Tag Archives: salvation

THE PARABLE PF THE LOST AND FOUND SHEEP

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST AND FOUND SHEEP

Both Matthew 18 and Luke 15 record Jesus’ parable about a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep in the fold to go in search of one that had wandered away. Jesus gave this illustration in response to the Pharisees who were angry that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The religious leaders in Jesus’ day had designed a system to exalt the self-righteous and exclude anyone who did not live up to their standards. When Jesus came, His style of ministry confused them. He seemed to be from God, yet He rebuked the outwardly righteous and welcomed the sinners. How could this man know God? The people of Jesus’ day understood the relationship between shepherds and sheep, but the significance of a shepherd going in search of one lost sheep is sometimes lost on us. It seems strange that a shepherd would leave his flock to search for one missing sheep. This is an example to help us understand what Jesus is saying: a father and his five children are asleep in their home. Suddenly fire starts in the house. The father awakens to find his house filled with smoke. Panicked, he races to his children’s bedrooms and begins to wake them. Calling to some and carrying others, he stumbles down the stairs and out the front door. He deposits the sleepy children on the grass a safe distance away and then turns. Gasping for air, he counts his kids: Oyemi, Ebi, Ufuoma, Ifeanyi… where is Blessing? His youngest child, three years old daughter is missing!!! Four children are safe, one is not. What will this father do? He will ignore the danger of fire and will go back into that burning house. Why? To find his precious child trapped in the fire of sin!!! That is Love!!! God is a Father. He counts His kids. He rejoices that some are safe in Christ, prepared for eternity, close to His heart. But some are missing. This is the cry heaven and earth heard, the cry of the Father: “Where is Blessing?” God the Father sent Jesus on a rescue mission “to seek and to save the lost” (Lk 19:10). God did not abandon the 99. They are already safe in His kingdom, attended by His angels, and guided by His Holy Spirit. But His heart aches for those not yet in the fold. His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, went to earth and hell to find those lost sheep! Blessed be the Lamb of God!

THE DOCTRINE OF EFFECTUAL CALLING

The doctrine of “Effectual calling or Irresistible Grace” is a Bible teaching about the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, how sinners are transformed to become saved. This doctrine connects with the truth that God is sovereign; He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses within His creation. God is described in the Bible as the Creator, all-powerful and all-knowing, outside of time and responsible for the creation. God has the sovereign control of the universe. Nothing occurs without God’s permission. God has the power and knowledge to prevent anything He chooses to prevent. Anything that happens must, at the very least, be “allowed” by God. Therefore, God’s decrees will inevitably come to pass, even in the salvation of individuals. “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations” (Ps 33:11). “I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure” (Isa 46:9,10). “All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and God does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?” (Dan 4:35). God’s plans do not change and do not fail. Unlike human intentions, His counsel is eternal and trustworthy. The Plans of God’s heart show His Love and deep commitment to men’s good. God’s plans are not limited to a specific time or people but extend throughout history, to all generations, offering hope and assurance to all who trust in Him.

In the Bible, “the elect” refers to some people chosen by God for salvation, service, and a special relationship with Him. Their salvation is rooted in Grace rather than personal merit. They are often defined as believers in Jesus Christ, comprising both Jews and Gentiles. In Greek, the word “eklektos”, means “chosen” or “selected”. It signifies those whom God has ordained or predestined for salvation before the foundation of the world, to be holy and adopted by Him. The doctrine of effectual calling says that The Holy Spirit will work in such a way in the elect, that they will certainly come to faith in Christ. The Spirit never fails to bring to salvation those He personally calls to Christ. Jesus said: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (Jn 6:37).  This is a question: Why does one person believe the gospel, and another does not? Is it because one is more educated, or is smarter? The answer is No! It is because God does something unique in the lives of those He saves. He helps them to have faith in Christ. Salvation is by Grace alone. None can boast of being saved. This is the explanation why no lost sheep of Jesus will be lost forever. Every lost soul of the elect will be found and brought to salvation in Christ!

“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:3-7). In other words, we believe the gospel and are saved because we are transformed by the Holy Spirit.

The doctrine of irresistible grace recognizes that all men are born sinners. They are children of Adam who committed sin. The Bible describes the natural man as spiritually dead. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph 2:4,5). Man must be made alive first before he can hear, believe and respond to the Gospel message. Jesus told Lazarus to “come forth” and Lazarus came out of the tomb (Jn 11:43). Lazarus was dead for some days. For him to hear and respond it means God first made him alive, because a dead man cannot hear or respond. The same is true spiritually. We are dead in our sins. Before we can respond to the gospel message and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we must first be made alive. As Jesus told Nicodemus one must be “born again to see the kingdom of God” (Jn 3:3). We are born again not because of something we do—“the will of man”—but as a sovereign act of God (Jn 1:12,13). Many argue about the connection between God’s sovereign will and man’s will in salvation. The truth is that if the Holy Spirit does not initiate the process of salvation, none can be saved. If the shepherd did not go to find the lost sheep, the sheep will surely die. Jesus is the Good Shepherd! Glory!

