The way to Heaven made easy.

Forty percent of America's citizens claim to be "born again." Are they? Have they had such an experience? Are they genuinely "twice born" people? Let's see as we undertake the study of the "new birth."

John 3:1-7 states, There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.

The "New Birth" Defined

Now what is this "born again" experience? Nicodemus, a master or teacher of Israel, figured that it might have something to do with reincarnation. So he asked, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born? Christ instantaneously refuted this reasoning by saying, That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The Greek word anothen, translated again means "from above." Thus, Christ actually said, "Nicodemus, re-entrance into and rebirth from the womb of one's mother only produces a second fleshly manifestation, not a spiritual birth. For that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Therefore, marvel not (don't be shocked) that I said you must be born from above, or born spiritually."

This plain, simple, logical statement from God should "put to bed" once, for all, because being born again has nothing to do with a fleshly conception. Neither does it have anything to do with fleshly service. That's why John 1:13, speaking about "twice-born" men, says, Which were born, not of blood [fleshly reproduction], nor of the will of the flesh [works], nor of the will of man, BUT OF GOD. Titus 3:5 agrees by stating, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

This makes it plain that baptism, confirmation, the communion service, the Golden Rule, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Ten Commandments cannot save a soul. Salvation is of the Lord (see Jonah 2:9). That's why Romans 4:5 declares, ...to him that worketh not, but believeth on [Christ] that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

The new birth, then, is a birth into God's family, produced by the Holy Spirit, the moment one receives Christ as his or her personal Saviour. Let me prove this. Humans become sons or daughters by birth. Since one can only become a son or daughter by birth, it is evident that God's SONS and DAUGHTERS are also born into the heavenly family. This occurs as Christ is received. John 1:12 states, But as many as received [Christ], to them gave he power to become the sons of God.... Christ-rejecters cannot, therefore, be sons of God. Call me bigoted and prejudiced if you will, but I simply believe the Bible. .., yea, let God be true, but every man a liar... (Romans 3:4).

Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life: NO MAN cometh unto the Father, but by me. Acts 4:12 also states, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Therefore, ... ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).

How different are the teachings of God's Holy Word from the speculative guesses of men-even clergymen! Ordained apostates hate the teachings of the Bible. They’re loaded with degrees (enough to give their parishioners a fever), and know more than God who wrote the Book. At least it seems this way as they attempt to gain the sinner's favour by parroting the ecumenical message of the "Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. "This pleases the lost, but it is not the message found upon the pages of Holy Writ. God is not one's Father until a birth has occurred. Blind leaders of the blind ignore this fact and distort the truth by quoting misquoted texts.

Now, taking a text out of context produces a pretext. This is the case as "reverends" quote the first half of Galatians 3:26 . ... Ye are all the children of God.... It sounds wonderful to the average pew warmer, but is so untrue. The entire verse tells the story accurately. I quote: Ye are all the children of God BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS. Christ must be received if one is to become a son or daughter. Until then, one is a child of the devil. Ouch! Don't blame me for that statement. Jesus made it in John 8:44. He said, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do....

The Holy Spirit also declares in 1 John 3:8. He that committeth sin is of the devil.... We see then that one is either a child of God or a child of the devil. To become a child of God one must trust in the shed blood of Christ for the remission of his sins. The moment one makes this decision, the birth "from above" takes place and son ship begins. Then, and only then, can one honestly pray, [My] Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name (Matthew 6:9). No man may call God "Father" without this spiritual birthday.

The "New Birth" Described

One's understanding of the "new birth" or "birth from above" can be enhanced by making three brief analogies between it and the physical birth with which we are all familiar.

First, it takes a birth to live upon earth, temporarily. Likewise, it takes a second birth to live with Christ, eternally.

Second, one does nothing to become born physically. An act of love between man and wife produces life. Similarly, an act of love upon Calvary made eternal life a possibility for all who receive Christ.

Third, one's life upon earth begins as he is born. Likewise, eternal life begins immediately as one is "born again."

This reception of the Son of God into one's heart and life automatically and instantaneously makes one a child of God because John 1:12 states, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the SONS OF GOD .... Spiritually speaking, then, sons are born to God as the Lord Jesus Christ is received.

This is possible only because of Christ's death and resurrection. That's what the gospel message, meaning "good news," is all about. Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Moreover, brethren, l declare unto you the GOSPEL which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what l preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

This is the message that must be accepted if one is to be "born again," "born from above," "born by the Spirit," and "born into eternal life." This gospel must include the proclamation of Christ's shed blood for the remission of one's sins. To bypass the blood is to destroy the message! The "good news" becomes "bad news" when the blood is omitted. One could not get to heaven by the death of Christ if Christ's decease were bloodless.

