In a world where uncertainties exist, it is encouraging to know that we can be sure about some things. In fact, it is absolutely essential that we are sure about some matters. Even in everyday affairs, we need to be sure about various matters. One needs to be sure he is taking food into his body that will nourish and strengthen him rather than poison that would harm and possibly kill him. Some have taken a contradictory and absurd position that one cannot know anything for sure. To such an one advocating this position, we simply ask, "Are you sure that one cannot know anything for sure?" If he answers yes, then he has demonstrated that his position is false - because he knows that one cannot know (a contradiction). If he answers no, then he has demonstrated that he doesn't know that his position is true, and consequently one may indeed know some things.

It is important to realize that one doesn't have to know everything to know something. A person can know that a certain liquid is milk without knowing the whole process of how a cow produces milk. Also, one can know certain matters relative to God, His Word, salvation, etc., without knowing everything in the Bible.

ONE CAN KNOW WHETHER OR NOT GOD EXISTS

There is nothing more important than being certain about the existence of God. Either there is a God or there is not a God. There is no middle of the road on this proposition. Atheists affirm they know there is no God. Theists affirm there is a God. Which position is correct? Can we be sure? Let's examine some of the compelling evidences of God's existence.

FROM WHERE DOES LIFE COME?

There are only two possibilities to explain the existence of life. (1) Life came from dead matter, or (2) Life came from life. If one takes the position that life came from dead matter, he then has to ask, "From where did this matter come?." Is dead matter eternal? No. There are scientific evidences which prove that dead matter is not eternal (things wear out and/or run down, which proves they had a beginning and therefore are not eternal).

Scientifically, we know that life comes from life. The law of Bio-genesis shows that life comes only from life. Human beings, animals, and plants do not come from dead matter. There must be life for life to exist. Since life comes only from life, then life must have always existed. If there had ever been a time when life did not exist, there would be no life now. Yet, life does exist which proves that life must have always existed. When one studies "life" he realizes that not only must have life always existed, but it must have been intelligent life. For example, when one studies the complexity of the human body (its cellular makeup, respiratory system, skeleton system, circulatory system, etc.), he understands that there must have been an intelligent Life that created human life.

Not only does one know that life produces life, but also life produces after its own kind. Human beings always produce human beings. Every couple depends on this law of reproduction. They know when they decide to have children that their offspring will, in fact, be human. Human couples do not produce cats, dogs, or other animals as their offspring. Likewise cats and dogs do not produce humans. They never have and they never will! Why is this the case? Because everything produces after its own kind. This being true, then evolution cannot be true, because it requires one specie to produce a completely different specie. Dogs will never produce humans and vice versa.

The Bible gives us the answer on the origin of human, animal, and plant life. It is in complete harmony with science - that life comes from life and therefore life has always existed. The intelligent Being Who has always existed is GOD. The Bible states; "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psa. 90:2). The Bible also informs us that God created all things. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). By reading all of Genesis chapter one a person learns that God created everything in six days. The method by which He created the world is His Word. "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth" (Psa. 33:6).

God also created things to reproduce after their own kind. "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1:11-12).

DOES EVERY HOUSE HAVE A BUILDER?

If one were stranded on an island and came across a simple straw hut, he would know that someone had been there. Straw huts do not build themselves. A watch implies a maker. A house implies a builder. Likewise this world requires a Creator. The writer of the Book of Hebrews expressed it this way. "For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God" (Heb. 3:4). A person can examine the amazing world in which we live and stand in wonder at this great world. Astronomers and marine-biologists are amazed at this great world including its universe and oceans. The writer of Psalms declared. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof" (Psa. 19:1-6). The heavens above, including its sun, moon and stars declare God's glory! This fact is universally perceived.

Paul, an apostle stated, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" (Rom. 1:20). A person can look at the creation and know there has to be a Creator! This world did not create itself anymore than a house built itself.

WHO IS GOD?

There is one God - "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him" (1Cor. 8:6). The word "God" denotes Deity. There is but one Deity. There are three persons who posses the one Divine nature. There is God the Father (Mat. 6:9), God the Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3) and God the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4).

God is omniscient (all-knowing). "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it" (Psa. 139:1-6).

God is omnipresent (every where at the same time). "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee" (Psa. 139:7-12).

God is omnipotent (all powerful). "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect" (Gen. 17:1). "Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son" (Gen. 18:14).

