Twelve Fundamental Doctrines of Biblical Christianity

Twelve Fundamental Doctrines of Biblical Christianity The Holy Bible. Nothing More. Nothing Less. Nothing Else. The written Word of God, the Holy Bible, advises all to: Search the Scriptures. (Jn. 5:39, 46-47; Acts 17:10-12) Study the Scriptures. (Prov. 15:28; 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15) Meditate upon the Scriptures. (Josh. 1:7-8; Ps. 119; 1 Tim. 3:13-17) By Robert E. Schoenle

Twelve Fundamental Doctrines of Biblical Christianity Special acknowledgment is gratefully given to Dr. Walter R. Martin, Director, and Gretchen Passantino, Senior Research Consultant, of The Christian Research Institute, for their invaluable contributions to this volume. Twelve Fundamental Doctrines of Biblical Christianity was first published in the booklet Soldiers of Christ Copyright 1976 and then as an appendix to the book, Warnings from Jesus by Robert E. Schoenle. Copyright 1990 GTI Press Chicago, Illinois All quoted Scripture is from The New Scofield Reference Bible. Copyright 1967 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Reprinted by permission The Charlotte Outreach 1825 Tamiami Trail A6, PMB 164 Port Charlotte, FL 33948 email: endtimewarnings@comcast.net website: www.endtimewarnings.net i

Table of Contents The Five Ages of Mankind p. iii Interpretation of the Holy Bible p. vii Preface p. x SUBJECTS: 1. The Holy Bible p. 1 2. The Lord Jesus Christ p. 2 3. God, the Holy Spirit, and the Triune Godhead p. 5 4. The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ p. 9 5. The Atonement p. 10 6. Man p. 11 7. The Soul/Spirit of Man p. 12 8. Physical Death p. 13 9. Hell p. 14 10. Eternal Punishment p. 16 11. Satan p. 17 12. Human Government p. 18 My Testimony p. 19 ii

The Five Ages of Mankind by Robert E. Schoenle INTRODUCTION God began time as we know it when He first created the angels and the heavens and the earth. (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:12-15) The concept or reality of time will cease to be when God destroys all that now exists throughout creation, along with all trace of sin and rebellion that occurred against Him. (2 Pet. 3:10-12) This will happen after the Great White Throne Judgment of all those people who opposed the will of God in whatever age they lived. (Rev. 20:11-15) Then God will create new heavens and a new earth and time as we now know it will forever cease to be. (Isa. 64:4; 65:17; 66:22; 1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1-5, 9-22:5) An age is a definite period of time during which those people who live are tested by God as to their obedience to some specific revelation of His will. In other words, an age is a distinguishable time period in the outworking of God's purpose! (Mt. 24:3; Heb. 9:26) These periods of time are also known, as economies or dispensations. The English word, age, is translated from the Greek noun, aion, which has various connotations, e.g., "a period of time, an age; perpetuity of time, eternity, forever." The word, dispensation, comes from the Greek word, "oikonomia," which comes from a verb meaning "to administer" or "to manage." (Lk. 16:1-2) There are five ages that are distinguishable and can be easily recognized in the Holy Bible! They each have a clear and definite beginning and a clear and explicit ending. No matter the age lived in, every human being is wholly and naturally responsible to God for what that individual thinks, says, and does. In The Numerical Bible by F. W. Grant, we are told that the fundamental thought, for the number, five, when used in Scripture is, "whole responsibility under God." Though salvation is always by God's grace, through faith alone, the purpose of each age is to place man under a specific rule of conduct for that particular period of time. The response of the individual to the revelation of the will of God is revealed by what is done in obedience or what is not done by way of disobedience. THE FIVE AGES The title of each age conforms to man's state of existence during that particular time period. The biblical account of the five ages are: iii

1. The Age of Innocence 2. The Age of Beginnings 3. The Age of Law 4. The Age of Grace 5. The Age of Messiah s Kingdom 1. The Age of Innocence began with the creation of Adam (Gen. 2:7) and ended when he ate the forbidden fruit. (Gen. 3:6) Its duration was probably 40 years and 40 days. 2. The Age of Beginnings began immediately after Adam ate the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6) and ended when the Israelites agreed to keep the Mosaic Covenant [the Law]. (Ex. 19:5-8; 20:1-31:18; Dt. 5:27-28; 29:1-15) Its duration was about 2,500 years. 3. The Age of Law began when the Israelites agreed to keep the Mosaic Covenant [the Law] (Ex. 19:5-8; 20:1-31:18; Dt. 5:27-28; 29:1-15) and ended when the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law and gave up His spirit while on the cross at Calvary in fulfillment of the Feast of the Passover. (Mt. 5:17-18; Jn. 19:30; Heb. 9:11-28) Its duration was about 1,500 years. 4. The Age of Grace began when the Mosaic Covenant [the Law] was fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ and He gave up His spirit, while on the cross at Calvary in fulfillment of the Feast of the Passover. (Mt. 5:17-18; Jn. 19:30; Heb. 9:11-28) This age will end with His Second Coming [2nd Advent] to planet Earth in fulfillment of the Feast of a Day of Atonement. (Zech. 12:8-14:21; Mt. 25:31-46; Rev. 19:11-21) Its duration appears to be 1,988 years. 5. The Age of Messiah's Kingdom will begin with the Second Coming [2nd Advent] to planet Earth of the Lord Jesus Christ in fulfillment of the Feast of a Day of Atonement. (Zech. 12:8-14:21; Mt. 25:31-46; Rev. 19:11-21) Those who live through the seven years [2,520 days] of tribulation preceding His Second Coming [2nd Advent] to earth will be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ and His saints during the first 75 days of the Age of Messiah s Kingdom to determine who will enter into it and who will not. (Ezek. 20:33-44; Dan. 7:22; 12:11-12; Mal. 3:2-5; 4:1-2; Mt. 25:31-46; Rev. 19:11-21; 20:4) Its duration will be for 1,000 years. After this age ends, Satan will be released from the abyss where he has been bound! (Rev. 20:1-3, 7-9) SUMMATION The Church Age began on the Feast of Weeks [Pentecost], which was 53 days after the start of the Age of Grace that began on the Feast of Passover and 50 days after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ that took place on the Feast of First Fruits. (Ex. 12:1-2; Lev. 23:4-11, 15-16; Mt. 28:5-10; Mk. 16:9; Lk. 24:1, 7; Jn. 20:1, 19; Acts 2; 1 Cor. 12:12-14, 20) Thus, the Church Age is an age that is contained within the Age of Grace just as Israel was a nation, which was contained within the nation of Egypt while living there. (Ex. 12:40-41; Num. 14:12; Dt. 9:14; iv

