Salvation

1. All men are sinners:

Rom.3:23 For all have sinned & come short of the glory of God

Eccl.7:20 Not a just man on earth, that...sinneth not

Isa.64:6 All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags

Rom.3:10 There is none righteous, no not one

Jam.2:10 Whoever shall offend in one point (of law), guilty of all

1Jn.1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves

 

2. Salvation by grace (undeserved mercy), not works:

Eph.2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith, not of yourselves...not of works

Mk.10:25-27 Who can be saved? With men it is impossible

Rom.3:20a  By deeds of law shall no flesh be justified in His sight

Rom.11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works

Gal.2:16 Justified by the faith of Christ & not by works of the law

2Tim.1:9  Saved us, not according to our works, but according to His grace

Tit.3: 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done

 

3. Salvation only through Jesus:

Acts 4:12 None other name...whereby we must be saved

1Tim.2:5  One mediator between God & men...Christ Jesus

Jn.3:16  God...gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him,  hould...have everlasting life

Jn.3:36b  He that believeth not the Son shall not see life

Jn.8:24 If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins

Jn.10:1 He that entereth not by the door...but climbeth up some other way...is  a thief & a robber

Jn.10:9 I am the door: by Me if any man enter in...be saved

Jn.14:6 I am the way, the truth, & the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me

1Cor.3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than... Jesus Christ

1Jn.5:12  He that hath not the Son of God hath not life

 

4. Believe on Jesus:

Jn.3:16 Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life

Jn.11:25,26 I am the resurrection & the life...whosoever believ eth in Me shall  never die

Acts 16:31  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, & thou shalt be saved

Rom.10:9,10  If thou shalt...believe in thine heart...thou shalt be saved

1Jn.5:1a  Whosoever believeth Jesus is the Christ is born of God

 

5. Receive Jesus:

Rev.3:20  If any man...open the door, I will come in to him

Jn.1:12 But as many as received Him...power to become sons

Gal.4:6 God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your heart

Eph.3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith

 

6. Eternal salvation:

A. You can never lose it, even if you make mistakes & fall:

Psa.37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lordunholdeth him with His hand

Jn.3:36a  He that believeth on the Son...hath everlasting life

Jn.6:37 Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out

Jn.10:28  I give unto them eternal life; & they shall never perish, neither shall  any man pluck them out of My hand

Rom.8:38,39  I am persuaded that [nothing] shall be able to separate us from thelove of God...in Christ Jesus

1Cor.3:11-15  [If works are] wood, hay & stubble...shall be burned, yet he himself shall be saved

1Cor.5:5 Destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved

Heb.13:5b I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee

2Tim.2:13 Though we believe not, yet He abideth faithful

1Jn.5:13  Ye may know that ye have eternal life

B. But the Lord will chasten you for wrongdoing:

Psa.89:30-34  If they break My statutes...I will visit with the rod...(but) My lovingkindness will I not utterly take away

Heb.12:5-8  Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, & scourgeth every son whom He receiveth

Rev.3:19  As many as I love, I rebuke & chasten

 

7. Receiving Jesus guarantees eternal life in Heaven:

Rom.6:23b  The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ

Jn.11:26  Whosoever...believeth in Me shall never die

Jn.14:2-3 In My Father's house are many mansions

1Pet.1:3,4Incorruptible inheritance reserved in Heaven for you

1Jn.5:11  God hath given to us eternal life...in His Son

(See  Rev.21:1-27  &  22:1-5  for a description of Heaven)

 

8. The results of being born again:

A. Spiritual rebirth makes you a new creature:

Jn.3:3b Except a man be born again, he cannot see Kingdom

Mat.18:3  Be converted & become as little children

Jn.1:13 Born, not of blood, nor of the will of man, but of God

Rom.12:2a  Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind

2Cor.5:17 If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature

1Pet.1:23 Born again, not of corruptible seed, but...by the Word of God

B. You will desire to work for Jesus:

Eph.2:10  We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works

Tit.2:14  (Jesus) gave Himself for us (to) purify unto Himself a peculiar  people, zealous of good works

(See also  Eph.4:21-24 ;  Col.3:8-10 ;  Tit.3:8 ;  Jam.2:18 .)

 

9. Sin brings about spiritual death; but Jesus died in our place, taking our punishment:

Isa.59:1 Your iniquities have separated you and your God

Rom.6:23 The wages of (penalty for) sin is death

Rom.5:8 While we were sinners, Christ died for us

2Cor.5:21 He hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for (in place of) us

1Jn.1:9 If we confess our sins, He [will] forgive & cleanse us

1Jn.2:1,2 We have an advocate...Jesus Christ. He is the propitiation for...the  sins of the whole world

 

10. In the Mosaic law, blood is payment for sin; Jesus' death paid that price in full:

Lev.17:11 It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul

Heb.9:22  Without shedding of blood is no remission [of sin]

Mat.26:28  My blood...shed for the remission of sins

1Jn.1:7 The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin

Jn.1:29 The Lamb of God, which taketh away sin of the world

Eph.1:7 We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins

  (See also  1Jn.2:12 )

1Pet.1:18,19  Ye were redeemed...with the precious blood of Christ

 

11. All men are not saved sons of God in their natural

state:

Eph.2:2,3,12  Ye were children of disobedience, children of wrath, aliens and strangers without Christ

Mat.7:13  Wide is the gate...that leadeth to destruction, & many... go in thereat

Jn.3:19 Light is come into the world, & men loved darkness rather than light

Jn.8:44 Ye are of your father the devil

Jn.8:47 Ye hear (God's Words) not, because ye are not of God

 

12. The self-righteous refuse Jesus' salvation:

(See  Mat.5:20 ;  9:10-13 ;  21:31b ;  Lk.18:9-14 ;  Jn.5:39-44 ;  Rom.10:3 ;  1Jn.1:9,10 .)

