(Audio): Discover the relationship in Eternal Life

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” -John 17:3

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Ever since I got hold of an understanding of Eternal life, it has become one of my favorite messages. When I had the chance to share a word for the first time on FAITHMOMENTS, I spoke about Eternal Life. I can teach about Eternal Life every day because I want you to know and understand that your new life in  Jesus is  “a present- continuous -personal relationship” with God.

Our salvation in Christ Jesus comes with so many great and priceless benefits that must be enjoyed right here on earth. One of the benefits is Eternal life. The Bible describes eternal life as a “gift” in Romans 6:23.

Many people have been made to believe wrongly, that eternal life, is only after death, someday in heaven. But John 3:16 tells the opposite. It says you have eternal life the very moment you believe in Christ Jesus. 1 John 5:11-13 and John 6:40 and 47 are among several scriptures that confirm our possession of eternal life presently.

Now and After

We were saved for heaven, but we must begin to live our salvation right here on earth. Eternal life is now and in the future. Praise God because you don’t have to wait till after death to start living your everlasting life. This confirms what Jesus said in John chapter 5:24, that a believer in Christ Jesus has “passed from death to life.”

John chapter 17 verse 3, plainly tells us what eternal life is- “know God and know Jesus Christ.”  The best definition or meaning of eternal life is provided by Jesus Christ. He is the exclusive author of eternal salvation according to Hebrews 5:9 and Acts 4:12. He is the only Way to God in John 14:6. Eternal life is therefore not found in anyone but in Jesus Christ and it is received by faith.

“Know” as used in John chapter 17, is not just knowing God, or grasping some theological facts about Him. The verse talks about knowing God from a personal relationship and friendship you develop with Him through Christ Jesus, which leads to your personal experience of Him. Without this understanding, you will remain a church member with many good deeds to your credit yet, lack a deep and personal intimate relationship with God.

You can’t know all about somebody in a few hours. No!  A day, a week, a month, or even a  year, is not enough to know somebody. Ask married couples who have been together for many years and you will be surprised to know that they are still in the process of knowing each other. Because, to know somebody is to know them continuously, every day; to know somebody is to be friends with them or have a relationship with them. Even after one of the disciples of Jesus, Peter, had revealed with the help of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the son of God, Jesus later asked another disciple in shock “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?”- John 14:9. (Emphasis mine ). What you don’t know or understand cannot benefit you. Eternal life is to know the God that you worship.

God values relationships and that is why He took the bold step out of love and offered Jesus Christ so that through His blood, we can have fellowship with God – Colossians 1:20. The existing enmity between God and man as a result of sin has been replaced by “peace” in Ephesians 2:14-17. The death  and resurrection of Jesus mean reconciliation between God and man and that must result in a fellowship, not  a mere “ follower.” The eternal life assurance of salvation is the reason why I say, that in the absence of heaven and hell; Jesus would still die to bring us closer to our creator. Therefore Jesus also means, no separation between God and man. Apostle Paul must have been driven by this revelation knowledge as captured in Philippians 3:10. Christianity is all about a personal relationship with a Person, not just some doctrine, theories, or facts.  

An attractive relationship

As a believer, you are not just in any religion. You’ve been called into Grace who is Christ. Therefore, let your Grace-filled personal relationship with God become a magnet to attract others. You’ve earned the right to be called “ a child ” of God in John 1:12 not because you observe the law to the letter but because of your faith in Christ Jesus.

You are qualified to approach God in confidence in Ephesians 3:12. The word of God says in Colossians chapter 3, that you are hidden with Christ in God. Faith in Jesus Christ presents all believers with the same opportunity to be in a relationship with Him. I’m talking about a relationship based on what Christ did for us on the cross and not because of our performances. The only weapon the devil ever had against you, was your sins, but Jesus dealt with that on the cross according to Hebrews 9:22 and Hebrews 10:12.  Don’t let your past life deprive you of the everyday relationship you can enjoy in Jesus Christ. Jesus has set you free to enjoy a relationship with God and to tell others about Him.

Somebody’s salvation is dependent on what you share from your experience with Jesus.  After personally meeting with Jesus, this is what the Samaritans said to the woman whose testimony led them to Jesus Christ: “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” -John 4:39-42

To know God and Jesus Christ is to increase your knowledge of them through the word of God. If God is a stranger to you, you are less likely to believe what He has said in His Word. Just like the early believers, let us increase in our knowledge of God- Ephesians 1:17. And in 2 Peter 3:18, we are encouraged to grow in our knowledge of Christ Jesus.

