THEOLOGY

“Saved” or “Deceived”

by
Robert E. Schoenle

The majority of “professing” Christians, who faithfully attend “Christian” churches, would go to Hell [Hades] if they were to die today (Mt. 7:21-23; 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50)! These are people who had been told they were going to Heaven and believed it to be true (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 3:20). The reason why these “Christian churchgoers” would go to the “torment” section of Hades [Hell] (Mt. 25:41, 46; Lk. 16:22-26), and not go to Heaven as they expected upon their physical death, is that they had been deceived by a false gospel (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1-3).

A false gospel is one in which you must do “something” in addition to believing in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ [Messiah] for your salvation (Jn. 19:30; Gal. 2:21; Heb. 9:28). The “something” might have been a necessary part of the instructions God gave to the people living in a prior “age,” but is now considered a “work” in our current “Age of Grace” (Mt. 5:17; Acts 15:1-35; Rom. 13:8-10; 14:5-6; Gal. 2:3, 15-16; 5:1; Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 2:8-16).

Our current “Age of Grace” began at the moment the Lord Jesus Christ gave up His spirit while on the cross at the place of a skull called “Golgotha” in Hebrew, or “Calvary” that is taken from the Latin (Mt. 27:33-50; Mk. 15:22, 37; Lk. 23:33; Jn. 19:28, 30; Rom. 6:14-15; 10:4; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 10:5-10). The tearing of the “veil” in the Temple (Mt. 27:50-51; Mk. 15:37-38) indicated that it is no longer necessary to have any man intercede as a priest for sin, since we now have the Lord Jesus Christ as our great high priest in Heaven (Heb. 9:1-15, 24; 10:19-22).

To become a “true” Christian in our current “Age of Grace” a sinner must first “trust” [believe], in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, by faith alone and nothing else, for their “salvation” (Rom. 4:5; Eph. 2:8-9). Thus, any “work” done in this current “Age of Grace,” by a “believer” [Christian] is always to be done “after” their “belief” in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of “all” their sins! Thus, “anything” done by a “true” Christian is “always” to be an “effect” of their “salvation,” and “never” to be included as part of the “cause” of their “salvation.”

The first man “saved” in our present “Age of Grace” was not only a “thief” [robber], but a “malefactor” [evil-worker]. This means he was probably also guilty of “murder” and “sedition” against Roman rule. This is a man who was incapable of doing anything to have his sins forgiven, while hanging on his cross. However, he did come to “believe” [trust] that Y’shua of Nazareth was the promised Messiah, who was able to forgive him and allow him into His kingdom. His “belief” was sufficient to “save” [salvation] him. When he died, this man went to the “paradise” side of Hades as his Savior had promised him (Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; 48:12, 16; 52:13-53:12; Mic. 5:2; Zech. 9:9; Mt. 1:18-2:23; 27:27-31, 33-50; Mk. 15:1-46; Lk. 1:26-2:40; 16:19-31; 22:47-23:53).
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Some of the “things” that people have been told they must do to be a “Christian” [saved] in our present“Age of Grace” is to “repent,” be “baptized,” “make Jesus Lord of their life,” “speak in tongues,” “give their life or heart to Jesus,” “make a decision for Christ,” “join a church,” or “have an experience.” When any of these “acts,” or “anything” else is done as a way of “ensuring salvation” they are called “works” [a religious ritual] (Jn. 5:23, 39, 46-47; Rom. 5:1; 2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Pet. 1:10)! Anyone whose “faith” is based upon a “religious ritual” to ensure their “salvation” is no different from those people who are believing in the “works” of other religions! Thus, the term “professing” Christians.

These “professing” Christians have been deceived by the false teachings from false teachers (Acts 20:29-30; 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 13-15; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Tim. 3:13; 2 Pet. 2:1-2; Jude 4, 11). They have been “deceived” the same as the people of Israel had been in previous years (Isa. 56:9-11; Jer. 5:31; Ezek. 34:2-10). Thus, all of these “professing” Christians are on their “way” to the “Lake of Fire” (Mt. 7:13-23; Lk. 16:19-31; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:10-15; 21:8). The same “way” that is taken by those who consciously and deliberately reject the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior” (Prov. 14:12; 16:25; Jn. 1:11; Jude 12-13).

Mankind was created by God in His “image” (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7; Jn. 4:24). Thus, each human being, like God, is a “spirit” being, who will always “exist,” while having a free “will.” Having a free “will” allows each man and woman to make independent decisions for which they will be held, personally, accountable by the God of the Holy Bible who created them.

