Our Neighbors In Heaven

Have you ever given much thought about who might be your “next door neighbors” in heaven (provided you’re a true Christian)? I hadn’t. But one author made an interesting observation about them. He pointed out that some of them might be those who once were fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, cowards, abominable, murderers, sorcerers, or liars. Be honest. Have you ever engaged in such sinful behavior yourself? We all have a dark side of us that we don’t want others to see. Right? [1]

Lawlessness. We’ve all sinned (acted lawlessly – 1 John 3:4) and deserve physical death and spiritual death – to be eternally separated from God in hell (Romans 3:10-23; 6:23). But there is hope for us sinners, if we’re still alive physically. We don’t pray for or to the dead as some cults and religions do. Read on.

Carnality. In his letter to the carnal Christians in the church of Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote these words, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Sinless Perfection? Does this mean that Christians, once saved, can’t engage in such sins anymore? No. But they can’t keep on practicing such things without severe consequences in this life alone (1 John 3:9, 10). God the Father disciplines and chastens His own children (Hebrews 10:30; 31; 12:5 ff).

Because of their carnality, many of the Corinthians Christians were weak and sick, and many of them had died physically (1 Corinthians 11:30; See also James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). “It is a fearful thing [for a carnal Christian] to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Are you one of them? Beware! If you are, you could die prematurely and painfully.

Confession. When we sin as Christians, we need to quickly confess our sins to our heavenly Father and then claim His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). Being omniscient, He can’t / won’t forget our sins, but He won’t hold them against us (Ezekiel 33:16). Sometime in the days ahead He will allow us to be tempted in that same area again to give another opportunity to demonstrate our love for Him or our love for the passing pleasures we derive for engaging in sin (James 1:12; Hebrews 11:25; 1 John 2:15-17). Think about this. If sin weren’t pleasurable to us, we wouldn’t engage in it. Right?

Danger. “Sin (lawlessness) will take us farther than we want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay, and cost us more than we want to pay.” Discover how Christians can live victoriously over our three spiritual enemies: the devil, the present world system, and our own sin nature. [2]

How Bad? You and I haven’t been as bad as we could be. We could be a lot worse. Right? But every unbeliever is as “bad off” as he/she can be. Those who die physically without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior will spend eternity with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8).

Suffering. The unbeliever’s degree of suffering there will be determined at the Great White Throne Judgement by the Righteous Judge Jesus (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 20:11-15). What about the condition of those who die before that day? Click below. [3]

Righteousness / Love. God is not unjust even though He didn’t / doesn’t provide salvation for the fallen angels / demons. He didn’t have to provide salvation for us either. But God the Father wanted to show His love for sinful human beings who were His enemies (Romans 5:10). So He gave us His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). He became the virgin born God-man (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:5-11). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), and then died as a Substitute for all our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19). But a dead Savior can’t help or save anyone.

Bodily Resurrection. To prove to us that God the Father was fully satisfied with Christ’s death and payment for all our sins, He raised Him from the dead (Romans 4:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). His bodily resurrection guarantees other bodily resurrections of all those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:21-24; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 11:11; 20:11-15). The Scriptures teach the resurrections of the justified ones and the unjustified ones at different times. There is no annihilation of the wicked dead, or reincarnation taught in the Scriptures. “… it is appointed for men to die once, but [sometime] after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). In which one will you participate?

Forgiveness. We (Christians) are judicially forgiven of our sins when we place our faith and trust in Christ alone (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8, 9; Acts 16:31) through the message of the Gospel. Christians have been justified (Romans 5:1) and are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). We are eternally secure in God’s hands (John 10:28, 29; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). These things are but a few of the benefits believer’s receive at the moment of salvation. (See Ephesians 1:3 ff) [4]

Questions: Be honest. Are you 100% certain that you will go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe you’re saved, is there any thing you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would that be? [5] If you are saved and know it (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), how much spiritual growth has taken place in your life (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18)? How much “spiritual fruit” is evident in your life for others to see (John 15:1-8)? “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).

Fruit. “This fruit can be seen in Christlike character (2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22, 23), a life characterized by good works (Colossians 1:10), a faithful witness (1 Corinthians 16:15), a pair of lips that praise God (Hebrews 13:15), and through generous giving of one’s money (Romans 15:28; Philippians 4:17).  – Dr. Charles C. Ryrie “So Great Salvation” p. 50.

