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  • Richard Mansel 10:51 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , salvation   

    Christ is in you 

    Scripture is filled with passages teaching that the Lord dwells with His followers. This bond is sacred.

    Salvation is described in the New Testament is existing in Christ and only there can we find spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). We are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and added to the Church, his body (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22-23).

    Burton Coffman sums it up succinctly in his commentary on Galatians.

    God is in Christians.
    Christians are in God.
    Christ is in Christians.
    Christians are in Christ.
    The Holy Spirit is in Christians.
    Christians are in the Holy Spirit.
    The mind of Christ is in Christians.
    The word of Christ is in Christians.

    From this, we can clearly see why transformation is so important (Romans 12:1-2). We have a very high calling as God’s people and that brings a lot of responsibility (Ephesians 4:1). Yet, it will all be worth it in the end! Praise be the Lord!

     

  • Richard Mansel 12:12 pm on May 2, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: calvinism. hell, , salvation   

    Revelation and Calvinism 

    It seems to me that Calvinism looks even worse in view of a study of Revelation. The accounts of the destruction of the wicked in Revelation are chilling.

    “And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.”  So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs” (Revelation 14:18-20).

    How can we read such passages and think that God would punish people when they had no chance to choose righteousness? How could God elect certain people to doom, then destroy them with great violence and send them to Hell.

    I’ll never understand such a doctrine. It is completely foreign to what I read in Scripture.

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:16 am on April 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , salvation,   

    Tidbits and Prayer Requests 

    Hello! I hope all of our readers are doing well. I wanted to share a potpourri of thoughts with you this Friday morning. We appreciate you very much.

    • It is a beautiful sunny day in Southeast Georgia. We ask your prayers that we can get some rain. Our drought is nothing like the Southwest has suffered, but we are double digits below normal for three years. It is sad to see so many ponds dry. Also, continue to pray for rain in the Southwest, they desperately need it.
    • I also ask your prayers for me as I continue battling a neurological condition. The pain has been especially bad, lately. I see a new neurologist in two weeks.
    • I read that the Baptists in Kentucky are having a symposium on Calvinism. They say that only one of the speakers is a Five-Point Calvinist. I wish they would figure out that the Baptist doctrine of salvation is Calvinist-Lite and return to the truth of Scripture on how to be saved.

    BTW, here is a shameless plug for my book on how to be saved.

    • On a lighter note, the 17 year-old son of one of my cousins didn’t know who John Wayne was. Moments like these seriously make you feel old. Likewise, I recently realized that in 2014 it will have been 20 years since I finished graduate school at Freed-Hardeman University. Time flies much too quickly.
    • I am listening to the Bible on digital audio. As I write, I am listening to Acts 11.
    • I am privileged to develop a manuscript on John 21 for the Southeast Georgia Lectureship at Richmond Hill. The lectureship is October 27-28. The last chapter of John is a fascinating study and I look forward to taking it apart and finding the treasures there.

    This Sunday morning I will be speaking on James 3:1, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”

    Of this passage, Burton Coffman writes:

    “James did not seek to discourage any who might have been qualified for such work. As Harper suggested, ‘His words were meant to remind us of our responsibilities, rather than to deter us from our duties.’”

    We must not allow this passage to be a path of rationalization to avoid evangelism. We must all become more knowledgeable about Scripture. What thoughts do you have on this verse?

    For your reading:

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 12:57 pm on April 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Enjoyed this. Good quote there, too. Is the lectureship on the book of John? Will there be a book to come out of it?

      • Richard Mansel 1:03 pm on April 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you. The congregation does put together a book of all the manuscripts. This year it will be on the last few chapters of John, looking at the last few days of Christ’s life. I think this will be the 8th or 9th year I’ve spoken there. Looking forward to it.

  • Ron Thomas 8:42 am on April 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: salvation,   

    Three Works 

    1. There is the work of man. This pertains to that which originates within man regardless of the outside influences.

    2. There is the work of the Law. This pertain to that which God authored, but man has manipulated to his own end.

    3. There is the work of God. This pertains to that which originates with God and man humbly obeys.

    By which are we saved?

     

  • Ron Thomas 11:30 am on April 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: salvation   

    Are you sure? 

    Here is an interesting statement: “A full 77 percent of pastors strongly disagree while 7 percent somewhat disagree. Another 7 percent somewhat agree, 5 percent strongly agree and 3 percent are not sure.” Seems like some article need to be written on Acts 4:12.

    http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Research-poll-Pastors-uphold-Christian-exclusivity

     

  • John T. Polk II 11:13 am on April 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation, Titanic   

    “Titanic Lessons” 100 years after! Power Point Presentation 

    http://doverchurchofchrist.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TitanicLessons.swf

     

  • Richard Mansel 2:24 pm on April 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: doctrines, , , salvation   

    Blind Doctrines 

    My April 3rd article at Forthright was entitled, Grace and Conversion as a follow-up to my March 27th article, Holy by Grace. In the Conversion article, I clearly established that we are saved by grace.

    I wrote:

    The death of Jesus was full of grace, being something that we have no right to be offered. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). His love, grace and mercy is solely responsible for the availability of salvation.

    Later in the article I wrote:

    Finally, we will be saved by works, indicating our allegiance and commitment (Revelation 20:11-15). Yet, when our lives are over, no matter how obedient we have been, we will still need grace to be saved (Luke 17:5-10).

    A reader commented and focused on the first sentence and overlooked the second. I established without any doubt that we cannot save ourselves. While obedience is a necessary part of salvation, we will still enter heaven solely by grace. However, the reader demanded to know how I could say we were saved by works.