God is holy. "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16).

God is love. "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love" (1 John 4:8).

God is near to all. "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:24-27).

God is compassionate. "But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath" (Psa. 78:38). God is ready to forgive those who call upon Him. "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psa. 86:5). 

Just as Peter was "sure" that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (John 6:69), we too, can be sure about various matters. In lesson one, we learned that a person can be sure about God. Now attention is directed toward the book that is called "The Holy Bible." Can we be sure about the Bible? Indeed we can! It is logical that God would communicate with His creation. He could have chosen any means to communicate unto us. He has chosen a method that is very logical and effective - WORDS. Words are vehicles of communication and God has chosen this method to reveal His will for our lives.

THE BIBLE

The Bible is here. How did it get here? Obviously it did not write itself. It consists of 66 books that were written over a period of some 1600 years by about 40 different authors, many of them living in different times and unknown to one another. The Bible is a best seller virtually every year. The Bible has been attacked, yet still survives all its critics.

Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith's door,
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
Then looking, I saw upon the floor,
Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.
"How many anvils have you had," said I,
"To wear and batter all these hammers so?"
"Just one," said he, and then with twinkling eye;
"The anvil wears the hammers out, ye know."
And so, thought I, the anvil of God's Word,
For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;
Yet though the noise of falling blows was heard
The anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone.
by: John Clifford

The Bible truly is an amazing book. It answers the most interesting questions concerning life: (1) From where did we come, (2) Why are we here, and (3) Where are we going? It alone can give us the correct answers to life's questions and fill our lives with hope.

INSPIRED OF GOD

The Bible claims to be divinely inspired (God-breathed). Paul wrote, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The writers did not claim that the message they wrote was their own; rather it was the Word of God. Peter explained; "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:20-21). Peter is explaining that the message the prophets wrote was not a matter of their private interpretation. The holy men spoke as they moved (borne along) by the Holy Spirit.

Not only is the Bible inspired, but it claims verbal inspiration. Verbal inspiration means that God gave the writers the very words He wanted them to have. By so doing, the Bible is thereby protected from the writer choosing the wrong word. David wrote, "The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue" (2 Samuel 23:2). Notice that God's word was in David's tongue. Also the prophet Jeremiah stated, "Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth" (Jeremiah 1:9). God's words were in the mouth of Jeremiah. Consequently, the Bible is the word of God.

COMPLETE AND FINAL

God, in the past, used various means to communicate His word. He used dreams, visions, angels, etc., to communicate His will. However, He now uses the written word. The Hebrews' writer explained; "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:1-2). God has in time past used divers (diverse) manners, but now in the Christian age, He has spoken to us by His Son, Jesus Christ.

God promised He would send the Holy Spirit unto the apostles who would guide them into all truth. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come" (John 16:13). Christ was true to His promise. The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth. Jude wrote, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 1:3). The faith - the Gospel system - was once and for all delivered unto the saints (Christians).

Since the inspired men in the first century were guided into all truth, there is no more revelation being given today. It is not uncommon for certain ones to rise occasionally and claim that God has given them a message (revelation). Such, however, is false and is an attack on the words of Jesus. Today, we have the complete revelation of God in the Book - the Bible.

EVIDENCES OF INSPIRATION

God does not expect us to accept statements without proof or evidence. In fact, the Bible itself proclaims, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The Bible has no fear of honest investigation. God has given evidences of the Bible's inspiration. Evidences is a very broad area and only a few of the amazing evidences will be discussed in this lesson.

Scientific evidence: There is no disharmony or disunity between true Science and the Bible. One should remember there is scientific evidence and then the interpretation of that evidence. Also there is the Bible and then the interpretation of the Bible. The interpretation of science could be faulty and would make it appear that science is in disagreement with the Bible when, in fact, it is the wrong interpretation. Likewise, the Bible can be incorrectly interpreted and make it appear to be out of harmony with science. God is the author of true science and the Bible. There is no disharmony between true science and the Bible.

Isaiah, who wrote in about 750 B.C. spoke of God in contrast to idols (false gods), "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in" (Isaiah 40:22). God had Isaiah say that the earth was a "circle." This went against the common belief for many years that the earth was flat. How did Isaiah know that the earth was a circle? Also many years earlier, David, a shepherd in Palestine, wrote, "The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas" (Psalm 8:8). How did David know there are "paths" (water currents) in the sea? Later, as a result of reading Psalm eight, the paths were discovered and are used even today by ships traveling the seas. Many other scientific matters are discussed in the Bible, such as the springs in the sea, the dividing of light, the water cycle of the earth, etc. How did these writers know (without modern scientific technology) truths that were discovered much later? God, who is the Author of science, is also the author of the Bible.

