I was saved on a Thursday evening, April 3, 1980 after hearing Billy Graham preach the gospel. I did not know what words to pray. I waited in hopes that there would be someone to lead the viewing audience in a salvation prayer before the broadcast concluded. I was 14 years old at the time, and had been raised in church, but did not know how to pray for salvation. All I knew is that I was a sinner and headed to hell. The Holy Spirit gripped my heart with holy fear concerning my lost condition. 

Once there was no prayer for the viewing audience to pray for salvation, I got up out of the chair I was sitting in, went to my bedroom, closed the door, and got down on my knees and surrendered my life to Jesus the best I knew how. I cried out for forgiveness.

I prayed in response to the conviction I was under, forgive me, forgive, forgive me. I may have asked Jesus to save me or come into my heart, but I don’t remember if I said those exact words. I do know I cried out for forgiveness. The important thing is not the exact words, but my obedience to the Holy Spirit’s conviction that I was lost in sin and needed Jesus to save me.

I came to Jesus just as I am. I knew that Jesus was the Savior and I was coming to him to be saved. I can still remember the cleansing I felt in my soul. I was saved!

As I laid in the bed that night (I had to go to school the next day), I was clean, forgiven, and Jesus was my Lord. That was where my walk with God began. To hear anyone undermine the importance of repentance (as I am hearing from some Pastors), troubles me. One minister referred to repentance as a false response to the gospel. This same minister claimed that the phrase “repent of or from your sins” is never found in the Bible.

The phrase “repent of your sins” may not be in the Bible, but repenting of sins is! Consider the following:

Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. ~ Ezekiel 18:30

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. ~ Ezekiel 14:6

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. ~ Acts 8: 22

For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. ~ 2 Corinthians 12: 20-21

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. ~ Revelation 20: 9-20-21

Repentance happens when the heart is humbled by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Repentance doesn’t happen when the heart resists the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The more, the heart resists the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the more the heart becomes hardened by sin (see Hebrews 3:7-14).

Now consider the following parable from Jesus.

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. ~ Luke 18:9-14

Jesus said the publican who prayed, God be merciful to me a sinner, went home justified.

Let that sink in! The Bible teaches us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and it is grace that saves the sinner. The gospel, when preached correctly, humbles the hearer, and if we don’t have humility when we come to Christ, we’ll not leave his presence changed. The night I was saved, the Holy Spirit awakened humility in my heart by his conviction that I was lost and needed Jesus. 

At that point, it really did not matter what words I would have said, what mattered is that I turned my heart to the Lord, in humility, and trusted in Jesus. That’s what I did when I cried out the only way I knew how to pray, and that was “forgive me!” Thank God I knew from having been in church most of my life, that Jesus forgives sins.

Those who humble themselves need not fear, if they prayed with the correct words. I know from my own experience that some can struggle with this, because I did. Not long after I was saved, the tempter came and suggested to me that I had not prayed the right words, and this truly scared me as a young teenager, even though I knew I had been changed in my heart by the grace of God.

At that time in my life, I didn’t know the Bible like I do today, but Satan attempted to rob me of the assurance of my salvation. God is not a machine that only responds to the right words, He is a living God who responds to the thoughts and intents of our heart. Jesus knew I was praying to be saved in response to the gospel message I had heard, and he saved me because it was he who died for me, and his Spirit who was convicting me.

I am concerned that there are people who have been taught that they only need to “believe” but have never felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit grip their heart. The Holy Spirit’s conviction is the missing component in some of the new doctrines about salvation, such as free grace theology.

When the Holy Spirit convicts a person to come to Christ, he’s not attempting to persuade them into a decisional of moment of belief. The Holy Spirit’s conviction is a call to follow Christ, and comes with the awareness that you can’t go on sinning. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us, not for Heaven, but for Christ! Heaven is the reward if we remain faithful to Christ.

This is why belief without repentance is so dangerous. In Acts 8 we have an example of belief without repentance, and we need to take to heart what the Bible has to tell us. 

In Acts 8, Philip preached the gospel to the Samaritans, and they believed the things that Philip preached and were baptized. Among them was a man named Simon, who was a Sorcerer and had previously bewitched the people with his sorceries.