Limited. We’ll only be here for just a little while longer (2 Timothy 4:6; James 4:14; 2 Peter 1:12-15) to assist you and others who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18).

Contact us if you have questions and/or comments. Please let us know if this or other articles or our talks have helped you. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

Other articles, which may be of interest to you, can be found at www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com. Some of our talks can be found on Youtube or on our Facebook page.

Click on “Follow” if you’d like to receive future articles as they come out. Share the ones you like with others.

[1] Our Dark Side. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/12/04/my-shameful-past/

[2] Three Spiritual Enemies: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/the-blame-game/

[3] Intermediate Bodies – http://bartimaeus.us/pub_dom/intermediate_body.html

[4] Spiritual Blessings: https://www.biblebelievers.com/ream_b1.html

[5] Gospel Presentations: How we become a true Christian.

“The Bad News & The Good News”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

God Has No Grandchildren

As much as many of us love our children and grandchildren, and want God’s best for them, we cannot make the most important decision of their lives for them – the decision to believe on or reject the Lord Jesus Christ alone as their personal Savior. We firmly believe that human life begins at conception (Psalm 139) and we are opposed to abortion. However, abortion (murder) is a forgivable sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 21:8). God forgave Moses and David and others for murder but it does leave lasting consequences during this life.

Death and Resurrection. Christ died for all the sins (lawless behavior) of all the little children of the world (as the song suggests). Thankfully, He arose again bodily from the dead on the third day, and can save anyone and everyone who places his/her faith and trust in Him alone for deliverance from everlasting condemnation in the lake of fire (John 3:16; Revelation 21:8). We are NOT saved by our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).

Disservice. We believe that well meaning parents, who have their children sprinkled as babies, are doing a great disservice to them. Most of them believe that this causes babies to find more favor with God than those who haven’t gone through this ritual. Baptism by immersion is to follow faith (See Acts 8:35-39). It identifies us with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Galatians 2:20). It enables us to have a good conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21), and is an expression of our obedience to God (Matthew 28:19 20). There are no examples of “infant baptism” in the Bible.

Offending Children. Jesus said, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea…and then into the lake of fire where their worm [sinful nature] does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:42, 44, 46, 48; See Matthew 25:30, 41, 46).

Real Places. Yes, according the Jesus, heaven and hell are real places to which people will go someday to spend eternity. God desires that all human beings be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). But not all will be saved because most people love spiritual darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21).

God’s Children. Since all of us belong to the human race (Acts 17:26), and came from our first parents, Adam and Eve, we all are physically related. But we are NOT all related spiritually. Believe it or not, we all start out our physical lives as “children of the devil” (John 8:44; 1 John 3:9, 10), and we need to be “born again from above” (John 3:3-7) before we can become the spiritual children of God.

Little Angels? As “innocent” and lovable as little babies appear to be, they all have a sinful nature (disposition) that they inherited from us, their parents (Psalm 51:5). Those who deny that they have one are just deceiving themselves (1 John 1:8). Even the Apostle Paul talked about the struggle he had with his sin nature (Romans 7:15-25). Thankfully, Christians don’t have to keep on sinning – acting lawlessly (1 John 2:1 ff). We can/should live victoriously over our 3 spiritual enemies (1 Corinthians 10:13). [1]

Potential. Christians have the potential to act as badly as they did before they were saved, and sometimes do act this way. They are “carnal Christians” (1 Corinthians 3:1 ff; Galatians 5:19-21) who could die prematurely (Acts 5:1ff; 1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19; 1 John 5:16). We have “potential years” and “actual years.”

The Minnesota Crime Commission declared this of babies – “Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish and self-centered. He wants what he wants when he wants it: his bottle, his mother’s attention, his playmate’s toys, his uncle’s watch, or whatever. Deny him these and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He’s dirty, he has no morals, no knowledge, no developed skills. This means that all children, not just certain children but all children, are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in their self-centered world of infancy, given free reign to their impulsive actions to satisfy each want, every child would grow up a criminal, a thief, a killer, a rapist.” [2] Wow! That is quite a statement, especially coming from a secular source.

Action. From an early age, let your children and grandchildren know that they are sinners like you are, and that they need to be saved by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for their sins, was buried, and rose again bodily on the third day. As a parent, tell your child about Someone you know personally, not Someone you know about. Make sure of your own salvation first before trying to help them. Why should God let you into His heaven? Is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what?