Had Christ expired via suffocation or heart attack, His death would have been in vain as far as salvation is concerned. It had to be death by the shedding of blood, for ... it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul (Leviticus 17:11). That's why the Church was ...purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28), and why ... we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7). This "good news" also tells us that.., the blood of Jesus Christ [God's] Son cleanseth us from all [ALL] SIN (1 John 1:7).Small wonder that 1 Peter 1:19 calls Christ's blood precious ...as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Millions upon millions will be in heaven because they followed God's instructions for eternal life given in John 3:1-7. In verse seven, one is told that he must be born again and verses 14 through 16 explain God's process in performing the miracle.. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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.

The background for this precious portion of Scripture is found in Numbers 21. The children of Israel, because of disobedience to God, had been trampling in the wilderness needlessly. Meanwhile, their constant griping got to Jehovah God, and He gave them a good spiritual spanking.

The Lord sent fiery serpents among the people ...(and many died). Therefore [they] came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee [Moses]; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived (Numbers 21:6-9).

What an experience! Think of it, there was life in a look! The infected victims did nothing but obey God's message. They came, looked, and were healed. Now John states, [Just as] Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man [Christ] be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:14-15). As there was physical life by looking at the uplifted serpent, so there is eternal life by looking at Calvary's uplifted sacrifice.

Since brass in Scripture depicts judgment, the brass serpent uplifted on a pole pictured judgment accomplished in behalf of the people. They only had to look and believe to live. Christ, lifted high on the cross 2,000 years ago, also symbolized judgment accomplished on the part of sinners.

No doubt about it! Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). [God] hath made [Christ] to be sin for US, who knew no sin; that WE might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, one need do nothing. Christ has already been judged for the sin of all sinners. Just look and live, believe and be saved! As life was imparted to the Israelites by looking, so eternal life is bestowed upon all who look and believe. It is logical, then, to conclude and theologically accurate to say that one's reception of Christ becomes the "born again" experience because it is this reception of the Saviour and His shed blood that makes one a "son" (see John 1:12).

The "New Birth" Is in Christ

With this background, it is easy to comprehend that "life," yea "eternal life," is always associated with Christ in the Scriptures. This is a necessary conclusion. Why? If one is born into God's family by receiving the Lord Jesus, then it logically follows that eternal life, produced by the birth, must also be in Christ. Amen and Amen!

Please put away all preconceived ideas and let God's Word speak for itself.

John 1:4: In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:36: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

In John 5:40 Jesus said, ...ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. He again declared in John 6:47, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. Hear Him in John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:27.28 adds, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life ....

Jesus said in John 11:25,26, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest  thou this? Every saved heart should respond, "Yes Lord, I believe; I believe! Thou art the eternal life, and I have been born into this unending experience. Therefore, I shall never die." Hallelujah!

Sinner, you, too, may experience this everlasting blessedness. John 20:30,31 states, ...many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ; the Son of God; and that believing ye might have LIFE through his name. I beg of you-see it as it is--Jesus Christ, our Lord, alone produces "eternal life," as He enters hearts.

Could anything be more obvious than 1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Someone cries, "I have been baptized, confirmed, catechized, and religiously simonized and that should be sufficient." Yet, God says, He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son hath not life.

Another echoes the old refrain, "I am living by the Golden Rule, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Ten Commandments. This should insure a reservation in heaven." Still, He that hath the Son hath life: and he that hath not the Son of God hath not Life (1 John 5:12). The Son of God is what the new birth is all about. That's why 1 John 5:1 states, Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God .... When one is "born of God," eternal life begins because ... this life is in his Son (1 John 5:11). Do you know Jesus?

Adamic Nature

First, we must be born from above or born again spiritually because, through our physical birth, we have inherited the Adamic nature. We are "chips off the old block." Adam, as the head of the human race, passed on the "genes" of a corrupt nature to all his posterity. Paul spells it out clearly in Romans 5:12,18,19. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned... Therefore as by the offence of one [Adam]judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [Christ] the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

We conclude, then, that every member of the human race inherited Adam's rotten nature at birth, making each of us what our first dad was-a disobedient rebel. This old nature within us makes us lie, cheat, swear, and desire sin. One is not a sinner because he sins. He sins because he is a sinner.

That's what the psalmist meant in Psalm 5 1:5 when he said, Behold, I was shapen in iniquity: and in sin did my mother conceive me. The sin in this text was not sex, for, Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled... (Hebrews 13:4). Instead, the "iniquity" refers to the old nature formed within one at conception. This old nature contains all the germs of every known sin. That's why God declares in Psalm 58:3,4, The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent....

In the light of this convicting evidence, only rebellious sinners would say, "I don't need salvation," or "I am saved because I was born into a Christian family" God disagrees. He says, ..there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not (Ecclesiastes 7:20). . . . there is none that doeth good, no, not one (Psalm 14:3). All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him [Christ] the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net (Micah 7:2).

Jesus said, . . . none is good, save one, that is. God Luke 18:19). Paul also adds a stroke on the canvas of life by stating in Romans 3:10-18: There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth. there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulcher [grave]; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the ways of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.

What a portrait of every member of the human race without God. Sinners possess naught but depraved natures passed on to them from generation to generation. They now need a "born again" experience that produces a "new nature" through "regeneration." No wonder Jesus said, ...ye MUST be born again.

