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Probability calculations
How likely is it (0 to 100%) that biblical teachings such as heaven, damnation, judgment, and Jesus' claims about Himself are true?
When talking to people, it is common for them to have strong objections to the Christian faith. Such things as the doctrine of development, the errors of the church and evil in the world are things they bring up when you try to offer them the gospel about Jesus and the heavenly kingdom of God. They usually reject all talk of eternal life with these seemingly wise thoughts. Likewise, these people may consider everything related to the Christian faith and spiritual life to be absurd. It is madness for them, as Paul aptly wrote in the letter to the Corinthians when he spoke of the “natural man”:
- (1 Cor 2:14) But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
However, it is good to familiarize yourself with spiritual matters. For if God and eternal life exist, how important is it that we choose rightly. Jesus said in his time: “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:17), because of which we can certainly get clarity on things. The condition is that we sincerely seek it. We must be like the Jews of Berea who wanted to find out if the things presented were really true. Are we ready to find out:
- (Acts 17:10-12) And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
In the following, we are going to examine some of the things that are somehow related to heavenly life. The topics are 1. creation, 2. the meaning of works, judgment and destruction, 3. eternal life, and 4. Jesus - His nature and His significance in terms of salvation. The purpose is that everyone could really think about the accuracy and probability of these things, i.e. how true they are. Is their probability 0% (not true), 100% (true), or between 1 and 99 percent. Based on them, it is then possible to draw your own conclusions.
Propability How probable or true are the following?
1. CREATION
God has created everything
Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created to this time, neither shall be.
Isa 66:1,2 Thus said the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that you build to me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things has my hand made, and all those things have been, said the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.
Rev 4:11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.
Rev 10:5,6 And the angel which I saw stand on the sea and on the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 And swore by him that lives for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
God will create a new Heaven and a new Earth
Isa 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2. SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR ACTIONS, JUDGMENT AND DAMNATION
Hypocrites have already received their reward in full in this world.
Matt 6:1,2 Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.
Who exalts himself will be brought down.
Luke 18:13,14 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote on his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
It is important to forgive
Matt 6:14,15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Words matter
Matt 12:36 But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.
Actions that affect other people matter
Luke 17:1,2 Then said he to the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe to him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
James 3:1 My brothers, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
We are given according to what we have done.
Rom 2:6,11 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
Col 3:25 But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done: and there is no respect of persons.
2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad.
Rev 20:12,13 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Our soul is valuable.
Matt 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
The road leading to destruction is wide.
Matt 7:13,14 Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
Hell exists.
Matt 8:11,12 And I say to you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matt 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Mark 16:16 He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.
2 Cor 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
Rev 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Damnation is eternal and it has already been prepared for the Devil and his angels.
Matt 25:41,46 Then shall he say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
2 Thess 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
God loves people and does not want anyone to go to Hell.
1 Tim 2:3,4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Luke 15:3-7 And he spoke this parable to them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Eze 18:23,32 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? said the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, said the Lord GOD: why turn yourselves, and live you.
3. ETERNAL LIFE
It is worthwhile to lay up treasures in Heaven.
Matt 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Who loses his life for Jesus will find it.
Matt 16:25 For whoever will save his life shall lose it: and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Luke 17:32,33 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
Our names can be in the Book of Life
Rev 3:5 He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
It is possible to have an eternal life
John 6:27 Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you: for him has God the Father sealed.
Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life.
