Sermon The Destruction In A Works Based Salvation

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[2] The title of the sermon: “THE DESTRUCTION IN A WORKS BASED SALVATION.”

There Is Nothing Good In A Works Based Salvation

  • Most of the so-called “Christians” in this world today believe in a works based salvation.
  • There is total destruction in a works based salvation. You will be destroyed in this life.
  • A works based salvation leads to death and hell.

I want to show you today what the belief in a works based salvation will do to you.

  • The Bible is very clear that we are saved by grace through faith and not of works.
  • This means we do not deserve to be saved because we haven’t earned the right to be saved.
  • We need the grace and mercy of God to be saved because we’re all sinners.

[3] Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[4] Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

  • That’s a CONCLUSION within the Bible. A man is justified WITHOUT the deeds of the law.
  • What’s a deed of the law? Not stealing. Not murdering. Not praying to God. Not reading the Bible.
  • Not being baptized in water. Not going to church. Not fornicating.
  • Deeds of the law are following God’s commandments. Obedience to His laws = deeds of the law.

[5] Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

[6] Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

  • Righteousness gets you to heaven. Abraham believed and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.
  • “Righteousness which is of faith.”
  • The only way you get God’s righteousness imputed unto you is through faith alone.

[7] Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

  • We are all in this flesh. That is why we can’t be saved by our works. We are all sinners in this flesh.
  • We will always be sinners as long as we have this flesh. We will not be able to stop sinning.
  • We are only justified by faith in Jesus Christ. That’s the only way to be saved. Not by works in any way.
  • Do you really think God would say not of works but then He actually means works are required? No.

[8] Galatians 3:16-18 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

  • If we were saved by doing works of the law, then God wouldn’t have gave Abraham His righteousness through a promise.
  • God promised to send a Savior through the SEED of Abraham who is Jesus Christ. Did He do that?
  • Yes, God doesn’t break His promises. THE SAVIOR of the world is Jesus Christ.

[9] Galatians 3:19-21 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

  • There is no work you can do that will give you life. God makes you a promise to save you through faith.
  • If there were some works of the law you could do to be saved, then righteousness would come through that AND I guarantee that God would let you know exactly the works you need to do to be saved.

What Work Does God Want You To Do?

[10] John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

  • If you want to do the works of God, you MUST believe on Jesus Christ. That’s what saves you.
  • What must I do to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.
  • NOT OF WORKS. God’s doctrine is right. This is what He teaches us over and over again.

[11] 2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

  • God doesn’t save you according to your works.

[12] Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

  • If we have faith in the words of the Bible, we believe and trust what God says.
  • God saved us according to His mercy. God didn’t save us by works of righteousness which we have done.
  • We are only saved by believing on Jesus Christ.
  • At that moment, we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

He seals our soul until the day of redemption. This is the day we get a new body.

  • This new body we receive won’t be a body that is full of sin. We won’t be capable of sinning any longer.
  • At this moment, we are all in our fleshly bodies that are full of sin.
  • This is why a works based salvation IN THIS BODY is just foolish to believe.
  • Many “Christians” are out there right now trying to be perfect in this flesh.
  • The Bible tells us over and over again that we cannot be perfect in this flesh.
  • But these people aren’t living by the words of the Bible. They are living by the words of false preachers.

[13] Romans 7:14-15 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

  • The law is spiritual. That’s we cannot follow the law when we walk in the flesh.
  • Because we are in this flesh, we will choose to walk in the flesh at times. We will sin.

[14] Romans 7:16-17 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

  • Sin dwells within this flesh that we have. And it’s not going away while we live in this body of flesh.
  • “Sin dwelleth in me.” So, take a good look at yourself and you will admit the same thing.
  • Sin lives within you, and you can’t stop sinning. You can try, and you should, but you will sin.
  • You need to understand this. If you don’t, you’re going to have a very difficult life trying to save yourself.

[15] Romans 7:18-19 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

  • Paul saw Jesus with his own eyes. Paul believed on Jesus Christ and was saved.
  • Paul received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lived within Paul.
  • And what does Paul say? “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.

