Tag: Salvation

The BIBLE VIEW #917 — Salvation

In This Issue:
No Higher Than the Coffin Lid
Born Again
A Changed New Life

Volume: 917     July 31, 2023
Theme: Salvation

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No Higher Than the Coffin Lid
Bill Brinkworth

A rich man came to Jesus unintentionally admitting he committed the same mistake that most would not dare confess.  He confessed to having the same philosophy that sends most lost people to Hell.  The man’s misunderstanding is also where most churches and religions err.  His false belief was in his question, “… what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life” (Matthew 19:16).

That ruler (Luke 18:18) tried to work his way to Heaven by doing all he could to earn himself a place there.  He and most religions believe that if you do enough good things, good will outweigh the bad, and God will let you into Heaven.

False religions teach that obeying and following traditions, rules, catechisms, rites, sacraments, pillars of the faith, or their religion’s teachings will get them to Heaven.  Wrong!  Unbiblical!  That thinking distinguishes man-made religions from real Christianity!

True Christianity is the only “religion” that teaches one does not have to do anything to get to Heaven except believe what Jesus did for them and ask for salvation from Hell.  One does not have to “pay” for salvation by doing good works because it already has been paid for them by Jesus Christ’s sacrificial deed.

After receiving salvation, one will want to do all one can to please and obey God and His commandments out of love and gratitude.  However, those good acts have nothing to do with getting saved.

All have sinned.  All do not only commit iniquity but were born sinners.  Because of sin, no one can get higher than the coffin lid after death.  That is the bad news.

However, there is good news.  There is a person who never sinned.  His undeserved death on the Cross is the sole payment God will accept to cover anyone’s sin.  It is Jesus alone, God’s only son, that was worthy enough to pay for our transgressions.
“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

Trying to do good “works” to earn Heaven is not accepting Christ’s finished work on the Cross.  That rejection shows disbelief that Christ’s sacrificial payment was insufficient to cover a person’s iniquities.

Like the rich ruler learned, doing good deeds and living the way one thinks is right is not enough to earn eternity into Heaven.  That man had done “right” his whole life, yet he was still looking for one more thing to do to guarantee eternal life.

Good deeds never satisfy God because they are not enough.  Trusting that one loves us so much that He gave his life so that we can live eternally is the only way God will accept.

Are you 100% certain that you would go to Heaven if you were to die today, tomorrow, or a hundred years from now?  You can be sure because the “ticket” has been paid for.  All you must do is believe and accept God’s wonderful gift!

The most important question concerning any man living is this: Is he a saved soul or not?  Is he a child of God or an heir of wrath? – Spurgeon
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13


Born Again
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most popular stories told to explain what it means to be saved from Hell is found in John 3. It is the story of Nicodemus.

Nicodemus was a very influential, scripturally educated leader of the Jews (John 3:1).  Perhaps this ruler was afraid, ashamed, or embarrassed to be seen with Jesus, who was causing much confusion among the Jews. For whatever reason, Nicodemus visited Jesus at night.

Jesus told that man a spiritual truth that has troubled many people since.
“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.” John 3:3

Immediately, this strict follower of the Jewish law admitted he did not understand what Jesus was saying.  Nicodemus questioned if Jesus meant that his physical body had to be re-birthed (John 3:4).  That man had much scriptural learning, but he was missing something fundamental. He was missing an understanding of spiritual things.

Jesus explained to the man how all could know if they were Heaven-bound when they died. The way of salvation involves believing and trusting on Jesus’ sacrifice for all our sins.  Salvation hinges on that belief.

People must rely on Jesus’ gift to us and trust His death on the Cross as the ONLY payment for the forgiveness of sins that God will accept.  Salvation cannot be earned by anything that is done or said. Jesus has done it all for us by His sacrifice.
“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 3:16

Read more about the second birth at www.devotionsfromthebible.com/john/born-of-water/.

“Born once, die twice.  Born twice (includes being spiritually born into the family of God); die once.”  — Author Unknown


A Changed New Life
Bill Brinkworth

No one is perfect, or they would not need to be saved.  All are sinners and bound for Hell unless something prevents that from happening.

Accepting Christ as Saviour is the only thing that can keep one from an eternity in torment.  When one is saved, they are a new creature in Christ.  A person is changed when they are genuinely saved.  Paul was certainly proof of this.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

Before His salvation, Paul did all he could to serve God his way.  In doing so, he unknowingly became an enemy of God and Christians.  The man was responsible for killing many believers and did much to slow the spreading of the Gospel. 

After Paul was saved, his enthusiasm for opposing Christianity was rechanneled to tell many others how they could be saved.  He became a sincere servant of Christ.

No matter what he did after salvation, Paul still had a past.  There was no way to undo what he had done.  All the preacher could do was go forward in doing the right things after being forgiven and do all he could for the cause of Christ.  Paul did that with all his heart.
“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” I Corinthians 15:1

Many are plagued with a guilty conscience for their past, even after they are saved.  Years ago, I remember listening to a Christian radio program where the host answered questions.  One caller, choked with guilt, called and told the host, “I am saved; I know I am forgiven, and my sins are forgotten, but I just cannot forgive myself, and that is why I am going to take my life.”

Immediately, the program was changed over to music.  I imagine the radio preacher dealt with the man’s guilt and desire to take his own life.  Sadly, many cannot forgive themselves and live defeated lives even after salvation.

We all have pasts.  No saved person should have any joy in the wrong they have done.  If we could do it over, most of us would choose never to have committed the sins we have done.

No remorse or guilt is going to change our past.  When we trust Christ for salvation, our sins are not only forgiven by God, but they are forgotten (Psalm 103:12) and covered by His shed blood.

Since God, knowing all we did, still offered us a way to His Heaven, we must also forget our past.  We can show our gratefulness for His extraordinary grace, as Paul did, by loving and serving the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5).

‘“Worry not who you are, but whose you are.” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #916 — Conversion

In This Issue:
Robinson Crusoe’s Change of Heart
Not by Argument
Unchanged

Volume: 916     July 24, 2023
Theme: Conversion

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Robinson Crusoe’s Change of Heart
Excerpts from The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe

Many of the older classic books had a spiritual lesson taught within their pages.  The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe, is one of those.  The adventures of Robinson, who was ship-wrecked in the mid-1600s, told of his life and how he survived much of the time alone on a deserted island.

Many rewrites of the book and movies leave out the most important theme of the film — that he was disobedient to God and running from His will.  Here are excerpts of what the character finally learned about himself:

“Why has God done this to me?  What have I done to be thus used?  My conscience presently checked me in that inquiry as if I had blasphemed, and me thought it spoke to me like a voice: ‘Wretch!  Dost THOU ask what thou hast done?  Look back upon a dreadful misspent life, and ask thyself what thou hast NOT done?  Ask, why is it that thou wert not long ago destroyed?  Why wert thou not drowned in Yarmouth Roads; killed in the fight when the ship was taken by the Sallee man-of-war; devoured by the wild beasts on the coast of Africa, or drowned HERE, when all the crew perished but thyself?  Dost THOU ask, what have I done?’ I was struck dumb with these reflections, as one astonished, and had not a word to say – no, not to answer to myself, but rose up pensive and sad, … my thoughts were sadly disturbed, and I had no inclination to sleep …

“… and as the few books I had saved lay there too, I took out one of the Bibles which I mentioned before, and which to this time I had not found leisure or inclination to look into.  I say, I took it out….

“… having opened the book casually, the first words that occurred to me were these, ‘Call on Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.’ These words were very apt to my case and made some impression upon my thoughts at the time of reading them, though not so much as they did afterward….

