Christ suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust in order to lead men to God (1Pe 3:18). He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2: 2), breaking down the barrier of enmity that existed between God and men. Once freed from Adam’s condemnation, man is able to do good works, for they are done only when one is in God (Is 26:12; John 3:21).

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For your sins

I read an excerpt from Sermon No. 350, by Dr. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, under the title “A well-aimed shot at self-righteousness”, and I could not help commenting on a statement in the sermon.

The last sentence of the sermon caught my attention, which says: “Christ was punished for your sins before they were committed” Charles Haddon Spurgeon, excerpt from sermon No. 350 “A sure shot in self-righteousness”, taken from the web

Now, if Dr. Spurgeon considered the biblical text that says that Jesus is ‘the lamb that was slain since the foundation of the world’, in fact he should emphasize that Christ died before sin was introduced into the world (Rev 13: 8 ; Rom 5:12). However, as he claims that Jesus was punished before every Christian’s sin was committed individually, I understand that Dr. Spurgeon did not refer to verse 8, chapter 13 of the Book of Revelation.

Christ was punishing for the sin of all humankind, but who committed the offense that led all humankind to be under sin? Now, by the Scriptures we understand that sin comes from the offense (disobedience) of Adam, and not from the errors of conduct that men commit.

The punishment that brought peace was not due to errors of conduct made individually ’, since all men are generated in the condition of being alienated from God (sinners). Christ is the Lamb of God who died before the foundation of the world, that is, the lamb was offered before Adam’s offense took place.

The punishment that fell on Christ is not due to the conduct of men (sins committed), but to Adam’s offense. In Adam, men were made sinners, since by an offense came judgment and condemnation on all men, without exception (Rom. 5:18).

If sin (the condition of man without God) arises from the conduct of men, for justice to be established, necessarily salvation would only be possible through the conduct of men. It would be required that men do something good to ease their bad conduct; however, it would never be ‘justified’.

But the gospel message shows that by the offense of one man (Adam) all were condemned to death, and only by one man (Christ, the last Adam) did the gift of God’s grace abound over many (Rom. 5:15). When Jesus died for our sins, an act substitution took place: as Adam disobeyed, the last Adam was obedient until the ordeal.

The last sentence of the excerpt from Dr. Spurgeon’s sermon demonstrates that it was not considered that:

• all men are sinners because the first father of mankind (Adam) sinned (Is 43:27);
• that all men are formed in iniquity and conceived in sin (Ps 51: 5);
• that all mankind has turned away from God since mother (Ps 58: 3);
• that all men have been wrong since they were born (Ps 58: 3), because they entered through a wide door that gives access to a wide path that leads to perdition (Mt 7:13 -14);
• that because they were sold as a slave to sin, no one transgressed according to Adam’s transgression (Rom. 5:14);
• that the best of men is comparable to a thorn, and the upright is worse than a hedge of thorns (Mk 7: 4);
• that all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God because of the condemnation established in Adam;
• That there is no righteous one, none at all, among the descendants of Adam (Rom. 3:10), etc.

What good or bad does a child do in his mother’s womb to be has conceived in sin? What sin does a child commit to walking ‘wrong’ since he was born? When and where did all men go astray and become filthy together? (Rom. 3:12) Wasn’t the loss of humanity through Adam’s offense?

In Adam, all men were made filthy together (Ps 53: 3), because Adam is the wide door through which all men enter at birth. Birth according to the flesh, blood and the will of the man is the wide door through which all men enter, turn aside and become unclean together (John 1:13).

What event made all men ‘together’ become unclean? Only Adam’s offense explains the fact that all men, in the same event, become unclean (together), since it is impossible for all men of countless ages to perform the same act together. Considering: Did Christ die because Cain killed Abel, or did Christ die because of Adam’s offense? Which of the events compromised the nature of all humanity? Cain’s act or Adam’s offense?

Note that Cain’s condemnation does not come from his criminal act, it stems from the condemnation in Adam. Jesus demonstrated that he did not come to condemn the world, but to save it, as it would be counterproductive to judge what is already condemned (John 3:18).

Christ was punishing because of the sin of humankind, however, sin does not refer to what men commit, rather it says of the offense that brought judgment and condemnation on all men, without distinction.

The actions of men under the yoke of sin is also called sin, since anyone who sins, because he is a slave to sin. The barrier of separation between God and men came about through Adam’s offense, and because of the offense in Eden, there is no one among the sons of men to do good. Why is there no one who does well? Because they have all gone astray and together they have become unclean. Therefore, because of Adam’s offense, everything that a man without Christ does is unclean.

Who from the unclean will take away what is pure? Nobody! (Job 14: 4) In other words, there is no one who does good because everyone is a slave to sin.

Now the slave of sin commits sin, since everything he does belongs to his master by right. The actions of the servants of sin are sinful because slaves to sin do them. That is why God has freed those who believe to be servants of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).

God’s children, on the other hand, cannot sin because they are born of God and the seed of God remains in them (1 John 3: 6 and 1 John 3: 9). Anyone who commits sin is of the devil, but those who believe in Christ belong to God (1Co 1:30; 1Jo 3:24; 1Jo 4:13), since they are the temple and abode of the Spirit (1Jo 3: 8).

Christ was manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3: 5 and 1 John 3: 8), and all who are begotten of God abide in Him (1 John 3:24) and in God there is no sin (1 John 3: 5) . Now if there is no sin in God, it follows that all who are in God do not sin, since they were begotten from God and the seed of God remains in them.

A tree cannot bear two types of fruit. Thus, those who are born of the seed of God cannot produce fruit for God and the devil, just as it is impossible for a servant to serve two masters (Luke 16:13). Every plant planted by the Father bears much fruit, but it bears fruit only for God (Isaiah 61: 3; John 15: 5).

After dying to sin, the old master, it is up to the resurrected man to present himself to God as alive from the dead, and the members of his body as an instrument of justice (Rom. 6:13). The ‘living’ condition of the dead is acquired by faith in Christ, through regeneration (new birth). Through the new birth, man becomes alive from the dead, and it remains, therefore, to voluntarily present to God the members of his body as an instrument of justice.

Sin no longer reigns, for it no longer has dominion over those who believe (Rom. 6:14). The Christian must offer his members to serve righteousness, that is, to serve the One who sanctified them, since Christ is the justification and sanctification of Christians (Rom. 6:19; 1Co 1:30).

Christ suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust in order to lead men to God (1Pe 3:18). He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2: 2), breaking down the barrier of enmity that existed between God and men. Once freed from Adam’s condemnation, man is able to do good works, for they are done only when one is in God (Is 26:12; John 3:21).

Men without God, on the other hand, exist without hope in this world, because they are like the unclean and everything they produce is unclean. There is no way for man without God to do well, because evil nature only produces badly.

“But we are all like the filthy, and all our righteousness’s like the filthy rag; and we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities like a wind take us away ”(Isa 64: 6).

The prophet Isaias in describing the condition of his people compared them too:

• The unclean – When did the people of Israel become unclean? When all went astray and together became unclean, that is, in Adam, the first Father of mankind (Ps 14: 3; Isa 43:27);
• Justice as filthy rags – All works of justice of the filthy are comparable to filthy rags, which are not suitable for clothing. Although they were religious, the works of the people of Israel were works of iniquity, works of violence (Is 59: 6);
• Wither like the leaf – There was no hope for the people of Israel, as the leaf was dead (Is 59:10);
• Iniquities are like wind – Nothing Israel did could free them from this horrendous condition, since iniquity is comparable to the wind that snatches the leaf, that is, man cannot get rid of the lord of sin.

Christ, in his time, died for the wicked.

Sinners have sacrificed the Lamb of God since the foundation of the world.

“Because Christ, while we were still weak, died in due time for the wicked” (Rom. 5: 6);

“But God proves his love for us, in that Christ died for us, while we are still sinners” (Rom. 5: 8).

Now, Christ died for the slaves of sin and not for the ‘sins’ that the slaves of sin practice, as Dr. Spurgeon understood.

Christ died for sinners, therefore those who believe die together with Him. Christ died for all so that those who are quickened may no longer live for themselves, but live for the One who died and rose again (2Co 5:14).

Those who have risen with Christ are safe, since:

• they are in Christ;
• they are new Creatures;
• the old things are gone;
• everything has become new (2Co 5:17).

God reconciled with Himself those who believe through Christ and gave the living from the dead the ministry of reconciliation (2Co 15:18).

The living among the dead are lifting with the exhortation: do not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6: 1). God heard you in an acceptable time, therefore, as an instrument of justice Christians has recommended too:

• Do not give scandal at all – Why shouldn’t Christians give scandal? To be saved? No! Lest the ministry of reconciliation be censored;
• Being recommendable in everything – In a lot of patience, in afflictions, in needs, in anguish, in whips, in riots, in riots, in work, in vigils, in fasts, in purity, in science, in long-suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, etc. (2Co 6: 3-6).

Christ was killed since the foundation of the world, even before all mankind became a slave to injustice due to the disobedience of one man who sinned: Adam.

“If it behooves me to boast, I will boast with regard to my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:30).

Introduction

The prophet John the Baptist was in prison, and he heard through his disciples the fame of Jesus that spread throughout all regions. Without understanding what was happening, John the Baptist sent his disciples to the Lord Jesus to ask the following question:

– “Are you the one who was to come, or are we waiting for another one?” (Matthew 11.3; Luke 7.19).

The prophet of the Judean desert, who emphasized that he was not the Christ, but who, when he saw Jesus of Nazareth pass by, was categorical when he confessed: – “Here is the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the dumb” (John 1:29), at that moment he needed an answer.

In the face of so much criticism and opposition to the Masters of the masters by followers of the different branches of Judaism, as well as the leadership of the Hebrews under Roman rule, John the Baptist were overcome by some doubts. He could have asked his disciples what they thought about Jesus, but John the Baptist would flagrantly contradict the Scriptures, and so he had to send his disciples to ask the Master teacher directly.

“Do not believe your friend, nor trust your guide; of the one that rests in your bosom, keep the doors of your mouth. Because the son despises the father, the daughter stands up against his mother, the daughter-in-law against his mother-in-law; the man’s enemies are those of his own house. ” (Micah 7.4-5);

“Keep yourselves from your neighbor, and do not rely on any brother; because every brother does nothing but cheat, and everyone else is slandering. In addition, each one will mock his neighbor, and they do not speak the truth; they teach their language to speak the lie, they get tired of proceeding wickedly. ” (Jeremiah 9: 4-5).

Christ, our high priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses, did not recriminate John the Baptist for the question, but gave an answer to the height of the one who asked, quoting from the Scriptures:

“Go, and announce to John the things that you hear and see: The blind see, and the lame walk; lepers are clean, and deaf people listen; the dead are raised, and the gospel is announced to the poor. ” (Matthew 11: 4-5);

“Because we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses; but one who, like us, was tempted in everything, but without sin. ” (Hebrews 4:15).

In the same way that John the Baptist announced the kingdom of heaven quoting the Scriptures, Jesus responded by showing the miracles that were performed, and remembered that the foretold in the Scriptures was fulfilling, the good news was announced to the poor!

“O YOU, all who are thirsty, come to the waters, and those who have no money, come, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy, without money and without price, wine and milk.” (Isaiah 55: 1).

Another character worth mentioning is the disciple Peter, who before Jesus’ arrest was willing to defend his Master, even if it cost him his life. When they went to arrest the Master, Peter drew his sword and cut the ear of one of the servants of the high priest, Malcom, confident in everything he saw Jesus accomplish. The word that Peter had committed was standing, even in the face of an impending battle:

“Peter said to him: Although I must die with you, I will not deny you. And all the disciples said the same things.” (Matthew 26.35);

“But he said more vehemently: Although it is necessary for me to die with you, I will in no way deny you. In addition, so did everyone else. ” (Mark 14:31).

When the disciples saw that they were going to arrest Jesus, they still asked:

“And when those who were with him saw what was going to happen, they said to him, Lord, will we strike with the sword?” (Luke 22.49).

The question: – ‘Lord, will we strike with the sword?’ Awaited a solution of the conflict with some supernatural action. Peter stepped forward, and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest, and was at a loss to understand what Jesus intended when he ordered him to keep the sword and were reprimands for the consequences of using the sword.

“Then Jesus said to him, Sheathe your sword; for all who use the sword will die by the sword. Alternatively, do you think that I could not now pray to my Father, and that he would not give me more than twelve legions of angels? How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it should be so? ” (Matthew 26: 52-54);

“But Jesus said to Peter, Put your sword in its sheath; will I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?” (John 18.11).

The disciple John were known to the high priest Caiaphas, and entered where Jesus was imprisoned. Upon realizing that Pedro cannot enter the room and was posting at the door outside, John went to him, spoke to the door attendant of the room, and brought him inside, when Pedro was asking by the door attendant – ‘It is not you too of this man’s disciples? ‘(John 18:17).

Pedro’s answer was a negative! What a contradiction. A little while ago, Peter was willing to die for Jesus, and now, he was denying that he was one of his disciples. How can this be?

Peter was willing to die for Jesus who multiplied bread, healed his mother-in-law, walked on the sea, healed lepers, blind, lame, etc., a man who performed countless supernatural actions, but was not ready to remain faithful to the Jesus who had mission to fulfill what the Father foresees in the Scriptures.

How many Christians in our day who, like Peter, chose to believe in a Jesus they idealized, but are not able to believe in Jesus as the Scriptures saing.

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture says, rivers of living water will flow from their womb.” (John 7.38).

If the Christian does not believe in Jesus according to the Scriptures, but in a Jesus who idealized, eventually he will be scandalized.

“But Peter, answering, said to him: Although everyone is scandalize you, I will never be scandalized.” (Matthew 26.33);

“And blessed is he who is not scandalized in me.” (Matthew 11: 6).

 

Certainty of salvation and the vicissitudes of life

The prophet Habakkuk saw the apostasy of his people, and after denouncing and demanding measures from the Creator, God announced that he was raising the Chaldeans, a strange people, who would being used as a correction rod for the children of Israel (Habakkuk 1.5).

After understanding the word of God, the prophet Habakkuk prayed that God would do his work and make it known in the middle of the years, but that, in carrying out His wrath, he would remember mercy (Habakkuk 3.1-2).

Despite the impending invasion of the Chaldeans and the exile approaching their people, Habakkuk were resting (confident in God), and burst into praise:

“When I heard it, my belly was moved, my lips trembled at his voice; rot came into my bones, and I shuddered within myself; in the day of trouble I will rest, when I go up against the people who will invade with their troops. Because even though the fig tree does not bloom, there is no fruit in the vine; even if the product of the olive tree is disappointing, and the fields do not produce food; although the spotted sheep are snatched, and there are no cattle in the pens; Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. ” (Habakkuk 3: 16-18);

“Are they ashamed of committing an abomination? No; in no way are they ashamed, nor do they know what it is to be ashamed of; therefore they will fall among those who fall and stumble at the time when I visit them, says the Lord. I will certainly catch them, says the Lord; there are no more grapes in the vine, nor figs in the fig tree, and even the leaf has fallen; and what I have given you will pass away from them. ” (Jeremiah 8: 12-13).

