Most teachers of the word of God today either front load the gospel with works like repent of your sin or turn from sins to be saved, without acknowledging that they are adding a work to the finished work of Christ, or they back load the gospel with additions that if you don’t live a certain way you remain unregenerate and were never saved. Both of these gospel messages are accursed, as Paul the Apostle tells us.
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 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. 9 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 – Galatians 1:6-9
Why are they accursed? Because there is no rest or assurance in looking to self for evidence of salvation. How can you ever know if you have done enough, when God demands sinless perfection? God saves us through His amazing grace, which means loving kindness or favour.
Grace in the Greek is 5485 Charis, and is defined:
1. grace
(a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, grace of speech
2. good will, loving kindness, favour
(a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to be the exercise of the Christian virtues
3. what is due to grace
(a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
(b) the token or proof of grace, benefit
(i) a gift of grace
(ii) benefit, bounty
4. thanks (for benefits, services, favours), recompense reward.
The work that Christ did on the cross was a pleasing sacrifice to God. If we could pay for our own sins by following a life of good works, Christ would never have had had to die upon that cross. However, Jesus gave his life a ransom for many because he knew that the entire world could be saved, from His one sacrifice, upon simple faith in HIS work. Not our own. Notice the emphasis is on Christ and faith in Him brings both glory to Him and to God the Father.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many – Mark 10:45
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man – Hebrews 2:9
2 and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world – 1 John 2:2
What matters is what God says, and God says that human works cannot pay for sin. The wages of sin is death.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord – Romans 6:23
God says that all have sinned and come short of His glory.
for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; – Romans 3:23
Jesus makes it clear that He would be our sin payment.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us – Romans 5:8
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him – 2 Corinthians 5:21
This is what Christ did for us. Christ is the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world. John the Baptist referred to him twice as the Lamb of God.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world – John 1:29
and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! – John 1:36
There are many scriptures in Revelation making reference to the Lamb. Here is one.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God – Revelation 19:9
Only God in the flesh, Jesus Christ, could do that which we could not do for ourselves. Because He is without sin, the payment on the cross is sufficient for all the sins of mankind, as a one time sacrifice. Hebrews makes this clear.
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; – Hebrews 7:26
but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; – Hebrews 10:12
So then it is clear that the work of Jesus was a sufficient payment for sin, as he sat down on the right hand of God.
Right hand in greek is 1188 dexious and defined:
1. the right, the right hand
2. metaphorically
(a) a place of honour or authority
Many scriptures refer to the right hand of God. Look at this amazing scripture.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness – Isaiah 41:10
Because of Christ, we are made righteous with God. We receive the seal of the Holy Spirit upon simple faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross as full payment for our sins.
So why would many preachers today deny this truth and back load the gospel saying that if you don’t stop sinning, or you don’t live a righteous life, that you are not saved. It might sound holy, but they are denying the truth of God’s plan of salvation, which is a gift that we receive by faith.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast – Ephesians 2:8-9
Scripture makes it clear that we are saved by faith (in Jesus Christ) because salvation is a gift of God. It is not of human merit, because God will now allow anyone boasting of his or her works.
If a person has to live a certain life post salvation, and their pastor is telling that if they don’t live a certain way, that they can lose his or her salvation, what is he or she basing their salvation upon?
How he or she lives. This is human merit or good works.
It is subtle and looks holy and righteous to the flesh nature, but no God makes it clear that all have sinned and come short of his glory, and the wages of sin is death. Christ made that death payment for us, and we receive this redemption for our sins through simple belief in HIS finished work.
in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; – Ephesians 1:7
in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: – Colossians 1:14
As saved people, we have nothing to offer God in human works. Instead, we boast of Christ and His perfect work on the cross.
All that we need to admit to God is that we cannot save ourselves by trying to earn favour with him, like all the many religions teach today, but to receive Christ in simple faith.
Christ is not a dead Saviour. He died for our sins, according to the scriptures. He was buried according to the scriptures, but on the third day he rose again, according to the scriptures.
Christianity is the only true faith. All other religions or faiths are based upon dead works, and to trust in human works might appear to be the right way, but they lead to destruction. Proverbs gives two warnings, as does Jesus in Matthew 7.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death – Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death – Proverbs 16:25
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: – Matthew 7:13
To trust Christ alone for salvation is rarely taught by the majority of churches. Instead, they either butcher the gospel front loading it with works like you need to turn from sins to be saved, or be willing to turn from sins to be saved, or commit your life to Christ, or submit to the Holy Spirit to be saved, or make Christ the Lord and master of your life to be saved. Perhaps they are aware that they are front loading the gospel with works, but they are denying Christ’s full payment for their sins and the Word of God makes it clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ. It is not of ourselves, therefore not of human works.
