“WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?”
Thesis: To impart to the hearer what the bible teaches concerning the spiritual status of children.
Text: Gen 7:17-23; Jos 6:15-21; Mk 10:13-16
Gen 7:17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth.
Gen 7:18 And the waters prevailed, and increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
Gen 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high mountains that were under the whole heaven were covered.
Gen 7:20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
Gen 7:21 And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both birds, and cattle, and beasts, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man (all mankind):
Gen 7:22 all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of all that was on the dry land, died.
Gen 7:23 And every living thing was destroyed that was upon the face of the ground, both man(kind), and cattle (animals), and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only was left, and they that were with him in the ark.
Introduction,
What we just read is the inspired account of what transpired when God judged the world in the days of Noah. Sin is a cruel taskmaster, oftentimes costing others their physical lives, in this case also all the land animals were destroyed, the innocent are often called to suffer because of the sin of others, yet the bible states that “all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth” (Gen 6:12), not only should one consider the fate of the innocent animals, “what about the children!” The infants, the babies still in their mother’s wombs!”
(Turn to Jos 6:15-21; also see Ex 12:12; Num 31:17; 1 Ki 15:1-3; Hosea 13:16)
Jos 6:15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early at the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.
Jos 6:16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for Jehovah hath given you the city.
Jos 6:17 And the city shall be devoted, even it and all that is therein, to Jehovah: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.
Jos 6:18 But as for you, only keep yourselves from the devoted thing, lest when ye have devoted it, ye take of the devoted thing; so would ye make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.
Jos 6:19 But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are holy unto Jehovah: they shall come into the treasury of Jehovah.
Jos 6:20 So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
Jos 6:21 And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, both young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.
This is the account of what transpired concerning the taking of the first city in the promised land, Jericho, note that the silver, gold and the vessels of brass were to be put into the treasury of the LORD, but again, what about the innocent animals, and most importantly “what about the children!” The infants, the babies still in their mother’s wombs!” (Also concerning children in the mother’s wombs read Hos 13:16).
(Hos 13:16 Samaria shall bear her guilt; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword; their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.)
This is an important question that we must consider, is God a cruel God? A God that cares not about His creatures, but only about His will and purposes coming to pass, despite the emotions and considerations of those made in His image, for it is written concerning the taking of the promised land in Deut 7:2, 16.
Deu 7:2 and when Jehovah thy God shall deliver them up before thee, and thou shalt smite them; then thou shalt utterly destroy them: thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them;
Deu 7:16 And thou shalt consume all the peoples that Jehovah thy God shall deliver unto thee; thine eye shall not pity them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee.
These are but a couple of the many accounts wherein the judgments of God came upon certain groups of God’s creatures, along with those they that were seemingly innocent who also had to pay the price
There is actually no way to get around the fact that God is the source, the author, of these so called acts of cruelty (which some attempt to do) without bringing reproach and disbelief upon the inspired word of God, (again which many also willingly do).
Many would assert that the children have inherited the Adamic sin, through their parents, all the way back to the creation account, thus those that died here (including the infants, even the unborn) were assigned to a devil’s hell, but that after the cross this is no longer that case, the children are now safe again. Yet there are other groups which state that all children, even unto this day, need to attain forgiveness or burn in the eternal fire. With some diligent study one can learn that in the centuries following the apostilic age that men formulated the doctrine of original sin and solutions to that doctrine (infant baptism, immersion), which later was changed to sprinkling or pouring according to the councils of men.
Today we are going to see what the word of God says concerning the subject of inherited sin in order to get a better understanding of the truth in this matter in order that we may know of a surety . . . “what about the children!”
Therefore we will look at . . .
What Some Men Believe about the Spiritual Welfare of Children (Mk 10:13)
What Jesus Teaches concerning the Spiritual Status of Children (Mk 10:14; Ezek 18:20, 30; 28:15; Rom 14:12; 2 Cor 5:10; Eph 6:4)
What can we Learn from Children Concerning the Kingdom of God (Mk 10:15; Ja 1:21)
What is the End Result of Such Children (Mk 10:16; Mt 5:5, 8)
I. WHAT SOME MEN BELIEVE ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF CHILDREN (Mk 10:13)
A. (Mk 10:13)
Mar 10:13 And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them.