“… that I began to say, as the children of Israel did when they were promised flesh to eat, ‘Can God spread a table in the wilderness?’ so I began to say, ‘Can God Himself deliver me from this place?’ And as it was not for many years that any hopes appeared, this prevailed very often upon my thoughts; however, the words made a great impression upon me, and I mused upon them very often.…

“… But before I lay down, I did what I never had done in all my life – I kneeled down and prayed to God to fulfill the promise to me that if I called upon Him in the day of trouble, He would deliver me.  After my broken and imperfect prayer.…

“JULY 4. – In the morning, I took the Bible; and beginning at the New Testament, I began seriously to read it, and imposed upon myself to read a while every morning and every night, not tying myself to the number of chapters, but long as my thoughts should engage me.  It was not long after I set seriously to this work till I found my heart more deeply and sincerely affected by the wickedness of my past life.  The impression of my dream revived, and the words, ‘All these things have not brought thee to repentance,’ ran seriously through my thoughts.  I was earnestly begging God to give me repentance when it happened providentially, the very day that, reading the Scripture, I came to these words: ‘He is exalted a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and to give remission.’ I threw down the book, and with my heart as well as my hands lifted up to heaven, in a kind of ecstasy of joy, I cried out aloud, ‘Jesus, thou son of David!  Jesus, thou exalted Prince and Saviour!  give me repentance!’ This was the first time I could say, in the true sense of the words, that I prayed in all my life; for now I prayed with a sense of my condition and a true Scripture view of hope, founded on the encouragement of the Word of God; and from this time, I may say, I began to hope that God would hear me.

“Now I began to construe the words mentioned above, ‘Call on Me, and I will deliver thee,’ in a different sense from what I had ever done before; for then I had no notion of anything being called DELIVERANCE, but my being delivered from the captivity I was in… But now I learned to take it in another sense: now I looked back upon my past life with such horror, and my sins appeared so dreadful, that my soul sought nothing of God but deliverance from the load of guilt that bore down all my comfort… And I add this part here, to hint to whoever shall read it, that whenever they come to a true sense of things, they will find deliverance from sin a much greater blessing than deliverance from affliction….

“… I never had once the words ‘Thank God!’ so much as on my mind, or in my mouth; nor in the greatest distress had I so much as a thought to pray to Him, or so much as to say, ‘Lord, have mercy upon me!’ no, nor to mention the name of God unless it was to swear by and blaspheme it.  I had terrible reflections upon my mind for many months, as I have already observed, on account of my wicked and hardened life past, and when I looked about me and considered what particular providences had attended me since my coming into this place, and how God had dealt bountifully with me – had not only punished me less than my iniquity had deserved but had so plentifully provided for me – this gave me great hopes that my repentance was accepted and that God had yet mercy in store for me.”

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13



Not by Argument
J. C. Jones

It is commonplace to think that an argument can convert a soul or change a person’s actions.  Conquer a man by arguing, and as a rule, you only confirm him in his error.

Last Monday, I looked at a picture titled “Conquered, but Not Subdued.” The young lad in the painting was conquered by his mother.  There he stood, with his face half turned towards the wall.  One could see determination in his mouth, defiance in his eye, and anger in his nostrils.  He was conquered but not subdued.  Drive a sinner in argument to a corner so that he cannot escape, he most likely will not change his ways.

You have all seen sheet lightning.  They flash.  They dazzle, but they never kill.  Arguments, after all, are only sheet lightning — flashing, dazzling, enlightening, but rarely changing anything.

I say nothing against giving logic.  Have as much of it from the pulpit as you can, and personal encounters, but logic will not save or change too many.

God can never save you by argument.  Too many would even rebelliously defy the Almighty in a direct debate.  However, one can be changed and wooed when spiritual knowledge is taken by the Holy Spirit and convicts one’s soul.  It is His revelation, delivering, and reasoning to one’s situation and soul that will result in any change.

“Arguments seldom change one’s mind.  However, we still need to be the ‘delivery boy’ of the Truth, but only the Holy Spirit can do any converting!”

Unchanged
Beecher

There are scores of men who live for the flesh.  They live under the dominion of their senses, yet they often live with full knowledge of truth from God’s Word.  None know it better than they.

Some men have read every word of Scripture.  Some are familiar with every argument and statement in theology.  There are even men that have known and have seen much of the power of God in revivals. Still, there is within them that fixed, rooted, toughened life of sin that refuses to yield itself to any power which can be wielded merely by the hands of men.  Too often, they die in their sins, unchanged by the truth they heard.

“Before anyone is saved or changed they usually have to get to the ‘bottom of their barrel.’  Unfortunately, for some it is lower in the barrel than it is for others.”

The BIBLE VIEW #902 — Salvation

In This Issue:
Unacceptable Payment
His Part and God’s
Whosoever and Whatsoever
Necessary and Enough
“Just Ask for Them!”
God Does the Saving

Volume: 902    March 27, 2023
Theme: Salvation

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Unacceptable Payment
Bill Brinkworth

Christopher eyed the video game one more time.  The young, potential customer glanced at the counter salesman before he dug into his jean pockets.  He was determined to buy that game.  Imaginative visions of flying through space on his video game’s starship encouraged him to search his pockets even deeper.

He wrestled out of its denim prison one wiggling frog, which he pridefully placed on the store’s counter top.  “Will you take this frog, and,” he then dug his dirty hand into another pocket and extruded three, long red licorice twists, and placed them next to the ribbeting amphibian, “and these three pieces of candy?”

“Young man,” the grimacing clerk answered, “We cannot take your frog or your candy.  The price of that game is $29.95.  You need that amount to walk out of here with the game.”

A persistent hand dove into a jacket pocket and produced a baseball mitt.  “Well, this glove is one of the best you can buy.  It is worth far more than $29.95.  Won’t you take the glove for that game?”

The clerk shook his head.

“How’s about the glove, candy, the frog, and,” and out of his seemingly endless supply of pockets produced one more item and banged it on the countertop, “this packet of baseball cards?  It’s got to be worth something.”

“Young man, I appreciate your effort; but the only payment acceptable is $29.95 in American currency.  That is the only payment we recognize here.”

The boy wandered away, returning all his valuables to their denim storage facility.  “It just ain’t right,” the boy muttered as he left the store, “It seems to me that my stuff is worth more than that lousy $29.95.”

Many think similarly about salvation.  God says the only payment acceptable for anyone’s sins is the blood of His only Son, Jesus.  Man still tries to pay his way to Heaven with his “currency.” 

Many try to pay for entrance into Heaven with their good works, performing “religious” rites, and following church rules.  “Surely,” they think, “if my good deeds outweigh the bad things I have done, God will like what I have done and let me in.”
“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

Our charitable donations, helping others, religious acts, sacrificial efforts, and good works may be good, but they will earn no one a ticket to Heaven.  Those deeds are the frogs, candy, and baseball cards God will not accept as payment into Heaven.  The only way anyone will get to Heaven is by receiving the price that Christ paid with His blood for our iniquities.

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

His Part and God’s
Dr. Harry Ironside

A man rose in a meeting to testify to God’s saving grace.  He told how the Lord had won his heart and given deliverance from the guilt and power of sin.  The man spoke of Christ and His work but said nothing of his efforts.

The leader of the meeting was of a legalistic mindset.  When the man’s testimony was ended, he added, “Our brother has only told us of the Lord’s part in his salvation.  When I was converted, there was a whole lot I had to do myself before I could expect the Lord to do anything for me.  Brother, didn’t you do your part first before God did His?”

The other man was on his feet instantly and replied, “Yes, sir.  I clear done forgot.  I didn’t tell you ‘bout my part, did I?  Well, I did my part for over thirty years, runnin’ away from God as fast as my sins could carry me.  That was my part.  An’ God took aftah me till He run me down.  That was His part.”

“There are either of two things we must do.  One is to send back the message to Heaven that we don’t want the blood of Christ to cleanse us of our sin, or else accept it.” — D. L. Moody


Whosoever and Whatsoever
Author Unknown

Two precious words are often used in the mouth of Christ: whosoever and whatsoever.
“… And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13

“Whosoever” is outside the gate and lets in all who choose.  “Whatsoever” is on the inside and gives those who enter the free range of all the region and treasury of grace.  “Whosoever” makes salvation free.  “Whatsoever” makes it full.

