Baptism And A Public Confession.

      The nature of saving faith, and the sincerity of our submission to Christ, are such that a public confession of Jesus is a natural outflow of our salvation.
     Likewise Jesus commands that we all follow Him in water baptism, the sign of the inward transformation that has occurred within us.
     Paul says if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved (Romans 10:9-10). See, the inward work of the Holy Spirit within us, will compel us to publicly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives. We are giving up all to follow Him. Someone who has been convicted of sin, and brought to true repentance and faith will express this.
     In the same way one who has truly repented of their sin and professed faith in Christ will submit to water baptism. Mark says "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16). Peter instructed the crowd in Acts 2:38 to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sin.
     The act of water baptism is a symbolic way of professing our death to sin and self, and our being raised to a new life in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-7). The act itself does not save anybody (1Peter 3:21). It is the inward appeal to God in repentance and faith that He looks at. This is expressed in the act of baptism.
     Many individuals look to the thief on the cross for an example that baptism does not matter. They say he was not baptized yet he went to paradise with Christ (Luke 23:40-43). Well, he had no chance to be baptized! He was a dying man on a cross. Had he been shown favor by the Romans however, and freed from the cross, no doubt as soon as he had the strength to, he would have been baptized. It would have been inherent in his saving faith.
     I understand that many today are not baptized upon their confession of faith out of ignorance. They just don't know that Jesus commands this. I don't doubt their salvation one bit. Someone might get into an accident and be killed on the way to the river before they are baptized, and I believe God sees the intention of their heart and honors their faith.
     It is only pride that will keep someone from publicly acknowledging Christ. Jesus will be ashamed of one who is ashamed of Him (Luke 12:8-9). Someone who looks at baptism and thinks it does not matter because it is not an issue of salvation only shows the shallowness of their commitment to Christ. They are not real! There is something lacking in their faith. As I said earlier, an individual who has truly repented and exercised saving faith will be more than willing to obey Christ in this matter. It is not a matter of getting by, picking and choosing what to obey and what to disregard. The child of God desires to do the whole will of God. He delights in it!
     Friend, have you repented of your sin? Have you placed your faith in Christ for the forgiveness of your sin? Have you made a commitment to follow Jesus as Lord? If so, profess it! Be baptized in obedience to Christ, as the sign of your new birth.
    
    

Saving Faith.

        Repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
                                   Acts 20:21

       In the last post we discussed repentance, and how it is indispensable to our reconciliation with God. Without it there can be no new birth.
     The other side of the coin is faith. Like repentance, faith is also an indispensable condition of our salvation through Jesus Christ.
     It is God's grace that saves us, through our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Saving faith is a faith that continues firm until the end (Col 1:22-23, Hebrews 3:6, 12-14, 10:23, 35).
     Our faith is placed in the Lord Jesus Christ. See what Jesus says about belief in the gospel of John (John 3:14-16, 5:22-24, 6:29, 40, 47, 7:37-38, 12:44).
     It is through faith that we are united to Jesus Christ and receive His life, cleansing us and setting us free from bondage to sin.
     It was through His sacrificial death on the cross that we can be forgiven and reconciled to God. His resurrection from the dead was God's seal of approval on the sacrifice of His son, and the guarantee of our resurrection from the dead also (Romans 8:11, 1 Cor 15:13-20). We have victory over death and the grave through Jesus Christ.
     We also are resurrected to a new life here and now.  Just as Jesus died, we also die to sin. As He was raised, so we also now are alive to God (Romans 6:4-12, Col 3:1-5). This is a glorious life of freedom in Christ. Freedom not to live as we please, but a freedom to walk in the power and victory provided us in Christ.
     Many people take faith to mean knowing the right things, to believe right things about Jesus. It is important to know right doctrine, to believe what is true. However, a mere belief or head knowledge falls far short of saving faith. Even demons believe correct things about Jesus (James 2:19-20).
     A true biblical faith attaches itself to Christ. An individual who believes in Jesus will forsake all and follow Him. Such an individual renounces all other attempts of self justification, attempts at making oneself right with God, and relies solely upon the mercy of God found in Christ.
     To believe in Christ, to become a follower of Him is to take on His cause. It involves renunciation of all we have and are, totally denying ourselves for His sake (Luke 14:25-32).
     There is an acrostic that states this well. "Forsaking All I Take Him." See how the letters spell faith?
     This seems hard for many, but this is what we  were created for! To belong wholly to Christ alone, living in His service.
     This is faith, to cast ourselves upon Him, based on what He accomplished for us on the cross, and to attach ourselves to Him. To now live for Him and for His cause as disciples.
     Any man in Christ is now a new creation. The old life of sin and self is gone, and a new life has now come (2 Cor 5:17)!