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. ~ Acts 8:13

Notice that Simon the Sorcerer believed and was baptized. Now don’t forget that as we move forward. This man who used sorcery to bewitch the people believed the gospel that Philip preached and was baptized. Another important point for consideration, is that he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Having been involved in sorcery, Simon must have truly been fascinated when he saw miracles, signs and wonders in Philip’s ministry. Now let’s read the account and follow the flow of thought.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. ~ Acts 8:5-13 

Now, there is a lot going on in this section of scripture, but the part I want to point out to you is that Simon believed and was baptized, but Peter was not impressed when he met him. Peter and John were sent to Samaria by the apostles in Jerusalem.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost… ~ v. 14-15 

When Simon saw this, rather than desiring the gift of the Holy Spirit, he wanted to purchase the power of God from Peter and John. Simon was still behaving with the heart of a sorcerer, and not as one who had humbled himself and turned from his sin.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. ~ Acts 8:18-24

Simon, who had believed and was baptized, is someone whom we would call saved, today. Isn’t he? Yes he is. We would count him among those who have made a decision for Christ. Yet according to Peter, the following were true regarding Simon.

1. He had no part or lot in this matter. In other words he wasn’t qualified to receive or minister to others the gift of the Holy Spirit.

2. His heart was not right in the sight of God.

3. He had not repented of his sorcery (repent of this, thy wickedness).

4. He needed forgiveness from God.

5. He was in the gall of bitterness and the bond of Iniquity.

Because of Philip’s ministry and the ministry of Peter and John, Simon could no longer bewitch the people or be admired by them as someone great. According to Peter, Simon was in the gall of bitterness and the bond of Iniquity. Consider the following definition of the gall of bitterness.

The bitterest grief; extreme affliction. The ancients taught that grief and joy were subject to the gall, affection to the heart, knowledge to the kidneys, anger to the bile (one of the four humours of the body), and courage or timidity to the liver. The gall of bitterness, like the heart of hearts, means the bitter centre of bitterness, as the heart of hearts means the innermost recesses of the heart or affections. In the Acts it is used to signify “the sinfulness of sin,” which leads to the bitterest grief. ~ Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

It seems that Simon may have been bitter because Philip and the apostles influenced the people for Christ and he no longer had power over them. Regardless if this was the case, he was in bondage to sin according to Peter. Simon the sorcerer had believed, but not repented.

Biblical faith (faith that saves) comes from a posture of humility that turns from sin to serve the Living God. There is no evidence that Simon had this kind of faith. Though he had believed and been baptized, he had not repented and wasn’t right with God. That is a sobering truth, and I fear that we may have many Christians who have never experienced a real change in their hearts because they have been taught they do not need to repent. They are taught to just simply believe (no commitment to Christ is required) and you will have eternal life and go to Heaven. 

Humility is the posture of faith in the heart of the one who receives eternal life. You cannot have real saving faith if your heart is not humbled. “Mental agreement belief” is not enough. True belief in Jesus translates into humbling yourself to obey the call of the gospel.

This same Peter who rebuked Simon the sorcerer, wrote the following.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. ~ 1 Peter 1:18-23

Belief in Jesus that saves is obeying the truth through the Spirit. It is not a mental agreement.

The exchange between Peter and Simon is all a person needs to know that a person can have belief, but not have true saving faith. Simon believed but Peter told him, thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

The following comments are from a minister who teaches Free Grace theology.

The Lord Jesus Christ gives everlasting life to all who believe in him. It’s not a matter of commitment, turning from sins, surrender, following Christ, or perseverance in faith and good works.

Faith is not turning from sins. Faith is not surrender. Faith is not commitment. Faith is not following.

Another minister teaching this theology claims that repenting of your sins is trusting in your own works to get to Heaven. This same minister claimed repenting is the act or deeds of the Pharisees, and that you can repent of your sins and go to hell.

Now both of these ministers teach these things under the guise of the finished work of Christ, but never does the Bible teach such things in view of the finished work of Christ.

