Salvation study featuring the gospels and Romans

 

         Here is a salvation study featuring differing chapters of the gospels which present powerful teachings including the need to forgive, repent and how Jesus is the bread of life and freedom to all those who believe. I am also including a powerful teaching from the epistle of Romans which also states how all have sinned and fallen short but what Jesus has done to enable our salvation too for those willing to accept the free gift of God.

I am starting this study with  Matthew chapter 18 which contains messages of salvation offense, and forgiveness, praying for one another, and the need to forgive one another, to be forgiven by the Heavenly Father. It is a powerful chapter with powerful lessons.

(Matthew 18:1)  At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

 

(Matthew 18:2)  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

 

(Matthew 18:3)  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

(Matthew 18:4)  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 

(Matthew 18:5)  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

 

(Matthew 18:6)  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

 

(Matthew 18:7)  Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

 

(Matthew 18:8)  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

 

(Matthew 18:9)  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

 

(Matthew 18:10)  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

 

(Matthew 18:11)  For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

 

(Matthew 18:12)  How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

 

(Matthew 18:13)  And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

 

(Matthew 18:14)  Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

 

(Matthew 18:15)  Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

 

(Matthew 18:16)  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

 

(Matthew 18:17)  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

 

(Matthew 18:18)  Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

 

(Matthew 18:19)  Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

 

(Matthew 18:20)  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

(Matthew 18:21)  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

 

(Matthew 18:22)  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 

(Matthew 18:23)  Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

 

(Matthew 18:24)  And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

 

(Matthew 18:25)  But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

 

(Matthew 18:26)  The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

 

(Matthew 18:27)  Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

 

(Matthew 18:28)  But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

 

(Matthew 18:29)  And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

 

(Matthew 18:30)  And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

 

(Matthew 18:31)  So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

 

(Matthew 18:32)  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

 

(Matthew 18:33)  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

 

(Matthew 18:34)  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

 

(Matthew 18:35)  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses

 

I am continuing this bible study with Mark chapter 4 which contain the parable of the sower who sows the word of God which is what this does, too. Also in this teaching is the parable of the mustard seed which also is related showing the seed growing into a big seed. Encouragement is given to Christians to share the word, too and at the end Jesus calms a storm at sea.

(Mark 4:1)  And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

 

(Mark 4:2)  And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

 

(Mark 4:3)  Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

 

(Mark 4:4)  And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

 

(Mark 4:5)  And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

 

(Mark 4:6)  But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

 

(Mark 4:7)  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

 

(Mark 4:8)  And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

 

(Mark 4:9)  And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 

(Mark 4:10)  And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

 

(Mark 4:11)  And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

 

(Mark 4:12)  That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

 

(Mark 4:13)  And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

 

(Mark 4:14)  The sower soweth the word.

 

(Mark 4:15)  And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

 

(Mark 4:16)  And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

 

(Mark 4:17)  And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

 

(Mark 4:18)  And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

 

(Mark 4:19)  And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

 

(Mark 4:20)  And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

 

(Mark 4:21)  And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

 

(Mark 4:22)  For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

 

(Mark 4:23)  If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

 

(Mark 4:24)  And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

 

(Mark 4:25)  For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

 

(Mark 4:26)  And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

 

(Mark 4:27)  And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

 

(Mark 4:28)  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

 

(Mark 4:29)  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

 

(Mark 4:30)  And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

 

(Mark 4:31)  It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

 

(Mark 4:32)  But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

 

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

(Mark 4:33)

 

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

(Mark 4:34)

 

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

(Mark 4:35)

 

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

(Mark 4:36)

 

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

(Mark 4:37)

 

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

(Mark 4:38)

 

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

(Mark 4:39)

 

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

(Mark 4:40)

 

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

(Mark 4:41)

 

Here are three powerful parable teachings in Luke 15 which illustrate how God really values the repentant sinner. First up is the parable of the lost sheep which shows how much God will pursue the lost and even backslidden and how heaven rejoices greatly when one sinner comes to salvation by repenting and believing in Jesus

(Luke 15:1)  Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

 

(Luke 15:2)  And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

 

(Luke 15:3)  And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

 

(Luke 15:4)  What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

 

(Luke 15:5)  And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

 

(Luke 15:6)  And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

 

(Luke 15:7)  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

 

Second is the parable of the lost coin where a woman searches diligently until she finds it and like the one with the lost sheep rejoices. Heaven also likewise rejoices over a repentant sinner who accepts Jesus

(Luke 15:8)  Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

 

(Luke 15:9)  And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

 

(Luke 15:10)  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

 

Lastly is the famous parable of the prodigal son which I personally believe not only refers to new converts but can refer to backslidden people who return to the Lord who would welcome them back like the father welcomes his son back. It is a powerful message which is illustrative of God’s tender mercy for all of us.

