Category Archives: Salvation

Declaration of Independence for Today

Posted on July 4, 2009 by | 2 comments

Dear Patriots:

If you have not read our Declaration of Independence lately, Please do so now — and read it OUT LOUD. Or at least read these few excerpts which are especially specific to today.

We see so many similarities to the tragedy that is occurring in our Blessed America today. See if there are instances in our Declaration of Independence  that could apply to today’s iron fist emanating from Washington.

Here are a few quick quotes:

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – JULY 4, 1776

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,…… […]

The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

[…]

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

[…]

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

[…]

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. {BO has plans for this – Citizen Armies}

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

[…]

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences {BO wants International Law to be Superior –Harold Koh]

[…]

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

[…]

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. {Would this apply to imigration Amnesty?}

[…]

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless … Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

[…]

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Many of our Forefathers DID lose their lives, families, fortunes and possessions — just to give us a FREE Republic of America.

Read it all — here at The Patriot Post

LISTEN TO GREAT PATRIOTIC MILITARY BAND MUSIC

The Star-Spangled Banner
The Stars and Stripes Forever
The Washington Post
The Thunderer
Semper Fidelis
America The Beautiful
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Anchors Aweigh
The Marine’s Hymn
The Army Goes Rolling Along Song
America
National Emblem
1812 Overture
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Posted in Christian, Christianity, Communism, Danger, Faith, Obama, Patriotism, Religion, Salvation, Thansgiving

Rick Warren speaks at Islam Convention July 4th

Posted on June 23, 2009 by | 6 comments

Rick Warren, in his effort to be Ecumenical Pastor of the World, will be speaking to the Islamic Society of North America at their conference in Washington DC. on July 4, 2009, American Independence Day.

Do you suppose he will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ask these Muslims to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior? Don’t hold your breath.

Dare I say that Rick is interested in Rick and the subversive power he can exert in the world. Will he pray in the name of Isa, the Muslim “Jesus” as he did in the inaugural prayer for Barack Hussein Obama?

Article in The Indianapolis Star:

  • Here is Eternal Life For You

    • 6 Comments

    Posted in Christian, Christianity, Communism, Danger, Faith, Islam, Israel, Jews, Marxism, Muslim, Obama, Patriotism, Religion, Rick Warren, Salvation, Socialism, Terrorism

    No Home Bible Studies??

    Posted on May 23, 2009 by | 3 comments

    What is our beloved country becoming?

    What if this were a weekly Woman’s Bridge Club or a bunch of kids playing board games? Read the whole thing — after you read this quote from the World Net Daily article:

    “A  San Diego pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a county official and warned they will face escalating fines if they continue to hold Bible studies in their home.

    The couple, whose names are being withheld until a demand letter can be filed on their behalf, told their attorney a county government employee knocked on their door on Good Friday, asking a litany of questions about their Tuesday night Bible studies, which are attended by approximately 15 people.

    “Do you have a regular weekly meeting in your home? Do you sing? Do you say ‘amen’?” the official reportedly asked. “Do you say, ‘Praise the Lord’?”

    The pastor’s wife answered yes.

    She says she was then told, however, that she must stop holding “religious assemblies” until she and her husband obtain a Major Use Permit from the county, a permit that often involves traffic and environmental studies, compliance with parking and sidewalk regulations and costs that top tens of thousands of dollars.
    […]

    Our Republic is becoming unrecognizable!! Pray for our country and leaders — that all will trust Jesus Christ as Savior.

    Eternal Life For You

    3 Comments

    Posted in Christian, Christianity, Communism, Danger, Faith, Marxism, Obama, Patriotism, Religion, Salvation, Socialism, Terrorism, Thansgiving

    Resurrection Season

    Posted on April 11, 2009 by | 4 comments

    Unbelievers and deniers scoff at the proven truth of the Resurrection.

    Believers in Christ rejoice at the sure knowledge of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ — knowing that this fact (among others) proves the divinity of our Savior. Rejoice believers…. He may be coming soon for His own.,

    Unbelievers, please trust Jesus Christ as your Savior.. He shed His blood to pay the penalty you owe for sin. His Gift of Eternal Life is FREE — Take it.

    1 Corinthians 15:1-4

    Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

    ETERNAL LIFE FOR YOU.

    4 Comments

    Posted in Christian, Christianity, Faith, Religion, Salvation, Thansgiving

    The Way It used To Be.

    Posted on April 3, 2009 by | 1 comment


    Please notice the date on the article below.

