Those Whose Salvation Has Been Determined
2010-07-09 19:49
God sent His son as a man into the world so that all men might follow him and become children of God. According to His will, Jesus Christ who came in the flesh became obedient to death and became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
It is written, "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 5:7-10).
Without knowing the source of salvation, no one can reach the salvation. And so, the Bible said, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3).
Though he was in the flesh, he kept on denying the flesh. That is the way to salvation. It is written, "While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, 'Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.' He replied to him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' Pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:46-50).
And also, the Bible said in advance, "He said of his father and mother, 'I have no regard for them.' He did not recognize his brothers or acknowledge his own children, but he watched over your word and guarded your covenant. He teaches your precepts to Jacob and your law to Israel. He offers incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar. Bless all his skills, O LORD, and be pleased with the work of his hands. Smite the loins of those who rise up against him; strike his foes till they rise no more." (Deuteronomy 33:9-11).
Therefore, it is written, "Then he said to them all: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23). And also, "But Jesus told him, 'Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.'" (Matthew 8:22). And also, "And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." (Matthew 23:9).
The Bible said about it, "Peter said to him, 'We have left all we had to follow you!' 'I tell you the truth,' Jesus said to them, 'no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life." (Luke 18:28-30).
Therefore, the Bible said about the sure source of salvation, "Jesus replied, 'The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection." (Luke 20:34-36).
Paul the Apostle, who went before us according to His will, said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1). And again, "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." (Philippians 3:17). And also, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14).
And also, he wished that all men had been as he was, saying: "The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. (1 Corinthians 7:4-7).
And Peter the Apostle said, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1-2). Amen. Thank you, Lord.