How Can I Go to Heaven?

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How Can I Go to Heaven?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Ever wonder how you can know that you can go to Heaven when life's journey is over? Do you ever think about how good you would have to be to enter God's Heaven? Does this thought ever cross your mind, “Have I done enough good?” Or, perhaps your thinking goes something like this, “I'm such a bad person. If God knows all I've done, I don't have a chance!” On the other hand, you may confidently say, “I'm a pretty good person, God will let me in already. No problem!” Now, just wait a sec! Don't you think we should see what God the owner of Heaven has to say? Let's take a look...

To begin with,

God says,

“Enter by the narrow gate.

For the gate is wide and the way easy that leads to destruction,

and those who enter by it are many.

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life,

and those who find it are few.”

Matthew 7:13-14

HOW GOOD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET IN?

So then, to begin with, God says, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” (James 2:10) In plain words, just like committing a theft, would make you a criminal. So violating even just one of God's rules, would make you a sinner by practice! The Bible is very straightforward, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) That is, all have fallen short of God's 100% holy standard by their sin. You see, God does not compare our holiness with other people – He compares us with Himself! The Bible also says, “None is righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10b) Neither is that by any means all that our Creator-God has to say as to this! He also says, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags.” (**Isaiah 64:6) Indeed, God has made His point, we are all sinners and totally helpless to save ourselves! For even the good we try to do, is seen by God as “filthy rags”!

Search as we might, there is not a single place in the Holy Bible that even eludes to the thinking that our good could outweigh the bad we've done. No, the reality is that sin always has consequences! Indeed, “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)

You see, there was a group of people, known as the Pharisees who were Israelites. These were a sect from 515 bce to 70 ce. This was a group of people that tried to the best of human ability to obey God's laws. They did their utmost to do right and keep from doing wrong. This is well brought out in these verses, “He [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous...: Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'” (Luke 18:9-12) Do you see how this person was relying on themselves in order to be acceptable before God? Yet, there was another man also praying. Of him we read, “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'” What verdict does Jesus Christ bring down here? He says, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:13-14) We see then, that the first man, spoke to God of how good he was. Yet, the second, did the very opposite. We notice then, that it was the one who thought he was good, that was not “justified,” that is cleared of his guilt. Rather, it was the second who acknowledged his guilt, that God “justified.”

AM I TOO BAD TO GET IN?

Yet, perhaps, you think, “No, I'm just way too bad a person. You have no idea what I've all done!” Ah, maybe I don't, but God does! For we read, “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.” (Hebrews 4:13) Look, God who knows all things, including you. Yet, God says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Are you included in the “everyone”? Of course! Then you are not too bad a sinner. In fact, it was exactly for such as you that Jesus came. For it is written, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” Not only that, but Paul the apostle who penned those words, ended that sentence by saying, “...of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15) I ask then, are you a “sinner”? Well, then Jesus Christ came to save you!

“The Sacrifices of a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart,

O God,

you will not despise.”

Psalm 51:17

HOW CAN I GET IN?

We saw then, that our own “righteousness” will not help us get into Heaven. However, we also saw that no “sinner” is too bad, not be eligible for God to save them. Further, we saw, that one must approach God with the right “heart attitude.” We must come humbly, with a “contrite heart.” We can never boast to God about our righteousness. No. Rather, we must acknowledge that we are indeed sinners. Yet, just how are we to be saved? Let's see...

To start with, we read, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Maybe you wonder how one could save you by dying? Well, it is important to understand that, “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6;23) This “death” speaks of separation from God. We deserved to be separated from God for time and eternity for our sin. For it is our sin that separated us from the holy God. That is why, God in His great mercy, sent Jesus to die on the cross. There He died physically, but there was also a separation from His Father. For we read, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) Ah, it was our sin, that caused this separation!

Understand then, that it was our sin that was heaped upon Jesus Christ as He hung on that dreadful cross! For it is written, “The LORD laid on him [Jesus Christ] the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) All your sin, was laid on Christ, and He took the full wrath of God for your every sin. That is how Jesus Christ is able to save you! He took the death you should have taken. He took all the punishment, all the consequences for your sin, so that you could go free. Again, it is written, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) You see, it was an incredible transaction. All your sin-debt was taken by Christ and He paid it in full by His death, for such is the consequence of sin. However, in turn, Jesus Christ credited His righteousness to your account. Simply amazing!

WHO OR WHAT ARE YOU TRUSTING IN?

