Firstly, great emphasis is given that the contents of this series are intended to give Biblical information and insights on some of its contents. They are not intended to scare or offend anyone. It is one’s prerogative to read and never be shoved into one’s throat.
This piece is a simple sharing of bible passages. It doesn’t endorse any specific faith, religion, denomination, system of beliefs or theology aside from those in the bible.
It is in the “exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference” as provided by The Philippine Constitution that this article was made
If you find them scary, intimidating or offensive, please feel free to take them with a grain of salt and regard them like a badly written movie script.
Jesus came to earth to redeem sinners
Some of the key words Jesus uttered while on earth that are not popular and not given much attention were these: “It is finished”
28After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 30So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:28,30, New King James Version
Such an unusual, weird thing to say at the point of death! So what was finished? He is pointing to a mission, something He alone can perform. This is in fact why he came to earth.
23Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 27“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Fit was for this very reaather, save me from this hour’? No, son I came to this hour. John 12:23-24,27, New International Version
16When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 17On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16-17, NIV
1Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 5And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 7But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”
8Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10, NKJV
Redemption of sinners, seeking and rescuing the lost, is the central part of His sacrifices. It is for this reason that nails were driven in His hands and feet, He was whipped, He was crowned with thorns, and died after He endured such acts.
Here’s a sample of what the bible says about this mission and the sacrifices Jesus made:
John gave indications he knows many will become recipients of his writings and benefit from Christ’s sacrifices. Here’s his account of Jesus after satisfying Thomas’ doubts: 29Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”30And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:29-31, NKJV
[Notice how Jesus involved those who believed without seeing Him and how John ended his Gospel by addressing his readers with “these are written that you may believe and have life in His name”. Also, it is amazing to note how the contents of the bible survived around 2,000 years since the last writer and is still available today, even freely, to several people around the world.]
The bible on Jesus’s earthly mission (click to go straight to specific topic):
More descriptions by Jesus, others of his Mission
What was he supposed to do: Pay a ransom and make redemption more accessible
What’s the ransom for: sin
The consequence of sin: separation from God and being thrown to hell
Hell was intended for the devil but man can join him and his angels there
Jesus provided a realistic, achievable way out of from consequences of sin
Good works, false gods cannot save; only Jesus does
How it works: One must be “born of water and spirit”
How it works: “Born of water and spirit” means salvation is available to all
How it works: Repentance was also emphasized
The Endgame
His sacrifice is not only limited to people of Israel, it also applies to other nations
His sacrifice is not only limited to people of the past, it also applies today
More descriptions by Jesus, others of his Mission
Jesus: Preach the Kingdom of God
42Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; 43but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:42-43, NKJV
John, the apostle: Destroy the works of the devil
8He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8, NKJV
What was he supposed to do: Pay a ransom and make redemption more accessible
The bible offers several verses dedicated to Jesus’ giving up his life so redemption/salvation becomes more accessible by many. Here are the more notable ones:
28[Jesus speaking] Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28, NKJV
5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time 1 Timothy 2: 5-6, N KJV
8Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, Revelation 5:8-9, NKJV
What’s the ransom for: sin
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23, NKJV
8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom 5:8, NKJV
26… But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Heb 9:26, English Standard Version
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:13-15, NIV
25God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood, to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished Romans 3:25, NIV
The consequence of sin: separation from God and being thrown to hell
The bible says the consequence of sin is separation from God and being thrown to hell / lake of fire.
4Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4, NKJV
23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Rom 2:23, NKJV
1…Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins. 1Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 58:1; 59:1-2, NKJV
4[Addressed to tribes scattered abroad who do acts based on their desires and pleasures] You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4, NIV
27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. Heb 9:27, ESV
41[Jesus speaking] The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:41-42, NKJV
12And I [John] saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 15And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12,15, ESV
29[Jesus speaking] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 33You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Matthew 23:29, 33, ESV
8But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8, ESV
43[Jesus speaking] And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ Mark 9:43-48, ESV
7as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 1:7, NKJV
Hell was intended for the devil but man can join him and his angels there
4For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 2 Peter 2:4, NKJV
10and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10, ESV
31When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.41“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:31-33, 41 ESV
6God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, NIV
Jesus provided a realistic, achievable way out of from consequences of sin
1. Faith, belief and acceptance are the keys to access Jesus’ gifts. The benefits of His sacrifices are classified as gift offered to every person. They are free and only acceptance is needed for them to be availed.
