Key passages that taught me to focus on the ultimate reward for putting God first and placing my faith in Jesus Christ​

 

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The Promise of Paradise

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Luke 23:43 (NIV):
"Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”

• Why This Passage is Foundational:

  • This verse demonstrates the immediate and transformative power of faith in Jesus. Even the thief on the cross, in his final moments, receives the assurance of eternal life because of his sincere repentance and recognition of Jesus’ authority.

  • It highlights God’s grace, which is available to anyone, regardless of their past, through faith.

• Application:

  • Turn to Jesus in faith and repentance, no matter your circumstances or past mistakes.

  • Share the message of salvation with others, emphasizing that it’s never too late to seek God’s forgiveness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvation Through Faith and Confession

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Romans 10:9 (NIV):
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

• Why This Passage is Foundational:

  • Paul clearly outlines the path to salvation: belief in Jesus’ resurrection and a public confession of faith. This passage emphasizes that salvation is by faith, not by works, and is accessible to all who turn to Christ.

  • It reinforces the importance of both inward faith and outward acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord.

• Application:

  • Profess your faith boldly and live in alignment with your declaration that Jesus is Lord.

  • Trust in Jesus’ resurrection as the foundation of your hope for salvation and eternal life.

 

 

 

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Jesus as the Resurrection and Life

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John 11:25-26 (NIV):
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"

• Why This Passage is Foundational:

  • Jesus identifies Himself as the source of eternal life and victory over death. This statement underscores that eternal life is a gift of faith in Jesus, transcending physical death.

  • It assures believers that their faith in Christ grants them eternal communion with Him.

• Application:

  • Anchor your hope in Jesus, trusting His promise of eternal life even in the face of death or uncertainty.

  • Encourage others with the truth that Jesus offers life beyond physical death to all who believe in Him.

 

 

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God’s Love and the Gift of Eternal Life

John 3:16 (KJV):

"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."

• Context:

  • This verse is part of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to Him at night seeking understanding about salvation and the kingdom of God.

  • Jesus explains that God’s love is the foundation of His plan for salvation and that belief in Him is the key to eternal life.

• Key Points:

1.  "God so loved the world": God’s love is vast and inclusive, extending to all people.

2.  "He gave His only begotten Son": This refers to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as the ultimate demonstration of God’s love.

3. "Whosoever believeth in Him": Salvation is available to everyone who places their faith in Jesus.

4. "Should not perish, but have everlasting life": Belief in Jesus grants eternal life with God, rescuing believers from spiritual death.

 

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Summary of these Key Verses:

 

    Luke 23:43: Jesus’ promise to the repentant thief on the cross about being with Him in paradise.

    Romans 10:9: Salvation comes through believing in Jesus and professing faith openly.

    John 11:25-26: Jesus declares that He is the resurrection and life, granting eternal life to all who believe.

    John 3:16 is the cornerstone of the Christian message, declaring that God’s love, demonstrated through Jesus,

    opens the door to eternal life for all who believe.

 

 

 

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