Understanding Biblical Salvation

7/30/2019 Understanding Biblical Salvation

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Understanding

The Salvation

Of A Soul

In many Churches of today, the idea of study has all but been abandoned. Many pulpits have

three points, a poem, and a prayer. We have conceded to the lie that those who call

themselves Christian will not take the time to study so we must study for them, spoon

feeding them as if they are on life support. We should be Bereans and receive the word with

openness, then search the scripture to see if those things be so. So study and be a Berean.

(1Acts 17:11) Proverbs says,

[It is] the glory of God to conceala thing: but the honour of kings [is] to search out amatter. Prov. 25:2.

It is an honor and privilege to search the scripture. What must be realized is that ALL we

know of God has been revealed by God in His Word2. How do we know the things we know

about God? We know them because the Word bears testimony of that truth. If our

experiential theology does not coincide with the truth of scripture, it is not scripture that is

wrong, but our theology.

1 Acts 17:11- These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2 [7] Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of me, (Psa 40:7 KJV)


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GREATER THINGS

The salvation of a soul; in many congregations, this

supernatural work of God is treated as a hindrance to the

Sunday noon time meal. When the preacher of the gospel has

poured out his heart to men and asks that all stand and pray,

some find it an opportune time to dismiss themselves from the

congregation. The roast is burning, or the lines are going

to be outrageous at the restaurants, are the excuses.

The redemption and regeneration of the human soul is the reason Jesus came1

yet we treat it

as an occasion to excuse ourselves from the miracle of the moment. We sigh; look around;

and say to our self, how much longer is he going to drag this on instead of praying that

God would reveal Himself to those in need and draw men to repentance.

Jesus said in John 14:12 that those that believe on Him would do greater works than He did

because He will go to the Father. Greater works that Jesus? He spoke and people were

healed. He called forth rotting Lazarus from the grave and he came. What did Jesus mean

by that statement?

When Jesus walked on the earth, He was the

Son of God (2John 10:36;

3Acts 3:26); 100%

divinity in nature, essence, and substance.

Jesus was also 100% man (4Isaiah. 7:14);

clothed in humanity in order to redeem

mankind. No angel could redeem man; only a man could pay the price for mankind.

1Luke 19:10- For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

2 John 10:36- Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, Iam the Son of God?

3 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from hisiniquities.

4 Isa 7:14- Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall callhis name Immanuel.

Verily, verily, I say

unto you, He that

believeth on me, the

works that I do shallhe do also; and greater

[works] thanthese

shall he do; because I

go unto my Father.

John 14:12

But he [was] wounded for our

transgressions, [hewas] bruisedfor our

iniquities: the chastisement of our

peace [was] upon him; and with his

stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5


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How can we do greater works than

these? As one counted among those

that believe, we have within our

regenerated soul, the very Holy Spirit

of God tabernacling within us. He testifies to the truth of scripture (1Acts 5:32), convicts of

sin (2Heb. 3:7-8), and leads us into righteousness (

3Rev. 2:7).

As a man, Christ denied Himself certain attributes of divinity; one being His omnipresence;

and another, certain aspects of His omniscience (4Mark 13:32). Christ denied Himself the

ability to be all places at all times and the knowledge of certain things. It wasnt that Christ

couldnt, it was the fact that He didnt.

The Son did heal; He caused the blind to see, regenerated limbs and muscle, and even raised

the dead. He did it one person at a time, or at least, that is the way the scripture reveals

(Matt. 11:15). Christ even forgave sin; but He did it one person at a time.

Christ IN us is our Hope of Glory (5Colossians 1:27). We are preachers of the Gospel of

Jesus Christ. This is the greater work; as the disciples were scattered through out the nations,

they preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the power of Holy Spirit. (6Luke 24:49;

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Matt. 5:14) Men came to true repentance throughout the known world and continue to do soeven today as the Word of God and the truth of the gospel is shared (

8Matt. 28:19).

1 Acts 5:32- And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them thatobey him.

2 Heb. 3:7-8: Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in theprovocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

3 Rev. 2:7- He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat

of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.4 Mark 13:32- But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, butthe Father.

5 Col. 1:27- To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which isChrist in you, the hope of glory:

6 Luke 24:49- And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be

endued with powerfrom on high.

7 Matt. 5:14- Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

8 Matt. 28:19- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of theHoly Ghost:

The blind receive their sight, and the lame

walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf

hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor

have the gospel preached to them. Matt. 11;5


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CHRIST- THE KINSMEN REDEEMER

Christ was the true, resourceful, Kinsmen Redeemer, willing to take on ALL mans debts and

set us free from the penalty laid on us due to our sin. (Rom.13:23;

26:23;

35:8)

The book of Ruth is a wonderful account what a Kinsmen Redeemer is and why Jesus as

ours, is so vitally important (4John 14:6). In essence, Naomi (a type or shadow of Israel) and

her family move away from their home land of Bethlehem Judea due to famine in the land.

Through a series of events, Naomi has to sell their land, her husband and her two sons die

leaving her and her two daughters in laws to fend for them selves. Naomi hears that things

are better now in Bethlehem and releases her two Gentile daughters in law of all obligations

to her so they may return to their homeland and remarry.

One goes, but Ruth stays out of love for Naomi. When they return, Naomi tells Ruth to go

and glean in the fields for grain as was the custom for the destitute. This was the only form

of welfare there was at that time. The harvesters could go through the field only once. After

that, what was left over could be gathered by the poor. All this time, Naomi was teaching

Ruth concerning the ways of the Jews, their customs, and laws.

As Ruth was gleaning, she found herself in the fields of Boaz. He asked one of his servants

who this lady was that had wondered into his fields prior to harvesting. Boaz was taken by

Ruth. When Boaz learned of Ruth and Naomi, he instructed his servants to not harm Ruth

but to purposefully drop handfuls of grain in her path.

Upon returning with the incredible amount of grain, Naomi inquired as to the field where

Ruth had been. When Ruth said that she had gleaned in the fields of Boaz, Naomie

understood that Ruth had been in the fields of a family member who could assume the role of

a Kinsmen Redeemer.

1 [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Rom 3:23 KJV)

2 [23] For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23 KJV)

3 [8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8 KJV)

4 [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Jhn 14:6 KJV)


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During this time, people did not own the land. They understood that the land belonged to

God. They could however, sell the use of their inherited land if they became destitute.

Naomis family had to do just that. There was a provision in the law for the person to get

back what they had. If the person could find a family member or kinsmen that was ready,

willing, and able to take on all the debts of the person, he could redeem the lost possessions,

fully restoring the family member.

Naomis situation was a bit more complicated. Her debt not only included redeeming lost

land, but also included Ruths right to have a family member of Naomis dead son give Ruth

a child. So not only would the Kinsmen have to be willing and able to pay 100% of the

amount required buying back the land of Naomi, he would also have to take Ruth and give

her a child. This was no trivial request due to the fact that Ruth was a Moabite Gentile. For

a Jewish man to take a Moabite woman and raise up children with her could endanger their

own inheritance.