Your relationship with God through Christ Jesus will commit you to spending time in His word, just to know Him more and more and to hear Him speak to you directly. In John 10:27-28, Jesus says “My sheep hear My voice…” Do you hear His voice?

Prayer becomes an effortless daily lifestyle borne out of a relationship with God and not just an avenue for seeking material things or fulfilling a religious requirement.  

Recommended Videos: “JESUS IS ETERNAL LIFE” & “READ THE WORD TO HEAR GOD “ by clicking on the links below.

https://studio.youtube.com/video/XUroeWxkKc0/edit

https://studio.youtube.com/video/U5mD8PCTmBY/edit

https://studio.youtube.com/video/lzBuBXobDIs/edit

Send your comments and questions to pqgm29@gmail.com  

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Why you must stay focused on Jesus

“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity],….”-Hebrews 12:1-3

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Faith in God is the pulse of a believer. In 1 Peter 1:7, faith is valued as more precious than gold. That’s revealing! 

We need faith at the point of salvation to accept what God has made available through grace. We also need faith throughout our Christian life to please God, according to Hebrews 11:6. Verse 1 of Hebrews chapter 12 admonishes us to “run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us,”. Our faith life is comparable to running a race. Believing in Christ Jesus-Romans 10:10, qualifies you to run the race of faith.

Without endurance, one can easily get tired and may not be able to finish the race. Do you know that an athlete is disqualified when they don’t complete a race? It is therefore advised that when you are trailing or exhausted, you must try and cross the finish.  In the same way, believers must be determined to cross the finish of the faith race.

When I contributed to our series on “ FOCUS ON JESUS “,  I illustrated the need to finish a race no matter the circumstance by referring to the example of former British Olympic runner Derek Redmond. His story has been described as one of the purest examples of determination and perseverance in Olympic history. Tipped to pick the gold medal for the 400-meter semi-final race, Derek was forced to pull up due to an injury. The injury may have denied Derek the medal,  but it could not force him out of the race as he had to limp to the finish.  

Hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 to 3 admonishes believers to avoid distractions. Let me make it simple for you -Get rid of distractions! Distractions will derail you. It can take you off the track. To run the race of faith, we are to strip off or lay aside any weight that hinders us. 

As children of God, the remedy for endurance or perseverance is to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ. The Bible presents Jesus as the perfect example to emulate.

Jesus must have encountered many distractions of which two are the “cross” and “shame” in fulfilling His assignment. He however did not quit but endured. Verse 2 of Hebrews chapter 12 testifies that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God signifying his exaltation. We are being encouraged to look at both the exaltation and motivation of Jesus Christ, as we run our race.

Why focus on Jesus?

  • We must focus on Jesus Christ because He is the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith. We believe in Him unto salvation- John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9. We must continually believe in Him because our sustenance is dependent on Him – 1 Cor 1:8.  
  • Jesus finished the race set before Him and is now seated at the right hand of God. This is enough proof that Jesus completed His assignment -John 19:30, Philippians 2:8-11, 1 Peter 3:22, Hebrews 1:3.
  • Jesus endured the cross. God entrusted the cross, which was the path to redemption, into the hands of Jesus. So, though the experience was horrific, it was the necessary price to pay for the forgiveness of sins- Hebrews 10:12-14, 1 Peter 2:24. The cross shows just how horrible sin is -Romans 6:23.
  • Jesus endured bitter hostility from sinners. In a lead-up to His crucifixion, Jesus appeared before the Sanhedrin consisting of the chief priest, scribes, and elders to answer questions. The people who had gathered to watch the proceedings did not only mock Him but spat on his face -Matthew 26:67. How sad to see the very people you are willing to die for, humiliate you.
  • Jesus disregarded the shame associated with the cross. It means Jesus deliberately ignored any shame attached to the cross. In the Roman Empire, crucifixion was a shameful way to die. But Jesus despised the shame, setting his eyes on the hope of joy ahead- “For the joy set before him….” Hebrews 12:2.

