Bible Study - Language of Faith (5) - Sanctified - 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 - March 29, 2020

Bible Study – Language of Faith (5) – Sanctified – March 29, 2020

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Holy Vocabulary: Unpacking the Language of Faith.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Corinthians 6:9-20.

We are set apart in CHRIST to live holy lives.

We have had quite a journey so far in unpacking the language of faith – Holy, Lost, Salvation, Faith and today Sanctification.

We don’t hear the word “sanctification” being used very much today.

What is “sanctification?” The simple answer is to be set aside for use by GOD for HIS purpose. There were certain vessels or objects set aside to be used for worship. As Christians, often we do not think of GOD anointing us for a specific purpose.

Sanctification is a process of building the right relationship with GOD. As born-again Christians journey through life, GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, is perfecting them to be used more and more by HIM. Part of the perfecting is getting rid of false notions about being a follower of JESUS. Yes, as a Christian you are a Saint because you have been set aside to be used for GOD'S purpose. Let’s explore!

The Apostle wrote this First Epistle to the church in Corinth about 54 AD. 

The Christians in Corinth had split into various factions embracing all sorts of immorality. They embraced false views of Christian liberty e.g. marriage, incest, taking of the LORD’S Supper, use of Spiritual gifts, questioned the resurrection of their bodies which had overtones of questioning the resurrection of JESUS, etc.

Our focus scripture comes near the end of Paul’s instructions regarding their failure to conduct themselves as GOD’S people through their faith in JESUS. Christians are to live their lives to exemplify their relationship with GOD. What sets GOD apart from all? GOD is Holy and GOD’S holiness describes HIS character and nature. Since GOD is Holy the things and people that are in relationship with GOD are Holy, Old Testament, and through faith in JESUS, New Testament.

Let’s read Hebrews 9:17-28:

¹⁷ For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living. ¹⁸ That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. ¹⁹ For when every command had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats,^[d] along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, ²⁰ saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you.^[e] 21 In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the articles of worship with blood. ²² According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

²³ Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴ For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model^[f] of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that he might now appear in the presence of God for us. ²⁵ He did not do this to offer himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. ²⁶ Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself. ²⁷ And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— ²⁸ so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but^[g] to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Christians are set apart from our old way of life to walk in our new life which has been cleansed and made righteous by the shed blood of JESUS.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:

 ⁹ Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males,^[b] 10 no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. ¹¹ And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Christians are set apart from their old way of life.

What makes a person “righteous?” It is placing your faith in JESUS. How does that result in your righteousness? This is something only GOD can do. Faith in JESUS is the key. Why? Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:21 -²¹ He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin to be sin ^[e] for us (JESUS), so that in him (JESUS) we (all who place their faith in JESUS) might become the righteousness of God.

This is GOD’S redemptive plan for all who place their faith in JESUS and HIS death, burial, resurrection and ascension.

All who place their faith in JESUS are declared by GOD as righteous. How is that possible?

The Apostle Paul stated some of the activities people do that GOD declares sin and prevents people from being in right relationship with HIM and will not inherit GOD’S Kingdom - No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males,^[b] 10 no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. 

This is a partial list of sins. In Good News Club, we teach “anything the we think, say or do that displeases GOD is a sin.”

Paul was addressing specific sins that the Christians and others of that area were engaging. Corinth was a metropolitan, seacoast city. It was a city that offered pagan worship which featured pagan prostitutes. The people of Corinth had the opportunity to worship Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. Thus, Paul’s focus was on many of the perversions in which some of the Christians were engaged as related to sex.

Paul understood that many Christians had come from this lifestyle and were fighting the lure of breaking from it. Satan offers perversions to enslave people to a lifestyle that is hard to escape. Paul also identified other sins that entice and enslave - ¹⁰ no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. ¹¹ And some of you used to be like this. 

Paul wrote in Romans 3:23 - ²³ For all have sinned and fall short of the^[r] glory of God.

The Christians in Corinth had their temptations and so do we in today’s society. So, what is the power to help us to live as GOD desires for us to live the Christian life? Paul told Christians in verse 11 -But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Notice that Christians will be made Holy at the instant of salvation and set aside or sanctified to be used by GOD for HIS purposes.