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16, King James Version
8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV
20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20, NKJV
9That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10, NKJV
“12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12, NIV
22This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?” 23But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” John 8:22-24, NIV
“24Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24, NKJV
2. While believers will still experience trials and tribulations and God may allow the devil to attack believers, Jesus sacrifice generally broke Satan’s grip on them.
19We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19, NIV
6And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he [Job] is in your hand, but spare his life.” Job 2:6, NKJV
9[Jesus speaking] This, then, is how you should pray:…. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9,13, NIV
12For 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. Ephesians 6:12, King James Version
33[Jesus speaking]These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, NKJV
3. Christ’s death released his believers from salvation provided by the law.
14For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14, NKJV
23Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. Galatians 3:23-26, ESV
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law [like those given through Moses, 10 commandments, etc.] was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4, NIV
1Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? 2For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. 3So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.
4So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. Romans 7:1-6, NIV
38Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39, NKJV
33They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:33-36, NIV
1O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3Are you so foolish? 10For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” Galatians 3:1-3, 10-13, ESV
4. Jesus’ sacrifices does not excuse believers from obeying laws that gives life.
Jesus made clear in his advice to a woman caught in the act of adultery, she is not condemned but she better start obeying good laws.
3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 7And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 10Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:3-5,7,10-11 ESV
Here are James and Paul emphasizing believers to show not just form but also substance:
14What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 18But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 24You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Full text covered in James 2:14-26, NKJV
21Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:21-22, ESV
“1The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming–not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.
2If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.
13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 16“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
17Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. Heb 10:1-4, 11-18, NIV
Good works, false gods cannot save; only Jesus does
Jesus is man’s only way to eternal life
6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6, NKJV
10[Peter, speaking before leaders, elders, and scribes] let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12, NKJV
2My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1, NKJV
Jesus set what is needed to be saved. He said one has to truly follow Him. Relying on other ways, like good works and false gods, cannot give eternal life.
Here’s Jesus establishing his being the only reliable savior when he was asked for advice from a seeker of eternal life:
16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:16-22
The encounter between Jesus and a young ruler was a clear confirmation of Jesus’ ability to offer salvation and a warning on the futility on relying upon good works and false gods for eternal life.
The Lord’s message is very clear. The rich ruler cannot attain eternal life by working for it because he will surely fall short.
Notice how Jesus first laid the commandments on treatment of men. Then how he uniquely zoomed in on the commandments pertaining to God when the young man responded he has been keeping the commandments pertaining to fellowmen.
Examining the context of the conversation will show the requirement Jesus is asking is not about giving to the poor, it is about giving up on riches. The real point is relying on riches for salvation is a like worshiping a false god.
The young ruler has great love of his riches and choosing love of his money over following Jesus is a failure to comply with the first commandment: 3Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3, King James Version
This conversation confirms three things:
(1) Eternal life is only attainable when one acknowledge what Jesus offers, believe in Him and follow His teachings;
(2) Other “gods” cannot give salvation. Riches or money could not give nor buy salvation;
(3) Good works, like following the commandments, cannot bring one to perfection.
This story is normally used to highlight good works (helping the poor) as a way for salvation. This is further from the truth!
What the story clearly establishes are (1) the young ruler thinks he has been complying with the commandments and he was terribly mistaken, and (2) salvation is available to rich people but their stubbornness of treating riches as a “god” is the reason why It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:24, KJV
On lesser scale, another taught imparted is the use of idle resources to help the needy. The conversation demonstrates it is better to use excess resources that is of no use to a person to help the needy than just let them be idle and wasted as time passes by.
How it works: One must be “born of water and spirit”
Here’s one bible verse that is really puzzling scientifically and could introduce how Jesus’ sacrifice is availed:
34But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:34, NKJV
The coming out blood is easily understood. Scientifically, it should come out of a wound. Biblical, it represents His being a sacrificed lamb.
But the water part? Water should not come out of a human wound under normal situations. Is there something the Lord wants this unusual phenomenon to represent.
