I need some advice on how to witness to my family members that are "saved" who continue to live in sin, i.e., two nieces have had two children each out of wedlock, the one is living with the father of her children, the other one is currently single and her children have different dads. Their parents believe, once saved always saved, as I do, but how can we reconcile on going sin, it breaks my heart and when I try to talk to them about it I am confronted with something like, 'the Lord knows their hearts', I don't want to get to heaven to find how my loved ones out of ignorance are not there, Do you understand where I am coming from here? I know it is the Holy Spirit that does the convicting and may be I need to just trust the LORD to bring conviction on them, what do you think??

collette wrote:

I need some advice on how to witness to my family members that are "saved" who continue to live in sin, i.e., two nieces have had two children each out of wedlock, the one is living with the father of her children, the other one is currently single and her children have different dads. Their parents believe, once saved always saved, as I do, but how can we reconcile on going sin, it breaks my heart and when I try to talk to them about it I am confronted with something like, 'the Lord knows their hearts', I don't want to get to heaven to find how my loved ones out of ignorance are not there, Do you understand where I am coming from here? I know it is the Holy Spirit that does the convicting and may be I need to just trust the LORD to bring conviction on them, what do you think??

like most things we would like to do, we start with ourselves.

'bringing people to salvation' is not our job, that job belongs to the Holy Spirit. witnessing to those that are already 'saved' is tougher than witnessing to those that know they are not saved. two books i would recommend are

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by Steve Hawthorne and

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by Beth Moore(read both out of the public library system). i know this may sound like a strange place to start, but what you're really looking to do is to intercede and those two books will give you a sound foundation to build on.

this might seem like an odd verse to start with, but meditate on it's message to you. i'll start you off with this, but it says so much more.
1. don't put more of a burden on them or yourself than appointed
2. you can't possibly have ALL the facts needed to render righteous judgement.
3. be content with what ever happens, The Father doesn't want to lose a single soul either, are you better equiped or is The Father?

Quote:

Luke 3: 13 And he(John the Baptist) said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

is this a trespass against you?



here's another job you shouldn't do, Jesus won't even do this job.

Quote:

John 5:45 Do not think that I(Jesus) will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. John 8: 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. ... 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. II Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

let the Holy Spirit convict through the law and the other witness is satin*

	Quote:
	Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

if, you MUST confront, consider these passages.

Quote:

Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. II Corinthians 7: 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Ephesians 1: 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. I Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

now for some things you can do.

Be a sower of The Word, not an accuser by The Word or of the world. Become the prayer partner of the Holy Spirit and Jesus. endure and study till victory is gained.

Quote:

Matthew 13: 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold some sixty, some thirty. Romans 8: 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God... (keep reading) II Corinthians 6:3 Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: I Timothy 2: 1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ... 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. ... 15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. Philippians 1: 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. I Peter 4: 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.[your sins or their sins or both?] 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. I John 5: 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

since, yours is a family that most likly prays, pray this prayer the next time you eat together. it would be most helpful for you to practice this in front of a mirror, saying it out loud, many times. it will help to calm the butterflies, makes for good enuciation, and a clear and confident voice.

Quote:

I Thessalonians 5: 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

a couple of verses on salvation to keep in mind.

Quote:

Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Philippians 2:12 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. Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Hebrews 5: 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

i have faith this will help, so be of good cheer and let me know if i may be of further assistance.

if you ever want to do a mind blowing study, study (the order of)Melchizedek in depth, but that's for later, right now you've got your hands full, i suspect.





*i know i should spell his name correctly, but how upsetting is it to have someone always get your name wrong? would you start to avoid that person?

I would be interested in seeing your study on Melchizedek, Goober.

	Misfit wrote:
	I would be interested in seeing your study on Melchizedek, Goober.

i haven't made one, but i have studied and am still learning new things about it. like most topics in scripture the learning is never ending, unless you are on a wrong path/POV.

one thing i will bring out is that Melchizedek was a king and a priest and that Jesus is of the same Order - a king and a priest. Since we are His 'brethren' we are also called to be kings and priests.

I agree with your assesment. The veil was rent in two in the Tabernacle & there is now nothing to seperate us from God, as our own Priest, if we are Christians! Christ is our intermediator!

can you think of another example of a non-jewish high priest in the OT that did not come from the loins of Abraham? Was he after the order of Melchizedek?

Not right off the top of my thoughts!

i'll give you a hint...


a person known by Moses.

It is way to early for me to be thinking, but a shot; Aaron?

	Misfit wrote:
	It is way to early for me to be thinking, but a shot; Aaron?

nice try, but Aaron is of the seed of Abraham.

	Quote:
	Exodus 18:12 And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God.

