"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." Gal 6:7
A deception occurs when someone allows you to accept or believe something that
is not the truth. Many in the world today have prayed what is called "the
sinner's prayer". (1 Thess 5:21)
If you were to spend time studying the Bible, which is God's word given to us
as instruction, you would find that there is no such thing as a sinner's prayer.(Matt
22:29)
Satan has deceived many people into thinking that they are saved, when in reality,
they will be lost! (2 Cor 11:14-15)
How do we know this? There is only one way to find out. The Bible is God's word
(John 17:17). It contains everything that we need concerning salvation (2 Pet
1:3). We must be careful not to add to it or to leave things out of it (Rev
22:18-19). Neither should we try to change anything that God's word has taught.
Because, the Bible teaches that God's word will last forever (as long as time
exists)(Isa 40:8).
The Bible is filled with warnings of what will happen to people who do not obey
the will of God. Everyone must be very careful to do all that God has commanded,
or they will not see heaven (Matt 7:21-23).
.
As we study this subject, we need to learn what an acceptable prayer to God
actually is. We need to see what kind of person can pray to God, and what kind
of person God will listen to.
It does no good to pray a prayer that God will not listen to. God reads the
hearts of people and knows their intentions and thoughts (Jer 17:10).
We are also taught in God's word that we must pray for those things which are
according to His will (1 John 5:14). If we ask for things which are not according
to His will; those things will not happen for us.
"We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone
is God-fearing, and does His will, He hears him." (John 9:31) This
verse teaches that only those who are obedient to God will be heard by Him.
What we must do is to make sure that we are being obedient.
How do we know what obedience is?
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God
as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of
truth."
(2 Tim 2:15). One version reads "Study to show yourself
approved…."
Only through a knowledge of God's instructions can a person learn what is necessary
to receive the grace that God has given (Tit 2:11).
God wants you to be saved.
"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of
the truth"."For there is one God, and one mediator also between God
and men, the man Christ Jesus,"
(1 Tim 2:3-5)
Jesus is the way, the truth , and the life. No one can reach heaven or God except
it be through Jesus our Lord and King (John 14:6).
God sent His Son to redeem us (John 3:16). Jesus died on the cross for YOUR
sins, not His own (Heb 4:15).
You must accept Christ on His terms. If you expect to be saved when this life
is over, you must learn what God requires of you and do it.
Do you want to be saved? Or do you want to take a chance? Why not be sure about
your salvation.
By Carey Scott
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