People from all walks of life are looking for answers. We may have answers regarding the gospel, but may have a hard time communicating to others. Sometimes we get wrapped up in religious doctrines, but if we scale back all the fluff we are left with a simple gospel message. Many people will benefit from the simplicity of the salvation message but who we may never see come to our churches. The basics are that if anyone believes that Jesus died and rose up on the third day, that one is saved. That one is cleansed from sin. That one is made righteous. That one is redeemed. This is how simple the gospel is. The gospel is not about being sin conscious, that is the old covenant. The gospel is not about forcing people to behave a certain way, it is about love and freedom from sin. It is not achieved by works, or working, is is achieved by believing that Jesus died and rose up on the third day. It is a message of hope and a message of heaven, allowing each person to make the decision for themselves as to whether they would like eternal life or not.
We will look at a simplistic timeline regarding our belief in Jesus, so we can put ourselves and our age into perspective. We will start with what Jesus said, did, and fulfilled, as well as what is to come. Once we understand a linear perspective, we can take all the ideas and put them into place. Jesus told his disciples many things that they did not understand. He told them that he would suffer and die, and then rise up.
Mathew 16:21 From that time forth Jesus began [clearly] to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders and the high priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised from death.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Mt 16:21). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Jesus told his disciples what was going to happen. They were normal working people, not “upper crust”, or religious scholars. All the prophecies of the past to this point spoke of a Savior or a Messiah. Yet the religious leaders thought that the prophecies were broken or had not come to pass. His birth was prophesied, as well as his earthly ministry. Many years later people changed the dates in the historical text of the Bible to try and justify a different Messiah, other than Jesus. If people are willing to change the years of history to erase Jesus, what Jesus did must have been undeniable. Jesus came like an ordinary person, not flashy or privileged. He studied with ultra-religious scholars in his younger years and was ready for ministry at thirty years of age.
Matthew 17:22 When they were going about here and there in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is going to be turned over into the hands of men.
23 And they will kill Him, and He will be raised [to life] again on the third day. And they were deeply and exceedingly grieved and distressed.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Mt 17:22–23). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Jesus tells them again. It seems that they needed to hear this a few times, not because they forgot what he already said, but to help them understand that it was going to be a reality. Jesus healed many people of their sicknesses and this was an undeniable fact at the time. Religious leaders never healed anyone. One prophecy states that the Messiah would open blind eyes. Jesus healed at least ten blind people. No one else has ever fulfilled that prophecy.
Matthew 20:17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside along the way and said to them,
18 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes; and they will sentence Him to death
19 And deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and whipped and crucified, and He will be raised [to life] on the third day.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Mt 20:17–19). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Now as the time is near Jesus reminds the disciples again. Imagine if we knew the day and method of our death. Jesus didn’t seem shaken or upset. Jesus explains that he will leave but that the Holy Spirit will come to earth.
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—
17 The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.
18 I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Jn 14:16–18). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
The Holy Spirit is a comforter, a helper, and the Spirit of Truth. Jesus is encouraging the disciples that they/we will not be left alone.
John 14:26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Jn 14:26). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
They Holy Spirit will become our teacher. Jesus is preparing these disciples for the future. The disciples had to be able to look back on what he said to really understand what was about to happen. Generally speaking prophecy is something foretold, but not understood in full, until it occurs.
John 14:29 And now I have told you [this] before it occurs, so that when it does take place you may believe and have faith in and rely on Me.
30 I will not talk with you much more, for the prince (evil genius, ruler) of the world is coming. And he has no claim on Me. [He has nothing in common with Me; there is nothing in Me that belongs to him, and he has no power over Me.]
31 But [Satan is coming and] I do as the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know (be convinced) that I love the Father and that I do only what the Father has instructed Me to do. [I act in full agreement with His orders.] Rise, let us go away from here.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Jn 14:29–31). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Jesus explains that the prince or ruler of this world, Satanas, is against him, but Satanas does not have an accusation against Jesus. In other words Jesus did nothing to be accused of, he is sinless. Jesus it explaining this so that the disciples will trust him when he is crucified.
John 15:12 This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you.
13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.
14 You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Jn 15:12–14). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Jesus tells his disciples to love one another. Love is the foundation of the gospel message. Because Jesus died for us, we can be free from sin and live forever. We can’t do anything on our own. We needed Jesus to do it for us. Because Jesus is sin free he could be a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
John 15:25 But [this is so] that the word written in their Law might be fulfilled, They hated Me without a cause. [Ps. 35:19; 69:4.]
26 But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.
27 But you also will testify and be My witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Jn 15:25–27). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Again Jesus says that he is sending the Holy Spirit who will testify of Jesus. In fact, if Jesus does not go away the Holy Spirit will not come. As a side note, the apostle Paul tells us that if Satanas had known what Jesus would accomplish in his death then he would not have crucified him.