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). If you have questions and/or comments, We can be reached here or through our website: www.keleypeach.com. You can help us reach others by LIKING and SHARING this with those in your circle of influence. To receive future articles as they come out, click on the notification Bell or Follow.

[1] Overcoming Our Spiritual Enemies –

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/the-blame-game/

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/tested-and-tried-daily/

[2] MN Crime Commission –https://www.family-times.net/illustration/Self-Centered/201632/

Gospel Presentations: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/02/16/gospel-presentations/

Biblical Discipline –

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/heres-a-switch-use-it/

“Whom I Love, I Chasten” – God

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/11/30/calling-roberts-bluff/

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

Discipline Your Child

Cliff Barrows, song leader of the Billy Graham Crusade ministry, tells a story about his children when they were younger. They had done something he had forbidden them to do. They were told if they did the same thing again they would have to be disciplined. When he returned from work and found that they hadn’t minded, his heart went out to them. “I just couldn’t discipline them,” he said. Any loving father can understand Cliff’s dilemma.

Most of us have been in the same position. He said, “Bobby and Bettie Ruth were very small. I called them into my room, took off my belt and then my shirt, with a bare back I knelt down at the bed. I made them both strap me with the belt ten times each. You should have heard the crying. From them, I mean. The crying was from them. They didn’t want to do it. But I told them the penalty had to be paid and so through their sobs and tears they did what I told them.”
“I smile when I remember the incident,” he said. “I must admit I wasn’t much of a hero. It hurt. I haven’t offered to do that again. It was a once-for-all sacrifice, I guess we could say, but I never had to spank those two children again, because they got the point. We kissed each other. And when it was over we prayed together.” 

To learn more about the proper, Biblical way to discipline your children, please read this article too:

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/heres-a-switch-use-it/

[1] Discipline: https://www.biblecenter.com/illustrations/family.php

Clear Gospel presentations –

“Bad News & Good News” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

Dr. Manfred Kober: https://faith.edu/faith-news/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

Dr. Ron Shea: http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

Scripture verses taken from the New King James Version.

Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.

Our Actual Years vs Our Potential Years

We, who have placed our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for our sins… and rose again bodily on the third day have been saved from eternal condemnation by God’s grace through faith in Him (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 8:1). [1]

Some people erroneously think that “once saved, always saved” means that they can go out and keep on sinning (acting lawlessly). But they either don’t know or have forgotten some vital truths taught in the Scriptures. Instead of living out their full “potential years” they end up suffering greatly or dying prematurely with their “actual years.” (Read Scripture passages below.)

Yes, many Christians don’t live as long as they could/should have lived on earth, and they don’t do the good works that God planned for them to do (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). If they had been obedient to the Lord and relied on Him and His Word to live victoriously over their three spiritual enemies (the devil, their own sin nature, and the present world system), chastening from God wouldn’t have been necessary.

Even though God has made provisions for His children so we don’t have to keep on sinning (acting lawlessly – 1 John 3:4), He knows that we will sin periodically (1 John 2:1 ff; 3:9, 10). When we sin we need to promptly confess our sins to God by agreeing with Him about what we did and then claim His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). NOTE: Confession of every sin a person has ever committed in life is NOT a requirement for initial salvation. None of us can remember all the sins (expressions of lawlessness) that we’ve committed.

When God forgives us, He doesn’t forget what we’ve done. He is omniscient (Isaiah 46:10). He doesn’t hold our confessed sins against us (See Ezekiel 33:16). Sometime in the future He will allow us to be tempted in the same area again so we have another opportunity to demonstrate our love for Him rather than for the temporary pleasures we get from sin (Hebrews 11:26; James 1:12-15).

Are you certain you will go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe you’re saved, is there anything you could do to lose your salvation? If so, what? Are you a carnal Christian who is about to suffer greatly or die prematurely so you are not condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32)? “It is a fearful thing [for a carnal Christian] to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

We’re here to assist those who are uncertain about their eternal destiny, and to help Christians who have fallen into sin get back up and live victoriously so they can grow spiritually, and learn how to serve God and others with love. We can be reached here or though our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

If you claim to be a Christian, and you think that you are free to live a sinful (lawless) lifestyle,

Please Read These Passages Carefully

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:5-7).

“If anyone sees his brother [another Christian] sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He [God] will give him [extended physical] life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death” (1 John 5:16, 17).

“Brethren, if anyone among you [another Christian] wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner [another Christian] from the error of his way will save a soul [another believer] from [physical] death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19).