Repentance toward God.

     Solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
                                            Acts 20:21NASB

     Up to this point we have seen that we have an issue of the heart called sin, or rebellion against God. This has estranged us from fellowship with Him, and carries the penalty of eternal torment away from His presence.
     We have seen that without a radical change, we are hopelessly lost. There is nothing that we can do in and of ourselves to remedy this situation.
     We have also seen that God has provided a remedy for us; a heart transplant. We can have our sinful hearts changed into soft obedient hearts that desire to live in submission to God, and for His glory.
     God offers us eternal life through Jesus Christ. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
     Repentance is foundational to saving faith. Without repentance one cannot expect to come to the knowledge of  saving truth (2 Timothy 2:25). A willing heart is essential to understanding the teachings of Christ (John 7:16-17). It does not work both ways. We cannot have the life of Jesus flowing through us, while clinging to our old life of sin.
     Remember, we need new hearts. We
have to let go of the old heart to receive a new one!
     Repentance can be defined as a change of direction. We were living a life of sin leading to destruction. Our lives were filled with self, not caring how we offended God, or others. Now we have been convicted by the law of God as lawbreakers. We see the error of our ways. We understand we have offended God, and sorrow fills our heart.
     There are two kinds of sorrow mentioned in Paul's letter to the Corinthians. The sorrow of the world that leads to death, and godly sorrow that produces repentance unto salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10).
     The sorrow of the world deals with being caught, not desiring to face the consequences of our actions. People with this kind of sorrow desire to change to avoid the consequences. They are still selfish at heart. They do not care that they have grieved the heart of a loving God. This sorrow leads to death.
     True godly sorrow leads one to see that they have offended God and deserve His judgment. They desire to return to Him in humble submission, not for what He can do for them, but because they see that they have been evil in their rebellion against Him. Like the prodigal they have seen the error of their ways, and desire to return to their father (Luke 15:17-19).
     David said "Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight" (Psalm 51:4). He was not looking to avoid punishment, he was broken over his sin, and how it offended God (Psalm 51:17). Notice how David desired a clean heart (Psalm 51:10).
     Repentance is our first step in restoration to God. Turning from our present course of sin, and submitting ourselves to God, must precede the exercise of faith, as both are a gift from God (2 Timothy 2:25, Ephesians 2:8). It is impossible to put our faith in Christ, while we are unwilling to submit to Him.
    

Better Promises.

     As mentioned in a previous post, the law cannot save anyone (Romans 3:20). This is not to say that there is a problem with the law. The law is good (Romans 7:12). Remember, it is a reflection of the very nature of God? The problem is not with the law, it is with us (Heb 8:7-8). The truth is mankind does not want to submit to God or His law, in fact he will not (Romans 8:7).
     The law can show us what God expects of us, but it is powerless to make us conform to it. Ancient Israel struggled under the law. They failed over and over to keep it. Likewise, countless thousands can relate to the Apostle Paul's Romans 7 experience of failing to do that which they know is right to do (Romans 7:18-20). Like Paul many have cried out for deliverance from sin and death (Romans 7:24).
     Knowing that in and of himself, man is powerless to fulfill the law, God promised to enact a new covenant based on better promises.
      The whole issue is that of the heart of man. It is wicked and deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). We need a heart transplant! We see the law of God, and for selfish reasons we try to walk in it, but we only set ourselves up for failure. The harder we try, the worse it gets. Our hearts are not in it for the right reason. We only discover how wicked we really are on the inside. 
     Look what God has promised in His word! Right in the midst of Israel's rebellion, when He was about to send them off into captivity for their sin, He promises hope. He speaks of a new covenant; one that will provide the ability to live right. He speaks of a new heart with the law written upon it (Jeremiah 31:33). This is a promised "heart transplant" , the removal of a hard disobedient heart, replaced with a soft heart (Ezekiel 36:26). He promises to put His Spirit within to enable us to walk in His laws (Ezekiel 36:27). In this same passage (Ezekiel 36:25) God promises to cleanse from filthiness, or sin. Read what Paul says to the Corinthian Church about what they once were (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). He says that they were now cleansed from these things (1 Corinthians 6:11). This goes beyond forgiveness, to mean an actual change of life where these people were no longer participating in these sinful lifestyles.
     This is what is described by Paul in Titus 3:4-7. He calls it the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit poured out by Jesus Christ. This is the fulfillment of what we read in Ezekiel 36:25-27.
     Praise God! We have hope through Jesus Christ! There is a promise of a new heart to replace the sinful heart that is leading us to ruin! We can be made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have a chance to start over with a clean slate before God!
    

