Dear Daisy,
I need help understanding what followers of Jesus are supposed to be doing right now during these crazy end-times we are living in. Some people say to watch for Jesus’ return, while others say we are not supposed to be watching for His return. I’m confused because I haven’t been taught what to do and don’t know how to find out what God expects from us. Can you help me find scripture that gives us direction? I don’t want to miss the rapture and can’t find anyone to shed light on this very important subject. ~Signed, Do we watch for Jesus or not?
Dear Do we watch for Jesus or not,
Thanks for reaching out. This is a very controversial subject for sure. The short answer is: YES! We are supposed to be watching for Jesus’ return.
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard,
and hold fast, and repent.
If therefore thou shalt not watch,
I will come on thee as a thief,
and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”
Revelation 3:3
Jesus tells us to watch! Very few preachers teach on this subject anymore. It seems most churches are focused on man-made rules and entertaining the congregants while telling them what they want to hear so they can keep their numbers up. Let’s go to the Holy Bible and see what God says.
I always like to remind readers:
“I am not your teacher, the Holy Spirit is.
I’m just the messenger leading you back to Jesus and His truth.”
Daisy Hawkins
~ 1John 2:27, Jeremiah 33:3
What is a Christian?
Let’s start here and clear up a lot of confusion that is rampant. The original meaning of a Christian was what followers of Jesus Christ called themselves. Overtime, like with many words we know, the meaning has evolved and has other definitions. Sadly, the word Christian has become a religious title for a denomination or people group that may or may not follow Jesus. I will explain more on that in a minute. There is no where in scripture in the Holy Bible that we are taught to segregate by denominations of belief; God and Jesus called those who didn’t follow Him – hypocrites, or stiff-necked rebellious ones.
Then we learn about the Pharisees and Sadducees in the Second (New) Testament during Jesus’ ministry on earth. These New Testament groups decided on their own to create groups that did not follow Jesus Christ, and who also added their own laws and rules to their religion of belief. These early groups claimed they were worshipping the God of Moses, not the one that called Himself the Son of God. What they had envisioned their Messiah to look and be like did not fit what they were seeing in Jesus. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, they worked tirelessly to look for ways to destroy Him that were fueled by their fear that He would lead their followers away from them to worship Jesus. What they didn’t know was that God had already planned out everything that would happen. The hypocrites didn’t “win,” God had planned all along to send Jesus to die for our sins so that we could find salvation through Jesus.
Just because “man” changed the meaning of a Christian to a denomination title, the original meaning is still the same. Those who wholeheartedly “follow” Jesus Christ (and not the world) are the true Christians still. Today, there are many church-goers that call themselves Christians that don’t know Jesus; meaning they don’t have a personal relationship with Him. Going to church doesn’t make you a true Christian, and won’t get you into Heaven, no matter how much you serve. We are saved by grace, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Which also means we aren’t going to Heaven just because we are “good” in our own eyes.
Sidebar for your personal deeper study: There is no “J” in the Hebrew alphabet. So during Jesus’ time on earth, His name in Hebrew was Yeshua, not Jesus. With this knowledge that God is showing to many in the recent past, followers of Jesus are learning that they are actually followers of Yeshua. Yeshua is our Messiah. So to be Biblically correct, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ our Savior, you are a follower of Yeshua our Messiah. So you would correctly be a Messianic, meaning you are a follower of The Messiah. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see and understand. He is waiting to show you, just ask. (Jeremiah 33:3)
Since so many don’t understand that truth yet, when someone asks me if I’m a Christian, I say, “I used to be, but to make it clear – I am a follower of Jesus.” I do not want to be associated with a title that “man” has perverted. According to scripture, there are many that call themselves Christians, but only a remnant actually wholeheartedly follow Jesus. It is the true followers of Jesus that are learning that we are supposed to be watching for the signs of His return so that we are ready and our lamps have plenty of oil.
So what “works” must a follower of Jesus do in order to be saved and spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus? The disciples asked Jesus this question and He answered. Here is your answer too?
