Understanding What Just Happened to You: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Salvation

By Paul D. Vickers

God's plan of salvation is flawless and His Word spells it out in very remarkable ways. The Parable of The Word, for example, takes us into trenches of understanding all that occurs when anyone hears the Word of God for the first time. It addresses the forces of evil which sole purpose is to steal the seed of truth which is sown in each believers subconscious mind. God is so brilliant in His plan that He even spells out the dangers, obstacles and hurdles which are designed to hinder the hearers of His Word. However, He has made available to us the power to be over-comers. Read on and enjoy the plethora of nuggets left for us as believers who are heirs of God's great promises and plan of reconciliation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781491780633

Paul D. Vickers

Paul Vickers is the author of "The Ultimate Understanding Salvation" which was compiled over several years. Paul and his wife Emma have been residing in Charlotte N.C for the last eight years. They moved from New York City where they both grew up and worked. The family unit consists of four children –two successful young men– age thirty and twenty seven and two Godly young ladies, ages seventeen and sixteen. Paul’s background is in the financial industry where he held various securities licenses –with FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) formally NASD, (National Association of Securities Dealer) – along with being a Securities Principal. He was promoted to a sales manager for one of the largest banks in the US where he taught finances to branch employees in the New York and Connecticut regions. Paul also conducted audits as a Compliance Officer. Paul’s journey in finances allowed him to master key areas surrounding investments in the corporate world. His curiosity led him to seek parallel concepts the world employs, with that of the church. He is convinced God guided his life into the area of finances so he could eventually help empower the church to hold to the same high compliance standards. The experience he has compiled for the church includes detailed information on question format on all critical topics which he ardently desires to share with the entire body of Christ. He believes in educating new converts as well as mature believers to live at the pinnacle where God desires. Paul’s sole motivation is mentioned in Ephesians 4:13 which says, “till we all come unto the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” His genuine love for people has inspired him to redirect his focus in equipping them with the plethora of knowledge in all areas especially finances as it relates to the scriptures. He considers children to be an inheritance from God and maintains they are the most important people on the planet. They are the ones who he feels are able to remain pliable to receive information and take it to the upper stratosphere in God. He has always believed that there are no limitations in the minds of young men and women who can achieve their utmost innate desires and impact the world they live in. His acronym, Y.O.U.T.H stands for Young Outgoing Unique Teens with Heart. Paul premise is that children are smarter than their parents. However, he declares parents are wiser than their children which God has entrusted to them for detailed development. His love for animals, led him to create a metaphor for one animal in particular which complies with his vision for the youths. It states, “As awesome and powerful as a lion is, a cub will not survive or grow to maturity without the protection, guidance and influence of their parents.” His philosophy is spelled out in another acronym, D.I.F.F.E.R.E.N.C.E. which embraces the following: Delivering Ideas For Flair and Empowerment to Revive and Evoke New Confidence Everywhere his message lands. Yet, the outcome is designed to generate and maintain humility. The overall intent is to instruct young men, women and adults to employ these new ideas which will impact their environment and guide others within their sphere of influence. His philosophy transcends all ethnic groups, boundaries, backgrounds and cultures. The core of the foundation is empowerment in the following areas: 1. Academics 2. Effective ways of ministering 3. Spiritual awareness 4. Challenge all to positively impact their communities by being an example and giving back To conclude, Paul believes God has provided man with great undiscovered qualities and potential which He intends them to find, fertilize and employ.

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Copyright © 2015 Paul D. Vickers.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

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iUniverse rev. date: 12/01/2015

There is nothing more confusing than religion. It is at the foundation of most of our global conflicts today and continues to be a challenge to the brightest of minds. History is filled with records of the tremendous impact religion has had on so many lives, cultures, nations and civilizations. Religion is the single most powerful influence on the development of humanity since the beginning.

Because of the vital roles religion plays in the life of the human journey it is critical that we understand what we believe and how that belief impacts on our perception of life for ourselves and others. There are many religions in the world, each one claiming to have the right answers to life both here and hereafter. However, the biblical concepts of the spiritual answers to the questions of the heart of mankind are the most reasonable, logical and complete.

In this work, Understanding What Just Happened to You, Paul Vickers provides us with one of the most comprehensive discourse on the acceptance, reacceptance, appropriation, and development of a walk of faith in Jesus Christ and the biblical redemption. His simple, yet profoundly sound approach to a very broad subject gives you a mountain top view of the many parts of the process that could be a maze of spiritual concepts. Covering such topics as what it means to repent, Conversion, Born Again, Saved, and a multitude of other foundational principles of the Kingdom life, makes this book an owner’s manual for spiritual development and growth.

