Salvation Issues
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The Many Facets Of A Saving Faith
PROOFS OF CONDITIONAL SALVATION
Obedience: Evidence of a Saving Faith
Good Works: Evidence of a Saving Faith
FRUIT: EVIDENCE OF A SAVING FAITH
FRAUD IN THE PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL
DECEIT IN THE PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL
Obedience: The Mark of a (True) Christian
A Little Mistake Can Mean A Lot
WORKING FAITH -- A FAITH THAT WORKS
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By Bernie Koerselman
John 3:16 assures salvation for all who "believe in Him." But who is "Him"? Is it possible a person's understanding of that could be wrong? This chapter shows that there is a major misunderstanding -- a heresy -- in much of Evangelical Christianity, particularly as taught in the United States concerning which Jesus we are called to believe in in order to have salvation.
By Bernie Koerselman
Scripture proclaims Jesus as Lord -- King of kings and Lord of lords. This chapter establishes the salvation message of Scripture: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. A huge preponderance of evidence establishes that Jesus is Lord of all those who will be saved and is Savior only of those for whom he is Lord.
By Bernie Koerselman
A comprehensive overview of what Scripture says about a saving faith. Many will be surprised. God requires much more than is widely recognized. The definition of "faith" may be quite different than the reader expects.
Obedience: The Mark of a (True) Christian
By Bernie Koerselman
In this article, the reasons are explained why obedience is a natural and necessary evidence of a saving faith. Mr. Koerselman shows that the primary relationship between Jesus and his followers is that of Master and servant. The servant's position requires obedience if he is to be a faithful servant. Romans 8:29 is also added as the reason obedience is a necessary part of the true believer's behavior -- conformed to the likeness of Jesus. Jesus was totally obedient to his father, saying and doing only that which the Father told him to do and say.
Obedience: Evidence of a Saving Faith
By Bernie Koerselman
This article shows that obedience comes from faith. It is the evidence of the existence of a saving faith. Salvation is reserved for those who do the will of God. Only the obedient do the will of God. Mr. Koerselman dispels the myth from Scripture that it is hard or impossible to obey. Characteristics of the disobedient are distinguished from the blessings from God which accrue to those who obey the teachings and commands of Jesus. Obedience is shown to be the natural expression of love for God.
Good Works: Evidence of a Saving Faith
By Bernie Koerselman
While emphasizing that salvation is not by works, that no amount or quality of works can earn salvation or qualify one for salvation, Mr. Koerselman shows the strong emphasis of Scripture that the true believer will display good works in his life. These works are shown to have many purposes -- as a test, to give glory to God, as obedience, to prove repentance, as part of service, as a witness, for a lasting reward, and as evidence of a saving faith. The article shows how much of the church has missed the mark and what the church must do.
FRUIT: EVIDENCE OF A SAVING FAITH
By Bernie Koerselman
Just as salvation cannot be gained by works, neither will it be gained by the fruit in one's life. Fruit, differently than works, is almost involuntary, an evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Like works it must be present -- as a test of whether or not true salvation exists. We cannot have salvation without the presence of the Holy Spirit. If we have the Holy Spirit, evidence of the fruit of the Spirit will prove that.
In this letter, Bernie expresses his concern that the church has lost the plot. First he recites the lack of discipleship -- the specific command of Jesus in the Great commission. Then he reviews both fraud and deceit in the presentation of the Gospel. This is a profound indictment of the church culture.
FRAUD IN THE PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL
Would anyone really present the gospel in a fraudulent manner? Yes, sadly. Most important is the issue of how the Gospel is misrepresented -- how the person of Jesus Christ is often not presented as Scripture insists is necessary for salvation. This article tells of how the gospel is misrepresented in our churches. In fact, you may find the gospel misrepresented far more often than presented honestly and correctly. Have we gathered around us preachers and teachers to tell our itching ears what we wish to hear?
DECEIT IN THE PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL
Can the truth of the Gospel be described single-dimmensionally as simply "believe in him"? This article shows the multi-faceted nature of the Gospel -- with multiple qualifications (requirements) in Scripture which must all be satisfied in order to gain eternal life. This article shows the narrow gate to be much narrower then perceived and presented by many in the church today.
By Bernie Koerselman
The reader "listens in" on an email response to a person who wrote to say they learned he was advocating "lordship theology" and they were going to retract his article and apologize for printing it.
Bernie reviews the scriptures which emphasize the role of Jesus as Lord, how the early church preached, how the people received the Word, and the scriptural requirements for receiving Jesus as Lord and the commensurate duty to obey him.
A Little Mistake Can Mean A Lot
By Brian Hughes
Brian uses the example of eating food to which a person is highly allergic -- to the point of causing death. It was only a little mistake, wasn't it? But look at the devastating result. Likewise for those who have the "little mistake" of thinking they don't need Jesus. What catastrophic results will come from that mistake!
By Bernie Koerselman
This is a tract which tells what the requirements are for salvation. It is used by some to lead people to Jesus -- to give the full plan of salvation. It can be printed and then folded to be put into an envelope. It is done for both A4 paper and Letter size. The hyperlink will activate Microsoft Word. Just print page 1 first, then on the reverse print page 2. The text will appear to be in only one column, but it is formatted for 3 columns. Don't try to change it; just print it.
By Bernie Koerselman
Though Scripture is replete with many descriptions of sins that will deny salvation to those committing them, men have concocted doctrines that attempt to circumvent and make worthless the warnings of Scripture.