2 Sam. 7:23; 1 Chr. 17:21; Ps. 33:12; Lk. 7:1-5; Jn. 11:48-52) The Church Age will end on the Feast of Trumpets with the Rapture (Lev. 23:23-25; Jn. 4:34-35; 14:1-3; 1Cor. 15:20, 23,51-53; 1 Th. 4:13-18; 2 Th. 2:1) while the Age of Grace will not end until the Second Coming to earth of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Feast of a Day of Atonement. (Lev. 16; 23:26-32; Num. 29:7-11; Zech. 12:10; 13:1-14:7, 9; Rom. 11:26-27) Since the beginning of the Age of Grace, many people have been deceived by false gospels in the Age of Grace. (Mt. 7:21-23; 2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1-3; 1 Jn. 4:1) A false gospel is one that teaches something MUST be done in addition to believing in the sufficiency of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ [Messiah] for salvation. (Jn. 19:30; Rom. 4:5; Gal. 2:21; Heb. 9:28) The something to do might have been a necessary act of obedience to God for those living in a prior age, but would be considered a work in our present Age of Grace, if done to ensure salvation. An example of this is in regards to the act of repentance. In the Age of Law, it was necessary to first repent [meaning to have a change of mind or to have a change of ways] prior to approaching God. This is why John, the herald for the Messiah, told his Jewish audience to repent for the remission of their sins (Mk. 1:4; Lk. 3:3) and then to repent because the kingdom of heaven was at hand in the person of the Messiah. (Mt. 3:1-2) The Lord Jesus Christ, who was the promised Messiah, repeated what John said when He told His Jewish audience to repent since the kingdom of heaven was at hand. This was in reference to Himself. (Mt. 4:17; 9:13; 11:20-21; 12:41; 21:29; Mk. 1:15; Lk. 5:32; 10:13; 11:32) He also said to repent for the remission of their sins. (Lk. 13:3; 15:7, 10) It must be kept in mind that those who heard John and the Lord Jesus Christ say these things were Jewish people living in the Age of Law, prior to the crucifixion. It was the same for those to whom Peter spoke on the Feast of Weeks [Pentecost]. (Acts 2:14-40) Peter s audience consisted of Jewish people, who were still living under the Law and obeying God as they always had while living in the Age of Law. They were unaware that the Age of Grace had begun 53 days earlier when the Lord Jesus Christ gave up His spirit while on the cross at Calvary. In contrast to the Synoptic [historical or blended view] Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the word, repent, is NEVER used or recorded in the Gospel of John. The reason for this is that after the Lord Jesus Christ gave up His spirit while on the cross at Calvary, the Age of Law ended and the Age of Grace began. This was signified by the tearing of the veil that separated the holy place and the holy of holies in which only the high priest could enter into once a year. (Mt. 27:50-51; Mk. 15:37-38) Since the tearing of that veil, it is no longer necessary to have any man intercede as a priest for our sins, since we now have a great high priest in Heaven. (Heb. 9:1-15; 10:19-22) Now those who live in the Age of Grace must FIRST trust [believe] in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, by faith alone, and nothing else for their salvation, (Rom. 4:5; Eph. 2:8-9) the same as the thief who was hanging on a cross next to the Lord Jesus Christ. (Lk. 23:39-43) This belief on the part of the thief was the sole cause of his salvation! Thus, repentance is now always to be an effect in the Age of Grace, which is caused by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of all sin. The thief on the cross who was also a murderer and seditionist was the first man saved in the Age of Grace. v

As further evidence that repentance is to be an EFFECT of belief in the Age of Grace, the apostle John wrote, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (Jn. 20:30-31) If it were now necessary for one to repent or to do anything else before or in addition to trusting in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, then the apostle John would have been REMISS for not including it in giving his reason for writing his gospel! Furthermore, the apostle John used the word believe [trust] 60 times in regards to the subject of salvation in his gospel and not once used the word, repent, in it or in his three personal letters to the Church at large. Thus, the term believer is commonly used to describe all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is cause for concern during our present day for those who have made repentance, or water baptism, or making Jesus, Lord of their life, or speaking in tongues, or joining a church, or something they have done, are doing or hope to do as being part of the cause for their personal salvation. These acts should always be an EFFECT of trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as one s personal Savior and never as part of the cause. The reason being that anyone who is trusting in any kind of work to ensure their salvation, is not saved, since that would be considered a form of religion in this present Age of Grace. A religion, of any kind, is always at odds with God! Cain was the first religious man on earth. He refused to comply with the revealed will of God! Thus, his refusal to obey God and offer the sacrifice he had been instructed to give as his brother Abel did. The offering of Cain was in disobedience to the will of God. (Gen. 4:1-7; Gal. 6:7) It is the same with all today who choose to offer to God what their religion or they might dictate and not what God has said is required and will only satisfy Him. Those engaged in any form of religion are not doing the will of God. (Mt. 7:21-23) Thus, they remain unsaved or lost. The sacrifice made by the Lord Jesus Christ with His shed blood (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22, 28; 10:4) is the ONLY sacrifice that God, the Father, will now accept in this current Age of Grace. To appreciate the Good News of the New Testament, one must first acknowledge the Bad News of the Old Testament, which is that each and every human being descending from Adam is a sinner who cannot do anything to save themselves from the penalty of sin against a Holy God. (Isa. 64:6; Rom. 4:5) The Good News is that the penalty for all sins, whether past, present or future, has been paid in full by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Heb. 9:15, 26) The will of God, the Father, (Mt. 7:21) for us in this present Age of Grace, is to simply believe [trust], by faith alone, that what the Lord Jesus Christ has done is enough to save us from the punishment we deserve for our sins and to trust in nothing else. The Word of God guarantees the salvation of all believing Christians! (1 Cor. 15:1-4; 1 Jn. 5:13) vi

