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The world has never more needed the example of Christ depicted in His Good Samaritan parable.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Christ’s saints are to be integrally, literally involved in helping others (1 John 3:14-22).

Luke 10:25-37

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

ARE YOU being the good Samaritan today or the Priest and Levite? What’s the difference?

“Condescend (stoop down in humility) to men of low estate.” Romans 12:16

FB Meyer on this parable of the Good Samaritan

“Luke 10:25-37
THE MAN WHO LOVED HIS NEIGHBOR
This parable was probably suggested by the journey up to Jerusalem. It may be founded on an actual occurrence. Notice how the Master answered the inquiry, Who is my neighbor? He said in effect: The question is not, Who will “neighbor” you? but, Whom will you “neighbor?” You ought to ask, Who wants my help? Neighborhood consists, not in what you receive, but in what you give. It is independent of race, creed and the ordinary sentiment of pity. Love overleaps all these distinctions and risks its very life in order to render help. In fact, this parable is a very poem of Love. It is to be compared with 1Co_13:1-13.

Notice those two clauses, He took care of him and Take care of him, Luk_10:34-35. It is thus that our Lord deals with us. When we are too far gone to ask for His help, He comes to our side and restores our ebbing life; and He raises up others to do the same. At the best, we are pilgrims and refresh ourselves in inns, but the home awaits us yonder! Begin by loving with your ‘strength’ and you will end with the ‘heart!'”

 

WHO are we in this parable? Are we the priest, the Levite, or the good Samaritan? In other words, are we real disciples, or are we fake religionists?

The refusal to help someone in need is a clear revelation of the disdain for God in the heart of the priest, the Levite. Counterfeit religionists.

God is Watching

ARE YOU PERSONALLY STANDING UP TO DEFEND, TO RENDER AID… to those who are unjustly dealt with, the poor? ALL who truly saved are. Everyone else is consumed with the sinful god of self. Read the resumé of the wicked, who are said to have a “form of godliness.” Read 2 Timothy 3:1-13. Repent and obey Jesus or perish (Matthew 7:19-21).

“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. 11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:10-12

Why do the priests and Levites of this parable of the Good Samaritan ignore the needs of others? It’s because they were unrepentant and full of self, just as was prophesied of this last generation before Jesus’ return – where false professors, counterfeits would be “lovers of their own selves” and therefore could care less about anyone else but themselves (2 Timothy 3:1-13).

Those not actively involved in the Great Commission work of Christ prove they love self and not the Savior. Counterfeits.

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

ALL who know and love the Savior are busy primarily, most prominently, about the “Father’s business.” (Luke 2:49) They have laid down their own lives in this fleeting work and are abandoned to Christ’s work. Daily they deny self, take up the cross (crucified life), and follow Jesus authentically (Luke 9:23-24; 13:3; 14:27, 33; 17:33; 19:27).

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:19-21

Saving grace, when a person is possessed by it, enables over coming sin and makes them free to obey God (Romans 6:14; Titus 2:11-12). Anything less is a lie.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17

If you are not actively, today, busy about the “Father’s business” … you have chose to reject Christ and are His very enemy (Matthew 12:30; Luke 2:49; 19:27).

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27 

Read that again. Who did Jesus say His “enemies” are?

Who is reigning in your life, on the throne of your heart today?

IF you are not seeking, serving, worship, obeying Jesus, you are separated from Him – you have rejected the Son of God. Read Matthew 7:13-29 and 1 John 3. You are hell bound. 100% you are a counterfeit and your fake “Christianity” of church attendance, etc. is a flimsy sham you hide behind. God sees right through it and is calling you to repent at once.

Jesus says “Come unto me.” (Matthews 11:28-30) Repentance alone will yield the refreshing of Heaven in your life. | Fresh Start with God

Jesus is the Ultimate Good Samaritan

All who truly love the Bridegroom supremely will follow Him – as He laid down His life for us, so shall we lay down our lives for Him.

The depth of the death and burial in your life is going to determine the height of the resurrection in your life (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Nothing is going to work right without the cross at the center of your life – Christ’s redeeming cross, and the one He commanded you to take up daily (Matthew 20:38-39; Luke 9:23-24).

DO YOU really want to die as you are? Are you in prayer and ACTION in the Great Commission? If not, do you really think you will hear from Jesus “Well done”? Or will you hear “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:21,23, 41).

“Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:45-46 

When we don’t help Christ’s sheep and His work, and others in need, we are an afront the bless-ed Savior – “ye did it not to me.” “Everlasting punishment” in hell awaits those who are not participating in the work of Christ. They prove they do not love Him supremely. Yet “life eternal” awaits those who are doers of the work of God, who participating in the “Father’s business.” (Luke 2:49) They prove their love for Jesus by their obedience to Him (John 14:15, 21-24; Titus 1:16; James 1:22; 2; 1 John 2:3-6; 3:1-10, etc.).

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:20-21

All who don’t have the “fruit” of Good Samaritan good works prove they are not known of the Father and will not be with Him. Such are in utter need of true repentance (Matthew 3:7-10).

Neglecting to help others in need, to participating in the work of the Gospel, the Great Commission, is sin. God sees it – He sees that you have ability to pray, to act, to give and is holding you personally responsible to obey Him with what He has given you to use for His glory.

God sees it. The sin of omission.

Enduring to the end in saving faith, is essential to eternal glory (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:22-23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39).

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

Modern Laodicea

America is the doorway to hell – with the complete abuse of liberty and riches by the vast majority who claim they are saved. But God is going to judge each of us on the basis of His written Word, not according to that which laughingly calls itself “Christian” in America.

Hell is full of “good church members” who bid Godspeed to wolves who use them to build their own church “business” empire (2 John 9-11).

When’s the last time you fasted with prayer? When’s the last time you personally led someone to Jesus? WHO are you putting the Word of God into the heart of?

Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan is playing out before our very eyes (Luke 10:25-37).

Just like the religious priest and levite, the false professors of our day refuse to stop and render aid, practical help to the hurting. Instead they raise their noses undergirded by their false excuses – and God sees it all (Proverbs 24:10-12). Case in point is how many have done zero, have not even whispered a prayer for the unjustly jailed innocent J6ers, 1600 of them. When they were given the bless-ed opportunity to give so that the Scripture-rich ministry books could be sent to the J6ers, they refused to lift a finger to send even $10 or $20. Thank God for those very few who gave. In doing so you have treasure in Heaven waiting (Matthew 6:19-24). You are the good samaritans of our day, of these final days before our LORD returns!

The religious priests and Levites of today are those who have no charity, no love in action, proving they are goats who will be separated from the sheep of Christ’s pasture and vanquished into the flaming prison of fire. They were too busy justifying their demonic hatred for the man who GOD raised up and is using to set those innocents free. Trump.

Do we begin to see that this is much deeper, eternally deeper and more significant than a man, a candidate? See 1 John 3:16-22.

We are seeing the separation between Christ’s sheep and the goats (Matthew 25).

Maybe in His mercy, in the days ahead, God will allow these goats to be unjustly incarcerated for themselves to see how it feels. That would be mercy – because these people are as sure for hell – to be irrevocably incarcerated therein – as if they were already there.

They are “lovers of their own selves” and so have no heart for anyone else. They have a mere “form of godliness” (2 Timothy 3:1-13). They won’t so much as give up 4 cups of coffee monthly to feed the poor, to help fund the preaching of the Gospel to the lost.

Talk is cheap.

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 7:19

It’s simple: Repent and bring forth fruit meet for, consistent with, true repentance (Matthew 3:7-10). Render aid to those in need around you. Abandon your life in this world. Deny self. Take up the cross daily. Follow Jesus, or perish in the the flames of eternal damnation, world with out end, as a counterfeit, a self-serving rebel.

Perhaps the priest and Levite (mere religionists) who passed by and refused to help the man who was robbed and left for dead thought within themselves…. “Well, I help people at my local church. I give at the church.” But Jesus condemned both those religionists and confirmed the Good Samaritan.

Crushing the Lies – the Priest and the Levite Live Today

“The Parable of the man left by the side of the road, wounded and left for dead (Luke 10:25-37), serves as a model for the great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), and represents loving Jesus with your whole heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22: 34-40). The man in this Parable represents all of humanity in their fallen state. A dying world. Dead in their trespasses, with no hope. The medicine is the blood of Christ that can give us peace with God and cleanse us from our sins. V34 ‘Set him on his own beast,’ meaning the good Samaritan walked along side him. We are to be the good Samaritans who bring the lost to Jesus. Do we have compassion on the lost as Jesus did (Mark 6: 34)? Or are we selfish and too self-absorbed to see the people who are lying by the side of the road dying in their sin and in need of Jesus? Like the Priests and Levites did in the story, they passed by blinded by their own selfishness.” Karen Cochran

All organized religion is 100% false. It’s puts out the fire of the people. Christ did not come to begin a new religion but rather to establish His kingdom in the hearts of men (Matthew 16:18). Jesus says “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, 7). Religion is not the way to Jesus – Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). Satan’s religions, while promising to be the way to God actually subvert the Gospel of Christ and prevent men from knowing Him, sending them to a devil’s hell irrevocably. This is something you never hear in organized liturgical cults or any organized churches. Repent now and follow Jesus only – according to HIS written Word (KJB). Or perish in the flames of eternal damnation. There is only one LORD, Savior, Redeemer, and KING – JESUS CHRIST. Make peace with God now – before it’s too late.