    Too bad churches are not still as concerned.

    “The North Georgia Baptist”
    The organ of North Georgia Baptists

    ‘Contending for the Truth’
    Friday, August 12, 1898 Vol. 8 No. 37
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Sermons Almost Thrown Away

    Eloquent and learned sermons, deep and logical editorials, fine attractive exegeses, scholarly theological treatises-all these are to the intellect a treat, and perhaps very interesting; and yet, if no soul is won to Christ by them, they are as sounding brass and tinkling cymbal. Time to no purpose is consumed in listening to or reading them. unless the soul is touched and the sinner turned toward Jesus or if Christian progress in divine life is not made.-Ex.

    Yet there are many who are preaching just such sermons. The great mission of the preacher should be to preach Jesus and him crucified. If all of our preachers would do this “the soul would be touched and the sinner drawn to Jesus.”

    Georgia Baptists

    ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~

    Find out about Jesus and Him crucified.

    1 Comment

    Posted in Calvinism, Christian, Christianity, Faith, Religion, Salvation

    MacArthur Type — New Apostasy, Crazy Love

    Posted on February 24, 2009 by | 124 comments

    One of my readers who signs his comments “Stickin’ to the Bible” wrote a couple of comments which deserve more than just a cursory look.

    He compared the doctrine of Francis Chan,  author of a new book, “Crazy Love,” to John MacArthur.

    I have never read the book but did look up Chan and his ministries and find him to proclaim Calvinist doctrine (as does MacArthur).

    My friend, Stickin’ then proceeded to offer another comment with details from pages of Chan’s book. I will quote some below — so you may be forewarned about Francis Chan.

    Stickin’ To The Bible said:

    I have also heard that Chan is a graduate of Master’s College and Seminary, both schools founded and presided over by John MacArthur.  In Chan’s book, Crazy Love, David Cook Pub., 2008, pp. 68-78, he creates a list of what he describes as his “profile of the lukewarm.”  His descriptions are along these lines:

    1. people who say they love Jesus but only include him as a part of their lives; 2. people who are moved by stories about those who do what he calls, “radical things for Christ,” but they themselves do not do such things; 3. people who rarely share their faith with others for fear of rejection; 4. on page 78 he says, “Lukewarm People feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.”   After making his list of  what he calls “Lukewarm People,” he then discards them like matchsticks all in one fell swoop on pp. 83-84.  Chan says, “As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there’s no such thing.  To put it plainly, churchgoers who are “lukewarm” are not Christians.  We will not see them in heaven.”

    Clearly, Stickin’ has pegged Francis Chan as a MacArthur type “Lordship Salvationist.” Chan’s statements above imply that one cannot be a Christian without good works — in direct opposition to multiple scriptures which state that salvation is free and complete apart from good works. Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 11:6.

    Obviously Francis Chan has interpreted Scripture to suit himself or has never read the Book of First Corinthians about the carnal believers in Corinth.

    Thanks to my reader Stickin’;… he has done a great job of research and reporting.

    124 Comments

    Posted in Calvinism, Christian, Christianity, Danger, Faith, John MacArthur, Lordship Salvation, Reformed theology, Religion, Salvation

    Change the Gospel ???

    Posted on January 17, 2009 by | 20 comments

    My Sweet Wife and I are blessed to have a dear friend (along with his family), Pastor, Author and Lecturer, Dr. Tom Cucuzza, of Northland Bible Baptist Church in St. Cloud, MN. (His excellent book, Secure Forever! is mentioned here on the right sidebar of this page. Check it out).

    In the middle seventies our small South Florida church was blessed to have Tom as our Youth Pastor and later our Assistant Pastor. He and his wonderful wife Sue worked tirelessly with us for the Lord.

    Tom and I recently had an email discussion about people and organizations who publish Christian commentaries, books and DVDs. We find it disappointing and inexcusable when we see so much good media spoiled by the proclamation of a misleading “gospel” message. We see such phrases as:

    • you must give your life to Christ to be saved
    • turn from sin to be saved
    • come under Christ in obedience and to the study of His Word in Holy Scripture to appropriate God’s Grace
    • Make Christ the Lord of your life to be saved — and many more.

