"Salvation"
is God's decision... not man's.


Almighty God "saves" whomever He wants to save.... regardless of human efforts and claims and creeds and oaths.... and regardless of doctrinal attempts to encompass, and restrict, and circumvent GOD.

"Religions" and churches.... human concoctions and "doctrines" and superstitions; the alignment of the planets; preachers and priests; rabbis, imams and mullahs -- cannot "save" us humans.... for God.

We human-beings cannot "save" each other.... and we cannot "save" ourselves.... and we cannot compel God to accept us.... by various rituals and promises and "decisions" and "works".

If God can't "save" me, without the approval of certain human-beings, or "churches".... I've got a problem.


A tablet from the on-going INTERNET BOOK, "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"
( http://www.terrific-tabs.com )
by John N. Todd III, M. D. (link)


The web-link of this tablet is: http://www.terrific-tabs.com/print_salvation.htm
To send a "live" link to a friend, copy and paste this web-link in an email message.

SEE related "tablets": CIRCUMVENTING God (link)
AND: CHOSEN by GOD (link)
AND: ENEMIES of GOD, and ENEMIES of God's people (link)
AND: The UNGODLY (link)

"Doctored" -- 9/00; 6/01; 9/01; 10/01; 11/01; 12/01; 2/02; 3/02; 5/02; 6/02; 8/02; 9/02; 11/02; 1/03; 2/03; 3/03; 4/03; 5/03; 6/03; 9/03; 11/03; 12/03; 1/04; 2/04; 3/04; 5/04; 7/04; 9/04; 11/04; 1/05; 2/04; 7/05; 9/05; 1/06; 5/9/06

CLICK HERE to go to the "FRONT PAGE" of "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"
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"Salvation is of the Lord." Salvation is granted by God -- and is "granted" only to those whom God has accepted.... for God's own reasons.

(See numerous Biblical quotations, below.)

It seems almost absurd to state it, but we humans, try as we may, are not capable of causing ourselves to be "saved" by God.... or to be awarded "salvation", from God.

Neither can God's "salvation" be bestowed by certain "special" human-beings upon other humans. (If salvation can be conferred by humans, or by groups of humans (churches) -- perhaps someone will outline the process.... and inform the world of the "procedure" that God requires.)

Is there anyone who can tell you precisely what you must "do" to compel the Almighty God of the Universe to accept you for "salvation"? Is there a certain creed that you can recite, or a list of special "works" that you can perform -- or a church rite that can be performed for you, or bestowed upon you.... that will cause our God to confer upon you the mantle of "salvation"?

Can a priest or a preacher listen to your spoken promises, and accept them -- and then grant you God's salvation? Can a church congregation hear your "confession", and determine its authenticity -- and your sincerity, and your "faith".... and what is "in your heart" -- and then bestow "salvation" upon you?

Can, say, a Baptist Church save you, on behalf of God? What about joining the Presbyterian Church? Does membership in that Presbyterian church obligate God to include you among His "elect"? Silly question! Will memorizing catechisms, or praying before a statue, compel our Eternal God to give us the "salvation that comes from God"? These questions become sillier and sillier, don't they?

And yet, even today, many "Christian" denominational churches want to claim that "salvation" comes to an individual when and if that individual decides for himself that he wants to "accept" salvation; as if our omnipotent Creator is waiting helplessly for one of us humans to "make a decision" to believe in Him; and as if God -- who caused the creation of every atom and electron and photon, and all physical processes, and every living being -- as if God cannot function in an individual's existence until that lowly, ignorant human "grasshopper" makes a humanly "choice" to allow God to exert His supreme power. More absurdity! And.... not "Biblical". (See link FREE Will, they say.)

Perhaps you have been led to believe as follows: "My eternal salvation is not determined until after my humanly death, when I go before a great 'judgment-seat of God'.... at which time my 'worthiness' will be determined.... based upon my 'sins', as compared with my good works, during my life on this earth." It is my personal opinion, for those who hold that belief, that their concept is not correct -- and not Biblical (see Biblical references, below). My understanding, based on what I "see" and "hear" in the Bible, is that "salvation" for each of God's people (see link) has already been irrevocably determined, for all time -- by God, and by God alone. And, it is my understanding that for Godspeople (as taught in the message of the Christ, God-Incarnate).... the guilt of error (or "sin") has been removed forever -- not only for "sins" of the past and present, but also for "misdeeds" of the future.

