Choose To Be On The Side Of Truth

Jesus Christ is The Only Way To God (The Father)

“Jesus said to him, “I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life. NO ONE COMES to the Father EXCEPT through Me.” (‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).


This statement from Jesus that is quoted above is an astounding truth. Jesus did not mince words; He said that He is the ONLY WAY to the Father, and of course He knew this statement would offend many, and rightly so, for the cross of Christ is an offense to the unbelieving world. Paul said that the gospel we preach, which is “Christ crucified” is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. (see 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:23‬). You see, man wants to be able to access God in his own way, and so man would like to believe that there are many ways to God, which is the reason for the many religions in the world. But God has ordained only one Way by which all men must come to Him, and this way is Jesus Christ. “For there is one God and ONE Mediator between God and men, the Man CHRIST JESUS” (I Timothy‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given among men BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED.” (Acts‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Many people will say that claiming Jesus as the ONLY WAY to the Father or the ONLY NAME by which we must be saved, is narrow; but the Bible says that the way that leads to life or that leads to God is narrow, and only a few find it. (see Matt 7:14). The broad way leads to destruction. (see Matt 7:13). And so all other ways to God apart from Jesus Christ lead to destruction. Jesus is the only way to God because He Himself is God. Jesus is the only way to life because He Himself is the life — in Him is life.


There is no doubt that all the great philosophers of old, and the founders of the world's religions had great ideas, perhaps they had good intentions too, but they couldn’t and cannot give LIFE to anybody. They themselves died and found themselves helpless in the hands of death, utterly defeated and swallowed up by the grave. And those who follow after them will no doubt suffer the same fate, because the disciple cannot be greater than his master. But Jesus Christ came into the world not just with great ideas, not just with good intentions, but with WORDS OF LIFE. In fact, He was the only Man to ever claim to be the Way the Truth and the Life, the only Man to ever claim to be THE RESURRECTION and THE LIFE (see John 11:25, with John 14:6), and then prove it by His death and resurrection. All the great philosophers of the world spoke mere human words, words of the flesh which could not give life to anyone. But when Jesus came, He said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK TO YOU ARE SPIRIT, and THEY ARE LIFE." (John 6:63 NKJV). And so Jesus spoke words that gave life to men. He spoke the words of God the Father (see John 12:49-50), the words of life. The apostle John says of Jesus, that, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." (John 1:4 NKJV). And Jesus Himself added that whoever follows Him shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (see John 8:12). Yes, Jesus also died; yes, He was also buried; but what sets Him apart is that He was raised from the dead on the third day, thereby proving His deity — proving that He is over all the eternally blessed God. Amen. (see Romans 9:5; 1 Timothy 3:16; Acts 20:28). Before His death, Jesus had said, “My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. NO ONE TAKES IT FROM Me, but I LAY IT DOWN of Myself. I have POWER to lay it down, and I have POWER TO TAKE IT AGAIN. This command I have received from My Father.” (see John 10:17‭-‬18 NKJV). And Jesus was right. He did just that — He laid down His life, and He took it again. Truly, He is risen! He is alive forevermore! The Bible says that Jesus presented Himself ALIVE to His disciples after His suffering “BY MANY INFALLIBLE PROOFS, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (see Acts 1:3).

Thus, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is truth which cannot be denied, for it is supported by many infallible proofs; it is a divine truth, and it is a historical fact. Jesus, finding Himself in the hands of death, and coming face-to-face with the devil who had the power of death, tied the devil up, stripped him of all his power, and destroyed him. (see Hebrews 2:14, with Colossians 2:15). Then He walked out of the grave with the keys of hell and of death. When He appeared to John in a vision, He laid His right hand on him, saying to him, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I AM ALIVE FOREVERMORE. Amen. And I HAVE THE KEYS OF HADES AND OF DEATH." (Revelation 1:17‭-‬18 NKJV). What a glorious declaration of victory!

Indeed, our Savior Jesus Christ "has ABOLISHED DEATH and BROUGHT LIFE and IMMORTALITY to light through the gospel," (see II Timothy 1:10 NKJV). Today all you have to do to receive this life and IMMORTALITY Jesus brought is to believe the gospel. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31 NKJV). Jesus Himself said, “I am the resurrection and THE LIFE. He who believes in Me, THOUGH HE MAY DIE, he SHALL LIVE. And whoever lives and believes in Me SHALL NEVER DIE. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25‭-‬26 NKJV). Truly, those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ do not die; we only fall asleep, and when we are absent from this earthly body, we are still alive, present with the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven. (see 2 Corinthians 5:8). Glory to God! Soon, when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back in glory, and we are already asleep in Christ, our bodies will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (I Corinthians 15:53‭-‬54 NKJV). Hallelujah!


Truly, God’s way of salvation is not a ritual, God’s way of salvation is not a set of laws, God’s way of salvation is not a religious system; rather, God’s way of salvation is a Person, and His name is Jesus Christ. He says that whoever believes in Jesus Christ should not perish but have eternal life (see John 3:16); that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (see Rom 10:13; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21). Indeed God’s way of salvation is very simple, so simple it’s scary. And thus Paul says, “But I FEAR, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from THE SIMPLICITY that is in Christ.” (II Corinthians‬ ‭11:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Oh, the simplicity of the gospel! John writes: “And this is the testimony (or the witness, the record, the gospel): that God has given us eternal life, and THIS LIFE IS IN His Son (Jesus Christ). He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (‭I John‬ ‭5:11-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬, brackets and emphasis mine). This gospel or testimony is very clear and simple. Yet many people today have had their minds corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ and have stumbled; they cannot accept how simply believing in Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior can give life or bring salvation to a man. Paul said, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” (II Corinthians‬ ‭4:3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).


Now, let me bring to your remembrance the story of the Israelites who were bitten by fiery serpents in the wilderness because of their disobedience and their grumbling, and how God provided for their salvation. The Bible says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, WHEN HE LOOKS at it, SHALL LIVE.” So Moses made A BRONZE SERPENT, and put it ON A POLE; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, WHEN HE LOOKED at the bronze serpent, HE LIVED.” (Numbers 21:8-9, NKJV). You probably know the backdrop to this story. The anger of God was kindled against the people of Israel when they began to murmur and complain against God and against Moses. The Bible says, “And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.” (Numbers‬ ‭21:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). When the people repented, the Bible says that they came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.” (see ‭Numbers‬ ‭21:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Then God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Bronze signifies judgment, and the serpent is always symbolic of sin. So, the bronze serpent on the pole was a symbol that God had judged their sins. And by looking at that bronze serpent on the pole, those who were bitten by the serpents were healed; they did not die but lived. Mind you, the person who looked upon his wounds died. The person who looked at Moses died. The person who tried to find his own cure died. The only way for healing and salvation was to LOOK at the bronze serpent on the pole. And only those who obeyed this simple instruction lived. (see Numbers 21:9).

Now, we can agree that this is an interesting provision that God made for the salvation of the children of Israel, and I cannot explain to you by what process simply looking at the bronze serpent  on the pole could save a person's life, but I know that it worked by FAITH or OBEDIENCE. I can’t also explain to you why God didn’t make more than one provision for the healing or salvation of these people. There obviously isn't any logical or scientific explanation for this either. It was God's only provision, and just that. It was the only means or the only way God ordained for them to be saved. He said that all they had to do was LOOK at the bronze serpent on the pole, and they will live. Very simple! And who can question God’s ways? As King Nebuchadnezzar rightly acknowledged, “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He (God) does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. NO ONE CAN RESTRAIN His hand or SAY to Him, “What have You done?” (Daniel‬ ‭4:35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Job made a similar statement when he said of God, “If He (God) takes away, WHO CAN HINDER Him? Who can SAY to Him, ‘What are You doing?’” (Job‬ ‭9:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). It is high time every man stopped asking foolish questions and stepped in line with the plan God has ordained for our salvation, because God is not going to change it, and no one can hinder or restrain Him. Jesus Christ is God’s only way of salvation. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. (see Romans 1:16).