Spiritual Comprehension

Secondly the "born again" experience is compulsory if one is to understand God. 1 Corinthians 2:11-14 depicts this. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing the spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. What a text! Let's dissect it.

No man is able to understand another man except by the human spirit commonly possessed. This human spirit makes daily communication possible with other members of the human race, Though human beings enjoy such privileges among themselves, they are unable to conduct intelligible conversations with the animal kingdom, because the human spirit is missing in birds and beasts. Supposing I went into a pasture and began reading Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to Bozo the bull. What would his reaction be if I looked into his eyes and said, "Bozo, here is one of England's greatest masterpieces. Are you listening? æOh, Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou, Romeo?"' I think he might snort a little and give me a run for my money. In fact, I might fly over the fence faster than the Space Shuttle! The problem? A communication barrier. Now, Bozo might be the smartest bull in the herd and possess unusual qualities, but intelligible discourse would be an impossibility- he's an animal.

However, if a veterinarian were able to "transplant" a human spirit within the breast of the beast, communication might become a reality Of course this is totally absurd. It could never happen. However, by way of analogy there is something that occurs at conversion which makes good "horse sense." The "new birth" allows humans to become partakers of God's nature (see 2 Peter 1:4). His nature enters a believer immediately as the "Great Physician" performs the miraculous transplant. Because of it, MAN, now possessing God's Spirit, can, for the first time, understand God.

From this point onward he is able to grasp the truths of the Bible. The Scriptures are no longer mythological legends or contradictory pronouncements. God's Spirit, present in the "new-born" convert, makes spiritual truths unbelievably comprehensible. This is the meaning of the text which bears repeating. ...the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might KNOW the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:11-13).

It is evident at this point that no human, regardless of I.Q., scholastic attainments, or academic degrees can by mere intelligence understand God. That's why 1 Corinthians 2:14 adds, (Get it all you college students who have been brainwashed and misled by educated pagans) But the natural man [or unsaved man] receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: NEITHER CAN HE KNOW THEM, because they are spiritually discerned.

The lost, even those with PhD's, are hopelessly incapacitated when it comes to the Bible. They have no spiritual equipment to investigate the Spirit's teachings. This takes a "supernatural" transplant by the Holy Spirit and is called the "new birth." Then, the believer partakes of the "divine nature" and God's Spirit within makes God's writing understandable. You see, one must know the Author of the Bible to understand the Author's writings. Until then, the Bible is as difficult and dry as Egyptian hieroglyphics to a Chinaman.

Heaven's Entrance

Third, one needs a "new birth" experience to enter God's presence. Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. And again, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:3 and 5).

Is it any wonder that the Saviour vehemently says in verse 7, Ye MUST be born again. None will ever see the light of the Holy City who reject Christ as personal Saviour. Instead, unbelievers and Christ-rejecters join the legion of the doomed for all eternity! Revelation 21:8 states, But the fearful, and UNBELIEVING, and the abominable, and murderers, and whorernongers, and sorcerers and idolators, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Now, do you see why YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN ? He who has been born once dies twice, but he who is twice born, dies once. What strange language, you say? Not really If one is born but once-physically-he dies twice. First, the grave, then the lake of fire which is the second death (see Revelation 20:14). On the other hand, he who has been born twice-physically and spiritually-dies but once. For on such (the born again) the second death (lake of fire) hath no power! Will you die once or twice? Will you exit this earth instantly-via disease or disaster-and then enter the regions of the doomed forever? Why wonder? Why procrastinate? Eternity is ahead.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, repeatedly preached on the subject, "Ye must be born again." On one occasion a listener approached this servant of God and said, "Don't you know anything else except, 'Ye must be born again?"' Wesley smiled and replied, "Certainly, but the reason I preached on John 3:7, Ye must be born again, so often is because Jesus said, Ye must be born again."

Results of "The New Birth"

One can only be "born again" or "from above" if his theological concept of Christ is accurate. First John 5:1 states, Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.... What a power-filled statement.

"Why?" you ask.

Because Jesus means "Saviour" (see Matthew 1:21) and Christ means "Sent One." Therefore, one must believe that the Saviour is the "Sent One" or a "born again" experience becomes impossible. Involved in the terminology, "Sent One," is the eternal deity of Christ. One must believe that He always existed, yea was the preexistent God, the second member of the Trinity. One must believe that He was...from everlasting (Micah 5:2) and was "sent" to earth to inhabit a blood-filled body to die for sinners. That's why Galatians 4:4 states, But when the fullness of time was come [the time for God's plan to be enacted, see Revelation 13:81, God sent [not created, but SENT] forth his Son.... If He sent Him, Christ preexisted, for one cannot be sent if he is nonexistent.

Now this "Sent One" came to Bethlehem's manger to die upon Calvary's tree. Yes, [He took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:7,8). No other Christ suffices. He must be the virgin born, blood covered; resurrected God-man or salvation is impossible. Believing this and receiving Him makes one "born of God." This in turn produces three results.