As Long As You Are In This Flesh, You Will Never Be Saved By Works

Paul admitted that he does evil. Why? Because of the sin that lives in his flesh.

  • Paul continued to sin. He wasn’t perfect like the false preachers will teach you need to be.
  • You cannot be perfect in this flesh. Don’t ever think you will be.
  • You should try to be perfect, but you must understand that you won’t be.
  • God wants us to walk in the Spirit 100% of the time, but He knows we will mess up.
  • He doesn’t want us to sin against Him, but He is merciful to us. If not, we would all be dead right now.
  • God saved us through His mercy and His grace. He has an infinite amount of mercy and grace.

Now, with all of that said, I want to show you the destruction in a works based salvation.

  • I want to show you what believing in a works based salvation will do to you.
  • And I would think that many of you listening to this right now came out of a works based salvation.
  • So, some of what I am going to say today is going to match what you went through in your life.
  • You’ll see the destruction that is being caused in churches with a works based salvation.
  • People in those churches are living without faith in Jesus Christ. They put faith in themselves.
  • And that’s a HUGE PROBLEM. This leads to destruction because you can’t do it in this flesh.

I want to compare a faith salvation to a works salvation and show you how destructive this is to people.

  • Here’s the first point I want to make. Salvation is a gift that does not require payments on your part.
  • When we are saved by grace, we know that God has given us a gift. We don’t work for it.
  • God tells us that we can’t work for this gift of God. God calls salvation THE GIFT OF GOD.
  • But, in contrast, what does a works based salvation teach? They teach the opposite of God.
  • They teach that salvation requires payments from you. Right? That’s what they teach.
  • They say that you must do many different works to be saved. They are very deceptive.
  • Many of them say: “Saving faith means you will do all of these good works.”

They say that you must be baptized in water for salvation. GOD NEVER SAYS THIS.

  • They say that you must repent of all your sin to be saved.
  • They say that you must turn from all your sin. You must commit to Jesus Christ.
  • You must be a disciple of Jesus Christ. You must obey Jesus Christ in all things.
  • You must endure to the end. You must persevere to the end.
  • And notice that everything is about the works you do. Salvation, they teach, is through works.
  • This means you are constantly attempting to make payments to God for salvation.

But, in truth, God is not accepting any of these payments from you for salvation.

  • It’s either a gift, or you don’t receive everlasting life. Now, what sounds like better news to you?
  • 1) You can be saved with everlasting life in a moment by changing your mind and believing on Jesus.
  • God gives you the gift of everlasting life at the moment you change your mind and you can’t lose it.
  • OR, 2) You continue the rest of your life by making payments to God for the debt you owe Him.
  • You must continue being sanctified and go through this long process until you’re actually saved.
  • You must obey Jesus Christ in all things. You must always repent of all your sins.
  • If you aren’t perfect, then you’ve lost salvation. This means you will never have salvation.
  • You are never sure of salvation because everything is based on your flesh and not on God’s promise.

Does A Free Gift Sound Better Than Debt Through Works?

Which one of those sounds better?

  • 1) You are given the gift of everlasting life in a moment by God’s grace through faith in Jesus.
  • OR
  • 2) You have to work for salvation the rest of your life and are never sure that you will be saved.
  • Do you realize the effects that a works based salvation has on you? It’s impossible to achieve.
  • You will be a failure with a works based salvation. This is very destructive to your life.
  • You will have endless amounts of frustration and guilt. It won’t stop.
  • You will find out when you are truthful about what’s actually happening in your life.
  • Or, you can be free through Jesus Christ. He saves you and you have everlasting life in a moment.

[16] John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

[17] 1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

  • Why would you believe in a works based salvation that requires payments after reading that?
  • Salvation is a gift from God that He wants to simply give to you. This is called God’s mercy and grace.
  • Why do you not want mercy and grace from God? I’ve taken it, and it’s great. Why don’t you want it?

Let’s go to the second point I want to make.