Now, back to the story about the bronze serpent Moses raised on the pole for the healing of the children of Israel who were bitten by the fiery serpents, it is easy to imagine some foolish ones among the people, lying on the ground convulsing as a result of the snakebite, perishing. And their friends are saying, "Hey buddy, in the middle of the camp Moses has set up a pole with a bronze serpent. Just look at it and you'll be healed." And their response is, "What are you talking about, man, what good will that do? I can't make sense of that. How can simply looking at that bronze serpent on the pole do anything for me? Don't you see, I'm dying! I need some real help here!" And the friend says, "Yeah, but just look, and you will live!" And he maintains, "Ah, come on, how can that help?" And I can see him arguing and dying because he can't understand how simply looking at the bronze serpent would help. And there are some folks like this today; they want to understand the how of salvation instead of just receiving it. Indeed there are many people today who have heard the gospel, but instead of believing it, they are asking, “How? How can this be? How can Jesus be the only way to the Father? How can simply believing in Jesus save me?” And they are maintaining that unless they can understand all the processes by which God is working, they won't accept it. And thus they are perishing in their unbelief. Jesus said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that WHOEVER BELIEVES in Him SHOULD NOT PERISH but HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.” (John 3:14-15, NKJV). But many people today ridicule and make a mockery of this provision. It doesn't make sense to them, and so they reject it. Even among the body of believers, there are some so-called believers who don't seem to get it. So they’ve added their own provisions, some religious rituals or “works” that one has to perform in order to earn eternal life. Just trusting in Jesus and looking to Him with faith doesn't make sense to them. And so they have been bitten by sin, condemned to death, and instead of trusting in Jesus completely for healing and salvation, they want to save themselves — put their own antivenom and bandaid on it. And thus we have all kinds of so-called churches leading people astray with various doctrines of salvation that are far removed from God’s simple provision of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.


Again, I can't explain how simply believing in Jesus Christ with all your heart and confessing Him as your Lord and Savior can cleanse you of all your sins and cause you to be born again and become a child of God. I can’t explain how believing in Jesus will give you eternal life. All I can tell you is that it will, because God says so. It works because that's what God has ordained, and it has worked for me personally, so I can testify to it. Yes, this gospel is personal to me, so when I preach it I know what I’m talking about. Jesus, hanging on the cross, was bearing the judgment of God for your sins. The Bible says, "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, everyone of us, to our own ways. And God has laid on Him the iniquities of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). On the cross, Jesus, who knew no sin, took our judgment and became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Today when we look at the cross, we are reminded that Jesus bore our sins, our shame, our condemnation, our curses, and our death on that cross. When we look to Jesus with faith, we receive salvation — remission and forgiveness of sins, righteousness, justification,  healing, blessings, peace, joy, life.


Indeed Jesus is the only way to God, just as He Himself testified saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (see John 14:6 NKJV). Whenever you listen to a preacher or religious leader, ask yourself if he is bringing you this message, if he is bringing you to a total reliance and trust in Jesus Christ and Him only for salvation, or if he is bringing you to trust in a false religious system? Is he bringing you to trust in a religious ritual? Is he bringing you to trust in a church? And if a man will seek to cause you to trust in anything other than Jesus Christ and a complete reliance upon Jesus Christ for eternal life, then that man is a false prophet. God wants you to just believe in Jesus Christ and live! That is God’s provision. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (I John 5:12 NKJV). And when we say this, we are not judging those who don’t believe in Jesus; it is the Word of God that judges them (by the word of their own mouth). According to the Word of God, those who don’t believe in Jesus are ALREADY CONDEMNED (see John 3:18-19; Mark 16:16): we the preachers are not the ones judging or condemning them; we are rather the ones who are trying to bring them out of condemnation. We are trying to help them make the right confession that will bring them justification. Jesus said, “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, HAS THAT WHICH JUDGES him— THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN WILL JUDGE HIM in the last day.” (John‬ ‭12:47-48‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Again, He said, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For BY YOUR WORDS YOU WILL BE JUSTIFIED, and BY YOUR WORDS YOU WILL BE CONDEMNED.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭12:36-37‬ ‭NKJV). Your confession (or words) will either justify you or condemn you, depending on whether you confess Jesus as your Lord or deny Him as Lord. The Bible says “that if you CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH the Lord Jesus and BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART that God has raised Him from the dead, YOU WILL BE SAVED. For with the heart one believes unto RIGHTEOUSNESS, and with the mouth CONFESSION is made unto SALVATION.” (Romans‬ ‭10:9-10‬ ‭NKJV). Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today, and you will have life and be free from condemnation. If you are ready to sincerely give Jesus your heart, to make HIM your Lord and Savior and thus receive eternal life, pray and call on His Name. I cannot do your praying for you, but if you need guidance, pray this prayer from your heart: “Almighty God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of salvation, and I thank you for sending your beloved Son Jesus Christ to die for me and to bear the judgment for my sins. I believe that Jesus Christ was delivered up to death for my sins and was raised up from the dead for my justification. I accept Jesus today as my Lord and Savior. And I thank you that I have received eternal life in the name of Jesus. Amen.”


I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

Why God Didn't Want Man to Eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

In the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve ate of the (forbidden) tree of the knowledge of good and evil (see Genesis 3:1-7), the Bible says that they became like God (in the sense or context of) KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL (see Genesis 3:22). This was bad for man, because it put a heavy burden on man to consistently choose or make a judgment between GOOD and EVIL -- a judgment only God can make justly or righteously. The knowledge of good and evil is indeed a heavy burden God did not intend for man to bear. God intended for man to have a knowledge of good only. The Bible says, "Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil." (see 1 Corinthians 14:20 NLT). And so God originally created Adam and Eve to know only good. Adam and Eve knew to do good, to eat freely of every tree in the garden of Eden, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (see Genesis 2:16-17). And the Bible says, "To him who knows to do good and DOES NOT DO IT, to him IT IS SIN." (see James 4:17 NKJV ).

Thus Adam and Eve had no knowledge or consciousness of SIN, they had no knowledge or consciousness of EVIL, until they rejected God's plan for them, chose to obey Satan and thus chose to NOT DO GOOD but to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which God had commanded them not to eat. The moment they ate of the (forbidden) tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve received knowledge or consciousness of (not just good, but) EVIL also; hence they immediately became CONSCIOUS that they had sinned or committed EVIL by disobeying God. They felt NAKED or exposed, they felt guilty. Having knowledge of good and evil implies that whenever you commit an act of evil, you will feel naked, exposed, or guilty and condemned before the Holy God and Creator of the universe. No wonder Jesus said that those who do not believe in Him are condemned already (see John 3:18). The natural man is condemned already. God asked Adam, “WHO TOLD YOU that you were naked? HAVE YOU EATEN from the tree of which I COMMANDED you that YOU SHOULD NOT EAT?” (Genesis 3:11 NKJV). God was basically saying to Adam that, "If you have eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which I commanded you not to eat, then it is YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL that is telling you that you're naked. You were not supposed to have this knowledge, Adam; it will ruin you. This is why I warned you that on the day that you eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall surely die."

Beloved, the knowledge of good and evil Adam and Eve received from eating of the (forbidden) tree, and the resulting knowledge and consciousness that they had COMMITTED an act of EVIL by disobeying God was what caused Adam and Eve to feel naked and afraid and to hide themselves from the presence of God (see Genesis 3:8). Their knowledge or consciousness of sin made them feel guilty, condemned and afraid in the presence of the Holy and Righteous God. And thus their sin separated or alienated them from God. (see Genesis 3:22-24; with Isaiah 59:2 and Colossians 1:21).

The good news today, my dear friend, is that even though all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, if any man BELIEVES in Jesus Christ or comes into Christ, such a man is A NEW CREATION, a new species of man, a son of God, who is righteous and has NO MORE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SIN (see Romans 3:23-26; 2 Corinthians 5:17, with
Hebrews 10:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:1, 9). Hallelujah! This is why we persuade all men to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and be saved, so that you can join us (believers) to come BOLDLY (without any sense of fear, guilt, condemnation or inferiority) to the throne of grace, TO THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (see Hebrews 4:16). We believers are truly the sons of God, and we are partakers of the divine (or God) nature. Glory to God! #UnveilingMysteries #SpiritLife #shareTheWord

Don't Hesitate to Confess Jesus Publicly

Jesus Christ was not crucified secretly; He was crucified publicly. So we do not preach Him secretly either; we preach Him publicly; and those who will receive the gospel will also have to confess Jesus publicly as their Lord and Savior. Jesus said, “Therefore whoever confesses Me BEFORE MEN, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.  But whoever denies Me BEFORE MEN, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:33 NKJV). You cannot be a quiet or secret Christian. Let us hold fast our confession. Let us follow the example of the early disciples. When Jesus sent them out, He said, “Whatever I tell you in the dark, SPEAK IN THE LIGHT; and what you hear in the ear, PREACH ON THE HOUSETOPS." (Matthew 10:27 NKJV). And thus in this manner, all the disciples conducted their ministry.