In this article, I would like to address the issue of repentance. The disdain for repentance seems to continue to grow in some places, and it isn’t just isolated to hard core Free Grace theology advocates. Some teach that once you are saved you never need to repent again because all your past, present, and future sins are already forgiven. Yet, Jesus confronted the churches in the book of the Revelation, calling them to repentance, and Paul confronted the Corinthians regarding their need to repent, and James does as well.

With regards to repentance and conversion, Peter tell us, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. ~ 2 Peter 3:9 

Repentance is not a work that is to be categorized as all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Rather genuine repentance is a work of the Spirit in our heart.

Jesus said, when the Spirit of truth is come he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. ~ John 16:8-11

The word reprove in the reference above means convict. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, and when a lost person turns to Christ there is a conviction to turn from sin, and that is repentance. Once a person is saved, there is a conviction unto righteousness. If you are a true believer there is an abiding conviction in you to live godly and holy before the Lord.

Repentance comes from the convicting power of the Holy Spirit as a result of hearing the gospel. With all the preaching going on in the world today, hearing the gospel is missing in a lot of places, because the gospel calls a person to repent and follow Jesus. The gospel that you initially hear that brings about the salvation of your soul, is the message that continues to guide you the rest of your life.

In 1 John, the apostle John writes, Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. ~ 1 John 2:24-25

The promise of eternal life is for those in whom the gospel message abides and who continue in the Son and in the Father. Walking in the truth, sanctification, godliness, and living by faith are not optional post salvation truths. Instead, they are the continuation of what began in the heart at the moment a person is enlightened and tastes of the heavenly gift of Christ.  

In his letter to Titus, Paul tells us that saving grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ~ Titus 2:11-14

Paul then says, These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee ~ v. 15.

John the Baptist preached to the Pharisees that they should repent and do works in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:1-8). This is contrary to the minister (cited above) who claims that repenting is the act or deeds of the Pharisees. In fact both Jesus and John the baptist preached repentance as the gospel message. ~ Matthew 3:1-2; 4:7

Jesus said that he came to call sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32). And after his resurrection, Jesus commissioned his disciples (the apostles) to preach repentance and the remission of sins in his name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. ~ Luke 24:44-47

If Jesus commissioned his disciples to preach repentance and the remission of sins to all nations, we ought to be preaching repentance as a vital part of the gospel message as well.

Repentance is the gift of grace at work in the heart, for it is God who grants repentance (2 Timothy 2:25), and it’s the goodness of God that leads to repentance.

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds… ~ Romans 2:1-6

According to Isaiah, Jesus is the redeemer who comes to those who turn from transgression: And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. ~ Isaiah 59:20 

Notice that Isaiah declares that the Redeemer comes to them that turn from transgression. That’s repentance from sins. Paul quotes Isaiah in his letter to the Romans saying, And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob… ~ Romans 11:26 

During his time on earth, Jesus sent his disciples out to preach repentance (Mark 6:12), and Jesus pronounced judgment on the cities that did not repent after he had ministered there (Matthew 11:20-24; Luke 10:13). Furthermore, Jesus pronounced judgment on his generation for not repenting ~ Matthew 12:39-41; Luke 11:32. 

Jesus also taught us what repentance looks like from God’s perspective, referring to repentance as a shepherd finding his lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), and as finding that which was lost (Luke 15:8-10). In both instances, Jesus says, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Jesus then illustrated these truths in his teaching regarding the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the Jews to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In Acts 3, Peter preached to the Jews, Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. ~ Acts 3:19

A few verses later Peter says to them, Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. ~ Acts 3:26

As we continue through Acts we read that the apostles declared that God exalted Jesus with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. ~ Acts 5:31 

After hearing Peter’s testimony about how God sent him to preach the gospel to Cornlieus and his house, the Jews at Jerusalem glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. ~ Acts 11:18 

While preaching at Mars Hill, Paul declared, And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent:  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. ~ Acts 17:30-31

Now pause for a moment, and notice that Paul says, God commands all men everywhere to repent. Now remember what I said above, Walking in the truth, sanctification, godliness, and living by faith are not optional post salvation truths. Instead, they are the continuation of what began in the heart at the moment a person is enlightened and tastes of the heavenly gift of Christ. 