Life in this world can be a wild ride of change and uncertainty. There will be times when you will need to navigate rough waters-John 16:33. Challenging periods can become distractions. Never forget the hope of joy set before you. Follow the formula of Jesus by focusing on the glory ahead. Paul speaks of finishing his race with joy in Acts 20:24. That should be our goal too- Philippians 3:13-14. The secret is to take our eyes off the circumstances that surround us and stay focused on Jesus. When you stumble, fall, or get injured, get up, shake the dust – off and continue the race, even if it means limping to the finish. Remember this race is not about speed, but persistency and endurance. Crossing the finish. is not to receive temporal medals here on earth but eternal rewards in heaven.  Paul exhorts Christians to go for the prize in 1 Corinthians 9:24.  

 When you find yourself at the crossroads, remember the old saying “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.”  For the believer, the tough gets going because they remember to keep their eyes on Jesus who remains the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith.

Recommended videos – “FOCUS ON JESUS” by Patrick and Joyce Quainoo

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST – YouTube

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST #2 – YouTube

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST #3 – YouTube

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST #4 – YouTube

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST #5 – YouTube

Send you comments and questions to pqgm29@gmail.com

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Enjoy your freedom in Christ Jesus

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”-Romans 8:1-2

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To better appreciate and enjoy the freedom or liberty in Jesus Christ, you must know and understand who you have become in Him.  Romans chapter 8 verses 1 and 2 state that the status of a believer in Christ Jesus is “FREE” and “NO CONDEMNATION”.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are no longer under condemnation. You are free from the bondage of sin and death. Simply put; you are debt-free! What you now possess is Eternal life.

Jesus Christ sets you free the moment you believe in Him. This is the good news of the Gospel. In John 3:16, Jesus said – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life. This good news calls for celebration. If you have believed in Christ Jesus, you are free to start enjoying eternal life.

What has Jesus set you free from?

You have been set free from sin and death. You have also escaped the wrath that comes from not believing in Jesus Christ according to John chapter 3 verse 36. Romans 6:20-23 and Acts 13:38-39 confirm that you have been set free from every sin. The penalty of sin hanging on us when we were sinners, has been paid in full by Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!  What you have is “freedom” ] in Him.  Aside from the forgiveness of sins, we have also been made alive with Christ according to Colossians 2:13-14.

In Titus chapter 2 verses 13 to 14,  we learn that Jesus has redeemed us and purchased our freedom from all wickedness. Praise God! If we have been set free, why then, do some Christians behave as if they are still in bondage? 

Ignorance or lack of knowledge is one of the many reasons. Some Christians refuse to know what God has made available to them in His Word. In Hosea 4:6, God says people perish for the lack of knowledge because they reject knowledge. (Emphasis mine).  Note that the problem here is the rejection of the knowledge, which causes you to lack the knowledge and therefore leads you to perish. Jesus said in John 8:32 that the truth you know will set you free.  

Another reason is that many Christians allow their past to imprison them. This leaves them plagued by guilt and condemnation. Your past life is not a life sentence. There is a better present and future life in Christ Jesus. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, that anyone in Christ is a new creation.  A new creation has a new life, not the old life. And if Jesus has set you free, you are free indeed according to John 8:36.  Romans 6:4 encourages believers to walk in the newness of life.

Ignorance of the word of God and all the great benefits available to you as a child of God, will not only keep you in bondage but will become a license for greedy and false preachers to take advantage of you. In Galatians 2:4, Paul did not mince words as he brought to the fore, the activities of “false believers” aimed at bringing us (believers) back into bondage. I like the NKJ version of the Bible which states, “And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),”

 I often say many Christians are living a “bonded life”, even though the law of liberty in Christ has been put into effect. This makes me sad.  In Galatians 5:1, Paul calls on all believers to hold on firmly to their freedom to avoid another yoke of bondage. Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives according to Luke 4:18. You are a child of the free woman so stop living like a child of the slave woman -Galatians 4:30-31.   

Enjoying your freedom means acknowledging and living a practical life that demonstrates that indeed, true freedom is in Christ Jesus. You talk and walk that freedom. You walk with your chest out and your head up, ready to explain your freedom to anyone with questions.  

What are we free to do?  

Among many other things, we are free to know God every day and to have a deep relationship with Him– 2 Cor 3:17, John 17:3.

We are also free to enter the presence of God with boldness. You must not hide from God. Genesis 3:8 says Adam and Eve hid from God after they had disobeyed Him, but Jesus has set you free to have an eternal relationship with your creator -Hebrews 4:16, James 4:8. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ broke and removed every barrier that existed between us and God-Romans 5:10.