All Christians have been washed in the blood shed by JESUS and as such they are declared righteous before GOD.

At the instant of salvation, by placing your faith in JESUS, you were:

-         Washed from all your sins – past, present, future

-         Sanctified

-         Justified

-         Spiritually born into GOD’S Family

-         Received eternal life

-         Filled with the Holy Spirit

-         Given one or more Spiritual gifts

-         Citizenship in Heaven

-         24/7 Access to GOD

-         And so much more ----

Sanctification is the ongoing process of building an intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS as Christians interact with life. The more you know, truly know, GOD the more you will love and trust HIM. Make JESUS your very best friend, confidant and share your most personal and intimate secrets to get issues that hold you back from serving HIM into HIS hands and HIS light to shine upon them.

The key to living the Christian life is that it is a natural outflow from the natural relationship each born-again Christian has with JESUS. It is not fake but genuine and that takes being in right relationship with GOD no barriers and no un-confessed sin.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 6:12-17:

Glorifying God in Body and Spirit – Christians are set apart to be one with JESUS.

¹² “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. ¹³ “Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will do away with both of them. However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴ God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. ¹⁵ Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body? So, should I take a part of Christ’s body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not! ¹⁶ Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh.^[c] 17 But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

The Apostle Paul address a question some Christians likely had, “Since you have JESUS in you and you are righteous and acceptable to GOD for eternity, then why not go wild and enjoy all the sins the world has to offer?” His response was “¹² “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.” Paul and born-again Christians reside under the banner of GOD’S Grace and love, so why not cut loose and do as you please?  

Paul’s response to that question was, “¹³ “Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will do away with both of them. However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”

In essence, Paul stated that there are things in life that are necessary to sustain physical life (food) or our physical body upon earth but there are things that are not (illicit sex). Some Christians doubted their bodily resurrection and even the resurrection of JESUS therefore enjoy all that this world has to offer. Thus, Paul addressed this.

Just as GOD raised JESUS’ physical body from the physically dead, so will GOD raise our human bodies from physical death. Therefore, we who know the truth, know that sex is more than a moment of pleasure. When a person has sexual relations, it is more than physical, it is as Paul wrote in verses 14-17 “However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴ God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. ¹⁵ Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body? So, should I take a part of Christ’s body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not! ¹⁶ Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh.^[c] 17 But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.”

At the instant of salvation, placing one’s faith in JESUS, a miracle takes place. A union or Spiritual conception takes place. Consider the human spirit as the egg and GOD’S Spirit as the Divine Sperm. At the instant of faith, that person is Spiritually born-again to live eternally with GOD. All the things listed above and more take place in an instant.

The person of faith in JESUS has been made righteous and made Holy and set aside to serve GOD (sanctified). Therefore, Christians are set apart (sanctified) to glorify GOD.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 6:18-20:

¹⁸ Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin^[d] a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. ¹⁹ Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.^[e]

As a Spiritually born-again person, did you know that GOD resides in you? You were bought or redeemed from eternal death by the shed blood of JESUS. GOD chose to leave those born-again Christians upon earth to witness to those who seek truth. Christians must keep in their minds that they were bought with a price and that GOD dwells within them, therefore, they are not to allow illicit sex or other sins to enter their temple.  

John 3:16 captures the essence of GOD’S love for all humans:

¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

Yes, GOD loves every person who has ever lived, is living and will ever live. HE came to earth 100% human, yet 100% Divine. HE lived HIS life being tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin and willingly gave HIS physical life upon the cross to pay, in full, the penalty for sin. The proof that HE paid the penalty for sin in full is that GOD resurrected HIM from the physically dead to show the world that eternal death was conquered. All who place their faith in JESUS will likewise be resurrected when JESUS returns to earth for the second time. At that time, they will receive their Glorified Eternal Bodies.

Where will born-again believers be until JESUS returns to earth the second time? In Heaven. What kind of body will we have in Heaven? It will be a Spiritual body fashioned by GOD suitable for Heaven until born-again believers return with JESUS at HIS second coming as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:

The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

¹³ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep (in physical death). ¹⁵ For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout,^[e] with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage^[f] one another with these words.

