"Security" for a "Born Again" Believer

Paw Creek Ministries has posted a new item, 'Security for a "Born Again" Believer'

Transformed “Born Again” believers do not need a crutch to prop them up. A doctrine that excuses and eliminates sin is unnecessary, confusing, and damaging. Let me share this written message with you and then, please listen to the sermon attached. You are very special to this Gospel preacher and I want to encourage you.

I’m sick of religion that claims the privileges of God, but refuses the responsibilities of God. I find it even more sickening when these claims are made on God’s marvelous grace as though grace can be reduced to something cheap and tolerating of willful and known sin. Paul addressed this subject when he said, “What shall we say then, shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God Forbid! How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)

“Biblical Eternal Security” is one of the Holy Book’s most precious commodities. To suggest that we must make our entrance into our Heavenly reward by great fear and intimidation is unsound. To ever conclude that God will cast us off because of some human error or weakness does not fit His great love and forgiveness. We are clearly written on His hear. His patience is higher than all human understanding. Yet to use such love as an open door to sin and wickedness; to suggest that this love will tolerate human carelessness and unbridled rebellion is a travesty of Calvary.

Scriptural eternal security certainly has a counterpart, as all Biblical truths do. Satan is the master counterfeiter. For every Biblical doctrine our archenemy has produced a counterfeit. The Trinity of God beautifully expressed in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is deceptively reproduced by Satan in a Jesus-only concept that does great injustice to the scripture.

The Holy Ghost baptism and its initial evidence, speaking in other languages, has a counterfeit expression that reduces this spiritual mastery of the believer to fleshly manipulation and even satanic babbling. We must not allow any holy truth to be less than intended because someone has a substitute. 

Accountability

Before we document the breathtaking realities of our security in Christ, let’s note His demands for accountability. If the sinner is accountable to repent, confess his sins, and trust Christ before he can be saved, it is inconceivable that the new man in Christ is less responsible. The Holy Scripture is filled with warnings. The Kingdom of Heaven is under violent assault. Paul warned, “Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed, lest he fall.” (I Corinthians 10:12) Jesus said, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake, but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22) Luke recorded Christ’s words as following:> “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

The Apostle Paul constantly warned believers in his epistles of the dangers of backsliding. He said to the Galatians:

“Ye did run well, who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7) To Timothy he said, “Some are already turned aside after Satan.”(I Timothy 1:19) In his second letter to Timothy he warned, “If we deny Him, He also will deny us.” (II Timothy 2:12) His words to the Hebrews were even stronger, “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:14) The Apostle Paul was not ignorant of Satan’s devices. 

Sin Will Separate

Biblical Security does not treat human sins lightly. The prophet Habakkuk declared,“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity.” (Habakkuk 1:13) God spared not Satan nor the angels when the sinned, but cast them out of heaven. (II Peter 2:4) Adam and Eve suffered grave consequences for their sins, although they had been created perfectly and covered with God’s ethereal glory. They were cast out of the Garden of Eden.

The nation of Israel was cut off from the natural root of her heritage, and the gentile world was grafted in her place because of the sin of unbelief. (She will be regrafted back into her natural tree in the near future.) “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise, thou also shalt be cut off.” (Romans 11:21-22)

Any doctrine that forgets personal responsibility becomes a doctrine of convenience. The prophet Ezekiel put such thought to rest in His warning to the wicked: “But when the righteous turneth away from His righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned; in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.” (Ezekiel 18:24)

The wages of sin is death, whether it be found in the man who has known God, or in the man who has never believed and trusted Him. We are responsible creatures. God’s revelation has documented that throughout the scripture.

Calvary Is Our Security

When we understand the beauty and power of the Calvary event, there is no need for false security. Everything necessary to get the believer to their eternal reward is amply provided. There is no power or tribulation sufficient to destroy or render our triumph invalid. “We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37) We don’t need to be ushered into Heaven in spite of a victorious life when we have all that in necessary to be an overcomer. What is the purpose of any doctrine that makes idle Christians out of believers who have such hope and promises?

Isaiah gave us the most descriptive picture of the cross that is the First Testament.

“Can a women forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16a) The amplified Bible records verse 16 like this: “Behold I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed) a picture of you on the palm of each of my hands, O Zion (church)…” The word “graven” is not used as this rendering anywhere else in the Bible. It means to cut, to engrave, to trace, to tattoo, or to hack. Our God actually said, I have hacked you in my hands, or even better, I have painted a picture of you in each of my palms.

This great statement actually takes us back into the eternal past where God the Father predestined Christ, His only Son, to the cross, while at the same time, He predestined you and me to His loving fellowship. He said, while speaking to this prophet who lived hundreds of years before Jesus, “I have graven (past tense) you.” Such truth leaves you and me with simple task of trusting and obeying. All provision for our trusting and obeying is already provided. To engrave suggests the creating of a thing of beauty. He has engraved you into His palms in such a manner as to create in the provision something beautiful of your life. It is not just positional beauty, but experienced beauty. You can be recreated in His image.