In order to find out if Boaz was willing to be the Redeemer, Naomi instructed Ruth to go to

the threshing floor while all were asleep and place herself under the hem of Boazs robe.

This was not a sexual proposition; it was something even greater. Ruth was asking Boaz to

take her under his authority and protection and be her Kinsmen Redeemer.

Boaz was overwhelmed with joy. As a hidden coded message to Naomi, Boaz gave Ruth six

measures of grain and told Ruth to take this back to Naomi. When Naomi got the grain, she

new that just as God didnt rest until His six days of creation was completed, so Boaz would

not rest until this transaction was finished. But there was a problem. There was a nearer

Kinsman that could perform this duty if he so chose.

The next day Boaz went to the city gate and waited on the near kin to come to the gate.

When Boaz saw the man, he called him over so as to be witnessed by the city councilmen.

When the near kin heard of the land, he was willing, but when he realized that he would have

to take a Gentile woman and give her children, he refused leaving the way clear for Boaz to

do that which he wanted to do. Boaz and Ruth were married and Naomi got her land back.


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This, of course, is a very brief rendition of the book of Ruth, but it serves the purpose. Ruth

(a type of the Bride of Christ the Church) learned about the concept of the Kinsmen

Redeemer (Christ) from Naomi (a type of Israel). Boaz (a type of Christ- Kinsmen

Redeemer) was introduced to Ruth (the Church) by an un-named servant (Holy Spirit). Boaz

(Christ) instructed the unnamed servant (Holy Spirit) to give gifts of grain to Ruth (Church).

Boaz (Christ) never forces himself on Ruth (Church), but woos her. Ruth (Church) comes to

Boaz (Christ) and asks for His protection and provision knowing that she (Church) has no

ability on her own to save herself. Boaz (Christ) is overjoyed, however, He knows there is

another kinsman (the Law). But what the near kin (Law) couldnt do, Boaz (Christ) did. He

showed mercy and compassion on the undeserving. Boaz (Christ) received a loving bride in

Ruth (Church) and Naomi (Israel) got the land back.

This is a great shadow of our relationship with Christ. We are destitute and unable to save

ourselves. The Holy Spirit draws us to Christ, but Christ does not force Himself on us. The

decision to come to Christ is only after our realization that we are not able to make it on our

own. When we ask Christ to be our redeemer, protector, and provision He does so with Joy.

He paid the debt owed to the Law in full clearing the way for us to become His bride. Jesus

was born Jew but He Identified with the whole of humanity.

In the story of Ruth, Boaz was not concerned with Ruth being a Moabite because his mother

was Rahab the harlot of Jericho. He not only was an influential Jew but a son of a Gentile

harlot who was honored by Joshua.


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SECTION NOTES:


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SACRIFICE MADE: THE DEATH OF THE SON

The Old Testament is filled with historical events that shadow the events in the New

Testament. It is said that, In the Old Testament, the New Testament is Concealed; In the

New Testament, the Old Testament is Revealed. A fathers sacrifice of his son is not

without exception. We find the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22.

Abraham was 100 years old when he and Sarah had the child of promise; Isaac. (1Gen. 21:5)

God had called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees into the Promised Land. God had

promised Abraham that, in him, would all the nations of the world be blessed. There was an

issue in the eyes of Abraham. He and Sarah, his wife, was getting old and she had never bore

Abraham any children. Abraham and Sarah took matters into their own hands and Abraham

had a son by Sarahs handmaiden Hagar. They named him Ishmael.

When God came to Abraham again and said that Sarah was going to bear him a child,

Abraham and Sarah laughed noting that they were way past child bearing years. Still yet,

God did allow them to have a son whom they named Isaac.

Several years later, God came to Abraham again,

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get theeinto the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the

mountains which I will tell thee of. Gen. 22:22

Abraham had seen God do many things. Now, God is asking him to take his son and

sacrifice him on a hill. The son of promise was the sacrifice God had required from a man

whose historically was probably one of the richest men alive at that time, if not the richest.

Yet God required his son; Abrahams only son (I know there was Ishmael, we will explain

later); the son whom Abraham loved. God was testing Abrahams faith and devotion.

Would he pass the test?

1 [5] And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. (Gen 21:5 KJV)


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Abraham gathered the wood and along with two young men, he and Isaac headed off for the

place of sacrifice where God would show them.

Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And

Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go

yonder and worship, and come again to you. Gen. 22:4-5

Abraham and the young man Isaac left the others behind and took off up the hill together

with a single purpose. As Isaac carried the wood on his back, he asked his father where the

sacrifice was. Abraham told him that God would provide himself a lamb for the altar.

When the two came to the place where God commanded, Abraham built the altar to God,

places the wood in the correct manner, and bound his son. He laid Isaac on the altar and was

about to strike Isaac with the knife and THE angel of the Lord stopped Abrahams thrust.

And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for

now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]

from me. Gen. 22:12.

Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw a ram caught in the bushes. It was that ram that

Abraham sacrificed. Abraham named that place Jehovah Jireh or the Lord sees.

It is within this story that we find the prelude of a more important story; a story of a Father

who gave His only Son for the sins of the many. It is within that passage in Genesis when

the word love is first mentioned. How profound that LOVE is first used within the context

of a fathers sacrifice of a son.

Only Abraham and Isaac could accomplish this task God laid out before them. The other

men were left behind. It was only God that could provide a perfect sacrifice and no man

could bear Christs load. It was only Abraham that could perform the sacrifice.


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Just as Isaac asked Abraham where the lamb was, we see Christ in the garden asking His

Father, if there by any other way, let the cup of the cross pass. Let the wrath of God be

satisfied another way. There was no other way for we hear Christ saying, yet not my will,

but yours be done.

Isaac willing lay on the pile of timber just as Jesus willing hung on the cross. Jesus declared

that no man took his life, He willingly laid it down. Isaac trusted his father that this was the

will of God and anything other than that would be disobedience.

There is a striking reality in this story; a contrast to the Nth degree. As the hand of the

father in Genesis 22 was stayed by the Lord, the hand of God the Father was not stayed. God

crushed His Son for the sins of the many. Greater love has no man than to lay down his life

for that man. Not only was Abraham willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac was content to be the

sacrifice. Neither could do the job without the other; it took both men in complete accord

and agreement.

As Isaac was raised from the wood so was Jesus raised from the Dead. In the eyes of

Abraham, from the minute God said sacrifice your son, Isaac was a dead man. It took them

three days to reach the place of sacrifice. Yet it was at the end of the 3rd

day that Isaac was

resurrected. As Abraham pulled his son off the wood pile, he was actually seeing his sonas a living person again. Jesus was laid in a tomb for 3 days. On the 3

rdday, He rose again.

Abraham was man of faith. God had made a promise to Abraham that he would be the father

of many nations, so the onus was not on Abraham to keep Isaac alive, but it was on God; and

God never fails.

Two thousand years later, God would call His Son, the one whom He loved, up the same hill.

