

Understanding Your Salvation In Jesus Christ

### SALVATION 101

### D K OKINE

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

SALVATION 101 by D K OKINE

Published by David K Okine at Smashwords.

Copyright 2020 D K OKINE

Smashwords Edition.

First Edition published D K Okine at Smashwords 2020

Find out more about D K Okine at:

United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC)

Durban, South Africa

Write to: mailto:okined@gmail.com

Contact D K OKINE on +27 769 567 069

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Synopsis

The salvation of the human soul I believe is the most important experience any person can have. Every individual can experience the salvation of the human spirit, soul and body regardless of your background.

I urge you to read on and understand why you, your friends and family need the salvation that is through Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will convict you and give you great understanding as you endeavor to deepen your knowledge on the most important subject in your walk with God.

How can you tell whether you are really saved or not? What are the proofs or the assurances that someone has truly been converted? These and many other questions would be answered as you go through this all important bible study with me.

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

2Timothy 2:7

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my good friend and longtime support Kenneth Nene. Since the day I asked you to support me in the ministry, you have unwaveringly supported me all these years gladly.

May the Lord remember you and count you a good and faithful servant in that day when we all stand before Him to account for our lives on earth.
Table of Contents

Chapter 1 What Is Salvation?

Chapter 2 What Is The Purpose Of Your Salvation?

Chapter 3 Is Jesus Christ The Only Who Can Save Man From Sin And The Power Of Sin?

Chapter 4 Twelve Powerful Things Jesus Christ Said About Salvation

Chapter 5 How Can You Know Whether You Are Saved Or Not?

Chapter 6 Ten Salvation Platforms

Chapter 7 Fourteen Practical Ways To Keep Your Salvation

Chapter 8 Salvation and the Blood Of Jesus

Chapter 9. The New and Living Way

Chapter 10. The Old and Dead Ways

Chapter 11. Gospel That Is Able To Save You

Chapter 12. Salvation and Deception

About the author

Other books from the author
Chapter 1

What Is Salvation?

Salvation explains certain experiences, certain occurrences and changes that are able to transform the soul of a person. From the scriptures, we understand that a human-being constitutes of three individual yet inter-related parts; the spirit, the soul and the body.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thessalonians 5:23

Therefore Salvation is the change and transformation that is able to affect the spirit, the soul and the body of a person. You can be completely changed and be transformed so much that your past will have no bearing on your present and future circumstances. You can become a totally different person from who you are now. Believe it!

Salvation as a broad topic is expressed in different ways. From the scriptures, salvation is defined using three different expressions.

1.Sozo (pronounced as sode-zo)

This type of Salvation means to literally deliver, to protect, to heal, to preserve life, to save (the self), to redeem the soul, to make or be made whole. Sozo salvation directly affects the human spirit.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Mathew 1:21

2. Soteria (pronounced as so-tay-ree-ah)

This type of Salvation means to rescue a person morally or intellectually. It also means to bring health or relief, and to bring some form of mental deliverance and change. Simply put, Soteria salvation brings mental, moral or physical freedom. This type of Salvation affects the human soul.

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:8-10

3.Soterion (so-tay-ree-on)

Finally this type of Salvation brings physical deliverance. It can also be explained as deliverance as a result of being defended, or escaping judgment as a result of a good defense attorney coming to your rescue.

For example a good lawyer saving a person from being cast into prison. This type of Salvation also delivers the physical body.

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

Acts 28:27-28

It is my intention in this chapter is for us to expound on the subject of Sozo; the Salvation that affects the self or the soul of a person. A person can experience all the other forms of salvation but if he loses the salvation of (his self) his soul, he is eternally doomed and lost to Satan and the hordes of Hell.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mathew 10:28

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

Luke 9:25

What is Sozo Salvation- The Salvation of the Human Soul

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Mathew 1:21

One of the main prophecies about Jesus Christ was His special ability to extend the Sozo type of Salvation to the Jews first and then to the rest of the world. Like I have already explained, this type of Salvation converts the soul of a person.

The next obvious questions would be;

1. Why does the human soul need to be saved?

2. Is there a need for this type of Salvation?

3. Is Jesus Christ the only one who can give this type of Salvation?

It is my intention to answer these and many similar questions and to bring clarity about the need for this particular type of Salvation.

Why Is There A Need For The Salvation of the Human Soul?

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Jeremiah 17:9

From the scripture above, we can clearly see that the bible describes the human heart in its natural form as;

a. Deceitful

b. Desperate to perform wicked acts.

c. Undiscovered

It may surprise you that the word "heart" as used in the scripture above in its original script is the Hebrew word leb (pronounced as labe) which is literally translated as the following;

a.The center of your feelings

b.The center of your will

c.That which constitutes your intellect or intelligence

d.The center of anything that gives a person expression

e.That which causes you to care for or consent to

f.That which makes you think and understand

g.The expressions the soul of a person

h.The expressions of the intentions of a person

With this understanding in view, we can clearly see that an unconverted man, an unsaved person or like the bible calls it "the natural man" in his natural state is full of deceit, falsehood, and cannot predict what his or her response to something would be.

The scripture above clearly indicates that we as people, do not know ourselves, we cannot predict what type of ideas would come out of us or even how we would respond to certain situations.

The natural man is undiscovered and therefore has an unpredictable nature in a particular sense. This is one of the reasons why the natural man has to experience the Salvation of the human soul.

Secondly, a little study of human history would educate us on the different levels at which people are able to express wickedness. There is a great need for the Salvation of the human soul because the wickedness of men keep rising and people keep inventing evil ideas and imaginations that bring devastation and destruction.

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Genesis 6:5-6

Read the stories below and you would understand why there is a dire need for the Salvation of the human soul. The souls of men are very wicked and expresses all form of wickedness at the highest level.

SOBIBOR EXTERMINATION CAMP

Sobibor was a Nazi German extermination camp built and operated by the SS as part of Operation Reinhard. It was located in the forest next to the railway station of Sobibor within the semi-colonial territory of the General Government in occupied Poland.

Unlike many other Nazi concentration camps, Sobibor existed for the sole purpose of exterminating Jews. Most new arrivals were immediately sent to the gas chambers, with rare exceptions being made for those who were forced to serve as slave labourers who assisted in the operation of the camp. Some 200,000 to 250,000 people were murdered at Sobibor, making it the fourth deadliest extermination camp after Belzec, Treblinka, and Auschwitz.

RWANDA GENOCIDE: 100 DAYS OF SLAUGHTER

In just 100 days in 1994, about 800,000 people were slaughtered in Rwanda by ethnic Hutu extremists. They were targeting members of the minority Tutsi community, as well as their political opponents, irrespective of their ethnic origin.

About 85% of Rwandans are Hutus but the Tutsi minority has long dominated the country. In 1959, the Hutus overthrew the Tutsi monarchy and tens of thousands of Tutsis fled to neighbouring countries, including Uganda.

A group of Tutsi exiles formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which invaded Rwanda in 1990 and fighting continued until a 1993 peace deal was agreed.

On the night of 6 April 1994 a plane carrying then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, and his counterpart Cyprien Ntaryamira of Burundi - both Hutus - was shot down, killing everyone on board.

Hutu extremists blamed the RPF and immediately started a well-organised campaign of slaughter. The RPF said the plane had been shot down by Hutus to provide an excuse for the genocide. With meticulous organisation. lists of government opponents were handed out to militias who went and killed them, along with all of their families.

Neighbours killed neighbours and some husbands even killed their Tutsi wives, saying they would be killed if they refused.

At the time, ID cards had people's ethnic group on them, so militias set up roadblocks where Tutsis were slaughtered, often with machetes which most Rwandans kept around the house.

Thousands of Tutsi women were taken away and kept as sex slaves. Rwanda has always been a tightly controlled society, organised like a pyramid from each district up to the top of government. The then-governing party, MRND, had a youth wing called the Interahamwe, which was turned into a militia to carry out the slaughter.

Weapons and hit-lists were handed out to local groups, who knew exactly where to find their targets. The Hutu extremists set up a radio station, RTLM, and newspapers which circulated hate propaganda, urging people to "weed out the cockroaches" meaning kill the Tutsis. The names of prominent people to be killed were read out on radio.

