A Survival Strategy

Yes, real believers can fall, fail, and be derailed! To take serious precautions with our relationships, associations, philosophies, and habits are a given to ensure survival. I’ll leave it to others to debate whether real Christians can commit deep dark sins that discredit our Faith and shame our Lord. I personally see warnings about this very thing as I casually read the Word of God. Furthermore, I am of the opinion most Believers desire to live out their lives in a manner that is generally pleasing to the Lord. No one I know wants to fail as a Christian. Yet, so many of us do! It is heart-breaking, shocking, and somewhat disconcerting when major Christian figures fall. Regardless of theological positions, gross failures are an all to common occurrence.

The question is what can we do? What has God provided to keep us on the straight and narrow? What survival strategies can we employ to avoid disaster? Note the sagacious counsel the prophet Jude gives,

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, [21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [22] And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. [24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, [25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 20-25, KJV)

The following is a compilation from several Christian leaders based on Jude 20 – 25.

Study:

I.                   A Survival Strategy for Fighting Apostasy (Jude 20-23).

In addition to remembering what the apostles had said about the apostates, Jude’s readers were to give attention to themselves. The believer’s resource, of course, is to stay close to the Lord and live in unbroken fellowship with Him. But how is this done? Jude lays out the strategic steps.

A.    Build up yourselves in the Christian faith as a means of defense (vs. 20).

                                                 1.      The first is personal edification (“building up yourselves”). This comes from progressing in the knowledge of “your most holy faith,” that is, the Christian faith. This “faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (v. 3); entrusted to the people of God comprises the teaching of the apostles now recorded in the Scriptures, to be studied by us (Acts 20:32; 2 Tim. 2:15).

                                                 2.      We build up ourselves on it by studying and obeying the Bible. Constant familiarity with the word guides us positively in the way of righteousness, and warns us against the perils along the way. “Men may decry doctrine,” H. Pickering says, “but it is creed that produces character and not character that produces creed.” –MacDonald

B.     Continue praying in the Spirit with His illumination, assistance, and power (vs. 20).

                                                 1.      The second step is “praying in the Holy Ghost.” Praying in the Holy Spirit is not speaking in tongues, but is “praying out of hearts and souls that are indwelt, illuminated, and filled with the Holy Spirit” (George Lawrence Lawlor, Translation and Exposition of the Epistle of Jude, p. 127). It is praying in the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. Eph. 6:18). –Walvoord

                                                 2.      This means to pray as guided by the Spirit. That is in accordance with the will of God as revealed in the Bible or as privately revealed by the Spirit in a subjective way to the believer. It is in contrast to prayers which are recited mechanically or spun off without any real spiritual involvement.

                                                 3.      The power for building the Christian life comes from prayer: “praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20). The Word of God and prayer go together in spiritual growth. If all we do is read and study the Bible, we will have a great deal of light, but not much power. However, if we concentrate on prayer and ignore the Bible, we may be guilty of zeal without knowledge. We read the Word to grow in faith (Rom. 10:17), then we use that faith to ask God for what we need and what His Word tells us we may have.

The Word of God and prayer certainly go together (Acts 6:4). Evangelist Billy Sunday used to give his converts three rules for success in the Christian life. Each day they were to read the Bible and let God talk to them. They were to pray; in other words, they were to talk to God. And they were to witness and talk to others about God. It would be difficult to improve on those rules.

What does it mean to “pray in the Holy Spirit”? (Note the contrast with Jude 19—“having not the Spirit.”) It means to pray according to the leading of the Spirit. It has well been said, “Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven—it is getting God’s will done on earth.” This agrees with 1 John 5:14–15.

