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What was the purpose of Jesus Christ being sent down to this earth by the Father from above?  Let us go to the scriptures once again for the answer to that question:

Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Mary [the Jewish virgin] was found to be pregnant before she and Joseph had normal sexual relations with each other.

Matthew 1:19
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Joseph was going to put Mary in hiding to avoid any public embarassment because he was a righteous man.

Matthew 1:20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Joseph was naturally troubled by what was taking place here. What would you do if you saw your wife pregnant and you knew that you had not “come together” with her yet.  Joseph was thinking about all of these things, and he obviously fell asleep, when the “angel of the Lord” came to him, and told him that it was alright to take Mary to be his wife. The angel addressed Joseph, as son of David because he was of the lineage of David. The angel told Joseph that the person who was in the womb of Mary, was conceived by the Holy Ghost [Spirit].  The belly of Mary was  growing larger, not because of some illicit relationship, but because Mary was chosen by the Lord to bring forth Jesus into the world.

Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

His name would be JESUS and HE would be the one who would SAVE His people from their sins. JESUS is the only human being who ever walked this earth who was SINLESS, because He did not have that ADAMIC nature that the rest of us have, and that included Mary the mother of JESUS also.  You will see that Mary brought forth offerings for Her own purification according to the Jewish Law, and one of those offerings was a SIN offering. [Luke 2:21-24, Leviticus 12:1-8]

Matthew 1:22
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Once again another wonderful prophecy is fulfilled to the very letter. The prophet Isaiah prophesied hundreds of years earlier that a Jewish virgin would bring forth a person, known as Emmanuel, or GOD WITH US!  The prophecies in the Bible are what separates it from every other so called “Holy Book” that is in the world today.

Matthew 1:24
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

Matthew 1:25
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

The scriptures tell us that Joseph “knew her [Mary] not” UNTIL she had given birth to this person that we know as JESUS CHRIST. This scripture passage is merely telling us that Joseph did not have normal sexual relations with his wife Mary UNTIL after Jesus had been born. After JESUS was born into this world, Mary and  Joseph had a normal sexual relationship just like any other Jewish couple of that day. They also had other children born to them.

THE BOTTOM LINE

There is only one person who was SINLESS and His name is JESUS CHRIST.  It was HIM alone who went to the CROSS to atone for the SINS of the world. His BLOOD was not tainted with the SIN that our own blood is tainted with, because He was the very Son of God!  The Jewish apostle Paul, found out the hard way, that JESUS CHRIST was the only way of SALVATION, and the words below are from his heart. Remember that Paul was once a Jewish Pharisee, and a severe persecutor and murderer of true Christians.

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save SINNERS; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Have YOU ever come to the place where YOU saw YOURSELF in truth? Have YOU ever repented and believed the true Gospel of Jesus Christ? What are YOU waiting for?
 
 

FROM THE CHRISTIAN REVIEW, JUNE 1838, PP. 230–237, UNSIGNED

The war spirit is so wrought into the texture of governments and the habits of national thinking, and even into our very festivals and pomps, that its occasional recurrence is deemed a matter of unavoidable necessity. Setting aside the matter of a defensive war for now, it is our intention to offer a few thoughts to show how utterly at variance the spirit of war is with truth and righteousness.

1. It contradicts the genius and intention of Christianity. Christianity requires us to seek to amend the condition of man. But war cannot do this. The world is no better for all the wars of five thousand years. Christianity, if it prevailed, would make the earth a paradise. War, where it prevails, makes it a slaughterhouse, a den of thieves, a brothel, a hell. Christianity cancels the laws of retaliation. War is based upon that very principle. Christianity is the remedy for all human woes. War produces every woe known to man.

The causes of war, as well as war itself, are contrary to the gospel. It originates in the worst passions and the worst aims. We may always trace it to the thirst of revenge, the acquisition of territory, the monopoly of commerce, the quarrels of kings, the intrigues of ministers, or some other source, equally culpable; but never has any war devised by man been founded on holy tempers and Christian principles.