John 15:7 However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
8 And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment:
9 About sin, because they do not believe in Me [trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me];
10 About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God), because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer;
11 About judgment, because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world [Satan] is judged and condemned and sentence already is passed upon him.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Jn 16:7–11). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Jesus died and Satanas is judged and condemned. Satanas’ sentence is already passed. The judgment against Satanas is due to murdering a sinless man. Luke then helps us understand what happened after Jesus was crucified. Jesus did, in fact, rise up on the third day.
Acts 1:IN THE former account [which I prepared], O Theophilus, I made [a continuous report] dealing with all the things which Jesus began to do and to teach [Luke 1:1-4.]
2 Until the day when He ascended, after He through the Holy Spirit had instructed and commanded the apostles (special messengers) whom He had chosen.
3 To them also He showed Himself alive after His passion (His suffering in the garden and on the cross) by [a series of] many convincing demonstrations [unquestionable evidences and infallible proofs], appearing to them during forty days and talking [to them] about the things of the kingdom of God.
4 And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised, Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak. [John 14:16, 26; 15:26.]
5 For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit.
6 So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel?
7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power.
8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
9 And when He had said this, even as they were looking [at Him], He was caught up, and a cloud received and carried Him away out of their sight.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Ac 1:1–9). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Jesus was seen by many thousands of people. He told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came on a holy day (the feast of weeks) and many disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. Everything Jesus said came to pass. He suffered, he died, he rose up on the third day, and he sent the Holy Spirit fifty days after Jesus was resurrected.
Nearly sixty years later (around 90 C.E.) John wrote to us about what Jesus told him at that time.
Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood, [Ps. 89:27.]
6 And formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it). [Exod. 19:6; Isa. 61:6.]
7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth shall gaze upon Him and beat their breasts and mourn and lament over Him. Even so [must it be]. Amen (so be it). [Dan. 7:13; Zech. 12:10.]
8 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (the Ruler of all). [Isa. 9:6.]
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Re 1:5–8). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
John says that Jesus freed us from our sins by his blood, and he formed us into a kingdom of priests. John then says that Jesus is coming in the clouds and that every eye will see him. Then Jesus says that he is the “A” and the “Z”, the beginning and end. John saw Jesus.
Revelation 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if dead. But He laid His right hand on me and said, Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last, [Isa. 44:6.]
18 And the Ever-living One [I am living in the eternity of the eternities]. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore; and I possess the keys of death and Hades (the realm of the dead).
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Re 1:17–18). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Jesus has the keys to death and Hades. We realize that Jesus is the only one with the keys. Jesus took back the keys to death and Hades when he was dead three days and three nights. This means that for every individual who dies, they must go through Jesus. No one can change their own destiny as to where they will go after their last earthly breath. Each person must choose before they die.
There was a man named Saul or later called Paul who was a Pharisee who did not believe on Jesus. He persecuted and threw people in prison who believed on Jesus. However Jesus spoke to Paul, blinded him, and told him where to go. Paul, being blind, obeyed; and three days later Jesus sent a disciple to heal Paul’s blindness. Due to that experience, Paul became a disciple himself. Paul’s perspective as a Pharisee was unique because he was well educated. Paul then spent fourteen more years re-learning about the Messiah, Jesus. Paul then gives us several letters which he wrote to some of the churches he started in Asia Minor. Paul explains how we are saved, by believing on Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9 Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.
11 The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed. [Ps. 34:22; Isa. 28:16; 49:23; Jer. 17:7.]
12 [No one] for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord over all [of us] and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him [in faith].
13 For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Ro 10:9–13). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
The simplicity of salvation is not by our own works or by our own goodness. Everyone who calls on the name of Jesus Christ will be saved. No one has to have a theological degree to read and understand this. No one can possibly work to achieve it. Salvation is for anyone who desires it.
John 3:16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation—he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.]
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Jn 3:16–18). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
There is no judgment and no rejection for those who believe that Jesus died and rose up. There is no hell for the believer in Jesus Christ. There is no punishment for the believer in Jesus Christ. The believer has freedom in Christ. The believer looks forward to the kingdom of heaven. The believer has eternal life.
Paul writes a letter to the Corinthian Church.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I passed on to you first of all what I also had received, that Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for our sins in accordance with [what] the Scriptures [foretold], [Isa. 53:5-12.]
4 That He was buried, that He arose on the third day as the Scriptures foretold, [Ps. 16:9, 10.]
5 And [also] that He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve.
6 Then later He showed Himself to more than five hundred brethren at one time, the majority of whom are still alive, but some have fallen asleep [in death].
7 Afterward He was seen by James, then by all the apostles (the special messengers),
8 And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one prematurely and born dead [no better than an unperfected fetus among living men].
