What Does the Bible Say About Salvation? (Chapter 2)

📘 CHAPTER TWO — What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?

The most important question we will ever settle

⭐ Introduction

Chapter One settled why we trust the Bible. Now we ask the Bible the biggest question there is: how is a person saved? Notice we are not asking what a church says, what a family tradition says, or what "most people think." We are asking: what does the Bible say?

Everything else in this booklet — prayer, worship, the church, Christian living — sits on top of this chapter. Get this one settled, and the rest have somewhere to stand.

I. Everyone Needs to Be Saved

(The problem)

Romans 3:23 — "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

The verse says ALL have sinned — and "come short" is an archer's picture: the arrow falling short of the target. Sin simply means missing God's mark — and every one of us has missed it.

A Word Worth Knowing — "Sin." The main New Testament word for sin is the Greek word hamartia (hah-mar-TEE-ah). It was an archer's term long before it was a church word — it means to miss the mark. Not necessarily to shoot in the opposite direction. Just to miss.

That matters, because it means sin is not only the crimes that make the news. Sin is every arrow that lands anywhere short of the glory of God — the unkind word, the proud thought, the good thing left undone. Some arrows land closer than others. None of them land on the mark.

Illustration — The Canyon. Suppose the whole county gathered at the rim of the Grand Canyon for a jumping contest — the object being to jump across. Some would barely clear the rail. A young athlete might jump twenty feet out. The difference between the two jumps might impress the crowd — but it would not matter one bit to the outcome. The canyon is a mile wide. Everybody comes short.

That is Romans 3:23. Compared with each other, some of us look pretty good. Compared with the glory of God, every one of us is at the bottom of the canyon.

Romans 6:23 — "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Wages are what we earn. Sin pays a wage, and the wage is death — separation from God. Notice the same verse also names the alternative, and notice what it calls it: not a wage, but a gift. Hold onto that word. It is about to become the hinge of the whole chapter.

Isaiah 53:6 — "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Let the Bible explain the Bible: Isaiah says the same thing Romans says — ALL of us, every one — and then adds where the iniquity went: the LORD laid it on HIM. Keep that in mind for Section III.

• Sin is not just what "bad people" do — it is what ALL people have done.
• Nobody is so good he does not need saving, and nobody is so bad he cannot be saved.

Author's Note — "Notice I did not write 'everyone but the preacher.' When Romans says all, it includes the man writing this booklet. We are all in the same canyon, and we all needed the same rescue." — C.T.

Simple truth: Salvation is not for good people or bad people — it is for lost people, and that is all of us.

II. We Cannot Save Ourselves

(Why our best is not enough)

Ephesians 2:8–9 — "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

The verses say salvation is BY grace, THROUGH faith, NOT of yourselves, NOT of works — it is a GIFT.

A Word Worth Knowing — "Grace." The Greek word is charis (KHAR-ece). It means favor that is not earned, not deserved, and not owed. If you worked for it, it is a paycheck. If you deserved it, it is a prize. Grace is neither — grace is what God gives because of who HE is, not because of what we are.

Titus 3:5 — "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…"

And in case we are tempted to think our better deeds might tip the scale, the Bible closes that door plainly:

Isaiah 64:6 — "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…"

Read that carefully. It is not our sins that are called filthy rags — it is our righteousnesses. Our best days. Our finest moments. Measured against the glory of God, even the good we do cannot pay for the wrong we have done.

Illustration — The Gift. A gift you pay for is not a gift — it is a purchase. A gift you earn is not a gift — it is a wage. The only thing anyone can do with a real gift is receive it or refuse it. The Bible calls salvation a gift… which tells you exactly what your part is.

Simple truth: If salvation could be earned, Jesus did not need to die. It cannot — and He did.

III. Jesus Did the Saving Work

(What God did about our problem)

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 — "…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."

That is the gospel in one sentence: He died FOR OUR SINS — in our place — was buried, and rose again.

1 Peter 3:18 — "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…"

The just One suffered for the unjust ones. That exchange is the heart of salvation. Remember Isaiah 53:6 from Section I — "the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." The arrows we shot short — He took them.

Illustration — The Judge Who Paid the Fine. Picture a courtroom. The defendant is guilty and everyone knows it. The judge — because he is a just judge — pronounces the full fine. The law is satisfied; the debt is real. And then the judge stands up, takes off his robe, walks around the bench, and pays the fine out of his own pocket. That is Calvary. God did not wave our sin away as though it did not matter — the wage of sin really is death, and the sentence really was pronounced. And then the Judge Himself came down and paid it.