(Luke 15:11)  And he said, A certain man had two sons:

 

(Luke 15:12)  And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

 

(Luke 15:13)  And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

 

(Luke 15:14)  And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

 

(Luke 15:15)  And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

 

(Luke 15:16)  And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

 

(Luke 15:17)  And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

 

(Luke 15:18)  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

 

(Luke 15:19)  And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

 

(Luke 15:20)  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

 

(Luke 15:21)  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

 

(Luke 15:22)  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

 

(Luke 15:23)  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

 

(Luke 15:24)  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

 

(Luke 15:25)  Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

 

(Luke 15:26)  And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

 

(Luke 15:27)  And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

 

(Luke 15:28)  And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

 

(Luke 15:29)  And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

 

(Luke 15:30)  But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

 

(Luke 15:31)  And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

 

(Luke 15:32)  It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

 

John chapter 6 is the chapter where at the beginning  Jesus feeds the 5000 in a powerful miracle then tells the Jews how He is indeed the bread of life and that none and drink and that only through Him eating the bread and drinking the water can we then see life everlasting.

(John 6:1)  After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

 

(John 6:2)  And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

 

(John 6:3)  And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

 

(John 6:4)  And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

 

(John 6:5)  When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

 

(John 6:6)  And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

 

(John 6:7)  Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

 

(John 6:8)  One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,

 

(John 6:9)  There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

 

(John 6:10)  And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

 

(John 6:11)  And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

 

(John 6:12)  When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

 

(John 6:13)  Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

 

(John 6:14)  Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

 

(John 6:15)  When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

 

(John 6:16)  And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,

 

(John 6:17)  And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

 

(John 6:18)  And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

 

(John 6:19)  So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

 

(John 6:20)  But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

 

(John 6:21)  Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

 

(John 6:22)  The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

 

(John 6:23)  (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

 

(John 6:24)  When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

 

(John 6:25)  And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

 

(John 6:26)  Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

 

(John 6:27)  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

 

(John 6:28)  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

 

(John 6:29)  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

 

(John 6:30)  They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

 

(John 6:31)  Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

 

(John 6:32)  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

 

(John 6:33)  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

 

(John 6:34)  Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

 

(John 6:35)  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

 

(John 6:36)  But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

 

(John 6:37)  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

 

(John 6:38)  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

 

(John 6:39)  And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

 

(John 6:40)  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

 

(John 6:41)  The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.

 

(John 6:42)  And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?

 

(John 6:43)  Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

 

(John 6:44)  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

 

(John 6:45)  It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

 

(John 6:46)  Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

 

(John 6:47)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

 

(John 6:48)  I am that bread of life.

 

(John 6:49)  Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

 

(John 6:50)  This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

 

(John 6:51)  I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

 

(John 6:52)  The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

 

(John 6:53)  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

 

(John 6:54)  Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

 

(John 6:55)  For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

 

(John 6:56)  He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

 

(John 6:57)  As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

 

(John 6:58)  This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

 

(John 6:59)  These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

 

(John 6:60)  Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

 

(John 6:61)  When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

 

(John 6:62)  What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

 

(John 6:63)  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

 

(John 6:64)  But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

 

(John 6:65)  And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

 

(John 6:66)  From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

 

(John 6:67)  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

 

(John 6:68)  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

 

(John 6:69)  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

 

(John 6:70)  Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

 

(John 6:71)  He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

 

John chapter 8 is the chapter where at first Jesus deals with the Jews and a woman caught in the act of adultery but ends up releasing her as none of her accusers would stand there when challenged. Jesus then goes on to say how He can free people from all bondages for who the Son sets free is indeed free. He also promises no death (spiritual) for those who believe in Him, too in the discussion with the Jews following the encounter with the adulteress. Also note that as in chapter 5 with the guy healed Jesus also admonishes the woman not to sin any more.

