Let’s grow together in the knowledge of God’s Word.
When we read the Bible, especially Romans 4 and James 2, we encounter what seems to be a contradiction. Paul emphasizes that a person is justified by faith and not by works, while James says a person is justified not by faith alone, but also by works.
So, is the Bible contradicting itself? Or is it our understanding that needs correction?
Let’s study both passages carefully.
Romans 4:1–6 (ESV) “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works.”
Here, Paul is clearly addressing “works of the Law” that is, obedience to commandments, rituals, or moral efforts as a basis for righteousness before God. Paul says that no one can claim righteousness or favor before God by doing good deeds or keeping the Law, because:
Romans 3:23 (ESV) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Similarly, Psalm 14 affirms the universal sinfulness of humanity:
Psalm 14:2–3 (ESV) “The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”
Paul’s conclusion is that righteousness before God is a gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not something earned by being morally good or religious.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV) “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
So even though someone might say, “I’m not a thief, not an adulterer, not a drunkard,” that’s not enough to earn salvation. Only one person fulfilled the Law perfectly Jesus Christ. The rest of humanity, from Adam to the last human who will ever live, has fallen short.
Now let’s consider James 2:21–26:
James 2:21–24 (ESV) “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”
At first glance, James appears to contradict Paul. But the context is key.
Paul talks about works of the Law (keeping commandments to earn righteousness), while James talks about works that come from genuine faith. These are not the same.
James gives examples Abraham offering Isaac, and Rahab hiding the spies (James 2:25). These were not ritualistic or moral commandments, but actions flowing from their trust in God.
James 2:26 (ESV) “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
Just like Abraham trusted God enough to sacrifice Isaac, we demonstrate real faith when we act based on God’s promises.
Imagine someone is diagnosed with diabetes and told not to eat sugary or starchy food. But this person believes the Word of God in:
Matthew 8:17 (ESV) “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”
He believes he is healed by Jesus’ sacrifice, and begins to live like a healthy person eating freely, walking confidently. That act of living out his healing, based on his faith in God’s Word, is a modern example of “works of faith.”
His healing doesn’t come because he is morally good (not a thief, adulterer, etc.) but because he acted on God’s promise in faith. That’s what James is talking about.
Two Kinds of Works
So we can say:
This is why Paul also says:
Galatians 5:6 (ESV) “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”
And again:
Hebrews 10:38 (ESV) “But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
Even if someone is kind, generous, and upright giving to the poor, avoiding sin that doesn’t mean they’re saved. Many people of other religions do good deeds, but without faith in Jesus Christ, those deeds don’t result in salvation.
John 14:6 (ESV) “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Salvation is not earned, it is received through faith in Jesus, and then genuine faith produces holy living.
Galatians 2:16 (ESV) “…a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…”
That’s why the enemy (Satan) attacks our faith, not just our behavior. He wants us to believe that we must “earn” God’s love by keeping rules, rather than trusting fully in the finished work of Christ.
We are not justified by our good behavior or moral superiority. We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and that faith, when it is alive and true, will always produce action, or what James calls works of faith. Those are the fruits of salvation, not the cause of it.
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In Deuteronomy 22:5 (NKJV), God commands:
“A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
This law highlights the importance of maintaining God-ordained distinctions between male and female roles, including outward appearance. Such distinctions reflect God’s created order (Genesis 1:27) and rejecting them is considered a serious offense. The word “abomination” (Hebrew to’evah) denotes something deeply detestable to God, reflecting His holiness and desire for order among His people.
Despite these clear instructions, many continue to reject God’s moral standards. The Lord repeatedly sends warnings through His prophets and messengers, but people mock and harden their hearts, refusing to listen.
The Apostle Paul explains this spiritual reality in Romans 1:18–28 (NKJV):
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness… For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
This passage teaches that God’s existence and divine nature are evident in creation itself, making humanity accountable for acknowledging Him. Yet many suppress this truth, choosing sin over obedience. Paul continues:
“Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God… Therefore God gave them over to their sinful desires, to sexual impurity… women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones, and likewise the men… committed shameful acts with other men… receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
Theologically, this is a demonstration of God’s righteous judgment He “gives them over” (Greek paradidōmi) to their sins as a form of judicial abandonment (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). It’s a solemn reminder that persistent rejection of God’s truth leads to spiritual and moral decay.