Holiness

First, the birth by the Spirit produces holiness. First John 3:9 declares, Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Greek scholars teach that the word commit should be translated "practice." This is so because a Christian may still slip or do wrong. Believers still have fleshly natures until the day of redemption. Then Christ "raptures" our old "vile bodies" into His presence (see Philippians 3:20).

Presently, this old nature is constantly at war with the newly produced nature received at salvation. Paul described the battle in Romans 7 and also in Galatians 5:17. He says, . . . the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that [you] cannot do the thing that [you] would. However, victory through the indwelling Spirit is possible for verse 16 states, Walk in the Spirit, and [you] shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

It must be obvious to all Christians that there is a constant battle to be fought. Paul wasn't whistling in the wind when he said, I have fought a good fight... (2 Timothy 4:71. He knew the danger of egotistically shouting, "I could never do wrong." for he again declared in 1 Corinthians 10:12. ...let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

We see, then, that it is possible for any child of God to commit sin but impossible for the genuine believer to live a life of sin. This is true because his seed [the Holy Spirit] remaineth in him: and he cannot [practice] sin, because he is born of God (1 John 3:9). When one is truly saved, Christ and the Holy Spirit enter one's heart and life simultaneously. That's right, ... if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of [Christ's] (Romans 8:9). This blessed Spirit, living within the believer, becomes "grieved" (see Ephesians 4:30) and "quenched" (see 1 Thessalonians 5:19) when the smallest infraction of God's commands occurs. The Spirit's grief, in turn, becomes the believer's heartache as he feels what the internally dwelling Spirit experiences. This elucidates our previously discussed text which says, Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed [the Holy Spirit] remaineth in him: and he cannot [practice] sin, because he is born of God (1 John 3:9).

Let's go a step farther. If one is miserable over sin but continues to walk in disobedience to God, the offender gets a spiritual spanking. Hebrews 12:5-8 declares, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you, as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

This spiritual spanking, administered to 'every son" (verse 6), yea "all" disobedient 'children" (verse 8), is for one purpose and one purpose only -that we might be partakers of his holiness (verse 10). We see, then, that it is God's supreme desire that His children live holy lives. This is in accordance with their "new birth" experience. Salvation produces holiness. Second Timothy 1:9 states, [God] hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling.... Again -God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

That's why Romans 6:4 states that we have been raised unto ...newness of life, and why 2 Corinthians 5:17 adds, - if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. This is a direct result of receiving Christ. Let me explain this truth with an analogy of the physical birth. When one is born, he receives the nature of each parent. The mixture of the genes means that both parents' traits are combined in their co-mingled product. The mean, grumpy nature comes from dad, and the "sugar and spice and everything nice" traits from mom-to hear some ladies tell it! Ha! The combining of the two natures within the finished product results from "human generation."

Likewise, when one is "born from above," or "born of the Spirit," he receives God's nature through REGENERATION (see Titus 3:5). As the child received the nature of his parents through generation, the believer receives the nature of God through regeneration. This is what makes holiness possible. Since one has become a partaker of the divine nature (see 2 Peter 1:4) and since God is holy (see 2 Peter 1:16), the nature of God within the newly formed "babe in Christ" is divine and holy.

It certainly does not take any ingenuity to see that God within produces holy living. His Holiness rubs off and must be reflected in His children. The Bible commands this holiness of life through conversion. ...[you] shall be holy, for l am holy... (Leviticus 1:44).... thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God... (Deuteronomy 7:6). They shall be called Thy holy people, The redeemed of the Lord... (Isaiah 62:12). Paul pleads with the people of God to walk according to their standing, saying, . . .yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness (Romans 6:19).

The Apostle was concerned because he wanted all of God's people to share the joyous hour when Christ presents us holy and unblamable (see Colossians 1:22). Colossians 3:12 informs believers that they, as the election of God, are holy and beloved. They are ...holy brethren... (Hebrews 3:1). Elected to such a high calling, we are to, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). One's holy walk and talk proves that genuine salvation has occurred.

Beloved, election is unto holiness! He chose us ...in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be HOLY... (Ephesians 1:4). Preaching and teaching about "predestination" and "election" is naught but empty platitudes and vain repetition if the life of holiness is missing. In other wordsùpardon my grammatical errorùyou ain't got it! Why? Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.

Let's consider the outcome of practicing sin. Multitudes think that walking an aisle, signing a card, and sending one's photograph for baptism constitutes a salvation experience. Soothed and salved by such religious pilgrimages to the altar or prayer room, they continue the practice of every abominable degradation known.

Regardless of their decadent lifestyle, all is well because once-upon-a time they made a beeline to the altar. Unfortunately, all they gained by it was "exercise," not an "experience." The "move" made, the practicing sinners rest in an unexperienced experience and they will die as unconverted converts. How deceived they are! How sad they will be at the judgment when Christ cries, I NEVER knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matthew 7:23).