The Apostle Paul takes us the next step. We experience this beauty by looking away from the self life unto Jesus, the Author of our new life. He said, “Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) When we learn to live by the Book of Faith, by constantly beholding Him as the Author and Finisher (note Finisher) of our faith walk, we move from glory to glory. He has already finished our redemption, so our duty is to receive by abiding in Him. All He has in redemptive grace is ours if we simply draw from the well.

On the basis of the above promise, this apostle says, “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for you feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:12-13) It’s faith in Him that we must express by refusing to be downcast or dismayed. We are to choose moral and spiritual paths (straight) for our feet so that those in the way may be healed instead of wrongly influenced. We represent His redemptive power both in our lifestyle and our witness to others.

Calvary Makes Us Overcomers

Drifting into heaven is neither desirable nor possible. It is not downstream, but uphill all the way. One of Christ’s most powerful statements was recorded in St. Matthew: “Until the present, the Kingdom of Heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force (as a precious prize), a share in this Heavenly Kingdom is sought for with most ardent zeal and intense exertion.” (Amp. Bible Matthew 11:12) It is clear that Jesus understood the struggle of kingdom experiences. The victory is already won, but the overcomer must be willing to engage the enemy and press toward the mark. There is no armor for the back. If we turn to run, we are a sitting duck for our enemy. He will always attack when you look back.

Eight times John the Revelator promised that the overcomers would inherit the favors of heaven. He said,

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:7) What is there to fear? Nothing but fear itself. It is impossible for a believer to fail in this walk unless they turn from the provisions provided. Stan cannot pluck you out of the Father’s hands. Remember, you are graven (tattooed, hacked) in His palms. The Father and the Son are One though two distinct Person of the Godhead.

Biblical Eternal Security is nothing less than God’s absolute promise of faithfulness and sufficiency. “Nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) The Lord Jesus has received all power in Heaven and in earth. Satan is nothing but hot air (don’t underestimate him, but don’t overestimate him, either). His whole strategy is intimidation. He has already lost. After you know you have been born again, saved, or washed in His blood, however you choose to describe it, get in the Word regularly, pray every day until you know He has heard, be in His house worshipping every worship opportunity, and you will not fall away. It’s impossible under the provisions I have described in this article.

You may view the latest post at

http://www.pawcreek.org/sanctuary-sermons/security-for-a-born-again-believer

Best regards,
Joseph Chambers
jrc@pawcreek.org

BORN AGAIN: READY FOR THE RAPTURE

by Pastor JosephChambers

A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN, SEALED BY THE HOLY GHOST, CANNOT GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING. This seal of the Spirit is like a watchman on the wall. Even the presence of sin makes the heart tremble. A “Born Again Christian” that protects the seal of the Holy Ghost will have a conscience so pure that living in sin is impossible. This is the lifestyle that was preached by John Wesley, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the great leaders of the past.

This generation of compromisers has developed a theology of “sinning religion”. A person that proclaims, “I am a saved sinner” is in direct rebellion against the perfect Word of God. Listen to the Apostle Paul speaking to the Church at Ephesus.

 “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4: 22-29)

A born again Christian is a “new creation”.  He has passed from darkness to light and from sin to righteousness. To the Romans, Paul said, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” (Romans 6: 6-7)

The real truth is that our churches are full of members that have never been “Born Again”. Religion alone will leave the soul bound to the old life and hopelessly lost, but a radical “New Birth” will change the total person.

Does that mean a born again person never sins again? No, it does not. But, it means that he will grow and become stronger on a regular basis.  He will show the new life by his godliness and holiness. Apostle John said it beautifully. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2: 1-4) Sealed by the Holy Spirit is the power that keeps the soul. Notice this promise. “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4: 30)

The “Born Again” life is the greatest life on the face of this earth. The sacrifice of Christ’s blood has broken the powers of sin. We are now called unto holiness. “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” (Hebrews 10:26)

The most powerful subject in Holy Scripture is, “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN”. Yet it is so reduced in today’s Church that the majority of Church members do not know the transformation that occurs. If a person is “BORN AGAIN” he is a “New Creature In Christ”. Please take time to listen to the Sermons I am preaching on this subject. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (I Corinthians 1:21) God’s plan for saving souls is the preaching of the Gospel and there is no backup plan.

 Dr. Chambers' website is HERE.

Compliments of

ROYAL HEIR

Born Again: What Does It Really Mean?

"Jesus answered, and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

Since this teaching came straight from Jesus Christ himself, there is no avoiding the truth of the requirement of being 'born again' if you want to be a follower of Christ. In our current society you will automatically be persecuted and derided when you make such a declaration, because our culture has been taken over by the satanic forces at warp speed over the past few years. These forces don't want you to know anything at all about being born again.

