The California Collection/TheCaliforniaCollection.cdr/his091/godpur.lzh/GODPUR.TXT

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INS:Fulfilling God's purpose  by William L. Hogan

   I Peter 2:4-12

   LONG BEFORE GOD created the universe, the church was in His heart.
In eternity past, He purposed to create a people for Himself and chose
those who would constitute His church. He then sent His Son to redeem
by dying on the cross those whom He had chosen, and has been drawing
the chosen to faith, uniting them to Christ, and refining them so that
one day the church will be without spot and blemish.

   If the church is that important to God, then it's most important for
us to remind ourselves from time to time what His purpose for the
church is, so that we can recommit ourselves to fulfilling that purpose.

   And by examining some of the metaphors for the church that are found
in the New Testament, we can get an insight into that purpose. These
metaphors are rich and varied. They typify the church as God's family,
God's flock, Christ's body, Christ's bride and others.

   In this message, I would like to consider with you the metaphors
presented in I Peter 2, which describes the church as God's house. From
it, three distinct features of God's purpose for the church can be
discerned.

   I. CORPORATE WORSHIP

   One of the great themes unifying the Old and New Testaments is that
God redeems to inhabit. When He brought the Israelites out of slavery
in Egypt, He promised that He would dwell in their midst. He then
instructed them to build the tabernacle in the wilderness, and, later,
the temple in Jerusalem. Both the tabernacle and the temple signified
that God was dwelling in the midst of His people.

   Since the cross, however, believers have become God's temple, and in
two respects. Individually, every born-again Christian is indwelt by
the Holy Spirit. And collectively, they make up the corporate church
among which Christ resides.

   In verse 4 of our text, Peter first stresses that Jesus Christ, the
foundation of this temple, is the prophesied "living stone rejected by
men, but choice and precious in the sight of God." He then proves that
point by quoting from the Old Testament Isaiah 28:16 in verse 6 and
Psalm 118:22 in verse 7.

   Holy priests. In the midst of those statements, Peter says in verse
5, "you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house
for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to
God through Jesus Christ."

   In the Old Testament, priests were a special group of men who
represented people before God. But now, we believers have both the
privileges and the responsibilities of that position. As such, one of
our duties is to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.

   What kind of sacrifices? Romans 12:1 says we are to present our
whole bodies a living and holy sacrifice for the service of God. But
what Peter has in mind as he talks of us as living stones built
together are sacrifices that believers offer corporately.

   Together, we, as a church body, offer up our sacrifices of
thanksgiving and devotion. Corporate worship, then, is a key function
of the church. That is where believers gather together on the Lord's
Day to offer the sacrifice of songs, praise, and adoration, as well as
to hear the Word of God preached.

   Heartfelt. Note that Peter speaks of "spiritual sacrifice", or
spiritual worship. The opposite of that is mechanical worship, worship
that is perfunctory, worship in which the mind and the heart are not
engaged. That kind of worship offends God.

   So, when we sing, we should sing from the heart, not just mouth the
words. When we pray, we should pray with a sincere desire that God's
will be done. And when we give, we should give cheerfully.

   In this connection, it's a regrettable fact that many people
evaluate a given worship service on the basis of what they get out of
it. That's looking at it backward. Instead, Peter teaches here that we
should evaluate the way we worship God - the attitude of our heart - to
see if it is acceptable to God.

   II. CORPORATE FELLOWSHIP

   Another function God has for His church is fellowship. That is
implicit in the phrase "living stones built up as a spiritual house".
Our union with Christ carries with it not only a vertical fellowship
with God, but a horizontal fellowship with GodUs people as well.

   Fellowship is far more than social chit-chat over a cup of coffee or
at a church dinner. It involves sharing something in common - and that
something in common is our relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus,
fellowship means sharing with one another what we have come to know and
experience of Christ. It also means carrying one another's burdens and
ministering to one another's needs because we are all in the family of
Christ.

   Corporate fellowship enhances spiritual growth. It helps us
appreciate the mighty works God has done in and through other
believers. And it is a means by which God uses believers to show His
love and compassion to other believers. That is why Paul said one
reason why he was eager to visit the Christians in Rome was that they
and he might be "mutually encouraged by each other's faith" (Rom.1:12).

   In the final analysis, true fellowship among Christians leads to a
closer fellowship with God. Hence, Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to
neglect our assembling together; instead, we are to encourage and
stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

   III CORPORATE EVANGELISM

   The third aspect of God's purpose for the church is the sending
forth of the Good News of Jesus Christ. That is spelled out for us in
verses 9 through 12.

   The apostle starts by reminding us of our special privileges,
saying, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people for God's own possession..." Then, he tells us that these
privileges beget responsibility: "...that you may proclaim the
excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His
marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the
people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received
mercy."

   God had previously told the nation of Israel to declare His
wonderful works. In Exodus 19:4-6, He said, "You yourselves have seen
what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and
brought you to myself. Now then, if you will indeed obey my voice and
keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession among all the
peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of
priests and a holy nation."

   God gave Israel special blessings and privileges so that, as a
kingdom of priests, they might be His channel of blessing to the rest
of the world. But while taking pride in their privileges, they largely
ignored their duty to witness. Remember when Jesus overturned the
tables of money changers and merchants in the temple? He emphasized
that, "This house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
They were trading in the Court of the Gentiles. That was an area in the
temple where Gentiles could come to learn and know the God of Israel .

   Missions. Now that we are the royal priesthood, the "spiritual
Israel" that God has so blessed, we are God's channel of blessing for
the world. And we'd better not fail.

   As He had in mind for ancient Israel, God's intention is that we
Christians share with others the wonderful deeds of Him who called us
out of darkness. Corporately, therefore, the church has the
responsibility of bringing forth the Gospel. We need to send and
support missionaries at home and abroad, and to help finance worthy
evangelistic ministries.

