What Must I Do To Be Saved?
|
|
|
|
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
|
|
John: Hi, Chris. Chris: Hi, John. Have you thought about our last conversation, remember we talked about the fact that the bible teaches that all who believe in Christ have a heavenly hope, not just the 144,000? John: Well...., yeah...., but you can’t be saved by just believing in Jesus. There’s a lot more to it. Chris: What do you mean, John? John: Well, I brought this article from the Watchtower, February 15, 1983 with me. On page 12 it talks about the four requirements for gaining everlasting life. The first requirement is taking in knowledge. The second is to obey God’s laws. The third requirement is that we be associated with God’s channel of communication, His organization. Finally, we need to loyally advocate His Kingdom rule to others. That’s why we go door to door, Chris. Chris: Wow, John! That’s a pretty tough standard. It must be hard to conform to. John: It really is, Chris. But again, if I do my best in serving Jehovah, He may count me worthy someday to gain perfection on a paradise earth. Do you know that in the book, Life Everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God, it says on page 400 that “Jehovah God will justify, declare righteous, on the basis of their own merit all perfected humans who have withstood that final, decisive test of mankind.” It says on page 392 that we will someday be able to stand before the God of holiness on the basis of our own righteousness. Chris: John, you told me you didn’t believe that you’re saved by your works. John: I don’t. Chris: But that’s what that quote said that you just read to me. It said that the great crowd will stand before Jehovah based on their own merit. John, merit means something that is earned. In other words, a reward for your works. John: I guess you’re right. But you can’t expect eternal life to be just handed to you without it costing you something, can you? Chris: John, it’s not what it costs us, it’s what it cost Jesus. Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us. Not because of righteous things we have done, but according to His mercy”. Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are like filthy rags”. Did you hear that? Our righteousness is like a filthy rag in God’s sight. Why does the Watchtower teach that you can someday stand before Jehovah based on your own merit when the bible teaches that you can’t? John: Well...., I don’t know, Chris. How do you expect to stand before God? Chris: The bible answers that. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”. John, that means that when Jesus died, He took all our unrighteousness upon Himself. To complete the transaction, He gave us all His righteousness in return. It would be like you giving me a bag of worthless copper coins and me giving you a bag of priceless gold in return. John: Hmm.... It sounds all great, Chris, but it’s just too easy. I mean, not everyone is saved because Jesus died. Chris: You’re right. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”. You need to receive Jesus, John. John: But, how? I constantly try to please Jehovah. I’m always going to meetings and out in field service. Somehow, I still just don’t feel like I’ll make it through Armageddon when it comes. Chris: John, you don’t receive Jesus by works, but by faith. Romans 5:1 says that, “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. Ephesians 2:8 says we have been saved by grace through faith. It’s really not hard, John, but you have to be willing to let go of all your efforts and put your faith in Jesus alone. He saves you, you can’t save yourself. That’s what you’re trying to do. John: I don’t know, Chris. I’m getting confused. Since I’ve been coming over here these last 4 weeks, things are changing in my heart. I’m starting to see all the pressure that the Organization is putting on people and the lack of love for members who are having a hard time conforming. It’s not right. I can’t believe that I’m even telling you this. I could get into real trouble if anyone knew we were having this discussion. Chris: John, you’re safe with me. I would never jeopardize your trust. The things that you’re seeing are because the Holy Spirit is opening your spiritual eyes to issues that you were once blinded to. God is calling you to salvation, John. I understand that this is a scary thing for you, but thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses have taken this step into new life in Jesus Christ. They have been given a peace that passes understanding and an assurance of salvation that only Jesus can give. When Jesus was dying, He said, “It is finished”. He used a Greek word that means, paid in full. Again, Jesus paid the full price, all that’s left is for you to trust and obey Him by receiving Him into your life. Do you want to do that now, John? John: Well....yes, I do. Chris: Why don’t you pray right now to Jesus, John? John: Jesus, I’m confused. I’ve never felt this way before. These last few weeks have been difficult for me. I want to know who you are. I admit that I don’t. I know that my effort falls so short of your perfect standard. I want to be saved, Jesus. I want whatever you have for me. I have seen from Your Word that what this man is saying is true. Come into my heart, Lord. Make me clean and holy in your sight. Help me to please you. Amen. Chris: Welcome to the family of God, John! top of page |
