Blog

There are many things in this world that we can easily get along without, but some are absolutely essential for eternal life:

First of all, we need Christ.  Otherwise we are like the unsaved, “… ye were without Christ … having no hope and without God in the world.” – Ephesians 2:12

Secondly, if we were ever to be saved, Christ must have shed His blood for our sins, for “without shedding of blood is no remission.” – Hebrews 9:22

In order for His death to be effective for our salvation, He was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15

Before Christ’s work actually becomes effective in our personal salvation, it must be believed and received by faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” – Hebrews 11:6

This faith must be true faith, which transforms the life, for “faith without works is dead.” – James 2:20.  Works do not bring salvation, but saving faith brings “things that accompany salvation.” – Hebrews 6:9

Among those things that accompany salvation is holiness, “the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14

Another is the privilege of chastisement!  Our heavenly Father must deal with His errant children in loving discipline.  Otherwise, “if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye … not sons.” – Hebrews 12:8

In summary, there are seven things we cannot do without.  We cannot do without Christ, without the shedding of His blood, without His sinlessness, without faith in Him, without works for Him, without holiness unto Him, and without chastisement by Him.  He said, “ ‘Without Me ye can do nothing.’ ” – John 15:5

But with Him, we have everything. “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” – 2 Peter 1:3

“Then He said to me, ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.’ “ – Revelation 21:6

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’  And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’  And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” – Revelation 22:17