Men and women have “always” been obligated to do the “will” of God throughout the “ages” (Gen. 2:15-17; 3:6, 17-19; 4:3-7; Lev. 26; Dt. 13:4; 28:1-30:20; Ps. 40:8; Mt. 7:21; 12:50; Mk. 3:31-35; Jn. 7:19; Eph. 5:17; Heb. 10:7, 9). The “will” of God for mankind in our present “Age of Grace” is to simply “believe” [trust] that the Lord Jesus Christ “paid in full” the penalty due from every man and woman for their transgressions against God and to trust in nothing else (Jn. 6:39-40; 14:6; 1 Jn. 2:17; 5:12-13). The blood sacrifice of the “Lamb of God,” who is the Lord Jesus Christ, is the only sacrifice the God of the Holy Bible will accept (Lev. 17:11; Jn. 1:29, 36; Rom. 3:23-28; Heb. 9:22; 10:4, 10-22). The proponents and adherents of all “Christian religions” are “not” in the “will” of God by relying upon religious “rituals,” “traditions” and their own good “works” for their “salvation.” They are like Cain, the first religious man (Gen. 4:1-16; Heb. 11:4).

The “Gospel of John” revealed the Lord Jesus Christ to be God, in a human body (Jn. 1:1-4, 14, 47-51; 2:24-25; 3:35; 4:29; 5:21-24; 6:64; 8:58; 9:35-38; 10:30-39; 11:25-27, 38-44; 20:28-29)! Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ is the one and only “God-man” (1 Tim. 3:16; 1 Jn. 3:8; 4:10). In his gospel, John “never” suggested, instructed, or insisted that people had to “repent,” “make Jesus Lord of their life,” be “baptized,” “speak in tongues,” “give their life or heart to Jesus,” “make a decision for Christ,” “join a church,” “have an experience” or to do anything else in order to be “saved” other than to simply “believe.” If any of these “acts,” or some other “thing,” were necessary to do in order to be a “Christian” [saved], then John would have been “remiss” for not including that “act” or “thing” with the reason for writing his gospel (Jn. 20:30-31).

In other words, if the reason given by John for writing his gospel is not “all” that one needs to know in order to be a “true” Christian [saved], then John’s reason would be“incomplete.” John simply wanted his readers to know some of the things he had heard the Lord Jesus Christ say, and had seen Him do, so his readers might “believe” and therefore be “saved” (Jn. 20:30-31). In his gospel, John used the word “believe” [trust] sixty times. The word “repent,” in contrast, was never mentioned by John! Thus, the “Protestant [under protest] Movement” was based upon “sola gratia” [grace alone] (Eph. 2:8-9), “sola fide” [faith alone] (Rom. 5:1), “sola Scriptura” [Scripture alone] (2 Tim. 3:16-17), with the results being “soli Deo gloria” [to God alone be glory]. Is that the message being taught in “churches,” and by “religious movements,” in our day?

The Hebrew and Greek words for “salvation” imply the ideas of soundness, deliverance, safety, healing and preservation. The word “salvation” is the great inclusive word of “the gospel of Christ” that gathers into itself all the redemptive acts and processes, such as grace, forgiveness, redemption, propitiation, justification, imputation, sanctification and glorification. This is why it can be said that the Lord Jesus Christ is the embodiment of the word “salvation” (Jn. 11:25)!

Now let’s make this personal. Are you, the reader of this treatise, willing to acknowledge the “bad news” of the Old Testament that reveals your own lost and sinful condition before a holy God (Job 9:2; 14:4; 15:14; 25:4; Ps. 51:5; 58:3; 130:3; 143:2; Eccl. 7:20; Isa. 64:6)? Unless you do, how would you be able to fully appreciate the “good news” of the New Testament? The news that, “. . . Jesus came . . . to save sinners…” (1 Tim. 1:15; 3:16). The simple “gospel” [good news] is that the Lord Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again from the dead so that you might have an everlasting “connection” [life] with Him (1 Cor. 15:1-4). He paid your “sin penalty” and nullified “death” [separation] (1 Cor. 15:54-57). Scripture reveals that He “always” identifies Himself with those who trust Him as Savior (Mt. 25:35-36, 40, 42-43, 45; Acts 9:1-5)!

This next question is for all “professing” Christians (2 Cor. 13:5). Does your “faith” or “beliefs” include, in any way, your “good life,” your “good works,” or your “religion” as part of the “cause” for the hope you have of going to Heaven after you die? If so, then according to the holy Scriptures, you are “not” a “true” Christian [saved] (Isa. 64:6; Acts 4:12; Rom. 3:10; 4:5). Your “salvation” MUST be based “solely” on what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for you, and not on “anything” you have done, are doing, or might do for Him! This is why it can be said that only “bad” people go to Heaven and “good” people go to Hades [Hell]. The reason being that “bad” people “know” they need a “personal” Savior, and “good” people “think” or “hope” their own efforts and life will be good enough to satisfy the God of the Holy Bible.