Is it possible to rejoice in God on the day of calamity? Yes! The Pauline recommendation is: ‘In all of that thanks’!

“In everything give thanks, because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5.18).

Because of Israel’s apostasy, evil was already determined. But, as Habakkuk knew of God’s care for his people by virtue of the promise made to parents, even on the day of anguish, he would remain confident.

“So, as for the gospel, they are enemies because of you; but as for the election, loved because of their parents.” (Romans 11:28).

If the fig tree did not give flowers, the vine became fruitless, the olive tree did not show its fruits and the field became sterile, the prophet’s joy was in God.

A Christian couple who lose their child; the sister who loses her husband; the believer who is unemployed; the young Christian who does not pass college; the Christian business man who had his bankruptcy decreed, etc., are negative events that all Christians are subject to, but, is it possible for the Christian to remain confident in God after these events? If you know the Scriptures, no doubt, and you will still rejoice in Christ, our Savior.

Jesus warned his followers, saying:

“I have told you this, that you may have peace in me; in the world you will have afflictions, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

One thing is certain in this life: we will have afflictions! However, why did Jesus say that? Why didn’t he make a promise that he would remove all evil? Because Jesus could not go against what was establish by the Father in the Scriptures:

“And Adam said, because you have listened to your wife’s voice, and you have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, you shall not eat of it, cursed is the land because of you; with pain you will eat it every day of your life. Thorns, and thistles too, will produce you; and you will eat the grass of the field. In the sweat of your face, you shall eat your bread, until you return to the earth; because you have being take from it; because you are dust and in dust, you will become. ” (Genesis 3: 17-19).

Moreover, why did Jesus anticipate Christians who would have afflictions? So that the believer in Christ would have peace! This means that if any vicissitude reaches the believer, who must not believe that he is in sin, that he is not in communion, that he is at fault, that he must make a sacrifice, that he must make a vow, etc. Stay in peace, stay calm, it is not punishment!

Even in the face of afflictions, be of good cheer. Christ overcame the world, so be at peace, for everyone who is born of God overcomes the world too! Moreover, what is the victory of the Christian who conquers the world: Christ, our belief, therefore, our faith?

“Because everyone who is born of God conquers the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.” (1 John 5.4).

– ‘Does God love me, if I am suffering so much?’ Yes. God loves you, just as He loved all humanity. God has no one in preference, who can love especially.

One, who, in the eyes of many, is not experiencing setbacks in life, does not mean that God loves him more than God loves another who has suffered or suffers a setback. God does not love someone rich more than someone who was born poor, or a poor person at the expense of a rich person.

God loves you because He gave His only Son to die as a ransom for many, including you.

“This shows the love of God towards us: that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, so that we may live by him.” (1 John 4.9).

– ‘There are, now I’m employed, God loves me’; – ‘I got my own house, God takes care of me’. Yes! God cares for you just as much as He cares for those who have no home or are unemployed.

“I turned around, and I saw under the sun that the race is not for the light, the battle is not for the strong, nor bread for the wise, nor wealth for the prudent, nor the favor for the wise, but that time and the opportunity occurs to everyone.” (Ecclesiastes 9.11);

“… That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; Because it causes your sun to rise over the bad and the good, and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. ” (Matthew 5: 44-45).

It is a sad mistake to think that a life achievement was relating to the love of God, because the love of God is in obeying his commandments.

“For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5.3).

“But whoever keeps his word, God’s love is truly perfected in him; hereby we know that we are in it.” (1 John 2.5)

Who is sure of salvation in Christ will only have emotions and will feel feelings of security, joy and care? Evidently not! The apostle Paul ended his career convinced that he fought a good fight and that he was in possession of the faith (gospel), and knew that he sooner be killing.

Early in his career, the apostle Paul, when the ruler who ruled under King Aresta in Damascus pursued him, was put in a basket and descending from the wall to escape. The feeling, the emotion, the sensation, etc., of who is on the run is not pleasant. Did this mean that God was not like the apostle Paul? Evidently not!

How many Christians in crisis as to the hope of salvation! They doubt their salvation when they do not feel emotionally well. They doubt the love that God has for us when he does not feel successful in life. They doubt that they are cleansing by the word of Christ when the marriage is not going well. They doubt communion with God when in the solemn gathering the emotions do not arise during a hymn, preaching, conference, etc.

God did not tie his love to human emotions, to have them under control if he wants to be saving the promise of salvation is not teeing to our feelings, but to the power of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.

“But you are the chosen generation, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, the acquired people, that you may announce the virtues of him who called you from darkness to his wonderful light;” (1 Peter 2.9);

“Seen as his divine power gave us everything that concerns life and piety, through the knowledge of the one who called us by his glory and virtue;” (2 Peter 1.3).

The believer must have the faithful One who promised, and the promise He made was of eternal life.

“And this is the promise he made to us: eternal life.” (1 John 2.25);

“If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful; you cannot deny yourself.” (2 Timothy 2.13);

“Faithful is the one who calls you, who will also do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5.24);

“But the Lord is faithful, who will confirm you and keep you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3.3).

The apostle Paul is clear: nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus!

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword? As it is writing: For your sake, we are puting to death all day long; we are reputed as sheep for the slaughterhouse. However, in all these things we are more than winners are, for the one who loved us. Because I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor the present, nor the future, nor the height, nor the depth, nor any other creature can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ” (Romans 8.35-39).

Nothing can separate the believer from God. This is security in terms of salvation. In the list listed by the apostle Paul, only the individual does not appear, because just like Adam, only the individual can separate himself from God.

“See, brethren, that there is never an evil and unfaithful heart in any of you, to depart from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12).

 

Assurance of salvation and the joys of life

When they were on their way to Baalah from Kiriath-Jearim, which is in Judah, to raise the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, King David and the people were just joy. They celebrated with all sorts of musical instruments.

“And David, and the whole house of Israel, were celebrating before the LORD, with all sorts of beech instruments, as well as with harps, and with psalters, and with tambourines, and with tambourines, and cymbals.” (2 Samuel 6.5).

However, joy is not evidence of subjection to God. A solemn gathering in ecstasy is not synonymous with subjection to God. God does not respect the joy of men, not even the joy of his chosen ones.

While he was on his way to Jerusalem, leading the Ark of the Covenant on an ox cart and one of the cart drivers reached out to support the ark, as the oxen stumbled, and God killed him.

At that moment, David was overcoming with sadness and feared God, saying:

– “How will I bring the ark of God to me?” (1 Chronicles 13.12).

God had determined that the Ark of the Covenant could only be carrying on the shoulders of the Levites, through the rods contained in the ark.

“And the children of the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders, by the poles that were in it, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD.” (1 Chronicles 15.15).

Despite the great joy, David and the people did not seek the Lord God according to his word. They did not bother to research, find out, reading the law, how they should lead the ark, and followed the perception of their deceitful hearts.

“Because you did not take it the first time, the LORD our God has broken us, because we have not sought him according to the ordinance.” (1 Chronicles 15:13).

The priests perhaps thought – ‘David, a man after God’s own heart, knows what he is doing’. David, being king, must have thought:- ‘The priests know what they are doing’. The people, in turn, perhaps thought – ‘King David and the priests analyzed how they would bring the Ark of the Covenant’, but no one was God-fearing in checking the Scriptures.

When they lost the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines in battle, it was already for the children of Israel to have learned the lesson of fearing God according to his commandment.

Reviewing the story, the children of Israel were severely killing in battle, and in one day lost approximately 4,000 soldiers. When the elders gathered in the camp, they wondered why God was wounding the children of Israel in battle at the hands of the Philistines, and instead of checking the Scriptures for God’s will, they decided to seek the ark of the covenant and bring it to the war (1 Samuel 4.3).

When the Ark of the Covenant arrived from Shiloh in the camp, the children of Israel rejoiced with a loud voice, so much so that the uproar was hearding in the Philistine camp. When the Philistines heard the screams, they were afraid, because they remembered the defeat that the children inflicted on Egypt, and they set out to fight bravely not to be defeated. The other day, the children of Israel were defeated. 30,000 men were lost, the Ark of the Covenant was taking God honors and keeps his word, but he has no commitment to anyone’s belief. The faith that the children of Israel placed in the ark cannot free them. Believing that bringing the Ark of the Covenant into battle would compel God to intervene in the battle for Israel is akin to believing in Santa Claus, fairy, unicorn, elf, etc.

In our day, many believe in miracles, in the impossible, in dreams, in purpose, etc., just as the children of Israel believed that the Ark of the Covenant in the middle of the battle was a guarantee of victory. If the original ark did not deliver Jacob’s descendants, is it possible for a replica of the ark of the covenant to have any effect?

“Therefore, saith the Lord God of Israel, I had indeed said that your house and your father’s house would walk before me forever; but now the Lord says, far be it from me, for I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be despised.” (1 Samuel 2:30).

Joy, shouting, jubilation, unity of designo, believing with all your might, etc., does not touch God to serve men. Solemn meetings (services) and their liturgies do not make man pleasing to God, except Christ, the author and finisher of the faith, the manifest faith, the faith that was given to those who believe, which is the firm foundation of things that seen, but what is expected: the salvation of the soul (Jude 1.3; Philippians 1.27; Galatians 3.24; Hebrews 11.1).

The atmosphere of joy and fellowship pertinent to the early church enveloped Ananias and Sapphira. People who believed in the gospel began to give up the things they owned, and donated to the apostles, who redistributed the proceeds according to the needs of each one. Upon seeing that Barnabas sold an estate and brought the value and left it to the apostles, Ananias and Sapphira sold a property and decided to donate part, claiming that they were donating the total value of the property. They both died!

“Wasn’t keeping it for you? Moreover, after sold, was not it with you? Why did you design this design in your heart? You did not lie to men, but to God. ” (Acts 5.4).

Wanting to be a participant in the fellowship of the apostles as if he were a member of a club, an association or a philanthropic entity, aiming only at social prestige, resulted in death for both. After centuries, no one has had his life cut off like Ananias and Sapphira because they are part of so-called Christian communities, but which have no connection with the doctrine of the apostles and prophets: the church of Christ.

“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, that Jesus Christ is the main cornerstone;” (Ephesians 2.20);

“What we have seen and heard, we announce to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and our communion is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1.3).and Eli’s two sons, Hofni and Phinehas were killed.

 

Sincere heart, in full assurance of faith

The saved in Christ is a man of faith! How to understand this assertion?

When it was saying that the righteous would live on faith, many Christians doubt salvation in Christ because they have doubts about the issues of this world, such as – ” Will I marry? ‘; – ‘Will I set up a business’? – ‘Will it work?’; – ‘Will this investment pay off?’, Etc.

Others feel embarrassed or weak when asked to demonstrate their faith. – ‘If you are a man of faith, make a contribution’; – ‘Take a vow of faith’; – ‘Put God against the wall, and show that you are a man of faith’, etc.

The doubts, the questions, the uncertainties of life are inherent to human nature. God created you like this, and those characteristics will never be taking away, even in those saved in Christ.

The uncertainties of life have a purpose well defined by God, since the days of adversity are opposed to the days of calm, so that it is impossible for man to discover what tomorrow will be like.

“On the day of prosperity you enjoy good, but on the day of adversity you consider; because God also did this in opposition to that, so that man will discover nothing of what is to come after him.” (Ecclesiastes 7.14).

We must remember that the same doubts and uncertainties that startle us also affect all men, because everything happens equally to everyone.

“Everything happens equally to everyone; the same is true of the just and the wicked, the good and the pure, as the impure; so to those who sacrifice as to those who do not; so to the good as to the sinner; to the one who swears and the one who fears the oath. ” (Ecclesiastes 9.2).

There is no way to addict your luck before God with sacrifices, offerings, prayers, fasts, etc. God does not allow himself to be bribing and will never respect people. Luck will always be the same for all men.

However, in relation to salvation, there is no way to remain in doubt, afraid, fearful, etc., because the Lord is powerful to save and it was He who proposing to save men through the gospel.

As the Jews considered the gospel madness (1 Corinthians 1.18 and 23), given that Jesus, the Savior, was crucified on the tree, the apostle Paul declares that God set out to save those who believe by the ‘madness’ of preaching.

“Since in the wisdom of God the world did not know God by his wisdom, it pleased God to save believers by the madness of preaching.” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

Pay close attention: God through Christ saves you free! Since Jesus Christ is the theme of the gospel, the apostle Paul states:

“In whom are you also, after you have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; and having believed in him, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?” (Ephesians 1.13).

The believer is saving graciously through the word of truth, which were also name: gospel of salvation, gift, manifest faith, gift of God, power of God, message of the cross, etc.

“For by grace you are saved, through faith; and this does not come from you, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2.8);

“… Rather, he participates in the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God, who saved us…” (2 Timothy 1.8-9);

“Not because of the works of justice that we had done, but according to his mercy, he saved us by washing away the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3.5).

That is why the apostle Paul guided Timothy, saying:

“Take care of yourself and the doctrine. Persevere in these things; because in doing this you would be saved, both yourself and those who hear you. ” (1 Timothy 4:16);

“And that since your childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can make you wise for salvation, through the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15).

Whoever takes care of himself and of the doctrine, that is, the sacred letters, saves himself and the one who listens, because only the gospel makes someone wise for salvation, because in Christ there is faith, that is, faithfulness, truth.

Before proceeding, note these three verses:

“In whom are you also, after you have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; and having believed in him, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?” (Ephesians 1.13);

“THEREFORE, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8.1);

“So, if anyone is in Christ, a new creature is; old things are gone; behold, everything is done again.” (2 Corinthians 5.17).

The believer comes to be in Christ for having heard and believed in the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, which means that there is no condemnation, since he is a new creature, generated again in true justice and holiness, so that everything it became new.

These are comforting words, but how can you be sure you are in Christ? How to be sure of this transformation? The guarantee is clear in this verse:

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God is in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4.15).

To be in God, and God in the believer, in full communion with the Father and the Son, it is enough to confess, that is, to admit that Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth is the blessed Son of God who is saved and a new creature, therefore, without condemnation.

About this confession, the apostle Paul wrote:

“But what does it say? The word is with you, in your mouth and in your heart; this is the word of faith, which we preach, namely: If you confess with your mouth to the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you would be saving. Since with the heart one believes that for righteousness, and with the mouth, one makes confession for salvation. Because Scripture says not everyone, who believes in him will be confused. Because there is no difference between Jew and Greek; because one is the Lord of all, rich to all who call on him. ” (Romans 10: 8-12).

Realize the security of salvation in Christ, in which everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ participates, so that you can enter the sanctuary with boldness, because by the new and living way, by the veil, that is, by the flesh of Christ, for he is consecrated.