Notice one of John’s description of Jesus:
6This is the one who came by water and blood – Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three that testify: 8the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 1 John 5:6-8, NIV
Here are the scriptures that would probably solve the puzzle:
1. Jesus says the living water represents the Holy Spirit.
37On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39, ESV
2. Jesus has a new description of baptism and the Holy Spirit is received during the process.
John, the baptizer, clearly distinguishes his ways with that of Jesus: 11“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3:11, ESV
Peter was enlightened on this matter in an encounter with gentiles:
15And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 18When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:15-18, NKJV
Paul made known to some disciples in Corinth about the change:
1And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:1-6, NKJV
3. The Holy Spirit is given to those who repent and obey God:
32And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:32, NKJV
38Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38, NKJV
4. Having the Holy Spirit is proof that one is in Christ.
9But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Romans 8:9, NKJV
5. Those in Christ are a new creation:
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
6. Water also represents a spiritual cleansing agent. God’s declaration on cleansing and pouring of His Spirit in a prophecy of Ezekiel when the bible applied the characteristic of water as a cleaning agent to humans in a spiritual way:
25Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Ezekiel 36:25-27, NKJV
7. Baptism, blood, and heeding the word of God are spiritual ways to wash away sins
14Then he [Ananias, a devout man according to the law, speaking] said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. 16And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:14,16, NKJV
22And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Hebrews 9:22, NKJV
7But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7, NKJV
9How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Psalm 119:9, NKJV
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word Ephesians 5: 25-26, NKJV
3You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. John 15:3, NKJV
8. Water, likewise, represents everlasting life.
13Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13-14, NKJV
6And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. Revelation 21:6, NKJV
9. The scriptures also points out the Gospel / word is a source of life / power to salvation:
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16, NKJV
21Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21, ESV
17Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; 18they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 20He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Psalm 107:17-20, ESV
10. Hearing the gospel, hearing the word, believing, being born again, being baptized, and being converted and becoming as little children are mentioned in the same breath when it comes to salvation.
17So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17, NKJV
13In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13, NKJV
12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name John 1:12, NKJV
16He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16, NKJV
1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 4For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 1,4-5, ESV
5Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.7You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’ John 3:5,7, NIV
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3, NIV
2Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. Matthew 18:2-5, NKJV
From the relationship of the verses described above, hearing, accepting, believing and heading the Word of God along with repenting, conversion and becoming like a child, and separation from sins are what one can do to share the benefits of Jesus’ sacrifices.
Receiving the Holy Spirit becomes the seal of compliance that one indeed entitled to partake the benefits.
How it works: “Born of water and spirit” means salvation is available to all
Further, the combination of these scriptures make Jesus’ sacrifice available to any human being as stated too many times in the bible.
Bible writers emphasized the availability of salvation to all by repeating the “whosoever”, “whoever”, “anybody”, and “everybody” description of a person who can be saved:
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 16:24-25, American Standard Version
21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21, KJV
35Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35, ESV
23Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. Luke 9:23-24, NIV
4Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4, NKJV
34And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 8:34, ESV
13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13, NIV
15God stays one with everyone who openly says Jesus is the Son of God. This is how we stay one with God 16and are sure God loves us.. 1 John 4:15-16, Contemporary English Version
Here’s Jesus, himself, promising a random guy salvation because he believed and humbled himself:
39Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
42Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43, NKJV
Here’s Jesus sending his disciples for a mission and Paul showing what the great commission really emphasized:
19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19, NKJV
14I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 1 Corinthians 1:14-17, ESV
Then here’s Paul on how hearing and accepting the Word of the Lord “washes wounds” followed by “baptism” of a jailer and his family:
30Then he [a jail guard speaking] brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31And they [Paul, Silas and other prisoners speaking] said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Acts 16, ESV
Peter clearly described repentance, being born again and receiving the Word of God caused the receiving of the Holy Spirit.
23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23, NIV
38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 41So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:38,41, ESV
Same thing applied when Phillip preached the kingdom of God.
12But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:12, NKJV
How it works: Repentance was also emphasized
Repentance was the first thing demanded by Jesus during his ministry. It was the first thing He said when he started preaching the kingdom of God.
12Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali…17From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matt 4:12-13, 17, NKJV
John, Peter and Paul affirmed Jesus’ commandment in their subsequent writings.
19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Rev 3:19, NKJV
9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9, NKJV
30Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31, NKJV
19Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3: 19, NIV
37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2: 37-39, NIV
The Endgame
While Jesus’ mission was successfully executed, the end game depends on the intended receiver. Here are scriptures showing what happens to those who chose to accept the benefits of the mission and those who reject them.
18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV
28Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29, ESV
This warning has already been given during the old testament times.