Interpretation of the Holy Bible Three primary methods are used to interpret the text of the Holy Bible: * Allegorical * Spiritual * Literal The Allegorical School of Interpretation This method says that beneath the obvious is the real meaning of the passage. The problem with this viewpoint is that everyone can interpret what they read any way they would like. Therefore, all opinions concerning the material read are of equal value. This method of interpretation has no definite rule of understanding! The result of this system of interpretation is total confusion. For example, what if everyone read their daily newspaper using the Allegorical Method of Interpretation? The newspaper reports would be of no value since each reader would determine the meaning of what they read based upon how they thought or what they wanted it to mean. The details in each story would not be taken at face value! The schools of teaching that used the Allegorical Method of Interpretation were: Greek Allegorism - The Greeks began this process so they could combine their religions and philosophies. Hebrew Allegorism - This was also a combination of religion and philosophy. Only now it was comprised of the Mosaic Law and the Prophets along with Greek philosophies. Christian and Patristic Allegorism - Some early Christian leaders, such as Origen, wanted to show that the Scriptures could be harmonious with philosophy. They also took the position that since the Holy Bible was a spiritual book, it required spiritual insight and application when read. Augustine was an allegorist as was Jerome, the translator of the Roman Catholic Bible known as the Vulgate. The Spiritual Method of Interpretation This method of interpretation is used by those who come to a biblical text or subject with a preconceived position and strive to support their position----scripturally. The precept to use Scripture to interpret Scripture, whenever possible, is ignored and not thought to be necessary. Thus, centuries ago, certain church theologians of note reasoned the everlasting covenants and promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their Jewish descendants were no longer relevant, since the vast majority of the Jewish people had rejected their promised Messiah. These men then began to teach that the covenants and promises God made to the Jewish people that are recorded in the Old Testament, had been transferred to the church. This false teaching is now known as Replacement Theology. The proponents of this teaching refuse to acknowledge that the apostle, Paul, clearly rejected this doctrine, which is recorded in the 11th chapter of Romans. vii

Another false doctrine is that the Lord Jesus Christ never taught, told about, or alluded to His return now known as the Rapture. (Mk. 13:23; Lk. 12:2; Jn. 4:34-35; 14:1-3) This teaching, in effect, denies the statements that the Lord Jesus Christ made about foretelling all things. (Mt. 10:26; Mk. 4:22; 13:23; Lk. 8:17; 12:2; Jn. 18:20) Thus, those who hold to the position that the Lord Jesus Christ never even alluded to the Rapture must use the Spiritual Method of Interpretation when interpreting the Parable of the Ten Virgins. (Mt. 25:1-13) They do this by teaching that the Parable of the Ten Virgins is about the nation of Israel or it is about saved and unsaved Jews. The fact that the nation of Israel and the Jewish people have never been identified, symbolically, in Scripture as being virgins is ignored. They also ignore the precept that Scripture will interpret Scripture. The nation of Israel and the Jewish people are described as the unfaithful and adulterous wife of Jehovah. (Isa. 54:5; Jer. 3:20; Hos. 2:2, 7, 16) Israel and the Jewish people have never been described as a virgin. Thus, it is impossible for Israel and her people to identify themselves symbolically or scripturally with this parable! The Church, on the other hand, is espoused to the Lord Jesus Christ [the Bridegroom] and is referred to as a virgin (2 Cor. 11:2). Thus, this parable can only be about the assembly of believers in Christ referred to as the Church (Rom. 16:5), or the Body (Rom. 12.5; Eph. 1:22-23), or the Bride of Christ (Rev. 19:7-9). If the literal method of interpretation is used, we must conclude that the Parable of the Ten Virgins is describing what will take place before, during and after the Rapture. Those who use the Spiritual Method of Interpretation to teach about this parable are responsible for causing the Rapture to be the most controversial, misunderstood, and unappreciated of all the major doctrines found in the Holy Bible! The Literal Method of Interpretation This method says we accept the literal rendering of a sentence unless something is within the sentence to indicate otherwise. It also insists that Scripture must interpret Scripture whenever possible. The prophet, Daniel, understood the Scriptures using this method of interpretation. (2 Chr. 36:14-23; Jer. 25:11; Dan. 9:2) The founder of the literal movement in the Old Testament was the scribe, judge and priest named Ezra. (Neh. 8:1-18) The Jewish religious leaders, during the time of the Lord Jesus Christ, had set aside the commandments of God for those of men and their traditions. (Mt. 15:1-9; Mk. 7:1-13) They had also become extreme in their interpretation of the holy Scriptures. There are several literal schools of interpretation with their own particular variations such as the Syrian School of Antioch and the Devotional School. It was during the Reformation Period that the General Protestant Method of Interpretation of the holy Scriptures became prevalent. This method takes into consideration whether the word or passage is plain literal or figurative literal, with the context determining how best to understand what has been read. An example of this is if you were told that it was raining cats and dogs. You would know that it was raining very hard and what you were told was to be understood in a figurative literal way. However, if you were told that there was a thunderstorm taking place, you would have no problem in understanding and accepting what was said in a plain viii

literal way. The meaning is clearly understood with either of these two ways of telling about a very hard rainfall! Four reasons for using and defending the Literal Method of Interpretation are: It is the usual method of literary interpretation. All figures of speech depend upon a literal meaning for their interpretation. Most of the Holy Bible is easily understood when interpreted this way. It is a check on the imagination or feelings of each individual. The five principles involved in this method of interpretation are: The Law of Context - A passage cannot be separated from surrounding passages. The Law of Comparisons - Scripture must be compared with Scripture. The Law of Preference - A clear passage is to be preferred over the difficult passage. Spelling, grammar and figure of speech must be given attention in each passage. God revealed Himself to man by means of man s ways and culture. Five literary forms are used in the Holy Bible. It is necessary to approach each of these forms in a different manner. These five literary forms are known as: Apocalyptic Discourse Parable Poetry Prose Narrative The above information is given to show how and why it is possible for people to disagree over their understanding of the same reading material. It is also given to explain why the Literal Method of Interpretation is the only logical and rational way to read any literature! This includes the written Word of God, the Holy Bible. Two books, Biblical Hermeneutics by Milton S. Terry and Protestant Biblical Interpretation by Bernard Ramm are highly recommended to those interested in studying the subject of hermeneutics further. ix