“What we mean by salvation is this: deliverance from the love of sin, rescue from the habit of sin, and to be set free from the desire to sin.”  — Spurgeon


Necessary and Enough
Dr. Harry Ironside

In a hospital ward, a lady missionary found an undersized and undeveloped little Irish boy whose pale, wizened face and emaciated form burdened her heart for the child.  She spoke of his soul’s need, and he was made aware of his lost condition, insomuch that he seriously considered how he might be saved. 

Brought up a Catholic, he thought and spoke of penance, confessionals, sacraments, and the church, yet never mentioned Christ Jesus and His atoning work.  The two talked about what the Scriptures said, but he made no decision at the time for salvation.

The following day the lady called upon him again and found his face aglow with a new found joy.  Inquiring the reason, he replied with an assurance born of faith in the revealed Word of God, “O miss, I always knew that Jesus was necessary, but I never knew till yesterday that He was enough!”

“Human nature’s way of salvation is, ‘Do, do, do.’ God’s way of salvation is, ‘Done, done, it is all done.’  You have but to rely by faith on the atonement that Christ accomplished on the cross.”  — Spurgeon


“Just Ask for Them!”
Walter Knight

Colonel Teddy Roosevelt commanded a rough-rider regiment in Cuba during the Spanish War.  He became much attached to his men and was concerned when several got sick.

Hearing that Miss Clara Barton (the lady who devoted herself to nursing the wounded soldiers) had received a shipment of medicines and food for the invalids under her care,  Colonel Roosevelt requested her to sell a portion of them to him for the sick men of his regiment.

His request was refused.  The Colonel was very troubled.  He cared for his men and was willing to pay for the supplies out of his pocket.

“How can I get these things?” he asked.  “I must have proper food for my sick men.”

“Just ask for them, Colonel.”

“Oh,” said Roosevelt, his face breaking into a smile, “that’s the way, is it?  Then I ask for them.”  He got the supplies at once.

Have you asked the Lord Jesus to save you from the wages of your sins?
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23

God Does the Saving
D. L. Moody

Men will never find salvation until they give up all efforts to save themselves.  Someone asked a man how he got converted.  To answer the question, he built a fire in a circle around a worm.  After the worm had crawled around in every direction, it lay down to die.  The man then reached over the flames, took the worm out, and put it in a safe place.  “That is how we all get saved,” replied the man.  “God does the saving.”

“Exposure to the Son prevents burning.”

The BIBLE VIEW #899 — Assorted

In This Issue:
I’m Outa There!
A Grateful Whale
Salvation — God’s Gift

Volume: 899    February 20, 2023
Theme: Assorted

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. 

View 16+ years of printable, free BIBLE VIEWs at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.  Make as many copies as you need.  Use them at your church, nursing homes (large print version available), Sunday school, deaf ministry, bus ministry, and as a church bulletin insert. 

I’m Outta There!
Bill Brinkworth

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Church is the place we should hear the Word of God and be strengthened in following the Lord.  Our Bible reading is one way we grow in the things of the Lord.  However, God has ordained the local church to assist us also in our spiritual walk.  It is there we can get more spiritual food

God has given people an appointed preacher to minister to them in the local church.  Many can also hear the Gospel and be saved.  It is often a place where folks can also find a place to serve Him.

Going to church is the right thing to do, but many reasons keep people from heeding God’s command to attend.  It is not always the devil that encourages us not to go.  Often our sinful flesh, which struggles to do right, intervenes.  Between the two, there are a lot of excuses and wrong decisions that people use to keep them out of church.  Here are a few of them that keep too many from a Bible-believing local church:

Sin.  Attending church and hearing God’s Word will remind too many of their sin.  To avoid conviction, many avoid church so they do not get unpleasant reminders of their wrongdoings.

Church hopping.  They try this church, then that one, then go to another with a friend.  Soon, they find themselves out of their routine of faithfulness where God had led them.  In a short time, they are not attending any church.

Discontentment.  Folks can easily find a reason for not being happy with their church.  “I don’t like the way the preacher preaches.  He screams too much,” or “They sing too much.”  There is no perfect church.  If there were one, it would not be perfect after we entered.

Hurt feelings.   Probably the number one killer of church attendance is when folks get their feelings hurt and leave the church.  “No one shook my hand,” or “No one even said ‘hello’ to me.  It just is not a friendly church.”

Lack of understanding.  Many do not have a clue what the Bible teaches.  If they attend a church that preaches and practices biblical doctrine, they do not understand it and may leave.  Many go for the religious trappings of the denomination they were raised in and do not realize that many “religious” practices are not biblical.

Pride.  The old folded-arm excuse of “No one is going to tell me what to do!” keeps many out of church.  They have not realized that the preacher’s message that got them indignant and wanting to leave was from the Word of God.  Ultimately, they leave, not because of what the preacher said, but what God said to their hearts.

Legitimate reasons.  Legitimate excuses of sickness or vacations can become bad habits of non-attending.

Most excuses are not acceptable to keep us from God’s house.  We cannot please God when we stay home from an avenue He uses to speak to us and change our way of living.  Even many unsaved know where a Christian should be on Sunday morning.

God started and sent His Son to die for the local church.  The local church is important to God.  Be at one this week.  Be faithful in attending one teaching what the Bible instructs and where you believe God has led you to attend.

“The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones.” —  Beecher

A Grateful Whale
Bill Brinkworth

A 45 – 50 foot humpback whale was rescued off the coast of San Francisco.  The whale had become entangled with ropes, crab traps, and weights.  The animal was so weighted down that he could hardly surface to get air.  A rescue team was summoned to free the 50-ton behemoth.

Divers went into the water and discovered at least 20 crab-pot ropes, each about 240 feet long, and their weights tightly wrapped around the whale.  The humpback’s tail was encircled four times by ropes.  Twelve crab traps, each weighing 90 pounds, hung off the whale.  (Those extra burdens entangling the creature remind me of all the sin that burdens so many sinners.)

Soon four divers were in the water cutting off the entanglements with curved knives.  The whale quietly waited and allowed the rescuers to free him.  The diver who cut the rope from the creature’s mouth remarked that the whale winked at him as he did his work.

After realizing he was free, the animal swam to each diver and nuzzled him.  It was as if the animal were thanking each one that had a part in his new freedom.  He certainly was appreciative of those that worked to free him.

Is it possible that the whale had better manners and appreciative courtesy than most people?  There are too many husbands that rarely thank their wives for all the important things they do to make their lives easier.

Too many children never even think of thanking their fathers for working diligently daily to provide for their upkeep.  Nor do they even consider thanking their mother for her sacrificial efforts to provide a good home for them. 

Countless bosses are the topic of criticism and gossip but are rarely thanked for providing a job for their employees.  Teachers put in long hours going the extra mile to grade papers and spend much of their time helping those who do not want to be helped.  Rarely do they receive any appreciation.

Police spend long days trying to protect residents they do not know.  Yet, the public’s guardians face ridicule and threats from many that are breaking the laws.  Rarely do they ever receive any gratitude.

Many make our lives much more pleasant and safe.  We owe them for their work and effort. 

It takes no intelligence or character to ridicule, judge, or criticize others.  It does take an appreciative spirit to realize what we have and to thank others for their part in our lives.  As the whale “thanked” his rescuers, many of us need to do the same to those who have helped us.

“If gratitude is due from children to their earthly parents, how much more is the gratitude of the great family of men due to our Father in Heaven.” 
— Hosea Ballou

Salvation — God’s Gift
Harry Todd

As you travel down life’s highway
It’s a broad road to destruction;
The Bible says that “All have sinned…”
And you must change direction.

Now you are helpless by yourself,
You are dead in trespasses and sin,
God hates sin; Heaven is holy,
Therefore you cannot enter in.

Someone must die because of sin,
It should be you and I,
But God loved the world so much
He sent His only Son to die.

Now Jesus paid the sin debt
Upon dark Calvary’s tree,
So you and I by simple faith
Are forgiven and set free.