    These are important things to do AFTER one is saved but an unbeliever can never claim these as a means to gain eternal life. Salvation is only by faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross alone — without works of righteousness. (Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9)

    Shirley and I both were thrilled by the succinct wisdom of Tom’s statement in an email we received today:

    “I do not understand why [Christian] people have to change the gospel. We are simply His [the Lord’s] ambassadors to bring His message to people. We need to represent the Lord properly by saying what He has given us to say.” Dr. Tom Cucuzza

    There are some Christians who will agree with Tom’s statement but few who actually follow such a simple, profound truth. Why it is so difficult for Christians to comprehend that?

    Of course we may guess why some would sacrifice the truth for error. Could it be because of ignorance, deceit, conceit, self importance or just trying to build a bigger and “better” church? Regardless of the reason, there is no Biblical justification for error.

    The Apostle Paul warned in Galatians 1:6-9
    “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

    And the Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:25
    “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

    Thanks, Tom, for a great paragraph of truth.

    Click here — Find out the Truth — be sure of Heaven.

    20 Comments

    Posted in Calvinism, Christian, Christianity, Danger, Faith, John MacArthur, Lordship Salvation, Reformed theology, Religion, Salvation

    Real Hope 2009

    Posted on January 4, 2009 by | 9 comments

    This is a revised re-post of a message posted over two years ago and 56,000 Blog views later. This was before politicians took the word HOPE and perverted it into his campaign slogan. This is one of my most-read posts so I thought it deserved a fresh look at this beginning of the New Year, 2009.

    Let us look at Real Hope.

    For centuries man has misunderstood or misinterpreted many words in God’s Holy Scripture. “Scholars” debate the meanings of Biblical words and we must determine whether such interpretations are errors or truth. If errors, whether they are accidental or deliberate. Let’s take the wonderful and exhilarating word “Hope” and see if we can understand it. Of course this writing will be an abbreviated explanation of the word but it is a start.

    One may say, “I hope it will not rain today.” “I hope my car will start when I have an emergency.” “I hope my children will grow up to be great citizens.” “I hope. I hope. I hope.”

    The standard dictionary definition, and one that is generally accepted by most of the world is “to FEEL that something desired MAY happen:” The words “feel” and “may” are two very indefinite words, but such a definition of “hope” exemplifies the thinking of most people today.

    The dictionary definition of the word “hope” is NOT the Biblical Hope of which we speak.

    Let us investigate the Old and New Testament meanings of the word “Hope.”

    Here is ne of many uses of the word Hope in the Old Testament:

    Psalm 39:7

    “And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.”

    Here we see a Hebrew word “towcheleth“ but with root meaning “expectation.” These and many, many more verses illustrate the Psalmist’s reliance upon the trustworthiness of the Lord God Almighty. The Lord CAN be trusted. He WILL keep His promises.

    Now, in the New Testament we see the word “Hope” in many verses. This word “Hope” is an absolute, a guarantee without a doubt. It is the Greek word “elpis” meaning “to expect or anticipate with pleasure.”

    Colossians 1:5

    “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;“

    The Hope of Heaven is not a maybe — but an absolute and definite guarantee by the Word of the Truth of the Gospel.

    Titus 1:2

    “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”

    Read that carefully! Eternal life — guaranteed and promised by the God of the Universe. He cannot lie.

    Titus 2:13

    “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

    Every believer in Jesus Christ may look with confidence to the glorious appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ. No doubt!

    Titus 3:7

    “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

    We are Justified by God’s grace, guaranteed — Rendered innocent or free by God’s Grace, eternal life guaranteed!

    As you read this, I want you to have that Hope or guarantee personally. God offers you this by His Grace.

    Just briefly, no one deserves to live in Heaven or have eternal life with the perfectly Righteous God (Revelation 21:27). We are all sinners by nature and deed. Simply put, we have all sinned and come short of the mark of God’s absolute righteousness (Romans 3:23). All sin requires a death penalty payment that must be paid — and that penalty is spiritual death, being apart from God in Hell (Romans 4:23).

    By God’s Grace and Love He Himself provided a Sin Bearer in the person of Jesus Christ who was crucified for our sin, was buried and rose again. This Grace is available to the whole world — including you personally (John 3:16). It is not determined by how good you are — or how hard you try — or by your good works, but by Grace alone — which means “undeserved mercy.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

    How can we KNOW that God’s promise of Hope is real?

    1 John 5:13

    “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

    You can KNOW. God promises Heaven, the Hope (guarantee) of eternal life is when you trust that Jesus paid the death penalty in your place. He promises — and all you need do is to trust Jesus as your Savior. Please believe His Word — He died for you.

