Jesse and Ricky En-route to Nepal

Brothers Jesse Boyd and Ricky Springer of Full Proof Gospel Ministries came to Southern Africa en-route to Kathmandu in Nepal, India. After they had spent time proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Olieven Township in Gauteng they moved on to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and then back to Johannesburg, South Africa (Read Hailing from Africa by Jesse Boyd). It was at this time, that they came to spend a week at my home in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal from Sunday evening June 26^th.It was a blessing to labour with the brethren as we went and spent a wind-swept and icy stay at Sani-Tops in Sani Pass, Lesotho. The Gospel was taken to the Basotho villagers and Sesotho tracts were handed out and winter socks were given to the villagers, too, as a gift from Jesse and Ricky. After an eventful night where the temperature plummeted to an icy -6 to -10 degree centigrade where we slept in a backpackers’ kitchen in our sleeping bags, we returned after we had spent the Tuesday morning bagging a peak.

Gary Crous (preaching), Vincent Piater, Ricky Springer and Kelsey Piater

On returning to South Africa on June 28^th, we spent the remainder of the week proclaiming the Gospel in Pietermaritzburg at a bus shelter and outside the ‘Crowded House’ nightclub and upon the streets during late hour foot-traffic, then onto Howick at a taxi rank and upon the streets outside a shopping centre where predominantly Muslim shop owners heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Saviour and then onto the Howick Falls where Jesse preached to a group of young schoolgirls on what would appear an excursion – praise God. We also attended a Friday evening ekklesia meeting in Westville with Peter and Catherine McGregor at their home. At the gathering of believers we also met up with Vincent and Kelsey Piater and their brother Jeremy Piater who all had travelled down from Empangeni in Northern-KZN (Zululand) and a lovely Indian family who had recently come into fellowship at the McGregor’s home and another sister in Christ. Later that evening, the Southern-boys, the Piaters and I went and preached the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ outside the ‘Bonkers Nightclub’ to groups of rowdy and drunk teenagers. Many tracts were handed out and many conversations were also had with some comprehending partygoers who truly wanted to hear more.

Ricky Springer outside 'Bonkers Nightclub', Durban

On Saturday July 2^nd we hit the beach front and preached outside Joe Kool’s Pub and Restaurant and later that evening at the Durban July Horse race event’s after-party. Jesse had the privilege of having beer poured over him, but the preaching went forth to the after-party revellers. They had just spent their day in drunkenness and covetousness with their gambling. Many tracts were handed out and conversations were also had all to the Glory of God Almighty. Later the evening we went for a fellowship meal in Morningside (?) and we came across a car-guard who had been stabbed in the back. It would appear that this had something to do with xenophobia as the guy who had been stabbed was from outside of South Africa. After assisting with the calling of an ambulance and Jesse sharing the Gospel with the group of car-guards gathered around the injured man, we enjoyed good fellowship and some delicious pizza.

Jesse Boyd (preaching) and Vincent Piater witnessing to two Ugandans on Durban Beachfront

Sunday July 3^rd we went back to the beachfront and preached Christ to the hordes of people out on the promenade. It would appear that there were many Muslims present. Many, many tracts were handed out, engaging one-2-one witnessing conversations were had, and solid Christ glorifying preaching of the Gospel of Salvation, the preaching of the Kingdom of God went forth. Despite some trials that Jesse encountered on Sunday evening, he had also taken ill with a fever, that with prayer to our mighty God, medication and a night of rest his fever broke and Monday morning early on July 4^th our brothers were on their next leg of their journey to Nelspruit. It was a sad day seeing them depart, but the Gospel must go forth for the Glory of God.

Here is a video of ‘Down in Africa’:

Nelson Mandela Day 2011

Yet another year has gone by and the world has another day set aside calling on the masses to unite and do “67 minutes” of goodwill to your neighbour. While we are called upon to give of our time and resources for this so-called international day, this is nothing more than a farce and a lie to the people of this world. It is not surprising that the masses are so blinded by this farce – should we not be following the two greatest commandments given by God Almighty? Why will people give only “67 minutes” of their time and then think they have done their part for humanity. Have you not read the Holy Word of God in the Bible?