A Word Worth Knowing — "It Is Finished." On the cross, Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). In the Greek this is one word — tetelestai (teh-TEL-es-tie) — and it was a word used in everyday business for a bill that had been PAID IN FULL. Merchants wrote it across a receipt. Jesus was not saying "I am finished." He was saying the DEBT is finished — paid, complete, nothing owing.

A Word Worth Knowing — "Propitiation."

1 John 2:2 — "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

Propitiation is a big word with a plain meaning: the payment that settles the account. Not a payment that reduces the debt. Not a payment plan. A settlement — the account closed, the demand satisfied. Our sin was not excused; it was settled. There is a difference, and the difference is the cross.

Simple truth: Salvation is not spelled D-O. It is spelled D-O-N-E.

IV. Salvation Is Received by Repentance and Faith

(How the gift becomes yours)

Acts 20:21 — "…repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

Two words — one turning.

A Word Worth Knowing — "Repentance." The Greek word is metanoia (met-AH-noy-ah) — literally a change of mind. Not merely feeling sorry, and not cleaning yourself up first (you cannot). It is the change of mind that turns the whole man around — turning FROM sin and self, TOWARD God.

A man plowing a field looks back and sees his row running crooked. Repentance is not standing there feeling bad about the row. Repentance is turning the plow.

Faith is trust — leaning your whole weight on Jesus. John 3:16 says, "…that whosoever BELIEVETH in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Illustration — The Chair. You can believe a chair is sturdy, say fine things about the chair, even recommend the chair to friends — and still be standing. Faith is sitting down: putting your full weight on Christ alone to hold you. Nothing in your hands — all your weight on Him.

Romans 10:13 — "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Whosoever. The invitation is as wide as the world, and it has your name in it.

⭐ Let the Bible Explain the Bible — "Faith Without Works"

James 2:17 says "faith without works is dead" — and some read that to mean works help save us. But we learned our rule in Chapter One: Scripture never contradicts Scripture. Ephesians 2:8–9 is crystal clear — NOT of works. So what is James saying? Read Ephesians 2:10: we are "created in Christ Jesus UNTO good works." Works are the FRUIT of salvation, never the ROOT of it. A fruit tree is not alive because it bears fruit — it bears fruit because it is alive. James is not telling you how to be saved; he is telling you how to recognize a living faith.

⭐ Let the Bible Explain the Bible — "What About Baptism?"

New believers often ask: do I have to be baptized to be saved? Let a clear passage answer. When Jesus hung on the cross, a dying thief beside Him believed and said, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." And Jesus answered, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42–43).

That man was never baptized. He never joined a church, never took the Lord's Supper, never did one good work — he could not; his hands were nailed down. And Jesus Himself declared him saved that very day. Salvation came by repentance and faith alone.

Then what is baptism for? Hold that question — Chapter Five answers it from Scripture. For now, mark this: baptism is a PICTURE of the salvation you already have, not the power that gives it. First the believing, then the picture — always in that order in the Book.

Simple truth: Turn from sin, trust in Jesus — the gift becomes yours the moment you receive it.

V. The Saved Are Safe Forever

(Why we can know, and rest)

John 10:28–29 — "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."

Read the promise slowly, and count the securities in it:

• The life He gives is ETERNAL — and eternal life that could be lost was never eternal.
• He says they shall NEVER perish. Never is a long word, and Jesus chose it.
• No man can pluck them out of His hand — and verse 29 closes the Father's hand around His. The believer rests inside two hands, and the Bible says nothing about him wiggling out from the inside either.

John 3:36 — "He that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life…"

Hath means possession — right now, not someday, not hopefully, not if we hold on well enough.

1 John 5:13 — "These things have I written unto you… that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life."

Not hope so. Not think so on good days. Know so — because God put it in writing.

Now, someone will ask: then what happens when a believer sins? Does he lose it? Here the Bible makes a distinction worth learning early: the difference between SONSHIP and FELLOWSHIP. When you were saved you became God's child — and a birth cannot be un-happened. But a child who disobeys clouds the warmth of the household without ever changing his birth certificate. Sin in a believer's life breaks the closeness, not the relationship — and confession restores the closeness (1 John 1:9). Chapter Six walks through this fully.

Author's Note — "New believer, settle this early: your salvation rests on what Jesus did, not on how you perform. On your worst day you are just as saved as on your best day, because the paid-in-full receipt was signed at the cross, not at your good behavior. Assurance is not pride — it is taking God at His word." — C.T.

Simple truth: Salvation kept by us would be lost by Tuesday. Salvation kept by Him is safe forever.

⭐ Before You Leave This Chapter

May I ask you the chapter's question personally? Not "do you go to church" — not "were you raised right" — but this: have you ever, as one lost person, turned from your sin and put your whole weight on Jesus Christ alone?