2 Cor 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Thess 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
Luke 1:31-33 And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give to him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
4. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS
When talking about Jesus, many think that He brought significant spiritual teaching in the area of morality - teaching that would make society a better place. It is usually acknowledged. His humility, balanced nature and love, for which He is remembered, may also be brought up. One idea brought up is also that Jesus was a great spiritual teacher or a wise person, but at least not God as He claimed. It is one of the most common thoughts about Him. But how is it? Can Jesus be a great spiritual teacher or a wise person if He has spoken incorrectly in a crucial point – His own identity? For he made such assertions about Himself as would not fit in the mouth of a wise and humble teacher, if they were not true. After all, it's rude if a teacher or person claims to be more than they really are. He is then not a good teacher, but only a brazen liar. Anyone shouldn't listen to that kind of person. But if Jesus' words about Himself are true, doesn't the situation change? Then it is not presumptuous to make such claims because they are truthful and important to us. Furthermore, Jesus' moral character fits well with His claims. They do not contradict each other, but complement each other. That's why it's good to think about the claims made by Him and others about Him. You should think about how likely they are. Are they true or false:
a) His eternal being
He was before Abraham.
John 8:56-59 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews to him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the middle of them, and so passed by.
John 1:15 John bore witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
He came down from heaven.
John 8:23,24 And he said to them, You are from beneath; I am from above: you are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins.
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.
John 3:31 He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that comes from heaven is above all.
1 John 1:1,2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked on, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show to you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;)
He is the Messiah.
John 4:25,26 The woman said to him, I know that Messias comes, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus said to her, I that speak to you am he.
John 10:23-25 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said to him, How long do you make us to doubt? If you be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and you believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
He is the Son of God.
John 9:35-38 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said to him, Do you believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said to him, You have both seen him, and it is he that talks with you. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
Blessed is he, whoever shall not be offended in Him.
Matt 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said to them, Go and show John again those things which you do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whoever shall not be offended in me.
The Scriptures testify of Him.
John 5:39,40 Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And you will not come to me, that you might have life.
John 5:45-47 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuses you, even Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For had you believed Moses, you would have believed me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe my words?
Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
He is the bread of life.
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.
He will raise people up at the last day.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
He is the light of the world.
John 8:12 Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 1:4-9 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.
He did His Father’s will.
John 8:29,30 And he that sent me is with me: the Father has not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spoke these words, many believed on him.
John 17:4 I have glorified you on the earth: I have finished the work which you gave me to do.
His words will never pass away.
Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
He spoke the truth.
John 8:44,45 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, you believe me not.
He did not commit sins.
John 8:46 Which of you convinces me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe me?
Hebr 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebr 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1 John 3:5 And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
He is meek and lowly in heart.
Matt 11:28,29 Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.
In Him is salvation.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
He gives eternal life.
John 5:40 And you will not come to me, that you might have life.
He is the good shepherd.
John 10:10,11 The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
Matt 22:16 And they sent out to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God in truth, neither care you for any man: for you regard not the person of men.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
He gave His life for us.
John 10:17-19 Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. 19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
He is one with Father.
John 10:29-31 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
John 14:8,9 Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father, and it suffises us. 9 Jesus said to him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip? he that has seen me has seen the Father; and how say you then, Show us the Father?
He answers prayers.
John 14:13,14 And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
He promised to give rest and peace.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Through Him all things were created.
John 1:1-3,9,10 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
He is God.
John 1:1,2,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1 John 5:20,21 And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
His kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36-38 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said to him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice. 38 Pilate said to him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find in him no fault at all.
b) His significance from the point of view of salvation
He came to fulfill the Law.
Matt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Gal 4:4,5 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
God sent Him to save people.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
He took away the sin of the world.
John 1:29 The next day John sees Jesus coming to him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.
1 John 3:5 And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
He gave His life for us.
Matt 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Rom 5:6,8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8 But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Cor 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
He is the Savior
John 4:41,42 And many more believed because of his own word; 42 And said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of your saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
Grace has come through Him.
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
Atonement came through Him.
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
2 Cor 5:18-20 And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, 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 did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God.
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
The forgiveness of sins through Him.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.
Acts 13:38 Be it known to you therefore, men and brothers, that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins:
1 John 2:12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
In Him there is no condemnation.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
John 3:17,18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.
He is the door to salvation and to the Father.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
He welcomes sinners.
Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them.
Luke 5:30-32 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners? 31 And Jesus answering said to them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
There is no other name by which people can be saved.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
There is life in Him.