35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. ~ Matthew 22:35-40 

So if theses two commandments encompass the law and the prophets and Scripture tells us that Jesus said during His greatest discourse during the Sermon on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem in Israel – the country the Islamic Arab countries hate (not love) so much – 

17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 5:17-19 

Surely there are differing standards here. God says one thing in His law and by His prophets, and man follows an evil and wicked sub-standard form of his own making and choosing, a despicable and abominable set of rules – known as man’s traditions, commandments and customs. Here are the accusations that the Word of God brings against man and His ways:

1Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. ~ Matthew 15:1-9

8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. ~ Colossians 2:8

15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: ~ 1Peter 15-19 

Man has made an idol out of Mr Nelson Mandela, bowing down to him, that he is seen as an icon, as a god. This is an abomination in the sight of Almighty God who calls this idolatry. There are millions upon millions of people who sing praises, honour and worship to Mr Mandela, but do not sing praises, honour or worship to God their Creator. God has given a stern warning in Scripture to those who are ungodly and unrighteous and who hold the truth in unrighteousness, as can be read: 

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. ~ Romans 1:18-23 

The very person who man venerates is the same person who was the commander of the Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation or MK) who killed soft targets (civilians) during the so-called struggle against Apartheid and he is the same person – a man – who refused to apologise for his atrocities against ‘innocent’ bystanders during the guerrilla warfare waged as a terrorist. It appears to be documented that Mr Mandela, himself, did not kill anyone, but he was the one who issued the orders – that makes him an accessory to the act (crime) and the blood is upon his hands, too. The USA had Mr Mandela and the ANC listed as Terrorists and yet they are treated with ‘kids-gloves’ compared to the other Terrorist Organizations in the Arab-Islamic world. It also shows the double standards of man, when all Terrorists should be condemned for their evil, wicked and debauched behaviour. This is also the same man who passed into law, as the President of the Republic of South Africa, the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act No. 92 of 1996 which is the ‘Abortion Act’ which is murder. To date more than a million children have been butchered and murdered in their mothers’ wombs, often in back street ‘butcher shops’, often at state owned clinics with taxpayers’ money. Those who have no voice have a few Christians standing against these atrocities that prevail again during peace time. 

Mr Nelson Mandela, if you really want to be seen as a person that stands for ‘true peace’, rescind the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1996 and call all other nations to do likewise, confess your sins to your Creator God Almighty and believe upon the Name of Jesus Christ. You will, God willing, be 93 years of age and who is fast approaching eternity. Repent of your sins before you do pass on into eternity. This is the mercy and justice of God: 

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ~ John 3:16-18

33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. 34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. ~ John 3:33-36

_________________________

Related Links:

• Mandela Day – 67 Minutes (2009)
• Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act No. 92 of 1996
• Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Act No. 38 of 2004
• Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Act No. 1 of 2008
• A Legislative Update on Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996
• Guerrilla activities
  In 1961, Mandela became the leader of the ANC’s armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (translated as Spear of the Nation, also abbreviated as MK), which he co-founded. He coordinated a sabotage campaign against military and government targets, and made plans for a possible guerrilla war if sabotage failed to end apartheid. A few decades later, MK did wage a guerrilla war against the regime, especially during the 1980s, in which many civilians were killed. Mandela also raised funds for MK abroad, and arranged for paramilitary training, visiting various African governments.
  Mandela explains the move to embark on armed struggle as a last resort, when increasing repression and violence from the state convinced him that many years of non-violent protest against apartheid had achieved nothing and could not succeed.[6][2]
  Mandela later admitted that the ANC, in its struggle against apartheid, also violated human rights, and has sharply criticised attempts by parts of his party to remove statements supporting this fact from the reports of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.[7]

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela

• Terrorism, in the modern sense,[1] is violence, the threat of violence, or other harmful acts committed for political or ideological goals.[2] Most definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a lone attack), and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians). Many definitions also include only acts of unlawful violence.