JESUS, THE SHEPHERD PHYSICIAN

“And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Lk 5:30-32). In Jewish culture, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and acceptance, implying intimacy and approval. The Pharisees were concerned with ritual purity and believed that associating with “sinners” leads to their spiritual defilement. Their focus on external purity rather than internal transformation reveals the danger of pride, self-righteousness and legalism, which blinds us to the heart of God’s love and mercy. Jesus’ actions demonstrate the importance of Mercy and Grace over judgment, recognizing that we are all in need of God’s mercy. It also shows the importance of community and fellowship in ministry. Jesus responds to the Pharisees who questioned His association with tax collectors and sinners. This response shows Jesus’ authority and wisdom, revealing His role as a teacher and prophet. His response here is direct and challenges the self-righteous attitudes of the religious leaders. Doctors are sought by those who are physically ill, not by those who were well. Jesus uses this analogy to show that those who perceive themselves as spiritually “healthy” or righteous, like the Pharisees, do not recognize their need for spiritual healing. Self-righteousness blinds men to their need for God’s grace. Here, “the sick” represents those who are aware of their sinfulness and need for repentance. The tax collectors and sinners were looked down upon by society, yet they were often more open to Jesus’ message of salvation. They discovered that the Gospel is available to all who humble themselves and ask Jesus for forgiveness, no matter how sinful their past was. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His love and compassion reach to all, especially those society often rejects. The Pharisees’ attitude serves as a warning against self-righteousness. True healing begins with repentance and acknowledging our need for Jesus’ transformative power in our lives. Who are the Sick Among Us? *Physical illness (disease, injury, chronic pain). *Mental or emotional illness (depression, anxiety, addictions). *Socially “sick” (lonely, elderly, shut-ins, homeless, prisoners). *Spiritually sick (unbelievers or backsliders)

ZACCHEAUS – A LITTLE MAN AND HIS BIG GOD

Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, located in the Jordan Valley. The city’s strategic location made it a vital trade and travel route, busy with activity. Jericho was conquered, destroyed and cursed by Joshua. Later, it was rebuilt by Hiel of Bethel, at the great cost of his sons’ death (Josh 6:26,1Kg16:34). This symbolizes the new life and power of resurrection Jesus offers to sinners. Jesus’ passage through Jericho was not accidental. He came to seek and find His lost sheep called Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-10). God’s purpose can never fail!

Zacchaeus is a unique figure in the Bible. In Hebrew, his name means “pure” or “innocent”. This is ironic because of his bad reputation, but it was a prophetic name. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus demonstrates the transformative power of Christ’s love. As a chief tax collector, he held a position of significant authority and wealth. Tax collectors were despised by their fellow Jews because they worked for the Roman occupiers and were known for extorting money. Zacchaeus was despised by the people of his community who saw him as a traitor and referred to him as “a sinner”. The Pharisees did not allow tax-collectors to enter the synagogue to worship God. A pharisee proudly prayed: “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” (Lk 18:11). Zaccheaus was a lonely man. He had money but no friends. His riches were gathered through the exploitation and overcharging of taxes, a common practice among tax collectors. Zacchaeus later offers to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold those he defrauded. This action reflects the teachings of the Old Testament regarding restitution and demonstrates genuine repentance and transformation. Selah!

Zacchaeus is a Surprising Seeker. We don’t expect someone like him to seek Jesus. Both his wealth and his rejection from men could have kept him away from seeking God. But there was this magnetic love coming from Jesus that he could not resist. Because he was a short man, he decided to run ahead and climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus. This story shows how a personal encounter with Jesus can lead to profound life changes. Zaccheaus’ wealth did not prevent him from seeking Jesus. He humbled himself. Despite being marginalized by society, Zacchaeus finds acceptance and redemption in Jesus, reminding us that no one is beyond God’s reach. Zacchaeus’s willingness to repay those he wronged demonstrates true repentance, and true love, which involves a change of both heart, speech and actions. Selah!

LESSONS FOR US

*Wealth gained by fraud and oppression is cursed by God. The only way to be free is to give it away as a sign of repentance and gratitude

“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labour will increase” (PV 13:11)

*None is outside the reach of God’s Grace thru Christ.

*Just as Jesus was passing through Jericho, He passes through our lives. We must be open to His presence and be ready for transformation.

*Social Position and Possessions cannot fill the heart. Wealth and fame are temporary. Only Christ satisfies!

*Humble yourself! Zaccheus called Jesus “Lord!” and obeyed Him immediately.

*Why do sinners run to Jesus? Because they are attracted by His Agape love, the magnet of His grace!

*A hungry heart ignores public opinion. Zacchaeus risked people mocking him when he climbed the tree.

*Never assume that rich or famous people are happy and they will never seek Christ for salvation. God is calling all sorts of people to Him.

*True seekers obeyed immediately.  “He made haste and came down and received Him joyfully”. Delayed obedience is disobedience.

*Social Status can blind or it can become a platform for God’s glory. Zacchaeus chose the latter by running, climbing, and receiving Jesus with open hands and an open wallet. Follow his example: break through the barriers of pride, possessions, and public opinion, and meet the Savior who still says, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Zaccheaus became the happiest man in Jericho. He rejoiced to let go of his money because he loved Jesus more and found the greatest treasure of all, eternal life.

*A warning to the proud. Come down, proud man, come down! Mercy and Grace run in valleys, but they do not go to the mountaintop.

*When we earnestly seek Jesus, He notices us. As Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Lk 19:10).

*True salvation manifests as a transformed life. As believers, our actions should reflect the change that Christ has made in us

*Jesus Knows your Name. When Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was, He looked up and called him by name. Jesus’s knowledge of us is profound and personal, reminding us that we are known and loved by our Creator.

*Zacchaeus was a hardened man. But there was still a soft spot for God in his heart. That day he behaved like a schoolboy, like “a small pickin” (Nigerian slang). He was curious to see Jesus and did not care about his reputation. Jesus always appreciates this natural desire to seek Him. Like any schoolboy, Zacchaeus climbed a tree. Jesus responded in the same way. He too did not care that men hate Zacchaeus. He stopped exactly under the tree, looked up, called Zacchaeus by name and invited Himself into his house. Many of us we are too rigid and are afraid of public opinion. But Jesus made Himself of “no reputation” (Phil 2:7). Zaccheus came down and together, with Jesus, walked on the streets of Jericho to his house. We should do like Jesus and invite ourselves into some poor or rejected people’s homes to drink a cup of water or to share some crumbs of bread with them. This is how “salvation comes” to some people. I am sure that Matthew, who was once a tax-collector like Zaccheaus, had much to advice him. This wonderful love showed to Zacchaeus overwhelmed him and he totally surrender his life and his purse to Jesus.