“28 Then said they unto him,
What shall we do,
that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them,
This is the work of God,
that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”
John 6:28-29
This is the only “work” that will get you into Heaven. Now it’s time to focus on a relationship with Jesus. There is more information about how to do that below.
The Virgins and their lamps
There is a parable story that Jesus shares in the chapter that follows the chapter of what signs to expect before the return of Jesus to get His Bride, that sheds a lot of light on this subject you are inquiring about; Jesus has hidden the answers in this story. In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus tells us the signs to look for to know the season of His return. Then He immediately follows the signs with a valuable parable in chapter 25, telling us to be ready, watching, and waiting like the wise virgins. The parable of the virgins is very deep and must be studied to understand the deeper meanings Jesus has hidden in the story. You will learn that the wise virgins were prepared for Him to suddenly show up in the middle of the night when they least expected it; they weren’t surprised, they were ready and went right in to the wedding feast Jesus had prepared. Read Matthew 25:1-13 to become familiar, or refresh yourself, with the story.
(Please note that this story is NOT about some Christians being saved and other Christians not being saved. This story is about the saved vs. the lost. Jesus is pointing out that some people call themselves Christians but they are not following His ways, they are wearing a mask while doing “good works” for Him. He knows the hearts of His people; He can also see the ones who are pretending to know Him. Study the story and ask the Holy Spirit to show you the truth.)
Matthew 25:13
Watch.
Keep oil in our lamps
The ‘oil’ Jesus is referring to in the Ten Virgins story, is Himself – the Holy Spirit. He is Light, He is also the fuel for our light; the Holy Spirit within His wholehearted followers is the oil that keeps His light burning through them. The Holy Spirit is the oil we need to keep our lamps burning as we watch for His return, as instructed in verse 13. The extra oil for the lamps in this story is a reference to having a continual personal relationship with Jesus so that everything we do, we do it with Him, never taking our eyes off Jesus. Comparatively, if the Holy Spirit is the oil, then the foolish virgins with no oil, means they did not have the Holy Spirit in them. They are the ones who pretend to be a follower of Jesus.
When you are in a personal relationship with Jesus, you make no decisions without asking the Holy Spirit if you should or shouldn’t, rather than looking at the world or allowing your flesh, or your deceitful heart, to guide your decisions. The world tells us to follow our heart. Scripture says our hearts are fickle and can’t be trusted, only Jesus can be trusted to show us the truth and the way to go.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?”
Jeremiah 17:9
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.“
Proverbs 3:5
The five virgins, that didn’t have extra oil for their lamps, scripture says were the hypocrites that didn’t have a relationship with Jesus, but would pretend to have one on necessary occasions.
Jesus tells us to keep our lamps burning, meaning that we need to focus on our relationship with Him at all times everyday while growing in faith and relationship.
Those who choose to be wholehearted followers of Jesus become the Bride of Christ; we become wed to our Bridegroom Jesus.
“I will make you my wife forever,
showing you righteousness and justice,
unfailing love and compassion.”
Hosea 2:19
Scripture says when we wed, two become one (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5). So when you choose Jesus you become one with Him, allowing His light and love to flow through you to others. You become a reflection of Him to others.
Purchased by His blood
Did you know that when Jesus died on the cross for your sins, that His blood was spilled to purchase you for Himself? He died not only for your sins, but also to give you a path through Him to your Creator, your Heavenly Father, and His death gave you the opportunity to be His and live in eternity with Him. Do you accept His offer?
Here are some scripture promises to ponder:
“They have kept themselves as pure as virgins,
following the Lamb wherever he goes.
They have been purchased from among the people on the earth
as a special offering to God and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 14:4
“For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself.
I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ.”
2 Corinthians 11:2
“Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me,
because my servants must be where I am.
And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.”
John 12:26
“so that no one can criticize you.
Live clean, innocent lives as children of God,
shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
Philippians 2:15
“I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness,
just as light is better than darkness.”
Ecclesiastes 2:13
God’s Word tells us all we need to know. If you choose Jesus, shut out the world and begin studying the Holy Bible (King James Version) and learn the truth about what He wants to teach you. He is waiting for you.
“Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets
you do not know about things to come.”
Jeremiah 33:3
“26 I am writing these things to warn you
about those who want to lead you astray.
27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you,
so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true.
For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know,
and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie.
So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.”
1John 2:26-27
“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after those days,” says the LORD.
“I will put my instructions deep within them,
and I will write them on their hearts.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Jeremiah 31:33
ONLY LISTEN TO JESUS
NOT “MAN!”
What does the extra oil mean?
Having oil in this story symbolizes Jesus’ love and light flowing through you continually as a result of a personal relationship with Him. Jesus states in this parable that half of the virgins had this type of relationship with Him, half did not. The half that didn’t, they were good people that played the role when necessary, but were not committed to a relationship with Jesus. Sound familiar? Is this you? It used to be me until one day I chose Jesus over the world.
There are so many people like the second group. They think they are fooling others by pretending to be a good Christian, doing all the “Christianeze” stuff, but they are actually wearing a mask, pretending to be a wholehearted follower of Jesus. They might fool people, but Jesus knows our heart; He knows those who are His. That’s why He tells them to go away in the story; they never committed to following Jesus but they wanted into the wedding feast anyway. It was too late. You can’t play games with God.
So, with this knowledge, your goal should be to repent, then commit to a personal relationship with Jesus, shut out the world, and dive into His Holy Word, the Holy Bible. Begin talking to Him as you study His Word and ask Him questions; ask Him to explain what He is trying to tell you. He will. He delights in teaching those who commit their lives to Him. Choose to talk to Him all day everyday about everything; including Him in every part of your life. Such as: as a daughter, a wife, a mother, an employee, etc. He wants to be a part of every aspect of your life. There is no closer friend that you can have than Jesus. He is with you 24/7 and you have access to talk to Him anytime about anything. He has the power to care for and protect you; to fight your battles and keep you safe. He created you to crave a love that only He can provide. Once you experience His love on a personal level through a direct relationship with Him, you will be forever transformed and wonder why you spent your life running from Him refusing to allow Him to ”interfere” in your life.
The point in this story of having extra oil with you at all times is a reminder to keep your eyes focused on Jesus instead of anything in this world, including family. You don’t want to allow the world to distract you from Jesus and cause you to follow them. By trying to hold onto the world, status, things, success, money, etc., your focus will not be solely on Jesus and when He comes for His Bride, you will be one of the foolish virgins that didn’t have oil in their lamp because they weren’t focused on Jesus.
No one knows the day or the hour
That phrase is said a number of times in scripture because it is true!!! What is also true is that most people take that passage out of context and use it to keep you from following Jesus as He directs us too. The half of the virgins that were foolish chose to believe that Jesus wasn’t coming in their lifetime, so they didn’t dedicate their lives to Him. Instead, they focused on success, kids, careers, things, and all that money can buy. When Jesus came in this parable, they were caught off guard and missed Him; they got left behind. He came like a thief in the night to those who weren’t watching for Him. Is that you?
The wise virgins in the story followed Jesus wholeheartedly and they knew God’s Word. They knew that scripture, and Jesus, further stated that while no ones knows the day or the hour, those that belong to Jesus will be watching and will see the signs that He told them to look for to know when His return is near (See Matthew 24 and Luke 21). These wise ones will not be caught off guard because they are watching for the signs as Jesus instructed. They will not be caught off guard; they are watching, and are very ready to go! Is that you?
As we watch for the signs, and see that the end is near, there is still much work to do. Jesus is not late; He doesn’t change His mind. He is coming at the appointed time. So while you wait for His return, you can still be shining His light and love on others until He arrives. He doesn’t want anyone to perish but for all to be saved (2Peter 3:9).
Many read, or rather are taught, only part of the scripture. The masses focus on the part that we won’t know the day or the hour, so in their minds there is no point in looking. They enjoy making fun of those who do believe the entire passage about Jesus wanting His followers to be watching for the signs. Because it’s been almost 2,000 years since Jesus warned His followers of the signs to look for, the unbelievers, or lukewarm ones, have given up that He is coming back, and have decided to live life on their terms and not worry with what Jesus said to do.