The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. Psalm 145:20, ESV
His sacrifice is not only limited to people of Israel, it also applies to other nations
The Lord Jesus declared his promise of salvation to all in the light of Israel’s rejecting Him in the Parable of the Great Supper:
15Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, 17and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’
18But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ 19And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ 20Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’
21So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ 22And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ” Luke 14:15-24, NKJV
The Lord also spoke to Peter in a trance about salvation of gentiles and was shown how the Holy Spirit came down to reside in the bodies of non-Israelites.
1At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.
9About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
11He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”15The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
17While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate.
23Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
27While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
34Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
39“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.
41He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Acts Chapter 10, NIV
John and Paul both directly and straightforwardly confirmed salvation of anyone who believes in Jesus.
2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2, NIV
27For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:27-29, ESV
13For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13, NKJV
22This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24, NIV
28“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 30Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. Acts 28:28, 30-31, NKJV
12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:12-13, NKJV
17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, Romans 11:17, ESV
1Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. 6The apostles and elders met to consider this question.
7After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” Acts 15: 1-2, 6-11, NIV
His sacrifice is not only limited to people of the past, it also applies today
1. Here is Jesus indicating his teachings cross time boundaries:
20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20, NKJV
2. John gave indications he knows many will become recipients of his writings and benefit from Christ’s sacrifices.
Here’s Jesus after satisfying Thomas’ doubts: 29Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”30And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:29-31, NKJV
[Notice how Jesus involved those who believed without seeing Him and how John ended his Gospel by addressing his readers with “these are written that you may believe and have life in His name”. Also, it is amazing to note how the contents of the bible survived around 2,000 years since the last writer and is still available today, even freely, to several people around the world.]
3. God made Abraham a father of nations and established a covenant extending to his descendants and their generations. Paul confirms Jesus is an offspring of Abraham and those who are in Christ are also Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise:
4“As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Genesis 17:4-7, NKJV
17I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:17-18, NIV
16Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 29And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:16, 29, ESV
4. Here is John indicating anyone who remains under Jesus’ teachings will be saved:
9Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9, NIV
11Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12, NIV
Purpose of the bible
The bible made clear what kind of book is it. It is intended for those who want eternal life. It is not a medical, science, logic or history book. Many tend to forget this.
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. John 5:39-40, New King James Version
It also made its theme clear. While there are many tales narrated by the bible, one thing remains clear from start to finish: Humans caught in a crossfire between powerful adversaries and one of them, a loving God, is offering redemption/salvation.
The bible says the devil rebelled and continues to rebel against God and dragged humans along to be involved in this godly battle he started.
7And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. Revelation 12:7-8, NKJV
…she [Eve] took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband [Adam] with her, and he ate… And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” So the Lord God said to the serpent…I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed…. Genesis 3: 6, 14-15, NKJV
12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Luke 8:12, NIV
God’s love and the danger posed prompted Jesus to come to earth and provided everyone a way to get out of the mess.
16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16, NKJV
8He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8, NKJV
These verses encapsulates what the new testament is for. If you are encourage by these verses, you are invited to search the bible deeper and find out more about Jesus and his teachings.
Conservative approach
The presence of spirits and unexplainable events and multiple scientific, medical, and logical reasons that supports the bible and its authors’ credibility project a possibility that God do exists. If you are still unconvinced of the existence of God despite these proofs, being conservative might be the best alternative here.
Accountants describe conservatism as selecting the option that would show the worst possible financial standing of a business entity when two or more unproven alternatives are available. This is to remove the user of the account’s output be exposed to a bigger risk in case the worst possible scenario happens.
As it stands, the risk of not believing in and obeying God far outweighs the benefits of doubting his existence. It might be best to act conservatively, believe what the bible says, until you have absolutely proven that there is indeed no God nor hell.
By: Armando M. Bolislis
Banner photo from Pixabay
If you are inspired and want to give Jesus a try, continue a deeper search of the bible, especially the New Testament. This will show you how to become his disciple. Always ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your search.
If you feel the want or need to belong to a Christian church or organization, find one that preaches the Word of God and will help you improve your relationship with Christ and lead you to his eternal promises.
The theologies and doctrines about faith contained in this article are solely from God through the bible. The author is just an instrument used to spread the word for the glory of God. The personal opinions and suggestions on issues outside of biblical coverage from the author doesn’t necessarily reflect the stance of Baguio Herald Express management and staff.