*No repentance is genuine without restitution of wrongs, so that the conscience is made clean and the sinner who is now a saint, receives favour not only with God but with men! Restitution involves at least returning stolen items, paying back debts, correcting false statements, and offering apologies. “Again, when I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right, 15 if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 16 None of his sins which he has committed shall be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live” (Ezekiel 33:14-16). Selah! Restitution is important in relationships. Genuine repentance produces visible fruit, winning back the trust of those we wronged. What the rich young ruler could not do, Zacchaeus did by giving half of his wealth to the poor and compensating those he cheated in the past.

*Jericho was a cursed city. It represents the world. Jesus entered and passed thru it. He was the only one who could pass thru this world and not be defiled by its sin. But we are trapped by sin’s bondage. Jesus came to seek and save (not trying to save) what was lost in Jericho. Nobody had any hope for Zacchaeus. He was hated by all his people, but God, wanted to save him. God’s ways are not our ways! God pursues this man and he does not even know it. God never “tries” to do anything. He purposes something and He does it. God’s grace produced curiosity in Zacchaeus. He wanted to see Jesus! Except for this effectual grace of God, no man is saved. A drowning man cannot decide to be saved. Somone else must jump in the water to save him. When Jesus looked up at Zacchaeus, He humbled Himself. What a humility we see in Jesus!!! Jesus told him: “Come down” not only from the tree, but down from your pride. Jesus invited Himself to dinner at Zacchaeus’ house. He did not beg him; He just commanded him. This is the power of God’s effectual grace that saves the soul of man. Zacchaeus received Jesus in his house joyfully. The religious unbelievers grumbled when Jesus saved sinners. But Jesus accepted Zaccheaus as the son of Abraham, not after the flesh but after the Spirit, not another Ishmael, but an Isaac, an elect. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He came to seek not what belonged to another, but that which was always His and was lost in Adam! God calls those who are His from the foundation of the world, those whose names were written in the Lamb’s book of life. If you hear the voice of the Shepherd, come to Him! Worship the Lord!

JUSTIFIED BY FAITH WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom 5:1,2).

Apostle Paul boldly declares the doctrine of justification by Grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone, thru the Word of God alone to the glory of God alone. Observe that we are already Justified by faith! The verb is in the past tense. Justification is a fact, not a hope and not a prayer. It is the foundation, and not the roof of the house. A sinner who humbles himself and has faith in Christ Crucified, is justified by God the Father. Justification is a forensic term, a legal term. It is the declaration of God the Father, the Judge of all, that your faith in Christ Crucified is enough for Him to call you His ‘son or daughter’. This is the mystery of salvation, the work of God alone, the Gospel we preach. Salvation is real, complete, and perfect. Salvation is not a reward for doing good things. It is God’s gift to man, thru His Son Jesus Christ. That is why salvation humbles all believers. We can’t boast of our good work. We can only bow in worship and thank God for saving us!

Because it is purely God’s eternal plan and finished work, your salvation cannot be lost. A child of God cannot end in hell. Even if he backslides for a season, God will discipline him and bring him back to Him before he dies. A backslider loses the joy of his salvation, opportunities and rewards for doing ministry. These are great losses indeed. But a child of God cannot lose his salvation. When you become born again your very identity is changed. You were ‘a dog’ and now you are a man. Even if you backslide, and play with dogs, you cannot become a dog again. The change is very deep and permanent. This is what we believe! Amen!

Because the believer has been justified by faith, three blessings follow immediately: Peace, Access (standing before God), and (joyful) Hope (PAH). If you say that you are saved, but you are always anxious, depressed, you find it hard to pray and you tend to be pessimistic, then you may not be justified by God. Selah! First, the believer has ‘peace with God’. Secondly, he has access by faith into a new grace that gives him a place to stand without fear before God. Thirdly, the believer has hope, joyfully knowing that when he dies, he will go to heaven to worship God forever. Justification gives peace with God through Christ. This is not just an ordinary peace of mind. It is not even the ‘peace OF God’. It is Peace WITH God. Salvation is not just forgiveness of sins. Salvation is the adoption of the justified sinner into the family of God. Justification is reconciliation with God. Sin has destroyed the relationship between God and man. By the Blood of Jesus, that relationship is restored. Praise the Lord! This is a good way to describe the power of justification by faith that leads to peace, a new standing of grace, and a joyful hope. If you attend a wedding, you see that most of the time the bride looks anxious, and the bridegroom is distracted. Immediately they sign the marriage register and the pastor pronounces them ‘husband and wife’ you see joy and the relief on their faces. The reason is that from now on, their status in life has changed. Weddings are powerful for the following reasons: They celebrate love, and commitment. Vows spoken and the ceremony itself honor God. A Wedding is a holy tradition. All cultures celebrate the union of marriage. Weddings create lifetime memories. They strengthen family bonds. The emotional impact of a wedding on the family and friends is unique. The atmosphere of open declared love, joy and hope is unique. The guests who are already married mediate upon their marriage and decide to improve the relationship. The single guests are inspired to get married too. Overall, a wedding is a time of giving thanks to God, for life, for joy, for hope. Marriage is just a symbol of the power of God’s eternal justification of the sinner. Selah!

