The Believer's Guide to Salvation

By Larry Craddieth

This book is designed to give guidance and more understanding of God's word. This in return will enhance your Spiritual life. It goes into detail for each subject and discusses activities a confessed believer should engage in. One of the greatest emphasis in the book is placed on your ability to believe. This is by God's grace "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that no yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8).

The book will enhance your understanding of just what is happening to you as a chosen vessel of God, and that Christ through faith and God's design is truly in control of your life, "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2).

As mentioned, the book goes into detail about the things a confessed believer should engage in. These are things that are pleasing to the Lord. If the things mentioned are abided in, the Spirit will become more and more evident in your life.

We have a short time on earth to prepare for our eternal future. This book, with the help of the Spirit, is designed to help in the preparation for eternal life.

This book is dedicated to my beloved father and brother: Frank Craddieth, Sr. and Lamont Craddieth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645155584

Larry Craddieth

I am a chosen vessel of God, who in the past has tried to escape the Spirit, by not doing his will. This is something that a chosen vessel of God should not attempt. In actuality, I was subconsciously trying to escape the Spirit by abiding in almost an entirely worldly life. In other words, being too friendly with the world. This is something that a chosen vessel of God should not be. "Know 'ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is enemy of God" (James 4:4). Like all chosen vessels of God, he has given me various gifts. The stronger is the word of wisdom and discerning of spirits. The gifts you have are not to be kept to yourself but should be abided in to help edify others. "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (1 Cor. 12:7).The Apostle Paul says, "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me If I preach not the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16). I brought misery to my life by not abiding in the gifts given to me by God in the process, I was not helping to edify others. Nevertheless, of the misery brought upon myself and the great disservice to others, I continue to engage in worldliness. This only brought more misery to my life. I finally realized there was no choice but to accept the chastening of the Lord. The result was I began to write the wisdom God gave me. Finally, so that I know him, the father made the fruit love string inside me. "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God" (1 John 4:7). so that I continue to receive his wisdom and guidance, I increased my love for him and others.

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The Believer's Guide to Salvation

Larry Craddieth

ISBN 978-1-64515-557-7 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64515-558-4 (digital)

Copyright © 2019 by Larry Craddieth

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

What Is a Believer?

Other Names for Believer

Duties of a Believer

Faith

Word

Confessions

Love

Spirit

Seeking the Kingdom

Reverence

Satan

Sin

Prayer

Patience

Conclusion

About the Author

1

What Is a Believer?

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Rom. 10:8–9)

We can begin to get an answer to the question What is a believer? from the above verses. A believer is one who confesses with their mouth and believes with their heart that Christ is their savior. This is the criteria necessary to be a believer. The criteria, at first glance, may appear to be quite simple; however, this can be deceiving. There is a little more to it than what most decipher from the criteria.

The key to being saved is the belief within the heart. A believer can be sure of this, for everything determined by God is based on the heart. I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to. the fruit of his doings (Jer. 17:10).

A believer is granted salvation by the belief they possess within their heart, the belief that Christ is their savior and he died for their sins, and the belief that he has already risen from the dead, and they, likewise, will do the same. With the presence of belief in the heart being necessary to receive salvation, we can see why Paul uses in Romans 10:9, the word if in the criteria. One can only obtain salvation, if they possess the belief in the heart.

Protection of Belief

The belief within the heart is something precious that must be protected, for it is the key to salvation. To protect the belief, one must keep their heart clear and clean of thoughts and acts that help to erode the belief. One activity that will help in preventing the erosion is to abide in the constant praising of the Lord. Praise ye the Lord, Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name, of the Lord from this time forth and for ever­more (Ps. 113:12).

The constant praising of the Lord's name serves to stimulate one's belief. This will cause one to maintain and increase their belief in him, the belief that must be constantly cherished and protected.

Cause of Belief

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and, they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (John 6:63–65)

The cause of belief comes from God, by way of his spirit. There has been some disagreement on the subject, stemming from the question of whether or not one has the ability within to believe. Perhaps a close examination of the Word will reveal the truth.

