THE PRECIOUSNESS, POWER & PRODUCT OF THE TRUE GOSPEL| Reject different Gospels & Christs

The story of humankind began in the Garden of Eden and will end in the Holy City for a few or the Lake of Fire for many. Understanding what happens between the Garden and the City is crucial not only because you’re part of the story but also because it determines how you live here on earth and where you spend eternity.

It’s amazing and frightening how history repeats itself.

As we revisit the start of our existence, you’ll see that many have travelled the modern Christian journey before. And if they sat with us today, they’d help us understand what matters most in life and how to run our race.

What you’re about to read summarizes the whole Bible and the foundation for understanding and applying the rest of what you’ll learn in this book. That’s because without understanding God’s plan of salvation or the true gospel of becoming a new creation in Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit, we can never know God, obey His commands and defend the truth in a wicked world.

The true gospel of Jesus Christ is the very power of God at work in the lives of believers. (Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18)

There is only one gospel and one Christ. Any other gospel can’t bring anyone to saving faith. That’s why we must be careful what gospel we hear and believe. (Galatians 1:6-10, Hebrews 2:1)

Have you noticed the false gospels and different Christs that are being preached on streets, pulpits and media?

In the world, the false always fights the truth and masquerades as the truth! Satan and his agents often come as an angel of light to deceive, steal, kill and destroy.

Believing through a false gospel is like buying fake gold with excitement only to discover much later it was fake.

Likewise, it shall be on Judgement Day. Many who believed a false gospel and a different Christ will weep when they realize the deception that destroyed their lives.

What you’re reading is an opportunity to examine your life and answer the following important questions;

+ Did you believe the true gospel?

+ How are you blessed through God’s promises to Abraham?

+ Do you know your identity in Christ?

+ Is the power of God at work in your life to overcome sin and live a holy life in a wicked world?

+ Are you equipped to share the gospel with those who are perishing?

+ Are you ready for the return of Jesus Christ?

+ Is your name written in the Book of Life?

The Preciousness Of The True Gospel

The way we handle anything or anything shows how valuable they are or it is. Taking the gospel of Jesus Christ lightly is evidence we lack a proper understanding of it or we bought into a counterfeit gospel and believed another Christ.

Here are a few amazing truths about the preciousness of the true gospel;

+ God started His plan of redemption right after the fall of man.

+ Without it, no one can enter and inherit the Kingdom of God.

+ It is a treasure that those who find it sell everything to have it.

+ God the Father sent Jesus Christ to become human on earth to die.

+ The gospel is a mystery that God hid from the angels and all the people who existed before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

+ Our response to this gospel determines our eternal destiny.

+ The gospel defeated the power of our sinful nature, Satan and his accusations against those in Christ.

+ The twelve disciples and followers of Christ suffered persecution, poverty and even death because of this gospel.

When Jesus resurrected, he met two disciples on their way to Emmaus. He helped them understand what had just happened with his death. He explained how the Old Testament pointed to Him. (Luke 24:27)

Peter on the day of Pentecost labour many hours to explain what was happening and why the Holy Spirit had come. A few chapters later, Stephen also went back to the Old Testament to help listeners understand the gospel. (Acts 2:40, 7:1-60)

The true Gospel is incomplete without going back to Genesis where things went wrong and tracing God’s steps and plan of redeeming man and why Jesus had to appear on the scene in the New Testament.

The true gospel is not a 10-minute affair at someone’s home door, street corner or an altar call after a touching sermon in church. No wonder may claim to be saved but do not know what salvation is, why it was necessary and the price that Christ paid for its purchase!

Like Apostle Paul, I’ll not shrink or shy away from declaring and proclaiming to you the whole counsel, will, plan, purpose or truth of God. (Acts 20:27) He preached the gospel in its fullness to become innocent of all men’s blood who rejected it. (Acts 20:26, 18:6, Ezekiel 3:17-19)

Is the gospel you received precious to you? Would you give up all you consider precious in your life for its sake?

The true gospel cost Jesus Christ everything for your sake that you may deny Him nothing you are and have for His sake.

Now let’s get into the details of this precious gospel.

Please grab your Bible, notebook and a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s do this, shall we?

#1: The Purpose Of Man’s Creation

“In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1:1)

Everything starts with God, in God and for God!

