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Las Vegas, Nevada
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Christian Living |
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The Salvation Process QUESTIONS: What is the salvation process? How much sin must a person remove to qualify for Gods Kingdom? What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:27-30 which speaks of our being worthy or not to take the bread and wine at Passover? ANSWER: You ask: "How much sin?" Easy answer: As much as you can. More involved answer: Several Christians with the Holy Spirit often confuse this idea or concept of sin. This is especially true around Passover time when people read the following verses... 1 Corinthians 11:26-30 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. The scary verses for a lot of people are verses 27 and 29. Several members begin thinking that if there is ANY sin in their lives, they are not worthy to take the bread and wine. I have just recently talked to several members who have not taken the bread and wine at Passover for at least 2 years because of these verses. They fail to understand something called the salvation process. It has always been about the salvation process. All scriptures on sin and Christian behavior speak and support the concept of a salvation process rather than feelings of guilt about individual sins or being unworthy because of the presence of one or more sins in our lives. So, what is the definition of the salvation process? It is a commitment to a way of Christian life in which one is actively: --Keeping the Law and commandments. --Invoking the Principles of God which the Law points to (Galatians 5:22-23). --Overcoming sin... making progress... stopping the sin process before it begins... controlling the mind... being repentant. --Becoming more like Jesus Christ. --Going on to perfection (Hebrews 6). --Responding to your specific Godly Calling. --Maintaining this process at the return of Jesus Christ. --Having absolute trust in God and Jesus Christ. Keeping the Law and commandments. I could give you a number of scriptures here but three from Revelation should suffice: Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. I like these scriptures because they show that even right up to the end, we are keeping the Law and commandments. We "keep" the commandments by immersing ourselves into the Word of God where those laws are listed and discussed, in detail. We meditate on these laws and understand their design as they relate to Godly principles. Invoking the Principles of God which the Law points to (Galatians 5:22-23). I have given several sermons, Bible studies and Leadership Training classes on this subject. A principle of God is briefly defined as a universally applicable principle of God which is generated in and through the Christian by power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-26 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. This was one of the purposes for Christ's ministry; to put the Law, which man had so codified, back to its proper design. He showed, as did Paul later, that Law points the Christian (one who has the Holy Spirit) to the Principles of God. Notice... Galatians 3:24-27 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Note: If you have been "brought to Christ", you have been brought to Principle, for Jesus Christ is all Principles (fruits of the Spirit). The verse says that we are "justified by faith". The term "faith" here is not only a principle itself, but is a collective word for the salvation process of which invoking principles is a part. When we invoke a principle, we give off Spiritual light and people see God and Christ. They are glorified when this happens. When we invoke a principle, and allow Christ to act through us, we are "justified by faith". Verse 25 says that once principles come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster which is the Law. The Law is not done away for we need it when we slip and sin. The Law shows us our sin and points us back to principle. Verse 27 says that if we are baptized and have the Holy Spirit we have "put on Christ". To put on Christ is to invoke principles because that is what He did. Each day of our lives is training ground offering opportunities for us to invoke Godly principles. We have this opportunity with every person we meet or encounter. It can be a smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or good deed. These are opportunities for giving of yourself and of your substance. It is helping the widow and fatherless. It is exhorting your brother in the faith. It is helping the other person to know success, peace, or joy. It is working for your employer as you would Christ. It is being honest in all that we do. It is showing real compassion, kindness, understanding and forgiving both friend and enemy of anything they have done to you. It is offering service, generosity and cooperation with our fellow man. It is showing integrity, reliance and leadership at work, in the home, and in society in general. It is showing personal growth in all areas of our life and especially in our relationships with people both friend and stranger. It is serving as an example of goodness and integrity for others to follow or at least to see. It is showing discipline, respect for all in authority as you would show respect for Christ who puts all in their positions of authority. It is giving commitment to God, to the church, to the family and to the marriage. It is promoting love, peace and harmony in these situations. It is the invoking of love in all situations which is personal caring that goes beyond friendship, loyalty and respect. These elements mentioned above can and must be invoked by the power of the Holy Spirit. Overcoming sin... making progress... Clearly, this is part of the salvation process. We must be making progress in our battle against sins in our lives, especially sins which are negative habits or sins we in which we find ourselves so susceptible. All sin begins as a thought. If you can devise a way of stopping the thought from proceeding, then you have stopped one sin. I gave a sermon and wrote an article, "Stopping Sin by Using the Wisdom of Solomon". In it, I present a model that will help one to stop sin at the thought level. You may have a copy of it by request. Job 11:14 If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; All these verses show that we are to be putting sin out of our life. If we are human, we will sin and be subject to sin but God is looking for a person who is in the process of overcoming personal sin, day by day, sin by sin. We are in the process of conquering sin. This includes using techniques to control our minds, being repentant and repenting each time we sin and asking forgiveness. It also means forgiving ourselves and not harboring the negative emotion of guilt. If we are in the process, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be bold in our dealing with life, in our relationship with God ("come boldly before the throne") and in the taking of the bread and wine at Passover. Becoming more like Jesus Christ. If we are to be more like Christ, we must overcome sin because in Him was no sin. Notice... 