There can be and often is a great difference between membership in the Christian religion and personal salvation. The fundamental nature of salvation, of the Kingdom of God, of eternal life, is change in the human personality. The Bible refers to this personality change as "fruit." Apart from the bearing of "fruit" there is no salvation, no Kingdom of God, regardless of membership in one of the forms of the Christian religion.

The adamic nature is familiar with lust and with the spirit of romance, but the Divine love borne of the Spirit of God is vastly different in quality, in strength, in durability. As we bear the fruit of Divine love we are changed in personality and behavior.

The adamic nature is familiar with happiness and fun, but the Divine joy borne of the Spirit of God is different in quality, in strength, in durability. Unlike adamic joy, Divine joy can flourish in the most difficult circumstances.

Adamic peace depends on circumstances. Divine peace proceeds from the limitless, eternal peace of God.

The adamic nature often is impatient. God is infinitely patient. His Spirit in us produces enduring patience in stressful situations.

The adamic nature may be kind but will react with bitterness if provoked sufficiently. God is kind in the face of provocation.

There are charitable people. However, their goodness is not of the same quality or durability as Divine goodness.

In our day treachery abounds. Our life as a Christian depends on God's faithfulness, and He is willing to create His faithfulness in us.

A human being may be harsh or gentle by nature. God's gentleness transcends even the human kindness and tenderness loving parents show toward their children.

Our self-control breaks down when we are pressured by the group we are in, or by our own passions. God is always in control of what He does. He is never controlled by anything except His own determination and wisdom. He desires that this Divine fruit be borne in us.

The adamic nature is characterized by hate, misery, anxiety, impatience, cruelty, bad behavior, treachery, harshness, and lack of self-control. None of these is admitted into the Kingdom of God. None of these is part of eternal life or of our salvation.

We have been predestined to be in the image of Jesus Christ.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:29—NIV)

We often use the term "saved" to mean we will go to Heaven when we die. The Bible does speak of being delivered from wrath (referring to the Day of the Lord) but never, to my knowledge, of being saved to go to Heaven when we die.

Before we proceed, please search the New Testament. If you discover we are saved to go to Heaven, please write to me so I can correct my doctrine. Otherwise please consider what I am saying.

To be continued.