I highly recommend this work as a necessary tool for the counselor and the new convert. It provides the basics for living a successfully as kingdom citizen. Read on and enjoy the journey to the best in the Kingdom of God.

-Dr. Myles E. Munroe

Nassau, Bahamas

*     *     *

I believe that Paul Vickers has done a great service for all students and teachers of the Bible by putting his study notes and research into this format. Each section is of a comprehensive design into what the Scriptures say about various salvation topics. It will greatly assist those who genuine desires to firmly build their relationship with God through Jesus Christ by studying His Word.

-Mr. Bob Pettus

*     *     *

What does it look like when a pastor –teacher– finds a resource that brings to focus a text that provides clarity of explanation and detail relationship of religious terms? We use and recommend it on a constant basis to show how it relates to our faith, faithfulness and fruitfulness. I believe this book was written with scriptural precision which will bring wonderful insight to its readers.

The precise use of information is designed to help explain to others the different aspects of our spiritual relationship and how each one relates and complements the others. The result is that it causes us to understand logically and prosper spiritually. In excess of forty two years of ministry, I have not seen such a simple yet, brilliant insight of scripture with such profound explanations and practical applications. This volume should be a must read and for every child of God who takes their walk seriously with the Lord.

CJ

CHWC

Contents

Workbook

Introduction

Chapter 1

Repent

Foundation Concepts 101

‘Repent, the Basis of Salvation’

Defining What It Means To Repent

The Four Terms Which Encompass Salvation

The Association Between Repenting and Believing

The Association Between Repent and Baptism

Repent Is Designed To Get Our Attention

By Repenting It Is Placing Us on Track Towards Eternity

The Principle Behind Repenting

What Is Repentance?

A Godly Perspective About September 11th 2001

Questions

Chapter 2

Born Again

Understanding The New Birth

Jesus’ Introduction of the New Birth

The Natural Birth and the Spiritual Birth

Divisions Are Instituted By Man’s Pride

Rebirth Is for the Restoration of Leadership

The Body’s Rebellion to the Change in Management

To Be Born Again Is for the Reconciliation to God

What Type of Student Are You?

The Regenerated Man

The Work of the Holy Spirit Concerning Sin

Questions

Chapter 3

Saved

What Does It Mean To Be Saved?

What Does God’s Plan Of Salvation Entail?

The Soul of Man

The Soul of Man Prior & After Jesus’ Resurrection

Is Labor (Work) Required In Obtaining Salvation?

The Real Treasure of Our Composition

The Misconception of Being Saved

What Happens If Someone Dies After Receiving Christ?

Our Soul Comprises of Our Mind, Desires and Emotions

Concerning the Mind

Concerning the Desires

Is Our Will Part Of Our Soul?

Concerning the Emotions

Questions

Chapter 4

Converted

Conversion Describes What the Change in Nature Entails

Conversion from Spiritual Death

God Introduced Conversion As A Result of Adam’s High Treason

Conversion Is a Literal Change Which We Initiate

Conversion Is to Restore Our Mind to the Original State

Conversion Helps To Change Our Preconception of God

Conversion Helps Us To Understand The Things Present and Those Which Will Come

Conversion and Communion

Summarizing the Whole Scope of Salvation

Questions

Chapter 5

Introduction to the Parable of the Word

1st Example

How Do We Secure Understanding?

Unbelief and The Spiritual Impact It Carries.

The Seed (Word) and Its Development Toward Maturity

The Hearing of the Word and the Time of Application

2nd Example

Joy Should Not Precede a Good Foundation

How Do You Establish This Solid Foundation

What Is The Significance of Roots?

How to Stabilize Our Foundation

Stability In God Is Derived From Trust

Tribulation and Persecution

3rd Example

What to Do About Our Cares

Cares and Our Desires to Be Rich

Understanding the Place in Our Lives for Riches and Success.

The Three Hindrances Which Inhibits Maturity

4th and Final Example

The Reasons for the Variations of Folds

Becoming More Aware You Have Choices

High Expectations from The Top Twenty-Five Percent Hearers

What to Do About Un-forgiveness

What About the Forgetting Aspect

Forgiveness –Vs– Our Responsibility

God Knows Us Better Than We Think

Love Is the Ultimate Standard as a Child of God

The Epitome of Our Conduct

Questions

Chapter 6

The Reconstruction Of our Life By The Power Of our Words

Our Words Are Worth Their Weight in Gold

The Word ‘Believe’ Carries a Spiritual Effect

The Test Comes After Hearing God’s Word

Prior Word Usage

Getting Into the Habit of Believing, By Establishing A Believing Foundation

Recognizing How a Believing Foundation Is Formed

How Spoken Words and Unbelief Can Affect Our Loved Ones

Job Violated God’s Truth by Unbelief and Improper Word Usage

The Shocking Truth of Job’s Situation Explained

By Our Words We Will Stand Judgment

The Effect of Prayer Without Words

Jesus, the Author and Example of Effective Word Usage.

