A gospel of works
is
antithetical
to what the Bible teaches.
[Many People Never Investigate Life's Most Important Issue by Mike Gendron] "We
can be wrong about a lot of things in this life and still survive, but if we are
wrong about whom we are trusting for our eternal destiny, we will pay for that
fatal mistake forever. At the moment we take our last breath, our eternity is
irrevocably sealed. There are no second chances, no excuses and no calls for
mercy (Heb.
9:27). For this reason there is not an issue of
greater importance than investigating where we will spend eternity. Everyone
will live forever either in the glories of heaven or in the torments of hell.
Why then do people rarely seek the answers from the Word of our Creator, our
most trustworthy authority? The true God who spoke all of creation into
existence is the same God who spoke through 40 authors to give us His infallible
Word. In the Scriptures God speaks with one voice to reveal one Savior who
offers one way to be saved from sin. Adam was not originally subject to
spiritual or physical death, but because of his sin, death became a reality for
himself and his posterity.
Nothing has changed in human history. Man is still facing the same decision Eve
faced. Should I believe God and His Word or the voice of another? Today there
are many voices that people choose to believe instead of God's Word. Many put
their faith in the words of religious leaders, scientists, philosophers or their
parents. In doing so they ignore the warning of Paul: "Let God be true, but
every man a liar" (Rom.
3:4). ..." Full text:
Many People Never Investigate Life's Most Important Issue
"...The offer is given to all, but God's grace is given only to the humble who
trust Jesus as their all-sufficient Savior (James
4:6).
Sinners who respond with neglect or indifference to the offer of "so great a
salvation" will have no escape on the day of judgment (Heb.
2:3). God's Word explains why: "Because I
called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention. They
will seek me diligently but they will not find me, because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would not accept my counsel,they
spurned all my reproof." (Prov.
1:24,
28-30). How utterly
sobering are these words of almighty God! Yet, He is glorified before angels and
men not only in His infinite mercy and grace, but also in the unrestrained fury
of His justice.
How precarious is the state of ignorant people who live in the constant danger
of this eternal misery. No matter how pious
or religious
or
devout
or moral
they may be, if they have not been born of God, they will experience God's
revenging judgment. They will be given immortal bodies capable of enduring
suffering and torment that would surely cause instant death in a mortal body (Rev.
20:14). They will be thrown into a furnace of
fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mat.
13:50). They will quicky discover the eternal
fire of hell is kindled with the anger of almighty God (Deut.
32:22). There will be no intermission or relief
for they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev.
20:10). How terrifying it will be to be judged
by a sin-avenging God!" Full text:
Many People Never Investigate Life's Most Important Issue
[Jn 1:42]
And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld
him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which
is by interpretation, A stone [John
1:40–42].
"This man, Simon, was as weak as water. Our Lord told him that he would be a
stone man. I think everybody laughed there that day because nobody believed he
could become the rock man, the man who would stand up on the Day of Pentecost
and give the first sermon, which would be used to sweep three thousand persons
into the church (see
Acts 2:40–41)." McGee, J.
Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson,
1997, c1981, S. 4:376
Everything that God made was “very good” (Ge
1:31). Because sin entered the world by one
man, Adam (Ge
3:6,7;
Ro 5:12) now all things
are not “very good”. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers (Ro
8:22).
The Bible says that all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Ro
3:23). But God demonstrates His own love toward
us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Ro
5:8). For the wages of sin is death, but the
gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ro
6:23). If you confess with your mouth the Lord
Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will
be saved (Ro
10:8-9). For “whoever calls on the name of the
Lord shall be saved.”
Ro 10:13.
Baptism is the believer’s first act of obedience.
The Bible says that we can know if we are saved. These things I write to you,
that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the
Son of God (1
Jn 5:13).
When people become saved, others notice. Jesus said: “Do you suppose that I came
to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from
now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against
three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against
daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law (Lk
12:50-53).”
Some reject the good news. J. Vernon McGee said: “[2000] years ago, they slayed
Him today they put His blood under foot.” Some would shout “crucify him, crucify
him” still today.
Lk 23:21.