By the Word of His mouth, He created the spiritual world and spoke into existence everything we see in the universe.

But the creation of humankind was different.

On the sixth day, God said,

“Let us create man.”

God the Father, the Son and the Spirit were present. So, God moulded man from the soil and breathed life into Him! The man had His image and likeness. That means man could relate with God (spiritually), reason (rational), be moral (values) and choose (free will) to respond to God and others as he pleases, making him responsible for his actions.

The human creature had the material or physical, which is the body and the immaterial, which is the spirit and soul. This made man different from angels who lack a physical body and different from animals and fish who have no spirit and soul.

In the Garden, Adam enjoyed intimate fellowship with God who gave him stewardship and dominion over the animals, birds and fish in the sea. God also commanded him to be fruitful and fill the earth. (Genesis 1:26-31)

And God gave man only one commandment – not to eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. This was a test of his free will, whether he’ll obey or disobey God out of love, gratitude and voluntary submission, and not out of force or fear. (Genesis 2:16-17)

Life was perfect for Adam and Eve in the garden.

They enjoyed each other and their relationship with God was great. But something terrible was about to happen!

#2: The Perils Of Man’s Fall

One dreadful day, Satan engaged Eve in a conversation.

‘Did God really say?” asked Satan through the serpent.

She began doubting God’s intention to forbid them from eating the fruit in the middle of the Garden. She fell for the lies of Satan, ate the fruit and shared with Adam. (Genesis 3:4-7)

Disaster struck immediately.

Adam, Eve and their offspring became separated from God and took on a deadly sinful nature – also called the flesh, self-will or carnal nature. (Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12)

Eating the fruit decreed terrible news for humankind. We fell short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) And that marked the start of man’s problems till today!

But God made a remarkable promise to Eve. Her offspring would crush the serpent’s head (Satan) and Satan would strike His heal. (Genesis 3:15)

This statement would make sense to humankind thousands of years later.

After pronouncing judgment upon the snake, Eve and Adam, God killed an animal and covered their nakedness before sending them out of the garden. Here we see the first shedding of blood in connection to sin.

From that time on, sin continued to manifest as pride, murder, immorality, selfishness, lying, lust, homosexuality, and greed, among others. Man stopped worshipping, serving, and giving God the glory. Like sheep, we went astray, each one doing as he pleased. We dethroned God from the driving wheel of our lives and began driving life ourselves!

Right from childhood, we became sinners, fools and rebels before a holy, wise and all-powerful God. (Genesis 8:21)

That sounds harsh, but that became man’s new normal. And it’s what we see in our world today.

Nonbelievers and backslidden believers despise, discard and dispute the truth and divine wisdom. Their ways seem right to them and seldom seek help from God. (Proverbs 12:15) They convince themselves God doesn’t exist so they can continue in their rebellious ways.

Because of sin, the ungodly are bound, blind and banished from God’s presence. (Isaiah 59:2) They can’t change or free themselves. They can only wait for God’s judgement and soon-coming wrath because the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23, Colossians 3:6)

A few generations later, God regretted creating man.

He saw everything people thought and did from childhood was wickedness. So he decided to destroy every living thing.

But Noah found favour before God. (Genesis 6:5-8)

Noah built an ark for 120 years as instructed by God. When completed, Noah and seven others entered the ark and God shut the door and it rained for forty days and forty nights. All the people – babies, children, adults, the old – on earth died.

Then God promised He’ll never destroy man with the flood again and gave the rainbow as a sign of His promise. (Genesis 9) (Sad how homosexuals have hijacked the meaning of the rainbow!)

Till today, most people understate or downplay the power and consequences of sin. They enjoy and embrace sin without shame. They can’t imagine life without it. And as they continue in it, they’re caught and trapped. Even when they want to stop, they can’t, because its chains are stronger than they thought.

Apostle Paul described that state in this historical present verse saying, “… I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate…” (Romans 7:15,18-20).

God had a solution ready for the havoc of sin as we shall see shortly.

He has kept His promise of not destroying man with a flood. But He has promised to destroy the wicked in the lake of fire. He sampled humankind when hot sulphur rained on Sodom and Gomorrah because of their homosexuality, selfishness, pride, gluttony and laziness. (Genesis 19, Ezekiel 16:49).