“War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity. It destroys religion, it destroys states and it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it.”-Martin Luther

2. War sets at nought the example of Jesus. One of Christ’s primary laws is, “Learn of Me, for I am meek” His constant declaration was that He “came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save.” He drove men from the temple, but it was with “a scourge of small cords,” and a gentle doom it was, compared to their just deserts. He expressly said His servants would not fight, because His kingdom was not of this world. He was the Prince of Peace.

Do we forget that Christ is our example? Imagine the Redeemer laying a country waste, setting fire to cities, storming fortresses, and consigning tens of thousands to wounds and anguish, death and damnation, just to define some point of policy, to decide some kingly quarrel, or to enlarge some boundary. Could “meekness and lowliness” be learned from Him thus engaged? It is most certain that we gather no army lessons from Him who “came to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to comfort all that mourn.” It is most certain that no man who makes fighting his profession can find authority in the example of our Lord.

3. War is inconsistent not only with the general structure and nature of Christianity and the example of Jesus, but it violates all the express precepts of the New Testament. Even the Old Testament does not sanction war, as a custom. In each case of lawful war, it was entered on by express command. It should be remembered that in no case, even under the Old Testament, was war appointed to decide doubtful questions or to settle quarrels. Wars were intended to chastise nations guilty of provoking God. Such is never the pretext of modern war.

As to the New Testament, a multitude of precepts might be quoted: “Ye have heard, an eye for an eye, but I say unto you, resist not evil.” “Follow peace with all men.” “Love one another.” “Do justice, love mercy.” “Love your enemies.” “Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.” “Return good for evil.” “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one toward another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake, hath forgiven you.” “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

All know how much these passages abound in the New Testament. There they stand. In any sense the words will bear, they forbid war. If language has any force at all, these words equally forbid retaliation. Yet retaliation is always advanced as the very best pretext for war and is more frequently the avowed reason than any other!

Rehearse all the catalogue of graces, and mark how we are enjoined to be meek, lowly, peaceable, easy to be entreated, gentle, thinking no evil, merciful, slow to anger, given to quietness, knowledge, patience, temperance, prayer. War sets them all at nought.

Of the sermon on the mount, five benedictions are upon the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers. Two others are upon the persecuted and reviled. The professed warrior, therefore, shuts himself out from all these benedictions! The discourse expressly revokes the law of retaliation, and, exploding the [practice] of loving our neighbor and hating our enemy, requires us to love our enemies and do good to them which despitefully use us. Afterward, in presenting a form of prayer, it not only teaches us to say, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us,” but adds, “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you.” What a peace sermon is here!

The regular soldier … makes war a trade, and is ready to fight any nation, or any part of his own nation, as he is sent. He is to wheel, march, load, fire, advance or flee, just as he is bidden, and because he is bidden. The nearer a soldier comes to a mere machine, the better soldier he makes. Is this right for a Christian? Is it compatible with his duty to “examine all things, and hold fast that which is good?”

What gospel precept is there, which he who makes war a profession is not at times compelled to violate? He must cast away meekness, and fight. He must cast away forgiveness, and revenge his country. He must not return good for evil, but blow for blow, wound for wound.

Look at an army in the hour of battle. See attacks and retreats, battalions annihilated, limbs flying in the air; suffocating smoke, thundering artillery, thousands smarting in the agony of death, and none to administer a cup of water. Do the precepts of Christianity authorize such a scene? Look at the field when all is over. The harvest trampled and destroyed, houses smoking in ruin, the mangled and slain strewed among dead horses and broken gun-carriages! Prowlers stripping booty even from the warm bodies of the dying! Jackals lurking around, and birds of prey wheeling above. Here and there a wretched widow, or an anxious wife, seeking her loved one among the dead and dying. Does all this look as if Christians had there been serving their Master, the God of mercy?