   But words alone are not enough. When all but the skeleton is
stripped away, verse 12 reads, "Keep your behavior excellent among the
Gentiles, so that...they may...glorify God." Peter is saying in effect
that if our lives do not back up our evangelistic words, they will be
empty, even counter-productive. We need to behave so excellently that
the world can readily see what God has done in our lives.

   This, then, is why God is creating and perfecting a church in these
days. We need to have our own vision matched with His so that, as we
worship, as we fellowship together, and as we bear witness to His
redeeming love, the center of our thinking and the end of our efforts
will all be to His glory. May God help us that it may be so.

   2. THE NECESSITY OF SALVATION

   WHAT IS GOD'S ATTITUDE TOWARD SIN?

   Because God is absolutely holy, He cannot approve or excuse sin.
Because He is absolutely just, He must punish sin wherever He finds it.
He has decreed that "the wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23.

   WHAT IS GOD'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE SINNER?

   God loves the creatures whom He has made. While He does not love
sin, yet He does love the sinner. Romans 5:8

   WHAT IS GOD'S DESIRE WITH REGARD TO ALL SINNERS?

   God's desire for all is that they be saved. He does not want them to
perish. 2 Peter 3:9.

   WHAT PROBLEM WAS RAISED BY THE ENTRANCE OF SIN INTO THE WORLD?

   It raised the problem as to how God could save ungodly sinners and
still be righteous in doing so. Romans 3:26.

   WHY WAS THIS A PROBLEM?

   God's love desired the salvation of sinners. Ezekiel 33:11. Yet
because of His holiness, He could not permit sinful creatures to enter
His heave. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10. In fact, His justice demanded that
all sinners must die as a result of their sins. Hebrews 9:27. The
problem then was this: how could God's love be satisfied without
violating His holiness and His justice?

   WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF GOD HAD DONE NOTHING?

   All sinners would have perished in hell. Psalm 9:17.

   ISN'T GOD TOO GOOD TO SEND MEN TO HELL?

   God is good but He is also righteous and holy. Not one of His
attributes can triumph at the expense of another. His love can only be
exercised in a righteous, holy way.

   WOULD GOD HAVE BEEN RIGHT IF HE HAD DONE NOTHING?

   Yes. Then we all would have received exactly what we deserved. But
God's love impelled Him to action.

   HOW COULD GOD SOLVE THIS PROBLEM?

   He could solve it only by finding a substitute to die in the place
of the guilty sinner.

   WHAT REQUIREMENTS WOULD SUCH A SUBSTITUTE HAVE TO MEET?

   First of all, he would have to be a man; otherwise the substitution
would not be a fair one. Then he must be a sinless man. If he were not
sinless, he would have to die for his own sins. Thirdly, he must be
God, since the Substitute must be able to put away an endless number of
sins of an endless number of people. Finally, he must be willing to die
for sinners; otherwise Satan would charge God with unjustly making an
innocent victim die unwillingly for guilty rebels.

   COULD SUCH A SUBSTITUTE BE FOUND?

   Yes, God found a Substitute Who met all these requirements in the
Person of His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:4, 5.

   3. THE WORK OF CHRIST

   WAS JESUS TRULY MAN?

   Yes, He was born as a baby in a hotel stable in Bethlehem, grew up
in Nazareth, and ended His ministry at Jerusalem.

   WAS HE SINLESS?

   Yes, He was born of the Virgin Mary and thus did not inherit Adam's
sin. He knew no sin; He did no sin; there was no sin in Him. 2
Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5.

   IS JESUS GOD?

   Yes, Jesus is truly God just as He is truly man. John 1:1; 10:30;
Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8.

   WAS JESUS WILLING TO DIE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR SINNERS?

   Yes, He expressed complete willingness to do His Father's will, even
if it meant death. Psalm 40:7; John 10:17,18.

   COULD WE NOT HAVE BEEN SAVED BY JESUS' SINLESS LIFE?

   No, our sins could never have been put away by His sinless life.
John 12;24.

   WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE?

   Our sins deserved eternal death. He must bear the punishment in His
body on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24.

   WAS THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OF
THE SUBSTITUTE?

   Yes, His blood must be shed. 1 Peter 1:19.

   WHY WAS THIS NECESSARY?

   God had decreed that without the shedding of blood, there is no
remission of sins. Hebrews 9:22.

   WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BLOOD?

   The blood is the life of the flesh. The shedding of Christ's blood
indicated the giving of His life as a Substitute for sinners. Leviticus
17:11.

   WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON THE CROSS?

   In the three hours of darkness, God caused all our sins to be placed
on the Lord Jesus. He died the death which those sins deserved. Luke
23:44.

   WHAT DID JESUS CRY AT THE END OF THOSE THREE HOURS?

   He cried "It is finished!" John 19:30.

   WHAT DID HE MEAN BY THIS?

   He meant that the work of redemption had been completed, that
everything necessary for the salvation of sinners had been provided.
Hebrews 10:14.

   WHAT HAPPENED TO JESUS AFTER HIS DEATH? His body was buried in a
tomb, but on the third day God raised Him from among the dead. Luke
24:1-7; John 19:42.

   WHY WAS THIS NECESSARY?

   God indicated His complete satisfaction with the work of His Son by
raising Him from the dead. Romans 4:25.

   DID JESUS RISE FROM THE DEAD IN A LITERAL BODY?

   Yes, His body was a real body of flesh and bones. Luke 24:39.

   COULD MEN BE SAVED APART FROM THE RESURRECTION?

   No, the resurrection was absolutely necessary for the salvation of
others. 1 Corinthians 15:14-19.

   WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE RESURRECTION?

   Forty days later, the Savior went back into heaven where He was
honored and glorified by God, the Father. Acts 1:9.

   Then He sent the Holy Spirit back to the earth to announce the
wonderful news that a way had been provided whereby guilty sinners
might be saved. Acts 2:1-4.

   4. THE WAY OF SALVATION

   SINCE CHRIST HAS FINISHED THE WORK OF REDEMPTION, THEN ARE NOT ALL
MEN SAVED?