Salvation begins by obeying the command to repent, and this obedience coincides with faith in Jesus (believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God). Repentance may be expressed differently from person to person, but repentance is active in the heart of a person who truly believes in Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

Again, Paul says, God commands all men everywhere to repent, and the apostle Peter refers to those who forsake the Lord as turning from the holy commandment delivered unto them. ~ 1 Peter 2:21

When Paul testified of the commission he received from Jesus as he stood before king Agrippa, Paul said he was sent to preach to the people that they should repent and turn to God, and do works in keeping with repentance.~ Acts 26:15-20

Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul commended them because they turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God… ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:9

Paul’s word to the Thessalonians echo the words of Ezekiel.

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. ~ Ezekiel 14:6

Ezekiel also preached repentance when he said, Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. ~ Ezekiel 18:30

Repentance is an act of faith in response to the work of grace convicting the heart and turning it to Jesus and the Father. Repentance brings about a cleansing from sin, and that is the work of the true grace of God in the heart in response to hearing the gospel, and repentance is weaved into the very fiber of the message of God to all people throughout the scriptures.  

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. ~ Isaiah 55:7

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. ~ Revelation 3:1-3 

Notice the warning of Jesus to the church on Sardis, he warns them to be watchful and to strengthen the things which are ready to die. It is not clear from this portion of scripture what the sin of the Sardis church was, but whatever it was, it had caused them to become complacent and their spiritual garments were defiled.

We know this because Jesus speaks of the few among them who had not defiled their garments and would walk with in white for they were worthy. In other words, they had kept themselves pure by the blood of the lamb. We see that those who had not defiled their spiritual garments, were already overcomers, and Jesus wanted the entire church at Sardis to be overcomers: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Being clothed in white raiment is the spiritual language for keeping sin out of our lives. In Revelation 16, Jesus says, Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame ~ v.15. Then in chapter 19 we read the following:

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. ~ Revelation 19:6-9

Notice that the lamb’s wife hath made herself ready, and was arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Contrary to the lamb’s wife that had made herself ready in chapter 19, we see Jesus telling the church at Sardis that they were not ready and their garments were defiled. We must remember that Jesus is talking to the church, so this is a message for the church. It is entirely possible that we who claim to know the Lord could be in a state of not being ready if we are harboring unrepentant sin in our lives. Harboring unrepentant sin could cause the coming of the Lord to overtake us as a thief, just as Jesus pointed out to the church in Sardis, and just as he says in Revelation 16:15, Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

The book of the Revelation is not the first time we see Jesus referring to his coming in the likeness of a thief. Consider our Lord’s words in Matthew 24.

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ~ Matthew 24:43-51

Notice that Jesus describes two types of servants. The first was a faithful and wise servant. The second was an evil servant who said in his heart, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” and consequently begins to live in egregious sin. 

Unfortunately, this evil servant is comforted in many places by Pastors and ministers who will tell them that they are eternally secure even if they forsake Jesus and live in willful sin. Conversely, Jesus says that this evil servant will be cut asunder and appointed his portion with the hypocrites.

In case anyone needs help understanding what that means, it ain’t good, and it’s not an entrance into the kingdom of Heaven, because there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Now, if we were to keep reading this section of scripture, it would lead us right into the parable of the ten virgins. So let’s read the two sections together as one flow of thought, beginning with Matthew 24:43 to 25:13. You might be surprised at what you discover.

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. ~ Matthew 24:43- 25:13 

Notice the correlation between the faithful and wise servant and the five wise virgins. Notice also the how evil servant who has his portion with the hypocrites relates to the five foolish virgins who were not ready and and was shut out of the marriage.

Don’t be deceived. Believe the teachings of Jesus.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. ~ Jude 1:3-6 

Among the many texts which disprove free grace theology are the words above from the book of Jude. According to free grace theology, a person will be saved if they have a moment of belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, even if they become a practicing atheist afterwards.

Free grace theology is not the grace taught in the Bible. According to the New Testament, God’s grace justifies through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, and in the New Testament there are 2 parts to redemption: (1) what we are redeemed from, and (2) what we are redeemed unto.

For example, Paul tells us that Jesus gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar (special bought) people, zealous of good works. ~ Titus 2:14 

Notice that we were redeemed from all iniquity and purified to Christ for good works. Peter tells us that were are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light… ~ 1 Peter 2:9

Notice, we are called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.

