DO YOU REALLY BELONG TO GOD?

DO YOU REALLY BELONG TO GOD?

IF YOU WOULD BE ASKED who do you belong to:  the devil or God—what would you say?

     No one in his right mind would want to be counted among the people who belong to devil.  The devil is a deceiving liar who cares nothing about us, who wants people to end up destroyed on Judgment Day and eventually tossed into the lake of fire with him to be tormented forever and ever (John 8:44; I Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9-10).  Hence, one must choose to be included among the people who belong to God, for God’s word is truth, He lovingly cares for us, and He truly desires that all people be saved on Judgment Day and dwell with Him in the Holy City with a new heaven and earth (John 17:17; I Pet. 5:7; I Tim. 2:3-4; Rev. 21:1-4).

ONLY TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE

People can be classified based on their financial situation, educational attainment, nationality, and ethnic background.  The apostles show us, however, that people fall or are divided only into two categories.  They are either people who belong to God or people who belong to the devil.  Apostle John wrote:

     “We know that we belong to God and the whole world belongs to the devil.”  (I John 5:19, Worldwide New Testament)

     Unfortunately, there are people who belong to the devil, and the Bible refers to them as people of the world.  The people of the world are those who have no connection to the Anointed, who is the Lord Jesus Christ.  Apostle Paul said:

     “You had absolutely no connection to the Anointed; you were strangers, separated from God’s people.  You were aliens to the covenant they had with God; you were hopelessly stranded without God in a fractured world.”  (Eph. 2:12, The Voice)

     When a person in this world lives his life with no connection to our Lord Jesus Christ, he is counted among the people of the world, and these people belong to the devil.  Those who do not truly accept Jesus Christ or, do not have faith in him by not following Him clearly have no connection to or relationship with Him, and are therefore people of the world.

     Other may assert that they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Savior, that they do have faith in Him, and that they are now Christians.  These persons who claim to be Christians are found scattered in different Christian-professing groups or religious organizations.  They insist that they have entered into a relationship with Christ and thus belong to God and not to the devil.  But have they really done it?

     The people who have a connection to or union with the Lord Jesus Christ are those whom He refers as His branches, branches that are united to the vine who is Christ.  He said:

     “Stay united with me, as I will with you—for just as the branch can’t put forth fruit by itself apart from the vine, so you can’t bear fruit apart from me.  I am the vine and you are the branches.  Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can’t do a thing.”  (John 15:4-5, Complete Jewish Bible)

     Apostle Paul spoke about the people who are united to Jesus Christ.  He referred to them as individual members of the body or Church established by Jesus Christ (I Cor. 12:27; Col. 1:18).  Therefore, when a person is inside the Church regarded as the body of Christ, then he is united with Christ, and is now counted among the people who belong to God.  As long as a person finds himself outside of that Church, he regrettably finds himself included among the people of the world who belong to the devil.  Where do we find ourselves at this very moment?

ON KNOWLEDGE, FAITH, AND ZEAL

People, however, may find it difficult to accept that there are indeed those who belong to the devil despite belonging to one of the thousands of churches and religious organizations in the world today.  They talk about knowing God, having faith, and demonstrating zealousness in their religious services or activities.  This must clearly show that those who say and do such things must indeed be of God, not of the devil.  Is that the case? 

     The apostles show us that there are people who merely profess or claim to know God, but do not truly know Him, because they do not want to obey Him.  Apostle Paul wrote:

     “Such people claim to know God, but their actions prove that they really don’t.  They are disgusting.  They won’t obey God, and they are too worthless to do anything good.”  (Titus 1:16, CJB)

     The apostles also reveal that there are people who appear to be religious by their expressions of faith in God and in Jesus Christ, but not for real—merely an act.  Apostle Paul said:

     “They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.  You must stay away from people like that.”  (II Tim. 3:5, New Living Translation)

     As far as their declarations of faith are concerned, the Scriptures show that the kind of faith they have is useless since their faith has no works.  When a person says he has faith but does not have works, such faith is useless and does not lead to salvation.  Apostle James writes:

     “What use is it, my brothers, for a man to say that he has faith, if he does nothing? Will such a faith give him salvation?” (James 2:14, Bible in Basic English)

     And, the apostle testify that there are those who are deeply devoted to God, and are zealous and filled with enthusiasm with regard to their religious activities, but are still not acceptable before Him.  The reason is their devotion is not based on the true knowledge and they have simply tried to set up their own ways of being put right with God.  Apostle Paul says:

     “I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge.  They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right.”  (Rom. 10:2-3,  Today’s English Version)

     Therefore, although there are many church groups and religious organizations in the world today whose leaders and followers talk about knowing God, in actuality they are not, for they disobey His words.  There are many who say that they have faith in God and in Jesus Christ, but they do not really, because their faith is not coupled with the works that God expects.  And there are many who say that they are so sincere and dedicated to their religious or spiritual life, and they may be, but they have merely established their own wrong ways to be right with God.  All such churches and religions do not help people to belong to God; instead, such organizations and their members are under the power of and belong to the devil.  We should stay away from them.