Even priests and nuns have been convicted of killing people, including some who sought shelter in churches. By the end of the 100-day killing spree, around 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus had been killed.

Has someone been wicked to you before? Have you shown wickedness to a friend or colleague or someone you don't like before? If you are not saved from Sin and the power that Sin can have over you, you will be a perpetrator of all kinds of wickedness you never thought would be possible.

A Prayer For The Salvation Of The Human Soul

Heavenly Father, I thank you for my life. I thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die for my sins. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal saviour.

Today, I make an open confession that I believe and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and saviour. Thank you Heavenly Father for saving my soul in Jesus name. Amen!

If you are already saved reading this book, make sure you recommend this book to others or use this book as a tool for outreach and every form of evangelism. It is time tell others about the Salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ, the reality of Heaven and Hell and how they can experience the Salvation of the human soul.
Chapter 2

What Is The Purpose Of Your Salvation?

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Mathew 1:21

The purpose of Salvation is clearly stipulated in the scripture above. Jesus Christ was sent to save people from their sins. This tells us that sin has real power to change a good person to become a perpetrator of all sorts of evil.

Sin has corrupted and changed the whole human race and the world as we know it. In the beginning it was not like this. God created man to live with Him and have a relationship with Him. He gave man dominion over all things and be as a god to rule and dominate all living and created things.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:26-28

They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness (sin): all the foundations of the earth are out of course. (Yet) I have said, ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most high.

Psalm 82:5-6

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

Genesis 3:8

What Is Sin?

Sin is anything that separates man from having a relationship with His God. Sin is the expression of all forms of evil and wickedness that acts a barrier and blocks a man from having a relationship his creator.

Sin can also be equated to disobedience to the will of God. Either way the continuous practice of Sin has separated the human race from a relationship with God almighty.

But your iniquities (sins) have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Isaiah 59:2

Three Powerful Effects of Sin

As the practice of Sin continuous to plunge the souls of men deeper into Hell and further away from God His creator. There are consequences for every choice we make and the actions we take. Below are revealed to us through the scriptures the rewards of Sin.

1. **Judgment** – Being accountable for our choices and actions

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2Corinthians 5:10

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Mathew 25:46

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelations 20:12

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:17-19

2. **The Experience of Physical Death** – The First Death

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Ezekiel 18:20

3. **Eternal Separation from God** – The Second Death

For the wages of sin is death

Romans 6:23

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelations 21:8

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelations 20:12-15

The Famous Question

Who Then Can Save Man from Sin and The Power That Sin has over Man?

Who can save the human race from self-destruction and eternal damnation? Who can change a wicked man to become a good and a righteous man?

What can we do to salvage ourselves from the practice of Sin and the power it has over us? Many religions and practices have sort to find answers and solutions to the problem of evil but to no avail. The writer of the letters to the Romans from the scriptures asked this same question.

O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Romans 7:24

The writer also describes the struggle of all men, the ability to do go continuously. He clearly described the power that Sin has over him so much that he keeps on doing the evil that he wishes not to do but the good practices that he would have preferred to have done, he doesn't have the power to perform it.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Romans 7:19-21

How many of us can identify with this writer? It is not just the practice of Sin but the power that Sin can have over a person so much that Sin becomes deep centered, Sin becomes one with your soul (the self) and sin becomes the natural nature of man.
Chapter 3

Is Jesus Christ The Only Who Can Save Man From Sin And The Power Of Sin?

We have already established the Sin is not just the outward expression of all forms of evil but the corruption of the soul of a person so that evil which is from within becomes his nature.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Romans 7:19-21

This is not how God created man and since man (the creation) cannot and does not know how to save himself or restore himself to his creator, God(the creator) had to implement His redemption plan to save and restore the fallen human race back to his original purpose.

There are major reasons and the purpose of man;

1.To be like God so he can have fellowship with God- Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:8

2.To have oversight and perform the certain tasks – Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 2:15

3.To be given unto good works, good deeds and good acts – Ephesians 2:10

How Can The Human Soul Be Purified And Restored Back To God?

Seeing the three major reasons why God created man and how man has fallen so deep into Sin and evil, there was a need for reconciliation, redemption and the salvation of man.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)

Ephesians 2:4-5

For man to be restored to his original nature and to be given to his original purposes, God had to do 3 major things.

1. God had to send a saviour on a rescue mission to save the human race from Sin and the power of Sin.

Who could save the human race that God created from the clutches of Sin and death? As the scriptures clearly states, the wages of Sin is death so who was qualified enough to pay the price of a willful death of a sinless soul required to restore man back to his creator and to his original purpose?

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Hebrews 9:22

The sacrifice of pure blood is what was needed to bring remission to the condemned human race. The word remission from the scripture above is the Greek work aphesis which can be translated as;

a.Forgiveness

b.Deliverance

c.Payment

d.To be acquitted

e.Freedom

f.Liberty

g.Pardon

The sacrifice had to be made, but who was qualified to make such a grueling sacrifice for a lost race? The Bible clearly states that God sent His Son to become man and live under the same conditions of man and be able to pass the Sin test so as to meet the requirement for the ultimate sacrifice.

Why Jesus Christ Is The Only Who Can Save Man From The Power Of Sin

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.

Romans 8:3

Jesus Christ the Son of God had to pass the Sin test as a man. He had to live amongst us, face the daily challenges of men, fight against Sin and the power that sin has over man and be found sinless in order for him to meet the requirements of the ultimate price.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:14-15

The requirement for the ultimate sacrifice was the sacrifice of blood without any spot of sin or blemish.

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

1Peter 1:19

That person had to be able to live as a man and still not be given to the sinful nature like all other men. This was a very high price to pay. Where can we find such a willing person? Who will be willing to be born into this world and live through this world and yet be without any fault, mistake or sin?

It's akin to being born entirely to be sacrificed for others to be saved. Our Lord Jesus Christ willing gave himself for this experiment and for this sacrifice. He experienced every temptation that we go through yet chose not to sin.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:10

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.

Galatians 1:4

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:14

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

Jesus Christ of Nazareth met all the requirements for the ultimate sacrifice and that is why he is the only one qualified to lead men into Salvation.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

Jesus Christ of Nazareth paid the ultimate price to reconcile man back to His creator and therefore anyone who accepts the opportunity to reconcile with God our heavenly father through the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ is able to escape Sin and the power that sin has over the natural man.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.

Romans 8:1-3

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 5:9

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 1:12

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1Peter 1:18-19

2.God had to give man the freedom to choose between righteousness or evil, salvation or damnation.

After our Lord Jesus Christ paid the price and willingly sacrificed himself, he had the right to extend this salvation to all who choose to believe in him.

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

Hebrews 5:9

As the scripture above clearly states, Jesus Christ after he became perfect was given the right to become the initiator of eternal Salvation. This practically mean any persons who obey Jesus Christ are given access to eternal redemption.

Obedience To Jesus Christ– Your Key To Salvation

What is needed for the salvation of the human soul from Sin and the effects of Sin is a total and a complete obedience to the one who is able to reconcile and restore man back to God.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1Timothy 2:5-6

To obey Jesus Christ is to believe in him and what he says about God our heavenly father and how to gain access to eternal life.

The Choice of Obedience or Disobedience

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:17-19

We have already established why God our Heavenly Father had to devise a Salvation plan to redeem his creation from Sin and the effects of Sin. Wickedness and evil has overtaken the souls of men which would lead to the total destruction of the human race but God extended his grace.

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Genesis 6:5-8

Noah made a choice to obey God and stay righteous while other decided to continue to live in sin, evil and wickedness. The choice is always yours.

Jesus Christ never forces anyone to believe in Him, obey Him or to accept the salvation of the human soul through Him. You have to choose to obey, you have to choose to believe, you have to choose to accept the grace of salvation.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live.

