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God’s Journey with
Humankind and God’s
Purpose & Plan for
Humankind
Through
Eternity Future
If a person will understand
the points below, spirituality and philosophy will become a sensible and
simple path to him or her ... leading to true happiness, love, peace, sense
& meaning to life, abundance, sanity, health, and security. God’s plan does not include religiosity. The plan of God does not include religiosity, self-righteousness, and especially not
hypocrisy. God is love. And
God’s love is best defined as:
The perfectly pure, immaculate
and complete selfless disposition to do good; good will; kindness;
charitableness; benevolence; the love of humanity, accompanied with a
selfless desire to promote our happiness, and in eternity. And it is
properly, whole, entire or perfect, and just in a moral sense. Note that ‘selfless’ needs nothing
in return. Additional characteristics of God’s love include: “God’s love is patient and kind. It is not
jealous or boastful or proud or rude. God’s love does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It
is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. God’s
love never gives up, never loses faith in itself, is always hopeful, and
endures through every circumstance.” God’s primary personality traits are: love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
fervor with poise. God is love (1 John 4:7-8,16; 1 Corinthians 13; Leviticus
19:18; Galatians 5:14, 22-23). Included are related Bible Scripture
references. “Everything we know about God's Word, the Bible, is summed up in
a single sentence: ‘Love others as you love yourself.’” God is love. But not all
love is God. Just as God’s love is far greater than
humanity’s self-serving version, God notifies us that: Just as the heavens
soar high above the earth, so is the way God works surpasses the way we
humans work (Isaiah 55:9; Proverbs 3:5; 1
Corinthians 2:14; 1:26-31).
Please notice that even science confirms that there is a measureless gap
between the earth and the heavens; God selflessly communicates to us that
there is a measureless gap between His ways and our human ways. Therefore, naturally, many expressions of God’s plan and ways may seem very
strange to
any human being without instruction. Most of us humans reject or criticize
things that we know little about academically, spiritually, or
experientially. The soul who does not yet know God is not used to the ways
God thinks and works and every one of God’s ways could seem foolish to an
individual until s/he becomes open enough to investigate what is written
about them in the Bible. The owner of this website is stating this from
personal experience, as I did not know God for most of my life. The purpose of God is about God’s kingdom – God’s
government system – administering the affairs of the universe,
ensuring it free of evil and suffering in the
eternal future. It is
about the Kingdom of Love administering the affairs of the heavens and
earth. And please note that a ‘kingdom’ is simply a system of government, and
a non-democracy system of government. The plain truth is that God’s journey and plan is a true love
story – God’s unconditional love for you and each person. God
loves you one hundred percent—no matter what. There is nothing you can do
that would make God love you more. There is also nothing you can do that
would make God love you less. God loves you one hundred percent, one hundred
percent of the time. His love is unchanging. God loves you all the way, all
the time, regardless of your past, present, and future. God is
love (1 John 4:7-8,16; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
God loves you outrageously!
The Bible includes God’s Kingdom (government) charter (2 Peter 1:21; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16;
14:30; Acts 3:21; Daniel 12:8-9; John 20:30-31). The Bible
becomes a plain and simple book of truth when it is correctly divided (2 Timothy 2:15) and we can count on it to be complete (Revelation 22:18-19). The
following is God’s documented chronological journey with and plan for
humanity. Understand it and spirituality and philosophy really do become a
sensible and simple path ... leading to true happiness, love, peace, sense
& meaning to life, abundance, sanity, health, and security. 1.
God in the
eternal past (Psalm 90:2; 93:2; Micah 5:2; Hebrews 9:14). 2.
The drafting
of God's plan (Ephesians 3:11;
Hebrews 1:1-3; 11:3; 1 Peter 1:20). 3.
The kingdom of
God universal – God the Supreme Moral Governor of the universe, and
everything in harmony with Him (Job 38; Daniel 4:17, 25, 32, 35). God is love (1 John 4:7-8,16). 4.
Creation
of the heavens, the spirit world, the earth, plants, living creatures, and
two people (Adam,
then Eve) and it was very good (Genesis 1; 2:2;
Exodus 20:11; Colossians 1:15-18; Psalms 8:3; 95:5; 102:25; Isaiah 40:12, 18,
26; 45:12; 48:13; Hebrews 11:3). See
also link to “creation or evolution” following Point 21 below. God
created free moral agents with a free choice. 5.