The truth is that you cannot have the peace OF God if you do not first have the Peace WITH God. God is holy, He hates sin. Sinners fear God. They also hate God. They can never freely stand before God. Only a miracle can bring a sinner before God having peace in his heart. All believers are justified by Grace and thru faith in Christ crucified and resurrected. There is nothing like an un-justified Christian. If you are not justified, it means that you are not a Christian. You are not saved. Our present peace rests on the past act of justification! Peace with God is described as a state of peace, a time of peace. Pray to see the revelation of this truth! How can God who is Holy be able to forgive sins? The only reason why God can forgive sins it is because He poured His wrath against sin on His Son Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus died on the Cross. He did not die for His own sins. He did not inherit Adam’s sin. Jesus was conceived holy by the Holy Spirit. Jesus obeyed the Law of God perfectly. That is why as a Man, Jesus had a perfect righteousness. He became Sin so that we inherit His Righteousness. He died so we might live. This is the mystery of the Gospel. Selah!

Once a sinner is justified by faith, he immediately receives two gifts: forgiveness of sins and the robe of imputed righteousness of Christ. When God looks at him, He sees Christ, and not his sins. The forgiveness of sins is total. Because of the Cross, God forgives not only his past sins, but also the present and future sins. God can do that because He is Omniscient and Sovereign. He not only knows the future, but He designs the future. If salvation depends on man, it will fail. But salvation in Christ is totally of God. Therefore, it never fails. Halleluiah!

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17). Peace is a component of God’s Kingdom. This is the golden chain of salvation: Justification (or righteousness) leads to peace and to joy. It is only those who are justified by faith in Christ, that experience this peace with God. This peace comes immediately. After that, thru the process of sanctification, the peace WITH God becomes peace IN your heart. This peace is a miracle given only to believers. Anxiety damages your peace! “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6,7). Once you are worried about food or clothes, you become over-sensitive to criticism, a faultfinder and impatient with people. This negative attitude damages your peace and your relationships with others. Prayer leads to restoration of peace, the mighty shield over your heart and mind.

Once you become born again, the Holy Spirit brings life into your human spirit. It is like light shining in the darkness. Salvation is not only a doctrine. It is felt in the heart. It is understood in the mind. The baby Christian feels and knows that he is now saved, and he has eternal life. All believers testify to the reality of conversion. It is not an imagination. As the believer studies God’s Word, believes and applies it to his life, he matures spiritually thru the process of sanctification that lasts until death. The believer has peace with God and peace of God. Agape Love is the spiritual engine of his journey to heaven. He no longer fears death or God’s judgment. He knows that he belongs eternally to Jesus Christ. He gains confidence as a Christian. God gives him the assurance of salvation. This increases his peace and joy.

Peace is defined as a spiritual state of quietness, calmness and security where everything co-exists in perfect order, and freedom. Peace is unity, the perfect harmony between the parts, or between people; it is beauty, balance, calmness, health, and security; it is freedom from war, worries, noise, or quarrels. When there is peace, people live and work together happily and without disagreements. Because the Christians are justified by God, they have peace with God. Peace is the best soil where the seed of agape love grows and becomes fruitful.

The true believer has peace with God and peace of God. He combines joy and seriousness at the same time. His peace is deep, not troubled by life’s trials. He is jealous about his testimony as a child of God. He does not take his relationship with God for granted. He has peace and joy even during the trials of life. He prays for wisdom always. He is careful to be right and to do right, before God and man. One clear sign of true peace is the level of worship the believer displays. A true believer loves to praise God. He does not try to impress people. He serves God to please God alone. Peace and Praise and twins. He who always gives God all the glory has true peace with God!

You can appreciate peace only when you have been in a war. Man is born a sinner. God hates sin. The wrath of God is manifested against sin and sinners. Because of this war between God and man, man lives in permanent fear, anxiety and loneliness. But once you are justified by God, the peace with God will manifest. It is not just a doctrine. It is an experience. Peace with God leads to access before God, by the Holy Spirit. The Jews and the Gentiles hated one another. They never had peace. But thru the Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross, they now become one in Christ, having peace with God and with each other. The separation now becomes intimacy (Eph 2:13-18)

Reconciliation is defined as the act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are Kings, Priests, Peacemakers and Ambassadors of Christ. One of our holy duties is to preach Christ Crucified and tell people to reconcile back to God. “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2Cor 5:18-20). May we please our King by preaching His Gospel!

CHRIST IS OUR PEACE

One of the names of King Jesus is “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). In Hebrew, the name is translated “Shar Shalom”. It describes the ultimate purpose of the Messiah’s mission. “Prince” means ruler, leader, or tyrant. It shows powerful leadership and complete authority. The word Shalom is one of the greatest words. It means peace, health, wealth, friends and favor. In the Bible, Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the active presence of wholeness, unity, prosperity, and harmony. This title promises that the Messiah will bring true peace to the world, by defeating Satan, the ruler of this world. Jesus came to reconcile humanity with God and to establish a kingdom characterized by justice and peace. This powerful peace of victory is the gift of Jesus to all who trust in Him. “My Peace I give to you!” (Jn 14:27). Amen!

In the world, all rulers kill their enemies to conquer a country. The Roman Empire was proud that they brought peace to earth. They called it “Pax Romana”. It was a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire which lasted for over 200 years. But this peace was brought by killing people and oppressing many nations. It was always peace by force. But the Romans could not bring peace in the hearts of men. Look at Jesus! Instead of coming as a blood-thirsty tyrant, Jesus was born with the very purpose to give His own blood to establish peace on earth. How did Jesus bring this peace? By His death on the Cross on behalf of sinners. We were enemies to God. Jesus died to bring us to God, not just as prisoners of war, but changed us into friends to God. “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Col 1:19, 20). The death of Jesus on behalf of sinners opened the door of true peace between God and man, and between men on earth. God’s Love led to peace! This action is something unprecedented from any ruler! Glory to God!

“For He Himself (Christ) is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Eph 2:14-18).