Deuteronomy 30:19

3. **God had to send his Holy Spirit to help Christians live in this evil generation.**

After Jesus Christ our saviour paid the price and sacrificed himself willingly for the salvation of mankind, he fulfilled his purpose and the will of God the heavenly father. There was no further need for his physical presence on the earth. He had to return to God our father in heaven to go ahead of all who believe in Him to prepare a place for us.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 14:2-3

How were the believers and followers of Jesus Christ going to survive after his ascension into heaven? Who was going to teach them, guide them and provide direction for the Christians till Jesus Christ returned to the earth for the final redemption?

Our Lord Jesus Christ introduced believers to a lasting solution; the perfect solution that would lead, teach, guide and manifest the presence of Jesus Christ to every believer; the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

John 14:16-19

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1Corinthians 2:12

How can a Christian survive? After you are born again, how are you able to live your life on earth which is full of un-repented souls continually doing evil and operating in sin? How can a Christian fulfill the purpose of God for his life on earth or how can a believer walk in his new regenerated nature?

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2Corinthians 5:17

From the above scriptures we understand that after the salvation of Jesus Christ, God Himself can dwell inside man.

In the era before the manifestation of Jesus Christ on the earth, the spirit of God moved and influenced the children of God at certain times to do the will of God but after the salvation of a human soul that is manifested through Jesus Christ our Lord, God Himself can dwell and have fellowship with man; the creation has been restored to His creator.

....and the spirit of God came upon him.

Numbers 24:2

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him...

Judges 3:10

But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon.....

Judges 6:34

And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him...

Judges 14:6

Seven Ways The Holy Spirit Influences The Christian

1.The Holy Spirit influences the will (inner strength and inherent ability) of the Christian.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13

2.The Holy Spirit is able to influence the mind of a Christian to think spiritually.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1Corithians 2:16

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:5-6

3.The Holy Spirit is able to influence you level of understanding.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1Corinthians 2:14

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures...

Luke 24:45

4.The Holy Spirit influences our level of knowledge and ability to know things.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1Corinthians 2:12

5.The Holy Spirit is able to influence our ability to receive instructions.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26

6.The Holy Spirit is able to influence our level of wisdom and intelligence.

Then opened he their understanding....

Luke 24:45

The word understanding as used in the scripture above is the Greek word nooce which is translated as the intellect, thoughts and understanding.

7.The Holy Spirit influences your ability to produce results and achievements.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (achievements).

Philippians 2:13
Chapter 4

Twelve Powerful Things Jesus Christ Said About Salvation

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

Hebrews 5:9

Since Jesus Christ is the only one who can reconcile man back to God and can extend eternal life and salvation to those who obey Him, it is in our own interest to find out what He says about salvation and how to receive Salvation so we can obey Him.

1.You Must Be Born Again, Born Of The Water And The Spirit.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:3

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:5

Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.

John 3:7

2.You Must Believe In The Son Of God And Be Baptized

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mark 16:16

3.You Must Do The Will Of God To Be Able To Gain Eternal Salvation

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mathew 7:21-23

4.You Must Know And Have A Personal Relationship With Jesus Christ For You To Gain Access To Eternal Life

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mathew 7:23

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Revelations 3:20

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

1John 5:11-12

5.You Must Be Able To Overcome Satan, Overcome The World And Be Able To Overcome Hindrances To Your Salvation

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelations 3:5

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelations 3:21

6.You Must Be Able To Keep Doing The Commandments Of God.

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

And he said unto him, why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

He saith unto him, which? Jesus said, thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, honour thy father and thy mother: and, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Mathew 19:16-19

7.You Must Be A Follower Of Jesus Christ Regardless Of The Cost To You.

Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Mathew 19:21-24

8.Eternal Life Is A Reward To Those Who Have Paid The Highest Price Of Forsaking Possessions For The Name Of Jesus Christ And To Fulfill The Will Of God.

And Jesus said unto them, verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Mathew 19:28-29

9. Remaining A Faithful Christian And Enduring As A Christian Until The End Qualifies You To Have Eternal Life

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Mathew 10:22

10. Being Able To Keep Your Love For God And The Things Of God To The End Qualifies You To Gain Eternal Life.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mathew 24:12-13

11. Anyone Who Allows Himself To Hear The Words Of Jesus And Believe In The Salvation That Comes From Jesus Christ Will Have Eternal Life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:24

12. Anyone Who Chooses To Use Jesus Christ As The Door And The Entrance To Eternal Life Will Be Saved.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

John 10:9
Chapter 5

How Can You Know Whether You Are Saved Or Not?

What Are The Practical Signs To Know Whether You Are Saved Or Not?

The Salvation Tests

Are you sure whether you are saved or not? What are the signs of your Salvation? How can you tell whether a person is saved or not? These questions are important and vey Christian must ask himself these questions.

There must be some assurances of your Salvation in Christ Jesus. Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly said that not everyone who acknowledges His Lordship will enter into the kingdom of God.

Immediately the Lord Jesus Christ Himself rules out those who think they are saved only because they call on His name. Do not be deceived! Calling the name of Neil Armstrong does not mean you know him or have a personal relationship with him. Be a wise Christian.

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven...

Mathew 7:21

Another scary example are those who assume that the many things that they are doing for God or in the name of Jesus Christ qualifies them to be saved. This is a great error as we can see from the scriptures below.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mathew 7:22-23

There are definite signs that shows if a person is saved or not. There are and there must be proofs of your salvation if you are truly saved.

Another clearly example from the Bible is a sorcerer called Simon who decided to believe in the gospel that the Apostles were preaching because he could see that the Apostles possessed and demonstrate some form of power.

He wasn't truly converted to God but wanted this same power (an anointing) so he could use it to influence, deceive and sway people as he did before with his sorcery and charms.

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, this man is the great power of God.

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:9-12

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Saying, give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Acts 8:13-21

Simon the sorcerer was more interested in the anointing, the power of God and the fame that came with being able to demonstrate miracles more than true salvation, the conversion and the true repentance towards God. Many people are in similar situations having positions, titles and religious power not unconverted and unsaved. Examine yourself my Christian friend.

Ten Major Proofs Of Your Salvation, Ten Signs Of Your Salvation And The Ten Tests Of Your Salvation

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove (test) your own selves. Know ye not your own selves (can't you proof yourself), how that (if) Jesus Christ is in you, except (whether) ye be reprobates (rejects)?

2Corinthians 13:5

Will you pass the Salvation tests? The scripture above tells us that when examined, not everyone who calls himself a Christian would pass the Salvation test. Some would be rejected, some would be denied access to Salvation when examined.

1. Do You Have Works That Show True Repentance?

But Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Acts 8:20-23

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance...

Mathew 3:8

When faced with the test of Salvation, Simon the sorcerer although believed, was baptized and even got involved with Philip in the work of God failed abysmally because he was not truly repented. He actually loved the fame and the power of God (anointing) but not a relationship with God.

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:13

Religious Leader, Pastor, Apostle, Bishop, servant of God, could it be that you are not truly saved although you think you are?

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Romans 6:1-2

Simon believed and was baptized and started working for God but still failed the Salvation test. He was only interested in miracles, signs and the demonstration of the power of God but not in a real relationship with God. What a shock! What a revelation! What an insight!

2. Are You Doing the Will of God?

Jesus Christ gave us the litmus test for salvation. This test is for everyone regardless of your title, your position or the power you poses or represent.

When you pass this test, the reward is to gain entrance into the kingdom of God. The test is the test of the "will". Whether you will do your own will or the will of our Father in Heaven.

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity

Mathew 7:21-23

The word "will" as indicated in the scripture above is the Greek word thelema, which can also be translated as

a.A determination

b.An active choice

c.A specific purpose

d.A decree

e.A desire

f.Pleasure

My friend, what had God determined for you to do? What is the specific purpose that God has for your life? What are the desires our Heavenly Father as put in your heart to fulfill? What are the pleasures God has for you to fulfill?

My Christian friend whether you will make it to heaven or hell depends on whose pleasures you fulfill. This truly tells us that you can give yourself to doing your own will, the will of your parents, the will of your spouse, the will of your boss, the will of your political leader, the will of your company or organization to which you belong to but not the will of God.

How do you know what the purpose of God for your life is? Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for several hours for the will of God to be done in His life and ministry. It's a good example to follow.