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrorist

• Updated blog post on 17 July 2011

To Be an Heir the Testator Must Die

For many years, since 1985 after I finished my conscription – national service – of two years in the Navy (Marines), I have in some form worked in the field of Law. Back in 1985 I was employed in the offices of the Master of the Supreme Court (now High Court) as an Estate Examiner (Public Servant) for the Department of Justice. After 1990, I continued in this field working for a trust company and attorney firms as a paralegal estate administrator up until the 31^st March 2011 when I stepped out in faith to do the work of a full-time evangelist in the service of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour.

In view of this introduction, I am setting the foundation for a portion of Scripture that I wish to share that parallels the Spiritual of what also takes place in the natural. In legal work in deceased estates, when a person passes away it would be part of the executor’s duty to ascertain whether the estate was one of testacy or one to be dealt with as an intestate estate (under the laws of intestate succession). The point to be made here will be the testacy estates, where the deceased left a Last Will and Testament. This Testament had no effect while the testator was alive and although the heirs or beneficiaries (the plural is also the singular and vice versa) had a right to the assets bequeathed to them in terms thereof, they did not enjoy a real right to the assets until a further date in the future, i.e. the date of death of the Testator. Only upon the death of the Testator could the conditions of the Testament come into force and the heirs could now receive their right to their inheritance. Someone had to die before the Testament came into operation.

So is it with the Gospel, Jesus Christ had to die, and be resurrected, before the inheritance can be received by those who repent and believe upon His name, as we see in Scripture, Hebrews 9:15 –

15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

In adding to the post hereunder titled Jesus Christ is God the Saviour, this portion of Scripture reveals the finished work of the Messiah as the New Covenant’s Sacrifice – He that was prophesied of and concealed in the Old Testament is He that is fulfilled and revealed in the New Testament, the Living Christ God Almighty. Here is the full portion of Scripture to silence the mockers, blasphemers and antichrist:

11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. ~ Hebrews 9:11-28 

1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:1-25

Jesus Christ is God the Saviour

Mostly when out witnessing, often one comes across Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons and Muslims who deny the true deity of Jesus Christ. This always seems to be an issue of contention when the Gospel is being proclaimed. This posting is all to the glory of God Almighty, and it was whilst searching the Holy Scriptures of God’s divine Word that certain clarity that God is Jesus and Jesus is God started unfolding that will bring understanding to the unbelieving masses who blaspheme the true deity of Jesus Christ.

Let us start by looking at the correct names of God and Jesus Christ from the Hebrew and Greek text in both the Old and New Testaments. Extensive quotes from the ‘Expanded Edition Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance’ will be used to bring clarity to the translations and also to assist persons who do not have a concordance and also those persons who are not believers who need to understand the Scriptures.

Let us get right into the Word. Almighty God tells Moses who He is in Exodus 6:2, 3 –

2And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: 3And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

The Hebrew name for “LORD” in verse 2 is Strong’s #3068 Yehôvâh, yeh-ho-vaw’; from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: – Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

A noun meaning God. The word refers to the proper name of the God of Israel, particularly the name by which He revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 6:2, 3). The divine name has traditionally not been pronounced, primarily out of respect for its sacredness (cf. Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 28:58). Until the Renaissance, it was written without vowels in the Hebrew text of the OT, being rendered as YHWH. However, since that time, the vowels of another word, ͗ădônây (136), have been supplied in hopes of reconstructing the pronunciation. Although the exact derivation of the name is uncertain, most scholars agree that its primary meaning should be understood in the context of God’s existence, namely, that He is the “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14), the One who was, who is, and who always will be (cf. Revelation 11:17). Older translations of the Bible and many newer ones employ the practice of rendering the divine name in capital letters, so as to distinguish it from other Hebrew words. It is most often rendered as LORD (Genesis 4:1; Deuteronomy 6:18; Psalm 18:31[32]; Jeremiah 33:2; Jonah 1:9) but also as GOD (Genesis 6:5; 2Samuel 12:22) or JEHOVAH (Psalm 83:18[19]; Isaiah 26:4). The frequent appearance of this name in relation to God’s redemptive work underscores its tremendous importance (Leviticus 26:45; Psalm 19:14[15]). Also it is sometimes compounded with another word to describe the character of the Lord in greater detail (see Genesis 22:14; Exodus 17:15; Judges 6:24).