  • In a works based salvation, you can lose salvation when you do something wrong.
  • These false preachers will say that you had salvation, but you can lose it when you do wrong.
  • They will then say that you must do a good work to get salvation back.
  • For example, they will say that you must repent of your sin after you’ve lost salvation.
  • And when you repent of that sin, you will earn salvation back through that work of your own.
  • Do you know the vast majority of churches in this country are teaching that?

[18] Jonah 3:10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

  • Repenting of sin is turning from your evil way.
  • They will say that it’s being sorry for you sin and turning from that sin.
  • Is repenting of sin a work? God says that it is a work.
  • “And God saw their WORKS, that they turned from their evil way.”
  • As we just went over earlier through many Scriptures: We are not saved by our own works.
  • Not before salvation, not during salvation, and not after salvation.

Since they believe they are saved by works, they also believe you can lose salvation if the right works aren’t done.

  • If you do an evil work, such as lying to someone, they believe a person has lost their salvation.
  • That person then must do a good work to get salvation back. They never have assurance of salvation.
  • But God assures us of salvation over and over again within His words. Why do they not hear His words?
  • He says that we can know that we have everlasting life. But they teach that you can’t know.
  • Who will you trust? Who will you put your faith in? God or man? God or false preachers?
  • God or the scribes and the Pharisees? Jesus Christ or a pastor that says the opposite?

[19] Philippians 3:7-8 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

  • Paul suffered for Jesus Christ and lost all things. Is that what saved Paul?
  • Did Paul count on his great works saving him?
  • Did Paul ever say that he repented of all his sin, and that great work is what saves him?
  • None of these people ever say this within the Bible. God never says this one. NOT ONCE.
  • What does Paul say, though, right there in those HOLY SCRIPTURES?

The Good Works Of Paul Were Counted As Dung Compared To Jesus

“And do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” He counted all of his works and suffering for God as dung.

  • If you don’t, you aren’t going to win Jesus Christ.
  • You won’t be saved unless you know your works won’t save you.
  • Let me say this again: If you have only trusted in a works based salvation, you’re going to hell.
  • If you have never FULLY TRUSTED “ON” Jesus Christ, you’re going to hell.
  • Watch what Paul continues to say in the next verses.

[20] Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

  • Paul never once said that his own righteousness saved him and gave him everlasting life. Not once.
  • Your own righteousness is through the law.
  • If you want to be saved by your works, then you must continue to follow all of God’s laws your entire life.
  • You can’t be saved that way because you’ve already broken God’s laws.
  • You can only claim the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. NOT OF WORKS.
  • And then you can know you have salvation because the righteousness of Jesus is never lost.

That is why we can know that we have salvation and that it is not of our works.

  • Jesus Christ doesn’t sin and lose His righteousness.
  • He says that I can have His righteousness through faith in Him.
  • Once I have His righteousness counted to my soul, then my soul will never die.
  • Once I believe on Him, I will never die.

[21] John 11:25-27 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

  • Jesus just told Martha she would never die if she believed that He was the Christ, the Son of God.
  • She said that she believed. She had everlasting life and her soul never died. She went to heaven.
  • He doesn’t mention anything about repenting of sin, being baptized in water, or going to church.
  • Did He say, “Martha, you need to make sure you get to church so you can have everlasting life one day.”
  • “Martha, you need to make sure you are tithing so you can have everlasting life one day.”
  • “Martha, make sure you repent of all your sin so you don’t lose everlasting life.”

Jesus never says any of those things because none of them are true. Your works do not effect salvation.

  • Anyone who teaches that they do are teaching death and destruction.
  • Again, a works based salvation leads to destruction, death, and hell.
  • Faith in Jesus Christ does not lead to destruction, death, and hell.
  • In God’s true way to salvation, an evil work that you do doesn’t cause you to lose everlasting life.
  • You can’t lose everlasting life. You can know that you are safe in the hands of Jesus Christ.
  • He is protecting you. He has sealed you with the Holy Spirit. You are saved. You can’t lose salvation.