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Mathew 26:42

3. Has Your Soul Been Truly Converted?

The soul of a person can be defined as the being of a person that makes him human. Your soul can be defined as your mindset, your attitude, your emotion, your intelligence, the entire wiring of your being.

The soul can be expressed as that which gives your human spirit expression on earth. There is a clear difference between the soul of a believer from the soul of an unbeliever. When you are truly converted, the change affects your spirit, your soul and your body. You become a totally new person from the person you were before with new aims, new goals, and new ambitions. This conversion happened to Peter, James, John and Saul.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Luke 5:8-11

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?

And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutes: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:3-6

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 9:15

When a person is really converted his whole life's purpose changes. A converted soul becomes "another man".

And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee.... And shalt be turned into another man.

1Samuel 10:6

A Christian must learn to control his or her emotions from evil and worldly lust towards the things of God. This is an active exercise we must all do; train yourself to tune and control the expressions of your soul.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:1-2

4. Have You Turned From Serving Idols To Serving The True And Living God?

What is an idol? An idol is anything or any persons who turn away your ability to serve God. There are several things that can become an idol to serving God. A true Christian has the ability to choose the service of God rather than devils, ancestors and devils.

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

1Thessalonians 1:9

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Mathew 6:24

5. Are You Bearing Fruits As A Christian?

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Mathew 7:20

Fruits are yields that are produced by seeds that are planted in fields. Jesus Christ said one cardinal test for the genuineness of a Christian is by the type of fruits he produces. Fruits can also be equated to the results of our relationship with Christ.

Children are considered the fruits of their parents so the real question is what type of children are you producing if truly you are one with Christ? What fruits are you bearing? What are the evidences of your Salvation? If you are genuinely saved, show us your children (fruits) in Christ.

There are two cardinal types of fruits a Christian must bear to show their test of salvation.

a.Fruits of the human spirit

As a result of your union with Christ, what changes has the Holy Spirit effected on your human spirit?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 5:22-24

b.Fruits of your salvation; your works, your efforts and your patience.

After Salvation, what are some of the good works you have done or the lives you have changed. How many people have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as a result of your efforts in Christ?

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

Galatians 4:19

For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord...

1Corinthians 4:17

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience....

Revelations 2:2

6. The Test of Love; Your Love For God And Your Love For Others.

A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35

By the expression of your love for God and your love for others we are able to access whether you are a Christian or not.

If you say you love God, the highest form of expressing your love for God is through the shepherding and tending for of the people of God

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep

John 21:16

If we say we are genuine Christians, then how do we show love towards others?

a.By sharing the love of God which is in our hearts with others.

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 5:5-9

b.By genuinely caring for and providing for the less fortunate in society

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Mathew 25:32,40

7. The Test Of Your Loyalty; Becoming A Good And Faithful Servant.

Immediately after your Salvation is your service unto God. Anyone who is saved becomes a servant of God and joins in the work of God.

Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.

Mathew 9:37

There is work to be done if you are not aware my Christian friend. God saved you so you can serve him and there are no two ways about that.

...thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 8:1

Our Lord Jesus Christ also confirmed that there is what is called "the work of God" by His response to a question asked Him by a certain young fellow.

Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God.....

John 6:28-29

There are works to be done after Salvation and it is one of the final tests that every believer would take when we are filtered before God.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2Corinthians 5:10

Were you faithful to the assignment and the calling that God gave you? How did you utilize the talents and the financial blessings God gave you?

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mathew 25:22

And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I.

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mathew 25:25-26, 30

8. The Test Of A Personal Conviction of Your Salvation And Reconnection To God.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Galatians 4:6

You have to know that you are reconnected to God. It is one of the assurances of Salvation; the ability and the strong personal conviction that your life has been restored to God.

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2Timothy 1:12

You begin to know and want to know more about God and how to get close to him. You have a blessed assurance that Christ is in you.

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

9. The Test of Hearing, Knowing And Being Able To Follow The Voice Of God.

Jesus Christ said the true sheep of God develop the ability to hear the voice of God and that confirms their salvation. Jesus Christ declares that he has a relationship with those who are able to pass the salvation test; the relationship of identifying, relating with and following His voice.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

John 10:14

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, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:27-28

10. The Test of Your Divine Assignment

This is one thing that many Christians are ignorant about. Once you are saved, there is an assignment for you. No one comes into the Kingdom to sit down and do nothing. One of the proofs of your Salvation is your ability to be engaged and to undertake the divine assignment God has for you.

Jesus Christ clearly indicated this that after He called His servants (gave them salvation), the next thing He did was to engage them and give them their divine assignment.

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Mathew 25:14-15

If you say you have experienced Salvation and you are sitting doing nothing in the kingdom of God and not engaged in any divine assignment then I question your Salvation.

When a wicked man and a murderer like Saul was saved, immediately he was told by the Lord what his divine assignment was.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:6

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 9:15

Saul's divine assignment was made clear to him by the Lord through his servant Ananias. Right after his Salvation, there was his divine purpose cut out for him.

Another clear example is the life of Peter, James and John. Right after their Salvation, Jesus Christ told Peter his divine assignment was to become a saviour of other men. The same was for James and John.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Luke 5:8-10

One clear divine purpose for every Christian is the assignment to fulfill the great commission stipulated below.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mathew 28:18-20

Once you are saved and until you receive a clear and a definite purpose of God to perform a specific task, your divine assignment is to get involved in the Salvation and the establishment of other souls. Your divine assignment is to fulfill the great commission.

11. The Test of A Changed Mindset and Moral Conscience

An unbelievers conscience is dead unto God and prone to the manifestations of evil and all forms of wickedness but once a person is saved and redeemed unto God through the blood of Jesus, that persons perception and moral consciousness is affected and purged from evil works.

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:14

You cannot say you are saved when all the ideas and the perceptions of your mind are all wickedness and the manifestations of all forms of evil.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Mathew 7:16-17
Chapter 6

Ten Salvation Platforms

Practical Channels Through Which Salvation Can Be Ministered

There is no set way or a formula by which a person can come to the realization of his need for redemption. Nonetheless one thing is definite, one thing is sure that without Jesus Christ there is no Salvation or redemption for the human soul.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

How you find the way to Jesus Christ, the medium through which you unveil the truth about God our heavenly Father and His provisions for Salvation or better still how your life can change completely and restored back to God through Jesus Christ is entirely on you.

The experiences are varied and how people experience Salvation is different. Are you saved? Are you born-again? Do you have a relationship with the saviour Jesus Christ?

If no, then you are not different from the people we are going to study. These souls were lost but came to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and so can you. Like I said, the experience of Salvation is varied and different.

1. Through A Supernatural Occurrence

For staunch religious fanatics, or hard-hearted souls and for those who believe beyond any doubt the existence of God, the need for salvation and the reality of judgment and condemnation of sin, the Lord Jesus Christ may have to visit you Himself.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:3-6

2. Through Reading Books Or Listening To Anointed Preachers

For this political leader as might be the case for many other leaders, reading is a habit. The need to discover truths and leadership principles and strategies to outsmart the opposition perhaps might be the reason why this Ethiopian lead was reading a book he could not understand.

For this man, his experience of Salvation came about as a result of his reading habit. Perhaps he heard about the coming saviour and wanted to read about it for himself.

Maybe he wanted to stay ahead of his peers but whatever his reason was, he found Jesus Christ through reading and listening to a minister who could interpret the scriptures perfectly.

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, understandest thou what thou readest?

And he said, how can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

The place of the scripture which he read was this, he was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: in his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Acts 8:26-37

3. Through The Influence of Good Friends.

Most people are highly influenced by their friends as compared to their parents, mentors, etc and a young man called Nathanael was no exception. His friend Philip found Jesus Christ and quickly dragged his friend to experience the same.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Nathanael saith unto him, whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

John 1:45-49

4. An Act of Kindness Can Led To Salvation

How would you feel if a stranger asked to use your car for his work? What if someone really needed your help with something? Would you offer your services for free especially to a stranger in need?

One act of kindness from Peter brought him to have an encounter with Jesus Christ. A single selfless act of kindness with no intention to profit changed the livelihood of seasoned fishermen and their families.