    It is always troubling when someone’s doctrinal mindset is beset by blindness. If we have to ignore entire passages of Scripture in order to reconcile our own beliefs, we have serious problems.

    Simply put, either the same Holy Spirit wrote both Ephesians 2:8-9 and Revelation 20:11-15 or they didn’t. Either they are both inspired or neither are (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We can either accept both as true and keep studying until we figure out how they work together or we simply dismiss one or both of them. However, ignoring Scripture puts us at great peril (John 12:48).

    Revelation 20:11-15 is Scripture and inspired. Therefore, it is true. God said:

    And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

    We study and obey or we dismiss it and call God a liar.

    In Romans 5, the text says we are “justified by faith” (Romans 5:1) and we are “justified by His blood” (Romans 5:9). Just like before, we can either accept both or pick and choose whichever one best suits us.

    I prefer to keep studying and reconcile them since I believe Scripture is inspired by God.

    We are justified by the blood of Christ so that we can approach God for salvation (Romans 5:6-11). When we stand before God, we are justified because we have the blood of Christ on our souls. However, we are also justified by faith.

    Our faith and our works show our allegiance and commitment to God (James 2:20-26). We remain with Christ because we are serving Him. However, these works do not ultimately save us because that can only happen by grace and the blood of Christ (Luke 17:5-10).

    It is simple and complicated at the same time. The reader needs to see the larger picture rather than blindly focusing in one thing and ignoring everything else.

     

  • Richard Mansel 12:36 pm on March 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , salvation,   

    Posts on Grace 

    I appreciate all the good thoughts on grace! Thanks for taking up my question and making application.

    I have always liked the following: We cannot live in such a way to put God in our debt. Therefore, we will always be lost without His generous gift of grace. We are completely at His mercy until given an opportunity to serve. Even then, we will still require grace to enter heaven. Once again, God will never be in our debt.

    There are so many nuances that exist in the doctrine and emotion NEVER understands nuance. That is why we must remain sober-minded and focused so we can grasp the real meaning of Scripture.

    We have to tune out Satan’s doctrines found in those who teach error and not spend all of our time chasing them. That is part of Satan’s plan. We cannot always be teaching against something. We need to be proactive in showing the world and the brethren what Scripture DOES teach on grace and salvation.

     

     

  • Larry Miles 12:21 pm on March 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation   

    One Reason We Have Salvation 

    We are saved by grace, through faith, in baptism, for good works. We are aware that no one can “work their way into heaven,” but once we have obeyed the Gospel our Heavenly Father can expect us to be the best workers for the Lord Jesus and His Church.

    One of the reasons that we have salvation is found in I Peter 2:9-11. Peter contrasts the life of the lost with that of one who is a Christian. He tells us what should be the result of our salvation and how that should impact our Christian life and those we come in contact with.

    Peter starts off in I Peter 2:9 by describing the church as:

    • A chosen generation.
    • A royal priesthood.
    • A holy nation and
    • His own special people.

    All of the above designations show us different aspects of what it means to be a Christian. He goes on to further elaborate on that last one, “His own special people.” It is from the description of what it means to be “His own special people” that we get the title of our article.

    Peter tells us that it was/and is the will of God that we not keep our salvation to ourselves. We have been given a privilege, yea a command to tell others about our salvation. We are to tell others about God’s love for lost mankind and help them find their way out of darkness into the light of the Gospel, that is, salvation.

    He says first of in 1 Peter 2:9 that we should “proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” The Apostle Paul in Col. 1:13-14 sheds some light as he talks about how we were called out of a kingdom of darkness and “conveyed (translated) into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” In both passages, darkness and light are contrasted.

    We should love and appreciate the “marvelous light of the Gospel” so much more than the spiritual darkness that leads to Hell that we want to help others who are lost find that pathway. We must, as the song goes, “Take the Name of Jesus With You” and try to fulfill the words of Jesus in the Great Commission to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel…” Our “world” may not be around the world, but in our own family or sphere of influence.

    Wherever it is, Christians must be faithful in evangelism. Remember, we proclaim Jesus, both audibly and by our actions– let’s always “practice what we preach” and live our lives as close to the Lord as we can. By doing so, we will not only draw nearer to the Lord ourselves, we might influence some one outside of Christ to desire to know about the Lord Jesus Christ.

     

  • Richard Mansel 10:15 pm on March 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    Where Do We Stand on Grace? 

    Forthright has published an article about grace two days in a row. Randal Matheny had one on March 26 entitled, The Great Explanation. He wrote:

    In recent times, out of necessity, Christians have had to emphasize the steps to salvation, and great good has been done through studies about faith, repentance, baptism, and obedience. This emphasis has been due to the false teachings about how we ought to respond to the grace of God.

    My article on March 27 was called, Holy by Grace. I discuss the role grace has in salvation and holiness. I speak and write frequently about grace and feel it is absolutely essential to an understanding of salvation.

    For years, few in the brotherhood spoke about grace, except in error. Because of that error, most sound brethren were spooked about the subject or were afraid of being labeled. Whatever the reason, grace was largely missing from our pulpits and no doubt brethren suffered in the pews.

    The word seemingly became a code word for liberalism. However, no one needs to be afraid of what God’s Word says about grace. We can be sound and still refute false teaching on the subject.

    I remember hearing as a young man that false teachers were saying that we had no part in our salvation and that if we contribute anything, then it is a denial of grace. They still teach this in the church, sadly.

    While they were right to one extent, they missed the fuller picture. They needed the rest of the story because obedience cannot be denied even in a system of grace (Ephesians 2:10; John 14:15; Revelation 20:11-15).

    Thankfully, more are teaching and preaching about grace in the Lord’s Church. That is wonderful.

