There have been so many issues that people depend on Earthly things to save them so that they can go to Heaven. Some depend on church membership, baptism, helping people, or giving money to help them go to Heaven. Some say that God will weigh out the good and the bad, If a person has all good than bad, then he would go to heaven. Even some people believe that they would have to do indulgence in order to go to Heaven They would have to pay money to the church in order for someone in Limbo to go to heaven.

I hate to say this, but none of these things above can allow you to go to Heaven. One day I was thinking about Salvation and why people believe on Earthly things instead of faith. God revealed to me the real reason why Earthly things cannot save people. There are three reasons that are Biblical fact that Earthly things cannot save people.

1. All these things are created by God, therefore they are impossible to save anyone. Colossians 1:16-17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Everything that you see on Earth has been created by our Lord Jesus Christ. Can a created things like water save people? It can’t because it is created by God. Can giving money save you? NO, it is created by the materials that were made by the Lord. Even human being were created by God, therefore doing good will not save you. Even following the law cannot save you because it is based on creation Therefore it is virtually impossible for any created things to save you.

2. The other reason is that the Earth is already cursed by the Lord. Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Emphasis mine. The Earth is already cursed by our Lord. That also include the water and among thing that were manufactured by man because of the materials that comes from Earth. It is another impossible for any things from the Earth to save you.

3. We must have a substitute for our sin. Remember the sacrifice that Israel had to do in order to forgive their sin. Even though sacrificing animals cannot save people because it is a created things and already cursed, but it is a picture of the one that will come to Earth to save people. We must have something that is a substitute for our sin, because it is impossible for any created or cursed thing to save us. This is the reason why Jesus Christ who is the creator of all things has to leave his throne to come to Earth in human flesh to die on the cross in order to substitute for our sin. Jesus knew no sin and no sin was found in him according to 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Another verse prove that Jesus did no sin is 1 Peter 2:21-22 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Emphasis mine. Therefore Jesus Christ is the perfect sacrifice for anyone to be saved, and it is by FAITH!!

Those are the three reason why nothing can save you except for Jesus Christ. This is why John 14:6 says it all that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life that no one can be saved unless it is through Jesus Christ. It has to be by faith according to Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Emphasis mine. The main reason why God established the law is to show us that we are sinners and in need of Jesus Christ for our salvation. Remember it is a gift from God that you need to accept his gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ in order to go to Heaven. AMEN!!!

Isn’t it tragic that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ speak negatively about prophecy? Those who spend much time in the study of prophecy are often ridiculed for doing so. It is said that this time could be better spent witnessing to the lost. However, the wonder of studying prophecy is that it instills an even greater desire to witness to those who do not know Jesus as their Savior. Actually, the more one studies prophecy, the greater the urgency to tell the Good News of salvation in Christ.

Should a Christian have no interest in studying prophecy when it comprises roughly one third of God’s Word, the Bible? I’m sure they are influenced by those who have given prophecy a “bad name” in attempting to set dates for Christ’s return, and making predictions that “so-and-so” is the Antichrist. These people are false prophets and should never be given an audience, but society loves sensationalism. Society also loves to see those who claim to be speaking on behalf of God fall flat on their face.

If you are a Christian, you really need to be studying prophecy, if not for one reason. God expects you to. He didn’t place this much information about prophecy in the Bible for it to be ignored. Pastors especially, should be strong students of prophecy, and should be teaching it on a regular basis, not at the expense of everything else in God’s Word of course, but it needs to be taught. Sadly, very few pastors know enough about prophecy to teach it to their congregations in the first place.

We are in the last days of the Church age. The Church age is winding down and the signs are all around us. Daniel’s seventieth week, or the Tribulation period as it is commonly known, is just around the corner. Far, far too many Christians are going to be caught off guard when Jesus returns for His Church just prior to the Tribulation. Does that mean they won’t be included in the Rapture? Of course not, but think of the lost people they have failed to tell about Christ’s offer of salvation and His soon coming. How many of those will remain in their sin because they did not hear?

For those who say, “we need to be witnessing, and let prophecy take care of itself,” are you witnessing? I realize that Christians, who know nothing about prophecy, do witness. Unfortunately, there are many, many more who know nothing about prophecy, and still don’t witness. The whole point of this article is to emphasize that prophecy, especially today, brings out an urgency in the prophecy student to witness. If you are a legitimate student of prophecy, I simply do not see how you would have no interest in witnessing to the lost. To the contrary, your desire to witness would increase, simply because you know the time is short.

Something else to consider are those who study prophecy, but do not witness for Christ. Notice that I mentioned in the last paragraph the “legitimate” student of prophecy. Yes, there are those who want to study the fine points of prophecy, but aren’t interested in the message. Christ’s message has always been,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)

All too often these folks just want to argue about what they think they know. That is not the right attitude to study prophecy, or anything else in God’s Word, for that matter.

Jesus Christ has made His message of salvation very clear. Even though this topic too has been tainted by false teachers, the Bible is clear on our need to be “born again” and how to be “born again.” One example, among many, would be,

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Therefore, when the legitimate student of prophecy becomes alarmed for the need of people to be saved, and they will become alarmed, they must be clear on the doctrine of salvation as well.

When studying prophecy, perhaps the first thing that comes to mind would be the spiritual welfare of our family members. Then we start thinking about our neighbors and co-workers and others we know. I know I sound like a broken record, but the natural result of studying prophecy is growing in one’s desire to witness. It just happens that way. To study prophecy and not grow with a strong desire to witness is unnatural. It would almost be like seeing a tornado coming, but having no desire to warn others. The natural process wants to warn others of the approaching danger.

So for those of you who just want to argue over the fine points of prophecy, you need to get a life. Your heart isn’t right before God, and you need to get that settled first of all.

For those of you who want to ridicule legitimate prophecy students, you need to start studying the one third portion of God’s Word you have cut out and listen to what God has to say to you.

Grant Phillips