As I preach such convicting truth I realize that some sin-laden worldlings are angry. They are crying, Christian liberty, Christian liberty." Ah, but Christian liberty is never a driver's license to steer one's life into the pathways of sin! Others lament, "We are under grace and thus are able to do anything and everything. "Ah, but grace does not allow for a lifetime of disgrace! The 'Apostle of grace" dogmatically teaches this.

Strange as it may seem to some, Paul's "grace message concerning sin is identical to John's "legalistic" discourse about iniquity. Why not? God wrote all of the Bible. He used Paul, John, and others-even their personalities and vocabularies-but He guided every word into place (2 Peter 1:2 1). As a result, Paul, as well as John, makes it clear that one cannot love sin, desire sin chase sin, live in sin, and check into a sinless heaven. Though any Christian can commit any sin at any time, Paul nevertheless concludes that there must be evidence of a "new nature" constantly battling against an "old nature" if one has been born again. No evidence-no experience with God! It's that simple.

This is so because the Spirit of God becomes "grieved" (see Ephesians 4:30) and "quenched" (see 1 Thessalonians 5:19) when believers sin. The believer, in turn, shares the grief produced by the indwelling Spirit. Then, if he continues in sin, he is "spanked" spiritually (see Hebrews 12:5) and may "die" prematurely (see 1 John 5:16), going home "ashamed" (see 1 John 2:28) and suffering the loss of all rewards-being saved ...as by fire (1 Corinthians 3:15). It is foolish, therefore, to teach that Paul's "grace" proclamation allows one to live in sin.

If, at this point, one is still unconvinced, Paul's following warnings should settle it once, for all, and forever. Hear him in 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not [SHALL NOT. That's right, shall not!] inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators [premarital sex experimenters and "trial marriage" proponents] nor idolators. nor adulterers [extramarital fingers and swingers] nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind [homosexuals], Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards [social tipplers who tipple one too many], nor revilers. nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Paul again warns in Ephesians 5:3-7, But fornication [premarital sex], and all uncleanness, or covetousness [love of materialism and filthy lucre], let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints: Neither filthiness. Nor foolish talking. nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this [you] KNOW, that no whore monger [immoral sex practitioner], nor unclean person [smutty jokester] nor the covetous man, who is an idolater [money lover], hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [None? None!] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things [sins] cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. No doubt about it. Depraved, debauched, decadent practitioners of sin inhabit the lake of fire for all eternity (see Revelation 21:8).

One more judgmental alarm is sounded by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21. He says, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past. that they which do such things shall not [What? SHALL NOT!] inherit the kingdom of God. Such grammar is so simplistic and understandable that further comment is unnecessary. It all convincingly says, He that practiceth sin is of the devil.

Does all this mean, then, that practicing sinners have no hope? Perish the thought! God loves sinners and sent His Son to Calvary's cross to shed His blood for a world of wicked inhabitants. This blood, which flowed so freely from a love-filled Saviour, cleanseth from ALL sin (see 1 John 1:7). Because of it, a great number of Corinthians described in 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 as fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners were eternally forgiven as verse 11 proves. 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. This is what the "second birth" did for them and will do for you today if you receive Christ. Remember, ...whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

Victory

The second effect of the "born again" experience is victory. First John 5:4,5 states, For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the VICTORY that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world. but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Notice carefully that victory is accomplished through Christ-not self. Multitudes strive to overcome sin and temptation, but the flesh has no power to win the battle. The overcomer is ... he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God . ...Christ in you... (Colossians 1:27) makes the difference. He promotes the desire for victory and provides the strength.

Paul knew this well. After describing the duel of the two natures-the old received at birth and new received at conversion-he cries, ...if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the SPIRIT do mortify [put to death] the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:13.14). Then, having allowed God's Spirit to equip him for life's battle, he victoriously said as death approached, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day... (2 Timothy 4:7).

The new nature, controlled by the Spirit, makes believers ...more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37). What do they conquer? First John 2:15-17 answers the question. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. It is obvious, then, that they overcome the world or worldliness consisting of: A) the lust of the flesh, B) the lust of the eyes, and C) the pride of life. Let's consider these three items individually.

The lust of the flesh concerns itself with the cravings of one's bodily appetites. This includes illicit sex, drinking, drug addiction, smoking, or any other vice that the flesh practices. I am not preaching perfection. Christians can slip and fall, but that is vastly different from becoming enslaved to fleshly lusts.

The problem is not one's possession of an old nature, but the old nature's possession of a person. The latter means that one has not been "born again," for "regeneration" endows one with a "divine nature" (see 2 Peter 1:4), which immediately begins an onslaught against the old corrupt flesh. When one never experiences victory, it becomes obvious that the new nature is missing, for the "new birth" is not a new label on a defiled product but the implantation of the divine nature which changes one instantaneously.

That's why 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, ...if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Enslavement to sin points to an empty profession-just lip service-and leads one into helplessness for the ages of eternity, for ... the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (1 John 2:17).