He would crush His Son as He literally bore the sins of all men for all time. Scripture says

that Jesus became sin. As Christ hung on the cross, so did the sin of every man, woman, boy,

and girl that has lived or would ever live. Jesus came to earth so we could go to heaven. He

paid our price in full on the cross as the Father crushed Him for our sin.


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He was our propitiation; our substitute; our Savior! Isaiah 53:10 says,

But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting {Him} to grief; If He would render

Himself {as} a guilt offering, He will see {His} offspring, He will prolong {His} days, And

the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. Isa. 53:10

Our sin was not just pushed under a rug or pardoned without payment. The sin debt we owed

was not forgotten; it was paid. Not by the one owing the debt, but by the blood of the

innocent; not only the innocent, but by the sinless Son of God (12Cor. 5:21). God became

man; perfect man; and that man died for you, for me, for the sins of the world. (2John 1:29).

SECTION NOTES:

1 [21] For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.(2Cr 5:21 KJV)

2 John 1:29- The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sinof the world.


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PREACHING THE WORD THAT BECAME FLESH

If we could only get a mere glimpse of what really

happened when the Word became flesh and dwelt

among us. If we could only realize the sacrifice

inherent in those seven words, we would understand

the heart of the Father as demonstrated in and through

the Son. The shocking reality is the cross is not only a

symbol of the love of God, but also the impotence and utter wickedness of man. As this light

is revealed, mens wickedness is exposed causing a reaction (1Rom. 5:20); they will fall on

their face and repent or harden their heart toward God and His Gospel.

All the goodness of man is only by the Spirit of God living in us by the grace of God (2James

1:17). All that is eternal, holy, good and just comes from the Spirit of God living in us. If

we say we have love, and the spirit of God is not in us, we are a sounding brass (31 Cor.

13:1). However, if we preach through the power of the Holy Spirit, there will be fruit.

(4Matt. 13:8;

5Mar. 4:20;

6John 15:2-4;

7Rom. 7:4;

8Eph. 5:9-10;).

1 Rom. 5:20- Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much moreabound:

2 James 1:17- Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom

is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

3 I Cor. 13:1- Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass,or a tinkling cymbal.

4 Matt. 13:8- But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

5 Mark 4:20- And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive [it], and bring forth

fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

6 John 15:2-4- Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it,that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I inyou. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

7 Rom. 7:4- Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married toanother, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

8 Ephesians 5:9-10- (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable

unto the Lord.

And the Word was madeflesh, and dweltamongus,

(and we beheld his glory, theglory as of the only begotten of

the Father,) full of grace and

truth. John 1:14.


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When we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, (11Cor. 15: 1-4) men are cut to the core being

convicted of sin by the Spirit of God (2Acts 2:37). Through the preaching of the Word, men

are given the faith ofJesus Christ to repent and believe the Gospel (3Gal. 2:20). All who

believe are brought face to face with the reality of the Holy God, the wickedness of their

existence, and the due penalty of their sin. To leave the condition of men in this state would

be utter suicide. But God, through the death of His Son, offers grace to the humble and

mercy to the undeserving (4James 4:6;

5Matt. 18:4).

In Acts chapter 2, Peter preached the gospel under the power of Holy Spirit, and the response

was, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37b. Peters response is the same

response we must have;

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission ofsins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38.

Peter is implying that in light of the Gospel, our sin is exposed as it really is; putrid to God.

By acting on the faith of Christ, we believe the gospel and forsake our sinful life. Through

faith, we repent and receive forgiveness from God. We accept the mercy gift of grace

purchased by Christ on the cross. Forgiveness is possible only by the sacrifice of the Son.

As a response to our redemption and the salvation granted, we are to be baptized, first as an

act of obedience to God, second, as a symbol of what has taken place in our spirit and our

dedication to Christ as our for-runner of the resurrection.

1 1Cor. 15:1-4; Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received,and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed

in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the

scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

2 Acts 2:37- Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

3 Gal. 2:20- I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live inthe flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.4 James 4:6- But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

5 Matt. 18:4- Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.


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This forgiveness cannot be seen, it cannot be earned, and there is no documentation on paper

of this forgiveness other than scripture telling us so. It is solely by faith (1Heb.11:1). The

Holy Spirit of God regenerates our dead spirit and starts a transforming work in the repentant

life that God Himself has promised to complete (2John 17:19). This sanctifying process is

marked from that point on by a lifestyle of good fruit (3Matt. 7:18;

412:33;

5John 15:5),

repentance and believing in Jesus Christ as the Author and Finisher of that faith6(Heb. 12:2).

As one is confronted with the gospel, they realize the impotence of their own will and power

to save their own soul. Man is extended the call to come and dine with the King. He is given

the never failing and sure faith of Christ to exercise and believe the Gospel. This faith will

never fail. The faith of Christ that called Lazarus forth from the grave is the same faith that is

given to each one that believes (7John 11:43-44). This faith that caused the storms to cease is

the same faith that is given to every soul that is drawn to repentance (8Mar. 4:39). This is

the faith ofChrist that leads to a beliefin Christ that ends in eternal life with Christ when we

become apart of the body ofChrist. (9Rom. 3:22;

10Gal 2:16;

113:22;

1Phil. 3:9)

1 Heb. 11:1- Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 John 17:19- And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

3 Matt. 7:18- A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

4 Matt. 12:33- Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree isknown by [his] fruit.

5 John 15:5- I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: forwithout me ye can do nothing.

6 Heb. 12:2- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the

cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.7 John 11:43-44- And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead cameforth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loosehim, and let him go.

8 Mark 4:39- And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there wasa great calm.

9 Rom. 3:22- Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: forthere is no difference:

10 Gal. 2:16- Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have

believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the worksof the law shall no flesh be justified.

11 Gal. 3:22- But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them

that believe.


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This summit between man and the gospel will result in a choice. There is no reprieve in this

encounter; there are no time-outs in this meeting. A choice is made to reject Christ or to

receive Him. There is no middle ground and no negotiating of terms. We come to God by

His stipulations not ours. Remember, to negotiate mean one has something of value to offer.

All we bring to the table is failure and filthy rags. We are at the complete mercy of God.

Conviction may last for days until repentance and surrender comes or total rejection is

conceded. Take heed though, there is no guarantee that conviction will ever come again.

2(Joshua 24:15)

Those that reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ call the true testimony of the Holy Spirit a liar

(3Matt. 12:31). To choose not to exercise the faith of Christ and believe could bring upon

their heart a hardening in the destructive direction they are headed (4Rom. 1:28). An

example of this would be Pharaoh. God hardened Pharaohs heart (5Exo. 7:3) only after

Pharaoh hardened his own heart against God and Moses pleas to release the nation Israel

(6Exo 8:15). God gave Pharaoh exactly what he wanted and solidified his heart in that

direction.