As Christians, we may pray in solitude (Matt. 6:6), but we never pray alone; the Spirit of God joins with us as we pray (Rom. 8:26–28) because He knows the mind of God and can direct us. He can give us wisdom and knowledge from the Word (Eph. 1:15ff). He can also help us approach the Father through the access we have in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:18). We worship God “in the Spirit” (Phil. 3:3), and the Spirit motivates us to pray, for He is “the Spirit of grace and of supplications” (Zech. 12:10). When the believer is yielded to the Spirit, then the Spirit will assist him in his prayer life, and God will answer prayer. –Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary

C.    Guard yourselves by remaining in the love of God and fellowship (vs. 21).

                                                 1.      Thirdly is keeping ourselves in God’s love (Jude 21) does not indicate that salvation depends on our own efforts, for that would contradict other clear Scripture passages (v. 24). Instead, a believer is nurtured as he is occupied with God’s love for him, and is in fellowship with Him (John 15:9-10, “abide in My love”).

                                                 2.       [Thus] believers are to keep themselves in the love of God. Here the love of God can be compared to the sunshine. The sun is always shining. But when something comes between us and the sun, we are no longer in the sunshine. That’s the way it is with the love of God. It is always beaming down upon us. But if sin comes between us and the Lord, then we are no longer enjoying His love in practice. We can keep ourselves in His love first of all by lives of holiness and godliness. And if sin should come between, then we should confess and forsake that sin immediately. The secret is to let nothing come between us and God. –Believer's Bible Commentary

                                                 3.      Nothing between my soul and the Savior, Naught of this world’s delusive dream; Nothing preventing the least of His favor, Keep the way clear, let nothing between. —Charles A. Tindley

D.    Keep looking to Jesus for mercy until He comes for us in the Rapture unto eternal life (vs. 21).

                                                 1.      Fourthly, we should be eagerly “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

                                                 2.      The phrase “looking for” means waiting expectantly for the blessed hope, the return of Christ for His saints, as another means of personal nurture. The mercy of our Lord here refers to His imminent return to take His people home to heaven. Waiting for that event is waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ in the sense that the Rapture will be the consummating evidence of His mercy. Jude added that it will bring us “unto eternal life,” that is, to enjoying never-ending life in God’s own presence (1 Peter 1:5, 9, 13). In days of darkness and apostasy, we are to keep the light of the blessed hope burning in our hearts. It will prove a comforting and purifying hope (1 Thess. 4:18; 1 Jn. 3:3).

                                                 3.      We build our Christian life on the foundation of faith and through the motivation of love. But we also need hope: “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” The believer’s eyes must be lifted heavenward. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:12).

The word translated “looking” (Jude 21) means “earnestly expecting.” It describes an attitude of life that is motivated by the promise of our Lord’s return. The apostates can only look for judgment, but God’s people are looking for mercy. Not only is our salvation from sin the gift of God’s mercy, but so also is the deliverance of His church from this evil world. In His mercy, He will come for us and take us to Himself.

We have already noted that looking for the coming of the Lord is a great encouragement to Christian living. It makes us want to keep pure (1 John 3:3) and to avoid the things of the flesh and the world (Phil. 3:17–21). Our hope in Christ is like an anchor (Heb. 6:19) that holds us in the storms of life, and like a helmet that protects us in the battles of life (1 Thes. 5:8). –The Bible Exposition Commentary

E.      Serve with compassion and caution to make a real impact in your ministry (vs. 22-23). A certain measure of spiritual discernment is necessary in dealing with victims of apostasy (v. 22). The Scriptures make a distinction between the way we should handle those who are active propagandists of false cults and those who have been duped by them. In the case of the leaders and propagandists, the policy is given in 2 John 10, 11.  Do not receive them into your house nor greet him with blessing; to do so is to participate in their evil activities. But in speaking of those who have been deceived by false teachers, Jude counsels making a distinction and gives two separate courses of action.