If the answer is no, or if you are not sure — the invitation of Romans 10:13 is open this very minute: "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Tell Him you have missed the mark. Tell Him you are done trusting yourself. Ask Him to save you — and He will, because He said He would.

And if the answer is yes — then read John 10:28 once more, slowly, and rest. You are in the two hands.

⭐ Chapter Summary

• Everyone has sinned and needs saving — every arrow lands short.
• Nobody can save himself — even our righteousnesses are filthy rags. Salvation is a gift.
• Jesus paid the full debt: died, buried, risen. Tetelestai — paid in full. Propitiation — the account settled.
• The gift is received by repentance (the turned plow) and faith (the full weight on the chair).
• Works are the fruit of salvation, never the root. Baptism is the picture, never the power.
• The saved are safe in two hands forever — and God wrote it down so we can know it.

Next — Chapter Three: What does the Bible say about prayer?

📘 WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A Simple Foundation for New Believers

Six Chapters • Straight from Scripture • King James Version

Written by CHUCK TRUSTY
Pastor | Dardanelle, Arkansas

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How to Use This Booklet

Welcome to the family of God! This booklet was written for you — the new believer — and for any believer who wants the foundations laid plainly. It asks one question six times, about six subjects, and answers each time the same way: not with opinions, but with Scripture.

• Chapter 1 — What does the Bible say about the Bible?
• Chapter 2 — What does the Bible say about salvation?
• Chapter 3 — What does the Bible say about prayer?
• Chapter 4 — What does the Bible say about worship?
• Chapter 5 — What does the Bible say about the church?
• Chapter 6 — What does the Bible say about Christian living?

Read one chapter a week with your Bible open, look up every verse for yourself, and mark the "Simple truth" lines — they are the handles to carry each lesson by. All quotations are from the King James Bible, and every chapter uses the same rule you will learn in Chapter One: let the Bible explain the Bible.

Author's Note — "I have made every effort to avoid injecting my own brand of theology into these lessons. These pages are not intended to explain what I say, but what the Bible says. My goal is simple: to let God's Word speak in its own words, in its own context." — C.T.

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📘 CHAPTER ONE — What Does the Bible Say About the Bible?

⭐ Introduction

Every believer needs one unshakable foundation upon which to build their lives: What does the Bible say about the Bible?

Before we talk about salvation, prayer, worship, the church, or Christian living, we must settle this one truth:

Why do we trust the Bible? Why do we believe it? Why do we build our lives on it?

This chapter gives simple, bullet-proof answers — straight from Scripture, supported by original language, and grounded in real history.

I. The Bible Claims to Be God's Word

(What we believe)

2 Timothy 3:16 — "All scripture is given by inspiration of God… and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

After the first phrase telling us where the Bible comes from, the rest of the verse explains that Scripture teaches us, corrects us, and trains us.

The key word in this verse is inspiration — the Greek word theopneustos, meaning God-breathed: breathed out by God Himself.

The Bible is God's breath in written form. It is not possible to speak without breathing out (exhaling). This is the idea behind "God-breathed" — God actually spoke the words of Scripture, and holy men wrote down what God breathed out as He spoke.

This is exactly what the word theopneustos means: Theo = God; pneō = to breathe out.

This is not a theological argument — it is simply a factual explanation of the word itself. When a person speaks, they must breathe out. When God "breathed out" Scripture, He was speaking. The Bible is God's spoken words, written down by men He guided.

Simple truth: If God breathed it, we can trust it.

II. The Bible Was Written in Real History

(Why context matters)

The Bible was written by real men, in real places, facing real situations, during real historical events. It was written over 1,500 years, in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek), across three continents.

This matters because the Bible is not myth. It is rooted in culture, customs, geography, and history — and understanding the culture helps us understand the meaning.

Illustration — The Owner's Manual. The Bible is like the owner's manual for life. When you buy a phone, the manual tells you how it works, how to set it up, and how to take care of it. If a store clerk gives you instructions that contradict the manual, then you have a foundation for your disagreement — the manual is the authority. In the same way, the Bible is our authority. It tells us who God is, who we are, how life works, and what God expects. When someone's opinion contradicts Scripture, we go with the Owner's Manual. That is why context matters — we want to know what the Author actually said, not what someone else thinks He said.

Simple truth: The Bible is anchored in real history, not imagination.

III. The Bible Interprets Itself

(Why we believe it)

Isaiah 28:10 — "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"

God teaches truth by comparing Scripture with Scripture. This means hard verses are explained by clear verses, the Bible is its own commentary, and the Bible never contradicts itself.