Peter draws on the language of the Old Testament regarding God’s deliverance of Israel out of Egypt saying, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people …”

Where did Peter get this from? He got it from Exodus 19.

In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. ~ Exodus 19:1-6

Notice the expectation that God placed on the children of Israel after he had redeemed them from Egyptian bondage through the blood of the Passover lamb. Israel’s deliverance from Egypt is a type and shadow of our redemption from sin and darkness through Jesus Christ, who is our Passover lamb.

Being delivered out of Egypt wasn’t the completion of God’s redemptive plan for the Israelites. God brought them out of Egypt, so that he could bring them into the land of promise.

And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. ~ Deuteronomy 6:23

Between the deliverance from Egypt, and the entrance into the promised land, there was God’s expectation of their faithful service to him. We know from the book of Hebrews that Israel’s failure in the wilderness serves as a warning to us against neglecting our great salvation. We also know that the things which were written concerning Israel in the wilderness were written for our admonition. Let’s take a look at what Paul says regarding this.

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 

Now, let’s consider the words of Jude that we opened this article with by reading them again, but this time let do so with Israel’s sins in the wilderness in mind.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. ~ Jude 1:3-6

Notice that Jude tells us that God destroyed those whom he had previously saved because they refused to believe after he saved them. Jude then doubles down on this truth by telling us of the angels whom God has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day, because they kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation.

In closing, I want you to consider how truly evil it is to believe that God’s grace will welcome into Heaven those who once believed but have since renounced Jesus and teach others to deny him as well. Teaching that they maintain their salvation is contrary to the whole counsel of scriptures and sets forth a false testimony against a Righteous and Holy God.

He brought us out so that he might bring us in, and you won’t get that from the lie of the free grace theology, but you will get it from the true grace of God that is given to us through Jesus Christ.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. ~ Titus 2:11-15

Within Western Christianity, there is a theology known as free grace theology. This is the theology embraced and taught by many who advocate the Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS) view. Free grace theology is the belief that saving grace requires nothing but a one time belief in Jesus Christ. Those who meet this basic requirement have eternal life with the assurance of an eternal home in Heaven, even if they do not repent or turn from their sins.

According to this theology, absolutely nothing is required but an acknowledgement of belief in Jesus at a specific point in time. Even if a person goes on to deny the faith later, that denial of the faith will not undo the salvation they obtained through free grace given because of a one time believing experience.

Is this the grace of God spoken of in the New Testament? No it isn’t.

To be clear, the free gift of salvation through grace is biblical, but the “do nothing because nothing is required” free grace theology is not. Now let’s compare the free grace theology mentioned above with Paul’s description of saving grace in his letter to Titus. Paul says that the grace of God that brings salvation, teaches us…

Now stop and allow that to sink in. Saving grace teaches us something. Does it teach us that we only need to have a one time believing experience, in which no repentance is required, and no change in how we live? 

Absolutely not!

Paul says, it teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Furthermore, the grace that saves us teaches us to look for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Paul goes on to tell us that Jesus gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar (special bought) people, zealous of good works.

True salvation that comes through the grace of God works a zeal within our hearts for righteous and godly living. If the grace you believe you have received doesn’t, then you need to seek for the true grace of God.

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ~ Romans 4:1-5  

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. ~ Romans 4:19-22

The two references above are both part of Paul’s teaching on justification by faith. The first reference (Romans 4:1-5) tells us about Abraham’s faith as recorded in Genesis 15. God promised Abraham that his descendants would be innumerable as the stars in the heavens. Abraham believed and his faith was counted to him as righteousness.

At this point in Abraham’s journey of faith, he was still known as Abram and was childless. Ishmael, who was about 14 years old when Isaac was born, had not yet been conceived.

Now, the second reference which also speaks of the imputation of righteousness to Abraham refers to many years later, the time of Issac’s birth. According to Paul, Abraham was declared righteous both when he believed God while he was childless and when Isaac was born many years later. Sandwiched in between is the walk of faith.