The unity of the Bible is another evidence of its divine inspiration. As stated earlier, the Bible consists of 66 books written by about 40 different authors unknown to one another. Yet, the Bible is in reality one book. There is amazing unity of theme in the Bible. The foretelling of the coming of Christ, the establishment of the church, and many other themes are discussed in the Bible with complete unity. Again, this is easily understood when one understands there is actually one Author of the Bible - God.

Prophecy and fulfillment: The Bible contains hundreds of prophecies concerning the Christ. They were all minutely fulfilled. His conception, His birth, the place of His birth, His life, His betrayal, His death, His burial, His ascension back into heaven, etc. were all foretold hundreds of years before He came to earth. The church was a matter of prophecy as well. Its time and place of establishment was correctly foretold. These are just a sampling of the prophecies and fulfillment contained in the pages of the Bible. Keep in mind that these prophecies were not "close" to being accurate; they were fulfilled minutely! Also, it isn't the case that most of them were accurate; they were all accurate! Many more evidences could be given (such as the geography, archaeology, etc.), but these are sufficient to show that you can be sure about the Bible.

WHICH COVENANT?

Although the Bible contains 66 individual books, it basically has two major covenants known as the Old Testament and New Testament. It is imperative that a person distinguish between these covenants if he is to understand God's will for his life. Paul admonished Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). The word of God must be rightly divided. To admonish that it is to be rightly divided implies, of course, that it can be wrongly (incorrectly) divided.

The word of God distinguishes between the two covenants. The Old Testament, given at Mount Sinai, was given to the Jews who had come out of Egypt. "And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day" (Deut. 5:1-3). This covenant was for the purpose of leading the Jews unto Christ. Paul wrote, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster"(Gal. 3:24-25). The law (the old covenant) was a schoolmaster or tutor to bring the Jews unto Christ. But after "that faith" (the gospel system) was come, they were no longer under the schoolmaster (the old covenant). Under the Old Testament the Jews were to travel to Jerusalem three times a year and observe the Old Testament feasts. They were to offer various animal sacrifices, etc. Today, however, we are under the New Testament. Hebrews states, "Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:9-10). Christ took away the first (the Old Testament), that He might establish the second (the New Testament). The book of Colossians also affirms that Christ took away the Old Testament as our law for today. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Colossians 2:14). To the Romans, Paul stated, "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God" (Romans 7:4).

UNDERSTAND THE NEW TESTAMENT

A brief overview of the New Testament is helpful to those desiring to understand the word of God. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are books of biography of the life of Christ. The book of Acts is a history of the Lord's church. It tells of the establishment of the church of Christ and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. Romans through Jude are letters written to congregations and individuals giving them further instruction for dealing with some specific problems. The book of Revelation is written to Christians who were undergoing tremendous persecution and it assured them (and us) of the victory one has in Christ if he will remain faithful.

Among the things of which one should be sure, none is more important than salvation. Mankind has a soul that will survive the death of his body and will exist eternally in heaven or hell. Where one exists eternally depends on how he responds to the all-important question, "What must I do to be saved?"

Jesus emphasized the soul's importance when He stated, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). As profitable as it might seem to "gain the whole world," it is not as important as saving "his own soul." You have a soul. It is very important. There is nothing of more value to you than your soul. Unfortunately, many do not value their souls very highly. People often times neglect their souls. The Bible warns, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him" (Hebrews 2:3). Also, many do not make sure that their soul is saved. Perhaps they listen to some preacher or priest and never check with the Word of God. In this lesson, we want to address the all important subject, "You Can Be Sure About Salvation.

THE NEED OF SALVATION

When we are born into this world, we are sinless. We do not inherit sin. God, through the prophet Ezekiel, stated, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him" (Ezekiel 18:20). Jesus likens those who would enter into His kingdom to little children. The Bible records, "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1-4). Again, showing the spiritual purity of children, the Bible states, "Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:13-14). Jesus would not tell us to become as little children for "such is the kingdom of heaven," if they were sinners or totally depraved.

