Jesus is Exalted. We are Exhausted

"Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?" Luke 18:26

Jesus Christ gave His famous example of a camel going through the eye of a needle to illustrate the difficulty of getting into Heaven on the merits of one's own works, when the disciples asked, "Who then can be saved?" It is the moment that all of us need to experience. The Kingdom of God is accessible only to those who accept the grace and mercy of God found through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus told the people that their righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. He went on to say that a person must be as perfect in their behavior as God, the Father. Therefore, the reaction of the disciples is perfect. It has been nearly two thousand years since Jesus said these words, and many Christians have yet to reach that point of asking that question about who can be saved? There are hundreds of denominations and religions underneath the banner of Christianity. It has been said that you can separate the denominations by the laws they put themselves under. The Bible is clear about how to obtain salvation. "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9)." Salvation is putting your faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Plain and simple. However, accepting gifts is difficult for people to take because they have a problem with taking "charity." Instead, they want to "earn" everything or "payback" the giver for their expense. The end result is all these denominations and sects permeating Christianity.

Jehovah's Witnesses

The Jehovah's Witnesses teach that salvation is earned by being baptized as a Jehovah's Witness, and then most followers must earn everlasting life on earth by "door-to-door" work." Furthermore, they believe that salvation is limited to 144,000 "anointed ones." Unfortunately, as of the time of this writing, there are almost 9 million adherents to the religion. There is going to be a lot of unhappy people when it is all said and done. However, they have a bigger problem than that. They believe that Jesus is not God. Until they address this error, there won't be any of them in Heaven, much less 144,000.

Latter-day Saints (Mormons)

What do Mormon's believe about salvation? They teach that a person is resurrected by grace, but saved by works. This is called being "exalted to godhood." This includes being faithful to church leaders, Mormon baptism, tithing, ordination, marriage, and secret temple rituals. And there is no eternal life without Mormon membership. Similar to the Jehovah's Witnesses, they also have the wrong Jesus. They believe that Jesus is a separate god from the Father. They teach Jesus was created as a spirit by the Father and Mother in Heaven and is the "elder brother" of all men and spirit beings (including Lucifer). Continuing, they believe Jesus' body was created through a sexual union between the Father and Mary and that Jesus was married. It goes on, but you get the picture. These are untrue statements about nearly everything the Bible teaches. It will not save them no matter how hard they work at it.

Seventh-day Adventism

Seventh-day Adventists teach that salvation is by grace, but that it is maintained by keeping commands and repentance. Sabbath (Saturday) observance is believed to be the sign of the seal of God and that Sunday worship is the mark of the beast. Interestingly enough, Saturday worship is a violation of the Sabbath. One of their founders, Ellen White, taught that Jesus Christ was exalted by God the Father to be his Son. This act provoked the jealousy of Lucifer and started a war in Heaven. Jesus is believed to be our example to prove that we can live sinlessly. They also think that the death of Jesus Christ did not finish the work of forgiveness, and many adherents do not believe in his deity. Why call yourself a Christian if you do not believe what the Bible teaches?

Catholicism

It is difficult to determine what Catholics believe about salvation. The answer could vary depending on who you talk to. Even when reading what some Catholics say about salvation, it can be hard to figure out. For example, one apologetics source writes, "The Catholic Church does not now, nor has it ever, taught a doctrine of salvation by works…that we can “work” our way into Heaven." Yet, in the very next sentence, it says, "Additionally, nowhere in the Bible does it teach that we are saved by “faith alone.” Although untrue, which is it? Faith alone or not? To further complicate their belief, we read, "The Bible says very clearly that we are not saved by faith alone. Works do have something to do with our salvation." So, it is faith alone one time, and then works have something to do with our salvation. The same paragraph then says, "As Catholics, we believe that we are saved by God’s grace alone. We can do nothing, apart from God’s grace, to receive the free gift of salvation." That is great until "Catholics believe a response of faith and works is necessary…" The seesaw is non-stop. Perhaps, this is an example of the "lukewarm" church God talks about spewing out of His mouth in Revelation. 

