Salvation and YOU!

We live in cataclysmic, changing and turbulent times. Changes in society are not only frightening, changes are coming at rocket-sled speed. While well over 90% of people claim a belief in a “higher being,” there is a dark cloud behind that silver lining. Unfortunately, that “higher being” is not the God of the Bible. Paul tells us in Romans 1 that sinful man worships the creature in lieu of the Creator. In fact, the “higher being” most people worship is one of their own creation. This “being” forgives without repentance, saves without sacrifice and rewards at the every whine of the “believer.”

The time for the proclamation of the one and true gospel is now! That proclamation takes place daily but ongoing twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, Archdale will have a gospel meeting. For those not familiar with the term, a gospel meeting is a series of gospel presentations put on for the benefit of the general public…friends, relatives and associates of Christians who are not members of the Lord’s body. Simply put, a gospel meeting is a collective endeavor to fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord, to make disciples and to baptize so we can “teach all things whatsoever Christ commands in the Gospels, the Acts, the Epistles and the Revelation.”

A timely and neglected topic surrounds the so-called “Sinner’s Prayer.” Nearly every denomination today embraces this kind of prayer as a vehicle of salvation. Sadly, faith in such a prayer is in vain. In fact, there is no such prayer even found in Scripture! In the early part of the 19th century, a man by the name of Charles Finley became upset that more people were not becoming “Christians.” He decided that he would round up all the people who were not believers and have them all sit in the front pews where he could “work” on their emotions. This soon evolved into what we now call the “mourners bench” where people would come forward and “pray through” for salvation. Later, Dwight L. Moody began taking the “mourners” off to a side room where the same process would take place. The 20th century saw the dawn of the modern day “evangelical movement” with the emotional and fiery Billy Sunday, a former baseball player. He was the first to use large outdoors mass rallies to “convert” the masses. In our day, Dr. Bill Bright wrote a pamphlet called the Four Spiritual Laws that became the basis of the Billy Graham Crusades and the adoption of the “sinner’s prayer” by most everyone in the denominational world.

All that said, our gospel meeting will take the major “proof texts” of the “sinner’s prayer” and see what the Scripture REALLY says about these things. SALVATION AND YOU is the subject we will cover. Make plans to help us door knock our buildings neighborhood on May 22 in preparation for the meeting that will begin the following day, May 23, at the Archdale church of Christ 2525 Archdale Drive in Charlotte. [http://archdale.org] Gospel presentations will take place on May 23 at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 24 and 25 will see presentations at 7 p.m. each evening. Pray for the meetings success and invite all you friends, neighbors and relatives.

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

The Exhortation of Motherhood

Have you noticed? There are fewer and fewer of our Mothers still in the “land of the living” as each year passes. Each passing Mother’s Day, fewer and fewer of us have the opportunity to say “I love you!” to the one most dear who raised us. We long and yearn for just one more chance to do so when our sweet Mother’s “cross over Jordan.”

Rare is the person who says all the words and renders all the kindnesses for their Mother while she remains present with us. But does she resent it? No. Does she hold bitterness? No. Does she criticize us for our neglect? No. Not only that, she continues to show us an over abundance of love and affection.

We all must one day “go the way of all the earth” and slip the bounds of this vanishing vapor. When Mother goes, our minds fill with regret and remorse. We yearn for just a few more minutes to “make things right.” We cry out; “What can I do to make things right with Mother?!” There IS a way! There is no reason any more to disappoint Mother!

To make things right with Mother, all we need to do is to remember what she told us to do and DO IT! If we did not obey our Mother when we were growing up, it is never too late to embrace that obedience. If we did not become Christians while our Mother lived, we can still make that decision to put on Christ in baptism and “walk in her ways.” If we have become neglectful and unfaithful, it is not too late to be restored to our “first love.” Should Mother be gone, NOW is the opportunity to heed her now faded calls to “do right,” “be right” and “act right.” You see, Mother was all about the Great Commandment; “Love God with all your heart, mind and soul AND love your neighbor as you love yourself.” That statement sums up who Mother was and what she wanted YOU and I to be!