Some man came in here once and he says: “So you think a saved person can murder someone and go to heaven?”

  • Well, what do you all think? Is there an example of a saved man murdering someone in the Bible?
  • Is murder an unforgiveable sin? That’s what this man comes in throwing at me.
  • Does the Bible say that murder will cause you to lose salvation?
  • King David had Uriah murdered. King Saul murdered his own people. He slew the priests of God.
  • He slew the women, children, and babies within a city with God’s people there.
  • We know king David went to heaven. We know king Saul went to heaven. The Bible clearly says so.
  • How could they still go to heaven and do those things? They were given everlasting life through faith.

Examples Of Salvation From The Bible NEVER Match A Works Based Salvation

That’s how. Those works were EVIL. But, all the examples in the Bible do not match a works based salvation.

  • None of the examples within the Bible teach works for salvation.
  • The Pharisees taught a works based salvation through obedience to the law. They went to hell.
  • Do you really want to be on their side teaching obedience to the law for salvation?
  • Being baptized in water is obedience to the law. Repenting of sin is obedience to the law.

None of these good works save you, but you should be doing them AFTER you are saved.

  • But they do not gain you salvation or keep salvation for you. God never says this.
  • You don’t have to worry about losing salvation once you are saved.
  • God will punish you greatly IN THIS LIFE, though, if you won’t do what He says.

Here’s the third point I want to make which proves a works based salvation leads to destruction.

  • The works based salvation preachers want their personal goodness to save them.
  • They want you to know how “GOOD” they are, and that they earned heaven through their goodness.
  • God teaches that we are only saved through HIS GRACE, which, by definition, means that we don’t deserve salvation.
  • But they teach that your “goodness” will save you. “Your good works will save you.” They teach this.

In the Old Testament, circumcision was a work of the law, but it was a seal of the faith that they had.

  • In the New Testament, baptism is a work of the law, but it is a seal of the faith you have.
  • Circumcision and water baptism are perfect comparisons. They are both works of the law.
  • The Pharisees thought that circumcision would save them.
  • The religious people who equal the Pharisees today think that water baptism saves them.
  • If you are one of those people, CHRIST shall profit you NOTHING. That means you’re headed to hell.
  • Listen to this and make sure you understand because God doesn’t want you going to hell.

[22] Galatians 5:1-3 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

  • You can compare water baptism to circumcision because they are both commandments from God.
  • If you think that your water baptism, A WORK, saves you, then you are a debtor to do the whole law.

[23] Galatians 5:4-5 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

  • If you are counting on your good works to save you, this means you believe you are justified by the law.
  • “Hey, I’ve done all of these wonderful works, Jesus. Have you seen what I’ve done?”
  • Hey, if that’s you, you’re in big trouble. Jesus gives this exact example in the Bible, Matthew Chapter 7.
  • He’s going to look you in the eye and tell you that He NEVER knew you. Why?
  • Because you didn’t put YOUR FAITH “IN” HIM ALONE. You put your faith in your works.

Grace and works are opposites. You can’t be saved by God’s grace and be saved by your works at the same time.

  • If you want to add works into salvation, CHRIST is become of no effect unto you.
  • You are fallen from grace. You went the opposite direction. You were never saved by grace.
  • Righteousness comes by faith. Verse 5 says so right there, and the Bible says so hundreds of times.
  • How do I go to heaven? I need righteousness to make it to heaven. How I am going to get righteousness?
  • You can choose to build your own, which will never be enough, OR Jesus can simply give it to you.
  • All you have to do is have faith “IN” Jesus Christ, and He will give you His righteousness.
  • Do you really think your righteousness will ever match up with the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

If you bring your works of righteousness to God as the sacrifice for sins, He will reject you.