Are you now willing to acknowledge that you are a “lost” sinner who is incapable of doing “anything” to justify yourself before a holy and perfect God (Isa. 64:6; Rom. 4:5; Gal. 2:16; Heb. 7:19)? Are you now willing to “believe” [trust], that God the Son,” allowed Himself to be “separated” [death] from “God the Father” and “God the Holy Spirit” so that you would not have to be (Lk. 23:44, 46)? Will you now “trust,” solely by faith (Eph. 2:8-9), the Lord Jesus Christ “alone” (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5), to “save” you from the “penalty” due you for all of your sins (Jn. 3:14-18; 10:14-18)? Are you now willing to accept the “free” gift of “salvation” that only the Lord Jesus Christ can offer you, and assure you of having (Jn. 1:12; 3:1-8; 5:24; 6:45, 47; 11:25-26; 1 Tim. 1:15; Ti. 3:7; Heb. 10:10, 12; 1 Jn. 4:8-10; 5:9-13)?

The Holy Bible is called the “Word of God” because it is a faithful record of everything God wanted mankind to know as a whole, including those things that are evil and degenerate. The original [autograph] was written by men inspired by “God the Holy Spirit,” the third “Personality” of the “triune Godhead.” The Holy Bible is free from any error concerning the supernatural, science and history. Thus, the Holy Bible is the only source of truth on earth. The “substance” of the Holy Bible has been preserved for us and is complete! We are not to look for the writing of additional Scripture or the giving of extra-biblical revelation from any man or woman (Ex. 17:14; Dt. 4:2; 5:22; 12:32-13:5; 28:58-62; 31:24-26; Josh. 1:7-8; 8:31-35; Ps. 12:6; 18:30; 19:7-9; 119:140, 142, 151; Prov. 30:5-6; Isa. 40:8; Mt. 4:1-11; 24:35; Jn. 5:39, 46-47; 17:12, 14, 17; 19:24; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:18-20; 9:8-17; 15:4; 1 Cor. 2:9-14; Col. 2:9; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:21; 3:15-16; 1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 1:1-3, 10-11; 22:6-10, 18-19).

It is necessary to know what the Holy Bible has to say about God, mankind, sin and salvation to avoid being deceived by “manmade” religions (Heb. 4:12; 1 Jn. 4:1). Therefore, you must know the “Word” of God, to know the “Will” of God, to know the “Way” of God! It is important for each man and woman to search the Scriptures daily (Jn. 5:39, 46-47; Acts 17:10-12), study them (Prov. 15:28; 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15), and meditate upon them (Josh. 1:7-8; Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:13-17). These are logical, rational and necessary things to do when it is understood, and appreciated, how the Holy Bible is the only source of truth in the world (Lk. 16:29-31; 24:25-27). This fact has inspired the saying, “the Holy Bible, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.”

The Scriptures state, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood…” (Lev. 17:11a), “…and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Lev. 17:11b). “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission (Heb. 9:22). “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). Thus, the blood of sacrificed animals could only “cover” sin. It took the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, that He willingly and lovingly sacrificed, to “blot” out the sins of all who might “believe” [trust] Him as their personal Savior (Isa. 44:21-22; Dan. 12:1; Jon. 2:9; Acts 3:19; 4:12; Heb. 9:14, 28; 10:10, 12, 14, 17-18)!

The last question for each of the readers of this treatise to answer is this, “What is your salvation based upon?” The “professing” Christian whose answer to this question includes a “religion,” a “ritual,” a “work” or an “experience,” will die in their sins, be rejected by “God the Father,” be found guilty by the Lord Jesus Christ, have their name “blotted” out of the “Lamb’s Book of Life” and spend eternity in the “Lake of Fire” (Ex. 23:32-33; Ps. 69:28; Mt. 7:21-23; 13:3-9, 18-23; 25:11-12, 31-46; Lk. 13:25-27; Rom. 4:5; 6:23; 2 Cor. 4:3-4; Rev. 3:5; 20:11-15)! I hope and pray that all who read this treatise will come to trust, by faith alone, the Lord Jesus Christ as their “personal” Savior. And may they do so today (2 Cor. 6:2; Col. 4:6; 1 Pet. 3:15; Rev. 3:20)!