Jesus said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that He lay down His life for His friends-ye are My friends IF you do whatsoever I have commanded you.” John 15:13-14 Paul wrote: “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:9-11 Love paid the price! “God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Christ ransomed us from the depths of Hell at the expense of His life—“no man ever loved us like Jesus.”
We can see love working for our benefit: “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him.” Luke 23:33 On the day of Pentecost, some 53 days later, we see love again intervening: “And they cried unto Peter and the rest of the apostles; Men and brethren, what shall we do? They Peter said unto them; Repent and be Baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37-38 This plan, mystery, grace that was announced that day gave man what he never before had, a fire escape from Hell!! “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip, For if the word spoken by angels (apostles) was steadfast (guaranteed, sure), and every transgression and disobedience (changing the apostles doctrine in the slightest manner) received a just recompense of reward (the immediate termination of the one who changes the plan of God); “ How shall we escape (the place called Hell), if we neglect (do not heed, pay it no mind) so great salvation (God’s grace, mystery, plan, gospel); which at first began to be spoken unto us by the Lord (Mark 16:16) and was confirmed unto us by them (the apostles by the working of miracles) that heard Him, God bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders (Sun into darkness and moon into blood), and with divers (many) gifts of the Holy Ghost (tongues, raising the dead, healing the blind, causing the agent of Satan to become dumb), according to His own will?” Hebrews 2:1-4 Finally, “Ye were the servants of sin, but God be thanked, you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine delivered unto you. Being THEN made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:17-18 “God having provided something better for us.” Hebrews 11:40 To show the gracious Will of God, the first people He saved, were the people that crucified His only begotten Son!! Does not He who paid the price, the ransom have the right to stipulate the terms of forgiveness??
This could never describe a denominational body; church– for no denominational church has ever had a HEAD who laid down their lives to bring them into existence!! Which master will I serve?? The one who died for me or the one who deceives me?? “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:24 You had better be sure: ”And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end (retribution) shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 Our Savior guarantees His plan as He is in Heaven interceding for all who obey Him—all denominational heads of state are still in their graves!!
Tags: Bible, Bible Study, Christ, Christian, Church, Church of Christ, Faith, God, Jesus, Lord, Prayer, religion, salvation, sinners