Also, in the Acts of the Apostles we read that Philip, passing through Azotus, PREACHED IN ALL THE CITIES till he came to Caesarea" (Acts 8:40 NKJV). The apostle Paul likewise preached the gospel publicly to the people of Ephesus, and to those who believed, he said, "I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you PUBLICLY and FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE" (see Acts 20:20 NKJV). Today I also preach the gospel publicly, for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. The Bible says, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9). Glory to God! #PreachTheGospel #shareTheWord

Lay Hold on Your Victory in Christ

When you enter a store with your parents, they don't pay for something they don't want you to have. Likewise, Jesus wouldn't pay for something He doesn't want you to have. He paid for your healing because He wants you healed and in good health. By His stripes you were healed. Lay hold on your healing by believing in what Jesus has accomplished for you. Salvation is for those who truly believe in the redemptive work of Christ; healing is for those who truly believe in what Jesus has accomplished on the cross. When you believe, you receive. The devil has no right to make you bear the burden and the judgment which Jesus has already borne for you (including sin and diseases), unless you consent to it. So submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Lay hold on your inheritance in Christ. Lay hold on your freedom from sin and your dominion over sin. Lay hold on your healing and deliverance from every oppression of the devil. Lay hold on prosperity. Lay hold on your victory over Satan and all his angels. In Christ, you have victory; in Christ you're more than a conqueror; in Christ you're an overcomer; in Christ you have been called to a glorious life. Enjoy it! Remain blessed.

Have You Given God Your Heart?

My dear friend, God is not after your mind as much as He is after your heart. He says, "My son, GIVE ME YOUR HEART, And let your eyes observe my ways." (Proverbs 23:26 NKJV). Have you given God your heart? God wants you to give Him your heart foremost, because He knows that once He lays hold on your heart, nothing will stop you from giving Him your mind also. Will you give Him your heart today? He is standing at the door of your heart knocking, seeking to come in and fellowship with you. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20 NKJV). Open the door of your heart to the Lord, and He will transform your life, guaranteed! Invite Him into your heart today, and He will not just transform your heart, He will give you a new heart, and put in you a new spirit (see Ezekiel 11:19-20; Ezekiel 36:26); indeed He will create you anew (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) and make you the beloved son of God. (see John 1:12). Jesus will give you rest in every sense of the word, if you will just come to Him today. (see Matthew 11:28).

If you are ready to sincerely give Jesus your heart, to make HIM your Lord and Savior and thus receive eternal life, pray this prayer from your heart: “Almighty God, Your Word says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me my sins and to cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. Today I acknowledge and confess that I am a sinner in need of salvation, and I thank you for sending your beloved Son, Jesus Christ to die for me and to bear the judgment for my sins. I believe that Jesus Christ was crucified for my sins and was raised from the dead for my justification. I accept Jesus today as my Lord and Savior. And I thank You that I have received eternal life in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

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Are Believers Saved? Did Jesus Succeed in Saving His People From Their Sins?

Long before Jesus was conceived, God declared through the prophet Jeremiah that a time was coming when He (God) would make a New Covenant with His people in which He will FORGIVE ALL THEIR SINS AND REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE (see Jeremiah 31:31-34). This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 8:10-13; Hebrews 9:25-28; Hebrews 10:10-18; and Matthew 26:28).

Even before Jesus was born, an angel appeared to His father, Joseph, to announce His name, saying: "...YOU ARE TO GIVE HIM THE NAME JESUS, because HE WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.” (Matthew 1:21 NIV, emphasis mine). Clearly, "saving His people from their sins" was Jesus' job description; it was His sole mission on Earth. Thus, when John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching him for baptism, he introduced Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." (see John 1:29). The following day when John the Baptist saw Jesus again, he  reintroduced Him as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (see John 1:36). The Bible also states that on the night before Jesus was crucified, He pronounced His blood as the blood of the New Covenant, "which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (see Matthew 26:28). Also, before Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross, the Bible says He announced the successful completion of His mission on earth by crying out, "It is finished" (see John 19:30). Thus, Jesus’ redemptive work was completed (or finished) after the full punishment for all sins (past, present and future) was exacted on Him at the cross. Hebrews 9:27-28 affirms that Jesus died once  to bear the sins of many. Jesus will never die again. (see Romans 6:9). His one time sacrifice is good for all time. (see Hebrews 7:27). He offered one sacrifice for sins forever. (see Hebrews 10:10). And because of that sacrifice, God has promised to remember the believer's sins no more, let alone punish the believer again for sin (see Hebrews 10:17-18, and Hebrews 8:12; with Jeremiah 31:31-34). This does not in any way suggest that God has gone soft on sin; rather, it confirms that God is completely satisfied with Jesus' ONE TIME payment for sin.

Hence,  Jesus, after His resurrection, and before His ascension to Heaven, said to His disciples, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,  and that REPENTANCE and REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED in HIS NAME to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46‭-‬47 NKJV, emphasis mine). Then, He commanded the disciples to “Go into all the world and preach THE GOSPEL to every creature. HE WHO BELIEVES and is baptized WILL BE SAVED; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15‭-‬16 NKJV, brackets and emphasis mine). Later, Jesus would give the same command to Paul while sending him to the Gentiles “to open their eyes, in order  to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE FORGIVENESS OF SINS and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’” (see Acts 26:18 NKJV, emphasis mine). Thus, Peter, in preaching the gospel as commanded by Jesus, proclaims: “For Christ also hath ONCE suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18, emphasis mine). And Paul adds, "In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE.” (Ephesians 1:7, brackets and emphasis mine). John also declares that Jesus Christ is “THE ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2, emphasis mine). In other words, Jesus has paid the penalty for everyone's sins. That is called grace (unmerited, undeserved favor). But you have to believe (or put faith in) what Jesus has already accomplished in order to benefit from it, or be saved (see Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:8-9; Acts 16:31). What this means is that it is not a person’s many sins that will send them to hell; it is the singular sin of not believing in Jesus Christ that will send a person to hell (see John 3:36, John 16:8-9, 1 John 5:11-12). Jesus already bore the full extent of God's wrath against our sins, as He who knew no sin became sin (see 2 Corinthians 5:21), and also became a curse (see Galatians 3:13), and was thus forsaken by God (see Matthew 27:46), so that you and I will be reconciled to God (see 2 Corinthians 5:19), be redeemed from the curse of the Law (see Galatians 3:13), and become the righteousness of God in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). This should make us all tremble with holy reverence and worship. It should make us all eternally grateful to Jesus.

As further proof that Jesus’ one time sacrifice for sins was accepted by God, the Bible tells us that when Christ's mission on earth was done, He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God (see Hebrews 9:12, with Hebrews 10:12-14; Ephesians 1:20-23; and Ephesians 2:4-6). So my question for you today is, "Did Jesus succeed in saving His people from their sins?" Did the Lamb of God succeed in taking away the sins of the world? "Yes" or "No?"

Beloved, Jesus either accomplished His mission of saving His people from their sins, or He failed. What is your assessment? What do you believe? The Bible's assessment is that Jesus accomplished His mission of purifying us from our sins. Hebrews 1:3 says when Jesus had by Himself accomplished purification from sins, He took His seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high. In other words, FORGIVENESS OF SINS OR PURIFICATION FROM SINS IS AN ACCOMPLISHED WORK of Christ, and the effect of it is that a believer is not even to be conscious of sin (see Hebrews 10:1-3). Believing this fact is important because the complete forgiveness of sins is the main clause of the New Covenant. In the New Covenant, God says: “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (see Jeremiah 31:31-34). Jesus Christ has already purchased salvation with the atoning sacrifice of His own blood and offers it as a free gift to those who believe (see John 3:14-16, John 3:36, Acts 16:31, Romans 3:23-24, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Ephesians 2:4-6, Romans 10:9, Titus 3:4-7). “By one sacrifice, He has made perfect forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14). Today, God is merciful to your unrighteousness and no longer remembers your sins because the punishment for your sins has already been exhausted on the body of Jesus at the cross. God remembers your sins NO MORE, not because you don't sin anymore, but because Jesus' blood has put away all your sins (see Hebrews 9:26) and continues to cleanse you (see 1 John 1:7). This is why the Bible assures us in 1 John 2:1 that if anyone sins, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One.” What this means is that if anyone sins, Jesus Christ who paid for all our sins sits in Heaven as our Advocate (or our Lawyer). As our Lawyer, Jesus will stand and show the scars from the piercings in his hands, feet and side, as well as point to the blood He shed on the cross as the evidence or the divine receipt for our eternal redemption (or forgiveness), and defend us that there is now no condemnation for us because we are in Him. (see Romans 8:1). He will insist that no one can bring a charge against God’s elect. (see Romans 8:33). Jesus is indeed the atonement for all our sins, and He will never have to die again for sins (see Romans 6:9-10); nor will He allow the believer to suffer or make another sacrifice for his own sins. (see Hebrews 10:18). Such is the good news of Christ! This is why the apostles could confidently proclaim in Acts 13:38-39 that everyone who believes in Jesus is "forgiven and justified of ALL sins, a justification which was not possible under the law of Moses." It is also why John could confidently assure believers that we have eternal life. (see 1 John 5:13). As a believer, continually confessing and asking for the forgiveness of your sins is denouncing that you are already forgiven. It is simply a sign of unbelief. It is proof that you don't believe in Jesus’ one time sacrifice for your ETERNAL redemption. Instead of confessing your sins, you should rather be thanking God everyday for the forgiveness of your sins. 

