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What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

"The Benefits Of The Gospel"

Jarrod Jacobs

In the 1800's, there was a man hired to sell phones in California. Though California was sparsely inhabited at this time, he sold more phones than those who were sent to the big cities. When the boss heard of this, he called in all his salesmen, and asked the one sent to California to stand up and explain why he sold more phones than any other. His response:

"I tell potential customers that they can call their neighbor in their night clothes."

You see, at this time, it was quite an ordeal for people to go and visit their neighbors, especially in California where there were so few people. Imagine their excitement to realize they could call up a friend or neighbor in their NIGHTCLOTHES, and not have to get ready, dressed, ride to their destination, and then have to ride all the way home. What is the point? It is that the BENEFITS to the customer are what sold the phone! In like manner, let us think about the Gospel of Christ and what benefits it has for us. What benefits awaits those who come to Christ?

Salvation

The salvation of our souls is the first and foremost benefit of the Gospel! Paul said that the Gospel is God's power to save (Rom. 1:16). "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you"(I Cor. 15:1-2).

So many today do not care about the Gospel. They would rather do what "seems" right. This is foolish (Prov. 14:12)! Once people understand and believe that the Gospel brings salvation, maybe it will mean more to them and they will do as God has said.

Knowledge

The Gospel of Christ provides us with knowledge about life, death, Creation, and many other subjects. Paul said, "Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ" (Eph. 3:4)!

The Gospel provides us with knowledge concerning life. It teaches that man is basically composed of two parts (the Body and Soul, Matt. 10:28, II Cor. 4:16; Jas. 2:26). The Gospel declares that the Creator of life is God (Matt. 19:4; Acts 17:24-26), and that we dedicate our lives to God or Satan depending on how we live (Matt. 7:13-14).

The Gospel teaches that death is a separation. Physically, it is a separation of the body and spirit. This comes to all people (Jas. 2:26; Heb. 9:27). Spiritual death is the eternal separation of our soul from God. Experiencing this depends upon how we live now (Rom. 8:6; Matt. 25:31-46).

In short, ALL things pertaining to life and godliness are found in the Gospel (II Pet. 1:2-3). Let us decide to acquire the knowledge God provides so that we can equip ourselves for eternity (II Tim. 3:16-17).

Provides The Perfect Example

Just like certain jobs have Apprenticeship Programs where the inexperienced learn from the experienced workers, the Gospel provides us with the perfect example for living. That example is Jesus Christ (I Pet. 2:21-22)! Jesus is our example in honoring our parents (Lk. 2:51; Eph. 6:1-3), in fighting temptation (Lk. 4:1-13; Jas. 4:7), in being submissive to God (Heb. 10:9; Phil. 2:8), in showing kindness to others (Matt. 9:32-36; Lk. 10:37), and in living what He taught (Acts 1:1; Rom. 2:1, 3, 21-24). Are YOU following in His footsteps? Christ's example is there for all to follow in the Gospel record! If we are not following Christ, then who are we following? If we are following someone other than Christ (self, parents, friends, etc.) then we are settling for far less than the best!

Warns

One outstanding quality of the Gospel is that it warns us of certain things. We are warned of the consequences of sin (Rom. 6:23). We are warned against perverting the Gospel to suit ourselves (Gal. 1:6-9; Rev. 22:18-19). We also see the consequences of refusing to obey the Gospel (Mk. 16:16; II Thess. 2:12). Let us never forget that God has warned us because He loves us like a father to a son (Heb. 12:5-11). Let us remember that warnings do no good unless we listen to them and obey!!

Speaks of Eternal Reward

Not only are we warned of things to avoid, but we are also told to strive for the reward -- Heaven (Phil. 3:13-14; Jn 14:1-3)! It is the abode of God (Matt. 11:25; Acts 17:24). Revelation 7:16-17 gives us a foretaste of what is to come to God's faithful (No hunger, no thirst. The Lamb will feed us, and lead to living waters. God shall wipe away our tears.). Don't you want to enjoy the benefits of the gospel? If so, then delay no longer. Once one believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Jn. 8:24), he must repent of his sins (Lk. 13:3), confess his faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). This is what the gospel teaches! Upon doing so, one can be saved from past sins (Mk. 16:16), rise to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4), wear the name of Christ (Acts 11:26), set your affections on things above (Col. 3:1-4), and look forward to Heaven one day (Rev. 2:10).

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