As for you who have other understanding and "beliefs", go ahead and suppose that your "salvation" is not decided upon until after death, and that you must then go before the "grand celestial tribunal", for "judgment" (see link). Is it not true that, even under that circumstance, the determination about "Heaven or hell" will still be totally and absolutely and irretrievably in the hands of God Himself -- unaffected by your opinion of yourself; and unrelated to what your friends suppose about you; and uninfluenced by the promises and pleadings of your preacher; and unrelated to your "signing-up" with ("joining") a certain specific doctrinal church-organization?

Surely you don't suppose that you will go before God and His "judgment-court", at some ill-defined time after death-on-earth.... and that God will then put you on a "spiritual" scale -- and perhaps, shortly thereafter, break the distressing news to you, with some comment like this, "Well, you almost made it! You tried hard. You got real close. Your score is "49 for", and "51 against".... so you'll have to spend the rest of eternity in doom and damnation."

Nope, I say.... it won't be that way. It is God alone, uninfluenced by any human's opinion, who decides about who will enter His Kingdom -- and who will thus receive "salvation". And it is God alone who determines "when" and "if" an individual, in his earthly journey, will be awakened to the truth of God, and to the truth about God. God chooses His own. We humans do not choose God.

Earthly human-beings do not cause God to come into existence when (or if, or because) they "accept" God.... or because they agree to "allow" God to exert His power in their lives, or because they "make a decision" to "believe" in Him.... and trust Him.

"From first to last, it is all God's doing." "Salvation is of the Lord."



Note the following Biblical references. Read these out loud, so that you can "hear" the words of God, while you read and "see" what God is saying:
II Thes 2: 13 (NEB) "From the beginning of time, God chose you to find salvation in the Spirit that consecrated you, and in the truth that you believe. It was for the gospel we brought, so that you might possess, for your own, the splendour of our Lord Jesus Christ." (See link, The Gospel of God.)
Same (NIV) "But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning, God chose you to be saved, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and through belief in the truth."

II Timothy 1: 8 (NEB) It is He (God) who brought us salvation, and called us to a dedicated life, not for any merit of ours, but for His own purpose, and His own grace.... granted to us through Christ Jesus, from all eternity.


Same (NIV) 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us, and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time.

Same (NRSV) 8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel.... relying on the power of God.... 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling.... not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus, before the ages began....

Psalm 62: 1 (NIV) My soul finds rest in God alone. My SALVATION comes from Him. 2 He ALONE is my rock, and my salvation. He is my fortress. I will never be shaken.

Same (NEB) "Truly, my soul waits upon God. From HIM comes my SALVATION. He, only, is my rock; and my salvation. He is my defense.

Jonah 2: 8 (NIV) "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.... 9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."


Same (KJV) 9 Salvation is of the Lord.


Isaiah 12: 2 (NIV) Surely God is my salvation. I will trust -- and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength, and my song. He has become my salvation."

Matthew 19: 25 (NRSV) When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, "Then who can be saved?" 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals, it is impossible.... but for God all things are possible.

Romans 8 (NRSV) 31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?.... 33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn?
   (JNT note: Contrariwise, concerning "salvation", is it not also true that "if God is NOT for us".... then what difference does any human's opinion make.... or any church's appraisal of us.... or even our opinions of ourselves?)

Lamentations 3: 24 (NRSV) "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him." 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him; to the soul that seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the SALVATION of the LORD.

Luke 1: 76 (NRSV) And you, child ("John-the-Baptist"), will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 to give knowledge of SALVATION to HIS PEOPLE by the forgiveness of their SINS. 78 By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79 to give LIGHT to those who sit in DARKNESS, and in the shadow of death.... (See link Darkness to light.)

James 4: 12 (NIV) There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to SAVE -- and destroy. But you -- who are YOU to JUDGE your neighbor?

Mark 10: 24 (Jesus speaking) "Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God." 26 They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said, "For MORTALS it is IMPOSSIBLE, but not for God. For God, all things are possible."

