JESUS WAS NOT IN HELL?

There was a time when I believed and preached that it was necessary for Jesus to go to hell on my behalf after dying on the cross. By His grace I realised what deception I had been in, and immediately repented and sought Gods forgiveness. I fell into this deception having been influenced by the teachings of men rather than the Word of God. E W Kenyon, Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland, whom I considered men of God, having much to offer, when it came to expounding the Word of God were the main perpetrators of this lie. Kenyon and Hagin believed and preached this lie without repentance until death. As far as I know, Copeland still believes and teaches this false doctrine, as do many other faith and Pentecostal preachers as well as more conservative teachers of the Word. 1Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; This scripture is quite obviously directed at the church and warns us of the fact that there are teachings and doctrines that are contrary to the Word of God. This fact is as old as the New Testament itself. 1Tim 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. It was Pauls divinely appointed authority that allowed him to do this by the Spirit, because he felt that the doctrines that they believed and taught amounted to blasphemy and were a reproach on the Divine character of God. To preach error is to present God or His Word in a false light, claiming it to be true. Many, desiring to qualify as ministers of the Gospel attend Universities, Bible schools and colleges that endorse false doctrines and teachings. If these ministers accept these false doctrines and teachings as truth and begin preaching them to unsuspecting congregations, the results are often devastating, as many are brought into bondage. There are many different Christian denominations that are determined and categorised by the doctrines they believe, all from the same Bible. Protestants, Roman Catholics, Baptists, the many different Charismatic and Pentecostal churches. There are those that are so bound by tradition that there are absolutely no signs or wonders that follow the preaching of the Word of God. Then there are those, performing signs and wonders but preaching a false Gospel, by a different spirit, often, for their own personal gain. Matt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Act 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.) We read in Gal. 1:8: the following strong warning which Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to the church of Galatia, and is still applicable to the church today. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. This might sound like a harsh word, but it is important to understand that anyone who purposefully distorts and twists the Word of God is guilty. Guilty of the same sin as Satan was, when he beguiled Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, by saying has God indeed said (Gen.3:1).

One of these false doctrines taught is that Jesus had to go to hell and suffer at the hands of Satan in order to fully redeem mankind. It is interesting to note that nowhere in Scripture is it written that God demanded a substitute for man in hell, but as with all atonement requirements, God requires the shedding of Blood, a sin offering, a sacrifice for the sin of man. Heb 9:22: .. without shedding of blood is no remission. 1 Cor. 5:7b: For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. It was through His shed blood, His Holy Blood alone that atonement was made for our sins, and by which we have been forgiven and reconciled to Father God. Having read this book, there will be no doubt in your mind that it was on the cross that Jesus gained the victory over sin and Satan and most certainly not in hell. This false doctrine claiming that Jesus went to hell, in fact implies that His shed blood and physical death on the cross were not sufficient to pay the penalty for sin! This lie has caused many Christians faith to waiver. It has also been used to promote the false teaching that souls go to Purgatory after death. Purgatory is not mentioned in the Bible but some Christians have been taught that it is a place where souls are purified by punishment. What concerns me is how many bornagain preachers continue to teach that Jesus went to the place of torment after His death. There are many sincere children of God who have been fed this lie and it is my sincere prayer that they will come to know the truth and be set free. Jesus said: .. If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:3132 As we consider this subject in the light of Gods truth, I believe it will become evident why Satan would want this lie to prevail. His aim has always been firstly to detract from the finished work of Calvary, where he was defeated once and for all by the shed blood of Jesus. And secondly to discredit and belittle Jesus, the Son of God. Let us start by looking at what this devilish doctrine teaches. It proclaims that the death of Jesus on the cross was not sufficient to purchase our salvation on its own, there needed to be more suffering, thus He was tortured for three days and three nights in hell and there became bornagain. The propagators of this teaching declare that Jesus had to go to hell in order to get the keys which Satan had taken from Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They maintain that Jesus was tormented and tortured by Satan and his demons during those three days and three nights He spent in hell, but that He eventually prevailed, and won the victory over death, hell and the grave, having successfully wrestled with Satan and his cohorts. They declare that if Jesus had not gone to hell for you, you would have had to go. Their lie continues by declaring that Jesus had to die spiritually and became the first man to be bornagain when He rose on the third day. They proclaim that Jesus was born from death to life in hell, and was raised up from the dead as the first fruit of many brethren. This, in a nutshell, is the essence of this abominable lie. There is no way that one can believe that He went to hell to suffer further in order to complete the Atonement, and in addition to this, believe that His blood cleanses from all sin. This would be misplaced faith, which nullifies the cross.