One act of kindness was all it took for Peter, James and John who were partners in a fishing business to transform their lives and take their business to an unprecedented level.

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them.

And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Luke 5:1-11

5. Through Life Changing Events.

I had a near death experience and it changed my life completely. That and many other life threatening experiences could have a severe impact on a person and turn your life around completely.

Just like myself, this prison warden's life was at stake and that lead him to repentance and salvation. Do not wait for a life threatening experience, you may not survive it.

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Acts 16:25-31

6. Through Self Conviction; Acknowledging Your Sin, Faults And Your Need For Help.

Sin is forever with us, to be found with sin is the commonest thing you would find with every human being on earth. Acknowledging your faults, mistakes and taking responsibility for your errors allows you to receive forgiveness

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?

She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 8:4-12

7.Through Friendly Interactions With A Servant Of God

Although their cultures did not see eye to eye, through a friendly interaction this woman and the men of the city were saved. Be a friendly person, you would never know when it would yield benefits.

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, give me to drink.

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, how is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

John 4:7-10, 29

8. Through Your Secret Beliefs And Convictions.

I believe exceptions are made for people who because of their background, family or position are not allowed to openly express their beliefs.

Such was Nicodemus, there was no way he could express his belief openly so he took advantage of the night and openly expressed his faith and belief in Jesus Christ at night. To Nicodemus, he could only receive Salvation at night in the absence of all forms of opposition.

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:1-7

9. Through Evangelistic Events.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, this man is the great power of God.

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:5-13

10. Through The Personal Testimonies Of Other People.

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

John 4:28-30

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

And many more believed because of his own word; and said unto the woman, now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the saviour of the world.

John 4:39-42
Chapter 7

Fourteen Practical Ways To Keep Your Salvation

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling (backsliding), and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...

Jude 1:24

The most important thing for every Christian is to know how to keep your Salvation after you have believed and been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. What is the use of losing your job when you are gainfully employed? Remember that it is possible for a Christian to lose his or her Salvation.

Your transformed life can return back to evil and to its sinful nature. The fact that you are saved today does not mean that you cannot lose your Salvation. It is possible to lose your inheritance in Christ but more important to keep your Salvation intact till we meet Christ.

.... for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2Timothy 1:12

From the scripture above, the young man Timothy expressed his faith in his personal relationship with Christ Jesus as the means to keep and preserve his Salvation until the last day.

The writer of Hebrews expressly testified the fact it is possible for a believer to lose his Salvation after he has received the Holy Spirit and nourished with the word of God.

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, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 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.

Hebrews 6:4-6

Fourteen Practical Things To Do To Keep Your Salvation

1.Develop the ability to be steadfast

To be victorious in your Christian life and to keep your Salvation intact till the day of Jesus Christ, a Christian has to develop the ability to be steadfast.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Steadfastness is the ability to stay on course and not deviate from your original purpose. Another meaning of the word steadfastness is the ability to come back to the right path when you have strayed away out of course. To the Christian, steadfastness would determine whether you will make it to heaven or not.

2.Develop the ability to be a stable Christian and an unmovable believer.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalm 92:13

As a Christian you must decide to be grounded and settled in your faith. You must not be easily swayed or moved by many factors. You must grow up and mature in your knowledge, understanding and in the correct doctrines of Christ.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Ephesians 4:14

Common factors that sway many Christians into losing their Salvation and inheritance in Christ are incorrect Christian doctrines and teachings, worldliness, worldly ideas, lack of personal knowledge and understanding of God, inability to grow up spiritually, hidden things and secret practises, afflictions and hardships, etc.

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

2 Corinthians 4:2

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

1Thessalonians 3:3

3.Always be active in the work of the Lord.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

A Christian who is not actively involved in the work of the Lord is very prone to backsliding. There is work to be done once you believe if Jesus Christ. The work of the lord is also known as your labour in the Lord. Your labour in the Lord are the efforts you put in to accomplish and achieve with will of God.

Christ has not saved you so that you can be idle, ineffective and unprofitable. Wake up and actively get involved in building the house of God and the Kingdom of heaven.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 10:38-39

As clearly stipulated in the scripture above, any Christian who withholds his or service to God will gradually fall out because God will not be interested in their lives anymore. Any Christian who does the work of God lackadaisically will draw back into perdition and destruction. Therefore it is in your own interest as a Christian to actively join the workforce to serve God and accomplish great things for God.

4.Become a Christian who is full of zeal and fire for the things of God

But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you...

Galatians 4:18-19

In Christ, lazy Christians will not go far. Becoming a Christian is deciding to turn from your service to idols and false gods to serving the true and living God.

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God...

1Thessalonians 1:9

There is therefore a direct change of who you serve. All your efforts you were exhibiting to serve your own purpose or the purpose of others should be diverted to serving the true and living God. In Christ we serve, in Christ there is no place for a lazy act of service. You have to be full of zeal and fire in your service to God.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer....

Romans 12:11-12

5.Do not mix your service to God with service to idols, fetish and the traditions of men.

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Galatians 4:8-11

Do not mix or combine the practice of Christianity with the practice of other religions or traditional practices. You cannot give yourself to God and to devils at the same time.

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Corinthians 6:16

You cannot be double-minded or insist on the traditional practices of your ancestors. Christianity is defined as a new and living way to have fellowship and a relationship with God our Heavenly father through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh...

Hebrews 10:19-20

Jesus Christ has brought mankind a new and living way to God therefore you must get rid of your old and traditional ways and fully embrace your new life in Christ.

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles (unbelievers) sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

1Corinthians 10:20

6.Your regular fellowship in Church is a key to maintaining your Salvation.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

Psalm 84:7

Attending church services and being regular at spiritual gatherings will definitely strengthen your walk with God. It is more likely for a student who regularly attends lectures and key study groups to produce excellent academic results from a student who cares less about his academic work or even receiving tutelage.

Once there was a church gathering and what did Jesus Christ do? He breathed on each of them to receive the Holy Spirit.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, receive ye the Holy Ghost.

John 20:22

Receiving the Holy Spirit is receiving the life of God. Receiving the Holy Spirit is receiving strength and power as a Christian to serve God and overcome the challenges of this world.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8

7.Prayer keeps a Christian from entering into temptation.

Prayer is the expression of your relationship with God. It is the expression of your faith in the Heavenly Father and it is through this communication that we develop and maintain a relationship with our father.

Our Lord Jesus Christ encouraged the believers to be prayerful because although their spirits are willing to do the will of God their flesh would want to please itself.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mathew 26:41

A Christian who doesn't develop his relationship with God through intimate prayer would enter into diverse and complex problems and situations in his life. Sometimes the problems a Christian can fall into can easily lead the person to walk out on God.

Prayer is very important in keeping your salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated its importance in his prayer recorded in John 17. He clearly said He kept them saved and lost none save Judas because He prayed for them.

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

John 17:9-12

Furthermore, prayer was able to keep the Apostle Peter in his time of temptation. Jesus Christ prayed for him that he would not lose his salvation during this time of temptation and therefore keep your Salvation through prayer.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Luke 22:31

8.Become very strong about your Christian faith and your personal convictions about Jesus Christ.

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Romans 4:19-21

As a Christian, you should have certain adjectives present in your life that describes how you feel about Jesus Christ and your Salvation. The Bible uses certain adjectives to describe Abraham's faith and relentlessness in his relationship with God.

a.Not being weak in his faith

b.Staggering not at the promises of God

c.Being Strong in his faith

d.Having a life of giving glory to God

e.Being fully persuaded

We can therefore see at Abraham was an ardent believer, he was a staunch Christian willing to go the extra mile in is faith towards God. If you are going to survive as a Christian in this evil and wicked generation you need to have such levels of faith.

9.Overcome the distractions and chokers of the word of God.

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave certain reasons why certain types of Christians cannot and will not be able to grow and become profitable and productive Christians. He describes certain conditions as "chokers of the word".