    My question is, where do you think the brotherhood stands on the subject? Are we, in a collective sense, still somewhat afraid of the subject?

    Are we ever hesitant to use the word grace for fear of being labeled? I hope we are past that now. People do teach error on grace but we should not lump the truth on grace in with their false teachings. Satan wants truth silenced so his voice is the only one heard. Let us never be a contributor to helping Satan!

     

    • Eugene Adkins 6:24 am on March 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I can’t speak for where everyone stands on grace, but I know I want to “stand” in it! (Romans 5:2; 1 Peter 5:12)

      One thing that I always try to do when I talk about God’s grace to others is to make sure they understand that they cannot earn it but also that there is a personal responsibility to respond to it. Titus 2:11,12 and Titus 3:5 are excellent places for teaching this.

      How great is the depth of God’s grace? To be honest, I think we struggle to comprehend it, but that doesn’t mean we can’t accept and enjoy it (http://wp.me/p20YNR-4Z).

      Great question to get the morning going with Randal!

      • Eugene Adkins 6:27 am on March 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Sorry :( I meant to say Richard. The morning was just starting to go…

      • Stephen R. Bradd 9:37 am on March 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Good thoughts brothers. I enjoyed the article you linked to Eugene.

      • Weylan Deaver 11:52 am on March 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Good thoughts. In the nature of the case, salvation must be by grace, since God does not owe it to us. It is not owed because the wages of sin is death. And, if it is not owed, then, if it is given at all, it must be by grace. However, grace in no way rules out obedience to God’s terms for receiving grace. God could give us a checklist of 1,000 things to do each day for the rest of our lives and salvation would still be by grace. For years, the denominational world has offered the unbiblical concept that obedience and grace are incompatible, which is completely foreign to the way the New Testament approaches the subject.

    • Charlton rhinehart 10:13 pm on March 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I was raised in the church, and I was flooded with teachings on grace and deprived of the basic Bible teachings the coc was founded to restore. The interesting part is I know that more than half of the churches across America also are this way, because the teachers in my “home church” we’re taught this view from the major coc universities. I have been to many conservative and even some extreme conservative churches since, but I have yet to find one that will not give God’s grace credit for our salvation. Grace is far too clear in scripture to miss. I am under 30, so I was raised in different times than most, but I have to disagree that we are ashamed of grace. As you can probably tell, I am opposed to those who abuse grace, but even I enjoy teaching on it because I want to see it taught in truth. I have never met a preacher that is afraid to mention grace, but I am proud of the preachers that choose their words carefully when teaching on it. We should be cautious when teaching on grace so as to not imply it is obtainable without obedience and repentance. Just because we teach the whole truth, does not mean we are ashamed of grace, nor does it mean we discredit it.  I see many of the churches giving in to the worlds view of grace, but very few standing for God’s truth on grace.

  • John T. Polk II 11:53 pm on February 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation, Snowmen   

    Snowmen In The Bible 

    Power Point Sermon at

    http://doverchurchofchrist.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/SnowmenInTheBible.swf

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 9:20 am on February 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    Man drowns for girlfriend who’d already escaped sinking car 

    EvangelismNear Bridgeport AL on the Tennessee River, a man jumped into the water when he arrived and saw his girlfriend’s vehicle sinking. Except that she’d already escaped and been helped from the water 20 yards downstream by fishermen at a boat ramp.

    Was his sacrifice needless? Did he give his life for nothing?

    That sad news story prompts three thoughts.

    One, for the great multitudes of millions on earth, Jesus’ sacrifice will be for nothing, as far as their salvation is concerned. They will perish, most of them, without ever hearing the true gospel of Christ. They will not experience the redemptive effect of his death. They will die in their sins, in that real place called hell, as if Jesus had never been crucified for them.

    Two, for the remnant, so small, it would appear, in comparison to the world’s billions, Jesus did not die in vain. Somehow, it is God’s design to save a few, and these to him are precious.

    Three, the man gave little thought for his life, because his sight was set on (the assumption of) saving one he loved. He presumed she was in danger, when she was actually safe. He could not see her drowning, but the mere thought of it caused him to dive into the swift water. How many of us are willing to evangelize in order to save people whom we know for a fact are perishing and who will perish unless we act, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience our lifestyle?

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 4:57 am on January 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church membership, , , salvation   

    How do you answer: how to become a part of the church? 

    There are a number of ways to approach the question, obviously. But how do you (I don’t ask “would,” since you have probably answered it by now) answer when someone asks, “What do I do to become a part of the church?”

    I’m thinking of writing on this for next Sunday, so I’d like to get some perspective. Not that I don’t have one or haven’t answered it before. But it’s no trick question. Always looking to learn more from experienced saints.

    Fellows, feel free to make a separate post. Tag it as “church membership,” I guess.

     

    • Ron Thomas 5:07 am on January 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I will generally reword their question to this: “What do I need to do to become a member of the body of Christ?” From there I continue on with the relevant Biblical passages. I sometimes answer this way: “To become a member of the Lord’s body one needs to become a Christian.” And then, finally, I have answered it this way also: “What do you mean by ‘church’?” These replies come according to the context of the conversation.

    • Eugene Adkins 6:44 am on January 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      My answer: Ask the Lord, listen to his answer and let him take care of it (Acts 2:47).

    • Stephen R. Bradd 8:19 am on January 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      The replies from Ron & Eugene are very good.

