Okay. Some are saved and some are not. Some will be saved and some will not. I think the scriptures from part 1 bear that out. So, that begs the question or response that it appears Jesus could be a liar. I thought He died for all people, all sins, for all time. I mean, if not all people will be saved then that would make Him a respecter of persons, but the bible says he’s not.
It’s true he died for the sin of the world, one time for all, but the free gift of salvation has to be received. God did something that works for everyone who receives. How do they receive? By trusting in what He did.
Now you’re saved. Because I have become so intimately aware of God’s love and his grace, it’s hard for me to come to the conclusion that Christ’s blood and God’s eternity are so fragile, to the point he would make the blood null and void and take back his salvation if you simply make a mistake. Here’s how God, once again, provides for us. Remember, it’s Him, not you.
James 2:17 – “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
It doesn’t say it’s by faith alone that you’re saved. It certainly doesn’t say it’s by works that you’re saved, and I want to emphasize that. It says it’s your faith mixed with fruitful works out of that faith. Okay, I know right now some of you are thinking “what is wrong with him”. It’s kind of like a calf looking at a new gate. So go to Ephesians 2:8-10.
8 for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Walk in what? The good works that are in us because of His grace. The works you mix with your faith are things like trusting in him and resting in him. They are not going to church, putting money in the offering plate, praying everyday for a set amount of time, or trying not to cuss. Trying to eliminate all bad thoughts and trying real hard never to get angry will do nothing but put you back in bondage. I assure you that each one of you will have problems in these areas, but the good news is God already knew this.
Look at Ephesians chapter 1:4-11.
4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
What??? He chose us in Christ, before He made the world, and He chose us to be holy and without fault in His eyes. His eyes are the only ones that count.
Paul said it in Gal 2:19 and 20. Here’s an excerpt from The Message that I just love. “My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God”. It’s apparent God was already impressed with, not just Paul, but all of us. Just keep reading these scriptures in Ephesians 1.
5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure, in advance.
Before we could ever do something illegal, immoral, corrupt, or down right wrong, God decided to adopt us. Also, it was before we could do anything right that he adopted us. Why? Because He wanted to and it gave Him pleasure.
6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he HAS POURED OUT on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that HE PURCHASED OUR FREEDOM with the blood of his Son and FORGAVE OUR SINS. 8 He HAS SHOWERED his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. 9 God has now REVEALED TO US HIS MYSTERIOUS PLAN regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, WE HAVE RECEIVED an inheritance from God, for HE CHOSE US IN ADVANCE, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
There it is again. He chose us in advance. I mean, just read the CAPITALIZED portions in the verses above. I don’t even need to comment here. Had enough yet? Well get ready for Part 3 of this teaching. If you think this is powerful, just wait. Grace and Peace
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