Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Salvation 101, 5of6



~ The Results of Your Choice ~

Point number one is that everyone is a sinner.  The second reality is that no one is capable of saving themselves.  Third, we saw that all sin has a penalty.  Then we pointed out that there are only two options to pay the penalty.  This brings us to fifth important fact. 

The Basic Reality  ~  Human beings are unique creatures.  What other form of life has designed and created cities, transportation systems, computers, etc.  Man has created great things because man was fashioned in the image of the Master Creator.  The Old Testament makes this clear, "In the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:6).  The New Testament confirms this reality, “Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:10).  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

“I Am The Master of My Fate, I am The Captain of My Soul!”  ~  Oh Really!  You don’t really believe that!  Do you?  You can’t control the next traffic light, let alone whether or not you will get cancer!  Satan, the enemy of God wants to fool you into believing you are sovereign and that God is a myth (all things – including you – just happened from nothing).  But aren’t you smarter than that?

The Fifth Point About Salvation  ~  Every human being is headed for one of two eternal destinies: heaven or hell.  The Bible has a lot to say about each destination.  Consider what the Scripture says about the never-ending torment of hell.  Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).  Jesus also said, “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire’” (Matthew 25:41-42a).  He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night” (Revelation 14:10b-11a).  In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
In contrast, heaven will be a place of never ending joy and happiness.  “They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb [Jesus Christ] who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17).  “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Additional Scripture  ~  Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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