Words Of Jesus - PROMISES

What promises has Jesus given us about Salvation?

In this final entry in this study, we will look at the promises Jesus has made to us in HIS own words.  Jesus said many things during his ministry on this earth; some were said to HIS disciples, some were prayers to HIS Father in heaven, some were rebukes to Pharisees or Scribes, and some were lessons to crowds.  But one thing that is certain is that the promises Jesus made about Salvation are for everybody [56]; then and now, throughout all time, and anywhere in the world! We can trust that every promise Jesus made is as much for us now, as it was for the people who heard it over 2000 years ago!

In the following quotes, Jesus promises to receive all who are seeking and come to HIM.  HE promises to give them rest, and to advocate for them before HIS Father in heaven. HE promises to never reject anyone who comes to HIM!

Jesus said, 

• “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”  ~ Matthew 7:7 KJV 
• “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  ~ Matthew 11:28 KJV
• “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”  ~ Matthew 10:32 KJV
• “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”  ~ John 6:37 KJV

Jesus promised that HE is the Savior to the lost, and everyone who believes in HIM will not perish - HE will give them eternal life!  Jesus promised that they would never perish and never taste death!

Jesus said, 

• “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”  ~ Matthew 18:11 KJV
• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”  ~ John 3:16-17 KJV
• “... everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”  ~ John 6:27b KJV
• “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.”  ~ John 8:51 KJV

Jesus promised that HE is the Light Of The World, and all who believe in HIM will walk in the light of life!

Jesus said, 

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”  ~ John 8:12 KJV

Will you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ?  Will you believe HIS promises? If you will repent and believe, placing your trust in Jesus Christ, you will be forgiven of your sin and reconciled to GOD!

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved! [57]

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References
[56] Luke 24:46-47
[57] Acts 16:31

Words Of Jesus - RESURRECTION And ETERNAL LIFE

What did Jesus say about the Resurrection?  What did HE tell us about Eternal Life?

In the previous posts in this series we have seen that Jesus claimed to be GOD and yet fully man. Jesus claimed to be the ransom, the payment, for our sin against GOD! Jesus promised that every one who believes in HIM would not be condemned under GOD’s wrath, but those who refused to repent and believe would perish - they would lose their own soul. But then what does it mean for our soul to be saved? What did Jesus say about the Resurrection? What promise did HE give us concerning Eternal Life?

Jesus said,

• “the Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day” ~ Mark 9:31 KJV
• “thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” ~ Luke 24:46-47

In the first statement, Jesus claimed that HE himself would rise again. This would happen three days after his crucifixion and death. It is important to notice that Jesus said that he would die and rise again. Many people have argued that Jesus was seen three days later because HE did not actually die, but only fainted; these theories have been shown to be false. [1] HE died! Three days later HE rose again. Jesus himself said, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore”. [2] Jesus rising from the grave was a literal Resurrection; a miracle which only GOD can do. And GOD did this to declare to us that the payment Jesus made was accepted! [3] The Bible tells us, “the wages of sin is death”! [4] But because Jesus fully atoned for all our sin there were no more “wages” to be paid, therefore death lost its power and the grave could not hold HIM! HE is risen!

Jesus repeats HIS prophecy again in Luke 24 as he explains that it was written (referring to Moses and the Prophets) that HE should suffer and rise from the dead.  However, HE adds that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in HIS name”!  In this statement, Jesus directly connects HIS Resurrection with the preaching of the Gospel and the forgiveness of our sins.  This began when the Apostles carried the good news of Jesus out from Jerusalem. And it continues today. The Apostle Paul calls it the Gospel which he preached to the Corinthians saying, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and was buried and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures”. [5]  The Apostle Peter says, “this is the Word which GOD sent, preaching peace through Jesus Christ - HE is Lord of all...through HIS name, all who believe in HIM will receive the forgiveness of sins”. [6]

Jesus said,

• “this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” ~ John 6:40
• “verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life” ~ John 6:47
• “my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish” ~ John 10:27-28a
• “because I live, ye shall live also” ~ John 14:19

Jesus claimed that HE would die and rise again from the grave.  But HE also claimed that everyone who believes in HIM would also rise from the grave!  In the first statement above HE says this is “the will of HIM that sent me” - that is, the will of GOD.  So Jesus says it is GOD’s will that all who believe in him will “have everlasting life”!  And in the second statement, with authority as GOD and with the emphatic weight of “truly, truly”, Jesus himself declares to us, “all that believe in me have everlasting life”!

Jesus resurrection occurred, as HE said, three days after his death and burial. [7]  Our resurrection will occur “at the last day”.  This is when Jesus has promised to raise up those who believe in HIM.   Their bodies will be raised into a new body, just as Jesus was. [8] We cannot have everlasting life if our body remains dead and in the grave.  And, we cannot have everlasting life if it could be taken away from us in the future - if we could ‘die’ again. To answer this concern, Jesus adds to what HE has already told us and explains, “they shall never perish”.  HE is promising again that this everlasting life will never end, never be lost, and can never be revoked.  It is a permanent promise.