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Mark 4:18-19

These conditions that choke the effectiveness of the word of God in the life of every Christian causes such Christians to backslide.

a.The necessary and unnecessary cares of this world

b.The deceitfulness that comes with chasing after riches

c.Interest and lust in many things

These things acts as distractions in the spiritual life of every Christian. If these chokers of the word take precedence over the will of God in your life, they will cause a Christian to become unfruitful.

10.Increase the expression of your love for God to avoid backsliding

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Mathew 24:12

There is a prophecy and a prediction of many people becoming cold towards God in the last days. Many reasons and many occurrences will affect the love that many believers have for God.

The appropriate question to ask then is how does a believer ensure that he or she doesn't fall prey to this prophecy? The answer is simple and is expressed in the scripture below.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:20-21

To continue to keep our love for God and increase in the expression of our love for God we need to work on it. The bible says we must build our Christian life and one of the areas to concentrate on building is the ability to keep ourselves in the love which we have for God. How do we do that?

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 5:5

Having a relationship with the Holy Spirit through fellowship and praying is the key to two things;

a. Keeping ourselves in the love of God.

b.Increasing our love for God.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:35-39

11.Set your mind and your affections on spiritual things

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3

There are certain changes that is your responsibility when you become a Christian. The Scripture above says if you say you are a Christian then set your affections.

The phrase "set your affection" in its original Greek manuscript is the word phroneo which is translated as;

a.To exercise the mind in

b.To entertain in

c.To intensively interest oneself in

d.To tune ones' desires to.

As a Christian is the decision is yours to exercise your mind to focus on spiritual things. It's a decision to direct ones desires towards the things of God. You are responsible for which desires you entertain and welcome into your life as a Christian.

12.Avoid quenchers of the spirit.

Quench not the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30

To quench is a verb which also means to extinguish or to put out. This means that a Christian can extinguish the Spirit of God in himself. You can totally put out the fire of God within you and backslide or you can allow other to put out the fire of God in you.

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Revelations 3:15-16

From the scripture above, we can clearly see the will of God for our lives. He said I would that you were rather hot. This clearly suggests that God wants every Christian to be a hot brand, a burning coal and a fire brand in this world.

Sadly there are some things and certain circumstances that have the ability to put out the fire of a Christian. Clearly examples of what we describe as "quenchers of the spirit" can be seen below.

Quenchers of The Spirit

a.Bad association

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

1Corinthians 15:33

b.The love of the worldly things.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1John 2:15

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica...

2Timothy 4:10

c.The love of money

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1Timothy 6:10-11

d.Laziness and slothfulness

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord....

Romans 12:11

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:12

e.Fulfilling the lusts causes separation.

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Jude 1:18-19

f.Offences and unforgiveness.

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Mathew 13:21

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

Mark 4:17

g.Bitterness

And grieve (quench) not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ephesians 4:30-31

13.Become a pleaser of God and not men. Choose to please God and you will not backslide.

I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Psalm 16:8

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

14.Put God and the Kingdom of God first.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mathew 6:33
Chapter 8

Salvation And The Blood Of Jesus

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Hebrews 9:22

The word purged as used in the scripture above is the Greek word katharizo which is translated as

a.To cleanse

b.To purify

c.To wash

Under the Law of Moses, blood was not always used to cleanse people from their faults, sins or mistakes. There are clearly instances where instead of offering a lamb or two turtledoves or two pigeons, a poor Israelite who could not afford such was asked to present a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for the cleansing or appeasement offering.

And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him.

But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering (appeasement).

Leviticus 5:10-12

In another example, we see water being used for ceremonial purging.

What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or hath a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoso toucheth anything that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goeth from him.

Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath; the soul which hath touched any such shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water.

Leviticus 22:4-6

These scriptures above clearly shows that blood was not the only cleansing method used under the law. Water was sometimes used for ceremonial cleansing but upon deeper studying of the scripture in Hebrews, we come to the understanding that there is a clear difference between adjectives purging and remission.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Hebrews 9:22

As we studied from the scriptures above, there were clear substitutes for purging under the law of Moses but with regards to the remission of Sin, it takes the shedding of blood and there is no compromise with that.

I believe it is in our own interest to understand the meaning of the word "remission" as we have already interpreted the meaning of "purging". The word remission is the Greek word aphesis which can be translated as;

a.Freedom

b.Deliverance

c.Forgiveness

d.Liberty

e.Pardon

The blood of goats, calves, turtledoves and pigeons could only be used for ceremonial cleansing and as offerings to appease for the sins of men but it could never bring remission or deliverance from sin nor break the power that sin and evil has over the human soul.

20 Benefits Of The Blood Of Jesus Christ

1.The blood of Jesus Christ obtains eternal redemption for anyone who believes in Him.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh.

Hebrews 9:11-13

2.The blood of Jesus Christ has the power to cleanse the human conscience from evil unto good.

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:14

An unbelievers conscience is dead unto God and prone to the manifestations of evil and all forms of wickedness but once a person is saved and redeemed unto God through the blood of Jesus, that persons perception and moral consciousness is affected and purged from evil works.

3.The Blood of Jesus Christ translates every believer from the Old Testament unto the New Testament.

And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:15

By the means of his death by sacrificing his blood, he became the only mediator who could transfer those who were under the law of Moses which is the old testament to receive eternal life.

What this also means is that all the believers like David, Moses, Gideon, Rehab, etc who lived and serve God prior to the death of Jesus Christ have also been able to receive eternal salvation because Jesus Christ made it possible through the sacrifice of his blood.

This further on means that Jews and people who are still living under the laws of the old testament can receive eternal salvation if they accept the salvation that come through the blood of Jesus Christ.

4.The Blood of Jesus Christ justifies every Sinner before God who receives salvation.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Romans 5:8-10

5.The Blood of Jesus Christ reconciles the relationship between God and man.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Romans 5:8-10

6.The blood of Jesus Christ has the power to make different nationalities one through his blood.

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Acts 17:26

7.The Blood of Jesus Christ is used as a currency to purchase the church of God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Acts 20:28

8.The Blood of Jesus has the power to justify all sinners.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 5:9

9.The blood of Jesus is also called the cup of blessing.

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?

1Corinthians 10:16

10.The Blood of Jesus can also become a curse to all who treat it unworthily.

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.

1Corinthian 11:27

11.The Blood of Jesus Christ has the power to redeem every human soul from the power of Sin.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 1:7

12.Through the Blood of Jesus Christ we can receive complete forgiveness of all our Sins.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 1:7

13.Through the Blood of Jesus Christ any man regardless of your background is brought closer to God.

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:12-13

14.Through the blood of Jesus Christ, there is peace and reconciliation between God and man.

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:20

15.Jesus Christ obtained eternal redemption for mankind through His blood.

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:12

16.The blood of Jesus Christ ushers in the new and living way to have access God.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Hebrews 10:19-20

17. The Blood of Jesus Christ speaks forgiveness while the blood of Abel speaks of vengeance.

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Hebrews 12:24

18.The blood of Jesus Christ is pure and precious without any impurities.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

1Peter 1:18-19

19.The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses a person from all his sins any time it is applied.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1John 1:5-7

20. The Blood of Jesus is part of the three witnesses of God on the earth.

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

1John 5:8
Chapter 9

The New And Living Way

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.

Hebrews 10:19-20

Jesus Christ has brought us the new and living way to accessing God. Through the shedding of the blood of Jesus we have access to the throne of God the Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ has introduced the new and living way to serve God and to have a real relationship with our heavenly father.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

Ten Major Benefits Of The New And Living Way

1.The new and living way gives every believer unlimited access to God through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.

Hebrews 10:19-20

Under the Old Testament the high priest enters into the holies of holies once a year to approach the mercy seat of God and offers sacrifices for his own sins first and then the sins of the people.

But in the new and living way, the blood of Jesus Christ has giving every believer direct access to God not once a year but Christians have unlimited access to God at any time.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

Hebrews 9:6-7

2.The new and living way ushers every believer in to the newness of life.

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

Through the blood of Jesus Christ we are introduced into the new and living way which gives every Christian a great opportunity to live a renewed life. As a Christian you have the privilege to let go of your old life and embrace your renewed life in Jesus Christ.

The phrase "newness of life" as expressed in the scripture above in the original Greek manuscript is the expression zoe kainotes which literally means "a renewed new life with God".