In John 6:64, it is written, There are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not. We can see that Christ knew who believed and who did not believe. He was able to know this, due to him knowing who possessed his spirit.

To further illustrate that the Spirit causes belief, we need to examine the Word more closely. Christ says, God is a Spirit (John 4:24). It is also written, God said, ‘Let us make men in our image, after our likeness' (Gen. 1:26). Originally, God made man to his image (Spirit); they were one. When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve's transgression, man drifted away from the image of God. The source that draws one back to the original image of God is his spirit.

The Spirit not only draws one back to the original image of God, but it is what causes one to believe in Christ, who is in the liken image of God. I and my Father are one (John 10:30). This is why Christ says, No man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my father. One is able to come unto Christ as a result of having his spirit: the spirit that enables one to believe.

If you are not yet convinced the Spirit causes belief, perhaps an examination of the Spirit's fruit will help shed more light on this important subject. Paul says, The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (Gal. 5:22). We can see that faith is a fruit. Like any fruit, it only exists with the presence of the tree (Spirit). It is the fruit that enables one to truly believe in Christ, the savior.

The ability to believe is a gift from above. This ability, like one's salvation, is by God's grace. By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God (Eph. 2:8). As mentioned from the start of this segment, the theory that the Spirit is what causes one to believe has some disagreement among believers. There are some who take the stand that it is one's own initial belief, which results in one obtaining salvation, instead of them being foreknown by God; them already having his spirit which results in belief; thus obtaining salvation. The word all is often used by many believers of the theory that one's own initial belief is what allows one to obtain salvation. The general belief is that through Christ's death, all have the opportunity to be saved. Although it is correct Christ died for the entire world and all have the opportunity to be saved, it is the belief of myself and others (based on the interpretation of the Word) that the Spirit is what enables one to truly believe. Thus, the word all is limited to believers, who are foreknown by God.

We have already used the Word on several occasions to help substantiate the theory of the Spirit causing belief. There are still numerous other verses in the Word that help to support the theory, such as the verses involving the story of Esau and Jacob. It is written, For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (Rom. 9:11, 13).

Paul says about himself, But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen (Gal. 1:15–16).

At first glance, the verses regarding Esau, Jacob, and Paul may appear to be irrelevant to the subject. However, there are three important points that can be gotten from them. First, God makes the decision whom he wants elected and thus saves. Second, from being elected, we can begin to understand why Jacob and Paul believed and thus obeyed the Lord. Third, we can conclude that Jacob and Paul (after the Spirit revealed itself) loved the Lord, as a result of him first loving them.

No matter what belief one chooses, the most important thing is not to lose site of the objective. The objective of every believer should be to work at guaranteeing their salvation. The Word is a believer's guarantee. It should take precedence whenever there is any doubt or controversy. For anyone seeking to obtain salvation, the Word is what should be followed. Paul says regarding salvation, If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Rom. 10:9).

Following the instructions of Paul may or may not solve the issue as to who caused the belief of Christ. However, in following the instructions, one is assured of salvation, for included within the instructions are the requirements for obtaining salvation.

Conclusion

There are many assumptions made about believers, as to how and why one is or becomes a believer and the character of a believer. However, by the use of God's Word, we can come up with a good solid conclusion for this topic of discussion. On the subject of how and why one is or becomes a believer, there are many who say that anyone can be a child of God. However, if we examine the Word, we can prove this belief incorrect.

First, it takes God's mercy to be a child of his. He gives it to whomever he wants to. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy (Rom. 9:15–16). We can see this in the choosing of Jacob over Esau:

(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of god according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth). It was unto her, the elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob I have loved, but Esau have I hated. (Rom. 9:11–13)

Second, the Word informs us that we should not question God's decision to save whom he desires, for he is God Almighty creator of all. This is no different if you were creator of all, you could choose whomever you wanted to save or serve various functions you had in mind. The creator of all has the right and power to make whomever he wants to be holy. Have not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour (Rom. 9:21).