But nowhere does war wear such horrors as in a siege. The inhabitants are straitly shut up. Business, pleasure, education and intercourse are checked; and sorrow, poverty, terror, and distress are spread abroad. The bombardment begins. Shells explode in the streets, or penetrate the roofs. Citizens are killed in the streets, and soldiers on the ramparts. Women and children retreat to cellars and live in all discomfort. Day by day the gloom thickens. All news is of houses burnt, persons killed, and scarcity increased, At length, famine is threatened. Everything is sold to buy a little food.

Anon, breaches are made in the walls. All must work, amid galling fire, to repair them. Mines are sprung, blowing houses and the occupants into the air. No relief comes. Hundreds perish in desperate sorties. All are miserable. The widow, the bereft mother, the disappointed bride, and the tender orphan, mourn continually.

Pestilence succeeds to famine. Thousands, who have escaped violence, die of disease. At length, the city is taken by storm; pillage, and perhaps an awful conflagration, succeed; a brutal soldiery raven among the virtuous; and the indescribable scene ends in permanent poverty, lamentation, and dishonor. Is this Christianity?

Almost two thousand years ago a warning came forth from the mouth of Jesus Christ and he used the example of leaven to press home his point. The Lord often used similar illustrations so that the people would understand what he was saying:

And he (Jesus) charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. (Mark 8:15)

Leaven is yeast which is able to work inside dough, causing it to rise rapidly.  When the dough is kneaded the leaven is spread to the rest of the dough, touching every part of it.  The Lord was warning his disciples about the corruption of the political system (Herod) and the corruption of the religious system (Pharisees) who had an outward form of righteousness, but did not truly want Jesus.  Leaven (yeast) can be added to a lump of dough and it will do its work without anyone even knowing it was put there.

This leaven of political and religious corruption that Jesus Christ spoke about has been at work within the “church” for a very long time now, and it is accelerating at a very rapid pace.  The “whole lump” ( 1 Corinthians 5:6) has  just about been leavened by the corrupting influence of these systems.

THE WAR IN IRAQ

When one looks at the war in Iraq, and the incredible support that came from Christian Pastors across America, you would have been hard pressed to find a Pastor who did not support the war. I remember reading an article, prior to the invasion of Iraq, about President Bush speaking to a large group of Christian leaders.  The overwhelming majority of leaders gave their heartfelt support for the invasion, with the exception of one unnamed Pastor.  He said he could not picture Jesus standing before a crowd and encouraging a nation to go forth into war.  In other words  he was saying that there was “something wrong with this picture.”

So here we are, more than four years later, with over three thousand American soldiers dead, thousands more serverely injured, and countless thousands Iraqi people dead, both insurgents and civilian alike. Millions of lives have been affected by what is taking place and yet there seems to be very little comment from the leaders in the church. There have been professional reports done to verify the high death toll of the Iraqi people, but they have been dismissed.  This is how the leaven of Herod works and it has entered the thinking of the church in a very big way.

I believe the absolute scandal of Abu Ghraib was a wake up call to those who saw it for what it was.  I personally believe that the Lord Jesus Christ allowed everybody throughout the world to have an opportunity to see what was going on behind the scenes.

Few voices were ever heard from the “Christian” community about that, simply because that leaven of corruption has worked its way deep inside the church. Where was the voice of the prophet during that scandal?  Where was the voice of the “anointed” ministers and Pastors who are supposed to be concerned with righteousness?  We entered another country based on false information and the results have been nothing less than chaotic, with millions of lives completely shattered.

Another thing that I have noticed is that the people in the “world” who are not Christians show more concern about the innocent civilians that are killed then do the Pastors in the churches in America. I can honestly say that I do not know of even ONE well known “man of God” who preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ who has ever stood up and opened his mouth against the war in Iraq. Not even one!   I have seen the placards which say “WAR IS NOT PRO LIFE” and I agree with them. We as Christians are quick to fight against abortion and I am in full agreement with that, but we do not seem to have a problem with the slaying of the innocents of war, which are simply dismissed as “collateral damage” by the media. Pastors lay hands on their young missionaries on the one hand and send them off to other countries to win souls for Christ, and then they lay hands on young men and send them off to war with the full approval of the church.