“But let a man [a Christian] examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup [at the Lord’s Supper]. For he who eats and drinks [the bread and the cup] in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many [Christians] are weak and sick among you [have mental, emotional, and physical problems], and many sleep [have died physically and prematurely]. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:29-32).

If you’re unsure of your salvation, please read these –

[1] Clear Gospel presentations –

“Bad News & Good News” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

Dr. Manfred Kober: https://faith.edu/faith-news/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

Dr. Ron Shea: http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

Scripture verses taken from the New King James Version.

Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.

“Accepted & Forgiven?”

Do you sometimes feel “ill at ease” and like you’re out of place and not welcome in some places or in some people’s homes? (Read Psalm 1) Are there times when you’ve apologized to someone for something you said or did and asked him/her to forgive you and yet you feel like you’re not really forgiven? Why should Christians be quick to admit it when they are wrong and forgive others who ask us for it? (See Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 18:15-35.)

Recently I posted a comment on someone’s Facebook page that was misunderstood by the reader. It was short and to the point, but he didn’t quite get what I wanted to convey. So, here’ my explanation to him that might also be of help to you.

Saved? When a person believes and puts his/her faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ exclusively, as the One who died for his/her sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day, he/she is instantly saved from the “penalty of sin” (Romas 6:23) and will not spend eternity in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (Matthew 25:41, 46). Believers are being saved from the “power of sin” (Romans 6:14), and will ultimately be saved from the “presence of sin” (Romans 8:23).

Accepted. When Jesus ascended back into heaven He was accepted and welcomed by God the Father who was satisfied with the payment that the Lord Jesus Christ had made, once and for all (Hebrews 10:10), for mankind’s sins (Romans 4:25). True believers in Christ, in like manner, are “accepted in the Beloved” just as Christ was accepted by God the Father (Ephesians 1:6). Imagine that! It’s pure grace (undeserved favor from God – Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Forgiven. There are two kinds of forgiveness: judicial and parental/family forgiveness. Since Christ paid the debt that we owed to God (1 John 2:2), and since believers accepted His payment as their payment to God the Father, He judicially forgives our sins so that we are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1, 35-39). But parental/family forgiveness takes place when a Christian sins (acts lawlessly – 1 John 3:4) and then confesses them (by specifically naming them) to God the Father (1 John 1:9). Before we confess our sins to the Father, we need to discern what we did to offend and grieve God (1 Corinthians 11:28-31; Ephesians 4:30) and then repent (change our minds about what we did – 2 Corinthians 7: 9, 10). When a believer confesses his/her sins, God forgives them and cleanses him/her from all unrighteousness that led up to his/her sinning (1 John 1:9; James 1:13-15).

Questions. Have you been judicially forgiven? If not, why not place your faith in Christ alone, right now, and be forgiven? We aren’t saved by our good works, or by our faith plus our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). If you, as a believer, have confessed your known sins to God, have you accepted His forgiveness and moved on? Do you need help so you won’t keep on committing the same sins (Proverbs 28:13)? If so, ask for it (James 1:4-8; 4:1-4). There are no temptations that you have that others haven’t had too (1 Corinthians 10:13). Temptations aren’t sins. They give us the opportunity to demonstrate our love for God (James 1:12) or to enjoy the momentary pleasure of sin (Hebrews 11:2) that leads to sorrow and a premature physical death (Proverbs 5:1-14). We’re here to help you and others who are “teachable and willing to change” (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17).

Sin Unto Death. If a believer willfully defies God and chooses to live in sin, he/she is in danger of being chastened by God (Hebrews 12:5 ff) and having his/her life terminated prematurely (1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 3:9, 10; 5:16). We have “potential years” and “actual years.” Christians can’t lose their salvation, but they will lose the joy of their salvation (Psalm 51:12) and the crowns, rewards, and praise from God that could have come to them on Judgment Day. This judgment of our works, not us, will not be to determine if we get into heaven or not, but to determine the quality of our works as to whether they are rewardable or not (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The Great White Throne Judgment will determine the degree of suffering an unbeliever will experience in the everlasting lake of fire (Matthew 10:15; Jude 1:13; Revelation 20:11-15). We don’t want you or others to go to that awful place.

Help. If you have questions/comments, we can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on Facebook or Youtube for our Bible studies.

