Not By Works

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
Let me try and put the above in a simple context.
A young child has a short attention span. They need to deal with conflicting emotions, desires, hunger, sleep, sadness,
anger, joy, safety, fear. As they grow they start to learn the balance of all the needs and to live a consistent life.

Should they feel condemned because the interactions of others does not fit in quite with their own?
Or is it sin when the frustration of the conflicts bursts out into hurtful actions which aim to do harm?

I would suggest it is the hurtful outbursts that define sin.
Sin is sin

You and I do not get to define sin, God defines it and according to scripture, Gods standard is perfection, period.

But thanks, it seems you have watered down the law to your own level. And this post proves it.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
That is a descriptive passagem not prescriptive,

Anyone can act morally good and appear to do works, only those given the right to be children of god by recieving him are saved.

Thats why so many workers think they are saved, but are decieved, because their faih is in their works, not the god who offers to save them.
"so many workers think they are saved"

My experience is actually the opposite. Those who truly are workers for salvation have no clue they are saved
which is why they work so hard to prove something.

And in witnessing that the cross demonstrates Gods overwhelming love and acceptance of us where we are, which
transforms peoples lives. And their desire to walk in Gods ways is powered by this realisation, which is often miss-understood
as working for salvation rather than an expression of joy and thanks to the King who has saved us.

It is often those who have no victory and sit disallusioned with their failure who hate those who walk in Gods grace
and victory. And you cannot fake a changed heart.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
When I give my children a bicycle, I expect them to learn to ride it, not throw it in the bin.
I expect them to enjoy the experience and to actually want it, because they have expressed such a desire beforehand.

This is normal parenting. Somehow in this discussion the link between the gift and its outcome has been disconnected.
This only makes sense if the speaker hates any sense of connection, and will deny it no matter what.

A climber of a mountain carries a map so that they do not get lost and do not walk off a cliff.
The map is given freely, to be used to keep the climber safe. It is a gift of love and care, and not
over bearing but it implies the desire the climber will read it, use it and stay safe. To suggest the
giving is not related to keeping the climber safe and helping them is a dis-service to the giver.
But the condition of the gift and safety is to use it. If it is not used the climber will die.
When i give a child a gift, it is theres to do what they want, if they use it and are blessed b t, great, if they do not use it, and it sits collecting dust, thats great also.

I do not kick them out of my family or take back that gift because they did not do what i think they should do.


If you have kids, i pity them!

Shane on you man, shame on you!
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,693
7,176
113
Good morning M,
The above statement was in response to my stating that salvation is earned and is not a gift.

I've stated this before and will do so again....

Salvation is a free.
It cannot be earned.
Ephesians 2:8-9
It is earned by grace through faith.
Siince our faith is a gift,,,salvation is also a gift because it comes from faith.

This is called Justification.

The problem I have with this thread is that there is no distinction made between
Justification
Sanctification

Sanctification IS EARNED.

It's a cooperative effort between man and God. Jesus did His part on the cross, now it's up to us to do our part.
Jesus said:

Mathew 16:24
Discipleship Is Costly

24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

Jesus said the gate is narrow exactly because being a disciple is costly....the wide road is easy.
Many here say they are following Jesus and yet they seem to state that it's OK to be on the wide road simply by not agreeing.


You said it's easy to say Jesus is God....
Shouldn't it be as easy to say Jesus is to be obeyed?
It's the same.


If we want to say we have a relationship with God,,,then we must also accept our part.
It takes two person to create a relationship.....not one walking alone. It's you and Jesus walking together.



John 12:48 Jesus said:
48
“He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.

1. We must accept Jesus as Savior and not reject Him.
2. We must receive His sayings.
3. His word is what will judge us in the last day. (whether or not we obeyed Him).
I agree sanctification is important, but I think this verse says so much..

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:5‭-‬7 NASB


Sanctification and relationship are important and they come with repentance, right? Believing in Him brings us to our knees, filled with shame and guilt, ready to repent, asking Him to save us.

He is all about sanctification. Yes, it is so important. We just get ourselves in a dog paddling estate, in the middle of shark (satan) infested waters, when we forget we are innocent by association with Him, not because we anything. Do we get to contribute...yes. Do we get to be a part of His plan...yes. Does He want and expect us to obey...yes. But we see in so many places, ours is to repent, His is to save..

For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became his counselor ? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again ? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:32‭-‬36 NASB

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, " Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord ."
1 Corinthians 1:30‭-‬31 NASB

We are told not to engage in disputes over laws because it is fruitless, but as long as we do this...

with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
2 Timothy 2:25 NASB

We should be ok. I will be. You, however, may end up with a hardened, reprobated, heart if you keep arguing.

Just kidding...

