The Apostle Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes." (Romans 1:16) It is going to be a sad day for those who have been deceived into believing a false hope for the salvation of their souls. By studying the Bible and rightly dividing it, anyone can know the truth that will set you free. (2 Tim. 2:15)

We can be sure of our salvation by doing the things the Lord has commanded us to do. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent." (Acts 17:30)

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, "And they shall be taught by God. Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." (John 6:44,45,46)

Before anyone can be a child (Christian) of God, he must be properly taught by hearing the truth and learn what the Bible commands one to do to become one of the elect. God has given one way of becoming a Christian according to His purpose. The verses above refer to everyone who believes, all should come, all men everywhere, all, and God is no respecter of persons.

For those who obey the Gospel of Christ, it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. Do you believe you can be saved without hearing, believing, repenting, confessing that Jesus is the Christ and being baptized for the remission of your sins? These commands have been given by the Lord for people to obey in order to become a New Testament Christian. People today are not heeding to what the Lord is saying but letting their feelings and emotions be their guide.

Were you called by the Gospel or by some other way? The predestinated are the ones who obey the Gospel and do the will of the Father. Do you not fully understand the Plan of Salvation given by God? "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Rev. 22:14)

Man is given a choice to obey or reject the teaching of the Gospel. Hearing, believing, repenting, confessing that Jesus is the Christ and being baptized is a work of God and not of man. This is how one is raised to spiritual life in Christ Jesus. Jesus said, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other." (Luke 16:13) This servant sounds like he has a choice in the one who he would choose to serve. The Gospel is the power of God to salvation and a man has the choice to accept or to reject it.

If you have a question or a comment, please write Randall Phipps at Clintwood Church of Christ. P.O. Box 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228. Our web page is at clintwoodchurchofchrist.com