Words Are To Be Used As Our Servant.

The Words We Use As Our Servant, At Times Needs a Break

Questions

Chapter 7

Our Body and Its Role In Salvation And Ministry

The Making of the –House– Body

The House Was Not Made To Lead Us

The Bondage Associated with the Fear of Dying

The Short Time We Have Must Be Maximized

The Steps In Presenting Our Bodies To The Lord

The Presentation

The Presentation of Our Body as a Living Sacrifice

The Presenting Of Our Body Holy

The Presentation of Our Bodies Acceptably Unto Him

Understanding What Is Our ‘Reasonable Service’

The Transformation Process

Questions

Prayers Of Substance To Effectuate Meaningful Changes In Our Life

For Salvation

For A Child Of God Who Has Sinned Or fell back

Avoiding Roadblocks towards Eternity

Those Who Are Baptized In The Holy Spirit

Pursue The Reason Why You’re Here

Answers to the Test Questions

God’s Tri-une Characteristic / Man’s Nature & Make-up

About the Author

Listed below are seventeen scripture verses which are critical for every new believer to memorize and become familiar with. They are positioned throughout the book in the form of test questions which follows each chapter. Even though the test is composed primarily from the reading material, these verses engulf and support the whole salvation matrix. The passing grade is a score of eighty percent. However, we know God’s mark for you is one hundred percent. There are a total of one hundred sixty six test questions. Please do not view the test as a challenge to your intelligence about God, but simply as a tool designed to help you thoroughly understand each subject individually and comprehensively. Again, please familiarize yourself with the verses below and write them alongside the scripture verses provided. They are as follows:

1. Acts 4:12

2. Colossians 3:9-10

3. 2 Corinthians 13:14

4. Ephesians 6:10

5. Hebrews 4:12

6. 1 John 1:9

7. John 10:10

8. Mark 1:15

9. Mark 4:11-12

10. Matthew 6:16-18

11. Matthew 6:33

12. I Peter 2:9

13. I Peter 5:8

14. Philippians 4:12

15. Proverbs 3:5

16. Romans 12:1

17. II Timothy 1:7

Workbook

First, I would like to start off by saying, greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus the Christ. I would also like to thank you for deciding to read and utilize this book on The Ultimate Guide To Understanding of Salvation. It is designed to help build a firm understanding of the comprehensive work God did surrounding salvation. I combined the book and workbook into a simple format for both the counselors and new believers. This is so that after each topic is read you will be able to understand with clarity as you progress to the next related topic. It is also designed with relevant test questions to help ensure a high level of understanding is grasped. Ultimately, its purpose is to provide everyone –who completes this book– with at least the same level of understanding so collectively we can minister the simplicity of the Good News to others more effectively. This is why the Scripture says, "until we all come unto the unity of the faith." Ephesians 4:13. KJV. God requires unity because there is presently separation even among true believers.

As we reacquaint ourselves with the Word of God, it says, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15. KJV. For the counselor, the format will assist in addressing the true, the perceived and the misunderstood materials which can be brought up in a group setting without deviating from the topic at hand. Again, this is why questions follow each topic independently to gather a broad yet detailed spectrum of understanding. This way we will not lose sight of the whole scope of salvation and the way it fits corporately and perfectly in our lives.

The questions are formatted to stimulate our thought processes, confirm our thinking and secure His Word in us. God’s detail plan surrounding salvation is for our growth towards maturity. Although some of the questions seem simple, they should be read carefully before being answered. They are not intended to trick you in any way, but simply to ensure clarity prevails and we are able to explain the foundation principles of salvation when ministering to others. God wants us to be prepared to give answers to both believers and unbelievers or when we are asked to share this Good News. See I Peter 3:15. KJV Also, this is Jesus’ highest call for all His followers. See Matthew 4:19. KJV

The Scripture provides us with a great example concerning what objective believers did after hearing the inspired Word of God. It says in the book of the Acts chapter seventeen verse eleven, even though the hearers of the word were convinced about what they heard, "…they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." KJV. Our final conclusion should coincide with other believers once we have read and understood the foundation sequence of salvation. If there still exist confusion among believers, God did not originate it. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33. It is our intentions from this day forward we all continue to acquire detailed knowledge of who we really are in Christ, walk in unity with others and redirect fallen believers whom have returned to the pleasures of this world.