This is the Good News of placing one’s faith in JESUS and living Spiritually born-again lives upon earth directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. As GOD’S Son or Daughter, GOD has set each of us aside, sanctified us, to serve HIM. All Christians are a work in progress as long as we remain upon earth.

The word “sanctified” is a translation of the Greek word “hagiazo” which is the verb form of the adjective “hagios” or Holy. Every Christian is set apart from those who do not place their faith in JESUS to be the light and salt of the world as GOD gives him or her opportunity.

FATHER, here I am, as I am, make me into the sanctified vessel YOU desire for me to be. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Language of Faith - Hebrews 11:1-6 - March 22, 2020

Bible Study – Language of Faith (4) – Faith – March 22, 2020

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Holy Vocabulary: Unpacking the Language of Faith.”

Our focus scripture is Hebrews 11:1-6.

We can confidently trust in what GOD says and does.

What is faith? Let’s explore!

Hebrews Chapter 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” We do not know who wrote the book of Hebrews or when it was written.

Speculation is that it was written around the mid-60’s. The main theme is the superiority of JESUS over angels, Moses and Joshua, over the old priesthood and over the old covenant.

Who replaced the old covenant which required sacrifices? JESUS established the new covenant through HIS own sacrifice. The new covenant is based on the shedding of the blood; the personal precious blood of GOD, JESUS. GOD came to earth to be born and live 100% human, yet 100% GOD. In order for JESUS to be the perfect sacrifice for all sin, HE had to fulfill the letter and spirit of the law. HE was tempted in all ways yet without sin. JESUS gave his human life upon the cross by the shedding of his blood. JESUS was 100% dead. The shedding of JESUS’ blood paid for the penalty for sin, in full. JESUS’ resurrection is the proof that eternal death was conquered and eternal life is restored upon all who place their faith in JESUS.

This new covenant opened the opportunity for GOD’S grace and established the miracle of Spiritual rebirth to take place within every person receiving JESUS as his or her Savior. Spiritual rebirth takes place at the instant of salvation by the union of the Holy Spirit and the human spirit of the person placing his or her faith in JESUS. The indwelling Holy Spirit is GOD’S guarantee and assurance that the Spiritually born person is GOD’S Child and has eternal life.

Since the Spiritually born person is indwelled by the Holy Spirit, he or she has the power of GOD within him or her. GOD equips the Spiritually born person with Spiritual gifts to serve HIM as he or she continues life upon earth. There are many Spiritual gifts. Of great importance is that GOD gives to each Christian the gift or gifts HE chooses as recorded in 1 Corinthians 12:11 - ¹¹ All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he (GOD) distributes them to each one, just as he determines. This statement follows a partial listing of some of the Spiritual gifts.

It takes a step of faith to receive JESUS as your Savior. In turn, once a person receives JESUS as his or her Savior, he or she receives a gift or gifts of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian has at least one or more Spiritual gifts.

A person exercises faith when he or she chooses to accept JESUS as his or her Savior. There is a Spiritual gift of faith such that when GOD calls a Christian to a task, he or she is equipped and anointed for the call. An example is, GOD calls some Christians to live by faith. He or she strictly depends upon GOD providing all that person’s needs.

We have to be careful. When we hear of fellow Christians living on faith and GOD providing their needs, we may want to experience this. If we decide to step out in faith on our own and GOD does not provide for us, we can get discouraged and doubt GOD. It is simple. We stepped out in our strength and not in the strength of GOD. GOD calls and when HE calls, HE equips and provides. In my walk, I have stepped out in what I thought was faith but in reality, I had stepped out in my faith. I stepped out for the wrong reason. In hind sight, I was testing GOD. GOD taught me a valuable lesson.

When GOD asks HIS child to take a step of faith, HE equips and provides. Faith and trust go together. When a person places his or her faith in JESUS that results in a Spiritual union between that person and GOD. As that born-again person walks with GOD it builds trust.

If we encounter a bridge across a stream, often we step onto the bridge very carefully. When we believe the bridge is sound and we can trust it, we take additional steps. As we walk the path of life, our trust in GOD is built as we take steps of faith while serving HIM.