This situation confirms the Bible’s warning about the last days times of great moral decline and peril (2 Timothy 3:1). The Apostle Paul warned believers to be watchful and steadfast because such times would come.
So, what does this mean for us today? The most urgent question is: Have you been saved? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, the only Savior? Have you accepted the end-time message God has sent through His messenger, Brother William Marrion Branham, who ministered in the final Church Age as described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3?
If not, the Scriptures urge you to respond now. The door of mercy will not remain open forever (Revelation 3:20; Hebrews 3:15). Turn to the Lord today before it’s too late.
May God richly bless you.
In the original Garden of Eden, God placed Adam and Eve. For the entire time they were there, Scripture tells us they were naked but unaware of their nakedness (Genesis 2:25, NIV). It was only after sin entered when they disobeyed God that they became conscious of their nakedness and felt shame (Genesis 3:7).
This awareness of nakedness represents the loss of their “holy covering,” which was the presence and work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). When God created mankind, He endowed them with His Spirit, which enabled them to live in holiness and innocence (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 51:11). But when Adam and Eve sinned, that divine covering was withdrawn, exposing their sin and vulnerability (Isaiah 59:2).
In response, God made garments of animal skins to clothe them (Genesis 3:21). This act points to the first sacrifice, foreshadowing Christ’s atonement His blood covering our sin (Hebrews 9:22).
Since then, Satan has sought to build his own “garden,” gradually enticing people back into spiritual nakedness stripping away the covering of God’s Spirit and leading them into sin and shame (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Nearly six thousand years have passed since Adam’s creation, and Satan continues to strengthen this “garden” by placing his unclean covering over humanity’s eyes, blinding them to their sin and nakedness (2 Corinthians 4:4). This spiritual blindness is dangerous because it keeps people in bondage, unaware of their need for repentance and salvation (Ephesians 2:1-3).
Historically, moral standards were clearer. For example, in past generations, a woman wearing pants in public was stigmatized as immoral. Now, such attire is widely accepted even in churches (Romans 1:21-27). Clothes that reveal the body, once considered indecent, are now commonplace, reflecting a decline in holiness and an acceptance of sin (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
Men, too, openly display their bodies, often wearing revealing clothing, symbolizing the loss of godly modesty (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This exposure is not merely physical but spiritual a manifestation of walking “naked” before God without shame, because the Spirit’s convicting presence is missing (Hebrews 12:6).
This “garden of Satan” begins in the spirit. The early church, started by the apostles, was empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to perform mighty works in holiness and truth (Acts 2:1-4; Romans 8:9). But today, in the last church age, known as Laodicea, that covering is largely absent. What remains is Satan’s counterfeit spirit, which causes spiritual lukewarmness, deception, and restlessness (Revelation 3:14-22).
We see this clearly in many believers who attend church yet live in sin without conviction: a woman half-naked entering church unaware of her condition; a man committing adultery yet thinking himself righteous; a drunkard believing he is a faithful Christian; even idol worshipers who show no remorse despite biblical prohibitions (Exodus 20:4-5). This spiritual blindness is described as being “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17).
God’s message to this church is a call to repentance and renewal through the Holy Spirit (Revelation 3:18-20). He offers “gold refined in the fire” (symbolizing true faith), “white garments” to cover their nakedness (representing righteousness through Christ), and “eye salve” to see spiritually (symbolizing discernment and revival).
Without the Holy Spirit, there is no true salvation or transformation (John 3:5). Those who reject Him remain spiritually blind and naked, vulnerable to Satan’s deceptions (2 Corinthians 11:3).
Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV) states
“Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
As you can see, many think they are spiritually rich, but the truth is they are poor and naked before God. This reveals that Satan’s covering has engulfed the last church. We live in perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Repent now and receive the Holy Spirit the seal of God’s protection and the source of true salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). Decide to follow the Lord wholeheartedly (Matthew 16:24), and resist the devil who prowls seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Watch the video below to see how far the world has fallen and how Satan’s “garden” has grown. People walking naked in the streets no longer shocks anyone, showing how deeply deception has spread. Just as Satan destroyed God’s Garden of Eden, he has prepared his own garden destined for destruction (Revelation 20:10).
God bless you.
Are you thirsty? Then come and drink from the Water of Life freely offered through Jesus Christ.
