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Author: Rev. Kelvin Franklin

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9. Understanding Faith in the Salvation Process

     Many people have no trouble verbally acknowledging a hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. I believe the problem lies in the fact that we do not really understand the fullness of what God is saying in the scriptures. Jews understood the meanings of the word that Jesus and the apostles used in presenting the Gospel.

     Unfortunately, many Christians do not fully understand the word of God. This creates dangerous situations because God says that his people perish for lack of knowledge: HOSEA 4:6. We are encouraged by Paul to study God's word so we might show ourselves approved unto Him: 2 TIMOTHY 2:15. Let's take a deeper look at the word faith since our salvation is built upon our faith in Jesus.

9.1 Faith (Believe) is Required

     We must have faith in God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. We will never be able to contact God without faith. We must diligently seek him in all things we do.

9.2 What is faith

     Our faith in Jesus must be alive and active. Faith that does not have works is dead. We must strive to assure that our faith is alive. Many people say that they believe but their actions do not support their claims.

10. The Dangers of Not Understanding/Acting on God's Word

     On any subject, I feel it is just as important to discuss the curses of God, as well as the blessings for acting on his word in faith. We must be sure that we are building on a sound foundation in our heart.

     The bible is written to Christians and to those who would believe in the true and living God. It shows us the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. However, in the midst of the promises, we cannot ignore the many stern warnings that are given to Christians and those who would profess a hope in Christ, but fail to follow his words. Even Jesus alluded to these in many of his parables. All of the epistles of the apostles are laden with them.

     YES, WE CAN BE CERTAIN OF OUR SALVATION, BUT WE CANNOT IGNORE THE WARNING OF THE LOSS OF SALVATION IF WE DO NOT HOLD FIRM TO THE PROMISES OF GOD.

     There are too many for me to allude to them all specifically, so I will give scripture references and highlight some for your own in-depth study of the word of God.

10.1  Not believing in the Heart

     Some people only give God lip service. They say many wonderful things with their mouth, yet they know in their heart that they have not truly committed themselves to the Lord. Here's what the Word has to say about this situation:

     In these scriptures, we can see the danger of not fully accepting (believing on) God in our heart. I believe this is the challenge for each Christian to meet. Notice also that the people referenced in this verse had the power to cast out devils and they prophesied in his name. However, notice in verse 23, Jesus did not say "I DON'T KNOW YOU NOW." He says that "I NEVER KNEW YOU."

     He makes it very clear that not everyone that says Lord, Lord will be in God's kingdom. We must be very sure and certain that we are not just giving God lip service. If we really meant it in our hearts, our actions would show it.

10.2 We must Obey God's Word

     These scriptures are clear and specific. It's very simple, if we love God, we will keep his commandments. If we keep his commandments, we can enter God's kingdom and eat from the tree of life. Yes, it's just that simple. For example, if I really love my wife (the godly type of Love), I wouldn't abuse her or treat her unkindly. Neither would I do this to my children. We must have this same type of godly love for Christ.

     The world's idea of love, seems to be that it is acceptable to love with the mouth, and then turn around and abuse that person if it will profit us.

     Only God's type of love will qualify us to be called a Christian (Love for the brethren.)

10.3 We Must Abide in Jesus

     Unless we continue to abide in Jesus and his will (endure,) we will be withered up, cut out of Jesus (the vine,) and cast into the lake of fire (hell, the second death:) REVELATIONS 20:15.

     There is no question that we must abide in Jesus and in God's will. The word of God makes this very clear. Even Jesus had to keep God's commandments.

10.4 We Must Learn to Serve God Acceptably

     God is speaking to us today through his word and his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants to lead and guide us, yet many times we refuse to yield to him. He is drawing us to a deeper commitment to the Lord and we continue to fight. If we do not get rooted and grounded in Jesus, we will be shaken when God shakes the heaven and the earth again. Everything that moves will be destroyed: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58.

     Again, we can see the reference to fire. This refers to hell.

10.5  We Must Deny Ourselves and Follow Jesus

     Jesus is quite clear in this passage. The way to gain eternal life is to lose our lives in him. We must deny ourselves. We must deny the lust of the flesh. We must take up our cross: to die to self, a living sacrifice (ROMANS 12:1-2) and follow him.

10.6 We Cannot Live In Sin

     Paul is quite definite in these scriptures concerning the penalty of sin in our lives. Notice he was talking to the church (Christians) of Galatia, not the world (those who are not saved,) in the last group of scriptures. Some were living sinful lives as many do today, and he was warning them that anyone (one who has professed to accept Christ as well as those who have never accepted him) who lives in sin (as a habit) cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

10.7 Not Growing to Perfection

     If there was never a danger of this happening, there would be no reason for God to have this warning included in the bible, but, He did. We must go on to perfection. Yes, there is an unpardonable sin: ST MATTHEW 12:25-37. When we reach this point, God will withdraw his Holy Spirit from us, and we will never desire to serve him again. Unless you reach that point (never desiring to serve God again,) you should not worry about this section except to know that it can happen if we fail to heed his other commandments.

