Tag Obey

Be Ye DOERS of the word. James 1:22

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“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”  (John 12:48)

That’s an interesting verse, at least it ought to interest us. On the day of judgment, Christ will be on His judgment seat, and will judge us by the word He has spoken to us. Yet, some say, “I don’t like to read.”

I get it, the bible can be challenging to read, but you need not go it alone. There are plenty of tools and people to help you leverage your reading.

Attend an assembly of the church of Christ where you will hear a message from the bible. Come a little early and sit in on a bible study. These studies will leverage your reading.

Better still, ask for a personal home bible study where someone will come and help you with questions directly affecting your life right now.

This series of articles is about how to READ the bible more effectively. So far, we’ve covered 1) how to Rightly divide the word, which means to handle it accurately. 2) To use the bible to Examine ourselves by it, and Examine the teaching of others whether it be so. 3) We’ve learned that Jesus has ALL AUTHORITY, which is why He will be the one opening the books at the day of judgment. (Rev 20:12; 2cor 5:10-11). This last article in the series will point out that we are to be DOERS of the word.

While some may tell you that there is nothing one must do, the bible paints a much different picture.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” (Matthew 7:24).

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?

“But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28).

“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1John 3:7).

“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1Corinthians 14:37).

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).

Putting all of these lessons together we discover how to know what God requires of man.

By Rightly dividing the word of truth, we recognize that we are living under the New Testament covenant and are not bound to the Law of Moses.

By Examining the word, and ourselves, we learn that we all fall short of the glory of God and need to make some changes.

By recognizing that Jesus has All Authority, we are to listen to Him. No longer is anyone under the Law of Moses nor the earlier patriarchal law.

By reading the cited passages above, it’s not enough to believe (which is absolutely essential) but we are to be DOERS also of what is commanded in the New Testament.

There are 4 steps to becoming a DOER of the word of Christ.

Step one, we must DESIRE to do His will. It’s not enough to comply without having our heart involved. Faith without works is dead being alone, James wrote (James 2:17). It’s also true that works without faith (faith comes by hearing) is dead also being done in vain (cf. Matthew 7:21-23; Romans 10:17; 14:23).

Step two, after we desire to do His will, we must OBEY. Obedience to the commands of God is not legalism, it’s submitting to His will. Here’s a question; which direct commands of God can one ignore and still consider himself a follower of Christ? (read Luke 6:46 again if you have any doubt)

Step three, be an immediate Doer. The faithful child of God, upon learning of a command of God, puts it into practice immediately. We see this when they “rose EARLY” to comply as did Abraham (Gen 22:3), as we see with the Jailor upon hearing what he needed to do to be saved. “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16:33). When is the best time to comply with a command of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

Step four is of great importance. We will make some mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we’re lost every time we stumble. The child of God has the avenue of confessing our sins and REPENTANCE. The church at Corinth repented of their faults, and John gives us assurance of our salvation. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9).

God loves us. We know that He loves because He sent His Son. His Son loves us because He gave His life for us. We know about this love because the Holy Spirit was sent to reveal the will of God for us in the word.

Agape,

Spencer

Here is a link to a page with some Frequently Asked Questions.

What a Saint KNOWS in 1John

The Preacher 1 Comment

The Letter of 1John is an outline of the things the Saint KNOWS about salvation, love, sin, the Holy Spirit and Obedience.

When we read it, we can use it as a personal Test or examination of ourselves.

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Here are ALL the verses in 1John about knowing.

KNOW. 31 verses.

1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

 1Jo 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

 1Jo 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

 1Jo 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

 1Jo 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

 1Jo 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

 1Jo 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

 1Jo 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

 1Jo 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

 1Jo 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

 1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 1Jo 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

 1Jo 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

 1Jo 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

 1Jo 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

 1Jo 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

 1Jo 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

 1Jo 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

 1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

 1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

 1Jo 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

 1Jo 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

 1Jo 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

 1Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

 1Jo 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

 1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 1Jo 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

 1Jo 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

 1Jo 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

 1Jo 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for Bible Study on 1John.