Believers may ruffle feathers but that’s ok. Knowing the fear of the Lord, we
persuade men (2
Cor 5:11, NIV). Faith in Jesus is the only way
to heaven. No church affiliation can save a person.
Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me (Jn
14:6).”
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (Jn
1:1). Get to know the Jesus of scripture.
We have no righteousness of our own. We must be clothed in His righteousness and
we obtain this by faith (Ro
3:22).
Salvation is not on again off again. We do not do evil then repent and then do
evil and then repent again. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, we are
sealed by the Holy Spirit (2
Co 1:22;
Eph 1:13).
The Bible says: We are saved by grace through faith not of works (Eph
2:8-9). We are saved unto good works (Eph
2:10): 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 (Eph
2:8-10).
There are not two gospels. There is one gospel. The apostle Paul said: I marvel
that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of
Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who
trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an
angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to
you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone
preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be
accursed (Ga
1:6-9).
The gospel is one of grace not works: But none of these things move me; nor do I
count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the
ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the
grace of God (Ac
20:24).
The scriptures are full and sufficient (Lk
16:29,31),
an unerring guide (Pr
6:23;
2 Pe 1:19), able to make
men wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2
Ti 3:15). We should proclaim the good news of
the gospel of Jesus Christ: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the
power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then
for the Gentile (Ro
1:16).”
The First Commandment says: “You shall have no other gods before Me.’ God does
not want: dead ritualism, ceremonialism, or formalism. It’s not about religion.
It’s about a relationship with him.
Cults and ‘isms do not save. Church affiliation does not save. Easy believeism
does not save. Plans and programs do not save. Jesus saves (Isa
63:9;
Eph 5:23). Jesus alone
saves (Isa
45:21,22;
59:16;
Ac 4:12).
Jesus said: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way
that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is
the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who
find it (Mt
7:13-14).”
There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death (Pr
16:26).
The Second Commandment says: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any
likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor
serve them (Ex
20:3-5).”
We are not to pray to departed saints. We should pray to the Father in the name
of the Son.
The temple veil tearing in two at Jesus’ death was symbolic of the dividing wall
between God and humanity being destroyed (Mt
27:51). We may now come boldly before the
throne of grace (Heb
4:16). We have access to God’s presence (Heb.
10:19–22). There is no mediator between us and
God (1
Ti 2:5).
God will not drag men to heaven (Re
22:11). Each must make his choice. Joshua said
choose this day whom you will serve (Josh
24:15). Now is the appointed time. Today is the
day of salvation (2
Cor 6:2). We must make our choice on this side
of the grave because we will not get a second chance.
When we die, the Bible says when we are “absent from the body and present with
the Lord”.
2 Cor 5:8. We go either
to the place of the righteous dead or to the place of the unrighteous dead (Lk
23:43).
Some people wonder if we will have bodies. Yes, we do. The Bible says we receive
a robe of righteousness (Isa.
61:10). Our bodies will one day be fit for
heaven or fit for hell. “I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning
those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if
we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those
who sleep in Jesus (1
Th 4:13-14).”
Some people wonder if we will have consciousness after earthly death. Yes (1
Thess 5:10-11).
We will all be raised again one day. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the
earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting
contempt (Dan
12:2). Jesus said: “And these will go away into
everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (Mt
25:46).”
The Bible says God will one day wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will
be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain (Re
21:4). We will say goodbye forever to those we
loved if they do not die in a right relationship with the Lord. The “gentile
Jesus” said: “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over
them, bring hither, and slay them before me (Lk
19:27).”
[Jn 1:42]
[Jn
1:42] "...[W]hen Jesus looked at him. Jesus
knows hearts thoroughly (vv. 43–51) and not only sees into them (vv. 47, 48) but
also transforms a person into what He wants him to become. You shall be called
Cephas. Up to this time, Peter had been known as "Simon son of Jonah" (the name
"Jonah" in Aram. means "John"; cf. 21:15–17;
Matt. 16:17). The term "Cephas"
means "rock" in Aram. which is translated "Peter" in Greek. Jesus’ assignment of
the name "Cephas" or "Peter" to Simon occurred at the outset of His ministry
(cf.