   No, Christ's work is sufficient in its scope and power to save all
men, but is is effective only for those who are willing to receive Him.
This may be illustrated by an incident from American history.

   In 1830 George Wilson was tried by a United States Court in
Philadelphia for robbery and murder, and sentenced to be hanged. Andrew
Jackson, President of the United States, pardoned him. But Wilson
refused the pardon, and insisted that it was not a pardon unless he
accepted it. The question was brought before the Supreme Court, and
Chief Justice John Marshall wrote the following decision: " A pardon is
a paper, the value of which depends upon its acceptance by the person
implicated. It is hardly to be supposed that one under sentence of
death would refuse to accept a pardon, but if it is refused, it is no
pardon. George Wilson must hang." And he was hanged. (Lee, Rogert G.,
The Sinner's Savior (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1950) pp. 35, 36.

   WHY DOESN'T GOD SAVE EVERYONE?

   He desires to do so, 1 Timothy 2:4.

   However, He has chosen to give men their choice in the matter of
salvation. Otherwise He would take men to heaven who didn't want to be
there, and for such it would scarcely be heaven.

   WHAT MUST HAPPEN TO A PERSON BEFORE HE CAN GO TO HEAVEN?

   His sins must be put away and he must be given a new nature that
enables him to enjoy heaven. John 3:3, 5.

   HOW IS A PERSON SAVED?

   "By grace are ye saved through faith." Ephesians 2:8, 9.

   WHAT IS MEANT BY GRACE?

   Grace is the unmerited favor of God shown to people who deserve the
very opposite. It is God offering salvation to man as a free gift.
Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:7.

   WHAT IS FAITH?

   Faith is belief or trust. It is man receiving salvation from God as
a free gift.

   WHAT MUST A PERSON BELIEVE TO BE SAVED?

   He must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:16, John 20:30, 3l.

   IS IT NOT ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A GOD?

   No, even the devils believe that, and tremble, but they are not
saved. James 2:19.

   WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE ON JESUS?

   It means to confess that you are a sinner needing salvation and to
receive Him as your only hope of salvation, acknowledging Him to be
Lord of your life. Romans 10:9.

   IS IT NOT SUFFICIENT TO BELIEVE ALL THE HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT JESUS?

   No, a person may believe all that the Bible says about Jesus and
still be lost.

   WHAT ELSE IS NECESSARY THEN?

   True belief involves a commitment of one's entire self to Jesus as
only Lord and Savior.

   CAN A MAN HAVE FAITH AND NOT BE SAVED?

   Certainly! Faith in an unworthy object will only bring
disappointment. Our faith must be in Christ if we are to be saved.

   CAN ANYONE DO THIS?

   Salvation is offered to all, but it is only those who admit
themselves to be lost who will ever want to be saved. Luke 19:10.

   WHO PRODUCES THIS CONVICTION OF SIN IN A PERSON'S LIFE?

   The Holy Spirit of God is the One who produces conviction of sin.
John 16:8-11.

   WHAT CAN A PERSON DO, THEN, WHO DOES NOT REALIZE HE IS A SINNER?

   He should read the Bible and be honest. Romans 10:17.

   WHAT WILL HAPPEN THEN?

   He will see that he is a sinner and that if he dies in that
condition he will go to hell. John 8:21, 24.

   WILL HE BE SAVED WHENEVER HE SEES THIS?

   No, he must then repent of his sins and receive the Lord Jesus
Christ as His Savior. Proverbs 29:13; Acts 16:31.

   TO BE SAVED SIMPLY THROUGH FAITH SEEMS TO BE TOO EASY, DOESN'T IT?

   It might seem to be too easy, but it is God's only way of salvation.
While it may seem easy to us, we should remember that it was a very
costly transaction for God; it cost Him the death of His only begotten
Son. So it is an easy salvation but not a cheap one. Isaiah 1:18.

   WHY DID GOD DECIDE THAT SALVATION SHOULD BE GIVEN ON THE BASIS OF
FAITH?

   The reason probably is that believing on Him is the only proper
thing that all normal people can do. Even a child can believe.

   BUT ISN'T THERE SOME WORK A PERSON MUST DO IN ORDER TO BE SAVED?

   No, there is no work a person can do. Christ finished the work on
Calvary's cross. All the sinner has to do is believe. Titus 3:5.

   WELL, ISN'T THAT A CONTRADICTION? YOU SAY THERE IS NOTHING TO DO.
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS BELIEVE.

   There is nothing you can do by way of earning or meriting God's
approval. There is nothing you can do to buy your way or help purchase
your admission to heaven. Romans 4:4, 5.

   Faith is a non-meritorious act. A person cannot be proud because he
believes in the Lord; what is more reasonable than for a man to trust
his Creator? Thus, faith excludes human boasting, and is the only thing
a person can do without doing a "good work" that he might think would
entitle him to heaven. Romans 3:27.

   YOU MEAN TO SAY THEN THAT WE ARE NOT SAVED BY GOOD WORKS?

   That is what the Bible says; ". . . not of works lest any man should
boast." Ephesians 2:9.

   WHY COULDN'T MAN BE SAVED BY DOING GOOD WORKS?

   Man is a sinner and everything he does is stained by sin. The best
he can do is like filthy rags in God's sight. Isaiah 64:6.

   BUT SUPPOSE THAT I COULD LIVE A PERFECT LIFE FROM THIS DAY FORWARE,
WOULD I NOT BE SAVED?

   No, you would not, because God requires that which is past. Your
past sins must shomehow be put away before you could enter God's
presence. Ecclesiastes 3:15.

   YOU MEAN TO SAY, THEN, THAT DECENT, SELF-RESPECTING, CULTURED PEOPLE
DON'T GO TO HEAVEN?

   The only people who go to heaven are those who acknowledge
themselves to be sinners and who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior. Matthew 21:31.

   ARE THERE NOT SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR HEAVEN AND NOT
BAD ENOUGH FOR HELL?