I still believe you are my Sister, that you too call on the name of the Lord, that we both agree obeying Him is fundamental to our Salvation. I think the difference we have is that for me, He gets all the Glory, for even our repentance. We must keep our eyes on the Savior. It is wise to know He is. Holy and Just, able to squash our souls like a bug, and so comforting knowing He wants instead to give us life. He is so good, ours is to accept His calling.


Him mercy towards us propels our mission towards His.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8‭-‬10 NASB

Yes, He wants our commitment and fellowship. He died for it. Talk about selfless love. May we all walk in it.
 

Hevosmies

Well-known member
Sep 8, 2018
3,612
2,633
113
The only woman I lust after is my wife!

You don't go looking for bologna when you have steak at the house!
Consider yourself lucky! I for one am SINGLE. SAD TIMES.

I havent fornicated in a while, but have I lusted after women? I would be lying if i said i didnt!

I blame my genetics, i've been like that since always. i also blame modern society for their dresscode. There are probably more excuses down the pipe.......

In all seriousness: It is my fault despite the circumstances, but WHAT am i supposed to do? Dont have the $$$$ to get married.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
Sin is sin

You and I do not get to define sin, God defines it and according to scripture, Gods standard is perfection, period.

But thanks, it seems you have watered down the law to your own level. And this post proves it.
Of course if sin is me disagreeing with you, I am a sinner.
If everyone who I meet, I must do everything they ask of me until I drop dead or are physically incapable of responding, then I am a sinner.

This is so so so so extreme a position, I cannot understand how you think this is rational to any degree.

As we grow up, learning boundaries of what we can ask people to do, and what not is part of development.

It sounds like you do not believe in these boundaries.
The problem is as I said, heaven could not function with this morality, nor any society.
It is simply because no individual can know the obligations another has on them, and must rely on communication
and agreement to proceed with anything. Sin does not enter into this interaction.

Sin enters when selfish manipulation, damage and hurt are acted on.

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15

In the above list it is desire that gives birth to sin. An evil desire is a reality, which we are born with and we work with each day.

If one makes sinful normal life interactions, no wonder ones life gets in a mess, because there is never a place of peace or contentment in Jesus, or even good loving interactions with others, where boundaries and obligations are recognised properly.
 

stonesoffire

Poetic Member
Nov 24, 2013
10,665
1,829
113
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Exactly! If we have faith or trust is an easier word to understand, and Holy Spirit gives instruction, we will do. If it requires a do. Or war with a promise.

I've received a specific word about my children. When I see the opposite, I put faith or trust in the truth which is always Gods word given. He is faithful.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
Sin is sin

You and I do not get to define sin, God defines it and according to scripture, Gods standard is perfection, period.

But thanks, it seems you have watered down the law to your own level. And this post proves it.
"You and I do not get to define sin"

Amen. But you are defining sin by your own view of what perfection is. Are you prepared to accept what Jesus said?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
Matt 11:28-30

What you have described is not easy, or gentle, or humble, or easy or a light burden.
So I do not believe it is what Jesus is describing.

Jesus called us to love our enemies. He said the Father did, so should we, because that would be perfect.
And if we do, we are being perfect. Jesus has great faith in us that we are capable of being perfect.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
Of course if sin is me disagreeing with you, I am a sinner.
You can disagree with me all you want, i am nothing.

If everyone who I meet, I must do everything they ask of me until I drop dead or are physically incapable of responding, then I am a sinner.

This is so so so so extreme a position, I cannot understand how you think this is rational to any degree.

As we grow up, learning boundaries of what we can ask people to do, and what not is part of development.

It sounds like you do not believe in these boundaries.
The problem is as I said, heaven could not function with this morality, nor any society.
It is simply because no individual can know the obligations another has on them, and must rely on communication
and agreement to proceed with anything. Sin does not enter into this interaction.

Sin enters when selfish manipulation, damage and hurt are acted on.

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15

In the above list it is desire that gives birth to sin. An evil desire is a reality, which we are born with and we work with each day.

If one makes sinful normal life interactions, no wonder ones life gets in a mess, because there is never a place of peace or contentment in Jesus, or even good loving interactions with others, where boundaries and obligations are recognised properly.
Sin is sin, the penalty of sin is death, deal with it.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
"You and I do not get to define sin"

Amen. But you are defining sin by your own view of what perfection is. Are you prepared to accept what Jesus said?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
Matt 11:28-30

What you have described is not easy, or gentle, or humble, or easy or a light burden.
So I do not believe it is what Jesus is describing.

Jesus called us to love our enemies. He said the Father did, so should we, because that would be perfect.
And if we do, we are being perfect. Jesus has great faith in us that we are capable of being perfect.
No i define sin by gods, read gal 3. James, dueteronomy

They all state perfection is Gods standard, cursed is the one who does not obey every word.
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,693
7,176
113
Ok well, I have mulled and mulled some more about this topic. I am grateful because my heart is more fixed, thanks be to Him. Am I there, have I arrived with regards to understanding...hahahaha, NOPE!