Beloved, to know Jesus Christ is to know that you are forgiven of ALL sins – past, present and future. Jesus only died for our sins once and will never die again (see Romans 6:9-10). When He died 2000 years ago, you had not been born yet and had not committed any sins yet, so  all your sins were in the future. If Jesus' blood cannot forgive future sins, then you cannot expect to be saved. You are only saved because Jesus' blood can forgive sins even before you commit them. The Bible declares, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place ONCE FOR ALL BY HIS OWN BLOOD, thus obtaining ETERNAL REDEMPTION." (Hebrews 9:11-12 NIV, emphasis mine). The last verse clearly states that the forgiveness we have received through the blood of Jesus is ETERNAL. Our sins are forgiven for His name's sake (see 1 John 2:12) once and for all. This assurance gives believers security and peace knowing that God is not mad at us and will never be mad at us. The apostle Paul says in Romans 5:1 that “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul also adds that we will be saved from God’s wrath through Jesus. (see Romans 5:9). And since all of God's promises are Yes and Amen in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 1:20), we can confidently say that we have been saved from God's wrath through Jesus. Thus, Paul proclaims: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." (Romans 8:33-34 NIV).

Beloved, if you have accepted the sacrifice Jesus made for your sins (by faith in Christ), then you’re born again; your spirit is perfect (Hebrews 12:23); you are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and you're just like Jesus in this world (see 1 John 4:17). You are blessed and highly favored! And God has called you into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (see 1 Corinthians 1:9). John says our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.  (see 1 John 1:3).

Unfortunately, however, Religion has taught many believers that sin breaks our fellowship with God. Some even believe that they lose their salvation every time they sin, until it’s confessed. Others believe their prayers can’t get answered, or they can’t be used by God when they sin. That’s certainly not good news, since all of us have sinned (Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8). Some churches have even developed a whole doctrine around the confession of sins and have burdened believers unnecessarily. Instead of receiving forgiveness by grace, they have made it into a law that no man can ever keep perfectly. I want to ask those of you who believe your forgiveness or salvation depends on how well you confess your sins: Have you honestly been able to confess every single sin you’ve committed today? Have you confessed your worries? The Bible says “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23); do you always walk in faith? Have you confessed every doubt and every wrong thought?  James 4:17 says if you know the good that needs to be done and you don’t do it, it’s a sin; have you done everything that you know is good. Have you loved everyone as well as you should? Have you helped every poor person today? Have you visited every prisoner or sick person today? No! It is just impossible! There’s just no way anyone can confess all their sins perfectly. And the Bible states clearly that "whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, is guilty of all" (see James 2:10). If you really believe that, as a believer, you have to confess your sins to be forgiven, then you can't miss any sin; you can't have any unconfessed sin; you need to confess every sin all the time. Otherwise, you're still "guilty of all," for "judgement is without mercy" (see James 2:13). I'm sure now you recognize how impossible this is. Even if it were possible to confess every single sin, that would put the burden of forgiveness and salvation on you and not on Jesus. And I can promise you that once you make the forgiveness of your sins your responsibility, you’ll put yourself under a law you can’t keep, and you’ll have to deal with the bondage and oppression that comes with it. The Bible clearly states that the forgiveness of your sins is ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE (see Ephesians 1:7), and not according to your confession.

I’m sure by now you’re probably asking, “What about 1 John 1:9? Doesn’t it say, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness?” Well, good question. Before I answer this question, I wish to draw your attention to the fact that the apostle Paul, who alone wrote over two-thirds of the New Covenant epistles, never mentioned the “confession of sins” as a doctrine among believers in any of his letters to the churches, even though he had numerous opportunities to address sinful behavior, especially in his letter to the Corinthians who were clearly guilty of fornication and other sins. Paul’s solution to the problem of sinful behavior in the Corinthian Church was to remind them that their “body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you…” (see 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 3:16). He reminded them of their righteous identity in Christ. There was not a single mention that these believers had to confess their sins. John didn't ask believers to confess their sins either. Many people have failed to pay attention to the words, the context, as well as the message in First John 1:9.

First John 1:9 is talking about when the natural (or unregenerate) man first comes to Christ. The natural man (or the man who has not yet accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior) is a sinner, regardless of how much good he does. In fact, he was born a sinner  (see Psalm 51:5), and is thus programmed to sin, because he has the devil working in him (see Ephesians 2:2-3). When Adam fell into sin (see Genesis 3), we were all still in Adam’s loins. So we all became sinners through one man’s (or Adam’s) disobedience. (see Romans 5:18-19). By virtue of us being “in Adam,” all die. (see 1 Corinthians 15:22, NKJV). So sin entered the world through Adam, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. (see Romans 5:12-14). Hence, the natural man has Adam’s sin nature in him. The natural man has no fellowship with God, which is why John is inviting him into fellowship with God. (see 1 John 1:3). The Bible says the natural man is alienated or cut off from God. (see Colossians 1:21-23). The Bible calls the natural man a child of disobedience and a child of wrath. (see Ephesians 2:2-3; Colossians 3:6). And so when the natural man comes to Christ, he must first acknowledge that he is a sinner. He must confess his sins or confess that he is a sinner who needs forgiveness. And when that confession is made sincerely from the heart, God is faithful and just to forgive that man his sins and to cleanse him from ALL unrighteousness. Notice that God chooses His words very carefully. He says He will cleanse that man of ALL unrighteousness. ALL means ALL. This is a one-time thing. When ALL is cleansed, there’s none left to be cleansed. Even a child can understand this. And yet, Satan has blinded many people's understanding on this.

From that point forward after the natural man comes to Christ to confess that he is a sinner, and thus accepts and confesses Jesus as his Lord and Savior, that man is forgiven of ALL sins; he is eternally forgiven; he has eternal (not temporary) redemption (see Hebrews 9:12; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Colossians 2:13). God, who is faithful and just, fulfills His promise and cleanses him from ALL unrighteousness. He is born again, or born from above (see John 3:3, 7) or re-created according to the righteous and holy nature of God. (see Ephesians 4:24; 2 Peter 1:4). God Himself gives birth to him out of His own will through the Word of truth. (see James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23), and He becomes the begotten son of God (see John 1:12, James 1:18, 1 John 5:) who is accepted in the Beloved (see Ephesians 1:6). He becomes a member of God’s Family -- an heir of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. (see Romans 8:16-17). He becomes Jesus’ brother, and Jesus is not ashamed to call him a brother. (see Hebrews 2:11). So from the moment a person comes to Christ, he is a new creation. (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). He is a partaker of God's divine nature. (see 2 Peter 1:4). He has the life of God. (see 1 John 5:11-12). He has eternal life. (see 1 John 5:13, John 6:47). And He has fellowship with God and with Jesus Christ. (see 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3). He dies to Adam and his sin nature, and is made alive in Christ and receives His righteous nature, so that just as in Adam all die, even so in Christ, all are made alive. (see 1 Corinthians 15:22). Just as by one man's (or Adam's) disobedience you were made (or became) a sinner, even so through one Man’s (or Christ's) obedience, you are made (or become) righteous. (see Romans 5:19). Hence, even though there are sinners in the natural world (unbelievers), there are no sinners in Christ or in the Body of Christ. In Christ, all are saints. (see 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 2:19). All are righteous. (see Romans 5:19). And sin cannot change that. This is why First John 3:9 says, "Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." This is a spiritual fact. It is a spiritual reality. You can't understand it with your natural mind. God sees the believer as so righteous that he cannot sin. In God’s eyes, as Jesus is, so are we in this world. (see 1 John 4:17). God sees the believer as righteous and sinless as Jesus. God sees the believer as His own righteousness. We are the righteousness of God in Christ. (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Just ask yourself this question: how pure is the righteousness of God? Well, that is you, my dear believer.