     If you notice, the person written about here in Hebrews, has grown to a very high position in Christ before he failed. I believe the key word for us here is to grow on to perfection and to endure to the end.

10.8  Finally, The Parable of the Ten Virgins

     There are some points that I would like to make in this passage. First, in order to be a virgin, we must be pure. This pureness comes through our righteousness in Jesus Christ. Jesus is preparing us for the wedding feast.

     In the Jewish tradition, the son came and made an engagement with a lady to become his bride (when we accept Jesus, we make a contract with him, an engagement.) He then goes to prepare a house for her.

     During this time the bride makes preparation for the wedding. She gets adorned and waits patiently for his return.

     He comes with his party and blows the trumpet. This is the way that Jesus will make his return for his bride the church.

     All those who are ready go out to meet him and return for the wedding.

     Those who are not ready are left behind. Once the doors to the wedding feast are closed, no one else is admitted. Sounds familiar to our wedding ceremony of today? The marriage is symbolic of God's church: EPHESIANS 5:22-33, REVELATIONS 21-22. Also note that those not having proper wedding garments are cast out: ST MATTHEW 22:1-14, EPHESIANS 5:25-27, 2 PETER 3:10-14, REVELATIONS 3:1-5, REVELATIONS 7:9-17.

     This warning is given very clearly. The only ones who can be classified as a virgin are those who have professed a hope in Christ.

     Look at the words that Jesus says to the foolish virgins, "I KNOW YOU NOT."

11. Other Points of Reference for Study

     I recommend an in-depth study of the first three chapters of Revelations. Jesus himself personally dictated these letters to the churches. He was very direct. There where other churches throughout the land at that time, but I believe that he chose these because they represent the seven types of spiritual conditions that a given church can be in. As we think even deeper, we begin to realize that we as individuals are the church because we are the temple of the Holy Ghost: 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16. I am sure that we each will find a condition that gives us an idea of how we stand with the Lord. Jesus gives stern warning to the members of His body, even to the point of blotting their name out of the book of life: REVELATIONS 3:5.

     Yes, I know the word says that NO ONE CAN TAKE US OUT OF GOD'S HAND (ST JOHN 10:27-28,) BUT, I would like to remind you that WE CAN WALK OUT OF GOD'S HAND. He said his sheep know his voice. Many have professed to follow Jesus but they won't listen to him, they don't even know his voice. They won't do what his word says. Are they following Jesus and meeting this requirement?

     Absolutely, no one can take us out of Jesus' hand once we are certain we are in it. For example, no one can make you talk if your vow a vow of silence. If you wanted to, you could resist from talking until death. But, if you chose to talk, your vow of silence is broken. You made your own conscious decision. I also recommend an in-depth study of St John chapter 10. Notice how the sheep follow him. This shows their commitment to Christ as being Lord over their lives.

11.1.  We Will Be Tried By Fire

     I believe that most christians will agree on the understanding of our works being tried in the fire, but, did you notice the end of verse 15. If our works are lost we can still be saved, but we must personally go through the fire. We must be tried in the fire. If our faith and love in Jesus is not genuine, it will be burned up in the fire and we will be destroyed. We are the temple of God, and if we defile his temple, God says very plainly that we will be destroyed.

11.2. Living in Sin Willfully

     If we continue to sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of truth (this only comes by accepting Jesus) we will reach the place where there is no way to return back to right standing with God: PROVERBS 1:24-33 & 2 PETER 2: 1-22 in particular 20-22.

11.3. False Prophets and Apostles

     There are many false prophets and apostles entered into the world. If it were possible, they would deceive even the most spiritual christians. If we are truly following God, He will not allow us to be fooled. However, we must take care to be sure that we are not one of those false prophets or apostles.

11.4. A Brief Look At Judas

Think about Judas for a moment. He walked and talked and lived with Christ. He was one of his disciples, however, he was a thief: ST JOHN 12:4-6. He betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver: ST MATTHEW 26:14-16, 27:3-4, ACTS 1:16-20, PSALMS 69:21-28, PSALMS 109:8. As you can see, his name was blotted out of the book of the living because he betrayed Jesus: PSALMS 69:28, REVELATIONS 20:15 & 21:27.

11.5. What About Hell

     There are too many warnings in the bible about hell (I highly recommend a study of hell and fire and punishment) and those that will be cast into the fire for us to take our salvation lightly. It shows time after time that there is a great danger in not following the words of God. Let's remember that the bible was not written for the world but for the church. If our salvation was so sure and complete, why is there such a need to follow and obey the word of God. Why does God point out so much punishment for those believers of his that will not adhere to his word. To start read ISAIAH 5:14. Also, read the entire chapter.

