Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Saturday October 31, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of Luke, please read chapters 23-24 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-october-31
Today's Message: Do You Know?
God's Word tells us that we can know for sure that we are saved. Do you know for sure?
As we continue to read about salvation through the Gospels, we learn more and more what salvation truly is. It's easy for us to believe someone who tells us that when we call on Jesus as our Savior we are saved by His blood, but it much harder to believe once saved, always saved. Many religions stress that we must continue the work of Christ or be baptized to keep our salvation. However, this can not be further from the truth and is proven time and time again that one does not have to be baptized or even live righteously to keep his/her salvation. It is a gift given by the grace of God and does not return void. “but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” - II Timothy 8b-10.
As Jesus was being crucified two other men were being crucified also, Jesus was hung in between the two thieves. “And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” - Luke 23:32,33. On one cross was a hardened criminal who sank deeper into sin and defied and railed upon the Savior. On the other cross was one who, although a criminal, defended Christ. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:39-43. The second man knew Christ really was and repented that very second. He did not have time to get baptized, he certainly had no time to show any works. He just called on Jesus to save him and joined Him in heaven. There is no reason to doubt that this thief was a great sinner and deserved to die, but he was suddenly saved.
Christians rejoice in the cross of Christ, for it was there that He paid the price for our redemption, not by works, but by our faith in Him. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16. And we rejoice also in the resurrection of Christ, for it assures us of our heavenly home with Him. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:5-7. This is the great and glorious hope of every Christian, the comfort at the graveside of a loved one, the victory that removes the sting of death, and the anticipation that we too shall be made heirs with Jesus. It is wonderful to know we have been forgiven of all our sins and have the assurance of soon being with Christ, but until that time, we can praise Him that we have been set free from Satan, hell, and the power of sin. Never let a person, priest, or pastor tell you that you are not saved or can lose your salvation. ALL are saved who call on the Lord Jesus as their Savior. Even if you committed the worse sin ever after you accepted Jesus as your Savior you can not lose your salvation. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You have given us the road map to follow through the guidance of Your Holy Scriptures. You have established that Your way is the only way to eternal life. It is the only way that we can have victory in our walk here on earth and the assurance of a victorious eternity in heaven. Though Scripture describes the Christian’s walk as being a straight and narrow path it certainly has steep inclines and its route will also take me through deep valleys. If I wander off-course I’m grateful for Your Holy Spirit who reminds me of my commitment to follow You, once again calling me to my heavenly destination. In Your Name, Jesus.......Amen.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night
God Bless You,
Christina
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