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**1) Salvation by grace alone, not by works. There is LOTS of scripture to support this, case in point, see the Thief on the cross.**

The Lord COMMANDS rebirth in John 3. He tells us how it is to be accomplished AFTER his departure, in his commissions: Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Luke 24:47; and John 20:23. For he said the Spirit (the Comforter) would not come until he is physically gone (John 16:7).

That rules out the thief needing to be born of the Spirit. Jesus Christ was still there. AND...Christ hadn’t died yet. He hadn’t fulfilled the Law that God ordained, until his death. That’s what his words “It is finished”, and then dying, mean.

“For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength AT ALL while the testator LIVETH.” Heb. 9:17

**The point is that counting on good works to give you righteousness and a ticket to heaven is a LOSING proposition.**

There those that do good works to prove, to themselves and others, that they are born again. Instead of following the Lord and his apostles instructions on rebirth, they say, “I believe”, and convince themselves they are saved (that was me up to age 28). There’s a story in the gospels that helps paints this picture:

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that Imay have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder,........Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lackest I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Matt. 19:16-21

At least this man knew, even after all that he had done, that he was in need of something more, although that man couldn’t completely let go. To some people, great possessions can be things other than money and property. They can be a tradition, a fellowship with a group of people, a teaching (said and believed to be accurate); any of which may have too great of a hold to let go of.

Hearing and obeying the call of being born again is ‘following’ Jesus. His commissions demand it, and his apostles enforced it. How much do you love him? (don’t tell me).

**WHAT are you trusting in to save you?**

That’s a good question. Is it your trusting in teachers that exclude the Lord and his apostles instructions on being born again, and following blind leaders to the epistles for salvation.

Acts 2:38: is it from heaven, or of men?

thanks for your comments.
God bless