The BIBLE VIEW #909 — Salvation

In This Issue:
Paid in Full
How Does the Bible Tell One to Be Saved?
Salvation
How Can One Know He Is Saved?  

Volume: 909   May 29, 2023
Theme: Salvation

Start your day with some good news from the Bible!  Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a brief commentary on the chapter’s teachings, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul. 

Are you a Sunday school teacher or pastor?  There are over 400 FREE lessons and sermon ideas at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html. There are also puzzles there to be used as classroom activities.  Why buy Sunday school material when it is free at www.OpenThouMineEyes.com


Paid in Full
Bill Brinkworth

An unusual gesture happened recently at the check-out line at Good Value Grocery.  

A slightly frustrated line formed behind a mother as she took item after item out of her cart and hurriedly placed them on the register’s conveyor belt. The items were necessary.  None were frivolous or costly.  Hotdogs were rung up instead of steaks.  The clerk shoved dry beans, rice, and other staples instead of more expensive processed food.  It was apparent that this woman was carefully watching her expenditures and was careful to buy what was needed for her two patiently waiting children and others in her family.

As the items were rung up and bagged, the young mother opened her pocketbook and began searching for her purse or checkbook.  Her movements became frantic as she could not find what she had sought.  Again, she searched even the small compartments, but nothing was found.  One futile attempt was made to check her pockets; still nothing!

A frantic and embarrassed countenance was on her face as she meekly admitted to the clerk,” I am so sorry.  I must have left my checkbook at home.  I have nothing to pay for the food.”

The message reached those behind her, and their body language and groans made it clear they were unhappy.  A confused, aggravated look appeared on the face of the cashier as she said, “That happens, but I will have to get someone to put these things back on the shelf.  Next time, be sure you can pay for something before you get in line.”

As the cashier grabbed the phone to summon help in ridding the unpaid products, all but one of those waiting in line moaned.  The middle-aged woman let out a soft “Oh, my,” instead.  She quickly grabbed her purse, went to the embarrassed woman, and spoke softly to the clerk. 

“How much is her bill, Maam?”

Startled, the clerk checked the register’s tape and said, “One hundred eighty-four dollars and 12 cents.”

“Put it on my credit card,” as the concerned bystander paid for the shocked mother’s bill.

A sigh of relief escaped the mouth of the debtee, and surprised words of gratitude thanked the generous giver.

The compassionate giver was not bound to pay the other’s bill.  Still, she gave out of compassion and concern for the other woman and her family.  

The debt-payer’s action was not unlike what Jesus did for all that will accept His payment for their sins.   Jesus did not have to pay our sin bill.  The humble son of God offered Himself to be the payment for all who trusted and called upon His name to be saved from eternal punishment.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

He could have avoided embarrassment and pain, but Jesus saw the need and did not want any to perish in eternal torment.  The brutal punishment He received, and death on a cruel cross were for no sin He committed.  He was sinless.  It was for mine and your iniquities!

Unlike the fictitious indebtedness in the above account, our sin debt is not for one deed only.  Our debt is for a lifetime of disobedience, ignorance of God’s will, purposeful ignoring of what the Bible commands us not to do, and countless transgressions against a Holy God.

Yet, out of unimaginable love for the creatures He created, God wants none to perish in a horrible punishment created for Satan and those that followed him.  He is willing, however, to pay your massive sin debt by allowing the shed blood of His only son to be payment for your tremendous bill of transgressions. 
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41

If you accept God’s offer, all committed iniquities will be forgiven, forgotten, and under the saving blood of God’s Son, Jesus.  Will you humble yourself and accept the Saviour’s payment for ALL your sins?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:6

How Does the Bible Tell One to Be Saved?

  1. Know that you are a sinner:
    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23   Also: Romans 5:12, I John 1:10.
  • Hell is the payment for all that have sinned.
    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
    “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
  • BUT, there is good news!  Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for the sins of all that call upon Him for salvation!
    “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
    “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

“What did you have to give up to be a Christian?  Hell!”


Salvation
Sunday Circle

A group of friends visited an old church, which was of great historical interest to them.  They asked for admission, and the sexton gave them the key after saying, “You can unlock the door and go in, and I will come to you directly.”

They went to the door, put the key in the lock, and tried to open it, but they could not turn the key.  They turned and twisted it but to no effect. They had just given up in despair when the sexton arrived.  “We cannot make this lock open,” said one of the party.

“I beg your pardon,” said the sexton, “I forgot to tell you that the door is not locked.  All you need to do is to lift the latch and walk in.”