  • If you try to bring anything but faith in Jesus Christ ALONE with you, He will reject you.
  • You will go to hell and burn forever all because you wouldn’t give up yourself.
  • You wouldn’t admit that you aren’t good enough even though you’ve seen what you do each day.
  • You are an eye witness of what you do each day, and you still think you’re good and righteous.
  • The Bible tells you over and over again that there are NONE GOOD but God.
  • But you won’t listen. If you say that you have no sin, you deceive yourself.
  • Your personal goodness will never result in salvation. False preachers teach that it does.
  • They are destroying people and sending them to hell with their lies.

Let’s go to the next point I want to make. This is the fourth point.

  • God says that we ONLY need His grace to be saved. We are saved by His grace.
  • The works based salvation preachers say that we are saved by grace and works.
  • You MUST do these works to be saved. This is what they teach.
  • But we know that grace is not grace if we attempt to include works with the grace.

Evil Pastors Will Lie And Tell You They Believe in Salvation By Grace Through Faith

I’ve had a pastor tell me that I can be assured that he teaches we are saved by grace through faith.

  • On the same day, he taught us that we must keep working for eternal life until we gain it.
  • His messages don’t make any sense at all with the Bible. They don’t align with the Bible at all.
  • You can’t be saved by God’s grace and then teach you must keep working for eternal life.
  • Your works can’t gain you everlasting life. God’s design for life shows you this.
  • Let me explain what I mean. Did you do any works to receive the life that was given to you right now?
  • You are alive right now. Did you do any good works prior to receiving this life to gain this life?
  • Same thing for everlasting life. GOD GIVES LIFE. You don’t earn life, and you don’t earn everlasting life.

[24] Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Eternal life is a GIFT that God gives you. You do not earn the gift in any way through your works.

[25] Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

  • When you work a job, you earn money. When you do good works for God, you earn righteousness.
  • But when you sin, you just did evil works. Do your good works cancel out all of your evil works?
  • No, they don’t. God never says that they do.
  • Can you gain enough righteousness on your own to purchase everlasting life?

Peter says right there that this man is going to perish because he thought he could purchase the gift of God.

  • That man changed his mind. Will you do the same? Do you really think you can work for eternal life?
  • False preachers teach this trash all the time, and their lies are leading to destruction of people.
  • They are destroying people with their false preaching of a works based salvation.
  • Listen, salvation is not of works in ANY WAY. Don’t allow someone to add works to salvation.
  • And they are very tricky about this and very deceptive about this.
  • They will even say, “Oh yes, I believe you are saved by grace through faith.”
  • But they teach the exact opposite of this. BE VERY CAREFUL.

[26] Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • Make sure you see that in parentheses right there. “BY GRACE YE ARE SAVED.” Do you see that? Okay.

[27] Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

  • We cannot be saved by both grace and works. They don’t go together. They are opposites.
  • If you add works to salvation, you will not be saved by God’s grace. This is the truth.
  • For example, if you think you must be baptized in water to go to heaven, you will not be saved.
  • This is not believing “ON” Jesus Christ. You are adding works to salvation and then it is no more grace.
  • “But if it be of works, then is it no more grace.” And the truth is we are only saved by grace.
  • You can’t make a new way of salvation that God didn’t give us and think that it will work.

[28] Romans 3:23-24 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

  • We can’t be saved by our works because we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.
  • These works based salvation believers don’t think that they have come short of the glory of God.
  • They think they are going to work their way UP to the glory of God. Will they get there? NO, they won’t.
  • Verse 24 says we are justified FREELY by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
  • If this gift of eternal life is FREE, why would you think you have to work for it? It’s free.

Change your mind and believe on Jesus Christ, and He will give you this gift.

  • Changing your mind is not work. It’s very easy and simple to do, but most people won’t do it.
  • I want to be clear that you haven’t believed on Jesus Christ IF you believe baptism in water saves you.
  • You haven’t believed on Jesus Christ if you think speaking in tongues is required for salvation.
  • You haven’t believed on Jesus Christ if you think you must be good to go to heaven.
  • This is not faith in Jesus Christ, and you haven’t received everlasting life if you’ve never had faith in Him.

A Works Based Salvation Is All About You And Not All About Jesus Christ

Let’s go to the fifth point I want to make that shows the destruction in a works based salvation.

