ESSENTIAL QUESTION : Are
you redeemed and assured of heaven? One can know. Study this page and the Feature pages listed to find answers, and then pray to God to show you. See the Gospel In Brief below on this page.
Redemption speaks of being res- cued (saved) and reconciled to God, who paid a great price for us; and it tells of great blessings in Christ, and eternal hope with Him and in His glorious reign as "King of kings, and Lord of lords".
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Redemption Way
is about heaven and hell; and salvation of the soul; assurance of eternal life; blessing; judgments; man's course; the Lord's sacrifice, reign, kingdom, glory, and purposes, etc. Such papers are posted here at times. Contact the Site Manager for further information on these subjects.
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THE GOSPEL IN BRIEF
Understanding The Blessing
A Few Verses To Consider: God is holy (Psa.145:17), and no sin can come into His presence (Hab.1:13). Man is born in sin so needs a new (spiritual) birth (Psa. 51:5; John 3; Rom.3; Rom. 5:12; Rom.10), and he must realize that (Lev.10:10; I Cor. 2: 14; Eph. 2:3). Christ died for the un-godly (Rom.5: 6-8), rose again (I Cor. 15: 3-4), and if one truly believes on the Lord Jesus Christ he shall be saved from all sin (Acts 16: 27-34; Heb.10:17- 23). There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (Rom.8:1), and He that possesses the Son of God is sealed and now possesses eternal life (John 3:16, 36; I John 5: 11-13). Isn't that nice to know? Does the reader know God's Son--- the Lord Jesus Christ? (John 17:3).
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Counsel To Serious Seekers For Blessings
THE HOPE OF MEN
AND THE GOOD OF THE SPIRIT
Meditations On Acts 19
By R. L. DeWitt, 5/05
In his travels, the Apostle Paul found those who had heard of Christ as the hope of all men, and were at least disciples (followers) of that way. He asked them about life in Christ by the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2), and found them to be seekers in need of the spiritual new birth. They were faithful in what they knew, and were not yet baptized unto Christ (v.3-5), and did not know the One in whom they wanted to follow.
We should also note that baptism does not save the soul (Acts 19:5), but it brings one into the sphere of privilege and blessing and respon-sibility, as taking the first step of obedience and honesty before God. It is acting faithfully on the exercise of the soul. One needs to consider if they are sincere in knowing the Lord. Failure to be baptized will not prevent salvation, but it will be a hindrance and dishonor to the Lord.
Let us consider this event and make an application for today. Readers are encouraged to read this chapter prayerfully, asking God to teach them, for God speaks through His Word. There are those today who are sincere professors of Christ---having been quickened (awakened) by the Spirit, and are trying to be faithful followers. That is a good beginning. They may have been baptized unto Christ (which all sincere believers are requested to do), but they do not yet know Him---"Whom to know is life eternal" (John 17:3). This is by faith and the power of the Holy Spirit.
One cannot know the Lord and follow closely and faithfully, if they do not have the power (life) by the Holy Spirit within. They are not born of God and thus not yet children of God. The Lord Jesus said to Nicodemus: "Ye (all) must be born again" (John 3:3)---but man cannot give himself birth. The flesh is weak and cannot discern the things of God, and Satan will also work to keep one from knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. One must be determined, for salvation comes from an earnest exercise of soul, and that by the working of the Spirit to en-lighten one (Rom.10:8-10). In the things of God the exhortation is always to read and pray earnestly. This is the responsibility of every sincere seeker. This is the work of all who will be a real disciple (see John 6:28-29).
Now we see in verse six that Paul, as an apostle, could perceive the sincerity and readiness of one to receive Christ, and had the authority of God to call down blessing. God was pleased then to impart the Holy Spirit to them. They received gifts of God to discern things and serve Him, but the greatest gift was the indwelling of the Spirit for eternal life.
Paul began by ministering to the Jews, for whom he had a love, but in time he recognized his calling was more to the Gentiles, while Peter had a special calling to scattered Jews. Many miracles were wrought by Paul (as with all apostles), and these were to magnify the Lord and bring many to hear the Word that was preached. As noted in verses 24 to 34 the gospel was perceived as a threat to their livelihood and their religious traditions, and so blinded the people there in Ephesus to receive the truth (even as today). The real threat to man is going on without the mercy and blessings God wants to give as found in His Son.
The hope of men is surely Christ, whether they appreciate it or not; and being awakened to God and hearing words of truth, they need to respond in faith and appropriate the goodness of God---or else go on in spiritual poverty to a lost eternity. - RLD