Every human soul experiences a deep spiritual thirstba longing for true joy, peace, love, righteousness, purpose, and ultimately, eternal life. Scripture affirms that this thirst is universal because mankind was created for fellowship with God (Genesis 1:26–27), but that fellowship was broken by sin (Romans 3:23). As a result, people seek to quench this spiritual thirst in many misguided ways.
Some pursue pleasure through immorality, others seek peace in alcohol, some chase happiness through wealth, while others look for eternal answers from witch doctors, mediums, or false religions. Many try to find love through manipulation or freedom through violence. Yet none of these satisfy, because they cannot reach the root of the soul’s need: reconciliation with God.
These are broken cisterns that hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). They may offer momentary escape, but they cannot bring lasting fulfillment. The soul remains thirsty.
But there is Good News: only one source can truly satisfy this deep spiritual longing the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is the Fountain of Living Waters, and He invites all who are thirsty to come to Him. Jesus said:
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37–38, NKJV)
The “living water” is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus gives to those who believe in Him (see John 7:39). This water satisfies permanently. Unlike worldly pursuits that leave us empty, the Spirit of God renews, transforms, and fills us with eternal life.
When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, He said:
“Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:13–14, NKJV)
This living water refers to the new life and salvation that Christ provides. To receive it, one must believe in Him, repent of sin, and be born again by the Spirit (John 3:5–6; Acts 2:38). In Christ, we gain not just relief from our thirst, but a whole new identity and destiny: we become children of God (John 1:12), temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:7).
In Him, you will find:
Joy that is unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8)
Peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7)
ove that never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)Holiness through His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)
True rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28–30)
And eternal life in the presence of God (Revelation 21:6–7)
So, I urge you today: invite Jesus into your heart. Don’t ignore His voice when He calls. He alone can quench the thirst of your soul not just for a moment, but forever.
As He declares:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:6, NKJV)
May the Lord bless you
Absolutely. The Bible makes it clear that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 states:
“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (ESV)
This principle originates from God’s divine design established since creation. Blood represents life itself (Leviticus 17:11), and it is the only acceptable means through which sin can be atoned for. In the Old Testament, this was symbolized by animal sacrifices where an unblemished lamb or goat was offered to God to cover the sins of the people (Leviticus 4). The sacrificial system pointed forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice.
Blood is more than just physical; it is a sacred spiritual connector between the earthly and heavenly realms. This is why Satan knows the power of blood and exploits it in his schemes. For instance, occult practices frequently involve blood because it opens gateways to the spiritual world. Human blood is especially significant in these rituals because it carries greater spiritual authority than animal blood, thus intensifying demonic influence (Psalm 51:14 emphasizes the preciousness of human life and blood).
However, Christians possess access to a far greater power through the Blood of Jesus Christ, the perfect and sinless Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:19). His blood is uniquely powerful to cleanse, protect, and empower believers. Unlike the blood of animals, Jesus’ blood was shed once for all (Hebrews 10:10) and is able to completely remove the guilt of sin and defeat the powers of darkness.
When a believer truly understands the power of Jesus’ blood, nothing can harm them spiritually or physically. This blood creates a strong barrier against the enemy’s attacks and breaks every curse (Colossians 2:14-15).
The Bible shows that spiritual warfare is won only through the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11):
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” (ESV)
This verse highlights two key truths: victory over Satan comes through the blood of Christ and the bold testimony of the believer. The blood is not just symbolic but an active, living power in spiritual battles.
Many believers mistakenly think they can defeat Satan by merely saying “I rebuke you by the blood of Jesus” without truly entering into the New Covenant and living in its reality. This is a misunderstanding. To benefit from the blood, one must be part of the covenant established by Jesus.
In the Old Testament, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year with the blood of animals for the Israelites only (Hebrews 9:7). This was a temporary covering. The New Covenant, established through Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, is open to all who repent, believe, and are baptized (Acts 2:38).
To enter this covenant:
Repent: Turn away from sin and turn toward God (Acts 3:19).
Believe in Jesus Christ: Trust that He is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again (John 3:16).
Be baptized in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
Receive the Holy Spirit, who seals you into this covenant and empowers you to live victoriously (Ephesians 1:13-14).
This is the moment of spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-7). The believer is washed by Jesus’ blood, justified before God, and protected from the enemy’s accusations (Romans 5:9).
Once you are under the blood of Jesus, Satan loses legal ground to accuse or harm you (Romans 8:33-34). The blood is your defense, your cleansing, and your victory.
