What must I do to be saved?

The Divine Nature 

The Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, contains so many great insights which are sometimes lost when translated into other languages. The Greek words from which the English word “godhead” is translated is one such example. The word “godhead” is found three times in the King James Version and twice in the New King James Version of the Bible (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9 (KJV) – the NKJV does not use this word in Acts 17:29). Other translations try to show the difference in these two words by using other words rather than “godhead.”

1. C. Trench, a Greek scholar, points out that although these passages are all translated with the same English word, “godhead,” they involved two different original words in which there are subtle but important differences. Interestingly, the two Greek words have very similar spellings: theiotes and theotes. The only difference is the little letter “i” which occurs in the middle of theiotes. Theiotes is from an adjective theios and refers to the characteristics of deity (God). Theotes comes from the noun theos – “God” – and has to do with the essences of God, not just the characteristics of God.

Christ Is Theotes

Paul said about Christ, “For in Him all the fulness of Deity (godhead – KJV) dwells in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). This tells us that Christ did not just have the characteristics of God, but that He was God. Jesus Christ is as much God as is God the Father. He is not inferior to the Father. The apostle John declared this clearly when he wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14). Thus, those individuals and religious groups, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons are wrong when they say Christ was a created being and not equal to the Father. We also must be careful that we do not make the Son of God inferior to God the Father.

Christians Are Theiotes

You and I can never be theotes – the essences of God – but we can and should have theiotes. Peter wrote, “For by these (facts of knowledge) He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises; in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” (2 Peter 1:4). At this point, one might think of any number of characteristics which God has which Christian ought to manifest. As these characteristics are added to one’s life, one becomes more godly. We become more God-like, but not any more deity The Holy Spirit, through Paul, urges, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1).

Maybe one can more easily accomplish this goal by looking at Jesus who not only was theotes but who also manifested theiotes. Again, Paul urges us, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1). “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (I Peter 2:21).

Our Goal 

Christ is fully God. We can’t be that, but all of us can take on the nature or spirit of God and Christ. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every Christian attained “to a mature man, to the measure of the statue which belongs to the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
Wayne Burger

Chosen by God 

There are several different forms of the word “chosen” used in the New Testament. In many passages, it refers simply to one’s decision about a matter. It is used the same way we use the word today. What this article deals with is the way it is used in the spiritual realm. To summarize, “chosen” refers to one who belongs to God. When one comes to the word “chose” in a verse after Acts 2, one can substitute the word “Christian.” Also, the Greek word for “chosen” is “election” and sometimes is translated “elect” (Matthew 24:22) instead of “chosen.”

How Is One Chosen (Elected)? 

Usually, the question connected with “election” or “being chosen” is, “How does it happen?” Did God just arbitrarily choose some to be Christians and others to be lost? This is the doctrine of Calvinism which many denominations teach. This cannot be the way God elects because God would be a respecter of persons in selecting some to go to heaven while others He selected to go to hell. Peter declared, “God is not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:34).

God chooses through a plan which is called the “gospel.” When the gospel is preached, God is calling one to become one of the chosen. Those who decide to obey the gospel become one of the chosen. God allows each person to choose or not choose to become one of the elect. The right to choose is “the free moral agency of man.” But, because God is God, He knew from the beginning who would be one of the chosen and who would refuse to be part of the chosen. But, His foreknowledge does not mean that He foreordained it. Each individual makes his or her own decision.

A Study of 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 

    “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

First, when did God choose them? “From the beginning.”

Second, how did God call them? – “through our gospel” – When they heard the gospel message, God was calling them. If one responds to that call, he or she is “chosen.” Unfortunately, many reject the call of God. Jesus said, “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).

Third, how were they chosen? “Through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” “Sanctification” means “to be set apart for God’s use.” How and when does the Spirit sanctify a person? He accomplished this by revealing the truth and that truth convicts one of sin. When one obeys the truth, he or she is sanctified or “elected.”

Notice this: Since election occurs through “sanctification of the Spirit and faith in the truth,” it must follow, therefore, that since one does not believe from all eternity, one is not elected from eternity, but rather when one believes and obeys the truth. Then he or she is elected, not before the worlds were created, as the Calvinist teach.

A Study of I Peter 1:1-2 

Peter wrote to groups of Christians who were scattered in what is known today as Turkey. He said, “To those…who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood” (I Peter 1:1-2).