You know, this is a very difficult subject to tackle. Especially from my point of view from being on both sides of the coin. Goober was right when he says that this is the Holy Spirits job. I will use myself as an example. I was saved years back, and although I always tried to acknowledge Christ, pray, and even attend church, I was still wordly in spirit. When I would try and justify my actions, I would always convince myself that "GOD knows my Heart" and also that "No man can judge me". While it is very true that GOD knew my heart, it tooks some years to realize that my actions sometimes reflected what was in "my heart".

Matthew: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

So where was my treasure during that time of my life? Was it wrapped up in wordliness? Or wrapped up in Godliness? I was more concerned with trying to please my flesh, and although I professed Christ, my heart was far from him.

Because none of us are perfect, and we all fall short of the kingdom, that seemed like the most promising verse to cling to. If others approached me concerning the way I was living, I got very defensive. See, I figured that if another christian points out my flaws, they are hypocritical. I used this verse to justify my claim;

Matthew 7
Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

However, even as christians, if we continue in our sins, our hearts can be hardened through the decietfullness of sin. Continual sin can cause a christian to fall.

1 Cor 10
1 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;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 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.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Hebrews 3:
3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.


Now we can see clearly that habitual willful sinning can result in a hardening of the heart. Once the heart is completely hardened, you and I telling someone that they are not living GOD's will, resorts in animosity. Why? Because the power does not lie with us but through Christ. So everytime someone pointed out my flaws, I got defensive and upset. I no longer dealt with them. I choose to be more comfortable in my own word, outside of these "mean,hypocritical christians!"....LOL

But what is worse than a christian constantly pointing out your flaws, is a christian leading you down a road of destruction. In witnessing to christians, we also cannot become so passive that the message gets lost. Depending on the level of faith your family has and how they feel about you is the level you can address the issue with. If you are dealing with stubborness, a more prayerful approach is in order. You can reassure them that you are not judging them while at the same time giving a slap on the wrist with a smile. Then go out to eat or something.

But do remember this, everything that you say will eventually be brought into rememberance through the Holy Spirit when it is HIS time to move. Wanna know how?

Eventhough I was upset with christians telling me how to live my life, I joined a message board forum and posted a thread concerning my sin. By this time, conviction was setting in, while simultaneously, I was not willing to give in to that conviction. User after User responded bakc to my post with words of comfort. Typically I got responses like " Chrsit died for your sins", "None if us are perfect". "None of us could live up to GOD's statues" "He will forgive you". While I enjoyed the comfort, it didn't quite sit well with me. FINALLY, I had a sister in christ rebuke me. YES I said REBUKED ME!! Told me what I was doing WAS NOT pleasing to the Lord. I KNOW BETTER...and etc...etc..etc.. Well the forum had a field day ripping her apart. Everytime she rebuttled she came with the sword! I could not even Dispute her! I read her posts in Awe! She handled her own. At this time I started hearing my Father's voice. We as christians can recognize our Fathers voice when he speaks to us either directly or indirectly...Have you ever experienced this? I knew right away that she was rigth! They banned her from the forum. I kept in touch with her through emails. I was at a different level in my faith than the rest at the time and GOD knows how to deal with me. I knew she corrected me in love, and we kept in touch. BUt guess what? All of the things people were telling me about was brought right to my rememberance. And when I saw the truth I saw it as clear as day.

Okay to sum this up....GOOBER knows I am long-winded...Sorry guys..
It took the HOLY SPIRIT to convict me enough to listen, and it took a fellow SAINT to rebuke me to do it. I don't suggest you do this with your family...lol I am saying that it was the timing. When I reflect back on it now, I know that some of the things that I went through in my sins I needed to go through as a witness to another one of my Brethren. In that i am glad amen....

What were we talking about again?

The topic is Salvation by God's Grace that rabbit trailed into Melchizidec and Jethro being saved High-preists and not being of the Seed of Abraham and now rabbit trailing into sin hardening the heart.

As to long-winded, that's why there are so many goobers in a box....


Your post has, once again, given me something to chew over.

I think the Holy Spirit works in all of us in different ways.

If we remain in our sin, who's not to say that the Holy Spirit is working there, that the battle with the sin is going on inside the person?

We can't see inside of their hearts.

We don't know what seeds are being planted, being watered, being tended to.

We also know that we are to stay strong in the fight and arm ourselves daily with armour.

If we don't put the battle gear on, we are vunerable.

There's alot of believers out there that don't know that yet.

They are the babies that sometimes need to have their hands held and need alittle guidance (we all do tho' in some form or ways!).

I think that while witnessing and being an example is good, judgement on where a person's heart is after professing to be a believer is dangerous ground.

We are to sharpen our brothers and sisters with love, not with discord.

Remember, the battle is spiritual also. We only see the physical battle 99% of the time...