      It has been my observation that some are prone, in my opinion, to require MORE of a potential convert than the Lord Himself does (at that point in their walk). Let me clarify: If those on Pentecost could learn enough in 1 sermon and if the eunuch & jailor could learn enough in 1 Bible study to obey the gospel & be added to the family of God, then let us be careful not to require more knowledge than those did who were guided by the Holy Spirit into all the truth. After one becomes a disciple, then there is much more learning to take place (Matt. 28:19,20). If one is willing to commit Himself to Christ and to living by His word, he is ready to be immersed for the remission of His sins. God will add such a one to His church–even if there may be some misunderstandings to be dealt with on some of the finer matters of NT doctrine.

  • J. Randal Matheny 6:24 am on November 22, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation,   

    I hate doctors. Do we avoid the spiritual Doctor? 

    "Health is the ability to resist." Rick Kelley asks, "Are you healthy?" http://2.ly/p9cu

     

    • Mike Riley 1:53 pm on November 22, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      The answer to the question, “Is man’s inclination to avoid the physical doctor typical of his inclination to avoid the spiritual One?” is more than likely, “Yes.” It’s just one of the causes for the lack of spiritual fervor in the Lord’s church today.

  • Glenda Williams 2:33 pm on November 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    One hundred pound weight lifted 

    Yesterday afternoon Harry Adkison, preacher at the Samson, AL church, was eating in Hall’s Oyster Bar, Geneva, when Mike Ezell, a local jeweler and long-time friend, came in and sat down beside him. Mike mentioned that he was glad to see Harry and  that he had wanted to talk to him about something a long time. (More …)

     

    • Mike Riley 9:26 pm on November 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Wonderful news, Glenda! Along with the angels, we rejoice that Mike Ezell chose to obey his Lord in baptism. May the Lord richly bless him and his family for his decision.

  • TFRStaff 3:12 pm on October 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    Salvation and condemnation 

    John 9:39 does not contradict John 3:16-17. The reason for our Lord’s coming was salvation, but the result of His coming was condemnation of those who would not believe. The same sun that brings beauty out of the seeds also exposes the vermin hiding under the rocks. — Warren Wiersbe, Bible Exposition Commentary, 1:327.

     

  • Larry Miles 7:26 am on September 15, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation   

    The Wonderful Grace of God 

    “For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men.” We find these words in Titus 2:11. This is the opening passage to the thoughts in Titus 2:11-15. This passage might be titled “Christian Living in Expectation of the Return of Jesus.”

    In this passage “grace” is both a person and an action. It is evident to the reader that this verse is talking about the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus. In the fulness of time, God sent forth His Son (Gal. 4:4-5) to redeem mankind. God had promised throughout the Old Testament to send forth the Redeemer prophicied in Genesis 3:15. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10); He came to save all mankind (Romans 5:8).

    This grace is also an action. The saving grace of Jesus illustrates His great love for mankind. God so loved the world (John 3:16). It is in this action that we have the Godhead showing forth this great love towards mankind.

    The main crux of the verse is that both of these thoughts in Titus 2:11 bring salvation. There is no salvation outside of Jesus (John 14:6; and Acts 4:12). Let’s embrace Jesus as our Savior and Lord and never fail to praise Him and thank Him for His great mercy “in that while we were yet sinners.” He died for us.

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:14 am on August 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: apostsy, , , impossibility of apostasy, , once saved always saved, salvation,   

    Once Saved, Always Saved? 

    Once we become a Christian, immersed in the waters of baptism (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4), cleansed in the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7), and sanctified from the world by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9), can we ever be lost?

    We know that if we walk in Christ, bringing glory to God, as we find in Scripture, we will remain in the arms of God (Ephesian 2:19; 3:20-21; 4:1).

    There are those who teach that a true Christian can never be lost. I agree (Romans 8:1).

    However, the question remains as to whether we can leave the Lord by exercising our freewill? Scripture says that we can (Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31).

    The following articles examine this very important question:

    No Condemnation in Christ

    Once Saved, Always Saved 1

    Once Saved, Always Saved 2

    Once Saved, Always Saved 3

    I hope you will diligently study these passages and pray about them.

     

     

  • Richard Mansel 8:59 am on August 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , salvation,   

    Can We Be Saved by Works? 

    My article today at Forthright is the second in a series of articles on the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory. They base their doctrine on works salvation, which is completely foreign to the Gospel.

    If we can be saved because of works, we are ostensibly saying that we can live perfectly enough that God would be forced to save us or be shamed before the world. That is laughable but is exactly the idea behind Catholic salvation.

    I hope you will read Purgatory 2 and give your thoughts on their false claims.

     

    • Doug Post 10:38 am on August 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Works are as necessary as faith – if you believe in Him, then you must also obey and do the works He has commanded. Of course, we also know that faith is a work, and yet without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.11:6). Doing what our Lord has asked never obligates Him to us but not doing works separates us from Him. Therefore, what kind of works are should we consider doing? Not works of the law (of Moses), not works of boasting, not works of my own devising, not works of the flesh, etc. However, the works we are to do are the works associated with faith, and those works are simply obeying the positive and negative commands of the Lord.
      Another thought: when it comes to sin, no one has to sin. There is not a soul who will stand before God and tell Him that on certain occasions he or she just had to sin. That won’t fly, especially since our Lord provides everyone with an escape for every temptation that comes down the pike (1 Cor.10:13). Paul says it like this, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” Yes, Christ died for sin, but that does not mean we must, therefore, sin. Those who say we must sin due to our humanity are forgetting Christ. Jesus was totally human like we and He did not sin. Yes, He was totally God too, but Satan tempted Christ’s human side. What good would it have done to tempt His God side? God cannot be tempted, but man can. God cannot sin, but man can. God is not vulnerable, man is. Therefore, Satan tempted the vulnerable side of Christ – His human side. This illustrates the point that since Christ did not sin, then it’s possible for us not to sin. This also clearly demonstrates the fact that we do not need direct help from the Holy Spirit, or any other member of the Godhead, to keep from sinning. Jesus didn’t receive any help in not sinning and neither do we.

