The Bible tells us that salvation is by Grace ALONE! Grace is unmerited favor, or receiving something that you did not ear or deserve. It is an act of the will, grace is the choice, and mercy is the action that grows out of grace. Jeremiah 31:3 is directed specifically at the people of Israel, but it includes those who have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We must understand that God freely binds himself to us to be our God, and He binds us to himself as our God. God is not forced to show us grace, He does so freely. No longer is God our enemy: He stands with us against our real enemies so effectively that “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). We must recognize that all this is possible because of the Work of Jesus Christ, not because of our goodness (Titus 3:5). Because God’s grace is free, and based on His choice: He does not love us more when we are good, and less when we are sinful, this is not an excuse to sin, but is a example of His commitment to us. Throughout the Bible we … READ MORE

Over the past 40 years, the gospel has become cloudy. What is the gospel, and how do we know the plan of God for salvation. movements in Evangelical circles have made the waters of Salvation murky, because of the confusion of attempting to lump to many denominations together. Every group have their own ideas of what salvation looks like, but how do we come to understand the correct approach. In 2006, some men who were influential in Christianity decided that there needed to e a clarification of what the gospel is, and how to present it. So these men came together in a counsel and they sought to reaffirm and reiterate the central doctrine of the Christian faith and to encourage local churches around the world to do the same. It was their statement on the gospel, which they referenced back to the reformation to build that foundation. Their statement was, “According to the Bible, salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.” I believe that if we are to embrace biblical salvation, we must understand this statement. I want to explore this statement over the next few days, and remind us the importance of recognizing the … READ MORE

John makes it clear in John 20:31 that the words of his gospel are written that we might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that in believing this truth we may have life in His name. Peter said in John 6:68, in a passage that Jesus taught some things very difficult for those hearing to understand, and as a result many turned away from Jesus. When Jesus asked Peter if he and the disciples would leave also, Peter responds, “To whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life,” The Bible teaches that God may be approached exclusively through His Only Begotten Son. These truths lead people to faith and salvation. The benefit of this is that if we are on “the way” we can not miss eternal life. Understanding this truth that Jesus revealed the plan of God, and implemented that plan in the world, gives us freedom to live the life that is before us without the fear of “missing” the prize. The proof of our salvation is not our outward works, but it is the inward understanding of the teaching of the Bible. This leads to the question of … READ MORE