In this section of scripture it is dealing with the family, first the husband and wife and the divorce question was brought up by the Pharisees, and now the attention turns to the children that are produced from said marriages, which just happened to be being brought to Christ, “that He should touch them”.
“They” in this verse refers to the “multitudes” of verse 1, the purpose of the touching was the customary outward showing of when a “blessing” (eulogeo – “to speak well of”), was verbally invoked (when prayer would be made unto God concerning said child), this is affirmed by the parallel passage of this account in Mt 19:13 . . .
Mat 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
For the bible clearly teaches that the supplication of a righteous man avails much in its working (Ja 5:16), how much more then the speaking well to God concerning these children by the only begotten Son of living God.
This seems like it would be something Jesus’ disciples might approve of, but instead we see them rebuking those that brought the children, it would seem that they thought Jesus was too busy with more important matters and had no time available for these that are very young.
We need to remember that we are always just one generation away from apostasy, as the book of Judges well teaches us (Judges 21:25).
Jdg 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
The bible teaches us from front to back that we need divine guidance, and have to follow that guidance to be pleasing unto God, and we need to teach God’s ways to our children, we need to consider the young precious and the future of the kingdom of God upon this earth (the church), and Eph 6:4 shows us how we take our children to the Lord today (Eph 6:4; ESV).
Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Let us do our best to follow this command, and to teach others to do so likewise, the children are to be taught by their fathers, which is the tool of God designed to help both the children and the fathers grow together as a family and spiritually in the Lord.
Instead of turning to the wisdom of men where classroom situations are concocted with others (many times unlearned themselves), end up teaching our children things they know little about, let us always turn to the pure and simple power of God, the gospel, instead of the wisdom of men, this is that which pleases and is authorized by the Lord (Col 3:17).
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Also when we expose our children to the false teachings concerning such things as evolution, safe sex, gay rights, and other immoral practices that are being taught to young children in our public schools today, we also in a figurative sense, are keeping our children from coming to the Lord. It is no wonder that so many Christian families have turned to home schooling their children in order that they can be taught and learn godly principles instead of those based upon the wisdom of men, for these two are not the same, we need to consider their spiritual welfare as a first and foremost priority in the children’s lives, as in ours (Mt 6:33a).
Mat 6:33a But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
Then perhaps we can have more hope of meeting them in eternity instead of seeing them afar off on the other side of that uncross able great gulf fixed (Luke 16:26), as it is written (Pro 22:6).
Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.
And this training should come from the word of God (2 Tim 3:16)
2Ti 3:16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.
For the spiritual welfare of our children will be the salt that preserves this earth in the ages to come (Mt 5:13-16). Let us in this manner insure that God’s longsuffering continues (2 Pet 3:9), that all the more may have the hope of eternal life through the pure and simple gospel of Christ, the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes (Rom 1:16).
II. WHAT JESUS TEACHES CONCERNING THE SPITIUAL STATUS OF CHILDREN (Mk 10:14)
A. (Mk 10:14)
Mar 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.
When the Lord saw what was taking place, He was none to pleased, He told them not to hinder the children from coming to Him.
Again we need to remember the words of the Lord here, there is much that we can unwittingly do to hinder children from coming to Jesus, Satan has many snares laid in this world, we need to be very careful of what we expose children to in various forms of the media, for there is little to none that is aligned with the teachings of God.
And to allow a child to be almost continually exposed to self-centered, immoral and ungodly things therein, and then on the other hand attempt to promote godly principles for a day or two, for an hour or two a week by sending or taking them to a man made religious function is hypocritical at best, a child will be able to see it, and over the course of time most will choose to follow the multitudes in that broad way that leads to destruction, and then the parents will lift up there hands and say “why are we losing the children?” the answer is obvious, they are only following what they concluded was the truth, and the things of God are mere fables at best, and certainly not that unchanging standard that will determine their eternal estate as taught in God’s word (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12).
Note what the Lord says here “for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.” This word translated “belongeth” in the ASV and “is” in the KJV, NKJV is the Gr word “esti,” which is a present tense indicative verb, in other words it indicates action “presently taking place”, these children are “presently” members of the kingdom of God
Yet most major denominational bodies believe that even the youngest of children are guilty of sin by way the sin of Adam and Eve, this is known as “original sin,” here is what I found on a website of a proponent of the Catholic church . . .