A CHRISTIAN MAN NAMED MARCELLUS

What does the bible teach about the subject of war and the duty of the Christian?  What have Christians done in the past?  This excerpt from the book ”They Loved Their Enemies, True Stories Of African Christians”, by Marian Hostetler, will give you some insight into the position of the biblical Christian.

“About thirty years after the death of Cyprian, the whole Roman Empire was celebrating the emperors birthday. In Tangier (in what is now Morocco) a certain Marcellus was not celebrating.

Now Marcellus was a centurion in the Roman army. (A centurion was an officer over 100 men.) He had become a Christian, a soldier of Jesus Christ.  How could he keep his oath and serve the Roman emperor? How could he earn his living by killing others?  He therefore decided he could no longer be a soldier for the Roman emperor.

So instead of celebrating, Marcellus carried out the decision he had made.  He stood in front of his hundred men, took off his soldiers belt and the badge showing his rank, and spoke to them.  ‘I am a Christian.  I can no longer serve the emperor.’

In July of the year 289, Marcellus was brought before Fortunatus, the governor of the province. Fortunatus wanted to hush up the affair, but since Marcellus had publicly proclaimed his faith and his resolve to quit the army, he had no choice.  He had Marcellus arrested.  The last of October, Marcellus was brought to trial before Judge Agricola.  ’Are you guilty of this deed you are accused of?’ demanded Agricola.  ‘Yes answered Marcellus.’  ‘What madness has made you break your oath as an officer and has led you to believe this Christian foolishness?’  ‘It is not foolishness to fear God’  ‘But you have laid down your weapons!’  ’Yes, because it is not good for a Christian who serves Christ to serve other powers as well’ Marcellus answered.  The judge sentenced him to death by beheading.  Before leaving for his execution, Marcellus said one more thing to the judge. ‘May God bless you Agricola’.” [They Loved Their Enemies, True Stories Of African Christians by Marian Hostetler, Herald Press, 1988, pages 19-20]

I was truly struck by the contrast between the testimony of Marcellus and the testimony that comes forth from the majority of “Christian” pulpits today.  Marcellus was so totally transformed by the Spirit of God that he totally abandoned his former life as a soldier and declared “I am a Christian, I can no longer serve the emperor.”  Now that is biblical Christianity at its best. The bible tells us that we should give honor where honor is due (Romans 13:7) and I honor that man for what he did.  The judge questioned Marcellus about believing “…this Christian foolishness” but Marcellus responded “It is not foolishness to fear God.” Wow, what a heart Marcellus had, to stand against the government of his day and refuse to kill anymore. What was the end result of it all? It cost Marcellus his head.  Marcellus was simply following in the footsteps of his new master, Jesus Christ.  I am sure that Marcellus suffered much but he knew where he was going when he left this earth.  Marcellus remembered the words of his Saviour Jesus while he was dying on the cross:

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34)

I am sure that Marcellus knew that the Jesus he served  just happened to be the creator of ALL things (John 1:1-3) and he knew that Jesus would be the one who would judge him one day also:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Marcellus went from being a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) to a child of God (Galatians 3:26) and the fruit of that change was that he laid down his weapons. Marcellus probably knew the following verse of scripture where Jesus equated the destroying of mens lives with that of a different spirit.

But he (JESUS) turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. (Luke 9:55-56)

Now if this man Marcellus saw that it would not be Godly to continue as a soldier, then why is it that the majority of modern day Christians do not see it?  I believe that it is simply because the leaven of Herod and the leaven of the Pharisees has so permeated the church that it has become acceptable.

COULD IRAN BE NEXT?

