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God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of SalvationPart 6 – The Choice
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
Many people do not choose to serve God in His way because they either don’t know His way or because they don’t understand the consequences of their choice
In the previous studies of God’s Plan of Salvation, God’s way has been made clear
Now we will make clear the consequences of not choosing God’s way
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
In 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10, Paul points out something very important associated with the return of Jesus
Jesus will deal out “retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus”
It is plain that punishment is going to be meted out
That punishment is going to be eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
The Lord’s punishment is coming upon two groups of people:◦Those who don’t know God◦Those who don’t obey the gospel of our Lord
Jesus ChristThe natives of the African jungles, the
Chinese behind the Bamboo Curtain, the dwellers of American city slums are all destined to burn forever if they don’t know God
God’s Plan of Salvation God’s Plan of Salvation
All those who fill the pews in Catholic churches, Protestant churches, and Jewish synagogues are destined to burn unless they obey the gospel by repenting of their sins and by being immersed into Christ
God requires that we both:◦Know Him
and◦Obey His gospel
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
Revelation 20:15 states, “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire”
How do you get your name written in the Lamb’s book of life?
The Bible doesn’t state explicitly, but we can guess that your name is written there when you are born again
If you refuse to be born of water and Spirit, then it is the lake of fire
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
Romans 8:9 says, “But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him”
Unless a person has repented and been immersed in the name of Jesus, he doesn’t have the Holy Spirit – see Acts 2:38
This is true regardless of his sincerity in what he believes, his morality, or his love for his children, etc.
Unless he has received the Holy Spirit by being immersed, Christ doesn’t recognize him
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
The question comes to mind:◦Why do many good, moral, religious people refuse
to yield to God’s plan of salvationThe answer comes in John 3:20:
◦“For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light lest his deeds should be exposed”
If a person refuses to see things God’s way, God’s word is designed to separate him from the Christian – see Hebrews 4:12-13
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
Am I saying that anyone who refuses to repent and be immersed is evil?
I’m not saying thatJesus said that!Remember, man looks at the outward
appearance, but God looks at the heart – see 1 Samuel 16:7
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
However, “he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God” (John 3:21)
Sincere people from all backgrounds, cultures, and ages will come to Jesus when the truth of the gospel is presented to them
They will not rebel at the terms of God’s plan of salvation, nor will they stiffen their necks at His commandments that apply to them after their entrance into Christ
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
A final question:◦Does a person have to do exactly what God says in
order to enter the kingdom of heaven?Another way of asking the question:
◦What if a person is sincerely doing his best, but is sprinkled instead of immersed? Will he be saved?
Jesus’ answer:◦“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will
enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21)
In order to enter the kingdom of heaven, you have to do God’s will, not yours
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of Salvation
This is your choice (and mine)
Obedience results in eternal life; disobedience results in eternal death
God’s Plan of SalvationGod’s Plan of SalvationPart 7 – The Need to Overcome
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