“Therefore, having brothers, daring to enter the sanctuary, by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he consecrated to us, by the veil, that is, by his flesh, and having a great priest over the house of God.  let us go let us with true heart, in complete certainty of faith, having our hearts cleansed from bad conscience, and our bodies washed with clean water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope; because faithful is what he promised. ” (Hebrews 10: 19-23).

Christ is the great priest over the house of God, which is the church, the holy temple that Christ; the Son of David is building for all people. With Christ as a priest, we can enter the sanctuary, approach with a true heart, because the new creature has a new heart and a new spirit.

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36.26).

Because of faith, Christians have to be sure, because they have hearts (thoughts) free from bad conscience. This does not mean that the Christian is free from errors, but tries to behave honestly in everything, knowing that salvation does not depend on good conscience.

“Pray for us, because we trust that we have a good conscience, like those who at all want to behave honestly.” (Hebrews 13:18);

“All things are pure for the pure, but nothing is pure for the contaminated and the unfaithful; rather your understanding and conscience are contaminated.” (Titus 1.15).

It is not only the purified conscience, but also the body washed with clean water, so that it is up to the Christian to only firm retain the confession of hope, Christ, the hope of glory.

There are many Christians who do not have “full assurance of faith” because they do not understand salvation in Christ, mainly, that their sins have being forgiving. If you do not believe that salvation is in believing that Jesus is the Christ, you will certainly not say with conviction that you will go to heaven, for as the Jews who offered sacrifice every year, they continue to be aware of sin.

“Otherwise, they would have stopped offering themselves, because, once the ministers had been purified, they would never again be aware of sin. In these sacrifices, however, each year there is a commemoration of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. ” (Hebrews 10: 2-4).

What was impossible with the blood of bulls and goats, through the blood of Jesus, that is, the gospel, the bond with sin has been broken, so that the believer in Christ no longer serves sin, but justice.

“And, being freed from sin, you were made servants of justice.” (Romans 6.18);

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

The greatest encouragement of doubts about salvation, usually comes from pulpits of pastors without proper biblical knowledge, as they speak of salvation in Christ, and after the believer believes that Jesus is the Christ, they say that it is not only that. Leaders without knowledge come to say that, in addition to believing in Christ, obedience to God’s will and personal knowledge of Christ are essential elements of salvation.

How can we obey God’s will, if God’s will is for men to come to the knowledge of the truth, that is, to believe in Christ? By believing, man has already done God’s will, because he has done his work, but they say it is necessary to obey God. Doing something that has already being donned makes the mission impossible.

“Jesus answered and said to them, the work of God is this: That you believe in the one he sent.” (John 6.29);

“And looking around at those who sat beside him, he said, here is my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God, this is my brother, my sister, and my mother. ” (Mark 3.35)

“And the world passes, and its lust; but he who does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2.17);

“Being generated again, not from corruptible seed, but from incorruptible, by the word of God, alive, and which remains forever. For all flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man is like the flower of grass. The grass withered, and its flower fell; but the word of the LORD remains forever. Moreover, this word was evangelizing among you. ” (1 Peter 1.23-25).

Now he who believes in Christ has a knowledge that is more than personal, for he has become one with Christ. There is no greater intimacy than having fellowship with the Father and the Son, which is done through the gospel.

If when believing in Christ it is still necessary for the believer to do the will of God, or to have a personal relationship with Christ, the evangelist John would not have said:

“These things I wrote to you so that you might know that you have eternal life, to you who believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5.13).

 

Conclusion

Salvation takes place solely and exclusively through the gospel, which is the power of salvation for everyone who believes.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, and also for the Greek.” (Romans 1.16).

If you believed in Christ as the Son of God, you did God’s will; therefore, you will being saving. Now, after being saving in Christ, what is left for you to do?

He must remain looking at Jesus, that is, have the same perspicacity as the Master who, through the proposed enjoyment, endured the contradictions and oppositions of sinners.

“Looking at Jesus, author and finisher of the faith, who, for the joy that was proposed to him, endured the cross, despising affront, and sat at the right hand of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12: 2).

To remain looking at Jesus is to remain founded, rooted, and firm in Christ, the author and finisher of the faith. You just cannot move from the hope proposed in the gospel, the salvation of the soul.

“If, in truth, you remain grounded and firm in the faith, and do not move from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, am made a minister.” (Colossians 1.23).

To remain believing that Jesus is the Christ is to remain under God’s kindness, therefore, be careful.

“Consider, then, the goodness and severity of God: to those who have fallen, severity; but kindness to you, if you remain in its kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22).

By keeping your eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ, you will have full assurance of salvation. Do not look at yourself, or your disability and failures. However, if you look, glory in your weaknesses, as the apostle Paul did, for God’s power is perfect in weakness.

God will not change the destination of the paths (salvation and perdition) and not the condition resulting from the birth (SIN and justice), i.e. the place of perdition and resting place, and lost and saved.

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“Enter by the narrow gate; because wide is the gate, and the path that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it; And because narrow is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and few there are that are “(Mt 7:13 -14)

When he announced the Kingdom of heaven in the sermon on the mount, Jesus instructed his listeners to enter by the narrow gate ‘ “Enter by the narrow gate” (Mt 7:13). Jesus is the narrow gate through which the righteous shall enter, as he himself said: I am the door; If anyone enters by me will be saved, and will go, and out, and find pasture (Oj 10: 9).

Psalm 118 presents Christ as the door of the righteous, the cornerstone, the corner stone, the injured servant, the right hand of the most high, the light that came into the world, the Blessed who comes in the name of the Lord and the victim of the party this is the gate of the Lord, by which the righteous will enter (Sl 118: 15 -27). Christ is the Lord’s door and he invited his listeners to ‘ enter ‘ for him.

• The door is wide;
• Gives access to the path of destruction, and;
• Many enter through it.

 

Identifying the wide door

The parable presents two doors and Jesus presents himself as the narrow door Enfiai by enter by the narrow gate; because I tell you that many will come, and will not be able (Lk 13:24 -25; Jo 10: 9).

The Bible does not contain an explicit definition of the wide door, but through the narrow gate, which is Christ, it is possible to determine what is, or who is the wide door.

There are several interpretations of the parable of the two doors that present some candidates to occupy the ‘ position ‘ wide door, however, for a safe interpretation, we should consider that there is a fair position between the figure of wide door and the figure of the narrow gate, so that there are essential issues to figure for a ‘ candidate ‘ wide door meets the requirements pertinent to the figure.

Being Christ the narrow door and He was a man, it follows that the figure of wide door should also make reference to a man. If the narrow door is head of a new generation, the wide door also has to refer to the head of a generation.

Many did not consider the relevant nuances and figures indicate the devil as wide door, however, he is a fallen angel (not a man), and cannot bring similar beings existence to it, therefore, cannot be head of a generation. The devil does not fall in fair position between the figures of the wide door and the door close (Lc 20:35 -36).

Sin, in turn, refers to the condition of man alienated from God, therefore, sin is not a be. the SIN does not fit in the post wide port sin because it is impossible to assume the position of head of a generation (Is 59: 2).

Human institutions are also listed as wide door, however, an institution not passing several men gathered around a goal. Sums it up in an Assembly of people, so that won’t fit into the figure of a large port.

The world is not the wide door, seen that the world, in the Bible, says men alienated from God governed by his passions, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life (Eph 2: 2; Cl 2: 8). Therefore, we consider that the wide door is the devil, sin, the world or a religious institution.

We consider that, if the narrow door is a man, the wide door necessarily has to be a man. Like Christ, the narrow door, came into the world without sin, the candidate for the wide door has to be a man who came into the world without sin. As Christ is the head of a new generation of spiritual men, the wide door refers to the head of a generation of men.

The only man who fits in figure on condition that wide door is Adam because Adam was created without sin and was made head of a generation of carnal men.

How can that be? However, in the Bible the door is a figure that has several meanings, however, the figures of the doors that Jesus presented in the sermon on the mount represents birth, so that Adam is the wide door for whom all men entering the world. All men, when it comes to the world (open mother) are generated according to the seed of Adam “… because not closed the doors of the womb on me. ..” (Job 3:10). All men, except Christ entered the world through Adam.

Christ was released by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, i.e. corruptible seed of Adam disfellowshipped (Sl 22:10). For having been introduced into the world by God (Heb 1: 6), Christ is the last Adam, the head of a spiritual generation of men (1 Corinthians 15:45). In other words, Adam is the type and Christ is the antitype. Adam figure and Christ the reality “… Adam, which is the figure (type) of what was to come (antitype) “(Rm 5:14; Cl 2:17).

To be subject to passion of death, Christ had to come to the world in the likeness of men (the flesh of sin), however, without sin (Heb. 2: 9). To do this, was introduced by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, because if it were generated according to the flesh, would be under the same doom that befell humanity (Gl 4: 4; 1 John 3: 9). Already in Eden, it was announced that the descendant (Christ) would come from the descent of woman, in view of the opposition that there would be between the two seeds (Gn 3:15).

It is worth noting that, when Christ created man in Eden (Hb 2:10; Jn 1: 3: Cl 1:16), Adam was created in the image and likeness of Christ-man who had to be raised in the womb of Mary, and not like the invisible God and glory (Heb. 2: 9).

Adam was created in the image and likeness of Christ-man who had come to the world (Rm 5:14); As for me, I thy face in righteousness; I will thy likeness when waking up (Sl 17:15).

 

The door is wide

The door is wide because all men when they see the world, necessarily have to enter by Adam (1 Corinthians 15:46). Jesus emphasizes that there are many who enter through the door wide, and not all.

Why? Because Christ, despite being a man, was introduced into the world by God.

Christ was exception to the general rule. While natural men were released in the mother through a corruptible seed, Jesus was released in madre through the supernatural operation of the Holy Spirit (Sl 22:10).

Before Adam, there was no disobedience, Sin and death to mankind. With the transgression of Adam, Sin came into the world and death (1 Corinthians 15:21 -22). Because of the offense of Adam all his descendants along alienated from God (Psalm 53: 3).

The Bible is clear when demonstrates that all men together went astray, alienated from God.

How was it possible to dispose of men to God together? However, there was a single event in which all men were ‘ together ‘ meeting. By ‘ interpretation ‘ (Heb 7: 2), in Eden all men were gathered in the ‘ thigh ‘ of Adam (Hb 7:10).

When He transgressed, all violated. When Adam became filthy, contaminated all his lineage because of the filthy there how come the pure (Sl 53: 3; Job 14: 4).

Among those born according to the flesh of Adam there is none righteous if you want, and it was because of this peculiarity that God didn’t find ten righteous in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, despite numerous children who had in these cities (job 15:14; Gn 18:32).

When men alienated from God? Alienated from God in Eden. There in Eden perished the godly man and all his descendants became unclean Already perished from the Earth the pious man, and there is among men who is fair; all arm pitfalls for blood; Each hunt to his brother with the network (Mq 7: 2).

It is on the basis of transgression in Eden that men alienate God from the mother, they are generated from a corruptible seed, the seed of Adam. As a consequence, go wandering since they are born, there is none righteous even as they are on a path that leads to destruction (Sl 58: 3).

 

The path of doom

After opening the madre (Sunrise), i.e. ‘ enter ‘ the door man track a specific path that is pegged to destruction.

The parable shows that the path is functional, as it leads, i.e. leads all men who are one place: perdition. Similarly, the parable shows that the narrow path leads all the men who are to life, i.e. the narrow pathway has as target a specific place: salvation (M 7:13 -14).

The term ‘ leads ‘ used in the parable of the function that the path plays, i.e. lead to a specific target those who enter through the doors. The bane is the target of the wide way, and salvation is the target of the narrow way.

Are the paths that have destinations (salvation and perdition), and the parable of the two paths deletes any concept of predestination, determinism or fatalism, sina when the future of men.

The term ‘ driving ‘ the function of the path, and nothing more.

The paths lead the man to a specific destination and right. For example: the bane is the target of the wide way, and life is the fate of the narrow way. The parable does not present the Salvation or doom tied to men, before the salvation and perdition tied to paths were presented.

Is the last Adam who leads the man to salvation, and the first Adam who leads humanity to destruction. Both are paths with specific targets, so that the targets do not link to men.

No one comes to God if not by Christ, because It is the path that leads man to life. Similarly, nobody goes to destruction if not on the wide way, that leads to destruction. While the Jews and the Greeks had a fatalistic and deterministic vision of the world, Jesus shows that his doctrine does not follow the concept of humanity. Jesus has no salvation nor doom as destination of men, rather as fate of paths, so that the Gospel does not follow the bases of philosophical currents as fatalism and determinism.

Why is it necessary to highlight this peculiarity of paths? To demystify some conceptions that have influences from some myths pertinent to some ancient civilizations, because the Greek mythology that all account, until the events of daily life, are governed by a succession of unavoidable events and preordenados for a particular cosmic order or divinity. In Greek mythology, all events occur according to a fixed destination and inexorable, without which men can control them or influence them.

In Greek mythology have the figure of Moiras, three sisters who, through the wheel of fortune, determined the fate of the gods, as human beings, so the target subjected the gods and men, which in turn should resign themselves to their fate, sina, fado.

In addition to the Greco-Roman culture, we have the fatalism conducting Roman and Greek stoicism, which finally influenced the Christian doctrine dictates of Divine Providence. Divine Providence became a theological thought that empowers the omnipotence of God absolute control over all the events in the lives of people and in the history of mankind. Such design asserts that God has ordained and all events and nothing happens without God.

Another philosophical current, determinism, claims that any event (including the mental) is explained by relations of causation (cause and effect).

In the Bible, such thoughts, mythological or philosophical, there are are echoed, because the target is presented only and specifically as the location that the man will arrive after tread a path. In the Bible the term target is employed in the sense of place, and does not involve the idea of Foreordination: Golden shields as well as three hundred beaten; for each shield was three hundred shekels of gold; and Solomon put them in the House of the forest of Lebanon (2Cr 9:16).

When it reads: and I you target the Kingdom, as my father has mo (Lc 22:29), there is nothing of determinism in the philosophical sense or mythological, before Jesus indicated that, in the same way that God allowed the Kingdom to his son, it is certain that the Kingdom belongs to and is granted to those who believe, because inherit with Christ all things.

However, the two above verses have the same principle: as the gold was reserved on the basis of the shield, the Kingdom was reserved for those who believe in Christ. This is not to say that some people were preordenadas (intended) to United, and another does not, before the Kingdom was prepared for those who believe. The misapprehension of some is in function of the language, because they consider that, in antiquity, things were defined by their function, use: “all things are defined by their functions” (Aristotle, politics. Translate Nestor Silveira Keys. Rio de janeiro: Nova Fronteira, 2011, p. 22).

When we read: because God has destined us for wrath, but to the acquiring of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1Thes 5: 9), we must consider that the Apostle presents the figure of the narrow way: through our Lord Jesus Christ. In verse in comment, the term ‘ target ‘ was not employed in the sense of preordenar, and Yes, in the sense of ‘ reserve ‘.

