Jesus Christ must be received
There is no hope for mankind except in receiving Jesus. We cannot continue to reject Him. We must receive Him if we are to find life. Salvation is only in Jesus. He who has the Son has life (1 John 5:12).
Those who receive Christ are given the power, right, and privilege to become sons of God
Only those who receive Christ are given the privilege to become the children of God. Salvation is when God’s enemies become His beloved children. This power is only given to those who receive Jesus.
Receiving Christ is by faith alone
Christ is received by faith. Jesus has done everything necessary for us to become the children of God. His saving work is received simply by faith. We must place the entirety of our beings upon the character, life, nature, work, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Receiving Christ is the New Birth
The receiving of Jesus Christ by faith is a miraculous change within the heart of a man. This miraculous change is called the New Birth (John 3:5-8). In the New Birth, everything changes (2 Corinthians 5:17). Not only is our standing before God changed, but everything in our life changes. Those who have received Christ have died and risen again as new creatures (Galatians 2:20).
The New Birth is brought about by God, not man
This miracle of salvation is brought about entirely by God. Man is not saved by his own power, will, effort, or works. Man is saved entirely by God. The New Birth is brought about entirely by God’s grace. Even the faith to receive Christ is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Application
We must turn from our rejection of Jesus (repent), and we must believe in Jesus if we are to have eternal life.
True saving faith will result in a changed life that brings forth good fruit.
The New Birth is always accompanied by saving faith. You cannot be saved and unbelieving at the same time.
In evangelism, we must trust in the One Who gives new life by faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. We must not try to manipulate men to make a profession of faith or decision of their will. God alone saves. We must give a clear command of repentance and faith, but our hope is in God Who raises the dead.
We must give God alone the praise for our salvation because He is the One Who brought it about.
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