the Bible.

When God inspired, or breathed through men the Bible, He had them right in the language of the people. The New Testament was written in Koine’ Greek, not the classical Greek of the intellectual. It was in the common language of the people. He wanted everyone to understand what was being said. Therefore, He wants His people to be able to discern His message from His Book, the Bible.

I have found certain principles that help me in my Bible study. I would like to share them with you.

First, understand that the Bible is one Book, but it is made up of 66 different books, not chapters. There is history, poetry, revelation, illumination, parables, principles, etc. It is important to determine what the form is at the place where we are studying.

Second, the Bible contains what God is saying, what man is saying, and what the devil is saying. It is important to determine who is doing the speaking in the passage under study. If God says it, it is always true and right. God never lies. If it is man doing the speaking, it may or may not be true. For example, Solomon shares a lot of his experience in the book of Ecclesiastes, but it is the wisdom of “man under the sun.” It is wrong, therefore to build a doctrine on what man is saying. Some would teach that life is over when a man dies, for there is no knowledge in the grave (Ecclesiastes 9:10). However, that is the observation of man, not God.

Third, it is important to know to whom the message is being delivered, and in what circumstances. If you were reading a novel, you would have in mind the setting and the characters involved. Studying the Bible is even more important and we must keep our mind focused on the surroundings in the message. God told Israel to utterly slay all of the Amalakites, but that is not a universal message to all of His people in every age.

Fourth, we must keep the message in its context. For example, I could show you from the Bible that you should hang yourself. Here are the verses: Matthew 27:3-5 “Judas…hanged himself”, Deuteronomy 15:17b “thou shalt do likewise,” and John 13:27 “That thou doest, do quickly. “Now before you do not that, consider that I have taken verses or parts of verses out of context and made them say something they were not intended to say. Keep in mind that the Bible must be studied carefully to get the message from the Lord that is intended.

We also need to realize that some passages are a little more difficult to understand than are others. In that instance, we should interpret the obscure in the light of the clear.

Finally, it is important to decide what is being taught in this passage, and how does that apply to me? In every part of the Bible, there is something that is important for us to learn. To do so, we must determine what message God is revealing to us, what truth is presented, and how we must react to that truth.

For more about this topic see: The Bible

Is the Bible really God’s Word?

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What about the inspiration of the Bible? How do we know it is God’s Word? John Burton, Sr. wrote about this book,

Holy Bible, Book divine, Precious treasure, thou art mine:

Mine to tell me whence I came, Mine to teach me what I am.

Mine to chide me when I rove, Mine to show a Savior’s love;

Mine thou art to guide and guard, Mine to punish or reward;

Mine to comfort in distress – Suffring in this wilderness;

Mine to show, by living faith, Man can triumph over death;

Mine to tell of joys to come And the rebel sinner’s doom:

O thou holy Book divine, Precious treasure, thou art mine.

The Bible is the handbook for man, it is the instruction manual that gives the rules for life and for eternity. With everything that is manufactured, there are instructions for its use. Sometimes those instructions are hard to understand, and a phone number or address is given so that the reader can get in touch with someone who knows the meaning of the words in that document. The Bible does better than that. The Author of the instruction manual for mankind has promised to be with us at all times, especially when we are reading the Bible. Have you ever asked Him to explain to you what you have read in the Bible?”

The Bible gives the principles of life, life on earth and life in eternity, with more written on how we should live in this life than is written on how we need to live in Heaven. We will have changed bodies and minds when we get to Heaven, and we shall know, even as we are known. (First Corinthians 13:12. Its author is God, and it is the source of information about God, the textbook of Truth. Second 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.”

Paul was led to describe the inspiration of the Bible in these words in Second Timothy 3: 16& 17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (or thoroughly equipped for every good work.)

The Bible is not to be judged by other books, but other ideas are to be judged by the Bible. There are those who would use science textbooks to evaluate the Bible and its content. Would these persons feel as comfortable using the textbooks of the 1800s or earlier for this same purpose? Or go back a few more centuries and use the scientific knowledge in vogue at that time. We must remember that true science is only a listing of truth learned by being able to duplicate a process. Theories should not be considered scientific truths, but are speculations based on the knowledge or experimentation that has been done. How would one go about duplicating the creation of the earth, or the miracles of the Bible. Has any scientist created a human being from the dust of the earth? Has any science book survived one hundred years of critical study and been accepted as truth? The Bible has withstood critical examinations for hundreds of years and is still Truth.

It is truth and speaks accurately even when the truth explained ran contrary to the accepted teaching of the time. In Isaiah 40:22, the Bible says: “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:” This was written when the earth was thought to be flat, and yet the idea of a round earth was taught accurately in the Bible.

For years, man tried to figure out what was holding up the earth. Interesting, but absurd ideas were concocted. Some has Atlas holding the world on his giant shoulder. Then someone asked what was supporting Atlas. Various ideas came forward, not the brightest of which was the suggestion that he stood on the shells of two giant turtles. Then, some inquiring mind asked what supported those two turtles. After some thought, someone decided that turtles can walk on mud, so they had the turtles on mud ponds. No one questioned what held up the mud, so this was accepted for years. Meanwhile, the Bible had already stated, in Job 26:7 “He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.” Oh, and by the way, modern telescopes confirm that empty place toward the north in the heavens. (Had the Bible stated that this empty space was in the east or west, there would have been reason for calling it in error, since east and west directions toward the heavens change each hour!)

