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| Biblical Teachings by Ralph E. Griffin Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ |
| What a wonderful Savior we have, who was willing to sacrifice His life for payment for our sins, that we might be reunited with God. Romans 5:12: 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. 1 Corinthians 15:22: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. The Bible is written line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. So you have to receive the scriptures in the context they are written in and as the Spirit leads, you can connect to what the scriptures are telling you. So, we can get a complete understanding of what God is telling us. You see how these two scriptures (above,) even though in different writings, are inter-connected, so that we can understand that by one man's sin (Adam) all are judged guilty and by one man's sacrifice (Jesus Christ) all who will accept Him as Lord and Savior will be pardoned and set free from the bondage and penalty of sin. Now, let's study some definitions so we can get a greater understanding of God's word. Salvation: The deliverance from the bondage and penalty of sin. Sin: Transgression of the Law Death: Separation from God Eternity: Forever and ever....without end Repent: To be sorrowful, to turn away from It is our sins that have separated us from God. It is our repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior that reunites us with God so that we may walk in a way that is holy and acceptable to God. This is not by our works "lest any man should boast," it is a free gift of God, the Father, through our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, unto salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) So, if you believe in Jesus Christ and that He is the only begotten son of God the Father, you are on the right track. Jesus' plan of salvation is simple and brings forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, but simply believing is not enough. Jesus said "ye must be born again" (St.John 3:3) Jesus said in Matthew 18:3 that we must become as little children again, and in verse 4, humble. There is more to being saved than just believing. Baptism is a subject you don't hear preached on much these days, even though it is biblical doctrine. Even Jesus, himself, was baptized. Being born of the water: baptism is a representation of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Dying out to oneself and being resurrected a new creature in Christ. Reborn. It all starts when the Spirit of God deals with your heart. This is what the Bible means by the words "call" and "draw." Once the Spirit draws it is your turn to answer either "yes" or "no." If your answer is yes, then comes repentance. Repentance means to be sorrowful, to turn away from. Which means you recognize the fact that you are a sinner, you are sorry about sinning and are willing and ready to change. To become a new creature in Christ. When you do this and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior your sins are forgiven, but not yet forgotten. When the Lord said He would cast our sins as far as the East is from the West, never to be remembered anymore (Psalm 103:2), this comes with baptism (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Acts 2:3.) The bible plainly says baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Thus, washing away. Now, remember that sin is transgression of the Law. These days people are making sin out of everything. The bible also says: therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17) but we have a mediator in Christ (1 Timothy 1:5) who pleads our cause before God the Father continually, and that is something to be very thankful for. (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In this day and time, we have some teaching one thing and others teachings something else. That is why we have to study to show ourselves approved. For one teaches baptism, another sprinkling, some leave it out all together. One says you have to do it this way, and another that way. Jesus said (Matthew 24:4-5) take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. |
| Jesus Died So You Could Live |
| Date: 9/27/2002 No. 1 |
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| KING JAMES BIBLE - LINK |
| Brotherly Love Ministries |
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