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March 27, 1999, Saturday
Is salvation of the soul to avoid eternal damnation and to
collect a reward for eternity an easy thing to attain? How
can one determine if he in fact does have salvation? What
consideration does God make in determining whether He
will give reward or punishment?
Peter wrote to the Early Church and to future generations
of Believers of the lessons on salvation learned from Jesus-
"If there is difficulty in salvation of good people, what
will happen to godless sinners" (1Pe 4:18)? The question
was asked to spark consideration of the big difference that
is between eternal reward and eternal punishment. Anyone
that embarks on the endeavor to know Christ realizes very
quickly how inadequate we are apart from the miracle of
His salvation. When an individual then reads the Word of
God and the Holy Spirit uses that written Word to shine a
light on a dark and deceitful heart, that person begins
to see the need for serious abandonment of the old life if
that individual will ever be considered for eternal reward.
Peter was present when Jesus explained that even though His
salvation and God's grace was free, it required a PRICE-
When the disciples heard this, they were completely amazed.
"Who, then, can be saved" (Mat 19:25)? The price for people
to be saved is that abandonment of the old life. When Peter
responded to Jesus that the disciples present had left their
old life, Jesus reassured them that they would have rewards
in heaven. What is impossible for man is possible with God!
Luke recorded that Jesus told parables to clarify the many
misconceptions about salvation in response to questions-
"Sir, will just a few people be saved?" Jesus answered them,
"Do your best to go in through the narrow door; because many
people will surely try to go in but will not be allowed entry!"
(Luke 13:23-24)- Those that have followed the broad way will
receive another reponse from God that may come as a suprise-
"I don't know where you came from. Get away from me, all you
wicked people!" (Luke 13:27)-- If Jesus was tortured to death
because of the sin of mankind, He does not consider asking
an individual to die to the old nature too much to ask.
Let us remember who is the God that makes all things
possible. Yahweh is the God Jehová, there is no other
god like Him. Jehová is the Lord of Miracles. He alone
has the power to Manage our life. He alone was
Mortified by a death that had no power. He used
His power to overcome sin and death for us. Lift your
hands to Him and Praise Him today for the power and
purpose of His miracles today!
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