And as God drowned Noah’s generation and burnt the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah, He won’t hesitate to judge those in our generation who live according to their sinful nature. (Colossians 3:5-6)

He says the wicked will burn in the fire reserved for Satan and His demons.

God never makes empty threats.

#3: The Promised Blessing For All Nations

If God called you to leave your country and go to a land He’ll show you, would you be thrilled or disturbed?

That’s what God said to Abraham at seventy-five years. He left with his wife and nephew Lot. Though childless, God said to him,

“I will make you into a great nation.

I will bless you and make you famous,

and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)

What blessing to all nations or peoples did God have in mind through Abraham? How would it be fulfilled?

After waiting twenty-five years, Isaac was born. Then God tested his faith by asking him to sacrifice his only son.

Abraham took Isaac placed him on the wooden altar and was about to kill him when God stopped him and provided a lamb to sacrifice in his son’s place. Note the shading of a lamb’s blood. (Genesis 22)

Because he passed the test, Abraham became the Father of faith for all those who would believe in Jesus Christ.

Later, God predicted the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt for 400 years to Abraham. And it happened. (Genesis 15:13) Please read the story of Joseph and how he brought his family to Egypt. (Genesis 37-47)

#4: The Profit Of The Law And The Prophets

After 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God heard the cry of the Israelites. He sent Moses.

Born a Jew, raised as an Egyptian for 40 years and exiled to the wilderness for 40 years, Moses received God’s call at the burning bush. He sent him to deliver the children of Israel.

When Moses returned to Egypt, it took signs and ten plagues for Pharoah to let them go.

Before the last plague, God instructed every Israelite family to slaughter a lamb and smear the blood on the doorposts of their houses so the angel sent to kill firstborns would pass over them. All the firstborn children and animals died but none died among the Israelites. (Exodus 12)

Then God led the nation of Israel out of Egypt. He parted the Red Sea, fed them manna and quenched their thirst with water from the rock. The anna and rock pointed to Christ, the Word and the source of living water.

At Mount Sinai, God gave the newborn nation laws to govern their moral, ceremonial and civic life. Moses received the Ten Commandments and the elaborate manner of worship. God’s purpose was that His people would be unique among the nations.

And He’d be their King.

Unfortunately, the Israelites began breaking the laws in the desert by complaining, worshipping idols, and committing sexual immorality. Because of that, none who left Egypt entered the Promised Land, except Joshua and Caleb. Even Moses saw the land but didn’t enter it! (Deuteronomy 32:48-52)

Sin continued to wreck the lives of many. The law required stoning those who committed adultery, murder, witchcraft and were disobedient to their parents. At one time, God opened the ground, and it swallowed Korah and his family because of rebellion and Israel stoned Achan with his family because of greed. (Leviticus 16, Joshua 7)

After the death of Joshua, the successor of Moses, a new generation arose. They didn’t know God and what He did for their fathers. So they worshipped other gods, lived like other nations and acted as they pleased. (Judges 2)

God handed them over to their enemies and they became slaves in the Promised Land. (Nehemiah 9:36-37)

That’s sad!

Isn’t this the state of many Christians today? They’re saved but remain slaves to sin. They conform to the world’s standards. Of them, the Bible says, “…many live as enemies of the cross of Christ?” (Philippians 3:18) They’ve forgotten what it took God to redeem them from the Egypt of sin and what it takes to enter the promised land – the Holy City.

If God did not spare the chosen nation of Israel with all the miracles He performed among them, will He spare Christians who live like nonbelievers? (Romans 11:17-24)

Things got worse for the Israelites. When Prophet Samuel grew old, the Israelites asked for a king because other tribes had kings who led them to war. (1 Samuel 8:19-20)

Isn’t this what we’re witnessing among Christians today who copy the world’s morals and lifestyle? Even the so-called seeker-sensitive churches dilute the truth and compromise the true gospel to attract and accommodate new members. And many focus on the men of God more than Christ!

Israelites kept sacrificing animals. But the blood of bulls, goats and lambs was inadequate to wash their sins and cleanse their conscience. It also failed to deal with the sinful nature and empower them to live a Spirit-filled life.

God sent them prophets many of whom they killed. So God allowed foreign kings to destroy their cities and take them into exile.