   No, there are only two classes of people, saved and unsaved. 1
Corinthians 1:18.

   WELL, THEN, ARE THERE NOT SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE TOO WICKED TO BE SAVED?

   No, the Gospel invitation is extended to all mankind, and whosoever
will may come. Isaiah 55:7; 1 Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 7:25.

   DOESN'T A PERSON HAVE TO CLEAN UP HIS LIFE BEFORE HE CAN BE SAVED?

   As long as he thinks he can clean up his own life, he won't feel the
need of the Savior. He should simply come to Christ just as he is, sins
and all, and receive pardon and peace. Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 9:13; Luke
19:10.

   COULDN'T I BE SAVED BY FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS?

   Jesus' life was sinless. No mere man is able to follow that example.
Moreover, the only reason Jesus died is because men could be saved in
no other way. 1 Peter 2:24.

   IF BELIEVING ON JESUS IS THE RIGHT WAY, THEN WHY DO THE VAST
MAJORITY OF PEOPLE REFUSE TO ACCEPT HIM! Satan has blinded the minds of
those who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ
should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4. There is a way which seems
right unto men, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs
14:12.

   COULDN'T A PERSON BE SAVED BY TRYING TO KEEP THE GOLDEN RULE?

   No, when Jesus said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto
you, " He was speaking to those who were already saved. He never
intended it as the way to heaven.

   WELL, COULD WE NOT BE SAVED BY OBEYING THE BEATITUDES OR BY LIVING
ACCORDING TO THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT?

   Once again, these teachings were addressed to those who had already
acknowledged Jesus as Lord. To obey them requires Divine life, and a
person receives this life when he is saved.

   SURELY YOU AREN'T GOING TO TELL ME THAT A PERSON CANNOT BE SAVED BY
KEEPING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?

   No one can fulfill what is demanded by the Ten Commandments. Romans
3:20.

   EXACTLY WHAT DO THE TEN COMMANDMENTS REQUIRE?

   The Ten Commandments are as follows:

   1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

   2. Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, etc.

   3. Thou shalt not take the Name of the lord, thy God, in vain.

   4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

   5. Honor they father and mother.

   6. Thou shalt not kill.

   7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

   8. Thou shalt not steal.

   9. Thou shalt not bear fase witness against thy neighbor.

   10. Thou shalt not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17.)

   WERE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS NOT GIVEN BY GOD TO HIS PEOPLE?

   Yes, they were, but He never intended that they should serve as a
means of salvation. Galatians 2:16, 3:11.

   WHY THEN DID GOD GIVE THE COMMANDMENTS?

   They were given to show the people what sinners they were. Just as a
straight line shows up a crooked line, so the law shows men how far
they have departed from God's standard of perfection. Romans 5:20;
Galatians 3:19.

   HAS ANYONE EVER KEPT THESE LAWS PERFECTLY?

   The Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who has ever kept the law
perfectly.

   THEN ARE WE NOT SAVED THROUGH HIS KEEPING OF THE LAW?

   No, we are only saved through His death, burial and resurrection. We
are condemned and cursed by the law. Galatians 2:21.

   IF A MAN COULD KEEP THE LAW ALL HIS LIFE, WOULD HE BE THEREBY SAVED?

   Such a man would not need to be saved. He would be a perfect being.

   SUPPOSE THAT A MAN COULD KEEP NINE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS! WOULD HE
BE SAVED?

   No, the law demands continual and complete obedience. If a person
breaks one commandment, he is guilty of all. James 2:10.

   WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT FOR FAILING TO KEEP THE LAW?

   Death, now and forever. Galatians 3:10.

   WEREN'T THE TEN COMMANDMENTS MADE FOR GOOD PEOPLE?

   No! ". . .the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the
lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy
and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for
manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with
mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there
be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine . . ." 1 Timothy
1:9, 10.

   WHAT EFFECT SHOULD THE TEN COMMANDMENTS HAVE ON US?

   They should make us realize what guilty sinners we are, and should
cause us to cast ourselves on the mercy of the Lord. Romans 3:19.

   BUT DOES IT SEEM REASONABLE THAT WE SHOULD BE SAVED BY FAITH ALONE
AND NOT BY FAITH PLUS GOOD WORKS?

   The Scripture says, "Not by words of righteousness which we have
done, but according to His mercy He saved us . . ." Titus 3:5.

   DOES IT SAY SOMEWHERE IN THE BIBLE THAT FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD?

   Yes, it says that in James 2;20.

   DOESN'T THAT SHOW THAT SALVATION IS BY FIATH PLUS WORKS?

   No, it does not. The teaching of the passage is that a man may say
that he has faith but if he does not have good works, it shows that he
was never truly saved. That kind of a faith never saved anyone.

   WHAT KIND OF A FAITH DOES SAVE?

   The kind that is not merely a matter of the lips but is a matter of
the heart and which results in a new life filled with good works.

   THEN YOU MEAN THAT GOOD WORKS FOLLOW SALVATION, BUT DO NOT SECURE IT.

   Yes, that is right. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved
unto good works. Ephesians 2:8-10.

   IS IT NOT NECESSARY TO JOIN SOME CHURCH IN ORDER TO BE SAVED?

   Joining all the churches in town wouldn't save a person. "Ye must be
born again."

   BUT DOESN'T GOD EXPECT US TO JOIN SOME CHURCH?

   Whenever a person is saved he becomes a member of the true church
composed of all true believers in the Lord Jesus. Then he should find
fellowship in some local church where Christ is acknowledged as Head
and where the Bible is accepted as the only inspired Word of God, our
sufficient guide in all matters of faith and morals.

   DOES NOT THE FACT THAT I WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT MEAN THAT I AM
SAVED?

   Baptism is not the Savior. Only Jesus Christ can save. John 14:6.

   BUT SHOULDN'T PEOPLE BE BAPTIZED?

   Those who have been born again should be baptized. There is no clear
record in the New Testament of unsaved people or infants ever being
baptized, however.