Under the new and living way, you can have a new way of life different from your past way of living.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

3.The new and living way introduces us to the new creation.

Below is a song I was taught in church about the new creation and I think you should learn to sing it too. You can Google the lyrics and you will be blessed.

I Am a New Creation,

No more in Condemnation,

Here in the Grace of God I stand.

My Heart is Overflowing,

My Love just keeps on Growing,

Here in the Grace of God I stand.

And I will Praise You, Lord,

yes I will Praise You, Lord,

and I will Sing of all that You have done.

A Joy that knows no limit,

A Lightness in My Spirit

Here in the Grace of God I stand.

And I will Praise You, Lord,

yes I will Praise You, Lord,

and I will Sing of all that You have done.

A Joy that knows no limit,

A Lightness in My Spirit

Here in the Grace of God I stand.

Here in the Grace of God I stand.

Here in the Grace of God I stand.

Why Was The New Creation Created?

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Genesis 6:5-8

Because of the extent of evil and the practice of wickedness by men, God decided to destroy his creation to get rid of the sin and the wickedness of men but saved one righteous man called Noah.

With Noah, God begun to rebuild the human race again and sin and evil crept in again and has corrupted the creation of God. Now how can God solve this sin problem? Is he going to continuously destroy and rebuild his creation because of sin? How often was he going to do that?

The only solution was to be able to save mankind from the power and influence of sin. He did not need to destroy and recreate again and again, He just needed to save them from evil and break the power that sin has over their lives.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Mathew 1:21

And that is why God sent His son Jesus Christ to pay the price of redemption and save all who believe in him to receive the salvation that comes through his blood. Such people would be referred to us the new creation

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

2Corinthians 5:17

4.The new and living way introduces the whole world to the new man.

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.

Colossians 3:10

We all know the characteristics of a man. Most human beings are deceitful, untruthful, dishonest, liars, unjust, devious, and the list goes on but can you really find a person who's' intention is to be holy, righteous, truthful and not to be evil? Can we find a person who chooses to do good over evil? Can we find a person who is truly changed from his past ways?

In bringing us the new and living way, our Lord Jesus Christ also brought us freedom from sin. He set us free from the hold and power that sin has on the human soul to the extent that every believer can live as a new man free from the power of Sin.

O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 7:24-25

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (the new man), who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me (the new man) free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2

5.The new and living way ushers in the new commandment.

A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35

Prior to the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, God gave man the Ten Commandments to live by which can be found in Exodus Chapter 20. Through the new and living way that Jesus Christ introduces every believer to a new commandment; the commandment of expressing the God kind of love, also known as Agape.

6.In the new and living way, God can live in man.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...

Galatians 2:20

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 14:17

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Colossians 1:27

What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1Corinthians 6:19

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1John 4:4

All these scriptures point to one emphasis; under the new and living way, God can live in man through His Holy Spirit and His word.

This was not the case under the Old Testament, the people of old related with God through His prophets and His servants but under the new and living way every believer has the opportunity to relate with our Heavenly Father directly by the Holy Spirit and word of God.

7.Under the new and living way, every believer as the privilege of the blood of Jesus.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1John 1:5-9
Chapter 10

The Old and Dead Ways

The new and living way to God has abolished the old and dead ways that attempted to reconcile men to God.

And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

2Corinthians 3:13

Apostle Paul clearly told the Corinthian church that the practice of the Old Testament was abolished and that those who still lived and practiced the laws of Moses have their minds blinded from the truth which Jesus Christ brought.

In his epistle to the Ephesian church, the Apostle Paul has clearly indicated that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, both those whose practices brought them near unto God and those whose' practices took them far from God now have one access by one spirit to the Heavenly Father.

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Ephesians 2:13-18

Seven Practical Examples of Old and Dead Practices That Have Been Abolished By The Introduction of The New And Living Way

1.Making Sacrifices To gods.

Sacrificing to gods, deities, ancestral spirits does not give you access to God our Heavenly Father, it rather opens a person up to the infestation of evil and wicked demonic spirits.

Whether it's the god of wine, the gods of the moon and stars or any other deity, the new and living way that Jesus Christ has brought us abolishes and gives every believer a real relationship with God the Father.

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things?

We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.

Acts 14:11 -15

2.The Practice of Witchcraft And Sorcery

The practice of witchcraft, sorcery or dark magic leads to one objective; to bewitch, to influence, to sway, to deceive and to inflict harm and pain on others. Anyone who practices witchcraft and sorcery falls into the classification of demonic spirits called thieves and our Lord Jesus Christ tells us that their objective it.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

There is a clear example of a man who practices sorcery in Samaria and his main aim was to control and bewitch the people.

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, this man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

Acts 8:9-11

There is a new and better way of accessing the spirit realm and having a real relationship with God.

3.Idol Worship and Fetish Sacrifices

An idol according to the English dictionary has three interpretations;

a.An idol is a graven image or the representation of anything that is revered or believed to convey spiritual power.

b.An idol is a cultural icon or especially popular person.

c.An idol is a popular entertainer, usually young, captivating, attractive, and often a female.

From this interpretation, we can clearly identify who an idol is. The worship of idols has been replaced by the new and a more powerful way of relating with God.

What say I then? That the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

1Corinthians 10:19-20

4.The Worship of Images of Men, Birds, Beasts And Inanimate Things.

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Romans 1:23-26

Another vile practice is the reverence and worship of created things instead of relating and serving the creator. I call them vile because created things can never replace the creator of those things. How can what you have designed and created claim superiority over you the creator?

5.The Traditions of Men That Makes The Word of God Ineffective.

And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Mathew 15:6

The traditions of men often does not agree with the commandments of God. The scriptures clearly says that a person cannot serve two masters. As a Christian, you cannot hold on to your traditions if they coincide with the word of God.

As a Christian, if you choose to hold on to your old and dead traditional practices which violates the word of God, it simply means you have willingly set aside the new and living way to worship and serve God.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Mark 7:8

6.The Philosophies And Rudiments of The World.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2:8

Philosophy as defined by the Oxford dictionary is;

a.Wisdom

b.Reasoning

c.A comprehensive system of belief

d. A view or outlook regarding certain principles

e.A principle.

The scripture above warns every Christian to be aware of how others are spoilt or destroyed in their Christian faith and in the walk with God. The word spoil, as used in the scripture above is the original Greek word sulagogeo which means

a.To lead away as booty

b.To seduce

Worldly wisdom, worldly reasoning and worldly beliefs will lead a believer away from the new and living ways through its deception. Beware!

7.Dead Religions and Deceitful Practices

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2:8

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2Timothy 3:5-7

Dead religions and deceptive practices of men definitely sways people from expressing their faith and belief in the new and living way that God has provided through Jesus Christ His Son.

Most religions have a form of piety but lack the power that connects its followers to the true and living God. The Bible says such religions creep in or sneak into people's homes and lead them away through various lusts and powerless practices.

Such religions and practices are given to the discovery of the truth but are never able to grasp the knowledge of the truth. Some even dire to mix all religious beliefs and take teachings and doctrines from all over so as to connect with the Heavenly Father.
Chapter 11.

The Gospel That Is Able To Save You

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our saviour Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Titus 2:11-15

This is the gospel of salvation, this is the burden that was laid upon the Apostle Paul. Further on, the Apostle Paul in his rebuke of the Galatian church was marveled as to how they were so quickly removed from the true gospel of salvation to other gospels.

Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:3-12

Friend, pastor and preacher, which gospel are you preaching? The necessity that is laid on you or the calling that you have received, what gospel is it causing you to preach? Apostle Paul strongly asserted that if any other person preaches any other gospel other than the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.

The first effect of the preaching of other gospels apart from the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ is the removal and the disassociation of the souls of men from the saviour Jesus Christ to the damnation of Hell.

Secondly, the preaching of other gospels only results in the "troubling" of the faith of Christians. This has resulted in the shipwrecking of the faith of most believers.

