And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the Lord. And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
Genesis 25:22-23

In the book of Genesis, from the very beginning after children were born unto Adam and Eve there were two kinds of people living in the world. A constant line of saved and unsaved people has continued down through the centuries. At this time the line of saved people has dwindled down to a just a few, like in the days of Noah and his family. It seems most of the time God has only a small remnant of those who believe in him and are willing to follow his truth.

This division of these two lines running parallel to each other is also seen with hostility toward the saved by the unsaved. In every age and in every nation the unsaved are hostile, or opposed to those who are righteous. In the beginning this opposition was brother against brother, as in the sons of Adam. It is said that Cain was of the Wicked One and after murdering his brother Abel, he went into the land of Nod, and there he developed a generation of people who were like him - despiteful of the things of God. 

Let’s keep in mind that Cain knew about God just as Abel had, and later his brother Seth knew about God. Cain also knew that God only accepted a blood offering for sin, but he rebelled against this in his heart because he was proud and wanted to live as he pleased. Pride is a primary reason for man’s rebellion still today.

Faith Justifies 

How many people today know what God requires of them and yet, they refuse to bow to his demands. They know that Jesus died for the sins of the world. They know of God’s love for mankind, but still, they are determined to live as they please. Many folks plan to make changes regarding God and salvation later in their lives, but the convenient and appealing pleasures of their everyday lives stop them. So, sadly, they die without Christ and end up in Hell.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans of how men once knew of God, but declined to give him the thanks and praise they should have;

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Romans 1:17-23

Take the time to read those verses from the Living Bible. It will further explain that although there are now many ethnic groups of people in the world with various shades of skin color, there is only one race. We have but two kinds of people in our world - the righteous and the unrighteous. Those who are righteous are so because of faith, and those who are unrighteous do not have faith that justifies them before Holy God. This is seen in the above scriptures.

Again from the book of Romans the Apostle Paul wrote; 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 5:1 

It is faith that justifies men, which means that those who believe in God can then accept his provision for salvation. From the very beginning of human history after Adam sinned, the only way back to God was by a blood sacrifice. That is why God himself killed an animal, (likely a lamb). The shed blood of this innocent victim represented the coming messiah who by his own shed blood would justify all who believed in him. God then took the skin of the animal and made coats for Adam and Eve to wear to cover their nakedness. But it was more than a covering for their nakedness, it was a covering pointing to the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Only the righteousness of Jesus Christ will protect sinners from the wrath of God. This righteousness is obtained only by faith. So those sinners who believe what God has done for them through Jesus Christ will be saved and live forever in his presence. All others will experience the eternal wrath of a Holy God because of their sins against him. 

My friend, God has made a way for everyone’s salvation, but there are many who have chosen not to believe in him or to trust Jesus as their savior. 

Why Salvation is Refused But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 

We are told why there are just two kinds of people in the world. There has never been more than two kinds, and there will never be more. We have Jews, and Gentiles. Yes, people are white, black, tan, brown, yellow, and red, but all are of the same human family that descended from Adam and Eve, the first parents of human history. The two groups that exist among the nations of the world are the saved who belong to God, and the unsaved who belong to Satan. We are told that Satan, who is the god of this world blinds the minds of those who follow him. He does this to keep them. He does not want to lose any of those who are obeying him. Furthermore, he does this to spite God who threw him out of heaven after he had attempted to take over the throne of God. 

Several Scriptures That Address This Truth 

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Ephesians 2:2

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. John 14:30 

The saved today, as the saved of all ages were once unsaved. But one day they made a choice as to whom they would believe. The saved people are those who have believed upon the Lord Jesus who paid for their sins. They have been made right with God by their faith in Jesus and they believe he took their place and paid their sin debt when he died on the Cross. 

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 5:17-18

The Heart Problem 

Why did Cain and why do others feel as they do toward the saved? Why is there unsaved people in the world? It is a heart problem. The heart of all men is sinful and is in rebellion. 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23 

This is why we have murderers, robbers, adulterers, and all the other forms of sins we see that are committed by mankind. The heart of man is depraved. Man is in desperate need of a new heart. When Jesus was here he told us what man needs for him to enter heaven. There is no other requirement and there is no other way made clear in the scriptures. 

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:5-7 

While people know what Jesus said, most continue on in their sinful lives without God, and without hope. Many I feel think because God loves them everything will be alright. They cannot believe that they would be sent to a place called hell. People just tend to believe that somehow things will work out for them. But, this is where Satan is deceiving them. As I have said many times, deceived people do not know they are deceived. If people really knew they were going to be thrown into hell, they would most likely call upon the Lord. That being said, I feel there are some who even then would not turn from their sin to Jesus because they hate him so much. And why do they hate him? Because he is the Holy One, and people love their sin so much. Many people do not like to be told what to do, or what not to do. Never the less, this is the way God gets a people to be His people forever. Everyone can make their own decision about being saved, or they can choose not to be saved.

Saved By Faith Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Romans 3:20-22

There is not a religious law, a law of works, or any other sort of law that will save an unsaved person. God is saving all those who accept his Son as their own personal savior. It was Jesus who died for the sins of the world. There is no other plan of salvation, or any short cut to salvation. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Just believing in Jesus and confessing him as your savior brings salvation. Here are examples of two individuals who believed in Jesus, and look what happened to them.

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. Luke 5:20

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luke 7:50

You have been told of Jesus and his love for you. So look about you today. You will see two kinds of people still in the world, just as it has always been. One group is going to heaven one day and the other, the larger group will be going to hell. Both places of eternity are forever. Some of these will be people you know. Maybe some of them your own family. What are you doing to help others come to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? At the judgment we will all be examined to see what we did for Jesus and how as believers we lived before others.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 1 Peter 21-22

My hope is that you are one of those who have been saved and will one day be received into glory. What a wonderful future you will have with all the saints of the ages forever. But before we leave this world of sin and sorrow we must keep telling the story of Jesus and his love for the souls of men an women. I encourage you to work, pray and support the sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Have you believed in Jesus as your savior? Have you by faith asked him to forgive you? Have you turned from a life of sin to live for the savior? Remember, it is up to you. My friend, it is up to each individual whether they go to heaven or to hell.

EXCERPT:  From the Pastor’s Study Booklet entitled: SALVATION

Salvation - Salvation is seen in three tenses in the scriptures:

• The believer has been saved from the guilt and penalty of sin
• The believer is being saved from the habit and dominion of sin
• The believer is to be saved in the sense of entire conformity to Christ.

How Can I Obtain Salvation Faith is the key word:

• We are all saved by believing God’s Word concerning salvation - Salvation never has anything to do with how one lives or performs.
• Salvation has nothing to do with religion - Salvation is in a person, Jesus.
• Salvation is by grace through faith; it is a free gift, and wholly without works.

The Divine Order First salvation, then works!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-9

Here are Two Important Questions:

1. Can I escape hell? You cannot escape hell on your own:  There is nothing anyone can do to escape hell and obtain salvation.
2. Can I lose my salvation? No, you cannot lose you salvation for it is a gift and you have been given eternal life. Loving Father, we praise and thank you today for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be faithful in sharing the love of God with many others. Bless us for your holy name’s

Loving Father, we praise and thank you today for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be faithful in sharing the love of God with many others. Bless us for your holy name’s sake we pray. Amen, Preacher