We have been set free to make disciples. This is the “Great Commission” that every believer or follower of Jesus Christ must pursue. I call it the ministry of a believer. You may dodge this assignment if you are running around feeling guilty and condemned. One of the tricks satan employs to discourage the children of God from sharing Jesus is guilt.  I want you to know that your freedom is your license to tell others about Jesus Christ– Matthew 28:19-20 boldly.

We have been set free from the law which is of the old covenant into freedom in Christ in the new covenant. The law points people to sin -Galatians 3:23-25, Hebrews 8:6-7.  Gentiles that are non-Jews were not part of the old covenant and its associated laws-Romans 2:14, Galatians 4:4-5. The new covenant in Christ Jesus however embraces Gentiles and there is no distinction between  Jews and Gentiles in Christ-Galatians 3:28.  

Jesus has set us free! We are cautioned against abusing that freedom. 1 Peter 2:16 advises believers against using our freedom as a cover-up for evil. In Galatians 5:13, Apostle Paul admonishes Christians not to use our freedom to please the flesh. I will encourage you to rely on the Holy Spirit as you live your new life in Christ; He is your helper -John 14:26.

Recommended: Watch “YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS ” by clicking on the links below. Get related messages on our YouTube Channel

YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS – YouTube

KEEP YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS with Pastor -Patrick – YouTube

OUR FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST – YouTube

YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS # 2 – YouTube

OUR FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST-4 – YouTube

YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS # 5 (Shadows or Realities ?) – YouTube

Let me hear from you. Send all your questions and comments to pqgm29@gmail.com

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God’s gift to the world

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”-John 4:10 (Emphasis mine)

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Do you know the gift of God? Just like the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:1-42, many people do not know the gift of God even though the gift has been presented to the world.

The oxford dictionary defines a gift as something given to someone without payment. It is free.  Usually, a lot of thought goes into getting a gift for someone.   

It’s therefore been said that a “perfect” gift must represent the one who gives it.  It should also reflect the sender’s knowledge of the recipient’s interest that is knowledge of their needs, tastes, desires, and so forth. And a “perfect” gift should also be of a quality nature; one that holds its value as time goes on.

From the above criteria, I can confidently say that  God’s gift to the world was the “perfect” gift anybody can imagine.  

In other not to keep you in suspense, let me tell you who this gift is. He is Jesus Christ. God gave Him to the world out of love -John 3:16. In Colossians 2:2, Paul describes Jesus as “the mystery of God”. The Bible teaches us that Jesus is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us; full of grace and truth-John 1:1,14. The whole of the scriptures testifies about Jesus Christ- John 5:39.

Jesus reflects God.

 Colossians 1:15 says, “Jesus is the exact image of the invisible God….”. In Hebrews 1:3, Jesus is described as the brightness of God’s glory and the expressed image of God. These are the exact words of Jesus to  one of the disciples, Philip,  in John 14:9 “He who has seen Me has seen the Father;” This was after Philip had asked  in verse 8 “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

God knew our greatest need.

God’s gift met the needs of the world. The world needed redemption following the sin of Adam and so God gave us a Redeemer, a Healer, a Deliverer,  all at the right time -Luke 4:18, Galatians 1:3-4, Romans 5:6.

 What the blood of bulls and goats could not achieve -Hebrews 10:4, 8, 9, 10,  the blood of Jesus did once and for all. Through Jesus, our sins have been forgiven. Peace has been made between God and man – Colossians 2:13-14, Colossians 1:20. God is no longer angry with man.

Quality nature that holds its value for eternity.

Most gifts lose their value over time and end up in the dumpster or donation bins.  But Jesus never expires. He is the all-time eternal gift for all generations. He never goes out of style and will never become obsolete. The Bible describes this gift as the same yesterday, today, and forever.-Hebrews 13:8.

More than a Savior

Many people know Jesus as a good teacher or a prophet, but Jesus is more than that -John 3:2. The gift of God is the savior of the world -John 4:42, Luke 2:30.  In announcing His birth,   the angel of the Lord revealed that Jesus will save His people from their sins – Matthew 1:18-21  Jesus Christ confirms His salvation role in John 12:47 and Peter referred to Jesus as “God and Savior” in 2 Peter 1:1. The death and resurrection of Jesus were sufficient to redeem the whole world from the penalty of sin -John 1:29. Jesus is the way to the father -John 14:6. Believe in Him and be saved – John 3:16, Romans 5:15-17.