By grace are ye saved through faith,
Not of works or by any deed;
Salvation is a gift of God;
So of His Word, you must take heed.

He came unto His own
But they turned Him away,
Now you can be a child of God
By receiving Christ today.

Today is the day of salvation,
Tomorrow may be too late,
Behold!  Now is the accepted time,
Oh!  Sinner, do not wait.

“The way to be saved is not to delay but to come and take.”  — Dwight L. Moody

The BIBLE VIEW #872 — Salvation

In This Issue:
There Are Not Different Ways to Be Saved
How Good Are You?
Christ, Our Captain

Volume: 872     August 22, 2022
Theme:  Salvation

Sign-up to receive the free DAILY VIEW e-mailed devotion at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M.  It includes a KJV chapter, a short explanation of something in the day’s reading, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul!


There Are Not Different Ways to Be Saved
Bill Brinkworth

No matter what anyone thinks or says, there is only one way to Heaven. The Word of God says that Jesus is the only Way (John 14:6).
“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

We must believe we cannot save ourselves and that our salvation is the gift of God purchased for us by the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  He died in our place for our sins! If we accept that and trust in that way only, then we can have God’s promise of an eternity in Heaven.
“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

However, many will not accept God’s terms of having an eternity with Him. They want to get there their way.  They trust they will get there by doing what they think is right or what their religion has taught them is the way, even though it is contrary to what the Bible teaches.

Before I was saved, I also had my ideas of how to get to Heaven, and they were just as non-biblical as:

  • “I believe I’m going to Heaven because my grandfather was a preacher….” Well, that is wonderful that he was.  Still, nobody’s righteous living or salvation can earn them Heaven for another. We must have a personal relationship with Jesus and trust Him as our Saviour.
  • “I believe I’m going to Heaven because I’m a good person.” Well, I am sure you are by most people’s standards, but going to Heaven is not measured by human standards. It is measured by God’s commandments, and He says that all are sinners (Romans 3:23)!

    It is not the sins one has committed lately that condemn one’s soul; it is a lifetime of transgressions. One must realize all are born with a sinful flesh incapable of pleasing God unless we allow God to create a new creature in us and save us from Hell.

Before I was saved, I thought my good works would get me to Heaven. Then I wondered, “If good works get one to Heaven, how many do you have to do? Is it 50, 100, or 10,000? Have I done enough?”  That haunting question led me to read the Bible.  After 40+ years of reading the Bible, I have never found the answers to that question because God’s Word never says that goodness will get anyone to Heaven. Salvation is God’s gift to you; it cannot be earned.

  • “I believe I’m going to Heaven because I’m an American.” That is good. I am American also, but being born in a “Christian” nation does not get anyone any higher than the tombstone. It is only by trusting Christ as Saviour!
  • “I believe I’m going to Heaven because my wife saved me.” That may sound funny to some, but some people who have married a spouse whose example helped alter their lives think that because they are better now, they will go to Heaven. Well, maybe you have a wonderful husband, wife, or parents, but again, we are accountable for ourselves (Romans 14:12, Matthew 13:36), and goodness cannot get us to Heaven!
  • “I believe I’m going to Heaven because I’m very religious.” Well, you may be. Unfortunately, some “religious” people try to do more to please God than many true Christians do. However, “religion” cannot save anybody; only trusting what Jesus has done for us will!
  • “I belong to a very good church.” Your church may teach biblical doctrine, but joining any church will guarantee no one Heaven. Some “religions” claim that only their religion can save. That is a lie! Only trusting Jesus Christ’s finished work on the Cross can get anyone to Heaven (John 3:3, John 3:16).
  • “I don’t believe there is a Heaven, Hell, or God, and I’ll just die like a dog, and that’s it!” Although I always handle that remark politely, the truth of the matter that is a foolish belief!
    “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

Too many people try to out guess God and do his thinking for Him. It does not matter what you or I think about obtaining Heaven, but what God says! It is God’s Heaven. He will allow us to go there under His conditions. His way is to accept Christ as our Saviour from eternal punishment (Romans 10:9). His way is the only way.

“Human nature’s way of salvation is, “Do, do, do.” But God’s way of salvation is, “Done, done. It is all done.” You have but to rely by faith on the atonement that Christ accomplished on the Cross.”  — Spurgeon


How Good Are You?
Bill Brinkworth

In the Bible, young David’s foe, Goliath, was a giant warrior.  It is recorded he was “six cubits and a span” tall. One immediately wonders, “How big is a cubit and a span?” 

A cubit is from the tip of one’s middle finger to the tip of the elbow.  Most assume it to be 18 inches.

Others say that it may have been measured by the cubit of the king at the time.  King Saul was a large man, so his cubit could have been 20 inches long.

To make it more confusing, other lengths are attributed to this measurement. The Babylonian cubit is 20.65 to 21.26 inches long. The long Hebrew cubit was 18.36 to 18.9 inches.

The exact size of a span is also questionable.  Its length is derived from the distance from an extended hand’s tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger.  Most assume it is nine inches.  One can easily see that this is also an unreliable measurement because it depends on whose hand is measured.

Depending on what standard was used, the giant Goliath may have been 9.75 to 11.5 feet tall. One can easily see that a subjective, comparative measurement is not accurate.  Man’s measuring is not always reliable.

Similar measuring is used when one compares his “goodness” with that of another.  “I am not as bad as that adulterer,” or “I’m not as bad as that liar and murderer.”  Who made you the standard for measuring who is naughty or nice?

Ultimately, it is not man’s standards that are accurate or count.  What one may think is good behavior, another may view as poor. Standards on measuring good conduct can change from one person to another and even change several times a day.   What is acceptable in one country may be abhorrent in another. Some behavior accepted today was frowned upon in previous generations.
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” II Cor. 10:12

Ignored by most, the origin of what defines righteousness and evil is God’s Word, the Bible.  Within its preserved pages, man can read what God says is right and wrong. His opinion never changes and is the only one that ultimately matters. His measurements of behavior have been steadfast throughout human history.

God cuts quickly to the chase.  He makes it quite clear, by His gauge, none are “good.”  As hard as man may try, he is still a sinner, and his efforts in controlling his conduct are only external, temporary, and fall short of what God deems good. 
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Rom. 3:23
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10  Also: Rom. 3:9, Gal. 3:22.

God’s honest judgment of us certainly should change our judging of others.  We are all sinners!

Except for God’s mercy and giving us a way to have our sins forgiven and forgotten, there would be no hope for us to miss Hell.  Forget your opinionated judgments of others and see yourself as God sees you —  a sinner and not “good.”  Your measuring tool of goodness means little.

However, we can be forgiven of our iniquities.  The only way is by trusting that Jesus’ death on the cross is payment for our wickedness.  Then, once cleared of our sins, we can follow God’s scriptural commandments and please our heavenly Father.  Our obedience and deeds are then “good” in His eyes.

“Don’t judge a man because he sins differently than you.  Some may be forgiven of their iniquities, but we are all sinners.”


Christ, Our Captain
Author Unknown

The Highland chief, McGregor, fell wounded by two bullets. Seeing their leader fall, the clan wavered and gave their enemy an advantage. The chieftain, beholding the effects of the disaster, raised himself upon his elbow, and while the blood gushed in streams from his wounds, he cried, “I am not dead, my children.  I am looking to see you do your duty.”

Those words revived the sinking courage of his clansmen to stem the dreadful tide of battle.  The leader’s presence was worth a thousand men.

The Captain of our salvation, Jesus, though slain, yet lives and looks upon his militant followers with unutterable tenderness of affection.  He desires all of us to continue onward and fight the good fight.  Don’t quit!  Onward you must go!

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 
I Timothy 6:12

The BIBLE VIEW #869 — Don’t Make Them Guess


In This Issue:
I Hope So
Current Whereabouts Unknown

Volume: 869     August 1, 2022
Theme:  Don’t Make Then Guess

Sign-up to receive the free DAILY VIEW e-mailed devotion at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M.  It includes a KJV chapter, a short explanation of something in the day’s reading, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul!

