Are you really saved or do you just think you are? Exposing the lie of Easy Believism

[Galatians2-20]

"Are you really saved or do you just think you are?" Exposing the lie of Easy Believism:

Easy believism is bad doctrine that has become prevalent throughout many churches in the west. It is the reason why so many churches have willingly embraced the biblically defiant & unrepentant lgbt agenda (apostasy). Easy believism teaches that you are saved based solely on your own ability to believe certain truths about Jesus Christ (mental ascent) and how you live your life, no matter... how sinful, does not compromise one's belief. However, nothing could be further from biblical truth.

Easy believism actually contradicts the Bible in several ways. In contrast, scripture teaches that one is saved by placing complete trust (faith) in Christ and his word, resulting in a believer understanding that he or she is absolutely powerless to do anything to save themselves. Because their eternal destiny rests squarely upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ, a believer will then pattern his or her lifestyle after Christ and his teachings in order to maintain right relationship daily with he who holds our destiny in his hands.

Grace is but one of several amazing aspects of Christ's character. Where there is a person, ministry, or church that over emphasizes grace (forgiveness of sins), elevating it above all of Christ's many other equally important attributes, you can be pretty confident that easy believism is at work. Proponents of easy believism will define grace "unmerited favor" and proceed to explain how Jesus bore the cross of Calvary for the forgiveness of sins. While true, they fail to adequately explain the complete nature of grace by omitting several important details.

Authentic Biblical grace is far more than forgiveness of sins only. Scripture defines grace as a divine invitation to walk daily in intimate fellowship with the presence and power of indwelling (Holy) Spirit of Christ where victory over sin and self (holiness) may be attained, should you pursue it. 2 Peter 1:2-11 teaches that, through grace, everything necessary to live a Godly life has been made available to believers.

Grace is not, nor ever was, God's willingness to ignore your sin. It is the power to overcome them. A person can not partake of life in Christ and indulge the flesh simultaneously for to partake of one is to forsake / abandon the other.

In the words of AW Tozer, one of the 20th century's most regarded pastors and influential Christian authors: "If your life does not worship God, your lips do not worship God either."

 

[Chris1975]

Yes. What he said ^^^^^

 

[Galatians2-20]

Apparently Christian Chat doesn't give you much time to edit anymore. After re-reading my post, I noticed a few issues but could not figure out how to edit.

 

[tourist]

Apparently Christian Chat doesn't give you much time to edit anymore. After re-reading my post, I noticed a few issues but could not figure out how to edit.

Once you submit a post you have 5 minutes to make any changes. If this is not a sufficient amount of time you could simply delete the post in its entirety and start a new one.

 

[MattforJesus]

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Jas 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Jas 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Jas 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Jas 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness(money,material things,the prosperity Gospel): from such withdraw thyself.
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

1Jn 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh(will not sin).
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

A person that names the name of Christ has to depart from iniquity.

Faith alone,not saved by works,when we confess Christ,for that is all we can do being in the flesh.

Faith without works is dead,and a person is justified by works,and not faith alone,after a person receives the Spirit,for the responsiblity then falls on them to maintain their salvation,work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

But some people never learn,and you do have to wonder about their boldness,and the guts it takes,to go against the word of God like that all because they want to hear the word of God according to the flesh,for it is an easy lifestyle,with no worries,and then can sin and still obtain heaven,according to them.

 

[wwjd_kilden]

29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”


31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

 

[Bogadile]

Those pesky heretics, saying that believing is easy.

 

[Grace777x70]

I wonder if this "Christian" thing has anything to do with "grace" that is in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior?

It looks like we have received - grace upon grace through the Lord Jesus Christ

John 1:16-17 (NASB)
[SUP]16 [/SUP] For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

[SUP]17 [/SUP] For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

It looks like we "believe through grace".. ( I'm sure they really meant that we are saved because of the good works we do...)

Acts 18:27 (KJV)
[SUP]27 [/SUP] And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

Paul said that it was the grace of God that would give the believers their inheritance and it was able to build them up. ( Maybe that's not really important...)