Preface This material has been assembled and written so that all Christians will know the Scriptural source and reasons for each of the listed doctrines. It is necessary for each reader to verify for themselves whether the teachings, and the arguments to support them, are true or not according to the holy Scriptures! This is the only way for anyone to be able to discern between those teachings that are true and those teachings that are false. The Lord Jesus Christ warned, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Mt. 7:15) The apostle Paul also warned, For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30) The apostle Peter declared, But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who [secretly] shall bring in [destructive] heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways... (2 Pet. 2:1-2a) These warnings, found throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Holy Bible, are given so that all will be made aware that deceptive and false teachings by false teachers and false prophets will be taught and believed by many. To prevent this from happening, we must all be able to discern between what is true and what is false from the holy Scriptures. The way to do this is to obey what the Lord Jesus said in John 5:39, when He commanded, Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. The apostle Paul would reason, with those he spoke,... out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. (Acts 17:2-3) Paul s argument was threefold. According to the Scriptures, the Messiah had to (1) suffer and (2) rise again and (3) Jesus of Nazareth was that Messiah. When these arguments were presented to those in the city of Berea in Acts 17:11,... they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. The end result from their searching through the Old Testament Scriptures, to see if what Paul and Silas had told them was true or not, is that they,... believed... (Acts 17:12) The Lord Jesus Christ had stated,... Moses... wrote of me. (Jn. 5:46) As forewarned, many people have been deceived into believing teachings which are unbiblical, blasphemous and heretical. These Twelve Fundamental Doctrines of Biblical Christianity are offered to help identify them. Any Christian doctrines that do not agree with those described and argued in this volume, are false! Any attempt to verify a statement, belief, or doctrine by using writings other than that contained in the Holy Bible is to be rejected. This includes all latter-day revelations by self-proclaimed latter-day saints, or prophets, or Christians. x

1. The Holy Bible Fundamental Doctrine of Biblical Christianity: The Holy Bible is called the Word of God because it is a faithful record of everything God wanted mankind to know as a whole, including those things that are evil and degenerate. The original, that is known as the autograph, was written by men inspired by God, the Holy Spirit, who is the third Personality of the triune Godhead that is known by tradition, as the Holy Trinity. The Holy Bible is free from any error concerning the supernatural, science and history. Thus, the Holy Bible is the only source of truth on planet Earth. The substance of the Holy Bible has been preserved for us and is complete! We are not to look for the writing of additional Scripture or the giving of extra-biblical revelation. (Ex. 17:14; Dt. 4:2; 5:22; 12:32-13:5; 28:58-62; 31:24-26; Josh. 1:7-8; 8:31-35; Ps. 12:6; 18:30; 19:7-9; 119:140, 142, 151; Prov. 30:5-6; Isa. 40:8; Mt. 4:1-11; 24:35; Lk. 16:29-31; 24:25-27; Jn. 5:39, 46-47; 17:12, 14, 17; 19:24; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:18-20; 9:9-17; 15:4; 1 Cor. 2:9-14; Col. 2:9; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:21; 3:15-16; 1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 1:1-3, 10-11; 22:6-10, 18-19) The Holy Bible was written by approximately forty men during a period of about fifteen hundred years who had a wide range of social positions, backgrounds and vocations. These men lived in five different countries with various cultures using three different languages. The Holy Bible says things about mankind in general and certain people in particular that no woman or man would willingly admit to thus confirming its God-inspired truthfulness. One third of the Holy Bible, when written, was about events that would not take place for centuries and about people who would not be born for hundreds of years. There is no holy book of any manmade religion that has ever dared to do this. There is no contradiction to be found anywhere in the Holy Bible. It is truth personified. A manmade religion can never support its doctrines by way of the Holy Bible only. Thus, their need for extra-biblical writings and revelations. If a conflict should arise between the doctrines or traditions of a manmade religion and the clear teachings of the Holy Bible, then the extra-biblical writings of that religion will, by necessity, always supersede the authority of the Word of God. All religions must take that position. Otherwise, their religion would be exposed for the fraud that it is and it would lose its followers as a result. The inerrancy and authority of the Holy Bible will always be under attack by those who refuse to acknowledge it as being the inerrant written Word of God! CONCLUSION: If God is the all-powerful and all-knowing supernatural being that is the creator of all that exists, He would have the power and ability to reveal to His creation what He would have that creation to know. He would also have the power and ability to not only have this knowledge written down by men chosen by Him, but to preserve to our very day what He had them write with no changes or loss of content. The Holy Bible reveals the God of creation to mankind (Gen. 1:1), and of mankind's need for a personal Savior! (1 Tim. 1:15; 2:5) (1)