Now we will take a look at the name of the child conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the virgin Mary, and the angel of the Lord said His name would be JESUS (see Luke 1:31). The Greek name for Jesus is Strong’s #2424 Iēsous, ee-ay-sooce’I; of Hebrew origin [3091]; Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites: – Jesus.

If we cross reference to the Hebrew word Strong’s #3091 we get the following: Yehôwshûwaʻ, yeh-ho-shoo’-ah; or Yehôwshuaʻ, yeh-ho-shoo’-ah; from 3068 and 3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshuä (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader; – Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare 1954 (Hôwshêaʻ – deliverer), 3442 (Yêshûwaʻ – he will save).

We also see that there is a strong connection to Strong’s #3068. The reference to Strong’s #3467 under Strong’s #3091 where we get Jesus’ name Yehôwshuaʻ from, that word is yâshaʻ which has a reference that reads “… the salvation that only comes from God (Isaiah 33:22; Zephaniah 3:17).”

22For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. ~ Isaiah 33:22

17The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. ~ Zephaniah 3:17

Jehovah (Yehôvâh), Lord God Almighty therefore saves. He will save says His Word.

In another portion of Scripture we read that God reveals that “… there is no God else beside me: a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” The context of this Scripture is found in Isaiah ~

20Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. 21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. 22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. 23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 24Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. 25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. ~ Isaiah 45:20-25

As God says there is none other than He alone and He is the only God and Saviour, then Scripture confirms and validates that the Lord Jesus Christ is God in human form and our Saviour. If God says there is no other God and He is our Saviour to save us from His wrath, and God sent His only begotten Son to save the world then how can His Son be also a Saviour? If there is one God who is Saviour then no other person can be Saviour too. Scripture validates that Jesus Christ is both God and Saviour. In the Gospel of John we read:

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:16

In verse 17 we continue to read –

17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ~ John 3:17

The word “saved” at the end of verse 17 is the Strong’s #4982 sōzō, sode’-zo; … to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literal or figurative): – heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

From sōs (n.f.), safe, delivered. To save, deliver, make whole, preserve safe from danger, loss, destruction.

(I)                 Used particularly of persons, to keep safe, to preserve or deliver out of physical death (Matthew 8:25; 14:30; 16:25; 24:22; 27:40, 42; Mark 3:4; 8:35; 13:20; Luke 6:9; 9:24; John 12:27; Acts 27:20, 31; Hebrews 5:7; Jude 5).

(II)               Of sick persons, to save from death and (by implication) to heal, restore to health; passively, to be healed, recover (Matthew 9:21, 22; Mark 5:23, 28, 34; Luke 7:50; 8:36, 48; John 11:12; Acts 4:9; James 5:15).

(III)             Specifically of salvation from eternal death, sin, and the punishment and misery consequent to sin. To save, and (by implication), to give eternal life (Matthew 1:21; 10:22; 18:11; 19:25; 24:13; Mark 10:26; 13:13; 16:16; Luke 8:12; John 5:34; 10:9; Acts 2:40; Romans 5:9, 10; 11:14; 1Corinthians 1:21; 5:5; 1Timothy 2:15; 4:16; 2Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 7:25; James 1:21; 5:20). The participle is used substantively to refer to those being saved, those who have obtained salvation through Christ and are kept for Him (Luke 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1Corinthians 1:18; 2Corinthians 2:15; Revelation 21:24).

Deriv.: diasózō (1295), to bring safely through; sōtēr (4990), Saviour.