Protestants

There are too many denominations to address what Protestants teach about salvation. However, much like it is with Catholicism, they teach what has been sarcastically called "Levitical Light." That means they teach various forms of legalism cloaked in grace language. From my experience, they teach that salvation is grace through faith, but when it comes to your life as a Christian, it is a life of obeying and repenting to the laws, rituals, sacraments, rules, and so on each denomination teaches. These include, but are not limited to, baptism, tithing, church attendance, accountability groups, ministry work, repeatedly asking God's forgiveness, and more. All of it designed to keep you busy and barren. The hope is that through all of this, a person will become more like Jesus Christ. In reality, all that happens is that you realize just how unlike Jesus you are and, in many cases, you feel further away from Him than when you began. 

Those who "can be saved" are the ones who realize that all of these religious and denominational regulations are just man-made obstacles that prevent people from getting to know their God. Too often, a person gauges their relationship with God based on their ability or lack thereof to navigate all of these religious and denominational demands put on them. It is why people believe that a person can lose their salvation. People are led into a life of comparison with other Christians as they judge each other according to whatever laws they've agreed to live by. Others will "walk-away" from the faith. Religious pride is fueled as some falsely believe they have found a way to be obedient to God. Witnessing devolves into recruiting people to church instead of giving a reason for the hope you have in Jesus Christ. God did not come to this earth to teach us how to live. He came to this earth to teach us about the One who gives us life! 

The Week in Answers

This past week I took the time to visit a Christian forum where a vast array of topics are discussed. I thought you may benefit from my answers to the questions and topics I engaged in.

Q; Why am I stuck in my sin?

A: From my experience with the sin in my life, I have come to believe that when I sin it is because I am looking for love, acceptance, meaning, and purpose in life from the world rather than from my relationship with Jesus Christ. You will always have some sin in your life. As you focus on your relationship with the Lord, the byproduct will be a diminishing of sin in your life, but you won't completely get rid of the sin until you die and enter eternity. However, be at peace, God is not counting your sin against you. This isn't to excuse it, but to say that nothing is separating you from your God; including your sin. When you sin, I would suggest asking God, "What am I expecting to get from this sin that I am not receiving from you?" Sin begins in the heart. When God starts to do a work in you and change your heart, you won't want to do those sins anymore. However, this takes time. It won't happen overnight. God is patient with you. Grace and Peace.

Q: Who is responsible for our sanctification?

A: God is responsible for my sanctification, not me. I don't get sanctified by how I live. I am sanctified based off of Who lives in me.

"But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11

"For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified." Hebrews 10:14

Grace and Peace.

Q: Is it a sin to attend more than one denomination?

A: No, it is not a sin. Your church doesn't own you, Jesus does. If they teach that, leave. There is no law or biblical mandate requiring you to attend one particular gathering of Christians or preventing you from visiting multiple denominations. Besides, we are not under the law and even if it was a sin, it was forgiven at the cross, along with all your other sins. Go where you go. The Holy Spirit goes with you. Furthermore, Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matthew 18:20).” This "gathering" can take place anywhere, regardless of denominational affiliation, and it could be just you and Jesus; that makes up two. Trust Him to speak to you if He believes you should settle in one place. Be well.

Q: Is it okay to be single forever; to be single as long as you live?

A: Yes, it is okay to be "single as long as you live." There is no biblical directive on who stays single, who gets married, etc. Personally, I would ask the Lord what He sees in your circumstances. I am almost 50, single, never been married, and don't have any children. I don't worry about it. If someone comes along great, if not, great. You are a child of God. The Lord doesn't love you based on your relationship status. He loves you based on your relationship status with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace and Peace.

News article: "Hillsong writer reveals he's no longer a Christian: I'm genuinely losing my faith."

My comment after reading the article: Maybe he should lose his faith. Perhaps, what he is/was believing isn't true. I am not one to equate someone who says they are "losing" their faith with they had true faith in the first place. Someone needs to ask him, "What is your understanding of the Gospel?" That answer may give clarity to what it is he is believing and it may not be saving faith. When he talks about preachers falling, "contradictions" in the Bible, the lack of miracles, etc., all these things tell me he doesn't even know Jesus to begin with because all of these conclusions he is making have answers. So, just pray for him and do not let your heart be troubled saints.