Where do you stand? Are you a daily "overcomer" through the power of the indwelling Spirit? Or are you a slave to lust? Remember, if there is no desire for victory, no quest for victory, no evidence of victory, there will be no victory celebration in heaven.

Next, we discover that this new nature helps one to have victory over the cravings of the mind through the eye gate. Lust, via the eyes, is one of the greatest promoters of immorality today. This is why pornography and abominable sex movies are destroying lives, homes, and nations. Millions presently have ...eyes full of adultery...that cannot cease from sin (2 Peter 2:14). They mentally undress every woman they see and vice-versa. They purchase the latest sex magazines, hide them among their possessions, and secretly read them. They gaze at nude pictures and commit mental adultery with naked paper dolls.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, ... whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. This is what's wrong with Hollywood productions. This is why much of television's degrading influence should be opposed and stopped. people are becoming sex maniacs because of the manifold means created to produce excitation and lust. It is even affecting church members by the tens of thousands. Scores are walking the aisles in crusades to give up the sin which has plagued them-lustful eyes. How much farther will it go?

Once I saw a four-foot picture of a naked woman hanging in a deacon's garage. I asked, "Brother, aren't you a Christian and a deacon?" He meekly answered, "Yes." I pointed to his picture and said, "What's that?" He said, "Art. " I said, "Art who?" This actually happened! Though it appears humorous now, it won't be funny later.

A day is coming when all lust-controlled sinners shall be eternally separated from God. First John 2:17 declares, ... the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Is it any wonder that Romans 13:14 states, ...put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. And 1 Peter 2:11 warns, ...abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Someone cries, "That's easier said than done." Not if one depends upon the indwelling Spirit rather than self! Galatians 5:16 proves it. Walk in the spirit, and [you] shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Another area over which one may enjoy victory is one's ego. This has to do with haughty, arrogant boasting over one's accomplishments and gains. How often one hears church members egotistically saying, "We are now a three car family," or "We are considering the purchase of our dream home," or "We have investments in stocks, bonds, and banks and are sitting pretty, financially."

Jesus said, ...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh and ... by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:34 and 37). Small wonder that James 4:4 warns, ...know ye not that the friendship of the world [composed of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life] is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy [Yes, the ENEMY] of God. Therefore, Paul pleads in Romans 12:2, ...be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind .... The ways of the world lead to doom and death. About-face for Christ!

Love

The third and final proof has to do with love. First John 4:7,8 states, Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

May I repeat that? Are you listening? The statement is so important that one's eternal existence in heaven or hell depends on it. Hear it again. He that loveth not knoweth not God... (1 John 4:8).

First John 3:14 declares, We know [not hope, guess or think-but know] that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. The next verse says, Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and (you) know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (verse 15). Think of it! This is astonishing. Hatred becomes murder in God's eyes, and no murderer (hater of others) has eternal life abiding in him.

A life of hate classifies one as a "child of the devil," for God says in 1 John 3:10: In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. Imagine! Folks who fight, fuss, bicker, backbite, gossip, slander, malign, and criticize others are children of the devil! One cannot live a life of hate when God abides within, for "God is love." Love is the evidence of one's "born again" experience. So,... if we love one another, God dwelleth in us... (1 John 4:12). That's why Jesus said in John 13:34, By this shall all men know that [you] are my disciples, [because] you have love one for another.

Sad, is it not, that hate-mongers who honestly believe that bigotry, prejudice, and malice are acceptable standards for church members fill the ranks of religion. What a shock they'll experience at the judgment day! Then they'll know God meant what He said in James 1:26, If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Then they'll suffer judgment for the seven sins God hates. Perhaps these should be called the "Seven Deadly Sins." They are, a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and [please get the final one] he that soweth discord among the brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19). Then when it is eternally too late, they will discover that the unrighteous, including "railers," do not inherit the kingdom of God (see 1 Corinthians 6:9).

Webster's Dictionary defines railers as "individuals who revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language." God help us! Our ranks are full of members who carry on in this manner. Through their obnoxious, hateful insolence, churches are split and souls lost. Sinner, repent, change your mind and ways before it is too late! You need a "born again" experience! When this occurs, God's nature of love will become a part of you and His love will rule your heart.

Summary

The Lord Jesus Christ: The Only Way of Salvation

Salvation is not found in man-made ceremonies. Neither is it obtained through ordinances or religious sacraments. Instead, Salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9). Still, multitudes believe that the pursuance of good works or the following of a prescribed code of ethics automatically earns them the guarantee of eternal life. Others talk about the benefits of the Golden Rule, the Sermon on the Mount, or the observance of the Decalogue-God's Ten Commandments-as the way to prepare one's soul for heaven. Although such ideals should be part of a believer's life, they are a result of salvation, not a means of achieving it.