I ask; if God were to harden your heart in the direction it is heading right now, where would

it take you; toward God or away from God. Hearing the Gospel is a sobering thing. Faith

comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Once ears have heard the gospel, theyare responsible for the truth of the Gospel. The Gospel that is preached must be the Biblical

gospel or the words of Paul written under the power of the Holy Spirit will ring out for an

eternity.

1 Phil. 3:9- And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faithof Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

2 Joshua 24:15- And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the godswhich your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: butas for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

3 Matt. 12:31- Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy[against] the [Holy] Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

4 Rom. 1:28- And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, todo those things which are not convenient;

5 Exo. 7:3- And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

6 Exo. 8:15- But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD

had said.


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1In Galatians, Paul says those that come with another Gospel other than what he preached

should be accursed or anathema; meaning worthy of the worst damnation. So please

realize, preaching the gospel is serious and worthy of great study and preparation. Paul says

it like this:

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that

which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now

again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him

be accursed. Galatians1:8-9

The words of the gospel are life, light, and salvation. Within Scripture is the revelation of

God Himself; His mercy; His grace; and His judgment. The Gospel is good new to those that

will receive it and allow it to change their life and graft them in the body of Christ. The

Gospel also strikes fear and conviction in the unsaved and rejoicing in the life of the believer.

It should permeate our being to the point where every piece of our fiber declares the grace

and glory of God in our life and our lips proclaim, pronounce, and present the true gospel of

Jesus Christ to a dying world.

SUMMARY NOTES:

1 Gal. 1:8- But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORDhad said.


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THE GREAT SHEPARD KNOWING YOU

Our desire should be that people know the Good and Great Shepard (1John 10:1). The late

Adrian Rogers of Belleview Baptist Church in Memphis once told a story of a child who

misquoted the 23rd

Psalm but got it exactly right at the same

time. She said, The Lord is my Shepard, I have all I want.

Jehovah God is one God (2Deut. 6:4), who, seeing the

depravity of man, clothed Himself in humanity and bore our

sin so we would not have to. He became our Provider (3Gen.

22:14), our Banner (4Exo. 17:15-16), our Peace (

5Judges 6:24), our Healer (

6Exo. 15:26), and

our Righteousness (7Jer. 33:16); He is forever present with us. Man will have no peace, no

satisfaction, no healing, no righteousness, and no assurance outside of a lifeINJesus Christ.

The satisfied life will only come as that life is given away.

A more important aspect, and one that is complementary to the above paragraph, is that,

while it is good and necessary to know the Good Shepard, it is more important that the Good

Shepard know them. Matthew 7:21-23 says,

21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he

who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many

wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; departfrom Me, you who practice lawlessness! Matt. 7:21-23.

1 [1] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, thesame is a thief and a robber. (Jhn 10:1 KJV)

2 [4] Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] one LORD: (Deu 6:4 KJV)

3 [14] And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall

be seen. (Gen 22:14 KJV)

4 [15] And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: [16] For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn

[that] the LORD [will have] war with Amalek from generation to generation. (Exd 17:15-16 KJV)

5 [24] Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of theAbiezrites. (Jdg 6:24 KJV)

6 [26] And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight,and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have

brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee. (Exd 15:26 KJV)

7 [16] In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this [is the name] wherewith she shall becalled, The LORD our righteousness. (Jer 33:16 KJV)

For whosoever will savehis life shall lose it: and

whosoever will lose his

life for my sake shall

findit. Matt. 16:25


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I never knew you. These words will ring in the ears of the lost for an eternity. I never

knew you. What horrible words to hear utter from the mouth of a holy God. I never knew

you; the undeniable truth that brings eternal consequences of holy justice toward sin. The

tragedy of these verses is that those people thought they were pleasing the Lord; they felt

themselves secure in their own deeds. They were blinded and overtaken by their own

righteousness.

When we realize that our fleshly ideals of what makes us right or wrong, good or bad, moral

or immoral, is like used menstrual rags (1Lev. 15:33;

220:18;

3Lam. 1:17) in the presence of

God, we can understand how horrid they are when compared to the holiness of God (4Isa.

64:6). The soul of man will spend an eternity either paying the penalty for his own sin, or

resting in the payment offer by Christ. It has been, and always will be our choice.

SECTION NOTES

1 [33] And of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that

lieth with her that is unclean. (Lev 15:33 KJV)

2 [18] And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath discovered herfountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people. (Lev20:18 KJV)

3 [17] Zion spreadeth forth her hands, [and there is] none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob,[that] his adversaries [should be] round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them. (Lam 1:17 KJV)

4 [6] But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and ouriniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isa 64:6 KJV)


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Gods Desire Is To Kill You

Gods desire is to kill you. One might call this

a harsh statement; that it is to bold, and it is

terribly wrong. I say, it is the truth and to the

truly saved, it is cause for great joy.

Only the prideful heart wails about for its own existence. Only the sinful heart struggles for

breath and demands a foothold in the actions of our life (1Gal. 5:17). To die to ones self is

to allow Christ to live in us and through us producing eternal fruit. For us to die is the only

way that Christ will live in us (2Gal. 2:20). The dead flesh cannot live. We must hang on the

Cross of Christ in order to share in the resurrection of Christ. The fruit of the Christian life

is that which can not perish and attains treasures that cannot be over taken by rust or moth

(3Matt. 6:19-20)

Our hope is not in a thing or a place. It is not in the

governments of the world or the money, power, and

prestige this earth has to offer4(Psalms 20:7). It is in a

person and that person living in us. This person is Jesus

Christ in us. Yes, in us; living, moving, convicting,revealing truth, and empowering us for ministry

5(Luke 24:49). One might ask, how can

Christ be in us? The answer is by the Holy Spirit living in us. Christ lives in us, through the

Holy Spirit setting up residence in us.6(Heb.9:11)

1 [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: sothat ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Gal 5:17 KJV)

2 [20] I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in theflesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20 KJV)

3 [19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break throughand steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves donot break through nor steal: (Mat 6:19-20 KJV)

4 [7] Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Psa 20:7 KJV)

5 [49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued withpower from on high. (Luk 24:49 KJV)

6 [11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made withhands, that is to say, not of this building; (Hbr 9:11 KJV)

IamcrucifiedwithChrist:neverthelessIlive; yet not I, but Christ

liveth in me: and the life whichInow

live in the flesh I live by the faith ofthe Son of God, who loved me, and

ave himsel or me. Galatians 2:20.

To whom God would

make known what [is] the

riches of the glory of this

mystery among the

Gentiles; which is Christ

in ou the ho eo lor :


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God kills us by revealing Himself to us. As God reveals

Himself and His Law to us, we see the dark recesses of our life.