People become sinners, in need of salvation, after they sin. But what is sin and how do we become sinners? God says, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). Sin is defined as "the transgression of the law." It is going beyond the limits or boundaries of God's law. Again sin is defined as "unrighteousness." John wrote, "All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death" (1 John 5:17). Unrighteousness is failing to do what is right. In the above two passages, sin is seen as act of commission ("transgression of the law") and sin of omission ("all unrighteousness is sin"). Likewise James stated, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). From God's definition of sin, one learns that sin is either something one does or fails to do; it is not something one inherits.

The Bibles teaches us that all of us at one time or another have sinned. We have transgressed God's law and left undone what should be done. Consequently all have sinned. The book of Romans teaches the need for Jesus having come into this world to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the world. After showing that both Gentiles and Jews (all humanity) had sinned (Romans chapters 1 and 2), Paul wrote, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). The good news is that Christ came into the world to take away sin. When John saw Jesus, he declared, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29b). God doesn't simply overlook sin, but He will forgive sin. God is just, which means He cannot simply overlook our transgression. We would not respect human judges that simply overlooked the breaking of our laws. But even though God is just, He is also our "Justifier." Paul wrote, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:24-26).

God desires our salvation. He wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (cf. 1 Timothy 2:4). God sent Jesus into the world that we might be saved. John records, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

HOW ARE WE SAVED?

There is both a Divine side and human side to our salvation. God's side of salvation includes such wonderful attributes as mercy, grace, love, the sacrifice of Christ, longsuffering, etc. We could not be saved without these attributes of God. However, there is a human side to salvation also. If we did not have to do anything to be saved, then all people would be saved, for that is God's desire, but yet not all men are saved. Jesus says there is something we must do. He stated, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). Whom did Jesus say would enter into the kingdom of heaven? "He that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven." What must we do to be saved?

One must HEAR the Word of God to be saved. Paul wrote, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, not by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit or some experience one has in life. God draws us through the process of hearing and learning. Jesus stated, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me" (John 6:44-45).

WHAT MUST WE DO TO BE SAVED?

One must also BELIEVE in Christ in order to be saved. Jesus said, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). Additionally, all must REPENT of their sins in order to be saved. Jesus said, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Paul told the Athenians, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). Repentance is a change of heart that will result in reformation of life. God has also said that one should CONFESS the Christ in order to be saved. Paul wrote that confession is unto salvation. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10). A Bible example of this confession is seen in Acts 8:37, "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37). The final act that places one "into Christ" is BAPTISM. When the Gospel was preached in the city of Jerusalem, the ones who crucified Jesus realized their sin. They asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" The inspired answer is found in the following verse, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). These who believed in Jesus were instructed to repent and be baptized in order to have their sins remitted (sent away). Earlier Jesus had instructed, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). Jesus stated that belief and baptism were essential to salvation. One can understand why baptism is essential to salvation when he realizes that in baptism is when God places us "in Christ." Paul wrote; "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27).

Salvation is found only in Christ. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Paul said; "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Timothy 2:10). Since salvation is found only in Christ, it is imperative that one be in Christ. If one is in Christ, he can be sure of his salvation.

"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say I the Son of man am? And they said, some say that thou art John the Baptist; some Elias; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets, he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, thou art the Christ the son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:13-18).

In the above scripture, Jesus stated, "I will build my church." There are many religious groups in the world all claiming a connection with God. How can a person know for sure which way is the right way? Is it possible to know which way is correct? Indeed it is! Jesus Christ has a church. It can be identified from the pages of God's Word. There are certain identifying marks of the church that belongs to Christ. If a person were to lose his automobile, he would look for it by looking for certain identifying characteristics. He would know the model, the color, the size, vehicle identification number, etc., of his automobile. While there might be some similar features of his automobile with other automobiles, he could know his from all others. Another automobile might be the same color as his, but not the same size or model or number. He would know that it is not his. Likewise, there are some churches that are similar to Christ's church, but are not His! What are some identifying marks of Christ's church?

ITS BUILDER

Jesus Christ is the builder of His church. He said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). Any church that has a builder other than Jesus Christ is not the church that belongs to Christ. Denominations are founded upon men other than Jesus Christ (i.e., John Calvin, John Wesley, etc.). These churches were not built by Jesus Christ; therefore, they do not belong to Him. The church of Christ (which is not a denomination) was built by Christ as recorded in Matthew 16:18.

