How does one believe?

[pottersclay]

I'm saying the word "Repent" used in the Bible means "change of mind" towards what one believes about who Jesus Christ is (His Diety/Son of God/God manifested in the flesh/Messiah ); that He came to save the world from their sins and give them eternal life by purchasing those who will believe and trust in Him through the shedding of His blood on the cross of Calvary as payment in full for all their past, present, and future sins. "In Him, you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14 ) Nowhere in the Bible does it say that one must "repent" from their sins in order to be saved. Christian culture added the words "from sin" to the word repent. The Reformers changed the original Greek word of "Metanoia" to the English word "Repent" when they revised the New Testament in the late 1800s, as there was no one English word that existed with the Greek meaning which was actually the inspired word of God. The Reformers also chose to use the word "repent" as they believed it to be a more true and more catholic, a more spiritual and more philosophical, interpretation of Christianity. So, if we replace the word "repent" throughout the Bible with the original and literal meaning of Metanoia to "Change your Mind," that puts a whole new light on things, doesn't it? For what is the "Mind"? It is that spiritual part of us which receives and assimilates whatever it has an affinity for in the world outside, whether that world is spiritual or material. It is the whole group of faculties which compose the intelligence. It is sight and perception, thought and reflection, apprehension and comprehension--all that is popularly known as the intellect or understanding. But it also embraces more than this, namely a large portion of the moral and affectional nature. Thus it comes about that, in common speech, the terms "mind" and "heart" are often interblended, one overlapping the field of the other. Therefore, when we speak of the Mind, we often mean the heart as well as the brain, but we never mean the heart without the brain. The Mind proper is the masculine, intellectual element, strong and foremost, of which the heart is the feminine, affectional counterpart, always in attendance upon it, always at one with it. As "Man" is the generic name for Adam and Eve, so "Mind" is the generic name for this twofold nature of man. When, then, "Mind" means so much, and "Change" may be made to mean so much, to speak of a "Change of Mind" is to stand on the verge of a GREAT conception. (Comments taken in part from "The Great Meaning of Metanoia--An Undeveloped Chapter in the Life and Teaching of Christ" by Treadwell Walden).

So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them

There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”

So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.



. No where in the Bible does it say we must repent from our sins in order to be saved. Rather Jesus said: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life (John 5:24).

This is a quote of your post #29 so help me out here what do I fail to see???

 

[ForestGreenCook]

Then the jailer in acts did not need to receive salvation,since he was already saved.

Salvation according to the Greek translation means "a deliverance". All of those that Christ died for were delivered (saved) eternally on the cross. Jesus's sacrifice was an offering to God, for the sins of his elect, for God's acceptance, and not to man for man's acceptance. When a regenerate child of God repents he is delivered (saved) from a non-fellowship with God to having a fellowship with God. The jailer did not need to be delivered eternally, but did need to be delivered to a fellowship with God. When we who have been saved eternally sin by lusting after the things of the world we must repent to regain our fellowship with God. For the scriptures to harmonize we must rightly divide the salvation scriptures.

 

[NayborBear]

I'm saying the word "Repent" used in the Bible means "change of mind" towards what one believes about who Jesus Christ is (His Diety/Son of God/God manifested in the flesh/Messiah ); that He came to save the world from their sins and give them eternal life by purchasing those who will believe and trust in Him through the shedding of His blood on the cross of Calvary as payment in full for all their past, present, and future sins. "In Him, you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14 ) Nowhere in the Bible does it say that one must "repent" from their sins in order to be saved. Christian culture added the words "from sin" to the word repent. The Reformers changed the original Greek word of "Metanoia" to the English word "Repent" when they revised the New Testament in the late 1800s, as there was no one English word that existed with the Greek meaning which was actually the inspired word of God. The Reformers also chose to use the word "repent" as they believed it to be a more true and more catholic, a more spiritual and more philosophical, interpretation of Christianity. So, if we replace the word "repent" throughout the Bible with the original and literal meaning of Metanoia to "Change your Mind," that puts a whole new light on things, doesn't it? For what is the "Mind"? It is that spiritual part of us which receives and assimilates whatever it has an affinity for in the world outside, whether that world is spiritual or material. It is the whole group of faculties which compose the intelligence. It is sight and perception, thought and reflection, apprehension and comprehension--all that is popularly known as the intellect or understanding. But it also embraces more than this, namely a large portion of the moral and affectional nature. Thus it comes about that, in common speech, the terms "mind" and "heart" are often interblended, one overlapping the field of the other. Therefore, when we speak of the Mind, we often mean the heart as well as the brain, but we never mean the heart without the brain. The Mind proper is the masculine, intellectual element, strong and foremost, of which the heart is the feminine, affectional counterpart, always in attendance upon it, always at one with it. As "Man" is the generic name for Adam and Eve, so "Mind" is the generic name for this twofold nature of man. When, then, "Mind" means so much, and "Change" may be made to mean so much, to speak of a "Change of Mind" is to stand on the verge of a GREAT conception. (Comments taken in part from "The Great Meaning of Metanoia--An Undeveloped Chapter in the Life and Teaching of Christ" by Treadwell Walden).