So, if Jesus paid everyone's sin-debt, are all saved? No. Why? We must trust Him as our very own Saviour. We must believe, that He did this for even me! That is why we read, “For by grace [His favour] you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that on one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

So then, we can never better ourselves, and hope to get into Heaven by our “own doing.” No, only God has the remedy for our sin. We could not pay its price – death. That is why God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ to pay our sin-debt on the cross. That is why he died. It was the only remedy for us. Jesus Himself, took the consequence for our sin!

This is why so many miss the “narrow gate” that “leads to life.” So many people think that by their good, they can enter Heaven, but they are sadly mistaken. Oh yes, the “wide” road is “easy”! One can live like they please, but sin's consequences one will have to pay themselves, which is an eternity in Hell. How much better, to take the “hard” road that lead to “life,” and spend eternity in the bliss of Heaven!

MY CHOICE

What will be your choice? What will you do with the Jesus who died to pay the price for your sins? Which path will you take?

“In this was manifested the love of God

toward us,

because God sent his only begotten Son

into the world,

that we

might live through him.

Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he loved

us,

and sent his Son to be

the propitiation [satisfaction] for

our sins.”

**1 John 4:9-10

Victor J. Reimer

*Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyrighted © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

**KJV

The Reason for Christ's Birth

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The Reason for Christ's Birth

Ever wonder what all the fuss is about Jesus Christ and His birth? Ever wonder just who he was? Whether he was just a good human being, or if there was something more to him? Perhaps he was a prophet? Maybe just a crazy religious guy?! Yet, whom do you say he is?

WHO WAS HE, BORN IN A MANGER?

However, Jesus' own claims were actually quite emphatic. He claimed to be God. For we read, “The Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:18) In fact, Jesus even went so far as to say, “Unless you believe that I AM [he] you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24) Here, Jesus takes on the Old Testament name of God, “I AM.” For when Moses was to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, God said, “Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14)

Earlier on, another significant event had transpired at Jesus' own baptism. We read, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven, said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17) We see here at least two extremely critical things. One, we see the proof for the trinity. That is one God, in three distinct persons. We see, “The Spirit” coming down upon Jesus. We hear a “voice from heaven,” and, that voice saying that this is my “beloved Son.” So we have here, “The Spirit” (Holy Spirit), “A voice from heaven” (God the Father), and the “Son” (Jesus Christ). Secondly, the Father calls him, “my beloved Son.” We see then, that not only did Jesus claim to be God, but that God the Father also declared Him to be just that – the Son of God!

We see then, that Jesus Christ was indeed God. Yet, just why would Jesus come to Earth in the form of a mere man? Why not come in all His glory with with a whole host of angels announcing His arrival as the Son of God? Why not just come right out and declare who He really was? For even His earthly brothers said, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world. For not even his brothers believed in him.” (John 7:3-5) However, after Jesus' resurrection, we find that His brothers did believe. For, it is written, “Then they returned to Jerusalem...they went up to the upper room...Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” (Acts 1:12-14) So then, even His brothers who observed Him from childhood on, became convinced of His true identity, after His resurrection from among the dead!

WHY WAS HE BORN?

Yet, why did He come in the first place? Well, humanity had been plunged into sin and thus separated from their Creator-God, due to Adam and Eve's sin in the beginning. Mankind was unable to find a way to be reconciled to God. God's punishment for sin was to steep. God had said, “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Quite simply, we were stained with sin. We had miserably failed in keeping God's rules. Rules about, “not wanting to have what someone else has,” “wanting a woman who is not my wife sexually,” “not stealing,” “not wanting to murder,” and “not using God's name as a swear word.” (See Exodus 20:1-17, Matthew 5:21-22, 27)There were other rules too. These rules were like a mirror. They showed us the holy perfection of our Creator-God, and how terribly we fell short of being able to be holy like Him. For this is what God had demanded – 100% perfection! God demanded that we be as holy as He is! The Bible simply states, “All have sinned.” There were and are, no exceptions. We have all failed God's test. Not even one person is 100% holy as God demanded. We were thus in a 100% hopeless condition, and this is exactly the the reason why Jesus came to Earth, born in a manger to a virgin by the name of Mary. He came to save us from our sins!

Therefore, we read, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) John the Baptist echoes the same, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) This, was His purpose for stepping onto planet Earth! He came for the express purpose of dealing with our sin! Yet, how would He “save” us “from” our “sins”? Well, we already have a clue in John's words, when he refers to Jesus as, “The Lamb of God.” We know that throughout the Old Testament history, that lambs were sacrificed upon altars. Then too, Jesus Himself says, “I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:15)

“Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners.”