Ephesians 2:10 states, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.... In other words, good works accompany salvation because Christ, who lives within the believer, is doing the work in him. Thus, we see that it is because one is saved that he works. He does not work in order to become saved. Too often, however, mankind puts the cart before the horse and attempts to reverse the gears of God's program. The result is humans trying to do that which only Almighty God can do. The end is frustration, false doctrine, and eternal damnation. Man plays no part in obtaining salvation. It is all of God. Titus 3:5 declares, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

God's Word

Let me be as dogmatic as I have ever been and state that our Holy God has provided no other way of salvation except through the merits of the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Notice that last phrase again: There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, Zoraster, Dr. Moon, Maharajah Ji, and multitudes of others are unable to save because the Holy Word of God explicitly states that there is no other name or god who can save. Christ is the only Saviour.

Someone may immediately and antagonistically cry out within himself, He is quoting some isolated text from Scripture. The Bible is not that narrow in its limitations concerning salvation. Were he using all of the Scriptures, his conclusion would be different. Let me tell you something shocking. I read the entire New Testament through in a four-day period, marking every verse indicating that salvation is in Christ alone, not in creeds, works, ethics, rites, or ceremonies. I found approximately 400 portions of Scripture presenting this clear-cut truth.

Now if God said it once, that would satisfy my searching mind. However, when He declares it nearly 400 times, one had better believe it. In fact, I am presenting the entire list later in this study. The heart of every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ will be blessed as he takes time to study each of these passages. For the present, let's examine just a few of the texts that prove that only Christ can bring salvation to needy hearts. We will begin with the statements of the Saviour himself.

Jesus' Word

In order to bombard you with truth, my comments on the verses will be limited. This way I can cover approximately 75 portions of God's Word.

Matthew 16:18: ...upon this rock I will build my church....

Matthew 26:28: ... this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Mark 8:38: Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

In Luke 5:24, Christ states that the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

To the thief on the cross, the Saviour said, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43). Only God could make such a promise.

In John 4:13,14, the Lord said to the woman at the well, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst: but the water that l shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

In John 5:40, Christ said, ... ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

John 6:37: ...him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 8:12: ...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 8:24: ...if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

John 10:9:.... I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved....

John 10:28: ...I give unto them eternal life

John 11:25: ...I am the resurrection and the life....

Verse 26: ...whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die ....

John 12:32,33: ...if I be lifted up from the earth, [I] will draw all men unto me. This he said. signifying what death he should die.

After hearing the statements of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, one would do well to obey God the Father who said in Luke 9:35, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Jesus also said in Matthew 12:30, He that is not with me is against me.... One cannot say, "Oh. I admire Christ, but I believe there are other ways." One is either for Christ or against Him. One either accepts what Christ stated about himself through 35 pronouns and references or rejects it. Neutral one cannot be!

The Holy Spirit's Word

Next, let's consider the blessed Holy Spirit's statements, dictated as He moved upon the various Bible writers (see 2 Peter 1:20,21). Thus, we will actually be hearing from Him as we investigate the verses He inspired these men to write. I am using only that portion of each verse which supports the truth that salvation is found in Christ alone. Please investigate each one thoroughly, as nothing has been taken out of context.

Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.... .... Notice it is the good news concerning Christ that is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. It is not to all who are sprinkled as babies or immersed as adults. It is not through confirmation or reformation. It is not based on works or a system of ethics such as the Sermon on the Mount, the Golden Rule, or the Ten Commandments. No, it is not of good works. it is the good news about Christ that is the power of God unto salvation to all who-watch that word-believe, believe.

Romans 5:1: ... we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:8: ...Christ died for us.

Romans 5:9: ...we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 6:23: ... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus .... Think of it-no judgment or hell if one is in Christ Jesus!

Romans 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 13:14: ...put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ....

First Corinthians 1:2: [We are] sanctified in Christ Jesus....

First Corinthians 2:2: For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Why Paul? He is the only way.

First Corinthians 3:11: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. He is the foundation on which the superstructure, the Church, has been built. Praise God, He is the rock or foundation, not Peter or any other man.

First Corinthians 6:11: ... ye are washed... in the name of the Lord Jesus....

Second Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature....

Second Corinthians 12:2: I knew a man in Christ.... Amen, that's the only way to be-in Christ.

Galatians 1:4: [Christ] gave himself for our sins....

Galatians 2:16: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ ....

Galatians 3:13: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.

Galatians 3:26: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:1: ...Christ hath made us free....

Ephesians 1:3: ...our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

Ephesians 3:17: That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith....

Philippians 3:10: That l may know him, and the power of his resurrection....

Philippians 4:21: Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.... Saints are produced in Christ.

Colossians 1:20: [He] made peace through the blood of his cross....

Colossians 1:27: Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 2:10: ... ye are complete in him....

First Thessalonians 1:10: ...Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come.

First Timothy 2:6: [Christ] gave himself a ransom for all....

Second Timothy 2:10: ...they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Hebrews 2:9: ... that [Christ] by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Hebrews 5:9: ...he became the author of eternal salvation ....

Hebrews 10:12: But this man [Jesus], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.

First Peter 2:24: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree....