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all… ~ v 11-16

Notice the language, he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised…

Paul, speaking from the vantage point of Abraham’s faith, looks back and declares that the same faith he had when he was circumcised, is the faith he also had years earlier before he was circumcised. This is key to understanding Paul’s argument in Romans 4. Paul is not arguing the soteriology of Calvinism or the Southern Baptist Convention.

In Paul’s mind, Abraham’s faith is synonymous with his faithfulness to God. In Galatians, Paul says, So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. ~ 3:9.

You will not find a single text in the New Testament that sets forth Abraham’s faith as justification for a one time believing experience. Abraham’s faith is spoken of in view of the walk of faith that we are called into. This is what Paul has in mind when he speaks of justification by the free grace of God. He is not referring to the grace of God justifying someone who only has a moment of decisional belief not followed by a walk of faith. He is referring to belief in the promise of God by those who walk it out as did Abraham.

In Genesis 15, Abraham believed God and was counted as righteous. In chapter 16, he tried to help God’s promise by having a child with Sarah’s maid servant. In chapter 17, he was given the covenant of circumcision because he was still walking by faith. In chapter 18, God informed him of what he was planning to do to Sodom and Gomorrah because of Abraham’s faith and righteous life in the sight of God.

And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. ~ Genesis 18:17-19

Notice that God boasts in Abraham’s integrity of heart and in his faith. Keep in mind that this is many years after Abraham believed God and was declared righteous. Abraham is still abiding in the faith he had in the beginning at this point in his life.

According the the scriptures, Abraham had integrity of heart (Genesis 20:5-6) and a faithful heart towards God (Nehemiah 9:7, 8) and Abraham is called the friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). All these are a testimony to Abraham’s faith to which the one who is justified is called to follow.

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all… ~ Romans 4:16

You cannot consider yourself a child of Abraham if you are not following in the steps of Abraham’s faith, and doing the works of Abraham. Consider the following from the words of Jesus to the Jews who opposed him in John 8.

I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. ~ John 8:37-40

If these Jews to whom Jesus speaks had been Abraham’s true children, they would have believed Jesus and followed him as Abraham believed God and followed him. Abraham’s faith grew until he was strong in faith, giving glory to God and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

When the New Testament speaks of Abraham’s faith, it is the whole life of faith (Abraham’s faithfulness) that the authors are setting before us. For instance, the author of Hebrews takes us even further than Paul does in Romans 4, where Paul teaches justification by faith in view of Abraham’s faith from the promise (Genesis 15) to birth of Isaac (Genesis 21).

The writer of Hebrews warns against giving up on our faith by setting forth the example of Abraham’s offering of Isaac on the altar when Isaac was a young man.

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. ~ Hebrews 6:11-14

These are the words that God spoke to Abraham when his faith was tried and he offered up Isaac. In chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews tells us,  By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. ~ v.17-19

Now, notice those words, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. This echos God”s promise from the beginning, the middle and comes to fruition in the end by a foreshowing of the resurrection of Jesus.

This was God’s promise in the beginning:

And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. ~ Genesis 15:2-5

This was God’s promise in the middle:

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. ~ Genesis 17:18-19

God’s promise grew in Abraham and took root and became so strong, that Abraham did not flinch when God asked him to offer up Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham was so convinced that God would fulfill his promise that through Isaac he would become the father of many nations, he expected God to raise him from the dead. Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Abraham’s faith serves as the example of the kind of faith we are called into. The longer we walk with God, the more persuaded we become of his faithfulness to us, and thus our faithfulness to him grows into righteous and godly living that cannot be divided from our faith.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ~ James 2:20-24

Abraham’s continued faithfulness to the end fulfilled the scripture that declared him righteous in the beginning. If Abraham had not continued to believe God’s promises, or had refused to offer up Isaac, the scripture would not have been fulfilled.

So it is with us, if we want the scripture of God’s free grace fulfilled in our lives we must be followers of them who through faith and patience, inherit the promise, as did Abraham. It’s not the beginning of our faith that will be rewarded, its the end of our faith that will be rewarded at the appearing of Jesus Christ ~ 1 Peter 1:8-9

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ~ Romans 1:16-17

The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. Ponder that in view of Abraham’s journey and the scripture being fulfilled which said, “he believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness” when Abraham offerer up Isaac.

