THE GOSPEL OF THE ATONEMENT!

In most circles today, it is unfashionable to be­lieve in THE GOSPEL OF THE ATONEMENT! Modern cul­ture has altered the Bible and theology until there is no real, effectual atonement left. Most folks to­day are too intellectual, too advanced, and too good to look to the Christ of the cross. AS FOR ME, like Abel of old, I look to the Lamb; like Rahab, I tie the scarlet line in my window; and like Edward Mote, I say, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." In the midst of a thousand "new" gospels, that aren't worth the time to mention them, I hold to the gospel of God's grace in Christ, which declares, "It is the blood that maketh atone­ment for the soul" (Lev. 17:11). With Moses and Israel, I put the blood on the door. If no one else sees it, GOD WILL! And He said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." (Exodus 12:13).

Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1993)

ASSURANCE

At one time or another, every believer struggles with assurance. Assurance of our salvation can never be found by looking at ourselves. Nothing about us can give any assurance of salvation. Nothing we do, or don’t do, can give any assurance of salvation. Assurance can only be had by looking to Christ who is our salvation. Charles Spurgeon once said “I looked to Christ and the dove of peace flew into my heart. I looked into my heart and the dove flew away.”

Assurance is had through faith in Christ. Through faith in Christ a believer is given FULL assurance. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb 10:22) My conscience cannot destroy my assurance if I know that Christ shed His blood to pay for my sin.

Faith in Christ also gives us the knowledge that Christ is our righteousness. A believer has complete assurance knowing that Christ is our righteousness. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17).

Every child of God is assured of eternal life because Christ, who is our righteousness, died, was buried, and rose again for us. What sweet assurance!

Pastor Frank Tate

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

(Philippians 1:6).

God Almighty started salvation, performed salvation, and finished salvation for His people in the Person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He accomplished it all “By Himself” and it is all “To the praise of His glory.”

Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

THE ONLY REASON FOR SALVATION

“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake” (1John 2:12).

There is only one reason revealed in Holy Scripture that any sinner would be pardoned from all sin. That one reason is Christ alone (Eph.4:32). Christ Jesus was manifested to take away our sin and in Him is no sin (1 John 3:5). The only reason for grace, is Christ (John 1:16). The only reason for mercy is Christ (Titus 3:5). The only reason for salvation is Christ (Acts 4:12). The only reason for sanctification is Christ (1Cor. 1:30). His name's sake includes all these things and much more (Rom. 5:20). Salvation is not because of our merit, nor our baptism, nor our works, nor our prayers, nor our repentance nor our faith; but for the sake of Christ, his blood, sacrifice and satisfaction; and it reaches to all our sins, original and actual, secret and open, past, present, and future. The only reason for our salvation is not found in us, but rather in the Lord Jesus Christ alone (Isa.43:1-7; 44:21-23).

LORD, MAKE US TO SEE OUR NEED

“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass” (Isa. 40:6-7).