Our eyes are opened by the light of the Word that reaches the

most hidden places of the human heart. Paul makes this point

in Romans 7:9 as he explains that the very law that he thought

he was keeping was the same law that was pronouncing his

death sentence. The law that Paul pompously tried to keep prior to conversion was in reality,

death to him. When he realized that the justified life was not a life of trying to keep the law,

but was a life of faith; He died. (1Hab. 2:4;

2Rom. 1:17;

3Gal. 3:11;

4Heb.10:38). But in this

death of self was born the new life in Christ, by faith. (52 Cor. 5:17)

Paul and every other person who is saved travels down the road of self-death to a place of

repentance and grace. As we repent, we see the grace of God upon our life, and rejoice

making our joy full. The most joyous Christian is the most broken Christian. As this life of

ours is broken in the transition process, more of Christ can be seen. Life and love pour out

through the brokenness of our own life as Christ conforms us into the image of His Son.

1 [4] Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Hab 2:4 KJV)

2 [17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Rom1:17 KJV)

3 [11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (Gal 3:11

KJV)

4 [38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (Hbr 10:38 KJV)

5 [17] Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are becomenew. (2Cr 5:17 KJV)

For I was alive

without the law once:

but when the

commandment came,

sinrevived, and I died.

Romans 7:9


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This repentance is not repentance unto death, but unto life. When

God reveals sin to His child, it is not an epiphany of damnation

but of communion and transformation leading to holiness and

conformity of that person to Jesus Christ (1Rom. 12:2;

22Cor.

3:18). Listen; when in rebellion prior to salvation, we were under the righteous judgment of

God. The wrath of God abided upon our life (John 3:36); not only in this physical life, but

upon our eternal soul (3Gen. 2:17). John puts it very clear concerning the wrath that abides

on the unrepentant life when he says,

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall

not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36.

Now, as children of God, we are under the loving correction of a loving Father4(Deut. 8:5).

This correction is not administered in hatred or wrath, but out of love and a desire to see the

child grow up into the image of their heavenly Father which should be the desire of every

converted heart5(Heb. 12:10). The writer of Hebrews puts it plainly concerning the loving

discipline of the Father when he says,

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there

whom his father does not discipline? Heb. 12:7.

1 [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is]

that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:2 KJV)

2 [18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory

to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2Cr 3:18 KJV)

3 [17] But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thoushalt surely die. (Gen 2:17 KJV)

4 [5] Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, [so] the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. (Deu8:5 KJV)

5 [10] For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be

partakers of his holiness. (Hbr 12:10 KJV)

I tell you, Nay: but,

except ye repent, ye

shall all likewise

perish. Luke 13:3


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What is the Gospel?

Many want to go down the Roman road and that is

fine. Many have memorized the four spiritual

laws; thats fine. Scripture is scripture, but please

do not fall into a trap of presenting a gospel that

asks a few yes / no questions then ends is a

canned prayer resulting in an arrogant declaration

of salvation and another name on a church role. You, I, nor any person should think them

selves high enough to declare someone saved. It is the Word of God that affirms the soul

saved! It is the Word of God that gives us assurance! The Word of God is our lifes test to

know we have assurance of everlasting life. These are all points that we will delve in to later.

The Bible is plain in the fact that we are to test ourselves to see if what our mouth is

declaring is the true condition of our heart. We cannot trust our heart of hearts, because if

lost, our heart will deceive us. Jeremiah say that, The heart [is] deceitful above all

[things], And desperately wicked; Whocanknowit?Jer. 17:9.

It is not a burning in the bosom as the Mormons would have you believe, it is an examination

of ones heart revealed by their lifestyle as compared to Holy Scripture, testing our selves inthe light of scripture to see if we are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). We are not to look for

assurance of our salvation in the words of a pastor, youth leader, or anyone else (11 John

5:13). We are to look for that assurance in the Word of God, for only it ALONE is true and

trustworthy.

Just a note to those in leadership roles within the church or anyone that has the privilege of

leading someone to Christ; realize that is all that is being done; LEADING someone TO

Christ. The question, Am I truly saved? should be answered in the same way if asked by

someone who just got off their knees or if they have professed salvation for decades. The

answer is this, I dont know Lets allow the Bible to shed some light on that question .

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

Examine yourselves [as to]whether you are in the faith. Test

yourselves. Do you not know

yourselves, that Jesus Christ is inyou?--unless indeed you are

disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5


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Take them to 1 John and read the first 5 chapters and allow Holy Spirit to work as they read

what God has said concerning what a transformed life should desire and what the true pursuit

of their life really is.

Why is it that we think we must have all the answers. It is ok to say, I dont know. It is ok

to leave a lost person ALONE with God at the altar. It is ok to allow God to break the heart

of sinful man. Why do we feel the need to console and mend the stony heart God is in the

process of removing? It is ok for God to convict a child of sin and draw them to repentance.

We must realize that most of the time it is good to leave people at the altar with God so God

can speak to their life or situation. WE DONT HAVE TO BE THERE. Many time all we

do is get in the way.

The true Gospel is confrontational. The true Gospel is cutting; it breaks hearts and

pierces the consciousness1(Heb.4:12). It floods the wickedness of mens lives with the

holy light of the righteousness of Gods law that was willingly broken by every man. The

death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as our propitiation for this sin is offensive

to the lost. How dare condemn us or call us sinners says the lost soul. To make it any

other thing is NOT the gospel. Paul was aware of this every time he preached to the Jew

or the Gentile of that culture in that time. It is a supernatural work of God brought about

by the hearing of the Word of God moving the faith of Christ in the believer to a CHOICE.The right choice will result in repentance and belief as the regeneration of the soul by the

Holy Spirit of God takes place.

SECTION NOTES

1 [12] For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing

asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hbr4:12 KJV)


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8.But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart;" that

is, the word of faith, which we preach: 9. that if you will confess with your mouth the Lord

Yeshua, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is

made unto salvation. 11. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be

disappointed." 12. For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord

is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him. 13. For, "Whoever will call on the name

of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10: 8-13.

The first part of this is a direct quote from Deuteronomy which says,

But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do

it. Deut. 30:14.

Paul is saying that this justification is not so high in the heavens that it is not attainable, nor is

it so far below that it is unreachable. This justification is in the mouth when the truths of the

law are spoken, and is in the heart as God writes it on the heart. Paul is reiterating that what

justifies a man is not only in word but is evidenced by what over flows from the heart.

In the book of Luke we read,

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; andan evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the

abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45.

Paul then takes the contexts from Deuteronomy and brings it to that day and to our day. This

word of faith that is close to us is the words of the Gospel. That is, that justification through

faith in the Gospel. The confession of the mouth is the evidence of that that faith.

Confession does not save a person; faith in the work of Christ on the cross does. This type

of confession is seen in 1 John when he writes,

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in

God. 1 John 4:15.


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After faith is expressed by confession, Paul tags it by saying,

"Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."

This word believes brings with it the understanding that the heart that believes will not flee in

times of distress or in times of persecution. It will stand firm. Just as John so eloquently

puts it,

They went out from us, but they were not ofus; for if they had been ofus, they would [no

doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that

they were not all ofus. 1 John 2:19.