I Hope So
Bill Brinkworth

Although it was a solemn event, there were whispering conversations throughout the chapel.  One exchange in the far back was very concerned about the reason for the gathering.  Worrying and weeping soon whipped the group into an uncontrollable frenzy.

Aunt Jane tried to soothe those distraught by simply stating, “Well, my brother was a very good person.  I believe he is looking down on us right now.  He is in a better place and certainly deserves it with all he has put up with in this life.”

Several in the group remained silent but showed they agreed or hoped their aunt was right.  A few just quietly sobbed at the loss of their friend and brother.

Closer to the front, another party shared their opinions about the deceased friend.  One in the group tried to assure other mourners that there was no reason to be sad, as they were sure the dead friend was in Heaven.

Although a listener to the conversation knew it was inappropriate to voice a question, he wondered.  He doubted if the man was really in Heaven.  He reasoned, “He never went to church and showed no signs of being a Christian.   How are these people so sure he is in a ‘better place’?”

While waiting for the funeral service to begin, another concerned relative sat next to the preacher, who would give the message.  He turned to the pastor and sought some assurance.  “Preacher, my uncle was a nice man.  He always got me to laugh and was just good to me.  All these other folks are convinced he’s in Heaven, but I wonder.  He never went to church that I know of.  I can’t recall anything he ever did that would indicate he was a Christian.  On Sundays, he usually went fishing, and I don’t think he has ever even gone to church since I have known him.  Is he really in Heaven?  Can anyone really know that another has gone there?”

The preacher knew he would have to start the service soon, so he carefully weighed what he was going to say.  “Son, our opinions and beliefs, if they are not in concordance with what God’s Word says don’t really matter.  Only what God says matters.  And He says the only way to have assurance of going to Heaven is His way. 

“According to the Bible, one has to be born-again to go there.  One must be saved from Hell by trusting that there is nothing anyone can do to earn Heaven.  The only way is to believe that God’s only son, Jesus, who never sinned, paid the price for our salvation with His blood.  Good works won’t get anyone higher than the coffin lid.”

Then the preacher stopped the conversation as it was time for the service.   As he approached the pulpit, he remembered that this might be the last time those gathering may realize that they will one day be in the same position as the deceased. 

The pastor knew it would not be what all the mourners would want to hear, but it was his responsibility to tell the biblical truth about what the Bible says about our eternity.  He planned to make sure all that gathered would hear God’s way to spend eternity with Him. Just like the inquiring young man wanted to know, he was sure others did as well.  If he did not tell them God’s way of getting to Heaven, there might never be another opportunity for them to hear the truth.

Perhaps to comfort relatives at funerals or even themselves, most want to believe the deceased is in a “better place.”  Imagining a departed friend or relative is agonizing in the tormenting Hell is not a thought any would want to consider, even if it is true.  So, to keep from “ruining” the funeral and examining their own eternal, future destination, most services dwell more on the good thoughts rather than taking the time to make sure all listeners know of the only way to Heaven.  However,  eternal futures may be at stake.

Many preachers at funerals will not take the opportunity, while hearts are sensitive to their own eternity, to tell listeners about God’s way to Heaven.  It is not biblical to suppose that all are in Heaven.  The Bible even says that not all that die go there.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Good deeds, marvelous works, and religious routines and rituals are not the way to Heaven.  Too many believe they are and will one day sadly learn the truth when they do not open their eyes in Heaven.
“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

When one is genuinely saved and trusts Christ’s payment for their sins as the only way for an eternity with our Lord, His life will change.   The changes will be from the inside out, and most may see that a Christian’s life is different.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

So, when it is your time to be remembered in the funeral home, leave a memory that all will know where you are spending eternity.  Hopefully, those honoring your death will not suppose you are with Jesus.  They will know!  

People should not have to search desperately for some clues that you may be in Heaven.  It should be clear where you have gone because you lived a Christian life and had a godly testimony.

Current Whereabouts Unknown
Bill Brinkworth

I remember how we would laugh about going to Hell.  “Yeah, we’ll be together in Hell.  We’ll have a good time partying,” I laughed.

“Sure,” my friend scoffed as he guzzled down another beer.  “Yea, just one big party — forever and forever!”

Years went by.  After heartaches, learning the hard way, and much of God’s grace and mercy, I got saved.  Christ became my Saviour, and I tried to live for Him. 

My friends could tell something was different about me.  I no longer wanted to party with them.  They were uncomfortable around me as I shared with them what I had learned from the Bible.   Soon we grew completely apart and seldom spent time together.

As I grew in the Lord and studied the Bible, I learned more about the reality of Hell.  All the things I had heard about the place of torment were true.  What a horrible place it is!  It should not be taken lightly!  Then, I remembered the friend with whom I had scoffed at Hell.  I was burdened to see and warn him of the place, so he would not have to go there.

I visited his home.  He was still living with his parents, even though he was 35 years old.  We went up to his bedroom to talk.  Sin had taken a toll on his life.  The drugs and booze were a constant companion in his life — over 15 years of non-stop abuse.  He was not the same friend with whom I had grown up.

He was searching.  I could tell.  He had tried Buddhism for a while and even memorized a long chant from one of their books.  Still, that religion did not fill the empty spot he had in his life.

Later, he was involved with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, hoping they had the answers he sought.  I remember him telling me they were nice to him.  He was impressed that they had spent time with him, and he started attending their meetings.

I told him what the Bible says one must do and believe to have God’s promise of eternity in Heaven.  He admitted to me, “I thought the Witnesses had something, but as I got closer, I found that nobody had any real peace.  Bill, I still haven’t found any yet, and I don’t have the promise of eternity you have.”  His voice was sorrowful.  He had searched but found nothing to fill the emptiness his soul had.

“You know how I was and how the Lord has changed me.  He’s given me peace, help, and a lot of promises.  He’ll give them to you too, if you’ll accept Him as Saviour,”  I pleaded.  However, the other cult’s teachings he had been involved with brought doubt and confusion to his thoughts.

I explained and explained.  I did everything but beg, but my friend was even more confused.  Man-made religion had done much damage to his thinking.  When I left, he was still unsaved.  I urged him to at least visit the church where I had attended.  I’m not sure he ever did.

From time to time, I heard tidbits about my friend.  He had gotten involved in some indecent sin, probably the fruit of all the pornography that polluted his mind.  Once, the law required him to go to a psychiatrist, and my friend was put on drugs to keep him from feeling miserable.  His mental problems were probably from years of taking drugs.  (I remember his bragging about how “pot will never hurt me.”)  It certainly sounded like he was getting lonelier.  His behavior became more bizarre.  He hardly had any friends and never married.  What a lonely, empty life he lived.

I thought about him a lot.  Sometimes I prayed for him to get saved.

It had been years since we had seen each other when I got a telephone call from my mother.  Her voice was sad as she read me a story from her newspaper: “Last Wednesday, the body of a 40-year-old man was found at the foot of a 100-foot cliff at… Park.  He was rushed to the… Hospital.  The man’s name….”

I interrupted my mother’s voice, “It’s G., isn’t it?”  I knew it was him before she had even finished.  His sad, hard life had come to an end after an accident.

The hardest thing to grasp was where my friend went: Heaven or Hell?  Unless he had gotten saved, and I hope he did, he is in Hell.

Hell is a real place.  There is no party there!  There’s no way out.  

Are you sure that you would go to Heaven if you were to die right now?  You can know for sure!  It may be too late for my friend, but perhaps you can learn from his mistake.

“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

If you do not know for sure that you would spend eternity in Heaven, ask a preacher, or a saved friend.  If you do not know of one that can tell you what the Bible says, please e-mail me at
brinkworth@frontier.com.  I would be honored to share the biblical way to Heaven with you.  You need to know where your future whereabouts will be!