Everything that you are looking for is in Jesus including the following benefits:

A good shepherd – He cares for you – John 10:14-15.

Jesus is our peace – The exact peace we need in these troubled times- Colossians 1:20. John 16:33, Ephesians 2:14-18, Philippians 4:7, John 14:27.

Jesus is our mediator – He is the sole mediator of a better covenant between God and you -1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 8:6

Our intercessor -Jesus is at the right hand of God continually interceding for us -Romans 8:34, Isaiah 53:12, Hebrews 7:25

Our healer – He made the provision for your healing long before your birth -Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:16-17

Jesus is our hope – He is the hope you need during COVID-19 -Hebrews 6:19

Jesus is our overcomer -He has overcome the world and those who have put their faith in Him are automatic overcomers – John 16:33, Colossians 2:15, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4-5, 1 Corinthians 15:57

The Light of the world – Jesus gives us the light of life-John 8:12

The Bread of Life –The reason we take communion often -John 6:35, 48, 51, 54-55, Matthew 26:26

Our Vine – As a branch, you can’t survive without Jesus-John 15:4-7

Our new & living way –Through Jesus, we can approach God with confidence -John 14:6, Hebrews 10:16-22

Jesus is indeed supreme and very sufficient for our salvation. He is a friend who knows your name. Do you know Him?  He is the best and everlasting gift God gave to the world. Accept this gift by believing in Him today- John 6:40.

Recommended videos: “JESUS THE GIFT OF GOD “ by Patrick E Quainoo and Related videos on our YouTube channel 

JESUS THE BOSS with Pastor Patrick – YouTube

JESUS THE GIFT OF GOD with Pastor Patrick – YouTube

JESUS THE HEALER #4 (Covid-19) with Pastor Patrick – YouTube

 Let me hear from you. Send your comments and questions to pqgm29@gmail.com  

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Believe and be saved

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”-Acts 16:31

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“What must I do to be saved?” This is the question a Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas as captured in Acts 16:30. The question, asked many years ago, is still truly relevant even now.  

You may have been struggling with the same question. Well, the simple but truthful answer Paul and Silas gave to the jailer is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” -Acts 16:31.  John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10 teach us,  that what one needs to do to be saved, is to believe in Jesus Christ! This is the good news of the Gospel.

The full story of the salvation of the jailer is captured in Acts 16:11-34. This was during the height of the missionary works of Apostle Paul. Accompanied by Silas, the two disciples were traveling through various cities, preaching the Gospel, and leading many to salvation in Christ Jesus. Often, they faced persecution and sometimes imprisonment.

 In Philippi, Paula and Silas got arrested, lynched, and put in jail.  A jailer was charged to keep them secure. The story continues that instead of losing hope, Paul and Silas kept vigil, praying, and singing hymns to God. At midnight, a miracle happened; a great earthquake broke open the prison doors, setting the two prisoners free. The jailer, realizing that the prison doors were opened and assuming that the prisoners had fled, prepared to kill himself with his sword, rather than face the wrath of his superiors. Paul and Silas encouraged the jailer not to harm himself. And led the jailer and his household to accept Jesus Christ.

The jailer must have realized something special about the two men. He asked, “What must I do to be saved?”, Acts 16:30. Paul and Silas answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,” Acts 16:31.

Why must I believe in Jesus Christ?  

Salvation is Jesus-centered, not self-centered. This is why we cannot save ourselves; we need Jesus.  We believe in Jesus Christ because He is the only way to Salvation. He is God’s only plan for eternal life for the whole world   – Acts 4:12, John 14:6.  

The Bible teaches us in Romans 3:23 that we have all sinned and Romans 6:23 affirms, that the wages of sin is death. It is written in Romans 5:12, that we are all born sinners because the first man created by God sinned. Adam’s sin impacted the whole human race and plunged humanity into spiritual separation from God.  

To make peace with man, God sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die for the whole world as captured in John 3:16. The death of Jesus Christ resulted in the forgiveness of sins of the whole world – John 2:2.  All that God expects from the world,  is acceptance and believe in Jesus Christ as our savior.