“The Greatest Fire Fighter”

“The Greatest Rescue Operation”

Fighting fires is a dangerous occupation. Every year fire fighters lose their lives while trying to save others. Most of us have never had to be rescued from a burning building although you may know someone who has had this experience.

Greatest. Today let’s consider “The Greatest Fire Fighter” and what He did for you and me. There are many people in our world who know little or nothing about Him and the personal sacrifice He made to make it possible so that we wouldn’t have to end up in an awful place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth and torment in the lake of fire forever (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Mark 9:44, 46, 48; Revelation 21:8).

Unique. Jesus Christ was not just another, ordinary man who lived here on earth about 2,000 years ago. He was/is the God-man (John 1:1-18; 5:18; 10:30), who came to earth to glorify His Father (John 17:4). He presented Himself as the rightful King of the Jews (Matthew 1:1-25; 27:21), and the Savior of the world (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 4:10). This doesn’t mean that all mankind will ultimately be saved (“universalism”).

Substitute. In order for Him to rescue mankind from having to spend eternity in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons, He had to offer Himself as a Substitute and die for our sins and then rise again bodily from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Why? Because “the wages [payment] for sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Someone has to pay the debt for the sins we have committed and will commit. Either the individual himself does, or a perfect, sinless Substitute could pay the debt. Jesus, the sinless One (Hebrews 4:15), died as “the just One for [us] the unjust ones” (1 Peter 3:18). The payment that He made on our behalf was accepted by God the Father, who demonstrated this fact by raising Jesus from the dead (Romans 4:25). Only a living Savior can help us.

To the surprise of many people, this rescue operation has three phases: Past tense, Present tense, and Future tense. What God begins, He finishes (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 7:25).

Initial Salvation. He saved believers from the penalty of sin (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 6:23). This is known as justification. God forgave our sins judicially (Ephesians 1:7) because Jesus, the believers’ Substitute, took on Himself our sins and died for them once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). He paid the debt in full (1 Peter 1:18; 3:18). The guilt and condemnation of sin were removed (Romans 8:1). Justification doesn’t make us innocent or “Just as though we had never sinned.” Rather, it means that God counted us to have acted right when we died for our sins and rose again in the Person of our Substitute, Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4). Christ’s righteousness was put to our account (Romans 4:16, 25; John 16:8-11). When we understand this truth, and realize that the burden of sin has been lifted from us, and that God the Father sees us and accepts us through the merits of Christ (Ephesians 1:6), it should make us very grateful to God and cause us to do things to please Him (2 Corinthians 5:9).

Progressive Salvation. God is saving believers from the power of sin. This is known as sanctification. God set us aside unto Himself and we don’t have to sin anymore, but we will sin periodically (1 John 2:1, 2; 1:9; James 5:16). Satan is no longer our father, God is (Colossians 1:13; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8-10). The temptations that come from all three of our spiritual enemies can be overcome. Satan (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-17). Our sin nature (Romans 6:14; 7:14-25; Galatians 5:16, 25; 1 John 1:8). The present world system (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 7:31; Luke 11:50, 51; Genesis 4:16-24). Christians need to be informed, alert, and realize that no temptations are more than we can bear and that other people have the same kind of temptations that we have (1 Corinthians 10:13). God’s resurrection power is available to all Christians (Philippians 3:10; 4:13). A Christian can demonstrate his/her love for God by overcoming temptations (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). God has provided everything we need for life and godliness within His Word (2 Peter 1:3). Diligent study is required if we want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). Because of His love for His children, God the Father will chasten/scourge His unruly children so that we will not be condemned with the world (Hebrews 12:5 ff; 1 Corinthians 11:30-32; 1 John 5:16).

Ultimate Salvation. He will save true Christians from the very presence of sin at the time of our death or the Rapture. From that time on we will be present with the Lord forever (2 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:1-3). When the Rapture occurs all Christians will receive new bodies (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:49-51; Luke 24:33-43) and then our souls/emotions will be saved (1 Peter 1:9). This is known as our glorification.

God’s Desire. Even though the Lord Jesus Christ desires that all mankind be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), and has made it possible for them to be saved from the lake of fire (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2), most people reject “natural revelation” (Romans 1:18 ff; Psalm 19:1). They also refuse to believe in/on Him as the One who died for their sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (John 3:18, 36; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). This is the only “unforgivable sin” that a person can commit today (John 16:8-11). Some people know and believe the facts of the Gospel, but they haven’t placed their faith in Him exclusively. If they believe in hell and heaven at all, they rely on some or all of their good works to get them into heaven (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Are you?