Then, there are those who not only front load the gospel, but also back load the gospel telling the believer that if you don’t live a certain way, continue in sin, or make Christ the master and Lord of your life, that you will lose your salvation. The only command is to believe in Jesus Christ.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness – Romans 4:5
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; – Titus 3:5
Trust Jesus, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14) and can’t lie. The gospel of John mentions the word ‘believe‘ 85-times.
Salvation is a gift of God that we receive through faith in Christ. There is nothing that we need to do, other than trust or believe Christ, beforehand or afterward to lose this gift. The way we live our lives after we are saved makes no difference when it comes to eternal life, which is a gift entirely of God through His precious Son, Jesus. We can never be 100 percent faithful, but Christ was.
if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself – 2 Timothy 2:13
I’ve read a lot of articles on the website, Medium.com, where people have said that they are no longer a Christian. This is impossible, because if you have once trusted in Christ’s finished work on the cross as full payment for your sins, the Holy Spirit is sealed and inside of you.
in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise – Ephesians 1:13
Either, these supposed Christians believe that they have to live a certain way and have received Jesus Christ by faith, or because of tragedy or experience they have lost faith in God. However, 2 Timothy 2:13, makes it clear that even when we lose faith, God is faithful and cannot deny himself. This is an amazing truth and one to cherish and honour always.
Jesus makes it clear that we are safe in His hand, and we are safe in the Father’s hand. How much more secure that you get than that?
28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand – John 10:28-29
Discipleship, on the other hand, is performing good works for God, which will earn us blessings in this life like answered prayer, and rewards in heaven.
It is important to separate salvation from discipleship. Salvation is a gift of God that we receive through faith in Christ, and discipleship is to be a learner or follower of Christ. Paul makes many admonitions to believers to walk in the Spirit, because the flesh nature still remains when we are saved. Even Paul struggled with sin. This is made clear in Romans 7:15-24.
This is why Christ had to come to earth, because flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption – 1 Corinthians 15:50
We can only receive eternal life by Christ.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me – John 14:6
Many pastors use scriptures to scare people into submission to live a certain way, but all this does it to put people into bondage. The glory is taken off Christ because the person is then looking to themselves as evidence that they are saved.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith – Galatians 3:9-11
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace – Galatians 5:2-4
Galatians makes it clear that the law (the Old Testament) was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, to show us that we could not earn the righteousness of God by our works.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus – Galatians 3:24-26
All that you need to do to receive eternal life is to trust that Christ paid for all of your sins on the cross. Remember, when he died over 2000 years ago, all sins were in the future because we were not yet born. Receive Him through faith.
Do not listen to these accursed gospel teachers who back load the gospel of grace and make a mockery of Christ’s perfect work that satisfied God the Father.
Rest in Christ and give thanks everyday for the wonderful gift that He has given you – the full assurance of heaven.
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water – John 4:10
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst – John 6:35
15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life – John 3:15-16
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him – John 3:36
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life – John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life – John 6:47
10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 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 – 1 John 5:10-13
Notice 1 John 5:10. Those who reject Christ’s work on the cross and add works to the simple gospel are not believing the record that God gave of his Son. God wants all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; – 1 Timothy 2:3-5
God hasn’t made salvation difficult to understand or receive, it is a free gift paid for by God’s son, Jesus Christ. Yet the message of salvation by the majority of Christian pastors / teachers describe salvation not as a free gift that you receive through simple faith in Christ’s work as payment for our sin, but instead make it burdensome and difficult.
God loved you so much that he came in the flesh as Jesus Christ to die for our sins, knowing full well that our works could never pay for sin, so that we could spend an eternity with him in Heaven. God doesn’t send anyone to hell. Humans condemn themselves by rejecting Christ, instead trusting in their own goodness, when God has made it clear that we all come short of his glory.
Christ came to save the world (whosoever that would believe).
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved – John 3:17
Notice that the world is already condemned. However, those who have believed on Christ are not condemned.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God – John 3:18
Tomorrow is never promised to us. Every day is a gift of God. If you have never trusted in Jesus as Saviour, please put your trust in Him today. He paid for your sins on the cross, was buried, and victoriously rose from the dead. In John 19:30, Jesus said “it is finished”, which means paid in full. In Hebrews 10:12, it says that this man (Jesus) after had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. It is this record that we believe in for everlasting life.
Remember this analogy. Through the work of Jesus, all sin is paid for. We receive this gift through faith in Christ.
Jesus Christ = DONE
Religion is an effort to earn God’s righteousness by human merit.
Religion = DO.
God bless