There are many walls of separation in this world. For example, the Berlin wall was built in 1961 to separate the East from the West Germany. It was 155 Km long, and 4 meters high. It was built to prevent the citizens of the Communist East Germany to escape to the Capitalist West Germany. It divided the city of Berlin and the two Germanies for 28 years. It had 302 watchtowers. It was under the constant surveillance of armed East German border guards who were authorized to shoot anyone attempting to escape into West Berlin. More than 100 people died trying to cross over. It was destroyed in 1989 when Germany became one nation.

The Bible is clear that this world is a terrible ‘evil’ world, where Satan is the ruler. Jesus “Who gave himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Gal 1:4; KJ). There is no hope for the world except thru Jesus Christ. We are all born sinners, children of war, of wrath, in a world filled with conflicts. War is our ‘comfort zone’. Violence is our friend. Peace is a stranger. We struggle with conflicting emotions. There is trouble in our hearts, within and without. These are the facts. “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation” (Gal 6:14,15). Paul rejoices in the Cross. Why? Because the Cross did the greatest miracle. It created the Church of Christ. In this world of division, hatred and discrimination, Jesus died on the Cross and produced an impossible thing: The Jews and the Gentiles came together by faith in Christ in a New Living Body of peace and joy called the Church. Jesus is the King of God’s Kingdom. The Church is the headquarters of that Kingdom. In a world of sin, darkness, violence and war, Love, Peace and Joy came to stay in the Church. This is indeed a miracle. On the Cross, Jesus broke down the middle wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles. At the Cross, life enemies became friends and brothers for life. Praise the Lord!

The world is full of hatred and divisions. The world knows nothing of true peace and agape love. The world can stop a war and force people to live quietly. But the world can never make peace because peace is not just stopping quarrels. It is on record that during the First World War, the Germans used mustard gas to attack the Allies. This gas could shock men to death. The Allies did not have the technology to protect themselves against this poisonous gas. But Germany still lost the war. During the Second World War, between the same countries, no one used mustard gas. Why? Because the Allies invented their own gas too. Each side knew that if they attack with gas, the other side will do the same. That is not peace. Peace is an active word. Like Love, Peace is a fruit of the spirit. Peace always comes with love, humility, sympathy, and true unity. Peace means a new understanding of life. Peace means Love!

The Gospel is powerful because The Cross is the Truth. It shows God’s love for man and man’s hatred against God. Once you see that you are a sinner, an enemy of the God who created you and who loves you with everlasting love, you will surrender to Jesus. The Cross shows you that all men are God’s creation, and that God loves the world. So, you learn to let go of your hatred and start loving people. The Cross breaks our pride and all the walls we built inside and around us. Peace in the hearts of men leads to peace in the country. “The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace” (Ps 29:11). May God grant revival, peace and prosperity to Nigeria! Amen! The Cross humbles us. Love never fails! Peace reigns! Worship the Lord!

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN (2)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

Jesus proves to Nicodemus that he is totally ignorant of the revelation of the way of salvation and eternal life. Doctrine: all natural men are ignorant of God as revealed in Christ (Jn 3:1-21). Jesus gives two major reasons why men like Nicodemus are ignorant of spiritual realities:

1-Men do not have access to heaven.

Nicodemus was telling Jesus about the opinion of his religious colleagues. He uses the word ‘we’ when saying: “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God” (Jn 3:2). Jesus is also using the word ‘we’ when speaking on behalf of Himself and His family members, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. “Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who IS in heaven” (Jn 3:11-13). Don’t you feel sorry for Nicodemus and his associates, the religious leaders in Jerusalem? Jesus speaks in the name of the Trinity. He said that the major sin of Nicodemus and of all sinners is that they do not receive the Witness of the Trinity. They reject the Gospel. Men can’t claim that they are totally ignorant of God. Nature testifies that there is a Creator God. But what man rejects is the revelation of the way of salvation, by Grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone. Man cannot on his own go to heaven. He needs a ‘password’ coming down directly from heaven. That Living Word is Christ! Trusting Jesus Christ who came from heaven to die for sinners is the only way to salvation! The revelation of life and death, of heaven and hell, is found only in the pages of the Bible. But reading the Bible alone is not enough. Man needs the help of the Holy Spirit to believe God’s Word. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down from heaven and who is the Witness to Jesus!

Jesus speaks in Jerusalem, but He says that He is heaven at the same time. “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who IS in heaven” (Jn 3:13). We have a glimpse of Jesus’ life and glory before He came down to earth as a Man. Heaven is His eternal dwelling place. He sits on the throne in heaven. Even on earth, having the body of mortal man, Jesus is still “IN HEAVEN”. Jesus lives in heaven and on earth at the same time. God is Omnipresent! Nicodemus needed to hear that! Jesus was more than a teacher or a miracle worker. He is God! Nicodemus was talking to God, and he did not even know it! “Whatever the LORD pleases He does, In heaven and in earth, In the seas and in all deep places” (Ps 135:6). Jacob had the same revelation. “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it” (Gen 28:16). The revelation that Jesus is God humbles any man! Glory to God!

2-The only way to heaven is through the Cross.

The only way for man to receive eternal life and go to heaven is faith in the death of the Son of God on the Cross. For as long as man rejects Jesus, he can’t go to heaven. The only Person who can describe heaven is Jesus Christ who came down from heaven. It is only thru Christ that man can have a glimpse, enter and experience heaven. Jesus is the only Way! There is no other way! “Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (Jn 14:6; AMP). Amen!

Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Son of Man will be lifted as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness. He was referring to the story in the Book of Numbers 21. God’s people grumbled against God and Moses. They became discouraged on the way to the Promised Land. They complained saying they are tired of eating only manna, the food God sent from heaven. Manna stands for God’s Word. God became angry. He sent venomous serpents. Many people were bitten and died. They repented of their sins and asked Moses to intercede for them. Moses did. God gave ‘the cure’. He told Moses to make a bronze serpent. He should hang this serpent on a high pole for all to see it. Anyone who was bitten by a serpent should look up to the bronze serpent. He who looks with faith in God’s given solution, will live. He who refuses to look, or has no faith in God’s method of healing, will die. The main lessons from this story are these: God’s solution of looking with faith is the only solution that saves, heals, gives life. There is no other medicine, doctor, prayer or sacrifice that can save a dying man. Secondly, the bronze serpent is a symbol of the devil, not of Jesus. Bronze stands for judgment. Looking at that bronze serpent we see that he is condemned and defeated by the Cross, by Christ Crucified. By faith with see the total victory of Christ over Satan, sin, sickness and death.

Jesus told Nicodemus: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:14,15). This serpent on a pole is a symbol of the Cross. This is the doctrine of salvation: He who believes in Christ crucified shall have eternal life! He who rejects the Gospel, shall die and go to hell. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation]” (Ac 4:12; AMP). Selah!

LIVING FAITH

“Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!” The words of Jesus remind us of our greatest need: It is the need for salvation, for eternal life. “Salvation is of the Lord! (Jonah 2:9). God the Father sent God the Son to earth to provide the solution for our greatest need and to become our greatest blessing. This is the Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected. Eternal life is given only to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Saving Faith is the deciding factor. Our Living Faith is more precious than silver and gold (1Pet 1:7). But not all faith is approved by God. These are the characteristics of Biblical Living Faith that saves the soul:

*Faith is connected to God’s Word, which is Truth. Faith is not just a religious emotion. Faith believes God’s Word. “So, then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). Religious ‘secondhand faith’ cannot save. You must believe God’s Word by yourself! Here you see that there is a preacher and there is a hearer. Both must do their work. The hearer listens to God’s Word. It’s his responsibility to listen well. God’s Word is activated by the Holy Spirit, and it becomes living faith in his heart. The beginning, progress, and strength of faith is always by hearing. It is true that not all who hear the Gospel believe unto salvation. The Holy Spirit separates the wheat from the tares. God’s Word must be preached before the sinner hears and faith is born. Faith is acceptance and submission to truth. Jesus is Truth!

*Faith means totally trusting God and trusting Jesus Christ to save you. It means trusting God’s Promises. The believer abandons trust in himself and commits himself to Jesus Christ. It’s like marriage. Once a man and his wife get married, they open their hearts to one another, share their most intimate thoughts, trusting each other. They reject every other person coming between them. Agape love trusts truth and it is fruitful. As a child of God, you totally believe that Jesus will take you to heaven. Living Faith is personal, real and extremely strong!

*Faith saves the believer from ‘perishing’. In Greek, the word ‘perish’ means to be totally destroyed, or to die. To perish does not mean to cease to exist. It means to die a second death in the lake of fire, to be tormented day and night, forever and ever. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever… 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:10,15). Some ask how a God of Love can condemn people to hell, to suffer forever. God is the God of Mercy and Love. But God is also the God of Justice. Because God is holy, He hates and punishes sin. When Adam sinned, sin entered humanity. We are born sinners. We also choose to commit sin. We are all condemned already. We are all going down to death and hell. We cannot save ourselves. God sent His Son Jesus Christ, to die on our behalf. Those who believe and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, shall be saved. This is the doctrine of justification by Grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone. The rest of the people, no matter how moral, good or religious they seem to be, remained condemned and perish. Jesus did not come to condemn men because they were ‘condemned already’ (Jn 3:18). Condemnation is old! Salvation is new!

When Jesus died on the Cross, He removed the sting of death. Like the people who were bitten by the fiery serpents in the wilderness, by looking with faith at the bronze serpent on the pole, the poison in their blood was neutralized. And they lived (Numbers 21). It is the same with looking unto Jesus! You need personal faith in His Person, especially in His death on your behalf. This is the truth revealed in the Bible. Faith saves! Unbelief condemns! Therefore, condemnation is as real as salvation! The people who have faith in Jesus have ‘Eternal Life’. Eternal life is a life that never ends. But it is not just that. Eternal Life is a special type of life; it is the life of God. It has a different quality than the life of a sinner. Salvation, eternal life, going to heaven, worshipping God forever are blessings money cannot buy. You cannot enter heaven trusting in your good works. If you reject Jesus, no tears you shed that day will make any difference once you die. Be born again!

The Book ‘The Pilgrim Progress’ written by John Bunyan, is a classic. Next to the Bible, is the greatest bestseller in the world. It tells of a man called Christian. God told him that his city will be destroyed. He believed the warning. That is true faith. He runs from his city towards the narrow gate. His family and friends try to convince him to come back. But he refuses. He runs shouting: “Life! Life! Eternal Life!” He passes through the narrow gate and arrives at the Cross. Looking at Christ Crucified, his burden of sin drops from his back and disappears. He is now free. He passes through many trials and temptations and eventually he arrives at the Celestial city, which is heaven itself. Later, his wife and children follow him on the same road of salvation. Worship the Lord!

GRACE ABOUNDS MUCH MORE

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

GRACE ABOUNDS MUCH MORE (Rom 5:1,2; 17-21; 6:1-4).

The doctrine of Justification by faith alone is the heart of the Gospel. If you make mistakes here, the whole foundation of your Christian life is weak. To justify means to be declared righteous, to be right with God. Practically, being righteous means to be good and to do good, for Christ’s sake. Righteousness is one of the attributes of the Kingdom of God where Jesus Christ is The King of kings. What is this doctrine? Based on the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, when a sinner totally trusts in Jesus’ death on his behalf, God the Father declares that sinner justified before Him. This is the work of pure Grace, the unmerited favor of God towards sinners. The justified sinner is now regarded by God as righteous. The Bible calls him a saint. From this moment on, he is saved. He has eternal life. When he dies, his soul goes to heaven. Justification is God’s Declaration!!! This declaration, this holy event cannot be reversed. A true believer cannot lose his salvation. He may backslide for a time, but he will come back to God before he dies. God’s name and reputation is backing his salvation. Many Christians reject this type of assurance of salvation, but it is the truth as revealed in the Bible. Pray to receive the revelation from the Holy Spirit.