There is wonderworking faith. JESUS spoke of this to HIS disciples as recorded in Matthew 17:20 - ²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” ^[21] [a]

The journey begins with a step of faith which is acknowledging JESUS as your Savior. Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins, believing that HE gave HIS sinless life on the cross for you by shedding HIS blood. GOD raised HIM from the physically dead to eternal life. JESUS received HIS Glorified body at HIS resurrection. JESUS lives eternally and so will all who place their faith in HIM because they have been Spiritually born-again into GOD’S Family.

Let’s explore our focus scripture.

Let’s read Hebrews 11:1-3:

Living by Faith

11 Now faith is the reality^[a] of what is hoped for, the proof^[b] of what is not seen. ² For by it our ancestors won God’s approval.

How powerful is faith? We read in Genesis 15:6 - ⁶ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

In Greek, the word for “faith” is pistis and the Greek word for “believe” is pisteuo.” Those who wrote the New Testament used these two words interchangeably. I generally think of faith as belief in action.

Hebrews 11:3:

³ By faith we understand that the universe was^[c] created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.^[d]

We believe that GOD spoke the world and universe unto existence.

Do you think that random probability could produce a world and universe that is in harmony with each other? NO! Consider the Biblical account. What GOD created on day one supported what HE did on day two. Creation was done in a logical order. GOD is the Master Designer and creator.

Consider your human body. You live in a miracle. Consider all that takes place in your body for you to experience life upon earth. Do you think your human body was made by random probability?

A friend of mine used an example regarding creation. He asked a group, “If you took all the parts of a fine Swiss watch and placed them in a bag and shook the bag would a fine Swiss watch ever be produced. NO! It takes a master watch maker.”

Can a person explain GOD? NO! GOD has to be experienced. Faith in JESUS is the first step toward building an intimate, personal, loving relationship with GOD. As we walk with JESUS, we get to know HIM and when we get to know HIM, we trust HIM. When we trust HIM, we take the steps of faith when HE asks us through the indwelling Holy Spirit.  

Let’s read Hebrews 11:4:

⁴ By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.

We read in Genesis 4:2-8:

Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. ³ In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. ⁴ And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, ⁵ but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So, Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

⁶ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

⁸ Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”^[d] While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Cain killed his brother Abel. Yet, even these centuries later we know that GOD declared Able righteous because HE approved his gift. Abel’s gift required the shedding of the blood of his sacrifices. Able would have to depend upon GOD to multiply his flock because he sacrificed some to GOD. Abel’s gift reflected his trust in GOD to provide other sheep.

This was a foreshadow of the ultimate sacrifice JESUS would make to redeem all from eternal death by the shedding of HIS blood.

As we study Hebrews 11, we need to keep in mind that these are examples of people, who once they placed their faith in GOD, lived out their lives reflecting their faith. Their acts of faith reflected their genuine faith in GOD. So, why can’t we just acknowledge GOD and walk with HIM through life? Do you want to be under the law or GOD’S Grace?

Christianity is not a religion. But we have made Christianity a religion. We go through rituals of worship that make us feel like we are worshipping GOD. Christianity is CHRIST in you through faith in JESUS. When people come to GOD on their own terms, they are going the way of Cain. (Jude 11a - ¹¹ Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain;)

Let’s read Hebrews 11:5-6:

⁵ By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away.^[e] For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. ⁶ Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Who was Enoch? Genesis 5:21-24:

²¹ Enoch was 65 years old when he fathered Methuselah. ²² And after he fathered Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered other sons and daughters. ²³ So Enoch’s life lasted 365 years. ²⁴ Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him.

Enoch walked with GOD and GOD took him. WOW!

Enoch lived during a time when his generation was especially wicked.

What was special about Enoch? It was his faith in GOD.

Verse 6 - ⁶ Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

If a person does not believe that GOD exists then there is no reason for that person to place his or her faith in something, he or she does not believe in.

