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Salvation: The Path to God's Kingdom (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissSalvation encompasses past, present, and future dimensions, each with its own rewards. Initially, when we come under the blood of Christ's sacrifice, we are blessed with freedom from the penalty of our past sins. As we live according to God's way, we are freed from the fear of eternal punishment for our current missteps. Living God's way involves a personal relationship with both the Father and the Son, a priceless opportunity for those whom God has called. Ultimately, salvation promises that, after being changed and granted immortality in the resurrection, we will live forever with God in perfect peace, harmony, and health, without sin and its consequences. Salvation is the goal of God's Word, the outcome He intends for each of us. This process began when we accepted the blood of Christ as payment for our sins and were baptized, marking the first step of being saved from the death penalty. This initial step is also known as justification, where God declares us righteous based on Christ's sacrifice. The second step is ongoing, as we are currently being saved, becoming set apart through sanctification by learning to live as God lives and obeying His laws. This work does not save us; we are saved by God's grace, but it changes us to reflect Jesus Christ.
Salvation: The Path to God's Kingdom (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissSalvation is a transformative process that begins when a person accepts the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is baptized, and has their sins forgiven, marking them as saved. Through Christ's sacrifice, they are justified and aligned with the righteous standard of our Savior. This initiates the phase of sanctification, a period of consecration and growth, during which God transforms the individual from a new convert into the very image and stature of Jesus Christ. Throughout sanctification, they are being saved from their human nature, the allurements and distractions of this world, and the wiles and temptations of satan. The journey culminates in glorification, when the individual is saved permanently. At the resurrection of the just, God will change them from physical to spiritual, making them a full-fledged member of the God Family. From that moment, they will live as God and Christ live, working and ruling in righteousness forever. This magnificent plan of salvation is God's precious gift.
Basic Doctrines: Salvation
Bible Study by Earl L. HennSalvation is the process whereby sinners are rescued from the consequences of sin, which is defined as the attitude and practice of breaking God's laws, summarized in the Ten Commandments. Every human being, except Jesus Christ, has broken these laws and thus needs to be saved from sin's penalty, which is death, the complete annihilation of one's life. God offers eternal life as a gift to those willing to meet His conditions, delivering them from the consequences of sin. The first step to obtain salvation is repentance, which involves not only being sorry for committing sin but also turning from a life of transgression to one of obedience to God's commandments. However, merely keeping the law does not justify anyone; justification, meaning having one's sins forgiven and coming into a right relationship with God, is achieved through faith in the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. His death paid the penalty for the sins of the whole world, and through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and are brought into a right relationship with God. Being justified does not mean one is saved or has eternal life; it signifies that the guilty past has been wiped clean because Christ paid the penalty for our sins. Salvation is received through a living Jesus Christ, who, after being raised from the dead by God the Father, sits at God's right hand to make intercession for us, helping us overcome sin and live righteously. To receive salvation, a Christian must live a life of obedience to God's law, as continuing in disobedience while claiming to know Christ is falsehood. God imparts His love through the Holy Spirit, giving the power to obey His laws in their full spiritual intent, transforming the repentant sinner's outlook and purpose as they are led by the Spirit. Only after this process of living a life of overcoming will God grant the gift of eternal life through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, by a resurrection, just as with Christ. Then, and only then, will we have salvation.
What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletSalvation is a vital need because we have sinned, and the penalty of sin is death. Sin is defined as the transgression of God's law, and though we are under grace, this does not permit us to continue in sin. God's answer is clear: we must not transgress the law, for grace does not excuse disobedience. Those who repent of their transgressions and accept the sacrifice of Christ as payment for the penalty of the law are pardoned under grace, no longer under the law's claim on their life. Only those who turn from disobedience through repentance, obedience, and faith, and keep the law, are truly under grace. We are saved by faith, but it must be a living faith, one made perfect by works. Faith without works is dead and cannot save a soul. Salvation does not come by the deeds of the law alone, for by the law comes the knowledge of sin, revealing our need for cleansing, which only the blood of Christ can provide. God's law acts as a spiritual mirror, showing the dirt on our hearts, but it does not wash it away—only Christ's blood accomplishes that. God's purpose in salvation is to rescue us from sin and its resulting unhappiness, misery, and death. To repent of sin is the first step, followed by the cleansing of past sins through the blood of Christ upon acceptance and faith. By faith, we are kept from sin in the future, and the resulting righteousness is imparted from God. We are justified by the blood of Jesus Christ, but this justification is granted only on the condition that we repent of our transgressions of God's law. Thus, it is the doers of the law who shall be justified.
Is it Salvational?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to denigrate a matter as not being 'salvational,' but the real question to ask is, How will this action affect my relationship with God?
Is It Salvational? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe concept of salvation often arises in discussions about biblical matters, with some asserting that certain actions or observances are not salvational, implying they do not impact one's ultimate fate. However, this perspective misses a crucial point. The serpent's deception of Eve in the Garden illustrates this, as he downplays the consequences of disobedience by suggesting it would not lead to death, framing it as a non-salvational issue. Instead of focusing on whether an action is salvational, a more vital question is whether it is relational. The true measure of our choices lies in how they affect our relationship with God. Salvation and eternal life are tied to this relationship, not merely to avoiding sin. Every decision we make influences our connection with Him, who desires fellowship with us as He had with Adam and Eve before their fall.