2: The Lord Jesus Christ Fundamental Doctrine of Biblical Christianity: The Lord Jesus Christ is one person with two natures forever united. One nature is that of the eternal God the Son, the second Person of the triune Godhead, and the other is that of man, in all respects human, yet without sin. Bible references asserting the Deity and Sinlessness of the Lord Jesus Christ: (Mt. 22:41-46; 28:16-19; Mk. 14:60-64; Jn. 1:1, 14; 8:53-59; 10:22-33; 14:6-11; 17:5, 21; 20:24-28; Rom. 1:3-4; 9:5; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Phil. 2:5-8; Col. 1:16-17; 2 Th. 1:12; 1 Tim. 3:16; Ti. 2:13; Heb. 4:14-15; 1 Jn. 1:1-2). THE FIVE NATURAL ATTRIBUTES OF DEITY: 1. Eternal: LORD (Gen. 21:33; Dt. 32:40; 33:27; Ps. 90:2; 93:2; 102:12; Lam. 5:19; Hab. 1:12). Jesus (Mic. 5:2; Jn. 1:1-2; 17:5; Col. 1:17; 1 Jn. 1:1; Rev. 22:13). 2. Unchanging: LORD (Ps. 102:27; 119:89; Mal. 3:6; Heb. 6:17; Js. 1:17). Jesus (Heb. 1:12; 13:8). 3. Omniscience: LORD (Job 34:21; Ps. 139; 147:5; Prov. 5:21; 15:3; Jer. 16:17). Jesus (Mt. 9:4; Jn. 1:47-48; 2:24-25; 4:29; 6:64; 16:30; 21:17; Heb. 4:13-14). 4. Omnipresence: LORD (Job 28:24; Ps. 139:7-16; Jer. 23:23-24; Amos 9:2-4; Zech. 4:10). Jesus (Mt. 18:20; 28:20; Acts 18:9-10; 23:11). 5. Omnipotence: LORD (Gen. 17:1; Ex. 6:3; Jer. 32:17; 2 Cor. 6:18). Jesus (Mt. 28:18; Jn. 3:35; 17:2; 1 Cor. 15:27; Eph. 1:22; Rev. 1:8). THE TWO OFFICES OF DEITY: 1. Creator: LORD (Gen. 1:1, 21, 27; 2:4, 7; Neh. 9:6; Job 38:4-6; Ps. 102:24-25; Prov. 3:19; Rev. 4:11). Jesus (Jn. 1:1-3; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2, 10; 2:10). 2. Preserver: LORD (Neh. 9:6; Job 7:20; Ps. 36:6). Jesus (Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3). THE THREE PREROGATIVES OF DEITY: 1. Forgives Sin: LORD (Ex. 34:6-7, 9; Num. 14:19; 2 Ch. 7:14; Ps. 32:5; 78:38; 85:2; 99:8; Jer. 31:34; 36:3). Jesus (Mt. 9:2; Mk. 2:5; Lk. 5:20; 7:36-48; Col. 2:14). (2)

2. Executes Judgment: LORD (Ex. 12:12; 32:33; Num. 33:4; Ps. 9:7-8; Ezek. 5:8; 30:19). Jesus (Jn. 5:22; Acts 17:31; Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Tim. 4:1, 8). 3. Has Life-Giving Power: LORD (Gen. 1:27; 2:7; 21:1-2; 25:21; Dt. 32:39; Lk. 1:13, 24-25; 1 Tim. 6:13). Jesus (Jn. 1:4; 3:14-15; 5:21; 11:25-26, 43-44; 17:1-2). Those who deny that the Lord Jesus Christ was both the eternal LORD [the self-existent One] and a human being combined in one Person, along with the fundamental doctrine of biblical Christianity about Him, find themselves in a dilemma concerning Him. The reason for their dilemma is that the holy Scriptures are explicit in telling us that all of the attributes, offices and prerogatives, which can only belong to the LORD of the Old Testament also belong to the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament. Their response to this dilemma is to ignore those passages which tell of His Deity and refer only to those passages which speak of His humanity. This response is both ridiculous and dishonest! The cult known as the Jehovah Witnesses, for example, have attempted to explain away the biblical passages which clearly teach the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, by stating that He was a god. Those who accept this viewpoint, in effect, believe in Jehovah God, who is the big God and Jesus god, who is a little god and is comparable to Jehovah. This viewpoint disregards the reply given by God when He and others have asked, Who is like the LORD? (Ex. 15:11; Ps. 77:13; Isa. 40:18, 25; 46:5; Mic. 7:18) The answer has always been that there is none like Him or beside Him. (Dt. 4:35; 32:39; 1 Sam. 2:2; Job 41:33; Isa. 37:16; 46:9) Thus, the LORD and the Lord Jesus Christ being of the same substance in power and eternity must be equal as members of the triune Godhead that is known, traditionally, as the Holy Trinity! The following arguments are given to prove from the Holy Bible, the written Word of God, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the LORD who is revealed in the Old Testament! Please consider: 1.) The Lord Jesus Christ, being the second Person of the triune Godhead is the only way that explains how Jehovah could send Jehovah. (Isa. 48:12, 16; Zech. 2:8-11) 2.) The name Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14, represents a characterization as in Isaiah 1:26 and Isaiah 9:6. Immanuel can only be translated, God with us. Thus, the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ is stressed at His birth in Matthew 1:23. 3.) The LORD declared Himself to be the first and the last. (Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12) The Lord Jesus Christ declared Himself to be the first and the last. (Rev. 1:8, 17; 21:6; 22:13) We must determine from these Scripture passages that there are either two firsts and two lasts or both the LORD and the Lord Jesus Christ are one and the same. 4.) The LORD has commanded that we are to worship no other gods other than Himself. (Ex. 34:14; Dt. 4:24) He then commands angels to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. (Heb. 1:6) Yet, (3)

the Lord Jesus Christ had declared that only God is to be served and worshipped (Lk. 4:8) and then accepted worship for Himself. (Mt. 8:2; 14:33; 28:9, 17; Jn. 20:28) Consequently, if there is to be no contradiction in the Scriptures, they both must be members of the triune Godhead! 5.) In Hebrews 1:8, God calls the Son, God. However, the Scriptures declare that there has been no other God and that there will be no other God other than the LORD. (Dt. 32:39; Isa. 43:10-11; 45:22) Once again, for there to be no contradiction in Scripture, the LORD and the Lord Jesus Christ have to be members of the triune Godhead. 6.) The Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Holy Bible, claimed to be God (Jn. 10:30-33; 14:8-9; 17:5), and accepted worship. (Mt. 8:2; 14:33; 28:9; Jn. 20:28) For Him to do either of the two would have been blasphemous if He was not God! He also would have been a fraud, if He was not God, unless He was either deluded, deceived, hallucinating or classically insane. Who would be willing to argue for any one of those possibilities? It would not be Peter, who as a disciple witnessed the miracles and heard the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, when Peter and the disciples were asked, by the Lord Jesus Christ, Who do men say that I, the Son of man, am? it was Peter who answered the question by saying Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Mt. 16:13-17) Peter was no fool! CONCLUSION: An honest search (Acts 17:10-12), and study (Lk. 16:29-31; 24:25-27, 44; Jn. 5:46-47; 20:30-31; 21:25) of the Holy Bible must lead one to accept the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ really is who He thought and said He was - the eternal God in a human body. All those who deny the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, do not give Him the honor that is due Him. (Jn. 5:23) Thus, they do not honor God, the Father, who sent Him. (Lk. 10:16) This is why they remain in their sins - lost and unsaved! (4)