Introduction

Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus the Christ who is the first begotten and the express image of His Father. See Hebrews 1:3 The purpose for writing this book stems from my conversations with various sects of believers, non-religious people and the vast differences each tenaciously uphold concerning what God’s Word says about salvation.

After conversing with a host of people over the last twelve years and asking to complete brief surveys of the Scripture covering various subjects, the answers were rampant and varied widely. Even among those who mentioned to me they were ‘Christians’ for years the results were still diverse. The array of conclusions into the very basis of salvation inspired me to consult the Holy Spirit to show me simple answers into various subjects in God’s Word. See John 14:26. Remember, the Word says, "for God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." I Corinthians 14:33. KJV. Therefore, harmony should be prevalent among believers if we are all serving the one true God of Heaven and are all being taught primarily by the same Holy Spirit of promise. See Luke 24:49. The Scripture says, "till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13. KJV.

All who takes the Word of God seriously should share a common understanding since there is only one assigned teacher mentioned. The content of this book is directed primarily to new believers so a secure foundation of understanding which God intended. Then it addresses those believers who have confessed Jesus as Lord but did not clearly understand all that took place surrounding their entire make-up. In this book, it alerts mature stewards in Christ of the commitment they made so they can continue to build on the step of faith they took when they confessed Jesus as Lord. And, it serves as a reminder of the unique sequence of events which brought them to Christ. God’s perfect plan of salvation is designed to permeate our being and reconstruct our thought life so meaningful changes can take place in each part of our composition. The overall content is designed to impact our eternal spirit, the personal soul and the physical house we live in called the body.

God’s plan of salvation is to re-establish an intimate one-on-one relationship with man to the same degree of unison He had with Adam in the Garden of Eden. Yet, it is corporate among all believers. See Genesis 2:19-22. This type of communion cannot be experienced today unless we believe and understand more about God’s precise plan surrounding salvation and our entire make-up. His Word will meet us where we are presently and disclose the road as well as the exit we should take towards effective living. Anyone who takes the time to ride the plane of truth –leaving traditions behind– will arrive at the destination which God has pre-ordained for them before the foundations of the world. See Ephesians 1:4. We are never to become complacent where we are in the Lord because He has a never-ending flow of revelation. Depending on age and level of maturity in God, each Scripture verse we read will take on a higher meaning not a different meaning. This is through revelation. Revelation is not just the unveiling of something previously unknown. It is a higher exposure to God’s Word you may have read, believed or employed which has now taken on an advanced application based on a closer communion with His Holy Spirit. See Ephesians 3:3-5.

Therefore, the Scripture does not mean different things to different people as some may have heard or thought. God is not the author of confusion; His Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth and He is the only assigned teacher. See John 14:26. The Word of God confirms He is always accessible to guide us into truth and new heights of comprehension when we choose to acknowledge Him as the ultimate instructor. See John 14:27. When we read God’s perspective about man and his composition, pause to meditate and inwardly digest what you have just read. Then, you are to commit the information to memory for future recollection and personal application. By taking these steps, it shows everything you understand about God’s Word is for utilization in specific areas which may not be apparent at your current level of understanding. Always note, the life you now choose to live from this day forward is enveloped with Christ in God.’ Colossians 3:3.

There will come an occasion to apply all we have acquired whether for personal testimony to others, or for use in spiritual warfare. This is why the Word says, "…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required." Luke 12:48. NKJV. An opportunity will arise for us to employ all we have learned. Now let us address the four keywords which engulf God’s perfect plan of salvation to see how they relate to each part of our composition. They are;

1. Repent: it pertains to our mind and the way we think; not our spirit or our body.

2. Born Again: pertains to our spirit only, not our soul or physical body.

3. Saved: pertains only to the soul of man which is the real person of unique characteristics.

4. Converted: embodies how our spirit, soul and physical body are to function. It is through acquired knowledge they begin to reshape our lives once they have experienced God’s Word.

As you are about to read, these words all play a vital role in helping us understand more about salvation in relationship to our composition. Our spirit, soul and physical body are individual entities consisting of valuable components as we will deal with each one separately in upcoming chapters. The Word of God is unique because it is applicable to each stage of growth we achieve and any level of maturity we attain. There is a scripture verse we are about to become more familiar with which is the essential building blocks of salvation. It is designed to lead us on to the straight path of maturity in Christ in God.