Many years later, they returned from exile and still struggled to obey God. He kept silent on them for four hundred years.

Then John the Baptist came announcing,

“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2)

Let’s not miss the profit of the law and the prophets.

“Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.” (Galatians 3:24-25)

The prophets spoke of Christ’s coming though they didn’t know when and how. Even the angels desired to look into these things. (1 Peter 1:10-12)

#5: The Presence Of Jesus Christ On Earth

God, the Son put down His majesty and obeyed God, the Father to come on earth, live among us, serve in the power of God, the Holy Spirit and die on the cross to redeem us.

Jesus Christ was;

= The Offspring of Eve who would crush Satan’s head.

= The Descendant of Abraham through whom God would bless all nations.

= The Prophet like Moses with the Words of God.

= The King who will sit and rule on David’s throne forever.

He came with a message to us from the Father. This was confirmed on the day of His baptism when the Spirit descended on Him like a dove and a voice from God said,

“This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

And to emphasise the identity of Jesus, at the mountain of transfiguration, Moses representing the law and Elijah representing the prophets, appeared with Jesus. Then God repeated the same words, and this time added,

“Listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5)

We can’t live the Christian life without understanding who Jesus is and His message. He is at the start, centre and end of humankind’s story. That’s why we count time as BC (Before Christ) and AD (After the Death of Christ).

If we miss Christ, we’ve missed everything.

I sat in a discipleship class of fifteen participants listening to their testimonies about life before salvation, how they came to know Christ and life after.

My heart sank when I realized all, except one, had come to Christ because of marital issues, disease, joblessness, deliverance from demonic oppression, and loss of a loved one among other problems they were facing.

Is the true gospel about deliverance from life’s problems and challenges?

Similar reasons brought multitudes to Christ because they wanted miracles, signs and free food. Furthermore, most of the religious Jews and even the disciples looked forward to a physical Messiah who would deliver them from Roman rule, restore their kings and bring prosperity to the land.

They recalled and claimed the promise God gave to Abraham for land, becoming a great nation and being a blessing to nations. God was fulfilling the promise in a way they didn’t expect.

Because of their focus on the physical, they missed their Messiah because He came as a carpenter’s son, was born in a manger and spent His life serving people. They expected a king with a conquering army.

Isn’t that the Messiah many Christians want today?

The one who will make them successful in their careers or ministries, bless them with material riches and possessions, give them perfect health and heal all their physical diseases, crash their enemies and deliver them from demonic oppression and attacks!

Such Christians like the principles of the Bible and the produce of godly living here on earth but care less about intimacy with God, abiding in Christ and living a holy and Spirit-filled life.

Who is Jesus Christ to you? Why do you believe in Him?

One major reason for the stagnation, shallowness and immaturity of many Christians today is their failure to understand Christ’s true identity and their identity in Him.

This leads them to frustration, disappointment and falling away from the faith when their expectations and hopes are unfulfilled.

I’m afraid many Christians may not be true disciples of Christ because they believed through the preaching of a false gospel. They may have said the prayer of accepting Christ with their lips but their hearts never changed.

And the genuinely saved may not fully appreciate the message of the true Gospel as revealed in the Bible, so they remain immature and saltless after many years of attending and serving in their local churches!

This problem worsens for those who grew up in church. They may consider themselves good people, saved and going to heaven. They may remember the day or days they walked to the altar to accept Christ and may know scriptures and speak all the right Christian words but still not walk as Christ walked. Their familiarity with Christ, the Holy Spirit and the things of God proves this. They may know how to pray right and serve in church but they’ve forsaken their first love. (Revelations 2:4)

They’re like the traitor Judas Iscariot who served Christ as treasurer, walked with Christ, ate with the disciples, saw the miracles and benefited financially from the ministry. Yet all along he was pretending, conniving and plotting to betray Jesus.

Judas was among the twelve disciples, yet never had a true spiritual encounter with the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

#6: The Power Of Christ’s Blood

At the right time, Christ died for our sins once and for all. (Romans 5:6, 1 Peter 3:18)

Though sinless and innocent, He took our place on the cross.

That’s what God the Father did for us through Christ!