What Do You Mean . . . Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletSalvation is the most crucial matter in life, yet it remains misunderstood by many. It is not a vague or mysterious concept but a clear truth that must be grasped plainly. Salvation is the saving of man from the spiritual consequences of sin, delivering from sin and its penalties, and preserving from destruction or failure. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, making salvation a concern for everyone, not just the religious. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This eternal life is not something inherent or earned by works; it is a gift from God, received through Christ. Salvation is not about already possessing eternal life or being an immortal soul, as some falsely claim. The Bible teaches that the soul that sins shall die, showing that souls are mortal and subject to death as the penalty of sin. Eternal life must be sought as a gift from God, who alone has immortality. Humans are mortal, possessing only temporary chemical existence, and are cut off from God by their sins, which form a barrier preventing access to Him. Seeking God requires forsaking one's sinful ways and turning to His way, yet even this does not remove the penalty of past sins. The penalty of sin cannot be erased by law-keeping or good works, as these do not justify past guilt. Only through Christ's sacrifice is this barrier removed. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, who died for the ungodly, paying the penalty for their sins. Being justified by His blood, individuals are reconciled to God, acquitted of past guilt, and no longer under the law's penalty but under grace. However, this justification is not salvation itself; it is a step toward it. The Bible states that we shall be saved by His life, through His resurrection, emphasizing that salvation is future and depends on a living Savior. Salvation involves receiving God's Holy Spirit, which imparts His life and divine love, enabling one to keep His spiritual law. This love flows from God through Christ, guiding the expression of righteousness, which is not one's own but God's. Salvation is not about going to a place but about becoming transformed into His glorious character. It begins with repentance and baptism, expressing faith in Christ's atonement, and receiving the Holy Spirit as God's gift, marking one as a begotten son of God. Yet, this is not the end; one must grow spiritually, overcome carnal nature, and endure to the end to inherit the Kingdom of God and be made immortal, living forever in happiness and joy by God's grace.
The Awesome Cost of Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSalvation is the heart of the relationship that Jesus Christ has made possible through His death, a relationship that is central to Passover. Through His sacrifice, He opened the way for us to be in agreement with God, establishing a connection that was previously severed by our separation from Him. This relationship, vital for our salvation, must be developed and continued; without it, there can be no true freedom. We are not free merely because the relationship is established—it is only part of the process. The cost of this covenant, made in His blood, is immense, as it required the most precious life ever lived to be given, ensuring that we could be reconciled to God. The price for salvation extends far beyond what appears on the surface, even when considering Christ's sacrifice, which is undoubtedly the most costly element of our liberty. Salvation is not merely a distant endpoint but begins the moment we accept the blood of Jesus Christ. It is a progressive journey, not something received all at once. As we embark on this process, having God's Spirit, we start to experience salvation daily, weekly, and monthly, moving toward freedom. This liberty is not earned but is a gift, constantly given by God, reflecting His nature of continuous giving. We are to live the abundant life He offers, receiving His salvation here and now. The enormity of God's plan for salvation spans billions of years, an investment of time and purpose that underscores our immeasurable value to Him. Passover, central to this vast plan, is not just a moment in time but a pivotal event in God's purpose, leading toward the gathering of all into His Family and Kingdom. Each of us, though a mere speck in the grand scope of history, holds profound importance, as Christ would have given His life even if only one had sinned. This personal aspect of His sacrifice must deeply affect us, highlighting our worth in God's eyes. Redemption, the buying back from slavery to sin, places us under obligation to the One who purchased us with the life of the Creator. We are called to glorify God in our body and spirit, striving toward holiness as part of our moral responsibility. The historical witness of human lives across vast ages demonstrates that no system apart from God's way can produce the lasting peace and prosperity we seek, reinforcing the necessity of His plan for salvation. Every life, every event, serves as a lesson pointing to the centrality of Passover and the cost of our freedom. The cost of salvation also includes the lives of countless animals sacrificed over centuries, each symbolizing the life of Jesus Christ, and the personal cost to each family who participated in these sacrifices, feeling the weight of responsibility for the death of the Lamb of God. Additionally, our own lives are part of this cost, as we are called to live in a manner that reflects the profound value of Christ's sacrifice. When observing Passover, we must consider the tremendous price paid not only to become free but to remain free, recognizing that sin is no light matter to God. Christ's example of enduring immense suffering without sinning teaches us the depth of commitment required to stay free, urging us to approach this observance with sober appreciation of its cost and our value to God.