Holding faith, and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

1Timothy 1:19

Thirdly, the preaching of other gospels other than the true gospel of Jesus Christ leads to the perverting the gospel of Christ. The gospel of salvation is the helmet and the safety gear protecting every Christian for the redemption that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:13-17

The necessity and the burden that should be laid on every Christian is the urgency in preaching of the gospel of salvation. Souls are parting to Hell and we can redeem them with the true gospel of salvation!

I learnt the life changing song from my father in ministry Bishop Dag Heward-Mills and it always ministers to me the urgency in preaching of the gospel of salvation.

Souls are parting, to eternity,

Souls are parting to eternity,

Souls will part, as the days go by,

How many really, will die in Christ?

How many really, will live again?

Just look around you and see the souls that part each day!

God's salvation and the blood of Jesus,

Was shed for them, that they might me saved!

Do you care, for their souls? Do you care, for their souls?
Chapter 12

Salvation And Deception

Be Careful That No One Deceives You

Deception is the most repeated warning to the believer throughout the New Testament. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself warned his disciples several times about deception and why men would like to deceive. I believe it is in our own interest to understand what deception is and what being deceived would achieve in a believers life and ministry.

And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you.

Mathew 24:4

The word to deceive as used by the Lord Jesus Christ in the scripture above is the Greek word planao. The Greek word planao can be translated as;

a. To intentionally cause to roam

b. To go astray from safety

c. To stray from the truth.

d. To go into error

e. To seduce

f. To wander of

g. To be out of the way.

So then, to what purpose is deception? Why would someone want a believer to stray from the truth and go into error? Why would someone intentionally cause other believers to roam and wander off away from safety?

I believe deception is the number one ammunition of Satan as the scripture indicates. The devil uses deception to lead many believers astray as he did in the beginning with the first humans. Through his deception, he was able to ruin a perfect relationship between the Creator and His creation.

Through the weapon of deception, the devil was able to drive a wedge between man and his God. Man lost his salvation and everything good in him because he was deceived. Adam and his wife Eve lost their home, their inheritance, the perfect relationship they had with God, and the opportunity to have authority and be the god of this world.

And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

1Timothy 2:14

Once a person is deceived, he goes straight into transgression, transgression here means being in violation and breaking the rules. And once you break the rules, there are repercussions that would follow.

For the wages of sin (breaking the rules) is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord

Romans 6:23

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

Ecclesiastics 10:8

Once you are deceived you will go into error. Be careful of your current state of deception and set for yourself safety nets that would help, guard and guide you in your Christian walk.

Keep (guard) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23

Be Careful You Don't Loose Your Crown

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelations 3:11

Your crown is your salvation and the Lord Jesus Christ warns the believers that it is possible for a person to loose his crown. Deception can take away your crown, deception will take away your salvation.

And take the helmet of salvation...

Ephesians 6:17

Five Major Ways Many People Fall Into Deception

1. Deception Through Human Wisdom And Vain Words.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:6

Vain words are empty sayings and false predictions that does not bring any value nor hold any substance. Some people are impressed by fair speeches and high ambiguous words and statements. The Apostle Paul calls such vain words excellent speeches and enticing words put together by human wisdom. Such fair speeches only puts a Christian faith in the wisdom of men.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1Corinthians 2:1-5

2. Deception Through False Prophets.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Mathew 24:11

Who then is a prophet? A prophet is a person who speaks and communicates under divine inspiration. A prophet is the mouthpiece of God to his people whose words come to pass.

The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.

Jeremiah 28:9

A prophet becomes a false prophet when what he is communicating is not from God but of his own. A prophet who stops being the mouthpiece of God and becomes his own mouthpiece becomes a false prophet.

Another reason why people become false prophets is when they are inspired by other things, other people and other motives rather than being inspire by the Lord.

The Lord Jesus clearly states from the scripture above that other motives would cause many people to rise as false prophets and because they are not from God and does not operate with the spirit of God, their ministry would deceive many people and lead them astray. A false prophet deceives people and make people trust in a lie

Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

Jeremiah 28:15

3. Personal Deception

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

1Corinthians 3:18

I am quite surprised by the revelation in this scripture; that it is very possible for a person to deceive himself. This type of deception does not come from an external influence but it is initiated and activated by a personal means.

My question to you who is reading this book then is "what are you currently doing that is causing you to be deceived or leading you into error"? This needs introspection and prayer of deliverance from all forms of personal deception.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

4. Deception Through Other People.

And Jesus answering them began to say, take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Mark 13:5-6

This type of deception is activated by the means of other people, other influences and other external factors. The Lord Jesus Christ said this type of deception needs careful consideration and assessment.

a. Assess the external factors that influence you.

b. Asses the people who come to you to influence you.

c. Assess the people who portray themselves as representatives of God in your life

d. Examine the types of people you allow into your life

If you fail to properly asses these external influences as many have, you will join the many have fall away, lose their crown of life and end up in Hell because they were totally deceived.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1Thessalonians 5:21-22

Another aspect of this type of deception is that these external factors and external influences camouflage themselves. They have a false appearance and a false identity therefore a proper analysis and a proper examination of these external factors is very important.

5. Deception Through The Rise Of False Religious Leaders.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mathew 24:24

Understanding this revelation is very important to your survival and your faithfulness to the true Son of God; the Lord Jesus Christ. This type of deception is likely to be the most effective deceptive tactic that Satan will use if not already. The weapon of this type of deception is able to change the hearts and the eternal commitments of even the chosen ones to inherit the kingdom of God.

The rise of various religious, political and social leaders claiming they are the Christ; the chosen ones will be predominant in the last days. What makes their weapons most effective are the several abilities which they would possess.

a. The ability to demonstrate and achieve great and impressive things.

b. The ability to demonstration many wonderful and scientific initiatives and advancements.

c. The ability to demonstration much power; military power; political power, religious power, social power and many other influences.

d. They will claim to be the Christ because of the type of help and relief they will bring to many people in different parts of the world.

My Christian friend, no man can replace Christ and your understanding and foundations as a believer should be strong because it would be tried and tested.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:35-39

Ten Reasons Why Jesus Christ Cannot Be Replaced By Any False Persons

God our heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus Christ into this world for the following reasons and no false Christ can achieve any of these. Stand strong in your conviction and your salvation in Jesus Christ.

1. To save man from our sins and wickedness. Mathew 1:21

2. To save mankind from perishing and being destroyed. John 3:16

3. To bring eternal life to the human race. John 3:16

4. To bring abundant life and eternal life to man. John 10:10

5. To show man the way to God John 14:6

6. To reveal and bring us the truth about God. John 14:6

7. To bring us the possibility of a life with God just like the first man had a life with God. John 14:6

8. To be a blessing to mankind Acts 3:26

9. To have the power and ability to change a person completely 1 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20

10. To have the power to turn a person away from his sins. Acts 3:26

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2Timothy 2:19

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Thank you for reading my book. To me, it is a ministry that the Lord has given me to write and share with the world what He has taught and shared with me personally and through my fathers in ministry.

If you enjoyed reading this book, share it with as many people as possible and kindly take a moment to leave me a review at your favourite retailer.

Thanks a million!

D K Okine: Author

Reaching out to millions of souls worldwide!
About D K Okine

Through the anointed ministry spanning over many years, pastor, teacher, healing evangelist, and the author of several books including the best seller "I Went To Hell", D K Okine has served in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ from his teenage years and has helped millions of people experience a victorious and purpose driven life through God's Word and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

D K Okine is a proud protégé of Dag Heward-Mills and continues to serve under the world wide ministry of Dag Heward-Mills through the United Denomination of Churches Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches www.udolg.org .

D K Okine is currently serving as a missionary and a pastor in Durban, South Africa with his lovely wife Ezer and their wonderful son Kenneth-David.
Other Titles By D K Okine

1. I Went To Hell

2. 21 Functions Of the Holy Spirit In The Life Of Every Christian

3. Transform Your Christian Life

4. Go Ye Therefore And Preach To All Nations

5. What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life

6. Prepare To Meet Your God

7. Your Labours And Your Works

8. What Does God Want From Me?

9. Let My People Go That They May Serve Me
Citation Reference

1. Sobibor Extermination Camp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sobibor_extermination_camp

2. Rwanda Genocide

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26875506