Justification is a legal term, a forensic term. God, as the Judge of all, declares in the court of heaven, that any sinner who trusts in Christ alone for his salvation, is justified in His presence. He is free from the guilt and punishment of sin. Justification is a unique event. It happens once and for all. After Justification, the process of sanctification starts. The sinner saved by grace alone, and by faith alone, now starts to grow spiritually. Thru faith in the Word of God, the Christian dies to sin and lives a righteous life. The Holy Spirit empowers and leads him. But he must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and obey God’s Word. The process of sanctification lasts a lifetime. Some make faster progress than others. This is a fact: all true believers love God and His Word. They carry their cross daily, die to sin and walk in righteousness. They manifest the fruits of the Holy Spirit; among them Love is the greatest slice. There is nothing like being justified and not sanctified. A Christian cannot be justified and desire to continue in sin! God Forbid! Salvation must be complete to the glory of God!

The doctrine of justification by faith is unique to Biblical Christianity. Every other religion, including some Christian denominations believe that you must obey religious laws to go to heaven. This is called justification ‘by works.’ They reject the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Martin Luther was a Catholic priest. He got saved and re-discovered the Biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone. The Roman Catholic Pope declared him a heretic. He said that Luther invented this new doctrine to justify his sexual lusts to marry a woman. But the Pope was wrong. The doctrine of justification by faith is Biblical. But you need the Holy Spirit’s revelation to understand it. This is never achieved by human wisdom alone. Justification comes only through faith (Rom 5:1; Gal 3:24). It is not earned through our own good works. We are covered by the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8; Tit 3:5). The Christian, being declared righteous, is thus freed from the guilt of sin. He now has peace with God!

As you can see, Justification is the act of God not only forgiving your sins but imputing to you the perfect righteousness of Christ. The word ‘imputation’ is an old Biblical concept. To impute means to pay something in another’s account. God “imputes” His righteousness to us through faith in Christ because of Christ’s obedience unto death. Imputation is different from ‘impartation’. During sanctification, God imparts gifts to us. But first, He must impute His righteousness to us, to be saved. Once justified, God regards us as we have never sinned. For the sake of Christ who died for us, God sees us as His Children. Remember, Christ is your righteousness!!! “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1Cor 1:30). Your righteousness is a Person!!! He is in heaven, the same yesterday, today and forever. You are not more righteous when your faith is strong. You are not less righteous when your faith is weak. Your imputed Righteousness is perfect and eternal! It is Christ Himself! Lesson: Look away from yourself. Rest in Him. Lean on Him. Trust Him to take you to heaven! Faith 100%! Doubt 0%! Praise God!

Understanding the doctrine of justification by faith is extremely important. First, it is the very knowledge of Grace in justification that motivates us to good works and spiritual growth. Therefore, justification always leads to sanctification. Secondly, the fact that justification is God’s finished work means that Christians have the assurance of their salvation. In God’s eyes, we now have the righteousness necessary to gain eternal life. Once a person is justified, there is nothing else he needs to do to enter heaven. Since justification comes by faith in Christ, based on His finished work on the Cross, on our behalf, our own works are disqualified as a means of salvation (Rom 3:28). All who teach that you can be saved by obeying the law, or by doing good works, are teaching “a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all” (Gal 1:6–7). The truth is that none of us can obey the law completely, to enter heaven. Even with the help of grace we cannot be justified by obeying the law or earn our righteousness before God. If heaven can be gained by works, we will claim glory for our own salvation and God shares His glory with no man. This is the truth: Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, thru the Word of God alone, and to the glory of God alone. Selah!

The most common attack against the Doctrine of justification by faith alone is that once a sinner is saved, he will see God’s grace as ‘cheap’ and he would like to continue in sin (Rom 6:1,2). The Christian who has this complaint does not understand the Power of the free gift of God’s Grace. This is the truth: Once a sinner becomes truly saved, he changes radically. It is like a dog becoming a man. Salvation is always a miracle. The man cannot become a dog again. The born-again believer is so grateful that God’s grace has revealed the Cross to him that he wants to do everything he can to please God. He does not desire to continue in his sinful habits. In fact, he now hates sin.

In the history of the Church, not all Christians believe this doctrine of justification by faith alone. They say that it is too simple. They go to extremes: legalism (saved by obeying laws) or license (ignore all laws). They say that if only faith in Christ saves us, and grace covers us, we can commit sin and still be saved. They insist that Christians should obey God’s Laws ‘to make heaven.’ They say that salvation by grace alone and by faith alone, leads to careless living and sinful behavior. Technically, this is called ‘antinomianism’, or lawlessness. It comes from two Greek words: anti, meaning ‘against’ and nomos, meaning ‘law’. ‘Christians’ in this group, believe that we should not obey any Law because Grace has made us free from the Law. They say that even if you commit sin, you are not guilty because God has covered you by His grace. They believe that freedom from the Law means freedom for license. That is an error. One of the greatest examples of antinomian behavior is Gregory Rasputin (1869-1916). He was a famous Russian mystic, false prophet and self-declared healer. He became very close to the Russian Royal family, by trying to heal the heir to the throne. He had many followers. He deceived many with his so called ‘powers to heal’. He claimed that anyone having sex with him becomes spiritually pure. He was eventually assassinated.   