Acts 20:32 (KJV)
[SUP]32 [/SUP] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Paul said for Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ( He probably didn't really mean it.... )


2 Timothy 2:1 (NASB)
[SUP]1 [/SUP] You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.


The apostles said that we are saved by the grace of God ( They probably really meant to say - you are saved by works.)..

Acts 15:11 (NASB)
[SUP]11 [/SUP] "But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are."


Paul says that we are justified "freely" by grace....( He really meant to say - we are justified and continue to be saved by all the good works we do... )

Romans 3:24 (KJV)
[SUP]24 [/SUP] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:


Paul says that when we receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness - we reign in life through Christ alone. ( He really meant to say that - those who do good works all the days of their life will receive grace and the gift of righteousness )

Romans 5:17 (NASB)
[SUP]17 [/SUP] For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.


Then Paul was really messed up when he told the Ephesians this scripture below- ( He really meant to say - you must do good works in order to create and maintain salvation - Paul was just having an "off" day when he wrote Ephesians )

( And God has even prepared the good works for us to walk in as a result of having His grace that saves us and not any works - we get to participate in the family business of telling people of the love and grace our loving Father and Lord have for them )


Ephesians 2:8-10 (NASB)
[SUP]8 [/SUP] For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

[SUP]9 [/SUP] not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

[SUP]10 [/SUP] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.


Here Paul told Timothy that God saved us according to His own purpose and grace - not according to our works...( He really meant to say - He will save us if we do enough good works...again Paul was having an "off" day )

2 Timothy 1:9 (NASB)
[SUP]9 [/SUP] who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,



Peter says to fix our hope "completely" on the grace that comes with the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. ( It's most likely a mis-print in all 5,000 manuscripts - he really meant to tell us to fix our hope on our good works because you could end up in hell if you don't do enough of them..)

1 Peter 1:13
[SUP]13 [/SUP] Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace being brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.


Conclusion - this "grace stuff" is really not important at all. We can "do our own works" - and God will be happy with us...

 

[Bogadile]

The people who advocate for heavy works salvation tend to have a low view of the value that the sacrifice of Jesus had. So they got to try to polish their life on the outside to be saved.
The fact is everyone has their own hidden sins. I know some people who are in this heavy works salvation business and they are miserable and stressed, and I pity them because not only are they themselves unhappy, they also make others around them unhappy.

 

[Galatians2-20]

29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”


31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

WWJD, the word "believe" in that passage needs to be clearly defined in order to understand the biblical author's intended meaning. Often times, our English translation is incapable of truly capturing the meaning of a passage written in either Hebrew or Greek.

I would argue that, for a person to truly believe in Christ, one must also believe Christ. That a believer in Christ would adhere to Christ's teaching, following his instruction.

 

[tanakh]

The repentant thief had easy believism.; It worked for him

 

[Grace777x70]

I think that the gospel of the grace of Christ has been so watered down with law and condemnation that the "message" given out "as the gospel" does not have the power in it for real change. We can get born-again from it however which is wonderful and the most important aspect of it because it is our entrance into this grace in which we stand..

The gospel is about an exchanged life not merely a behavior modification program for the flesh to pretty it up. If we preached the real gospel then in "it" people will find real salvation for all areas of their lives while living on this earth.

A lot of the exhortations by Paul to live right were always based on him first telling them what the real gospel is.

These exhortations are descriptive of the fruit of an exchanged life and what the true Christian life looks like when we are walking by the Spirit and not according to the flesh.

We need to have the revelation that we have died with Christ on the cross and risen to newness of life in order for the real gospel of the grace of God in Christ to bring about true transformation. Gal. 2:20 & Col. 3:3

Works-based salvationists make these exhortations a requirement in order to be saved which is the complete opposite of the gospel message in Christ.

Acceptance grace in that we are completely forgiven, deeply loved as a child of God and forever sealed in Him - knowing this will release the 2nd aspect of grace - empowering grace to go and sin no more. It's a by-product of our new life in Christ.

We really need to be cemented in the 1st aspect of acceptance grace - then empowering grace will be manifested as a fruit of His life being lived in and through us.

