In this article we will continue the review of an anonymous letter. "If I repent and there is no water available am I lost? [The bible states that in order for one to have his sins remitted he must 'repent and be baptized.' What I or anyone else might think about it does not change God's word, and that is so plain anyone can understand it.] If I repent and there is water with no Church of Christ to administer to me, am I lost? [The church does not administer baptism, man does.] And after I do all that you recommend you say I can still be lost, my bible says God Saves eternally, no strings attached, ['And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (Heb. 5:9). Check your Bible and see if it doesn't say the same thing as mine. The Lord said in Rev. 22:12, 'And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.'] And a member of your organization said to: unless you ask Gods forgiveness each night for your sins of the day die that way your are lost Does that sound like eternal Salvation??? Perhaps you of all people (a Leader) should study the Word some more & pray for Guidance. The lost just can't understand the workings of the Holy Spirit." It is not my organization, but instead it is the Lord's church. Therefore one must do what the Bible says. In Acts 8, we read of a man who had been baptized into Christ (v 13). "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, {19} Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. {20} But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. {21} Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. {22} Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. {23} For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity"(Acts 8:18-23). If Simon had refused to repent and pray to God, would he have been saved? Does God expect less of us today?
Then you state, "My Bible tells me, no man cometh to me except my father which Sent me Draw him." The next verse reads, "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me" (John 7:44-45). The one that is drawn to God is the one who, when he has learned the truth, obeys it. Paul said that the gospel is the power to save (Rom. 1:16) Jesus commanded the apostles to "...teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."(Matt. 28:19-20). "You don't just decide on your own to come & be baptized & be Saved. The Bible does not teach such. In all earnest Please think on these things." Joshua stated: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served...or the gods of the Amorites...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"(24:15). Man has the ability to choose his destiny. He can choose to be lost, or he can chose to be saved. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev 22:17). "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life"(Rev. 2:10). Please consider the scriptures given.
"If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11).
Don H. Noblin
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