THE DECEPTION What this false doctrine actually teaches is the following: Jesus died two deaths first physically and then spiritually. When He died, the nature of Satan took possession of His Spirit. Satan became His master. The physical death of Jesus on the cross did not pay the penalty for sin. Satan took Jesus to hell. The place where every sinner goes. Jesus was impregnated with the sin of the world. Jesus Spirit was taken to the depths of hell where Satan tormented Him with all the suffering that hell had to offer for three days and three nights. Then only had He paid the penalty and met the claims of justice. God then made Him alive in the spirit and in hell and He became a new creation. Jesus was the first born out of spiritual death, the first person to ever be born again. Teachers of this lie base their doctrine on scriptures in the Bible which are quoted out of context and based on an incorrect translation and understanding of certain words. These three are the main scriptures they use: Acts 2: 27: Because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. 2. Acts 2:31: He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. 3. 1 Pet. 3:19: By which also He (Jesus) went and preached unto the spirits in prison; As I searched the Bible, I did not find any scripture that substantiates or suggests the fact that Jesus Christ, the Son of the Almighty God had to descend into hell in order to further suffer torment so that our sins might be forgiven or to acquire any authority (power) there. In fact the conclusion that I came to is that JESUS NEVER WENT TO HELL AT ALL! Let us start by examining the definition of hell according to Smiths dictionary: Hell. In the Old Testament, this is the word generally, and unfortunately, used by our translators to render the Hebrew, Sheol. It really means the place of the dead, the unseen world, without deciding whether it be the place of misery or of happiness. It is clear that in many passages of the Old Testament, Sheol can only mean "the grave", and is rendered thus in the Authorized Version; see, for example, Gen_37:35; Gen_42:38; 1Sam_2:6; Job_14:13. In other passages, however, it seems to involve a notion of punishment, and is therefore rendered in the Authorized Version by the word "hell". But in many cases, this translation misleads the reader. In the New Testament, "hell" is the translation of two words, Hades and Gehenna. The word Hades, like Sheol sometimes means merely "the grave", Act_2:31; 1Co_15:55; Rev_20:13, or in general, "the unseen world". It is in this sense that the creeds say of our Lord, "He went down into hell," meaning the state of the dead in general, without any restriction of happiness or misery. Elsewhere in the New Testament, Hades is used of a place of torment, Matt_11:23;

Luk_16:23; 2Pet_2:4, etc.; consequently, it has been the prevalen t, almost the universal, notion that Hades is an intermediate state between death and resurrection, divided into two parts; one the abode of the blest and the other of the lost. It is used eleven times in the New Testament, and only once translated "grave". 1Cor_15:55. The word most frequently used, (occurring twelve times), in the New Testament for the place of future punishment is Gehenna or Gehenna of fire. This was originally the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth and dead animals of the city were cast out and burned; a fit symbol of the wicked and their destruction. In Acts chapter 2, verses 27 and 31, the word hell actually refers to the Grave. Shehole, which as we have already stated, means grave or pit, which is a place where the remains of the dead body are placed. The place where the spirit and soul awaits the time of resurrection is divided into two areas. For the righteous it is paradise, for the unrighteous a place of torment. The two areas were divided by a deep gulf that could not be crossed. (Lazarus and the rich man Luke 16: 1931) The lake of fire (ghehennah) is a place that God has prepared for the devil, His angels and those names which are not written in the Lambs book of life. (Rev. 19:20; 20:10; 14, 15, 21:8 read these verses to see who will end up in the lake of fire. A third scripture used to support their theory that Jesus went to hell is, 1 Pet. 3:1820, which reads: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit, by which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison, which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. Regarding this third scripture quoted above, I do not believe that Jesus would have preached the Gospel to those spirits in prison, because His resurrection had not yet taken place. The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The final enemy, namely death, was conquered when Jesus was raised from the dead. This is confirmed in the very next verse. 1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Why would Jesus only have preached to those specific spirits that had died in the flood at the time Noah? Why would He not have preached to the spirits of all disobedient and unrepentant people that had lived before and after the flood of Noah? I believe that Jesus' preaching mentioned in 1 Pet. 3:1820 was accomplished through Noah based on the following: *Jesus is the eternal Word (John.1:1), Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Joh 1:14a And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, *Noah was a preacher of righteousness, 2 Pet. 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; therefore Jesus was preaching through Noah. *Jesus preached to those spirits in prison when they were still living on earth, having quickened Noah by His Spirit to plead with them, and preach righteousness to them, because

