Everyone Needs Salvation (extended Version)

Everyone is in need of salvation. Romans 3:10, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one." Righteousness is simply doing right. By deduction, we all must conclude that nobody consistently does that which is right from within himself. Not because we are born with sin in us, rather we have all committed sin because in our flesh, wherein no good thing dwelleth. Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Many take and use only this one verse out of context (Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.), like another scripture verse Matthew 28:19. We all our born into a sin filled or sinful world. (And defined as the following: A tainted with, marked by, or full of sin. There are three main sins. And by them comes all sin and it's bad effects, upon us all. They are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We are to deny them and instead live soberly and righteously in this present world. This is found in 1 John 2:15-17 and Titus 2:11-15.) Adam and eve ate of the tree of knowledge between good and evil. In Genesis 2:9-3:22. Not one of inheritance. In order to be accountable for sin, one must commit it. James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. A baby is innocent of sin because it does not have knowledge or beliefs. Therefore, until one has knowledge and belief, they cannot sin. We will read on. The flesh is easily corrupted. Genesis 6:12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. God told us there are two ways, to follow the desires of the flesh to sin and death, or the spirit of God to life everlasting. Galatians 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. One day we all reap what we have sown. God is not unrighteous to forget the work you have done by faith in his name. This is found in Hebrews 6:10. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. How can one be saved then? Well, Christ the lamb of God, (John 1:29 and Hebrews 9:15-22) died for all sin. The work of redemption is multi-fold. Someone must make an atonement for sin, and someone must empower and enable the converts to live and walk in the life of holiness and righteousness. There is no doubt that Jesus Christ alone really fulfilled all these requirements as our Teacher, our King, and our Priest. As teacher, He declared the Truth, the Light and the Way. As king, He empowered His subjects to follow His commandments. As priest, He "being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec," (Hebrews 5:9-10). Nobody contends the fact that Jesus died in their place to remove all sin. All who believe in him will have their sins removed from their lives. Unbelief will condemn the world. Roman 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. All sin is unbelief. Whosoever believes and obeys Christ by that that same belief, (John 14:15/15:14 and 2 Kings 2:5:1-15) shall be saved. John 3:16-21 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. The word sin has the letter "i" in at it's center. Satan gave the five "I wills" in Isaiah 14. Sin is being self centered and not God centered. Faith is being focused on God (Isaiah 26:3-4) and centering our lives (Mark 12:29-30) on him. Faith is expressed or shown by the

reaction that we have to the message of God. It can be seen as the trust we have in his words. Romans 3:24-27 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Some say faith requires not work to show it. These are not the words of Jesus nor his followers. Jesus replied to the unbelieving Jews who just wanted him make more food for them. John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Here Jesus said faith in of itself is or produces a work. Not a self righteous one. But a faith based one. Mark 16:16 restates this idea. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. James 2:18-26 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 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. You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. In all of Paul's letters and his preaching (Acts 13:38-39), he contrasts two ideas, or systems whereby someone might be declared righteous before God. A person can choose to enter Christ and rely upon what the salvation Jesus has provided in order to be counted righteous or he can seek to obtain his own righteousness by fulfilling the demands of the Law. The first is known as being justified out of faith while Paul refers to the last as being justified out of the works of the Law. Paul and James both preached the same Gospel. Paul's contrast is between the works of the Law verses faith in Christ. In Romans 9:30-10:21, Paul explained why Israel had failed to receive the righteousness which comes by faith. Israel had allowed an obstacle to block her path (Romans 10:1-4). Paul used Deuteronomy 30:11-14 to teach that the righteousness which comes by faith requires that "the message," namely Jesus, becomes a belief in some one's heart and a confession upon his lips (Romans 10:810). Since Israel had refused to acknowledge and internalized the message of Jesus, she had not received the blessings which come from faith in Christ. But since salvation is open to all who will call upon the Lord (Romans 10:11-13), that is, to all who will respond by trusting in Jesus, even an Israelite would be saved if he would overcome this obstacle and respond to the message of Christ with his heart and his lips. Paul did himself called upon the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 10:36 Jesus is Lord of all.) in his baptism. Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. This agrees with the words of Peter in Acts 2:38. Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of your sins". The Eunuch also who believed with all of his heart confessing this with his mouth, was baptized (in the name of Jesus) by Phillip in the waters. This is found in Acts 8:26-40. That Paul did not understand faith in Christ to be "just accept Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior by saying a sinner's prayer." This is made abundantly clear. Having repeatedly upheld the principles of faith and grace against works, Paul concluded that Christians are not under the Law, but rather are children of God by faith in Christ as a result