    If you have never trusted Jesus alone as your Savior, do that right now. Believe His promises of eternal life which are yours the moment you trust Jesus as YOUR Savior.

    Read, remember and believe this:

    Jesus died — That’s history. Jesus died for ME — that’s salvation.

    When you make that simple decision, your eternity in Heaven is secure in Jesus Christ. It is God’s guarantee, thus your HOPE of Heaven is guaranteed eternal. You are immediately declared righteous before a Holy God with no possibility of losing His Gift of salvation. Eternal life is ETERNAL — without end, beginning the moment you trust Christ as your personal Savior.

    Romans 1:16

    “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 [gentile].”

    Please, trust Jesus Christ as your Savior NOW! God has no strings attached! Claim that wonderful HOPE — His eternal Gift..

    Learn How to have REAL HOPE of Eternal Life.

    9 Comments

    Posted in Christian, Christianity, Faith, Obama, Religion, Salvation

    He Came To Die

    Posted on December 23, 2008 by | 22 comments

    Jesus Christ, the Babe in the Manger — came specifically to die for the sins of the World, Jew and Gentile..Often we forget this truth at Christmas time.

    It was predicted in the Old Testament that he would come to die for the Nation of Israel — but ALSO for the Gentiles!!

    In the Old Testament: Isaiah 60:3 Speaking of the Lord and His Messiah:
    And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

    Isaiah 53:5
    But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

    And in the New Testament:Acts 28:28
    Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

    Romans 1:16
    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 [Gentile].

    At this time of fun and family, remember:

    Jesus is THE SAVIOR – He died for YOU.. was buried and arose from the grave. He is ALIVE. Believe in Him — HE alone saves!!

    Have a wonderful time celebrating the Savior’s birth and trust Him alone for your eternity..

    And how can you know for sure?

    Click here — Find out how to be absolutely sure Eternity with Jesus Christ.

    22 Comments

    Posted in Christian, Christianity, Faith, Israel, Jews, Religion, Salvation

    THANKFUL !!

    Posted on November 25, 2008 by | 12 comments

    Am I thankful?Absolutely and you should be too.

    Thankful that:

    • The Lord loved a sinner such as me. Sinner, because I am short of God’s perfection (the definition of sin). God Loved me enough to have Jesus Christ come to earth to pay my sin debt by dying on the Cross of Calvary. He was buried and rose again, proving Himself to be God and capable of saving a sinner such as me. He gave me the choice to trust Jesus Christ by His Grace. Ephesians 2:8-9
    • A dear friend cared enough about unbelievers (me) that she carried me to a place where I heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and made the decision to trust Christ as my Savior. What a Savior!! I KNOW I have eternal Life. I John 5_13
    • We still have the privilege in this country of sharing and witnessing our faith in Jesus Christ. All of us who trust Christ alone as our Savior should be concerned for those without Christ. Mark 16:15 “.. Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.“
    • I have Shirley, such a sweet and loving wife as my dear companion, provided by God’s Grace.
    • We have such a very special bunch of caring kids, g’kids and one very sweet little g’g’daughter.
    • I still have one eye remaining which will be operated on in early December — and we pray and expect it will be successful.
    • We live in the greatest country in the world, and, as one of our founding Fathers said, “A Republic, if we can keep it.” (Pray for our Country).
    • Our Brave Military willingly takes up arms to protect our country.
    • We are blessed with our amazing Constitution and Bill of Rights.
    • The Lord has provided us with [think about it] grass, trees, sunrises and sunsets, cloudy and clear skies, fresh ocean breezes, food, heat and air conditioning, paramedics, firefighters, doctors, nurses and dentists, hospitals, shoes, clothes, tap water, indoor plumbing, some remaining churches with Godly Bible preaching Pastors, the ability to write, read and understand, a plethora of wonderful friends,
    • And much more if you care to list yours in our comment section.

    Thank You Lord for saving my soul

    Thank you Lord for making me whole

    Thank you Lord for giving to me,

    Thy great salvation so rich and FREE (Unknown)

    Click here — Find out how to be absolutely sure of Heaven.

    12 Comments

    Posted in Calvinism, Christian, Christianity, Faith, Patriotism, Religion, Salvation

    John MacArthur / Lordship Salvation

    Posted on September 6, 2008 by | 83 comments

    I was recently challenged by a person who responded to my comment on another Blog. Because he was a devotee of John MacArthur, he was upset that I called MacArthur a proponent of “Lordship Salvation.” (LS) He claimed, in very eloquent language, not to understand LS, indicating he had learned much from MacArthur.