Author's Note — "Commentaries can be helpful, but they are NOT Scripture. A commentary is simply a scholar's interpretation of what he thinks a passage means. Because of that, we must always remember that human explanations — no matter how educated — can still be influenced by opinion. Proverbs reminds us that 'there is a way that seemeth right unto a man.' What seems right to a person is not the same as what God has said. This is why we let the Bible explain the Bible. Scripture is the final authority — not commentaries, not opinions, and not personal interpretations."

Example — "Work Out Your Own Salvation"

Philippians 2:12 — "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Some misunderstand this to mean "earn your own salvation," "work for your salvation," or "save yourself." But is that what Paul really meant?

Author's Note — "I want to avoid inserting my own theology here, so let me simply point out the two opposing views people often bring to this verse: (1) that a person must work in order to earn salvation, and (2) that salvation is God's gift and cannot be earned by human effort. Instead of choosing a side based on opinion, we will apply our rule: use a clear verse to explain a complex verse. Let's see what God has said about these two ideas by comparing Scripture with Scripture."

So, we apply our rule: if you don't understand a verse, look for another verse that says the same thing more simply. And the Bible gives us the perfect simple verse:

Ephesians 2:8–9 — "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

The simple verse explains the harder verse. "Work out" means to live out the salvation you already have — it does not mean to earn it. At first glance, Philippians 2:12 seems to contradict Ephesians 2:8–9, but Scripture never contradicts Scripture. Since salvation is a gift and cannot be earned, Philippians 2:12 cannot mean "work for salvation." It means to live out the salvation God has already placed within you. We do not work to be saved; we work because we are saved.

⭐ What We Learn From Comparing Them

"Work out" = bring to the surface what God has already put inside you. Just like you "work out" a math problem (you don't create the answer — you reveal it), or you "work out" a muscle (you don't create the muscle — you strengthen it).

This concept teaches us not to panic when a verse seems confusing, not to jump to conclusions, and not to build doctrine on only one verse. Let the Bible explain the Bible. It reinforces our booklet's theme: "What does the Bible say?" — not "What do people say the Bible says?"

• It protects believers from doubt. When someone hits a confusing verse, the enemy whispers: "See? The Bible contradicts itself. Maybe it's not true." This simple truth shuts that down immediately.
• It teaches humility. Understanding Scripture is a growth process, not a one-time download. It's OK not to know everything yet — keep reading, keep growing, keep comparing Scripture with Scripture.
• It reinforces the authority of Scripture. The Bible is right — even when I don't understand it yet. That's foundational.
• It gives a natural pattern: hard verse → simple verse → comparison → clarity → reassurance.

⭐ Second Example

John 1:18 — "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."

But another verse says:

Exodus 33:11 — "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend…"

The simple explanation comes from comparing Scripture: John is speaking of God in His full glory; Exodus is speaking of God revealing Himself in a veiled, human-friendly form. The simple verse clarifies the harder one.

And if there is something we don't yet understand, that does not mean there is something wrong with the Bible — it simply means our understanding is still growing. God's Word is perfect. Our understanding is in progress.

Simple truth: The Bible explains the Bible.

IV. The Bible Is Preserved by God

(Why we trust the KJV)

Psalm 12:6–7 — "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

Preservation means God didn't just give His Word — He kept His Word.

Simple truth: If God gave His Word, He also kept His Word.

⭐ A Quick Word About Bible Versions

New believers often ask, "Which Bible should I use?" This is an important question, and the answer does not need to be complicated.

The King James Bible is a translation — not an interpretation. The translators took each word from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and gave its closest meaning in English. They translated words, not ideas. They were not giving commentary or opinion — they were defining in English what God originally said.

Transliteration. Sometimes the translators used transliteration, which means carrying the sound of a word into English when no single English word fully expressed its meaning. Examples include baptize, Christ, Satan, and amen.

The Greek word baptizō literally means "to dip" or "to immerse," but no English word carried the full meaning without adding or removing something from the definition. So, instead of choosing a word that might limit or distort the actual meaning, the translators preserved the original sound and allowed the Bible itself to define the word.

Why did English Bibles transliterate it? The word baptize was already used in English Bibles long before 1611 (Wycliffe, Tyndale, Geneva), so the KJV translators simply continued the established English usage. And because no single English word carried the full meaning of baptizō: "dip" is too narrow, "immerse" is correct but incomplete, "wash" is too broad, "cleanse" is not specific, and "submerge" is too mechanical.

Transliteration preserved the sound of the original word so that preachers could teach the meaning, the word carried its full theological weight, and no English word distorted or limited the meaning. Translation gives the meaning; transliteration gives the sound.

Modern Versions. Many modern versions use a "thought-for-thought" method. Instead of translating the words, they translate what they believe the idea means. This can change doctrine. Examples: Mary called a "young woman" instead of a "virgin"; "hell" replaced with "the grave"; references to the blood of Christ softened or removed completely. These are not small differences.