In Leviticus 17:22, the Bible states that “For the life of the flesh is in the blood:” This was written thousands of years before that became medical truth. In fact, our first President died at Mount Vernon with a Bible alongside his bed. He had taken a horseback ride around the fields in a rain and caught a chill. His condition worsened, and a man was summoned who knew how to let blood, a common practice of the day to get rid of fever or disease. The report reads that the bloodletting continued until the blood ran very slowly from the vein. He was literally bled to death because the truth of the Bible was not accepted. While the Bible is not a science book, it is scientifically correct.

The Bible is not a textbook of history, but it is historically correct. For many years, critics of the Bible scoffed at its claim that Abraham came from Ur of the Chaldees. There was no “scientific proof that such a place existed. However, later excavations gave the proof that some were looking for. Ur of the Chaldees is mentioned in the Bible as the birthplace of Abraham, although there is no real evidence to support this statement. On a surer footing, it was the capital of the ancient civilisation of Sumeria, and was first excavated in 1922-34 by Sir Leonard Woolley. In fact, a search on the web recently turned up over 74,000 sites that mentioned Ur of the Chaldees. Again, the Bible has outlived its historical critics.

The Bible, alone, stands the test of time. A man once came to the blacksmith and watched him hammer red hot metal on the anvil. When the blacksmith put the metal back in the fire, and reheated it, the man asked him how many anvils he had gone through in his career. He said, “This is the one I started with, my friend.” I have had many hammers and a lot of metal has been formed on this anvil, but it is the same anvil. You see, it is the anvil that stands when all hammers and metal is gone.” The Bible is that anvil for the Christian. God has said, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 Even if someone had the hammer that would break the Bible (and they do not), there is no way it could be used on the Word, because it is settled forever in Heaven.

Matthew Henry comments on this verse: “thou art the same, and with thee there is no variableness, and this is a proof of it. Thy word, by which the heavens were made, is settled there in the abiding products of it; or the settling of God’s word in heaven is opposed to the changes and revolutions that are here upon earth. All flesh is grass; but the word of the Lord endures for ever. It is settled in heaven, that is, in the secret counsel of God, which is hidden in himself and is far above out of our sight, and is immovable, as mountains of brass. And his revealed will is as firm as his secret will; as he will fulfil the thoughts of his heart, so no word of his shall fall to the ground; for it follows here, Thy faithfulness is unto all generations, that is, the promise is sure to every age of the church and it cannot be antiquated by lapse of time. The promises that look ever so far forward shall be performed in their season.

He produces, for proof of it, the constancy of the course of nature: Thou hast established the earth for ever and it abides; it is what it was at first made, and where it was at first placed, poised with its own weight, and notwithstanding the convulsions in its own bowels, the agitations of the sea that is interwoven with it, and the violent concussions of the atmosphere that surrounds it, it remains unmoved.”

Each cult has its own bible. It may be a book that is added to the Bible or it may be a book that substitutes for the Bible. In either case, the replacement book is a false source for truth. God said about His Book, the Bible, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18 & 19. The Bible stands alone as God’s Word, and needs no additional book to explain or complete it.

For more on this topic see 050303 Divine Inspiration

Dealing with sin in the life of a fellow believer

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Much sin is tolerated or overlooked because may Christians do not want to get involved in a process that God has outlined for His people. Others shun their duty because they know that they have sin in their own lives that has not been dealt with properly. Still others think that they dealt with the problem when they have “shared” the problem with several friends, anonymously, so that they can pray about it. None of these approaches is proper or God pleasing.

The Bible tells us to first examine our own lives for known sin before approaching another about the sin in his life. Jesus said, “How wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:4&5. Once this is done, we can proceed to step two.

Approach the person you wish to help in a spirit of humility and tell them of the sin which you have observed and the Bible reference that names it as sin. Jesus taught, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” (Matthew 18:15) Notice the word “alone” in that verse. This is not to be done after others have been told of the sin or have been told to pray for this person for whatever reason. It is to be the first action following a self examination to rid ourselves of the “beams” in our lives.

Next, if the person does not respond to that, the Bible says, “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” (Matthew 18:16) These should be mature Christians with a knowledge of the Bible, particularly the portions dealing with sin in a believer’s life and forgiveness and restoration. Be prepared to document for them what you have done, and the sin you know this person has committed or is committing. One such mature Christian, a personal friend of mine, asks for a written and signed statement before he will get involved. Since this is a very serious step, it is important that it be carried out properly.

If all of the above has failed to produce the right results, that is the person confesses the sin and turns from it and is restored, there is a final step to be taken. Jesus said, “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” (Matthew 18:17) This involves church discipline. Paul taught this in the case of the man in the church in Corinth who was committing incest. Read 1 Corinthians 5. This action produced repentance and confession on the part of this brother and led to his restoration as reported in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8.