Well I can honestly say that I went through what I went through for a reason. I had a very hard life Saints, but I do not take it back..

Sheep of El wrote:

I think the Holy Spirit works in all of us in different ways. If we remain in our sin, who's not to say that the Holy Spirit is working there, that the battle with the sin is going on inside the person? We can't see inside of their hearts. We don't know what seeds are being planted, being watered, being tended to. We also know that we are to stay strong in the fight and arm ourselves daily with armour. If we don't put the battle gear on, we are vunerable. There's alot of believers out there that don't know that yet. They are the babies that sometimes need to have their hands held and need alittle guidance (we all do tho' in some form or ways!). I think that while witnessing and being an example is good, judgement on where a person's heart is after professing to be a believer is dangerous ground. We are to sharpen our brothers and sisters with love, not with discord. Remember, the battle is spiritual also. We only see the physical battle 99% of the time...

While I was thinking and chewing a passage came to mind and now that you opened the door on battle, I can not miss this segue.

	Quote:
	Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Matthew 16:18 paints a very clear picture that Satan and his minions are hiding behind the gates and we are to be crashing through them.

In my mind this paints a very clear picture that we are to take the battle to the ungodly not wait for the devil to bring the battle to us. Does this mean that when we know a brother or sister or congregation or denomination or even most of Christendom are justifying a sin we should wrestle with them until they either flee or cry uncle?

	Quote:
	Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Or are we to leave them that are of "flesh and blood" alone and go directly at the fallen angels?

	Prophetess wrote:
	Well I can honestly say that I went through what I went through for a reason. I had a very hard life Saints, but I do not take it back..

??? ??? Don't tell me, this has the hallmark of being in the past with you two.

FYI: I had a hard life too, and tho I have no desire to ever go through such things again, I wouldn't change anything but my responses to those events.

I think everyone's path is different.

Some of us hard headed knuckleheads need to go through those "bad" times to appreciate and savor our Father's grace.

From one knuckledhead reformed to another...

Recognizing the new creature you are in Christ is a battle won.

Satan can't touch this...

Bringing the Battle....

Well Goober, normally if I see a fellow Saint engaging in something that I know is not of GOD, I bring it to their attention. I do so out of obligation and love. But it is different ways to bring it to peoples attention. You got to know who you are working with. I often use my self as an example because 9 times out of 10, while I am telling my brothers they are in error, I have either done something or currently doing something that is not of GOD either. That way they will know that we BOTH are wrong, and WE need to strive to do what is right....get it! I feel a responsibility to not sit back and watch my brother fall. Normally when I point out sin, I will get either these two responses:

1. The christian feels a deep conviction and does acknowledge what they are doing is wrong and promises to work on it....or
2. The christian gets very defensive and argumentative.

It doesn't matter which reaction I get, once the reaction comes I immeditaly change the subject. If they acknowledge it. than good, if they get defensive, they STILL have acknowledged it.....

Goober_JIL wrote:

Quote: Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Matthew 16:18 paints a very clear picture that Satan and his minions are hiding behind the gates and we are to be crashing through them. In my mind this paints a very clear picture that we are to take the battle to the ungodly not wait for the devil to bring the battle to us. Does this mean that when we know a brother or sister or congregation or denomination or even most of Christendom are justifying a sin we should wrestle with them until they either flee or cry uncle?

Is there a lesson on this to be learned from Jacob?

Quote:

Genesis 32: 24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

	Goober_JIL wrote:
	Quote: Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Or are we to leave them that are of "flesh and blood" alone and go directly at the fallen angels?

Is there an applicable lesson on this to be learned from here?

Quote:

Matthew 4: 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

10. The Experience of Salvation:
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God's grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God's sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God's law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)

Salvation
God offers us salvation through Jesus. It's in the Bible, Matthew 1:21, TLB. "And she will have a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (meaning 'Savior’), for He will save His people from their sins." Acts 4:12, NIV says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Salvation means we receive eternal life if we enter into a personal relationship with God. It's in the Bible, John 17:3, TLB. "And this is the way to have eternal life—by knowing You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth!" John 3:16, NIV says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

There is only one way to salvation and its not the easy road. It's in the Bible, Matthew 7:13-14, TLB. "Heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate! The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide enough for all the multitudes who choose its easy way. But the gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it."

Salvation cannot be earned, it is a gift. It's in the Bible, Ephesians 2:8-9, TLB. "Because of His kindness, you have been saved through trusting Christ. And even trusting is not of yourselves; it too is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it."

Receiving salvation is a powerful, personal response to the gospel including repentance for sin. It's in the Bible, Acts 2:37-38, TLB. "These words of Peter's moved them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, 'Brothers, what should we do?' And Peter replied, 'Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."

