It's the greatest pronouncement given to man, ever; especially, SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING. At that time we shall shout and rejoice and praise God for His mercy that we have in Jesus. Being saved from condemnation came through His Son, Jesus, alone, without a doubt. The studious Bible inquirer will ask: 'What about the Apostle Paul's words in 1st Corinthians?' That's a great question; which, only comes by understanding the church and it's ordinances. The church is so important. For, one thing, we have to know that the church began when Jesus ordained His body (Mt. 28:19-20). Therefore, His body has and will, always be on earth, just as He said in Matthew 28, "...and lo, I am with you ALWAYS, even to the end of the world" (age). Jesus is not saying 'do what you want, I'll still be with you.' No, we have to obey.GOODNEWSLETTERNumber 461 February 13, 2013"NOT GUILTY""But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup," 1st Corinthians 11:28.
When we see Him correctly, we teach that He is always the Head of the church. And further, a writer notes: Always means: 'all the days.' Before He returns, His church observes His commandment to baptize those who repent, only. Certainly, no babies. Landmark Missionary Baptists baptize only those who have repented. Then, church doctrine is taught to them. As we study, we hear Peter tell the Jews, "God made Him both Lord and Christ...whom ye crucified" (Acts 2:36).
Got it? Great! Now, what about Paul's words in 1st Corinthians?
As an ordinance, the Lord's Supper is practiced by the Church. The Supper is observed only after one has been SAVED AND BAPTIZED. What about being worthy of eating the Supper? Here, Paul explains that we have to judge ourselves. We may have our brothers fooled but, like the Jews on Pentecost, when we are pierced in the heart, WE TRUST IN GOD'S WORD, ONLY. Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit for that conviction.
While Trinity gives each member an opportunity for examination every time we observe the Supper, some may not examine themselves. What about them? Paul's tells us that examination must precede eating the Supper; for, there is judgment beforehand. One doesn't have to find out if he is saved or not; but, Paul does say, "For he that eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself" (1st Cor. 11:28-29). Every member must judge the body and rightly act out his salvation by serving, faithfully.
When we take a look at the big picture, we see that the church is a body of believers that honors God in all that they do, within the body. Sometimes, repentance is necessary. Even, I have repented for disobedience, in times past. And, don't we all pray that God will forgive us of our sins, on a daily basis? Yep! We do. When we "Study to show ourselves approved" (2 Tim. 2:15), we learn that service is within the church; that the church has the right to even exclude members if they fail to repent. And, at the resurrection, when Jesus comes for His people, we read of some who are ready and some who are not. Study that, please.
Concerning what we said above, our understanding is that some will inherit the kingdom of God and some will be outside the kingdom. Study the parables and you'll see three classes of people in them - the lost, the saved and, the faithful. In fact, we see the phrase: "Called and chosen" in so many places of the Bible that we have to check it out for ourselves. Start by reading of the SEVEN CHURCHES of Revelation, beginning in chapter 1:4. There, we find that "He released us from our sins by His blood" (V 5). Amen!
Clearly, once saved, always saved is understood in the same framework as the Church. One has to believe in WHO Jesus is and, WHAT He wants man to do. He so loved the world (Jn. 3:16) that Jesus was sent to save man and to lift him up, daily. Thus, next week we'll look at the Book of Revelation about the SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA. For now, trust with all you heart and get in a New Testament Church that has a history back to Christ. See if your church requires faithfulness. No, the flesh doesn't like it but; it's BIBLE, Brother.