1 Timothy 1:15

The Holy Bible clearly sets forth the consequence of sin. We read, “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Again, Hebrews 9:22 says, “Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Very simply then, this is how Jesus would remove our “sins.” He would die. In a very matter-of-fact way, we read, “And they crucified him.” (Mark 15:24) Then the cry of triumph from the cross, “It is finished”! (John 19:30) Your debt of sin was paid in full! His purpose for being born on Earth was accomplished!

On the third day He would arise from among the dead ones. At first we read that, “Mary stood weeping outside the tomb,” but then she hears Jesus say, “Mary.” Then, turning in a tremendous outpouring of relief, she cries out in “Aramaic, Rabboni! (which means Teacher).” Next, we hear the words of the living Savior say, “Go to my brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene, then hastens off with great elation to inform the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”! (John 20:11-18)

Oh, you see, Jesus did not come to save us by His birth! Neither did He come to live a good life as a way to save us, or to be honored by all, as some popular figure! No – the price of our sin would never have been paid like that! The truth is, He came to die upon a cruel Roman cross! To have His Father pour out upon Him, for three dark hours, the punishment for all our sin! He was born to die. He came to pay your sin-debt in full. This is the reason Jesus was born! He came to pay your sin-debt in full, and then in most amazing act of grace, to bestow His righteousness to you!

Let us read His birth announcement: “And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) “A Savior”! That is “good news” indeed! A Savior is someone who saves, and He came to save us from our sins – your sins! He came to give as a gift – eternal life! He did not purchase this gift with money, but with His very own blood.

I ask then, will you trust Him as your Savior today?

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but

HAVE

eternal life.”

John 3:16

(KJV)

Victor J. Reimer

*Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyrighted © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Unless other wise stated. )

Hell is Taboo: A Mythical or Factual Place?

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- HELL is TABOO -
A MYTHICAL OR FACTUAL PLACE?

Why is that no one seems to mention Hell these days, other than as a swear word that is! Why is it such a taboo subject? Why is it so offensive to so many? Quite frankly, if it truly exists, I want to know! If there is any chance whatever of me ending up in such a place, I want to know how to escape it! But then, maybe its not such a bad place after all. Perhaps it is as some say, “A place to party!” Yet, as always, we must see what our Creator-God has to say in His Holy Word – the Bible.

MISSING NAMES

First off, this place called Hell, is also referred to as the Lake of Fire. This is a place were the fallen angels, including Satan, will find there permanent home. We are told in Revelation 20:10, that, “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.” Further to this, we are also told that, “If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15) To expand on that a little more, it also says, “But 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) I don't know about you, but this is not sounding like a “party place” to me!

FURTHER DESCRIPTION

How else is this place described in the Holy Bible? We read it this way in the Gospel of Matthew 8:12, “Thrown into outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Okay, that does it! Now I know for sure that this is not a happy “party joint”! Jesus also describes this place as a “fiery furnace,” in Matthew 13:42. We also read it like this, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41) Clearly, this is a place of literal on-going punishment for all the ungodly. Still further, we hear this description, “For whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.” (Jude 13) I can tell you simply, I do not want to go there! Neither do I want you there! That is why I write you this, to warn you, in order that you can escape the eternal punishment of God for your sin.

HOW BIG A DEAL IS IT?

So, just how seriously does Jesus say we should take Hell? He speaks in this way to you, “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” (Matthew 5:27-30) Is Jesus teaching that we should dismember our body?! No. What He is showing, is the serious action that must be taken regarding our sin and its consequences! This truly underscores just how horrifying Hell is.

A WAY OF ESCAPE

In light of this dark background, if I told you that there was a way of escape, you would call it “good news,” would you not? Indeed! True, there most certainly are consequences for our sin. Yet, the Lord has also been gracious and provided us with “a way of escape.” (1Corinthians 10:13)

As we have already seen, “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a) We would say, the earnings of committing sin is, separation from our Creator-God, for time and eternity. This is the bad news. Yet, the “good news” follows immediately in the same verse, “...but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Now, a “free gift” can either be thankfully received, or rejected, the choice is ours. God has given us a free will to choose. God will not force us to accept His offer. He will never force us to love Him. However, God has put everything in place that all that remains is for you to reach out your hands and receive the “free gift” He offers you – without any strings attached!