Matt. 16:18;
Mark 3:16). The statement
not only is predictive of what Peter would be called but also declarative of how
Jesus would transform his character and use him in relationship to the
foundation of the church (cf. 21:18, 19;
Matt. 16:16–18;
Acts 2:14–4:32)."
Aram. Aramaic MacArthur, John Jr: The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed.
Nashville : Word Pub., 1997, c1997, S.
Jn 1:42
Response to comment [from a Catholic]: "...[T]here's no reason why they
should consider homosexuals and abortionists any worse than someone who
occasionally tells a lie or even someone who is genuinely morally upstanding."
You are not morally upstanding (Ro 3:10).
You are also biblically illiterate (2 Chron 33:23, Lam 4:6, Jn 19:11, Lk 12:48).
You will be so happy--there is a "work" involved (Eph 2:8-10)
as you must press continue.
Psa. 49:7, 8; Psa. 127:1, 2; Eccl. 1:14; Isa. 43:26; Isa. 57:12;
Isa. 64:6; Ezek. 7:19; Ezek. 33:12–19; Dan. 9:18; Matt. 5:20; Luke
17:7–10; Luke 18:9–14; Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:20–31; Rom. 4:1–8 vs.
9–22.; Rom. 8:3; Rom. 9:16, 31, 32; Rom. 11:6; 1 Cor. 13:1–3;
Gal. 2:16, 19, 21; Gal. 3:10–12, 21 vs. 1–29.; Gal. 4:9–11; Gal.
5:2, 4, 6, 18; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:8, 9; Phil. 3:3–9; Col.
2:20–23; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 3:4, 5; Heb. 4:3–10; Heb. 6:1, 2; Heb.
9:1–14; Jas. 2:10, 11
Response to comment [from a Catholic]: "Have you been restricted to the
politics forum?"
"It places the lotion in the basket." ~ Buffalo Bill 2
Ti 3:7
[You are biblically illiterate (2 Chron 33:23, Lam 4:6, Jn 19:11, Lk 12:48)]
"Because I don't see scripture as a disjointed collection of sound bites from
which I can quote whichever I want as it suits me without any regard for the
context, while ignoring those I'd rather not have to accept any responsibility
for?"
No.
Do you have biblical support for your claim: "...[T]here's no reason why they
should consider homosexuals and abortionists any worse than someone who
occasionally tells a lie or even someone who is genuinely morally upstanding." 2
Chron 33:23, Lam 4:6, Jn 19:11, Lk 12:48
"Shame on me, indeed."
True (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26).
"People might take you more seriously if you could ever address their actual
arguments..."
Tell us what "greater sin" means to you.
"...[A]s long as they believe Jesus died for their sins, it doesn't matter
how much they sin, right?"
"We have different authorities, we believe different gospels, we worship
different Christs, we are led by different spirits and we are on different paths
to eternity. Compare this with the unity the apostle Paul described with those
who are in one body and one ......Spirit, with one hope; one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, on God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all
(Eph
4:4-6)..." Full text:
No Idolatry & False Teaching
Would you like to retract your statement: "...[T]here's no reason why they
should consider homosexuals and abortionists any worse than someone who
occasionally tells a lie or even someone who is genuinely morally upstanding."
2 Chron 33:23,
Lam 4:6,
Jn 19:11,
Lk 12:48
[Retracting statement/"greater sin"] "...[Y]ou can't deal with what I really
wrote..."
What did you mean by: "...[T]here's no reason why they
should consider homosexuals and abortionists any worse than someone who
occasionally tells a lie or even someone who is genuinely morally upstanding."
2 Chron 33:23,
Lam 4:6,
Jn 19:11,
Lk 12:48
"I most certainly do not retract it."
What does "greater sin" mean,
if anything, to you?
"I do believe that Paul wasn't merely babbling idly in Romans 2."
He wasn't babbling.
That's what pagans do (Mt
6:7).
"Paul describes God’s dealings with three kinds of people. Each is charged with
high treason against God.