  • John Henson 9:23 am on August 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation,   

    His Blood Be Upon Us 

    Scanning Facebook one day, I noticed one of my brothers-in-Christ had posted a passage from the second arrest of the apostles in Acts chapter five.

    Peter and John had been taken before the Sanhedrin and threatened not to teach or speak in the name of Jesus before this incident. The apostles were threatened repeatedly and then released.

    (The remainder of the post may be seen here: http://wp.me/p11jAq-2d)

     

     

  • Richard Mansel 10:36 am on August 23, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , grace faith, , salvation   

    Strange Doctrine of Purgatory 

    Today at Forthright, I began a series of articles on the complex and confusing Catholic doctrine of Purgatory. After doing a study of the subject and delivering two sermons on the subject, I still find it convoluted.

    What it actually says about Christ and his sacrifice on the cross is offensive.  Your input on the article will be appreciated.

    I list several quotes today that help the reader get an idea of what the doctrine claims. One of the quotes, which will be covered more in the second installment just astounds me. It stands completely opposed to all of the study I did for my book on salvation.

    Ponder this amazing quote from those who teach purgatory:

    “The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.”

    What thoughts do you have on this admission? My thoughts will come next week but I look forward to reading yours, in the meantime.

     

     

     

     

    • Mike Riley 12:05 pm on August 23, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, my question is, “How can folks die in God’s grace and friendship, but still be imperfectly purified?”

      The New Testament teaches that believers are purified when we “obey the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren” (1 Peter 1:22; cf. 1 Timothy 1:4-5). Since we’ve been provided “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3), what need would there be to have to “undergo purification, so as to achieve holiness?”

      • Mike Riley 12:07 pm on August 23, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Their doctrine on Purgatory must have originated from the twisted mind of some man, certainly not in the mind of God.

      • Richard Mansel 12:07 pm on August 23, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Yeah, that is a shocking twisting of Scripture. Works-oriented Christianity is always bizarre.

  • J. Randal Matheny 9:43 am on August 19, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation   

    Gotcha questions 

    Happening on Facebook now. In a Portuguese-language group I’m a part of, a sister in Christ (at least, I assume so) posted a question, if people who die in a denomination, in a city where there is no New Testament church, would be lost.

    A brother gave her an adequate reply, but it apparently wasn’t the one she was looking for. She said his answer was “very empty” and that he should pray to God asking that he “guide you to reply to certain questions.”

    I’ll be watching this thread with interest. I suspect she’s a progressive, one of that group of people who love gotcha questions and whose endearing quality is trapping the innocent.

     

    • Mike Riley 10:37 am on August 19, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      It seems that some folks make a career out of trapping the innocent. The Pharisees and Sadducees tried it with Jesus, but failed miserably.

  • Richard Mansel 11:24 am on August 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation,   

    A Religion of Works 

    Works-based religion puts God in our debt and any system which diminishes God is an abomination (Ephesians 2:8-10). “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

    Anyone who brings such a contemptible doctrine to us, must be ignored and sent away immediately (Galatians 1:7-9). Insulting God is obviously not a wise way to get into his heart.

    Therefore, we must never countenance such temerity.

     

  • Richard Mansel 12:24 pm on August 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: indulgences, , , salvation   

    Speaking a Spiritual Foreign Language 

    I am preparing to speak at a lectureship this Sunday on the doctrine of the Purgatory. The study has been discouraging because of the levels of false doctrine I am reading. Here is a quote that is simply astounding. It is like they are speaking a foreign language because this is so far removed from what I see in Scripture.

    A writer wanted to explain how you can avoid purgatory through indulgences:

    “For one recitation of short prayers, He grants 100 or 300 or more days Indulgence. These we may say hundreds of times in the day. Those who say the little prayer: “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee” one hundred times a day gain 30,000 days Indulgence. Those who say it 1,000 times, as many do, gain 300,000 days Indulgence each day! These Indulgences can be applied to our own souls, and we shall thus directly make satisfaction for our sins. Or, we may apply them to the souls in Purgatory, who will see to it that we do not lose by our generosity.”

    Wow. Where to begin…

     

    • Mike Riley 2:57 pm on August 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, this kind of false teaching makes you wonder, “How in the world do folks come up with this kind of foolishness?” I’m supposing from the deceptive and wicked workings of the inner mind (Jeremiah 17:9).

  • TFRStaff 3:26 pm on July 19, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    ‘Appeal to obedient faith’ studies baptism 

    Dan Mayfield of Owatonna, Minn., offers this four-page evangelistic appeal on Google Docs for printing out and study. Fill in the blanks, with plenty of explanatory text.

     

  • Larry Miles 7:21 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Armor of God, , salvation,   

    Rescued from The Domain of Darkness 

    “For He has rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:13-14) Most of us, I’m quite sure, prefer light to darkness. Without Jesus, all of us were in darkness, members, although we may not have known it, in the kingdom of Satan. Our heavenly Father desired that we all come to a saving knowledge and has provided the means through His Son, the Lord Jesus. We are glad that we can share in the inheritance He has for us (Col. 1:12).