So, you're probably still wondering just how this all works. Well, as you saw, the consequences of sin is death. This means that either you or someone else, who would be willing to take your place, must now be punished by death for your sin. Obviously good deeds on your part, is not a punishment. In fact, you will look the Holy Bible through in vain, to find a concept that says that our good deeds can outweigh our bad deeds. No, sin must be punished. Now, God knew full well, that there was no way you could rescue yourself. This is the reason that God the Father sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, so that as a human, He could go to the cross and take the punishment for your sin, which was death. Jesus is your substitute. He died instead of you. This is your only escape! All that remains, is for you to trust that what He did for you is enough, that there is no laws you have to keep, or good you have to do or avoid in order to be saved, but that what He did on the cross was sufficient, and you will receive “eternal life” as a “free gift”! This may sound overly simplistic to you, but it was not for Jesus as He hung upon that dreadful cross for three dark hours, as He received the wrath of His Father for our sins!

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Now, stop and ponder... will you, or will you refuse, to accept this loving, sacrificial “free gift” that God offers you now? What will you do with Jesus the Savior, who died for you upon the cross, who is now raised to life and coming soon to judge the people of this Earth?

Clearly, Hell is real, and it is a terrible place where one pays forever for one's sin. Truly, in the Lake of Fire, all is utterly hopeless! Indeed, it is true that God is just. That means sin must be punished. Yet, He loves you so much, that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to be punished instead of you. Consider these words given by God:

“Enter by the narrow gate.

For the gate is wide and the way easy that leads to destruction,

and those who enter by it are many.

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life,

and those who find it are few.”

Matthew 7:13-14

“Jesus said to him, I am the way,

and the truth,

and the life.

No one comes to the Father

except through me.”

John 14:6

“Truly, truly, I say to you,

whoever

hears my word

and believes

him who sent me

has eternal life.

He does not come into judgment,

but has

passed from death to life.”

John 5:29

“We have been sanctified

through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ

once for all.”

Hebrews 10:10

“Everyone

who calls upon the name of the Lord

will be saved.”

Romans 10:13

Victor J. Reimer

*Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyrighted © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Who is Able to Save Me?

                                         "Trapped" by Aditya Doshi /© copyrighted/ www.flickr.com/photos/avdoshi/8612921803

Who Is Able to Save Me?

A PURPOSE

First, we must ask ourselves, why are people attracted to religion in the first place? Why not just ignore it all and have a good time as best we know how? Yet, we find that nearly all of mankind has some kind of belief – even if it is evolution. These, having faith in the evolutionary process. Even this portion of civilization is searching for answers, looking for life somewhere out there! They're trying to find a reason for our existence! However, the greatest portion of Earth's humanity, is seeking out some kind of god. Some kind of reason or purpose in it all. Something beyond the here and now. For we all know that we won't be here forever! Just look around and see how rapidly we all are ageing! We are reminded too frequently of the harsh reality, regarding the brevity of life. It seems then, that most of us want some kind of hope beyond our existence down here. Something beyond this life of heartache and disappointments. We want some kind of “happy place” to go to after our life down here is over.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM

So if this be the case, where should one start? Where does one look? Who might have the answers for these things? Well, there is an all-time best seller, called the Holy Bible. This book has been given us by the Creator-God. The Creator-God reveals something very fundamental. He informs us that our breaking of His rules, called sin, has separated us from Him. We understand too, that God is holy and that sin cannot be permitted in His holy presence. We see therefore, that the human race is in trouble. For the Creator-God tells us plainly, that, “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) This “death,” speaks of separation. Separation from the Creator-God now and for eternity. We see then, that we need to find a way for us to be able to approach our holy, Creator-God! Yet, how is this to be, considering that, “Without shedding of blood [death] is no forgiveness of sin”? (Hebrews 9:22) What does He have to say about us and entering His holy Heaven?

THE SOLUTION

Well, if this is the case, it is very plain that you and I don't have any solution at all! We could say, it is a hopeless situation! Now, this is precisely what our Creator-God wants us to see, that we can do nothing whatsoever to save ourselves! The Creator-God makes us aware, that the only answer is for a substitute to take our “death” instead of us. Now, this is where we will find just why Christianity is completely different than any other belief system, and why it is the only belief system that can give us “eternal life.”

You see, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die the “death” we should have died as punishment for our own sin! This Jesus is the One of whom it is written, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) The Creator-God's only solution, was to send His beloved Son as a person, in order that He could pay the penalty for our sin – your sin – because “death” is the prescribed penalty for our – for your sin! That is why Jesus Christ died on the cross! There was no one else who could; for this one must be without sin. Thus He could pay sin's penalty for you, which is death.