Finally, in the last of the statements above, Jesus reveals what is the basis for this promise:  “because I live, ye shall live also”.  HE places our hope of resurrection squarely on HIS own resurrection and life.  This is the foundation! The first and plain meaning of this is that we shall rise and live as HE did because our sins are paid for.  As discussed above, the resurrection of Jesus is proof that all our sin was atoned for. But HE intends to tell us more in this statement:  that HE is the source of life itself! Not only are Believers raised because of Jesus resurrection, but they are raised in HIS life!  The Bible says born again Believers “walk in newness of life” and their “life is hid with GOD in Christ”! [9]  We may have this everlasting life because Jesus lives!

Those who believe in Jesus will live forever in HIS presence with joy.  Scripture makes this clear. But the Bible also gives us a clear warning that all others will suffer forever in the lake of fire.  This is called the “second death”. [10] We cannot understand everything the Bible tells us about eternal life unless we understand the opposite:  everlasting damnation. There are only two alternatives. The the judgment of GOD on all who reject Christ is eternal damnation. Jesus himself said, “these shall go away into everlasting punishment:  but the righteous into life eternal”.  We either trust in Christ and receive eternal life, or we refuse HIM and receive eternal damnation. [11] 

The good news of the Gospel is that GOD is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”! [12]  If we will humble ourselves, repent, and trust in Christ we will be saved! We will never perish under the wrath of GOD, but be raised to everlasting life!

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”  ~ John 11:25-26 KJV



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References

[1] Strobel, “Case For Christ”, ISBN: 0310350034
[2] Revelation 1:18
[3] Acts 2:24, 2:27, 13:34-37; Romans 1:1-4;
[4] Romans 6:23
[5] 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
[6] Acts 10:36, 43
[7] Matthew 12:40, 17:22-23; Mark 10:33-34; Luke 18:32-33; John 2:19-21;
[8] Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:44;
[9] Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 3:1-4;
[10] Revelation 20:6, 20:14, 21:8;
[11] Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 2:11;
[12] 2 Peter 3:9

Words Of Jesus - RANSOM And REPENTANCE

What did Jesus say that HE came to do?  What did Jesus command us to do?

In earlier posts in this series, we have examined many of the Words of Jesus; what HE said about himself and who HE was.  We know that HE claimed to be GOD in the flesh, and that HE claimed to be the Messiah - the Savior of all mankind.  Jesus also clearly told us that we - all human beings - are sinful at heart and are under GOD’s judgment. Yet HE also promised us, “He that believeth on [me] is not condemned“ [31].  But how can we be under GOD’s judgment, and at the same time not condemned?  How can both be true? How can it be that we do not get what we deserve?

The question which each of us must ask is: IF GOD IS GOOD, HOW CAN HE FORGIVE US?

The Bible says that GOD is a perfect judge, and HE hates bribes, corruption, and any miscarriage of justice. [32]  Therefore, to be just, HE must sentence us to the penalty which HIS law requires. HE must condemn us. How can GOD fully judge and punish sin, and at the same time not condemn us? The answer is the cross of Jesus Christ.

Jesus had to die on that cross because death - under the wrath of GOD - is the penalty for sin. [33]  To die in our place under GOD’s wrath, is exactly what Jesus said that HE came to do.

Jesus said, 

• “the Son of man came to give his life a ransom for many”  ~ Matthew 20:28
• “I lay down my life ... no man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself”  ~ John 10:17-18a
• “this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”  ~ Matthew 26:28

We know that Jesus called himself the good shepherd who gives HIS life for the sheep.  But when HE said that HE would “give HIS life as a ransom”, HE revealed the specific reason why this sacrifice would be required.  A ransom is a payment made to free someone from captivity and punishment.  In our state of sinfulness we are actually in captivity, in bondage. [34]  We are not able to change our own nature (which is in rebellion against GOD) and so we are not able to free ourselves from this condition.  We need to be rescued, to be delivered from this state. That is why the “Son of man came to give his life as a ransom for many” - not just a few, or some, but many - ALL WHO BELIEVE IN HIM. [35]

But what is the payment required to complete this sacrifice?  What value can we put on our life or our eternal soul.  And more importantly, what is the value of the debt that we owe?  What payment does GOD’s justice require? Justice always requires equity, which means the punishment must match the magnitude of the offence.  We can only understand the magnitude of our sin if we know whom we have sinned against.  Our sin is against the infinite and holy GOD.  HE says plainly, “I the LORD your God am holy”.  The Bible tells us that GOD, who “made the world and all things in it...is lord of heaven and earth” and HE is so pure that HIS eyes will not look on evil”! [36]  Therefore, because GOD is infinitely worthy, our sin against HIM requires an infinite payment.