The Apostle Paul was bringing to the memory of Christians to the current condition of them in Christ: sons of light (1Ts 5: 5), and recommends them to remain vigilant and sober (1Ts 5: 7), and are of God’s power, which is the Gospel (1Ts 5: 8). For now, other than the time they were in darkness and were children of wrath, the Christians, on the basis of the path that leads to life (Jesus Christ our Lord), reached acquired salvation. That is, the Apostle does not say that the Christians were predestined to salvation, before that, by being on the narrow way, the target is now salvation, different from the wide way, which is wrath.

What is the function of a path? Lead to a place, i.e. a path has the right destination. The ‘ place ‘, the ‘ target ‘, binds to the path without any connotation of ‘ predestination ‘, ‘ Preview ‘, ‘ Foreordination ‘. The destination of the path connected to the wide door is doom, as well as the fate of the Rodovia Presidente Dutra is the Rio de Janeiro for whoever comes out of São Paulo.

We must consider that the Lord Jesus said that whoever has destination is the path to urge people who porfiassem to enter by the narrow gate. In this way, Jesus shows that the traveler is not foreordained, predestined, etc., to destruction, before is the path that leads to a place of perdition.

In the face of Christ alert, it turns out that the traveler can change path, just as it is possible for someone who is in São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro by the Presidente Dutra highway take the Rodovia Raposo Tavares to the State of Paraná.

 

“Enter by the narrow gate; because wide is the gate, and the path that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it “(Mt 7:13);

But Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! since closing to men the Kingdom of heaven; and neither you nor let you go in to get those who are entering (Mt 23:13);

I am the door; If anyone enters by me will be saved, and will go, and out, and find pasture (Oj 10: 9);

The port is spacious because many enter through Adam, and the path is spacious because all that are generated from Adam are driven to destruction. Jesus linked the bane to the path, and not to men. Through the parable it becomes apparent that the target binds to the path. The path and the target are fixed and trailers, however, the man is tied to the door (birth), which means that it is possible to leave the way you are and move on to the other.

 

The path is spacious

The port is spacious because all men, except Christ, come by Adam and the path is spacious because many men are driven to destruction.

In the parable of the two paths Jesus linked the bane to the path, and not to men. Through a careful reading of the parable is evidenced that the target is attached to the path.

Man is born for the first time according to the flesh, the blood and the will of man, IE is bound to the port (Oj 1:12). It was not God who established that the man would be raised in sin, before when Adam disobeyed, subjected himself to the condition alienated from God (SIN) and dragged all its descendants to the same condition. The wide door appeared in Adam, sinned and sold all its descendants to sin, so that when you come into the world, no man is free from sin.

The entry of men into the world by the wide door was linked to the first father of mankind, as Sunrise of meat is the only means of the man entering the world your first father sinned, and your interpreters have prevaricated while blatantly defying against me (43: 27; The 6: 7). To enter by the door wide man has no choice, as well as those who descended (children) of the slaves do not chose the social condition when they saw the world. That is, anyone who walks through the door wide chose to enter by it.

The figure is complete in itself, because the paths have a certain destination and immutable, however, men are not tied to a target, whether it is perdition or salvation.

Day in and day out, if a man want to get to a destination, not necessarily will have to choose which path to take, because the target is attached to the path. If a traveler wants to leave São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, will have to go through the Rodovia Presidente Dutra.

 

Through the parable of the two paths it is clear that God has predestined not anyone to eternal salvation or eternal damnation. When a new man comes into the world, not necessarily walks through the door wide and will be in a wide path that leads to perdition (1 Cor. 15:46).

Anyone who enters the world by Adam is predestined to eternal damnation, because it is the path that leads to destruction. The wide way has one target, IE is tied to a place. The place that the wide way leads is doom, different from the narrow path that leads to salvation.

Similarly, anyone who enters by Adam is predestined to salvation, since, for having entered the world through the door wide, is in a wide path that leads to destruction. The idea that there are men who see the world predestined to salvation fails to consider that all are trained in iniquity and conceived in sin, therefore, are born sinners and in the way of perdition.

However, if there was predestination to salvation, not necessarily the individual predestined couldn’t come to the world world by Adam. Would have to enter through another door, apart from Christ or of Adam, however, this port does not exist. To enter by Christ, first the man has to go by Adam, and after entering by Adam, you need to perform the work greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees, who is to believe in Christ, namely, being born again (Mt 5:20; OJ 3: 3 and Oj 6:29).

Who is born only once remains on the wide way, who is born again, i.e. the second time, gets out of the way of perdition and passes it to the path that leads to salvation, which is Christ.

Salvation and damnation are not destinations preordenados to men before they were born, on the contrary, salvation and damnation are linked to the way that men pursue after entering through the doors. Men access the ports one at a time and in the following order: first the door wide, after the close. To enter by Adam, is on the path of doom, by Christ, will be in the way of salvation.

 

Many enter through the door wide

When they are born, the men are on a path of doom (except Christ), however, they are granted the opportunity to enter by the narrow gate. All men come through the door and, to receive salvation, need to go through another door, so that to achieve eternal life, the men must go through two doors, i.e. two births.

As already stated, the fate of a path is immutable, that is, if there is some kind of fatalism or determinism expressed in Christianity, it rests solely on the way, never about travelers.

All men enter this world by Adam, and none of them are predestined to salvation. What the Bible demonstrates is that all who enter by Adam travels a wide path that leads to destruction. The two paths are tied to specific places (destinations) and immutable.

As perdition (destination, place) is tied to the wide way, and not to men, Jesus makes a solemn invitation, true and real to all men born of Adam: “Enter by the narrow gate” (Mt 7:13). This invitation demonstrates that it is possible to change the destination path to destruction for the new and living way whose fate is eternal life.

The wide door is figure of natural birth and the narrow door of new birth. The wide door back to the world living souls and the narrow door back spiritual men (1 Corinthians 15:45 -49). The new birth says a new generation from imperishable seed (Word of God), other than natural birth, which is due to the corruptible seed (1Pe 1:23).

In the parable of the two ports, port is the same as birth, so that all who are born of Adam, are the flesh and follow a path that leads to destruction. Similarly, all who come by Christ, are born again, are in a narrow path that leads to God.

Jesus said: “I am the door”! “I am the way”! First the man enters in this world by Adam, is then required to sign by Christ, being born again of water and the spirit. Christ is the path that leads man to God. Christ is the path that has the salvation as destination. Any who enter by It are in the path that leads only and specifically the God.

The path is narrow because few come by Christ, and the path is wide because there are many who enter through it. It’s not behavior, morals or character that qualifies the width of the path, but the amount of access. It is not the man who makes the wide or narrow path with their actions which causes the path is narrow? asked Augustine.

He even responds: the path is not close by itself, but we do so, by inflating our pride … ‘ Pearlman, Myer, Matthew, the Gospel of the great King, 1. editing, Rj, ed. CPAD, page. 42.

 

Path change

How to get out of the way off and enter the narrow path?

For the man be born again, you must first take upon themselves their own cross and follow after Christ, namely, to be born again you must first die (Col 3: 3). Without dying it is impossible to be born again I have been crucified with Christ; and I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; and the life that now live in the flesh live by faith in the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (GAL 2:20; Rm 6: 6).

It is evident that, among those born of Adam no one predestined to salvation, since, if not die and be born again, do not enter the Kingdom of heaven. However, those who enter in the heavens is the new creature, because the old generated in Adam is crucified and dead, showing that it is impossible to generated in Adam inherit salvation.

As someone born of Adam could be predestined to salvation, if before it is necessary to die?

If someone raised from seed of Adam were predestined to salvation, does not need to die with Christ. But, if it is necessary to die with Christ, of course no one is predestined to salvation. If there was predestination to salvation, it is certain that the man would not be subject to physical death: nor, nor to death with Christ.

The man who inherits the salvation in Christ is not the same that came to the world second Adam, because of the man who came to the world is only harnessed the mass, it is given a new heart and a new spirit. When the man dies with Christ, the vessel of dishonor is broken and made a new vase from the same mass. It is for this peculiarity which is impossible to man Adam generated have been predestined to salvation, it is necessary a new birth, a new creation, a new family, a new heart and a new spirit Or has not the Potter power over the clay, of the same mass make a vase to honor and another for dishonor? (Rm 9:21).

The man can take on two conditions:

1. a) lost, because when was born according to the flesh is carnal man, old creature, old man, old ‘ I ‘, land, etc., and:
2. b) except, since when is born again, crucified the old nature and was again created in righteousness and true holiness.

If the old creature is crucified and dies, it is certain that such an individual was not predestined to salvation.

I repeat, if the man was predestined to salvation would not need to die to be generated a new man.

The new man is created in righteousness and true holiness, different from the old man who was raised in iniquity and in sin (Psalm 51: 5). The new man has a new heart and a new spirit, therefore, has no link with the old man who inherited a heart of stone. The old man was not predestinando to salvation, it is necessary to crucificarem the old nature with their desires to be saved (Gl 5:24).

The idea that God has predestined some men to salvation and others to eternal damnation before coming to the world, not consistent with the positioning of the Bible, because if that were so, the men generated Adam predestined to salvation would not have to be crucified I am crucified with Christ; and I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; and the life that now live in the flesh live by faith in the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (GAL 2:20). As it is essential the crucifixion with Christ, there is certainly no predestination of individuals to salvation. As it is essential to die and be reborn, certainly the saved is not the same man who was born according to the flesh and blood, is a new creature (Oj 1:12 -13; 5:17 2Co).

The predestination which the Bible is to be son by adoption, which differs greatly from the idea of predestination to salvation (Eph 1: 5).

What does it mean to be predestined to son by adoption? Any that come through Christ and persevere in him won’t have another destination: is one of the sons of God (Rm 8:29). When the man enters by Christ, being born again, is destined to be a child for adoption, so that Jesus Christ is God’s firstborn among many brethren.

All who enter by the narrow gate, which is Christ, know God, or rather been known him (conhecertornar-if one body, intimate communion). So that Christ was raised to the position of the firstborn among many brethren, after die and rise again (once off introduced in the world being the only begotten son of God), all that came by Christ were predestined to be sons of God “because once he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rm 8:29).

Without the Church, the Assembly of the firstborn, there would not be as Jesus be the firstborn among many brethren. Depending on the purpose of make Christ preeminent in all, God created a new category of men like Christ, being himself the head. For the first-born be pre-eminent, there is the need of brothers like him at all. Between sublime, Christ is mui sublime. It is in this sense that God has predestined those who met the Christ to children by adoption, diverse subject the idea of predestination to salvation (Eph 1: 5).

All times the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of predestination, it does so in connection with the divine affiliation, so that any that come through Christ, God’s son is inexorably. There is another destination, or destination for those who enter through Christ: are children for adoption.

A bad reading of Scriptures that despises the fact that salvation is not the same as divine sonship will lead the reader to consider that the term applies to the salvation and predestination to damnation, however, the misapprehension occurs because it is possible to attain salvation without, however, achieving similar condition to Christ. Be similar to Christ is a condition unique to the that make up the body of Christ: the Church (1 John 3: 2).

Men saved in the Millennium will not be part of the Church, so that there will be children by adoption and nor will it be like Christ. The Bible shows that, in addition to being saved from damnation established in Adam, the believers have attained the similar position to Christ, children of God, participants of the Assembly of the first-born, to let Christ be the firstborn and has the preeminence among many brethren.

The condition of members of the body of Christ in the fullness of time (GAL. 4: 4), the Church is completely separate from the saved at other times. The big difference is in terms of membership. While the saved to the part of the Church are counted as sons of Israel, the Christians are counted as sons of God, as Christ is, Christians will see it and be like him. Because of this condition, to know: similar to Christ, the Church will be given the autonomy to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6: 2 -3).

 

The balance between the figures

There is a balance between the elements that make up the figures of the two doors and two paths. For example: As Christ is the head of a generation of spiritual men (servants of Justice), and is the narrow door; the wide door also refers to the head of a generation of men, however, of carnal men, servants of sin.

To better understand the figure of two doors, it is essential to understand that in Christ, God establishes his righteousness, so that, by the first Adam’s disobedience of the death penalty was imposed and all died. By the last Adam’s obedience, the resurrection came, therefore, all believers are made alive (2Co 15:21 -22).

However, if justice is in obedience to Christ and the injustice in Adam’s disobedience, God’s righteousness is obedience: Act replacement instead of disobedience.

However, those born of disobedience are children of wrath, of doom; already the children of obedience in Christ are God’s children.

The relationship between Jesus and Adam is sharp in Romans 5, verses 14 to 19: “However, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, which is the figure of him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. Because, if the offense of a killed many, much more the grace of God and the gift by grace, which is of one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And it wasn’t the dom as the offense, by one that sinned. Because the judgment came from a single offense, in fact, to condemnation, but the free gift came from many offenses to justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned for only this one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. As well as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one man’s righteous Act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. Because, as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous “.

 

The target is tied to the path, and not to men

Through the figures of the two paths, the paths are permanently coupled to a place, a destination. Through the figure of the two ports, we can see that the men are linked to a condition arising out of his birth: carnal or spiritual.

God will not change the destination of the paths (salvation and perdition) and not the condition resulting from the birth (SIN and justice), i.e. the place of perdition and resting place, and lost and saved. But, as the condition of birth can be changed, through the ambassadors of God pray, which men enter by the narrow gate porfiem by Enfiai by enter by the narrow gate; because I tell you that many will come, and will not be able to (Lc 13:24); Lucky that we are ambassadors of Christ, as if God for us rogasse. Please you, therefore, the part of Christ, that ye reconcilieis with God “(2Co 5:20).

The message of reconciliation is ambassadors of Christ (2Co 5:18). Reconciliation there is opportunity, and not Foreordination. In God there is freedom, because freedom is relevant to the spirit of God. If there is freedom on the spirit that gives life, certain is that nothing was foreordained regarding the future of men, demonstrating the sovereignty and the righteousness of God that nobody overwhelms The Almighty cannot reach; big is in power; but nobody overwhelms in judgment and grandeur of Justice (job 37: 23).

The man without Christ is separated from God in the light of the path, rather than a destination, sina, fate, predestination, Foreordination, etc. “because the Lord knows the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish “(PS. 1: 6); And your ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it, without you when neither to the right nor to the left (30: 21).

In eternity there is no salvation, if any, the fallen angels would be saved. In eternity God did not save nor save, for salvation of God is revealed for the time it is called today. Lost die following to the judgment of his works, as they are already under eternal damnation. But for those who die with Christ (when they believe), resurface a new creation where God’s purpose is fulfilled and move on to the participant eternity of life in God.

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“For he saith, I have heard thee in an acceptable time and I helped you on the day of salvation, Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6: 2)

 

The Eternal Purpose of God

What is the eternal purpose of God? The eternal purpose of God is man’s salvation?