    The Word of God describes this transformation as changing kingdoms. We have been brought out of darkness into the marvelous light of the Gospel. The terminology used here by Paul is a military illustration. It pictures Rome going into a free country and as a result of waging war and winning they subdue that nation and take them into captivity. But in the spiritual realm, we are the ones in bondage and when we accept The Lord Jesus and obey the Gospel, we are “transferred” (NASV) or “translated” (KJV) or are “conveyed” (NKJV) out of that bondage into the light of the Gospel. But it does not end there. Since we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins (Col. 1:14) we must put our new found faith to the test. We have been called out of that dark kingdom, changed by the light of the Gospel and now have the privilege to go back into that kingdom, now empowered by the Holy Spirit and utilizing the Whole Armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20) to help others find their way out. We can never work our way to heaven, but upon salvation, we are to be the best workers the Lord has. Let’s be found letting our light shine for Jesus (1 Peter 2:10)!

    Note: The graphic used came from Ministry tech Online, the on line blog of Michael Hite, Instructor at The Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver.

     

  • Larry Miles 11:35 am on June 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation   

    Do We Resent The Grace of God? 

    Steve Higginbotham, in an  audio sermon,   tells of preaching on the Grace of God at South Green. An individual in congregation had not been living for the Lord at all; was not a Christian. This man, in his 50′s I think received word that He had inoperable cancer and only a short time to live. He then decided to obey the Gospel. He  was very faithful but lived only 2 months and died.

    Steve tells of being in a Bible class soon after and a lady was complaining about this man and saying that because of his past life he did not deserve to go to Heaven and wanted Steve’s thoughts on this. Steve said, yes, you are right he did not deserve to go to Heaven; but in fact neither do you or I do. It seems that this sister was resenting the grace of God.

    Steve talked about the Parable of master hiring the workers at different times of the day and paying them the same wage. The ones hired earlier resented the master’s generosity. (grace)  Do we “resent “the grace of God?”

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 5:15 am on April 2, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , providence of God, salvation   

    Daily Nudge: Providential salvation 

    By visions and verbal commands, the Lord sent Philip to the Ethiopian, Ananias to Saul, and Peter to Cornelius. The miraculous was involved, although the Lord still had people teaching people, according to his plan.

    Let’s back off the miraculous and go with the providential. Tell a moment when you sensed the Lord working to bring a teacher-evangelist and a ready soul together for salvation.

    The Lord is always working, of course, but there seem to be times when we notice, through circumstances surrounding a moment of time, the involvement of the Lord, more than at others.

    I was reading a bit from Esther recently so maybe providence is at the front of my mind.

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:40 pm on March 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , have not heard, salvation   

    What About Those Who Have Not Heard? 

    A complex issue is whether people who have not heard the gospel will be saved. I wrote  about this six years ago on Forthright. I began the first article:

    The question is often asked, “will those who have never heard the gospel be saved?” We want this to be true because it seems so compassionate and loving. Yet as Christians we must look past our feelings and to the Bible for answers. What we find may not be pleasant, but Scripture is always our authority in religious matters (1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:16,17). Paul wrote in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (NKJV). Accordingly we ask, if someone has not heard the gospel or have a Bible then how can they be saved?

    The argument I humbly made in the second article was that it seemed to me that the implications of this issue are the most crucial to consider. To say that people can be saved without hearing the gospel creates a second plan of salvation, that being ignorance.

    Likewise, we should ensure that more people do not hear the gospel because if someone does not have access to the gospel, they cannot possibly be lost. Once people do have the gospel, then they can be saved or lost. Hence, the safest path would be ignorance. In other words, we would save more people by refusing to preach the gospel to the world, despite the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)!

    I have no idea how that can possibly be justified Scripturally.  I can’t see how those who have not heard can be saved by what I find in Scripture. To say this is not because I have a hard heart and I want people to be lost. I must go by what Scripture says (Colossians 3:17). Emotional arguments cannot supersede God’s Word.

    Two further considerations:

    First, Judges 2:10 says, “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.”

    If people can be saved by ignorance, then this passage would be blessing rather than a sign of apostasy. In a spiritual sense, ignorance would truly be bliss.

    Second, heaven is a place that is completely geared toward glorifying God (Revelation 4). Yet, if people who do not hear the gospel will be saved, then there will be countless numbers of intelligent adults entering heaven who’ve never heard of Jesus (cf. John 14:1-6; John 10:14).

    I offer these as ideas toward an answer on this difficult subject.  Above all, I am eager to learn. What do you have to offer?

     

    • Stephen R. Bradd 10:06 pm on March 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      2 Thess 1:9,10 is definitive on this matter. One must “know God” and “obey the gospel” or be lost–forever. The ignorant will be lost, though they will be beaten with fewer stripes (so to speak) than those who know better and fail to live for Jesus (Luke 12:47,48).

      God cannot do just whatever He wishes IF that involves violating His revealed word–He is faithful (even when we aren’t–2 Tim. 2:13).

      • Richard Mansel 10:08 pm on March 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        I know God cannot violate Scripture, as I said. That caveat of mine was not meant to distract from my overall point. It can be excised.

    • Jon Zirpolo 10:07 pm on March 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      I have thought on this subject for such a long time. Through my studies I came to the same conclussion you did. Its been a tough pill to swallow but it also made me realise the importance of our command to “Go…” (Matt 28:18). Especially when we sing that song “You never mentioned Him to me.”

      I often use this example when Im talking to someone about the necessity of baptism as it relates to salvation. Often I hear that, “well, what if they are in a place where there is no water? Will God condemn them for not being dunked in water?” My response is to replace “baptism” with “hearing the gospel.” No honest Christian can say that someone can enter Heaven without faith in Jesus (Heb 11:6)

    • Kevin Beard 10:24 pm on March 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      I agree with your thoughts completely, Richard. The problem people have with accepting the truth about this is that they are examining it with human wisdom instead of God’s wisdom. One thought I would add is that we must understand what causes people to be lost, and that’s sin. If all people have sinned, then all people are lost, regardless of whether they have heard the gospel or not. As long as they stay in sin, they stay lost. But the only way out of sin is through Christ, which can only be accomplished through the gospel.