3: God, the Holy Spirit, and the Triune Godhead Fundamental Doctrine of Biblical Christianity: Within the nature of the one and only true God there are three distinct and identifiable Persons. They are of the same substance, coequal, coexistent, coeternal, and unchangeable forever. These three Persons are known as the Father, and the Son [Word], and the Holy Spirit that make up the triune Godhead of the one true God. The triune Godhead is known, by tradition, as the Holy Trinity. Bible References: One God Only: (Dt. 4:35; 6:4; 32:39; Isa. 43:10-11; 45:21-22; 46:9; Mk. 12:29, 32; Jn. 17:3; 1 Tim. 2:5.) Plural Personalities Revealed: Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:5-7. The Godhead: Acts 17:29; Rom.. 1:20; Col. 2:9. Unchanging: Mal. 3:6; Heb. 1:10-12; 6:17; 13:8; Js. 1:17. Eternal: Gen. 21:33; Dt. 32:40; 33:27; Ps. 90:2; 102:26-27; 1 Tim. 1:17. Three Distinct Persons Identified in the One and Only God of the Holy Bible. Isa. 48:12, 16; Mt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 2:11-18; 5:18-20; 1 Pet. 1:2; Jude 20-21. Of the three members of the triune Godhead, God, the Holy Spirit, is the most difficult to comprehend, and for that reason, is the least understood and appreciated. Thus, God, the Holy Spirit, is the Personality of the triune Godhead most people reject! There are seven symbolic types used in the holy Scriptures to represent, or to signify, the Person of God, the Holy Spirit. These types or symbols are: 1. Abraham s Servant (Gen. 24), 2. Oil (1 Sam. 16:13), 3. Dove (Mt. 3:16), 4. Wind (Jn. 3:3-8; Acts 2:2), 5. Water (Jn. 7:37-39), 6. Fire (Acts 2:3-4), 7. Wine (Eph. 5:18). There is a significant difference between the service of God, the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the Old Testament and in His ministries, as described in the New Testament. In the Age of Law, before the sacrifice made by the Lord Jesus Christ to save sinners, God, the Holy Spirit, would come upon individuals (1 Sam. 16:11-13; 19:20; 2 Sam. 23:1-3), and He would also depart from them. (Jud. 16:20; 1 Sam. 16:14; 28:16) The Age of Law ended when the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and gave up His spirit while on the cross. This is when the Age of Grace came into being and God, the Holy Spirit, began seven new ministries for mankind. The Age of Grace will continue until the Second Coming to earth by the Lord Jesus Christ. (5)

The birthday of the Church or the beginning of the Church Age, was on the Feast of Weeks or what is called the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4) This was 53 days after the beginning of the Age of Grace and 50 days after the bodily resurrection from the dead by the Lord Jesus Christ on the Feast of First Fruits. Since the day of Pentecost, God, the Holy Spirit, has been performing these seven ministries for mankind. What they are and what He does through them now follow: 1. Regeneration -- When a man or a woman trust, by faith alone, the Lord Jesus Christ to be their personal Savior, God, the Holy Spirit, causes them to be born from above. They, in effect, are spiritually reborn. (Jn. 3:3-8; Ti. 3:5; 1 Jn. 5:1) 2. Baptizing --- Upon trusting the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior, God, the Holy Spirit, identifies the new believer with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Rom.. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Gal. 3:27-28; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:9-12) 3. Indwelling --- God, the Holy Spirit, will live, throughout eternity, within each individual who have, by faith alone, placed their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. (Jn. 4:14; 7:37-39; 14:16-17; 16:7; Acts 11:17; Rom. 5:1-5; 8:9-11; 1 Cor. 2:12; 3:16; 6:19-20; 2 Cor. 5:5; Gal. 3:1-2; 4:6-7; 1 Jn. 2:27; 3:23-24; 4:13) 4. Sealing --- All who trust the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, by faith alone, are sealed by God, the Holy Spirit, for future delivery to Him, either at the Rapture or upon their physical death. A seal signifies, in the symbolism of Scripture: [1] A finished transaction (Neh. 9:38; Est. 8:1-8; Job. 9:7; Jer. 32:6-15), [2] Ownership (Jer. 32:6-15; Acts 20:28; 2 Tim. 2:19), and [3] Security. (Est. 8:8; Dan. 6:17; Eph. 4:30) Salvation is assured because of this ministry of the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30) Thus the saying, once saved, always saved! All four of the above described ministries of God, the Holy Spirit, take place immediately and simultaneously within each individual when they trust [believe] the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior by faith alone. These four ministries concern themselves specifically upon the salvation of individuals. The remaining three ministries of God, the Holy Spirit, have a different purpose since they are not involved with newborn Christians in the same way. This is readily evident as they are described in the written Word of God, the Holy Bible. 5. Filling ---This happens when the saved Christian has allowed God, the Holy Spirit, to control their thoughts and actions while going about their daily life. It is a day by day dependency upon Him in all things, while at the same time not doing certain things to grieve or to quench Him. (Acts 2:4; 4:29-31; Gal. 5:16-26; 6:7-9; Eph. 4:30; 5:1-4, 15-21; Col. 2:6; 3:1-9, 16; 1 Th. 5:19-20, 22) 6. Convicting --- God, the Holy Spirit, convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment by way of His Word, the Holy Bible, along with individuals who have placed their trust in the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior. (Jn. 14:6, 26; 16:7-11) (6)