  • A works based salvation BEGINS with what you must do as an individual.
  • You have to do all of these works. Which ones? You’ll never get a clear answer. It’s never enough.
  • No matter what works you do, it’s never enough for the works based salvation followers.
  • You will never do good enough for them. They are always better than you.
  • But, in contrast, a faith based salvation begins and ends with Jesus Christ. He is the end of it.
  • A faith based salvation is all about Him and His works. The true way to heaven is all about Jesus Christ.

This is THE only religion that is pure, undefiled, and has a SAVIOR for the entire world.

  • All the other religions are preaching works that you must do to be saved. It’s all about you.
  • The true Christian religion is all about Jesus Christ. Faith in Him alone saves you.
  • All the other religions are teaching and preaching about you and that’s why people love those religions.
  • They want everything to be about them. They want to raise and lift up themselves and not Jesus Christ.
  • It’s so easy to see this. They want to be important.
  • They want to be Jesus Christ, but they can’t handle it. They want to be God, but they can’t do His job.

[29] Hebrews 7:24-25 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

  • Jesus Christ is this man who saves us. He continues forever. He was there before all creation.
  • You weren’t. You haven’t been here forever. HE IS ABLE TO SAVE THEM TO THE UTTERMOST.
  • Salvation doesn’t start and end with you. Life doesn’t start and end with you.
  • Jesus Christ lives to make intercession for you and to save you from your sins. He does this. You don’t.

[30] Hebrews 7:26-27 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

  • Jesus Christ is HOLY. He is separate from sinners. All of us are sinners.
  • That’s why salvation doesn’t come through us. Salvation only comes through Him.
  • He is higher than the heavens. He is the glory of God.
  • Why do you think you need to offer your sacrifices of work to God for salvation?
  • If you think this, you aren’t listening to the words of the Bible. You’ve listened instead to a false preacher.

Jesus Christ offered the sacrifice of Himself ONCE and for all. He paid for our sins. He paid for your sins.

  • This sacrifice is only activated for the forgiveness of your sins through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • He is the sacrifice for sins. He is the Lamb of God.
  • God accepts the sacrifice of Jesus Christ alone for your sins.
  • Why would you want to add all of this other dung, as God puts it, to the holy sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
  • This is how God sees it. You are not good because you sin. Jesus Christ is good.
  • So stop making salvation about you and start making salvation about Jesus Christ.
  • This is what the entire Bible teaches. Stop ignoring God’s words. You say you follow Him. Then do it.

Here’s the sixth point I want to make. God teaches us over and over again that believing on Jesus saves us.

  • The works based salvation preachers will tell you that you must believe AND do something else.
  • There’s so many different works based salvations out there that you’ll have trouble keeping up with them.
  • That’s why there are so many so-called “Christian” denominations.
  • They all have different ways to heaven. They are actually sending people to total destruction in hell.
  • If someone teaches that you’re saved by believing PLUS anything else, they are a false preacher.
  • They will lead you to death and hell. They will lead you to destruction.
  • They’ll take your children there too. Is that what you want? No, you don’t.

The Bible Says That We Are Saved By Believing ALONE

Do you know how many times the Bible tells you that it’s believing ALONE that saves you?

  • Faith alone saves you. It’s nothing else.
  • But false teachers are now trying to say that works are a part of believing.
  • Believing in your mind does not include ANY PHYSICAL WORKS at all. That’s just crazy to say that.
  • But they are. They are so corrupted that they are saying these things. The Bible doesn’t say that.
  • Listen, there are hundreds of Scriptures in the Bible that clearly say believing on Jesus Christ saves you.
  • I can’t go over all of them in this sermon, obviously. But I can show you a few.

[31] John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

  • Do you see how clear this Scripture is on how to receive everlasting life?
  • Why would people attempt to change all of these clear Scriptures? THEY ARE EVIL.
  • These are the words of Jesus Christ and the words of the Spirit of Christ. These are God’s words.
  • Why would people try to change such clear Scripture?
  • “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.”