THE
FIRST PROBATIONARY PERIOD
– Dispensation of Innocence (Genesis 2:15 — 3:24) 6. Satan (1 John 3:8; John 8:44; Job 1:6; 2:1; Ephesians 2:1-3; 6:10-18;
Revelation 12:7-12; Isaiah 54:16) tempts man and causes his fall, thus gaining dominion of
the earth and all things therein (Genesis 3; Luke 4; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 11:15; 20:1-10). This is the reason for evil, pain, and
suffering in the earth realm. 7.
Rebellion
is begun on the earth—by its former ruler, Adam. Because of this, humanity
becomes separated from God, the earth is cursed, and it enters its sinful
career with all creatures being brought under the bondage of
sin—separateness, unacceptable-ness, condemnation and corruption, inclined to evil. (Genesis
3; Romans 5:12-21; 8:19-23; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 13:12). a. ”Normal” is no longer very good (Points 4 & 5), but bound by corruption and inclination to evil (Romans 1:21; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-22). b. Out of God’s pure, complete love for the highest good of humanity comes God’s justice, and His wrath. His wrath is His holy and just indignation against sin, because sin is what separates humanity from Him, His love, and His benefits (Exodus 12:13, 23; Romans 1:18-32; 5:9-11; 11:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; 1 John 1:5). c. From this moment on, the ultimate purpose of God in all
His dealings with people is to bring each of us back to the place where we
were before the fall (beloved personal fellowship & harmony, in
abundance) and free us of all possibility of failing in the future (Genesis 3:15; John 3:16-17;
10:10; Romans 8:28, 29; 1 Timothy 1:5; Revelation 21-22). d. Instead of permitting Adam & Eve (humanity) to die physically, God promises a forthcoming redeemer who will come and rescue and restore humanity (Genesis 3:15-21; cp. Isaiah 53; Matthew. 1:21; 26:28; Ephesians 1:7). e. God compassionately and mercifully gives corrupted humanity a chance to continue faith in the coming redeemer: Instead of permitting Adam & Eve to die physically, God sacrifices animals in their place; God covers Adam and Eve with tunics of skin from the first animal (blood) sacrifice – required for God to participate with corrupted people. And this was a foreshadowing of Messiah – Christ the Redeemer. (Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:26). 8.
Satan
and his spirit rebels who are at large in the heavenlies, possess the right to further God's plan by testing people in
the probationary periods of the human race (Point 6; Job 1:6; 2:1; Ephesians 2:1-3; 6:10-18;
Revelation 12:7-12). Satan and his spirit rebels are not part of the visible
Earth & heavens; not visible to us humans (Job 4:15-16; 2 Corinthians
12:2; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 4:13). 9.
The
heavens and the earth await the time of the renovation and the second ethical
state, called the New Heavens and the New Earth (Point 20 below). (Reference 2 Peter 3:5-13; Romans
8:19-23; Hebrews 1:10-12; 12:24-28; Revelation 21-22.) 10. THE SECOND PROBATIONARY PERIOD – Dispensation of Conscience (Genesis 3:22 — 8:14). Length of this period: 1,656
years (Genesis 5:1 - 29; 7:11) – from
the fall of humanity
(Point 8) to the worldwide flood, which
was the consequence for evil during this dispensation (Gen. 6:8 - 8:14; Matthew 24:37-39; 1
Peter 3:18-21). During this probationary period, God observes the progress of
the people's wickedness, and sees that all their thoughts become consistently
and totally evil (Gen. 6:5). After the first 1,536 years, God mercifully gives
humanity a 120-year forewarning (grace-period) to turn away from evil before
justice is fulfilled. Noah is the only person found blameless, and therefore
his whole family receives salvation (is saved) from the destruction. (Genesis
6:5-19) a. God compassionately and mercifully gives corrupted humanity a chance to continue faith in the coming Redeemer: animal (blood) sacrifice – required for God to participate with corrupted people (Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 7:21; 9:26) (A foreshadowing of Messiah – Christ the Redeemer.) 11. THE THIRD PROBATIONARY PERIOD –
Dispensation of Human Government (Genesis 8:15 — 11:32). Length of this period: 427
years (Genesis 11: 10 - 12:9). See more about this
dispensation a. God compassionately and mercifully gives corrupted humanity a chance to continue faith in the coming Redeemer: animal (blood) sacrifice – required for God to participate with corrupted people (Genesis 8:20-21; Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 7:21; 9:26) (A foreshadowing of Messiah – Christ the Redeemer.) 12. THE FOURTH PROBATIONARY PERIOD –
Dispensation of Promise