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Note: So, we see that putting sin out of our lives is definitely a part of the process. Jesus Christ is our example: Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Romans 15:5-7 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Note: A good description of our lives once we enter the salvation process. Going on to perfection (Hebrews 6). Hebrews 6:1-6 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Note: These verses show us a lot about the salvation process. For one to "go on unto perfection", one must be in a process to that end. It surely does not happen in a moment or overnight. We see also that repentance and having the Holy Spirit and a looking toward judgment is part of the movement toward perfection. All these elements work together to aid us in attaining this goal. Going on to perfection means to come to full maturity as a Christian in the salvation process. Notice also the fact that we are given only one opportunity to enter this process. We cannot walk away from the process and think that we can come back to it later. There is no such thing as a "second chance" in God's Plan for Salvation. Responding to your specific Godly Calling. (God calls each member to a specific place and to specific duties and/or offices). This includes duties pertaining to the first commission of spreading the gospel and the second commission of feeding the flock. This is a most overlooked aspect or element of being a Christian. We, each were called for a specific reason and ultimately to specific duties. God decrees even where we live.... James 4:13-15 13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. Now let us look at some specific scriptures which show us to have a calling from God. Scriptures regarding our Calling to be Firstfruits 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. Romans 8:28-30 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them heal so glorified. Note the phrase: "to be conformed to the image of his Son". This confirm that we are to become like Christ and we know that He is without sin. To be conformed to His image, we must live a life of putting sin out of our lives and Godly Principles in that same life. Maintaining this process at the return of Jesus Christ. Luke 12:42-43 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Note: Clearly we must be in the salvation process when He returns. James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Note: This verse shows both the fact that we must overcome sin and the reward we receive for doing so. Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Note: Those elements listed above are those things that maketh to everlasting life. Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 2 Peter 1:10-11 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Note: Certainly, there are things to be done for it says, "if you do these things". These "things" are the elements of the salvation process above. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. Note: Do you see the relationship here between the Law and the invoking of Godly principles? One cannot "do" the Law but he can invoke the principles of God which the Law point to. Example: The laws about lying and stealing point us to the Godly principle of Honesty. Honesty is a Godly principle and applies everywhere in our lives. The best way to "keep" a law is to invoke the principle behind it. Notice also the little phrase, "and continueth therein". We must actively be engaged in the salvation process when Christ returns. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Note: The phrase, "being fruitful in every good work" describes it well. A "good work" is anything that Christ does through us by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is NOT you doing some kind of good work by your own power. Good works are ONLY done by someone committed to God and Christ and to the salvation process. Having absolute trust in God and Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:12-14 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 1 Peter 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 1 John 2:23-24 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. CONCLUSION Now let us go back to 1 Corinthians 11 and beginning in verse 27: 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. WHO IS WORTHY TO TAKE THE BREAD AND WINE? The first 6 words of verse 28 say, "But let a man (person) examine himself" You are examining yourself to answer ONE question and that question is: "Am I in the salvation process?" The answer is yes, if you are in the process of: Keeping the Commandments. Immersing yourself into the Word of God. Invoking Godly principles. Overcoming sin. Becoming more like Christ. Going on toward perfection. Staying in the process till Christ returns Putting absolute trust in God. Being in the process does not mean that you are without sin. The fact that you sin and are subject to sin is the reason you are in the salvation process. The salvation process is how one frees himself or herself from sin. If you answer the ONE question, "Yes", then do what the rest of verse 28 directs the believer to do: AND SO LET HIM EAT OF THAT BREAD AND DRINK OF THAT CUP. God is saying that if you are in the salvation process, then invoke the principle of Boldness and take, with Godly confidence, that bread and that wine. WHO WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD? After a person has been called to the salvation process (the firstfruits now and the rest in the Second Resurrection), he or she must remain in that process, making forward progress until they either die or are alive at the return of Christ. Those in the second resurrection must remain in the process for the approximately 100-year period of judgment. Everyone who remains in the salvation process will be granted entry to the Kingdom of God. |
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Las Vegas, Nevada Church of God - part of The Intercontinental Church of God and The Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association - Tyler, Texas |
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Garner Ted Armstrong
Evangelistic Association Web Site The activities of the Intercontinental Church of
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