A great many are like them.  They try by their efforts to unlock the door of salvation, but all their efforts (Ephesians 2:9) are a waste of time.  Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, long ago unlocked the door, and all we need to do is lift the latch, and by faith, walk in.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9



How Can One Know He Is Saved? 
Bill Brinkworth

A person can know if he is saved.  If he has trusted Christ’s death as payment for his sins as the only way to Heaven, he will see himself changed.  He will see new things happen in his life.

Here are some of those new changes:
A NEW belief.  A saved person believes differently than he believed before.
“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God;that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I John 5:10-13 

A NEW interest in God’s people.
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I John 3:14-16  The “brethren” are other saved people.

A NEW Master.  A saved person is attentive and interested in obeying a new Master — God!“Jesus answered them, …  But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:25-29

A NEW Life.  A saved person gets a second chance at life.  He gets to start over, this time with God’s guidance and help.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.” II Cor. 5:17
The new life may include things one would never have suspected he would do, such as: reading the Bible, desiring a ministry, being faithful to church attendance, etc.  He will also find he no longer wants to do many of the wrong things he used to do and even has a conviction against doing them.

A NEW Trust.  A saved person has a God that he can trust and rely on.
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” II Tim 1:12

A NEW fruitNEW interests
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts  ….” Galatians 5:22-25  
When the Spirit of God indwells a believer, there are some things He wants to be done in our lives and around us.  These changes that we allow Him to do in us are proofs of our salvation.

The BIBLE VIEW #908 —Prayer

In This Issue:
Answered Prayer
A Sincere Prayer
In Jesus’ Name
Revival through Prayer
When Should You Pray?

Volume: 908   May 22, 2023
Theme: Prayer

Start your day with some good news from the Bible!  Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a brief commentary on the chapter’s teachings, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul. 

Are you a Sunday school teacher or pastor?  There are over 400 FREE lessons and sermon ideas at:
http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html. There are also puzzles there to be used as classroom activities.  Why buy Sunday school material when it is free at www.OpenThouMineEyes.com


Answered Prayers
Dr. J. Campbell, 1871

  • Abraham’s servant prayed; Rebekah appeared.
  • Moses cried to God; the sea divided.
  • Moses prayed; Amalek was discomfited.
  • Joshua prayed; Achan was discovered.
  • Hannah prayed; Samuel was born.
  • David prayed; Ahithophel hung himself.
  • Asa prayed; a victory was gained.
  • Jehoshaphat cried to God; God turned away his enemies.
  • Isaiah and Hezekiah prayed; 185,000 Assyrians were dead within 12 hours.
  • Daniel prayed; the meaning of a dream was revealed to him.
  • Daniel prayed; the lions did not harm him.
  • Ezra prayed; God answered (Ezra 8:21-23).
  • Nehemiah darted a quick prayer; the king’s heart softened in a minute.
  • Elijah prayed; rain descended.
  • Elisha prayed; the Jordan River was divided.
  • Elisha prayed; a child came back to life.
  • The Apostles prayed; the Holy Ghost came down.
  • A church prayed for Peter’s release from prison; Peter soon knocked at their door.
  • You prayed and ____________________________.


A Sincere Prayer
Bill Brinkworth

“To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David.  Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.” Psalm 61:1

David revealed an important ingredient that should be in more prayers — a cry.  A “cry” is a desperate utterance, often accompanied by heartfelt tears. 

Unfortunately, prayers are not the sincere pleas in times of distress they should be.  For many, their prayers are more like a list a child hopes Santa Claus will fulfill.  Their “prayer” usually goes something like: “Gimmee this and gimme that.  Oh, yea.  Bless Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Frank, and keep the bullies away.  Oh Lord, could you give me an ‘A’ in Arithmetic.”

Sadly, “lists” are the most popular form of talking to God.  Occasionally, one will open a prayer book and recite what someone else has written and labeled to be prayed in the situation one finds oneself.

Prayer to a Christian is communicating with a Holy God.  He owes us nothing, but we are indebted to Him for everything.  It is an honor and privilege that we are even permitted to speak to our Creator. 

We should not dishonor him with empty, thoughtless, insincere pleas.  Our conversation with God can be like we have with no other person.  We can tell Him everything on our hearts. 