Depending on the value we place on the commitment we made to follow Christ, we are to begin to set personal goals. One of which could be to designate particular areas of interest to study God’s Word by asking the Holy Spirit for directions. Another could be to minister to others and catch them from a place of error and introduce them to this new life in Christ. Or, we could seek to acquire detailed knowledge which could be shared with those within our sphere of influence. God’s Word is like a library which is composed of sixty six books. It provides detailed examples on how to live and names, terms and references we are to be called as those identified with Him. Finally, we will bask in our spiritual relationship with Him and learn the expectations He has for us as one created in His image and likeness. The word likeness does not mean to look like, but to function like God which we will lay out a little later. There is nothing more growth-oriented than studying, meditating and setting personal goals in the things of God so that eternal rewards can begin to be compiled. In order to accomplish these spiritual requirements, we are all to seek an intimate daily communion with the Spirit of Christ in the name of Jesus. Let us begin!

Chapter 1

Repent

Foundation Concepts 101

Let us embark and set sail on an epic journey towards a clearer understanding of salvation. We would like you to picture yourself being in an exploration vessel at the surface of the clear and deep waters of God’s Word. You begin to feel excited because you are about to begin your descent into a vast ocean of knowledge. Your tour guide –who can always be relied upon– is the Holy Spirit who is fully aware of all the things which you will see and marvel. As a new believer on this expedition, He will prepare you so you will look forward to learning things both from your natural perception of God’s Word to spiritually discerning truths. These are believers who are identified with Christ so they can be steered towards becoming ambassadors for Christ on Earth. See I Corinthians 2:14. This is only one of many designations applied to His children throughout this journey. On this outing, God provides the appropriate nourishment needed for constant growth while traveling on this vessel towards familiarization into higher heights and deeper depth of God’s Word. As a newborn, the menu will start you off on the sincere milk of His Word. See I Peter 2:2.

As we delve deeper, our expectation is to move away from the murky carnal mindset to experiencing a clear spiritual mentality, which is life and peace. See Romans 8:6. Then, new believers in their adolescent stage can begin taking a step from being babes in Christ –See I Corinthians 3:1– to becoming mature stewards. These are dedicated believers who can now properly manage someone else’s affairs. See 1 Corinthians 4:1. Then, it addresses those who become sincerely committed and constantly practice those things which are pleasing in God’s sight. This is the stage where they can begin dining on the strong meat of God’s Word. See Hebrews 5:14. Also, these are believers who have their senses exercised to discern between doing good things and doing the right and acceptable things by God’s standard. The end result will be, they have become acute to distinguish between sin and iniquity, religious ploy and kingdom principles. As our understanding increases, we will realize there were constant prayers, supplication intercession and thanksgiving made by a concerned friend, loving family member or an insightful colleague that were answered just so your seat could be reserved on this trip into new heights in God. Then, believers will realize God has highly selected them for this journey even before the foundations of the world. See Ephesians 1:4-5. This vessel they have boarded is designed to take them towards a proper comprehension of the whole extent of salvation. And, it will take believers through the proper channels which will help to broaden their understanding of Jesus’ work through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. There is no greater miracle than the salvation of one’s soul, of which the prophets inquired and searched diligently into. See 1 Peter 1:10. Even the angels of God desire to look into it as well. See 1 Peter 1:12. You see beloved, as we grow deeper, we will recall key people God placed in our lives years ago, just so we could be introduced to His redemptive process. Remember, God’s ultimate goal is, "…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13. KJV. However, in order for us to come into this unity, the Scripture says a transformation process must first take place. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2. In other words, one must leave the port of conformity and be altered mentally from all prior expeditions they have been on and to think differently. Please sit back enjoy the ride, the view and the ease towards a comprehensive but simple understanding of salvation in first class seating area reserved exclusively for you.

‘Repent, the Basis of Salvation’

God is the God of beginning simply because He began the beginning. See Genesis 1:1. He also knows the end of all things, including our present situation, upcoming hurdles and natural obstacles we will have to overcome in this life as one identified with Him through His only begotten Son. Therefore, as His offspring He had to make provisions from start to finish throughout our entire life. This should be great news for His saints. It is good to realize from this day forward, there is nothing we will face which will occur accidentally. The Scriptures tell us, "and we know that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord to those who are called to His purpose." Romans 8:28. KJV. Even before we were conceived, God knew and saw ultimately that we would be identified with Him today. See Jeremiah 1:5. Whether or not we choose to put into practice His precepts and learn His Word is entirely up