Salvation is free. It is what God has done for us not what we do for God.  It is a gift presented to the world through the grace of God and it is received by faith (belief) as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9. This good news is seen again in Romans 3:24 which says that we are being justified freely by the grace of God through the redemption in Christ Jesus.   

God’s grace saves us but note that it is not His grace alone. If it were so, everybody would be saved because “grace has come to all” according to Titus 2:11. Grace has offered salvation to all, but only those who accept it by faith (believe) are saved. Salvation is by grace through faith alone. Thus all are forgiven, but not all are saved.  

Understand that because salvation is not works-based, your good deeds cannot save you as we see in Ephesians 2:9 and 2 Timothy 1:9. What saves us, is believe (absolute trust and confidence in Jesus Christ as the son of God and savior of the world,  who died and resurrected.)

Many people are just like Nicodemus mentioned in John Chapter 3. They know and perhaps believe Jesus came from God. They know Jesus as one of the teachers or prophets who ever lived. They know Jesus and probably believe that he did walk on the face of the earth, but they find it hard to accept and believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God and the savior of the world. The Bible says, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.”-1 John  4:15

 If you are reading this, I want you to know that Jesus Christ has paid the full price regarding your salvation. His death on the cross was the one-time sacrifice needed to redeem man from the penalty of sin -Hebrews 10:10. The Bible says Jesus is the propitiation or the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world -1 John 2:2, Isaiah 53:6.

 His death and resurrection mark the end of all sacrifices for sin – Hebrews 10:18. All you must do now is to receive that which Jesus has done by faith unto salvation. Trying to add anything to this, is like saying that, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is not enough.

Have you believed in Jesus Christ? “Now is the accepted time; … [today] is the day of salvation.”- 2 Corinthians 6:2.

I recommend you watch our series on “WHAT TO DO TO BE SAVED” by clicking on the links below. And for more of such messages, subscribe to our YouTube channel

WHAT TO DO TO BE SAVED – YouTube

WHAT TO DO TO BE SAVED #2 – YouTube

WHAT TO DO TO BE SAVED #3 – YouTube

WHAT TO DO TO BE SAVED #4 – YouTube

WHAT TO DO TO BE SAVED #5 – YouTube

Send all your questions or comments to pqgm29@gmail.com.

Your love donation will help us to reach many more people with the Gospel of Christ.

Understand your salvation in Jesus Christ –(Part 1)

“…….And in all your getting, get understanding.” -Proverbs 4:7

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You are saved. Glory be to God! But do you understand your salvation based on what Christ has done for you?

If you are a regular viewer of our daily broadcast on social media, #FAITHMOMENTS, you must be familiar with this phrase- “In all thy getting, get understanding”. The phrase is captured from Proverbs chapter 4:7 which is also my reference verse for this article. You must have also heard the many times Patrick said “What you don’t understand, can’t benefit you”.

Scripture teaches that understanding will keep you-Proverbs 2:11. This is why the Bible admonishes us to get understanding in all that we acquire while on this earth. I want you to know that without an understanding of your salvation, you may never enjoy the full benefits of it.

Salvation is a 100% complete package God has delivered to you through His son Jesus Christ. It is by grace through faith alone. By understanding what Christ has done for you and who you have become through your salvation, you will be able to live fully, the benefits of accepting Jesus.

 

Salvation is only  through Jesus Christ

The word saved means to be rescued from harm or danger. However, to be saved regarding God’s salvation through Jesus Christ means deliverance from the wages of sin, which is death, into eternal life.

Salvation is eternal life. In Isaiah 45:17, salvation is referred to as “everlasting salvation” and in Hebrews 5:9, it is called “eternal salvation”. To have eternal life is to have Jesus Christ- 1 John 5:11.

Salvation is so important;  the Bible describes it as “So great a salvation “ in Hebrews 2:3.

There is only one way to salvation and the way is Jesus Christ, the son of God, as captured in John 14:6. In John 10:9, Jesus specifically describes Himself as the “door to salvation”. We are therefore to believe in Him for eternal life -John 3:16.

In all of scripture, Jesus Christ is the only one described as “the one who takes away the sins of the world” -John 1:29. The Bible says Jesus is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world – I John 2:2, Romans 3:24.

Sin is so horrible, it had to take only the spotless, matchless blood of Jesus to atone for it, once and for all-Hebrews 10:12-14, Romans 6:10. The Bible teaches that on the cross, Jesus’s appearance was so disfigured beyond any human recognition because Jesus became sin -2 Corinthians 5:21.