You don’t enter the covenant by birth, church membership, or works. Only through faith and baptism according to the Scriptures. Infant baptism, which is not biblical baptism, does not place one under the blood covenant.
The blood of Jesus protects against curses, sickness, and demonic oppression (Isaiah 53:5).
Spiritual warfare is fought by walking in the power of that blood and the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-18).
When Satan tries to bring a curse, the first question he asks is, “Is this person under the blood?” If yes, he cannot curse or harm them (Numbers 23:8).
There is no other way to overcome Satan except through the blood of Jesus Christ. It is by that blood alone that believers are made righteous and victorious. As Revelation 12:11 says, it is the blood of the Lamb and the believers’ testimony that defeats the enemy.
So today, if you have not yet repented, believed, and been baptized, do so now. Receive the Holy Spirit and enter the new covenant of the blood of Jesus. Then you can walk confidently, knowing you are protected, forgiven, and empowered by the greatest power in the universe.
Satan’s primary strategy against Christians is to cause them to fall away from their faith. He uses temptations spiritual trials and obstacles to derail believers. These temptations come in many forms, but they target especially those who have fully committed their hearts to following Jesus Christ (John 15:19).
Once Satan realizes you have chosen this path, he will relentlessly try to ensnare you through various means: sickness (Job 2:7), personal hardships, relational conflicts (Ephesians 6:12), spiritual oppression (1 Peter 5:8), accidents, moral failures, and subtle enticements to sin (James 1:14-15). His ultimate goal is to weaken your faith, cause you to deny God, suffer unnecessarily, or even die before fulfilling your divine purpose (John 10:10).
Jesus Himself warned His disciples:
“Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. When you see wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed… These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation… There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:8-11 NIV) reminding us that temptations and trials are inevitable.
Yet, Jesus also gave us the key to overcoming: prayer. Before His arrest, when facing the greatest trial of all, Jesus prayed fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane:
“Could you not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41 NIV)
Even Jesus, fully divine yet fully human, recognized the weakness of the flesh and the necessity of prayer to overcome temptation. Although the cup of suffering was not removed, He was strengthened by angels (Luke 22:43). However, His disciples, though warned, fell asleep, and Peter later denied Him (Matthew 26:69-75).
If the disciples had stayed awake praying, perhaps they would have been spared their failures. God answers prayer by strengthening believers to overcome trials (Philippians 4:13).
This principle remains true for us today. When Christians grow careless spiritually (“fall asleep”), the enemy is preparing to attack (1 Peter 5:8). If even Jesus was tempted, we should expect to be tempted—but unlike Jesus, we can ask for divine help through prayer (Hebrews 4:15-16).
That is why Jesus taught us to pray:
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13 NIV) Prayer is our defense and weapon against spiritual attack.
Satan often attacks through those close to us—friends or family who unintentionally weaken our faith (1 Corinthians 15:33). Other times, he uses workplaces or authorities to discourage or discredit us (Daniel 6). We must pray for God’s protection over these spheres to prevent the enemy from using them against us.
Without prayer, we are vulnerable. Peter’s denial shows that good intentions are not enough without God’s strength (Luke 22:31-32). Prayer is the channel through which God supplies that strength.
The apostle James confirms this truth: “You do not have because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2 NIV) We must actively seek God in prayer.
Jesus instructed us to pray persistently:
“Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matthew 26:40 NIV) Regular prayer at least daily keeps us alert and strong.
The spiritual battle is intense:
“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV).
Like a seed sown among thorns, a believer distracted by worldly worries will not bear fruit (Matthew 13:22 NIV). But those who pray are empowered to overcome challenges.
Therefore, set aside time every day to pray bless your family, your church, your nation, and yourself. Ask God to guard you from temptation and to deliver you from evil. Prayer is our lifeline in this spiritual battle.
PRAY FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR EVERY DAY.
May God bless and strengthen you.
Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) says,
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
This verse reveals the profound truth of divine election that God chose certain individuals to be His own before the world even existed. This is not based on human merit but on His sovereign will (Romans 9:15-16). The doctrine of election affirms God’s ultimate authority over salvation (Isaiah 46:10).
Everything in the world was designed by God with purpose, even before creation. Nothing happens by accident or chance beyond His knowledge (Psalm 139:16). Many ask: Does God know a person before they are born and their eternal destiny? The answer is an unequivocal yes (Jeremiah 1:5). God’s omniscience means He fully knows each person’s heart and destiny.