The KJV preserves the exact words God gave — not someone's interpretation of those words. That is why the KJV is the safest and most trustworthy Bible for a new believer.

V. The Bible Is Understandable

(Why new believers can read it confidently)

Psalm 119:130 — "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."

This means you do not need a degree, a commentary, or a scholar — and you don't need to be a scholar. To understand the Bible, you need the Bible, the Holy Spirit, a humble heart, and a willingness to learn.

⭐ Koine Greek — The Language of the Common Man

The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, which means "common Greek." It was the everyday street language spoken by fishermen, farmers, soldiers, and ordinary people. God did not choose the scholarly Classical Greek. He chose the simplest, most universal form of Greek so everyone could understand His Word.

This shows us that God wanted the New Testament written for ordinary people, that the Bible is not an academic book — it is a people's book — and that God chose the simplest language available to communicate the greatest message ever given.

What other Greek forms existed?

• Classical Greek — formal, literary Greek used by philosophers (Plato, Aristotle); complex grammar and vocabulary; not used by common people; not used in the New Testament.
• Koine Greek — simplified, everyday Greek spread by Alexander the Great; used from 300 BC to AD 300; the language of the New Testament; easy to read and understand.
• Septuagint / Liturgical Greek — the Greek translation of the Old Testament; still Koine, but with Hebrew influence; used in synagogues; familiar to Greek-speaking Jews.

So the New Testament writers used the simplest, clearest, most universal form of Greek available. That was not an accident — that was God's design.

Simple truth: God wrote the Bible for people — not for professors.

VI. The Bible Is the Final Authority for the Believer

(Why we build our lives on it)

Matthew 4:4 — "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

This means our lives should NOT be built upon feelings, culture, tradition, opinions, or experiences — but upon every word of Scripture, which is our authority.

Proverbs 16:25 — "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

This principle was true long before the first word of the Bible was written. Without the guidance of God's Word, we would naturally choose a path that feels right — but ends in spiritual ruin.

⭐ Why This Explanation About the Authority of Scripture Is Strong

Author's Note — "We want to avoid inserting any brand of theology. As a new believer, I want you to consider the actual meaning of Matthew 4:4 and Proverbs 16:25. If left to our own logic, mankind could never determine truth. And even with the Bible — which is without question God's Word — without the Holy Spirit guiding a willing heart, all the education in the world would not be enough to lead us into God's truth."

• It connects the doctrine to a Scripture principle. Proverbs 16:25 warns that the end of the "seems right" path is destruction. We are using this truth to show: human instinct is not reliable — but God's Word is.
• It shows the timelessness of the principle. Even before the Bible existed: God's way was right in the Garden of Eden; man's way seemed right in the Garden of Eden; man's way led to death in the Garden of Eden. The Bible simply reveals what has always been true.
• It reinforces the need for Scripture. Without the guidance of the Bible, we would live and die in a way that seemed right — but ended in spiritual death. It's simple. It's clear. It's bullet-proof.

Simple truth: If the Bible says it — that settles it.

VII. The Bible Is Profitable for Daily Living

(Why we obey it)

2 Timothy 3:16 — "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Scripture teaches us what is right (doctrine), shows us what is wrong (reproof), shows us how to get right (correction), and shows us how to stay right (instruction).

Discernment — Learn Truth, Not Error. Many people make the mistake of trying to learn everything they can about false religion. But the safest way to recognize what is wrong is to become firmly grounded in what is right. Our journey through life is not to be viewed as a giant list of every possible belief where we cross out what is wrong and accept whatever is left. God never intended us to study error in order to avoid it — He intended us to know the truth so clearly that error becomes obvious.

John 8:32 — "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Truth frees us. Error loses its power when truth is known. The Bible does not tell us to study every error — it tells us to know the truth so well that error cannot deceive us.

Simple truth: The Bible is not just true — it is useful.

VIII. The Bible Reveals Jesus Christ

(Why the Bible matters most)

John 5:39 — "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

Hebrews 11 is often called "the faith chapter," and for good reason. Over and over it uses the phrase "by faith" or "through faith." This teaches us something essential: faith is how we see what God has said.

Hebrews 11:1 explains that faith is the "evidence" of things we cannot see with our eyes. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. This means: without faith, we cannot see God's hand in Scripture; without faith, we cannot understand spiritual truth; without faith, the Bible remains a closed book; without faith, we cannot recognize Jesus in the pages of Scripture.

But WITH faith — even a small amount — the entire Bible opens up. Faith is the key that unlocks everything God has revealed. Faith is how we connect to God. Faith is how we recognize Jesus Christ in the Scriptures. This is exactly what Jesus meant in John 5:39 when He said the Scriptures "testify of Me."