This does not mean that if we fall that we have no advocate with the Father. It is the SAVED

individual who has the advocate with the Father. Remember, there are only two kinds of

people in the world; Lost and Saved. Exclusion in one category is automatic inclusion in the

other. Its like being pregnant; either one is or one is not. Since the Advocate, or the one

who is on our side1(Rom. 8:31), performs that function for the saved, then He is not the

advocate for the unsaved. Christ cannot be the advocate for the lost and the saved.

If this be the case, then, if a once SAVED person then finds themselves lost, they no longer

have an advocate in Christ; they have been removed from the family of God; they have had

their sins that were once forgiven charged against them; the Holy Spirit has unsealed them;

they have broken the grip of the Father and of Christ; and they have over come the promiseof God in that what God began, He was impotent to finished. This is not the case! God will

finish what He started. NOTHING can separate me from the love of God found in Christ

Jesus! I shall not be moved! This is not a statement concerning my own power, but Gods!

Paul concludes by explaining the reason for this statement as being a clarification and

declaration that salvation is not just for the Jew but for all men of all nationalities, races, and

creeds. However, it must be understood that, there is only one way, one God, one Truth, and

one sacrifice and this justification is found only in the person of Jesus Christ.

1 [31] What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? (Rom 8:31 KJV)


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SECTION NOTES:


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1) Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you

received, in which also you stand, 2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word

which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for

our sins according to the Scriptures, 4) and that He was buried, and that He was raised

on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5) and that He appeared to Cephas, then to

the twelve. 6) After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most

of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7) then He appeared to James,

then to all the apostles; 8) and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.

1 Cor. 15: 1-8

In looking at this text, we can see the gospel

laid out. The first thing that we need to look

at is the fact that Paul preached the gospel.

As stated before, the preaching of the Gospel

will not return void. However, one must

understand that what comes back does not have to be acceptance, but could be rejection.

The gospel always demands a response. We preach the gospel and the response can be

acceptance to one and rejection from the other. Either way, the preaching did not return

void.

Make no mistake; our lives should reflect a peace that is not of this world. Our lives should

be lived as a holy example as an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven. At the same time,

many have let anxiety take over to the point where they will not share the gospel to others.

Bringing the gospel of Jesus was of first importance to Paul and it should be to us as well.

For if faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, those who will be saved must

have the gospel shared with them in order to believe. For how can the people hear if there is

not one speaking the words of truth? How can one hear if there is no one sharing the good

news? Blessed are the feet that bring good new (1Isa. 52:7).

1 [7] How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringethgood tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (Isa 52:7 KJV)

So shall my word be that goeth forth

out of my mouth: it shall not return

unto me void, but it shall accomplish

that which I please, and it shall

prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11


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We also find that they received the Gospel. It is a great thing to see the broken life laid down

at the cross of Calvary then see the gracious and merciful arms of God pick this person up

and call the once enemy of God, an adopted son. At the same time, to see the truth of the

Gospel rejected for a lie is a travesty in the most eternal sense of the word1(Rom. 1:25).

The gift of the Gospel cannot be realized until the gift is fully acclimated to the individual.

Its like medicine. One can read all about the ingredients, the sacrifice made to bring the

medicine to them, and even the effect the medicine has had in the lives of those who have

taken the medicine. But, until the sick person believes the medicine can cure them, and the

person by faith, ingests the medicine, the cure cannot take effect. Once the commitment is

made by faith and the medicine taken in, can the curing process start.

In scripture, Christ is called the Great Physician. Our cure was His shed blood. It stands as a

cure for the terminal disease of every man; SIN. This cure is mighty to save. The price has

been paid by the Father. The remedy is available for those that will faithfully take it in.

1 [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who isblessed for ever. Amen. (Rom 1:25 KJV)


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They now stand in the truth of this Gospel. This

means they hold firm in the truth of that Gospel. Just

as a Roman soldier was virtually immovable except

by death, due to the metal spikes in the soles of their

shoots, our hope in Christ and of eternal life is

grounded not in a thing, but a person; the person of

Jesus Christ. Death to the Christian is not the end, it

truly is the beginning.

Our faith will not fail because Christs faith will not fail. If our hope is in Christ, then our

hope is as sure as the sunrise and seasons. Jesus says emphatically that,

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matt. 24:35.

Paul points out that it is the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves.1(Romans 1:16).

In the grand scheme of things, our responsibility is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ who

gives the faith to believe; Holy Spirits job to testify of the truth of the Gospel and draw men

to the Father2(1 John 5:6). The Father hears the cry for mercy and forgiveness from the

repentant heart and grants salvation based on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

It is this work that we claim hold to as Christians.

This work encompasses the virgin birth of Christ, the sinless life of Christ, the complete

obedience to the Father by Christ, the undeniable fulfillment of prophecy in Christ, the death

of the sinless Christ for the transgression of the sinful, and the pleased Father as

demonstrated by the resurrection and ascension of Christ.

1 [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; tothe Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Rom 1:16 KJV)

2 [6] When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wilt thou bemade whole? (Jhn 5:6 KJV)

For the which cause I also

suffer these things: nevertheless

I am not ashamed: for I know

whom I have believed, and am

persuaded that he is able to keepthat which I have committed

unto him against that day. 2

Timothy 1:12


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It is a conceited man that thinks himself something when a soul

is given to the Lord. Pride enters and the man falls (1Prov.

16:18). It is not us who give them the power to become the

very sons of God but God, at the time of believing in the

resurrected Christ (2John 1:12). Men are not born Sons of God.

Men are born sons of Adam; fallen and wicked from the days of

our youth. We are given the power to become sons of God by adoption when we are given

the faith of Christ. When we receive Christ as our Savior by repentance and believing, the

old man dies and we are a new creation; (32 Cor. 5:17;

4Gal. 6:15) not just a revamped or

reconstructed life. We are a totally new, undeniably polar opposite of the person we were

before (51 John 1:6).

We can look at our flesh and see no change; we dont get skinny if we are fat and dont get

fat if we are skinny; our eyes are the same color, we are still the same height. How can we

be brand new? This flesh we see is not the ultimate reality of our being. The part that

becomes new is the part that it eternal. Our spirit is revived and quickened with the Spirit of

God. Throughout our lifetime, our transformed spirit will struggle with the fallen flesh of

our dirt suit. Know this, in the Christian life, there will be victory and there can be, and

should be, a lifestyle of living for God through the power of God.

1 [18] Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Pro 16:18 KJV)

2 [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on hisname: (Jhn 1:12 KJV)

3 [17] Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are becomenew. (2Cr 5:17 KJV)

4 [15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (Gal 6:15 KJV)

5 [6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (1Jo 1:6 KJV)

But as many as

received him, to them

gave he power to

become the sons of

God, [even] to them

that believe on hisname: John 1:12


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Does this mean we will never sin; NO. Scripture teaches that,

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

1 John 1:10.

What this means is that if someone were to follow a person around with a video camera for amonth, the film would testify to a lifestyle of living for Christ. Yes, it would capture the sin;

it would also capture the repentance and brokenness brought on by that sin and the worship

that overflowed because of the grace and forgiveness given by God. It is not a snapshot

photo of a second in time, but an overall view of the life. Someone can take a picture of a

person in sin and give that one picture as testimony of a person bent for hell. This is not the

teaching of scripture. However, if this snapshot is supported by a video in which sin is the

lead man in the production, then the man has a reason to be very afraid.

