The Kind of Faith That Leads To Salvation What Does the Bible Really Teach? Hello, how are you today? The apostle Paul wrote: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”—Rom. 10:13. Underscoring a major factor that can bring you God’s lasting approval, Joel stated: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe.” (Joel 2:32) Two apostles, Peter and Paul, quoted this vital requirement. (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13) Paul added another facet to that exhortation when he asked: “How will they call on him in whom they have not put faith?” (Romans 10:14) As for you, surely you want to call on the name of Jehovah and exercise faith in him now and forever! Calling on Jehovah’s name involves more than just knowing and using God’s personal name. (Isaiah 1:15) The context of Joel 2:32 stresses true repentance and trust in Jehovah’s forgiveness. (Joel 2:12, 13) Calling on God’s name implies truly coming to know him, trust him, obey him, and put him first in our life. Yes, serving Jehovah becomes our top priority. That, in turn, greatly contributes to a satisfying and lasting life, which is a blessing from God.—Matthew 6:33. Jehovah stated through Habakkuk: “As for the righteous one, by his faithfulness he will keep living.” (Habakkuk 2:4) Be sure to fix that deeply in mind and heart. It is one of the Bible’s central truths. Paul pointed to that scripture three times in his inspired writings. (Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 3:11, 14; Hebrews 10:38) This truth calls on you to exercise faith in the sacrifice that Jesus Christ offered for our sins. Jesus explained: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might. . . have everlasting life.” We also read: “He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life.” (John 3:16, 36) That sacrifice provides for the healing that only our Redeemer can offer. After recording Jehovah’s statement of what His great day will do to Satan’s wicked world, Malachi continued: “To you who are in fear of my name the sun of righteousness will certainly shine forth, with healing in its wings.” Yes, Jesus will shine forth with healing. That involves the spiritual healing that we experience now. Yet, how thrilling it is to think that it will extend to full physical healing in the new world!—Malachi 4:2. It is also vital to put faith in God’s ability to accomplish his will. In Micah’s day, it was difficult to trust fellow humans. The prophet noted: “Do not put your faith in a companion. Do not put your trust in a confidential friend.” Still, Micah had no problem trusting in Jehovah; neither should you. Micah stated: “As for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout.” (Micah 7:5, 7) Unlike unpredictable humans, Jehovah has the will and the power to fulfill his purpose for the vindication of his sovereignty and the lasting welfare of men of faith. You can confidently echo Habakkuk’s words: “I will exult in Jehovah himself; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:18) The prophet Joel makes clear a reason for joy on the part of those calling upon Jehovah’s name in faith: They “will get away safe” or, as Paul expressed it, “will be saved.” (Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13) Safe, or saved, in what sense? Your exercising faith has already saved you from the crafty acts of Satan and the many painful experiences that the wicked must face. (1 Peter 1:18) More than that, though, you can look forward with confidence to salvation through the catastrophic end of this wicked system of things. That will open the way for you to enjoy a host of blessings that were pointed to by the 12 prophets. In the middle Ages, God’s personal name was rather widely known in Europe. That name, represented by four Hebrew letters called the Tetragrammaton and commonly transliterated YHWH (or JHVH), appeared on coins, on facades of houses, in many books and Bibles, and even in some Catholic and Protestant churches. However, the trend in recent times is to eliminate the name of God from Bible translations and from other uses. One indication of this is the Letter to the Bishops’ Conferences on ‘the Name of God,’ dated June 29, 2008. In it the Roman Catholic Church advised that the Tetragrammaton in its various renderings should be replaced by “Lord” and that God’s personal name should not be used in hymns and prayers during Catholic religious services. And the leaders of other religions inside and outside of Christendom have also hidden the identity of the true God from millions upon millions of worshippers. Please write to me at: (r_snook@hotmail); or (maximumtexas@yahoo). Click on this link: jw.org/ you can find answers to your Bible questions and you can download anything that appeals to you at no cost or obligation in more than 520 languages. Let me offer this suggestion; download the 32-page brochure: Who Are Doing Jehovah’s Will Today? I was thinking the other day that since other religions claim to teach from the Scriptures why don’t they help their adherents to know what God’s Word teaches by opening a webpage that is also helpful and free of cost? This website is by far the most innovative; interactive website on the Internet. Jehovah’s Witnesses want you to have a good relationship with God. It is vital that you know what the Bible teaches about what God requires from people worshipping him. You can also read the Bible online through this website and do your own Bible research using the online library. The Bible tells us at John 17:3 “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” Whether you believe it or not we are living at the conclusion of this system of things, or what the Bible calls the “last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:1-4) Jehovah’s Witnesses are interested in saving your life, NOT your MONEY. You may also ask any of Jehovah’s Witnesses for a free home Bible study at no cost or obligation to you or you may go to any of our Kingdom Halls where you will receive a friendly greeting from the happiest people on earth and listen to a free and informative Bible discussion. Take care. Agape, Roger Snook
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 16:59:19 +0000
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