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible points to His coming, His sacrifice, His resurrection, His kingdom, and His return. Faith allows us to see Him there.

Author's Note — "Understanding the Bible ultimately requires faith. There is plenty of evidence that Scripture is trustworthy, but accepting it as God's Word is a spiritual matter. Faith is how mankind connects to God. Without faith, a person cannot fully receive the Bible as God's Word or as the final authority for life. As a new believer, I encourage you to prayerfully read Hebrews 11 — the 'faith chapter.' Notice how often the phrase 'by faith' or 'through faith' appears. Everything God's people understood, obeyed, and accomplished began with faith."

Simple truth: The Bible is not just a book — it is a revelation of a Person.

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⭐ Chapter Summary

• The Bible is God-breathed.
• The Bible was written in real history.
• The Bible interprets itself.
• The Bible is preserved.
• The Bible is trustworthy.
• The Bible is understandable.
• The Bible is our final authority.
• The Bible is profitable.
• The Bible reveals Jesus.

Living Sacrifice

Link to actual message (6) Facebook

Delivered Sunday morning 12/18/2022 

Romans 12:1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

The FIRST thing that is required regarding this LIVING sacrifice – is a clear and concise decision regarding the direction that we intend upon traveling for the rest of our lives . . .

When you got married – did you walk down the isle – thinking that your marriage was only temporary . . . why is acceptable to have this attitude toward our commitment to God – when we join His NTC . . .?

 

1)  A decision on who exactly we are going to spend the rest of our lives following or SERVING . . . self vs others/God

 

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

This is the classic example of not being able to travel down two different roads/streets/paths at the same time . . .

 

A child that is told to do a certain thing – must either obey or disobey because there is no middle ground regarding obedience . . .

 

If we tell a child – that he cannot go to the party . . . but he sneaks out of his room to spend the evening on the porch – at the house where the party is being held – did he obey or did he disobey . . .

 

If God tells us . . . thou shalt not . . . but if we long for that which is forbidden - inside of our heart – do we claim obedience just because we stayed outside on the porch . . . and never actually went in?

 

As a child of God – we will either hate our responsibilities as Christians – or we will have fallen in love with our Christian duties . . .

 

For most of my life – I have enjoyed exceptionally good health – and during the course of my life . . . I have enjoyed coffee and chocolate

 

more than any other things that I have ever put in my mouth . . . I go to the Dr. every few months and get blood drawn to determine if anything is starting to go wrong with my health . . .

 

When I get the results of my blood work back – I have a choice to make – I either hold onto my good health and despise the coffee and chocolate that I have grown to love . . . or

 

I hold onto my coffee and chocolate and despise the good health which the coffee and chocolate have taken from me . . . because I cannot have

 

them both . . . You see one of them quite literally comes AT THE COST (or at the expense) of the other . . .

 

Decaf coffee and artificial sugar – are things that will cause me to feel better about the blood test – but decaf does not remove all the caffeine – and sugar substitutes often cause more problems than real sugar . . .

 

The point being – that if I do not love my good health enough to give up on trying to find some type of compromise – then this is evidence that I have chosen to hold onto the wrong thing . . .

 

1Ki 18:21 ¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

 

Likewise – religion affects our lives much like decaf coffee and artificial sugar . . . it may allow us to feel good about ourselves – but the original

 

problem still remains – and we are not a healthy Christian – because of how we refuse to let go of things which God tells us – that we should despise . . .

 

Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they (the apostles) should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were “counted worthy” to suffer shame for his name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

 

What did the apostles love – and what did they hate . . . Did the apostles compromise their teachings – did the apostles only preach on certain days . . . How easily are you and I discouraged in our Christian walk . . .?

 

What this concept means in our every day lives is this . . . when we are

confronted with something that “tests our faith” or challenges our

 

willingness to follow Jesus - like the apostles mentioned here – Are we going to choose to be true to our responsibilities as a Christian or will we

 

“temporarily” forsake these duties until later – until the required

sacrifice is not so great . . . (so that we hide our Christianity) until our accusers are

 

gone – so we can start acting like a Christian again - after they leave . . .

 

This is what it means to HOLD onto one – while we despise the other . . . and every single one of us – is either holding on to our duties as children of God – or we have agreed (decided) in our heart – to forsake those duties.

 

Do we remember what it was like to “fall in love” and to find Prince Charming . . . do we remember how that - at one point in our lives – there was only room for ONE . . .

 

This concept - of there being only room for ONE - is what I am referring to when we read Matt 6:24 . . .