Jesus carried all our infirmities, sorrows, diseases, transgressions and iniquities. (Please read Isaiah 53)

On the cross, He defeated our greatest enemy and deadliest disease – SIN. He vanquished the sting of eternal death for all eternity to those who believe in Him.

The perfect and innocent Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, was rejected, despised, beaten, oppressed, afflicted, spit on, abused, pierced, crushed and crucified on the cross for our sins.

His blood oozed out of His body from the head where the crown of thorns pierced Him. The iron-hooked lashes tore into the flesh of His back. Blood gushed out of the wounds in the hands and feet where the nails pierced. The Roman soldier thrust his spear on His side spilling water and more blood.

At Golgotha, Jesus suffered a slow and agonizing death for you and me.

He did this because “… without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness…” (Hebrews 9:11-28)

His blood confirmed the new covenant between God and us. (1 Corinthians 11:25)

His blood purchased our freedom from sin, reconciled us with God and secured our eternal redemption. Through His blood, he purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. He bought our bodies at a high price! (Revelations 5:9, 1 Corinthians 19-20)

It also cleanses our consciences from sinful deeds so now we’re brought near to worship and serve the living God. (Ephesians 1:7, 2:13, Colossians 1:19-20, Hebrews 9:14)

What a perfect sacrifice!

The blood of Jesus does even more!

It not only washes our sins, but it also erases Satan’s accusations against us before God. Our testimony is that God forgave our sins and declared us righteous. That’s our victory over Satan! (Revelations 12:10-11)

That’s not all.

When Christ died, the veil in the temple tore from up downward, signalling God’s invitation to enter the holy of holies by His blood. He restored the intimacy we lost in the Garden of Eden. (Matthew 27:50-51, Hebrews 10:19-22)

We now have the confidence to enter His presence and His rest in all aspects of our lives. (Ephesians 2:13)

Hallelujah!

On that Good Friday evening, the disciples took Jesus’ body from the cross and buried it in a donated grave. Everyone thought it was over!

And the devil and his children celebrated.

“But on the third day Jesus rose from the day as He had promised the disciples. He conquered death. He appeared to many of them before ascending to heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

Did you know that no other religion in the world has an empty tomb?

Our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He appeared to the twelve disciples and over five hundred of the brothers at the same time. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

The very power and Spirit of God that resurrected Him will resurrect us, too. (Romans 8:11)

On the cross, Jesus crushed Satan in the courts of heaven. He no longer had any accusation against those who were forgiven, bought and washed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

The amazing news is that Christ died for us when we were still sinners. (Romans 5:7-8) He died for sinners, so God through His only begotten Son could have many more sons and daughters!

#7: The Promise Of Christ’s Invitation To All People

Have you ever come to a place of acknowledging your lostness, blindness, foolishness, rebelliousness and sin sickness?

Jesus came to seek the lost, to open blind eyes and deaf ears, to save sinners, to heal the sick, to make the foolish wise and to redeem rebels.

Now Jesus Christ, the one who died for you, is making a bold invitation saying,

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

He also says,

“I’m the way, the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

I know no other place to find the true meaning of life apart from Christ. The fleeting and unquenchable pleasures the body craves, the physical things money can buy and all the titles and achievements we amass can never fill the vacuum that only God can fill in our souls.

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Is your soul hungry and thirsty? Jesus says to you,

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

Do you ever feel guilt, sorrow and shame when you sin against God? That is the Holy Spirit convicting you.

Sadly, many people disregard that conviction and keep sinning because they’re unwilling to let go of their sin. Please stop and pay attention every time the Holy Spirit convicts you.

Do you identify with Paul when he says,

“Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:24)

Have you lied, stolen, lusted in your heart, used God’s name in vain, hated or fornicated? Because of your sins, you deserve judgment and eternal hell before a holy and just God. (Romans 1:8)

Christ’s invitation is for you too?

The blessing of Abraham to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles, that God announced to him is the gospel of salvation by faith through Jesus Christ. God adopted and grafted gentiles into God’s family. (Galatians 3:8, Ephesians 1:13)

He even stands at the door of some Christians’ hearts asking to be let in. (Revelations 3:20)

Isn’t that sad? That Christians or a church who think they have Christ may not have Him in their hearts and fellowship.