    I also made the statement very clearly that MacArthur is a Reformed Calvinist.

    This is my answer to him — which, unfortunately, leaves much unsaid on my part — simply for fear of too much verbiage and a lack of time to prove a point. The gentleman never answered my comment.

    My definition of “Lordship Salvation” is described as any doctrine which adds works to salvation or to the keeping of salvation. Christian carnality is a shame but cannot be cured by adding or demanding works to gain, keep or insure salvation.

    LS has its roots in Covenant/Reformed/Calvinist teaching, which leads a person to believe he must continue in good works to prove his salvation to God, the “P” in the Calvinist TULIP,  Perseverance of the Saints.

    Here are some quotes where MacArthur misses the mark in his teaching. He is indeed a learned man and respected by many, but alas, he projects errors in some of his doctrine. There are many references where he utters truth but likewise, there are too many times when he contradicts himself and the Bible.

    MacArthur espouses Covenant/Reformed/Calvinist doctrine and consequently, this evidently influences his teaching of Lordship Salvation. It seems deliberate, not accidental, even though at times he denies his Reformed teaching. Look at some of his quotes:
    From Saved Without A Doubt – MacArthur Study Series (Chariot Victor Books, 1992), p 58.

    “….. It’s not that He [God] merely sees what will happen in the future; rather He ordains it. The Bible clearly teaches that God sovereignly chooses people to believe in Him.”

    This is clearly Covenant/Reformed/Calvinist teaching with no scripture to support it. And yet in his statement before the Independent Fundamental Churches of America (IFCA) Board, 1989, in plenary session he said,

    “I believe with all my heart and soul that you cannot come up with a covenant view of theology and maintain any kind of coherent hermeneutics.”

    This contradicts his theology quoted above that  “God sovereignly chooses people to believe…” Incidentally the words “sovereign” and all its derivatives do not appear in the King James Bible, but are catchwords of Calvinists.

    An example of his Lordship teaching:
    John MacArthur – Grace to You

    http://www.gty.org/Resources/Issues&Answers/349
    “….. no one can be saved who counts the cost and is unwilling to pay it.”

    My friends, this is the confusing essence and tenet of Lordship Salvation. Clear Biblical teaching says there is NO cost to being saved or staying saved.

    Ephesians 2:8-9
    For by grace are ye SAVED through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.
    (Red caps my emphasis)

    From: Grace to You Website (Grace Community Church – MacArthur, Pastor)

    What we teach about God:

    “He has graciously chosen from eternity past those whom He would have as His own.”

    Again, this is Covenant/Reformed/Calvinist doctrine. This means God therefore chooses NOT to pick others (the un-chosen) leaving them condemned to hell. Bad Doctrine! “The Lord is … not willing that any should perish.” 2 Peter 3:9

    From: John MacArthur
    Master’s Seminary Journal
    TMSJ 4/1 (Spring 1993) 5-24
    Excerpt:

    “A faith that is void of submission is a merely intellectual faith, ….. Those who adopt such a view must then scale back the definition of faith so that believing is something that even depraved sinners are capable of.”

    I would ask MacArthur, “Submission how? Obedience to a doctrine of mandatory works?”
    Did not Christ die for every sinner, the whole world, no matter how “depraved?” (Incidentally, the word “depraved” does not appear in the Bible but it is an invention of Calvinists). What could possibly be the difference between an ordinary sinner and a “depraved” sinner. Christ died for the most “depraved” of sinners the Apostle Paul — who called himself “The chief of sinners.” We are all sinners by nature and deed and even our finest righteousness is, in God’s words, as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:5). We all deserve the condemnation of Hell.

    MacArthur defines Perseverance of the Saints (Covenant/Reformed/Calvinist doctrine):

    “It [perseverance] opposes the radical easy-believism teaching that genuine Christians can choose to ‘drop out’ of the spiritual growth process and ‘cease to confess Christianity.’ It [perseverance] is the polar opposite of the brand of theology that makes faith a ‘historic moment,’ a one-time ‘act’ that secures heaven, but offers no guarantee the ‘believer’s’ earthly life will be changed.”

    Therein is the very definition of  Lordship Salvation. MacArthur thereby declares and proclaims that if your life does not change, you are not saved.