Understand then, that there is no other belief system that has a savior who has paid by “death” the penalty of our sin. This means then, that all other belief systems are a counterfeit. They all have us trying to appease God by us doing good. This is a big problem! For “good” is not God's prescribed punishment for sin! No! Death is God's prescribed punishment for our sin! All the religions of the world are striving to earn their way into some god's presence! Yet, the one true God, the Creator-God, is the one who reaches down to us with the solution – His only begotten Son – the Lord Jesus Christ! For we read, “Let it be known to...all people...Jesus Christ...crucified, whom God raised from the dead...[that] there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12) We also read, “Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father [the Creator-God] except through me.” (John 14;6)

We clearly see then, that Jesus is the only one who paid the penalty for your sin in order for your friendship to be restored with the Creator-God, now and through all of eternity! Will you, right now, place your trust in Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior? Why not take Him at His word, that He paid the full penalty for your sin by His death, once and for all. That He alone is able to save you completely because He did a finished work for you on the cross? Understand too, this Jesus who was crucified, is also alive and is ready to come again to judge the wicked inhabitants of this Earth. For on the third day He arose from among the dead, and many in the following forty days attested to the truth of that! So know, that you must stand before Him soon! Are you ready to stand before the Creator Judge of this universe?

What path are you on? Do you trust Jesus as your Savior?

“For God so loved the world [including you]

that He gave His only begotten Son,

that EVERYONE

believing

into Him should not perish,

but have

everlasting life.”

**John 3:16

“EVERYONE

who calls on the

name of the Lord

will be

saved.”

Romans 10:13

Victor J. Reimer

*All Scripture taken from the ESV, except John 3:16

**”Scripture taken from KJ3 Literal Translation Bible, First Edition, Copyright

© 2006 Used by permission of the copyright holder, Jay P. Green. Sr.”

Hope; Help, When All Seems Hopeless

                                         "A light at the end of the tunnel" by Aleksandr K/ © copyrighted/ www.flickr.com/photos/129688582@N03/20571042009

HOPE

Help, When All Seems Hopeless

Ever feel like just plain giving up? Well, I've been there too. Yet, now, I am filled with joy! I'd like to share a little, about how we can all have hope!

Does it feel to you as if your circumstances are just out to do you in? Does it feel as if it is just completely impossible for you to get your feet under you? As if you can never get ahead? Does it feel as if there's no way out of this? Well, let me assure you, there is hope! There is a way to rise above one's circumstances.

A REAL PERSON WHO LOVES YOU

Has anyone ever taken the time to tell you about Jesus Christ? And no, I'm not talking about empty religion! What I am talking about is a person! A real person, who is also 100% God. This Jesus actually wants to have a relationship with you, and no, not just here and there, but for time and eternity! This Jesus is ready to forgive us because He wants us to be able to enjoy an awesome relationship with Him! He is not out to get us, as some would like us to believe. For it is written, “I [Jesus] did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” (John 12:47) It is however true that He will be forced to give us the consequences for our sin if we refuse Him. For He also said, “Then I saw a great white throne and him who sat on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened...And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” (Revelation 20:11-12) Yet, He has no desire to give us our due. Instead, He took the due Himself on the cross in order that we could be forgiven. Now that is not just talk! It is love in action.

HE CAME IN INCOGNITO

Let me tell you a little more about this amazing Jesus! This Jesus left His beautiful home in Heaven and came down to this Earth for you and I! Neither did He come to be treated as a King – as he truly is, but He came in incognito. How did the world receive their Creator-God? Well, they nailed Him to a cross to die. He was hated, indeed! Yet, what had He done?! He had healed their diseases, fed them, taught them life-giving truth, raised the dead, and blessed their children. Yet, the Bible says, “They hated me without a cause.” (John 15:25b)

THE GREATEST LOVE

Yet, we must remember, that as God, He knew that He would be treated like this. So we must ask ourselves, why would He come if He knew in advance that He would be so shamefully treated? Well, to put it simply, it was because He loved you and me. It was love that motivated Him. His death was no accident, He came to take the penalty for our sin, which God says in His Word is “death” (Romans 6:23). He took our punishment of death, so we wouldn't have to be separated from God and His holy heaven. For it is written, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (*John 3:16) Now, put put your name in the place of those underlined words and see how it reads!