Q: Are there sins that Jesus did not pay for?

A: The only sin that Jesus didn't die for at the cross was the sin of unbelief in Him. "And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me (John 16:8-9)." Men do not go to Hell because of their sins. They go to Hell because they are spiritually dead to God [and] do not believe in the offer of the restoration of the life of God received through faith in Jesus Christ. The only way a person is not saved is by not accepting Jesus' offer of life. Once they have received the life of God that is when they begin to experience the benefit of the forgiveness Jesus provided by His death. That benefit is that there is no sin that can cause the life of God to leave a believer when they sin because of the eternal redemption of the cross (Hebrews 9:12). That is why we have eternal life. Grace and Peace.

Q: If penal substitution is true, why do I have to ask for forgiveness?

A: You don't. There is nowhere in the New Covenant where a Christian is told to ask forgiveness. In fact, all of your sins were forgiven at the cross. The Bible clearly states that "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:19)." I recommend asking yourself some questions:

If you need to ask for forgiveness, what sins is God still remembering and what sacrifice are you going to perform that God requires and accepts given the fact that Hebrews 10:17-18 says, "Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary"?

What blood are you shedding that is acceptable to God since Hebrews 9:22 says, "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness"?

How can you, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13)," if you still need to ask for forgiveness for your sins?

Are you saying that you are not blessed because Romans 4:8 says, "Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them”?

Are you believing that your sins cause you to lose fellowship with God when the Bible says, "God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9)"?

Was the Apostle Paul lying to us when he said that "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39)"?

It is not an act of faith to ask for something you already have received. If you do not believe you have received it, there is something wrong with what you are believing. I advise you to ask God to reteach you His truths about your identity in Christ and be open to changing your mind about everything you've been taught up to this point. It is the only way you will be able to begin to trust the Holy Spirit and let Him guide you from within and lead you into all truth. Grace and Peace, my friend.

I pray these answers were helpful and, at the very least, have sparked interest in you to seek answers to the questions you have about the Christian faith and walking with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Born Again

"Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

It is a simple question, but one that often times has the most impossible answer. How long have you been a Christian? For most Christians the answer is simple. The answer usually takes one of three forms; you give the year you became a Christian, the amount of years you have been a Christian or the place you became a Christian. For me I would say, "Since 1996." That answer would give the person asking the question a reference point as to how long I have been saved. However, I have noticed a lot of people who say they are Christians who would answer how long they have been a Christian with an answer like, "I have been a Christian my entire life." While for some this is just another way of saying that they have been a Christian since they were a child. This is fine. Most likely it means they accepted Jesus Christ as their savior at a young age. Yet, for many, when they say they have been a Christian their entire life, they literally mean their whole life; since birth. This is wrong and not an answer backed up by Scripture. As one pastor said, “No one came out of their mother’s womb saying “Praise, Jesus”. We were born dead spiritually and that’s the problem of mankind, spiritual death.” Being raised in a "Christian" family or having membership in a particular Christian church fellowship or denomination does not make you a Christian. In fact, Jesus Christ said, "no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again (John 3:3)." He didn't say, you must be born, but born again. Their is a difference. All of us have been born into this world, but their must come a time when we realize our need for salvation, or to be saved, by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. Now, some of these people who say they have been a Christian their entire life may even say that such a moment took place. But, that "moment" is usually a time when they were "confirmed" and admitted as a full member of a particular church, as is the practice of many denominations, or when they were water baptized as an infant by their "believing" parents who believe "that at the heart of a baptized child, faith as a gift or grace from God, as distinct from an act by the person, is made present." While this may make an individual a part of a church, it doesn't make them a member of the true body of Christ. Thus, I believe there are many people who say they are Christians, but who truly are not. I speak from experience.