   THEN I AM NOT SAVED BY PARTAKING OF THE COMMUNION SERVICE EITHER?

   No. Once again, the communion service was only intended for those
who are already born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

   DO YOU MEAN TO SAY THAT CHURCH ATTENDANCE, GIFTS TO CHARITY,
PARTICIPATION IN THE ORDINANCES AND SIMILAR OBSERVANCES WILL NOT HELP
IN MY SALVATION?

   They will not help at all. The only thing that will help you is to
come to Christ as a sinner, repent of your sins and trust Him as your
only Hope for heaven. Acts 4:12.

   5. GENERAL DIFFICULTIES

   HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE LORD WILL ACCEPT ME IF I BELIEVE ON HIM?

   He has said that He will, and He cannot lie. "Him that cometh unto
me, I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.

   BUT DOESN'T IT SEEM LIKE A LEAP IN THE DARK - THIS BUSINESS OF
BELIEVING?

   No, it is the surest thing in the world. Banks may fail, businesses
may go bankrupt, governments may topple and men may break their
promises. But God cannot go back on His Word. He has promised to save
all who accept Christ by faith. John 3:18.

   COULD I BE SAVED IF I AM NOT ONE OF THE ELECT?

   The Gospel isn't for the elect, but for all the world. God makes a
genuine offer of salvation to any person in the world who will receive
Christ Jesus as Lord. You can be saved if you will do what God says.
John 3:36.

   I WOULD LIKE TO BE SAVED BUT I AM AFRAID I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO HOLD
OUT.

   No one has the strength in himself to hold out. However, when God
saves you, He gives you strength you never had before. Every believer
has the Holy Spirit of God living within him. It is from the Holy
Spirit that the child of God receives power to live the Christian life.
Romans 8:14.

   SUPPOSE I HAVE COMMITTED THE UNPARDONABLE SIN?

   The unpardonable sin, according to the Lord Jesus, was saying that
the miracles He performed were done in the power of the devil. Have you
ever said this? If not, then you have not committed the unpardonable
sin. Matthew 12:31, 32.

   BUT TRUSTING CHRIST MEANS THAT I WILL HAVE TO GIVE UP A LOT, DOES IT
NOT?

   Christ does not come to steal, kill or destroy, but to give life and
to give it more abundantly. John 10:10.

   An unsaved sailor once said to his Christian buddy, "I just can't
face the cost of becoming a Christian." The buddy's reply was, "Have
you ever faced the cost of not becoming a Christian?"

   BUT THERE ARE SO MANY HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH.

   Don't despise those who are real, just because some are hypocrites.
Determine rather that you will be out and out for the Lord.

   SOMETIMES I THINK I HAVE BELIEVED IN THE LORD JESUS BUT HAVE I
BELIEVED IN THE RIGHT WAY?

   If you have no other hope for heaven apart form Jesus Christ, if you
have repented of your sins, if you made a complete commitment of
yourself to Him then you have believed in the right way. WOULD IT NOT
BE ALL RIGHT FOR ME TO POSTPONE ANY DECISION ABOUT SALVATION UNTIL I AM
NEAR THE END OF MY LIFE?

   Four Scriptures answer this question.

   1. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day
may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1.

   2. "He that being ofen reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be
destroyed and that without remedy." Proverbs 29:1.

   3. "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the
evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I
have no pleasure in them." Ecclesiastes 12:1.

   4. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of
salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2b.

   IS THERE NO OTHER WAY I CAN COME TO GOD EXCEPT THROUGH JESUS?

   There is no other way. 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.

   6. RELATIONSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP

   DO CHRISTIANS SIN?

   Yes, Christians sin every day in thought, word and in deed. They are
guilty of sins of omission as well as sins of commission.

   SHOULD CHRISTIANS SIN?

   No, God's will is that Christians should not sin. 1 John 2:1.

   WHEN A CHRISTIAN SINS, DOES HE LOSE HIS SALVATION?

   No, salvation is a free gift of God, and once it is given, it is
never taken back again. Romans 6:23.

   BUT DOESN'T THE PENALTY OF THOSE SINS HAVE TO BE PAID?

   Jesus Christ bore the penalty of those sins when He died on the
Cross of Calvary. God does not require the penalty to be paid twice.

   YOU MEAN, THEN, THAT A CHRISTIAN IS STILL A CHILD OF GOD, EVEN
THOUGH HE SINS?

   Yes, his relationship in the family of God is eternal. When a son is
born into a human family, he will always be a son of his parents. He
may subsequently disgrace them by his behavior, but he is still their
son. So it is in the Divine family; relationship is established by the
new birth and nothing can ever change it. John 1:12.

   WHAT DOES HAPPEN, THEN, WHEN A CHRISTIAN SINS?

   Fellowship is the happy family spirit that results from all the
members having the same interests, and sharing things in common.
Consider the following illustration. A judge in the criminal court
finds a robber guilty and sentences him to twelve months in jail. When
the judge goes home that night, he finds that his little boy has been
naughty. But does he sentence him to twelve months in jail? No, he no
longer acts as a judge, but as a father in a family. The child is still
his son, even though naughty. Because of sin, the happy family spirit
has been broken and it remains broken until that sin has been confessed
and forgiven. So the child is probably sent upstairs and he remains
there until he is willing to confess his wrong. The great point is that
relationship was not affected but fellowship was.

   When a person is a sinner, God is his Judge. But when that person
becomes saved, God is henceforth his Father.

   THEN YOU MEAN TO SAY THAT ONCE A PERSON IS SAVED HE CAN NEVER BE
LOST?

   That is what the Bible says. "They shall never perish." John 10:28.
"Shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.
John 5:24; Romans 8:38, 39; 2 Timothy 1:12; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24, 25.

   CANNOT A PERSON DECIDE TO BE SAVED AND LATER CHANGE HIS MIND?