So I put my trust in Him.

Accountability alert for this Sister...

It is time for me to walk away from this for awhile as I am becoming obsessive, (lol@becoming, that ship passed a long time ago, lol). I am a gerbil on a treadmill here. So in Him, I rest as I get ta getting elsewhere. Thanks so much Brothers and Sisters. I love you all in Christ. May the peace of Him be with you and yours forever.
 

Goodnewsman

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2016
710
102
43
The prodigal son never stopped being the son, if the prodigal,died, the father would have went to get him and take him home, as a ANY loving father does.
You say if the Prodigal died in the hogpen the father would then bring him home????

Why didnt the father go to the hogpen and bring him home while he was alive?

What kind of father would let their son die and then go get him?

Jesus said the son was lost....and dead

This boy had to make the choice to go back to the father house just like every backslider must do
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
No i define sin by gods, read gal 3. James, dueteronomy

They all state perfection is Gods standard, cursed is the one who does not obey every word.
I am not sure you have defined your meaning of perfection.
How are we failing to live by your view?
 

GodsGrace101

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2018
2,225
517
113
Sin is sin

You and I do not get to define sin, God defines it and according to scripture, Gods standard is perfection, period.

But thanks, it seems you have watered down the law to your own level. And this post proves it.
wow.
Talk about legalism !!

Jesus said:

Matthew 11:28-30 jesus:
28“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
30“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
 

GodsGrace101

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2018
2,225
517
113
Thats your first mistake.



A person who says we can not earn salvation, yet later says we have to earn salvation.

A hypicrite says one thing, but does another.
Sorry EG,,,
Apparently you have a difficult time understanding what I wrote.
Did you even read post No. 86,862?

Which part didn't you agree with?
 

stonesoffire

Poetic Member
Nov 24, 2013
10,665
1,829
113
Good morning M,
The above statement was in response to my stating that salvation is earned and is not a gift.

I've stated this before and will do so again....

Salvation is a free.
It cannot be earned.
Ephesians 2:8-9
It is earned by grace through faith.
Siince our faith is a gift,,,salvation is also a gift because it comes from faith.

This is called Justification.

The problem I have with this thread is that there is no distinction made between
Justification
Sanctification

Sanctification IS EARNED.

It's a cooperative effort between man and God. Jesus did His part on the cross, now it's up to us to do our part.
Jesus said:

Mathew 16:24
Discipleship Is Costly

24Then Jesus said to His disciples
, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

Jesus said the gate is narrow exactly because being a disciple is costly....the wide road is easy.
Many here say they are following Jesus and yet they seem to state that it's OK to be on the wide road simply by not agreeing.

You said it's easy to say Jesus is God....
Shouldn't it be as easy to say Jesus is to be obeyed?
It's the same.


If we want to say we have a relationship with God,,,then we must also accept our part.
It takes two person to create a relationship.....not one walking alone. It's you and Jesus walking together.



John 12:48 Jesus said:
48
“He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.

1. We must accept Jesus as Savior and not reject Him.
2. We must receive His sayings.
3. His word is what will judge us in the last day. (whether or not we obeyed Him).

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Verse 13 tells how we are sanctified. The results may be many and different.
 

GodsGrace101

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2018
2,225
517
113
I am not sure you have defined your meaning of perfection.
How are we failing to live by your view?
EG is saying that he is under grace...
and YOU are under the Law...
So, being under the law, if you break one sin, you've broken them all.
There's a problem here with simple Christian beliefs.
I'm very sorry about this....
EG should learn the difference between Justfctn and Sanctfcn...
The Law and Grace.
What saves...
What keeps saved.

Many think they believe once and are saved forever, no matter what.
This is OSAS.

They believe Jesus DID IT ALL on the cross and so WE don't have to do ANYTHING.

Some actually think that believing in works is a sin because we're saying Jesus needs help.

So much other stuff that's wrong...
 

GodsGrace101

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2018
2,225
517
113
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Verse 13 tells how we are sanctified. The results may be many and different.
Could you please explain verse 13?

Thanks.
 

Goodnewsman

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2016
710
102
43
Again, if not, you and I are headed to hell

Because there s no more sacrifice for sin, because all of our sin was futire. Thus non of them are paid for,

You better hope jesus returns and dies on the cross again,
EG.....Did you not read this part of the post

Our sins were not remitted at Calvary. They were remitted at conversion

if all your sins.....even future sins were clean forgiven over 2000 yrs ago at Calvary.......how could we be born into this world sinners? Would we not be born already free from the power of sin if your logic is correct?

we repent and become born again........at conversion