Receiving salvation is simple, direct, personal, and public. It's in the Bible, Romans 10:8-10, TLB. "For salvation that comes from trusting Christ—which is what we preach—is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord, and believe in your own heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation."



Three Steps to Heaven

Hebrews 5:9
If there could be a highway to the moon, it would take 20 months of constant driving at the rate of 400 miles per day to reach the land of the moon. If there could be a railroad stretching up to the sun, a streamline train traveling 90 mph non-stop, day after day and year after year, would require 116 years to reach sunny land. An airplane flying at 500 mph would have to travel non-stop for 500 years to reach the nearest fixed star.
Yet far beyond the starry sky lies the pearly gates of God's great heavenly sky city. No one knows how far it is in miles, and no one will ever develop a space vehicle for going there, but every one of us can get to that beautiful place by taking three simple steps that we're going to talk about in this little book.

In the book of Revelation, John declared that "nothing which defileth" would go through the gates into that dwelling place of God. The only thing which defiles in God's sight is sin. Isaiah wrote that "your iniquities have separated between you and your God." Isaiah 59:2. In order to live again in the presence of God, each individual must be free from the condemnation brought on by sin. The apostle John confirmed this fact by his description of that great multitude whom he saw in vision standing before the throne of God. They had palms in their hands and were dressed in white robes, representing freedom from sin (Revelation 7:9).

So mark it down as the first giant step on the way from earth to heaven: we must have our sins forgiven. This is probably the best-known fact about the entire salvation process. Yet the most perplexing questions are raised about the way to take this step. The truth is that millions have only the vaguest idea about how to obtain relief from the guilt of their wrongdoing. How can a person obtain pardon and be restored to a saving union with God?

It is my belief that countless numbers of people really want to be Christians, but no one has made it clear enough or appealing enough to win their decision. In the next few pages you will read the most simple, bottom-line explanation of the plan of salvation. Even the children should be able to understand what it means to be saved. I do not believe that it is enough to just tell people they are lost and need to be found. We must show them step by step how to pass from death to life. The doctor doesn't tell his patients that they are sick and need to be well without giving a prescription for their healing. In the same way, we must be prepared to offer a specific cure for those who have been diagnosed with the disease of sin.


Conditions of Forgiveness
Now let's take a closer look at this first step marked Sins Forgiven. How does one obtain the requisite pardon for those sins which have become such a common lot for every human being? We need to understand from the very beginning that there are three conditions to having our sins forgiven-repentance, confession, and restitution. Please do not let those long theological terms confuse you. We shall break them into such simple language that all will know what they mean and how to fulfill their requirements.

What about the first condition? What is repentance, and what are we to repent of? The Bible says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. The meaning of these inspired words is very clear. Regardless of our wealth, gender, or station in life we have all made personal choices to break God's law. The Bible calls it sin. No resolute human effort has been sufficient to overcome the inherited tendencies to have our own way. The results of that original sin by Adam and Eve have been passed along to every succeeding generation, ours included. The inability to meet God's standard is a part of the carnal nature which has marked every member of the human family since the fall of our first parents.

We can better understand how "all have sinned" when we look at the beautiful, innocent little baby throwing a tantrum when its will is crossed. There is no age when the fallen nature has power of itself to control the life and modify the behavior. The Bible declares, "The carnal mind ... is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:7. Jeremiah made the interesting observation: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." Jeremiah 13:23.

In other words, not one of us has the ability to change this lost and dying condition into which we have been thrust. We can not lift ourselves by our own bootstraps. Not even education, culture, or any of the other amenities of society are able to reverse the consequences of our sinful heritage.

After recognizing the fact that we have all been condemned by our yielding to the propensities of our genetic natures, we are next confronted with the result of our transgressions. Paul describes it very succinctly in these words: "The wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23. With this shocking line, the full horror of our situation appears before us. Not only are we all guilty, but we have been sentenced to die for our sins. Every member of the human family is consigned to a death-row status as a consequence of our willful disobedience.

Is it not more than alarming to be confronted with our own death sentence, realizing that there is not a court or judge in the universe who will declare us "not guilty"? The fact is, of course, that we are just as guilty as sin. Furthermore, the penalty is absolutely irreversible, and God Himself could not cancel it without contradicting His own character and law.

Is there a solution to our dilemma? Someone may suggest that our only recourse is to go ahead and pay the penalty for what we have done wrong. By dying for our sins, we can uphold the justice of God and satisfy the demands of a broken law at the same time. We could do that all right, but where would it leave us? Since we have no power to raise ourselves from the dead, we would be eternally cut off from life, with no hope of a resurrection. Certainly that course does not seem to be a very satisfactory answer to our problem.