 

[Galatians2-20]

The people who advocate for heavy works salvation tend to have a low view of the value that the sacrifice of Jesus had. So they got to try to polish their life on the outside to be saved.
The fact is everyone has their own hidden sins. I know some people who are in this heavy works salvation business and they are miserable and stressed, and I pity them because not only are they themselves unhappy, they also make others around them unhappy.

If you are implying that I am teaching works, then you could not be more wrong. While my perspective may differ from your own, I firmly believe and teach that we are 100% reliant on Christ for our salvation. Human effort, of any kind, can not and will not save, including your own mental capacity to believe in truth or reason.


Do you trust Christ enough follow his word?

 

[Galatians2-20]

The gospel is about an exchanged life not merely a behavior modification program for the flesh to pretty it up. If we preached the real gospel then in "it" people will find real salvation for all areas of their lives while living on this earth.

It's funny that you would mention that the Gospel is about an "Exchanged Life" because

 

[MattforJesus]

The people who advocate for heavy works salvation tend to have a low view of the value that the sacrifice of Jesus had. So they got to try to polish their life on the outside to be saved.
The fact is everyone has their own hidden sins. I know some people who are in this heavy works salvation business and they are miserable and stressed, and I pity them because not only are they themselves unhappy, they also make others around them unhappy.

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation(does not sin): for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Jas 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Jas 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren(abstain from sin).

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

1Co 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1Co 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.

The point is not works,but abstaining from sins,and representing goodness,and they are how you behave in comparison to Christ.

The people that believe the truth that they have to abstain from sins,led by the Spirit,might sin,but they know it is wrong,and will not hold unto it,and get rid of it,and keep going on in the Spirit,but those who do not believe the truth will hold unto sin,and it is a part of their lifestyle,and they will not give it up because they think they are alright despite them holding unto sin.

No matter what a person believes they still might sin,but the error is those that hold unto sin,and think they are right with God,which they have a form of godliness,but deny the power thereof,ever learning,and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Acting Christlike is not works,but our own personal lifestlye to be like Christ,which a lot of people who claim Christ do not that,and they say that other people hide sins,because it makes them feel better because they sin.

It is like the occultist that interprets the Bible according to the occult,and the prejudice according to their prejudice,and those that give heed to science from that point of view,and the Buddhist from that point of view,and other people with a belief not part of the Bible according to that,and peolple interpreting the Bible according to what they like.

Some people like sin,and fleshy lusts,but they believe that the Bible is true,so they interpret the Bible accordong to that,they cannot abstain from sin,and sin does not affect their relationship with God.

Many are called but few are chosen.

If people could not abstain from sin,the Bible would not say that by the Spirit you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh,for they have crucified the flesh with the lusts and affections.

 

[Galatians2-20]

The gospel is about an exchanged life not merely a behavior modification program for the flesh to pretty it up. If we preached the real gospel then in "it" people will find real salvation for all areas of their lives while living on this earth.

Grace777, it's funny that you should mention that the Gospel is about an exchanged life because I could not agree more. In fact, the doctrine of "the Exchanged Life" is actually an area of expertise. I am not only familiar with it's teachings but also it's history.

Nothing that I have stated previously clashes with the original doctrine of the Exchanged Life. However, I could see how proponents of Chaferianism, who have tainted the original teachings of the Exchanged Life by attempting to add the doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved, would disagree with my original statement.

 

[Grace777x70]

I believe it is the accurate hearing of Christ Himself and what He has already done by His grace and love that brings true faith which has as it's own fruit - obedience - which is to believe.

Right believing in what Christ has already done releases His empowering grace within us to live godly in this present world.

Some get that disobedience is not obeying because of some translations which says..

Hebrews 4:6 (NASB)
[SUP]6 [/SUP] Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience,

This word for "disobedience" is really "unbelief" in Greek in Hebrews 4:6. To not believe in the finished work of Christ for living and salvation is in fact disobedience.

That's why the gospel is often called "the obedience of faith". Even good moral living law-keeping Jewish priests came to be "obedient to the faith."