HE GOES THROUGH TRIALS WITH US

I ask, have you ever had anyone love you that much before? I sure haven't! Not only that, but He says that, “Whoever comes to me, I will never cast out! (John 6:37b) He has promised, and God cannot lie, that He “will never leave you or forsake you”! (Hebrews 13:5) So, even when we pass through dark valleys, you guessed it! He's with us! In fact, He came to indwell every single believer by the Holy Spirit. He is literally with us, even when we go through the “storms” of life! Now, if you are a believer, put your name in place of the underlined words and see how that sounds!

HE PAID FOR YOU

Have you placed your trust fully in Him as your own Savior? Are you assured that He took the punishment of God instead of you? That Jesus was fully punished for all of your sin, and not just some of it? Do you believe that He is able to see you all the way to Heaven by His doing? Are you fully resting in Him? For it is written, “He is able to save to the uttermost [completely].” (Hebrews 7:25) For we must realize, that the laws of God show us that we are all sinners. That we are all guilty and deserving to be cast out of His holy presence forever. Yet, God is a God of mercy. He didn't want to see you pay the penalty for your sin, and He knew you could do nothing about it. That is why He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for you. He came to take your place, because He loved you and wanted you with Him in His beautiful Heaven forever! We could say, Jesus died on the cross to pay the sin-debt of __________________ (your name). It is simply by trusting Jesus as _________________'s (your name) Savior, that you can know that you have eternal life. That you do not, “Come into judgment, but [have] passed from death to life.” That, “There is therefore no condemnation” for you.” (John 5:24, Romans 8;1) This alone, is a real message of hope for you and I. O, what a Savior we have! We can rest, because we know that Jesus was already judged for our sin on the cross. That God the Father has already punished His Son, Jesus for our sin! What love!

HE IS “FOR US”

So yes, life's trials may seem hard to bear at times. Yet, we have the Holy Spirit to be our “Comforter.” We have Jesus, who said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” And we also have our Heavenly Father, who is “for us.” Amazing isn't it?! (John 14:26*, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8;31)

For further reading on this topic, particularly respecting joy in one's Christian life, please read my blog title, “The Royal Road to Victory and Vic's Testimony.”

“Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God.”

Psalm 42:5

“The LORD preserves the faithful...

Be strong, and let your hearts take courage,

all you who wait for the LORD!”

Psalm 31:23-24

“The hope of the righteous brings joy.”

Proverbs 10:28a

“May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit

you may abound in hope.”

Romans 15:13

Victor J. Reimer

*Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyrighted © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

*KJV

Who Jesus the Messiah Is and How He Changed My Life

                             "Longwing Butterfly" by Rachel Kramer©copyrighted/ www.flickr.com/photos/rkramer62/12916134383

Who Jesus The Messiah Is

and

How He Changed My Life

I WAS A HYPOCRITE

I grew up in a typical “Christian” environment. I thought I was a Christian, but I was a hypocrite! I said I loved God, but I hated my fellow man. As a child I was mistreated and it made me an angry person! My thoughts reeled with visions of revenge. I wanted to even the score! Oh, I put on a “nice face,” but it was only a thin veil for a hate-filled heart within. Yes, I read my Bible, I prayed, and I went to church, but it didn't affect my life. I was a two-faced hypocrite!

SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

Eventually it really began to bother me that I was like this. I knew I wasn't living right. I knew there was something wrong, but I couldn't figure it out. I searched desperately for answers, but I couldn't seem to find them. It appeared that no one could come up with the answers for me. Yet, I was determined to find them. I didn't give up looking. I kept on!

I believed in Hell, and I knew I didn't want to go there. I knew there were things I had done that were wrong, and it bothered me. I wanted peace within, but it alluded me. I believed in God, the Creator-God, but I couldn't see how he could accept me with all my sin. What was I to do? Surely, if there was a solution, God would have the answer.

MOSES' LAWS LIKE A MIRROR

Oh, how the laws of Moses condemned me! The Law told me not to steal – guilty was I. It told me to not covet – guilty again. It told me to honor my parents – guilty yet again. It told me not to commit adultery – according to Jesus, I was guilty of this too. It told me not to murder – again, according to Jesus I was guilty. Yes, again, and again, and again, it showed me my fault, just as a mirror would reveal dirt on my face! Again, and again, it showed me, God is holy, but you're not. What was I to do? Clearly, I had broken God's holy laws! What about my sin? My sin had separated me from my holy God and surely He would condemn me to Hell! I knew there was nothing at all I could do about my sin. I felt so troubled within! Driven to despair. Hating my life. Finally, finally, the break through came!