     But, is there a religion or church today that belongs to God and is in accordance with His will?

THE RELIGION IN ACCORDANCE

WITH GOD’S WILL

There is a religion that belongs to the Lord God.  The apostles show us in the Scriptures that the religion that is in accordance with God’s will is that which has been delivered from this present evil world.  Apostle Paul writes:

     “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.”  (Gal. 1:4, King James Version)

     Others may say that they are in the religion that belongs to God because they have stopped doing evil things.  Since they have put an end to living a wild, sinful way of life, they feel as if they were already pleasing before God and had been delivered from this evil world.  But is that the case?

     The people who have been delivered from this evil world do not only stop doing evil things that the people of the world do but they are inside the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Apostle Paul says:

     “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,  in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:13-14, New King James Version)

     Notice the importance of Christ’s kingdom.  It is where redemption through the blood of Christ the forgiveness of sins is found.  And what He redeemed or purchased with His blood, His kingdom, is the Church Of Christ.  Apostle Paul taught:

     “Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

     Therefore, for one to be among those who have been truly delivered from this present evil world and be counted among those in the true religion today and be saved on Judgment Day, he should be inside the Church Of Christ.  Even Jesus Christ himself taught that for people to be saved, they must come into the fold or flock, which is the Church.  Jesus said:

     “I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe. …”  (John 10:9, Revised English Bible).

     It is not enough to accept Christ in one’s heart or to have faith in Him.  One needs to follow Christ’s commandment to come into the fold or the Church Of Christ.  So one should ask himself:  have I done this?   If not, it is not too late to do so.

DO NOT HESITATE TO ENTER

THE TRUE RELIGION

     Some may say that they have no time yet to enter the true religion or the Church Of Christ.  They point out that they are very busy with getting an education, managing their career or tending to their means of livelihood, and doing the other things in life that interest them.  Right now, they are very preoccupied with things that pertain to this earthly life and feel that they will find time for God and the true religion in the future.  Why should we not be like this?

     Our life is fragile and temporary.  Apostle James records, “How do you know what will happen tomorrow?  For your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:14, NLT).

     We really do not know what will happen tomorrow.  People take it for granted thinking that they will have a countless number of tomorrows ahead of them.  They also think that their own death is still far away from them.  However, the truth is, the threat of death is constantly around us (I Cor. 15:30-31, Mounce Reverse-Interlinear New Testament).

     So considering this, now is the best time for us to do what we need to do in order to be counted among the people of God and be saved.  Apostle Paul wrote:

     “The Holy Writings say, ‘I heard you at the right time.  I helped you on that day to be saved from the punishment of sin.  Now is the right time! See!  Now is the day to be saved’.”  (II Cor. 6:2, New Life Version)

     Therefore, there are only two kinds of people in the world according to the apostles:  those who belong to God and those who belong to the devil.  In the Christian Era, the people who belong to God are the members of the true Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo), while those who are outside the Church are the people of the world who are under the power of the evil one.  Even though people may speak about knowing God, having faith, and being devoted or religious, unless they are inside the true religion they are still counted among the people of the world.  If we want to be among God’s people who will inherit salvation and eternal life on the day of Christ’s imminent return, let us not delay or postpone obeying His command to come into the fold or the true Church Of Christ.  THE TIME IS NOW.  * (Emphasis, Admin.)

Written by: 
Brother JOHNNY J. MARTIN
PASUGO GOD’S MESSAGE
FEBRUARY 2015
VOLUME 67
NUMBER 2
PAGES 3-5 

MORE THAN SUNSHINE AND RAIN

MORE THAN SUNSHINE AND RAIN

By NICANOR P. TIOSEN

WHY ARE PEOPLE HESITANT and even adamant to seek the true Church Of Christ?  Why are many already contented and are thus complacently comfortable in the church they are in?

     “What for?” says a successful businessman and father of five who are equally successful in their respective careers.  “We’re living the good life!” he continues.

     “Mine is a worry-free existence.  I’ve been in this church for so long.  A member of good standing at that.  Moreover, I’ve received so much blessings here.  What do you make of it?  Surely, I cannot but be of God,” another quips.

     Indeed, today a lot of people associate having much in life (in terms of material holdings) to being of God and enjoying His providence, hence, not seeing the need of finding out if they are in the true church or not.  They find it superfluous, thus unnecessary, to change their religious affiliations.  And many even quote the Bible for what they think as pertinent verses to support their contention.