Some may say, Who are we to judge? I would say we are not to judge the world.

However, we can and should look at the fruit of our lives and inspect that fruit to see if it is

good. (1Gal. 5:22-26;

2Eph. 5:7-10) Paul asks the question,

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that

shall be able to judge between his brethren? I Cor. 6:5.

Love and concern for a brothers wellbeing should be one that would sacrifice a friendship in

order to prevent them from going down the path of hardship. This rebuke should only be

done with much prayer and in great humility realizing that we are capable of the same

actions. Biblical rebuke is real love, we should never rebuke without Godly love toward the

individual.

1 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance:against such there is no law. [24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we

live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying oneanother. (Gal 5:22-26 KJV)

2 [7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them. [8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk

as children of light: [9] (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) [10] Proving what isacceptable unto the Lord. (Eph 5:7-10 KJV)


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What was received, was also delivered.

3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, 1 Cor. 15:3a

We see here that this saving Gospel is not of Pauls own intellect. For who would image or

even contemplate God clothing Himself in human flesh to die a death, even a death on across, for those who were and are at enmity with Him (

1Rom. 5:10). Our minds cannot

fathom the depth and breathe of the love of God. (2

Rom. 8:39) Christ came for a cross not a

crib.

This delivered message is of first importance to Paul. It is the first thing on the agenda.

When we are saved, the most important thing on our agenda should be to share the gift that

we have been given. In love, we testify to the realization of our shortcomings and to the

death those shortcomings declared on our life when placed in view of the Holiness of God.

We can then provide THE way to escape this death in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The saying

is true, Born once, Die Twice -- Born Twice, Die Once..

SECTION NOTES:

1 [10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, weshall be saved by his life. (Rom 5:10 KJV)

2 [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in ChristJesus our Lord. (Rom 8:39 KJV)


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THE CROSS OF CHRIST - ATTONEMENT

3), that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 1 Cor. 15:3b

Within this one verse we find a doctrine of the church that is almost non-existent in both

teaching and understanding. This teaching is of Atonement. Spurgeon explains atonement

in these words:

That God, seeing man to be lost and under wrath by reason of their sin, has taken

that sin of theirs and laid it upon one who never sinned, one who was perfect in everyway, one who was divine, one who was man, - The Christ Jesus Gods only

begotten Son so that they would not have to bear the wrath of Almighty God and so

that they could be found Righteous and Just before a Holy God. Spurgeon

One might say, I didnt ask for God to send his Son to die, Im not that bad. Compared to

the rest of the world, I think Im doing fairly well. I dont need saving. Words like these

come from a person that has not been confronted with the Gospel or has rejected the Gospel.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:21,

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the

righteousness of God in Him.

This is atonement. It is a humbling thing to be wrapped in a

perfect love that willingly became sin so that we could be

righteous in Gods eyes. By this substitutionary act, the

sinless Christ became sin. As a result of this act, Christ,

Gods own Son, became the target and focus of the undiluted

wrath of Almighty God. To the lost world, the cross is nothing; to the repentant heart, it is

everything. To the believing heart, it is life. In short, the work of Christ on the Cross made

the way for mankind to escape the eternal wrath of God that is upon all who have not

accepted this work by faith.

Isaiah 53:10a- Yet it was

the will of the Lord to

crush him; he has puthim to grief; when his

soul makes an

offering for sin,


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To understand the cross of Christ is to be near to salvation. There at that tree is the full

measure of the nature of God as exhibited by Christ on the cross. For there on that hill we

see the justice, holiness, mercy, grace, wrath, and love of the one true God. We see Old

Testament prophecies fulfill in the giving of a perfect life; Christs life. To merely proclaim

that Christ died is doing a severe injustice to the events of Golgotha.

To get a clearer understanding of what actually happened at the cross, we need to look closer

at the following scripture as listed earlier:

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the

righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:12

He became sin.. Christs own words give insight into this phrase when He said,

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lamasabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Mark 15:34

Even on the cross, Christ was teaching. As he quotes the opening phrase of the prophetic

Psalm 22, he brings to recollection the ancient writings of David that describe the events as if

he were there. Within these verses, we see the forsaking of a Son for this Son was now a

worm to be trodden. When the scripture says that, He became sin it means that some how,

some way, Christ not only bore the sin of the world for all time past, present, and future, but

He embodied and internalized that sin in His flesh. Gods focused wrath was poured out on

what Jesus willingly became; SIN.


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David writes,

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me,

And from the words of My groaning? 2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not

hear; And in the night season, and am not silent.

3But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in You;

They trusted, and You delivered them. 5 They cried to You, and were delivered;

They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

6But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.7All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,8 "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in

Him!"

9But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother'sbreasts. 10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother's womb You have been My

God. 11Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help.

12 Many bulls have surrounded Me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me. 13 They

gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion. 14 I am poured out likewater, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me. 15

My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have

brought Me to the dust of death.

16 For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.

They pierced My hands and My feet; 17I can count all My bones.They look and stare at Me. 18 They divide My garments among them,

And for My clothing they cast lots.

19But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!20Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.

21Save Me from the lion's mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen!


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And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama

sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Mark 15:34

It is interesting that this is the only phrase that Matthew and Mark record as being a direct

quote from Christ from the cross. Marks gospel portrays Jesus as the suffering servant. IMark we find no lineage and no genealogy, for who is concerned with the genealogy of a

servant? Mark focuses on the suffering of the One who came to serve not to be served. As

Mark records these words, I recall the upper room experience when Jesus took the basin and

the towel and God washed the feet of men. Now as Christ hung on the cross, Mark sees

hears the voice of a Son calling to His Father and there is no reply.

John and Luke record the crucifixion in their gospels but do not record this phrase, but focus

on other phrases Jesus said. John portrays Jesus as the incarnate God in human flesh. Luke

paints the picture of Christ as the Son of Man. The two quotes from Christ that draw Lukes

attention. These quotes surround Christs position on the Cross as being between two

thieves, and Christs interaction to those thieves. Luke records Christ as saying,

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they

divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:24

These were not just words. These words are the foundation by which Christ keeps us safe in

him. Christ speaks first to the Father allowing us the ability to run to Christ as our City of

Refuge. A wonderful picture of God's longsuffering with mankind in ancient Israel is found

in the provision by the Lord of six special Cities of Refuge where those who had

unintentionally killed another, might flee for temporary safety from the Goel or the Avenger

of Blood.


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The accused could remain safe within the city walls until the death of the current high priest.

Only those guilty of what we would call "murder in the second degree" were granted safe

haven. A deliberate murderer was banished outside the walls only to be met by the man

whose obligation it was to avenge the death of the murdered relative or the nearest male

relative of the deceased. Thus Jesus is the Christian's City of Refuge for those that believe.