A believer is the righteousness of God in Christ. It is God Himself who has established the believer in righteousness, just as He promised long ago that He would do. (see Isaiah 54:14). And when God justifies, who is he that condemns? (see Romans 8:33-34). Jesus Himself is the believer's righteousness (see 1 Corinthians 1:30). This is why every believer should have dominion over sin. Sin shouldn't have dominion over the believer, because the believer is not under law, but under grace. (see Romans 6:14). Satan is the author of sin. He has been sinning from the beginning. (see 1 John 3:8). Sin exists in Satan’s kingdom (of darkness); it doesn’t exist in God’s Kingdom (of Light). And the Bible says that the believer has been rescued or delivered by God from the power of darkness, and been translated or conveyed into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. (see Colossians 1:13). So Satan (and sin) has no power over the believer. Satan (and sin) used to be our master before we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. But now, since we are in Christ, we are in the Kingdom of Light and we are seated in the heavenly realms (on the right hand of God) with Christ and in Christ (see Ephesians 2:4-6) “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:21 NKJV). The believer is now a master over Satan and sin. We have transitioned from being slaves of Satan and sin to being Masters over Satan and sin, thanks to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All believers need to catch a revelation of this truth.

When the believer catches a revelation of who he truly is, when the believer comes to know that he is truly righteous in Christ, that is when he is empowered to live a righteous life free of sin's dominion. The believer has to know his true identity. He has to become righteousness-conscious and not sin-conscious. He has to be "Christ-in-me"-conscious. Sin-consciousness is for the unbeliever. The body of Christ hasn't caught a full revelation of what Christ did and has done for us. Many are yet to catch the revelation of what we have become in Christ. This is why so many believers are so preoccupied with sin-consciousness and are living in sin. Every time they hear someone preach about the believer’s righteous identity, the only thing they think about is, "What about sin?" People are still in bondage to sin and sin-consciousness. But it shouldn't be that way. The blood of Jesus that washed us from our sins (see Revelation 1:5) is more powerful than sin, and the Bible says it (continually) cleanses us. (see 1 John 1:7). This is like standing under the waterfall of Jesus’ precious blood; it never stops cleansing you. Christ who is in you is greater than all the sin in the world (see 1 John 4:4), and He is in you to help you live a life of dominion over sin. Acknowledge Him always. Be conscious of Him. Christ is in you; that is the hope of glory. (see Colossians 1:27). It is the glory of the believer. It is the secret of Christianity. Without that revelation, you can call yourself a believer or a Christian all you want, but you are nothing. Satan will never be scared of you, and he will rob you and make a mockery of you. Satan is only scared of believers who truly know who they are. Satan cannot condemn a believer who knows that he is the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. He can never condemn a believer who knows and believes that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (see Romans 8:1). He cannot condemn a believer who knows that no one can bring a charge against God’s elect  (see Romans 8:33). You can be that believer. Renew your mind with the Word of God. (see Romans 12:2). And by the way, it is just stupid for a believer to live in sin. Sin is beneath the dignity of a true child of God. Sinning is submitting to Satan. (see Romans 6:16). No true child of God wants to submit to Satan by sinning, because we're masters over Satan. You just need to have this revelation!

Unfortunately there are many ministers behind the pulpit today who don't have the true revelation of the gospel. They themselves don't even believe (the good news) that they have received the remission of sins through the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and so they themselves are not saved, since salvation is for only those who believe the gospel. (see Mark 16:15-16). Jesus told the disciples “that REPENTANCE and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (see Luke 24:47 NKJV,  emphasis mine). That is the core message of the gospel. And so Peter, in response, preached on the day of Pentecost saying, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 NKJV, emphasis mine). “Repent” simply means change your mind. In another sermon, Peter proclaims: “For Christ also hath ONCE suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18, emphasis mine). And Paul adds, "In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE.” (Ephesians 1:7, brackets and emphasis mine). Peter and Paul could boldly preach this gospel because they believed it. They believed they had received the remission of their sins in the name of Jesus. Thus, Peter and Paul were no hypocrites. They believed the gospel and preached it. But today, there are many preachers behind the pulpit who don't believe the gospel. How can you preach repentance and remission of sins to unbelievers when you yourself don't believe you have received it? How can you preach salvation to all nations when you yourself don't believe you're saved? Such is the sad state of many preachers today in our churches, and they are sadly self-deceived. They have been ordained by men, but they are certainly not ordained by God. They themselves live in sin, so all they preach about is sin, condemnation and death. Paul said such people walk as enemies of the cross of Christ  (see Philippians 3:18). Jesus said, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matthew 23:13 NKJV). Indeed, such preachers are not saved; nor are they saving any souls. They must as well just become shoe repairers. Perhaps then, they might at least save some soles.

Beloved, your sins are ETERNALLY forgiven because of your faith in Jesus Christ. That is why John assures you of ETERNAL life (read 1 John 5:13 again). God has promised to remember your sins no more (see Jeremiah 31:31-34). And if you check in your dictionary right now, you'll notice that "No More" still means NO MORE! You don’t need to keep reminding God of your sin, the one thing He has promised not to remember. You should rather be thanking Him. Instead of being sin-conscious, become righteousness-conscious and receive the power of God to have dominion over sin. The forgiveness of your sins is in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (see Ephesians 1:7), and not in accordance with your confession of sins. It is my prayer that you’ll eventually lose consciousness of sin (see Hebrews 10:1-2) and frequently remind yourself of your righteousness in Christ and your blessedness. "David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one TO WHOM GOD CREDITS RIGHTEOUSNESS APART FROM WORKS: “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NEVER COUNT AGAINST THEM.” (Romans 4:6-8 NIV, emphasis mine). That blessed man is you, my dear believer. Your blessing is that even when you sin, that sin will not be counted against you (because it has already been counted against Jesus, and Jesus' righteousness has been imputed to you – see 2 Corinthians 5:21).  This should make you love Jesus more! Jesus Himself has said that the one that is forgiven much loves much (see Luke 7:36-47). The truth, my dear friend, is that we have all been forgiven much! I pray that you will receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation to understand that Jesus succeeded in saving you from your sins.

If you're not yet a believer, here's an invitation to you. Today, you have heard Jesus’ voice, may you not harden your hearts. (see Hebrews 4:6-7). If you believe in Jesus Christ and confess Him as your Lord and Savior, He will come to live in your heart, and you too will have eternal life. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (I John 5:11-12 NKJV). If you desire to receive Jesus and make HIM your Lord and Savior today, pray this prayer from your heart: “Almighty God, Your Word says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me my sins and to cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. Today I acknowledge and confess that I am a sinner in need of salvation, and I thank you for sending your beloved Son, Jesus Christ to die for me and to bear the judgment for my sins. I believe that Jesus Christ was crucified for my sins and was raised from the dead for my justification. I accept Jesus today as my Lord and Savior. And I thank You that I have received eternal life in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer sincerely from your heart, I’m happy for you. Welcome to God’s Family. I encourage you to join a local church that preaches the gospel of grace so that you can grow further in your knowledge and understanding of the Word of God. You’re now God’s beloved child. You're now a new creation in Christ. The devil had a hold over your old man because of sin, but he has no hold over you as a new creation – because of righteousness. I thank God that you have been born again as a new creation in Christ. Stop regarding yourself according to the flesh (see 2 Corinthians 5:16). You are no longer a sinner. There is a permanent change in your spirit. You have the life of God in you. You have the new nature of Christ in you. You have His ability in you. You are no longer held back by the past and you can live for the future in Christ, according to all His promises. You are an overcomer. (see 1 John 5:4-5). You can experience the overcoming life by walking in faith and by allowing Jesus to live through you. (see Galatians 2:20). The victory that overcomes is your faith. Remain blessed.