     The following is a list of the 53 scriptures containing Hell as found in the King James version of the bible.

DEUTERONOMY 32:22; 2 SAMUEL 22:6; JOB 11:8, 26:6; PSALMS 9:17, 16:10, 18:5, 55:15; 86:13, 116:3, 139:8; PROVERBS 5:5, 7:27, 9:18, 15:11, 15:24, 23:14, 27:20; ISAIAH 5:14, 14:9, 14:15, 28:15, 28:18, 57:9; EZEKIEL 31:16, 31:17, 32:21; 32:27; AMOS 9:2; JONAH 2:2; HABAKKUK 2:5; ST MATTHEW 5:22, 5:29, 10:28, 11:23, 16:18, 18:9, 23:15, 23:33; ST LUKE 10:15, 12:15, 16:23; ACTS 2:27, 2:31; JAMES 3:6; 2 PETER 2:4; REVELATIONS 1:18, 6:8, 20:13, 20:14.

11.6.   Seven Churches of Revelations

      In writing to the seven churches in Revelations, Jesus points out a lot about the church. Yes, there were many churches in the earth at that time but he only wrote to seven of them. Jesus personally dictated the message. I believe that he wrote to seven churches because they represent seven types of spiritual conditions that a church may be in.

     In writing to the church, Jesus himself warns them to do the things that he has commanded. He told them to repent or face the consequences. To the church of Sardis he told them there were only a few which had not defiled their garments and they would be able to walk with him in white since they were worthy.

      Then he makes this bold statement, listen carefully:

     Now, I've documented only a few of the many warnings given to the church. I think they speak very clearly for themselves. They are surely too innumerable to refute and they stand on their own legs and support each other.

12. How to Build Your Salvation on a Firm Foundation

     After Jesus' great sermon on the mount, he summed it up with the following information. It follows directly after Jesus tells his disciples not every one that says Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven. He says straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few there be that finds it. He goes on to say that by our fruits we shall be known. He concludes with this guidance:

     Anyone who hears the words of God, but fails to follow them will eventually fall. The Lord says that it will be a great fall.

     Many people have accepted Christ verbally, but have failed to follow him. They have refuse to study his word. They have decide that they are not going to live by the word of God. And their lives prove this out because there is no fruit in it.

     We must make Jesus Lord of our lives. We must accept and live by as much of God's word as we can.

     When we do this, we are saying that we truly believe that Jesus is Lord. We have made him Lord of our lives. God sees this faith, trust, and action coming from the heart. No, we may not live a perfect life but we are trying, and our lives will bring forth fruit meet for repentance: ST MATTHEW 3:8.

13.  The Process for Strengthening Our Foundation

     First, we must desire the sincere milk of the word. We need to pray for the Lord to lead us to a place where his word is being taught and preached in pureness and simplicity. We must also begin to read and study the word of God on a personal basis. When we need help, as well as asking others, primarily, we should ask God to reveal the understanding unto us.

     I highly recommend reading the entire book of 2 PETER. A key word throughout this book is DILIGENCE. It shows the critical need for christians to GROW. This process is laid out very plainly.

     Faith is the beginning point. To our faith we must add virtue (conformity to a standard of right, morality.) In other words, there must be a change in our way of life. We must strive to live in accordance with God's entire word (2 CORINTHIANS 5:17.) As we begin doing this, we must study the word (2 TIMOTHY 2:15 & HOSEA 4:6) so that we can begin to receive God's knowledge. To this we must grow in self-control (temperance,) brotherly kindness (ST MATTHEW 25:33-46 parable of sheep and goats,) and charity, which is love (1 CORINTHIANS 13, 1 JOHN entire book, in particular 1 JOHN 3:14.) If we have these things, we will be fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus. If you notice, this encompasses the fruit of the Spirit (GALATIANS 5:22-25.) Also, note that it said fruit and not fruits. If we have the Spirit of God, we will manifest all of those individual characteristics of the Spirit being in our lives.

     If we do these things, we will be granted an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God.

14.  Scriptures to Build Your Hope On

15.  We Can Be Certain of Our Own Salvation

     God requires for his children to love him fully. When we begin to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, then we will know that we are not far from the kingdom of God. Loving God should not be a ritual, but, it should be a very real and vital part of our everyday life. Then we too will know that there is only one God.

16.  Final Destination, Heaven

     I encourage you to read the final three books of the bible: REVELATIONS, chapters 20-22. You will receive a very descriptive account of what heaven will be like. I think it speaks plainly enough for itself. It is far more beautiful and wonderful than I could ever describe it.  The End.

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or take our Take Online Test.