"Nowhere in the Bible does it say that one must "repent" from their sins in order to be saved."

Acts 2
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If what you stated were true? There were around 3,000 UNSAVED souls running around with the gift of the Holy Spirit in 'em.


But? Understanding your apparent disdain for John Calvin's teachings? And that God has NO SAY as to just who, or how many people will believe, repent, and be baptized?
I can understand why you "skipped" the whole 2nd chapter of acts.
Acts 2
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Just BLOWS PEOPLE'S MINDS, when God does something against their "God in a box!"
They just can't fathom how God can create 1 soul to be saved, while letting another soul go!
Genesis 6
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. (these are the reasons for verse 3).

3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he *ALSO IS FLESH: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

* ALSO is flesh? Wonder who the Lord was referring to there?

 

[metanoia]

How does one believe..

Well to be a christian, the basic gospel to be believed is that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the Son of God, he died on the cross for our sins, and rose to life again the third day.

Thats it. If you believe that, then that what makes you a believer.

You could believe the earth was created in 6 days, or a hundred billion years, you could believe we speak in tongues or not, or that the rapture is going to happen in 2045 or that the temple has been destoryed or hasnt even been built yet, you could even believe calvinists are right and arminists are wrong but if you dont believe the basic gospel message...you cannot be a believer

The Gospel or the good news of our salvation is the Message of the Cross. It is Christ and Him crucified for our sins, buried and risen again from the dead in three days as the Scriptures foretold. Believe it to be saved and He will save you from the penalty of your sins (eternal death) and freely give you Everlasting life. No work of yours can be added to BELIEVING upon who He says He is, and what He has done for you. ONLY His finished work on the cross can save. Eternal life cannot be lost, forfeited, or walked away from as the Arminians believe--which is a false gospel. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Rom. 11:29). God's testimony of His Son tells us that once we have believed we can KNOW we possess eternal life (1 John 5:13). The gift of God is everlasting life, and it cannot be lost. It started the very moment when we believed-we are passed from death unto life (John5:24). The Calvinists believe that all freewill based religion is of anti-Christ/Belial. Quote from Calvinist Bonhoeffer: "Do not be deceived by a "good free will" / "bad free will," "more free will" / "less free will," false dichotomies. The lie of free will is anti-Christ no matter how supposedly conservative or liberal." Calivinist A.W. Pink Quote: "The Calvinist doctrine of Total Depravity does not mean merely that the sinner has no righteousness of his own or that his heart is depraved. It means also that his will is in bondage to sin in such a fashion that he is unable to believe the gospel. Further, it means that he must therefore be born again before he can believe." Arthur Pink states this doctrine as follows: "Faith is not the cause of the new birth, but the consequence of it." FALSE & UNBIBLICAL doctrine! Calvinist Charles Surgeon Quotes: "The saints prove their conversion by their perseverance ..."; "Repentance, my dear friends, is the gift of God. It is one of those spiritual favors which ensure eternal life." (This statement is so ironic, if it is a gift of God, then what can we do about it?) On election, Calvinist Charles Spurgeon stated: "I would rather believe a limited atonement that is efficacious for all men for whom it was intended, than an universal atonement that is not efficacious for anybody, except the will of men be added to it." This belief goes entirely against God's Word, i.e., "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) In other words, Calvinists believe that we have no freewill of our own and that those who are saved were pre-chosen by God for either eternal life or eternal hell. Can you imagine a loving Father creating His children and deciding ahead of time who He would send to eternal torment in hell? Doesn't this sound absolutely crazy to you? A person's eternity absolutely depends on what they truly believe in its entirety about the gospel of Christ. If they believe in the many false beliefs and traditions of men added on to the gospel then they are non-believers and are condemned.