GOD makes it clear that HE reaches out to all through HIS handiwork. Look around at the very things that are real, including the human body. Did the material things or the human body come into existence by random probability? There are too many moving parts. There is a Master Designer. We call HIM GOD and HE loves you. HE proved HIS love by sending HIS only Son, JESUS to give HIS life just for you. Why? So that you will have eternal life and live eternally with HIM.

The Apostle Paul wrote a profound statement in Romans 14:23b – “and everything that is not from faith is sin.”

GOD desires for HIS Children to trust HIM!

Why? HE wants us to be in constant communication with HIM and to respond when HE speaks to us. As HIS Children, we live in HIS Kingdom upon earth as HIS ambassadors. GOD knows those who are seeking HIM or wanting to build the right relationship with HIM. HE knows our hearts. We have and know the truth and we are the light. All Christians are called to minister as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Notice in the last part of verse 6 “that he rewards those who seek him.” When a person seeks GOD, GOD ensures that person will find HIM.

What is faith? Let’s read the Amplified Bible in Hebrews 11:1-2:

Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. 

Faith is a life journey building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Ground zero begins at the foot of the cross. Faith builds trust and trust builds relationship.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Language of Faith (3) - Salvation - Romans 3:9-28 - March 15, 2020

Bible Study – Language of Faith (3) – Salvation – March 15, 2020


This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled, “Holy Vocabulary: Unpacking the Language of Faith.”


Our focus scripture is Romans 3:20-28.


JESUS made it possible for us to be righteous before GOD.


Let’s read Romans 3:9-19:

The Whole World Guilty before God

⁹ What then? Are we any better off?^[d] Not at all! For we have already charged that both Jews and Gentiles^[e] are all under sin,^{[f] 10} as it is written:

There is no one righteous, not even one.
¹¹ There is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
¹² All have turned away;
all alike have become worthless.
There is no one who does what is good,
not even one.^[g]
13 Their throat is an open grave;
they deceive with their tongues.^[h]
Vipers’ venom is under their lips.^[i]
14 Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.^[j]
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood;
¹⁶ ruin and wretchedness are in their paths,
¹⁷ and the path of peace they have not known.^[k]
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.^[l]

¹⁹ Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are subject to the law,^[m] so that every mouth may be shut and the whole world may become subject to God’s judgment.^[n]

The Apostle Paul made it clear to the Jews, Christians in name only and Gentiles that all are sinners and in need of salvation. Why? It is because the Law is rigid, condemns and is absent of GOD’S Grace. Is there a better way to stand righteous before GOD? YES!!!


What is “salvation?” Salvation from what? Salvation from eternal death. It all goes back to the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. GOD told Adam the instant they ate the forbidden fruit he would die. Eve was tempted and ate. She in turn offered the fruit to Adam and he ate. They lost their eternal life and inherited eternal death and so has their offspring since. Do you want eternal life restored to you and your family, friends and others? Read on ----


What does it mean to inherit “eternal death?” It means that at the instant of physical death, the person who dies is eternally separated from GOD. Some may say, “Well, I am separated from GOD now and I am managing.” A person can think that because he or she does not have a frame of reference. The person who is lost or alienated from GOD does not know The Truth, JESUS. GOD reveals Himself to all people through the Holy Spirit. Every person has a choice either to accept JESUS as his or her Savior or reject JESUS. This is GOD’S redemptive plan as written in 2 Corinthians 5:21:


²¹ He (GOD) made the one (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin^[e] for us (those who accept JESUS as their Savior), so that in him (JESUS) we (those who place their faith in JESUS) might become the righteousness of God.


In last week’s study, we dealt with being “Lost.” The Bible describes a person who is lost in darkness, Spiritual darkness. When a person is in darkness what does that person desire? He or she desires light and a path to safety. Faith in JESUS provides that light and is the path for salvation from eternal death. JESUS is the light of the world. JESUS/GOD came to earth 100% human, yet GOD. JESUS was physical just as you and I are physical. JESUS died just as you and I will die one day. JESUS was buried. On the third day, GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead to be eternally alive. The resurrection of JESUS is the proof that HE conquered eternal death. JESUS by the shedding of HIS sinless blood paid, in full, the eternal death sentence GOD had placed upon mankind.