There are only two ways to make an infinite payment:  give something of infinite value one time, or give something of limited value for an infinite amount of time.  When the Bible speaks about the wrath of GOD against sinners in hell, it is always described as forever and everlasting! [37]  Jesus himself said, “[in Hell is] the fire that never shall be quenched”. [38]  This is because we are finite, limited, and can never finish paying an infinite debt.  If we reject Christ, GOD will require our eternity in hell because of our sin.

BUT, Jesus said, “I lay down MY LIFE”!  HE said, “this is MY BLOOD...for the forgiveness of sins”!  HE identified the payment that would satisfy GOD’s justice!  And HE made the payment when HE died on the cross and said, “it is finished”. [39]  Jesus, who is GOD in the flesh, is infinite and holy like the Father -  HIS life is a payment that at one time can ransom every sinner who repents and believes in HIM.  This is what Jesus came to do.

Now many people ask the question, ‘if Jesus has died for us, then why would GOD still send anyone to hell’?  The simple answer is that the payment Jesus made must be applied to our account.

Jesus said, 

• “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”  ~ Luke 13:3,5 KJV
• “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel”  ~ Mark 1:15 KJV
• “enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is 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 warned us that we will face judgment unless we repent; HE said, “except ye repent, ye shall all perish”.  Jesus also gave us a direct command to repent and believe when HE said, “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel”.  So we are commanded to repent, and we are warned of judgment if we do not repent.  This is the answer to the question, and the reason why GOD will send many to hell. Truly, Jesus has made the payment that satisfies GOD’s wrath!  BUT without repentance and faith this payment does not apply to us. Only those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ will be forgiven.  Every one of us, individually, must repent and put our faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins.

Jesus set this choice before us using a parable of two gates; one wide and another narrow. [40]  The first gate is described as ‘wide’ because ‘anything goes’ through it; we are not required to believe anything in particular, nor are we required to live by any particular law.  Many people go through this gate; it is the common choice but it leads to destruction. The second gate is described as ‘narrow’ because there is only one way to pass through it; we are required to approach by one Name, and abandon all other means of entry.  Only those who confess that Jesus Christ is Lord will be admitted at this gate. This gate leads to a life of obedience to GOD and turning from sin. This gate leads to eternal life! Jesus made it clear again that the judgment remains for those who do not repent and believe in HIM.  HE said, “...ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM HE, ye shall die in your sins”. [41]

Sadly, there will be many who reject Christ and die in their sins.  But why? Who would choose condemnation under GOD’s wrath when forgiveness is offered freely.  Tragically, the reason we refuse to come to Christ is because we do not want to submit our lives to HIM and obey HIS commands.  We wish to enjoy this life and spend it according to our pleasure; we desire to ‘save’ our earthly life for ourselves.  Jesus addressed this directly when HE said, “whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” [42]  Jesus cuts directly to the heart of the matter when HE says it is about your soul.  It is a horrific outcome to have success and enjoyment in this life but lose your soul to eternity in hell.  Nothing is worth losing your soul!

Jesus made us the promise that if we surrender our earthly life to HIM, HE will save our eternal soul!  HE commanded us to come to HIM (enter by the narrow gate), and to obey HIM (walk on the narrow way). Jesus commanded us to repent of our sins and to believe in HIM.  This is what Jesus commanded us to do.

Jesus told us of our sinfulness, and that we deserve GOD’s judgment - BUT HE did not stop there.  HE did not leave us in a place of hopelessness!  Instead HE provided the solution to reconcile us to GOD.  HE gave himself - HIS life for a ransom. The way has been opened to eternal life because Christ has made the payment.  We need only to receive it!  As the Bible says, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved”. [43]  How will you respond to the command and promise of Jesus? Will you reject HIM just to enjoy this world?  Will you come to HIM in repentance and faith?

“whoever comes to me I will never cast out”

  ~ John 6:37



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References 
[31] John 3:18 

[32] Deuteronomy 10:17, 16:19, 27:25; Proverbs 17:23; Job 8:3, 34:12

[33] Romans 6:23 

[34] Romans 8:7-8; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:26 

[35] Mark 16:16; Acts 10:43, 16:31; Romans 10:9 

[36] Leviticus 19:2, Acts 17:24, Habakkuk 1:13 

[37] Mark 3:29; Luke 16:23-26; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; Hebrews 6:2; Jude 1:7; Revelation 14:10-11

[38] Mark 9:45 

[39] John 19:28-30 

[40] Matthew 7:13-14 

[41] John 8:24 

[42] Matthew 16:25-26 

[43] Acts 16:31