“The following three truths are Catholic dogmas; (Dogma – from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary . . .
DOGMA, n. [Gr., to think; L.] A settled opinion; a principle, maxim or tenet; a doctrinal notion, particularly in matters of faith and philosophy; as the dogmas of the church; the dogmas of Plato)
1) Those who died with the sole guilt of original sin are in the hell of the damned for all eternity;
2) Those who died with the sole guilt of original sin are eternally punished;
3) Those who died with the guilt of original sin are punished less than those who died from the guilt of mortal sin.
The dogma that those who die with the sole guilt of original sin go to the hell of the damned was infallibly defined in A.D. 418 at the Council of Carthage:”
The first thing that I want you to note is that the doctrine of original sin was infallibly defined in AD 418, over 300 years after God’s complete revelation to man was once and for all time delivered (Jude 3).
Jud 1:3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
Therefore not only are these individuals attempting to define what the bible does not define, in fact in opposition to what the bible clearly defines, and that hundreds of years later, they also are claiming infallibility, that which only certain men empowered of God could “do” and could “confirm” by the signs that followed (Mk 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb 2:4), in other words God’s spokesmen in NT times performed “bible miracles” to prove the infallibility of God’s word which they delivered, which these men in the apostate church could not nor can do to this day, yet over and over again, when I look at their documents of men I see them claiming that they are infallible, they are deceived liars at best, for the word of God clearly teaches of this apostate group to come (1 Tim 4:1-2; 2 Tim 4:3-4; 2 Thess 2:3-4).
1Ti 4:1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
1Ti 4:2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
2Ti 4:4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.
2Th 2:3 let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,
2Th 2:4 he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God.
The first question we must ask is “is the guilt of sin inherited?” the bible speaks plainly on this issue (turn to Ezek 18:20, 30; Rom 14:12).
Eze 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Eze 18:30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord Jehovah. Return ye, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Rom 14:12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Also, in Exodus 32, where Moses was pleading with God to forgive the sins of the Israelites (turn to Exodus 32:32-33) he said . . .
Exo 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin - ; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
Exo 32:33 And Jehovah said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
It is easy to see that bible clearly teaches that each person is accountable for their “own” sins
But what exactly is “sin”? (1 John 3:4)
1Jo 3:4 Every one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.
Sin is an act of lawlessness. It is something we “do” or “don’t do”, there are sins of commission, sins of omission, and sins against one’s conscience, it is an act that is contrary to God's law, in other words where God has legislated, a person does otherwise. The Bible never refers to sin as something that we are born with. It is never defined in God's word as a natural weakness or an inherited trait.
For example, the Lord commands (Heb 10:25)
Heb 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.
But I am not guilty of violating this command unless I willingly forsake to assemble together as commanded here.
While it is true that all of Adam's descendants pay the “consequences” of Adam's sin (i.e., we live in a cursed world; we suffer disease, physical death, and so forth) but that is not the same thing as being “guilty” of Adam's sin.
A child of a drunkard may suffer the “consequences” of his parent's misbehavior, but this does not mean the child himself is “guilty” of drunkenness.
So what are the “consequences” of the sin of Adam and Eve? When one reads Gen 3:14-24 where God issues His verdict concerning this matter, for Adam and Eve there is pain in childbirth, the wife even though she would have pain in childbirth would have desire for her husband which would lead to martial relations, which would result in children and painful childbirth, yet the husband (whom she desires) would rule over the wife, the ground is cursed (making it harder to farm for the man), and physical death (the body returning to dust) is also decreed. But nothing at all about children inheriting the “guilt” of Adam's sin.
The biblical fact is all children are the innocent victims of the sins of their parents, their family and the people in their societies. They then will be led by one or all of these to commit sin at some point in their lives (Rom 3:23).
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
Had sin never been brought into this world, they would not be led to become sinners themselves by others. (This is not to say that one of them would not commit the first sin.)
This evil environment that does exist is one of the “consequences” of Adam's and Eve’s sin, but, it is still not an “inheritance” of Adam's sin, as it is written (Rom 5:12).
