Is this right or wrong?

Oftentimes, Christians are faced with a lot of what-to-dos and what-not-to-dos which can be really daunting or tricky in some instances. However, the scriptures give us a litmus test that can help to make the right decisions when faced with such situations.

2Tim. 3:15-16;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The Apostle Paul makes it clear here that salvation is through faith in Christ. A man who believes the gospel is saved (Jn. 3:16). It’s important to note that the bible is not a book for all purposes, the bible focuses on Christ – it is Christocentric, and must be handled as such.

Paul shows us that the scriptures are for teaching – that’s the word, doctrine. The way to properly handle scriptures is to explain not just merely quote. The explanation of scriptures entails reproof – it births conviction. More so, in the explanation of scriptures, we find correction – things are properly set right in our minds; of which the end result is instruction in righteousness – spiritual growth.

The preacher of the Gospel should consistently teach salvation through faith in Christ because therein is found sound doctrine.

1Tim. 1:2-3;
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

No other teaching is permissible but faith in Christ. Another teaching besides faith in Christ is ‘another gospel’. What ‘another gospel’ does is that it removes our attention from the grace that is in Christ.

Gal. 1:3-7;
3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

The way to know the doctrine of Christ is that it brings assurance, but another gospel brings fear, it will cause the hearer to be troubled.

See Acts 15:24;
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

The troubling will be with words – wrong teaching. These were people who taught something else outside the grace of Christ.

Trouble is the Greek word ‘Tarasso’, meaning to make anxious or perplexed. When troubled, you lose assurance. Instead of focusing on Christ and what he has done for you, you are now focused on yourself and what you can do. What Paul preached was what God had done.

God is not going to forgive, he has forgiven sins.

When Paul taught the scriptures, he said to comfort yourself with these words. It isn’t meant to trouble. Our assurance is eternal and it’s in the past tense of God’s word. We can be sure that we are saved. Nothing can take that away from us.

In Gal. 1:6, Paul rebuked the Galatian church for turning to another Gospel.

Eternal salvation is regardless of works. The moment man looks to himself, he has turned away from the grace that is in Christ. Salvation is what Jesus did and it is to be received not worked for. Anything that does not acknowledge faith in the Gospel is not of God.

Gal. 3:24;
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

2Cor. 5:19;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

The gospel saves sinners. When we go on evangelism, we preach the love of Christ. The love of Christ is what changes men’s lives. He did that by offering forgiveness.

Eph. 2:6-10
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

This is the blessedness that we have received in Christ.

Much more, one other beautiful thing about the gospel is that it not only saves but also births in us good works to walk in – it produces in us spiritual growth.  So, in Christ, you are a new creature, praise God! And you have also now been called to newness of life.

Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Exo. 13 – 15

TEACHING OF THE DAY
Spiritual Understanding