The doctrinal errors that have arisen over the centuries about how is salvation in Christ is because they could not identify which is the eternal purpose of God. Did not consider the promise of salvation is not eternal, since the door of salvation, which is now open, the day will close.

The purpose of God in Christ yes, this is eternal because it started in eternity and be perpetuated in eternity. Although salvation grant eternal life to those who by it are achieved in eternity there is no salvation.

Paul presented the eternal purpose of God to Christians in Ephesus: “And unveiled to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which He purposed in Christ, to converge in Christ all things, in the fullness of time, both which are in heaven and that are on earth “(Eph 1: 9 -10).

God has made known his will (cracked the mystery hidden) that proposed and consented (good pleasure), to converge in Christ all things, both which are in heaven as those on earth, so that (goal) in all He is prominent (top, sublime, preeminent).

As God ‘cracked the mystery of his will’, is no reason for the argument that the man does not understand the questions about salvation by having a finite mind. As God unlocked the mystery of his will is because man is able to fully understand their purposes.

The eternal purpose of God is specific: the preeminence of Christ over all things “He is the head of the body, the church; is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might have the preeminence “(Colossians 1:18); “And so for now, the church, the manifold wisdom of God may be known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which he did in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph 3:10 -11).

The eternal purpose is according to the sovereignty of God, and can never be revoked or invalidated by any creature, since its purpose is not based on man or something that is fleeting. That is why we hear echo: “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God for us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Now, all the promises established by God, all meet in Christ, and He is fully committed to the glory of God that is revealed in those who are saved.

Confuse the purpose of God, which is eternal, and salvation in Christ, which is secular, has raised many doctrinal errors, for salvation is restricted to the time called ‘today’.

God saves man ‘today’, as a day of probation will close, and will be known (manifest) the judgment of God that was in Adam. Salvation is for eternity, but there is an eternal purpose to save indefinitely, since God will not save in eternity.

Salvation is for the time it is called ‘today’. The allotted time for the help of God is the ‘now’. However, the eternal purpose of God in Christ is for eternity, for the preeminence of Christ over all things is something relevant eternity.

 

The Eternal Purpose and Salvation

The eternal purpose that God established before the centuries times is the preeminence of Christ over all things. And what is the preeminence of Christ? The birthright of Christ among many brethren “… so that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom 8:29).

This is because, in addition to Christ to sit at the right hand of the Majesty on high, with all things under his feet, he was also made head of the church, which is his body. Paul shows that Christ is tied to his many brothers, so that the fullness of it fills all in all (John 1:16; Eph 1:21 -23).

To lead to the eternal purpose effect (after the counsel of his will), which is the preeminence of Christ over all things, was established in eternity the creation of man in the image and likeness of God.

It all began when he was told: “Let us make man in our image and likeness” (Gen. 1:26). The man was created perfect (image and likeness), with full freedom (From every tree thou mayest freely eat Genesis 2:16), put in a perfect place (Gen. 2:15), with a defined rule (not eat it) and essential knowledge to exercise their free will (surely die).

The man stopped trusting in God’s word and gave us his senses.

Eve saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eye and desirable to make one wise (lust), disobeyed God and ate of the tree, and gave Adam, forgetting that were warned not to eat (Genesis 3 : 6).

Man sinned and was devoid of life that is in God. He went on to be (separate) dead before God. Ceased to be a partaker of life there and comes from God, establishing the enmity between God and men.

However, the fall of Adam was not an obstacle to the eternal purpose, because according to his providence, the Lamb of God was slain before the foundation of the world in redemption of mankind (1 Peter 1: 9 -20).

All who obey the truth, that is, who believe in the gospel message, not according to their works of righteousness, but according to his own purpose and grace that is in God, are again generated spiritual men, to a living hope (1 Peter 1 : 3 and 23).

Salvation in Christ is announced to all men lost in Adam, and all who accept wonderful salvation are regenerated (recreated), according to God in true righteousness and holiness.

The eternal purpose was not stated in the carnal and earthly men, but that purpose is established in the spiritual men and belonging to heaven (1 Cor 15:45 -49).

The new man was created at peace with God, the image and likeness of him who again produced them according to the word of truth, that is incorruptible seed “is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly “(1 Cor 15:48 -49).

God saved men after his wonderful virtue (mercy) and grace “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light “(1 Peter 2: 9). He saved and post in Christians the word of reconciliation. Save was not enough, because according to the eternal purpose (which is the preeminence of Christ), He chose (elected) the saved, not unbelievers, according to His grace to be blameless and holy before him.

God saved men according to His grace and according to his eternal purpose (the preeminence of Christ), and then received by the children, according to what was predetermined ante hand. All who believe in Christ are saved and receiving divine sonship, that Christ is the firstborn among many brother. That is, if someone does not want to be a child of God must reject the gospel of grace, since all who are saved in Christ will not have another destination: are children of God according to His eternal purpose: the preeminence of Christ as the head of the church.

Now the election and predestination are according to the eternal purpose of God to converge in Christ all things. Different is salvation, which is according to His mercy, grace and love. In love, grace and mercy God rescues all men from the bondage of sin condition, and, according to his eternal purpose, these men are made sons of God, that Christ is the firstborn among many brethren.

 

Salvation

Jesus’ ministry was to seek and to save that which was lost “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). According a’visão ‘monergistic, we can consider that the’ elected ‘and’ predestined ‘, ultimately never lost.

The theology of free grace shows that the lost never had a chance to be saved, and the chosen and predestined, never had the opportunity to get lost. Now there is a big contradiction between what Jesus said, and they preach the supporters of free grace, since Jesus came in search of what had effectively lost, and they demonstrate that some never lost, for God saved them by election and predestination before they are lost.

However, what we see in the scriptures is that all men were lost, and that Christ came to get them and save them.

It appears from the text, which effectively men were lost in Adam, and that Jesus came in search of the lost, not saved (Luke 19:10). In other words, Jesus was not in a make-believe, looking for someone who was apparently lost, but which ultimately was never lost, as the theological preach the followers of ‘free grace’.

Jesus came to save men lost as a result of a previous conviction. No contradiction! First the men lost in Adam, and then be offered by God free redemption.

God never sent men to hell as the basis of their sovereignty, like a tyrant. Before, all the men were tried and convicted in Adam. According to the condemnation in Adam is that men follow to destruction.

But God loved the world so that he gave his only begotten Son, since all were under condemnation. Now all those who die without salvation revealed the righteousness of God, for the condemned to eternal death follow “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust, inflicts wrath “(Romans 3: 5).

Now the love of God in giving His Son does not invalidate his righteousness and justice: it is not because Jesus died as a ransom for all men, that those who are under condemnation will not be punished. God is no respecter of persons, the soul that sins shall die, and the culprit will not be held guiltless.

The love of God is evident from the offering of Christ on Calvary’s cross. Much more evident is love because He died for sinners. Believers is offered a new life, because “life” inherited from Adam does not hold the judgment of God: to die and be buried with Christ.

God is just, and all who are born according to the will of the flesh, blood will and the will of man, the share of earthling man nature, and are therefore condemned before God for disobedience of Adam “For as by one offense came to judgment upon all men to condemnation … “(Rom 5:18).

The salvation is offered today (now), since:

• tomorrow does not belong to man;
• the judgment has already occurred and all men are condemned, and needs salvation ‘today’;
• if the conviction was in the future, only after the conviction was right offer redemption;
• before the world was there was no offer of salvation, not by election and not by predestination.

It would be counter intuitive God grant salvation to man in order a judgment and a conviction that had not occurred. But Jesus came to seek that which was lost, because all along turned aside, there was none to seek God.

If salvation is according to election and predestination, the day on a timely manner would be in eternity, before the world was. As the ‘reasonable time’ can be today if the election and predestination is before the world began? As God is ‘here and now’ the day of salvation, if all born with a certain destination?

Jesus did not come to judge mankind because everyone was already under condemnation “Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man” (John 8:15). If Jesus declare judgment on men, would invalidate the judgment established in Eden “And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I do not judge; for I came not to judge the world but to save the world” ( John 12:47).

Jesus of course to demonstrate the conviction of the men he came to save: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already …” (John 3:18).

It is plausible to consider that God has determined those who would be saved before the world was through its sovereignty or its omniscience, if men had not yet lost?

Now Adam was free in every way, and if he had not eaten the fruit?

But God is knowing of all things by his omniscience, however, never force Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. How to determine before hand who would be saved if someone had not even lost?

Since God no one oppresses, we have the sovereignty and God’s omniscience does not take anyone to make decisions against their own will “By Almighty can not reach; is excellent in power, but no one oppresses in court and greatness justice “(Job 37:23).

God knew that man would sin, and sovereignly did not interfere with man’s decision. Rather, God opened a new door in Christ, the last Adam, so that the descendants of the first Adam realized through the gospel message that you must decide them for salvation.

Without oppress anyone to make choices, sovereign God continues the eternal purpose to converge in Christ all make amends. That complain the man? Of his own sins! But as God predestined man to destruction, and yet the blame?

Man was created destined to sin? She was not given free will?

Now what we see is that the election and predestination refer to the eternal purpose which is the preeminence of Christ over all things, and not with regard to salvation.

Salvation is for those who are lost. Salvation (is after the destruction) is after the destruction, according to the eternal purpose, which is prior to destruction. According to the eternal purpose the Lamb was slain, that he received glory and honor above every name “What with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength and honor, and glory, and blessing “(Revelation 5:12); “And loved it all that dwell upon the earth, whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life who was slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13: 8).

Salvation is not by the Lamb offer, if not all alike would be saved. The lamb supply is according to the eternal purpose, that Christ would receive power and honor above every name that is named.

Salvation is for those who become partakers of flesh and blood of the Lamb, for by faith die, are buried and resurface with Christ a new creature “For to this that Christ died and rose again, and lived again, to be Lord of both the dead and the living “(Romans 14: 9).

The death and resurrection of Christ were to establish his lordly about dead and living. But the resurrection is that the lost are refreshing “There is also like figure now saves us-baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ “(1 Peter 3:21).

God did not save anyone in eternity, for salvation is for the time of men called ‘today’. ‘Now saves you’, that is, God in eternity not determined and not predestined anyone to salvation.

The apostle Paul in interpreting announced by the prophet Isaiah, who said, “Thus says the Lord: In an acceptable time I will hear thee, and in a day of salvation I will help you, and keep you, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to the land restaurardes … “(Isaiah 49: 8) shows that here and now is the accepted time of God. That is, he did not accept anyone in eternity as says ‘monergistic vision’ or ‘gospel’ second Calvin and Arminius. If God had predestined or chosen some to salvation, ‘behold, here’ would not be the time of salvation (2 Corinthians 6: 2).

This shows that in eternity established the eternal purpose of God that in all things Christ had the preeminence. According to his eternal purpose, those who believe in Christ for salvation, that is, accepting drinks the water is a source welling up to eternal life are elected and predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ, co-heirs with Christ, He and firstborn among many brethren.

In eternity there is no salvation, if any, the fallen angels would be saved. In eternity God did not save nor save, for salvation of God is revealed for the time it is called today. Lost die following to the judgment of his works, as they are already under eternal damnation. But for those who die with Christ (when they believe), resurface a new creation where God’s purpose is fulfilled and move on to the participant eternity of life in God.

That is why the apostle Paul in writing to Timothy demonstrated that God saves us in time which is called ‘today’, in acceptable time. You need to give ear to the Eternal Father invitation that the gospel presents: “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts …” (Hebrews 3: 7).

The voice of the Spirit resonates ‘today’, and those who listen can accept it or not. But those who hear and do not resist the Spirit are saved. The saved are called with a holy calling, according to the eternal purpose which is the preeminence of Christ, and are made children of God, holy and blameless “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began “(2 Tim 1: 9).

The ‘election’ is according to the eternal purpose and the ‘grace’ is granted according to Christ. But both the grace and the eternal purpose are before the world began, since they came from Christ.

God saved Paul and Timothy according to the power that is in the gospel (2 Tim 1: 8), because we know that the gospel is the power of God for all who believe (John 1:12; Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:24).

The apostle Paul had an argument to those who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, which is also valid for monergistas: “If men I fought against the beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die “(1 Cor 15:19).

This argument is entirely relevant! As it is impossible to expect someone in Christ according to monergistic view, if there is no way to determine who is or is not predestined to salvation? The recommended is to eat and drink, for if you are one of those chosen for salvation will be saved. But if you do not have such luck, at least not lived in search of a dead hope.

Beloved, let us consider what the Spirit says. “For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts …” (Psalm 95: 7 -8).

The riches of grace are granted to members of Christ’s body according to the purpose that God purposed in Himself to converge all things in Christ (Eph 1:10; Eph 3:11). By establishing Christ as the head of the body, which is the church, all things converge to Christ because of the children of God like Him, Christ is prominent: the head.

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“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11)

When we understand the real meaning and all the nuance there in the redemption of man, we find that define God’s grace only as ‘unmerited favor’ it constitutes a reductionism. Only emphasize that salvation is unmerited favor does not show the elements that make up the amazing grace of God that is revealed in Christ.

The reductionism occurs when we helped him only the meaning of the Greek word ‘charis’, which by itself does not show the greatness of salvation in Christ. There is some significance in the fact that it appears that, at the time of Homer, the term ‘charis’ meant’ sweetheart ‘or’ attractive ‘, and over time, the term has evolved to’ please ‘,’ good will ‘,’ goodness’, but that’s not all.

Only enumerate the number of times the word ‘charis’ appears in the New Testament also does not show the theme idea, before the primary is to consider the term in context, especially when used in connection with the idea of redemption.

It is understood that the term free is used to describe God’s willingness to be favorable to men, although they are not worthy, as we read, “Do not treat us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Ps 103 : 10), however, as the grace of God shall be without blemish the righteousness of God, few know how this ‘transaction’ occurs.

As God has shown favor to sinners without compromising judgment and justice? How can He be just and the justifier?

 

“To show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom 3:26)

fall

To measure how is the amazing grace of God is necessary to remember that all men have fallen out of favor because of one man who has sinned – Adam. Because of the offense of Adam all his descendants were made sinners, that is, born alienated from God, apart from God, unfit for His glory (Romans 5:12, 19; 1 Cor 15:21).

The misfortune that befell mankind did not take moral issues before the trespass of the one man who sinned. This means that men have become sinners (in other words, children of wrath, children of disobedience) to be descendants of the flesh of Adam, not by their drawbacks conduct in everyday social relations.

Because of Adam’s membership, all men are trained in sin and conceived in iniquity (Psalm 51: 5), so that, from the womb are separated from God, hence the name ‘wicked’.

When the Bible says that men are ‘sinners’ shows that all the children of Adam are ‘wandering’ from birth (Ps 58: 3).