   When a person has once committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ,
then his eternal salvation becomes the sole responsibility of the
Savior. John 6:39. The Lord is honor-bound to take that person home to
heaven. And because the Holy Spirit dwells in the true believer, he
will never change his mind about being saved.

   DOES THAT MEAN THAT A CHRISTIAN CAN SIN ALL HE WANTS AND STILL BE
SAVED?

   A true Christian will not want to sin, because he has a new nature
that hates sin. 2 Corinthians 5:17.

   BUT SUPPOSE A CHRISTIAN GOES ON IN WILFUL AND HABITUAL SIN?

   If a person lives that kind of a life, it is certain proof that he
was never truly born again. 1 John 3:9, 10.

   CAN A CHRISTIAN SIN AND GET AWAY WITH IT?

   No, he can not. While is it true that the legal penalty of his sins
has been paid once for all at Calvary, it is also true that God
administers parental discipline to his erring children. Galatians 6:7,
8.

   HOW DOES GOD DISCIPLINE HIS CHILDREN?

   Sometimes it is through sickness or adversity and in extreme cases
through death itself. 1 Corinthians 11:30.

   DOES SIN IN A BELIEVER'S LIFE HAVE ANY OTHER CONSEQUENCES IN THIS
WORLD?

   Yes. He loses his joy. His prayers are hindered. His fruitfulness is
marred. His guidance become obscure. He suffers shame and remorse.
Opportunities are neglected and privileges forfeited. Finally his
testimony is ruined.

   DOES SIN IN A BELIEVER'S LIFE HAVE ANY ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES?

   Yes, he suffers loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ. 1 Corinthians
3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

   SUPPOSE THAT A CHRISTIAN SHOULD DIE WITH UNCONFESSED SIN?

   As mentioned previously, the penalty for all a believer's sin was
borne by the Lord Jesus. When He died, all the Christian's sins were
future. Since He paid the complete penalty, we can say He died for the
believer's past, present and future sins.

   IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A CHRISTIAN TO BACKSLIDE?

   Yes, any child of God may wander away from the Lord.

   HOW MAY WE GUARD AGAINST BACKSLIDING?

   By reading the Word of God, by spending time in prayer and by
maintaining fellowship with the people of God.

   WHAT IS THE REMEDY FOR BACKSLIDING?

   The cure for backsliding is confession and forsaking of sin, and, if
possible, making restitution for wrongs which we have committed.

   7. HOW TO KNOW FOR SURE!

   IF I TRUST CHRIST AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR, WHAT WILL HAPPEN INSIDE ME
TO TELL ME THAT I AM SAVED?

   If you mean some mysterious feeling or emotional experience, then it
is quite probable that nothing like that will occur.

   HOW THEN WILL I KNOW THAT I AM SAVED?

   In a very simple way. God says that He saves those who believe on
the Lord Jesus. Whenever you believe on Him, you can know that you are
saved because God says so. 1 John 5:10-12.

   YOU MEAN TO SAY THAT I MAY NOT FEEL IT IN MY BODY?

   That is correct. The real act of salvation takes place in heaven.
That is where the fact is recorded. When God sees your faith, He
justifies you.

   BUT SHOULDN'T A PERSON FEEL DIFFERENT WHEN HE IS SAVED?

   Certainly, he should, but feelings are not the proof of his
salvation. A person will not really feel happy until he knows he is
saved. The order is this:

   Salvation through faith in Christ.

   Assurance through the promise of God.

   Joy because of this assurance.

   THEN A PERSON KNOWS HE IS SAVED THROUGH THE PROMISES OF GOD IN THE
BIBLE?

   That is the first and foremost way by which he knows he is saved. 1
John 5:13.

   WOULD YOU SAY THAT FEELINGS ARE NOT A DEPENDABLE GUIDE?

   The trouble with feelings is that they are so changeable. One day a
person may feel he is saved and the next he may not.

   The Word of God never varies. How much better, then, to have our
assurance of salvation based upon the Word of God.

   IS THE BIBLE THE ONLY WAY BY WHICH WE CAN KNOW WE ARE SAVED?

   No, there are several others.

   1. A love for our fellow Christians. 1 John 3:14.

   2. A new love for holiness. Romans 7:22

   3. A new hatred of sins. Romans 7:24.

   4. A steadfast continuance in the faith. 1 John 2:19.

   5. The witness of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Romans

   8:14,16.

   MAY A PERSON BE SAVED AND NOT KNOW IT?

   It is possible that a person may really have been born again and yet
not know it, either because of inadequate teaching or because of doubts
place in his mind by Satan.

   MAY A PERSON THINK HE IS SAVED AND YET NOT BE?

   Certainly, many think they are saved because of their character or
works, but they are not saved at all. Matthew 7:22, 23

   IS IT NECESSARY TO KNOW THE DAY AND HOUR OF ONE'S CONVERSION?

   No, it is not. Many people have such a distinct experience that they
can tell the exact time and place. Others may not remember when they
first trusted the Savior. The important thing is to be able to say, "I
know I am saved right now because my faith and trust are in the Lord
Jesus Christ alone."

   DO MOST CHRISTIANS HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT THEIR SALVATION AT ONE TIME OR
ANOTHER?

   Most Christians are probably subjected to Satanic doubts some time
after their conversion.

   WHAT SHOULD ONE DO WHEN HE IS PLAGUED WITH DOUBTS?

   The best thing to do is to quote Scripture to answer the doubts.
When Satan insinuates that the believer is not saved, the latter should
quote Gospel promises, such as John 5:24, which assure salvation to all
who receive the Lord Jesus. Just as the Lord used the Word to repel the
temptations of Satan in the wilderness, so we should use the Bible to
drive away his doubting lies. Matthew 4:4, 7,10.

   IF I AM NOT SURE WHETHER I HAVE EVER REALLY ACCEPTED CHRIST, WHAT
SHOULD I DO?

   You should get it settled right now by saying form your heart,
"Lord, if I have never trusted Thee before, I here and now receive Thee
as my only Lord and Savior."