The remnant of wholehearted believers in Jesus, are excitedly looking up and anticipating Jesus’ return. They are “on the wall” watching for His signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and for the events on earth that Jesus said to look for to know when it’s the last days. And yes, every generation has had a remnant looking for the “last days” signs and passed away before seeing the return of Jesus. Please understand that their time wasn’t wasted in looking. On the contrary, they enjoyed the excitement and anticipation of looking for their savior. The best news for them, is that Jesus states in His Word that when He returns for His bride, the dead in Christ shall rise first! How exciting is that?!? That is their reward for never losing the faith and looking for their blessed hope.
Whether Jesus comes back in my lifetime or not, I have enjoyed sharing His Good News Gospel, while looking for the signs of His return. My time has not been wasted. Every moment I’ve spent with Jesus has filled me with His hope, peace, and joy while living in this sinful rotten world.
In my opinion, it’s a no-brainer to keep my eyes on Jesus. I spent a lifetime playing the role of a “perfect Christian,” I’m so grateful that Jesus showed me His whole truth and His glorious light before His return, or my earthly passing, before it was to late.
I pray that same for you.
Choose: Wise or Foolish Virgin?
Jesus wants a relationship with us and for us to commit to Him wholeheartedly following Him all day everyday. Those wise “virgins”who do, will see the signs of His return and be ready. Where the foolish are only looking for Him on Sundays, those that are His are looking for His return everyday. In the meantime, His wholehearted followers are walking through each day with Him by their side spreading the Good News Gospel for those last ones to be saved before time runs out.
The foolish virgins could be described as the ones you could say have a lamp in their hands, not in their heart.
Those with Jesus in their hearts in a committed relationship with Him, you can easily see Jesus shining through them. They have His joy in their hearts and they are beaming with His light and love. They are the ones that seem different than others. Their hope is in Jesus and they don’t worry or fear like the rest of the world does.
The foolish virgins without extra oil, have no clue what comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. They are typically good people that think that their Sunday serve and being a good person is all that is “required” from Jesus to get into Heaven.
Blurred expectations
Here’s a question: if you don’t have time for Jesus now, or don’t want Him interfering in your life, why would you want to spend eternity with Him? If you are waiting until you get to Heaven to get to know Jesus, you will surprised when you realize that plan won’t work. God states clearly throughout scripture that you must have a wholehearted relationship with Him and follow His commands now, while living on earth. God did not create us to live life without Him, feeding our fleshly desires while trying to get rich quick. He created us to worship Him. He gave us a choice to choose between Him and this evil sinful world. Many have chosen the world, not truly realizing the price they will pay for not choosing Him.
Your Creator is the only living, loving God who does not force you to worship Him. He allows you to not choose Him. However, as the Creator of Heaven and earth, and us, it is His right to make the rules. He clearly states in scripture that for those who choose Him, they will be persecuted on earth but be blessed still, and get to spend eternity with Him. Then for those who choose the world instead, He is very clear what the consequences are for that decision. He’s not mean; He’s loving and fair. And, He is very clear about what will happen so that there are no surprises. He wants you to know your choices before you choose. Of course, you must read His Holy Bible to know what He says, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation.
Focus on the oil
The extra oil is to keep the lamp burning full-time around the clock until the Bridegroom comes. Meaning, keeping His light shining through us from our continuous communication with Him, helping spread His Gospel to lead others to His light until that day arrives. Once He arrives to carry us to our wedding feast, we won’t need our lamps anymore. His is the light and we will no longer need our lamps as He shines and illuminates eternity with Him. His light, is indescribable; a bright light like we have never seen before.
While Jesus shares a parable that describes an equal number of virgins being saved versus not saved, He had already elaborated in an earlier parable in scripture that the road is narrow to Him and that few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Regardless, He instructs His followers to offer the Gospel to all.
Is it just me?