We can tell the Lord things we would dare not tell others.  He is our God, and He desires conversation with His people.
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Mat.  6:7

The words are not as crucial as our sincerity.  God is more interested in the condition of our hearts when we talk to Him.  A sincere, real “cry” shows Him that we are in desperate need, and we realize He is the only solution to our situation.  He sees our reliance and dependence on Him, which is what He desires. 

Christian,  have a real prayer time with God today!  Talk to Him as if He is your best friend.  He is!

“When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words than thy words without heart.” — Bunyan


In Jesus’ Name
Barbara Brinkworth

The table was set, the food steaming hot, and the guests seated.  It was time to eat, but first, the blessing.  “Dear Lord, thank you for this food, for friends and family to share it with…  Please bless it to our bodies and use us to serve you today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

How often have we heard the phrase used — “in Jesus’ name”?   Have we ever given much thought as to what it means?  It can be used in several ways.

When we pray, we come to the Father in Jesus’ name.  Why is that necessary?  As fallen, sinful people, we have no right to request anything of God Almighty.  Were it not for Jesus, there would be no fellowship with God.  Once we are born-again (John 3:3) and have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we also are accepted by God.  He will honor our requests because of His love for Jesus and for all those who belong to Him.  We ask all in Jesus’ name.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded his disciples to be witnesses in His name.  He would soon return to Heaven (Acts 1:8) because His work on Earth was finished.

The awesome task of evangelizing the world was left to His church.  They would go in the power of the Holy Spirit, but the name they proclaimed was that of Jesus Christ.  To this very day, all successful witnessing and missionary work is done in the name of Jesus.

As a believer goes through his daily tasks, he acts as an ambassador for Jesus Christ.  All that is done is done in the name of Jesus.  Does the Christian have a good testimony in the community?  The credit goes to Jesus.  Does the believer have a reputation for not paying his debts?  The blame goes to Jesus.  Is he living a life that others would desire to have?  If so, many will inquire about his Jesus.  If not, he may turn people away from the kingdom of God.

The Bible says in Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  We must take seriously all we do in Jesus’ name to glorify our worthy God.


Revival through Prayer
C. H. Spurgeon

All the mighty works of God have been attended with great prayer, as well as with great faith.  The Great American Revival (1850s to early 1900s) had such a beginning.

An unknown and obscure man was convicted about praying that God would bless his country.  After praying, he made a soul-stirring inquiry, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” A burden was soon put on his heart.  He then got to work! 

He rented a room and announced that there would be a prayer meeting there at such an hour of the day.  At the appointed time not a single person was there.  However, he began to pray and continued for half an hour alone.  At the end of the half-hour, one joined him, and soon two more came in.  I believe his prayer meeting closed with six concerned praying believers.  

The following week came, and there were about fifty that attended.  Soon the prayer meeting grew to a hundred.  Others began to start other prayer meetings. 

Soon there was scarcely a street in New York without a prayer meeting.  Merchants found time to run in to pray.  The meetings became daily ones.  Some lasted for about an hour.  

Petitions and requests were sent up.  These were asked and offered before God, and the answers came.  Many were the happy hearts that stood up and testified that the prayer offered last week had been fulfilled.

It was when all were earnest in prayer that the Spirit of God worked among the people.  In a certain village, a preacher had been preaching, and hundreds were converted in a week.  The matter spread throughout the Northern States.  A quarter of a million people were believed to be converted in two or three months.

Oh, for earnest, sincere hearts to again change this nation through such prayer.  God is able.  He awaits our concern and dependence on Him. Will you faithfully pray for a revival in your country?

“When God starts changing things, He usually begins with changing us.”


When Should You Pray?

  • “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:3
  • “O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:” Psalm 88:1
  • “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Palms 55:17
  • “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12
  • “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12
  • Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17

The BIBLE VIEW #907 — Obedience

In This Issue:
Be Obedient While You Have the Opportunity
Is He Really Your Lord?
A Benefit and Privilege
Don’t Question Orders

Volume: 907   May 15, 2023
Theme: Obedience

Start your day with some good news from the Bible!  Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a brief commentary on the chapter’s teachings, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul. 

Are you a Sunday school teacher or pastor?  There are over 400 FREE lessons and sermon ideas at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html. There are also puzzles there to be used as classroom activities.  Why buy Sunday school material when it is free at www.OpenThouMineEyes.com


Be Obedient While You Have the OpportunityBill Brinkworth

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1

Although Proverbs 27 is chock-full of life-directing wisdom, verse one should remind each one of us that our time on this Earth is not forever. Our life could change drastically or end before the sun sets today. No one knows how much time they have left.  No one has the promise of tomorrow!