We cry and mourn when Mother departs and yearn for reconciliation, peace and happiness. However, those things will always elude us UNLESS we decide to begin DOING all those things she told us to do through the tears and the prayers of days gone by. If you want and need to honor your Mother this Mothers Day, whether she still is here or has passed on, become the person of HER dreams and aspirations! It is never too late even if you are old and your Mother passed many years ago. Remember Mother and do what she told you to do. By so doing, we will honor Christ, we will honor Mother and we will possess the free gift of salvation, the ONE thing she MOST wanted for us!

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." – Ephesians 6:1 – 3 (ESV)

Many a preacher raises many a great exhortation, but none can compare with the exhortations of a loving, tender hearted and God fearing Mother! “Thank You, God, for our Mother’s both present and departed! May we heed their great, good and loving directions! Help us to honor them by heeding their many calls to “Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” - In Jesus Name - AMEN

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Reality, Illusion, Temporary, Permanent, Truth and Error

My dear sweet sister passed away two weeks ago yesterday. I have continued wrestling with all those memories to this very moment in time. My conclusion so far is this: no man ever had more caring parents than did I, no man ever had a finer wife and children than do I and no man ever had a more wonderful sister than did I. I am, of all men, most blessed! Thank You God for Your grace, mercy and lovingkindness towards me all the days of my life! Thank you, God, for Carol Lynne. I will miss her until I see her again!

Another blessing I received was this: my dear friend and brother-in-law, Bob Lovell, found something wonderful and exciting in Carol's purse. Not many people get a glimpse into the mindset of a loved one as they pass from one life to the next, but we received such a glimpse from Carol at her passing. She possessed the following on the day of her death and I want to share it with you. I have since found this on the internet in numerous places but no one gives an author. It is of great comfort to Bob and I:

Handy Little Chart - God Has A Positive Answer:

(1) You say: "It's impossible." God says; "All things are possible!" Luke 18:27
(2) You say; "I'm too tired." God says; "I will give you rest!" Matthew 11:28-30 (3) You say; "Nobody really loves me." God says; "I love you!" John 3:16 (4) You say; "I can't go on." God says; "My grace is sufficent." II Corinthians 12:9 (5) You say; "I can't figure things out." God says; "I will direct your steps!" Proverbs 3:5-6 (6) You say; "I can't do it." God says; "You can do all things!" Philippians 4:13 (7) You say; "I am not able." God says; "I am able!" II Corinthians 9:8 (8) You say; "It's not worth it." God says; "I will be worth it! Romans 8:28 (9) You say; "I can't forgive myself." God says; "I forgive you!" I John 1:9; Romans 8:1 (10) You say; "I can't manage." God says; "I will supply all your needs!" Philippians 4:19 (11) You say; "I'm afraid." God says; "I have not given you a spirit of fear!" II Timothy 1:7 (12) You say; "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says; "Cast all your cares on ME!" I Peter 5:7 (13) You say; "I'm not smart enough." God says; "I give you wisdom!" I Corinthians 1:30 (14) You say; "I feel all alone." God says; "I will never leave you or forsake you!" Hebrews 13:5

As I have pondered these scriptures, I have come to the conclusion that Carol clearly understood the Great Commandment to "Love the Lord with all your heart mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself." She understood the words of our Lord that observed on these words that "all the law and the prophets hang on this!" For a whole host of reasons I thank God that Carol left this sheet of paper in her purse. It is of much comfort and the baton of truth has been passed on to every one who reads these words.

The fact that Carol left these wonderful thoughts for us confirms the following for Bob and I -- and I hope for you as well. That which we see and regard as reality is but a temporary illusion. Truth endures forever and error will soon pass away. Life is but a vapor and soon passes away. This world is not our home and we are but strangers and sojourners in the land. Those who remain must pick up Carol's staff and continue the work in God's vineyard for "He wills that all be saved and none be lost!" Love never fails...

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Will It Be Jude or John? (Calvin That Is!)