Can you relate to the two groups of virgins in the story? Me personally, I have firsthand knowledge of the experience of the five virgins that did not bring oil for their lamps. I grew up in church knowing who Jesus is. I asked Him into my heart, got baptized at 5 years old, did all the “church” things and expectations, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with Him for many years.
You might relate to this group of women as well. You know, being a good person, going to church and serving where needed, attending small groups, leading small groups, etc., but not spending any alone time with Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, all the “things” listed above are good, but they should come out of your relationship with Jesus, not in place of it. If you are doing all those things and not spending time with Jesus daily and forming a personal relationship with Him, all your church “tasks” are for nothing.
Ask yourself this question: why do you stay so busy doing things for someone you don’t know personally? Is it just to keep up appearances, peer pressure, or that was what you were taught would get you into Heaven? It’s time for God’s truth now. Allow Him to teach you the truth. Your works for Him, your money, success, or friends and family cannot get you into Heaven. Only a personal relationship with Jesus can get you into Heaven.
If this is the first time you are hearing this, call out to Him now while there is still time. Don’t delay. His signs show that He is coming soon; in my lifetime and yours!
Jesus told the five virgins without oil, to go away, that He didn’t know them. Jesus isn’t interested in our sacrifice if we aren’t first focused on having a relationship with Him.
Still not certain?
Here’s another way to look at the foolish virgins. They were busy doing all the things for Jesus but didn’t take time to know Him. Then when trouble comes in their personal lives, they have no clue how Jesus wants to help them in their troubles. Therefore, they attempt to fight their battles in their own strength which is limited, and they exhaust themselves in their battle. Some will finally cry out to Him and He will help. Then they put Jesus back on the shelf until the next time they need help. That’s a dangerous game to play because there will come a day when they cry out and it will be too late; the door will be closed and He will tell them to go away.
The virgins having the extra oil, know that Jesus is capable and will provide for all their needs. The extra oil, comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. When you are in a personal relationship with Jesus, that oil flows continuously over your head – protecting and providing for you. This unique relationship with Jesus gives you peace in the storms.
We are taught about this in Psalm 23, where Jesus anoints our head with oil and our cup runneth over (Psalm 23:5). Once you experience this flow of peace you will not want to go back to your way of doing life.
Rewards for following Jesus wholeheartedly:
“By doing this they will be storing up their treasure
as a good foundation for the future
so that they may experience true life.”
1Timothy 6:19
Yes, Jesus knows life is hard
Jesus knows how hard life is, and how hard it is to be patient and wait on His perfect timing to gather His Bride. It would be easier to be like the rest and give up on the return of Jesus because almost 2,000 years ago He said He would return, and He clearly hasn’t yet. There are already so many people who have given up on the belief that He will do what He said He will do.
DON’T GIVE UP!
CLING TO HIS PROMISES!
JESUS WILL DO WHAT HE SAID HE WILL DO!
Jesus said:
“When everything is ready,
I will come and get you,
so that you will always be with me where I am.”
John 14:3
Those who believe by faith that Jesus will return just as He said He would, are looking for His return and keeping “oil in their lamps” so that they are ready when He sounds His trumpet to meet Him in the air. He promised!
“16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God.
First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.
17 Then, together with them,
we who are still alive and remain on the earth
will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
Then we will be with the Lord forever.
18 So encourage each other with these words.”
1Thessalonians 4:16-18
Should we be watching for Jesus?
There are those that want to believe He will return, but don’t believe it will happen in their lifetime, or they don’t want it to happen in their lifetime so that they can do what they want in life. Then there are those who hedge their bets and do many works for Him – to hopefully stay on His “good” list that they think gets them into Heaven, rather than have a personal relationship with Him. A relationship with Jesus requires sacrifice. He made sacrifices for us, we must be willing to do the same for Him. Jesus told His disciples to leave everything and follow Him; we must be willing to do the same. Your flesh will turn back to dust, from which it came; so there is no need to continue focusing on feeding your flesh; it’s temporary, your soul is eternal (Genesis 3:19). Sadly, preachers aren’t teaching the whole truth about how to get to Heaven, or that we should be watching for His coming to get His Bride.