May God give us all understanding.

I recently heard a Once Saved Always Save (OSAS) advocate make the claim that those who teach that you must love God in order to be saved are teaching heresy. He claimed that loving God was a commandment under the law and that we are not justified by the law, and he cited Paul’s teachings in Galatians as his proof-text for this doctrine.

Wait? Am I under the law for loving God in relation to my salvation? Am I teaching heresy if I teach that saved people love God and love others? Was Paul confused when he said, If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! ~ 1 Corinthians 16:22

Jesus’s teaching regarding the good Samaritan is one of the most well known throughout the entire world. Unbelievers who couldn’t tell you the story, could tell you the concept. Being a good Samaritan is pretty much a universal view of being someone who cares and helps their fellow man. This is the standard that the world often holds the church to, and our failure to live up to this standard is the reason people in the world often don’t take the faith of many Christians serious.

Have you ever considered that Jesus’s teaching about the good Samaritan is a salvation related text?

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 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 neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. ~ Luke 10:25-28

Before we read the further into Jesus’s story of the good Samaritan, notice that Jesus describes loving God and loving your neighbor as eternal life. Jesus was asked, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? His specific answer led the man to the great commandment under the law which is to love the Lord your God will all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. 

Now this may come as a surprise to some, but this truth is embedded in the teachings of the New Testament as the genuine evidence of our salvation. We see it throughout the teachings of Jesus, and the letters written to believers. Consider for a moment the following from the first epistle of John.

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. 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? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 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. 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. ~ 1 John 3:14-24 

If you, as a Christians, are wondering why you can’t sense the Lord’s presence, consider checking up on your love for others. Notice how much John mentions loving your brother in the reference above. How we treat our brother is a reflection of our genuine love for God. It is how we express our love for God, and to God.

According to John we know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers, not because we made a decision to ask Jesus into our heart and are now politically conservative. Now, there is nothing wrong with asking Jesus into our hearts, but we must let Jesus live in our heart and the proof that Jesus lives in our heart is our love for others. John’s words, And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us, is a reference to this love that he has been speaking about. The Holy Spirit causes us to be people of love. The love of God has been shed abroad in our heart by the holy Spirit who has been given to us ~ Romans 5:5

The fruit of genuine salvation in the life of a Christian is love. Jesus laying down his life for us is the reason why we are lay down our lives for others. John tells us to love in deed and in truth and not in word or tongue. This echos what James says. 

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:15-17

James and John are talking about the same thing. Real faith in Jesus is empowered and motivated by love. Paul tells the Galatians, For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. ~ Galatians 5:6

Now, let’s return to the story that Jesus told us about the good Samaritan and keep in mind that the question under discussion is eternal life. 

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

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. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 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. 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. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. ~ Luke 10:25-37

Doesn’t this sort of remind us of what James and John tell us? Look again.

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ~ James

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. 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? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. ~ John

Let’s make sure we aren’t like this man who asked Jesus, “who is my neighbor?” because he wanted to justify himself. We all know good well who our neighbor is! Let’s get real with God and let the love we have received from him flow through us, otherwise, all we have is dead faith.

Dead faith is not saving faith. Faith which works by love is, and this is the fruit that we have truly received the great salvation that Christ came to give.

When the topic of salvation comes up it is often spoken of as a gift, and it is, but did you know that salvation is also a calling?

In 1 Thessalonians Paul expresses his desire for the Thessalonians to understand this by saying, As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Being called to God’s kingdom and glory is no other than the call of our salvation, and Paul strongly urges and encourages the Thessalonians to walk worthy of God as a result. Now, I want you to consider Paul’s words in his second epistle to the Thessalonians. Paul writes the following:

…the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12

I want you to notice that even though Paul acknowledges that the Thessalonians had believed the gospel, his continual prayer for them was that they would be counted worthy of the calling of Christ being glorified in his saints at his coming. It wasn’t enough that they had believed the gospel on that day as Paul puts it, they also needed to walk worthy of God, thus Paul prays and admonishes them to walk worthy of the Lord.