of their being clothed with Christ in baptism. Galatians 3:26-27 Baptism is an act of faith whereby someone relies upon Jesus for salvation. Today there are many people who run into problems with the terms faith, works and obedience. It is because they falsely assume that when Paul condemned works that he was condemning all forms of human action and obedience to God; and conversely when he praised faith he was lauding mere but genuine belief in Christ. Accepting such a framework will cause a person to encounter many contradictory statements within the Scriptures. Furthermore, when these unbiblical definitions are taken to their logical conclusions, they demand that someone must believe God enables him to believe, otherwise people would be saved by their works (namely, their decision to believe). Why are people driven to this conclusion? Given their definitions of works, since even believing in Jesus requires the human initiative of responding to God's actions (and is therefore by their definition "a work"), those who want to be consistent with their definitions are forced to the erroneous conclusion that God must enable a person to believe. Paul himself wasn't denouncing "obedience" and elevating "just believing." Instead Paul reminds the Galatians ( Galatians 3:2-9 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.) that their reception of the Spirit by faith and the fact that God had performed miracles among them was not because they are following the Law of Moses, but rather because they had believed. The contrast is between relying upon the Law instead of relying upon Jesus. As Paul himself said in Phillipians 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." Hebrews 11:1-7 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. We read in 1 Peter 2;20-21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism now saves us by our active belief or faith. Getting wet or dunked in titles ( The name of the father, singular, and of the son, singular, and of the Holy Spirit, and again, singular.) never will do it. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men,

whereby we must be saved. Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. We are to live by every word of God and not be simply one verse wonders. Jesus came in the name of the father. John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. Jesus was the son. Matthew 1:20-21 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. The comforter or Holy Ghost, which is the Holy Spirit of God came in the name of Jesus. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. The spirit of God enters in our lives after our baptism by faith in the operation of God. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water (Not the natural birth as false teachers say, but the water baptism commanded by Jesus in Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Jesus was speaking here. And Mark 16:16, already shown.) and of the Spirit, (Matthew 3:12-17 describes the spirit of God coming upon Jesus after his baptism. 1 John 5:8 describes the process of salvation.And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. You must have in this earth the water baptism in Jesus name. Which is made valid, because of our active belief of the price that Jesus paid in blood for our sins. Afterwards, we receive the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. ) he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Romans 6:1-6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Colossians 2:12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. This is the true grace and faith that saves us. Ephesians 2:8-10. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. This is the straight street of salvation. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. We are created unto good works but not by them. Scriptural and true faith is not based on our working ourselves into salvation, (By works or deeds of the law. Nobody could ever meet the requirements of it except Christ who did so.) but one of active faith to it. Acts 9:11-12 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Acts 9:17-18 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. May your eyes be enlightened and opened by Christ Jesus, who is the Lord of all and the King of kings. He is the prince of peace and freely gives it to all who really trust in his name. Walk in the peace and liberty of Christ now. I will leave you with the lyrics from one greatest Christian songs. Onward

Christian soldiers. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle see His banners go! Refrain: Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before. At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee; On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise. Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, But the church of Jesus constant will remain. Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail; We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail. Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song. Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King, This through countless ages men and angels sing.