[32] John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

  • Why would you continue to call Jesus Christ a liar by adding all of these other things to His clear statements?
  • A works based salvation CLEARLY calls Jesus Christ, the Son of God, a liar.
  • Do you really want to be on that side? “Hey Jesus, you’re a liar. A works based salvation is true.”
  • “You’re wrong, Jesus!!!” Is that what you want to say? If so, you don’t understand Jesus Christ.

You don’t fear Him. You don’t realize that He is the one who casts people into hell.

  • And He will cast you into hell if you won’t believe on Him 100%. You must trust in Him alone for salvation.
  • And the Bible says the same thing hundreds and hundreds of times.
  • But these other people ADD something else to believing on Jesus over and over again. Just stop it.
  • You can’t call Jesus Christ a liar and call yourself a Christian. If so, you are the liar. Not Jesus Christ.

Jesus says, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” Once you believe on Him, you HAVE it.

  • And that’s the end of it for salvation. He is the beginning and He is the end for salvation.
  • Jesus Christ, THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD, is the only thing you need for salvation. Have faith in Him.
  • If not, you will be destroyed. A works based salvation leads to destruction.
  • Remember this: ONLY BELIEVE FOR SALVATION. The others will add many things to believing on Him.

Works Based Salvation Teaches You Do And Then Receive While God Teaches Receive Salvation And Then Do

Let’s move to the seventh point I want to make in this sermon.

  • A works based salvation teaches you to DO and THEN receive everlasting life. But you’ll never make it.
  • They teach you to do, do, do, and do which is total doo doo.
  • So, make sure you understand the difference in what they are teaching and what we teach.
  • The teach to do and then receive. We teach to receive and then do.
  • The truth is you MUST have faith FIRST before you do good works for God.
  • We teach you to be saved by God’s grace through faith. And then you SHOULD go do good works.
  • If you don’t go do everything that God commands you to do, you are still saved with everlasting life.
  • So they teach that you must do and then receive, and the Bible teaches receive and then do.

[33] Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • If you don’t have the Son of God, you can’t do good works through Him.
  • And if you haven’t had FAITH in Him, then you can’t do good works through Him.
  • We are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. This is an everlasting covenant to us.
  • Then, we should do His will and do every good work that He wants us to do.

[34] Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

  • The works based salvation people do not want God to receive the glory. They want the glory.
  • If God is doing the good works, then He receives the glory. We do not. They don’t like that.
  • So, they want to do and then receive because this glorifies them.
  • We receive and then do through God, and then He receives the glory.

This is why we are commanded to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. We get a choice.

  • At times, we will walk in the flesh and not do so good. This doesn’t mean we aren’t saved.
  • This means we made a bad choice and we sinned against God. He’s not sending us to hell.
  • Why? Because He made us a promise just as He made Abraham, and we believed the promise.
  • He doesn’t break His promises. He promises us everlasting life if we believe on His Son, Jesus Christ.
  • There are many examples of people within the Bible who were saved and did evil works.
  • Solomon, as one example, did evil in the sight of the Lord WHEN HE WAS OLD. He went to heaven.

Let’s move to the eighth and final point I want to make in this sermon.

  • A works based salvation teaches you are in debt, you must pay for this debt by your works, and you must follow the laws of God at all times to be saved.
  • A faith based salvation is the exact opposite of those things. Jesus Christ already paid for our debt.
  • Once we believe on Him, we are not in debt any more.
  • The false preachers teach that you are always in debt no matter if you’ve believed on Jesus or not.

[35] Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

  • The false preachers are teaching the truth when they say you will always be in debt by what they teach.
  • “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt.”
  • In other words, if you want to make your works a part of salvation, you receive debt. You owe God.
  • If you choose to be saved by grace, WITHOUT WORKS, your faith is counted for righteousness.
  • If you choose to add works into salvation, you will not be saved by grace through faith.
  • This is serious. LIFE or DEATH? HEAVEN or HELL? Do you trust Jesus or not?
  • If you don’t trust the words of Jesus, do not call yourself a Christian.