Finally, we have to face the truly disturbing fact that we owe something we cannot pay. We owe our very lives for our sin-debt and have no way to pay without forfeiting all future existence. It is as though a man bought all of his month's groceries on credit and then had no way to settle the $200.00 account at the end of the month. Out of embarrassment and shame, the man avoided the store with his delinquent account. But then his best friend heard about the poor man's financial problem. Immediately the friend went to the store and counted out the full $200.00 to settle the account. Wasn't that a wonderful act of friendship and love? Now the man has no reason for feeling shame or guilt. The debt has been paid. His record is clear. What would you think of that reprieved man if he had refused the kindly act of his friend? Would it not be a gross insult to the one who made such a magnanimous gesture?

Now let's apply that little story to our own case. We also owe something we can't pay-our very lives. But a friend, in the person of Jesus, says: "I will assume your debt, suffer death in your place, and put it all to the credit of your personal account." That offer stands behind all three of the steps we are considering in the salvation experience. It constitutes the basis of our receiving forgiveness for our sins. How is the guilt, condemnation, and death sentence transferred from you and me and placed upon Jesus, our divine Substitute? The answer to that question brings us back to the three conditions for taking the big step of obtaining forgiveness. The first condition is Repentance.


What is Repentance?
I promised to simplify that long theological word. It literally means to feel a godly sorrow for the wrongs we have committed. Such genuine sorrow is only possible when we fully recognize that our only hope rests in the death of Jesus on the cross in our place. Helplessly we must turn away from self and "behold the lamb of God," who takes away the sin of the world. What happens as we watch Him bleeding, suffering, and dying on the cross? We realize that He was holy and innocent. We were the guilty ones. We should be hanging there instead of Him. We are overwhelmed to realize that He would have submitted to the torture and death for only one soul, even for you or me. Suddenly our eyes fill with tears as we realize that our sins caused His death on the cross. His heart was broken by the crushing weight of sins that had been taken from us. He was voluntarily suffering the punishment we deserved. We are filled with sorrow that we ever committed those very sins that now are taking the life of the Son of God. That sorrow is repentance.

We must clearly distinguish between a worldly sorrow and a genuine godly sorrow. Sometimes children say, "I'm sorry" when facing punishment for misbehavior, but often they are merely regretful that they got caught. This is not true repentance. When I was in high school one of my teachers was the sports coach. He was a nice enough fellow, but not a very effective communicator. Therefore, it was a treat when a young lady teacher took his place in the middle of the school year. All of us boys were especially delighted because this new teacher was very pretty and not much older than some of us.

In the beginning, we were vying for her attention in ways that were probably very distracting to everyone. One day I stayed after school with two friends to play some basketball. Later, after all the other students had left, we went by our room to pick up our books. Just before opening the door, we glanced through the one clear pane of glass in the door and there we saw our beautiful girl-teacher weeping at her desk. No one needed to tell us why she was crying, because we instantly remembered some of the things we had done during classes. None of us had any desire to hurt that teacher. We liked her very much and had no idea that we were causing her so much grief. We were sick and ashamed of ourselves that day, and it was three very sorry boys who crept down the hall without opening that door. All three of us made a covenant that day that we would never do anything again that would hurt our pretty young teacher. We were truly repentant.

This same principle applies to those who feel sorrow for the pain their sins caused Jesus to suffer, and by God's grace they determine to turn away from everything displeasing to Him.


Why Should We Confess?
The second condition of forgiveness is called confession. John wrote, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. That certainly sounds simple enough. Yet it is on this point that most people stumble and lose their way. The question most commonly asked is this: How do I know I have been forgiven? There is only one correct answer to that question. We know we are forgiven because God said we would be. Here is where the beautiful element of faith comes into the picture. We have every reason to know that God's Word cannot ever fail. Whatever it says will take place. There is built-in, self-fulfilling power in every promise of the Bible.

Could the man lame from birth stand upon his feet? No, it was impossible. He was carried every day to beg outside the temple in Jerusalem. Yet Peter commanded, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Acts 3:6. Suppose the man had remained on his pallet and said to Peter, "I can't even stand on my feet, much less walk or run. I've been crippled all my life, and have no strength in my feet to move off this bed." Do you think he would have been healed? No, he had to accept as a fact that Jesus of Nazareth had strengthened those ankle bones so that he could get up and walk. When he made the effort as though his feet were normal, they were restored to normal. "According to your faith so be it unto you."

You may not feel forgiven when you ask for it, but the promise is that you are forgiven. So forget about feeling. Believe that it's done because God said it would be. Thank Him for it and then act like it's done, because it is. Your faith makes it a fact.