(John 8:1)  Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

 

(John 8:2)  And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

 

(John 8:3)  And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

 

(John 8:4)  They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

 

(John 8:5)  Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

 

(John 8:6)  This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

 

(John 8:7)  So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

 

(John 8:8)  And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

 

(John 8:9)  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

 

(John 8:10)  When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

 

(John 8:11)  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

 

(John 8:12)  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 

(John 8:13)  The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

 

(John 8:14)  Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

 

(John 8:15)  Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

 

(John 8:16)  And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

 

(John 8:17)  It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

 

(John 8:18)  I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

 

(John 8:19)  Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

 

(John 8:20)  These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

 

(John 8:21)  Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

 

(John 8:22)  Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

 

(John 8:23)  And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

 

(John 8:24)  I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

 

(John 8:25)  Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

 

(John 8:26)  I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

 

(John 8:27)  They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

 

(John 8:28)  Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

 

(John 8:29)  And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

 

(John 8:30)  As he spake these words, many believed on him.

 

(John 8:31)  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

 

(John 8:32)  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

(John 8:33)  They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

 

(John 8:34)  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

 

(John 8:35)  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

 

(John 8:36)  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

(John 8:37)  I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

 

(John 8:38)  I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

 

(John 8:39)  They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

 

(John 8:40)  But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

 

(John 8:41)  Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

 

(John 8:42)  Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

 

(John 8:43)  Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

 

(John 8:44)  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

 

(John 8:45)  And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

 

(John 8:46)  Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

 

(John 8:47)  He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

 

(John 8:48)  Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

 

(John 8:49)  Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

 

(John 8:50)  And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

 

(John 8:51)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

 

(John 8:52)  Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

 

(John 8:53)  Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

 

(John 8:54)  Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

 

(John 8:55)  Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

 

(John 8:56)  Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

 

(John 8:57)  Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

 

(Joh 8:58)  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

 

(John 8:59)  Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

 

I am now concluding this teaching with a large group of verses from Paul’s epistle to the Romans which present the salvation message very powerfully. The teaching is finished by a prayer of salvation to invite Jesus in your heart to begin a relationship with God to which nothing can compare.

 (Romans 11:11)  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

 

(Romans 11:12)  Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

 

(Romans 11:13)  For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

 

(Romans 11:14)  If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

 

(Romans 11:15)  For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

 

(Romans 11:16)  For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

 

(Romans 11:17)  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

 

(Romans 11:18)  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

 

(Romans 11:19)  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

 

(Romans 11:20)  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

 

(Romans 11:21)  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

 

(Romans 11:22)  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

 

(Romans 11:23)  And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

 

(Romans 11:24)  For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

 

(Romans 11:25)  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

 

(Romans 11:26)  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

 

I am also adding this passage in Romans chapter 1 stating well my own feelings that I am not ashamed of the gospel and want to see the message of salvation shared so people can accept the same by faith so that people can know and be without excuse

(Romans 1:13)  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

 

(Romans 1:14)  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

 

(Romans 1:15)  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

 

(Romans 1:16)  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

(Romans 1:17)  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

 

(Romans 1:18)  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 

(Romans 1:19)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

 

(Romans 1:20)  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

I am continuing this  teaching with the passage in Romans 3 which states how nobody does righteously not even one person at all.

 

(Romans 3:9)  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

 

(Romans 3:10)  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

 

(Romans 3:11)  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

 

(Romans 3:12)  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

 

This next passage, also from Romans chapter 3 later on says while all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory they are then justified through grace and what Jesus did for them at the cross and this is through faith and it excludes boasting

(Romans 3:21)  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

 

(Romans 3:22)  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

 

(Romans 3:23)  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

 

(Romans 3:24)  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

 

(Romans 3:25)  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

 

(Romans 3:26)  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

 

(Romans 3:27)  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

 

(Romans 3:28)  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

 

(Romans 3:29)  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

 

(Romans 3:30)  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

 

(Romans 3:31)  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

 

The last 4 verses of Romans 4 also state how that righteousness is imputed to us for believing  in Jesus death for us and God who raised Him

(Romans 4:22)  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

 

(Romans 4:23)  Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

 