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (1 Co 15:3–8). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
We are all in this time period where Jesus told the disciples that he would be leaving but that he would be coming back. These are some of the things we should know.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by [means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (1 Co 12:13). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
We are all one in Christ. There is no distinction between people, their tribes, or their governments. It does not matter what color or gender we are, we who believe on Jesus as Lord and believe that he rose up on the third day are all one body.
Galatians 2:16 Yet we know that a man is justified or reckoned righteous and in right standing with God not by works of the Law, but [only] through faith and [absolute] reliance on and adherence to and trust in Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). [Therefore] even we [ourselves] have believed on Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law [for we cannot be justified by any observance of the ritual of the Law given by Moses], because by keeping legal rituals and by works no human being can ever be justified (declared righteous and put in right standing with God). [Ps. 143:2.]
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Ga 2:16). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
We are justified and made righteous because we believe on Jesus. This is faith. Our faith is a trust that Jesus is the Messiah and that he did what he said he would do. Jesus is also going to do what he said he is going to do in the future. If he said and did the first part (dying and rising up on the third day, and sending the Holy Spirit), then he will certainly do the rest. Meanwhile we are not made just or righteous by laws or religious rituals, or by doing anything other than having faith.
Galatians 3:6 Thus Abraham believed in and adhered to and trusted in and relied on God, and it was reckoned and placed to his account and credited as righteousness (as conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action). [Gen. 15:6.]
7 Know and understand that it is [really] the people [who live] by faith who are [the true] sons of Abraham.
The people of faith are blessed and happy just like Abraham. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived before the law was given. They lived by faith just as we live by faith. Those who want to live under the laws that Moses gave are devoted to destruction and doomed to eternal punishment because they don’t believe that Jesus died and rose up on the third day. Clearly no one wants to be doomed, as opposed to being blessed.
Galatians 3:13 Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); [Deut. 21:23.]
14 To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Ga 3:5–14). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
The Law did not bring anyone into right standing with God, but Christ purchased our freedom. There is no person that is “too far gone” to be saved. There is no sin that is too big to prevent our salvation. Salvation is a choice. No one is automatically saved, but salvation is our own choice through Jesus.
Galatians 3:19 What then was the purpose of the Law? It was added [later on, after the promise, to disclose and expose to men their guilt] because of transgressions and [to make men more conscious of the sinfulness] of sin; and it was intended to be in effect until the Seed (the Descendant, the Heir) should come, to and concerning Whom the promise had been made. And it [the Law] was arranged and ordained and appointed through the instrumentality of angels [and was given] by the hand (in the person) of a go-between [Moses, an intermediary person between God and man].
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Ga 3:18–19). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
The law exposed men to guilt and shame but gave them a way to make sacrifices in order to cleanse themselves from their sin. But this process was only until the Messiah would come. Moses gave people the laws, which were religious, societal, and governmental, until Jesus came. Now that Jesus has come, the law is void. We have redemption and remission of sins.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Eph 1:7). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Redemption is like going to the grocery store and having a rain check for something that the store is sold out of. We walk in with our rain check and ask to redeem the products. Similar to coupons, Jesus has our name on his redemption list. When Jesus comes for us he will call our name on the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Eph 4:30). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
There is a day when we are to be redeemed. It will come before the tribulation. We are rescued from the wrath that comes in the tribulation. It doesn’t matter what others say, the redeemed are saved and spared from the end times of great distress on the world.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 And [how you] look forward to and await the coming of His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, Who personally rescues and delivers us out of and from the wrath [bringing punishment] which is coming [upon the impenitent] and draws us to Himself [investing us with all the privileges and rewards of the new life in Christ, the Messiah].
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (1 Th 1:10). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
So then, if we are alive when the day of redemption occurs then we are called to meet Jesus in the air. Remember, John said that Jesus would come in the clouds.
1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we declare to you by the Lord’s [own] word, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall in no way precede [into His presence] or have any advantage at all over those who have previously fallen asleep [in Him in death].
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!
18 Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (1 Th 4:15–18). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
If we happen to be dead at that time then we will rise up first. The living will also rise and join the dead to meet Jesus Christ in the air. This is simple for Jesus, as he already went into the grave for us, and has the keys to hell and death. When Jesus calls we rise.
1 Corinthians 15:50 But I tell you this, brethren, flesh and blood cannot [become partakers of eternal salvation and] inherit or share in the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (that which is decaying) inherit or share in the imperishable (the immortal).
51 Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed)
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed).
53 For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death).
54 And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished forever) in and unto victory. [Isa. 25:8.]
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? [Hos. 13:14.]
56 Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [upon the soul] through [the abuse of] the Law.