Someone might say, "Well, I thought Christians got happy feelings as a result of accepting Jesus." Let me assure you, that feeling will follow as a result of your faith and forgiveness, but always remember that faith must come before feeling. Paul had it right when he wrote, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1. Just imagine for a moment that feeling came before faith in forgiveness. In that case you would be a peaceful, joyful unbeliever, and there is no such creature as that.

By the way, what is the real secret behind the confession process? Why do we need to tell God about our mistakes and sins? Doesn't He already know without my recounting them to Him? Of course, it is true that we do not inform God about anything He doesn't know already. Our confession does not change Him either; it changes us. Ask anyone who has been courageous enough to ask forgiveness. You can probably remember having to make something right with an individual in the past. Perhaps you had repeated some exaggerated rumor about the person and he found out that you were responsible. Even though it was hard, you gathered up your courage and stammered out your apology. What happened immediately? You felt as though a great weight had rolled off your shoulders. Tremendous relief flooded your soul. Yet, you told that person nothing that he didn't know before. He was already fully aware of your words which brought him so much pain. You needed that confession more than he did.


Restitution
The third condition to having our sins forgiven is Restitution. This long word simply means that we make every effort to correct the things we have done wrong. Of course, we recognize that it is never possible to reach into the past and rectify every wrong, every lie, and every dishonest act. In the first place, we can't even remember all the times we were guilty of those things. It would probably drive a person insane to feel the responsibility for such an impossible demand. Nevertheless, the Spirit probes our consciences and reminds us of the matters which can be made right.

If something has been stolen, it certainly should be restored. If lies have been told which damaged someone's reputation, we can apologize and tell the truth in order to remove any stigma on that person's character. Sometimes prison might be a possible consequence if crimes of theft or robbery have been committed, but it is very important to arrange repayment whenever the possibility exists. In cases where restitution is not possible, the repentant one can safely trust the cleansing merits of Christ's blood to provide pardon and restoration.

Is it difficult to confront and correct our past sins? Indeed, it is probably the most excruciating part of the redemptive process. This may explain why so many have convinced themselves that it is not a biblical requirement. But might it not also provide a partial explanation as to why spiritual renewal has been so elusive in the modern church? Many believe that a tremendous revival would sweep the Christian churches if every member made genuine restitution to those they have wronged.

Meeting the three conditions of repentance, confession, and restitution brings assurance that the longest step has been taken in becoming a true Christian. The sins are now forgiven and can no longer crush the conscience with guilt. Here is where we encounter the real answer to the question about the transfer of sin onto the divine Substitute. When we reach out in faith, believing that He truly has taken our place on the cross, a very marvelous transaction is consummated. The death penalty which rested upon us is instantly removed from us and placed on Jesus. It is exactly as though we were with Him on the cross suffering the required sentence, and yet, we were only there by faith. He experienced the pain and punishment for us, but because we confess Him as our Saviour, He actually treats us as though we ourselves had died and paid the penalty for our own guilty acts.

But not only does God accept the atoning sacrifice of His Son as a total satisfaction of the universal death sentence against every member of the fallen race, He imputes to each one who chooses to accept it the credit for living a life just as holy as Jesus lived. In other words, they are not only declared "not guilty"; they are declared to be just as righteous as the sinless Saviour who lived here in the flesh for 33 years without committing a single sin. It is in this amazing manner that all degrees of transgression are canceled, and "whosoever will" may stand without condemnation before God. His faith alone has opened a door to a new "standing" in relation to God. It is called justification, and it provides forgiveness for every wrong-doing of the past which has been repented of, confessed, and forsaken. And even though it can be said that the death of Jesus, in one sense, made a corporate reconciliation of all men to God, it is only through personal acceptance of the sacrifice that anyone can experience "justification by faith."

Does the totality of salvation, then, consist of a mere "accounting" on the part of God? Is our part only to believe that God does everything for us, and then wait for Him to waft us on rose-tinted clouds into the kingdom of heaven? Indeed not. So far, we have described that part of righteousness by faith which flows from outside ourselves. It is called justification and is based wholly upon the objective acts of God in our behalf. It is true that we cannot work for this imputed credit for being righteous. We can only accept the atoning merits of the blood of Jesus, which bears witness that somebody else paid the penalty for our sins. By exercising faith in this divine Substitute, who took our place in death, we acquire a certain "standing" of righteousness before God.

But it is most necessary that we understand that God does not ascribe some legal fiction to us by calling us righteous when we really are not. Righteousness by faith includes more than just a "standing" or "accounting." God not only imputes righteousness to us through justification to take care of our past sins, but He imparts righteousness to us through sanctification to keep us from future sins. In other words, there is a "state" of righteousness before God as well as a "standing" of being righteous. We'll have more to say about these two aspects of righteousness by faith as we move into the next chapter. Keep in mind, though, that whether imputed or imparted, all true righteousness originates with God and resides in us only as long as Christ abides in us through faith.