(Romans 4:24)  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

 

(Romans 4:25)  Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

 

This next passage of scripture which contains the last seven verses from Romans chapter 6 speaks of us being freed from sin to live righteous and as servants of God for the wages of sin are death (hell) but God’s gift is eternal life by Jesus

(Romans 6:17)  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

 

(Romans 6:18)  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

 

(Romans 6:19)  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

 

(Romans 6:20)  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

 

(Romans 6:21)  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

 

(Romans 6:22)  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

 

(Romans 6:23)  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

While we were yet weak and in sin God in love sent Jesus to die for us as stated in this passage in Romans chapter 5 as while one mad us all sinners through disobedience one’s obedience also brought all back to righteousness and also reminds us through the offense one many are sinners but through the obedience of one many more were made righteous

 

(Romans 5:6)  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

 

(Romans 5:7)  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

 

(Romans 5:8)  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

(Romans 5:9)  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

 

(Romans 5:10)  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

 

(Romans 5:11)  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

 

(Romans 5:12)  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned

 

(Romans 5:13)  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

 

(Romans 5:14)  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

 

 (Romans 5:15)  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

 

(Romans 5:16)  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

 

(Romans 5:17)  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

 

(Romans 5:18)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

 

(Romans 5:19)  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

 

The next passage here from Romans chapter 10 explains that the word is near us, how to be saved by confessing Jesus as Lord by mouth and believing that God raised Him from the dead and of the virtues of those who preach the gospel for faith comes by hearing the word of God.

(Romans 10:8)  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

 

(Romans 10:9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

 

(Romans 10:10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

(Romans 10:11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

(Romans 10:12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

 

(Romans 10:13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

(Romans 10:14)  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

 

(Romans 10:15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

 

(Romans 10:16)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

 

(Romans 10:17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

Here in these first five verses of Romans 5 we now have peace with God being reconciled by Jesus justified by our faith

(Romans 5:1)  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

 

(Romans 5:2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

(Romans 5:3)  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

 

(Romans 5:4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

 

(Romans 5:5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

Paul reminds us in the first two verses of Romans 8 that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus

(Romans 8:1)  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

(Romans 8:2)  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

(Romans 8:31)  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

 

(Romans 8:32)  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

 

(Romans 8:33)  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

 

(Romans 8:34)  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

 

(Romans 8:35)  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

 

(Romans 8:36)  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

 

(Romans 8:37)  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

 

(Romans 8:38)  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

 

(Romans 8:39)  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Finally in Romans 12 we are now to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and are not to be conformed by the word but transformed by the renewing of our mind. We also are now all part of one body and are encouraged to be diligent in giftings from God and loving to one another and not seeking revenge or retaliate but love our enemies and do good. The whole chapter is included for its powerful encourgements and advice for new believers.

(Romans 12:1)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

(Romans 12:2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

(Romans 12:3)  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

 

(Romans 12:4)  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

 

(Romans 12:5)  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

 

(Romans 12:6)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

 

(Romans 12:7)  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

 

(Romans 12:8)  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

(Romans 12:9)  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

 

(Romans 12:10)  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

 

(Romans 12:11)  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

 

(Romans 12:12)  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

 

(Romans 12:13)  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

 

(Romans 12:14)  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

 

(Romans 12:15)  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

 

(Romans 12:16)  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

 

(Romans 12:17)  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

 

(Romans 12:18)  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

 

(Romans 12:19)  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

 

(Romans 12:20)  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

 

(Romans 12:21)  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

The passages in this teaching above are there to show our need of a savior. As it is written God did love the world enough to send His only begotten Son- Jesus to die for our sins on the cross though He was nearly stoned in the gospel of John on two occasions. Jesus makes powerful points in these chapters about how He is indeed the one to take away the sins and also bring everlasting (eternal ) Life to all to all those who believe in Him. This was all done so the sins of man, which had separated man from God could be atoned for, which Jesus did by dying o0n the cross, and the love relationship with God then is thus restored. There is nothing like a love relationship with God at all, nothing can even come remotely close to it. I am now including a prayer which you can pray and then invite Jesus in your heart to begin this wonderful relationship to which nothing can compare. Please pray this prayer with me now.

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.

 

God bless you and yours