I. The Moral Person and God (2:1–11)
A. The plea rendered (2:1a): The moral person says, “I should be acquitted on
grounds that I am not as bad as some pagans are.”
B. The plea refuted (2:1b–11)
1.The reason for this (2:1b–4): God says, “You do the same basic things, only in
a more refined way!”
2.The results of this (2:5–11)
a.To be the object of God’s terrible wrath (2:5–8)
b.To experience sorrow and suffering (2:9–11)
II.The Pagan Person and God (2:12–16)
A.The plea rendered (2:12–13): The pagan person says, “I should be acquitted on
the grounds of ignorance!”
B.The plea refuted (2:14–16): God says, “You have the twin witnesses of
conscience and nature (see also 1:19–20). Therefore, you will be judged by these
and not by the written law.”
III.The Religious Person and God (2:17–29)
A.The plea rendered (2:17–20): The religious man says, “I should be acquitted on
the grounds that I know the law of God and teach courses in religion!”
B.The plea refuted (2:21–29): God says, “You don’t practice what you preach!”
1.The marks of religious Jews (2:21–24): Because of their hypocrisy, they
dishonor God’s holy name among the Gentiles.
2.The marks of redeemed Jews (2:25–29): Their hearts are right with God."
Willmington, H. L.: The Outline Bible. Wheaton, Ill. : Tyndale House Publishers,
1999, S.
Ro 2:25-29
[Question: What does "greater sin" mean to you?] "What on Earth is
the point of all this?"
If you insist on being judged by your works, you will be.
To them who by patient continuance in well-doing
seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life [Rom.
2:7].
"Let’s keep in mind that under this second principle, a way of life is not the
subject. Rather, a way of life is the basis of judgment. The “do-gooder” will be
judged according to his works. John said, “And I saw the dead, small and great,
stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which
is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works” (Rev.
20:12). The man who wants to work for eternal
life may do so. He will be judged according to his deeds, but he is warned that
they will avail nothing. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of
life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev.
20:15). Trusting Christ as Savior puts your
name in the “book of life.” Eternal life is not a reward for effort; it is a
gift to those who trust Christ..." McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary.
electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1981, S. 4:658
"Do-gooders
--if they'd only do good."
~ J. Vernon McGee
"We believe that good works do increase justification..."
(Ac
13:39;
Ro 8:3;
Ga 2:16;
3:11).
Justification is not by faith plus works (Ac
15:1-29;
Ro 3:28;
11:6;
Ga 2:14-21;
5:4). It is by grace (Ro
3:24;
4:16;
5:17-21) through faith
alone (Jn
5:24;
Ac 13:39;
Ro 3:30;
5:1;
Ga 2:16). 
to what the Bible teaches.
or moral
they may be, if they have not been born of God, they will experience God's
revenging judgment. They will be given immortal bodies capable of enduring
suffering and torment that would surely cause instant death in a mortal body (
You will be so happy--there is a "work" involved (Eph 2:8-10)
Psa. 49:7, 8; Psa. 127:1, 2; Eccl. 1:14; Isa. 43:26; Isa. 57:12;
Isa. 64:6; Ezek. 7:19; Ezek. 33:12–19; Dan. 9:18; Matt. 5:20; Luke
17:7–10; Luke 18:9–14; Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:20–31; Rom. 4:1–8 vs.
9–22.; Rom. 8:3; Rom. 9:16, 31, 32; Rom. 11:6; 1 Cor. 13:1–3;
Gal. 2:16, 19, 21; Gal. 3:10–12, 21 vs. 1–29.; Gal. 4:9–11; Gal.
5:2, 4, 6, 18; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:8, 9; Phil. 3:3–9; Col.
2:20–23; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 3:4, 5; Heb. 4:3–10; Heb. 6:1, 2; Heb.
9:1–14; Jas. 2:10, 11
Do you have biblical support for your claim: "...[T]here's no reason why they
should consider homosexuals and abortionists any worse than someone who
occasionally tells a lie or even someone who is genuinely morally upstanding." 2
Chron 33:23, Lam 4:6, Jn 19:11, Lk 12:48
if anything, to you?
(
...won't budge, won't budge (
Become a Christian (