The Fear of the Lord.

     And to man He said, behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, that is understanding. Job 28:28 NASB

     Imagine that you have been to a doctor, and he has given you bad news. You have suspected something was wrong with your health, but have ignored it for a long time. He ran some tests and discovered you have only one chance. It involves a dangerous operation, and extensive treatment. 
     You are shaken by this news. You suddenly realize that you can no longer ignore your health. As frightening as it seems, you agree that you must take the chance and have the operation.
     There was a young man who took his inheritance early, then ran off and squandered it in riotous living. He ran out of money and found himself sunk to a level that he never thought he would sink to. He had hit rock bottom. As he thought about his life, where he had been, and where he was now, he came to his senses (Luke 15:17-19), and decided to return to his father.
     In His mercy, God reveals to us our true condition. He shows us what sin is, and what it will do to our lives. He reveals to us His holy nature, and His displeasure against sin. He shows us that He must, in His righteous judgment, punish sin. 
     The beginning of wisdom is to fear God (Proverbs 1:7). This is where it begins for us. We must take a look at who God is, and who we are, and how we are to live before Him. As the prodigal did, we too must come to our senses, as we see that in our present condition we are utterly ruined.
     I trust that the previous posts have stirred many of you, made you think, and hopefully the Holy Spirit has used them to convict some of you of sin, and your lost condition. Many of you might see that you have indeed hit the absolute bottom.
     We must get rid of the wickedness that lies within our hearts, and depart from evil. We need to be changed from the inside out. We need the new birth. 
     For those of you with a true fear of God now forming itself within you, this is the beginning of something new, and wonderful. 

     

It's a Heart Problem.

       As Jesus states in His sermon on the mount, it is the pure in heart who will see God (Matthew 5:8). This brings us to ask these questions. What is a pure heart, and is mine pure?  
      The heart represents the inner person, the seat of the will, the place where desires give birth to choices. According to Jeremiah 17:9 the heart is deceitful, and desperately sick. In other words, fallen man is evil at heart. We tend to fool ourselves about the choices we make and the things we do. We rationalize and do a pretty good job of convincing ourselves that we are not bad people. We can even fool ourselves into believing that God is pleased with us in spite of our sinful behavior.
     Our behavior is a good indicator of what is truly in our hearts. Clean hands and pure hearts go together (Psalm 24:3-4). Jesus said A tree is known by its fruit. In other words what is inside the heart of man is what comes out in his speech and actions (Matthew 12:33-35). A good man brings good out of his good treasure, while an evil man brings out evil.
     Jesus states this in another way when He said that it is the things that come out of a man that are what defiles him (Mark 7:20-23).
     From this it becomes evident that in and of ourselves we have no hope. We have a heart issue that we cannot fix. Our problem is selfishness. Watch an infant as it grows and fusses. Soon it becomes demanding, throwing tantrums if it does not get it's way. We think of this as normal behavior, and it is because we have all been born with this tendency to selfishness. As one grows older it manifests itself in rebellion to parents, lying, perhaps stealing, cheating in school etc. Get the picture?
     This is sin. It was passed down to us from Adam, and each and everyone of us eventually yields to it with a deliberate choice (Romans 5:12).
     We need new hearts! Our old hearts are incurably sick. The new birth is our only hope!
    

The Wages of Sin.

     When sin entered the world through Adam, death also came with it (Genesis 2:17, Romans 5:12). It was never God's intention for man to face death, but now as a result of sin Physical death comes to us all (Genesis 3:19). 
     Sin also brought with it spiritual death. God told Adam that on the day he ate of the forbidden tree he would die, but we see in Genesis that he along  with his wife, lived on for years. 
     What happened that day is this; they died spiritually. They once enjoyed fellowship in God's presence. Now they were driven from the garden that God created for them (Genesis 3:22-24). The relationship that they enjoyed with God was gone. Their hearts were no longer clean, but were defiled instead. the innocence that they once had was replaced with guilt and shame (Genesis 3:7-11). 
     Likewise, Paul says that we too, apart from Christ, are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-2). We are separated from God, with no hope in this world (Ephesians 2:12). This is our state. It is one of depravity, filled with all manner of wickedness. Paul gives a good description of what it is like to be left to oneself, growing more and more evil, in Romans 1:18-32. Take the time to read this portion of scripture, and let it sink in.
     God's wrath will be revealed against such evil! The following scriptures show that God is filled with wrath toward the wicked (Romans 1:18, Ephesians 2:3, Col 3:5-6, 2 Thess 1:8-9, 2 Peter 3:7, Rev 19:15). He will not always put up with sin. A day is coming when the wages will be paid.
     The scriptures plainly declare that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. Nothing immoral or impure will be allowed to enter in. There will be no liars, sexually immoral, idolaters, murderers, thieves, covetous individuals, drunkards, heretics, divisive and quarrelsome people allowed entrance into God's kingdom (1 Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:5-6, Rev 21:7-8, 27, 22:14-15). This is not my idea, this is the plain teaching of scripture. Paul says do not let anyone deceive you with empty words (Eph 5:6)!
     Jesus spoke often of hell and torment. He warned people to take care that they did not end up there. He was not speaking here of physical death and the grave, as some people would like to believe. Just read these passages and you will see that He is speaking of something beyond physical death. He is speaking of everlasting torment, of being physically dead, but the soul being alive for eternity in anguish (Matthew 5:29-30, 10:28, 13:41-42, 18:8-10, Mark 9:43-48, Luke 12:4-5, 16:22-31). Once again, carefully read these passages and let the words of Christ sink in. This is real.
     Ultimately those who live a wicked life here on this earth will face the second death, the lake of fire (Rev 20:14). This will be a fate too horrible to imagine. The wages of sin are indeed death. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).
     
     

The Knowledge of Sin.

     The law can never save anyone! It shows us What God's righteous standard is, but it cannot make us follow that standard. You see a traffic sign telling you what the speed limit is, but the traffic law cannot make you drive the speed limit! It tells you what to do, but has no power in itself to make you obey the traffic laws.
     If you drive faster than what the law allows, you are now a lawbreaker, and should you be caught, you will be convicted, because the law told you to drive within the speed limit, and you failed to do so.
     The law of God works in a similar way. It gives us the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).
     It works like this. You might think you are a good person. You surely are not a sinner, only bad people fall into that category! Now answer this question. "Have you ever told a lie?" If so, that makes you a liar. "Have you ever taken something that did not belong to you?" That makes you a thief. "Have you ever used God's name to express anger or surprise, or used it in an irreverent manner?" That would make you a blasphemer. The idolizing of celebrities, athletes, possessions, money, etc. makes you an idolater. A covetous man is an idolater (Eph 5:5). To be caught up in the pursuit of things is to be covetous.
      You may not have physically killed someone, but to be angry toward someone, to hold prejudice, to hate someone, is considered murder in God's eyes (Matthew 5:21-22, James 2:9,11, 1John 3:15). 
      Look how Jesus further defines adultery to include lust in the heart (Matthew 5:28). Just thinking about it makes you an adulterer! What does Jesus say about divorce and remarriage? It seems like this is never thought about anymore. This is also adultery in God's eyes (Matthew 5:32).
     The Apostle Paul came to know sin in this way (Romans 7:7). He discovered that he was a covetous man. The harder he tried to be good, the worse it got.
     How about you? How do you measure up when you look at yourself through the law of God? What is it showing you?

God's Standard Of Judgement.

     We have seen that the sovereign God is a holy, righteous and just ruler. He has a moral standard that He holds us accountable to, and will one day judge the world in righteousness, through Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31, Romans 2:16).
     What standard will God use? How will He be fair and impartial? God knows all things. He knows our hearts, our thoughts and deeds (Hebrews 4:12-13). We may have secret sins that no one else is aware of, but God knows (1Tim 5:24). There is a record containing everything that we have ever done (Rev 20:12).
     We will be judged according to what we have done (Romans 2:5-6, Rev 22:12), and the standard used is the law (Romans 2:11-15, James 2:12).
     Imagine yourself on trial in our court system today. You are guilty, but you think you have a good chance of getting away with your crime. The prosecuting attorney presents the evidence. He has an airtight case. The evidence is overwhelming and is stacked against you. There is nothing you can say. It is over. It will be the same on the day of judgment. The evidence will be overwhelming, and you will be left without excuse (Romans 3:19). it will be fair, God is just, and His righteous justice will prevail.
     My friend, are you beginning to be concerned about these things? This subject is of the utmost importance, because someday we will all appear before God.

The Ten Commandments.