 

[ForestGreenCook]

So your saying you don't even have to repent??? Interesting 😏😏😏😏

You will never see the natural man (non-regenerate) repent of breaking a spiritual law that he cannot discern (1 Cor 2:14). The regenerate child, when he commits a sin, loses his fellowship with God because God has no partnership with sin,and when he repents he is delivered (saved, not eternally because he already has eternal deliverance and does not lose that) from a non-fellowship with God. For the scriptures to harmonize we must rightly divide the salvation (deliverance) scriptures.

 

[ForestGreenCook]

"Nowhere in the Bible does it say that one must "repent" from their sins in order to be saved."

Acts 2
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If what you stated were true? There were around 3,000 UNSAVED souls running around with the gift of the Holy Spirit in 'em.


But? Understanding your apparent disdain for John Calvin's teachings? And that God has NO SAY as to just who, or how many people will believe, repent, and be baptized?
I can understand why you "skipped" the whole 2nd chapter of acts.
Acts 2
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Just BLOWS PEOPLE'S MINDS, when God does something against their "God in a box!"
They just can't fathom how God can create 1 soul to be saved, while letting another soul go!
Genesis 6
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. (these are the reasons for verse 3).

3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he *ALSO IS FLESH: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

* ALSO is flesh? Wonder who the Lord was referring to there?

Your quote, "Nowhere in the bible does it say that one must [repent] in order to be saved". Acts 3:19 - Repent, therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Be blotted out is the same as be saved, however in this verse the salvation (deliverance) is not eternal deliverance, but a deliverance from non-fellowship with God until we repent and gain back our fellowship with God. Before the salvation scriptures will harmonize we must rightly divide the salvation (deliverance) scriptures from eternal deliverance and timely deliverance.

 

[metanoia]

"Nowhere in the Bible does it say that one must "repent" from their sins in order to be saved."

Acts 2
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If what you stated were true? There were around 3,000 UNSAVED souls running around with the gift of the Holy Spirit in 'em.


But? Understanding your apparent disdain for John Calvin's teachings? And that God has NO SAY as to just who, or how many people will believe, repent, and be baptized?
I can understand why you "skipped" the whole 2nd chapter of acts.
Acts 2
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Just BLOWS PEOPLE'S MINDS, when God does something against their "God in a box!"
They just can't fathom how God can create 1 soul to be saved, while letting another soul go!
Genesis 6
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. (these are the reasons for verse 3).

3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he *ALSO IS FLESH: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

* ALSO is flesh? Wonder who the Lord was referring to there?

I love how those who are actually the ones who want to keep "God in a Box" accuse others of that same thing. MY God is: El Shaddai - God Almighty; Elohim - One True God; Yahweh - LORD; Adonai - God is Master; Abba - Father; MY God does not send people to hell, they send themselves there by their own unwillingness to believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Eternal torment in hell is the consequence of their rebellion and disbelief. You know nothing of the true character of God if you believe otherwise and will most likely hear those fateful words, "I never knew you; depart from Me you workers of iniquity." (Matt. 7:23). The "will of the Father is as stated by Jesus in John 6:40 - "And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. "

 

[metanoia]

Your quote, "Nowhere in the bible does it say that one must [repent] in order to be saved". Acts 3:19 - Repent, therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Be blotted out is the same as be saved, however in this verse the salvation (deliverance) is not eternal deliverance, but a deliverance from non-fellowship with God until we repent and gain back our fellowship with God. Before the salvation scriptures will harmonize we must rightly divide the salvation (deliverance) scriptures from eternal deliverance and timely deliverance.

Please do NOT cherry-pick only parts of my posts. You completely ignored my reference to the correct definition of the word "repent" which means "change of mind" towards what one believes about who Jesus Christ is (His Diety/Son of God/God manifested in the flesh/Messiah ); that He came to save the world from their sins and give them eternal life by purchasing those who will believe and trust in Him through the shedding of His blood on the cross of Calvary as payment in full for all their past, present, and future sins. "In Him, you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

 

[NayborBear]

Your quote, "Nowhere in the bible does it say that one must [repent] in order to be saved". Acts 3:19 - Repent, therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Be blotted out is the same as be saved, however in this verse the salvation (deliverance) is not eternal deliverance, but a deliverance from non-fellowship with God until we repent and gain back our fellowship with God. Before the salvation scriptures will harmonize we must rightly divide the salvation (deliverance) scriptures from eternal deliverance and timely deliverance.