I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

Don't Just Be a Christian in Word; Be a Christian in Word and Deed

Beloved, Christianity is not just another religion, as some wrongly believe. Jesus didn't come from Heaven to die such a painful and horrific death for us, be buried, and rise again on the third day, just to give the world one more empty religion. No, Christianity is THE LIFE OF GOD (or the fullness of God) MADE MANIFEST IN MAN. God lives in and through the believer (or Christian), and reigns through us. This is why Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ; IT IS NO LONGER I WHO LIVE, BUT CHRIST LIVES IN ME; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NKJV, emphasis mine). It is also the reason John said, “You are of God, little children, and HAVE OVERCOME THEM, because HE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 NKJV, emphasis mine). Many Christians today may not understand the reality of the fullness of God in the believer because they cannot relate to it. They have been brought up to just attend “church” and perform some routine empty rituals and prayers, and so they think that is Christianity. Beloved, that is not Christianity. There is power in Christianity, and that power is THE POWER OF THE LIVING GOD. You can live and experience that power right here on earth and right now. In fact, Christianity is THE KINGDOM OF GOD CONFERRED OR BESTOWED ON MEN. Jesus said, “And I BESTOW UPON YOU A KINGDOM, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me” (Luke 22:29 NKJV, emphasis mine). And Paul said of this Kingdom, that “the Kingdom of God is NOT A MATTER OF TALK but OF POWER." (1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV). Indeed if you are already a Christian, you can begin to live this life of power that you were called to live, by following these three (3) simple steps:

1. KNOW and ACKNOWLEDGE every good thing that is in you and is yours in Christ. More importantly, know and acknowledge that Christ is in you (see Colossians 1:27); that God is in you (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 John 4:4); that the fullness of God is in you (see John 1:16; Ephesians 3:19); and that you are complete in Christ. (see Colossians 2:9-10).

Beloved, you cannot acknowledge what you don't know, so you first have to read (or hear), know and understand the Word of God and what it says about you and your life in Christ. Then once you know who you are and what is in you, according to the Bible, you have to acknowledge (i.e. accept or admit the existence or truth of) every good thing that is in you and is yours in Christ. This was also Paul’s prayer for Philemon when he said, "I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective and powerful because of YOUR ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE (AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT) OF EVERY GOOD THING WHICH IS OURS IN CHRIST." (PHILEMON 1:6 AMP, brackets and emphasis mine). Beloved, the life of God is in you (see 1 John 5:11-13; John 6:47); it is yours. The power of God is in you (Ephesians 1:19-20; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 2:13); it is yours. The righteousness of God is in you (see 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:22; Romans 5:17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 4:24); it is yours. The wisdom of God is in you (see 1 Corinthians 1:30; with 1 Corinthians 1:24); it is yours. Not only are you the son or daughter of God (see John 1:12; Galatians 3:26; 1 John 3:1), God Himself is fully present in you. (see John 1:16; Ephesians 3:19). The Bible says, “I said, “You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.” (Psalm 82:6 NKJV). And yet because of your ignorance,  “you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.” (Psalm 82:7 NKJV). Indeed, many Christians today are living in ignorance, and dying like men. They lack knowledge (of the truth of God's Word), and because of that they are living in defeat; they are perishing. (see Hosea 4:6).

Beloved, you are not a mere man, so don't behave like one. (see 1 Corinthians 3:3). You have to lay hold on (eternal) life and live the life of God (or eternal life) that ìs in you. Paul said, “Fight the good fight of faith, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, TO WHICH YOU WERE ALSO CALLED and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV,  emphasis mine). Truly, you have to know every good thing that is in you, and make an acknowledgement of that which you know. You must know who you are in Christ and acknowledge it. That is the first step to living and manifesting the life or fullness of God.

2. Be always CONSCIOUS (or aware) of who you are in Christ, and what good things are in you. Paul said to Timothy, "MEDITATE on these things; GIVE YOURSELF ENTIRELY to them, THAT YOUR PROGRESS MAY BE EVIDENT TO ALL." (1 Timothy 4:15 NKJV, emphasis mine). Beloved, MEDITATION brings CONSCIOUSNESS, and thus PROGRESS. Staying conscious of who you are in Christ, what you have in Christ, and what you can do in Christ (which was also Paul’s prayer for the Church of Ephesus -- see Ephesians 3:14-19), can be achieved through constant meditation on the Word of God. (see Joshua 1:8-9; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 4:20-22; Acts 20:32). Give yourself entirely to the Word of God. When you meditate on the Word of God and know the truth, you will not focus on the lies of this world that are told through the philosophies of men, and through your own adverse circumstances or afflictions. When you know and are constantly conscious of the truth of God’s Word, you will come to understand like Paul, that every affliction is light and momentary (see 2 Corinthians 4:17); that every affliction comes not to stay, but to pass, and to work for your good. And so you will not look at these temporary afflictions. You will not look at what is seen. You will not walk by sight, but by faith (or by the Word of God). And so we all as Christians should heed to James’ admonition when he says, “My brethren, COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YOU FALL INTO VARIOUS TRIALS, knowing that THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES PATIENCE.” (James 1:2‭-‬3 NKJV,  emphasis mine). Indeed, no trial can overcome the child of God. All trials work to perfect us or bring us to maturity in the faith, to the stature of the fullness of Christ. And so we have to look at all trials through the right lenses. Face all trials with the right attitude. The Bible says, “And WE KNOW that ALL THINGS work together FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV). “And we (believers) KNOW... “ Beloved, what do you KNOW? We know that ALL THINGS work together for OUR GOOD. What you know can build you up or break you down.

As believers, the Bible says that even though our outward man (or body) is perishing, our inward man (or spirit) is renewed day by day. (see 2 Corinthians 4:16). Whenever you look at that pain or sickness in your body, you are looking at the wrong thing. Whenever you look at the negative balance in your bank account, you are looking at the wrong thing. Stop looking or focusing on your outward man and start focusing on your inward man. Be conscious of the inward man, and see (or focus on) how he is faring, because the inward man is the real you, and he is doing REALLY WELL; he is healthy and prosperous (see 3 John 1:2; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 8:9), and he is blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. (see Ephesians 1:3). When you are constantly conscious of who you are on the inside, you will live the life that your inward man lives -- a life of victory, a life of prosperity, a life of abundance, a life of joy, a life of peace, a life of good success. Indeed the life of your spirit (which is the life of God) will manifest in your body as you walk in the consciousness of who you are in the spirit.

Beloved, this is so important that I will repeat it: Don't look or focus on your body and your outer circumstances; don’t focus on the negative report (or those things which your adverse circumstances tell you), because those things are temporary. You need to focus instead on who you permanently are (in the spirit). Focus on the things which are not seen. Paul said, "While we LOOK NOT AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN, but AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN: for THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN are TEMPORAL; but the things which are NOT SEEN are ETERNAL." (2 Corinthians 4:18). Look at the things which are not seen. Look at who you are in your spirit. Your spirit is prosperous and always flourishing. It is renewed day by day. When you are conscious of this, of the good things God has blessed you with in the spirit, of how your spirit is being renewed day by day, (then in your body also) your youth will be renewed like the eagle's. (see Psalm 103:5). The Psalmist says, "The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance." (Psalm 16:6 NKJV). You need to have the same attitude, and say the same thing, because you have a good inheritance. The Bible says that in Christ, "WE HAVE OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE." (see Ephesians 1:11). It is a good inheritance. It includes every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. (see Ephesians 1:3). It includes all things that pertain to life and godliness. (see 2 Peter 1:3). Indeed it is a good inheritance that must be unpacked and possessed. As Paul puts it, this inheritance, this package of salvation must be worked out. (see Philippians 2:12). It must be unpacked and possessed. Just as God gave the children of Israel the (promised) land and told them to go in and possess it (see Deuteronomy 1:8), we are being asked to do the same thing -- to possess or lay hold on our inheritance in Christ. This is where we separate the real or practicing Christians from the lipservice ones (or those who just profess to be Christians, but are not Christians in deed or are not doers of the Word). Beloved, you have to be a doer of the Word. James said that only the doers of the Word will be blessed in what they do. (see James 1:25). Now let's move on to the third and final step to living and manifesting the life or fullness of God.

3. Confess, and hold fast your confession (of who you are in Christ, what you have in Christ, and what you can do in Christ). These are also called faith proclamations. And mind you, you don't confess to make the things you're confessing a reality; you confess because they are already the reality, and you believe them. And so you confess out of conviction.

Thus, the three steps we are discussing here all work together harmoniously and systematically. First, you read the Word of God to KNOW and ACKNOWLEDGE who you are, what you have, and what you can do in Christ. Second, you meditate and become conscious of every good thing which is in you and is yours in Christ. Third, you speak/confess those things as true and belonging to you in reality. You confess because you believe it in your heart. (2 Corinthians 4:13). You don't confess in order for you to believe it or to have it; you confess because the Bible says you already have it, and you believe from deep within your heart that it is true. Thus when you confess, you say things like: eternal life is mine, prosperity is mine, good success is mine, righteousness is mine, victory is mine, divine health is mine, power is mine, all blessings are mine, the whole world is mine. Hallelujah! Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45; Matthew 12:34). He said,  “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART HIS MOUTH SPEAKS.” (Luke 6:45 NKJV,  emphasis mine). If you're a true believer (or Christian), you're a good man; you're the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). And so your words (which are spoken out of the abundance of your heart) will tell us if you are indeed a true believer or not. You have to choose to sanctify yourself (or set yourself apart to God) by speaking the truth, which is the Word of God (see John 17:17; Romans 12:1-2), rather than defile yourself with the words of this world. (see  Matthew 15:11; Mark 7:15).

