“JUST THE FACTS”

Dragnet was a police show featuring Detective Joe Friday. The catchphrase associated with Detective Friday was, “Just the facts, Ma’am.” As far as history goes, that phrase was never used in the show, except maybe once. This is just a demonstration of how something virtually unfounded can gain life and grow to the point that people think it is true.

This happens with the Bible as well. People will say, “The Bible says…” then misquote a verse or use a verse completely out of context.? One of the most common is when people say that the Bible says, “Money is the root of all evil.” It actually says that the LOVE of money is the root of all SORTS of evil (I Timothy 6:10). Those two words change the meaning of the verse completely!

We often hear, “We are all God’s children.” It is true that we all receive life from God, however only those that accept Jesus are children of God, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). The fact is, only Christians are children of God.

Some people teach that we are predestined and have no choice in salvation. They say God has already chosen who will be in heaven and who will not be. The Bible refuted this in at least two places: I Timothy 2:3, 4-This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4?who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth; II Peter 3:9-9?The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. The fact is, God left the choice up to us.

People say we only have to believe to saved or say the “Sinner’s prayer.” The sinner’s prayer is found nowhere in the Bible, nor are there any instructions to tell us to “pray Jesus into our hearts.” We need to understand that when we truly believe, it means more than acknowledging that Jesus is, that is believing in Jesus. Believing Jesus and believing in Jesus is two different things. Believing Jesus leads to obedience. Jesus says plainly in Mark 16:16-He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Notice Jesus stresses both believing and baptism. Just in case that is not enough, Peter states the essentiality of baptism in I Peter 3:21-Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The fact is baptism is essential for salvation.

Friends, don’t be misled by someone not teaching facts. Turn to the Bible, trust what says, and be obedient to God’s word. God’s word is the facts!

?

Read II Peter 3:14-18

?

?