The question; “Can a Christian lose their salvation?” is at best semantically confusing and at worst begs the question. The question “implies” that Christians get into some kind of spiritual wrestling match with Satan and / or his minions and, despite the Christians best efforts, have their salvation wrested away from them, become disconnected to God and head screaming straight into hell itself, all very much against their will. The question should be; “Can a Christian SURRENDER their salvation after being in an absolute saved state?”

When theologians approach Scripture allegorically such tail-wagging-the-dog conclusions are not only possible, they are inevitable when begging the “lose their salvation” question. The historically great, yet biblically confused reformer, John Calvin, poured the theory that Christians could never become apostate into theological concrete where it remains until today. Many have been deceived by this doctrine during the last 500 years while the truth regarding the matter, revealed by the Holy Spirit in the book of Jude, has been rejected, overlooked and ignored.

In 180 degree opposite reaction to medieval Roman Catholicism, Calvin formed a theological system now named after him, known as Calvinism. Calvinism is summed up in an acronym, “T.U.L.I.P.”

T otal Depravity – all mankind is conceived and born as sinners doomed to hell unless God “elects” them to salvation arbitrarily
U nconditional Election – some of those “totally depraved” are arbitrarily “chosen” (elected) by God for salvation while the rest are arbitrarily “chosen” (elected) for damnation, humans have no free choice
L imited Atonement – The blood of Christ, shed on the cross, is not sufficient to save everyone, just the so-called elect.
I rresistable Grace – those who have been arbitrarily chosen for salvation cannot resist the grace of God, even though they attempt to do so
P erserverance of the Saints – once those who are arbitrarily elected to salvation have been saved, they cannot never become apostate and therefore “lose” their salvation

Time and space will not allow an examination of all these theories, our immediate concern is the last leaf in the flower, as it were, “perseverance of the saints.” Can a Christian become an apostate? Can one who once was saved reject that salvation at a future point in time and re-embrace damnation? Can one who once “walks in the light as He is in the light, re-enter into “everlasting darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth?” Calvin says, “no.” To “prove” this assertion, Calvinists turn to two Scripture references. [“A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text.” – D. A. Carson Sr.] These two “proof texts” are offered up:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. – John 10:28 -29

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
– I John 2:18 – 19

The Calvinist interpretation of these two verses goes like this:

1. Once a person becomes a Christian he / she is in the grasp of the Saviors hand and no one, not even Satan himself, can wrestle that person away from Christ.
2. Since said person enjoys this iron clad grasp in the Savior’s hand, he / she remains a Christian, in the hand of the Savior forever … no matter what sins that person commits, no matter what false doctrine that person embraces or teaches and no matter how much unbelief is spewed from the lips and heart of said person. Once a person is “saved,” that person can never be lost.
3. Thirdly, since it “appears” that one that was once a Christian is now spewing apostasy in word and deed it must mean that said person was never really a Christian anyway!

Now if the Scriptures had nothing else to say regarding this matter, the Calvinist would indeed have a leg to stand on. However, the Scripture has much more to say about it. First of all, salvation is conditional to on going faithfulness, repentance and confession of sins. John says the following:

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – I John 1:5 - 10

Continued salvation is conditional upon our dedication to walking in the light as He is in the light and confession of all our sins. “IF” we walk faithfully and confess our sins THEN we are firmly in the grasp of the Savior’s hand and no man “can pluck us out!” However, the inverse is true as well. “IF” we do not walk in the light as He is in the light and confess our sins, we surrender our salvation and can once again be lost. We can always return but should we die in the apostate state, we can still lose our souls!

Having said all the above, some might still cling to Calvin in the false hope that one can “live like hell and still go to heaven.” That is where Jude comes in. The inspired book of Jude gives us not one, not two, not three, not four but FIVE concrete examples of people once saved that consequently became lost when they embraced apostasy. These were not people who were “never really saved,” they were people who were saved by God totally, without question and without a doubt! Here are the five examples and we will rest our case!