In being a chosen vessel of God, a believer must realize that suffering is in order: suffering due to them being holy, and thus their ways conflict with the ways of the world. What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory (Rom. 9:22–23).

One of the greatest things to keep in mind is: through Christ's death, you have his spirit. This is what enables a believer to be classified as being a child of God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Rom. 8:9).

In terms of the character of a believer, the Word informs us that no human is righteous. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God (Rom. 3:10–11). Thus, God could have chosen Esau over Jacob.

The choice of Jacob means that he had received God's grace. This grace was given to him before his birth. With this in mind, we can see why the Word says that a believer should never boast. For by faith are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8–9).

There are some who disagree with the notion that one is chosen. The reason most given is based on several verses given in the Word. Romans 10:11–13 says, For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

In Romans 10:11–13, the word whosoever is used. What the word is referring to are both the Jews and the Gentiles chosen by God. The choosing was done before the foundations of the world. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love (Eph. 1:3–4). Further understanding of the word whosoever can be obtained by researching Joel 2:1–32.

With all that has been discussed so far, we can come up with two solid conclusions regarding believers. First, God chooses them and loves them in spite of their sins. Second, they are holy; thus, they should engage in a life that helps to glorify the one who chose them. This is the major purpose they are on earth for. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Finally, in case you are wondering about what the numbers of the chosen are. Revelations 7:1–8 talks about the chosen vessels from the various tribes. Revelation 7:9 talks about a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne. There are some who think the notion chosen vessel implies few. However, you can be sure the combination of the tribes, the other nations, and other chosen vessels he will save later on represents millions. Thus, no one should feel they are not included in the chosen, for if you truly believe you are.

Memory verse:

That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Rom. 10:9).

2

Other Names for Believer

There are several names used to refer to believers. We will discuss and examine five of them. Hopefully, after the discussion and examination, you will not only have a clearer picture of what a believer is but have a sense of a believer's purpose. The five names that will be discussed are:

Children of God

Christ's Sheep

Saint

Elect/Chosen

Light of the World

Name 1: Children of God

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God. (Rom. 8:14–16)

Believers are often referred to as children of God. To qualify as a child, one must possess God's spirit. The Word makes this clear in the discussion of the Spirit of Christ (same as Spirit of God). Paul says, Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Rom. 8:9).

The need to have the Spirit of God to qualify as a child, given in the Word, should help to clear the myth that everyone is a child of God. There are many who incorrectly believe in this myth: also classified as the adopted son or daughter of God.

One usually wants some assurance that what they believe or perceive to be is indeed accurate. In the case of accuracy involving whether or not one is a child of God, Paul says the Spirit verifies it with one's spirit (consciousness): The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16).

A believer can be sure of this verification, for it comes from a perfect spirit that only knows and reveals the truth. It reveals the truth, thoughts, and future plans of God. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come (John 16:13).

It is important for a believer to keep in mind that they are a child only by God's grace. Being a child, like salvation, is a gift that comes from him. For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8).

Name 2: Christ's Sheep

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:14–16)

Believers are also referred to as Christ's sheep. Christ is the shepherd, and believers are his sheep. These are the sheep for whom he gave his life in order that every one of them will receive salvation. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep (John 10:11).

The determination of who is a sheep is made by God. Every sheep has the Spirit of God within. In having the Spirit, a sheep is assigned to Christ, by God, to be watched over. They will not be lost or taken away from Christ, for they are given to him by the creator of all. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand (John 10:29).

As mentioned, in being given to Christ by God, a sheep can be sure they will receive salvation. It is a gift from God Almighty. James talks about gifts from God. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17). Every sheep has the Spirit. It is a gift from above that gives every sheep of Christ the assurance they will last forever.

In being Christ's sheep, one is intimately connected to him. The connection is a result of having his spirit. This allows one to hear and understand him, which will eventually lead to one seeking and following him.