                                                 1.      Exercise Compassion (v. 22). On these believers we should have compassion. That is, we should show a compassionate interest in them and try to guide them out of doubts and disputations into a firm conviction of divine truth.

i.        Compassion refers to being gracious and showing pity on those struggling with confusion and doubts. It is to show mercy by extending help because of the grave consequence of sin, as opposed to becoming hardened and adding to their pains. Generally it is to be merciful on a person in miserable circumstances when they do not deserve such gracious treatment.

ii.      Because the words of the apostates were confusing, probably many believers were in doubt as to whether to follow them. Such persons, Jude wrote, should not be slandered or criticized. They should be dealt with in love and mercy—the same way in which the Lord dealt with them (cf. v. 21). They needed encouragement, not criticism. They needed to be built up, not torn down. –The Bible Knowledge Commentary

                                                 2.      Exercise Caution (v. 23). Some must be saved “with fear.” Such individuals are so corrupt that the stench of sin has polluted them and even their clothing reek with the odor of corruption (v. 12, “spots”). Be on alert as you attempt to rescue people from the grip of lies (vs. 23) because you could become contaminated in the process. Be sure to hate the lifestyles of carnality you will be exposed to as you try to save others from the clutches of evil (vs. 23).

i.        Then there are those who are on the verge of the precipice, ready to fall over into the flames of apostasy (v. 23). These we are to save by strong, resolute warning and instruction, hating even the garment spotted [defiled] by the flesh. In the OT the clothing of a leper was contaminated and had to be burned (Lev. 13:47–52). Today in dealing with people who have fallen into sexual sins, we must remember that material objects, such as clothing, for example, often excite the passions. As we see these things or feel them, there is a mental association with certain sins. So in dealing with people who have become defiled, we must be careful to avoid anything which might prove a temptation in our own lives. –Believer's Bible Commentary

ii.      Clothing suggests the contaminating effect of their sin. Like the leper whose clothing was polluted by the disease (Lv. 13:34; 14:8), they are to be seen as a source of pollution and therefore shunned. –New Bible Commentary

iii.    An unknown author expressed it like this: “The clothes that belong to a man have about them the association and infection of sin, the contagion of evil. Whatever is associated with a life of sin should be cast off and renounced, if we are to be safe from the infection and contagion of this soul-destroying disease.”

iv.     J. B. Mayor warns, “While it is the duty of the Christian to pity and pray for the sinner, he must view with loathing all that bears traces of the sin.”

II.                An Exaltation for God’s Preserving Power (Jude 24-25). 

In this final paragraph Jude exploded with a most elevated doxology, answering the unexpressed question, “But who will deliver us from the apostates and the apostasy into which they lead the unsuspecting?” His proclamation was, praise be to Him who is able to keep you from falling. Victory over apostasy is found in Jesus Christ! He is the One who will “keep” believers.

A.    Christ is able to keep you from falling prey to apostasy and present you faultless in God’s presence (v. 24).

                                                 1.      Christ is able to preserve us (v. 24).

i.        Jude ascribes praise and worship to Him who is able (v. 24). He is able to save (Heb. 7:25), able to establish (Rom. 16:25), able to aid (Heb. 2:18), able to subdue (Phil. 3:21)—and here He is able to keep. He is able to keep us in perfect peace (Isa. 26:3), He is able to keep that which we have committed to Him until that Day (2 Tim. 1:12), He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Eph. 3:20), and He is able to keep us from falling into error.

ii.      This last promise is especially timely for the days of apostasy to which Jude is referring.

                                                 2.      Christ will present us (v. 24). The promise doesn’t stop with preservation, it includes faultless presentation. Christ is able to make us stand faultless in the presence of His glory with exceeding joy (v. 24). Christ will present believers to His Father without fault and with great joy—joy both for Himself and for them (Heb. 12:2; 1 Peter 1:8). This is ridiculously astounding!

                                                 3.      Here is the greatest theme of victory to be sounded, the highest note of praise and adoration possible, and the greatest assurance for the redeemed. When we think of what we were—dead through our trespasses and sins; when we think of what we are—poor, weak, failing servants; and then to think that one day we will stand absolutely faultless in the Throne Room of the universe, rejoicing “with exceeding joy”—what grace is this!