Certain? Are you absolutely sure that you will go to heaven the moment your die? Why should God let you into His heaven? Is there anything that you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what?

Now! Today is the “day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Make sure you’re truly saved (2 Peter 1:10; 1 Corinthians 15:2; See Mark 8:36; Matthew 7:21-23). If you’re saved, are you sharing the Gospel (1) with others so they can be saved (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8)?

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 2 Timothy 3:16. 17). If this information has helped you, please let us know how it has. Then please SHARE this with others. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

1. Manfred Kober https://www.faith.edu/1993/02/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

“The Bad News & The Good News” – See our website: www.kelseypeach.com

“Here’s A Switch – Use It”

One Christian author pointed out that he believes many of the problems that children have today stem from the fact that some of them have never been disciplined or spanked for being bad. Thanks Dr. Spock. Not all children need spankings. Others of us needed it. Many active little boys often are put on drugs to calm them down instead of letting them work off their energy that God put into them. One drill sergeant put a 5 year old boy among his men and told them to do the same things the little boy did. Within short order, the men were worn out.

Babies – Savages

Some years ago the Minnesota Crime Commission released a statement more in line with what the Bible teaches about man’s basic nature (See Romans 3:10-23; Jeremiah 17:9). “Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish, and self-centered. He wants what he wants when he wants it – his bottle, his mother’s attention, his playmate’s toys, his uncles’ watch. Deny him these once, and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness, which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He is, in fact, dirty. He has no morals, no knowledge, no skills. This means that all children – not just certain children – are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in the self-centered world of his infancy, given free reign to his impulsive actions, to satisfy his wants, every child would grow up a criminal – a thief, a killer, or a rapist.” http://www.family-times.net/illustration/Self-Centered/201632/

Discipline

Cliff Barrows, song leader of the Billy Graham Crusade ministry, tells a story about his children when they were younger. They had done something he had forbidden them to do. They were told if they did the same thing again they would have to be disciplined. When he returned from work and found that they hadn’t minded, his heart went out to them. “I just couldn’t discipline them,” he said.
Any loving father can understand Cliff’s dilemma. Most of us have been in the same position. He said, “Bobby and Bettie Ruth were very small. I called them into my room, took off my belt and then my shirt, with a bare back I knelt down at the bed. I made them both strap me with the belt ten times each. You should have heard the crying. From them, I mean. The crying was from them. They didn’t want to do it. But I told them the penalty had to be paid and so through their sobs and tears they did what I told them.”
“I smile when I remember the incident,” he said. “I must admit I wasn’t much of a hero. It hurt. I haven’t offered to do that again. It was a once-for-all sacrifice, I guess we could say, but I never had to spank those two children again, because they got the point. We kissed each other. And when it was over we prayed together.” Taken from The Tale Of The Tardy Oxcart, Charles R. Swindoll, Word, pp. 543-544.

Jesus Took Our Place

In like manner, God has imposed some rules on us for our good. When they are violated, a penalty must be paid (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). God could have maintained His justice if He sent all of us sinners to hell (See 2 Peter 2:4). But God the Father loved the people of this world (John 3:16). So God the Son volunteered (Hebrews 10:7) to come down to earth and become a real man by being born of the virgin, Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). He lived a sinless life for 33 years (Hebrews 4:15). Then, when His hour had come (John 2:4; 10:15-18; 18:12; 19:11), He allowed sinful men to take Him and crucify Him on a cruel and shameful cross (Philippians 2:8; See Psalm 22). While He was hanging there, God the Father placed your sins and mine on Jesus (Isaiah 53:6) He paid the debt that we owed to God (1 John 2:2) so we wouldn’t have to end up in the lake for fire to suffer forever with the devil and his angels/demons (Matthew 25:41, 46). Now that’s “Amazing Grace.”

While we might be able to identify with the physical pain that Cliff Burrows experienced as his children spanked him, it’s impossible for us to comprehend the suffering that Jesus experienced as He paid for our sins once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). His spiritual death (i. e. the separation from fellowship with His Father), from noon until 3 P.M., was far greater than His physical suffering on the cross (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46).