7. Restraining --- Lawlessness, or sin, in the world is being hindered in its growth by the power of God, the Holy Spirit. This particular ministry is the only one that will cease with the Rapture. (2 Th. 2:6-7) The other six ministries of God, the Holy Spirit, will continue to be performed by Him until the Age of Grace concludes with the physical return [ 2nd Advent ] of the Lord Jesus Christ to setup His Millennial Kingdom Age on earth. (Zech. 12:1-14:9; Rev. 19:11-20:6) The following questions and answers from the holy Scriptures reveal how the doctrine of the triune Godhead came to be. They also confirm the teaching of it to be true and biblically correct! 1.) Is the Father identified as God? (Acts 2:33; 1 Cor. 8:6; Gal. 1:1, 3; Phil. 2:11; 1 Th. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Pet. 1:17; 2 Jn. 1:3; Jude 1) 2.) Is the Son [Word] identified as God? (Mt. 22:42-45; Jn. 1:1, 14; 8:24, 56-58; 10:33; 18:4-8; 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:16; Ti. 2:13; Heb. 1:8; 1 Jn. 1:1-2) 3.) Is the Holy Spirit identified as God? (Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 3:17-18) All three Persons are identified as God, yet we know that there is but one God and none else. (Dt. 4:35; 6:4; 32:39; Isa. 43:10-11; 45:22; Mk. 12:29, 32; 1 Tim. 2:5) The next questions are: 4.) Did the Father raise the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead? (Gal. 1:1; 1 Th. 1:10) 5.) Did the Lord Jesus Christ say He would raise Himself from the dead? (Jn. 2:19-21) 6.) Did the Holy Spirit raise the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead? (Rom. 8:11) 7.) Did God raise the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead? (Acts 2:24, 30, 32; 4:10; 17:31) The holy Scriptures confirm the answers to all four of these questions to be a resounding - YES. Therefore, to avoid confusion and a false perception of the one true God, honest students of the holy Scriptures had to conclude that the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit have to be - One! The followers of all man-made religions and science fiction fans do not believe that the Holy Spirit is a distinct Personality. Instead, they believe and teach that He is a nonpersonal force of nature or a part of the universe. Thus, God, the Holy Spirit, has been called a number of names by various religions and cultures. Words or terms such as Karma in Hinduism and Buddhism and the Force in the movies and a higher power in the New Age movement. The Personality and Deity of God, the Holy Spirit, appear from the attributes ascribed to Him and from His works in the Holy Bible. He is revealed as sharing the work of creation and, thus, as omnipotent (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; 33:4; Ps. 104:30) and omnipresent. (Ps. 139:7) He strives with men (Gen. 6:3); enlightens them (Ex. 31:3; Dan. 1:17); provides constructive skill (Ex.28:3; 31:3); (7)

gives physical strength (Jud. 14:5-6, 19); executive ability with wisdom (Jud. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25); enables men to receive and utter divine revelations (Num. 11:25; 2 Sam. 23:2); and empowers the servants of God. (Ps. 51:12; Joel 2:28; Mic 3:8; Zech. 4:6) The doctrine of the triune Godhead is implicit in the Old Testament and explicit in the New Testament. There can be no doubt about God, the Holy Spirit, being a member of the triune Godhead! He is called holy (Ps. 51:11), good (Ps. 143:10), and just. (Isa. 4:4) He gives wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD (Isa. 11:2) [ The fear of the LORD is an Old Testament expression meaning reverential trust, including the hatred of evil.], with grace and supplications. (Zech. 12:10) This is why personal pronouns are used for God, the Holy Spirit, in the holy Scriptures. (Jn. 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-14) Then there are the personal acts that are attributed to God, the Holy Spirit, such as: He teaches (Jn. 14:26; 1 Jn. 2:27), speaks (2 Sam. 23:2; Jn. 16:13; Acts 10:19-20; 13:2; 20:23; Gal. 4:6), reproves (Jn. 16:8), and intercedes for people (Rom. 8:26). He will also send out people while leading and guiding them in their journeys. (Acts 10:19-20; 13:4; 16:6-7; 20:22; Gal. 5:18) God, the Holy Spirit, also imparts spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:7-11), commands, and appoints. (Acts. 13:2, 4; 20:28) As a distinct Personality, God, the Holy Spirit, can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), grieved (Isa. 63:10; Eph. 4:30), and quenched (1 Th. 5:19) by Christians who are living in the flesh. (Eph. 4:31-5:21) The non-christians who speak out and blaspheme God, the Holy Spirit, will do so to their everlasting regret! (Mt. 12:31-32) CONCLUSION: The word, God, sometimes refers to the entire triune Godhead but at other times may only refer to one or two of the Personalities of that Godhead. Therefore, the word, God, does not always have to be used in the same manner with the same breadth of scope. An excellent example of this is with the word, space. The word space can be correctly used of onedimensional space [distance], or of two-dimensional space [area], or of three-dimensional space [volume] and must be understood according to the context in which it is used. Three-dimensional space is made up of length, width and height! Yet, it is possible to speak of each separately because each is distinct. Neither length, width, or height can exist independently of the other two and each are equally essential to the one indivisible whole. So it is with the word, God, which can be properly used with three different senses. The three distinct Personalities of the triune Godhead that make up the one true God of all creation is clearly taught in the Holy Bible. (Mt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 2:18; 4:4-6; 5:18-20; 1 Pet. 1:2; Jude 20-21) To deny the personhood of God, the Holy Spirit, is to deny His existence, which is blasphemy, and the reason why it is the unpardonable sin! (Mt. 12:31-32; Mk. 3:28-29; Lk. 12:10) (8)