The Holy Spirit and the Written Word of God are said to do the same thing.

When a Person uses a tool, we know it was the Person that does the work through the use of the tool.

1John 2:3-11: 2 tests of fellowship.

The Preacher 1 Comment

TESTS of FELLOWSHIP:

Test ONE: 1John 2:3-6. If we keep His commandments.

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Test TWO: 1John 2:7-11. If we love the brethren.

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ had an overview study of the book of 1John. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for the next few weeks.

Click here for the Overview Chart and links to other study outlines in this series.

a Study of 1John

The Preacher 14 Comments

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ begins an overview study of the book of 1John. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for the next few weeks.

Introduction:

What a Saint KNOWS from 1John.

1John 1:

Eyewitness testimony (1:1-4)

Biblical Fellowship (1:5-10)

What is TRUTH?

1John 2:

What does ADVOCATE & PROPITIATION mean? 1John 2:1-2

Two tests of Fellowship. 1John 2:3-11

Assurance for all Ages. 1John 2:12-14

who is the ANTICHRIST? 1John 2:18-23

1John 3:

Overview of 1John 3.

Looking up in Hope. 1John 3:1-3

How do we KNOW when we’ve gone from death to life? 1John 3:14-15

The CHILD of God can know. 1John 3:19-24

(coming soon)

1John 4:

The test of antichrist. The spirit of error vs the spirit of truth. 1John 4:1-6

Love CASTS out fear.

(coming soon)

1John 5:

(coming soon)

Hearing the VOICE of Jesus pt1

The Preacher 1 Comment

Hearing the VOICE of Jesus?

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27)

The Hebrew writer wrote, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Heb 1:1-2).

We now live under the New Testament of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant was nailed to the cross and is obsolete (Col 2:14; Heb 8:13).

Any who desire to go back to do one part of the Old Law of Moses is obligated to do the whole; “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Gal 5:3-4).

But that is not good, for that Law was a shadow of the good things we have in Christ now (Heb 10:1; Col 2:17).

God Himself said, “This is my beloved Son: hear him” (Mark 9:7). Seeing that all this is true, believers are to hear Jesus. What does it mean to hear the VOICE of Jesus? Some claim He will speak directly, personally, and miraculously to us. What is the truth?

Hearing the VOICE of Jesus.

Contrary to mainstream belief, the sheep that follow Jesus do so of their own volition. God is seeking those that seek Him. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33). God’s desire that all to come to repentance and be saved (2Pet 3:9) is evidence that we have free choice. We voluntarily seek Him, listen to His voice, and it’s His voice (words) that will judge us in the last day. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

Therefore, all are invited to follow the Good Shepherd of our own free will.

Those that choose to follow Jesus also Obey His VOICE. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15; 15:14). “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:21-23).

It makes zero sense to call oneself a “follower” of Christ, and not actually follow Him in obedience to His word. People keep using that word “follower” without doing anything He says. I constantly hear folks living in sin claiming also to be a follower of Jesus. Paul warned; “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 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” (1Cor 6:9-11). If these cannot inherit the kingdom of God, how can we say at the same time that we are followers of Christ while continuing in them?

Therefore, all true followers of Jesus are obedient to His voice.

This next point is vital to understand. Some also claim that Jesus will speak to us personally, miraculously, and separately from the Inspired word. Jesus never made this claim.

In His prayer in the garden, while praying for His Apostles, He then prayed for folks that would believe in Him after His death. He said, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me THROUGH THEIR WORD; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-21). We who come to Jesus after His death will believe based on the words of the Apostles. The Apostles were given the promise of divine Holy Spirit Inspiration (John 16:13; cf, 14:26; 15:26), not us.