Important Note: When Jesus invited people to follow Him, He was offering them the priceless gift of salvation and eternity but He didn’t promise them an easy life here on earth.

He tells His disciples to;

+ Deny themselves and carry their cross daily. (Luke 9:23).

+ Hate their lives in this world for His sake. (John 12:25).

+ Not be ashamed of Him. (Luke 9:26)

+ Hate everyone else compared to their love and dedication to Him. (Luke 14:26)

+ Count the cost and determine whether they’ll follow Him to the end (Luke 14:28-32)

+ Give up everything they own. (Luke 14:33)

+ Be ready for tribulations and trials, sorrows and sufferings. (John 16:33, Acts 14:22)

#8: The Possession of God’s Precious Gift

All that God requires of you is to believe and listen to Christ whom He sent. (John 6:28-29, Luke 9:35)

That means agreeing with Him about your state of blindness, lostness and sinfulness. He paid for your sins on the cross. Believe the message He taught about His Father and His Kingdom. He bought your freedom and offered you the gift of salvation.

To believe means to accept and trust the identity and words of Christ. “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Your good morality and deeds can’t save you.

Your parents’ faith can’t save you.

Membership in your church can’t save you.

Obeying the law of Moses can’t save you.

Putting your life right first won’t work.

Serving or leading in your church, tithing and helping the needy is not a guarantee that you’re born again and going to heaven.

No matter what you do, you cannot earn God’s grace and mercy. Only faith in Jesus Christ can save you. (Romans 3:22).

He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Nobody goes to the Father except through Him.

That’s why salvation is His work and not our effort. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

After the Holy Spirit has convicted you of sin and your helplessness to be reconciled with God, the next step is to accept and confess your sins. Unless you admit your sinfulness, you’re not ready to confess your sins. It’s the sick who need a doctor.

The last step is repentance. “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19-20)

Repentance is the change of mind and resolution to forsake sin. It’s forsaking the sinful path that leads to hell and following God’s righteous path that leads to heaven. It’s a change of heart and attitude that manifests in a change of our conversations and conduct.

#9: The Product Of the Gospel of Salvation Through Christ

Here is what God does in you after receiving God’s gift of salvation;

a. God justifies or declares you righteous

He forgives and forgets all your sins through the blood of Jesus Christ.

You’re no longer under condemnation. He wipes away your record of sins.

Now you stand before God as if you had never sinned in your life. Isn’t that outstanding? (Romans 8:1-2, Ephesians 1:7)

b. God regenerates, converts or makes you born-again through the Holy Spirit

You’re no longer dead in sin but alive in Christ. The past is gone, you’re made new. (John 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

c. God gives you the right to become His child and adopts you into His family

That means you’re now a friend, brother and co-heir with Jesus Christ. You’re no longer an enemy of God because Christ bought your peace and reconciliation with God. (John 1:12, Romans 8:15-17)

We’re part of the great and holy nation God promised Abraham so we can show others the goodness, grace and mercy of God. (1 Peter 2:9)

We’re among the multitudes from every nation, tribe, tongue and people who will stand before the throne of God. (Revelations 7:9)

d. God sanctifies, makes you holy and sets you apart for His worship and service

You no longer serve the sinful nature and carnal mind inherited from Adam. You’re no longer controlled by sin but by the Holy Spirit.

You’re the righteousness of God and empowered to live a righteous life. (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:9, 1 John 3:7)

e. God gives you the gift of eternal life

Now you have favour and fellowship with God. And when you die, you’ll resurrect and spend eternity with Him. (Romans 6:23, John 3:14-16, Titus 3:7)

f. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you

He is your ever-ready and ever-present Helper. He convicts, teaches, counsels, comforts and leads you into all truth.