In a single event (the offense of Adam), all mankind together strayed and became filthy “They have turned aside all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one “(Psalm 53: 3). Now, the interpreter needs to find good, have very clear that men do not ‘do’ unclean because they are robbers, murderers, detractors, homosexuals, liars, jealous, etc., because before all ‘together’ are heirs of the penalty imposed on Adam .

than just show up through the following statement: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). Now, the wrath of God abides on men in not believing function in Christ, and not according to behave inconveniently.

anger

The wrath of God abides on those who do not believe, because who does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God remains son of Adam, therefore heir of wrath, a consequence of disobedience (Ephesians 2: 2 -3).

The term ‘anger’ should not be understood as an emotion or feeling angry from God. Just as Adam’s descendants are called ‘children of wrath’ to point them to the condition of subjection to sin, which does not mean that they are children of an angry feeling or an emotion, the wrath of God does not refer to a feeling before the fair compensation established for the children of Adam’s disobedience.

It is significant that, in the Bible, men are not called ‘sons of sin’, but are designated “children of disobedience ‘or’ children of wrath ‘. This is because the ‘membership’ involves two issues: a) nature, and; b) inheritance. The children are partakers of the nature and status of their parents and therefore is entitled to an inheritance.

When the Bible says that men are ‘slaves of sin’, and not ‘children of sin’ means that, despite being ‘stuck’ to the landlord of sin, there is the possibility of being free. But if the Bible said that men are ‘children of sin’, would mean that there would be no possibility of release of the children condition and, concomitantly, there would be like not receive the ‘heritage’ of this membership: anger.

Hence the maxim: ‘The son remains forever home, the slave does not’ that we abstract the answer Jesus gave to his interlocutors: “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. Now the servant abideth not in the house forever; the Son abideth for ever “(John 8:34 -35), and speech Sara,” she said unto Abraham, Cast out this handmaid and her son: for the son of this handmaid will not inherit with Isaac, my son “(Gen. 21:10).

This is a sad description of how was the slave systems, since the slaves was not assigned any good or homestead, before what was liquid and certain slaves was death. Only death freed the slaves of their masters, as well as her husband’s death becomes free the woman (Rom 6: 7; Romans 7: 2).

When it is said that men are ‘children of wrath’ means that there is no escaping the condition that it is relevant and not the ‘heritage’ that fateful receive. When it is said that men are ‘slaves of sin’, the story changes, because there is still hope: the possibility to get rid of the slave condition.

Adam was not generated from sin before God created. When he sinned, Adam ceased to be free and went to the slave condition of sin. One can not say that Adam is the son of sin because, in fact, it was created by God forbid. The form of a servant came only when the offense, and therefore death.

Regarding the existence, Adam was created by God. About sin Adam became servant. Regarding the anger has become child because according to the offense would not pass him the established penalty: death. As death is certain, the man is taken by children of wrath, for it can not get rid of the penalty established as a result of disobedience.

The possibility

But as the man no longer is possible ‘sinner’?

As slavery is a picture of subjection of man to the landlord of sin, the answer to the man leave the bondage of sin is dying!

In antiquity, the slaves who did not reach freedom during the course of its existence only would be free from the yoke of bondage when they died, because they were trapped for life to their owners because of the law. Only the death of the slave bondage cut the link established by law, and only the death of a spouse interrupts the wedding bond “Know ye not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives “(Rom 7: 1).

The fear of death was what kept the slaves subject to servitude for life, since the preservation instinct of self existence spoke louder. It was enough to give out of their lives to get rid of serfdom, however, the fear of death which prevented “And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb 2:15) .

Death is different from down to dust

The man is dead for disobeying what was established in Eden: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat; for in the day you eat thereof, you shall surely die “(Genesis 2:16 -17).

When Adam ate the fruit of the knowledge of good tree and died immediately of evil, that is, communion with God was cut and became subject to a new master: sin. The man (male and female) died to God, the one person who had communion.

After the man had died to God, God established the pain in the woman’s conception and that man would eat the sweat of his brow until he returned to the dust of the ground, being established physical death, when men lose communion with your loved ones .

While in Eden before the offense, Adam was alive to God and sin had not yet entered the world. After sinning, Adam died to God, and went to live in sin. Those who live to sin are dead to God, and vice versa. If the man go down to the dust without Christ, will forever be separated from God.

fair Enough

When the Bible says that God is just, to say that God is the absolute measure of righteousness and equity. This attribute is observed by several factors such as:

1. a) God does not lie;
2. b) God does not change;
3. c) The culprit is not held guiltless;
4. d) The penalty is merely the offender’s person;
5. d) Do not accept bribes;
6. e) His laws are expressions of His nature;
7. f) No one oppresses.

The righteousness and justice of God was found in the Eden when God gives a commandment to the first man in a perfect place, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of good and evil knowledge, you shall not eat ; for in the day you eat thereof, you shall surely die “(Genesis 1:16 -17).

The commandment in Eden is holy and just and good because it was implied freedom of man (Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat …), and the care of God (… but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day you eat thereof, you shall surely die).

The order prohibits the man of the tree of knowledge of good and evil for the consequences (surely die), and not by oppression. The commandment was intended to preserve the freedom and the communion between the Creator and the creature, impart the necessary information so that the man could be guided.

The word of God is the true expression (of what is real, what is effective), so that when a man has exercised its freedom and ate from the tree of knowledge, the consequences been affected: the man has become alienated from God (dead) and, depending on what was intrinsic to the tree of knowledge of good and evil the man has become like God (knowledge of good and evil).

God is immutable, can not lie and His word will not return void “In hope of eternal life, which God, that can not lie, promised before the world began” (Titus 1: 2); “If we are faithless, he remains faithful: he can not deny himself” (2 Tim 2:13).

If God returned back on his word remaining in communion with the man after the offense, God would not be strong, faithful, just and immutable. First for failing to comply with his word being firm and faithful. Secondly, due to the first, would be overwhelming the man who, by eating of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil tree, clearly demonstrated that he did not trust in God and did not want to remain in communion with him.

Keep the man in communion after the offense would be arbitrary and oppressive from God. If the penalty was not applied the word of God would cease to be true, so it would be trustworthy. As trust who did not order his word

justice

As the man disobeyed, the penalty could not pass the man, as if another suffer the penalty in place of the transgressor there would be justice because correct is the soul that sins suffer the consequences “And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, I will blot out of my book “(Ezekiel 32:33); “The soul that sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20).

It is for this reason that God says, “Keep thee far from words of falsehood, and not kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked” (Ex 23: 7). If God declared the just wicked, would never be fair.

Note that God never exterminate the righteous with the wicked when you run judgment: “far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, that the righteous should be as the wicked, far from thee not the Judge of all. the earth? “(Genesis 18:25).

Now, before approaching the solution given to the condition of man in subjection to the gracious way of sin, first it is necessary to understand how you solved the problem of God declare righteous the wicked “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness “(Romans 4: 5).

Before God justify man first met His righteousness “To show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom 3:26). What justice was satisfied? The established by law granted in Eden that is holy, just and good, because it follows that the soul that sins shall die. Hence the maximum: the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and as all sinned by being in the thigh of Adam, all were subject to sin, because of death “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law “(1 Cor 15:56).

Since Adam sinned and sin entered the world, all are dead in trespasses and sins, because all sinned. All men are alienated from God, and if go down to the dust, following the judgment of the great white throne lost for all eternity (Eph 2: 1; Rom 3:23; Rom 5:12).

This reality was described by John the Baptist in this way: “And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10), one rereading the words announced by the prophet Isaiah: “A voice said, Cry; And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all its beauty as the flower of the field. Dried grass, and the flower falls, blowing it the Spirit of the Lord. Surely the people are grass. Dried grass, and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever “(Isaiah 40: 6-8).

Without exception, all the descendants of Adam are subject to the penalty established in Eden, alienated from God, so are torn: “But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Mt. 15:13).

The first action of God just to redeem man was to replace Adam’s disobedience by the obedience of the last Adam (Christ). Without the act of substitution: obedience for disobedience, there would never be justice and redemption, for a disobeyed and many have sinned, it follows that if one obeyed, many would be justified (Rom 5:15). If one brought death, only for it would be possible to abolish the death establishing life “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and brought to light life and immortality through the gospel” (2 Tim 1:10).

Without the act of substitution, obedience for disobedience, there would never be a means of salvation that does not rescind righteous nature of God “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Rom 5:19).

This replacement act, obedience for disobedience, could only be made by someone free of sin, as well as free was the first man. To be the act of substitution, the Eternal Word that was with God and that everything created was made flesh and dwelt among men. In all became like men, subject to the same afflictions and weaknesses (Heb 2:18).

Adam disobeyed in a perfect environment contradicting a single order: “… you shall not eat. ‘The eternal Word when in the flesh, despite the sufferings, weaknesses and temptations fulfilled all righteousness, ie abrogate anything the law or the prophets (Matthew 5:17). The obedience of Christ is demonstrated in the fact that he died in the order of the Father and of death cross “And being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, death on a cross” (Phil 2: 8; Heb 5: 8).

By solving the problem of justice through the obedience of Christ (Heb 10: 9 -10), since Jesus was obedient in all, through the flesh of Christ, God opened a new and living way which the man had access to he “by a new and living way opened for us through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Heb 10:20).

The way was opened through obedience, and not because of a sacrifice, because of Christ God said, “So, coming into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body hast thou prepared me” (Hebrews 10: 5). It is a mistake to understand that salvation was due to Christ volunteer to offer his body in sacrifice for Christ body offer the actually took place in obedience to the command of the Father. Salvation is given by obedience of Christ, who according to the will of the Father poured out his soul unto death “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself;. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it This command I received from my father “(Jn 10:18).

When you hear the good news of salvation and believe that Jesus is the Christ, the sinner dies with Christ and is buried. The penalty established is but the offender’s person, as to believe took up his own cross and follow after Christ. By believing in the gospel the sinner becomes a partaker of flesh and blood of Christ, so that is in accordance with Christ in his death.

But the obedience of Christ replaces the disobedience of Adam, and the flesh of Christ has become a new and living way of free access to God, through the death and resurrection of Christ. What still needs to man’s redemption?

Missing man die in sin satisfying the provisions of law granted in Eden.

If the man falls to the dust without believing in Christ, goes to eternity lost, but if the man believes that Christ is the Son of God according to the Scriptures, dies with Christ and is buried with Him (Romans 6: 3 -8) .

In the death of the sinner to Christ’s righteousness commandment in Eden is satisfied, because the death of Christ is substitutionary only in relation to the cross of Calvary, however, all believers become partakers of flesh and blood of Christ, ie effectively crucify the body of sin and its lusts, die and are buried.

But as it is established that the man must die, that God is just and his word stand firm when man believes in Christ dies and is buried with Christ.

The man who was alive to sin and dead in trespasses and sins to God after dying with Christ, shall live unto God. The believer in Christ dies to sin, so the righteousness of God is established and the man is freed from his former master, sin.

The amazing grace

“To show in the coming ages the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2: 7)

The Christian must understand how significant is to have no contradiction between grace and justice of God. In our days are few Christians who can discern good that there is no contradiction in just God declare righteous the wicked.

It is the word of God that guarantees justification to those who believe in Christ, however, there would be some injustice in God if there were no redemption for man. Again, when a man dies with Christ, the righteousness of God is satisfied, because it fulfills the word that was established: “… surely die,” and there would be some injustice if only the community was established in eternity and not the man risen with Christ.

This is where the grace of God is wonderful evidence, as to believe in Christ the man alienated after death makes deserved to have fellowship with the Creator, that is, quickened and rises a new creature in Christ to be “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved), and raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus “(Eph 2: 5 -6).

When the believer dies with Christ, the body is dead, because the bond with sin is only broken by the death of those who served sin, however, although the body was crucified, is quickened by the Spirit of God “And, if Christ is in you, the body indeed is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him that raised up from the dead Jesus is in you, he who from the dead raised Christ also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you “(Romans 8:10 -11).

Hence the Pauline considerations: “For the love of Christ compels us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, therefore all died” (2 Cor 5:14). The body belonged to sin to have been generated corruptible seed of Adam to be crucified (by faith in Christ) is cause for abandoning the old man and the bond break with sin (Romans 6: 6). All who believe actually die with Christ, so that no one should refer to the second relevant issues flesh of sin (2 Corinthians 5:16).

It was common for Christians remember the man Christ, however, did not understand that the man who was crucified, God highly exalted him, gave him a name which is above every name, subjecting Him all things (Hebrews 2: 8).

It was common to early Christians make reference to questions of meat, such as: – “I am a Hebrew of Hebrews”; Other: – “I am Roman blood, not because I bought Roman citizenship”; And still those: – “I am aware because the philosophy has its birthplace in Greece”, etc.

Hence the imperative: to no one according to the flesh, for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ, a new time and a new life, so there were no more Jews, Greek, slave, free, male, female, etc. (Gal 3:26 -29).

The body belonged to sin is also called vessel unto dishonor, will the vessel prepared for destruction (Romans 9:21 -22). Now every man that cometh into the world go by Adam, the wide door, created out of clay by God’s power, however, because of Adam’s seed, the end product of clay (vessel) is dishonor, as in Adam vessels are to wrath fitted to destruction.

Note that when the apostle speaks of the creative power of God to bring man into existence emphasizes that God has power over the clay, not on the vessel. About clay God has power, and makes vessels to honor and dishonor, but what determines the honor and dishonor of the vessels are created: the first and the last Adam – Adam and Christ.

The amazing grace is that God, having power over the clay, using the same mass as the vessels to dishonor were created to make vessels unto honor. The body of sin that was to be ruled by the spirit of God that dwells in it, it becomes a vessel of mercy, created to honor “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? And What if God, willing to show his wrath and to make known his power, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And that he might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory “(Romans 9:21 -23).

To resurrect those who believe in Christ God creates (bara) fair, and then declares what is the condition of the new born: Fair. Therein lies the essence of justification: God only declares the righteous man when man is created anew in righteousness and true holiness (Eph 4:24).

The old man is never justified (declared righteous), because God never justifies the ungodly. However, when a man dies with Christ the righteousness of God is satisfied, and the power of His word, which is incorruptible seed, God makes his plantation that will never be uprooted, for the word of God abideth for ever, as well as that the word are generated (Mt 15:13; 1 Peter 1:25; 1 John 2:17).

The riches of grace

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men …” (Titus 1:11)

 

After emphasizing the need for Christians to have an acceptable behavior in society, that is, carrying up so as not to give scandal to Jews, Greeks nor the church of God, the apostle Paul gives the reason: the grace of God in Christ brought salvation to all men!

Christians should not be cause for scandal (shame) and should not be ashamed of the gospel, the testimony of Christ (2 Tim 1: 8), it is through the gospel, which is the power of God and the word of reconciliation, that man is saved “… by the power of God that saved us …” (2 Timothy 1: 9); “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth …” (Rom 1:16); “That is, God was in Christ reconciling the world, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

When we speak of redemption, salvation, justification, sanctification, forgiveness, new life, regeneration, we approach the amazing grace of God in Christ Jesus demonstrated, for graciously man is called (καλέσαντος / Kaleo) out of darkness into the marvelous light of God, and those who believe are transported out of darkness into the kingdom of the Son “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2: 9); “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of His Son love” (Col 1:13).