B.     God, our wise Savior, is worthy of glory, majesty, dominion, and power today and forever more (v. 25).

                                                 1.      Jude attributes to God—to the only wise God our Savior glory, majesty, dominion, and power, which are all available to believers through the Victor, Jesus Christ our Lord. And this exalted position is true of God in eternity past, in the present, and for all eternity in the future. Thus, Jude fulfills his heart’s desire of writing in the most joyful terms (Jude 3), for in Christ there is hope in victory, which gives believers joy and confidence.

                                                 2.      He is not only our Keeper and Perfecter—He is God our Savior (v. 25). It is a marvel that God should be so interested in us that He would also become our Savior, in the sense that He devised the plan whereby we are saved, and He provided His sinless Son as the sacrificial Lamb. Who alone is wise—ultimately all wisdom comes from God (cf. Jas. 1:5). Our wisdom is merely derived from the fount of wisdom, the only wise God.

If worship (Old English “worth-ship”) means ascribing to God what He is worthy of, it will be glory, and majesty, dominion, and power. Glory—the superlative honor He deserves for all He is and all He has done for us. Majesty—the dignity and splendor He deserves as the Supreme Monarch of the universe. Dominion—the unchallenged sway which is His by sovereign right. And power or authority—the might and prerogative to rule all that His hands have made.

He was worthy of such praise in the past, He is worthy at the present time, and He will be worthy of it throughout eternity. Apostates and false teachers may seek to rob Him of glory, detract from His majesty, grumble against His dominion, and challenge His power. But all true believers find their greatest fulfillment in glorifying and enjoying Him both now and forever.

Amen. –MacDonald, William: Believer's Bible Commentary

Conclusion:

So, this is how we are to earnestly contend for the faith. This includes energetically defending the Christian Faith, resisting the influence and message of false teachers, and ministering with compassion and caution to those already burned by their erroneous teachings. All the while we have the assurance of God’s preserving power on our behalf!

We are not given the choice to opt out and hide in a religious cloister somewhere…no, God calls upon us to engage in such intense spiritual battles for the souls of men and the welfare of believers. Biblical separation is always appropriate, but isolation has never been God’s strategy. While this type of ministry is not for every believer, it is a part of mature Christian ministry. None of us can afford to be presumptuous about our levels of strength, serious preparation is necessary to engage these challenges effectively. 

What Do You Mean, "I'm Lost?"

Luke 19:9, 10

Theme:  man is lost because human history, our own conscious, the absence of real satisfaction, the Cross of Christ, and the Bible all consistently declare this message in concert.

Relevance: much of the world has erroneously concluded that, mankind is not lost and therefore has no need of salvation.  The following information will help us understand how God views humanity and what arguments we can use to convince people or help them realize their woefully lost condition.

And Jesus said unto him [Zacchaeus], This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.10, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:9–10, KJV)

Introduction:

Undeniably, Zacchaeus has been converted to faith in Christ and this passage records this glorious development! In fact “salvation” came for him that very day even though he was a Jewish tax collector. Furthermore his conversion underscores the reason—the primary mission—Jesus Christ entered this earthly existence. Our Lord came to seek and to save the lost! Zacchaeus was lost, but Jesus saved him. Ring the bells and celebrate because all of heaven rejoices at the salvation of the lost.

I think it is important to begin with asking the question, what do the terms “lost” and “save” actually mean? There may even be some who would resent such a classification or characterization. Defining these terms will not only establish concrete communication throughout this article, but it will also help us grasp God’s intentional statement when He employs the terms. I think it is important to recognize the terms came from God.

Now then, the word “lost” literally means to destroy; to destroy utterly; cause to perish eternally; deprived of eternal life; to lose a possession.  When applied to salvation, “lost” means our relationship with God is broken by our sin, and when we die, we will go to hell—eternal destruction. Lost denote the fact that we do not possess a relationship with God that is redemptive in nature, and as a result we will perish forever.