“Don’t let scoffers laugh you into Hell.  They cannot laugh you out of it.” — D. L. Moody

The BIBLE VIEW #857 — Being Sure

In This Issue:
I’m Sure
How to Know If You Are Saved
The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago

Volume: 857    May 1, 2022
Theme: Being Sure

The FREE printable versions (bulletin insert, large print, and e-mail versions) of this Bible View and many others can be found at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul.    Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to start receiving it.


I’m Sure
Bill Brinkworth

One hears many “I think I am saved” and “I hope I am”s.  However, a long time ago, I settled on “I am sure I am saved and bound for Heaven.”  Countless others also have been able to make that same claim.

The assertion of one’s salvation must be centered on one’s being convinced that the Bible is the Word of God and that He preserved it so we could know His will and way.  If God’s source of truth is not settled, then there is nowhere else to gain the peace in knowing one’s eternal destiny.  

One must be convinced that what the Bible says is straight from God’s lips to those who recorded it for Him.  Once the authority and validity of what God dictated are established and that it has been preserved for us, obedience to it is the next step.

Security of an eternity in Heaven cannot be relied on by what a person or religion says.  Unless it aligns with God’s Word, what a religion claims, no matter how many followers it has, can be false and dishonest

I first read and acknowledged that I was a sinner.  There was no question about it.  I knew my past and heart that it was wicked and did what it thought was right or pleasurable.  I was reminded and convicted of my transgressions against God as I read.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Rom.  3:23

Soon, I discovered that there was a terrible price to pay for my wickedness and sinning against a mighty and Holy Creator.  I did not want to pay for it, so I continued searching the Scriptures to find if there was a way to avoid the punishment due to me.  There was.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23

I found it!  God’s “way” had nothing to do with what I could do.  I could not take back my transgressions against a holy God.  Neither was there any way I could pay for my sin.  No amount of good deeds could save me or anyone!
“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
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” II Timothy 1:9

As I studied, I found that there was a way to have all my sins — past, present, and future — forgotten and forgiven by God.  That way was to realize Jesus had already paid for my sins.  All I had to do was believe by faith that God’s only Son was the only one worthy enough to pay for my great sin-debt.  The Word of God said it, so I believed it and then asked and trusted Christ as my Saviour from an eternity in the Lake of Fire.

After that great step of faith, total assurance came.  A change in my life occurred.

Prayers got answered.  I had prayed most of my life and did not recall an answered petition.  I thought that was how it was to be.  We asked but seldom got answers to requests.  However, after being saved, that changed. 

God had done the impossible countless times.  When there was no hope to get necessary solutions to troubles I faced, I could depend that He would do what was best.  HE NEVER let me down.  Believing His answers to be coincidences soon were seen as foolish explanations.  He was real, and my prayers reached His throne room, where He thought me worthy enough to help and answer my requests.

More assurance that the Word of God was preserved, reliable, and trustworthy came as He helped me through the many challenges I faced.  As I relied on His promises, any doubts that God’s Word was the only tangible source of truth vanished. 

After obeying what God commanded in the Bible, more changes occurred in my life.  Behavior that did not bother me in the past was recognized as unfruitful and often sin.  Those past actions were no longer desired and often purposedly avoided and halted.

As I yielded to God’s commandments,  I could see how he used me to do things that I would never have done in a thousand years.  Conversations with others about the Saviour and God’s goodness yielded fruit I never expected or imagined.  Without knowing the person’s situation, I often said exactly what they needed to encourage them to turn to the Saviour.  I knew that it was not me that helped, but the Lord was working through me to minister to others.

More opportunities of service to the Lord were made available.  I accepted the challenges to do what God led me to do.   Priorities shifted from selfishness to the importance of others and their needs.  After a while, I noticed I did not have to worry about my own needs as He would meet them. 

There have been struggles and challenges, but now I see that they were necessary to help me grow.  Through it all, I must claim that God has changed my life.  I am a new creature, although I still stumble and fall, and let the Lord down so many times.   
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 Also Mark.  14:38.

I have heard similar testimonies from Christians from all over the world.  Being born again by God’s grace changes a believer.   We are certainly not perfect, but the changes prove He is real and still working in our lives.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

Although your journey through this life is most likely different than mine, can you still claim that you are convinced you are a child of God and on the way to Heaven?  Have you been saved?

“So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and Hell, tell him this,  ‘I admit that I deserve death and Hell, what of it?  For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf.  His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is, there I shall be also.”
— Martin Luther


How to Know If You Are Saved
Bill Brinkworth

After one is born again (John 3:3), it is often questioned, “Am I really saved?  How can I know for sure?” I John 3 helps answer some of those questions and doubts.

  • The first proof is “Whosoever abideth in him [Jesus] sinneth not …” (I John 3:6).  A typical reaction after reading that verse would be one of panic, “Oh no, I have sinned since I have been saved; therefore, I must not be saved.” 
    “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” I John 3:6

    That is not what is being addressed there.  Throughout the New Testament, it has been established that we can still sin even after we’re saved (Romans 3:10, 23). In I John 2:1, Christians are commanded not to sin, but if they do, they have an advocate (a person who defends one’s case in a court of law) in Christ. Why would we need an advocate if we did not sin?
    “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” I John  2:1

    There also is a long list of righteous men that sinned, including Moses, Lot, David, and Peter. The soul may be saved, but the flesh they were born with will still sin if the spirit is not allowed to control it.

    In I John 3:6, “sinneth” refers to a continuance in sin. It implies a continuing practice of transgressing God’s commandments. When people are saved, they may sin, but they do not want to. If they do, they feel miserable until they get it right. The Holy Spirit in their spiritual hearts does not want to commit iniquity.  Sometimes the flesh lets that Spirit down, but a saved person will not want to sin!
  • Another proof is that a child of God will love the new family he is adopted into; he will love his Christian brothers and sisters.
    “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” I John 3:14
  • A compassionate heart (I John 3:17-19, 23) is also evidence of one’s salvation.  The indwelling Spirit of God attempts to take our minds off of ourselves and put them on the needs and concerns of others. He gives us the desire to help others.
    “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” I John 3:23
  • A child of God can ask the Lord for help, and he will receive it; an unsaved person does not have that opportunity.
    “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” I John 3:22
  • Those that think one can be saved and do whatever one wants most likely have never experienced the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  One that is saved will want to keep God’s commandments. It will trouble him if he does not.
    “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” I John 3:24

Salvation is not an “I think I am” or “I hope so” experience.  According to the scriptures, it is a know-so conviction in one’s heart (I John 3:19, 24, I John 5:13).
“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 5:13


The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
Hymn by Frank Graham

There was a time, I know,
When in the book of Heaven,
An old account was standing
For sins yet unforgiven;
My name was at the top
And many things below,
I went unto the Keeper,
And settled long ago.

Refrain:
Long ago, long ago,
Yes, the old account was settled long ago;
And the record’s clear today,
For He washed my sins away,
When the old account was settled long ago.

The Bible View #855 — Ephesians 2:8-9

In This Issue:
Is There Something More I Can Do?
Saved Only by God’s Grace
You Cannot Work Your Way to Heaven

Volume: 855    April 18, 2022
Theme: Ephesians 2:8-9

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Is There Something More I Can Do?
Bill Brinkworth

A rich man came to Jesus unintentionally admitting he committed the same mistake that most would not dare confess.  He confessed to having the same philosophy that sends most lost people to Hell.  The man’s misunderstanding is also where most churches and religions err.  His false belief was in his question, “… what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life” (Matthew 19:16).

This ruler (Luke 18:18) tried to work his way to Heaven by doing all he could to earn himself a place there.  He and most religions believe if you do enough good things, that good will outweigh the bad, and God will let you into Heaven.

False religions teach that obeying and following traditions, rules, catechisms, rites, sacraments, pillars of the faith, or their religion’s teachings will get them to Heaven.  Wrong!  Unbiblical!  That thinking distinguishes man-made religions from real Christianity!

True Christianity is the only “religion” that teaches one does not have to do anything to get to Heaven except believe what Jesus did for them and ask for salvation from Hell.  One does not have to “pay” for salvation by doing good works because it already has been paid for them by Jesus Christ’s sacrificial deed.