Your body becomes the temple and property of God. He guides and gives you godly desires. (1 Corinthians 3:16, John 14:15-17, Romans 8:5-14)

In summary, a Christian takes on the following IDENTITY in Christ;

+ SON – seeking intimacy with God the Father

You’re a child of God who pursues an intimate relationship with your heavenly Father. God takes care of your needs. (Galatians 4:4-7, Ephesians 1:5, 1Thesselonians 5:5, John 1:12)

As sons, we’re coheirs with Christ. He went to prepare a place for us. Not only shall we reign with Him for a thousand years here on earth, but we shall also inherit the new earth God has prepared for us. In this, God would have fulfilled the promise he gave to Abraham’s descendants. (Romans 8:17, Galatians 3:29, Ephesians 3:6)

+ STUDENT – pursuing the understanding of self and God according to Scriptures

You study to understand yourself, your God and how best to live your life in the world. Those who seek knowledge, wisdom and understanding will find it. (Joshua 1:8, Jeremiah 4:22)

+ SERVANT – using what you have to serve others

Like Jesus who came to serve, than to be served, you’re alive to serve your family, friends, church and society. You notice needs around you and find creative ways to meet them using your natural talents, spiritual gifts, learned skills and encountered experiences. (Matthew 20:28)

+ SOLDIER – fighting the good fight of faith

You fight in God’s army against spiritual forces and principalities, and against evil thoughts and strongholds that hinder people from knowing God.

You live to please your commanding officer. You’re disciplined and refuse to engage in civilian affairs. (2 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Corinthians 10:4&5)

+ STEWARD – managing God’s resources

You’re a faithful manager of the body, time, talents, money, gifts, relationships and the environment God has given you. You own nothing, God owns everything. (Psalms 24:1)

+ SAINT – living a holy life

God has redeemed, set you aside and separated you to live a holy life in this wicked world. You’re the light and salt of the earth.

You have put away the acts of sinful nature and bear the fruit of the Spirit. You’re no longer a slave of the sinful nature or the flesh but you’re now a slave of righteousness. The grace and power of God enable you to live a godly life. (Romans 6:11, Colossians 2:11, Matthew 5:13-16, Galatians 5:19-26, Ephesians 1:4, Philippians 4:21-22, 2 Timothy 3:5)

+ SOJOURNER – preparing for your eternal home

You’re a citizen of heaven serving at your heavenly Father’s Kingdom Embassy on earth.

You represent God’s kingdom and carry out his assignments until the day He calls you home. He has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. (Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:19, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

#10: The Practice Of Obedience & Good Deeds

Telling a nonbeliever to love and obey God is like telling a blind person to read a book or expecting a dead person to walk.

And trying to obey and do good in our strength is like patching a balloon with many holes. Covering one hole increases the pressure on the other holes.

Life without Christ leaks sin constantly.

Unless a person is born-again of the Spirit of God after believing the true gospel, they can’t live as a Christian no matter how hard they try. When they seem to succeed in one area, they’ll notice defeat in another area. They can try to live by the moral principles of the Bible but that will neither save them nor give them an intimate walk with God and empower them to live an obedient life.

Unless God works in us and gives us the desire to do His will, we can’t live out His Word. That’s why the True Gospel is a burden and foolishness to those who are perishing.

Jesus says,

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

In our strength, we can never obey a single command of God because our sinful nature wants nothing to do with God. That’s why we need to abide in Christ’s love and Words so we can live the Christian life that bears everlasting fruit. (John 15:1-10)

In Christ, you now live an obedient life not to get God’s love and acceptance, because He already loves and accepts you as His child. Love Him because you’re grateful for what He did for you through Christ and does in you through His Spirit.

Now the Holy Spirit produces His fruit in you – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And this fruit is evident in your character, conduct, conversation and good deeds. (Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 5:16, James 2:26)

To grow spiritually, you need these four disciplines;

#1. DISCIPLESHIP where a mature Christian helps you grow in the knowledge of God and become like Christ in every aspect of your life. This should be systematic, consistent and relational. (Ephesians 4:13, Colossians 1:10)

#2. FELLOWSHIP with other believers for friendship, service, encouragement and holy communion. Best done in small groups. (Hebrews 10:25)

#3. PRAYER enables you to grow intimacy with God, abide in Christ and receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

#4. STUDY scriptures to understand the will of God for your life and feed your inner person. (Joshua 1:8, Psalms 119, Matthew 4:4)

#11: The Permanence Of God’s Judgement

One day, we’ll stand before Christ’s judgment seat. “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27. See also 2 Corinthians 5:10)

He will judge the wicked and condemn them to hell. Their names were not found in the Book of Life.