The next time you think about engaging in a sinful act to gratify a temporary pleasure (Hebrews 11:2), read and think about the anguish and mourning of a man who got involved in an immoral relationship and learn from his failure (Proverbs 5; See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 21:8). If you’re a Christian, learn how to “Walk by means of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) so you don’t give in to immoral temptations and engage in other “works of the flesh” that are perversions of good things (Galatians 5:19-21). Think about the whipping that Jesus took for you so you wouldn’t have to be separated from Him forever? Trust in Him alone to save you, not in your good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).

Scripture

“’My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.’ If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:5-8 NKJV).

Please note King Solomon’s words carefully. Why? Apart from Jesus Christ, he was the wisest man who ever lived. “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Proverbs 13:25). “Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction” (Proverbs 19:18). “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). “Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die, You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell” (Proverbs 23:14). “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15). “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:17).

Rules

Are you, as a parent, making up senseless rules without careful consideration? Would you, as Cliff Barrows did, be willing to allow your children to spank you for violating the rules you had imposed on them? Are you sure your children know that you truly love them and have their best interest in mind? Are you being a parent like God Himself is? If not, what needs to change with His help (Philippians 4:13)? When will you begin to implement these things (James 4:17)?

Saved?

Are you sure that if you died today you would go immediately to heaven to be with God (1 John 5:13)? Why should He let you into His heaven (Ephesians 2:8, 9)? If you believe you’re saved, is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation (Romans 8:35-39; John 10:28, 29)? If so, what would it be? Have you placed your faith in the Christ of the Scriptures who died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the dead? If not, why not do this right now (2 Corinthians 6:2)? Then let us know about it so we can help you begin to grow spiritually.

Contact

Visit our new website: www.kelseypeach.com for more help or to learn how to get in touch with us. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on Facebook and Youtube. Share helpful information with your friends (2 Timothy 2:2).  Please let us know if this article has helped you.

Scripture verses taken from the New King James Version.

Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.

“Perverted Passions”

PERVERTED PASSIONS PLAGUE PEOPLE PERSISTENTLY.  Since the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden, when Eve and then Adam ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6), all mankind has been plagued with a sinful nature that opposes God and His rules that were designed for our good. Sin is lawlessness or acting like there are no restraints placed on us (1 John 3:4).

We’re all born with a sinful nature whether we want to admit it or not (Psalm 51:5; 1 John 1:8). Some “Christian teachers” mistakenly say that once a person receives his promise from God to be saved from hell to heaven and receives a new nature from Him (2 Peter 1:4), he loses his sinful nature immediately.

But the Scriptures don’t teach that. Otherwise none of us would be saved since we all keep on sinning even though, as Christians, we may sin less frequently than we used to sin (1 John 2:1, 2).

It may surprise you to know that all Christians still have a sinful nature that can cause us to do all the things we did prior to our being saved. This happens if we walk according to the “flesh” (our sin nature) rather than by (under the control of) the Holy Spirit (Romans 6-8).

Habitual sin could lead to a Christian’s premature physical death but not to the loss of his eternal salvation (1 John 5:16; Romans 8:1, 6). Otherwise it’s not eternal life. Being saved doesn’t give a Christian a license to sin (Romans 6:1). God will discipline His unruly children severely (Hebrews 10:30, 31; 12:5, 6). It could come in the form of physical, mental, or emotional problems. And if that doesn’t stop his/her sinful behavior God might take the Christian’s physical life from him/her (1 Corinthians 11:30).

The Apostle Paul himself struggled with his two natures. With his new nature from God he wanted to do the right things and with his sinful nature he longed to do evil things (Romans 7:15-25). Do you have the same struggles going on in you? Take heart. There is hope for us.

The question is, “How can a Christian keep from yielding to the strong desires (lusts) that come from his/her old sinful nature and live victoriously over it and do the things that please God instead?”

The secret to victory over our sin nature isn’t by our trying to crucify self but by our yielding ourselves to God the Holy Spirit and letting Him kill those evil desires whenever they come our way (Galatians 5:16, 25; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 6:11-14).

Yes, it’s possible for Christians to live victoriously over the perverted passions that plague us from time to time. When we refuse to yield to temptation, we demonstrate our love for God and will earn the “Crown of Life” (James 1:12). It also demonstrates to others what God can do for us humans.

Being tempted isn’t sin. But yielding to sinful temptations is (James 1:13-15). “…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Have you received the gift of eternal life by faith in Him who died for your sins and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day? If not, why not trust Him now and receive eternal life (1 John 5:11-13)?

If you have questions or comments contact us here or visit our website: http://www.kelseypeach.com.  To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”