After receiving salvation, one will want to do all one can to please and obey God and His commandments out of love and gratitude.  However, those good acts have nothing to do with getting saved.

All have sinned.  All do not only commit iniquity but were born sinners.  Because of sin, no one can get higher than the coffin lid after death.  That is the bad news.

However, there is good news.  There is a person who never sinned.  His undeserved death on the cross is the sole payment God will accept to cover anyone’s sin.  It is Jesus alone, God’s only son, that was worthy enough to pay for our transgressions.
“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

Trying to do good “works” to earn Heaven is not accepting Christ’s finished work on the cross.  That rejection shows disbelief that Christ’s sacrificial payment was not enough to cover a person’s iniquities

Like the rich ruler, doing good deeds and living the way one thinks is right is not enough to earn eternity in Heaven.  That man had done “right” his whole life, yet he was still looking for one more thing to do to guarantee eternal life.

Good deeds never satisfy God because they are not enough.  Trusting that one loves us so much that He gave his life so that we can live eternally is the only way God will accept.

Are you 100% certain that you would go to Heaven if you were to die today, tomorrow, or a hundred years from now?  You can be sure because the “ticket” has been paid for.  All you must do is believe and accept God’s wonderful gift!
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”  II Timothy 1:9
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Saved Only by God’s Grace
Bill Brinkworth

In Ephesians 2, Paul addressed converted Gentiles (Ephesians 1:1) and reminded them how they became Christians.  This crucial action has eluded many religions, even some “Christian” denominations.

The distinctions that separate lost, even religious, people from the saved are:

  • A saved person is saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 1:8) because Jesus died on the cross and paid for their sins.

    Grace is “free, unmerited love” from God.  A person is saved not because one is good-looking, of superior intelligence, or a good person.  All are saved because God is good, He loves us, and it has nothing to do with whom we are or what we have done.
  • If we make the first step to believe Jesus died for our sins, God’s love will do the rest.  We must go first, not wait to have proof, but do as a child does when doing what his parents tell him to do.  The child believes and obeys. We must do the same and trust what God has told us.
    “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8
  • We are saved because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.  There is nothing we can do to earn God’s approval and allow us to go to Heaven other than trusting Christ as Saviour.  No amount of good works, kindness, or religious mumbo-jumbo will get us higher than the coffin lid.  We cannot earn our way because Jesus has already paid our “ticket” to Heaven.  Trying to earn salvation is negating the trust by faith we must have.
    “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:9
  • However, doing deeds according to what Scripture commands, doing what we can do for the cause of Christ, or bringing honor to God after we are saved is the right thing to do for Him (Ephesians 1:10).  A born-again person should want to serve the Lord, not just sit and soak up God’s goodness.

Many nod their head in agreement with Ephesians 2:8-9 but do not connect what it says to what they may do or believe.  The two verses’ whole point is there is nothing we can do to earn an eternity in Heaven.

We must trust what God has already done for us.  However, even biblical doctrines have been turned into good works people hope will make them worthy of Heaven.  Countless people and religious leaders have justified their salvation because “I have been baptized,” “I tithe,” “I help the poor,” “I live a good life,” or “I obey the rules of my church.” They are good works that will please God after one is saved, not good works to get one saved.  Those deeds become conditions added to what God said to do in Ephesians 2:8-9.

It is only faith that will get one God’s promise of Heaven.  One cannot add anything to it.

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Titus 3:4-5


You Cannot Work Your Way to Heaven
Bill Brinkworth

It seems natural to many people that if they do good deeds, God will be pleased and let them into Heaven.  Although there are many scriptures encouraging people to be less selfish and concentrate on meeting the needs of others, nowhere is it mentioned that those good acts will get anyone to Heaven.  The Bible declares that there is nothing we can do but trust Christ as Saviour to have a heavenly home.
“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

God’s way for us to see Heaven is that innocent blood had to be shed to have our sins forgiven.  The only payment God will accept for all of a sinner’s transgressions is the sacrificial death of God’s only son, Jesus.   No one can achieve Heaven for what they have done, but because of what Christ did for them.  Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
“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

Although good works will get no one to Heaven, a Christian is to do good deeds.  He is to do them, not to earn Heaven, but to be a good Christian example.  We should be a blessing to others because we love the Saviour and want to be obedient to His commandments.  When we shine our Christian “light,” others may see God’s goodness and will also turn to Him.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mat.  5:16
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:8 Also: Heb. 10:24, I Tim 2:10, I Tim.  5:10, I Tim.  6:18, II Tim. 3:17, Titus 1:16.

“I am not a Christian because I am strong and have it all figured out.  I am a Christian because I am weak and admit I need a Saviour.” — Author Unknown

The Bible View #840 — Assurance of Salvation

In This Issue:
Doubt vs. Assurance
How Can I Know I Am Saved
If One Could Get Unsaved…

Volume: 840     January 3, 2022
Theme: Assurance of Salvation

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Doubt vs. Assurance
Bill Brinkworth

The Bible clearly teaches that one cannot lose salvation when saved. Jesus paid for everyone’s sins that have trusted on His sacrifice on Calvary’s cross to cover their iniquities  ― past, present, and future.
“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 10:28-29
“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 5:13  Also: John 6:37, I Corinthians 15:3, Isaiah 53:5.

Although most realize that salvation is a gift from God, some try to add good works to “keep” their salvation. Others often feel their salvation was too “easy” to get and are unsure if they are a child of God.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8

Some go years constantly battling. “Am I saved or not”? “Have I lost it because of something I did or didn’t do?”

Many that have been saved are not assured that they are born-again. Doubts rob them of the joy, peace, and security they could have if they knew for sure that one would eventually be with Jesus. 

God never intended for the rescue of one’s soul from a fiery eternity to be a guessing game. A child of God can know for sure that they are saved and not guess any longer. Doubt can be silenced by believing what the Bible says about it:
Doubt may be unbelief in disguise:
“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Mat. 17:20  

Doubt indicates little faith:
“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Mat. 14:31  Also: Mat. 21:21, Mark 11:23.

Doubt makes one unsure and confused:
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” James 1:6

Doubt keeps one from accomplishing all one could:
“And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” Luke 17:6
“And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?” Acts 2:12

Doubt sees things inaccurately:  
“And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live” Acts 28:4  The islander’s assumption about Paul was wrong.

Doubt questions:
“I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.” Gal. 4:20  
Doubt, however, can be a legitimate red flag of one not being born again. It can be a nagging force to get one to seek what the Bible says one must do to have the assurance of going to Heaven. However, that can be eliminated by simply doing what the Bible says one must do to be saved:

  • Know one is a sinner (Rom. 3:16).
  • Know that there is an eternal price-tag for your sins (Rom. 6:23).
  • Know that Jesus paid for our sins if we trust what he did for us to cover ALL our sins (Rom. 5:23).
  • Then with the heartfelt conviction, ask and trust that all one must do is ask (“confess”) Him to save you from the punishment due because of sin.
    “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.” Rom. 10:9

If one believes and trusts what the Bible says, then one must have the faith that they are saved. It is ONLY faith that anyone is saved. 
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Eph. 2:8  Also: Rom. 1:17, 3:28, 5:1, 10:17.

Often, however, after that step of reliance is taken, God will cement that trust into concrete proof. The assured believer will see changes in their thinking and actions (II Corinthians 5:17), answers to prayers, and understanding of things that were not previously clear.

Doubt of one’s salvation will cause a crippled walk with the Lord. It makes one wonder if questioning one’s salvation is another debilitating weapon Satan uses to keep another Christian soldier off the battlefield. However, knowing what the Bible teaches about knowing for sure one is saved can silence the destructive and handicapping doubt:

Assurance comes from one’s confidence in one’s beliefs. If one knows God’s Word is the truth and believes what it says, that should settle the doubts. Further doubts of God’s truth should be barred from one’s thought-life. “God said it. I believe it. That settles it. Then Satan, leave me alone!”
“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 can keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” II Tim. 1:12

Assurance comes from believing what God’s Word says!
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;” 1 Corinthians 15:3

Assurance is trust!
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

Assurance is proof of one’s salvation:
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” Isa. 32:17

Assurance is proof of one’s faith!
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Heb. 10:22

Assurance makes our beliefs unshakeable and sure.
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Heb. 10:23

After being saved, most have their doubts about their deliverance from Hell’s fiery flames and eternal destination with the Lord. There must come the point when one puts their finger on the promises of God and wholly trusts them. That is all anyone ever has. Do you believe what God says about salvation or not?