Many are called (κλητοί = cognate term derived from Kaleo) but few are chosen, ie, many hear the gospel invitation, but few are those who hear and believe. Many are asked to enter through the narrow door, but there are few who meet the call (Mt 7:13).

All that we address here refers to the amazing grace of God, announced from the Old Testament, which is participating all men at all times believe in God who announced redemption “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered “(Romans 4: 7).

But those who believe during the time called fullness of the Gentiles (Rom 11:25), or the fullness of time (Gal 4: 4; Eph 1:10), and the wonderful grace, there are the riches of grace, for it is given to believers an inheritance. In addition to the believers in Christ are saved by God’s mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewal in order that they were declared righteous, we were also heirs of God, coerdeiros with Christ (Titus 3: 7; Romans 8:17; Romans 8:32 ).

The call (κλητοί = cognate term derived from Kaleo) the gospel is an invitation to salvation, and saved in Christ by the power of God (Gospel) are ‘called to a holy life’ (καλέσαντος κλήσει). The call through the gospel was given the fullness of time, since the call to a holy life occurred in eternity (before the world began).

While the call for gospel seeks the salvation of man, the holy life has in view the very purpose that God purposed in Christ.

The wealth of grace is that all who believe in Christ, and are transported to the kingdom of the Son, no longer have another destination unless they are children of God so that Christ might be the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:29) .

According to the eternal purpose that God purposed in Christ to make Him firstborn among many brethren is that God established before the world began (predestined) that all who were partakers of flesh and blood of Christ through the church, would be conformed to the image of Jesus, that is, like Him (1 John 3: 1 -2).

God not only predestined members of Christ’s body, the church, as elected them also before the world began to be holy and blameless before God (Ephesians 1: 3). Of condemnation, God’s children are susceptible because they are partakers of the divine nature (1 Peter 1: 4).

Now, the riches of grace are granted to members of Christ’s body according to the purpose that God purposed in Himself to converge all things in Christ (Eph 1:10; Eph 3:11). By establishing Christ as the head of the body, which is the church, all things converge to Christ because of the children of God who are like Him, He is prominent: the head.

Religions seek to show that man is a sinner through moral and legal issues, but the Bible shows that all became sinners because of a single offense “And when He comes, He Will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment “(John 16: 8).

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Many Christians do not know if they are saved, insecurity that comes from certain doctrinal positions, or do not understand some bible verses.

Verse containing warning in caring for the salvation seem to outweigh the guarantees contained in the gospel of salvation, and many doubt they are really saved.

Understanding the warning contained in the following verse: “Not every one that saith unto-me, Lord! enter the kingdom of heaven, but He Who does the Will of my Father Who is in heaven “(Mt 7:21).

Given this verse, many doubt their salvation and Wonder about the possibility of being deceived because they believe they are saved. Beyond doubt, are still the masters of pseudo Christianity that use the verse only to instill fear in people, but also do not understand the truth contained therein.

When Jesus Said, ‘Not every one that saith unto-me, Lord, Lord, ‘ was talking to a crowd demonstrating that, just do not call him Lord, before it is necessary to do the will of God in order to enter heaven.

Jesus explained his listeners about what it takes to have assurance of salvation when He demonstrated his listeners to say ‘Lord, Lord’, does not guarantee salvation. The assurance of salvation is to do the will of the heavenly Father. Jesus demonstrated not only what does not guarantee salvation and left by man has to decide for yourself what is the will of God. Do Not! Jesus came into the world to do the Father’s will and declare unto man what is God’s will to be done by man to attain salvation.

What is the will of God that the man perform, guarantee entry to heaven?

Some preachers, in possession of this verse arrematam saying such words have targeted those Who ‘profess’ publicly with his lips who believes in Christ, but never became genuinely claiming to confess that he believed in Christ does not yield salvation if the penitent not obey God doing his will, which is confusing because it does not clarify what the will of God, or worse, they claim that conform to behaviors established by the company as correct is to carry out God’s will.

One thing is certain: only enter in heaven who born again! Just enter in heaven who have work more than the scribes and Pharisees! Just enter in heaven who does the will of God! But the will of God is specific: they believe in Christ.

The work of God, or the commandment of God, or God’s will is summarized in the following sentence: “And this is his commandment: to believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as the his commandment “(1 John 3:23; John 6:29).

But if God’s will is that men believe in Christ when Jesus said he did not just say, -‘Senhor, Lord, ‘but it is necessary to do the work of God – the essence of Christ’s message is that believed n “He” Jesus answered and said to them: The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent “(Jn 6:29).

 

Do the will of God brings salvation, never the other way, that salvation results in doing the will of God. Buzzwords like, ‘You do not make God’s will for you to be saved, but shall do the will of God if you are truly saved,’ has a tremendous mistake.

Often the sinner hears that is sinful to have been generated from Adam and he needs Christ to be saved, and after the sinner believe that Jesus is the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world, has its confidence deconstructed according to argument that ‘the true fruit of salvation is to do the will of God.’ This is one of Satan’s devices which is the round about seeking whom he may devour. This is a mistake of perdition, for believing in Christ is God’s will, an essential condition to enter the kingdom of heaven, when the believer begins to be in Christ and Christ in the believer “And he that keepeth his commandments is therein, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us “(1 John 3:25).

To believe in Christ as the Christ of God who had come into the world is the same as being in Christ, therefore, who believes becomes a new creature, because just believe in Christ for man to fulfill the commandment of God.

When the Philippian jailer asked the apostle Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved, the response was specific and categorical: believe on the Lord Jesus! “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house “(Acts 16:30 -31).

Who believes that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world “Who is it that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5: 5). To admit that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that God raised him from the dead is salvation “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved “(Romans 10: 9).

When you believe in Christ, that is, when does the will of God, man shall be connected to the true vine. Being a stick attached to the vine is impossible not bear fruit “Abide in me, and I in you; As the branch itself can not bear fruit if it is not in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches; who is in me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing “(John 15: 4 -5, 1 John 3:25).

When Jesus says, “Abide in me and I in you, ‘he was saying -” Do the will of the Father “; – “Believe that I am the one sent by God”; – “Perform the work of God” because whoever believes in Christ shall be in Christ and Christ in the believer. To be in Christ enough to believe in Christ (John 14: 1), for this is God’s command that results in salvation, since Christ was sent by God so that everyone who believes in him may not perish before have eternal life (John 3:16).

The fruit that produces the believer is to profess the name of Jesus as savior of the world “therefore let us offer to God for him sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). Do the will of God is to believe in Christ, and the fruit of the believer is to profess Christ, the fruit of lips, which is not the same as’ fruit of salvation “(Heb 13:15).

The commandment is to believe in Christ, the fruit is to announce the good news of the gospel, because the fruit is the seed that produces life. It is a grotesque mistake to confuse the fruit of lips to the commandment of God.

The evidence of salvation is that God raised His Son from the dead, and that everyone who obeys God by believing in Christ is saved, for his commandment is to believe in Christ.

If the Christian believes that Jesus is the savior of the world, the Son of God born in the house of David, who lived a sinless life, died and rose from the dead and is seated at the Father’s right hand on high, is saved, as we read “who promised before through his prophets in the holy scriptures, Concerning his Son, born of the seed of David according to the flesh, declared Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord “(Rom 1: 2 -4).

Do not let someone else examine the authenticity of your salvation before prove, analyze yourself if you remain believing in Christ, for He is the faith that was to manifest and we were manifest (Galatians 3:23). If the believer remains believing that Jesus is the Christ according to the Scriptures says, is approved before God.

If someone tries to put in doubt the salvation of those who believed in Christ, just do the recommended by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians Christians: “Examine yourselves, whether in the faith; prove your yourselves. Know ye not your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? If you are not already deprecated “(2 Corinthians 13: 5).

It is for this reason that the believer should interirar than reached after hearing the gospel and believe in Christ “Who ye also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; and, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise “(Eph 1:13).

Now, if the Christian does not know that is in Christ and Christ is in him; is known that is a new creation to be in Christ; it is unknown which is the temple, the indwelling Spirit of God; it is unknown which is the body of Christ; is known that is light in the Lord; it is unknown who is the son of God; is unknown who was baptized into Christ’s death; is known that already risen with Christ from the dead; is known that the Father and the Son came and did it address any question from the antichrist demoverá such Christian faith and will be found disapproved “Examine yourselves, whether in the faith; prove your yourselves. Know ye not your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? If you are not already deprecated “(2 Corinthians 13: 5).

The Christian who does not understand that the will of God is to believe in Christ, or who does not understand that believing in Christ is sufficient to result in salvation, is comparable to the seed fallen by the way side, susceptible to the evil come and snatch the seed, as we read in the parable of the sower: “when anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart; this is what was sown by the wayside” (Mt 13:19 ).

If the believer believes that:

1. Was a sinner because he was a descendant of Adam, because it was generated in sin (Rom 3:23);
2. Jesus was sent into the world to save mankind because everyone was alienated from God because of the offense of Adam (John 3:16);
3. Jesus is the eternal Word who was in the beginning with God (John 1: 1 -2), and being God, emptied of its power and glory and became a man (Phil 2: 7);
4. Jesus was introduced to the world as the only begotten Son of God generated in Mary’s womb by the Spirit of God (John 1:18; Mt 1:18);
5. Jesus lived among men, was a participant in all afflictions, yet was without sin (Hebrews 2:17);
6. Jesus was crucified, died, was buried and rose again the third day and is seated at the right hand of God in the highest (Rom 1: 3 -4), means that repented, ie, that its design was changed, transformed by the message gospel and effectively saved.

There is a misreading of what is genuine repentance that also blurred the understanding of many Christians. Repentance according to the bible says to change the design of understanding. When Jesus tells the Pharisees: “… unless you repent, all likewise perish” (Luke 13: 5), was demonstrating that despite thinking he was in prime condition before God for being descendants of Abraham, in fact, it did not change the design they had, perish the same way as those nations that the Pharisees had just issued a judgment.

Repentance is not confess mistakes and crimes. Repentance is not going to a confessional. Repentance is not penance up. Repentance is not remorse. Repentance, ‘metanoia’ in Greek, is bound to have a concept to embrace a new understanding.

The Pharisees believed it was saved by being descendants of Abraham, but if a Pharisee repent, should replace the concept that was saved by being a descendant of Abraham by the idea that salvation is in Christ, the descendant promised to Abraham. This is why John the Baptist said to the scribes and Pharisees – “Repent. That is, change the design of you, for to be saved not just think of your father Abraham, because the stones God can raise up children to Abraham “; – “Change the design of you, for the kingdom of God is within you.”

Say: – ‘Lord, Lord’, is behaving as some Jews who claimed to believe in Christ (John 8:31), but when questioned, presented their real belief, “We are Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to no one; how sayest thou, Ye shall be free “(John 8:33)?.

Although many Jews believe in Christ, to create their own way, because they understood that Christ was of the prophets, or that it was only a son of Joseph and Mary. They did not believe in Christ as the promised descendant of David; did not believe that Christ is superior to Abraham; did not believe that Christ existed before Abraham; did not believe that Jesus is the I Am (John 8:53).

The Jews believed in God, however, did not obey Him, so Jesus said to his disciples: “Believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14: 1). The protest of James and the positioning of the Jews is clear: “You believe that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19). But why James protested this way? For the commandment of God that men believe in Christ, and who actually believe in God, must believe in Christ “And Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that me sent “(Jn 12:44). If you do not believe in Christ, does not actually believe in God “that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him” (John 5:23).

Believing is enough and believe is required for the salvation of the soul. When someone claims to be saved ‘is not appended believe, before there is a specific belief’ back only obstacle to understanding.

What is the kind of belief that is for the salvation of the soul?

Now, believe that Jesus came in the flesh is the kind of belief that is for the soul salvation, but believe that Jesus did not come in the flesh is a lost belief fostered by the antichrist “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ came in the flesh This is the deceiver and so the antichrist “(2 John 1: 7; 1 John 4: 2)..

Believe that Jesus was crucified, died and rose from the dead is the kind of belief that results in salvation of the soul, but believe that Jesus did not die or do not rise from the dead, is the kind of belief that no free from condemnation (1 Cor 15: 3 -4).

Believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God, is the kind of belief that is to salvation, but to deny that Jesus is the Christ is the kind of belief that does not yield salvation.

Believe that Jesus is the Eternal, the same yesterday, today and forever, is the kind of belief for salvation, but believe that Jesus is an angel or archangel, does not yield salvation.

Confess, admit that Jesus is the Son of God is the kind of belief that results in salvation but believe that Jesus was born of Mary and Joseph is the kind of belief that is not the truth of the gospel, therefore, does not yield salvation.

Believe that Jesus performs miracles, which is one of the prophets, the greatest teacher ever, which is the greatest psychologist, the kindest man who ever passed through the land, which solves problems thousand, etc., is not the kind of belief that results in salvation, but is saved who believes that Jesus is the Son of God who has the words of eternal life “In fact, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life “(John 5:24).

The Jews stumbled over the stumbling block because they did not recognize that Jesus was the son of David, so the Son of God, the heart of Christian confession “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). If accepted that Jesus was the Son that God promised David, concomitantly have to admit, according to the Scriptures that Jesus was the Son of God (2 Sam 7:13 -14; Psalm 2: 7). Sister confession of Lazarus, Martha, was in line with the declaration of the apostle Peter, “she said unto him, Yea, Lord: I believethat thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world “(Jn 11:27).

The conversion of man follows the preaching of the gospel message, similar to what happened with the people of Nineveh who, hearing the prophet Jonah’s message, converted (Luke 11:32). The conversation has no relation to the type of program that the Christian watch on television; in the costume of the man or woman; with physical appearance; with hair, whether short or long; with ornaments, earrings, perfumes, etc., before the conversion is tied to the confession of the gospel.

Another mistake resulting from a misreading of Scripture is the idea that a person can only truly believe when ‘regret’ sense regret, remorse, sorrow for errors committed conduct. Now, ‘repent’ is the same as believing in the truth of the gospel, for believing in Christ for salvation is possible only when man abandons (metanoia) their own concepts as salvation.

For example: When the evangelist Matthew tells the parable of the two sons told by Jesus to the Pharisees, it was shown that the publicans and the harlots believed in the message of John the Baptist, but the religious, despite seeing such Wonder, believing sinners, have not changed the design to believe in the message of John the Baptist “… not later repented believe him” (Mt 21:32).

One evidence that the Pharisees did not believe the word of John the Baptist is that they have not changed the confession, because despite hearing that the kingdom of God is at hand, kept saying that they were descendants of Abraham. If there were repentance, no longer to refer to Abraham and would confess that Jesus is the Christ.