Beloved, you have to understand the power of your words and always speak or confess  faith-filled words or words that agree with the Word of God. (see Amos 3:3). The Bible says, "By faith we understand that THE WORLDS WERE FRAMED BY THE WORD of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3 NKJV, emphasis mine). Indeed, words are the most powerful things in the universe. The whole universe was created with words; God called things that did not exist as though they did. (see Romans 4:17). And they came into existence. In fact, without words, the entire creation wouldn't exist. The Bible says that Jesus holds everything in place by the Word of His power. (see Hebrews 1:3). And so all of creation responds to words. Therefore, the words that proceed from your mouth are important in framing your world or charting the course of your life. Negative or fear-filled words will bring you defeat, and positive or faith-filled words will put you over the top. Many people have habitually spoken Satan’s words (or the words of this world which are contrary to the Word of God), and by so doing, they have put themselves in bondage. But God's Word (or promises) when habitually spoken out in faith from the heart will produce liberty, success and victory in your life. Indeed faith-filled words on your lips will give substance to all of God's promises for you; they will cause God's promises to manifest or materialize in your life. Begin speaking faith-filled words over your life from this moment onwards, and you will see yourself rising higher in life each day.

Moreover, the Bible says that we are to hold fast our confession (see Hebrews 4:14). In other words, we are to continually confess what the Bible says about us, and what we want to see happen in our lives (in the light of the Word of God). We are to confess with our mouth unto salvation (see Romans 10:10) -- salvation from diseases, poverty, and every power of darkness or negative circumstance. Begin to use your mouth today to chart the course of your life. The Bible says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV). Determine today never to walk or judge by what you see or hear. Don't speak what you see; speak what the Word of God says; speak what you want to see, because the Bible says that you will have whatever you say. (see Mark 11:23). Speak life. Speak God's blessings or promises. Imitate your Father God by calling those things which do not exist as though they did. (see Romans 4:17). Begin to call health where there is sickness or disease, call life where there is death, and call the abundance of provision where there is need.

Beloved, if you follow these three steps that have been discussed here, you will never be unfruitful in your knowledge of Christ. Indeed, if every so-called Christian were to follow these steps and become practicing Christians (or Christians in both word and deed), the sharing of our faith (or the preaching of the gospel) would be very effective and powerful, because our normal lives would be supernatural (or spiritual), and all men and women, seeing our works that result from the power we have, would crave to be like us and to be witnesses to Christ with us, to the praise and glory of God the Father.

"I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective and powerful because of your accurate knowledge (and acknowledgment) of every good thing which is ours in Christ." (PHILEMON 1:6 AMP, brackets mine). And I also pray that you will hold fast your confession. (see Hebrews 4:14). Amen. Remain blessed.

To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"

A Miracle Happens When the Natural Man Comes to Christ

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9 NKJV).

Beloved, many believers are confused about the verse quoted above, but they shouldn’t be. First John 1:9 is talking about when the natural (or unregenerate) man first comes to Christ. The natural man (or the man who has not yet accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior) is a sinner, regardless of how much good he does. In fact, he was born a sinner  (see Psalm 51:5), and is thus programmed to sin, because he has the devil working in him (see Ephesians 2:2-3). When Adam fell into sin (see Genesis 3), we were all still in Adam’s loins. So we all became sinners through one man’s (or Adam’s) disobedience. (see Romans 5:18-19). By virtue of us being “in Adam,” all die. (see 1 Corinthians 15:22, NKJV). So sin entered the world through Adam, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. (see Romans 5:12-14). Hence, the natural man has Adam’s sin nature in him. The natural man has no fellowship with God, which is why John is inviting him into fellowship with God. (see 1 John 1:3). The Bible says the natural man is alienated or cut off from God. (see Colossians 1:21-23). The Bible calls the natural man a child of disobedience and a child of wrath. (see Ephesians 2:2-3; Colossians 3:6). And so when the natural man comes to Christ, he must first acknowledge that he is a sinner. He must confess his sins or confess that he is a sinner who needs forgiveness. And when that confession is made sincerely from the heart, God is faithful and just to forgive that man his sins and to cleanse him from ALL unrighteousness. Notice that God chooses His words very carefully. He says He will cleanse that man of ALL unrighteousness. ALL means ALL. This is a one-time thing. When ALL is cleansed, there’s none left to be cleansed. Even a child can understand this. And yet, Satan has blinded many people's understanding on this.

From that point forward after the natural man comes to Christ to confess that he is a sinner, and thus accepts and confesses Jesus as his Lord and Savior, that man is forgiven of ALL sins; he is eternally forgiven; he has eternal (not temporary) redemption (see Hebrews 9:12; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Colossians 2:13). God, who is faithful and just, fulfills His promise and cleanses him from ALL unrighteousness. He is born again, or born from above (see John 3:3, 7) or re-created according to the righteous and holy nature of God. (see Ephesians 4:24; 2 Peter 1:4). God Himself gives birth to him out of His own will through the Word of truth. (see James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23), and He becomes the begotten son of God (see John 1:12, James 1:18, 1 John 5:) who is accepted in the Beloved (see Ephesians 1:6). He becomes a member of God’s Family -- an heir of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. (see Romans 8:16-17). He becomes Jesus’ brother, and Jesus is not ashamed to call him a brother. (see Hebrews 2:11). So from the moment a person comes to Christ, he is a new creation. (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). He is a partaker of God's divine nature. (see 2 Peter 1:4). He has the life of God. (see 1 John 5:11-12). He has eternal life. (see 1 John 5:13, John 6:47). And He has fellowship with God and with Jesus Christ. (see 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3). He dies to Adam and his sin nature, and is made alive in Christ and receives His righteous nature, so that just as in Adam all die, even so in Christ, all are made alive. (see 1 Corinthians 15:22). Just as by one man's (or Adam's) disobedience you were made (or became) a sinner, even so through one Man’s (or Christ's) obedience, you are made (or become) righteous. (see Romans 5:19). Hence, even though there are sinners in the natural world (unbelievers), there are no sinners in Christ or in the Body of Christ. In Christ, all are saints. (see 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 2:19). All are righteous. (see Romans 5:19). And sin cannot change that. This is why First John 3:9 says, "Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." This is a spiritual fact. It is a spiritual reality. You can't understand it with your natural mind. God sees the believer as so righteous that he cannot sin. In God’s eyes, as Jesus is, so are we in this world. (see 1 John 4:17). God sees the believer as righteous and sinless as Jesus. God sees the believer as His own righteousness. We are the righteousness of God in Christ. (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Just ask yourself this question: how pure is the righteousness of God? Well, that is you, my dear believer.

A believer is the righteousness of God in Christ. It is God Himself who has established the believer in righteousness, just as He promised long ago that He would do. (see Isaiah 54:14). And when God justifies, who is he that condemns? (see Romans 8:33-34). Jesus Himself is the believer's righteousness (see 1 Corinthians 1:30). This is why every believer should have dominion over sin. Sin shouldn't have dominion over the believer, because the believer is not under law, but under grace. (see Romans 6:14). Satan is the author of sin. He has been sinning from the beginning. (see 1 John 3:8). Sin exists in Satan’s kingdom (of darkness); it doesn’t exist in God’s Kingdom (of Light). And the Bible says that the believer has been rescued or delivered by God from the power of darkness, and been translated or conveyed into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. (see Colossians 1:13). So Satan (and sin) has no power over the believer. Satan (and sin) used to be our master before we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. But now, since we are in Christ, we are in the Kingdom of Light and we are seated in the heavenly realms (on the right hand of God) with Christ and in Christ (see Ephesians 2:4-6) “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:21 NKJV). The believer is now a master over Satan and sin. We have transitioned from being slaves of Satan and sin to being Masters over Satan and sin, thanks to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All believers need to catch a revelation of this truth.