4: The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ Fundamental Doctrine of Biblical Christianity: The Lord Jesus Christ was raised physically, from the dead, after paying the penalty, or ransom, for all of the sins of mankind, whether they were committed prior to His sacrifice while on the cross at Calvary or afterward. The Lord Jesus Christ ascended visibly and physically into Heaven and will return to earth in the same way. Bible References: (Isa. 53:4-6,10-12; Mt. 24:29-30; 28:1-7; Mk. 16:1-14,19-20; Lk. 21:27; 24:1-12,21-24,33-51; Jn. 2:19-22; 3:16-17; 20:1-20,24-28; 21:1-14; Acts 1:1-11,21-22; 2:22-32; 2 Cor.5:18-19; 2Th.1:7-10; 1Tim.2:5-6; Heb.2:9,17; 1Pet.1:3; 3:18,22; 1Jn.2:2; 4:10,14; Rev.1:7-8). The resurrection of the dead was believed true by the patriarchs of the Old Testament. (Gen. 22:1-12; Job. 14:14; 19:25-26; Heb. 11:17-19) This belief was verified by the prophets (Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:2; Hos. 13:14), and was confirmed by the restoration to life of those who had died. (2 Ki. 4:32-37; 13:20-21) The Lord Jesus Christ restored life to the dead (Mt. 9:25; Lk. 7:12-15; Jn. 11:43-44), and predicted His own resurrection from the dead. (Jn. 10:18; Lk. 24:1-8) There was a resurrection of an unknown number of dead people who came out of their graves after the Lord Jesus Christ had bodily arose from the dead on the day of the Feast of First Fruits. (Mt. 27:52-53) Also, there were people who died and were raised up by the apostles. (Acts 9:36-41; 20:9-10) Of the two religious parties specifically mentioned in the Holy Bible during the time of the Lord Jesus Christ, only the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees did not. (Mt. 16:1; 22:23; Mk. 12:18-27; Lk. 20:27-38; Acts 4:1-2; 23:1-10) The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society whose members call themselves Jehovah s Witnesses, teach that the Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected an invisible spirit creature after offering the ransom for obedient men. (Mt. 24:23-26) They also teach that 144,000 people will inherit the heavenly kingdom of God in a spiritual form, with the balance of their obedient membership returning to earth to rule in a physical body. (1 Jn. 4:1-3) This is but one example of how a manmade religion has twisted the clear teachings of the Holy Bible and deceived its members into believing false doctrines (2 Jn. 1:7), and to go the wrong way. (Mt. 7:13-14) The apostle Paul wrote about the new body that will be received by resurrected Christians from God. It was, Who shall change our [lowly] body, that it may be fashioned like his glorious body... (Phil. 3:21) The apostle John told Christians,... we shall be like him... (1 Jn. 3:2) CONCLUSION: A comparison of the coming of the Messiah of Israel (Zech. 12:8-10; 14:4-5) with the return to earth by the Lord Jesus Christ at His 2nd Advent will confirm both to be the same event. (Mt. 24:30; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7; 19:11-21) Also, the word, resurrection, in both the Hebrew and the Greek languages always refers to the physical body and never to the soul or the spirit! The resurrection from the dead by the Lord Jesus Christ was of His physical body, which was proven to all, by Him, beyond any doubt. (Lk. 24:39; Jn. 20:27-28; 1 Jn. 1:1) (9)

5: The Atonement Fundamental Doctrine of Biblical Christianity: The atonement through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, forever removed mankind s slavery to sin and Satan. This atonement for sin, brought redemption to mankind, and reconciled those who would simply trust that the penalty for their sin had been paid in full by their Savior. Bible References: (Lev. 17:11; Jn. 1:29; Rom. 1:17; 3:23-26, 28; 4:5; 5:8-10; 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; Gal. 3:13; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14, 20; 2:14; Ti. 2:14; Heb. 9:22, 28; 10:4, 10, 12, 14, 16-18; 13:20; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:24; 1 Jn. 1:7; Rev. 5:9; 12:11). The word, redemption, means, to deliver by paying a price. Thus, nothing else needs to be done for the forgiveness of sin but believe. False biblical teachers, however, always add a but to the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ! (2 Pet. 2:1-2) Salvation comes by faith, they teach, BUT you must do something in addition to having faith for your salvation to be genuine. The letters the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians, are acknowledged as being great doctrinal books for the Christian faith. Yet, nowhere do these books teach that water baptism, obedience or any of the other works taught by false teachers is essential for salvation. This was also true when in Acts 15:1 a dispute arose concerning the subject of salvation. This dispute was concluded with no reference being made to water baptism, making Jesus Lord of your life, or any of the other things that many believe and teach is necessary to do so you can be saved. (Acts 15:32) The apostle Paul, who is thought to be the greatest Christian missionary and evangelist of all, declared that Christ did not send him to water baptize anyone! (1 Cor. 1:17) If water baptism was necessary for salvation, this would be a very grave heresy. (Mt. 7:21) The Scriptures are consistent with regard to the subject of salvation. The man who was crucified with the Lord Jesus Christ did not do any good works nor was he baptized in water. He simply acknowledged that he deserved the punishment he was receiving (Lk. 23:41a), the sinless character of the Lord Jesus Christ (Lk. 23:41b), and His Deity (Lk. 23:42a), that life would continue after his death (Lk. 23:42b), and that the Lord Jesus Christ would be king of a future kingdom. (Lk. 23:42c) After he said this, the Lord Jesus Christ then promised this man that he would be with Him in paradise that very same day. (Lk. 23:43) The paradise being referred to was the section of Sheol' or Hades that is known as Abraham s Bosom. (Lk. 16:19-31) CONCLUSION: To the natural mind of man, it seems unreasonable that Heaven could be a gift, from God, to bad people, and not a reward for good people. Thus, man-made religions always have a list of do s and don ts that if obeyed might warrant their adherents entry into Heaven. The Scriptures, in contrast, teach that the atonement was wholly of God regardless of any argument to the contrary. (2 Cor. 5:21) Thus, salvation is always a gift (Rom 5:12-17; 6:23), given by the grace of God, and not earned by any works. (Isa. 64:6; Rom. 4:5; Eph. 2:5-13) (10)