The Necessity of the New Birth
Now we are prepared to consider the second large step in this exciting journey from earth to heaven, and it is very closely tied to the faith transaction we have considered. That moment of acceptance not only brings an objective change of standing before God, but it also produces a fantastic subjective transformation in the heart and mind of the believer. Jesus referred to this dramatic experience as being "born of the Spirit." The necessity of it was revealed in the urgent words of the Master to Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.

There is no possible way to analyze or diagnose the miraculous, and often instantaneous, change which accompanies this act of faith. The apostle John seems to express it as simply as it can be communicated: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:12. But even though we can't understand the mystery, we can observe the results of it very clearly. Paul described it in these words. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Like a gentle brush of the invisible wind, God's Holy Spirit enters the life to replace the surrendered fleshly things with the exact opposite. Although the inherent fallen nature is not removed by the new birth, the carnal mind is replaced with a spiritual mind which has the power to subdue all the desires and passions which might arise from that fallen nature. It is this progressive work of conquering self and constantly submitting the will to Christ which leads us to the third giant step on our heavenly pilgrimage. We call it sanctification.

Again when we reduce this long theological word to its elementary meaning, all confusion evaporates. It simply means loving obedience to all of God's revealed will. The word "loving" distinguishes those acts of obedience from the legalistic forced conformity of those who might be trying to earn salvation by mere law-keeping. Some liberal-minded religionists equate obedience and legalism. They ignore the difference between heart service and head service. One is the very finest demonstration of true religion and the other shows forth the most dangerous counterfeit. Someone has suggested that millions will miss heaven by just eighteen inches-the distance from the head to the heart. Complying with God's law in order to fulfill a legal requirement for salvation is the head approach, but true heart obedience is the spontaneous outflow of a personal love relationship with Christ. When we talk about sanctification here, we are referring solely to the heart approach.

There has been much debate over the way justification and sanctification relate to each other, so let's clarify it with a few simple observations. We need both of these experiences in order to be ready for heaven. Justification imputes the perfect victory of Jesus to cover our past sins, but sanctification imparts the victorious power of Jesus to preserve us from committing further sin. We can't have one without the other. Anyone who exercises true faith is justified. All who are truly justified are converted, or turned into a new creation; and all who have experienced the new birth will walk in obedience out of love. The cause-effect is instantaneous and inseparable. There is no justification without sanctification and no sanctification without justification. Nevertheless, it is very important to keep in mind that justification, as the very first approach to God, is freely bestowed and is not granted in reference to our good works. This biblical principle requires that the believer receive the gift of justification before sanctified obedience is possible. Then the conformity to the law is recognized as the result of the born-again connection with the Saviour.

As you have probably realized by now, there are many professed Christians who consider step number three to be optional in the salvation experience. But unless we ignore many plain statements of scripture, it is impossible for us to come to such a conclusion. The Bible says, "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." Hebrews 5:9. Obedience is truly one of the spiritual requirements for entrance into the kingdom. John declared that "there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth." Revelation 21:27.

Sin, of course, is the only thing that defiles in God's sight, and it is specifically excluded from entering the gates of Paradise. Sin is defined in the Bible as transgression of the law. This means there will be no thieves, murderers, adulterers, etc. in heaven. Should it frighten us to learn that willful sin must be put away in order to be saved? Incidentally, we are not saying here that the good works of obedience are the grounds for our acceptance by Jesus, but they are the necessary accompaniment of a freely bestowed gift to all who believe.

None who have accepted that gift will be discouraged by the requirement to stop deliberately transgressing the revealed will of God. Converted hearts are eager to please the One they love supremely. They delight to walk in obedience because God's law has been written into their hearts and minds.

Why is it easier for most Christians to take the first two steps of the three we have dealt with so far? Is it because forgiveness and conversion are largely accomplished for us and in us by the power of God in response to our faith alone, while sanctification demands strong effort in addition to our faith? It is entirely possible. For that reason, I want to share, in the next few paragraphs, the greatest secret I ever learned about living the Christian life. How does one turn away from sins which are rooted in strong physical or psychological addiction? What about smoking, alcoholism, and drugs?


Claiming the Victory-Sanctification
Total victory over all sin has been promised through scores of Bible texts, but four of them will suffice to bring deliverance to every one who will claim them in faith. May I address you personally about your besetting weakness, problem, or addiction? The simple, practical steps you are about to learn could make the difference between life and death in your future. Let nothing divert you from this biblical formula which is guaranteed to break any chain or habit in your life that you are willing to relinquish.