HER OFFSPRING

You see, I had for so long, looked to myself for the answer. Surely there was something I needed to do, but that was the lie. I could do nothing, nothing at all. My eyes needed to look to the One that was spoken about in the book of Moses. The One of whom, “The LORD God said to the serpent, '...her [Eve's] offspring; he [the Deliver] shall bruise your head [the serpent or Satan].'” (Genesis 3:14-15) (Notice, it did not say Adam's offspring, but hers!) The One that was pictured in Abel's offering. The One that would come from Abraham's lineage. He who would be a blessing to “all the nations.” (Genesis 22:18) The One that was pictured by Isaac on the altar. The One that was pictured in all those sacrifices of old! The One who would be known as the Messiah. The One who would be the Deliver from sin. For the gospels say, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people form their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) He was my only hope. Someone sinless would have to take the punishment for my sin. This Someone, was Jesus Christ, the Messiah! He had to die, just like the lambs in the sacrifices! It was then that I saw – He took the wrath of God for my sin. I believe! I believe! He took my place! He was punished instead of me! It was the solution! For it was written in the gospels, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) My life was forever changed! He came to take away my sin!

IT WAS LIKE I HAD BEEN CHANGED FROM

A CATERPILLAR TO A BUTTERFLY!

I WAS FREE AT LAST!

Suddenly, I had love for others – even those who had hated me and mistreated me! No longer was I a slave to sin. I was free! My misery was gone! I knew I was forgiven by God. I knew that now He would accept me into His holy Heaven, because His Son had paid my sin-debt for me! In turn I was given the very righteousness of Christ Himself! I didn't need to earn my way into Heaven by being good – it was a gift. For it is written, “For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) This is why we can “know” that we are going to Heaven. It is because Jesus Christ paid the penalty of “death” for my sin. The wrath of God already fell on Jesus for my sin. There is no wrath left for me. That is why God says, “I write these things to you who BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God [Jesus the Messiah], that you may KNOW that you HAVE eternal life.” (1John 5:13) Now at last I had the assurance that I “have eternal life”!

WHY MUST HE DIE?

You see, Jesus had to die. It was God's plan from the very beginning. In the writings of the first book of Moses, its says that the Deliver from sin would be, “her offspring.” This means that one of the descendants of Eve, and not Adam, would be the Deliver. This also means that he would not have an earthly father, but God Himself was His father. We also read in the first book of Moses, in Genesis 3:15, that the Messiah would have his “heel” bruised by the serpent – Satan. This showed that the Messiah would have to die. Yet, on the third day He would rise to life from among the dead ones. For in Psalm 16:10 it says, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” Yet, in thus dying, he paid our sin-debts, and therefore brought a mighty blow to the serpent – the devil. For it was also written in Genesis 3:15, “He [the Messiah] shall bruise your [the serpent's] head.” Therefore, Jesus the Messiah, and not the serpent – Satan, won the victory at the cross that day. For Jesus cried from the cross in victory, “It is finished”! (Gospel of John 19:30)

Further, throughout the writing of Moses, the Torah, it is shown that many lambs had to die in place of the one who sinned. We are also told repeatedly that these lambs that were to be killed, had to “be without blemish.” That it had to be a “male.” Also, that they were “not to break any of its bones.” (Exodus 12:5-6 & 46) This was fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah. For it is written in the Gospel of John, “Behold, the LAMB of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Yes, Jesus the Messiah was “without blemish,” that is no sin. He was a “male.” Neither were any of His “bones” broken when they killed Him. For once more, in the Gospel of John, 19:33, we read, “But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.”

Understand then, that the one who was to die in our place had to be sinless. Only Jesus the Messiah qualified. No other would do.

We must remember too, the words written in the books of Moses, Leviticus 17:11, “It is the blood that makes atonement for your souls.” That is why it is also written, “Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22) Then also it is says, “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) See then, that the penalty for our sin is “death.” That means separation from God now and through eternity. Our only hope is that someone sinless would die in our place. That is exactly what Jesus the Messiah did for you and me! This is why Jesus the Messiah had to die. Without Him, we would have no hope.

LOVE

Oh, how glad I am that I now stand as innocent in His holy sight! I am now His beloved. Oh how tremendously thrilling to experience His unconditional love for even me!

Look, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, loves you too. He did the same for you as He did for me! Do you believe? Will you place your trust in Him, as the one who is able to save you from the penalty for your sin?

IS THE MESSIAH GOD?

