“Oh why not tonight?” is the theme of a popular siren call heard throughout professing Christendom as the minister issues an “alter call” at the conclusion of his/her sermon featuring his/her version of John 3:16. The unspoken, though implied, musical message is: “Don’t leave the building without getting saved. Don’t be ‘left behind’ when Jesus secretly snatches all members of your denomination up to heaven. The process is simple: Just say the prescribed words, utter the prescribed prayer and instant salvation will occur. Following the universally-accepted ritual you will be free to give in to your Adam-installed sinful nature without consequences, knowing that, in spite of all the sins–over which you have no control–you will be welcomed into paradise at the end of your life or at the time of the rapture, whichever comes first.” In summary: You can come as you are (a sinner) and stay as you are (a sinner) and spend eternity in the presence of God. I.e., now that you are saved and born again, the wages of your sins is eternal life. The poor soul who was sitting next to you will burn in hell forever for committing the same sins. Question: Who could pass up a deal like that? Answer: Those who know, believe and obey the Lord and His Word.

The purpose of this series of postings is to make known what God said in His Word/Truth (Jn. 17:17) about The Life-long Process Of Salvation. Beginning with man’s innate need for God, we will go on a Scriptural journey which will take us through conviction, recognition of God’s grace, faith, repentance, conversion, the “Walk” and the return of Jesus Christ at which time salvation will be awarded and rebirth will take place. Let us begin with man’s need for God.

Adam and Eve were created in the image (form) and likeness (spirit) of the two members of the Godhead Who would, following the birth of Jesus Christ, come to be known as the Father and the Son. Note that when Satan–the Serpent–came to Adam and Eve they had been believers in and obedient to their Creators since their creation. This need for Them is innate (inborn) in human beings. Without the influence of Satan, neither Adam and Eve nor their descendants would have ever failed God–MAN IS BORN WITH A NEED FOR AND AN OPENNESS TO GOD. It is only after being enticed by the devil that man chooses to sin, Adam and Eve being the ultimate examples of this phenomenon. This evil influence begins early on in life, before the age of accountability. Man, as did his original ancestors, chooses the path of least resistance–he sins. But unlike his ancient counterparts, the modern parishioner has given himself an out–he blames Adam and Eve. Just as the woman who scalded her thighs with hot coffee sued McDonalds, the modern religionist points the finger of blame for his sins at his original parents. God, as this website continually brings to light, has a different view. Next: CONVICTION. L.J.