Theologically, antinomianism is the belief that there are no moral laws God expects Christians to obey. Antinomianism always goes too far. Antinomianism is deceptive because it denies the power of Grace to radically change a sinner into a saint. Antinomianism is wrong also because it ignores the new Law of Christ. It is true that we do not obey the Laws of the Old Testament. But we are not lawless. There is a new Law that has come. It is the Law of Love. Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 22:36-40). Love is the New commandment for all Christians to obey. If you love God and your neighbor, then you will not kill, steal, commit adultery, deceive others or covet their things. In the Old Testament the Law applied to external actions. The Law of Christ, of Love, goes deeper, into the heart, into the motives of actions. It is only a child of God that can love and can obey this Law of Christ. He obeys not because he wants to go to heaven, but because he is saved already. Breaking this Law means breaking the heart of God. It is a sin against Love. Free Grace is not a ticket to a sinful life. Living in sin dishonors God. It is an insult against His Love and His Grace. May God forbid this!

Some Christians ask: why then did God give us His Laws in the Bible? The Law of God “is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good” (Rom 7:12). In the Old Testament the Law had its own functions. God who gave the Law to Moses, to write it and teach it to God’s people. Please note this: from the beginning, the purpose of giving the Law was not to save the people. Because not one could obey God’s law perfectly. The reason why God gave the Ten Commandments and other laws, is so that the people may know who God is, what God likes and what God hates. It was also given so that they know what sin is. The Law “entered that the offense might abound” (Rom 5:20). But the Law was a not a Savior. The Law was a teacher, a tutor who directed God’s people to Christ (Gal 3:19-25). Any sinner who wants to obey God’s Law will be frustrated in the process. With the leading of the Holy Spirit, this frustration will eventually bring the student to the feet of Christ, who is his Savior. Christ alone fulfilled the Law perfectly by obeying God’s Law. First, Jesus obeyed the Law actively. He did everything God the Father told Him to do. Secondly, Jesus obeyed the Law passively. God’s Law says that the sinner must die (Rom 6:23). Christ died for sinners. The sinless One, became sin so that we, who trust in Him may live. “He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]” (2Cor 5:21; AMP). “Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS [crucified] ON A TREE (cross)” (Gal 3:13; AMP). Looking at the Crucified, who died for us, we can never love sin again! We will live to please Him forever!

The Gospel says that we were once united with Adam. We were under the reign of sin and death. We were born into the Kingdom of darkness. Sin was our king. We could not resist its lusts. All who live in that Kingdom, die an eternal death, and go to hell. Once a sinner trusts in Christ who died for him, God translates that one into the Kingdom of light, of His dear Son, Jesus Christ. As we were one with Adam, we are now one with Christ. This is the doctrine of the mystical union with Christ. What Christ did, we do it in Him. Christ suffered and died. In Him, we suffer and die to sin. Christ was buried. We too are buried with Him, separated from the world. Christ rose from the dead. By the same resurrection power, we have risen from the realm of sin and death to life and righteousness. Christ ascended back to heaven. We too are now seated in heavenly places in Christ. These are spiritual events that have happened already once we are justified by God’s Grace and by faith in Christ. Our spirit is saved already. Spiritually, we are in heaven already. Therefore, we cannot lose our salvation. At the second coming of Christ, our bodies will be changed into spiritual bodies. That is when the process of salvation will be complete. And we shall live together, forever, with Christ, on a New Earth. This mighty revelation can only be received and believed through the help of the Holy Spirit. That is why for every sinner who becomes saved, all glory goes to God! Amen!

“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Rom 5:20). In Greek, the word ‘abound’ means to increase or overflow. Thru Adam, sin has entered humanity as a foreign injection of poison, of rebellion against God. Sin always leads to destruction and death. We see it everywhere around us. There are many prisons, hospitals, mortuaries, and cemeteries. About 150,000 people die daily all over the world. The power of sin and death is easier to imagine and understand than the power of Grace, God’s invisible favor to save and to bless. For example, Albert Einstein discovered the theory of relativity. It is said that only 12 men were intelligent enough to understand it at the beginning. But when it was used to create the atomic bomb and dropped it on Hiroshima, Japan, 250,000 people died instantly. Instantly, everyone understood its power to destroy. This is another example: Alexander Fleming invented the first antibiotic, the Penicillin. It was a great breakthrough in medical science. Millions were saved because of this invention. You see how one man could bring destruction, and another man can bring healing. It is the same with the power of sin and of Grace. Thru Adam we know death. Thru Christ we live forever!

Jesus came full of Grace and Truth (Jn 1:14). Sin and death have been the king of sinners. There was no escape for anyone. Thru Jesus Christ, Grace was openly manifested to sinners. In Christ, Grace is the greater King. Learn to appreciate Grace! A Christian man dies. People mourn. But the angels rejoice in heaven for every sinner who repents (Lk 15:10). This invisible joy is of Grace. Two thieves are crucified next to Jesus. Both insult him at the beginning. That is the power of sin. But then, one of them repents and asks Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus says: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise!” (Lk 23:43). This is Grace speaking. With their hammers, the Roman soldiers nailed Jesus on the Cross. That is the sound of sin. But on the third day, Jesus came out from the grave, having nail scars on His hands. Jesus told Thomas: “Reach your finger here and look at My hands; and reach your hand here and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving but believing” (Jn 20:27). This is Grace speaking! Out of pain, faith is born! Saul hated the Christians. He supervised the killing of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Then Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus. He became born-again. He is now known as Apostle Paul. He wrote three quarters of the New Testament. He said: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1Cor 15:10). This is the power of Grace! John Newton was a slave trader. He was saved by grace. He wrote the hymn: “Amazing Grace, how sweet Thy sound, that saved a wretch like me!” This is Grace speaking! This is Grace singing! Grace is always greater than sin and death! Halleluiah!