When the believer catches a revelation of who he truly is, when the believer comes to know that he is truly righteous in Christ, that is when he is empowered to live a righteous life free of sin's dominion. The believer has to know his true identity. He has to become righteousness-conscious and not sin-conscious. He has to be "Christ-in-me"-conscious. Sin-consciousness is for the unbeliever. The body of Christ hasn't caught a full revelation of what Christ did and has done for us. Many are yet to catch the revelation of what we have become in Christ. This is why so many believers are so preoccupied with sin-consciousness and are living in sin. Every time they hear someone preach about the believer’s righteous identity, the only thing they think about is, "What about sin?" People are still in bondage to sin and sin-consciousness. But it shouldn't be that way. The blood of Jesus that washed us from our sins (see Revelation 1:5) is more powerful than sin, and the Bible says it (continually) cleanses us. (see 1 John 1:7). This is like standing under the waterfall of Jesus’ precious blood; it never stops cleansing you. Christ who is in you is greater than all the sin in the world (see 1 John 4:4), and He is in you to help you live a life of dominion over sin. Acknowledge Him always. Be conscious of Him. Christ is in you; that is the hope of glory. (see Colossians 1:27). It is the glory of the believer. It is the secret of Christianity. Without that revelation, you can call yourself a believer or a Christian all you want, but you are nothing. Satan will never be scared of you, and he will rob you and make a mockery of you. Satan is only scared of believers who truly know who they are. Satan cannot condemn a believer who knows that he is the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. He can never condemn a believer who knows and believes that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (see Romans 8:1). He cannot condemn a believer who knows that no one can bring a charge against God’s elect  (see Romans 8:33). You can be that believer. Renew your mind with the Word of God. (see Romans 12:2). And by the way, it is just stupid for a believer to live in sin. Sin is beneath the dignity of a true child of God.  Sinning is submitting to Satan. (see Romans 6:16). No true child of God wants to submit to Satan by sinning, because we're masters over Satan. You just need to have this revelation!

Unfortunately there are many ministers behind the pulpit today who don't have the true revelation of the gospel. They themselves don't even believe (the good news) that they have received the remission of sins through the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and so they themselves are not saved, since salvation is for only those who believe the gospel. (see Mark 16:15-16). Jesus told the disciples “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (see Luke 24:47 NKJV). That is the core message of the gospel. And so Peter, in response, preached on the day of Pentecost saying, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 NKJV). “Repent” simply means change your mind. In another sermon, Peter proclaims: “For Christ also hath ONCE suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18, emphasis mine). And Paul adds, "In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE.” (Ephesians 1:7, brackets and emphasis mine). Peter and Paul could boldly preach this gospel because they believed it. They believed they had received the remission of their sins in the name of Jesus. Thus, Peter and Paul were no hypocrites. They believed the gospel and preached it. But today, there are many preachers behind the pulpit who don't believe the gospel. How can you preach repentance and remission of sins to unbelievers when you yourself don't believe you have received it? How can you preach salvation to all nations when you yourself don't believe you're saved? Such is the sad state of many preachers today in our churches, and they are sadly self-deceived. They have been ordained by men, but they are certainly not ordained by God. They themselves live in sin, so all they preach about is sin, condemnation and death. Paul said such people walk as enemies of the cross of Christ  (see Philippians 3:18). Jesus said, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matthew 23:13 NKJV). Indeed, such preachers are not saved; nor are they saving any souls. They must as well just become shoe repairers. Perhaps then, they might at least save some soles.

Beloved, all true ministers have been called to be ministers of the new Covenant. (see 2 Corinthians 3:6). We have been called to be ministers of the Spirit and of righteousness, and not ministers of death and condemnation. (see 2 Corinthians 3:7-9). We have been called to be ministers of reconciliation. And we are to preach the message of reconciliation, that God is no longer angry at us; that He is at peace with the world and has forgiven us all our sins because of the propitiation of the blood of Jesus Christ; and that He is calling on us to accept His offer of reconciliation through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was and is the culmination of God's peace project. He is the Prince of Peace, and He has brought peace between God and man. Hence, the angels who announced the birth of Jesus were  joyous, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, GOODWILL toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV, emphasis mine). And Paul declares that, "having been justified by faith, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1 NKJV, emphasis mine). The Bible further states that “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, NOT IMPUTING THEIR TRESPASSES TO THEM, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (II Corinthians 5:19 NKJV, emphasis mine). This is the message we are to preach. It is the message all the early apostles preached. John preached that Jesus Christ “Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (I John 2:2 NKJV). Paul, in preaching the message of reconciliation also said, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to  be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Corinthians 5:20‭-‬21 NKJV). Now, this sounds like good news to me. We are being implored to accept Christ's sacrifice for our sins and accept that we have become the righteousness of God in Christ. We are to accept that just as Christ became sin without committing any sin, we have also become righteous (through faith in Christ) without doing anything righteous. And so living in the consciousness of this truth, we can now practice righteousness. This is the good news. It is also summarized in Paul’s letter to the Romans as follows: “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are JUSTIFIED FREELY by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:21‭-‬24 NIV, emphasis mine). Thus, the good news is not the depressing and scary fact that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (see Romans 3:23), and that the wages of sin is death. (see Romans 6:23). In fact, that is the bad news. But the good news, which immediately follows the bad news, is the liberating and joyful fact that all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (see Romans 3:24), and that the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (see Romans 6:23). Hallelujah! I know, without a doubt, that most of you have been going to church for a long time, and yet, this is the first time many of you have actually heard the gospel (or the good news). The question then is, do you believe this good news? Unfortunately, many so-called Christians today don't believe it. But this is your chance to believe it, and be saved.

Christians today just need to believe the Word of God and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. There is a big problem of unbelief in the church today, which is quite unfortunate, because without faith, it is impossible to please God. (see Hebrews 11:6). Just as the message that was preached to the Israelites did not profit them or do them any good because it was not mixed with faith (see Hebrews 4:2), so is the gospel of Christ not benefiting many people today because they are not mixing it with faith. In fact, I find it difficult to use the word "believers" to describe all Christians, because many so-called Christians don't truly believe the good news of Christ. Unless they can sense something that sounds like bad news in your preaching, they won't accept it. They just want to hear you preaching about sin, condemnation and death, about how they are all going to burn in hell if they don't stop sinning. But that is not the good news. That is not the gospel of Christ. The gospel of Christ doesn’t just name the problem of sin; it offers Jesus Christ as the solution. So the truth is that sin is not the problem in the church today; faith is. You know why? Because Jesus has taken care of the sin problem already; people just don't want to believe it. People crave for something they can also do to "earn" their salvation so that they can boast in themselves. The natural man is predisposed to pride, and is driven by a lust for achievement through self-effort. So, No, they don't want to accept salvation as a gift by faith. They prefer to work for it. And that's all the problem I see in the church today, and I believe God sees the faith problem also, as revealed in His letters to the 7 churches. (see Revelation 2 - 3). It is only by (faith in) the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of our testimony that we overcome. (Revelation 12:11, with 1 John 5:4). When we believe right, we will definitely live right. Knowledge of the truth of the gospel makes the believer truly free (see John 8:32) -- free from every form of bondage and oppression of the devil, including the dominion of sin.

I admonish you, therefore, to believe what Jesus has accomplished for you at the cross, and be saved. And yet, I know some of you wouldn’t believe or accept this message. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (I Corinthians 1:18‭-‬25 NKJV). Today, you have heard His voice, may you not harden your hearts. (see Hebrews 4:6-7). If you believe in Jesus Christ and confess Him as your Lord and Savior, He will come to live in your heart, and you too will have eternal life. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (I John 5:11-12 NKJV). If you desire to receive Jesus and make HIM your Lord and Savior today, pray this prayer from your heart: “Almighty God, Your Word says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me my sins and to cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. Today I acknowledge and confess that I am a sinner in need of salvation, and I thank you for sending your beloved Son, Jesus Christ to die for me and to bear the judgment for my sins. I believe that Jesus Christ was crucified for my sins and was raised from the dead for my justification. I accept Jesus today as my Lord and Savior. And I thank You that I have received eternal life in the name of Jesus. Amen.” 

If you prayed this prayer sincerely from your heart, I’m happy for you. Welcome to God’s Family. I encourage you to join a local church that preaches the gospel of grace so that you can grow further in your knowledge and understanding of the Word of God. You’re now God’s beloved child. You're now a new creation in Christ. The devil had a hold over your old man because of sin, but he has no hold over you as a new creation – because of righteousness. I thank God that you have been born again as a new creation in Christ. Stop regarding yourself according to the flesh (see 2 Corinthians 5:16). You are no longer a sinner. There is a permanent change in your spirit. You have the life of God in you. You have the new nature of Christ in you. You have His ability in you. You are no longer held back by the past and you can live for the future in Christ, according to all His promises. You are an overcomer. (see 1 John 5:4-5). You can experience the overcoming life by walking in faith and by allowing Jesus to live through you. (see Galatians 2:20). The victory that overcomes is your faith. Remain blessed.

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