   8. HOLINESS

   DOESN'T A PERSON HAVE TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE IN ORDER TO BECOME A
CHRISTIAN?

   No, a sinner is not able to live a holy life until after he is saved.

   DOES GOD EXPECT CHRISTIANS TO LEAD HOLY LIVES?

   He most certainly does. 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Titus 2:11-13.

   DOES ANY CHRISTIAN LIVE A LIFE OF SINLESS PERFECTION?

   No Christian lives sinlessly. 1 John 1:8, 10. The Lord Jesus Christ
is the only Person who ever lived a perfect life.

   HOW IS IT THAT CHRISTIANS CAN STILL SIN AFTER THEY ARE SAVED?

   The reason is that the believer still has the old, evil, corrupt
nature with which he was born. This is not removed at the time of
conversionl. Romans 7:17.

   IN WHAT WAY, THEN IS THE BELIEVER DIFFERENT FROM THE UNSAVED?

   The believer has a new nature which he receives at conversion.
Scripture speaks of this as "the divine nature." 2 Peter 1:4.

   WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO NATURES?

   The old nature is incurably bad and continually seeks to drag the
Christian down into sin. Romans 7:21.

   The new nature is only capable of good and seeks to lead the
believer in paths of holiness. Romans 7:22.

   WHY DID GOD ALLOW THE EVIL NATURE TO REMAIN AFTER CONVERSION?

   The old nature teaches us our own nothingness and weakness and makes
us continually dependent on the Lord for strength to resist temptation.
Romans 7:24.

   ARE ALL CHRISTIANS TEMPTED?

   Yes, all Christians are tempted. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

   DOES A CHRISTIAN EVER HAVE TO YIELD TO TEMPTATION?

   No, a Christtian only sins when he wants to. He has the power of the
Holy Spirit living within him, and this power is sufficient to deliver
from all temptation. Galatians 5:17.

   WHAT IS GOD'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE OLD NATURE?

   God saw that it was worthy of death, so He condemned it at the Cross
of Calvary. He does not try to reform it, improve it or clean it up. It
is utterly hopeless and so God see it as having been put to death when
Christ died. Romans 6:6.

   WHAT SHOULD BE THE BELIEVER'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE OLD NATURE?

   He should keep it in the place of death, that is, whenever the old
nature tries to tell the Christian what to do, he should refuse to obey
that which has been condemned by God. Romans 6:11, 12.

   WHAT SHOULD BE THE BELIEVER'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE NEW NATURE?

   He should feed it, cultivate it and encourage it through study of
the Scriptures, spending time in worship and prayer, serving the Lord
and otherwise doing those things that are pleasing to the Lord.
Galatians 5:22, 23.

   WHAT, IN BRIEF, IS THE SECRET OF LIVING A HOLY LIFE?

   The secret is in being occupied with the Lord Jesus in worship. We
become like what we worship. There is no once-for-all way of achieving
holiness; it is a life-long process. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

   CAN YOU GIVE ANY OTHER PRACTICAL HELPS TOWARD HOLY LIVING?

   1. Guard your thought life. You can control what you think.
Philippians 4:8.

   2. Make no provision for the flesh. Romans 13:14.

   3. Remember that Christ lives within your body. Colossians 1:27.

   4. In moments of temptation, cry to the Lord to deliver you. Matthew
14:30.

   5. Keep busy for the Lord. Ecclesiastes 9:10.

   6. Engage in some physical exercise. 1 Timothy 4:8.

   BUT DOESN'T THE CHRISTIAN HAVE TO KEEP THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN ORDER
TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE?

   The Scripture teaches that the believer is not under the Ten
Commandments as a rule of life. Romans 6:14.

   1. The purpose of the law is to make men realize they are sinners
and not to make them holy.

   2. The law condemns to death all who do not keep it perfectly. No
one can be under the law without being under this curse.

   3. Christ paid the penalty of the law which we had broken, and now
the law has nothing more to say to the child of God. Romans 10:4;
Galatians 3:13.

   DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE CHRISTIAN CAN GO OUT AND COMMIT MURDER AND
ADULTERY?

   Not at all. The Christian doesn't want to do these things because of
his new life. Men under law live in fear of punishment. Men under grace
are constrained by love to Christ. Love is a much stronger motive than
fear. Men will do for lvoe what they would never do because of fear.

   IF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE NOT THE BELIEVER'S RULE OF LIFE, WHAT IS?

   The life and teachings of Jesus are the pattern and guide for the
Christian. 1 John 2:6.

   IN WHAT WAY ARE THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS DIFFERENT FROM THE LAW?

   This is answered in the fifth chapter of Matthew. The law said,
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." Jesus said, "Whoever looks on a woman
to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his
heart." See verses 27, 28. The law said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth
for a tooth." Jesus said, "Resist not evil, but whosoever shall smite
thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. See verses 38-42.

   The law said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." Jesus said,
"Love your enemies." See verses 43,44.

   IS IT POSSIBLE FOR MEN TO LIVE AS JESUS TAUGHT?

   Humanly it is impossible. But the Lord has given the Holy Spirit to
all believers so that they will have the power to live in this
supernatural way. 1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 5:16, 17.

   9. STANDING AND STATE

   IF BELIEVERS STILL SIN, HOW CAN GOD EVER TAKE THEM TO HEAVEN?

   All who believe on Christ are given a perfect standijng before God,
even if their state may be far from perfect. Colossians 2:10.

   WHAT IS MEANT BY A BELIEVER'S STANDING?

   It means the position of complete favor he has with God because he
is in Christ. Romans 5:1, 2.

   The Christian has no right or merit in himself to stand before God.
His only title to heaven lies in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus.
Thus God accepts us, not because of who or what we are, but because we
belong to Christ. Ephesians 1:6.

   HOW CAN GOD LOOK UPON UNRIGHTEOUS PEOPLE AS RIGHTEOUS?

   He can do it because Christ bore the punishment of their sins in His
body on the Cross. Ephesians 2:13.