(Genesis 12:1 — Exodus 12:37). Length of this period: 430 years (Exodus 12:40;
Galatians 4:30). See more about this dispensation
a. God compassionately and mercifully gives corrupted humanity a chance to continue faith in the coming Redeemer: animal (blood) sacrifice – required for God to participate with corrupted people (Exodus12:3-14; Leviticus 16:6, 11‑12; 17:11; Hebrews 7:21; 9:26) (A foreshadowing of Messiah – Christ the Redeemer.) 13. THE FIFTH PROBATIONARY PERIOD –
Dispensation of Law
(Exodus 12:38 — Matthew. 2:23; 11:11; Luke 16:16). Length of this period:
over 1,700 years–from Moses to the
Messiah (the Christ). See
more about this dispensation a. God compassionately and mercifully gives corrupted humanity a chance to continue faith in the coming Redeemer: animal (blood) sacrifice – required for God to participate with corrupted people (Exodus12:3-14; Leviticus 16:6, 11‑12; 17:11; Hebrews 7:21; 9:26; 10:1-14; 13:12) (A foreshadowing of Messiah – Christ the Redeemer.) 14. THE SIXTH PROBATIONARY PERIOD –
Dispensation of Grace
(Matthew 3:1 — Revelation 19:10; John 1:17). Length of this period: from the
first to the second arrival of Jesus the Christ (Y’shua Messiah) and the
binding of Satan in the abyss at the end of this (present) age. It has
already lasted nearly 2,000 years. X You
Are Here. Adam’s disobedience was
terrible in its consequences (Points 6-7), but it brought to light an aspect of God’s
nature that would otherwise never have been fully revealed: the unfathomable
depth of His love. God has never
given up on Adam and his descendants. He longs to bring humanity—each of
us—back to Himself. This is beautifully expressed
in the Bible at James 4:5: “God jealously desires the Spirit which He has
made to dwell in us”—the Spirit that was breathed into Adam at his creation.
Incredible though it may seem, God continues to long for the personal
fellowship which He once enjoyed with Adam (Point 4). This
relationship was broken by Adam’s rebellion, a rebellion that has been
perpetuated in every one of Adam’s descendants (Points 6-7). Furthermore, at infinite
cost, God has made a way for us to be restored to Himself. He sent His own
Son Jesus “to seek and to save those who were lost” (Luke 19:10). By His
substitutionary sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has made it possible for each
of us to be forgiven and cleansed from sin and to become members of God’s own
family—citizens in the Kingdom of Love. a. As promised, God sent His own Son, Jesus the Christ (Y’shua Messiah), to take the place of all persons in death, so that everyone who would trust in, rely (believe) on Him might be fully rescued and restored citizens of the Kingdom of Love forever and ever. …When Jesus Christ came and offered Himself as a sacrifice on the cross, a divinely ordained exchange took place. The nature of which was this: All the evil due by justice to descendants of Adam (each of us) came on Jesus, that all the good due to Jesus, because of His sinless obedience, might be made available to descendants of Adam (us). Or, more briefly: All the evil came on Jesus that all the good might be made available to us (Isaiah 61; 53:4-6; 1 Peter 3:18; 2:24; John 14:6). See also the links following Point 21 below. “...For God so greatly loved people that He gave His only Son, that everyone who believes [trusts in, relies] on Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn people, but that people, through Him, might be saved [rescued, made safe & sound, sane, prosperous, and healed/whole]. Everyone who believes on Him is [forgiven,] not guilty nor rejected, and everyone who does not believe [trust in, rely on] is guilty already for refusing to let their trust rest in the only Son of God” (reference point 7; the Kingdom of Love is God’s escape hatch for people, and His plan to end evil and suffering, to ensure the universe free of rebellion in the eternal future; John 3:16-18, 36; Psalm 8; Galatians 3:13: Ephesians 2:11-18; Hebrews 2:9-18; 1 Peter 1:18-23; 1 John 5:19). It’s a LOVE thing and citizenship in the Kingdom of Love. b. God’s complete provision is
also for the here and now: Not only does God promise
eternal life to any person who believes on His Son but He also promises a genuinely sublime parent-child
personal relationship with Him, full of true happiness, love, peace, sense & meaning to life,
abundance, sanity, health, and security. God is the perfect father; God is
the perfect king; God and His Holy Spirit are the perfect parents (John
10:10; 14:26; Romans 8:13-16; Galatians 4:4-7; 2 Peter 1:2-11) … and God promises resolution in all life problems to any who trusts
in, relies on His Son
(Mark 11:22-24; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:24; 3 John 1:2).