Before time on earth began, God established a plan whereby men and women could come back to Him after they had sinned. God selected the plan as to how one would become one of the chosen, but He did not select which people would be the chosen. One becomes one of the chosen when he or she obeys that plan. Calvinists teach that God selected which individuals would be saved and which individuals would be lost. No, God did not preordain each person’s destiny. He preordained the plan and let each person decide if he or she wants to obey that plan.

Jesus said that after He left this earth and returned to the Father, the Spirit would convict men and women of their sin (John 16:8). The Spirit convicts the conscience of people (Acts 2:37) by using “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). When one who is convicted is obedient to Jesus he or she is “chosen.” God and each person work together to bring about sanctification. The Spirit’s work through the word of God is God’s part; the obedience to truth is the human part of sanctification. When one obeys the gospel, symbolically, the blood of Jesus is sprinkled on his or her soul for cleansing.

Thus, one sees that each person of the godhead has a part in each person’s salvation. God the Father had the plan, Christ, the Son of God, offered His blood to pay for the sin and the Holy Spirit convicts one of sin. This is salvation extended by God’s grace and accepted by each person’s faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). When this happens, one is chosen by God.

Wayne Burger

Are You One of God’s Chosen? If Not, Why Not?

Self-righteousness is like a cup without a bottom: if you pour and pour, you will not be able to fill it. Why? Because when you pour yourself into yourself, you don’t add anything to yourself. Nothing plus nothing always equals nothing.

There are many so-called Christians today who believe that they are Christians and they are “righteous” and that they are “right” in the eyes of God without doing what God tells them to do. In Luke 18, Jesus gives us a parable which concerns those who believe “in themselves” that they are righteous. Let’s study the words of Jesus…

THE BACKGROUND OF THE PARABLE (18:9-10):

Why did Jesus give this parable? In Romans 10:1-2, Paul says that the Jews believed that they themselves were righteous and they established their own righteousness, rejecting the righteousness of God (salvation through Jesus Christ). How often have we emphasized the biblical teaching relative to humility? Those who establish their own way of righteousness are arrogant – they refuse to submit to the will of God. We must always humble ourselves before God.

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PHARISEE (18:11-12):

The Pharisees believed they were saved – but through their traditions – not through accepting God’s Messiah (Luke 7:29-30). When we reject God’s plan, we are rejecting Him. On the other hand, the Pharisees believed they could be saved simply through their relationship with Abraham (Matthew 3:9).

THE ATTITUDE OF THE TAX COLLECTOR (18:13):

Tut the tax collector beat himself on the breast, saying a very short prayer but very sincere – completely from the heart! Seven words in English, six words in Greek. But he was speaking with a much stronger voice that those eloquent prayers uttered throughout the years! “Have mercy on me.”

JESUS’ CONCLUSION (18:14):

Jesus concludes the story (parable) with one of His most favorite themes – humility. “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” That very sentence or something like it is found several times in the New Testament – Matthew 18:4; 23:12; Luke 14:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

Why can we not boast in our own righteousness?

1. In Luke 17:10, Jesus showed that servants must do what their master says and there is no reward for that. In other words, if we obey God perfectly, He still would not owe us anything!
2. Again, consider Romans 3:23-24. All have sinned and even those in Christ continue to sin, just as John told us. Mercy is for sinners.
3. Only Christ can save: John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 2:9;  Romans 5:2, 8.
4. Therefore, nobody deserves salvation; nobody deserves heaven. Nobody can be saved – even through “good works.” Each man is saved through the blood of Christ – Romans 4:4-5.

Let’s put our trust in Jesus Christ; let’s put our lives into His hands; let’s obey Him in humility in every aspect of our lives and let’s have the assurance that if we live for Him now, we’ll live with Him forever. Let’s not regard others with contempt. If they are in sin, let’s show them the grace of Christ through the Gospel.

Paul Holland

I Timothy 1.5 is the purpose of teaching and Christianity in general: love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a genuine faith. Love from a pure heart doesn’t do good for others hoping to get something in return. It’s a love that’s selfless because that’s the right thing to do.

A good conscience doesn’t mean we feel extra guilty about bad things. In fact, emotion has little to do with συνειδήσεως (the word translated conscience). Conscience means an awareness of the difference between right and wrong. A good conscience means we act on our understanding of what is good.