“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practise witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

God will reward Christians according to their deeds. Their works will go through the fire to show their value. If all is burnt up, they’ll receive no reward and if their works survive the fire, they’ll receive a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

#12: The Preparation of The Holy City

Many modern movies portray the search for an ancient city or kingdom that is more highly civilized and technologically advanced than us. I have good news, that Kingdom exists.

Jesus said,

“I’m going to prepare a place for you and when all is ready, I’ll come and get you so you can be where I’m.” (John 14:1-3)

This city that Christ is preparing for us is the new Jerusalem in Revelations 21. It’s a place none of us can imagine or describe. We shall see, hear and behold things beyond imagination. Glorified bodies that know no sickness, tiredness, tears and pain.

Listen to this;

“¹⁸ The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

¹⁹ The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,

²⁰ the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of th)

There will be no more fear of diseases, death, wars, curses and demonic attacks. No temptations and struggles with sinful nature. No need for light, because God’s glory gives it light.

Sadly, some Christians want to enjoy heaven here on earth and claim God’s promise of health, wealth and success. They cannot realize that we’re in a fallen world where we still experience the consequences of Adam’s family. They also forgot that Jesus conquered physical diseases, poverty and the pains of this world on the cross so we can enjoy them in the new age.

Although God still heals, provides, and grants success as He pleases, we shouldn’t be surprised by sickness, lack, hunger, thirst and failure. Jesus told us, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Do you know that no other book in the world has accurate prophecies like the Bible? The prophets predicted things that would happen many years later, like the virgin birth, the rise and fall of kingdoms, the slavery and deliverance of Israelites, and many others. This proves that what God says will happen, will happen.

The Holy City is real. Christians from all nations whose names are written in the Book of Life will dwell in it forever and ever!

“Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” (Revelations 21:27)

Isn’t God’s plan of salvation amazing? Are you certain your name is written in the Book of Life?

Which Gospel & Christ Will You Believe?

If you’re a Christian, are you sure you believe the true gospel? Are you aware that different gospels exist today?

Apostle Paul says,

“You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.” (2 Corinthians 11:4. See also Galatians 1:6-9)

If Jesus returned this very moment, would He take you or leave you behind? Are your sins forgiven and your conscience cleansed by the blood of Jesus? Do you see transformation in your life and victory over sin since you became a Christian?

“²⁶Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.

²⁷ There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies.

²⁸ For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

²⁹ Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us.

³⁰ For we know the one who said,

“I will take revenge.
I will pay them back.”

He also said,

“The Lord will judge his own people.”

³¹ It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31 NLT

Here is the sad reality for most people;

– Many are on the wide and easy road that leads to destruction. (Matthew 7:13-14)

– Many will say ‘‘…Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” (Matthew 7:22-23)

– Many will follow false teachers and the antichrist and discredit the truth. (2 Peter 2:2)

– Many will claim to be christs and deceive many. (Matthew 24:5)

– Many will turn away from the true faith and hate each other. (Matthew 24:10)

– Some will follow and believe doctrines or teachings taught by demons through deceived men and women of God. (1 Timothy 4:1, Matthew 13:5, Colossians 2:4)

These scriptures show a Christian can be self-deceived, thinking they’re going to heaven yet they’re on the path to hell. They may have a form of godliness, attend and serve in church but they deny the power of the true gospel to transform their lives. They keep learning but don’t understand because they resist the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Dear Christian, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Will you believe today and be born again?

Jesus says,

“I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

God loves you. He waits for you to come home. Ask Him to save you, transform you and become His child. Repent of your sins. Ask Jesus to be the SAVIOUR of your soul and the LORD of your life!

We can never overcome sin without being born again. Only as a new creation in Christ is sinful nature uprooted. He grants us truth and grace to say no to sin. And the Holy Spirit empowers us to remain in Christ as we fight the good fight of faith all the days of our lives.

Here is a prayer guideline as you make this important decision;

“God, I believe in your only Son Jesus Christ. I believe He died on the cross for me. I admit I’m a sinner. Forgive me and cleanse my sins with His blood. I accept the gift of salvation. Transform me into the person you want me to be. Thank you for giving me the right to become your child today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Thank you for reading this article. I welcome your comments and questions – as iron sharpens iron, let’s sharpen each other.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Bible illustrations are from Sweet Publishing; http://sweetpublishing.com/freebibleimages.org

Article update on 15th December 2023.