57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (1 Co 15:50–58). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
As quick as the twinkling of an eye we will all rise up. There will be a trumpet sound and a shout from the angel of God. Then, if we were mortals, we will put on immortality, and if we were corrupted we will put on incorruptibility. We will not take our body the way our body is today, into heaven. We will be changed into a body free from death. This is the victory that Jesus has over death. This is encouraging. It is available to all those who choose to believe on Jesus Christ. Our victory over death was won by Jesus. But if we are dead when Jesus calls from the clouds then where will we be?
Revelation 2:7 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and give heed to what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant to eat [of the fruit] of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. [Gen. 2:9; 3:24.]
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Re 2:7). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
We await Jesus in the paradise of God. The paradise that was created in the very beginning of the time of humanity. The place that Adam lived and guarded. We await Jesus from a garden known as paradise and Jesus meets us there. There is no purgatory, there is either death, Hades, or paradise. It is our own choice while we are alive.
Jesus told the disciples that he would die and rise up on the third day. His grave was empty and he was seen for forty days by many thousands of people in Israel. He then sent the Holy Spirit who dwells in the people who believe on Jesus as Lord. If Jesus did those things, he will do the rest.
We will be rewarded for the things we do. All our works are tried by fire.
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
12 But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, whether it be with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.
14 If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward.
15 But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire. [Job 23:10.]
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (1 Co 3:11–15). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
What we do from the time that we believe onwards is what will be judged as to rewards, not punishments. There are no punishments for those who believe.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,
24 Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Col 3:23–24). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
We receive an inheritance. It is nice to receive an earthly inheritance, but it will be nicer to receive a heavenly inheritance.
Revelation 11:18 And the heathen (the nations) raged, but Your wrath (retribution, indignation) came, the time when the dead will be judged and Your servants the prophets and saints rewarded—and those who revere (fear) Your name, both low and high and small and great—and [the time] for destroying the corrupters of the earth. [Ps. 2:1.]
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Re 11:18). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Both the dead and the living in Christ rise up before the tribulation. Midway through the tribulation the saints are rewarded. Notice that prophets, saints, and those who fear or reverence Jesus’ name are rewarded.
1 John 5:11 And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.
13 I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (1 Jn 5:11–13). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
We all need Jesus Christ and we all need to have the testimony or evidence of Jesus Christ. Again, Jesus told the disciples what would happen in his suffering, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit, and it all came to pass. The testimony is that Jesus didn’t lie or make a mistake. He was sinless and Satanas could not hold Jesus in hell. Today Satanas cannot hold the believer in hell, the believer in Christ awaits Jesus’ meeting in paradise. The believer is on the way to eternal life, the non-believer is on the way to eternal death.
Once we say, out loud, Jesus is Lord, and we believe that he died and rose up on the third day, we are now sealed with the Holy Spirit, which is a down payment on our redemption. There is no ritual, no repetitive works, repetitive prayers, or pilgrimages, required.
Ephesians 1:12 So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!
13 In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.
14 That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it—to the praise of His glory.
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Eph 1:12–14). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
The Holy Spirit is a down payment, or a guarantee, that we have an inheritance when we are redeemed. Paul says to pray, and be thankful always. Allow the Holy Spirit to move in gifts and prophecies, building one another up.
1Thessalonians 5:17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;
20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning].
The Amplified Bible. (1987). (1 Th 5:17–20). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
This is the time for everyone to come to Jesus, to guarantee their own redemption and their own inheritance of eternal life. Prophets prophesied of the Messiah coming. Jesus fulfilled those prophecies with his first coming to earth. The next time that Jesus comes to earth he will be bringing an army to eradicate evil from the earth. But before that time the saints who believe that Jesus died and rose up on the third day will meet Jesus in the air and be rewarded (not punished) for the things that we have done on the earth. Jesus did everything he said he would do, he will certainly do the rest of what he said he would do.
This is just a jumping off point. There are many things to learn as we go forward. The best place to learn about our new life is from reading the New Testament or New Covenant, which comprises things that Jesus’ disciples recorded and instructions for the new churches. Do not listen to the doubters or the naysayers, simply trust the Son of the Most High God, Jesus Christ. If you talk to Him, he will talk to you. Pray this prayer out loud.
Jesus come into my heart, I know you are Lord and Savior, I believe you died and rose up on the third day. I want you to be my Lord. Forgive me for all things that I have done wrong. Thank you for washing me from my sins. Thank you for cleansing me by your shed blood so that I may have eternal life. Send the Holy Spirit into my heart so that I may learn more about you and more about the kingdom of heaven. Teach me your ways Lord Jesus. Help me to hear your voice. Amen.
Congratulations! You are now a member of the Body of Christ. The heavens rejoice over your decision. For further growth and study:
https://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2019/03/rescue-us-actors-summoning-future-pray.html
https://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2018/11/speaking-in-tongues-spirit-joins-spirit.html