Maybe you don't believe the Messiah is God, but it is true. In the beginning of the writings of Moses, it says, “In the beginning, God.” (Genesis 1:1) The Hebrew meaning here for God [Elohim] is a plurality. Yes, God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet, one God. Jesus Himself claimed the title, “I AM.” This is the same title that God identified Himself with when He sent Moses to go into Egypt and deliver His people. In the second book of Moses it is written, “God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM,' And he said, 'Say this to the people...I AM has sent me to you.'” (Exodus 3:14) This too, is the same title Jesus claimed when on Earth. He said, “For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” (**Gospel of John 8:24) Look, either Jesus is who He claimed to be, or He is a liar and someone we can't trust at all. Besides, could anyone other than God raise the dead, heal the sick, die and rise from among the dead? Has any other ever accomplished such things? The reality is, that the things He did, give full support for who He claimed to be – God. Do you believe?

You see, the only solution for our sin, was for God to come to Earth as a man. This, that He could take the penalty for our sin – death.

KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO HEAVEN NOW

My prayer is that you too, come to see what a wonderful Savior Jesus is! He really does love you! He proved that love by coming to Earth and dying on the cross for you. Trust Him today as your Savior. It is my love for you, that compels me to write these things. I want you to know that your sins can be forgiven you and that you can know that you are on the way to God's holy Heaven!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that everyone believing in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”

**John 3:16

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord

will be saved.”

Romans 10:13

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God

that you may

KNOW

that you HAVE

eternal life.”

1John 5:13

Victor J. Reimer

**”Scripture taken from KJV Literal Translation Bible, First Edition, Copyright © 2006 Used by permission of the copyright holder, Jay P. Green, Sr.”

Can I Know I'm Saved?

                                                "The Good Shepherd" by Waiting For The Word/ www.flickr.com/photos/waiting for the word/5691333367

CAN I “KNOW” I'M SAVED?

PART 5

I've written now about the the way of salvation, as far as initial salvation goes, but what about our life down here and the future beyond this life? That too, is a part of salvation, and this is what we want to explore today!

So yes, it is true that once we are initially saved, that we will never lose our salvation. Why? Because Christ made full and not partial payment for our sin! More on that in a bit, but for now let us define what is meant by the three parts of salvation. Well, as said, the first part is that act of faith in the Savior who saves us from the consequences of our sin. For we read, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) Then, secondly, we have this life. Here, He saved us from the power or dominion of sin. God says, “Sin will no longer have dominion over you.” (Romans 6:14a) Then comes the third and final stage of our salvation, deliverance from the very presence of sin in Heaven. Yes, this is also a part of salvation, but it obviously has as yet not happened! For it is written, “For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11b) So, there we have it, the three parts of salvation!

Now, just to touch briefly on the thoughts regarding whether we can lose our salvation or not. Well, did Jesus purchase us a full, or a partial salvation? If it is indeed full, then it includes all three parts of that salvation, including our future in Heaven above! Further to that, the Word says that upon believing, “We should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16b) Notice, it says that that we “have,” present tense, “everlasting life”! How, I ask, can you lose something that has no end? Also, Hebrews 7:25 says, “He is able to save to the uttermost [completely] those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Look, if we can lose our salvation, then the fault would be with Jesus! It is clearly He who saves, and not us! If we could lose our salvation, then Jesus would be to blame for not “make[ing] intercession for [us].”

Someone may bring up Hebrews six, but we must first realize that you never interpret a clear passage of Scripture with an obscure/difficult passage of Scripture, but always the reverse. Now, we must realize the context of the Hebrews passage. Who is it addressed to? It is written to Jews. Are you a Jew? Likely not. This speaks of those who tasted of the truth of Christianity and the New Covenant (New Agreement), and either have, or are contemplating going back to Judaism. Though they were never actually saved in the first place. That is what is being addressed there. So then, to get “unsaved,” you would have to pay back Christ the death He died for you and kick the Holy Spirit out who has come to take up permanent residence in you! And yes, somehow undo “eternal life”. So I ask, are you stronger than God?

So, can we know that we are saved and will be in Heaven for sure? The Word of God says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may KNOW that you HAVE eternal life.” (1John 5:13) How can we “know” these things with such a certainty? When we are trusting that Jesus, who is God, is able to fully save us, because we trust that what He did was enough, and we don't need to help God out at all. We are simply resting in Him and His finished work on our behalf!

See you next time, for a look into the future, for our last segment of this six part series!

Victor J. Reimer

*Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyrighted © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.