Some struggle with this, asking: If God knows the end from the beginning, why create some who will reject Him and face judgment? Scripture teaches that God’s justice and mercy coexist (Romans 11:33-36). Humans are accountable for their choices (Deuteronomy 30:19), but God’s sovereign plan includes vessels prepared either for honor or destruction (Romans 9:21-23). We cannot fully comprehend the mystery of God’s will (Ephesians 1:11).
The Apostle Paul explains in Romans 9 that God prepared some vessels for destruction like Pharaoh and others for honor like Moses and Abraham. This is not arbitrary but purposeful within God’s redemptive plan.
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV) outlines the order of salvation (ordo salutis) for the elect:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
This passage highlights God’s eternal plan to transform believers into the likeness of Christ beginning from election, through calling and justification, to ultimate glorification.
1) CalledBeing chosen by God means hearing His call personally. Jesus said in John 6:44 (NIV),
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
This calling is a supernatural work of God’s grace enabling a person to respond to Christ. Only those God chooses will hear and respond.
Jesus told the Pharisees in John 10:26-27 (NIV),
“But you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Those truly belonging to Christ recognize His voice because God has planted a new nature within them (2 Corinthians 5:17). This inward call leads to repentance and faith.
The rejection of Jesus by religious leaders contrasted with the faith of simple fishermen like Peter illustrates the reality of election. The elect are those drawn by God from the foundation of the world.
2) JustifiedJustification is a legal declaration by God that a sinner is righteous through faith in Jesus Christ’s atoning work (Romans 3:24-26). This is possible because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and shed blood (Hebrews 9:22).
After hearing the Gospel and responding in faith, believers are baptized as a public sign of their new identity in Christ. Acts 2:37-39 (NIV) records Peter saying,
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Proper baptism is by immersion in the name of Jesus (Matthew 28:19) and symbolizes death to the old self and resurrection in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Infant baptism or sprinkling is not supported by Scripture.
Justification brings peace with God (Romans 5:1) and initiates a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6).
3) GlorifiedGlorification is the final step when believers receive perfect, resurrected bodies and eternal life with God (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).
Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) says the Holy Spirit is a seal an assurance of salvation:
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Receiving the Holy Spirit is a transformative experience, often accompanied by spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), but not everyone manifests the same gifts. The true mark of the Spirit’s presence is a holy, godly life (Galatians 5:22-23).
Until glorification, believers live by faith, growing in holiness and awaiting Christ’s return (2 Timothy 4:8).
So, dear brother or sister, reflect honestly: Are you among the sheep God chose before the foundation of the world, or among the vessels prepared for destruction? (John 10:27-28; Romans 8:9).
Remember, Scripture clearly divides humanity into two groups sheep or goats, chosen or not, destined for heaven or hell (Matthew 25:31-46). The Spirit of Christ within you is the evidence of your belonging (Romans 8:9).
2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV) assures us: “The Lord knows those who are his, and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’”
2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV) assures us:
“The Lord knows those who are his, and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’”
Verses 20-21 teach that believers are vessels of honor, sanctified and useful to God, prepared for every good work.
My prayer for you is that you become a vessel of honor, fully chosen and prepared by God. The time is short Christ is at the door ready to return (Revelation 3:20).
Jesus often spoke of the kingdom of heaven using parables and strong statements that show it is both priceless and costly. It is freely given by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8–9, NIV), yet it demands total surrender (Luke 14:33, NIV). This tension shows us that salvation is not cheap grace; it is costly grace, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote.
Matthew 11:12 (NIV) says:
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Here, Jesus is not speaking of physical violence but of spiritual determination. Theologians explain that this verse shows the urgency and intensity required to enter God’s kingdom. One cannot drift into eternal life casually. It takes repentance, faith, perseverance, and sacrifice (Acts 14:22, NIV: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”).
Matthew 13:44–46 (NIV) says:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
The hidden treasure and the pearl of great price teach us that the kingdom of God is worth more than everything else we own. Theologically, these parables emphasize:
Hebrews 11:24–26 (NIV) explains Moses’ choice:
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
Theologically, Moses foreshadows the Christian life:
Paul testifies in Philippians 3:7–8 (NIV):
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
Paul’s theology is clear: Christ is supreme. Anything that competes with Him is “garbage” compared to the eternal riches of salvation. In Romans 8:18 (NIV), he adds:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
This reflects the doctrine of future glory: temporary suffering is outweighed by eternal reward.
