Between the beginning of Genesis and the flood when eight were saved by water (Noah’s family), the people became wicked. The Old Testament tell us in Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Of all the millions on earth at that time, Noah and his family were the only ones who wanted to act righteously and do what God instructed. All the others perished in the flood instead of being saved, so in that respect water saved Noah and family, washing away the sin of the world. It is as Peter wrote in I Peter 3:20 22, 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. 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: 22  Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Undeniably, that is the path for salvation, but it isn’t believed.  Not only that, but also many don’t believe the flood happened and that sin is the figment of the imagination. Regardless, of the denial, all will answer to the righteousness of Christ since all things are subject to him

Righteousness is the opposite of sin. If one doesn’t believe that God demands righteousness in order to be saved, then sin (unrighteousness) is not real to the one denying righteousness. Adam and Eve rejected God’s righteous instructions and lost salvation. In this day and age, righteousness is a relatively unknown requirement among the evil and wicked. The public, churches, the courts and politicians are conflicted, if that is the right word, about homosexual rights and abortion, along with what is or isn’t allowed in the public arena. Many are walking in unrighteousness and refuse to change, and won’t change unless they recognize that God means what he says. Even then, many will remain lost right into eternity when it will be too late to obey the gospel.

A peculiarity crops up among the homosexual contingent, claiming that the Old Testament teachings are null and void regarding homosexuality. That is true as far as it goes since the teachings were originally for the Jews, but such a notion doesn’t account for the fact the law spoke to righteousness. The righteousness contained in the law was never set aside. God still requires righteousness, which is found in Jesus Christ. Not understanding God’s righteousness requirements or refusing them shows that they don’t believe in God’s ways.

The subject of God’s love is another dodge they use to avoid changing their behavior. God loves everyone they say and won’t allow anyone to go to Hell as it were, or not be saved. It is true that God loves everyone. John wrote in 3:16 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. The verse is ripped from its context over and over again by those who twist and maim the message of God. The book of John was written before the end of the first century, possibly before 70 A.D. It was written to Christians to shore up their faith since the apostasy had begun. It must be recognized that all the Christians had obeyed the gospel as per Acts 2:38 and other related teachings on baptism. To say that believing brings salvation and believing only with no consequent act to show faith, (belief in action) is a strange message foreign to the gospel.

The other requirement before baptism is repentance, turning to God away from sin. Of course, if one doesn’t believe in sin, there will be no repentance and if one doesn’t see him or herself as unrighteous, the same is true. Repentance is the beginning of a life with God through following Jesus Christ. The message in Acts 3:19 applies now as it did when it was uttered. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

To deny any of the teachings on the issue of righteousness will be fatal. After knowing truth the question “why do I not believe in God,” remains to be answered. Only those who are denying the truth can answer the question and only they know the answer.

© 06-28-2008 DEC

               Next Lesson Why Do I Not Believe God? Part IV