The idea of contributing to one’s own salvation is universal. All religions world-wide mix at least one work with salvation. Some are more subtle than others, but works-based just the same.
Many who claim the Christian faith will say they are not religious and believe that salvation is by grace. Had a listener tell me "I am the least religious person you will ever meet." It wasn't five minutes later that the mask was removed and his works based selfianity reared its ugly head.
Some know how to talk it up pretty good. They know about the cross and the resurrection. They know how to sing "Amazing Grace, and Nothing But The Blood." But, if you know the right questions to ask, and listen closely to their responses - you may discover that they are a false convert who swallowed a big bite of false gospel.
"Welcome to the Gospel Buffet. Tonight's special is Pray the sinners prayer. You may wish to choose the ever popular Walk the isle, Ask Jesus into your heart, or Make him your personal Lord and savior. Our featured dessert will be the not so sweet Turn or burn."
Some decide to go forth and sign a card. Some like the "I'm saved by comparison" lie: I'm a good person and not as bad as the guy I saw on the evening news. The "Gospel Buffet" where I can select which method best suits me, and then sing a chorus of, "I did it my way."
Some choose to beg and cry out for God to save them. Some choose to be confirmed. Some choose a ceremony or ritual. Some choose to bow down five times a day toward Mecca. Others choose to give money to the church or help feed and clothe the poor as their way in to heaven.
We have scores upon scores of listeners (some up in years) who told us they once followed one or more of these false ways of salvation. Spent years with a false sense of security thinking they were saved - which only left them INsecure and doubting their salvation. But thanks be to God, before it was too late they came unto the knowledge of the truth.
You should never trust in a ritual, walking the isle, an emotional reaction that followed an experience, or saying words and reciting prayers.
A parrot can repeat words and a dog can walk an isle. But you, you must trust Christ after hearing and believing the gospel (Ephesians 1:13.) Thereby resting your faith in Him alone.
The gospel isn't something to be selected from a buffet table. Today, there is only one!
Just decide that you're no good and not even one of your filthy rags works is good enough to save you. Not good enough to save you or keep you saved. No words. No walk. No repeat after me. No church membership. No water baptism. No stopping your sinning. Not a one of these hold the power needed to save you.
Romans 1:16 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.
Today is the day of salvation so please don't miss this!
If you're guilty of choosing something from this "Gospel Buffet" list, and are tired of the back and forth of not knowing if you're saved, you can end all that right now. God is not evaluating your performance to see if you measure up for salvation. YOU NEVER WILL! Religion lied to you!
You've been in fear of losing something you most likely never had. And if you are honest with yourself, you have sinned more times than you can count - and so have we all. But 2 Corinthians 5:19 assures us that God the Father stopped counting our sins to us when God the Son took them upon himself (vs. 21.) He was then buried but three days later He rose to give us new life in Him (1 Corinthians 15:4.)
The apostle Paul, (the grace apostle) began to herald this good news of reconciliation around two thousand years ago, although religion gives it little to no attention. God the Son was the world's one-and-only perfect sinless sacrifice. We should have been tried and found guilty but He took our place on the cross. (The righteous for the UN-righteous)
The final payment for the world's sins was made!
The wages of sin was death, and Christ died that death for our sins, making the way clear for us to be saved. Now after believing that He died for our sins, was buried and has risen, Ephesians 1:13 assures us that we were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Meaning we never have to worry about our salvation again.
You have tried all the gimmicks. You've jumped through all the hoops. You've gotten fairly good at spinning your wheels and doing spiritual gymnastics, but have you ever just tried resting? Resting in Christ and His finished work?
Regardless of what the evangelicals and denominational churches tell us, the gospel is not repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38)
It is not keeping the commandments and selling all your possessions (Matthew 19:16-21.)
It is not he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:13.)
The gospel of your salvation is: "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel... By which also ye are saved,... how that Christ died for our sins... he was buried, and that he rose again the third day..."
The word "gospel" means GOOD NEWS. And the good news of how God was "in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them;" has been overshadowed by the "Gospel Buffet" for far too long!
It's time you ignore the buffet table and rest in this good news.
Truth Time Radio is here to help you better understand your bible and better articulate your faith to others.
Remember, you only get two educations: The one you're given, and the one you give yourself.
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