A genuine (or sincere) faith is one that’s above any kind of scrutiny. A sincere faith isn’t hypocritical. To some extent, anyone who has any kind of standard for themselves is a hypocrite. We’re never going to live up to God’s standards of morality, but that doesn’t mean that hypocrisy defines us. The Pharisees were extremely legalistic, but had depraved lifestyles. That’s a hypocrite. A genuine faith is one that at least tries to meet the standard.

1.7 calls out the problem directly: there were members who were eager to teach but had no business doing so. This is, unfortunately, one of issues facing the church today. Many take the approach of emphasizing regulations and rules and prohibitions, which is what these bad influences were doing. The goal of our teaching is to cultivate love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. But this is not done by teaching just the thou-shalt-nots of Christianity, which we’ll see next week when we study verse nine.

Gary Pollard

“Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse? For now I would have lain still and been quiet, I would have been asleep; then I would have been at rest with kings and counselors of the earth, who built ruins for themselves, or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver; or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, like infants who never saw light?” Job 3:11-16

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I wish I had never been born”?  Have you ever said that yourself, or felt like saying it? If so, it was probably during some crisis in your life. Something happened that seemed to come at exactly the wrong time. We have an epigram that we call Murphy’s Law that expresses this idea of despair. Murphy’s Law states that “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” We plan a picnic, and it rains; we are running late and have to stop at every red light; we finally find the time to mow the grass and the lawnmower will not start. We feel like there is a dark cloud that just follows us around and rains on every parade.

In the King James Version of the Bible, the word “why” is found 282 times. This is an average of once in every four chapters. In the New King James Version “why” is found 430 times. As noted in the passage above, Job wondered why he was born. Jesus asked the question, “Why have You forsaken Me” (Matt. 27:46)? Gideon pondered why bad things were happening (Jud. 6:11-13). Asaph bemoaned the prosperity of the wicked while the righteous suffered: “Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning” (Psa. 73:11-14).

We live in a fallen world in which good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. It seems there is always inequity. The wise man says, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered” (Eccl. 1:14-15). While he speaks disparagingly about life “under the sun,” yet he concludes the book with a reason for hope. He tells us, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14). There is a God who sees and knows.

We usually ask, “Why me” with the idea that we are suffering unjustly in some way. Kris Kristopherson encourages us to ask “why” in another way in his song “Why Me, Lord?” written in 1972: “Why me Lord, what have I ever done / To deserve even one / Of the pleasures I’ve known? Tell me Lord, what did I ever do / That was worth loving You / Or the kindness You’ve shown? / Lord help me Jesus, / I’ve wasted it so / help me Jesus, I know what I am. / Now that I know / that I’ve needed you so / Help me Jesus, / my soul’s in Your hand.” Have you ever wondered why you have been so blessed? It can be a refreshing view to consider.

When we feel burdened down, Peter reminds us: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

L Scott Gage

When the girls were little and we lived in Romania, one of our coworkers had the animated film series Land Before Time. Once you got past the first monologue, it was a really cute series of cartoons. Up until 2016, there were 14 movies.

The monologue, and I think it was the same for every film, at the opening of the movie said this: “Once upon this same earth, beneath this same sun, long before you… before the ape and the elephant as well, before the wolf, the bison, the whale, before the mammoth and the mastodon in the time of the dinosaurs.”

Satan is extremely insidious. Through this series of animated films as well as a host of others, as well as books and magazines, Satan influences our children to believe that the earth is billions of years old (according to the American Museum of Natural History – 4.543 billion years old) and that man has come along about 2 million years ago and man as we know him (Homo sapiens) is about 300,000 years old.

If that is true, then the Bible is false. If the Bible is false, then Jesus is false. If Jesus is false, there is no resurrection. If there is no resurrection, then we are of all men most to be pitied (1 Cor. 15:19). It is unfortunate that many Christians have drank from the Kool-Aid of men in white lab coats and decided that the earth is billions of years old and Jesus is also our Savior. The problem is that you can’t take both positions and be honest with God’s word. Jesus places the creation of mankind at the very beginning of the world: Matthew 19:4. Paul refers to Adam as the “first man” (Romans 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:45).

For “theistic evolutionists” to want to accept the idea that the earth is billions of years old and Genesis is not literal history but to also accept Jesus’ teachings is illogical, irrational, and inconsistent. Jesus put the creation of man at the beginning of the creation; either Jesus:

1) Was a liar.