1. Jude 1:5 – The Lord SAVED a people out of Egypt and later destroyed those who did not believe. How many of the Israelites were saved out of Egypt and were “baptized unto Moses” as they crossed the Red Sea? ALL of them! They were ALL once saved but some of them became apostate and were consequently lost. Saved people lost their salvation.
2. Jude 1:6 – There were angels in heaven who did not keep their first estate but LEFT their habitation. Saved angels, living in Heaven, willingly abandoned their positions and deserted to the enemy! Saved angels lost their salvation!
3. Jude 1:7 – The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were once saved by God via Abraham who raised an army from his own house and saved them from destruction as we read about in Genesis 14. Unfortunately, after their salvation, Sodom and Gomorrah “gave themselves over to fornication and strange flesh.” As a result, they lost their salvation and were destroyed.
4. Jude 1:12 – Jude asserts that the apostates of whom he is writing are “twice dead.” What must be true about someone who is “twice dead?” These apostates were once “dead in their sins” but they obeyed the gospel, were buried with Christ in baptism and rose again to walk in “newness of life.” These “live souls” died again when they rejected Christ and embraced apostasy. They were truly “twice dead!” An unrepentant apostate is “twice dead” and will lose his soul, just like those who rebelled in the desert, just like the fallen angels and just like Sodom and Gomorrah.
5. Jude 1:12 – Finally, Jude asserts that the apostates of whom he is writing have been “uprooted.” One must understand that a plant that is “uprooted,” must of necessity, first of all must have been “rooted” previously! The uprooted, and now unsaved, apostate was once rooted and saved – just like those who rebelled in the desert, just like the fallen angels and just like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

One last observation. “IF” Calvin is right and “IF” “once saved always saved” [The Perseverance of the Saints] is a true and wholesome doctrine, then the following also must be true regarding the assertions of Jude:

1. God did not really destroy those who did not believe in the desert, its just a fable.
2. God did not really allow His angels to leave Heaven, it too, is just a fairy tale.
3. God did not really destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, it is just a “Bible story” and did not really take place.
4. Jude wasted his time writing about and warning the church regarding the apostates. After all, God will still save them in the end!

There we have it. We have a choice to make. Will we choose Calvin over Jude or will we choose Jude over Calvin? Upon that choice our souls depend!

© 2010 by Russ McCullough – All Rights Reserved - MCN: C4U9Q-J5SEG-27PHB

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Are There Sinners That God Cannot Save?

There are people dying without Christ every day. Some are dying without Christ because they thought they were “good enough” to get to heaven without God. There are others who believed the lies of false doctrine. There are others because they convinced themselves that there was “no such thing as God.” Still others die without Christ because, though they once were Christians, they were enticed back into the world by its lusts, temptations and desires. Sadly, there is one more category of people dying without Christ every day… people who convinced themselves that their sins were too numerous, too grievous and too ugly for God to save. So sad. So very, very, very sad.

Today, right now, there are people about to pass from life into death. They are about to step into a boat, as it were, that will carry them into the darkness and terror of a devils hell. Why? All because they “think” their sins were too many and too deep for God to forgive. Is it so? Are there sins and sinners that God cannot forgive? Are there some sins and some sinners that are simply unforgivable? Thank God, the answer is NO!

My dear friend, set aside for just a moment all the hurt, pain and guilt you feel because of your many sins. Come with me to the Bible. Come and look at some HEROS of the faith! Come and gaze upon the Saints of God! Who are these people? What kind of lives did they lead? What kind of sins did THEY commit? You say; “God could never forgive me! I’ve _________________ (you fill in the blank). God knows you feel this way and that is why He gave us the letter of Hebrews, chapter 11. Let’s COMPARE your sins to THEIR sins:

• 11:7 – God saved Noah – He was a drunkard
• 11:8 – God saved Abraham – He was a liar
• 11:9 – God saved Isaac – He was a liar like his father
• 11:9 – God saved Jacob – He was the biggest liar and deceiver in his entire family
• 11:11 – God saved Sarah – She laughed at God Himself
• 11:23 – God saved Moses – He was a murderer
• 11:31 – God saved Rhahab – She was a prostitute
• 11:32 - God saved David – He was an adulterer and a murderer

Now, you may say; “I’m a worse sinner than any of these!” Really? Are you a worse sinner than the people who made up the angry mob that murdered our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Did you know that Jesus actually PRAYED for his murderers while he was dying? Did you realize that God heard that prayer and SAVED them? Yes, all that did, indeed, happen!

