Devotionals

Scripture Reading: I Peter 3:15

We must never assume that everyone in this world is on his or her way to Heaven. There are many false doctrines, cults, and diversities of beliefs that do not acknowledge that one must be saved, having entered into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, in order to inherit eternal life. Also, not all forms of religion believe in Jesus as the living Son of God, the great Redeemer, and the sacrifice for all sin. Therefore, as born-again believers we should take into consideration the religious views of others and approach each person and situation prepared to give a scriptural foundation to questions about our faith.

First Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” And there will always be those who ask you why you believe as you do…believe me!

In John 3:1-7, a very knowledgeable teacher and ruler of the Jews besought Jesus on the secret to entering the kingdom of God. Jesus in His boldness replied, “Ye must be born-again.” Nicodemus again questioned Jesus, asking, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?”

Even this great ruler and master of Israel couldn’t comprehend the concept of salvation. When Jesus said, “Ye must be born-again,” He wasn’t referring to a physical birth. He was referring to a spiritual birth through regeneration. The kingdom of God is not attained through moral acts, gifts, or talents. The flesh is incapable of ever understanding or pleasing God.

Regeneration is an invisible work of the Holy Spirit. To be born again means “to be made anew from above”; it means to be made alive by the power and blood of Jesus Christ. It is clear from Jesus’ own words that until we are born-again, we are dead in trespasses and sin.

Nothing we do through the flesh can give us eternal life. Ephesians 2:3 says, “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Then, in verses 8-9, we are told: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” It is through the blood of Jesus that we have eternal life.

When Jesus died upon the cross for the sins of the entire world, His blood washed our sins away and gave us access to the kingdom of God. Without Jesus dying for our sins we would indeed be destined for hell. Ephesians 2:13 says, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” If you are not under the blood of Jesus Christ, then you have never been saved. You are still dead in trespasses and sin, and you have no hope of eternal life. If you are under the blood, then you are His eternally, and nothing can separate you from the love of God.

~Taken from Dr. Brenda J. Robinson’s “It Is Finished” Bible Study. To read more on “Our Eternal Position,” you may purchase this Bible study from our store.

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• Posted by: Dr. Brenda Robinson