Hebrews (Part Six): God's Salvation Communication
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is paramount to salvation, as emphasized in Hebrews 1:1-14 and John 1:1-18. Without Him, we can do nothing, as He declared in John 15:5. He is the branch to which we must remain attached to produce fruit, illustrating His essential role in our spiritual life. If we are not connected to Him, seeing Him as our Creator and the provider of all we need, we cannot bear the fruit God desires. This fruit is crucial for our entry into the Kingdom of God, and the strength and motivation to produce it come through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We must work with Him, ensuring this relationship grows stronger daily through appreciation and yielding to His will. His importance to salvation is further underscored by His unique qualifications. He has always been God, even as a human, and no one else comes close to being our Savior or preparing us for the Kingdom of God. He actively works to save us, carrying out major responsibilities for our salvation. We, in turn, must maintain communication with Him and remain obedient. His death provided the ultimate sacrifice, making forgiveness of sins possible, a reality not achievable under the Old Covenant offerings. This act of love, described in John 13:1 as loving to the uttermost, is central to our spiritual benefit. Jesus Christ purged our sins by Himself, a keynote of His role as the source of all blessings from now to eternity. This relationship, though challenging because we cannot see or hear Him directly, is vital. We must rely on faith to access Him, overcome sin, and make efforts to sacrifice ourselves in this process. His life, death, and ongoing spiritual guidance from heaven ensure that we are prepared for the Kingdom of God, with no other way to achieve salvation but through Him.
Camouflage and Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has provided what appear to be plausible alternatives to Christ's sacrifice for salvation, like service, positive changes, and right thinking.
Two Arks of Salvation
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingIn both the basket carrying Moses and the ark carrying Noah's family for over a year, God was in control, and guided both arks to safety.
God of Our Salvation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Great White Throne Judgment is a general resurrection to mortal life, allowing the majority of those who have ever lived an opportunity for salvation.
Saved By Faith Alone?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennMany religions hold varied beliefs about what is required for salvation. A common notion is that salvation comes through faith alone, with no regard for how one lives. Millions defend this idea, asserting that one's way of life has no impact on being saved. Yet, the question remains: can we enter God's Kingdom while disregarding His laws and commandments? Does striving against temptation and living righteously play no role in attaining eternal life? Paul's letter to the Romans clarifies that all of mankind, regardless of background, stands guilty before God, having broken His law. No one can be justified by the deeds of the law alone, for the law reveals sin but does not erase past transgressions. Justification, a legal act by God, imputes the righteousness of Jesus Christ to us upon accepting His sacrifice, aligning us with God and His law. Salvation, however, is the culmination of the process by which God conforms us to His image, delivers us from sin's power, and grants us eternal life in His Kingdom through resurrection. The manner in which we conduct our lives bears greatly on whether we will receive this eternal life, as it is not merely the hearers of the law, but the doers who will be justified in God's sight.
Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffThree times, James states, 'Faith without works is dead!' Here's how James' teaching agrees with and complements the teaching of Paul on justification.
Our Ultimate Purpose
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWhen we follow the commandments, it should be to primarily strengthen the relationship out of love, not to merely gain an advantageous position or be saved.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJustification is not the end of the salvation process, but merely the opening to sanctification, where we bear fruit and give evidence of God's Spirit in us.
The Christian Paradox (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have two conflicting natures: a downward-pulling carnal nature versus a divine nature imparted by God's Holy Spirit, continually at odds, seen in Romans 7.
Where Is God's True Church Today?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhere can we find the true religion, the true church, in all this confusion? Only the church Christ founded and heads today has the answers to eternal life.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA summary of the Covenants, Grace, and Law series, reiterating the differences in the Covenants and the respective places of grace and law in God's purpose.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJustification does not 'do away' with the law; it brings us into alignment with it, imputing the righteousness of Christ and giving access to God for sanctification.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke of bondage Paul refers to in Galatians was a combination of the code of regulations added by the Pharisees and Gnostic ritualism, not God's Law.
Amazing Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe old song speaks of "Amazing Grace" but do we really understand just how amazing it is? The Bible reveals some details on this vital topic.
Eternal Security (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of the harshest criticism we receive is for our position opposing the doctrine of eternal security and stating that works are required for salvation.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus came with a message of salvation, called 'the gospel of the Kingdom of God.' Here is the relationship between the gospel and Christian works.
God's Workmanship (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's creation did not end with the physical creation or our election, but God continues to work, giving us the motivation and the power to do His will.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of salvation, works cannot save, but good works are the fruit of God's involvement. Grace frees one; works prove that one has been freed.
The Final Harvest
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAre millions lost because they never heard the name of Christ? What about infants who died? Are the doors forever shut on those born into false religion?
Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughProtestantism unthinkingly presents grace as "free." However, Scripture shows that God expects a great deal of effort from us once we receive it—it is costly.
A Royal Priesthood
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe have a much bigger reason for developing godly character than merely make it into the Kingdom. We are rehearsing our roles as a royal priesthood.
The Christian Fight (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.
God's Workmanship (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks are not the cause of salvation, but instead are the effect of God's creative efforts at bringing us into His image—a new creation.
Philippians (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul both appealed for unity among the Philippians and offered encouragement, reminding them that their relationship with one another was through Christ.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Psalm 73 describes someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, but it is not true that people in the world are leading superior lives.
Be There Next Year
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMembers of God's church usually come home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed strength. Yet, some fall away each year. Here's how to stay the course.