John 5:40 And you will not come to me, that you might have life.
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.
He has the words of eternal life.
John 6:68,69 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that you are that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Who believes in Him has eternal life.
John 3:15,16 That whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 20:31 But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name.
He offers living water.
John 4:10,13,14 Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that said to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked of him, and he would have given you living water. 13 Jesus answered and said to her, Whoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. 38 He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
It is important to believe in Him.
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house.
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ to all and on all them that believe: for there is no difference
It is important to receive Him.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Eternal life can be received as a gift from Him.
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
CONCLUSIONS FROM THE RESEARCH. When it comes to the previous research, there is a possibility for each thing to have a probability of either 0%, 100% or some other percentage in between. When we evaluate each point separately, their probabilities move in our minds between zero and one hundred percent, depending on how possible we consider these things to be. But what does it mean that we assign different probabilities to these things? What does it mean if we consider the probability of these things to be, for example, zero percent, 20 percent, or 100 percent? We will try to find an answer to this in the light of the following examples:
If the probability is 0%. If we consider the probability of each point to be zero percent, it means that we are claiming them as lies. This is really the case, because these things, which are either true or false, cannot then be anything else in our minds. At the same time, we accuse Jesus and the first apostles of being liars, which in itself is a heavy accusation. We position ourselves as greater authorities and experts in this matter and wiser than anyone else. Therefore, when it comes to the validity of these claims, it is good to think about where they come from. Are they from heaven or men, true or false, because there are no other options. The following description, which tells about the encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees, also leads us to that. Then it was a question of a very similar situation. Even then, Jesus only set two options, of which only one was right in the end. In the same way, we should think about the accuracy of the previous verses and think about what they mean in terms of our own lives:
- (Mark 11:27-33) And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, 28 And say to him, By what authority do you these things? and who gave you this authority to do these things? 29 And Jesus answered and said to them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. 31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him? 32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. 33 And they answered and said to Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
If the probability is 20%. If we consider that the probability of the previous points is 20%, this number already means quite a high probability. For in the lottery and other similar games, the chances of winning are less than one in a million, or even lower, and despite everything, we may be aiming for these wins, but the 20 percent probability is many times higher than them. It's even bigger than getting the number six by throwing the dice at the first go, so the chance of it happening is high. Therefore, think about your own life and your eternal destiny. Your own life and soul is more valuable than any lottery win, bank account or worldly thing. The Bible shows that God gave his only Son for you too (John 3:16). If that's true, your soul is really valuable. Therefore, do not reject God's gift of eternal life, but accept it and turn to Him. This life can be received from Him in one moment:
How else could it be? Suppose I offer you a gift. Then there is a moment when you don't have a gift yet. In the next moment you will have it. The gift must pass from my hand to yours in one moment. Eternal life is a gift. There is a moment when you don't have it. There is another moment when you have it. There must be a definite moment when you received it. It cannot be possible in any other way. Not a single case is known where the conversion was gradual. Life is always available in a moment. When did it happen to you? Where did it happen? Has there been a moment in your life when you stepped forward, knelt at the altar, went to the pastor's talk? Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior? How did it happen? Maybe you don't know the exact moment or the hour, but do you know it's done? Are you sure you have had such an experience? If that is the case, let me say again that it happened in one moment. (1)