GOD FEEDS AND CLOTHES ALL

“God does not discriminate!”  And before an argument could ensue, they would cite our Lord Jesus Christ, thus:  “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt. 6:26, New International Version)

     “Didn’t our Lord Jesus Christ generally show the value of a human life, irrespective of a person’s religious affiliation?” they’d ask.   And to bolster their belief, they would continue appropriating for themselves our Lord Jesus Christ’s pronouncement, thus:  “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matt. 6:30, Ibid.).

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER

What this people did not realize is that Christ’s statement in Matthew 5:45 is a carryover from verses 43 and 44 where He mentioned about enemies and persecutors, thus giving His disciples specific instructions as to how they ought to deal with them.  Moreover, in Matthew 6:26 and 30, Christ was rebuking those who are of little faith, hence, making a distinction among His disciples regarding faith.  Had they been careful, they would have realized that Christ was pointing out the kind of faith some of His disciples have, hence, “… you of little faith,” He says.

     Another thing that people who regard material bounty as proof of being of God is that Christ Himself said that God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous” (Matt. 5:45).

UNGODLY MEN AND

THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

But is there really no difference?  In II Peter 3:7, this is stated, thus:  “But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (New King James Version).  Sadly, regarding Judgment Day, there are those who take it for granted.  Engrossed with one’s daily life, many barely, if ever, think about it.  Moreover, the wicked continue to flourish on earth making many skeptical but this should not come as a surprise because King David even then observed, thus:  “I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.” (Ps. 37:35, Ibid.).  They failed to notice though what the psalmist said earlier, thus:  “Don’t be worried on account of the wicked; don’t be jealous of those who do wrong.  They will soon disappear like grass that dries up; they will die like plants that wither” (Ps. 37:1-2, Today’s English Version).  This should be a fair warning to people wallowing in wickedness and a signal to those who are envious of others, who despite their doing evil, continue to thrive.  For King David said:  “… but sinners are completely destroyed, and their descendants are wiped out” (Ps. 37:38, Ibid.).

     On the other hand, to the righteous, King David instructs, thus:  “Seek your happiness in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desire.  Give yourself to the LORD; trust in him, and he will help you” (Ps. 37:4-5, Ibid.).  He also said:  “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is future for the man of peace” (Ps. 37:37, NIV).

WHAT AWAITS THE MAN OF PEACE?

Certainly, the man of peace is he who has found the peace of God.  And the learned Apostle Paul taught where we find him, thus:  “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Col. 3:15, NKJV).  Those who have found real peace—the peace of God—are in one body or Church whose head is Christ (Col. 1:18, Ibid.)  Hence, they are in the Church Of Christ (Rom. 16:16, Ibid.).

     One may reason out though:  “But I have not done anything wrong to anybody, nor have I even thought badly of others!  Should I still join the Church Of Christ?”  Apostle Paul says:  “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?  … God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you’” (I Cor. 5:12-13, NIV).  God will judge those outside the Church.  And only one church existed then:  Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28,  Lamsa Translation).

LOVE MADE COMPLETE

Others say that by virtue of creation, they have received God’s loving kindness, hence living a prosperous life.  Truth is, none compares to the love that members of the Church Of Christ receive from God, the love that renders them confident on the day of Judgment, thus:  “In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment …” (I John 4:17, NIV).  One may have all the riches in the world, but if he is not saved on Judgment Day, then he is the most pitied.  His wealth shall become useless as Christ forewarns (Luke 9:25, Ibid.).  What is the proof that God’s complete love pertains to man’s attaining salvation?  In Psalms 91:14-16, this is stated, thus:  “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
 and show him my salvation.’” (Ibid.).

KEEPING GOD’S COMMANDMENT

Wealth, per se, is not evil, but it should not cause man to forget God and His commandments, one of which is to join the Church Of Christ.  Our Lord Jesus Christ who spoke what the Father told Him to (John 12:50, Ibid.) commands men to enter the fold or flock (John 10:9, Revised English Bible), or the Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

     Must one then hesitate to join the Church Of Christ?  Must one have second thoughts and put to naught the God-given privilege of receiving from Him a blessing far greater than material wealth that people in this world are so concerned about?  Before it is too late, should one not think about it?  *

Copied from PASUGO GOD’S MESSAGE/FEBRUARY 2015/VOLUME 67/NUMBER 2/PAGES 28-29

THE LIFE WORTH LIVING

THE LIFE WORTH LIVING

LIFE IS TOO precious to lose.  This is why most of us do everything within our power to preserve it.  There are those who work very hard to provide for themselves the necessities of life and to find happiness and contentment in this world.

But while nothing is wrong with striving hard to keep and improve the present life, there are some who have become so preoccupied with it that they ended up losers instead.

To avoid such misfortune, it would help us to consider and ponder upon the teachings of the Bible about the present life and the other we can hope to attain at the right time and in the right way.