  • Larry Miles 12:01 am on March 18, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , salvation   

    The Protecting Grace of Jesus 

    In verse 4 of the song “I’ll Put Jesus First in My Life” we are reminded of the protecting grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. The New Testament teaches us that we are saved by grace through faith, in baptism unto good works. As long as we abide in Jesus we will never fall, we will never lose our salvation.

    Christians are never promised a “bed of roses.” We are not under a “name it and claim it” philosophy as many radio and TV preachers would have us believe.

    We are not immune from the “cares of this world.” The “rain” falls on the “just and unjust,” the Bible tells us. “Tho’ earth’s tribulations continue each day,” reminds us that bad times do befall the believer, “His grace will protect me for ever and aye..” We can “take that to the bank.” We can be assured that although we live “in this world,” we are “not of this world.” (I John 2:15-17)

    Remember the chorus, “In all that I say, in all that I do, throughout the world of toil and strife, by day and by night, through trust in His might, I’ll put Jesus first in my life.” We must give our all to the Lord. We must be consistent in our walk for Him. We must “let our light shine” for Jesus! Keep looking up! Jesus may come today!

     

  • Larry Miles 12:01 am on March 16, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , salvation   

    Why Give Up Sin 

    I have been taking the verses and chorus of the song “The World All About Me.” In this devotion I want to discuss the question “Why Give Up Sin?” All Christians should be in “an attitude of gratitude” for what the Lord Jesus has done, is doing, and will do for us.

    The second verse of the song starts off with the phrase “The Lord Jesus died my salvation to win:” This should remind us of the great cost of salvation; not to us, but to the Godhead. Our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His Son to die in my place. The song further says “He went in my stead to Calvary and bled.” He took our place; we do not deserve to be saved. We are reminded of the need for the blood of Christ to be shed for the remission of our sins. (More …)

     

  • Richard Mansel 2:54 pm on March 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    Getting Too Close to Sin 

    The persistence of humans to put themselves in danger knows no bounds. Reports are that a man in California was so intent on taking photographs of the Tsunami waves, that he was swept into the ocean and hasn’t been heard  from since.

    In Oregon, four people were also on a beach and were swept away. Thankfully,  all four either exited the water on their own or were rescued.

    Solomon warns us in Proverbs 4:14-19, that we can easily get ourselves into trouble when we allow temptation to gain too great a  hold on our lives. He says, “Do not enter the paths of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil” (Proverbs 4:14).

    What may appear to be solid ground may, in fact, be dangerous and can lead to injury or death. Spiritually, if we allow Satan to lead us too close to the ledge, he will send us off (1 Peter 5:8).

    Walk in paths of righteousness and we will always be safe (Ephesians 4:1). We must be wise and cautious because dangers abound. However, if we remain in  Christ, we will never be lost (Romans 8:1). Please, get into Christ (Ephesians 1:3) today by the waters of baptism (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38) and remain with him all of your days (Revelation 2:10).

    “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:03 pm on March 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Gluckel of Hameln, salvation,   

    ‘All that we need for our journey’ 

    From the first page of The Memoirs of Gluckel of Hameln, a widowed Jewess in the 17th century:

    … we have our holy Torah in which we may find and learn all that we need for our journey through this world to the world to come. It is like a rope which the great and gracious God has thrown to us as we drown in the stormy sea of life, that we may seize hold of it and be saved.

    Think she understand the purpose of Scripture?

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:57 am on March 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation,   

    Understanding Salvation 

    As writers and teachers, we struggle to find word pictures that elucidate the truth for our readers/hearers.  Of course, the most important thing we can teach is salvation and how we can attain it as sinful human beings (Romans 3:23). Today, I offer a fictional account of a young boy lost in the snow that illustrates what God offers us as sinners in need of salvation. I hope you will be edified by the article.

     

    • Mike Riley 2:13 pm on March 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, I really did enjoy reading the narrative as well as the spiritual application at the end. May the Lord continue to bless your exceptional writing ability for His glory.

  • Richard Mansel 12:19 pm on March 6, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    We Rejoice 

    We rejoice that we had a baptism this morning. If we are not thrilled and edified to see a soul being immersed into Christ, we need to seriously re-evaluate our spiritual condition. We rejoice for this young man and pray that he has a long, fruitful life in Christ. God be praised!

     

    • Mike Riley 2:27 pm on March 6, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Yes, we should always be thankful and thrilled that men and women, both young and old have the desire to render obedience to the will of the Lord! May God be glorified and we be edified as a result.

    • J. Randal Matheny 3:59 pm on March 6, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Amen! Be sure and share it with Rick on baptism365.com

  • J. Randal Matheny 1:16 pm on February 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    Graphic on baptism in Christ 

    We thank Cougan Collins for the permission to reproduce this graphic from his webpage, “How Do You Get Saved?“

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:47 am on January 24, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , salvation, things to believe   

    What’s the Least You Can Believe and Still Be a Christian? 

    I bet you were unaware of the fact that there are some things one does not have to believe in order to be a Christian. No, I am sure you did not know this. However, in offering a few thought on this, it might very well be the case that you (or others) have actually wondered whether some topics are a “salvation-issue” or not. While this article won’t address “salvation-issue” topics (or not), what it will address is the importance of where one should start.