they were dead in sin. They had already died when Peter refers to them. Therefore he correctly calls them spirits now in prison. They were disobedient, rebellious, unrepentant and unbelieving. God warned them and gave them opportunity to repent while Noah was building the ark. They were given fair warning through Noah's preaching by the Spirit. They knew therefore, what was about to come upon them. Noah and his family, who believed and were obedient, were saved in the ark. This then sums up the foundation upon which this unbiblical theory is built. It seems incredible that this teaching is founded on such flimsy evidence to back it up scripturally. On the other hand there is so much scripture to support the truth that Jesus completed His redemptive work on the CROSS. Satan knows that in Father Gods perfect time, his final destination is hell. (Gehenna) Satan would love to have people believe that Jesus went there first, albeit for different reasons!! No, and a thousand times no! Jesus never went to hell! That was never a part of Gods plan of salvation and so there was never a need for it! The Bible declares that Jesus triumphed on the CROSS. JESUS TRIUMPHED OVER SATAN ON THE CROSSNOT IN HELL. There is no scriptural evidence whatsoever to support the fact that Satan is in charge, of or even has access to hell. Therefore it would be foolish to entertain the thought that Jesus had to meet Satan in hell in order to gain the final victory. It is interesting to note that nowhere in Scripture is it written that God demanded a substitute for man in hell, but as in all atonement requirements, God requires the shedding of Blood, a sin offering, a sacrifice for the sin of man. Heb 9:22: .. without shedding of blood is no remission. 1 Cor. 5:7b: For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. It was through His shed blood, His Holy Blood alone that atonement was made for our sins, and by which we have been forgiven and reconciled to Father God. The moment the sacrifice of the Holy Lamb of God (Jesus) was made, was the exact moment when sin and the devil were dealt with. It was on the Cross that Jesus triumphed over death and the grave and gained the power over them. (acquired the keys of hell grave and death according to: Rev. 1 verse 18) Most people imagine these to be a bunch of keys, but it simply means that He had total authority. We read in Hebrews 2:1415: Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. And Jesus did this on the cross. God delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. (Col. 1:13) He certainly did not have to fight the devil in hell to acquire them, nor did He have to go through further torment and torture. His suffering was complete on the cross at Calvary. When Jesus said on the cross It is finished, it WAS FINISHED! All that His Father had entrusted Him to do, as foretold and verified in prophecy, had been done. The law had been fulfilled and eternal salvation had been obtained for those who believe. Col.

2:1315: And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (The cross) Jesus paid the ultimate price by dying on the cross. Rom. 5:811: But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Every promise and prophecy regarding His death on the cross was fulfilled. It was complete, nothing more was required and most important of all, His, was an Eternal Sacrifice that is forever established. Heb. 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. BIBLICAL TRUTH THAT JESUS DIED PHYSICALLY There have been many fables surrounding the person of Jesus. Some say that He married Mary Magdalene, others say that He was a homosexual, that He and Judas conspired together to arrange His own death, and yet others say that He faked His death. They claim that He did not really die, but that He went to live in Arabia. Yet another fable states that His body was stolen from the tomb so that His disciples could falsely prove His resurrection. But what does the Bible say concerning His death? Matt. 27:5866 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. The Lord in His wisdom made sure that Pilate gave the instruction for the tomb of Jesus to be under constant guard by Roman soldiers who feared for their lives should they fail to successfully do so. This is a favourite argument used by Moslems implying that the body of Jesus was stolen. The fact that the body of Jesus was in the tomb (grave) for three days was also the fulfillment of His own prophecy concerning Himself. Mat 12:40: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. John 2:19: Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. We can now understand that when Acts 2:27 and 31 were quoted it was simply confirming that the prophetic words of Jesus were honoured and fulfilled. His body would not be left in the grave nor would it see corruption (return to dust) but in fact be raised on the third day. John 11:25: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 1Thess. 1:10: And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. PROPHECY THAT WAS FULFILLED AT THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS The fact that there were numerous prophecies fulfilled when Jesus was crucified, proves the importance of His sacrificial death. Father God used prophecy in the Old Testament to confirm the suffering Messiah who would be sacrificed for the sin of man. Our proof that the Bible is the only true Word of the only True God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and is forever established, is its uniqueness! It is unique in that one fourth of it was prophetic at the time it was written, and most of these prophecies have come to pass already just exactly as prophesied. These prophecies are divinely inspired by God, and their fulfilment serves as proof that our God exists and that His Word is true. None of the other religions (e.g. Islam, Buddhist, Hindu etc) have any prophecies contained in their socalled holy books. Only the God of the Bible knows the future. He has proved without any shadow of doubt that He alone is God, because no other religion can claim to have had its god prophesy any future events that have come to pass. The accuracy of the Word of God is proven as we see from the following prophetic scriptures in the Old Testament which were fulfilled: He would be betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:1213 Fulfilled Matthew 27:910; John 13:18 He would die with malefactors Isaiah 53:9, 12 (750 BC) .. Fulfilled Luke 22:37 He would be buried by a rich man Isaiah 53:9