2) Was ignorant and did not know Genesis was not literal history.

3) Accommodated Himself to the false beliefs of the Jews of His time (who believed Genesis was literal history) – but in the process, He perpetuated a false concept.

Do you really want to take either of those positions?

We do not have time to do a thorough discussion of the age of the earth, but I direct your attention to an article on Apologetics Press’s website: “21 Reasons to Believe the Earth is Young:” https://apologeticspress.org/21-reasons-to-believe-the-earth-is-young-5641/

DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

Of course it matters! Anything that undermines our confidence in the word of God is a tool of Satan. Why should I believe what the Bible says in Genesis 12 if I can’t believe what the Bible says in Genesis 1?

The whole Christian faith is built on three teachings: the existence of God, the deity of Christ, and the inspiration of the Bible. Suggesting that the earth is billions of years old and that mankind is hundreds of thousands or even tens of thousands of years old undermines our conviction that the Bible is God speaking to us about His creation, its origin, its purpose, and its destiny.

The earth was created for man (Isa. 45:18) to form us into the image of Christ (Gal. 4:19) so that we might be worthy of heaven (2 Thess. 1:5). Let’s trust God’s voice when it comes to its age, its purpose, and its destiny (2 Peter 3:10).

Paul Holland

Who is not intrigued at the sight of Lady Justice, blindfolded, holding the balance scales in her hand? A symbol. Symbols embody philosophies, ideals, traditions, messages from history. For those of a fading generation, think of an Uncle Sam poster . . . Rosie the Riveter . . . the Alamo. Think of a cross. Each one conjures up deep emotions if they represent something we hold dear . . . or if they represent something we despise – think of a swastika, a burning cross.

The history behind each symbol is fascinating. Lady Justice purportedly originated with the Roman goddess Justitia, the goddess of justice. She holds evenly-balanced scales in one had and a sword in the other. She didn’t wear a blindfold until the 16^th century.

Each of these three features – scales, sword, and blindfold – represent the ideal of justice. But this world is rarely, if ever, ideal. Lady Justice, in practice, is not always fair (scales); lawbreakers are not always punished (sword) and she’s not always blind. Sometimes she peeks!

She’s not supposed to care who stands before the bar; but sometimes she does care, so she peeks. And when she peeks, she loses integrity. She loses respect. She loses trust. She encourages men to seek their own means of justice . . . which is rarely just.

God is just. It is a characteristic of his immutable nature. But he is not blindfolded. He sees and knows all. He doesn’t have to rely on witnesses to determine truth. His judgements are always right. Justice is always satisfied . . . every violation is always adequately punished. He is no respecter of persons – there is no preferential treatment.

But God has another characteristic – mercy. And mercy triumphs over justice . . . but not because he ignores justice. He cannot; then he would lose integrity, respect and trust. So every sin is adequately punished.

Because of God’s great love and mercy, he punished his own son for my transgressions. Justice is satisfied and I’m free.

-Ken Stegall

“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing) if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”

There has been much discussion and confusion over the meaning of this difficult passage in 1 Timothy 2:15.  While there are many possible explanations as to the meaning of these words) a good number of them fail because they contradict other clear passages of Scripture.  For instance, this cannot be teaching that women must bear children in order to enter heaven. If such were the case, many women would be damned because of their inability to conceive. Add to this Paul’s own admonition that under certain situations it is better for women to remain unmarried (1 Cor. 7:25-36), and we see that this verse simply cannot be implying that women must physically bear children to be saved.

Neither does the context suggest that women are to be spared physical travail in childbirth if they are faithful in service to God. The pain of the birth process is that which has naturally come upon women ever since Eve (Gen. 3:16). And so, again, this cannot be the intended meaning.

The accurate view of this verse must be gained by first carefully considering the context (verses 9-15).  Here Paul has addressed the proper role of godly women. Theirs is not to be in a position of authority over men, but rather they are to be in subjection (vs. 11,12). Nevertheless, Paul concludes the thought by assuring the women that they can be saved in heaven, just as surely as men, if they will properly view their role and fulfill it to the best of their ability. The term “childbearing” here means then, not the physical act, but rather all the many things that go into making a woman a wife, a mother, and a “keeper at home” (Titus 2:5).

While the woman will never be able to preach the gospel, serve as an elder or deacon, or perform many of the other jobs that fall to the man, she can nonetheless rest assured that she may please God by carefully applying herself to the very important task He has given her.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond or free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

– by Greg Gwin

It is estimated that on a normal day, the average man spends less than six minutes with his children and less than thirty minutes with his wife.