   DOES IT TEACH THIS IN THE BIBLE?

   Yes, it distinctly says this in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

   "for He (God) hath made Him (Christ) to be sin for us, Who knew no
sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in HIM."

   DO I UNDERSTAND, THEN, THAT GOD ACCEPTS ALL BELIEVERS BECAUSE THEY
COME TO HIM IN THE PERSON OF HIS SON?

   Yes that is right. Christ is man's only title to heaven.

   "I stand upon His merit,

   I know no other stand,

   Not e'en where glory dwelleth

   In Immanuel's Land."

   HOW LONG DOES A BELIEVER ENJOY THIS PERFECT STANDING BEFORE GOD?

   He enjoys it as long as Christ enjoys it, because he is in Christ,
accepted in the Beloved One. Ephesians 1:13,14.

   WHAT IS MEANT BY THE BELIEVER'S STATE?

   This means his everyday spiritual condition here on earth. Just as
his standing is what he is in Christ, so his state is what he is in
himself.

   IS THE BELIEVER'S STATE SINLESS?

   No, the believer's state is oftentimes far from being what it should
be. Colossians 3:8, 9.

   WHAT IS GOD'S WILL CONCERNING THE BELIEVER'S STATE?

   God's will is that his state should grow more and more like his
standing. This is a process that should be taking place continually
throughout the Christian life. Colossians 3:1.

   WILL A BELIEVER'S STATE EVER CORRESPOND EXACTLY TO HIS STANDING?

   Yes, when Christ takes him home to heaven his condition will be as
perfect as his position. 1 John 3:2.

   WHY SHOULD A CHRISTIAN WANT TO HAVE HIS STATE CORRESPOND
INCREASINGLY WITH HIS STANDING?

   His love for Christ should make him desire this. John 14:15.

   10. AFTER SALVATION - WHAT?

   WHAT IS THE FIRST THING A PERSON SHOULD DO AFTER HE HAS TRUSTED
CHRIST?

   Common courtesy would suggest that he thank the Lord for saving his
soul. Luke 17:14-19.

   IS IT NECESSARY TO CONFESS CHRIST TO OTHERS?

   Confession is not necessary to obtain salvation, but it is certainly
necessary for growth in the Christian life. No one can ever expect to
advance in the things of God who is ashamed of his Savior. Matthew
10:32, 33; Romans 10:9,10; 1 Peter 3:15.

   HOW DOES A PERSON GO ABOUT CONFESSING CHRIST?

   It is simply a matter of telling others what great things the Lord
has done for you. Mark 5:19.

   HOW LONG SHOULD A NEW CONVERT WAIT UNTIL HE IS BAPTIZED?

   Obedience should be prompt. Baptism is a lovely opportunity to
publicly identify oneself with Christ in His death, burial and
resurrection. By this act we are saying that we deserved to die but
that Christ died for us. Therefore, when He died, we really died,
because He died in our place. We witness that we likewise were buried
with Him, and that we rose with Him to walk in newness of life. Romans
6:3-10.

   DOES BAPTISM GIVE US MERIT BEFORE GOD AS FAR AS OUR SALVATION IS
CONCERNED?

   No, baptism is an act of obedience to the teaching of the Lord
Jesus. Those believers who die without being baptized will be
unbaptized for all eternity.

   HOW SHOULD A YOUNG CONVERT KNOW WHICH CHURCH TO JOIN?

   First of all, he should realize that he became a member of the true
church, the Body of Christ, whenever he was saved. 1 Corinthians 12:13.

   In addition, he should seek to identify himself with some local
church where Christ is acknowledged as Head, where the Bible is
accepted as the only guide, where the two ordinances of the church
(baptism and the Lord's Supper) are observed, where a good teaching
ministry is carried on, and where the Gospel is faithfully proclaimed.

   In associating with Christians, he should feel a deep sense of
responsibility to contribute to the welfare of the fellowship by loving
service, fervent prayer and sacrificial giving.

   WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WHICH A CHRISTIAN
SHOULD DO EACH DAY?

   Spend time in the Word of God and in prayer each day, and confess
and forsake sin whenever it is allowed into one's life. Psalm 119:9, 11.

   11. DISCIPLESHIP

   WHAT DOES THE LORD EXPECT OF ONE WHO IS SAVED?

   He expects a total commitment of that person to Himself. He expects
the person to go where He leads, to do what He says, to be what He
wants him to be. He expects him to forsake all he has, take up the
cross and follow Christ. Romans 12:1, 2.

   IS IT REASONABLE THAT GOD SHOULD EXPECT THIS?

   Yes, it is the only reasonable response that a person can make to
the Lord.

   DOESN'T A PERSON HAVE TO THINK ABOUT HIMSELF?

   Our chief responsibility in life is to please God. If we seek the
Kingdom of God and His righteousness, He will see that we have some
means of livelihood. Matthew 6:33.

   DOES THAT MEAN THAT I MAY HAVE TO GO TO THE MISSION FIELD?

   It may mean that and it may not. But it does mean that you should be
willing to go. Luke 9:23-26.

   BUT I SEE SO MANY CHRISTIANS WHO ARE ENJOYING THE COMFORTS AND
LUXURIES OF THE WORLD, AND WHO DO NOT SEEM TO BE ALL-OUT FOR CHRIST.

   You must not compare yourself with other Christians. Your example is
the Lord Jesus, and you must follow His steps. Luke 14:25-35.

   DOES CHRIST REALLY EXPECT US TO "HATE" OUR RELATIVES?

   He expects our love for Him to be so great that all other loves are
hatred by comparison. Luke 14:26.

   CAN I NOT ACKNOWLEDGE JESUS AS MY SAVIOR AND NOT AS MY LORD?

   Scripture gives no encouragement to such an attitude. If the Lord
Jesus is not worth everything, He is not worth anything.

   THEN SALVATION INVOLVES A COMPLETE SURRENDER TO CHRIST?

   That is exactly right. Nothing short of this will do.