SETTLED IN HEAVEN

INTRO:

1. Differences, disputes, debates, and disagreements are common among men in any walk of life.

2. Religious peoples of the world also hold to diverse views.

3. Controversies arise over doctrinal positions.

4. Sometimes, when discussions are conducted and conflicting issues are brought sharply into focus, some people may change their thinking, but in so many cases the differences are not really settled.

A. Some just agree to disagree.

5. Sometimes, when controversy rages over a long span of time, and there are strong feelings and reactions involved, someone will say:

A. "Why can't this whole matter be settled to the satisfaction of everyone?"

6. It seems that every time, following a public debate where the disputants have pressed their points and have exposed each other's arguments, a disappointed soul will say:

A. "That debate did not really settle anything."

7. It is true, that certain questions and issues may never be settled to the satisfaction of everyone involved.

A. But the fact remains: many things are settled so far as God is concerned.

B. The Psalmist put the thought in these words:

1) "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." Psa. 119:89.

8. The apostles preached the gospel "with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven", 1 Pet. 1:12.

A. Jesus told them before sending them out into the world:

1) "Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall hae been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Matt. 18:18 NASB.

a. From this, we learn that what the apostles preached was already fixed and settled in the mind of God in heaven.

b. The Holy Spirit revealed it to them.

c. They preached heaven's message, not some doctrine of human reasoning.

9. The New Testament reveals the things that are settled in heaven for the people of this age. Let us consider a few of them.

I. IT IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN THAT THE BLOOD OF JESUS SAVES. Heb. 9:14; Rev. 1:5; 1 Jno. 1:7.

II. IT IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN THAT FAITH IS INDISPENSABLE. Heb. 11:6; Eph. 2:8.

A. The salvation of the soul depends on ones faith based upon what is said in the Bible. Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:9.

III. IT IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN THAT BAPTISM IS FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. Acts 2:38; 22:16.

IV. IT IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN THAT BAPTISM IS A BURIAL IN WATER.

A. Some people argue about whether baptism is sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.

1. God settled that long ago for all who will follow His Word. Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:36-39.

V. IT IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN THAT CHRISTIANS ARE TO LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY. Titus 2:12;1 Jno. 3:7.

VI. IT IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A CHILD OF GOD TO FALL FROM GRACE. 1 Cor. 10:12; Heb. 3:12; 2 Pet. 2:20.

CONCLUSION:

1. Regardless of how unsettled we may be in our thinking, and no matter how many heated discussions we may have on certain subjects, the necessary truths for our salvation have already been settled in heaven.

2. Anyone who disputes these clearly taught truths, sets himself against God and he cannot win.

By Jim Sasser

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