Acts 6:7 (NASB)
[SUP]7 [/SUP] The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

 

[notuptome]

And yet we come to Christ with the simple-ness of a child. It is easy to believe when the Holy Spirit produces conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

Don't let theology get in the way of the gospel.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[Huckleberry]

"Are you really saved or do you just think you are?" Exposing the lie of Easy Believism:

Easy believism is bad doctrine that has become prevalent throughout many churches in the west. It is the reason why so many churches have willingly embraced the biblically defiant & unrepentant lgbt agenda (apostasy). Easy believism teaches that you are saved based solely on your own ability to believe certain truths about Jesus Christ (mental ascent) and how you live your life, no matter... how sinful, does not compromise one's belief. However, nothing could be further from biblical truth.

Easy believism actually contradicts the Bible in several ways. In contrast, scripture teaches that one is saved by placing complete trust (faith) in Christ and his word, resulting in a believer understanding that he or she is absolutely powerless to do anything to save themselves. Because their eternal destiny rests squarely upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ, a believer will then pattern his or her lifestyle after Christ and his teachings in order to maintain right relationship daily with he who holds our destiny in his hands.

Grace is but one of several amazing aspects of Christ's character. Where there is a person, ministry, or church that over emphasizes grace (forgiveness of sins), elevating it above all of Christ's many other equally important attributes, you can be pretty confident that easy believism is at work. Proponents of easy believism will define grace "unmerited favor" and proceed to explain how Jesus bore the cross of Calvary for the forgiveness of sins. While true, they fail to adequately explain the complete nature of grace by omitting several important details.

Authentic Biblical grace is far more than forgiveness of sins only. Scripture defines grace as a divine invitation to walk daily in intimate fellowship with the presence and power of indwelling (Holy) Spirit of Christ where victory over sin and self (holiness) may be attained, should you pursue it. 2 Peter 1:2-11 teaches that, through grace, everything necessary to live a Godly life has been made available to believers.

Grace is not, nor ever was, God's willingness to ignore your sin. It is the power to overcome them. A person can not partake of life in Christ and indulge the flesh simultaneously for to partake of one is to forsake / abandon the other.

In the words of AW Tozer, one of the 20th century's most regarded pastors and influential Christian authors: "If your life does not worship God, your lips do not worship God either."

tl;dr
God's plan of salvation is simple, and needed to be simple so
children and mentally handicapped people could understand it.
No doubt you're just parsing up scripture and
trying to convince people to doubt their salvation
(as if Satan isn't already working at that full-time),
and buy whatever it is they're selling at your church.
Care to divulge your denomination?
My guess is that you're involved in some charismatic or NAR church.

 

[Grace777x70]

True biblical belief is of the heart - not in the head or mind. We can have our minds renewed to the truths that are in Christ. That we are a new creation - created in righteousness and holiness.

God looks on the heart - man look on the outward appearance.

Getting "saved" is simple but it was not cheap grace as some use the derogatory term. It cost our Lord His life and blood to obtain eternal redemption. Heb. 9:12.

Romans 10:9-10 (NASB)
[SUP]9 [/SUP] that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

[SUP]10 [/SUP] for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

The process is simple too.

1) we hear the message of Christ - the gospel of our salvation in Him

2) we believe the message from our hearts

3) we were sealed with the Holy Spirit

( Jesus said in John 14:16 that the Holy Spirit will be with us and in us forever - now was Jesus lying or is he like a "bait and switch" car salesman that has "fine print" which He doesn't talk about )

Ephesians 1:13 (NASB)
[SUP]13 [/SUP] In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, = 1)

the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, = 2)

you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, = 3)

you were sealed = aorist indicative tense / passive voice = a one time event in the past.

Passive voice = the sealing was not done by us but by an outside force - the Holy Spirit Himself.

The whole Christian faith is all about "believing".

Right believing in what Christ has already done in His finished work on the cross and resurrection will lead to right thinking ( repentance to trust in God's work alone for life and living ).

This right thinking or the proper renewal of the mind of the realities of us being in Christ and He being in us joined as one spirit forever will lead to right living which will reflect in our outward behavior so that people can see the love and grace our loving Father and Lord have for them.