The words of the Philippian jailor still echo down the hallways of biblical history. In a trembling voice and on the brink of suicide we hear him cry out to Paul and Silas in prison, “What must I do to be saved?”
By his desperate plea, we see true biblical repentance and a legitimate salvation experience.
When Judas saw that Jesus had been condemned, he repented himself and tried to return the 30 pieces of silver, saying, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood.”
Then he cast down the silver in the Temple and departed and hanged himself. What about Judas? Did his broken-hearted confession secure him a place in God’s Kingdom? Did Judas exhibit true biblical repentance, or is he burning in hell today?
Welcome to the most important subject in the Bible, God’s plan of salvation. The world today seems bewildered by organized religion, which fits right into Satan’s plans. Why are there so many opinions about who is “saved” and who is not? Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Is it really that simple?
Some people can’t grasp the fact that a loving God could send a peace loving man like Gandhi to a fiery hell. Others would tell you that all roads lead to heaven, even if it takes nine lives! Some Christians question their own salvation fearful that the ongoing battle with a sin-nature makes them unworthy of their heavenly calling.
Can a man or woman commit the same sin over and over again and still be saved? Is faith in Christ enough to save, or are good works required? What about Christians who don’t produce fruit? Were they ever really saved? Can a Christian be 100% sure of his own salvation? I’m not sure who’s more confused these days, the world or the church!
If you have searched far and wide for a book that would explain God’s plan of salvation in a simple, straightforward manner, one that would educate Christians, yet be simple enough to share with a lost sinner who is willing to take a serious look at the claims of Christ, that book has been written by Dr. Douglas Stauffer.
That book is entitled, Freedom’s Ring: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Salvation.
Do you think the subject of biblical salvation is simple? Think again! It took Doug 400 pages to explain it all. From cover to cover, Freedom’s Ring takes on all the misconceptions about God’s plan of redemption and leaves us with a wonderful understanding of God’s ultimate gifts to mankind, salvation and eternal life. Justification, sanctification, propitiation – don’t let those big words scare you away. It is critically important that you understand how each of them fit into God’s plan. Mixed into his book is a chapter-by-chapter study guide for review, tremendous poetry, and the words to uplifting hymns, dozens of rare Christian drawings from the past and some of the best chapter-by-chapter object lessons you will ever read. Some of them will move you to tears!
Salvation is serious business and the author does not allow us to take it for granted, or minimize the sacrifice God made by sending His Son to Calvary. There is a reason God told us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This is a life and death matter!
There’s not much fear and trembling coming from the pulpits of America’s churches today. It seems that more emphasis is placed on delivery and style points than on biblical content and accountability to a Holy God. Many of the great old-time preachers knew that man must be confronted with his sinful nature before he could understand true repentance and salvation through the blood of Christ.
Jonathan Edwards would be begging to preach, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God!
John Wesley suggested that evangelists should preach 90% law and 10% grace.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “They will never accept grace until they tremble before a just and Holy Law.” Stauffer comments, “When the Word of God is preached it will give the hearer a knowledge of sin. The knowledge of sin will show the individual his sinful condition and will bring conviction. The conviction of sin is the precursor to salvation.”
Stauffer’s chapter on the blood of Christ will open your eyes to the orchestrated plans of God. The virgin birth was necessary because of the curse God placed on King Jeconiah, of whom Joseph descended. Had Joseph been involved in the birth of the Son of God, Jesus would have been included in this curse, thus forfeiting His legal right to the throne.
Dr. Stauffer includes a chapter entitled, “13 Steps to Losing Your Salvation.” Doug highlights the physical impossibility of losing your salvation. What he does focus on is the Judgment Seat of Christ, the Great White Throne Judgment and God’s system of rewards and loss of rewards. Will some Christians be ashamed before the Lord? According to the author, the answer is a resounding “yes.” The works of Christians and their motives will certainly be judged.
Do you want to spend eternity with Jesus? Do you want your friends and family to experience the joys of heaven? Doug Stauffer wants you to read his book and use it to win the lost! It is a book that you will treasure from here to eternity!