Since the person has been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ
(Messiah), God shall certainly save them from His wrath of Point 7b above
(Romans 5:9): c. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ (Y’shua Messiah) fulfilled all 333 documented predictions, most of which were documented hundreds of years prior, in what is now known as the Old Testament (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). And according to laws of simple and compound probability, the 333 prophecies of Jesus the Christ could have only one chance in one and ninety-seven ciphers of fulfillment. God is perfectly trustworthy. d. 500
EYEWITNESSES OF JESUS ALIVE AFTER DEATH e. Satan and his spirit rebels darken the minds of the unbelieving—those citizens outside God’s Kingdom of Love (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4; John 8:44; 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 1 John 5:18; See also link to “Reality of Evil” following Point 22 below). f. Satan and his spirit rebels are permitted to further God's plan by putting the believing citizens to-the-test, akin to a probationary period or a dispensation (the Kingdom of Love is the plan of God to ensure the universe free of rebellion, ending evil and suffering; Ephesians 2:1-3; 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 7:23; Revelation 12:7-12; 2 Corinthians 7:1). Also reference Point 7c above. g. God's provision of a new life in His Kingdom of Love: The provision for this present probationary time period and every other one, in fact, is the sacrificial death of the Christ (Messiah) on the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18- 24; Colossians 1:12-20; 2:14-17; Hebrews 7:21; 1 Peter 2:24). Persons in previous dispensations had to look forward to it by faith, in order to receive the benefits of the cross. Persons now have to look back to it in faith to receive its benefits (Romans 3:24-25; 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11). See Point 21 below. h. God promises resolution in all life problems to any who trusts in, relies on His Son, as the person has been made right in God's sight by the blood of Messiah (Christ). For greater understanding of this good news, consider this inspired picture and explanation. i. At John 3:36, we’re informed, “...And whoever does not believe on God’s Son shall not see (comprehend) life...” This explained much to the owner of this website who remained a citizen of the opposing kingdom—did not believe on God’s Son—for most of my life. If this is where you are, please be encouraged to seriously consider Point 21 below. Understand more about this present dispensation 15. THE SEVENTH PROBATIONARY PERIOD – Dispensation of Divine
Government, or Millennium (Revelation 19:11 — 20:15). This age will cover the period from the second coming of Christ
(Y’shua Messiah) to the last rebellion of Satan and humanity on the Earth. Length of this period: 1,000 years (Revelation
20:1-10). It will begin with the so-called “rapture.” Jesus’ committed
followers will be “caught up” out of the earth with Jesus (Y’shua Messiah)
while Jesus quickly purges any residual evil from the earth. Then Jesus will
immediately bring His followers down to earth with Him, in His second coming,
to set up a kingdom in the world forever (Revelation 19:1-21; Jude 14-15; 2
Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Matthew.
16:27; 24:29-31; 25:31-46; Zechariah 14:1-5; Daniel 2:44-45;
7:9-14,18,22,27). 16. The final test: Satan loosed from the abyss after the Millennium (Point 15). Satan will attempt one last coup by gathering many to himself
so they can rebel against Jesus the Christ (Y’shua Messiah). This will simply
result in identifying those who are against Jesus. They will then be quickly
destroyed by fire coming out of heaven. (Revelation 20:7-10, 15). 17. The second resurrection and final judgment at the end of the
Millennium
(Revelation
20:11-15). 18. Earth's sinful career ended with renovation of the immediate
heavens and the Earth by fire, and removal of all the curse (Point 7), and its effects at
the end of the Millennium (Romans 8:19-23; Hebrews 1:10- 12; 12:24-28; 2
Peter 3:10-13). 19. Confinement of all spirit and human rebels of all ages (evil) in
the lake of fire forever at the end of the Millennium (Isaiah 66:22-24; Matthew. 25:41, 46; Revelation
14:9-11; 20:10-15). God's dealings with people in holiness and absolute
justice to all alike is God’s loving sound basis of punishing rebels who
refuse to conform to the plan, and of blessing those who do conform. God can
still be just and holy in the judgment and confinement of rebels to
everlasting punishment, since they have refused all merciful dealings. They have hardened themselves against all
that is holy and good. There will be
nothing else for God’s love to do but mete out justice according to deeds
committed, for the continued good of society, forever. God must make examples of both cases, the good and the
bad, for the sake of all generations who come into existence in eternity
future. God cannot excuse rebels and
bless them, contrary to His revealed plan, or there would be no end to the
breaking of His eternal laws (God’s steadfast principles of how He works). He
would have to continually excuse all wrongdoing forever if He should start
such a program, and under such circumstances people would have no true
restraint. If God’s love excused some
and not others, and had any degree of prejudice, then we would lose proper
respect for Him as the Moral Governor. If He failed to reward for obedience or punish for disobedience,
or in any degree carried on government contrary to prescribed laws and common
justice to all and for the best good of all, there would be no true incentive
for people in all eternity to conform to the eternal plan. The Bible plainly reveals that rebels in everlasting
Hell will be an eternal monument of God's wrath toward continued sin, in
order to cause coming generations to conform to the highest good of their own
being and of the universe (Isa. 66:22-24; Rev. 14:9-11; 21:1—22:21; see also
Ex. 34:6-7; Ps. 34:15-16; Pr. 1:24-33; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 11:11-29; 1
Cor. 15:24-28; 2 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Heb. 6:4-9;
10:26-29; 2 Pet. 2:20-21; Rev. 21—22). 20.