Rom 5:12 Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that (because; ESV; NASB; NKJV) all sinned: -
The bible shouts loudly from every page that we are all free-will agents, and each one of us will have to give an account for what “we” do -- not for the sins of “others” (Rom 14:12).
Rom 14:12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Thus we all suffer the physical consequences for both our own sins and the sins of others. However, we fall victim to the spiritual consequences of other people's sins “only” when we follow them into sin ourselves.
In the same manner when we follow Christ and His gospel those in this world are blessed with physical “consequences” (this earth and its many physical blessing still remain for others to enjoy as we are the salt that preserves this earth), but only we are blessed with the spiritual “rewards” of leading that type of life, others are not.
The bible teaches that there is a time in one’s life that they become “accountable” in the sight of God, this is plainly seen in Num 14:29-31, (turn there)
Num 14:29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, that have murmured against me,
Num 14:30 surely ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Num 14:31 But your little ones, that ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have rejected.
Those that were 20 and older, God considered them accountable for their murmurings against Him, (this passage implies that those under 20 also murmured) thus they (those 20 and older who murmured) would die in the wilderness, they would not go into the Promised Land (which is a type of heaven). But why? Look at Deut 1:39.
Deu 1:39 Moreover your little ones, that ye said should be a prey, and your children, that this day have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.
God said that these little ones (probably a reference to infants) “and” their children (those 19 and under) have no knowledge of good and evil, not that they had no knowledge whatsoever, but rather they did not at that time in their lives have the ability to discern properly between that which was good and evil, thus God did not hold them accountable. (This is also implied in God’s statement to Jonah concerning Nineveh in Jonah 4:11).
It could be that this age is that which our God, Who does not change (Mal 3:6; Ja 1:17) holds as His standard of accountability today, but many believe accountability is based on an individual standard each person unique to his own (yet this is based man’s wisdom not God’s), but the point is, God does not hold young children accountable for their actions, but at some point in their lives they reach this level, then they need the gospel, the power of God unto salvation, to bring them back to a spiritually pure state, that from which this evil world in which we live has led them.
Therefore when Jesus says in Mk 10:14 “to such belongeth” (present tense; “continues to belong”) the kingdom of God” He means exactly what He says, these children have not fallen away through their following the world into the practice of sin, and if they did, they are not held accountable for it, they are safe (and this is spoken before the cross for those that hold to that doctrine).
And we can apply it to those children killed in the flood, those killed in the conquest of Canaan, and those that lose their lives today. Our all wise God has assured us that these innocent children will not be led by their parents and the rest of the world into the depths of Hell, but rather unto Him (Rom 11:33).
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!
Therefore if you or your wife ever had a miscarriage, or had a very young child die, rest assured, that child is in comforts, in Abraham’s bosom, in the heavenly places.
And at the end of time he or she will inherit the “new heavens and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Pet 3:13). Let us who are alive and accountable to God employ the gospel, to ensure we will be there with them, and not separated from them with no hope of crossing over that “great gulf fixed” (Luke 16:26).
III. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM CHILDREN CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF GOD? (Mk 10:15; Ja 1:21)
A. (Mk 10:15)
Mar 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
We need to understand that this is no mere suggestion from the Lord, this is emphatic and forceful, and it means exactly what is says, there is a certain attitude that we need to approach the things of God with, and if we don’t, we indeed will be consigned to a devil’s Hell (Mt 25:41).
This would be an attitude of trust, complete dependence and submission. Young children are totally dependant upon their parents for everything, and likewise God’s children are to be totally dependant upon Him for everything, looking to Him always, according to His will.
God’s plan in the gospel is to change us back into what we were created as, in the image of God in love, as children in innocence, in meekness, in goodness, in kindness, these are all traits that come about through the renewing process by earnest application of the Holy Spirit revealed and confirmed gospel which results in “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-23).
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.
That is put in contrast to what we learned from our surroundings, which is referred to as “the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21).
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties (heresies),
Gal 5:21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
And how do we bear such fruit, and dispose of these abdominal works? By the power of God (which is the gospel; Rom 1:16) which is manifested through instrumentality of the living and active (Heb 4:12), life giving (John 6:63), word of God (Heb 4:12), that sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17; Ja 1:21), that through which He (the Spirit) works, which we receive when we believe in the gospel message (Gal 3:2; Eph 1:13).