“Every step toward Christ kills a doubt.  Every thought, word, and deed for Him carries you away from discouragement.”  — Culyer


How Can I Know I Am Saved?
Bill Brinkworth

A person can know if he is saved. If one has trusted in Christ’s death as payment for one’s sins as the only way to Heaven, changes in one’s life will be seen.

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.” 1 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 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 born-again child of God 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 that 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 upon whom he can trust and rely.
“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 fruit — NEW behaviors“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….” Gal. 5:22-25  

When the Spirit of God indwells us, there are some things He wants done in our lives. Those changes that we allow Him to do in us are proofs of our salvation.

“Why didn’t someone tell me I could become a Christian and settle the doubts afterward?” — Harper


If We Could Get Unsaved…
Bill Brinkworth

The Bible teaches that when one is born again (John 3:3) into the family of God, one’s salvation cannot be lost! No one certainly deserves such a wonderful gift as eternal life. It is the gift God gives to those that trust Christ’s payment was enough for their sins.

Many, however, fear they can lose their salvation. Logically, this makes little sense. If one really could lose their salvation, it would mean that:

Jesus did not die for all my sins. We know Jesus did die for all our sins: the sins of our great-great-grandfather, our sins, and our great-grandchildren. The iniquities Christ paid for on the cross were for all our trespasses. That includes the trespasses against God we did before we were saved, the ones that we will commit today, and the ones we will do next year — all iniquity!
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;” 1 Corinthians 15:3
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Jesus’ payment for sin was not enough for the trespasses we did today. If one believes they can lose their salvation, then they imply that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was not sufficient to cover sins.
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
“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
“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:25 Also: I Corinthians 15:3.

His death was in vain. If one believes that Jesus’ death alone was not enough to save them, then His death on the cross was unnecessary and for naught! However, the Bible says:
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” II Timothy 1:9

They are doing something to keep their salvation. Opinions of this nature usually follow with thoughts of doing good things to earn or keep their salvation. God’s Word says:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2:8-9 

Then God is a liar! If one thinks they can lose their salvation, they prove that they do not believe what God’s Word says about receiving eternal salvation. They would be implying He is a liar. Perish the thought. It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). God’s Word says:
“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 10:28-29

“Whoso draws nigh to God one step through doubtings dim, God will advance a mile in blazing light to him.” — Unknown

The Bible View #803 — Repentance

In This Issue:
Many “Second” Chances
The Nature of Repentance
Repentance…
Tears of Repentance
The Bible and Repentance

Volume: 803    March 29, 2021
Theme: Repentance

Many “Second” Chances
Bill Brinkworth

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5

In Luke 13:2-4, Jesus reports two terrible tragedies that occurred. One was a man, who some believe might have been the notorious Judas of Galilee (Acts 5:37), whose death was ordered by Pilate (Luke 13:1).  The other was the unusual end of 18 people when a tower fell on them (Luke 13:4).

Of both events, Jesus asked His listeners if they thought the deceased were terrible sinners to have had such horrible deaths. Apparently, the one that Pilate killed had committed some horrific infraction against the government.  Although most likely caused by accident, the other tragic deaths appeared to be a judgment from God.

Although not all deaths and hardships are judgments from God, sometimes they are.  Jesus addressed those that are by answering His questions by saying, “… except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5).

Jesus explained with the use of a parable (Luke 13:6-9) to help his listeners understand why God sometimes allows terrible things to happen to those who are blatantly sinning. The parable is about a fig tree that would not produce any fruit.  The man who owned the tree was not happy that for several years it had not given fruit.  He was going to give it one more chance to produce fruit. If it did not, he was going to have it cut down.

When one is in sin, God is very patient and merciful.  He could easily bring a sinner’s life to an end, but He gives him multiple chances to stop his sin and change his lifestyle.  As with the fig tree, there may come a time that a person will not turn from their sin, and God will end their life.

What a warning to those that think they are “getting away” with sin!  There will come a time that God’s mercy will not be poured out on one’s ignoring God’s commandments.  There is always a payday for sin someday.  Turn from violations against God, and ask for His forgiveness today!

“You cannot repent too soon because you do not know how soon it may be too late.”  — Fuller



The Nature of Repentance
R. Watson

As explained by John the Baptist’s ministry, repentance is a conviction of the fact of sin — a painful conviction.  A conviction that never produced humility, never sighed, never wept, and never sought solitude for prayer and reflection is not an element of true repentance. 

Repentance is a serious and painful apprehension of the danger of sin’s involvement.  Hence John asked the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism, “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees [‘religious,’ but ungodly sect members] come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Mat. 3:7 There can be God’s wrath for continuance in sin.

Repentance is a humble confession of sin.  The people generally confessed to John, for he could not enter into the particulars of each case.  To God, they confessed their sins in detail.

Repentance is fruitful.  Under its influence, the churl (bad-mannered people) becomes kind, and the unjust become righteous. Those who had formerly been careless of their spiritual interests wait upon God in using every means of grace.

Repentance is despairing but can bring hope.  The people who were awakened under John’s ministry felt that in themselves, there was no help.  He taught them to seek Christ the Saviour.

“Being sorry you got caught in the commission of sin is not always repentance.  Repentance is sincerely desiring you had never done the iniquity in the first place and doing all you can, with God’s help and forgiveness, never to do it again!



Repentance…
Bill Brinkworth

  • Stopping sin, bad behaviors, and habits does not get one forgiven.
  • Stopping sin, bad behavior, habits, and living a better life does not give anyone entrance to Heaven.  One must be saved (John 3:3) to go to Heaven.
  • Stopping sin, bad behaviors, and habits may ease your guilt.  It will not reduce your guiltiness between you and the Father unless you ask for forgiveness (Romans 10:9).
  • Stopping sin, bad behaviors, and habits can be good “works” if you think it will clear your sin-slate with God.  Good works that we can do will get no one to Heaven:
    “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.” Eph. 2:8 -9
  • Not stopping sin, bad behaviors, and habits when the Holy Spirit convicts one’s heart may harden one’s heart from further hearing His convicting “voice.”

“Deathbed repentance is burning the candle of life in the devil’s service and then blowing the smoke into the face of God.” — Billy Sunday



Tears of Repentance
E. Irving

The tears of repentance differ greatly from the tears shed over the loss of some things or friendships. They are different from tears of disappointments.  Real tears of repentance are those that the Lord blesses because of a heart that wants to get right with Him.
“… Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.” Luke 6:21

Those are the tears of repentance, which Peter shed when he went out and wept bitterly (Mat. 26:75).  They are the same tears that Mary Magdalene shed when she washed her Lord’s feet.  They are the tears that burst from our hearts when we looked upon Jesus, whom we pierced because of our sins, and when we remember unrepented sin.

“Late repentance is seldom true, but true repentance is never too late.”
 — Venning



The Bible and Repentance
Gleaned from Bible Readings for the Home, pg. 89-90

  • Who is called to repentance?
    “I [Jesus] came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32
  • What accompanies repentance?
    “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:” Matthew 3:8
  • Who awakens the soul to a sense of its sinful condition?
    “And when he [the Holy Spirit] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” John 16:8
  • What will the truly repentant sinner be constrained to do?
    “For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” Ps. 38:18
  • What is the result of godly sorrow?
    “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” II Cor. 7:10
  • What leads sinners to repentance?
    “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Rom. 2:4

“If we put off repentance another day, we have a day more to repent of and a day less to repent in.”  — Venning