We live in the Laodicean age described in Revelation 3:17–18 (NIV):
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
The Lord’s counsel is theological: we must exchange worldly pride for true spiritual wealth. To “buy” from Christ means repentance, surrender, and obedience. Just as in the parables, we must “sell” all that hinders us—sin, pride, self-reliance—so we can “purchase” eternal riches.
The disciples once asked Jesus what their sacrifice meant. He answered in Matthew 19:28 (NIV):
“Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Theologically, this shows that eternal reward is based on present sacrifice. Some will reign as kings and priests with Christ (Revelation 20:6, NIV). Others will be least in the kingdom. But all will see that the cost of following Christ was worth it.
The kingdom of heaven is free because Christ paid the ultimate price on the cross. Yet it is costly, because it requires us to surrender everything that competes with Him.
Theologian Jim Elliot once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
So the question remains: What is the kingdom worth to you?
As Jesus said in Matthew 11:12, “the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and the violent take it by force.” May God give us the strength to value His kingdom rightly, and the grace to pay its cost joyfully.
Amen.
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One of the most sobering warnings Jesus gave about His return is that it will come suddenly—like a thief in the night. This image reminds us that His coming will be unexpected, catching many unprepared, just as a thief comes when no one anticipates.
Every night, before going to sleep, responsible people lock their doors. They do this not out of preference but for safety. Yet, as we know, locking doors is not enough, because a determined thief often comes prepared to break in. The only real safeguard is not only to secure the house but also to stay awake.
In the same way, Christians cannot rely on outward religion alone. Baptism, church attendance, and Christian identity are like “locked doors.” But if we are spiritually asleep—lukewarm, careless, or living in sin—we are still vulnerable. What Jesus requires is watchfulness: a life of holiness, readiness, and spiritual alertness.
Jesus Himself explained this in Matthew 24:42–44 (NIV):
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Here, Jesus links His return with both judgment and separation: two will be in the field, one taken, the other left (v. 40). This is a theological picture of the rapture and final judgment—some will be gathered to Christ, while others will face destruction (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
Likewise, in Mark 13:35–37 (NIV) Jesus warned:
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
This “sleep” is not physical but spiritual lethargy—a state of indifference to sin and eternal matters.
The Bible portrays the end times as a period of deep spiritual darkness. Just as thieves operate at night, so sin flourishes in spiritual darkness. Today, immorality, corruption, violence, love of money, and rebellion against God show that we are in such a time.
Paul confirms this in 1 Thessalonians 5:2–6 (NIV):
“For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. … So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
Paul contrasts children of darkness with children of light. The ungodly live for this world, unaware of eternal judgment, while the righteous live alert and sober, clothed in faith, love, and the hope of salvation (v. 8).
The Bible defines watchfulness not as paranoia, but as a life rooted in Christ, full of the Spirit, and bearing fruit. To “keep watch” means:
A believer who says “I am saved” but lives in sin—immorality, drunkenness, pride, gossip, greed—is spiritually asleep. Such a person will be shocked when Christ returns.
The return of Christ will not only be sudden—it will also bring total transformation of creation.
2 Peter 3:10–12 (NIV):
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”
Here, Peter emphasizes eschatological urgency. Knowing that all things will be destroyed should lead Christians to live holy and godly lives, preparing for the new heavens and the new earth (cf. 2 Peter 3:13).
Finally, Jesus Himself speaks again in Revelation 16:15 (NIV):
“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
The imagery of “clothing” is theological: it represents righteousness, purity, and readiness (cf. Revelation 19:8). Those who keep watch and guard their garments will be blessed and not shamed at His coming.
The return of Jesus Christ will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night. Outward religion is not enough—what matters is being spiritually awake, holy, and clothed in Christ’s righteousness.
This means:
Therefore, let us live as children of the light, alert and sober, eagerly awaiting the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).
God bless you as you keep watch.
Luke 23:32-33 Two others, criminals, were also led with Him to be put to death. When they came to the place called THE SKULL, they crucified Him there, and the criminals, one on the right, and the other on the left.
Luke 23:32-33
Two others, criminals, were also led with Him to be put to death.