Faith, not works

I want you to know that God has done all the work regarding salvation through Jesus Christ.   What is expected of us, is to believe in Him as our savior -Romans 10:9-10. In John chapter 6:28, the crowd wanted to know what works they must do to have eternal life because Jesus had mentioned that they should not work for food that perishes but for food that endures to eternal life. The answer Jesus gave them in verse 29 is:  “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him (Jesus ) whom He (God) has sent.” This is it! Our only work is to believe ( have faith ) in Jesus Christ always.

We don’t earn salvation by our acts of holiness or by our performances. This is why it is not everybody who attends a church that is saved or it is not everybody who calls him or herself a Christian that is saved.  It is only those who have put their faith in what God has done through Jesus Christ who receive the gift of salvation according to Ephesians 2:8.

 When we accept and believe in Jesus Christ, God then seals us with His Holy Spirit as a sign of “ownership.”

Your sins are forgiven!

At the last supper on the night before Jesus was betrayed, this is what He said, “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins-Matthew 26:27-28. Forgiveness took place on the cross of Calvary when Christ shed His blood for the world because, without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins – Hebrews 9:22. Hebrews 2:9 says Jesus tasted death for everyone.

The Bible says Christ put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself -Hebrews 9:26. Forgiveness of sins was based on the sacrifice of Christ and not on the action of anybody. It is God’s gift of grace to the world- Acts 13:38, Mark 3:28-29, Romans 6:10. Praise God that no matter how great the sins of the world are, God’s grace is greater. Truth is,  all are forgiven but not all are saved even though the grace for salvation has come to all -Titus 2:11. It is only those who believe in Jesus Christ, who are saved – Acts 16:31, John 3:16 and therefore have eternal life.

 The Bible describes the one who is saved in  2 Cor 5:17 as “a new creature”. The word of God in Romans 8:1 says you are no more in condemnation because your sins have been dealt with. Your past does not matter to God more than your present and continuous belief in and acceptance of what He has done for you through His son Jesus Christ. In Philippians 3:13, Apostle Paul says he forgets what is behind, and reaches forward for those things ahead.  

Jesus Christ has paid the full debt for your sins. What an incredible pardon!  He made the sacrifice for our sins conclusively.  He satisfied the wrath of God completely. Why then are you walking around with guilt? This is the too-good-to-be-true-news, that many religious people find hard to accept.

I  have been enjoying my salvation in Christ Jesus ever since I got hold of this truth, I can’t turn back.

I recommend you watch “ UNDERSTAND YOUR SALVATION “ by Patrick E Quainoo by clicking on the links below. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel for additional insightful messages.

UNDERSTAND YOUR SALVATION – YouTube

UNDERSTAND YOUR SALVATION-2 – YouTube

UNDERSTAND YOUR SALVATION-3 – YouTube

UNDERSTAND YOUR SALVATION-4 – YouTube

Send all your comments and questions to pqgm29@gmail.com  

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Understand your salvation in Jesus Christ –(Part 2)

“…… for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”-Acts 4:12

(LISTEN TO AUDIO VERSION )

Salvation which is eternal life, or everlasting life comes from believing in Jesus Christ alone. Acts 4:12 confirms Jesus is the true certified author of our salvation. There is no alternative and that includes the law of Moses -Romans 8:3. The whole plan of God for salvation unto man hinges on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Yes! The sacrifice Jesus made for the world is far greater than anything you can imagine. All that God expects from us, is faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Your salvation is therefore an acceptance of what Christ has done, not an effort to get Christ to respond to you. Praise God!

You need to understand your status in Christ as a believer so you can enjoy your freedom in Him.  When you Know and understand the value of your salvation, you cease to be manipulated.    

Before the cross

Separation from God by sin,  was the status of man before Jesus went to the cross- Romans 3:23. And while we were dead in our sins, God loved us, made us alive with Christ, forgave us all our sins, and also reconciled us to Himself -Colossians 2:13-14, Romans 5:8. Bible says God did all that for us when we were still sinners and ungodly people not when we were righteous people-Romans 5:6. In fact, God made peace with His enemies not friends -Romans 5:10.  All these were made possible through the one-time, for -all-time, sacrifice of Jesus Christ- Hebrews 10:12.