 

Among our circle of acquaintances - we could find those who felt this way about their significant other - 20 or 30 years ago – who do not regret their

 

choice - and have never changed their minds . . . in fact if given the choice – they would do it all again . . . but then we could also find others

who DO regret the choice that they have made . . . so that NOW because of this regret - there IS room in their heart for more than ONE . . . as they have left their first love . . .

 

No man can serve TWO MASTERS – means that IF we are treating our church like it was a prosperity gospel – So that we are faithful when things

 

are good – and not so faithful when things are not good . . . then we are a babe in Christ who refuses to serve a God that tells us NO . . .

 

We know what it means for a romance to sizzle – and we also know what it means to backslide from the Truth in our heart . . .

 

To heal a broken romance – is sort of like a “new birth” as we forget about the past and concentrate on the here and now . . .

 

No man can serve TWO masters – means that IF we WILL NOT decide to follow Jesus unless we know ahead of time – where He plans on leading us . . . then we have fallen in love with something OTHER than The Truth

 

And unless we REALLY want to know The Truth – regardless (or in spite of) what that Truth may require us to sacrifice in our daily lives – then we will

 

not be given access to a Truth that we have chosen NOT to love and to follow completely and totally . . .

 

As Jesus was teaching and being confronted/questioned by the Pharisees – who were opposing Him . . . Jesus met their opposition – with the Truth

 

John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him (many were saved – repenting of their sins and believing that Jesus was The Christ).

31 ¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, IF ye continue in my word, THEN (because you have made this choice to LOVE The Truth after you were saved – only then) are ye my disciples indeed;

32 And (because you have chosen to LOVE My Word – and because you have chosen to show that love by continuing in My Word) ye shall know the truth (ye will be SHOWN The Truth), and the truth (which I will show you through the power of My Spirit this TRUTH is the only thing that) shall make you free (from the bondage of error and false doctrine).

 

What is your address in heaven?

Statement: Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Illustrate: The picture here is one of depending upon the activities and the good deeds of religion to please God – instead of depending upon proper worship in a NTC to please God . . .

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

To please God is to satisfy God “completely and entirely” . . . the way to draw near unto God – the way to actually visit God is through proper

Worship . . . and what we are told here is that for God to be completely and totally satisfied with our lives – it is necessary that we have more confidence in obedience than we have in our good

works – the idea is that it requires faith to actually commit our lives to the idea of being rewarded for seeking God – instead of being rewarded because we work for God . . .

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

The reference in Matt 7: 21 to entering into “The kingdom of heaven” is not talking about going to

heaven when are saved . . . this verse is talking about entering into the city after we “get” to heaven . . .

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (beyond measure)

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” is reminding us that not everyone in heaven is going to have the same address . . some of God’s children will live

in the city very close to Jesus – and some of God’s children will live outside the city and their address in heaven will not very close to Jesus at all . . .

For example: If we were to measure the distance that each one of us lives from the church – we would find that some live much closer to the church than

others . . . this is something that is completely in our control – every single one of us could sell our houses and move to Dardanelle within a few

blocks of the church . . . but some of us enjoy living in the country too much to move to town . . . some of us enjoy being close to our children and

grandchildren – so this is why we choose to live closer to them than the church . . . I suppose that I live further away from the church than anyone . . . and I often think about how convenient it would

be to live right next door to the church instead of 30 miles away . . . I know that the physical distance that we live from the church has nothing to do

with how much we actually love the church . . . but the point is – that our address in heaven is determined by the attitude we have toward the

church here in this life . . . the closer we live to the church (in our heart)  – then the closer we will live to Jesus in the eternity of heaven . . .

Applicate:  Re 22:14 Blessed (happy or well off) are they that do his commandments, that they may have right (privilege) to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

The lesson for us here is that just like we are able to choose our address here . . . we are also able to choose our address in heaven . . . If we love sin more than we love God – then in heaven we will

not have the privilege of living within the city – but if we love God so that we regret our sins and repent of them – then we will live within the city

Statement: Rev 22: Re 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

1)    He that is unjust, let him be unjust still – To be unjust is to do wrong or to be an offender who walks contrary to the truth . . . when Jesus returns – His children that are doing wrong will not have time to “change” the direction of their lives

a)    The man that has an injured life outside of the truth will continue to be injured after Jesus returns . . . and what he carries with him into heaven will be something of little value (wood – hay – stubble)

b)    I Cor 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

2)    and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still – To be filthy refers to a life that is soiled or dirty  . . . when Jesus returns – His children who are caught with dirty lives will not have time to take a bath and clean their up their lives before they enter into the pearly gates

a)    The man who has a dirty life when Jesus returns will continue to be dirty afterward . . . and he will not be able to hide the dirt that he carries with him into heaven . . . (wood – hay – stubble)

b)    1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day (of judgement) shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try (test) every man's work of what sort it is.