With this in mind consider Paul’s words to the Ephesians.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. ~ Ephesians 4:1-6

Now, in this reference I want you to notice that Paul mentions walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. In this text, Paul is not referring to calls such as missionary, pastor, teacher, worship leader, etc. He is referring to the new life in Christ that we are called to walk in.

The Amplified Bible says,  So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]

As we continue reading we see that Paul refers to this calling as being called in one hope of our calling. This is said within the context of one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and One God and Father of all. I am persuaded that Paul’s understanding of this call is what he is referring to as the high calling in Christ Jesus in his letter to the Philippians.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:8-14

The call of our salvation is a high calling, and the prize is conformity to the image and likeness of Jesus. This is what the salvation we have received in Christ works in us from day one until we see our Lord face to face.

The apostle Peter also chimes in, telling us to give diligence to make your calling and election sure. He says this within the context of godly and holy living so that an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Bible has much to say about the calling of our salvation. For instance, we are called to holiness according to 1 Thessalonians 4:7 and we are called to share in the glory of Christ according to 2 Thessalonians 2:14. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul tells Timothy to Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called… ~ 1 Timothy 6:12.

The Bible speaks often of the importance of holding firm to what we have in Christ and standing firm in the grace that we have received in Christ. In the reference above, Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. That is how we lay hold of the eternal life to which we are called. Notice the use of the word “called”. We are called to eternal life and we must hold to the faith (fight the good fight of faith) so that we obtain the promise. This is what continuously shows up in Paul’s writings.

I could go on, but I hope this teaching has given you something to think about and something to encourage you to search within the scriptures for yourself as you work out your own salvation with fear in trembling, knowing that it is God who works in you both to will and to do his good pleasure.

Salvation is much more than a one time gift. It is a call to follow Jesus, to live by faith, and to sojourn through this life in the fear of God, who has called us to be holy, even as He is Holy!

Below I am linking an article by Chad Bird. This is an outstanding perspective on the meaning of Jesus’s words from the cross. I hope it blesses and encourages you.

https://www.1517.org/articles/my-god-my-god-why-have-you-me-rethinking-psalm-221

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.~ Revelation 2:8-10

Everything that Jesus says to the church of Smyrna is important, but I want to draw your attention to his instructions to them to be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. We then have the interpretation of what Jesus means by that saying in the very next verse, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.~ Revelation 2:8-10

Remaining faithful to Jesus even as they faced death, would be the ultimate test of their faith in Jesus. Remaining faithful meant they were overcomers and would not be hurt by the second death. 

So what is the second death? The book of the Revelation tells us exactly what it is.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ~ Revelation 20:14

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ~ Revelations 21:8

Continuing in faithfulness to Jesus is what insured the Smyrna believers that they would not be hurt by the second death. And we are explicitly told that this same truth applies to us who believe today by the words, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Jesus’s instructions to the church at Smyrna is something we all need to heed because we must be faithful to the end to receive a crown of life. The scriptures reveal that our faith will be tested and it is the faith that has been tried that brings honor and glory to God.

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. ~ 1 Peter 1:7-9

It is the end of our faith, not the beginning that assures that we will be with Christ forever. This is why those who receive Christ need to be discipled and grow daily in their faith in Jesus. A faith you possessed when you were 15 years old will not benefit you when you are 50 if you have rejected the Christ that you once believed and trusted.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul writes, But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. ~ 2 Timothy 4:5-8

Notice that Paul explicitly states, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.

There is no text anywhere that tells us that we will receive a crown of righteousness by simply believing in Jesus at one point in our life. We must live by faith, and keep the faith. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. ~ Hebrews 10:38

Do we hear what the Spirit says to the church of Smyrna?  Do we truly understand how important it is to remain faithful to Jesus? Saving faith is not a one time believing experience. Saving faith is faith that overcomes by faithfulness to Jesus. It is the faith that endures to the end. Those who possess this faith will not be hurt by the second death.

If you have come upon this article, and you once knew the Lord, but you have not kept the faith, now is the time to repent and pray for God’s forgiveness. God is faithful and he will forgive and establish you again if you will trust him, but you must follow Jesus and remain faithful to him to receive the crown of life.

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. ~ Isaiah 55:6-7