Jesus is our Great High Priest, whose death releases us from the blood-guilt of sin. Isnt it

awesome that our defense counsel is also the Judge?

When Jesus pronounced from the Cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what

they do." He was pronouncing. in our defense, our status as being murderers in the second

degree and therefore granting us the ability to run to Him and be safe. He is our strong tower.

As the narrative continues, we see Jesus being spoken to by both thieves but He only

responds to one. The Bible says the first thief railed on Jesus. The word used here is

blasphme or to blaspheme. The words spoken by the thief were not the issue for the thiefs

request was, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.. If taken at face value with no other

inference, this was a valid request from a desperate man. However, Christ did not reply to

the mocking words of this selfish, hard heart. Christ was rejected and mocked by both the

religious leaders and the worst thief, yet He hung for both.

The heart of the other thief can be heard as he responds to the evil spoken to our Lord by the

first thief as he says,

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in

the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:

but this man hath done nothing amiss. Luke 23: 40- 41.

The second thief realizes the penalty is fitting for his actions and does not try to alleviate or

forgo the punishment. He is coming to the realization that he will soon face God a

condemned man. He realizes if He enters eternity without an advocate, he will face a

punishment far greater that the cross he hung on.


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In that hour he realized that the one hanging in the middle is who He said He was and the

thief is trusting Christ. This thief must have been familiar with the words and deeds of Christ

for he knew that Christ was being punished for crimes He did not commit. He may have

heard his teachings and his claims to be the Messiah. He may have seen the miracles and

events of the past week. For the repentant thief humbled himself and made the request that

produced a response from the Savior. The words from the heart of the thief filled Christ with

compassion and this compassion lead to the salvation of the thief. These simple words were,

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke

23:42

This man acknowledged Christ as Lord. The word used here is kyrios which is a title is

given to God, the Messiah. These words were uttered in reverence and respect recognizing

Christ as the sovereign disposer of the soul of man. To this thief, Christ was his only hope

from the wrath of God that awaited him.

This thief realized something that Judas did not. In Matthews gospel we find the disciples

contemplating over Jesus revelation that one of them would betray him. The other disciples

called Jesus Lord or Master, yet Judas says,

Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?" He said to him,

"You have said it." Matt. 26:25

In these words see Judas calling Jesus Rabbi which means honorable sir or teacher.

Judas was as close to salvation as one could get yet was a million miles away. He saw the

miracles; he witnessed the healings; he heard the words of life; he walked with the creator of

the universe. Yet in all this, all the heart of Judas could muster was honorable sir. Pride

would not allow him to call Jesus Messiah for he felt not the need for being saved.

Arrogance could not bring him to declare Christ Lord of all. Greed filled Judas to betrayal.


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Yet, unlike Judas, this lowly thief recognizes Jesus for whom and what He really is. This

condemned man found himself hanging beside the sinless Son of God. As Jesus hung on the

cross, He identified with the thief. As Jesus paid for the sins of both men; of all men; only

one accepted the reality of their situation, understood the disparity of the actions, and

understood the consequences. Within the shock of the true eternal reality, the thief cries for

mercy and God replies,

And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Luke 23:43

Christ only responded to the thief that engaged Him. Jesus engages the world even today by

the Word of God and the testimony of the Holy Spirit. The cross of Christ testifies even to

day. However, only those that respond to the truth will Christ utter the words, enter in my

good and faithful servant.

Christ was raised up and all who were there as well as all who are exposed to the words of

the Gospel look upon Christ. Just as the bitten children of Israel had to look upon the serpent

to be saved from death, so we must gaze upon Christ as our salvation. Christ became what

men are to deliver us from our rightful payment. In Numbers 21: 4-9 we read,

4 Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land

of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 5And the peoplespoke against God and against Moses: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in

the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless

bread." 6So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and

many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, "Wehave sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that

He take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the LORD said

to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is

bitten, when he looks at it, shall live." 9So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a

pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent,

he lived. Numbers 21:4-9

The symbolism in this Old Testament account finds its realization in the person of Jesus

Christ. In verse 5 we find the people complaining and grumbling about the provision God

had send in the form of manna. They went so far as to say the provision of God was causing

them to loath the bread. This word in essence means that it made them vomit.


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In response to this, the Lord sent fiery serpents that bit the people. These were called fiery

because of the terrible inflamed venom that was injected into the victim. As these serpents

ravaged the people causing the bitten to die, they pleaded with Moses to pray to the LORD

that He take away the serpents from us. This was not to be the plan of God. God told

Moses to have the people make a likeness of a fiery serpent and raise it up on a standard (or

rallying point). Those who had been bitten could look upon the image and be saved.

John relates to us that,

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be

lifted up: John 3:14.

Just as Israel was stricken with the bit of a serpent for despising Gods provision and desiring

more that what God gave, man is also stricken with sin for the same reason. Man rejected

Gods provision in the garden when all the fruit of the trees were no longer sufficient and

man wanted more. As a result, mankind became stricken with the bit of sin. The lure of

Satans words enticed and deceived Eve but Adam disobeyed willingly. This bite can only

lead to death.

Israel didnt want to change their heart; they just wanted the trial to go away. Had God just

taken away the serpents, the people would have still died. There would have been no remedy

for the bitten. Just as Adam and Eve in the garden; mans first act of religion was to try and

hide sin by fashioning coverings of fig leaves. Gods plan was that sin could only be covered

by the skins of an animal. In order for that to take place, the sacrifice of the innocent had to

occur.

Gods plan was not a process. He instructed them to take an image of that which was the

cause of their death, and look upon it for salvation. In scripture, Bronze is representative of

Judgment. This serpent was entirely made of bronze. Again, scripture relates that Christ

BECAME sin.


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This image was raised up on a standard or a rallying point. God didnt call them to run from

the standard, but rather gather around it. They did not have to be baptized under it, or

perform any ritual to it; they just had to have faith in God and look upon it. It was a fool that

was bitten by the serpent then ran away from the standard. It is the fool that realizes their sin

and runs from the Cross of Christ.

It was on that cross that Christ became sin for us. Just as the serpent represented the essence

of that which killed, Christ became the sin that so easily kills us. The instructions were

simple, trust God, look upon the serpent for salvation, and healing would come. Ours is the

same, trust God, believe upon the Son, run to the cross and be saved.

As we have seen, the Old Testament types and shadows come alive in the New Testament.

In Leviticus 16, we read of the scapegoat.

18And he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD, and make atonement for it, and

shall take some of the blood of the bull and some of the blood of the goat, and put it on the

horns of the altar all around. 19 Then he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his

finger seven times, cleanse it, and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the children of

Israel.

20 "And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle ofmeeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. 21 Aaron shall lay both his hands on

the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all

their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and

shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. 22 The goat shall bear

on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the

wilderness.

23 "Then Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of meeting, shall take off the linen

garments which he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there.24 And he shall wash his body with water in a holy place, put on his garments, come out

and offer his burnt

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Understanding Biblical Salvation

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