Jam 1:21 Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
“Receiving with meekness the implanted word” refers to not being suspect or doubtful of God’s word, but rather we ought to be lovingly acceptant and obedient to it.
Yet most today do most believe that the bible is the infallible word of God, instead they believe the book of Genesis is nothing more than a fable, they believe not in heaven, nor hell, but rather in men, and their wisdom, and why?
Because they basically do not “receive” what it says, they don’t “receive it with meekness,” this is the result of their hearts being formed by the world around them, and it could cost them their souls, children do not think in this manner.
In the parable of the sower there is but one category of heart that will be saved, that which is “good and honest” (Luke 8:15), which “holds fast to God’s word” (Luke 8:15), those that “accept it” (Mk 4:20), this implies “meekness.”
The other 3 categories of hearts (the wayside, the stony and the thorny ground) will be lost, in fact the Lord Himself teaches that most will be lost (Luke 13:24)
Luk 13:23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are (being) saved? And he said unto them,
Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Therefore let us learn to imitate children when it comes to things of the Faith, but not concerning the things of the world, as it is written (Rom 16:19b; Phili 2:15-16a).
Rom 16:19b but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.
Phi 2:15 that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,
Phi 2:16 holding forth (or “fast to”) the word of life;
IV. WHAT IS THE END RESULT OF SUCH CHILDREN? (Mk 10:16; Mt 5:5, 8)
A. (Mk 10:16)
Mar 10:16 And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.
The incorrect thinking of the disciples was not going to hinder the Lord from what He purposed, and in like manner, the incorrect thinking of men throughout the ages and today is not going to hinder God’s eternal purpose (the salvation of mankind) and how He is going to bring it about, He takes the children in His arms, blessed them (“eulogeo”) “spoke well” concerning them to the Father, while He symbolically laid His hands upon them.
How wonderful is it to have God’s own Son in your corner in approaching the Father, the same is true today, there is but one mediator between God and man, Christ Jesus (1 Tim 2:5).
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,
The person that attempts to approach the Father through Mary or some other unauthorized mediator will not be heard in heaven (John 14:6).
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.
It is such a blessing to have Jesus Christ, One Who personally knows the trials of mankind (Heb 4:15), and also the mindset of God, to be an advocate for one in a time a need (Heb 4:16).
Heb 4:15 For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.
Those who through the gospel have attained His advocacy (1 John 2:1-2) have this, which is but one of many spiritual blessings in the heavenly places that are only located “in Christ” (Eph 1:3).
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ:
Therefore let us enter into that spiritual location knows as “in Christ” in the kingdom, which is equal to being in the church (Mt 16:18-19; Heb 12:23, 28), and let us do it with the mindset of children, trusting (in other words “by faith”) in God’s promises, and His teachings, which are only found in His word, the bible, and not in the creeds nor councils of men (Pro 14:12).
Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.
But in God’s way, the Way (Acts 24:14, 22), which is the same way that it has been for almost 2000 years . . .
One is to . . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);
We must teach and preach the pure doctrine of Christ, without additions or subtractions
For “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17), not the doctrines of men
Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Divine Son of God (Acts 8:37; John 8:24); Who died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended into Heaven (1 Cor 15:1-4), He is our forerunner (Heb 6:20), our living hope (1 Pet 1:3-4). Belief (faith) is the crossover point from spiritual death to spiritual life (Jn 5:24), but people are not saved by faith alone (Ja 2:17, 24, 26), God wants individuals to continue in the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15) . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5), determine to turn from your ways, and turn to the Way, living by faith (according to God’s word; Rom 10:17), not as the world lives (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 6:17).
Confess Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), initially and while you fulfill God’s will for all men to hear the good news of Christ through His gospel.
Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); baptism is the point where one is to be determined to be dead to sin and to be alive unto God (Rom 6:1-11).
Live a holy life unto God (1 Pet 1:15), bringing holiness to completion (2 Cor 7:1), “holiness” means “separated”, separated “from” the ways of the world, and “to” the Way of God, walking in newness of life, imitating Jesus (1 Cor 11:1), being determined to follow God’s instructions, that difficult Way that leads to life, whatever the cost may be (Rev 2:10), for it is worth all that and more (Rom 8:18).