3)    and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still – To be righteous does not refer to the absence of sin in our life . . . but rather it refers to being innocent – it refers to being set free by another or to being justified

by the judge which is GOD . . .

a)    For a child of God to be righteous – refers to how it is possible for us to either walk in the direction of God’s will – or to walk against the direction of His will . . .

i)     The idea here is that at the return of Jesus – the man that is caught walking in the direction of God’s will for his life – will carry this “righteousness” with him into heaven (gold – silver – precious stones)

ii)   And as long as he is in heaven – the direction of his life on this earth will not be forgotten . . .

iii) 1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

4)    and he that is holy, let him be holy still – To be holy is to be pure – to be morally blameless – or to be consecrated to fulfill God’s will as opposed to living to fulfilling our own will . . .

a)    The man who has dedicated his life to the true worship of Jesus Christ . . . when Jesus returns and catches this man living that type of commitment . . .

i)     Then after he walks through the pearly gates to enter into heaven . . . throughout eternity – this man’s dedication is something that will never be forgotten . . . (gold – silver – precious stones)

ii)   1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

5)   And, behold, I come quickly – The word “and” connects this verse with what we have just read . . .

a)   The sudden return of Jesus is connected with the condition of the lives that we are living today. . .

b)   At the return of Jesus - If we are caught with our hand in the cookie jar . . . we will not have time to remove our hand and drop the cookie . . .

c)   “Notice” . . . “See” . . . when I return – when I appear . . . it will be sudden . . . like a flash of lightening – what the sudden flash of lightening reveals – is what you will take with you into eternity.

6)   and my reward is with me – God’s reward does not refer to salvation . . . because salvation is not a reward – it is a gift . . .

a)    Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

b)   God’s reward literally refers to pay for service . . .

c)   the idea being that when “the flash” of His return reveals an unjust life . . . then we will get paid for an unjust life . . .

d)   When “the flash” of His return reveals a filthy life – then we will get paid for a filthy life . . .

e)   When “the flash” of His return reveals a righteous life – then we will get paid for a righteous life

f)    When “the flash” of His sudden return reveals a holy life – then we will get paid for a holy life . . .

g)   My reward is with me means that God has already written the check – He has signed it – and when He returns – He will hand deliver it – to every single one His children

7)   to give every man according as his work shall be – To give means to deliver . . . or to put in ones hands

a)   according means right now with all speed . . .

b)   as his work shall be – refers to how our effort – and how our occupation in life is literally going to follow us into the next life . . .

Illustrate: The picture we have here is – for a sudden unexpected flash of light catching us unaware – and revealing the direction of our life at that particular instant of time . . .

For example – If I suddenly turned the lights off during my lesson today . . . and if a picture of your thoughts the instant that the lights went out

could be displayed on a screen . . . would the screen reveal that you were saying a prayer . . . Would the screen reveal that you were day dreaming

about what you would do after service . . . would the screen reveal that you were thinking bad thoughts . . . Suppose that you got a job and a new house for the rest of your life based on what the screen

revealed at that one instant in time . . . would you get a good job in a nice neighborhood – or would you get a bad job in a bad neighborhood  . . .

Now we might say . . . that is not really fair – I kept my mind on the sermon the entire time . . . I only day dreamed at the very last when the lights went out – most of the time my thoughts were good . . .

Well fair or not . . . this is exactly what “he that is unjust/filthy will be unjust/filthy still means” . . .

the reward of the child of God who is unjust/filthy – will not be good . . . (wood – hay – stubble)

1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

The heavenly address of the child of God who lived an unjust/filthy life – will not be in a very good neighborhood . . . and neither will it be in the city close to Jesus . . .

Re 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Applicate: So the lesson for us here is – that we are told to take an inventory of our lives . . . and if our life is directed in same direction as God’s will – then we should continue . . . but if our lives are pointed

in a direction that is against God’s will . . . then we have an opportunity to turn around . . .

The dogs – the sorcerers – the whoremongers – the murders – the idolaters – those that loveth and maketh a lie . . . are not sinners that are in hell

But these are those whose rewards were burnt up in I Cor 3 . . . as they suffered loss – but were saved yet-so-as by fire . . .

Now it may not seem fair . . . but I want you to listen very closely to these next scriptures . . . they tell us that God does not care about our past

God does not care if our past is filled with good . . . God does not care if our past is filled with evil . . . but in the scriptures we just read . . . God clearly tells us that TODAY is the only thing that He is concerned about . . .

2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.)

If God sees humility and repentance in my heart today – then the evil that He saw in me yesterday is forgotten 

If God sees pride and rebellion in my heart today – then the righteousness that He saw in me yesterday is also forgotten . . .

Eze 33:17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.

18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.

19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.

Re 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.