LIFE ON EARTH

Despite the defeats, failures, and sorrows that may go with life, it is still worth keeping and cherishing.  But the sad reality is that life will inevitably end:

“You know, O Lord, that we pass through life like exiles and strangers, as our ancestors did. Our days are like a passing shadow, and we cannot escape death.” (I Chron. 29:15, Today’s English Version)

Like a passing shadow, life in this world is but fleeting.  Everything that we have achieved for the present life will only be left behind when we die.  In this sense, we become no better than grass or wild flowers that wither and fall:

“As the scripture says,

“All human beings are like grass,
    and all their glory is like wild flowers.
The grass withers, and the flowers fall.” (I Pt. 1:24, Ibid.)

In view of this, King Solomon, arguably the wisest, wealthiest, and most powerful King in his time, concluded:

“Then I thought about all that I had done and how hard I had worked doing it, and I realized that it didn't mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind—of no use at all.” (Eccl. 2:11, Ibid.)

Solomon may well be considered a man who lived his life on earth to the fullest.  His long list of accomplishments include the great Israelite temple, plantations, vineyards, and irrigation systems.  Still, after having done these things, he considered them worthless because of life’s impermanence:

“I accomplished great things. I built myself houses and planted vineyards.  I planted gardens and orchards, with all kinds of fruit trees in them;  I dug ponds to irrigate them.  I bought many slaves, and there were slaves born in my household. I owned more livestock than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem.  I also piled up silver and gold from the royal treasuries of the lands I ruled. Men and women sang to entertain me, and I had all the women a man could want.

“Yes, I was great, greater than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and my wisdom never failed me.  Anything I wanted, I got. I did not deny myself any pleasure. I was proud of everything I had worked for, and all this was my reward.  Then I thought about all that I had done and how hard I had worked doing it, and I realized that it didn't mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind—of no use at all.” (Eccl. 2:4-11, Ibid.)

The frailty of human life is a problem that no one in this world can solve.  In the end, man’s efforts for this life—even the  pursuit of earthly wisdom or knowledge—all boil down to nothing:

“No one remembers the wise, and no one remembers fools. In days to come, we will all be forgotten. We must all die—wise and foolish alike.” (Eccl. 2:16, Ibid.)

LIFE ETERNAL

It does not mean, however, that we should be pessimistic about life.  This life can become truly meaningful if it is spent in such a way that we will be led to the other life that the Bible speaks of—the life that transcends all the imperfections of life at present.  Such life is what we should work much harder to achieve:

“ Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him.” (Jn. 6:27, Ibid.)

Unlike life in this world, life eternal is free of worries, pains, and sorrows.  It is unending:

“ He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” (Rev. 21:4, Ibid.)

Our Lord Jesus Christ goes on to say that the joy that eternal life brings is permanent and cannot be taken or snatched away:

“That is how it is with you: now you are sad, but I will see you again, and your hearts will be filled with gladness, the kind of gladness that no one can take away from you.” (Jn. 16:22, Ibid.)

Therefore, if we make every effort to keep the present life, all the more should we labor for the life that is in Christ.  In this way, we make our life in this world truly meaningful.

LIFE IN CHRIST

But how can we attain eternal life?  Apostle John says:

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. ” (I Jn. 5:11-12, KJV.)

Life eternal is with our Lord Jesus Christ.  So, we cannot have eternal life apart from Christ.  So, how can we have Christ?  Whom does the Bible affirm as those who have the Son?  In Colossians 1:18, Apostle Paul says:

“He is the head of his body, the church.” (TEV.)

To have Christ is to become a part of His body or to join His Church.  Not only do the members of the true Church have Christ as their head; He is also their Savior:

“For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body.” (Eph. 5:23, Ibid.)

As to which Church Christ had redeemed and will save, the apostles clarify:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

If we intend to make sense of our struggles in this life by ensuring our hope of receiving the everlasting life in Christ, then let us strive to serve God inside the true Church of Christ.  In this way, we make our earthly life truly worth living for.*

PAMPHLETS/PASUGO GOD’S MESSAGE/DECEMBER 2001/PAGES 21-22

We cordially invite you to our worship services.

.Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind.

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THE CHOICES WE HAVE TO MAKE

THE CHOICES WE HAVE TO MAKE

IT IS IN man’s nature to find reasons and explanation to most experiences that he encounters in life.  As a rational and thinking being, he asks the question why for the various situations he gets into.

But contrary to man’s inherent rationality, we find people who tend to be pessimistic about their lives.  They don’t bother to find the real causes of their misfortunes in life and the solutions for these, but rather ascribe their impoverished lot to fate and destiny.

Their fatalism is aggravated by a belief in predestination as if God at the very beginning foreordained them to suffer while others are to enjoy their lives in this world.

The concept of predestination or the idea of assigning to God the twists and quirks of a person’s life and the belief that He may have laid down a preplanned life for every human being is biblically unfounded.  It is not God who makes the decisions that affect our lives.  He only gives us the alternatives from which we have to make our choices.