What do we truly value, love?

WHAT you are spending your time and money on reveals exactly what’s important to you, what you value, where your heart truly is.

¨Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.¨ Matthew 6:19-21

Money, Material Wealth, and Riches [podcast]

We know Jesus has mercifully found and saved and is taking care of us. And so we join the ultimate Good Samaritan, the Savior, in reaching out, taking care of, ministering to, loving others.

Do you desire for God to use you mightily as He did in the story of the Good Samaritan?

Stop. Surrender.

“If you see someone falling behind, walk beside them. If you see someone being ignored, find a way to include them. If someone has been knocked down (by life), lift them up. Always remind people that they are the very creation of God who has a special purpose for them in His family and in this temporal world. One small act could mean the world to them.” unknown

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Is your life all about you or Jesus?

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

Precious one of the LORD, do people around you see Jesus? Do they see something in your life that is presently absent from their own life?

PRAYER: Holy Father, You are the Potter and I am Your clay. Please pour the water of Your Holy Spirit on my heart to make me poor and pure in heart. Please grant me to have an heart of flesh. Take away the stony places of my heart which were caused by my own rebellion, my own sin – namely self-righteousness, self-idolatry, pride, and unbelief. Please have Your way in my life. Here and now, I lay my life in Your hands. From this moment forward, not my will but Thine be done dear Jesus! Now please use me to help, to lift up the downtrodden. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Abiding

Man Shall not Live by Bread Alone [podcast]


“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2

Spiritual growth occurs when we ingest the words of God, embrace, incorporate, and walk them out.

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”Psalms 33:11

The graphic message below is from a dear sister in Christ named Cassandra, on SubStack:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You for finding and forgiving me and saving me into Your eternal family. Help me realize the utter importance of feeding on Your Word daily. I love You dear LORD Jesus. Help me to love You more LORD. Help me to feed, to nourish the members of Your body with Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Abiding

The Prayer Life of Jesus [podcast]


Prayer is communion, communing with God. Those who earnestly seek God in prayer, who earnestly seek to know Him and to fulfill His will for their temporary lives in this world…. will glorify Him here and to be with Him eternally.

What do we learn from the prayer life of our LORD Jesus?

“Luke 5:16 PRAYERS OF JESUS. Luke stresses more than the other gospels the place of prayer in the life and work of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at the Jordan, He was ‘praying’ (3:21), at times He withdrew from the multitudes ‘and prayed (5:16);  ‘and He continued all night in prayer before choosing the twelve disciples (6:12). He was ‘alone praying’ before He asked His disciples an important question (9:18); at His transfiguration He climbed the mountain ‘to pray’ (9:28); the actual transfiguration occurred while ‘he prayed’ (9:29); and He ‘was praying’ just before He taught the disciple’s the Lord’s Prayer (11:1). In Gethsemane He ‘prayed more earnestly’ (22:44); on the cross He prayed for others (23:34); and His last words uttered before His death were a prayer (23:46). Luke also mentions that He prayed after His resurrection (24:30).

In examining the life of Jesus in the other Gospels, we note that He prayed before extending the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour …’ (Mat. 11:25-28); He prayed at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:41-42), for Peter (Luke 22:32), and during the institution of the Lord’s Supper (John 17).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23

“14:23 PRAY ALONE. While on earth, Jesus often sought time to be alone with God (cf. Mark 1:35; 6:46; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 22:41-42; Heb. 5:7). Time alone with God is essential to the spiritual well-being of every believer. We must continually remember that the lack of desire for solitary prayer to our heavenly Father is an unmistakable sign that the spiritual life within us is in a process of decline. If this is happening, we must turn from all that offends the Lord and renew our commitment to persevere in seeking God and His saving grace.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1

“18:1 MEN OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY. Jesus was frequently concerned that His followers pray continually in order to accomplish God’s will for their lives. From this parable of the widow who persevered we learn several things; (1) We must persevere in prayer with regard to all matters until Jesus returns (vv 7-8; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). (2) In this life we have an adversary (v. 3), Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). Prayer can protect us from the evil one (Mat. 6:13). (3) In our prayers we should cry out against sin and for justice (v 7). (4) Persistent prayer is counted as faith (v. 8). (5) In the final days before the return of Christ, there will be increased diabolical opposition to the prayers of the faithful (1 Tim. 4:1). Because of Satan and the pleasures of the world many will cease having a persistent prayer life (8:14; Mat. 13:22; Mark 4:19).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

SUMMATION you might ask?