We hear the voice of the Chief Shepherd in as much as we read His inspired word delivered through the Inspired writers. Paul wrote through inspiration; “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1Cor 14:37). He also wrote; “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Eph 3:3-4; cf 2Tim 3:15-17).

The Apostle John wrote, “And 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” (John 20:30-31). He also wrote, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1John 5:13; emph mine seb).

Therefore, all true followers of Jesus hear His VOICE through the reading, studying, and memorizing His written inspired word.

Next week we’ll look at a few more points regarding the VOICE of Jesus. To recap; we Voluntarily hear His voice. We who hear it will Obey His voice. Those that hear, and obey are Informed of His will through the reading, study, and memorizing of His Inspired word.

–Spencer

Hebrews ch11; FAITH

The Preacher 1 Comment

FAITH is used in multiple senses in Scripture. It is a much deeper concept than just “belief & trust.”

FAITH is used in these ways.

The FULL Body of information from God. Heb 11:1-3; Jude 3; Rom 10:17

To ACT upon hearing. Jas 2:14-26.

It INSISTS in being loyal to the One in whom we have faith. Heb 11:35

To TRUST fully in the One we believe. Heb 11:17-19

Is to HOPE in the One we have heard. Heb 11:13

Here is a link to the overview of Hebrews.

Love the LORD pt2 OBEY Him

The Preacher 1 Comment

4 Things about Loving the LORD

2/4

Click her for Part one.

We are to OBEY him out of love.

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God,

Da 9:4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

De 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.

Ne 1:5; Deut 30:16,20; De 13:3; 11:1,13,22; 10:12; 6:5; 7:9.

Jos 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

God Loves us as seen in sending His Son.

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

We demonstrate our Love for Him when we keep His commandments.

Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Malachi 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

If you live in Borger and would like some help in learning how to Love the LORD, contact us.

Link to Part 1.

We ought to Love the LORD pt 1.

What is Grace pt5, it brings ETERNAL life.

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“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

(Eph 2:8)

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” (Acts 15:11)

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” (Titus 2:11)

“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7).

Grace is the gift of God that brings us Eternal Life. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

It may be helpful to some, as it is me, to think about the grace of God that enables us to have ETERNAL life.

First, we need to explain what ETERNAL means, (I know, but some “scholars” try to tell us it doesn’t mean what we think it means). It means EVERLASTING; perpetual, forever, ongoing. We look forward to a time when we can live with the Lord forever and ever.  

How to attain to Eternal life is TAUGHT by the Word of Christ. “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (Joh 6:68). “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life” (John 6:27). “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). We would know nothing about it separate and apart from the revealed will of God in the Scriptures.

Eternal life is our lifelong EXPECTATION of hope that is in Christ. “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life” (1John 2:25). “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began” (Titus 1:2; 3:7). “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life” (Romans 2:7). Without eternal life, where is the hope?

Eternal life is for the RIGHTEOUS as defined by God. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt 25:46). “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 5:21). We are made righteous through the blood of Christ when we are baptized into Christ (Rom 5:9; Rev 1:5).

There is a NEGATIVE aspect to eternal life. The same length of eternity that awaits those that are in Christ also awaits those who are outside of Christ. The difference will be location. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt 25:41-46). “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation” (Mark 3:29). “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2Thess 1:9). “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7). Some will claim that the lost will be annihilated; the scriptures teach something different.

Back to the positive aspects of eternal life. We can be ASSURED of eternal life by our faithfulness to Christ. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1John 5:13). When our faith begins to waver, perhaps it’s an indication of a need to study His word, examine ourselves, and make correction so we may return to that confidence we have in Christ. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1John 2:28; cf Heb 3:14; 10:22).

We can LAY HOLD of eternal life; “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses… Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1Tim 6:12, 19). This is done when we remain in the LOVE of Christ. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 1:21). We love God when we keep His commandments. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1John 5:3; cf John 14:15). The New Testament Scriptures are consistent on this point. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal 6:8). “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb 5:9).