Well that characterization does not sound too good at all. Thankfully there is a wonderful alternative available to each of us through faith in Jesus Christ and His work at Calvary. That alternative is conveyed in the words “save” and “salvation” Jesus uses in Luke 19:10, 11. By “saved,” Jesus means to cause someone to experience divine salvation; God delivers those who decide to believe on Jesus. Those who are fit for utter destruction and perishing forever are here rescued from that future. The term presents the idea that our relationship with God has been restored through faith in Jesus Christ and we will go to heaven instead of hell. Many passages use these terms and the ‘lost sheep’ analogy to describe sinners doomed to perish unless they are rescued by the God of all grace (Matt 10:6; 15:24; 18:11; Luke 15:4, 6, 9, 24; 19:10). Beloved, Jesus did this for Zacchaeus and he came to do the same for us when we trust him with our sin problem.

Of course, all of this assumes that there is a God. If there is not a God, then we cannot be lost and we cannot be saved. We just live and die, and then we cease to exist. But if there is a God, then mankind is lost and needs to be saved. For the last two thousand years, one of the foundation stones of the Christian faith is that there is a God, humanity is lost, and everyone needs to be saved. Jesus revealed all of these principle realities and theological concepts when he made the statement,

And Jesus said unto him [Zacchaeus], This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.10, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:9–10, KJV)

This brings us to the heart of the problem. This is precisely why some are deeply offended when we use the term lost to describe them. “What do you mean I am lost?!” Thy might protect. You see, the problem with humanity is most people do not believe that they will die and go to hell. They think that something will save them. They think that either there is no hell, or there is no God, or that a loving God would not send them to hell, or that their good works will outweigh their bad. But these are all lies, deceptions of the devil. And in reality, we are doomed the moment we believe the lie.  

But since most people believe the lie that they are not in danger of going to hell, we have to start by asking the question, “Are we truly lost and don’t know it?” The majority of people do not believe they are. But what we believe means absolutely nothing unless God believes the same thing. So, to try to gain God’s perspective on the issue, we will ask several questions to see if the answers will give us insight on whether or not we are really lost and in need of “salvation.” Did Jesus actually come to seek and to save me because I am lost? 

Lesson:

What Does the Bible Say about Humanity’s Lost Condition?

The Bible says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that the wages of that sin is eternal separation from God in Hell.

Having looked at the words of the Lord Jesus suggesting humanity’s lost condition, we now turn to other statements of Scripture. If we take the Bible at face value, we simply cannot avoid the fact that humanity is lost and in need of personal salvation. In Romans, two verses combine with particular force: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

But the Bible by no means stops there:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ¹⁸ He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16–18)

The words of the Lord Jesus clearly portray humanity as unbelieving, perishing, and condemned. He is careful to state with unmistakable clarity that all humanity is hopelessly lost without His direct intervention. The Lord Jesus insists that people are "condemned already because" they have not placed their faith in Him, the absolutely unique Son of God. In light of humanities woeful predicament God sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. Still each individual must recognize they are lost and believe on Jesus Christ to be saved.

As Jesus was contrasting the actions of the redeemed with the unredeemed in Matthew 25:41, He was unambiguous in His description of the fate of those who reject Him: “Then shall He say unto them on His left hand, ‘Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

Jesus saw "everlasting fire" in the future of those who were not saved God's way. Many may claim to know the Lord as Savior, but in reality they never actually trusted Him for the forgiveness of sins and salvation. They were never delivered by God though they were religious, church goers, were baptized, and observed certain Bible requirements tenaciously. They were depending on their performance, obedience, adherence, and commitment to save them instead of the grace of God expressed in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. This method can only end in eternal destruction in "everlasting fire."

In Acts 4:12 we read, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the absolute and ONLY WAY to be saved. Religion of any kind is utterly incapable of providing any form of salvation. Deliverance from our lost condition and eternal perishing is exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of all who will repent believing the Gospel.

In Romans 5:8–10, we read: 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ¹⁰ For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

We sinners can be reconciled to God through the death of Jesus Christ, we are also justified before God through Christ’s cross, and we are delivered from wrath through him. Jesus alone is THE Savior; He is the ONLY Rescuer! 