Following Jesus by living a life of prayer with the Father and Himself – living your life in complete submission to and dependency upon the LORD …. daily declaring with John the Baptist that “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Be persistent. Be relentless – in praying, communing with your God!

Read aloud, begin to memorize and live out:

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Prayer

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IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING? [podcast]


Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can

Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each and every one of us.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Notice if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not endure to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.).

Are you judging yourself, testing and discerning your life against Holy Scripture?

“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.” Proverbs 28:5

Counterfeits refuse to judge their actual fruit, their lives. They want the assurance of eternal glory with no responsibility of actual repentance and an abiding, obedient relationship with the Savior they claim. They want the crown without the cross. They do not wish to be bothered with truly engaging in an abiding relationship with Jesus on His stated terms but rather seek to use Him to get them out of hell. Jesus tells all who’ve been saved that abiding, remaining in Him to the end of their lives is essential to eternity with Him (John 15:6, etc.).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Is believing the biblical truth that a saved person can backslide, fall away, and forfeit their place with God (lose salvation) a bad thing? No. It’s only a bad thing in the minds of those who want to live on their own depraved, self-serving terms while deluding themselves into thinking they are going to God’s holy Heaven.

WHY are we so afraid of doubting if we are truly saved – born again AND presently abiding in Christ? (John 15:1-6). It will be too late when we die which could be today. Think about this. NOW is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) and so today is the day to honestly examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31-32; 2 Corinthians 13:5). Please read the LORD’s book of Ezekiel. You will discover many divine treasures in this magnificent volume. Share this message if you wish to help others.

“A disciplined conscience is a man’s best friend. It may not be his most amiable, but it is his most faithful monitor.” Austin Phelps

LORD Jesus, please grant me the Holy Fear of God!” should be the daily prayer of every true saint.

“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalms 86:11

I told someone recently that I love listening to a preacher or reading Scripture that can make me doubt my salvation because it further quickens my spirit in the fear of God to scamper to the feet of Jesus afresh.

Assurance of salvation and how it possesses the authentic disciple and not the counterfeit.

“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. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:19-21

As we see in the passage above, assurance of salvation fills the hearts of all born again believers are who working out their own salvation with fear and trembling.

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 

There are conditions the LORD requires to procure and walk in His blessings.

Assurance of salvation is biblical. Eternal security is not. The idea that one is eternally secure no matter what they do after being saved, is a lie from hell. Jesus told us that among those He saves, any who don’t abide, continue with Him, will be cast into the fire (John 15:6).

The lack of a clear conscience, the lack of assurance in one’s heart, is due to the lack of present abiding, obedience. All who are Christ’s and presently abiding, are filled with the assurance of His salvation. Read John 15.

Wolves among us, when addressing assurance, nearly never speak of the personal responsibility God gives to all He saves – to obey Him (John 14:15, 21-23, etc.). When one lacks assurance, it’s only because they have chosen to lack obeying the Savior (2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

WHAT ABOUT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE DOUBTS THAT YOU ARE TRULY SAVED?

When a true believer in Jesus Christ questions someone’s salvation, it is in no way to be rude, but rather out of godly concern. Jesus told us to “know” (discern) people “by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16, 20). Good “fruit” (produce) can only come forth from the born again, abiding disciple of Jesus. Good fruit comes forth from a real relationship with Christ (John 15). One must know Him and that begins at the moment of true repentance and faith (Acts 20:21).

If the overall fruit of someone’s life is not that which the Bible teaches is consistent with truly knowing Jesus and having been regenerated, then there should be concern.

There are some among us who violently object to doubting someone’s salvation, Yet, based on the biblical mandate to “know” (discern) others “by their fruits,” this will happen at times (Matthew 7:16, 20). When a professing Christian’s salvation is doubted based upon lack of good fruit to prove it, some become irate with a “How dare you doubt my/that person’s salvation! Just who are you to do such a thing!?”  But wait a minute – didn’t Jesus instruct us to “know” others based on their “fruits”? (Matthew 7:16, 20).  And if there are no counterfeits who pose as Christ’s people, why did Jesus say that there are chaff among the wheat? (Matthew 13). Yes He did and so why are we surprised if some of those around us are found to be lost even though they think they are saved? And yes the chaff are going to be separated by the angels in the end but for now Jesus told us to discern (to distinguish between) or to “know” them “by their fruits” and that’s done by fruit inspection.

