At the risk of sounding a bit 'preachy' on a blog, I want to go on record as saying, "Jesus is the only way for man's eternal salvation." That seems so very simple and that is the point...it 'is' simple and man has complicated it. In honesty, I get very upset at man-made religions...especially those who detract from Jesus' and His salvific sacrifice on the behalf of lost humanity.
No more profound words ever came from the lips of the Savior of the World than when He said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me." It is my understanding that, contained in this solitary verse, is the plan of God for every man. In order to get into relationship, both now and in eternity with God, one must come through Jesus. So what does that mean?
In short, Jesus became the ultimate, permanent sacrifice for the sin of man. Everything we could not do within ourselves, Jesus did for us. He was perfect and therefore was accepted as the ultimate sacrifice for all time. Jesus was tempted in every facet of life and yet He was sinless. He is the only man ever to live who has had not sin!
God laid upon the man, Jesus, the punishment or wrath that sin demands. The wages of sin is death. Because Christ died He paid the debt. Because He rose again, He became the first fruits of all who trust in Him, giving hope of life eternal for all mankind. Without Him, all our good deeds would be fruitless. We cannot do a solitary thing to merit salvation. Our good works are fruits of salvation and not a requisite for it.
Jesus said, "I am the door to the sheepfold." There is no other way to get in. I believe that Christ, while in the grave, preached to spirits in the prison of death. (Eph 4:7-10, 1 Pet 3:19) This was, in my judgement, the Old Testament saints who will be saved and ultimately cleansed through Jesus' blood. Further, those who overcome in the Tribulation will do so by washing their robes white in the blood of the Lamb (Christ). All men throughout time will have to enter through the life, death and burial of Jesus Christ. Salvation is by faith. It was for the thief on the cross, the Ethiopian Eunuch, the Philippian Jailor and all who come to God. There is joy in heaven when a sinner repents!
For those who are lost in sin; for those who are twisted up in religions of various kinds; for those bound by legalistic ideas; for all men every where, let me remind you that one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Instead of waiting to be forced to do that in eternity, why not bow today and confess Jesus as Lord of your life. Ask Him to forgive you and He will...immediately. Be baptized in His name 'because' He has forgiven you and receive the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide you.
Men are seeking to find other ways to salvation. Check out Oprah's message, denying that Jesus is the only way. I wonder how many will be lost because of her? Be careful not to buy into these evil seductions of the last days.
Keep Jesus as the focus of your life. Follow Him...obey Him....imitate Him...and most of all give Him your life. In the end that is all that really matters.
Be blessed on this beautiful day.
Pastor T
PS. Following are some great references for personal study. John 3:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12, Acts 5:29-32, Acts 8:37, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38-39, 48, Acts 16:30-31, Rom 3:21-25, Rom 10:9-10, 1 John 4:15, 1 John 5:1
7 comments:
As a world we sometimes forget how simple it is. Great blog.
I thought I sent this yesterday, if you got it then ignore this one. I am still learning how to blog.
I think sounding 'preachy' is just fine. I personally need all I can get. Having been in sin and being delivered from the oppression I was in and being free to love God with all my heart, mind, and soul I can't get enough. As I read the book of Acts I keep coming across the words 'the way'. You are right Jesus is the ONLY WAY.
I don't know how long our Lord is going to strive with us but I hope it won't be just Lot and his two daughters that make it when the days of Sodom and Gommorrah come. We need all the preaching we can get to keep us fervently praying till that day comes so we can be one of the few in that WAY.
When you look around today and really pay attention to what we have become accustomed to it is a scary thing. The homosexual shows and commercials on somewhat goods shows on TV, the billboards on our highways, the beer signs in some of the restaurants we patronize, and etc. What does that say for so called 'Christians', would Jesus be found there, would He be caught taking a second or lingering look?
We need anointed preaching so we can hear what God would have us do in today's society. I think the Bible says it wouldn't be much different than when Jesus was on earth with us. He is in us now. We are now the temple.
Thanks so much and please tell it like it is.
Larry H
Matt - Thanks! It is a matter of simple faith.
Larry - I appreciate your input. The Book of Acts is not a book of contradiction but a book of alignment with faith in God and conversion from sin to everlasting life.
Tim
Lately I've been wondering along the same line as Larry was questioning here:
"What does that say for so called 'Christians', would Jesus be found there, would He be caught taking a second or lingering look?"
Personally, I kinda think Jesus would be found in some of the awful places in our world--- those places where we tell our children to altogether avoid--- places where man manages to make a royal mess of himself.
I do agree with Larry though---- I don't think Jesus would go into those places and take a second or lingering look for the sake of gaining any kind of personal pleasure. I think He would go into those places because He just flat-out loves people and is willing to go after them regardless of the mess they've gotten themselves into....regardless of how being seen in such places might affect His reputation in the community.
I, for one, wonder if Jesus would set foot inside the doors of our local casino? I kinda think He would, and no doubt a move like that would cause quite a stink within the religious community! LOL! I don't think he'd go with Bible in hand either, go to preach in the way we've come to know preaching. I think He would go just to BE and to love and to draw folks.
Tim, do you think that's an altogether wrong way of seeing? I know I can get 'out there'.;-) LOL! Go ahead and delete me, or hammer me upside the head if need be.:-)
Karen Stone
Pastor Tim, My kids asked the ultimate question today and to be honest I did not really know how to respond. So I thought it would be an excellent question for you and your blog. How do we know that there is a God? how do we know that he is real and not something that is just made up by someone many years ago. I am looking forward to your response as im sure so many other people are just as curious to know. Thanks and God Bless, Novella
Karen,
Great thoughts. I too believe Jesus would go to the undesirables with the spirit of separation upon Him. (almost a spiritual oxymoron) In the world...not of the world.
I would love to see what would happen if Jesus entered a casino or beer joint. No doubt He would never condone the sin...but you can bet your life He would love the sinner.
...no, were not knocking anybody in the head...that's what religious folks do! ha.
Tim
ps....sorry I am late responding...been taking care of dad post surgery.
Thanks Novella. The next blog is dedicated to you and your children. Love y'all!
Tim
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