 

13. New Testament examples of salvation:

Lk.19:1-10 [Conversion of the corrupt tax-collector, Zaccheus]

Acts 9:1-22 [Conversion of apostle Paul] (See also  Acts 6:8-14 ;  7:57-60 ;  8:1- 4 ;  26:9-11 .)

Acts 10:1-8 [Conversion of Roman centurion Cornelius]

Acts 13:1-12 [Conversion of governor of Cyprus, Sergius Paulus]

Acts 16:13-34 [Conversion of the merchant Lydia & Roman jailor]

Introduction

 The purpose of What the Bible says about ... is to clearly outline the basic beliefs that form the foundation for true Biblical Christianity. It is "a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us...that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave". (Luke1:1 ; 1 Timothy.3:14,15)

        What does the bible say about ... will undoubtedly prove to be a very useful and helpful topical concordance and study aid for all Christians who read it. Familiarizing yourself with the Scriptures herein will deepen your knowledge of God's Word, which will prove to be "a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path" (Psalm119:105), a continual source of strength and direction.

        It will also be a particularly valuable tool to all active witnesses, lay workers and missionaries who wish to instruct new Christians in basic Biblical truths. Pastors & counselors will find it a great help when instructing or counseling others. Parents will also find it a most helpful tool in bringing up their children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord". (Ephesians 6:4)

        It is our hope that the Lord will use this handbook to encourage and strengthen the faith of all of its readers & to open the Scriptures to those who are unfamiliar with them. And most importantly, we hope that it will fulfill its principal purpose of placing a compact Bible manual in the hands of all Christian workers, aiding them to "feed the flock of God which is among them". (1 Peter 5:2)

Nightmares

 

Definition: A frightening or terrifying dream. (The word "nightmare" comes from the Old English word "mare" (or goblin) which meant an evil spirit or demon haunting people in their sleep.)

1. We have nothing to fear because God has promised us protection against nightmares.

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 91:5a,6a Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night … 6a Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness.

Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:18a There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.

2. We shouldn't feel intimidated or condemned by nightmares, but recognize them as the spiritual attacks of the Enemy that they are, and resist and overcome them with the Lord's help.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Peter 5:8,9a Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9a Whom resist steadfast in the faith.

3. Sometimes bad dreams can be triggered by bad experiences or sights, so avoid these, if possible.

Psalm 101:3a I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: ... it shall not cleave to me.

Psalm 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken Thou me in Thy way.

Romans 12:9b Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

1 Peter 1:13a Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind.

4. Some bad dreams result from simple, natural causes, or can be spiritually meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 5:3a [Going to sleep with our minds still filled with concerns of the day:] For a dream cometh through the multitude of business.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

Isaiah 29:8a [Something we ate or some unmet physical need:] It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite.

5. Some troublesome dreams may actually be from the Lord, but these clearly differ from nightmares in that they always have a purpose, either prophetic, or to warn, or to offer positive lessons.

Genesis 40:5-23 [Joseph interpreted the troubling dreams of others:] And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. 6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. [The dreams, which were from the Lord, were fulfilled, one a dream of blessing and the other, a dream of judgment]

Genesis 41:1,8,32 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. … 8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh. … [But Joseph interpreted it, saying:] 32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. [This dream helped preserve Egypt, as well as Joseph's family, in time of famine]

Job 4:13-17 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men, 14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. 15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up: 16 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, 17 Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than His Maker?

Job 7:13,14 When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint; 14 Then Thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions.

Isaiah 21:4 [The prophet received a frightful message of the judgment of Babylon from the Lord, which greatly disturbed his sleep:] My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath He turned into fear unto me.

Daniel 2:1 And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

Matthew 27:19 When he [Pilate] was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.

6. Our first and surest defense against nightmares is to pray against them!

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Matthew 18:18a Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven.

Matthew 18:19 [Ask others to pray with you:] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in Heaven.

Ephesians 6:12,13,16,18 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ... 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ... 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

7. We should also specifically ask the Lord for positive, edifying, faith-building dreams, which God has promised to give to His children.

Numbers 12:6b I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

Job 33:15-17 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That He may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

Jeremiah 23:28a The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath My Word, let him speak My Word faithfully.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.

8. We should meditate on the Lord and His Word as we go to sleep.

Psalm 17:4b By the Word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the Destroyer.

Psalm 43:2b,3 Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 3 O send out Thy light and Thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles.

Psalm 63:6,7 When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches. 7 Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.

Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul.

Psalm 104:34 My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.

Proverbs 6:22 When thou goest, it [the Word] shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.

9. We must not dwell on nightmares we may have had.

Psalm 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken Thou me in Thy way.

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the Devil.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 1:28a And in nothing terrified by your adversaries.

10. Here are a few more of the Lord's precious promises to claim for sweet dreams:

Deuteronomy 33:12a The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him.

1 Kings 8:56a Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto His people.

Job 11:18,19a And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. 19 also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid.

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 16:7 I will bless the Lord, Who hath given me counsel: my reins [heart] also instruct me in the night seasons.

Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

Psalm 42:8 Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

Psalm 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

Psalm 139:2-3,18b Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. … 18b When I awake, I am still with Thee.

Ecclesiastes 5:12a The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

2 Peter 2:9a The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.