• “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!” – Luke 23:34
• “When they heard this (that they had, indeed, murdered the Son of God) they cried out and said; “Men and brethren, what shall we do?!” Peter replied and said; “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:37 – 38

Jesus prayed for his murderer’s forgiveness while on the cross and God answered that prayer 50 days later at Pentecost!

My dear friend, if you are still very much alive or are about to slip into eternity within a few days, God CAN save you! He WILL save you! Whatever you have done, whatever you have said, whatever you have thought… God CAN and WILL save you! If He can save the murderers of His dear Son, SURELY He can save YOU and ME! When YOU are ready to repent (turn completely away from and go a different direction) of ALL your sins and will submit to water baptism, God will wash away ALL you sins while immersed in the water upon your confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Call me! Don’t go to hell voluntarily! I am ready to assist you BEFORE you go to the other side! I’m praying that you will make the right decision. The angels in heaven are waiting to rejoice on your behalf and Jesus Christ is anxious to greet you at the Door of Paradise when you slip into eternity.

For a FREE Bible study - e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Sometimes the Tail Just Wags the Dog

About 10 years ago there was a movie entitled “Wag The Dog.” It was a political movie with the premise that some wars are created by politicians instead of some unforeseen event. When we speak of “the tail wagging the dog” in terms of things spiritual we mean that someone has taken a preconceived conclusion and then “forced” it upon the biblical text. Theologians call this eisegesis. When this happens, mans will prevails and the Word of God becomes subservient. Of course, it is impossible for us to actually manipulate the Scripture, but many people try and THINK they have succeeded. Unfortunately, these poor souls will discover on the Day of Judgment that they were, in reality, among the tares and not among the wheat. God’s thrashing floor will separate all evil from all good on that great and terrible day. In regards to judgment day, some have attempted to get the “tail to wag the dog,” theologically speaking that is.

One of the most disastrous false doctrines of all time is the “dog wagging” doctrine known as “once-saved-always-saved.” The doctrine dates back to the time of John Calvin who asserted that once a person was saved, he could never lose that salvation…no matter what. This doctrine has led to much false confidence in one’s salvation. It has also led many to live quite the hellish existence while thinking they are on their way to heaven. A byproduct of this false doctrine is the false security that Judgment Day is for non-Christians only, making the so-called “elect” exempt from such a judgment. “IF” once-saved-always-saved is a true doctrine, such an exemption would have to, by default, be given by God to every soul ever claiming to be a Christian. On the other hand, “IF” one can lose their salvation, judgment then, indeed, is for all, Christian and non-Christian alike. God has indeed “given us all things pertaining to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3) and so the Holy Spirit inspired Jude to write an entire book warning of apostasy. Apostasy is the willful renouncement of the truth of God once believed, practiced and embraced. Such a willful renouncement certainly will result in eternal damnation… unless repentance and confession of such sin takes place prior to one’s death. Those who embrace the false doctrine of once-saved-always-saved, must confront the fact that there are those in open rebellion to the Will of God, all the while “claiming” to be “Christian,” attending “worship services” and living any way they wish. When confronted with these facts, they simply say, “Well, they weren’t really saved in the first place!” Really? Can one fall from grace or is such a fall impossible? Jude has the answer.

Jude, while warning the congregation of the dangers of apostasy, gives three examples of SAVED souls who willingly gave up their salvation. (Jude 1:5-7) They did so when they rebelled by choice.

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Here are Jude’s three examples just cited:

1. The Israelites in the Desert – SAVED out of Egypt – chose rebellion and destruction AFTER they were saved.
2. The Angels in Heaven – Left their own habitation and chose judgment AFTER they POSSESSED heaven.
3. The People of Sodom and Gomorrah – Sodom and Gomorrah (and the cities around them) chose destruction AFTER they gave themselves over to fornication. They refused to repent after the pleading of righteous (II Peter 2:7) Lot.