Isaiah 51: 5 (NRSV) I will bring near my deliverance swiftly. My salvation has gone out, and my arms will rule the peoples..... 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my SALVATION will be forever, and my deliverance will NEVER be ended.... my deliverance will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.

Isaiah 43: 10 (NIV) (God speaking): "Before me, no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and apart from me, there is no savior. 12 I have revealed, and saved, and proclaimed -- I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses", declares the LORD, "that I am God. 13 Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, WHO can reverse it?"

Psalm 27: 1 (NIV) The LORD is my light, and my SALVATION. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?

-- Same (KJV) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 37: 39 (NRSV) The salvation of the righteous is FROM the LORD. He is their refuge in the time of trouble. 40 The LORD helps them, and rescues them. He rescues them from the wicked, and SAVES them..... because they take refuge in Him.

Acts 2: 47 (NEB) And day by day, the Lord added to their number those whom He was SAVING.

Isaiah 45: 21 (NRSV) There is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is no one besides me. 22 Turn to me and be SAVED, all the ends of the earth! For I am God -- and there is NO OTHER.

 
Now, in the following often-quoted statement of Jesus (God-Incarnate) concerning "the one-way" to the Father.... and hence to "salvation" by God.... note how The-Christ clearly states that He Himself IS also the "Father". Hence, shouldn't we conclude, when Jesus's says: "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me", that Jesus's intention in His statement is that "No man cometh unto the Father, but by the Father". That is, "no man" can be included, by God.... except by God's own decision.... and choice.
John 14: 5 (KJV) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(JNT note: then, in what is a rarely-quoted continuing part of Jesus's statement... Jesus goes on to say that He Himself IS the Father.)

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him.... and have SEEN Him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath SEEN ME hath SEEN THE FATHER; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak NOT of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me.... HE doeth the works. 11 Believe me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. (See reference Jesus is God; God is in Jesus.)

And note, also :
John 12: 44 (NRSV) Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in me believes NOT IN ME, but in HIM who sent me. 45 And, whoever SEES ME.... SEES HIM who sent me.
These Bible-references tell me that the "salvation" of an individual is a decision -- a determination -- made by Almighty God, Himself -- and by Him, alone..... NOT God plus a church; not God plus a preacher or a congregation; not God plus an individual's creeds, deeds, and promises. As the Bible says (quoted above): "Salvation comes from the Lord."

My salvation is not a decision or "choice" made by me. I do not "write my own ticket", and cause myself to become "saved" by God. Reciting a creed, joining a certain church, teaching Sunday-School; singing in the choir, tithing, and being baptized -- do not cause me to become "saved", or to spontaneously receive "salvation" from God.

Similarly, no earthly "church of humans" can grant "salvation" to other human-beings. Churches, and creeds, and rites, and rituals, and preachers, and priests, and rabbis, and imams.... do not "save" us humans for God. "It is all God's doing".

God uses His own criteria, in "evaluating" His human-creations. It is my belief that God doesn't need or want humanoid notions, restrictions, and religious concoctions and embellishments.... in His "decision-making" process. I doubt that God awaits human or church approval before He decides whom He will "save", and include in His Kingdom (see link The Kingdom of God). Doctrinal and/or denominational attempts to circumvent, by-pass, or restrict God's "intention".... are useless human efforts, and schemes.
Daniel 4: 25 (NRSV) (Daniel re: Nebuchadnezzar's vision) "You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall be with the wild animals. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen. You shall be bathed with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you.... until you have learned that the Most High has sovereignty over the KINGDOM of MORTALS -- and GIVES IT to WHOM HE WILL."


As for me, quoting a paragraph from the "tablet" Circumventing God (see link):
My major thesis, spiritually -- for me, myself -- is this: I cannot entrust my "salvation" to the opinion of, or the creed of, or the religious claims of, or the "judgment" of a dogmatic individual.... or a rigidly doctrinal group of human-beings.

Note the following magnificent scriptural references:

Jeremiah 17: 14 (NRSV) Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved....

Isaiah 33: 22 (NRSV) For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our ruler; the LORD is our king. He will SAVE us.


9/7/05