John Hagee, the preacher from San Antonio Texas, has been pressing for an attack on Iran and he has many enthusiastic supporters, both in political and religious circles.  I spoke about this in another blog entitled THE STRONG DELUSION OF CHRISTIAN ZIONISM.  I believe that the apostle Paul’s head would have been spinning if he was listening to Hagee and others speak at the CUFI convention.  He would have heard a “Christian”preacher calling for an attack on another country. WHAT?  Perhaps this should have been called the Guns-n-Moses Convention.  If Paul was there he would have stood up and faced the audience and told every Jew and Gentile that was present that  “… except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)  The warning about the leaven, that Jesus gave all those years ago, has been totally ignored and we are reaping the consequences in the present day church. 

As a Christian, I know that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge me one day. I also know that it was the Lord Jesus Christ who spilled his blood on the cross for my wretched and sinful soul, so I take him at his word. After Jesus rose from the dead he said:

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus told his closest followers that ALL power has been given to him both in heaven and on earth. Now if that does not speak of authority then what does?  I call Him King Jesus because the bible calls him “… King of Kings and Lord of Lords…”(Revelation 17:14, 19:16)

Now listen to King Jesus again on the subject of war: 

 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (John 18:36-37)  

Jesus prophesied of a time when the love of many would wax (grow) cold and we  most certainly are living in those days:

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:12-14)

Here is a link to  some very interesting:   PEACE VIDEO CLIPS

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

There are two different groups of people in the world in the sight of God. One group of people would fit into the category of the “natural man” and this describes those people who do not receive, nor believe the things of the Spirit of God. That same group of people believe the things of the Spirit of God to be nothing but pure foolishness.  The second group of people would fit into the category of the “spiritual man” and they are represented by those who do receive, and believe the things of the Spirit of God. It is pretty obvious that all true Christians who have been “born again” of the Spirit would fit into this category.

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:6-

When a person has been truly “born again” of the Spirit, there is a mighty change which takes place inside their heart. They have come to realize that Jesus Christ is exactly the one whom the scriptures declare Him to be. That is how it was with me when I was born again in 1989. It was the Spirit of God who showed me that Jesus was in fact the “Christ” [Messiah] who had come down from above to redeem my sinful soul by His blood. I knew in my heart, that Jesus was severely persecuted, beaten, and eventually slain on the cross for my sins. I also knew that this same Jesus, had risen from the dead and had ascended back up to Heaven, just as the scriptures tell us. There was such a strong witness in my heart that all of these things were true, and that has never changed. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ was the only way that a person could be saved and ultimately enter Heaven. The Spirit of God is also called the Spirit of truth, [John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13] and He is the one who showed me these things.

 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-12)

The passage above shows us that there is a stark contrast between the “spirit of the world” and the Spirit which is of God. The most important thing for us to learn here is that nobody would be able to understand the things which are of God if they were not revealed to us by the Holy Spirit of truth. The passage speaks about the things which are “freely given to us of God” and this pertains to things such as the salvation and redemption which are found in Jesus Christ.

It was that same Spirit of truth who showed me that I was Hellbound without Jesus Christ, and it was that same Spirit of truth who showed me the incredible love and mercy of God in sending His only begotten Son into this world to save my soul.  I have listened to the rantings of many people who do not believe the Bible, nor believe in Jesus Christ. They often make comments such as:

“How could God of love send anybody to a place like Hell?” or

“How could God of love send people to Hell if they do not believe in Jesus Christ?” 

 But the question that I ask is this:

“How could God be so merciful, gracious, and loving, that He would send His only Son, to die for a wretch like me and you?”

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks [Gentiles] seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:21-25)

There are many who are alive today that think of themselves as intellectuals and they are very proud of their “worldly wisdom.”  In this modern day of laptop computers, and all the other technology that goes along with that, a person may start to think that they have a great deal of knowledge. But the passage above tells us that God’s wisdom makes all the wisdom of men to be nothing but mere foolishness. The passage also tells us that it pleased God to save souls through the preaching of His word!