While we have the time, do not procrastinate.  Do not put off:

  • Being saved. Although many put off being born again (John 3:3), they may not have tomorrow to do so.  One’s opportunity to have God’s promise of an eternity with Him may soon be ended. Each time salvation is put off, one’s heart hardens and becomes more defiant to God’s calling. 

    One may have another day, but after having ignored the pleas of the Holy Spirit so often, the Spirit may no longer speak to one about securing their eternity (Romans 10:9) in Heaven.  Each time one says “No” to the Spirit of God’s prodding and His commandments, one’s sensitivity to God’s calling is lessened.
    “Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7“
    And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.  25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24:24-25
  • Halting the sin(s) you have been convicted of doing.  When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit convicts one of sin(s) that is/are prohibiting one’s spiritual growth. Putting off iniquity one was made aware of should be dealt with immediately. What if the rapture (I Thes. 4:16-18) or death takes one home before a “convenient time” to obey the Lord occurs? It would be too late. Obey the Lord now while there still is an opportunity.
  • Doing what the Lord laid on your heart to do. Has the Lord urged you to rebuild a broken relationship, get involved in a ministry, read your Bible, be faithful in church, make your testimony more godly, or something else? Do it now, as again, you may not have another chance to do so.
  • Being the Christian, spouse, parent, or child, God would have you be. You may never have another opportunity if you put it off any longer.


Most of us have had many days. We assume we will have more time, but we may not.  This may be the last reminder one may have to obey what God has laid on their heart to do. Do it now, as no one knows how much more time they have left.

Is He Really Your Lord?
Bill Brinkworth

Often in prayers or conversations, God is called “Lord.”  “I love you, Lord,” “Lord, we need your intervention in helping us out of this mess,” and “Lord, I’ll do whatever you show me to do” are often uttered.  If, however, the situation is followed up on and the reactions observed of the one who requested of God, it may be wondered if God is really one’s “Lord.”

The title “Lord” implies that another is one’s master and is a supreme being, an absolute authority, and one’s ruler.  If it is true that “Lord” has a Saxon definition meaning “sole bread giver,” then it also implies that the user of the address “Lord” is relying on God for all their provisions and needs.  When God is addressed as Lord, is He really all that title implies?

  • If God truly is one’s Lord, one would do what God has told them to do.  God would not have to speak to our hearts multiple times about reading His Word faithfully, halting the sin He convicted us of doing, changing a practice in our life, or doing anything His Spirit whispered to our hearts about doing.  Total obedience would be given to God if He indeed were our Lord.  “LORD, it’s not open to discussion.  You show me, and I will do it!”
    “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46
  • If God truly is Lord of your life, He should receive your total respect and honor.  One obeying the Lord should never dispute, question, or refuse to do the bidding of one’s Master.
    “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour?  and if I be a master, where is my fear?  saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name.  And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?  7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee?  In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.  8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil?  and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?  offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person?  saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:6-8
  • If God is truly your Lord, then there should be proof.  You should notice how you have forsaken your will and way for His.  Even those around you should see your priority in obeying God’s will!
    “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
    “(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Romans 2:13
    “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciple.” John 15:8


Calling God Lord, does not necessarily make Him one’s Lord.  If we make God our Lord, it will be shown by our obedience and respect for Him.

Is His Lordship in your life clearly exhibited in the way you live?  Is God truly your LORD?

“To live for self or God is the question we all face.  How one’s life turns out depends on how the question was answered!” — Author Unknown


A Benefit and Privilege
Watson, 1696

  1. God commands nothing from us that is not beneficial.”
    “That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.” Deut. 6:2
  2. God has His reasons for telling us to do something.  We should not question why.
  3. He bids us to repent.  Why?  That our sins may be blotted out.
    “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
  4. He commands us to believe, and why?  That we may be saved.
    “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
  5. There is love in every one of God’s commandments!

“True obedience hath no lead at its heels!”  — Adams, 1653


Don’t Question Orders
Spurgeon

“Sir,” said the Duke of Wellington to an officer of engineers who argued the impossibility of executing the directions he had received, “I did not ask your opinion, I gave you my orders, and I expect them to be obeyed.”

Such should be the obedience of every follower of Jesus.  The Words, which He has spoken and had recorded, are our law!  Our adherence to them should not be based on our judgments or fancies.  We are to do our Master’s bidding and advance through flood or flame.  We are to do as He tells us to do!

“Don’t pray to give God instructions.  Just report for duty!”