ITS HEAD

Any church that has any other person than Jesus Christ as its head cannot be the church of Christ. The Bible affirms that Jesus is the only head of His church. "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23). No Pope, Patriarch, nor any other man is the head of Christ's church. Christ is "the head." He has all authority in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).

ITS PLACE AND TIME OF ESTABLISHMENT

The church of Christ was established in the city of Jerusalem. Isaiah prophesied that the Lord's house (the church) would be established and the law of the Lord would go forth from Jerusalem. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will work in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem" (Isaiah 2:2-3).

In addition to citing the city where the Lord's house would be established, Isaiah, likewise, foretold the time of its establishment. He said it would happen "in the last days." Peter identifies the "last days" as having begun on the day of Pentecost. "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams"(Acts 2:16-17).

The Christian age or dispensation is the last days. It is called the last days because it is the last dispensation of time. At the end of the Christian dispensation, Christ will come, the judgement will take place, the wicked will go into everlasting punishment, and the saved will enter into life eternal (Matthew 25:46).

Luke, in Acts chapter two, records the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. The apostles were commanded to wait in Jerusalem until they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:46-49). Consequently, they received this power on the day of Pentecost and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church (the Lord's house), was established on this day and the word of the Lord went forth from the city of Jerusalem, as prophesied by Isaiah. The church of Christ was, therefore, established on the day of Pentecost (AD 33), in the city of Jerusalem. Any church that had its beginning in any other city and at any other time cannot be the church of Christ.

ITS NAME

When one reads his Bible, he will learn that the church is identified by various designations. Jesus identified it as "my church" (Matthew 16:18). It is called "the church of God" in 1 Corinthians 1:2. When speaking of various congregations, Paul referred to them as "the churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16). One should keep in mind that there were not differing churches or denominations, but rather the church of Christ in different geographical locations. One does not read denominational names in the Bible. There were no Baptists, Methodists, Seventh Day Adventist churches, etc. in the Bible. There are no Russian Orthodox Churches or Roman Catholic Churches in God's word. God says, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11). One must speak in scriptural terminology. It is not scriptural to call the church something other than what God calls it. Any church that wears man's name and/or has a name based on man's doctrine is not the church of Christ. The church of Christ, however, is a scriptural designation; "The churches of Christ salute you" (Romans 16:16).

ITS WORSHIP

"God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). God says that all who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. To worship God in truth is to worship Him according to God's Word. Jesus identified the truth as the Word of God. "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth" (John 17:17). The word of God is to be our standard of how we worship God.

The New Testament reveals that there are five acts of worship in which we are to be engaged upon the first day of the week. We are to preach (or teach) God's Word (Acts 20:7), give as we have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17), sing, (vocal music--no mechanical instruments; Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16), and partake of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26-28, Acts 20:7). These are to be observed on each first day of the week, also known as "the Lord's day" (Revelation 1:10).

Any church that does not observe these items or adds to these items of worship, is not worshipping God according to the divine pattern.

ITS ORGANIZATION

God established His church exactly the way He wanted it. Man, however, has departed from God's organization and has established churches different from the divine pattern. As stated earlier, Jesus Christ is the only head of the church (Ephesians 1:20-21). Each local church, is to be overseen by men known as elders (Acts 14:23). Other names for these elders are "overseers" (or "bishops") and "pastors" (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:11). Each congregation is autonomous, serving Christ under its local eldership. Never was there a man or a group of men over a number of churches. There are also special servants in the church of Christ known as "deacons" (Philippians 1:1). The qualifications for the elders and deacons can be found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. All Christians in the local church (including the preacher and the deacons) serve under the oversight of the elders. The elders are never to make any laws for God, nor change any existing law, they simply oversee the local church, making sure things are done scripturally. They are to shepherd the flock of God committed to their care (1 Peter 5:1-4).

ITS TERMS OF ENTRANCE

How does one become a member of the church of Christ? According to the Bible, one was to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Jesus said, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). A person had to repent (turn away) from his sins. Again, Jesus said, "I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). One had to confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 8:37, Romans 10:10), and then be immersed in water for the purpose of remission (forgiveness) of sins. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). When one obeyed his Lord in these five acts, he was added to the church by the Lord. "Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47).

Likewise, today we must (1) hear God's word, (2) believe in Christ, (3) repent of our sins, (4) confess the Christ, and (5) be immersed in water for the remission of sins. When we do this, the Lord will add us to His church.