TO LIVE OR NOT TO LIVE

The Bible proves that it is not God but we who make the major decisions affecting our destinies.  In Deuteronomy 30:15, this is written:

“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity.” (New American Standard Bible)

God has set before man two alternatives from which he can make his choices.  Life and prosperity or death and adversity.  With the mental faculty which God gives man, he is capable of choosing what is best for his destiny.

The Lord has blessed us with the capacity to think; He never wants us to become robots which operate through electrical or mechanical impulses as dictated by their creator.  The Almighty wants us to see, perceive, rationalize, and decide on what is good for us.  It’s not He who will make the choices for our life but we.

But what if we make the wrong choice?  To prevent such grievous error, God suggests the course of actions we have to take.  In verses 19-20 of the same chapter, He pronounces:

“ I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your [a]descendants, 20 by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for [b]this is your life and the length of your days, [c]that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” (Ibid.)

The Lord leads His people to the path of success and prosperity, to life and eternity.  He said, “choose life.”

Yet, what do we find in many people nowadays?  They are reeling in poverty, deeply enmeshed in vices and trapped in the tragic decadence of this inhuman world.  What causes these despicable conditions?  Is it fate or God’s predestination?  To this query, replies:

“But this is [a]what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.

“Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and [a]went backward and not forward.” (Jer. 7:23-24, Ibid.)

It is the wrong choice of many people which leads them to sufferings, destruction, and death.  While God wishes man to choose life by obeying His commandments, the recalcitrant tendencies of many people make them do otherwise.  They do not obey God’s counsels, instead they walk in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

THE NARROW OR THE WIDE GATE

God’s policy of letting people decide on the actions they have to take continues in the Christian era.  Once again, the Almighty, this time through His Son, Jesus Christ, lays down before men the options from which they can make their choices.  Christ our Lord presented this in Matthew 7:13-14.  He said:

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 

“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Ibid.)

The options in the Christian era are the two kinds of gates; one gate is small and narrow while the other is broad and wide.  The small gate treads a narrow way and leads to life.  The wide gate, on the other hand, leads to a broad way but ends in destruction.  Christ’s counsel to the people of this era is to choose the small gate and the narrow way which leads to life.  What should we do when we choose the small and narrow gate?  What is Christ’s commandment to those who have chosen the narrow gate?  In John 10:7, 9, this is written:

“So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

“I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, …’” (Ibid.)

Those who have chosen the narrow gate must enter in it.  Christ is the gate or the door of the sheepfold.  Man must enter through Him to be saved.  Those who entered through Christ will become his sheep and will be gathered into one flock, which is the Church of Christ:

“I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” (Jn. 10:16, Ibid.)

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

Therefore, Jesus wants those who choose life and salvation to become members of the Church of Christ.  At the same time, He warned people not to enter and walk in the broad way, which represents false religions, because it leads to death and destruction.

THE CHRISTIAN CHOICE

Christ’s parable about the sower, presents another set of options from which true Christians must make a choice.  He related:

“ The sower sows the word.  These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.  In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy;  and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they [a]fall away.  And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word,  but the worries of the [b]world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.  And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”” (Mk. 4:14-20, NASB)

The parable shows the different stereotypes of those who have heard the gospel.  Some hear the words of God but do not believe for they are only temporarily converted as they have no firm root in faith.  Those who have chosen to abide by the words of God must choose whether they would be fruitful or not.  True Christians must opt to bear fruits of righteousness in order to receive the much-hoped-for promises of God (Philip. 1:9-11).  To bear fruit, they must not permit the things of this world to hinder their efforts to this end.  To be overly devoted in the pursuit for worldly gain leads to unfruitfulness.

The ultimate choice for true Christians is whether to endure till the end or not.  To bear or not to bear the burden and sacrifice that a servant of God has to take.  For our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, asserts:

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Mt. 24:13, New King James Version)*

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WHAT WE SHOULD KNOW AND UNDERSTAND

WHAT WE SHOULD KNOW AND UNDERSTAND

IN THESE TIMES of great difficulty, many people seem to reduce their aim in life to mere survival.  While most people would be content with earning just enough to be able to get through each day, there are those who are trying to make a difference.  They want more than just to survive in this hostile world; they aspire to conquer it.  They would stop at nothing but to achieve their dream of perhaps building a business empire, securing a leading post in government, writing a bestseller, or doing whatever they think would bring them fame and fortune.

In the process, there are some who begin to believe that the advances they make toward reaching their goals are product of their own abilities and efforts.  Giving credit to no one but to themselves, they go so far as to boast of their wealth, knowledge, or strength.