New! THE MANY FACETS OF A SAVING FAITH
By Bernie Koerselman
Many churches teach that salvation can be obtained by simply accepting the "free" gift of salvation and/or accepting Jesus as their Savior. Bernie shows this is far from the truth of Scripture. He points out the multi-faceted warnings of Scripture that can cause one to forfeit salvation. This article could cause many to come to a new understanding and to gain salvation through the Lord Jesus.
New! THE ANTINOMIANS ARE COMING
Author Unknown
Don't know the meaning of Antinomian? You'll learn that and lots more from this excellent discussion of the lawlessness of those who claim freedom in Christ in the heresy that has gripped the church in the western world. This article explains much of the "why" of the bad and evil that has happened in the church.
New! Saving Faith -- What Is It?
By Bernie Koerselman
This article reviews the many criteria for a saving faith. Jesus must be LORD! Then there is the need for obedience to his teachings and commands. But there are even more salvation requirements taught by Paul and the Apostle John. This article also reviews those popular doctrines in the western church that war against a saving faith. Read this to be aware of the dangers as well as the necessary criteria for a saving faith. You will find out why the road is narrow and few find it.
New! test yourselves!
By Bernie Koerselman
Paul commands Christians to examine themselves -- test themselves -- to see if they are in the faith. This article will permit you to do exactly that. Perhaps you will learn that you do not have a saving faith. You will also learn what to do to have a saving faith, to have the indwelling Holy Spirit, and to have the joy, peace, and love that are the fruit of the Spirit. Do not approach this subject lightly. Each of these tests are a salvation issue! Many will fail the tests!
New! Must christians be righteous?
By Bernie Koerselman
This article is concerned with the facet of a saving faith requiring righteousness exceeding that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. The centrality of righteousness in God's plan for mankind is reviewed. This is another article that is scary -- the requirements are substantial. Taking this to heart makes one truly fear God. An important read and study for each of us to apply to our lives.
New!
Conformed
To His Likeness
By Bernie Koerselman
Does the Scripture require that all true believers -- those who will inherit the Kingdom of God -- be conformed to the likeness of Jesus? The answer is an emphatic "YES"! This article reveals the multiple Scriptures and proofs. The gate and road to salvation begin to feel very narrow. This is an important read!
PROOFS OF CONDITIONAL SALVATION
By Bernie Koerselman
This is a comprehensive article that deals with many issues associated with the false doctrine of once saved, always saved. This article can give you many of the proofs you need to discuss this issue intelligently with others. The author, an attorney, proves beyond a reasonable doubt the falsity of the doctrine of unconditional eternal security.
By Bernie Koerselman
Scripture says that we must do the will of God if we are to enter heaven. This facet of a saving faith is basic in that it contains all the other facets within it. It is God's will that those who will be saved satisfy the requirements of all the facets of a saving faith. The article shows the connection between the will of God and the teachings and commands of Jesus -- how they are one and the same. It also shows the repeated emphasis by Jesus upon his words, his teachings, and his commands.
New! remain in Jesus
By Bernie Koerselman
This command of Jesus -- that we must remain in him -- is a salvation issue. Jesus combines this command with the necessity to produce much fruit which gives glory to God and identifies those who produce much fruit as Jesus' disciples.
The issue is one of perseverance. The article shows false doctrines and how this particular command of the Lord Jesus refutes the false doctrines.
New! GOD'S VIEW OF SIN
By Bernie Koerselman
This article arose from the observation that those in the church live as though they are unaware of the way God views sin. It was also because much of the church has falsely taught doctrines that seem to excuse sin or make it irrelevant as to salvation. This article makes plain that Scripture teaches that those who "live like this" in regular patterns of sin will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. You'll also get to review false doctrines in vogue today that deny the awfulness of sin and the judgment that will result from it.
By Bernie Koerselman
This is still another article that discusses a facet of a saving faith. It was Jesus' teaching to Nicodemus that showed that being born again is necessary in order to have salvation. Jesus said, "no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This article shows how one becomes born again, the results of being born again, and examples (my own) and Chinese prisoners.
New! MOSES' LAW OR CHRIST'S LAW
By Bernie Koerselman
What is to govern the life and behavior of the Christian? Is it Moses' Law from the Old Testament? If so, is it all of the Old Testament law? Or is it only the law that Jesus taught, that Paul called Christ's Law? This article will give convincing answers to those questions. You will see from Scripture proofs that will satisfy your answers and teach you what true believers must obey.
New! JESUS MUST BE LORD!
By Bernie Koerselman
This is the foundational teaching underlying a saving faith. We must have the proper object of our faith if we would have a saving faith. This article proves that the New Testament Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the need for Jesus to be Lord of all those who would be saved. The article not only shows the doctrine, but also the application of the doctrine in the early church.
New! DO I BELIEVE JESUS OR PAUL?
By David Servant
David reviews what some claim are contradictions in the teachings of Jesus and of Paul. David shows that these are not contradictions at all, but rather must be, and easily can be, harmonized. Scripture must never be read as if contradictions exist. That only points to a lack of understanding. Rather, properly understood, Scripture is a wonderful unity without contradictions.
New! WORKING FAITH -- A FAITH THAT WORKS
By Jesse Morrell
Jesse correctly points out that a saving faith is not a passive, do-nothing faith, that James says is dead. No, it is a working faith, eager to do what is right, to be obedient to the teachings and commands of the Lord Jesus, and to do those works prepared in advance for each believer to do.
By Bernie Koerselman
Everyone in Christendom seems to use the term "Gospel". What do they mean by that term? Because we are plagued with false doctrines within western Christendom, it seemed appropriate to define the Biblical Gospel -- the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is far more contained in the Gospel than one might first think. Because Gospel is defined as good news, many think only positive things can be part of the Gospel. You decide after reading this important article. The article is also a review of what is required for salvation according to the Scriptures.