Jude’s examples have very certain and poignant ramifications. “IF” once-saved-always-saved is indeed a true doctrine then:

1. The Israelites in the Desert were NOT saved after all!
2. The Angels in Heaven were NEVER THERE to start with!
3. The account of the destruction of the cities of the plain is nothing more than a FABLE, A FAIRY TALE, AN ALLEGORY AND A STORY!

Jude wrote by inspiration, the examples of apostasy AFTER salvation are true and the doctrine of once-saved-always-saved is a false and dangerous doctrine. We ALL can fall from grace (Galatians 5:1-6) and we ALL must “give an account” on that great and dreadful day for “all the deeds of the flesh whether they be good or evil.” (II Corinthians 5:9-11)

Russ McCullough
Charlotte, NC

Copyright, 2010. All Rights Reserved. MCN: C41EE-4LXKB-BQRSY
FOR A FREE HOME BIBLE STUDY - JUST E-MAIL: RMCCULLS6@BELLSOUTH.NET!

Peter, Paul, Baptism and Calling Upon the Name of the Lord

A unique phrase in Scripture is that of “calling upon the name of the Lord.” It is always synonymous with mans seeking salvation from God. Man began to seek God very early on as we read in Gen. 4:26. Later the phrase takes on an additional meaning, the looking forward to the time when salvation would be more powerful, more available and more clearly understood. The most famous quotation is that from Joel 2:32 [other similar passages are found in Zech. 13:9 and Zeph. 3:9 et. al.], a Scripture that Peter and the other apostles quoted in the Pentecostian sermon in Acts 2:21. The Joelian prophesy was for the Jews exclusively and did not, at the time of Pentecost 30 a.d., include the Gentiles. We know this for Joel makes this contextually clear in:

2:15 – “Blow the trumpet in Zion…”
2:18 – “…the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people.”
2:23 – “…Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God…”
2:27 - “…You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel…”

The context of this passage is clearly for the Jew only. In vs. 28fl, we hear that “His spirit is to be poured out on all flesh and YOUR sons and YOUR daughters will prophesy, YOUR old men will dream dreams and YOUR young men will see visions.” Who, then, is “YOUR?” It is Zion, it is His people, it is Israel. It is NOT the Gentiles… at least not in THIS passage and not at this time. Jesus clearly though makes it clear that others beside the Jews were to be recipients of salvation. He makes this abundantly manifest in passages such as John 10:16 where He states:

“...I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

The church of Christ is built upon the rock, which is Christ [I Cor. 10:4] and the confession of that very fact [Matt. 16:18 and John 11:27]. The church of Christ was not build upon Peter but, rather, on Peter’s confession. If we were to look at this as we would a new building, Christ and confession in Him, is the bedrock or the “chief cornerstone [Eph. 2:20]” upon which the foundation sits which then holds up the rest of the structure. The foundation, sitting upon the ROCK that is Christ and confession in Him, transitions that strength to the rest of the structure… the church. The foundation is the “apostles and prophets [“inspired speakers” – Strong’s].” In fact, the early church rested upon this foundation as we learn in Acts 2:42 as they “continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine.”

Peter was given [Matthew 16:19] the “keys to the Kingdom.” He was given to “bind and loose” that which was already bound and loosed in Heaven. When did he exercise this authority? He did it both where and when Jesus instructed the apostles in Acts 1:8,

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

He did it on 3 occasions concurrent with the 3 stages of the message of salvation as we see below:

Pentecostians / Acts 2 / Jerusalem and Judaea

Samaritans / Acts 8 / Samaria

Gentiles / Acts 10 / Uttermost parts of the world

Peter turned the keys of the kingdom 3 times, first in Jerusalem, second in Samaria and thirdly in Caesarea. Each time is was consistent with the time, the place and the people that Christ had planned. Within 10 years, the “gospel was for all!” Each time he turned the keys, the kingdom of God expanded to more people until, finally, it expanded to our Gentile ancestors. All the doors that Peter opened are still open today.