    Scripture says:

    “… for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

    Please remember, Christian carnality cannot be cured by adding or demanding works to gain, keep or insure salvation. The answer for the carnal Christian is (among many verses):

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

    And to be absolutely sure of your eternity — to be sure of Heaven some day, without a doubt:

    Eternal Life For You

    83 Comments

    Posted in Calvinism, Christianity, Faith, John MacArthur, Lordship Salvation, Reformed theology, Religion, Salvation

    What is Hope?

    Posted on November 20, 2006 by | 77 comments

    For centuries man has misunderstood or misinterpreted many words in God’s Holy Scripture. “Scholars” debate the meanings of Biblical words and we must determine whether such interpretations are errors or truth. If errors, whether they are accidental or deliberate. Let’s take the wonderful and exhilarating word “Hope” and see if we can understand it. Of course this writing will be an abbreviated explanation of the word but it is a start.

    One may say, “I hope it will not rain today.” “I hope my car will start when I have an emergency.” “I hope my children will grow up to be great citizens.” “I hope. I hope. I hope.”

    The standard dictionary definition, and one that is generally accepted by most of the world is “to FEEL that something desired MAY happen:” The words “feel” and “may” are two very indefinite and vague words, but such a definition of “hope” exemplifies the thinking of most people.

    The dictionary definition of the word “hope” is NOT the Biblical Hope of which we speak.

    Let us investigate the Old and New Testament meanings of the word “Hope.”

    Psalm 33:22

    “Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”

    Hope in this verse is the Hebrew word, “yachal” meaning “trust.”

    Psalm 130:7

    “Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.”

    Again this is the same Hebrew word, “trust.”

    Psalm 39:7

    “And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.”

    Here we see a slightly different Hebrew word “towcheleth“ but with the same root but meaning “expectation.” These and many, many more verses illustrate the Psalmist’s reliance upon the trustworthiness of the Lord. The Lord CAN be trusted. He WILL keep His promises.

    Now, in the New Testament we see the word “Hope” in several verses. This word “Hope” is an absolute, a guarantee without a doubt. It is the Greek word “elpis” meaning “to expect or anticipate with pleasure.”

    Romans 5:2

    “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

    We rejoice in the glory of God, not with uncertainty but with joyful anticipation — guaranteed.

    Colossians 1:5

    “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;“

    The Hope of Heaven is not a maybe — but an absolute and definite guarantee by the Word of the Truth of the Gospel.

    Titus 1:2

    “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”

    Eternal life — guaranteed and promised by the God of the Universe. He cannot lie.

    Titus 2:13

    “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

    Every believer in Jesus Christ may look with confidence to the glorious appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ. No doubt!

    Titus 3:7

    “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

    We are Justified by God’s grace, guaranteed — Rendered innocent or free by God’s Grace, eternal life guaranteed!

    As you read this, I want you to have that Hope or guarantee personally. God offers you this by His Grace.

    Just briefly, no one deserves to live in Heaven or have eternal life with the Righteous God (Revelation 21:27). We are all sinners by nature and deed. Simply put, we have all sinned and come short of the mark of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). All sin requires a payment that must be paid — and that penalty is spiritual death, being apart from God in Hell (Romans 4:23).

    By God’s Grace and Love He provided a Sin Bearer in the person of Jesus Christ who was crucified for our sin, was buried and rose again. This Grace is available to the whole world — including you personally (John 3:16). It is not determined by how good you are — or how hard you try — or by your good works, but by Grace alone, which means “undeserved mercy.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

    How can we KNOW that Hope is real?

    1 John 5:13

    “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

    You can KNOW. God promises Heaven, the Hope (guarantee) of eternal life is when you trust that Jesus paid the death penalty in your place. He promises — and all you need do is to trust Jesus as your Savior. Believe His Word — He died for you.

    If you have never trusted Jesus alone as your Savior, do that right now. Believe His promises of eternal life which are yours the very moment you trust Jesus as YOUR Savior.

    Remember and believe this:

    Jesus died — That is history. Jesus died for ME — that is salvation.

    When you make that simple decision, your eternity in Heaven is secure in Jesus Christ. It is God’s guarantee, thus your HOPE of Heaven is guaranteed eternal. You are immediately declared righteous before a Holy God with no possibility of losing His Gift of salvation. Eternal life is ETERNAL — without end, beginning the moment you trust Christ as your personal Savior.

    Romans 1:16

    “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 [gentile].”

    Please, trust Jesus Christ as your Savior NOW! God has no strings attached! Claim that wonderful HOPE.

    Learn How to Have Eternal Life.

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