Since JESUS gave HIS life for your sins is this all you have to do? The barrier of sin has been dealt with. The path to GOD is open. There is one thing every person must do. Every person must place his or her faith in JESUS and when a person does, the miracle of Spiritual rebirth takes place instantly. The person becomes Spiritually born-again. He or she instantly becomes a Child of GOD to never be Spiritually unborn. Can you ever become physically unborn? NO!


GOD via JESUS is The Light that shines in Spiritual darkness. JESUS is THE hope for all in darkness and THE path to eternal life being restored the instant that person places his or her faith in JESUS.


My wife is facilitating a Bible Study led by Kelly Minter entitled, “Finding God Faithful” a study on the life of Joseph. Kelly brought out a point, we thought was profound.


In Genesis 37:26

²⁶ Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?


We read that Judah was responsible for Joseph’s life being spared.


Then in Genesis 44:33-34:

³³ Now please let your servant (Judah) remain here as my lord’s slave, in place of the boy (Benjamin). Let him go back with his brothers. ³⁴ For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the grief that would overwhelm my father.”


JESUS came from the tribe of Judah. In Genesis, we see that Judah was responsible for Joseph’s life being spared. Judah was willing to take the place of Benjamin. JESUS takes the place for all who place their faith in HIM. The Old Testament is replete with scripture revealing the purpose of JESUS for the salvation of all who place their faith in HIM. The life of Joseph is such an example.


Genesis 45:4-8:

⁴ Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please, come near me,” and they came near. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt. ⁵ And now don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. ⁶ For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. ⁷ God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.^{[b] 8} Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God.   

Are we in the place that GOD has chosen for us to be - in the right place at the right time to influence others or for others to receive salvation?

Will good works result in salvation? No! So, what is the path to salvation? Let’s explore!


Let’s read Romans 3:20-22:

²⁰ For no one will be justified^[o] in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.

The Righteousness of God through Faith

²¹ But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets.^{[p] 22} The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ^[q] to all who believe, since there is no distinction.

Faith is a three-legged stool – Faith means knowledge of the truth, an assent to truth and trusting in truth. Faith is trusting in what JESUS has done on behalf of all humans for our salvation. Righteousness is only available through faith in JESUS.

Faith does not save us. It is through faith that a person receives salvation. The object of our faith is JESUS and it is through faith in JESUS that a person receives the gift of salvation.

Salvation is available to all people but only those who take the step of faith, believing in JESUS, are saved. Have you taken that step of faith? If not, now is that opportunity. JESUS, I ask YOU to forgive me for my sins believing that you gave YOUR sinless life by the shedding of YOUR blood to atone for my sins. Thank you for YOUR gift of salvation from eternal death to walk eternally with YOU as my SAVIOR.

The Apostle Paul addressed the Law. As you recall, Paul was a Pharisee who studied under the Jewish teacher Gamaliel, (Acts 22:3) before becoming a Christian.

Paul believed that following the Law was the way to GOD until he experienced the truth when he placed his faith in JESUS.

All the Law can do is to show a person how he or she fails to keep the letter of the Law and the spirit of the Law. JESUS addressed this as written in Matthew 5 - ²¹ “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder,^[d] and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. ²² But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister^[e] will be subject to judgment.

And in Matthew 5 - ²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery.^{[k] 28} But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

In verse 21, Paul stated, pay attention, because something major took place using the words “but now.” What event took place that changed the dynamics - “apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets.^{[p] 22} The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ^[q] to all who believe, since there is no distinction.

Look back to 2 Corinthians 5:21. Those who place their faith in JESUS are made righteous in the eyes of GOD.

Is any human free from the need of redemption from eternal death? NO!

Let’s read Romans 3:23-24:

²³ For all have sinned and fall short of the^[r] glory of God. ²⁴ They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Is any person free from the need to be redeemed? The answer is NO! Why? It is because “all have sinned and fall short of the^[r] glory of God.” “All” includes every human. So how can anyone escape judgment? Place your faith and trust in JESUS The CHRIST. JESUS stated it best in John 5:24 - ²⁴ “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

What idea does the word “justified” carry? Just-as-if-I-never-sinned. The shed blood of JESUS cleanses any person who places his or her faith in JESUS from all sin – past, present and future.