For the first 25 years of my life, if someone were to ask me if I was a Christian, I would have said, "Yes." Why? Because, I was raised in a "Christian" home, lived in a predominantly Christian culture, occasionally went to church, was baptized as a kid and was "confirmed" by a church.  Yes, I knew of Jesus. I knew He died on the cross and was raised from dead. I knew a few scriptures. Who doesn't know John 3:16? "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." But, I don't recall ever hearing anything about having to be born again, spiritual death or anybody explaining the fullness of the Gospel to me. Nobody becomes a Christian until there arrives a moment in their life where they recognize their need to be saved from the wages of sin, which is death, by the gift of God, which is the life of God found only through faith in Jesus Christ. You see, we are all born physically alive to the world, but spiritually dead to God. Through various life struggles and experiences, the average person realizes they are missing something in their life and turn to Jesus to find it. This happens many ways and most Christians cannot even really explain it at the time it happens. But, they all know that at a certain moment in time they accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. It is at that moment that they were born again of the Spirit of God. The life of God was restored to them and they came alive to Him. That something that was missing is the spiritual death everyone born into this world has and tries to fill through all the world has to offer, but can only be satisfied by the life of God, in Christ. While this may seem to be a nitpicked, theological point to some, not being clear about it has eternal consequences. Jesus said, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son (John 3:18)."It is clear that if you do not believe in Jesus Christ as your savior, you stand "condemned already." That means you are headed straight for a Christless eternity; forever separated from God in Hell. In other words, you are born on the path to destruction unless you are born again. Therefore, if you believe you have been a Christian your entire life, you may have put faith in the wrong Jesus and are not truly born again.

Encouraged by a Mutual Faith

"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established-- that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me (Romans 1:11-12)."

I was raised as a Catholic. In my teens I stopped attending Mass and pretty much didn't go to church at all for years; although I still would have called myself a Christian if asked. In hindsight, I was not a Christian. After I was saved and had the desire for fellowship with "like-minded" believers, I attended a few different churches. I tried going back to the Catholic church for a while, but that didn't last long. I eventually settled in a non-denominational church that would fall under the "Word of Faith" label. After a few years I left that church and didn't attend a regular church for a couple years. Yes, on occasion, I would visit a church with a friend or just as someone seeking fellowship, but nothing stuck. Eventually, I found my current church and have been there for over ten years. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of denominations and churches under the banner of Christianity. The main reason there are so many is because they don't all teach or believe the same things. I don't mean they won't proclaim that Jesus Christ is the savior of the world, but the things they believe in support of that belief are different. For example, I believe in giving, but I don't believe the Bible teaches that Christians are commanded to tithe. Yet, the vast majority of Christian churches teach that we should tithe. Therefore, I would not be comfortable attending a church that teaches Christian tithing with any regularity.The same may go for someone attending my church. There may be things that are taught there that they do not believe.Therefore, it is probably best that they don't attend. If you do not have much in common with a group you won't be encouraged by continuing to be around them. But, when you do find a group of like-minded individuals, your "mutual faith"  will be an encouragement to you.

That is what I believe the Apostle Paul was getting at when he was writing to the church in Rome. He specifically speaks about his desire to visit them in order to be encouraged by their "mutual faith." Paul wrote on a few occasions about "my Gospel" (Romans 2:16; 16:25, 2 Timothy 2:8). I believe he said this because what he proclaimed about Jesus Christ and how we live as Christians wasn't shared by many in the early church. In Galatians 2, Paul told about confronting Peter because, "before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision (Galatians 2:12)." Obviously, James was teaching something different than Paul and fear of the men he taught caused Peter to be a hypocrite in their presence. Paul even spoke of "false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage) (Galatians 2:4)." Here we see supposed brothers in Christ trying to undermine Paul's teaching and put him and others back under the law. These are just a few examples of how naming the name of Jesus doesn't necessarily equate to Christians having a "mutual faith." But, that is okay. If we all agreed the same on every subject then we would be complete in our growth and maturity. Therefore, the Lord's work in us would be finished and that is far from the case. I do not want to sound as if we should all simply stay in our churches and never come out. I have visited other churches over the years for various reasons and will continue to do so. I would even encourage you, if you're a Christian, to do the same. It helps you to experience what others believe, to share about the Lord and to be open to learning about the faith, growing in your faith and, perhaps, discovering something you believe is incorrect. My prayer is that all Christians will learn to trust in and depend on the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, to lead us into all truth and find encourage among the brethren who share that "mutual faith."