When they came to the place called THE SKULL, they crucified Him there, and the criminals, one on the right, and the other on the left.
In ancient times, we know that the Roman Empire ruled brutally, executing many by crucifixion—an act that involved hanging victims on wooden crosses, a method designed to humiliate and prolong suffering. This gruesome form of execution spread across much of the ancient world, including Israel. However, when the time came for the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, He was taken to a place called THE SKULL (Golgotha, in Hebrew). This specific place is highly significant. But why was He taken there? Why not somewhere else, like Bethany or Emmaus?
Theological Significance of Golgotha:
The name Golgotha (which means “the skull”) is not a random place-name. Theologically, this location holds deep spiritual meaning. Some scholars believe it was called “the skull” because the place resembled the shape of a skull or was a place where executions were commonly carried out. Others suggest it points to the place of Adam’s burial, where his skull was laid to rest after death, symbolizing the defeat of sin that Christ would achieve through His death. This connection is reinforced by 1 Corinthians 15:22:
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Christ’s death at THE SKULL marks the place where the first man, Adam, failed, but where the Second Adam, Jesus, would triumph over sin and death, offering redemption to all who believe. His death was not just a physical death—it was the beginning of the restoration of what was lost in the Garden of Eden.
The Crucifixion in the Mind:
The act of crucifying Jesus at Golgotha also signifies a deeper, spiritual truth. Before His physical crucifixion, Christ was already rejected in the hearts and minds of humanity. The people had already “crucified” Him in their thoughts long before the actual event. His rejection was not just physical but spiritual, as evidenced in Matthew 21:42-44, when Jesus refers to Himself as the rejected stone:
Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.
This rejection of Christ, both then and now, is rooted in the rejection of God’s Word and truth.
Spiritual Rejection of the Light:
John 3:19-20 highlights the rejection of Christ as the Light that came into the world:
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
Jesus came to a world darkened by sin, but the world chose to remain in darkness, rejecting the very Light that could save them. His rejection by the religious leaders, His betrayal by Judas, and the denial by Peter were all part of the greater rejection of God’s redemption plan for humanity. This is what it means to “crucify Christ” in our hearts—when we reject the truth and light of His Word, we essentially nail Him to the cross again in our minds. Hebrews 6:6 says:
…and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace.
Isaiah’s Prophetic Insight:
Isaiah 53:3-4 gives a poignant description of the suffering and rejection Christ would face:
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem.
Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken and afflicted.”
Isaiah’s prophecy reveals not just the physical suffering Jesus would endure, but the emotional and spiritual rejection He would face. He took on the full weight of humanity’s sins and sorrows, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption.
Crucifying Christ in Our Minds:
It’s easy to say, “If I had been there when Jesus was crucified, I would never have taken part in it.” But the truth is, Christ is still being crucified today in the hearts and minds of many. We crucify Him not just by rejecting His death, but by rejecting His Word and the truth He came to bring.
You may not physically crucify Christ, but whenever you reject the Word of God or mock His name, you’re essentially doing what the people of that time did. Hebrews 10:29 warns:
How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
This rejection occurs in subtle ways: when we ignore His truth, when we choose sin over obedience, when we make light of His sacrifice, or when we ignore the calling of the Holy Spirit. This is the continued crucifixion of Christ in our minds.
The Call to Open Our Hearts:
Now is the time to open your heart to Jesus, to let Him renew your mind and life. Romans 12:2 urges us to be transformed:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
By obeying God’s Word and submitting to the Holy Spirit, we allow Christ to bring transformation in our lives, to heal and restore what has been broken. When we allow Him to change the way we think, He can bring true healing and salvation. This is the way to live a life that is pleasing to Him, so that we do not end up like those who rejected Him during His earthly ministry.
The Hope of Glory:
The crucifixion was not the end; it was the means by which Christ would bring ultimate victory. Colossians 2:14-15 declares:
Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Christ’s victory on the cross is the victory that every believer can claim. Through His death, He defeated the powers of sin and death, and now, through His resurrection, He offers us eternal life. The cross was not just an instrument of suffering; it became the instrument of our redemption.
Be Blessed.
This version includes deeper theological reflections, connecting Christ’s crucifixion with key biblical truths. It also integrates several Bible references to provide a fuller understanding of the significance of Christ’s death and how we continue to encounter it in our lives today. Let me know if you’d like any further additions or refinements!