If You Believe Works Are A Part Of Salvation In Any Way, You Do Not Believe On Jesus Christ

Now, listen, if you believe in works IN ANY WAY as a part of salvation, you will find destruction.

  • You will find GUILT. You will find frustration. You will follow lies. You will find regret.
  • You will be let down every single day. You will not be happy. You will never be at peace.
  • You will never have joy. You will feel distressed constantly. You will think you’re a failure.
  • You will feel defeated over and over again. That’s not good for you. This is what Satan wants.

You’ll be thinking constantly: “I am going to hell. I’ve done more bad than good. I am not good enough.”

  • This leads to depression. You can see this. This leads to death, hell, and total destruction.
  • This leads to the lake of fire and being cast into outer darkness. You don’t want any of that.
  • This brings you down. This destroys you. You stay in bondage and are never free.

Many people brought up in a works based salvation will commit suicide. They go to hell.

  • God needs you to change your mind and believe on Jesus Christ and then start preaching the truth.
  • People all across this world need your help to see and find the truth in God’s words.
  • He sends us all out to others in this world as preachers of God’s words.

In contrast to a works based salvation, in faith, you will be blessed and encouraged. You will be a child of God.

  • You will find happiness, joy, peace, and satisfaction. You will be content in all things.
  • You will be relieved and comforted by Jesus Christ. You will have triumph in His name.
  • Do you see the difference in a works based salvation and a faith based salvation. We simply trust in Him.
  • And He is good enough to save us. We aren’t good enough. You will find that out in your life.
  • Don’t wait until it’s too late. Wake up now and be saved right now. Receive everlasting life right now.

You cannot earn God’s grace. He can only give it to you.

  • If a preacher says you must do this work or that work to earn God’s grace, they don’t make any sense.
  • They are preaching confusion. Grace is receiving God’s favor by no work of your own.
  • Grace is receiving a gift that you don’t deserve. If you have to earn grace, this makes no sense.
  • This wouldn’t be grace. False preachers are confusing everyone. And this has been happening a long time.
  • It’s time for the generations on this earth to wake up and turn back to to God’s truth.

[36] John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

  • A works based salvation steals, kills, and destroys. Can you not see this?
  • But Jesus is come that you might have life, and that you might have it MORE ABUNDANTLY.

[37] Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

  • Do those things look good to you? Those are the works of the flesh.
  • Without faith, those are the things you will 100%, without a doubt, do. They lead to destruction.

[38] Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

  • Now that sounds much better. This is what we want, and this is what we have when we walk in the Spirit.
  • We don’t always walk in the Spirit, though, WE KNOW WE ARE SAVED.
  • Do what God says AFTER YOU ARE SAVED, and this is what you can have. Love, joy, peace.
  • Longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
  • You can have as much of that as you want. God has no law against those things.
  • He doesn’t say, “You’ve had too much peace this week. I’m going to take it away.” He doesn’t do that.

[39] Psalm 39:4-5 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

  • At our absolute best, we aren’t good enough. It’s all vanity EVEN at our absolute best.
  • We like to think we are good, but we aren’t. This is why we NEED Jesus Christ.
  • In summary, I want to show you this table which compares a works based salvation to the true way to salvation within the Bible.

A Table Comparing The True Salvation To A Works Based Salvation

[40]

  • Do you see how a works based salvation is the exact opposite of what God teaches for salvation?
  • There is ONLY destruction in a works based salvation. The people who believe in works are deceived.
  • The preachers who continue to teach a works based salvation may be rejected by God.
  • And they can’t stop. They continue and continue and continue.

[41] John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

  • I’ve given you and shown you the truth in this sermon today. You can believe it and be free through Jesus.
  • Jesus says, “I WILL SET YOU FREE.” Don’t you want to be free? I sure do. Believe Him or not.
  • If not, you will continue down the path to destruction. God gave you the choice.

Let’s pray.

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