    “What’s the least I can believe and still be a Christian?” What a great question! Danny’s provocative question prompted me to write a new book, using his question as the title. Part one of the book presents 10 things Christians don’t need to believe. In short, Christians don’t need to believe in closed-minded faith. For example, Christians don’t need to believe that:

    • God causes cancer, car wrecks and other catastrophes
    • Good Christians don’t doubt
    • True Christians can’t believe in evolution
    • Woman can’t be preachers and must submit to men
    • God cares about saving souls but not saving trees
    • Bad people will be “left behind” and then fry in hell
    • Jews won’t make it to heaven
    • Everything in the Bible should be taken literally
    • God loves straight people but not gay people
    • It’s OK for Christians to be judgmental and obnoxious”

    Of the ten points, how many of them would you consider worth even discussing? Having enumerated these ten points in my head, the following I would not even consider to be a point of discussion: all ten! The point is not that the topics do not deserve a fair hearing or that they are not important, but in order for one to become a Christian – are these the topics to be discussed? Of the subjects above, I would take serious and strong issue with seven of the ten, but even then I would not lead a discussion in these areas.

    In order for some in society to accept a particular brand of “Christianity” some topics, subjects are worth more time in discussion than others. In New Testament Christianity, it all started with Peter’s words to the Jews on Pentecost (Acts 2:36), Paul’s words to Lydia (Acts 16:14, his words to the jailor (Acts 16:31-33), and his words to the Athenians (Acts 17:22ff). The older I get, the more I appreciate the words of Paul when he said that all he knows is Jesus and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

    These topic are worthy of discussion, but a serious discussion must first start with Jesus. What do you think, shall we first start with Him?

    SOURCE: From the Huffington Post

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martin-thielen/whats-the-least-you-can-b_b_811353.html

     

    • Steve 5:31 pm on February 13, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Yes, We must start with Jesus, But if we believe in Jesus we must first believe in the Word of God and that Jesus as that word does not lie or mislead his flock. If I were to tell my flock it was okay to believe in evolution how then could I read to them Genesis 1:1 and if we depart from the first verse in the Bible where do we go from there. There is no hell! I am lost on this person being a pastor. If there is no heaven or hell I do not need to know Jesus or anyone else.

      • Ron 4:51 am on February 14, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you, Steve, for your remarks.

  • TFRStaff 5:37 am on January 10, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , salvation   

    Will my child be lost, too? 

    The bulletin of the Southwest church has a good article that reminds us that God’s truth doesn’t change, even when it concerns our children. It seems hard at times, but God’s love doesn’t have soft spots. Since it takes a while to get the bulletins and articles up on the site, and since the mind won’t remember to link to it later, we’re posting it here. Their bulletin and the school’s paper are worth signing up to.

    "I Just Don’t Know If He Will Be Lost, If…"

    Marvin L. Weir

    Many parents abandon logic and reason when sinful situations occur that involve their children. They convince themselves that the Scriptures are not clear regarding the matter and question whether or not God’s grace will surprise some with what it covers. We need to be very careful lest we accuse God of failing to supply us with a clear roadmap to heaven. The Psalmist did not hesitate to exalt God’s Word as a clear and adequate guide. He said, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psa. 119:105). It is also very clear that God’s grace will never cover sin when one refuses to repent (Luke 13:3). Let us consider several statements I have heard brethren make over the years.

    "I just don’t know if my son will be lost if he is not baptized."

    The Word of God clearly states that salvation is located in Christ (2 Tim. 2:10). Where is the Scripture that states that hearing, belief, repentance, or confession puts one into Christ? You will search in vain for such a Scripture. But listen as Paul speaks to the Galatians in saying, "For as many as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27, emphasis supplied). One is not in Christ who has not been scripturally immersed for the remission of his sins (cf. Acts 2:38). Belief does not wash away one’s sins. Baptism will, however, wash away sins of one who has repented. The bible gives us such an example in Paul’s conversion. Ananias goes to Paul and says, "And why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and was away thy sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16, emphasis supplied). (More …)

     

  • Richard Mansel 10:50 pm on July 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , kep passages of scripture, preace, , salvation   

    Important Biblical Passages 

    Randal asked us to list some great memory verses. Instead, I will list 10 passages that are required reading and study for God’s people.

    1.  Romans 5 – The heart of the plan of salvation.

    2. Psalm 23 – It perfectly illustrates the Christian walk.

    3. Revelation 5 – The scene in the throne room is a powerful reminder of the seriousness of reverence and respect for the Christ, the Word of God. He is the Messiah, and no one else could ever take his place.

    4. John 14:1-6 – Jesus’ promise of power and peace is unforgettable.

    5. Ephesians 2:11-22 – Unity is explained with precision and power.

    6. Matthew 5-7 – Jesus shows how to live.

    7. Romans 12:1-2 – We learn about the transformation of the Gospel

    8. Psalm 119 – Respect for the Word of God is instilled in our hearts

    9. Ezekiel 18 – A refutation of Calvinism and a masterful treatise on personal responsibility.

    10. Acts 2 – It is the Kingdom Day

    [Bonus] 11. Isaiah 59:1-2 – Understanding the devastation of Sin

    Many more could be given, but these are very special to me.

     

  • Mike Riley 8:41 am on June 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , magnificent, , , , , salvation, , symbol   

    As in Revelation 4, Revelation 5 is a magnificent scene as well, of prayers and praise to the One who was able to open the book (Revelation 5:5). The book symbolizes God’s eternal purpose for man’s salvation (Ephesians 1:3-14; Ephesians 3:1-11). The “new song” in Revelation 5:9, is the song of redemption. The expression “new song” is one which comes from an expression of gratitude in the heart of man due to some mighty deed (or deeds) of God. We see this expression being used in Psalms 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1.

    In Isaiah, we find that because of the many wonderful works of God (Isaiah 42:5-9), the prophet wanted to “sing unto Jehovah a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth” (Isaiah 42:10).

     

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