Spencer

If you are in the Borger area and would like to attend one of the services of the church of Christ at Franklin and Juniper, click here for location, and time.

Why I Read the Bible pt4; To Listen to Jesus

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Reasons I read the BIBLE. #4

To LISTEN (hear) the words of Christ and to LEARN of Him.

Matthew 7:24 KJV

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Mark 9:7 KJV

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

John 6:68 KJV

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

1 Corinthians 14:37 KJV

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

That’s why I read the Bible. To LISTEN & Obey Jesus

Let’s read the bible through in 2023

Here’s a link to some printable Bible reading Bookmarks.

If you live in the Borger area and would like to study the bible better, we invite you to one of our services with the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper.

What is Grace pt2, it is Received

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What is Grace? (pt2).

It is RECEIVED through obedience.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

(Eph 2:8)

Some would have you believe that there is nothing a man must do to receive the GRACE of God. However, that extreme position teaches universal salvation to unbelievers, unrepentant, active sinners, and wicked & vile people.

These same teachers would then say, “well, you have to believe.” The scriptures teach that a person must believe before they can be saved (John 8:24). Again, this “faith only” extreme position teaches salvation to any ‘believer’ regardless of willful sins.  

By the way, belief is a work that man must do. “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29; cf. 1Thess 1:3).

These very same teachers then tell me, “Well, you must repent.” At this point we’re getting closer to the truth. At least some of them agree with the scriptures that repentance is a requirement of salvation. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30; cf Luke 13:3).

They will also teach to be saved a person must confess Jesus. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). They agree with the scriptures, but they need to read just one verse farther, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” There is something man must do to receive the GRACE of God.

Is it any stretch then to teach that a person must do something to RECEIVE the Grace of God that has appeared to all men? GRACE is Received by man when they obey the Gospel. Read just a little further in Romans 10:16; “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” Obedience is connected to Belief.

Grace is the Gift of God. As seen above, mankind must RECEIVE (obey) that gift. Grace is the provision for salvation through Christ. Without His perfect sacrifice we could not be saved. How do we receive salvation through His Grace?

Paul wrote this, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2Tim 2:5, NKJV). To be saved one must follow the RULES of Christ. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2John 9).

When Peter preached at the beginning he told the new believers in Christ, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Before anyone can receive the Gift of Salvation, they must believe and REPENT. It is commanded by Christ, It is taught by the Apostles, It is repeated by Paul, and it is a requirement for restoration of those who have obeyed but have sinned (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Rev 2:5).

The person that believes must REPENT AND be BAPTIZED. Believers are immersed in (go UNDER) water to be saved. When Philip preached Jesus to the Eunuch, he asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). Paul explained that Baptism (going UNDER water by faith) is accessing the working of God through faith for the circumcision of the heart. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Col 2:11-12).

Peter wrote that water baptism saves, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 3:21). Ananias told Saul of Tarsus that baptism will “wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).

Those that have obeyed the Gospel by putting on Christ in Baptism must then LIVE Faithfully. Paul said that it is possible to receive the Grace of God in vain (2Cor 6:1). That is what happens when believers LIVE unfaithfully to Christ. He wrote the Galatians that they could “fall from grace” (Gal 5:4). This happens when we turn from Christ to another gospel (cf. Gal 1:6-10; 2Cor 11:4). Paul wrote Titus telling him that grace is “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11).

When we obey the gospel through faith, we can ENJOY the comfort & hope of God’s Grace. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (2Thess 2:16-17). We can have assurance in Eternal life when we do what is commanded for us to do.

The grace of God also gives opportunity to STAND us back up when we fall in SIN, and when we SUFFER trials. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1Peter 5:10). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16; cf. 1John 1:9).

Grace is an exceedingly wonderful Gift from Jesus. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Grace is the opportunity, obeying the Truth is receiving His grace. (1Peter 1:22)

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper St church of Christ in Borger Texas.