If the probability is 100%. The third option is that the probability of the previous statements is 100%, that is, they are true. This option remains if the statements in question are held to be true. But what does this mean for your own life? Does it matter? The answer, of course, is that if the above things are true, you should immediately turn to God and accept His mercy. For after we have lived our unique life, according to the previous verses of the Bible, we can no longer get a change in our state. We are left with the solution we have made here. If our decision has been negative and we have rejected grace, it is too late to turn back the hands of the clock in perdition. In some computer programs, we can undo the solutions made, but beyond the border it is no longer possible. Therefore, when your life is precious and God wants to save you, do not delay in turning to Him. Let yourself be saved before it's too late and you won't pass your grace period. The following example shows how important it is to take care in time:
Finally, one day, a young man who had recovered walked briskly onto Moody's porch. "Mr. Moody," said he, extending his hand, "I have come to say good-bye." I'm going west". Moody put his hands on her shoulders and again he urged her to accept Christ. The young man became angry, and shaking the evangelist's hand off his shoulders, he replied: “Mr. Moody, don't ever talk to me again about the salvation of my soul. I have promised you to make my decision when I return, but not before. Goodbye". After saying this he left, and Moody, feeling that something had broken in his own heart, sat down disappointed. The same evening that Moody had settled down to rest, he woke up to a loud knock on his door. He stuck his head out the window and saw a woman with a scarf wrapped around her head. “Oh, Mr. Moody,” she cried in a pained voice, “come soon. My husband is sick, very sick and I'm scared. Please come right away." Moody recognized her at once as the wife of the young man with whom he had spoken that afternoon. "It's no use," he replied. “Your husband gave me the final answer this afternoon. He has crossed the line of death. It is useless for me to come”. But because he begged so earnestly, Moody got dressed and left anyway. When he entered he saw a young man lying on his back in bed, his eyes wide open, but apparently unaware of the presence of others. As Moody approached, he heard the man repeat only two words: Too late, too late”. Moody knelt by the bed, took the dying man's hand, opened his Bible, and began to pray. But the young man paid no attention to it. He just stared at the ceiling and shouted: "Too late, too late". Moody did his best to wake him up, but he didn't know Moody, and after a few minutes he passed away, still saying as before: "Too late, too late." My friend, perhaps you have not yet committed the unforgivable sin. Perhaps it is not too late for you, but I warn you of the danger you will run into if you keep rejecting God's offer of mercy. Life is uncertain, Jesus is coming, and the Holy Spirit can stop stirring. If He stops, you won't have another chance. This may therefore be your last chance. Oh, that you would hear the warning and now—before it is forever too late—receive Jesus Christ! (2)
CALL TO NEW LIFE. Above we have talked about how important it is to respond to God's call and receive salvation and not reject it. Next, it's good to find out how it happens and how you can save yourself. It involves e.g. the following points:
1. Turn to Jesus and surrender your life to Him. The first step in being born again and receiving salvation is turning to God and Jesus Christ. You can tell Him that you are a sinner who needs salvation and that you want God's plan to be fulfilled for your life. You don't have to try to get better yourself first, but come to him as you are, with your flaws. According to the Bible, Jesus has eternal life and therefore we must turn to him so that we can get it:
- (John 5:40) And you will not come to me, that you might have life.
- (John 6:68,69) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that you are that Christ, the Son of the living God.
- (John 10:9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
2. Receiving. The second step is to receive. Since eternal life can be received only as a gift through the Son of God -- Jesus -- you must receive Him into your life (you can simply say, " Lord Jesus, come into my life!). According to the Bible, He already stands behind the door of our heart and waits for a chance to step into our lives:
- (Rev 3:20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
So, if you have turned to Jesus Christ and received Him in your life, you are a child of God and have eternal life. You have the eternal life regardless of what you feel right now. Do not base your assurance of salvation on your ever-changing emotions, but rest in the word of the Bible and on Jesus Christ, just like the anchor of a ship is never thrown inside the ship but always outside.
- (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
- (1 John 5:11-13) And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life. 13 These things have I written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.
PRAYER OF SALVATION: Lord, Jesus, I turn to You. I confess that I have sinned against You and have not lived according to Your will. However, I want to turn away from my sins and follow You with all my heart. I also believe that my sins have been forgiven through Your atonement and I have received eternal life through You. I thank You for the salvation that You have given me. Amen.
REFERENCES:
1. Oswald J. Smith: Maa johon kaipaan, p. 52 2. Oswald J. Smith: Maa johon kaipaan, p.134
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Jesus is the way, the truth and the life
Grap to eternal life!
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