Second Peter 2:20: . they have escaped the pollution's of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ....

First John 4:9: ...God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

First John 4:10: [He] sent his Son to be the propitiation of our sins.

First John 5:11,12: 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.

Jude 21: ...looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Revelation 5:9,10 pictures the eternal future when believers shall be with Christ in heaven. It also records the words of the song the redeemed shall sing in that day. 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 halt redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. If one never sings about the blood of Christ in his high-class services, he will never find himself in heaven with the throngs singing redemption's story.

Revelation 7:14 pictures the Tribulation Hour. Here we find that the same plan of salvation exists after the Church is removed from this earth. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Christ is the Lamb of God (see John 1:29).

Revelation 14:13 states that the only ones called blessed or happy are the dead which die in the Lord. If one doesn't die in the Lord, he will be lost. Dear reader, I sum it all up by saying that you will never see God unless you come by the way of Christ's shed blood upon the cross.

Revelation 21:27: And there shall in no wise enter into it [heaven] any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: But [hear it, don't miss it] they which are written in the Lamb's book of life [Christ's book of life].

At this point, one final question remains, "What will you do with Jesus?" You are a sinner. Christ shed His blood for your sin, and now you must receive Him. Remember the words to that old hymn, "What will you do with Jesus? Neutral you cannot be. Someday your heart will be asking, What will He do with me?" If you reject Him, I can give you the answer today. John 5:40: ...ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Again, John 14:6: No man cometh unto the Father. but by me. Revelation 20:15: And whosoever was not found written in the [Lamb's] book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Where will   YOU  spend eternity?

These references but skim the surface. Four hundred passages reiterate this same glorious truth. The following compilation of references from Matthew through Revelation is printed chronologically. This allows one to follow the entire program of verses by simply turning the pages of the New Testament. In fact, I suggest that you highlight or underline each portion in your own Bible as a permanent record. The list is by no means exhaustive. Try to find others in your own study of the Word.

Matthew     7:21,22,23      11:28,29,30     16:18     18:6    19:14     26:28     27, 28 Gospel Story

Mark     5:6       8:35     8:38      9:41,42     10:28,29,30,31     15, 16 Gospel Story

Luke     1:46,47     2:11, 29, 30    5:24,32      9:23,24,25,26      13:25     19:10    23:43     23, 24 Gospel Story

John      1:4,12,29    3:16,17,18,36 4:14,42      5:40      6:28,29,37,47,48,51     7:5       8:12,24   9:38
              10:9,28      11:25, 26     12:32,33    14:6    17:3 19, 20        Gospel Story   20:30,31

Acts    1:8    4:12    5:30,31,42     8:5,12,35,37      9:20,27       10:36,43     13:38,39     15:11,17
            16:30,31      17:2,3,4      20:21, 28      28:31

Romans     1:16      5:1,8,9,10,11,15,18,19,21      6:23       8:1,3,10,32,34,35,39      9:33      10:4,9,10,11,13
                   12:5      13:14       14:10,11    15:16,29    16:18

1 Corinthians      1:1,2,3,4,6,8,9,18      2:2     3:11      4:1,10,15      5:5 6:11,15     10:4,16     11:1,25
                              15:1,2,3,4,23      16:22

2 Corinthians      2:12      4:4,5,6,14      5:15,17,18,19,21      8:9     10:7     11:2,10,23    12:2,19    13:5

Galatians       1:4,6,7,8,9    2:16,17,20      3:13,14,22,26,27,28,29       4:7 5:1,4,24 6:12,14,18

Ephesians     1:1.2,3,4,5,7,10,11,12,13,15,22,23      2:5,6,7,10,13,14,20,21      3:6,8,11,12,17 4:12,13,15,21,32
                       5:2,5,23.25,27,30

Philippians      1:1,6,27 2:10,11,16      3:8,9,10,14,18,20      4:13,19,21, 23

Colossians       1:2,4,7,13,14,18,20,27,28       2:6,7,8,10      3:1,4,13,17,24

1 Thessalonians      1:10 2:14     3:2 4:14,16     5:9,10,28

2 Thessalonians     2:14,16 3:16,18

1 Timothy     1:1,14,15,16     2:6 4:6

2 Timothy      1:1,9,10,13     2:1,10     3:15

Titus               1:4     2:13     3:4,5,6

Philemon        1:6,25

Hebrews        1:3      2:9,14,15, 17      5:9      7:25,27       9:12,14,15,25,26,28     10:10,12,14,19,20,29
                        12:2      13:12

1 Peter     1:18,19     2:5.7,21,24     3:18      4:1


2 Peter    1:1,11     2:1,20    3:18

1 John      1:7,9 2:2.24,25,28     3:23     4:9,10,14,15      5:1,5,10,11,12,13,20

2 John       1:9

Jude         1:1.4.21,25

Revelation     1:5.18     3:20,21      4:11     5:9.10.12     7:14      12:11    13:8      14:4,13      15:3      19:1,9,10
                       20:4 21:7