The hearing, understanding, seeking, and following of Christ are all ingredients in the course that leads to salvation. If a sheep is abiding in the ingredients, they can further be assured of obtaining salvation. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand (John 10:27–28).

Finally, the Word gives us some interesting information about sheep of Christ. It informs us that sheep are at one time lost. Christ eventually recaptures them and brings them back to God. A sheep of Christ can be sure of this, for it is God's will that no sheep be lost.

How thinketh ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth, more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matt. 18:12–14)

Name 3: Saint

For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints, they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. (Ps. 37:28)

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, where of ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. (Col. 1:3–5)

A believer is also referred to as a saint. A saint is one whose sins have already been forgiven through the death of Christ, the death that enables believers to be without fault before God. This is the result of having faith in Jesus Christ. With this in mind, we can begin to see why saints are referred to as God's redeemed people. This makes them righteous and acceptable before the Heavenly Father.

The Word talks about Old Testament saints. It informs us that after the resurrection of Christ, they were resurrected. And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many (Matt. 27:52–53).

Likewise, all latter-day saints will be resurrected and counted faultless before God. To aid the saints of the world in becoming more Spiritual, the Lord has given many saints special abilities, in order to edify and perfect all saints. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11–12).

Throughout the Word, the Lord continues to testify and reveal his love and faithfulness to his saints. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (Ps. 116:15). The Lord will not allow death to overcome his saints. In having this love and faithfulness for his saints, the Spirit is constantly praying for them in order that they will obtain and abide in the will of God. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Rom. 8:27).

A believer, being considered a saint, should avoid evil and abide in love and righteousness. Paul affirms this in his discussion of what the conduct of a saint should be. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not once named among you, as becometh saints (Eph. 5:2–3).

Abiding in the conduct given by Paul is the least a believer being a saint can do, for the Heavenly Father has made the decision not to forsake them and will preserve them eternally: For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints, they are preserved forever, (Ps. 37:28).

Name 4: Elect|Chosen

And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. (Isa. 65:9)

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering. (Col. 3:12)

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name he may give it you… If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:16, 19)

Believers are often referred to as the elect/chosen. The two names are most appropriate in the description of a believer, for every believer is elected/chosen by God. Being elected or chosen is as implied. It is a decision that is made by someone other than oneself. Every believer is elected or chosen by God. It is not a decision made by them.

The Word gives us some insight on the elect/chosen of God. It says, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy (Rom. 9:15–16).

The key word in Romans 9:15–16 is mercy. The elect/chosen have received mercy from God: the mercy that comes as a result of having his spirit. Having his mercy, like salvation, is not a decision that is made by anyone but instead is made by the Heavenly Father.

We can continue to verify the truth of one being elected/chosen by God by examining the story of Esau and Jacob. It is written, For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth (Rom. 9:11). The choice of Jacob as the elect/chosen was made by God before the twin's birth. They not of their works, nor anyone else had anything to do with the election.

The idea of God electing/choosing whom he desires is something that is difficult for many to accept. The difficulty is accepting the fact that God would choose one individual over another. Perhaps the only answer that can be given to such individuals is that from the beginning of time, God has always done everything for his own pleasure, from the forming of the world and the things contained in it to the choosing of Israel as his chosen nation, to all other elected/chosen individuals. It is not under the area of a believer's authority to question why he has elected/chosen them, but rather they should except his mercy and compassion. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion (Rom. 9:15).

Now we need to tackle an often confusing matter associated with the subject. That matter is the subject of the called and their relationship with the elect/chosen of God. We will begin this subject by examining a parable of Christ about a marriage of a certain king's son and his guest. In Matthew 22:8–14, it is written:

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment; And he saith unto him, Friend, how earnest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

All the guests talked about in the parable of Christ are considered the called. However, not all the guests considered the called are the elect/chosen of God. The individual who came without a wedding garment was only a called individual. He was not an elect/chosen individual of God. The fact that all the called are not the elect/chosen of God is interesting because it informs believers that among them are individuals