HEAVEN IS A FREE GIFT -
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD
HEAVEN IS NOT EARNED OR DESERVED
John 3: 16 For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 1:12 But, as many as received HIM, to them HE gave the right to become children of GOD, to those who believe in HIS name.
MAN IS A SINNER
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD
Romans 3:10 - 12 As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after GOD. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no not one.
MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to HIS mercy HE saved us.
Ephesians 2: 8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself; it is the gift of GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right unto a man, But its end is the way of death.
GOD IS MERCIFUL - HE DOES NOT WANT TO PUNISH US
I John 4:8 He that loveth not, knoweth not GOD for GOD is love.
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared of old to me, saying; Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving-kindness, I have drawn you.
GOD IS JUST - HE MUST PUNISH SIN
Psalm 89:32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes.
Exodus 34:7b GOD will by no means clear the guilty.
Romans 2: 11-12 For there is no partiality with GOD. For as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law
WHAT IS FAITH - Trusting GOD alone for salvation
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Ephesians 2: 8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself; it is the gift of GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
John 6: 47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in ME has everlasting life.
WHAT FAITH IS NOT - Mere intellectual assent or temporal faith
Matthew 8: 29 And behold, they cried (demons) out saying. What have we to do with thee, Jesus Son of GOD? Art thou come hither to torment us before time?
Romans 3: 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. II Peter 3:9
In loving memory of Pastor John E. Mc Clung
Artwork by artist Duncan Long, used by permission.