Jesus is not late as some suppose,
His timing is perfect.
God has planned out every detail from the beginning of time through to the end of time. Throughout scripture we are told that certain things must happen before Jesus returns for His Bride. Jesus goes into great detail in the Gospel books if you want to know what He said to look for, but in the First Testament of the Holy Bible, God gives us many prophecies of what is to come and would happen in the last days. Here is just one example:
“This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed.”
Habakkuk 2:3
If you want to know what to look for and how to know if His return is close, study the entire book, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation. He has all the answers to your questions there. He breathed the entire Holy Bible to warn and prepare us, and so that we will know that when these things happen, it is just as He said it would be, and no one can take the credit for His plan.
So you must ask yourself: why are “religious” leaders telling you not to watch for Jesus’ return? It is quite clear in studying the Holy Bible that there are many scriptures that tell us to wholeheartedly follow Jesus and to expect and watch for His returning to gather His Bride – His wholehearted followers. Observe a few:
”So you, too, must keep watch!
For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.”
Matthew 24:42
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard,
and hold fast, and repent.
If therefore thou shalt not watch,
I will come on thee as a thief,
and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”
Revelation 3:3
“Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief!
Blessed are all who are watching for me,
who keep their clothing ready
so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”
Revelation 16:15
Jesus is telling us to watch for Him to return.
If we are focused on watching for Him,
we can’t be distracted by the evil of this world
that is trying to distract us.
Remember, God is working a plan we cannot see. His purposes will be accomplished. God’s patience must reach its goal while His Bride’s patience is tried and tested. His harvest must reach the point of being ready. Jesus will not come at our preferred time, but He will arrive in His appointed time – the time appointed from the beginning of time.
Slumber and sleep
Jesus wants that none of His followers will slumber and sleep but to watch for Him all day everyday. He is not talking about physical sleep here, it’s a metaphor for keeping Him first on our minds at all times in everything we do. Remember when Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to pray for one hour for Him while He went further to pray to His Father before He was arrested? Each time Jesus came back to check on them, He found them asleep. He said, you can’t pray for just one hour without falling asleep? Jesus knows the heart of man and knows our weaknesses. He was pointing out that humans couldn’t pray for an hour, much less a lifetime. It’s not possible without the help of the Holy Spirit. Even with the help of the Holy Spirit, it still takes complete trust in Him to help you stay focused and not get distracted by all that the world has to distract you with.
What to do while you wait…
“And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen,
make every effort to be found living peaceful lives
that are pure and blameless in his sight.”
2Peter 3:14
“If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job,
there will be a reward.”
Matthew 24:46
“For we will put on heavenly bodies;
we will not be spirits without bodies.”
2Corinthians 5:3
“11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.
12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.
We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,
13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day
when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us,
and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them.
You have the authority to correct them when necessary,
so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.”
Titus 2:11-15
Heart check time
Jesus is coming back soon to get His Bride. Let’s make sure your heart is right with Him. Don’t complicate the process for salvation. Keep it simple. Whether you have prayed this before, rededicate your life today and go “all in” with Him. It’s time for a deeper relationship with your Creator, Adonai.
Do the ABC’s and repent today.
- A: Admit that you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6, Ephesians 2:8-9)
- B: Believe in your heart that Jesus is the son of God and that He died for your sins and rose from the dead for you. (John 3:16-18, 1Corinthians 15:1-4)
- C: Call on Jesus and repent of your sins and turn back to Him and ask Jesus to show you the way. (Romans 10:9-13, John 14:6)
May God bless you and keep you.
“Put everything to the test.
Hold on to what is good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21
In closing,
Always ask Jesus what you should do in every situation. The Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you. If it’s not okay with Him, He will check your spirit and you will have an uneasy feeling and doubt about going forward. Always follow Jesus; NOT your heart; our hearts are fickle and can’t be trusted. Listen to the Holy Spirit; He is trying to protect you. You have a choice to obey or ignore. Choose to obey and stay under His protection.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick;
who can understand it?”
Jeremiah 17:9
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.“
Proverbs 3:5
“When you know you grow!”