     Cities, states, and nations have laws that are in place for the protection and well being of it's citizens. These laws also are a reflection of the character of the lawmakers/government.
     In the same way, God has given us laws that serve to uphold order, and to protect the property of, and the persons, whom He has created, and of whom He is the rightful sovereign. Likewise, these laws are a direct reflection of the righteous character of God. Laws that reflect His goodness, justice and holy being.
     We can find these laws in the book of Exodus, chapter twenty. I am using the NASB translation of the Bible.
     1. You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).
     2. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments (Exodus 20:4-6).
     3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Exodus 20:7).
     Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is within them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy (Exodus 20:8-11).

     These first four commandments deal with God, and how we are to relate to Him. They prohibit the worship of any other gods, the making of images and idols for the worship of any gods. Because He is God, He demands the utmost honor and respect. We are not to use His name in a careless, flippant, or vulgar way. Most people would not use the name of their spouse as a curse word, but look how the world uses the name of God to curse and swear, showing that they have no reverence, no fear of the Lord. God desires that one day in seven is to be set aside from our normal activities and pursuits, and to be used to worship Him. This actually is a blessing to man (Mark 2:27), as we find time to be refreshed in the presence of the Lord, and rest from our labors.
     These laws can be summed up as the love that we show to God. We are to love Him with all that we are. All of our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37-38). Notice that Jesus upholds the greatest commandment that is first given in Deuteronomy 6:5!

     The next group of commandments deal with how we treat one another. They are also summed up in the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39). Once again Jesus upholds the law, from Old testament to New. 
     These laws are as follows.
     5. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you (Exodus 20:12).
     6. You shall not murder (Exodus 20:13).
     7. You shall not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14).
     8. You shall not steal (Exodus 20:15).
     9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16).
     10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor (Exodus 20:17).

     As you read through the Old testament you will find many of the various laws found within it are based upon these ten laws given here. Jesus stated that the law and prophets are summed up in what we call the golden rule. Treat others in the same way that you wish them to treat you (Matthew 7:12).
     Once again, can you see anything unjust or unfair about these laws? Is God being too hard on us to give us such laws? Is God acting as a tyrant in desiring our love and adoration of Him? Is it unjust for Him to prohibit the worship of anything but Him, to prohibit the blasphemous use of His holy name?
     And again, in our relations with one another, is it wrong for God to expect us to treat one another with love and respect? Is is wrong of Him to desire children to obey and respect their parents, for people to respect the life and property of another?  
     God is a righteous God. Remember, He only does what is right, at all times. His laws are totally just and fair, and He has every right to expect us to obey Him.

What does God require?

     God, who created us, has a standard that He expects man to adhere to. As I discussed in a previous post, God is righteous, just, holy, and loving. It therefore makes sense that He would require Man as a moral being to be right and just in his dealings with others, to love God and fellow human beings, and to live separated from selfishness and sin in all of its forms.
     Love has been God's desire from the beginning. The Old testament as well as the New, show this (Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 5:43-48, 22:37-40, Romans 13:8-10, James 2:8, 1John 3:11).
     Along with love goes justice and mercy. As a just and merciful God, He also requires us to be fair and merciful to one another. Once again, this is shown in both the Old and New covenants (Leviticus 19:11-15, 35, Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:7, 7:12, Romans 12:17, 1Corinthians 6:7-9, James 2:13).
     We are to be holy as God is holy. Just as God is separated from sin, we too must be separated from sin and self, and devoted to the service of God (Leviticus 11:44-45,19:2, Matthew 5:48, 1Peter 1:15-16).
     Can you see that God holds us to a very high standard? Can you see that God is perfectly right in expecting us to conform to this standard? Can you also see that this is a standard that you have failed to live up to? If so, this is an important first step in the awakening of your soul!

The Righteous Character of God.