We give priority to those things which are important to us. Too many men, by majoring in minor matters, are neglecting their families.

Husbands have a tremendous responsibility to “love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph.5:25). The least one can do is to treat his wife with the same care he shows to himself. “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies . . .” (Eph. 5: 28).

The failure to know what a wife needs and then to provide it will not only cause a less than desirable marriage, but will also hinder one’s prayers (1 Pet.3:7).

Even the best of men have made egregious mistakes in the training of their children: Noah, Abraham, Lot, Eli, David. Is it possible that our absorbing interest in work and worldly matters has caused us to neglect our children? (Eph.6:4.)

Far too many fathers will one day regretfully remark, “While I was busy here and there, my children have gone” (cf. 1 Kings 20:40).

We need more Joshuas who say, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

– by Rick Duqgin

James says at the first of verse 13: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” He will immediately provide his own answer to this rhetorical question as he proposes it for his readers’ reflection. But consider for a moment two previous sections. First, note that this is reminiscent of the section in chapter two where James teaches that the one with real, saving faith is the one who proves his faith through his works. Wisdom, likewise, is something that must be proven (it is shown, manifested or demonstrated in life). Secondly, as we engage this section, be reminded that chapter three begins by indicating James is especially addressing teachers (Bible teachers). Though the principles earlier in the chapter, as well as in our text, are relevant for all Christians, James seems to be especially focused on teachers.

So who is the truly wise amongst them? James says it is the one who shows it to be so through his meek conduct (v. 13). The wise of this world are often arrogant in spirit, but not God’s servant. You may recall that it seems some who had opposed Paul thought of themselves as “super apostles” (2 Cor. 11:5). But it is a humble task to carefully pass along the saving message of Jesus. This work is not for the haughty in spirit, and this spirit ought not to be a part of any who calls himself after the name of Christ! (see Mt. 5:5; Jam. 4:8-10).

Verses 14-16 describe a kind of “wisdom” which is not from God. The fruit of this other kind of wisdom (if it could be called wisdom), are things like “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” (v. 14). Note in verse 14 that this sort of thing involves a heart problem, yet in verse 16 James indicates that this heart problem will lead to “disorder and every vile practice.” The heart is the reservoir from which life (or death) springs forth (see Prov. 4:23; Lk. 6:45). Damaging and dividing the body of Christ because of one’s pride is a very serious matter. Such a person, Jesus says, should be withdrawn from if they refuse the admonition to turn from their divisive and wicked ways (see Titus 3:10).

The depth of their depravity is seen in the vivid description of verse 15 which says, “This is not the wisdom that comes from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” The word “earthly” insinuates that they have this world in view, not the spiritual and eternal realm. Of course, such people would never say as much, but their fruit, upon careful examination testifies against them (Mt. 7:16). Their desires are also “unspiritual,” more self-gratifying than God glorifying. James even says that their wisdom may be attributed to a “demonic” origin. Of course any Gospel teaching that is not in accord with the word of the Spirit, is from a less than heavenly spirit! (see 1 Tim. 4:1).

God’s wisdom, real wisdom, is of a different origin and bears remarkably different fruit. The wisdom which produces good fruit (God’s), must be “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (v. 17). The first characteristic James mentions is not by accident, he says it is “first pure.” Purity of heart reigns supreme because it effects everything about a teacher (and a Christian) . If purity of heart and motive are lacking, even the teaching of the Bible can be very selfishly motivated. Some sought to afflict the apostle Paul in such a way with their base motives (see Phil. 1:15-17). Paul knew their motives. He exposed their motives to the Philippians (and to us). Of course their motives were always laid bear before the God whom they and everyone else will give account (see James 3:1; Heb. 4:12-13).

Teachers, as well as all Christians, should consider the attribute not only of purity, but also the attributes of peaceableness, gentleness, being open to reason, being full of mercy, good fruits, as well as being impartial and sincere. Most of us could use some adjustment in at least one of these areas. The wise man (and lady) will allow God’s wisdom to win over his or her own “wisdom.”

As usual, we reap what we sow (see Gal. 6:7). If we sow the pure Gospel of Christ with a sincere desire for peace, a crop of righteousness will be the harvest!

Daren Schroeder