Eternal life, Righteousness  & more

Our sins are forgiven. Praise God! But salvation must not be reduced to only forgiveness of sins. It should not be merely equated with a legal acquittal. To be acquitted is great news but salvation is more than just a judge acquitting a defendant. That is what God did for us plus more.

Salvation must also not be seen as some kind of fire insurance meant to keep us out of hell. The whole aim of salvation was not just to set us free from the penalty of sin, so we can escape hell and go to heaven. It is far bigger than that.  Let me explain this.

The eternal life assurance of our salvation-1 John 5:13, John 5:24, means God would have still allowed Jesus Christ to die for us, so we can enjoy a relationship or fellowship with God. This is because eternal life is a personal relationship with God by getting to know Him and Jesus Christ according to John 17:3. The use of “Know” in this verse is not just  “knowledge of God” or knowing some facts about God but, “having an intimate and personal relationship” with God. In Philippians 3:8, Apostle Paul describes the opportunity of knowing Christ as a “priceless privilege and supreme advantage”.

Eternal life is the reason why Jesus said to Martha, the sister of Lazarus in John 11:25; “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;”. Eternal life is instant at the point when you believe and continues after death. You don’t get it only after death otherwise the Bible would not have used the present tense of the verb  “Have” when it said “that anyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”-John 3:16 (emphasis mine). 

For our relationship with God to be possible, God had to first make peace with man. Verse 19 of 2 Corinthians chapter 5 says, “In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself not counting their trespasses against them,”- 2 Cor 16-19, Romans 5:10-11. Reconciliation means there is now peace between God and man through the blood of Jesus -Colossians 1:19-23. Hallelujah! Believing in Jesus leads us to the gift of eternal life while punishment awaits those who reject the sacrifice of Jesus Christ  -John 3:16, 18, 36.

The good news is that we don’t only have a full pardon; we are also made righteous before God. This is a gift and not a reward for the good acts one undertakes including the long hours you pray or fast.  And that is why our righteousness is by faith only in Christ Jesus according to Galatians 3:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21, and Titus 3:4-7. When you understand that your righteousness is by faith in Christ Jesus, boasting is eliminated.- Romans 3:27.

 Don’t trust in yourself for righteousness because when you fall short,  your conscience will condemn you. Any works should be the result of your faith in God, not a condition for righteousness.  The Bible says righteousness outside of Christ Jesus, is like dirty rags- Isaiah 64:6.

We were by nature, children of wrath as captured in Ephesians 2:1-3. But our belief in Christ Jesus has transformed us into children of God – Galatians 3:26. Hallelujah! I like very much how this is written in John 1:12-“He gave us the right to become children of God”.  It is only those who have believed in the Son, that have this right. You are a child of God, let no one deprive you of this privilege.  The Bible says we are “partakers of the divine nature”-2 Peter 1:4; we have “passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

As believers in Christ Jesus, the  Holy Spirit living in us is our seal and He bears witness to our identity -Romans 8:16. The Bible says we are now members of the household of God- Ephesians 2:19, with a right to the inheritance of all the promises of God. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, black or white. We are all presented with the same opportunity to know God -Galatians 3:26-29.  As a child of God, you have full access to your heavenly Father anytime, any day. You don’t need an appointment to speak to God. And you have the confidence to approach God through Christ Jesus -Ephesians 3:12.

I want you to see Jesus at the center of your salvation always.  You are complete in Him according to Colossians 2:10. It is not what Jesus has done plus your performances, otherwise, it ceases to be grace as captured in Romans 11:6. Our perfection is in Christ Jesus and our failures do not sever or jeopardize our relationship with Him. Remember, your greatest doing is to “believe” – believe in Jesus who did it all for you at the cross! John 6:29, John 6:47.

Recommended Watch: “YOUR SALVATION IS IN CHRIST JESUS” with Patrick E Quainoo. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more.

YOUR SALVATION IS IN CHRIST – YouTube

YOUR SALVATION IS IN CHRIST-2 – YouTube

YOUR SALVATION IS IN CHRIST-3 – YouTube

YOUR SALVATION IS IN CHRIST-4 – YouTube

YOUR SALVATION IS IN CHRIST-5 – YouTube

Send your comments and questions to pqgm29@gmail.com  

Your love donation will help us to reach many more people with the Gospel of Christ.