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

In the awesome providence of God He uses those, who are deemed foolish in the sight of worldly wise people, for His own glory. The Lord uses simple people to confound those who think that they are really something in this life. The Lord uses people who are despised in this life to confound the rich and famous. He will not allow the worlly wise people to bring the extreme stench of their “own glory” into His presence.

THE TRUE SPIRITUAL PERSON MUST FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST

The Lord Jesus Christ promised to send us a comforter who would guide us and lead us into truth:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:13-14)

The Lord Jesus Christ has given us great instruction in telling us that the Spirit of truth [Holy Spirit] would guide us into all truth. Please remember that the truth is the truth, and there cannot be people of different religions and belief systems, believing different things, telling you that they also have the truth. It is absolutely impossible for two opposite teachings to both be true.

In other words if I tell you that Jesus Christ is the creator of all things, and and that He is God [John 1:1-3], and somebody else tells you that Jesus is not the creator of all things, and He is nothing more than a prophet [as the religion of Islam teaches], then they both cannot be true. If I tell somebody that Jesus Christ is the Messiah who came into this world at the exact time as the Old Testament prophesied [Micah 5:2], and that He was slain on the cross for our sins as Isaiah prophesied [Isaiah 53:1-12], and a Jewish man tells you that Jesus is not the Messiah at all, it is obvious that we both cannot be telling the truth.

According to the scriptures the people of Islam and Judaism would fit into the category of the “natural man” because the man who believes the things of the Spirit of God must believe in Jesus Christ, and they must believe what the scriptures declare about Him. When people do not believe and receive the scriptures at face value, and take them to heart, then they are basically telling you that they are not true, although there would be some who might not put it that way. Jesus said this:

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26)

The main point that I make here is that a person who has been “born again” of the Spirit, will most assuredly tell you about Jesus Christ.  I do not care how much a person may profess to be a Christian, if they tell you that there are other ways to Heaven, and that a person can get to Heaven without Jesus Christ, then they are a “bogus Christian” because it is not the “Spirit of truth” who is speaking through them. They may have their names written on their local“church roll” but when the roll is called up yonder [the Book of Life] they will NOT be there, because they have denied the very words of Jesus Christ Himself:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

The main mark of a person who has been “born again” of the Spirit, is that they will speak about Jesus Christ, and seek to tell others about Him, and how to get saved. They will also realize that they have been in deception themselves, until that point in time when they repented, and believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They will also realize that without Jesus Christ it does not matter a whit what a person’s staus may be in this life, because without Jesus Christ they are spiritually dead, lost and Hellbound, no matter how much they may object to that truth.

But God forbid that I should glory, save [except] in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (Galatians 6:14-15)

People may describe themseves as being a “spiritual” person, and yet they want nothing to do with the person of Jesus Christ. They too would fit into the category of being a “natural man” who do not receive the things of the Spirit of God.

The words of Jesus Christ to the Jewish ruler Nicodemus still stand true today, and these words should be taken to heart by any man or woman who desires to spend eternity with the Lord:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, [truly, truly] I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth [wishes], and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:3-

Here are ten reasons why I am not an atheist, although I could extend this list. Yes, my reasoning is based upon the authority of God’s word and that is what I use here. Pay close attention to reason number two, where it tells us that creation itself is a witness to the existence of God, and therefore all mankind is without excuse.

REASON ONE

Because God’s word (the bible) tells me that I would be a fool to say that there is no God.

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalms 14:1)

REASON TWO

Because God’s word tells me that there is no excuse for me, or anyone else for not believing in God, as His very own creation is a testimony to His existence.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:17-22)

REASON THREE

Because of the accuracy of the biblical prophecies which have convinced me that the bible is truly the living word of God. Many prophecies have been fulfilled to the very letter, such as the birthplace of the Messiah in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and the death of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:1-12) as well.

REASON FOUR

Because I believe God’s word which tells me that He sent His Son to die for my sins.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

REASON FIVE

Because I believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, just like He said He would, and that He truly is the conqueror of death.

