Honest Questions and Bible Answers 4

Not long ago someone inquired as to what Paul
meant in Philippians 2:13.  Let us consider the
context.  In verse 12 Paul said, “…work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling.” We realize, then,
that we have a personal responsibility in our
salvation (we are to save ourselves).  Yet, without
further explanation this would seem impossible (cf.
Jn. 15:5).  Therefore, Paul encourages us by saying,
“for it is God who works in you both to will and to do
for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).  This reveals that
God has done and will do His part to save us; but we
must also do our part.

Yet how does God work in us?  Some assume that
the Holy Spirit miraculously works on the human
heart (something that the Scriptures do not teach).
However, the consistent answer is that God works in
us through His word (the gospel).  Proof of this is
seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:13: “…when you
received…the word of God, which also effectively
works in you who believe.” The Holy Spirit speaks
to man through the word of God (cf. Rev. 2:7).  The
hearing of that word must be mixed with faith (Heb.
4:2).  This is how God and man work together for the
salvation of man’s soul.  This is how God’s “will” is
“done” in us.

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Honest Questions and Bible Answers 3

Not long ago I was asked this question: “Is the Bible
a ‘how to get saved manual’ or the history of God
redeeming a people for himself?”

The Bible, consisting of 66 books spanning two
covenants, is rich not only for its historical value, but
is also a priceless compilation of prophecy, poetry,
scientific foreknowledge, exhortation, admonition,
etc. – and yes, it even reveals God’s law.  Both
covenants are based on law, the Old Testament on
the Law of Moses, and the New Testament on the
Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2; cf. Jas. 4:12).  Jesus Himself
said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who
DOES the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
You see, regardless of what other benefit we may
gain from the Scriptures, unless we obey the
commands of Christ we cannot be saved (Rom. 1:16;
Jas. 1:21; 1 Cor. 15:1-2; cf. Acts 11:14) – for the
gospel tells us what we must DO in order to be saved
(Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16; etc).

In the end the Lord will “in flaming fire taking
vengeance on those who do not know God, and on
those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ.  These shall be punished with everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord and from
the glory of His power” (2 Thess. 1:8-9).

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Honest Questions and Bible Answers 2

I am sure that you’ve heard the expression, “Kill two
birds with one stone.”  Recently I was asked a
question that I believe this expression applies well to.
The question was: “Did Christ actually save anyone
by His death on the cross, or did He just make men
savable?”  The answer to this question is quite
simple: He did BOTH.

You see, before Christ came in the flesh many men
were worshippers of the only true and living God; yet
they were all in need of a savior, for even the most
faithful of Israel were sinners, and they did not live to
see what Christ would accomplish at the cross.  What
hope, then, did they have?  Hebrews 11:13 tells us
“These all died in faith, not having received the
promises, but having seen them afar off were
assured of them, embraced them…” Christ’s
eventual sacrifice would save those faithful ones who
died prior to His death, burial, and resurrection
(11:39-40).  All who have lived after the cross
(including you and I) have been called upon to obey
the gospel of Christ that we may be saved (Rom.
1:16; Jas. 1:21).  Therefore, friends, by His death He
saved many, and also made many savable.  Are you
saved?

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Honest Questions and Bible Answers 1

Have you ever heard someone ask, “Which came
first, the chicken or the egg?”  Such questions are
often based on humor and are usually intended to be
a brainteaser.  Recently, with regard to being “born
again” (a spiritual birth), I was asked, “Which takes
place first, regeneration or faith?”  Such a question
derives from the fact that there are those who believe
that one cannot come to faith unless he is first born
again.  However, the Bible teaches just the opposite:
(faith precedes regeneration).

In Romans 6:4 Paul states matter-of-factly that
AFTER one is “buried with (Christ) through baptism”
one walks “in newness of life” (which is an obvious
reference to a “new birth”).  In Colossians 2:13 Paul
again states that AFTER one is “buried with (Christ)
in baptism” (v. 12) “He has made us alive together
with Him” (regeneration).  Additionally, Paul pointed
out in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that one “is a new creation”
(born again) IF he is “in Christ.” Therefore friends,
faith comes before regeneration (just as the chicken
came before the egg – Gen. 1:20-25).

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The Mercy of God

In last week’s article we discussed the terms “grace”
(“unmerited favor”) and “mercy” (“compassion”).  It has
been said that “grace” is receiving something that we
do not deserve (e.g., salvation); whereas “mercy” is not
receiving something that we do deserve (e.g.,
condemnation).

During Andrew Jackson’s presidency a man named
George Wilson robbed a train and killed a guard.  He
was convicted and sentenced to hang.  However,
before the sentence could be carried out, President
Jackson intervened with a presidential pardon.
Amazingly, Wilson refused it.  Ultimately, the case went
to the Supreme Court and Chief Justice John Marshall
handed down the court’s decision: “A pardon is a
parchment whose only value must be determined by the
receiver of the pardon.  It has no value apart from that
which the receiver gives to it.  George Wilson has
refused to accept the pardon.  We cannot conceive why
he would do so, but he has.  Therefore, George Wilson
must die.”  “Pardon,” declared the Supreme Court,
“must not only be granted, it must be accepted.”
Thusly, George Wilson was hanged for his crimes.

Likewise, God, who delights in mercy (Mic. 7:18; Isa. 55:
6-7; Lam. 3:22-23), has provided pardon for our sins
through His Son Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:3); but we must
be in Christ (cf. Gal. 3:26-29) in order to obtain His
mercy (Tit. 3:5; cf. Lk. 1:50).  God’s pardon must be
accepted in the way God has ordained; for those who
do not accept His pardon will perish.  Friend, have you
been pardoned from your sins?

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