In the end, they would only find out that placing their trust and hope in these things do not make their lives truly meaningful.  For although knowledge, strength, and wealth are useful, they do not provide lasting happiness and peace.  As impermanent and limited as other earthly things, they cannot free man from the worries of life.  The wise and wealthy king, Solomon, himself, attests:

“You work for something with all your wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and then you have to leave it all to someone who hasn't had to work for it. It is useless, and it isn't right!  You work and worry your way through life, and what do you have to show for it?  As long as you live, everything you do brings nothing but worry and heartache. Even at night your mind can't rest. It is all useless.” (Eccl. 2:21-23, Today’s English Version)

Many people in this world have experienced this to be true.  Many wealthy individuals, for instance, have invested a great deal of their time and money in acquiring education and training in order to become affluent and successful, only to die and leave their riches behind to heirs who may have had little or nothing at all to do with what they had achieved.  Moreover, a good number of rich people lead restless lives and experience financial worries which, in turn, have caused nothing but stress, anxiety, and various health problems.

Furthermore, though knowledge as he claims to be, man until now has failed to discover the cure for the common colds.  In spite of the tremendous advancement on various fields, the problems of widespread poverty, unemployment, and the absence of peace still prevail in many places in the world.

Thus, man cannot and should not boast of his wisdom, wealth, or strength.  He should not place his trust and hope on these things.  In whom should man trust and hope?

“The Lord says,

“The wise should not boast of their wisdom,
    nor the strong of their strength,
    nor the rich of their wealth.
 If any want to boast,
    they should boast that they know and understand me,
because my love is constant,
    and I do what is just and right.
These are the things that please me.
I, the Lord, have spoken.” ” (Jer. 9:23-24, Ibid.)

Man should recognize the Lord God rather than his own wisdom, riches, or abilities.  As God Himself pointed out, only His love is constant and only He can do what is right for us, which includes solving whatever problems we have especially in these times of uncertainty.

THE REASON FOR LIFE’S UNCERTAINTIES
Why is this life filled with uncertainties in the first place?  Why has this world become such an imperfect one, beset with troubles and confusion?  God Himself proclaimed:

“Listen, earth! As punishment for all their schemes I am bringing ruin on these people, because they have rejected my teaching and have not obeyed my words.” (Jer. 6:19, Ibid.)

People have only themselves to blame for the misfortunes that plague this world.  Since time immemorial, man has rejected God’s teachings and disobeyed His words.  Many give Him very little or no regard at all, as the Holy Scriptures points out:

“The wicked tell God to leave them alone;
    they don't want to know his will for their lives.
They think there is no need to serve God
    nor any advantage in praying to him.
They claim they succeed by their own strength,
    but their way of thinking I can't accept.” (Job. 21:14-16, Ibid.)

Is this not the attitude of many people in the world today?  They spend all their time to be rich and successful, yet would have no time on serving God or in praying to Him.  Others even feel that it is counter-productive or disadvantageous for them to spend their precious hours in serving God and following His commandments.

On the other hand, there are those who say that they want to serve God, yet do it in the wrong way.  As the Apostle Paul foretold:

“The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends.” (II Tim. 4:3-4, Ibid.)

Serving God in accordance with sound doctrine or the truth is as important as the act itself of serving Him.  In fact, it is the only form of service which God accepts and by which man benefits fully from His grace and blessings.  As the Bible teaches, a person will never stand to lose for dedicating his time in serving God and in obeying His commandments, for he will receive the greatest reward:

“This calls for endurance on the part of God's people, those who obey God's commandments and are faithful to Jesus.

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!”

“Yes indeed!” answers the Spirit. “They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them.”” (Rev. 14:12-13, Ibid.)

Thus, if a person desires to serve God and receive his guidance and blessings in this life and in the hereafter, then his service must be based solely on God’s will and commandments.

THE WILL OF GOD
The will of God for all men is explicitly stated in the Holy Scriptures.  In Ephesians 1:9-10, this is written:

“Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both[a] which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.” (New King James Version)

God’s will is for  all men to be gathered together in Christ by becoming members of Christ’s body, which is the Church:

“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Rom. 12:5, Ibid.)

“And He is the head of the body, the church.” (Col. 1:18, Ibid.)

The Church which the apostles are referring to is the Church of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

To be in the Church of Christ is to be cleansed of one’s sins, because it is the Church which was purchased or redeemed by Christ.  In turn, to be cleansed or forgiven of one’s sins means to be saved from the wrath of God and, thus, inherit His great promises (Rom. 5:8-9).

Not only should we place our faith in God and entrust our life to Him, but also make sure that we belong to the Church of Christ.  It is in this Church wherein our service to Him can be truly worthy.  Significantly, by serving Him inside the Church of Christ, we have complied with His will and, therefore, have proven that we fully trust in Him.  In this way, we ensure ourselves of His everlasting guidance and eternal love—in this life and in the hereafter.*

PAMPLETS/PASUGO GOD’S MESSAGE/AUGUST 2002/PAGES 21-22

Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind.