CONCLUSION

The church of Christ is very important. Jesus purchased His church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). When He returns, He will take His church to heaven (Ephesians 5:23). If you have found yourself in some religious group other than the church of Christ, why not return to the Bible as your standard. One may identify the church of Christ by its builder, its head, its place and time of establishment, its names, its worship, its organization, and its terms of entrance. Many people have already come out of religions and churches not authorized of God. The Bible records, "But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up" (Matthew 15:13).

If you have never obeyed God, may we encourage you to do the things listed above. Remember, these are God's steps of salvation for all who would be saved. 

It is important that we can have confidence in serving God. Can one know that he has eternal security? John wrote, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13). John wanted his readers to be assured of their salvation. Just as Christians in the first century could be sure of their security in Christ, so can Christians today.

There are two extremes to which one can go to when it comes to eternal security. One extreme is "one can never know that he is saved." The other extreme is "a believer can never so sin as to be eternally lost." Both of these extremes are wrong. A believer can so sin as to be lost. He can lose his inheritance. Paul, writing to Christians in the region of Galatian stated, "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:4). Those Christians who were attempting to be justified by the law of Moses (which had been taken away and nailed to the cross - Colossians 2:14), had "fallen from grace."

Likewise, the Hebrews writer warned Christians, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace" (Hebrews 10:25-29). There was a "sorer punishment. that awaited those who sinned willfully. There were forsaking Christ after they had received a knowledge of the truth.

Peter also describes the condition of some who had fallen away. "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire" (2 Peter 2:20-22). After describing the condition of those who fall away, Peter then adds that it had happened unto them. Jesus warned, "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away" (Luke 8:13), thereby showing that it is possible "to fall away." These verses show that salvation is conditional.

The possibility of falling away, does not imply the probability of falling away. One does not have to fall away. We should remember that God is for us - "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31)? He wants us to be saved. But we cannot walk contrary to His will and expect to remain in a saved condition.

BLESSED ASSURANCE

We can know the truth. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).

We can know that we are "in Christ." It has always been important to be in the God appointed place at the God appointed time. During the flood in Noah.s time, it was imperative to be in the ark when God said to be in the ark. Today it is imperative to be in Christ. All spiritual blessings are in Christ " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). Salvation is in Christ. Paul wrote, "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Timothy 2:10). One gets "into Christ. by baptism. Again, Paul wrote, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4). One can know whether or not he is in Christ.

We can know we are in fellowship with God. Some might ask, "How can I know that I am in fellowship with God, because I know that I am not perfect and I occasionally sin?" The truth is, all people sin from time to time. None of us are perfect. The apostle John addressed this problem. He wrote, "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:5-10). One cannot walk in darkness and truthfully affirm that he has fellowship with God. However, if we walk in the light (the word of God) and as God's erring children confess our sins unto Him, Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin. John continued, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:1-6).

God is the Christian's Father. John wrote, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:1-3). As our Father, He seeks our best and surely grants us fellowship with Him.

We can know that we have eternal life. "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son" (1 John 5:11). God gives us eternal life in his Son. John continued; He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:12-13).

This eternal life currently is in hope. Paul wrote, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began" (Titus 1:2). It is promised of God - "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). Christ said that eternal life is in the world to come " "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first" (Mark 10:29-31).

HOW TO HAVE THE BLESSES ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL SECURITY

Realize first that it is conditional. Jesus stated, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (John 15:1-2). Second, believe in God.s love for you. Paul wrote, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him" (Romans 5:6-9). Third, become a Christian by believing in Christ (John 8:24), repenting of your sins (Luke 13:3), confessing Christ and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

Now as a Christian, you will need to feed on the word of God for spiritual nourishment and growth. Peter wrote, "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:1-2). Jesus said, "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Being a member of the church, it is a privilege and responsibility to worship God faithfully. Hebrews admonishes, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

The apostle Peter gives us inspired directions on how to keep from falling and be sure of our eternal salvation. He wrote, "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-11).

CONCLUSION

You can be sure of your eternal security. Jesus gives us this assurance " "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand (John 10:27-29). As long as we hear the voice of Jesus (the word of God) and follow Him, no one can pluck us out of the Father's hands. God is greater than all. Paul was sure of his salvation. He wrote, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1). This security can also be yours.