For more about this topic see: 0501 Daily Living or visit our Bible Institute and take the free course # 21700 Relationships

How do we know there is a God?

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It is said that on one occasion when the Green Bay Packers had played well beneath their capabilities, that then coach, Vince Lombardi came into the locker room and said (displaying a football in his hand) “Gentlemen, this is a football.” He meant that they needed to go back to basics and learn again the first principles of the game. We, too, I am afraid, need to go back to the basics of the Bible and learn all over again.

There is a God, just One, but there is a God who created this universe with all of its complexities and wonder. It did not just happen, it was created by an intelligent being, called God.

I look at a watch or an automobile, and I have no trouble believing that behind this thing there must be a person or person’s who designed and manufactured the item. There is the design, the functionality of the item, and a purpose for it. We would not assume that the watch or car resulted from an explosion in a junkyard. It was designed and made by a person, a thinking person. In like manner, the earth and man were designed and created by a person – God!

The Diest believe in a god who designed and created the world and mankind, then walked off into space and left man to figure out how to live and how to worship this unknown god.

The god of the Unitarian is not a person having life, but an invisible, intangible but very real something we call life. It is the total of all that we call good. Since our definition of “good” changes often, this would be a changing god.

The god of the Cults is created with the attributes that suit the teaching of each cult and will always resemble the personality of the cult leader. In the beginning, God created man, and the cults keep trying to return that favor by creating a god of their own.

The God of the Bible is a triune God, one God in three persons. We call this the Trinity. Each Person in the Godhead has a specific office. God the Father superintends the universe. God the Son is the Savior, and God the Holy Spirit is the in-dweller. All three were involved in the creation of the world and man. In Gen.1:1, the Hebrew word for God is ‘elohiym, which is a plural noun. It suggests a plurality in the Godhead. This is confirmed by the statement in Genesis 1:26 where God says, “Let us make man in our image.” Note the use of the plural pronoun but singular “image”.

Matthew Henry said this about man’s creation by God. “That man’s creation was a more signal and immediate act of divine wisdom and power than that of the other creatures. The narrative of it is introduced with something of solemnity, and a manifest distinction from the rest. Hitherto, it had been said, “Let there be light,” and “Let there be a firmament,” and “Let the earth, or waters, bring forth” such a thing; but now the word of command is turned into a word of consultation, “Let us make man, for whose sake the rest of the creatures were made: this is a work we must take into our own hands.”

In the former he speaks as one having authority, in this as one having affection; for his delights were with the sons of men, Pro. 8:31. It should seem as if this were the work which he longed to be at; as if he had said, “Having at last settled the preliminaries, let us now apply ourselves to the business, Let us make man.”

Since man is created in God’s image, let’s look at man for some clues to what God is like. Man is a trinity – body, soul, and spirit. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” If, then, man is created in God’s image, God is also a trinity. Since each person is a single unit, God is one God, but a Trinity. Each part of man serves a different function. The body is the presence or that which gives uniqueness to the individual. The soul is the mind and personality of the individual, and the spirit is that part of man that enables him to communicate with the eternal God.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam was told: Genesis 2:15 “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Now, on that day on which the forbidden fruit was eaten, Adam and Eve did not die physically, their soul did not die. But they died spiritually that day, and had a wall between God and themselves. They ran and hid, rather than seek fellowship with God. They became guilty and in need of a Savior. The Word of God can cut deep into a person, bringing life to that spirit that is dead and giving new life. A redeemed person is, once again, the trinity that God created in the first man on earth, reflecting the Triune God.

This God has certain characteristics that are unique to Him. He is Omniscient, which means that He knows all there is to know about anything or anyone. Often we forget that He knows our every thought and our desires. We hesitate to confess our sins to Him, and yet He knows them better than we do. When Job was questioning God about his circumstances, God asked him some very pointed questions that Job could not answer.

Job 38: 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;”

God is also Infinite and Eternal. When Moses was confronted by God at the burning bush, and asked God for a name to give to Pharaoh for the One who was sending him on his mission, God answered: Ex 3:14 “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” He is present at all times.

God is Omnipresent. The Psalmist put that this way in Psalm 139:7-10, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”

God is also Omnipotent, or all powerful. He said, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27. There is no one or nothing too hard for Him. My friend, your case is not too hard for Him.

God is also perfect Love. John 3:16 states His love most powerfully, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God loves you, my friend, and He wants you to enjoy Him forever in His heaven. Right now, where you are, you can receive His Son, Jesus Christ, as your personal Savior and Lord. Pray this prayer in your heart now, “God, I know that I am a sinner and that I need a Savior. I ask you to forgive all my sins and give me the eternal life that you promised in John 3:16..I now receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. Amen.” Now, if you prayed that prayer and mean it, contact us at www.bbnchat.org and tell us.

For more about this topic see: 080301 Biblical Doctrine of Creation
Or visit our BBN Bible Institute and register to study course # 50800 Understanding Creation