As to the so-called rivalry between Peter and Paul… it did not exist though they did have a brief confrontation as Paul describes in the book of Galatians. Peter turned the keys of the kingdom at Caesarea but did not proceed through that door beyond the household of Cornelius. Why? Because God had decreed that it would be Paul, not Peter, who would enter the house of the Gentiles with the gospel [Acts 9:15-16]. It was God’s will that the gospel be first preached to the Jews, then to the Samaritans and lastly, to the Gentiles. It was Paul’s custom, true to God’s form and fashion, to first go to the Jews in the Synagogue before going to the Gentiles with the gospel as we learn in Act 17:10 and other passages. Peter and Paul were on the same team. There was no competition, no disputing over territory and no self serving agendas.

Finally, what was Peter’s message on the 3 occasions that he turned the keys of the kingdom? It is both simple and profound… they were all to be baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of sins in order to receive salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12-16, Acts 10:48] The Holy Spirit fell on those present on all 3 occasions, not for salvation, but as a sign from Heaven that Peter was exercising his “key” ministry. How does one "call upon the name of the Lord?" One "calls upon the name of the Lord" only, exclusively and singularly in, by and with water baptism [Acts 22:16]. The Pentecostians "called upon the name of the Lord" in baptism. The Samaritans "called upon the name of the Lord" in baptism. The household of Cornelius "called upon the name of the Lord" in baptism. Peter preached the same message, the people heard the same message and all the people obeyed the same message... they "called upon the name of the Lord" in baptism for the remission of their sins and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. A little history to finish up our thoughts.

In perhaps the greatest irony in history, both Dark Age Catholicism and Reformed Protestantism came to the same, and yet very wrong, conclusion. They BOTH concluded that man is not responsible for his actions! Catholicism taught a nearly total works only system while Protestaantim taught an equally nearly total faith only system. The Catholic was taught that regardless of the number or seriousness of the sin, said sin could be "forgiven" by the priest by "working acts of pennance" that were characterized by all forms of asceticism, religious pilgramages and the sale of indulgences. People were taught that they could deny the flesh, travel to various places where they could "invest" in religious relics and even purchase the forgiveness of sins past, present or future. One could even purchase the forgiveness of sins of others who had died and were languishing in Purgatory. It was said that, "when a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from Purgatory springs." Forgiveness of sin became nothing more that a business, a function of the marketplace that favored the rich and the powerful. One wound up in heaven or hell based solely upon works of piety, available to the highest bidder. Reacting to such corruption and falsehood came those who protested all of this. They were thus called "Protestants." They wanted to "reform" the Roman Catholic Church and became known as "reformers." These "reformed protestants" wheeled around 180 degress, rejected works religion and embraced salvation by grace or faith "alone." One could never do one single solitary thing to "earn" their salvation. "Works" were rejected in totality. "Faith alone in Christ alone" became a slogan. Reformed Protestantism taught that once saved, a person could live any kind of life whatsoever and still inherit eternal life. This kind of radical hypocricy culmanated in the totally corrupt life of King Henry VIII of England who established the Church of England simply because he wanted a divorce. Like a coin, one side is found the "works only" of Roman Catholicism and the other side is found the "faith only" of Reformed Protestantism.

What does all this history have to do with the present discusssion? Simply this, Reformed Protestantism teaches that baptism is NOT necessary for salvation for it is a work of man, an attempt of man to "earn" his salvation. Is baptism a "work" of man? Baptism is a work! However, it is NOT a work of man... it is a work of God! In fact, we are told in Colossians 2:12 that, like circumcission, God operates, custs off and removes our sin in the waters of baptism. There IS work in baptism but it is GOD who does the working, not man!

When a person "calls upon the name of the Lord," that person does so in water baptism, a place and time God has chosen to do His saving work. It is the only time and place that God does so. Should a person attempt to "call upon the name of the Lord" without water baptism, he or she does so in absolute and complete futility.