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SHARING IN CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

SHARING IN CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

THE RESURRECTION OF our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the greatest events in the history of Christendom.  Not only did this fulfill the biblical prophecies concerning Christ’s work and mission but it also significantly manifested the fulfillment of man’s long standing hope of victory over his gravest problem—death—and of his attainment of God’s promised salvation.  As Apostle Paul tells us:

“But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised.” (I Cor. 15:20, Today’s English Version)

Just as death is a certainty, so is the resurrection of the dead.  But there are people who doubt the idea of the dead being raised to life, especially today when even the brightest of scientists haven’t discovered this for a fact.  Apostle Paul nevertheless explained the truthfulness of this doctrine of the Bible by saying, “When you plant a seed in the ground, it does not sprout to life unless it dies” (I Cor. 15:36, Ibid.).

Indeed, a seed has to dry out before it sprouts to life.  Following this metaphor, the apostle said:

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.  It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.  It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” (I Cor. 15:42-44, New King James Version)

The natural body we have now ages, grows weak, dies, and is to be buried in the ground where it will see corruption and decay.  But at the day of resurrection, it will be replaced by a spiritual body, one that is without corruption, glorious, honorable, and raised in power.

This happened to our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:15, 23).  It will happen again to all the dead at the appointed time.

THE TWO RESURRECTIONS

The more important thing that we should make sure of is the kind of resurrection which is in store for us.  Our Lord Jesus Christ taught that there are two resurrections:

“Don’t be surprised!  Indeed the time is coming when all the dead in their graves shall hear the voice of God’s Son, and shall rise again—those who have done good, to eternal life; and those who have continued in evil, to judgment.” (Jn. 5:28-29, Living Bible)

Man shall rise from death to receive either eternal life or judgment.  Who will be raised to life when Christ returns?

“For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ.  But each one will be raised in his proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him.” (I Cor. 15:22-23, TEV)

One has to have genuine relationship with Christ to receive eternal life.  Only those who are in union with Christ and belong to Him can hope to be raised to a life of perfection.  Which has relation to Christ?  In Ephesians 5:30, 32, this is written:

“Because we are members (parts) of His body.

“This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church.” (Amplified Bible)

It is the Church which has relation to Christ.  Through this Church, a person becomes truly one with Christ because the true Church is the body of Christ, and He is head (Col. 1:18; Eph. 2:15).  The apostles identify this Church as the Church of Christ.

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

Therefore, relationship with Christ is not just a personal thing as what many people believe.  One cannot be in union with Christ by merely professing faith in Him as Lord and Savior.  He must also accept and join the Church of Christ because it is the way to become united with Christ.

THE FIRST RESURRECTION

Those who are in Christ or members of the Church of Christ will be the first ones to be raised to life:

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (I Thess. 4:16-17, NKJV)

Apostle Paul explained how the first resurrection of the dead will take place.  He said that the “dead in Christ,” or the members of the Church of Christ who died will rise first on His Second Coming.  Meanwhile, the members who are alive at the day of Christ’s return will no longer taste death.  Instead, they shall dwell with the Lord in the heavenly abode with their resurrected brethren.  The second death shall have no power over them.  The Bible declares:

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6, Ibid.)

A great fortune awaits those who belong to the Church of Christ.  Being among those who will take part in the first resurrection, they will be saved from the eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

THE SECOND RESURRECTION

But what about the others who will not take part in the first resurrection?  What kind of resurrection awaits them?  The Book of Revelation tells us:

“Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Rev. 20:7, 14, Ibid.)

Those who are not part of the first resurrection will be raised to face judgment.  They will suffer both on Judgment Day when the ungodly are destroyed (II P. 3:7, 10) and on the second resurrection a thousand years later when they will be cast into eternal torment in the lake of fire.

There is a great difference between the first and second resurrection in terms of time and more importantly the condition where they lead to.  While a great fortune awaits those who will share in the first resurrection, eternal punishment will befall the rest or those who do not belong to Christ.  Thus, to whom shall death come as a great blessing?

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me,h “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”” (Rev. 14:13, Ibid.)

For the true members of the Church of Christ, to die in the service of the Lord is a great blessing.  Christ will raise them up when He returns to endow them with eternal life in God’s Holy City.  There, they shall rest from all pains, sufferings, loneliness, and even death (Rev. 21:1-4).

One should join the Church of Christ for him to share in the victory of Christ over death and His gracious inheritance in the Holy City.  For just as the Lord Jesus Christ was raised to glory, so will He raise the faithful members of His Church and transform their lowly body “that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philip. 3:20-21).*

PAMPHLETS/PASUGO GOD’S MESSAGE/OCTOBER 2002/PAGES 21-22                

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WHAT MAKES US WISE FOR SALVATION

WHAT MAKES US WISE FOR SALVATION

IF YOU HAD lived in the olden times when there were no such instruments as telescope, camera, television, and spaceship, would you have believed reports that the earth is round and hangs on nothing?