The New
Heavens and the New Earth, when the earth is perfect the second time – the
eternal perfect state with God all-in-all again (I
Cor. 15:24-28), as before rebellion in the
universe headed by Adam (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22-24; 2 Pet. 3:13; Revelation 21-22). The citizens of the Kingdom of Love –
righteous natural people left on Earth after the rebellion of Rev. 20:7-10 (Point 16 above) will multiply and replenish the new Earth forever,
carrying out God's original program for Adam, as would have been done if man
had not sinned (Point
7 above) (2 Peter 3:13; Genesis 1:26-31;
8:22; 9:12; Isaiah 9:6-7; 59:20; Daniel 2:44-45; 7:13-14, 27; Matthew 25:34,
46; Luke 1:32-33; Revelation 11:15; 21:1-22:5). God will move His capital city from the
planet heaven to the planet Earth to dwell with people forever and administer
the affairs of the universe from the earth (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-22:5). The resurrected committed believers
saved from Abel to the Millennium, will be heirs of God and joint heirs with
Christ and will reign as kings and priests on the New Earth participating
with God administering the affairs of the universe forever (2 Peter 3:13; Psalms 149:5-9;
Daniel 7:18-27; Matthew 19:28; Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 4:8; 6:2; Ephesians
2:7; 2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10; Revelation 1:6; 2:26-27; 5:9-10;
11:15; 12:5; 20:4-6; 22:5). The Kingdom of
Love is the plan of God to ensure the universe free of rebellion, ending evil
and suffering. 21.
Jesus the
Christ (Y’shua Messiah) is alive and well, and wants to help you in all your
life problems, so take Him as your partner in
life from now on. The ultimate purpose of God in all His present
dealings with us is to bring each of us back to the place where we were
before the Fall (beloved personal fellowship & harmony, in abundance) and
free us of all possibility of failing in the future. The
Kingdom of Love is the Plan of God (Exodus 20:5-6;
34:6-7; Numbers 14:18-20; Deuteronomy 5:9-10; Jeremiah 32:18; Isa.
66:22-24; Psalm 34:15-16; Proverbs 1:24-33; Ezekiel 18:21-23;
Matthew 5:44; John 3:16, 17; Romans 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 11:11-29; 12:14; 1
Corinthians 6:9-11; 15:24-28; 2 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:9-11; Galatians
5:16-24; 6:7-8; Hebrews 6:4-9; 10:26-29; 2 Peter 2:9, 20-21; Revelation 21—22) Links Understand more about the drafting of God's plan by the Godhead (Point 2 above) We humans were designed for and therefore have a true inner desire for moral government. Understand more about moral government (Point 3 above) Understand more about creation or evolution (Point 4 above) God created free moral agents with a free choice (Points 4 – 16) Understand more about the Bible is the authentic inspired revelation of God See The Tri-unity of Man (Points 4 – 21) Some links require Adobe Acrobat Reader For greater biblically-based and history-based understanding of Points 15 – 20 (“end times prophecy”), be strongly encouraged to enjoy this comprehensive study. “Our battle is not with people. It is against the unseen, spiritual leaders, powers, and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the unseen demon world that works in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12). Understand the reality of evil; Satan, or the devil (Points 5 – 19) Understand the bondage of corruption, inclined to evil. (Points 7 – 18) “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Understand God’s grace (Point 14) For greater biblically-based and history-based understanding of Points 15 – 20 (“end times prophecy”), be strongly encouraged to enjoy this comprehensive study. “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2). (Points 7 – 18) There are 750 promises of God
(benefits) in the New Testament alone (Points 14 – 21) One of the most outspoken believers in evolutionism, the late Carl Sagan, admitted, “This [evolution] is still a statement of faith.” We each live with
faith (believing) in something. Faith in God is a gift from God given to each
and every person, regardless. And, it can be rejected. Understand more about faith. See How to interpret the Bible –
literally? Isaiah 9:6
promised this about Messiah (Jesus): “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son
is given. And the government shall rest
upon his shoulder…
an ever expanding, peaceful, never ending,
fair, and just…kingdom.”