The need for rebirth - regeneration - stems from the utter incapacity of the human being to enter into God's kingdom. Human beings are born into this world with the absolute inability to comprehend God's spiritual truth. The natural human nature cannot understand or please God. Regardless of how talented or brilliant a person might be, he is blind to truth

Rebirth is not a 'fix' for the old nature - the nature is not 'reformed.' Rebirth is a new creation entirely, a creative act of the Holy Spirit whereby your inner spirit responds to the urging of God's spirit calling you to faith in Jesus Christ's sacrificial death for you personally. When you respond with a 'yes' - with faith in Christ crucified, you are reborn - born again - as the Holy Spirit witnesses directly to your own spirit.

Through this new birth you become a member of the family of God, and a partaker of the divine nature, which is imparted to you. It is truly a miracle. You are instantly on a new path, going in a new direction, experiencing the freedom and liberty from your old nature.

Your belief is far more than mere intellectual assent. Even the devil believes (and trembles). It is much more than your mind's agreement. It is an act of your heart and mind - your will. You believe and receive; you are committed to trust and reliance on the revelation of what Jesus Christ has accomplished for you - and will continue to accomplish in your life through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.

There's nothing in the world like it. And no one can ever take it away from you.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16

It's the abundant life! Accept God's call to you now! The time is short.

A Royal Heir

P.S. I do not take "Comments" on this blog because Satan's minions sometimes reply, in an attempt to toy with me. I have no desire to engage them. However, if you have any question or would like more information about Christianity I am very happy to have you email me at: reyners@comcast.net.

"I've Been a Christian All My Life"

Anyone who says this (if he is serious) is almost certainly not a Christian.

If you are not aware of a moment when you asked Christ to come into your life as your Lord and Savior, you are not a Christian and never have been. You are just labeling yourself with a term that has no real significance or meaning in your life. Church is your social club. Unfortunately, I believe the majority of people who identify with Christianity are in just this tragic position.

It is impossible for a baby to be born a Christian. That's why, as Jesus himself said, you must be born again. Your birth into this world is a physical birth. To be a Christian you must be born spiritually, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." Romans 3:23

It is not possible to be a Christian on the basis of being born into a family of Christians. You cannot inherit Christianity. This is the difference between Christianity and all religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Christianity is a personal relationship with God himself and, therefore, requires spiritual birth into the family of God.

John 3:3-7: Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is initiated by your personal response to God's call, his tug at your spirit. It is a specific decision made at a specific time, out of a sincere heart full of repentence and belief that Jesus died on the cross for you. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." 2 Cor. 13:5

How can you be sure that you have been born again? "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." Romans 8:16,17

"Therefore, my beloved ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling..." Phil. 2:12.

A Child of the King

Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved.

You MUST Be Born Again

"Ye must be born again." John 3:7.

End of conversation.

I don't see how it could be any clearer. The words were spoken by Jesus Himself, if you're looking for even greater authority than the written word, the Bible.

And yet it seems like 75% of so-called "Christians" disagree with that statement, many even believing that there are many paths to God. I guess it depends on which God you're looking for. But the God who was born of a virgin, died for our sins, was resurrected on the third day and is coming back in power and glory to reign for eternity is the One I have reference to - Jesus Christ.

Maybe it's the 'dumbing down' of America that makes it impossible for people to understand plain English. Or, more likely, it's ignorance of the Word of God itself.

And yet we have the bulk of people who claim the name of Christian when it's beneficial, who think that if they were baptized as a baby and hit the church scene now and then, they're in like Flynn. I'm afraid they are in for an eternal surprise: "Depart from me. I never knew you."

It seems to be that if you claim to be "born again" you are ridiculed and harassed (like Jesus was) and people can't understand why you have to make such a fuss about it and embarrass all the rest of the church people. Why can't 'you people' just lay low and quit feeling like you have to always be proclaiming publicly what you believe in?

Answer: "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel," another statement from Jesus Himself instructing His people.

Church leaders and laity alike enjoy using the trappings of Christianity for its social conveniences, its rites of weddings and funerals, and they like to exhibit false piety should the occasion benefit them for their associations with a church. Or, they may enjoy it as a sort of discipline to remind them to do good works -- which ALSO will not get them to heaven. But they do not want anyone to think they are 'born again.' They needn't worry. No one does.

They are not born again, and therefore their lives have not been transformed. They do not have the Holy Spirit living in their lives, and they have no personal relationship with the Redeemer of the world, the very one who died for their sin. Even non-Christians recognize the hypocrisy.

Isn't it tragically ironic that it is the very political agendas and votes of these people, for politicians who openly and shamelessly stand for all kinds of immorality and non-Christian beliefs, that has gotten this country into the sorry state it's in? And yet they still cannot see the truth, that they are disobedient and working against everything that Jesus stood for.

Is it surprising? No. It's the same problem the Jews had with God all throughout their history. They chose self and made self-serving decisions. It's the same story all over again under the new covenant God made through Jesus Christ on earth. As it says in Ecclesiastes, there's nothing new under the sun. That's why few will live eternally with Christ.

True Christians don't want anyone to miss out, and certainly not due to their own neglect of failing to tell others how Jesus has changed their lives completely. They want to share the Good News.

"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38.

"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.

I rest my case.

Proud to be
A ROYAL HEIR

Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved.