Christs. Believe it or not, there are different Christs in whom people believe. They are not all the same. Jesus predicted that this would happen (Matthew 24:5). Consider the “Wafer Jesus” who didn’t finish the work of salvation, the “Elevated Jesus” who is the brother of Lucifer, the “Modernist Jesus” who wasn’t virgin born, the “Universalist Jesus” who won’t send anyone to hell, the “Prosperity Jesus” who promises wealth to the contributors, the “Laughing Jesus” who slays people in the spirit, the “Self-esteem Jesus” who never calls men sinners, the “Charismatic Jesus” who says, “Let’s put on a show,” and the “Contemporary Jesus” who says, “Let’s all get together.” And then there is a Jesus who used to be Michael the archangel. Are you trusting in any of these false Christs? Are you believing in vain (1 Corinthians 15:2; Matthew 7:21-23)?
Warning. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; See Jude 1:13).
Purpose. The Apostle John had a clear purpose in mind when he wrote the Gospel of John. “…these [sign miracles] were 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 20:31). Do you have, as a present possession, eternal life (i.e. God’s quality of life)? Are you enjoying an abundant life now (John 10:10)? If not, ask us how you can have these things.
Gift. When my father, Timothy Pietsch, used to preach in Japanese in Tokyo, Japan for 35 years, he offered to his radio listeners a copy of the Gospel of John. Sometimes he referred to the Lord Jesus Christ as the only true “Tenno Heika” (Heaven’s Descended Majesty). He thought saying this would get him into a lot of trouble since the Japanese people use this term to refer to their emperor. (BTW – I attended the Peer School with the current Japanese Emperor’s younger sister. See the link below.)
Tool. John’s Gospel can be used as an evangelistic tool to introduce people to the Christ of the Scriptures. He is fully God and not inferior to God the Father or God the Holy Spirit (John 1:1-18; Colossians 2:9). He is the God-man (Philippians 2:6-8). He was born of the virgin, Mary (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14) and lived a sinless life for 33 years (Hebrews 4:15; John 8:46). He performed many miracles to prove that He was/is the Christ (Messiah). He had created all things and He holds the molecules together (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16, 17). He promised to return for His Bride, the Church before the Tribulation (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9; Revelation 3:10). Are you ready for His imminent return? Ask how you can receive our “FREE Dispensational Chart.”
I AM. Contrary to what at least one cult teaches, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Jehovah of the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14; See John 5:18; 10:30, 31). The Apostle John records seven times when Jesus referred to Himself by saying, “I AM the…” (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1). See for yourself what these verses say.
P.C. It’s not politically correct today to recite Christ’s own words when He said, “I am the [only] way [back to God], the [absolute] truth, and the [only One who gives eternal] life” (John 14:6). The Apostle Peter’s words are rejected or disputed by some folks. “Nor is there salvation is any other [than the Lord Jesus Christ], for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Of course the Apostle Paul’s words aren’t liked either by the P.C. Crowd. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ [exclusively], and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Grace / Faith. The Apostle Paul reminded the believers in Ephesus how they were saved, “For by grace [unmerited favor] you have been saved through faith [believing], and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). What is the Gospel? [1] Did you know that it’s possible for people to know and agree with the facts of the Gospel without being saved (James 2:19)? It’s not until one transfers his faith from himself and his own good works over to Christ alone that he is saved (Titus 3:5).
Death / Resurrection. Most knowledgeable people will admit that Jesus died on a cross about 2,000 years ago. But many don’t know that He died for all of our sins once and for all…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Luke 24:33-43; Hebrews 10:10). His bodily resurrection assures us of the fact that everyone will one day be raised from the dead, each in his/her own order (1 Corinthians 15:20-28). Do you know in which one of the five resurrections you will be raised?
Judgment. “And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Nowhere in Scripture can you find second chances to be saved after physical death, or reincarnation. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). “For what is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).
Assurance. Are you absolutely sure that you will go to heaven when you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe you’re saved, is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would it be? Is it possible for those who believe in “Lordship Salvation” to have assurance of salvation? [2] What are some of the dangers of “Reformed Theology”? [3]
Help. If you have honest questions and/or need some clarifications, explanations, or answers, we invite you to contact us here or through our website at www.kelseypeach.com. If this article has helped you, please let us know how. If you think it might be helpful to someone else, please pass the information on to them. Click on “Follow” if you’d like to receive future articles as they come out.
[1] Clear Gospel in 30 languages. www.cleargospel.org
[3] The Dangers of Reformed Theology – http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/dangerso.htm
“Tenno Heika” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/theres-only-one-tenno-heika/
Assurance of Salvation https://bible.org/seriespage/assurance-salvation
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