One man said that he believed that over 90% of church goers in America have never been genuinely born again as we “must be” in order to be brought into God’s kingdom (John 3:3, 7).

Repentance is where and when regeneration happens. In the modern church world, such a foundational biblical doctrine is rarely mentioned much less preached or correctly taught to define what it is and bring conviction to the hearers. In the vast majority of churches today, salvation is never or seldom presented. So how can the sinner respond in repentance and be saved? Is it any wonder so few are saved? People are rarely if ever called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ today as they were publicly called to do by the apostles of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 3:19).

There are some people who hang around with the Christian body that I just never got a peace about. There doesn’t seem to be the presence of the divine Person of the Holy Spirit and therefore the fruit He alone can produce is absent (Galatians 5:22-23). One must be born again and given a new nature by the LORD or we are not His. When this conversion takes place, there will be good fruit (Matthew 3:7-10).

Should we float people all the way into hell instead of helping make sure they have truly repented and been born again? Is that love or hatred?

If someone questions our salvation, how should we react? How about this way: “Well, thank you for being concerned about my eternal soul. I am open and willing to investigate (biblically) the possibility that I may not have truly repented (laid down my life) and placed my faith in Jesus Christ. Or, since He saved me in the past, perhaps I have backslidden and no longer know Him due to allowing sin in my life.”

HONEST CONCERN VERSUS CRUEL CONDEMNATION

There are going to be children of the enemy that will come in and attempt to confuse and to derail you by doubting that you are saved. They do this to bring “confusion and every evil work” instead of “godly edifying” (James 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:4).

David, the man after God’s own heart, was often persecuted by the wicked, his place with God being the central attack of the enemy.

“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? … As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?” Psalms 42:3, 10

Those who are His have the “witness” of His Spirit in them:

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16

Why are you bothered when someone else doubts your salvation? Do you have the bearing witness of the Holy Spirit as a witness in your heart? (Romans 8:16). If you are assured by God (not self or mere man) of your salvation, why would you be concerned if someone else doubted it? Can you say with Paul “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”? (2 Timothy 1:12). Did God not say that we who have and are believing the record He gave of His Son have HIS “witness” within us?

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13These 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 5:9-13

David told us that our “sentence” comes from the LORD Himself not man:

“Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2

The Hebrew word that is translated “sentence” here means: act of deciding a case, decision, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable), sentence of formal decree.

By reason of creation, God Himself is the only One who can determine judicially that one is righteous or unrighteous, just or unjust, justified or not justified. The Almighty is the only One qualified to sentence any individual to Heaven or hell. Either He approves of us or He disapproves of us (Ezekiel 18:4).

“STRONG CONFIDENCE”

“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27

The key to having “strong confidence” and escaping “the snares of death,” is fearing God.

God’s Word tells us that “The fear of the Lord is clean” (Psalms 19:9). The heart that truly fears God is made “clean” from any doubt and has full and “strong confidence” or assurance and strength of conviction.

The key is being with Jesus – being in Christ. Jesus told us that those who are “with” Him are His and all others are “against” Him (Matthew 12:30). The whole of Holy Scripture is the very testimony of God and we can plainly observe that being presently and truly “in Christ” is the determining factor.

The Father spoke from Heaven audibly, declaring of Christ, “This is my beloved Son, iwhom I awell pleased” (Matthew 3:17). ALL who are presently in Christ, are well pleasing to God – justified, sentenced and declared righteous. Justification, to be declared righteous by God, is always “by faith” (Romans 3:21-5:17; Hebrews 11:4-7).

Ultimately, your “sentence” or sentencing comes forth from God alone who is the only Judge of your eternal soul. In light of this, Paul writes:

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34

According to the whole counsel of God’s Word, believers in Jesus Christ – those who genuinely turn to God in repentance, placing their faith in Jesus Christ – have been shown mercy by God. This gift of eternal life was made possible through the finished and perfect work of the One sinless, perfect Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who bled on the cross, was buried, and rose again from the dead. He is “the Son of God with power.”

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4

Being rooted and grounded in God’s love is so very important to being “sound in the faith,” having a “sound heart” and a “sound mind” (Proverbs 14:30; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:13). This all comes from learning and believing “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9; 2:1).

GOING DEEP

Heeding the apostle Paul’s exhortation to all those whom the LORD has saved, is essential to an ever-deepening, abiding, assured place with the LORD.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Only going on to perfection (spiritual maturity) by learning and obeying the truth of God can make one free from doubting that He is God’s child (Hebrews 5:11-6:3).

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:30-32, 36

As the born again disciple of Christ continues to walk in the light of truth with Jesus, He is kept in Christ and assured of salvation.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7

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