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:44-47)

REASON SIX

Because of the witness of the Holy Spirit, I know that God is my Father.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:16-1

REASON SEVEN

Because I believe God’s word which tells me that this present world is just a temporary place,  and that is going to be dissolved one day. [ just like an Alka Seltzer tablet in a glass of water.]

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (2 Peter 3:11-13)

REASON EIGHT

Because I believe that Jesus Christ is preparing a place for me, and every other person who has put their trust in Him.

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3)

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. (Hebrews 13:14)

REASON NINE

Because I believe God’s word, which tells me that the only other option for eternity would be the lake of fire.

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12-15)  

REASON TEN

Because I want to be with all the other believers throughout the centuries who had a relationship with the Lord, but most of all to see Jesus.

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:11-14)

Will you come along with me? All are invited. You may even be an atheist but there is still time to get right with God. God will wipe your slate completely clean. It does not matter how wicked your past has been, and besides that, we are all a bunch of wretches anyway in need of the mercy of God. All are invited to come. Your race or language does not matter either, because the mercy of God is offered to every person, even to the four corners of the earth.

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9)

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As a believer in Jesus Christ, whenever I hear about a person passing away [in other words they are dead] the first question that comes to mind is this: Did they know the Lord or did they die in their sins? Before I came to know the Lord I really did not think that way, but I always wondered about the person in the casket and where they had gone. If you read and believe the newspaper reports, then it seems that every famous athlete, politician, and movie star who has ever died have gone on to be with the other “greats” in Heaven within that same field. According to the newspaper reports they are now “at peace” and in a “better place.” If a person was a well known criminal then those people are “rotting in Hell” according to the thinking of many people. But how can we know if that is really true? Does the Bible have anything to say about this?

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Romans 3:10-12)

Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible declares that there are none good. It amplifies that point by saying, NO NOT ONE!

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20)

The passage above is basically telling us that the Law of God [His Commandments] stops and silences the mouth of every single person in the world from seeking to justify themselves as righteous and “good”  before Almighty God. The scriptures tell us that ALL the world is GUILTY before God, and that no flesh [no human being] would be justified by the law in the sight of God. Why? Because the Law of God brings the knowledge of sin, and shows every single person in the world their own guilt.

I hope that you can see that the only thing that really matters is whether a person has been justified in the “sight of God” and not in the “sight of man.”

HAVE YOU BEEN REDEEMED?

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:10-13)

The apostle Paul is the writer of the passage above as well as the previous passage from the book of Romans. Here this Jewish apostle is confirming what he wrote to the Romans, and expressing the truth that a person is literally under a “curse” if they believe that they can perfectly “keep the Law” on their own. Keep in mind that Paul himself was also under that “strong delusion” at one pont in his life.  In fact Paul was so zealous that he thought that it was alright to persecute and even murder Christians who believed that Jesus Christ was the only way of salvation. If Paul had perished before he came to know the Lord, then he would have “died in his sins” and ended up in Hell according to Jesus Christ. There probably would have been many that referred to Saul [Paul] as a “good man” anyway.

Paul went on to show the people that the law is “not of FAITH” and he also made it clear that CHRIST has redeemed us from the curse of the Law.

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Romans 10:1-4)

The apostle Paul had a desire to see his own people [National Israel] saved. He knew that they were in the “same boat”  that he had been in before he was saved and came to know Jesus Christ. He realizes that they do have a “zeal for God” [as he once had] but that zeal was not according to the Word of God. They had fallen into the FATAL trap of trying to establish “their own righteousness” but it was not the “righteousness of God” which can be found through faith in Christ alone. [NOTE: What a contradiction to the truth it is, that some "Christian" preachers are telling secular Israel [the Jewish people] that as long as they live in “light of the Torah” [the Law] they are in a right relationship with God.]

What profit is there for the man who has been justified in man’s sight, but has never been justified in the sight of God?

Absolutely none at all. The only thing that will matter in eternity, is whether a person has been reconciled back to God, through Jesus Christ!

“He was a good man”     According to who, man or God?      Where is he now?