 Fulfilled Matthew 27:5760 He would be given vinegar and gall Psalm 69:21 (1000 BC) . Fulfilled Matthew 27:34; John 19:29 Men would cast lost for His garments Psalm 22:18 .. Fulfilled John 19:24 Even His dying words were foretold Psalms 22:1; 31:5 . Fulfilled Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; Luke 23:46 Not a bone in His body would be broken Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12 Fulfilled Psalm 34:20; John 19:36 His side would be pierced Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10 . Fulfilled John 19:37 He would rise bodily from the dead on the third day . Fulfilled Matthew 16:21; Luke 24:46 SUMMARY Jesus made it very clear that it was in His power to lay down His life and that no man could take it from Him. John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. Jesus knew that at the appointed time of the feast of the Passover, He would enter Jerusalem and willingly suffer and lay down His life for His sheep. When Jesus suffered all this physical torture and pain, He never once opened His mouth in complaint. The Bible tells us that He went as a lamb to the slaughter. (Is. 53:7). It was at the ninth hour that Jesus raised His voice in anguish and cried out, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? (Matt. 27:46). Jesus felt forsaken of God for a brief while, and this agony was greater for Him, than any physical agony He had ever experienced! This should be a valuable lesson to us because, if we are not born again, this state of being utterly God forsaken, will be our eternal destiny. It is important for us to know that Jesus did not become sinful or a sinner but he was made to be a sin offering for us. Jesus always addressed His Heavenly Father as Father, but on this occasion, when He felt separated from His Father because of having to die for our sins, which He bore upon Himself, Jesus called Him God! After this Jesus called out It is finished (John 19:30) and Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit. (Luke 23:46). NOT SATAN I AM DESCENDING TO HELL TO GET THE KEYS FROM YOU. The work of salvation had been completed and the full price for sin was paid. Then His body was buried and He rose physically from the grave on the third day. Remember, before dying Jesus said to the criminal on the cross next to Him, Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43). I remind you that Jesus also said upon that cross as He died: It is finished! In other words He proclaimed that His mission was complete. He then said: Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit. And Father God is certainly not in hell. He also tells the criminal on the cross next to Him that: Today you will be with Me in Paradise. Paradise certainly does not house Satan and his demons. It is well documented that Jesus body was buried that very day in a rich mans grave. (Matt. 27:5760)

It was common belief at that time, that the crucified was cursed and if the body was not removed before sundown, a curse would return to that land [Gal. 3:13]. Because of this belief, the soldiers would take an iron rod and break the legs below the knees of those who had not yet died before sunset. This would make it impossible for them to straighten their legs in order to breathe, and they would then die of suffocation. When they came to Jesus however, He was already dead. This fulfilled the prophecy, which stated that not a bone of His body was broken [John 19:3233] A Roman Soldier took a spear and pierced the side of Jesus. I believe it was His right side so that it would penetrate His intestines, liver, lungs, and into His heart. As the spear penetrated the heart sack [pericardium], the water, which had accumulated around the heart, due to the acute heart failure, was released and poured out of the wound. Then as the spear penetrated through the heart wall, blood was released and poured out of the wound. This last injury totally confirmed that death had taken place. (Joh.19:34 CONCLUSION Consider these important facts which confirm the truth that Jesus did not go to hell. 1. Jesus Christ said to the robber who was crucified on the cross next to Him: Verily I say unto thee, TODAY shalt thou be with Me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43) 2. Jesus said on the Cross: Father, into THY HANDS I commend My Spirit (Luke 23:46) 3. Jesus said on the Cross: it is FINISHED (John 19:39) He HAD paid the FULL PRICE. 4. When Jesus died on the cross the heavy curtain screening the Holy of Holies in the temple, was supernaturally torn from top to bottom, signifying that Jesus had paid the FULL PRICE for the separation that had existed between God and man. Reconciliation between God the Father and man was restored. (2 Cor. 5:1821; Matt. 27:51) It is of the utmost importance that we realise that it is through the shed blood of Jesus alone, whereby we have been redeemed. Without the shed blood of Jesus, there would be no hope for us. The importance of this truth is indicated in the following scriptures: Heb. 12:24: And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Heb. 13:2021: Now the God of peace, that brought again form the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good word to do His Will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 John 1:7: 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 sin. Eph. 2:13: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the Blood of Christ. 1 Pet. 1:1819: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible

things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Rom. 5:9: Much more then, being now justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Heb. 13:12: Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own Blood, suffered without the gate. Col. 1:20: And, having made peace through the Blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Rev. 1:5: And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own Blood. 1 Pet. 2:24: Who His own self bare our sins in His own Body ON THE TREE, (cross) that we, being dead to sins should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. The apostle Paul sums it up in 1Co 2:15 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. When I pray in the morning I always thank my Heavenly Father for His Son Jesus who willingly gave Himself as a living human sacrifice. He was obedient to His Fathers will unto death, which satisfied God, so as to fulfil His eternal plan of salvation and healing for man. Jesus who is glorified is seated at the right hand side of Father God, He is and always will be, the Eternal Lamb of God, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME. Amen.

How to be Born again and a Child of God

1. ACKNOWLEDGE: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23) God be merciful to me a sinner! (Luke 18:13) In the light of Gods Word you must acknowledge that you are a sinner. 2. REPENT: I (Jesus) tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish (Luke 13:3) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19) Realise the ugliness of sin and turn away from it. 3. CONFESS: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Joh. 1:9) . With the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Rom. 10:10) Confess your sins before God. 4. LEAVE: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord for He will abundantly pardon (Is. 55:7)

Just to be sorry about your sin is not enough. We must desire to forsake it forever. 5. BELIEVE: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Rom. 10:9) Believe that Jesus Christ delivered you completely at the Cross. 6. RECEIVE: He came unto his own, and his own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. (John 1:11 and 12) You must, by faith, now receive Jesus Christ in your heart so that you can have the experience of being born again. 7. WRITE DOWN: Todays date, on the inside front page of your Bible or next to a scripture verse which has special significance. Let this always be a confirmation to you that you have dedicated your heart and life to the Living God, and that He has received you in His Love. Resist the devil by pointing him to that particular scripture and date every time he attacks you with doubt and confusion. 8. READ: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17) Begin everyday by reading a chapter from the Bible then apply Gods instructions in your daily walk with Him. 9. PRAY: God is now your Heavenly Father: talk to Him everyday. Confess your sins, praise Him for setting you free, tell Him your needs, and thank Him for supplying all your needs: physical, financial and emotional (Philip. 4:19) The following is a prayer which you can use as a guideline. Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I am a lost sinner. I thank You that Jesus died for my sins, that by His shed blood I have been forgiven and that His Body was mutilated beyond recognition and that by His wounds He purchased healing for me. Lord Jesus, I now receive you as my Saviour, my Healer, my Lord and my God. I ask You to forgive all my sin. I now open the door to my heart and life to You. Please come in and cleanse me. Take the reigns of my life: I want to be led by Your Holy Spirit. Father, I thank You that Jesus Christ is now my Saviour and Lord that I am now Your Child. Amen. 10. BE BAPTISED: You are now a child of God, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. The next step is baptism by full immersion. Mark. 16:16 Jesus says He who believes and is baptized shall be saved. Remember, now that you are a child of God, your name has been entered into the Book of the Lamb, as you have been obedient to the Gods instructions. 11. BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT according to Gods promise in Acts 2:38 & 39 12. FELLOWSHIP: Find a group of bornagain, believing Christians and fellowship with them on a regular basis. Always keep in mind the picture of the coal which is on the fire and glows while it is in contact with the fire, but which grows cold and dies if it stays out of the fire too long. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD!__