Then in Romans 10:9-13, we are told “what we are to believe” in order to be saved by God:

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. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11, For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12, For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom 10:9-13, KJV)

The Apostle Paul details the need to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord God, the supreme authority sent by God the Father to provide the solution for humanity's sin problem. By believing that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again as the all sufficient payment for our sins, we are saved. God begins for the first time ever to view us as righteous when we believe on Christ with all our heart and we naturally now confess Him as the Lord and savior of our lives. Furthermore, we are assured of a growing confidence that such an outright confession of faith in the Lord Jesus will not in any way fall short of God's saving grace, be disappointed, proved foolish, or become the source of shame. Paul further guarantees that anyone, whether Jewish or non-Jewish, who calls upon the Lord Jesus Christ will be indeed rescued from eternal perishing and the ultimate consequences of our sins. We must call upon the Lord for mercy today and the Lord is generous to save anyone and everyone who truly calls upon Him for deliverance from the ultimate condemnation of sin.

And finally, we read in Ephesians 2:1–10: 

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; ² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: ³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, ⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) ⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 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.

Beloved, salvation is by God showing undeserved favor on repentant sinners who place their faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.  When we examine our past, we can only discover that we do not measure up to God's or our own expectations. We are guilty of significant and small failures before a perfect and holy God. When Christians look at our present situation, we understand that it is because of God's saving grace and redemptive work on our behalf. When we consider our future, it can only be summed up as the outcomes and provisions of Almighty God dealing with us most graciously. He has an incredible plan for our present and our future. We deserve hell for our failures, idolatry, and sin, but because of Jesus Christ we will enjoy forever with God. What God has done for us He is willing to do for all who will repent believing the gospel of grace.

Beloved, salvation cannot be earned, deserved, merited, bought, worked up, or worked for. It is not for sale; it is already paid for and based on the work of Jesus Christ alone. Like myself, you must come to God acknowledging your sinfulness, confessing Jesus Christ, the Son of God as Lord and Savior, and believing the Gospel—Christ died, was buried, and arose again the third day as the Scriptures said He would. This Jesus died to pay the price for my and your sins. When we trust Him, He will forgive, cleanse, and reconcile us to God forever. Beloved, today is your day to come to Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

Romans 5:10 says, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” From this we learn that to be lost is to be in a state un-reconciled to God, and to be saved means to be reconciled to God by believing in Jesus and receiving the forgiveness of our sins which He offers us by grace through faith.

We see, then, lessons from history and the testimony of our own conscience show that humanity is un-reconciled to God. We are not sinners because we sin. Rather, we sin because we are sinners. David said in Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceived me.” This does not mean that his mother committed sin in the act of conceiving David. Rather, it means that from the moment of conception, the flaw, the corruption of sin was in him. We are all born with it. And if we die with it, we are eternally lost. But if we repent and believe on Christ from the heart, our sins are forgiven and we are saved—we live with God and His children in peace, love, and joy in heaven forever.

We are truly lost. Jesus and the Bible clearly says so! It cannot be denied without overlooking incredible and substantial Bible evidence. The good news is; however, we really can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ and the gospel.

What if we still reject this idea or Bible teachings? If we ignore the clear statements of the Lord Jesus and the testimony of Scripture we are giving abundant evidence of still being lost. Actually the warnings of the Bible, the testimony of history, and the conclusion of our own consciences agree with what has been presented here. Humanity is lost without faith in Jesus Christ. We are going through life without ever receiving Jesus as our personal Savior.

Beloved, if we believe the lies of the devil and step out into eternity unsaved, we will be eternally lost perishing ceaselessly. The truth is it is not too late for you if you are concerned about this matter. If we believe God and trust Him, He will save us as He promised. I also hasten to warn you, God’s Spirit will not always strive with mankind. He is dealing with us most graciously and patiently; do not reject His generous offer of salvation. But if we don’t trust Him, we are indeed in the wrong, and we will have lost everything.