Understand more about human
government here. P.S. Merely Refining
the Outward Life is Not Part of God’s Plan Jesus the Christ (Y’shua Messiah) taught that a
person "Must be born again" and "Except a person be born
again, s/he cannot see the kingdom of God .... Except a person be born of
water and of the Spirit, s/he cannot enter into the The new birth is a necessity to being
saved and to having the right relationship to God so that one can claim the
benefits of the Bible. The new birth is not confirmation, church membership,
water baptism, taking the sacrament, observing religious duties, an
intellectual reception of Christianity, orthodoxy of faith, going to church,
saying prayers, reading the Bible, memorizing creeds, being moral, being
cultured or refined, doing good deeds or doing your best, being as good as
the next person, or any of the other things that people are trusting in to
save them. Neither is the new birth brought about
by these things. Nicodemus, whom Jesus addressed concerning the new birth,
had most of these qualifications, but Jesus said to him "You must be
born again" (John 3) The thief on the cross and many others whom Jesus
forgave while on earth were saved without these things. They simply did the
one necessary thing—became "converted" and "born again"
by accepting Jesus Christ (Y’shua Messiah) as a personal Savior and by
repenting (changing direction and attitude) and turning to God with the whole
heart as a little child, as proved in Matthew. 9:1-7; Luke 7:48-50; 18:9-14;
23:43; John 8:1-10; Acts 3:19; 8:36-37; 16:31. Every person who is born again will
automatically have the above external evidences of a good life by virtue of
the new birth, but there are millions, it is sad to say, who are trusting
these things to save them, and they really believe that these things are the
evidences of a right relationship with God. Millions will die and be lost
without the new birth because they have been misled concerning the experience
of being born again. There is no excuse for people being deceived if they
will read their own Bibles instead of listening to some religious teachers. It is all-important that we pay
personal attention to our eternal welfare and not trust the best of people. If
we permit people to mislead us in eternal matters and are lost, it will be
too late then personally to see after our welfare; so let us do it now. Don't
take the attitude that you cannot be deceived and that your church is the
only right one and cannot mislead you. This may be true, but it would be wise
for you to make sure of it by going to the Bible yourself and seeing with
your own eyes and knowing from your own heart that you are right with God and
that you have had the real new birth and that you are living right with God
every day. There is no use fooling yourself. That
will not get you anywhere. You are either born again or you are not.
You are either really saved, or you are being deceived into thinking that you
are, and you are lost. If you are not getting answers to your prayers, it is either
that you are not saved, or you are doubting God. If your
obstacle is doubt, then you should quit it. If it is not doubt, then it will
benefit you to examine yourself and see if you are really right with God. He
is obligated to answer you if you are His child. If you have once been saved,
it may be that you have become cold in your experience and need re-consecration
to God. You know your own life and true relationship to God; so get the fact
settled that you are a genuinely saved person and in present contact with
God, and then you will be in the right position to get what God has promised. Culture, refinement, and outward
correctness of life in the church or out of it will not take the place of the
new birth. The trouble is in the heart (Jeremiah 17:9-10: Mark 7:18-23), and
merely to reform the outward life will not save you. An artist could put a coating of wax and the most beautiful colors on
the outside of a rotten apple, but it would still be rotten at heart. One
bite into it would be a bite into decay. The fact is that out of Christ every
person is rotten in the heart, and mere culture, refinement, outward
respectability, morality, and outward correctness of life are simply
artificial and the practice of hypocrites who, like whited sepulchers [graves
for people], make clean the outside; but within are full of extortion and
excess - "dead men's bones, and all uncleanness" (Matthew
23:25-28). The Bottom
Line “The object and purpose of our
instruction and charge is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure
heart, and a clear conscience, and genuine trust (faith).” —1 Timothy 1:5 Thank you Answers in Genesis, Finis Jennings Dake, Dake
Publishing, and their book, God’s Plan for Man |
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