The first text contains a most important principle about victory over sin. "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57. May this glorious truth grip your mind. Victory is a gift! It is not something you can earn or deserve. Neither is it bestowed as a reward for hard effort and struggle. It is freely granted to those who ask for it in the right way. But, you may inquire, what is the right way to ask God for this gift? The answer is contained in just one word-faith. Jesus said, "According to your faith so be it unto you." Everything promised in the Bible is yours for the asking, but you must believe it in order to receive it.

Now let's illustrate that principle by moving to the second text. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Matthew 7:11, emphasis added. Notice that this verse is also talking about asking for gifts, and the previous text told us that the gift is "victory" over sin. From these words of Jesus, we learn that His Father is more willing and eager to give us the "good things" we ask for than we are to feed our children when they are hungry!

Next question: "Is victory a good thing to ask for?" Of course, and victory is also a "gift," as we were told in 1 Corinthians 15:57. And on the authority of Jesus' own

words, if we ask for this good gift, God will give it more freely than loving parents would feed their children.

By the way, we don't even have to incorporate the phrase "If it be Thy will" into this prayer request, because the Bible already assures us that it is His will to free us from all sin. If we were asking for some physical gift, such as healing or a better job, we would certainly have to include that phrase in our prayer.

We are now prepared to make an observation. Whatever gift of victory over sin you ask for, it will be immediately bestowed. If you do not believe that with your whole heart, then do not pursue this plan any further. If you do believe victory will be yours the moment you ask, then drop on your knees and ask Him now, calling the sin by name. As you rise from your knees you will not feel that anything has changed, but your feelings have nothing to do with it. A wonderful thing has happened. The instant you prayed, God placed a mighty reservoir of power into your life. That power is the victory over your sin! You have it now!

Some might ask, How can I know the victory has been given? Simply because God promised to give it when you asked Him. In some cases God actually removes the taste or desire for the activity, but that is not the usual way He does it. The appetite may remain strong in the majority of those who seek deliverance, but they still have the power from God never to yield to that craving again. The secret is to accept without question that what God promised has indeed taken place.

Do you remember how Peter walked on the water? Jesus assured him that he could do it, and the big fisherman stepped out of the boat and began to do the impossible. Nobody can walk on water, but Peter did it-for a while. How long did he do it? The Bible says the wind and the waves were boisterous, and he became afraid. What was he afraid of? Obviously, of sinking and drowning. But wasn't that doubting the word of Jesus? The Master had told Peter that he could come to Him.

In the same way, He has promised to give us the victory as a gift. He invites us to come to Him. What should our response be? Whatever our spiritual infirmity, we should "step out of the boat" and affirm that we have power from God never to yield to that sin again. We can tell anybody or everybody that God has set us free, and we no longer are bound by that habit. Our faith will grow as we bear witness to what God has done, and also as we constantly thank and praise Him for the gift of victory.

Paul wrote: "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin." Romans 6:11. These are the most important words for those following the faith plan of overcoming. The word "reckon" means to count it as done. There must be no reservation in considering the sin as "dead" on the basis of God's promise. Our greatest temptation, at this point, is to think about the many times we have tried and failed to put this sin out of our lives. Satan will attack our faith by suggesting that we cannot possibly survive without indulging this particular sin, and that we are much too weak to give it up. Our greatest test will be to overwhelm and drown that "trying" argument of the self-nature and focus by faith on God's gift-plan of total victory.


Faith Makes No Provision To Fail
The final text in claiming deliverance is found in Romans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof." This lays the final timber in God's fool-proof, perfect plan of giving the victory. How can a dead person lay plans to keep sinning? If you knew you would be dead tomorrow morning, would you make any provisions for tomorrow afternoon? If you "reckon yourself dead" to any sin through the power of the Word, it would be a contradiction of nature to act as though the sin was still in control. It would also be a denial of the promise of God. If He says you have the victory, believe it!

Now we have clearly before us the uncomplicated scheme of salvation as it has been described in the Bible. The three big steps are Sins Forgiven, New Birth, and Obedience. Every child, youth, or adult can take those steps right now and pass from death to life. There is nothing mysterious about coming to Jesus to be saved. Sins are forgiven by meeting the three conditions laid down in the Bible-repentance, confession, and restitution. We have reduced these long words to an equation that the most simple can understand.

We have shown that the second large step to Christ is the new-birth experience. This profound change takes place when an individual accepts Jesus as a personal substitute and Saviour. It often happens in conjunction with the imputed justification which is credited when sins are confessed. The resulting relationship of love, with its attendant obedience, fulfills the last step in the process of becoming a Christian.

If you haven't entered fully into this joyful relationship with the Lord Jesus, don't hesitate to take the three steps right now. And if there is any confusion about what to do or how to do it, just forget about protocol or procedures and tell the Lord exactly how you feel and what you desire. He will be there to lead you into the most satisfying experience you've ever imagined.