How can that be? This is GOD’S redemptive plan by HIS Grace. GOD’S Grace results in GOD declaring the vilest person who places his or her faith in JESUS redeemed from eternal death and Spiritually born into HIS Family. The word “redemption” carries the idea of purchasing back something of value. When there were slaves, their freedom could be purchased. When the price was paid to purchase the slave’s freedom, the slave was set free. The freed slave had responsibility to live and enjoy his or her freedom and so do those who receive salvation.

The person who has been redeemed is like a new born baby and needs the nourishment that comes from Spiritual food – Bible study, talking to GOD (praying) and putting into action what The Holy Spirit is teaching him or her as HE gives opportunity. Every born-again Christian has been given the Holy Spirit as his or her guarantee of salvation and to lead and guide their lives as directed by GOD. The indwelling Holy Spirit is every born-again Christian’s assurance, comforter, guide and teacher.

JESUS was beaten horribly and then crucified upon the Roman cross to pay, in full, the price to redeem any person who places his or her faith in JESUS. Notice what is written in several scriptures (Amplified Bible):

1 Corinthians 6:20

You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.

Galatians 3:13

Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”—

Ephesians 1:14

The Spirit is the guarantee [the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own [purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory.

Why did GOD do all of this? It is because HE loves everyone who has been, is and will be.

Let’s read Romans 3:25-28:

²⁵ God presented him (JESUS) as an atoning sacrifice^[s] in his blood, received through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. ²⁶ God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be righteous and declare righteous^[t] the one who has faith in Jesus.

The phrase “atoning sacrifice” was a term used by the pagans to “appease” or “pacify” the wrath of the various gods. In the Jewish religion “atoning sacrifice” took place on the mercy seat. The mercy seat was the place on the altar where blood was sprinkled by the priest for the forgiveness of sin. The mercy seat was the place of atonement for sin. CHRIST became the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrifices because HE became the atoning, once for all, sacrifice for sin.

Notice the word “restraint.” GOD had to be patience because there was a stepwise process:

Revealed:

Verse 21 -  ²¹ But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets.^{[p] 22} The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ^[q] to all who believe, since there is no distinction.

Presented and Demonstrated:

Verse 25 - ²⁵ God presented him as an atoning sacrifice^[s] in his blood, received through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed.

Under the Law, sacrifices were made in the temple on the Day of Atonement by the high priest in private. Whereas, the death of JESUS was public and demonstrated to all the world. The crucifixion of JESUS was a public act to reveal to all the world that GOD’S only sinless SON willingly gave HIS perfect life to pay, in full, for all sin. GOD made JESUS to be sin so that all who place their faith in JESUS are made pure before GOD and become righteous before GOD.

What does that mean? It means that all who place their faith in JESUS are cleansed from all sin by HIS shed blood and are made righteous. Who makes born-again believers righteous? GOD declares every born-again believer righteous based upon the atoning sacrifice of JESUS. What does that mean for every born-again Christian? It means they are GOD’S Son or Daughter with all the rights and privileges as GOD Child. As such, HIS Children can walk into the throne room of GOD and affectionately call HIM Daddy (Abba)

Consider Hebrews 4:14-16:

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

Romans 8:14-16:

¹⁴ For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons (daughters). ¹⁵ For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba^] ,^[g Father!” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

Salvation from eternal death is GOD’S redemptive plan for mankind.

The object of our faith is JESUS and it is through faith in JESUS that a person receives the gift of salvation. Salvation is available to all people but only those who take the step of faith, believing in JESUS are saved.

JESUS fulfilled the Law and lived a sinless life. HE gave HIS life for the propitiation of our sins. JESUS shed blood paid in full the sin debt every person owes. But every person must place his or her faith in JESUS. Doing so saves a person from the wrath of GOD and renders that person righteous before GOD through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth.   

The problem of how GOD, WHO is HOLY, can receive unholy people into HIS presence has been solved! Don’t miss this opportunity to become GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth.

And that is salvation!

Blessings!!!