The Pharisees did not repent (metanoia) Because they believed and did not believe because not changed the conception they have learned from their parents (not repented). Care must be taken not to confuse ‘metanoia’ (repentance) with the Catholic conception of indulgence derived penance that still permeates the meaning of the word ‘repentance’.

To be saved is necessary that the Holy Spirit convict the man of sin, righteousness and judgment. The conviction of sin that the Holy Spirit does not promote stems from legalistic, moralistic or formalistic issues. The conviction of sin that the Spirit Sato promotes awareness is according to the Scriptures, that:

– Man is sinful because of Adam’s disobedience; that the offense of Adam brought judgment upon all men to condemnation.

– The judgment of God has been established in Eden, bringing condemnation upon all men.

– The righteousness of God is an act of substitution, the obedience of Christ by the transgression of Adam, not by behavioral issues.

Religions seek to show that man is a sinner through moral and legal issues, but the Bible shows that all became sinners because of a single offense “And when He comes, he will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment “(John 16: 8).

When one believes in Christ, man passes from death to life. When it is believed, the man enters through the narrow gate. When it is believed, the man goes to be in Christ, the narrow way that leads man to God. Just being in Christ that man has become separated from sin and united with God.

Man is saved by the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.

When we say that man is saved by faith, we are saying that man is saved through the gospel, because the gospel is the faith delivered to the saints, as was manifested in the fullness of time (Jude 1: 3; Galatians 3: 23).

Man is saved by the hearing of faith, which is God’s gift. When the man heard the gospel and believed, obeyed the faith, giving you power to be made a child of God (John 1:12). The belief (faith) genuine results from the works that Jesus did at Calvary (obedience) which resulted in his resurrection from the dead.

To be saved is to believe that Jesus died for sinners to redeem them from condemnation inherited from Adam.

However, thousands, maybe millions of religious, who are members of churches, said that invoke the Lord, will be shocked when they are rejected by God. How come? Because some believe in Christ in their own way, and not according to the Scriptures “And Jesus went out, and his disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and the way he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and others, One of the prophets “(Mark 8:27 -28). Others because they have not wholly believing in Christ according to the Scriptures, before vanished in their own concepts, rejecting the truth of the gospel “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise “(Hebrews 10:35 -36), for Christ’s promise is specific to those who believe in his name:” And this is the promise he made us, even eternal life “(1 John 2:25); “To him give all the prophets witness, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43); “Yet to all who received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

Believe that Jesus is the Son of God is sufficient for salvation, however, is necessary to keep this confidence to the end, as this is the admonition of the Apostle Paul “By which also ye are saved, if you hold fast as I will give you announced if that is not believed in vain “(1 Cor 15: 2). Once you have done the Will of God, that is to believe in Christ, Just enduring to the end to achieve the promise, eternal life!

The purpose of the gospel and of the Scriptures is that man may believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name “(John 20:31)

God saves men at all times, but none of them can take to himself the honor of being conformed to the image of Christ but those who were oriented by God: the church. It is the body of Christ that the manifold wisdom of God is manifest to the principalities and powers in heaven, for the purpose set out in making Christ preeminent among many brethren like him is revealed in the church (Eph 3:10 -11).

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 

The Greek verb translated “predestinate” is προορίζω (proorizo), and means “to decide beforehand” “beforehand Mark”, “foreordain”.

The term serves to point safe condition established by God in eternity. All who believe in Christ as the gospel truth are born again through the incorruptible seed (1 Pet 1:23), and when clothed with the imperishable, as will be the express image of the glorified Christ “Beloved, now we are children of God, and yet not appear what we shall be. But we know that when he appears we shall be like him; because we shall see him as he is “(1 John 3: 2).

The man comes into the world by the will of the flesh will of the man and the blood bringing in himself the image of Adam, the earthly man (John 1:12; 1 Cor 15:48), and only when they believe in Christ are generated new will of God according to the truth of the gospel, therefore, new creatures, and when it goes the coating on the imperishable, all new creatures have the image of the spiritual man, who is Christ, the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:48 -49).

The predestinate term is used in the New Testament to refer to the destination that is unique to spiritual men. Christians are predestined by God to be conformed to the very image of Christ.

God established beforehand that Christ would have the firstborn among many brethren position, most excellent condition that the Only Begotten, allocating those who are part of Christ’s body for this purpose “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren “(Rom 8:29).

The man Christ was the only begotten of God introduced into the world at all like men to be merciful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17) and could experience death for everyone (Heb 2:14).

To be killed and resurge, Jesus was glorified the firstborn from the dead position, and took over the position firstborn among many brethren, since it led to the glory of God many brethren (Heb 2:10).

Glorified Christ is the express image of God (Heb 1: 3; Col. 1:15), and inherited great name that is above every name (Philippians 2: 9), and He the head of the body, ie, the church , the fullness of him who fills all in all (Eph 1:23). Christians turn resurfaced with Christ and are members of his body, which is the church (Col. 3: 1).

It is not yet clear how they will be saved (1 John 3: 2), yet we know that all will be saved as the image of the glorified Christ, so that this glory that will be revealed in the Christian is the creation groaning as if in pain of delivery due to the expectation awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God (Rom 8:19 -21)

When clothed with immortality and incorruptibility (Rom 8:23), that is, when it goes the redemption of the body in the Rapture of the Church, saved in Christ will reach the condition expressed by God recorded there in Genesis: – “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness “(Gen. 1:26), because along all begotten of God according to the truth of the gospel will be similar to the glorified Christ, and He, in turn, the express image of the invisible God (Colossians 1 : 19).

The purpose of God is eternal, and your purpose for being eternal rest on Himself, and not in his creatures, that were created, therefore, are not eternal “known unto us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure quepropusera in itself … “(Eph 1: 9).

And what was this established purpose ‘Himself’? Make the Only Begotten Son firstborn among many brethren like Him so that in everything he might have the preeminence “According to the eternal purpose which has in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph 3:11); “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom 8:29; Col. 1:18).

Although many children have been taken by Christ to the glory to carry out the eternal purpose (Hebrews 2:10), the scepter of God’s purpose is the Christ, that is, His purpose was established in Himself (Eph 1: 9 ).

In Son of meat body God has gathered all things (Col 1:20 -22), and God highly exalted him (Phil 2: 9), subjecting all things to his feet and, above all things (Col. 1: 23), was also constituted as head of the church, the firstborn among many brethren (Eph 1:22).

It is necessary to understand to what extent the glory of the church as the body of Christ, since Christ was put above all principality, domain, authority, power, etc., and above all, was made head of the church, so the church will be above all principality, dominance, authority, power, etc. “Having lit the eyes of your mind, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his right hand in heaven above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the next; and put all things under his feet, and on all things be the head of the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all “(Eph 1: 18-23).

In eternity, before the world was, God established that his word should be exalted above all things (Ps 138: 2), and Christ has been exalted, because to be entered in its glory became very high and sublime (Is 52: 14).

To make Christ the firstborn would be necessary to generate many brethren. To make it head, a body, the church would be necessary.

It was in view of the purpose set forth in Christ that God saves the descendants of Adam through the preaching of the gospel, for those who believe are given the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

The lost in sin is announced salvation in Christ’s name, as those who eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ become partakers of Christ, that is, are made members of Christ’s body.

Those who are saved through the gospel are called with a holy calling, that is, according to the purpose established in Christ before the world began “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began “(2 Tim 1: 9).

By being in Christ, that is, a new creature, the Christian is predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ, which effects the purpose of God in Christ, to make it firstborn among many brethren, the very sublime head of the body.

The vocation in Christ was established in eternity based on the purpose established in Christ, so that Grant the new creature’s Grace be participating this purpose in being children or members of the body is Grace that does not follow our works.

The apostle Paul shows that the body of Christ Who plants and He who waters there is no difference, although each individually receive his own reward according to his work “Now he who plants and he who waters are one: and every man shall receive their reward according to his work “(1 Corinthians 3: 8).

This means that every Christian Will be rewarded according to the good and evil which has made in the body (1 Cor 3:13 -14; 1 Cor 9:17; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Col. 3:24), but the grace to be counted as a child of God to be in Christ Jesus is grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began because of the purpose that God has in Christ.

The vocation according to God’s purpose established in Christ before the world began is award that is only given to those who are in Christ, that is, new creatures generated again according to the word of truth “press toward the mark for the prize of the calling of God in Christ Jesus “(Phil 3:14).

You can not confuse the gospel call to the vocation according to the eternal purpose, for the vocation according to the eternal purpose is for a specific group of people (all Who believe in Christ), while the call of the gospel is universal (many) and is targeted at all lost because of Adam’s disobedience, but lost that meet the call are few (Mt 7:14), hence the fact that few in the chosen condition “for many are called, but few are chosen” (Mt 22:14).

About the universal call of the gospel the apostle Paul says, “For whom we have received Grace and apostleship, for aobediência the faith among all nations by name, among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ” (Rom 1: 5).

The need for obedience to the word of faith is proclaimed to all nations (Acts 15:14 -17), and among all nations Christians are called to belong to Jesus Christ. After they heard the gospel message of salvation and believed in Christ, Christians began to ‘being in Christ’, that is, new creatures were made “In whom ye also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; and, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise “(Eph 1:13).

Salvation in Christ is invitation extends to all men in all nations and while it is called today “Look unto-me and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is no other “(Is 45:22),” Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live, because with you I will make an everlasting covenant, the firm mercies of David giving you “(Is 55: 3) ; “(For he saith, I have heard thee in an acceptable time and I helped you on the day of salvation, Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)” (2 Corinthians 6: 2).

Have the vocation according to the eternal purpose took place in eternity, before the world was (2 Tim 1: 9). In eternity was established Christ preeminent among many brethren, above all things the head of the Church “And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning and the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18).

To carry out his purpose, God created Adam, the first man after the image of him that was to come, the man Christ Jesus (Romans 5:14).

Satan, in turn, realized that God would give the man a position superior to the angels, the position like the Most High, it brought reaches it to be in a position above the other angels (Isaiah 14:14).

The position that Satan coveted, Jesus Christ rising from the dead to reach, since it satisfied the likeness of the Almighty, the express image of God (Ps 17:15).

All who believe in Christ, die, are buried and resurface with Christ a new creature in the likeness of his resurrection (Romans 6: 5), and have no other destination that is not according to the express image of Christ that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and, above all things the head of the church.

All Christians are already glorified (John 7:22; Rom 8:17; Rom 6: 4 -5), as already raised with Christ (Col 3: 1) and are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 1: 3; Ephesians 2: 6; Heb 4: 3).

During the believer’s pilgrimage of time, all are roused to remain in this Grace and grow in the knowledge of the gospel, so that through knowledge comes to the measure of the stature of Christ – Perfect Man – though all in Christ shall be able to the inheritance of the saints in light “Until we all reach unity in the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of Christ” (Eph 4:13; Col 1:12).

It is the redemption of the body that the believer will conform with the image of the risen Christ. Shall apply only when the mortal must put on immortality and what is incorruptible shall have put on immortality, what will happen with the rapture of the church (Romans 8:23).

The Greek term translated “predestinate” is used by the apostle Paul in Romans in connection with the likeness of Christ, which is Christ the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:29).

In the letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul uses the same term to remind Christians that they were blessed with spiritual blessings are in Christ, that is, because they are new creatures.

One of these blessings is the ‘predestination’ of Christians because they are in Christ, which makes them children of God by adoption (Eph 1: 4). Because they are new creatures, Christians were made a heritage, because the condition similar to the Son of God who were predestined results in praise of the glory of God (Eph 1:11 -12).

 

The vocation that rests on the members of Christ’s body to be conformed to the image of Christ is sovereign and irrevocable because in eternity God set before all things, that Christ was pre-eminent, the head of the body, all of which were conducted will glory through Christ would be like Him.

God saves men at all times, but none have been predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ but those who were oriented by God: the church. It is the body of Christ that the manifold wisdom of God is manifest to the principalities and powers in heaven, for the purpose set out in making Christ preeminent among many brethren like him is revealed in the church (Eph 3:10 -11).

While in eternity God sovereignly and irrevocably predestined those who at the time when called today to accept the salvation that Christ offers to be as the express image of the glorified Christ in the present time, which is called today, through their ambassadors, which is the church, God calls the lost that reconciled to God “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God for us begged Now we exhort you, therefore, for Christ, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5: 20); “(For he saith, I have heard thee in an acceptable time and I helped you on the day of salvation, Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)” (2 Corinthians 6: 2).

Those Who persevere in Christ are predestined to be conformed to the image of the glorified Christ “If, in fact, grounded and steadfast in the faith, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature which is under from heaven, whereof I Paul am made a minister “(Col 1:23).

While those who are ‘in Christ’ (new creation) will be as the Son of God’s image resurrected, to be ‘in Christ’ is necessary to achieve salvation lost obeying Christ today “And it is finished, became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him “(Heb 5: 9).

While the blessing of being conformed to the image of Christ is irrevocable those Who are in Christ, the grace of salvation through obedience to the gospel can be prevented “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Gal 5: 7).

Unlike the idea prolate by Calvinists and arminianistas, the Bible shows that no one comes into the world predestined to salvation, for all are conceived in sin (Psalm 51: 5), and must obey the form of doctrine proclaimed by Christ and the apostles “But thanks God you were slaves of sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were delivered “(Rom 6:17; Rom 10: 8).

Only after having heard the Word of truth, the gospel of salvation, and having believed in Christ that man is saved “Who ye also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; and, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise “(Eph 1:13); “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10: 9).

No one is born after the flesh predestined to salvation, but is necessary to hear the message of salvation and believe in Christ as the Scripture says, deciding for Christ during the acceptable time: today, enduring to the end believing “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned “(Mark 16:16; Heb 3: 6 and 14).

Only predestined those who love God, that is, those who obeyed the gospel, for only those who keep the commandments of God is to believe in Christ are called to be as the express image of Christ, for the purpose of this vocation is that Christ is the firstborn among many brothers like him “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28); “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21; 1 John 3:23) .

Only those who previously become one with Christ (known) through the gospel are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren “(Rom 8:29); “It is a faithful God, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 1: 9).

The Greek verb translated ‘know’ does not say ‘know about’, before speaking of intimate communion, to be one body with Christ “So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one the other “(Rom 12: 5); “And he that keepeth his commandments in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:24).

The call to communion promotes Son of salvation in the time it is called today, since the vocation to be conformed to the image of Christ took place in eternity according to the purpose that God has in himself, to make the glorious Christ and sublime very among many brothers like him.

What image and likeness which were awarded to Adam? The image and likeness of the immortal God who dwells in unapproachable light that Paul referred to Timothy?

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The birth of the first man has a widely used in scientific fictions ingredient: time.

God Said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and rule over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in his image; the image of God he created him; male and female he created them “(Gen. 1:26 -27).

Hence we must ask: which image and likeness which were awarded to Adam? God gave Adam the Express image and likeness of the immortal God who dwells in unapproachable light that Paul referred to Timothy “He that hath, he only hath immortality, dwelling in unapproachable l