     In order to properly understand our lost condition, we must have an understanding of the Holiness of God. Many people think that they are really not that bad, perhaps their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds. They may feel as though God somehow will not punish them, after all He is a loving Father, and we are all His Children, right? This is a deception!
     What do the scriptures teach us about the Character of God? 
     1. He is Holy (Isaiah 6:3, Rev 4:8). To be holy is to be set apart from all that is selfish and sinful. It is to be set apart to the promotion of the Highest good of all being. As the only divine being, God is free of all sin, and selfishness (1John 1:5). When Jesus walked this earth He faced temptation just like we do, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). 
     2. God is righteous (1John 3:7, Psalm 89:14). To be righteous is to be right, perfect in character, to always do what is right. This is what makes up the character of God. He will always do what is right in each and every situation.
     3. Justice will prevail in the kingdom of God (Psalm 99:4). Psalm 89:14 declares that the foundation of God's throne is righteousness (God will always do the right thing), and Justice. God in His justice will make things right. Wrong doing will be punished. Nobody gets away with sin in the justice of God. We may have unjust courts, and judges who go soft on crime, but God will Judge, and it will be just and fair. It is sobering to think that we will stand before Him, nothing hidden from His sight (Hebrews 4:13), with no excuses (Romans 3:4,19).
     4. God is love (1John 4:16). As a loving God, He seeks the highest good for His creation. It would be wonderful if we all loved God and lived for His glory. We would live in peace and the favor of God all of our days! Sadly this world is fallen, and love compels God to be fair in all His dealings with us. He must discipline those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Because He loves us He must mete out justice, which seems severe to those who are on the receiving end, but once again, God's Character is perfect in every way. Everything He does is right every time. Out of His love He blesses us with rain, sunshine, life itself. He cares for us, even though we have rebelled against Him. Though He is angry with the sinner (Psalm 7:11), He desires that such a one would turn from evil, and live (Ezekiel 18:30-32).
     

     
     

Sin Offends God.

          In the days of Noah we see that sin abounded upon the earth. Mankind was consumed with evil (Genesis 6:5). It was so bad that God was sorry that He created man. He was grieved in His heart (Genesis 6:6-7). He decided to destroy man, whom He had created. The only exception was Noah, a righteous man, and his family (Genesis 6:8,17-18, Hebrews 11:7).
     This shows us that God cannot, and will not tolerate sin. Sin grieves Him, it offends Him, and it provokes His wrath. There are consequences, even today, for the sinful acts that we commit. 
     Likewise, God was offended at the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:20-21). God destroyed these two cities, saving only Lot and part of his family (Genesis 19:23-29, 2 Peter 2:7-8).
     Notice, the men whom God spared were found righteous in His sight! Sin offends a holy God, and will separate us from Him. I once heard a saying "Sin will take you farther than you are willing to go, and cost you more than you are willing to pay". This is so very true!

The Fall Of Man.

     The Bible tells us that it was God who created the heavens and earth (Genesis 1:1). It was God who created man and breathed the breath of life into his being (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:7).
     God blessed them with all they needed, but also gave them one commandment to obey. Out of all the fruit bearing trees in the garden they could eat, except for one, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17).
     Eve was tempted by the serpent, and deceived into eating of the fruit, she then offered it to Adam who ate also, even though he knew it was wrong (Genesis 3:1-6).
     Their eyes were opened and they felt guilty and hid from the presence of the Lord (Genesis 3:7-10). That is what sin will do. It separates us from God's presence. We are afraid of God and will hide from Him. Likewise, God is a holy God, and will not fellowship with sinful man (Isaiah 59:2). As a result of their sin (disobedience), they were cast out of the garden that God had created for them (Genesis 3:23-24).
    Mankind has suffered the effects of this first rebellion ever since. There has been a curse over this earth (Genesis 3:17-19). The Bible tell us that through this act of sin, sin entered the world bringing death with it. Like an epidemic it has affected all men (Romans 5:12,18-19). All who have ever been born of Adam's seed, and ever will, are born to fall (Romans 3:9-18,23).
     Look around! You can see sin and destruction everywhere. Look at history. It is filled with violence of every kind. Look at your own life! All of this entered the world when Adam fell.

Are you born again?

     Many individuals believe that they are Christians. They may believe this because they are a member of a particular church, or denomination. They may have been baptized at one time, perhaps as an infant, or maybe as part of joining a church. They may have been confirmed. They take communion so they believe that that makes them right with God. Some have even raised a hand in response to an altar call. They may have repeated a prayer, made a decision for Christ.
     These things will not save you! Even going forward to an altar and repeating a prayer does not guarantee you peace with God!
     Salvation is not found in forms and rituals. It is not found in creeds or traditions. 
     You must be Born again (John 3:3).It is a new birth. Flesh gives birth to flesh. In other words, sinful man only gives birth to sinful beings (John 3:6). It takes a new birth, that of the Spirit, to become a new creation in Christ.
     My question to you is this. Are you born again? The purpose of this site is to proclaim the full gospel. The truth of sin and it's consequences, and our guilt before God. I also desire to show you from the word of God that you can be set free, find peace with God, and become a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17). 
     May God speak to your hearts as you read these posts, so that you too can say that you have been born again.