The prevailing view then was, in fact, contrary to this.  Reactions to such reports would have ranged from mild ones, such as the raising of an eyebrow, to violent ones, such as condemnation or denunciation (Remember Galileo, one of the first scientists to challenge the old universal belief that the sun revolves around the earth?).

Now, discoveries in the age of exploration and the modern era have shattered the then prevailing view—the earth is, indeed, a globe floating in space.

But, did you know that these facts about the earth, as well as other facts about the space and the stars, were already in the Holy Scriptures centuries before the discoveries were made?

The earth is round.  “When the Bible was written it was universally believed that the earth was flat.  It was argued that should one go too far toward the edge he would fall off.  …Finally, Magellan and his men sailed around the earth and thus proved it to be spherical in shape.” (George Dehoff. Why We Believe the Bible. P. 49)

Moreover, modern technology enables anyone to see for himself that the earth is round.  But this fact was already recorded in the Bible about 2,200 years before Magellan’s voyage:

“That He sits over the round earth.” (Is. 40:22, Moffatt Translation)

The earth hangs on nothing.  “The ancient Greeks and Romans were the most advanced peoples of their time, yet they believed that the earth was held in place by poles or by the neck of Atlas.  Others believed that Atlas had the earth on his shoulders.” (Dehoff. Pp. 49-50)

While the “most advanced” people in ancient times held a view that was but a myth, it was inscribed in the Book of Job (between 600 and 400 B.C.) that the earth hangs on nothing:

“He stretches out the north over empty space;
He hangs the earth on nothing.” (Job. 26:7, New King James Version)

There’s a void up north.  “Astronomers have discovered that there is a great empty space in the North. … When the telescope is set exactly to the North there is a great empty space.  For this, astronomers have been unable to account.  They did not know until recently that there was such an empty space.” (Dehoff. P. 50)

Even without the aid of telescope, the same can be discovered in the Bible:

“He stretches out the north over empty space;
He hangs the earth on nothing.” (Job. 26:7, NKJV)

The stars cannot be counted.  “The ancients believed that there were only a very few stars in the heavens.  In 150 B.C. Hipparchus said that there were less three thousand.  In A.D. 150 Ptolemy said there were more than three thousand. … After the middle ages and the invention of the telescope, men discovered that the stars are innumerable.” (Dehoff. P. 56)

This fact was already written in the Bible between 700 and 600 B.C.:

“I will make the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister before me as countless as the stars in the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (Jer. 33:22, New International Version)

WORD OF GOD

Take note that the preceding facts (and others, for that matter) about the earth, stars, and space cannot be proven under normal conditions.  We can only see the roundness of the earth if we are hundreds of miles away from it or from a photo taken at the same distance, but not on the earth’s surface where it looks flat.  And unless we use a telescope or are light-years away from our galaxy, only a small ratio of the innumerable stars that make up the galaxy is visible to our unaided eyes.

Without the aid of modern instruments, how then could the writer of the Bible have known these facts?  We believe that these were revealed to them by God who made the heavens, the earth, and the stars:

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained.” (Ps. 8:3, NKJV)

This strengthens our belief that the Holy Scriptures is written word of God given by inspiration of Him:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (II Tim. 3:16, Ibid.)

Whereas man’s knowledge changes as it is proven wrong by new discoveries, the inspired word of God in the Bible endures because it is truth:

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”  (Is. 40:8)

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (Jn. 17:17, Ibid.)

GREAT IMPORTANCE

A word of caution is in order, however.  The discussion above should not lead anyone to think that every discovery of the physical environment is also revealed in the Bible.  The Bible does not make any such claim.

Far more important than being able to tell facts about the physical earth, the Holy Scriptures is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15, Ibid.).  It teaches the truth we ought to know in order to be saved on Judgment Day:

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (I Tim. 2:3-4, Ibid.)

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:27, Ibid.)

This is very important for us to know.  Just as death which God appointed to man is fulfilled, so will the day of Judgment for it is also God who appointed it (II Pt. 3:7; Acts 17:31).

But, the merciful God does not want us to be punished, so He had His words written that we may come to know the truth and be saved.

What does the Bible teach us in order to gain salvation and eternal life?

Recognize the heavenly Father who is the only true God, and His Son Jesus Christ whom He sent to save us:

“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.  And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (Jn. 17:1, 3, NKJV)

“Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:31, Ibid.)

Enter the flock or the Church of Christ, which Christ has redeemed and will save:

“Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold though me will be safe. ” (Jn. 10:7, 9, Revised English Bible)

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

“For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body.” (Eph. 5:23, Today’s English Version)

Remain in the Church of Christ and in obeying God’s commandments until the end:

“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.  Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”” (Rev. 14:12-13, NIV)

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Mt. 24:13, NKJV)*

PAMPHLETS/PASUGO GOD’S MESSAGE/DECEMBER 2002/PAGES 21-22

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