Syn.: anagennáō (313), to beget again from above; diasōzō (1295), to bring safely through; therapeúō (2323), to care for the sick for the purpose of healing; iáomai (2390), to heal both physically and spiritually; phulássō (5442), to preserve.

In the context of the passage of Scripture, the word “saved” at the end of verse 17 above finds its definition in paragraph (III) here above. It is also worth looking at the derivation of Strong’s #4990 sōtēr,  so-tare’; from 4982; a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ: – saviour.

Noun from sōzō (4982), to save. A saviour, deliverer, preserver, one who saves from danger or destruction and brings into a state of prosperity and happiness. In Gr. writers, the deliverer and benefactor of an estate. The ancient mythological gods (such as Zeus) were also called sōtér. In the NT, spoken:

(I)                 Of God as Saviour (Luke 1:47; 1Timothy 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4; Jude 25).

(II)               Of Jesus as the Messiah, the Saviour of men, who saves His people from the guilt and power of sin and from eternal death, from punishment and misery as the consequence of sin, and gives them eternal life and blessedness in His kingdom (Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23; Ephesians 5:23; Philippians 3:20; 2Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:4; 2:13; 3:6; 2Peter 1:1, 11; 2:20; 3:2, 18; 1John 4:14).

Deriv.: sōtēria (4991), salvation; sōtērion (4992), the means of salvation.

Syn.: lutrōtēs (3086), redeemer; Messias (3323), Messiah.

47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. ~ Luke 1:47

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:11

42And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. ~ John 4:42

31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. ~ Acts 5:31

23Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: ~ Acts 13:23 

23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. ~ Ephesians 5:23 

20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: ~ Philippians 3:20

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; ~ 1Timothy 1:1 

3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; ~ 1Timothy 2:3 

10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. ~ 1Timothy 4:10 

10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: ~ 2Timothy 1:10 

3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. ~ Titus 1:3, 4 

10Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ~ Titus 2:10-14 

4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ~ Titus 3:4-7 

1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: ~ 2Peter 1:1 

11For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ~ 2Peter 1:11 

20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. ~ 2Peter 2:20 

2That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. ~ 2Peter 3:2-4 

18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. ~ 2Peter 3:18 

14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. ~ 1John 4:14 

25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ~ Jude 25 

God’s Word, the Holy Bible, is self authenticating and needs no man’s intervention, although there are many blasphemers who say without any proof that the Word of God has been corrupted or changed by men, or the Muslims say they have the “true scriptures” in another final testament, although these writings were written by a man (who is dead and whose body has seen corruption) about 750 years after the Lord Jesus Christ (who lived, died and resurrected to life again) had already ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of the Father from where He will one day return in glory to judge this world in righteousness –

30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. ~ Acts 17:30, 31 

10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. ~ 2Corinthians 5:10 

If this was the case, then in order for a final testament to exist there would have to be preceding testaments to be in existence. Those preceding testaments would be the foundational scriptures to work from. The fact is God gave the preceding Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments through the law, prophecies by holy men moved of God and His revelation, which Muslims acknowledge to some degree the Bible in some form, then how can God allow a further testament that contradicts His two and only Testaments being the Old and the New of the Holy Bible? The main contradiction by Islam is that Jesus did not die on the cross. By saying this, Muslims are contradicting the Word of God by giving another account or gospel of what took place at the crucifixion of Christ. Islam’s account is not Good News, but bad news, as they have removed the Saviour’s finished work in the person of the True Jesus Christ, God manifest in flesh (see John 1:1, 14) from the Gospel. This ‘bad news’ would also be true to the Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons preaching a different jesus, one they have blasphemed by taking from His true deity as God Almighty. In closing, the last book of the Holy Bible gives a warning against adding to and taking away from the Canon of God’s Word:

18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. ~ Revelation 22:18-21 

To the scoffers, blasphemers and the antichrist – BE FORWARNED!!

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References:

• Expanded Edition Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Edited by Warren Baker, Copyright © 2004 by AMG Publishers
• King James Bible, 1611 Scriptures