Lee McDowell Christian Ministries

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?

 Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man

be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into

the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:3-7

 

God’s Way of His Salvation

     Our Lord Jesus Christ made some very definitive statements about becoming a Saint (Christian) and receiving Eternal Life. Read the text verses (and John 1:11-12; 14:6 and Ephesians 2:8-9 below) carefully, and my further comments, and then if you need more explanation or answers to some questions please contact me or someone you know who can give you God’s wisdom and answers:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6

 

He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. John 1:11-12

 

For by grace are ye saved through faith;

and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

 

     Within these four passages is God’s Way of His salvation from our being a sinner. Many other scriptures show God’s Way to Eternal Life (Jesus) also. God tells us of our need for His salvation; that everyone will die the physical death, and then face the judgment of God. Some people call this salvation being saved. There is Truth in that, but I like to make it clear and complete that a New Spiritual Birth more definitely describes becoming a Saint (Christian) and knowing you have become one.

     So, let me share Truth shown four ways in the verses above: God’s salvation is…

• only through the Lord Jesus Christ (by His Grace) and His blood shed on His Cross.

• only through a new Supernatural Spiritual Birth…a Holy Spirit accomplished Spiritual Birth (this is being Born Again).

• only as a gift of God. A gift cannot be earned, cannot be worked for, cannot be achieved by any of our efforts…just received.

• it is a must…no way around it. Jesus pronounced it. Jesus provided for it.

 

     This is the New Birth (being Born Again). This New Birth is God’s Way of salvation. Think about this: birth brings life. The Spiritual Birth brings forth the Spiritual Life. Saints have it now, and it continues with God after the physical life is over. That is Eternal Life.

     Now, here is mankind’s basic dilemma…anyone who has not been Supernaturally Spiritually Born Again thinks the way to Heaven is a path of good works. However, God’s standard is perfection. Jesus Himself was perfect. And God says:

But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1 Peter 1:15-16

     Are you perfect? Are you holy? Does a sinner live up to that? Does a Saint live up to that? Well, we all know the Truth is that a sinner living a perfect life is impossible. But God sent His perfect Son to be the perfect substitutionary, all-sufficient atoning sacrifice for all sinners’ sin at His Cross of Calvary. And to give us the opportunity to BE Holy in God’s Eyes. You may not understand that, but it is God’s Truth.

      Full forgiveness of one’s sin can only come through a sinner confessing their sin, asking God for His forgiveness, receiving His Grace (His payment) by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and His death and shedding of His blood for that perfect sacrifice for one’s sin. Then the new Saint is perfect. Being made Holy in God’s eyes. That is known as receiving Christ. The Greek for receive/receiving in this manner is lambano. To take, to get hold of, to own.

     The perfection in a Saint is Holy Spirit and His Soul. A Saint with Holy Spirit functioning out of Holy Soul will yield perfection.

     Now good works do matter for a Saint (Christian), but only after salvation, not to escape God’s righteous judgment. Even after salvation, any good Spiritual works are of God through a Saint, His Grace.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus

unto good works, which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

 

     Is there a perfect prayer to pray for God’s forgiveness and gift of Eternal Life? Perhaps. But God knows a repentant heart and a sinner’s desire for trusting Christ for His salvation and His forgiveness. The following will help you with a righteous prayer if that is your desire:

     Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for dying upon Your Cross for me, a guilty sinner, shedding Your blood to pay the penalty for my sin. I ask You, Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me. I believe You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And there is no other. I desire to be Supernaturally Spiritually Born Again. I deny and cease from any self-effort to save myself. I can’t save myself. I call on Your mercy. I trust Your payment for my sin, and accept, and receive You gladly, as my Savior.

     Thank You for cleansing me and forgiving me of all my sin – past, present, and future. I believe, and by Your Holy Spirit now Living in me, KNOW I am redeemed, and You will never leave me nor forsake me. You are Lord Jesus Christ my Savior, my Lord, my God, my Life – forever! Amen.

 

     Just as you are Born Again by God’s Grace when you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His payment, you are kept by God’s Grace for all Eternity. Enjoy God’s Mercy, His Love, His Grace NOW and for all Eternity as a Born Again child of God, one who once WAS a sinner but is NOW a HOLY Saint (Christian).