Ya see here FGC what yer a sayin'? Calvinists like you? That have allowed "traditions of men", to infiltrate their ranks, and play this "1 upmanship", of something not originally promoted by Calvin? Making Calvinism, as seen in general, as something to stay away from? Misguidingly steering folks to Arminianism? Thereby, eroding those predestined for election, into thinking it is only there free will that brings them into repentance?

Your "take" on Calivinism makes you "appear", and act like (whether intentional, or not) that you are superior to everyone! Which, of course, you are not! And neither am I!

Do you see, how traditions of man causes all these "twisty-doodles" in your "eternal deliverance and timely deliverance?"
Swatting at fleas,(eternal deliverance verses timely deliverance) while swallowing camels of "vainful superiority?"

 

[NayborBear]

I love how those who are actually the ones who want to keep "God in a Box" accuse others of that same thing. MY God is: El Shaddai - God Almighty; Elohim - One True God; Yahweh - LORD; Adonai - God is Master; Abba - Father; MY God does not send people to hell, they send themselves there by their own unwillingness to believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Eternal torment in hell is the consequence of their rebellion and disbelief. You know nothing of the true character of God if you believe otherwise and will most likely hear those fateful words, "I never knew you; depart from Me you workers of iniquity." (Matt. 7:23). The "will of the Father is as stated by Jesus in John 6:40 - "And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. "

I can see you may "revere" God Almighty! But, you certainly don't FEAR Him!
Agreed! They send themselves there by listening to your "take" on the true character of God!
What you are doing? Is saying that the "true character" of God's WILL, in that He WILLS "None SHOULD PERISH!" "But, come UNTO repentance!" IS the true character of God!
Your lack of discernment on this tells me, and every wise reader of these posts? That "traditions of man?" Has rendered you rather ignorant, at best, or quite insensitive of?:
Hebrews 4
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

You may have the true character of God's will down pat?
There be a whole lot more of and to God's "true" character, you haven't been exposed to, or haven't allowed yourself to be exposed to.
Yet? That's alright! Because God will never allow you to be tempted? More then you can bear! Or, leave you without a way out of it.

 

[metanoia]

I love how those who are actually the ones who want to keep "God in a Box" accuse others of that same thing. MY God is: El Shaddai - God Almighty; Elohim - One True God; Yahweh - LORD; Adonai - God is Master; Abba - Father; MY God does not send people to hell, they send themselves there by their own unwillingness to believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Eternal torment in hell is the consequence of their rebellion and disbelief. You know nothing of the true character of God if you believe otherwise and will most likely hear those fateful words, "I never knew you; depart from Me you workers of iniquity." (Matt. 7:23). The "will of the Father is as stated by Jesus in John 6:40 - "And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. "

I love how those who are actually the ones who want to keep "God in a Box" accuse others of that same thing. MY God is: El Shaddai - God Almighty; Elohim - One True God; Yahweh - LORD; Adonai - God is Master; Abba - Father; MY God does not send people to hell, they send themselves there by their own unwillingness to believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Eternal torment in hell is the consequence of their rebellion and disbelief. You know nothing of the true character of God if you believe otherwise and will most likely hear those fateful words, "I never knew you; depart from Me you workers of iniquity." (Matt. 7:23). The "will of the Father is as stated by Jesus in John 6:40 - "And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. "

I feel I should add more about WHO God is and His character. Psalm 18:30 "As for God, His way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him."; 1 John 1:5 "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." ; God is FAITHFUL (1 Cor. 10:13); God is PATIENT-not wanting anyone to perish (1 Peter 3:9); God is the Alpha and Omega/the Beginning and End; God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:24); The LORD is GRACIOUS and RIGHTEOUS; our God is full of compassion (Psalm 116:5); GOD IS LOVE - "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:8-10).

 

[metanoia]

I can see you may "revere" God Almighty! But, you certainly don't FEAR Him!
Agreed! They send themselves there by listening to your "take" on the true character of God!
What you are doing? Is saying that the "true character" of God's WILL, in that He WILLS "None SHOULD PERISH!" "But, come UNTO repentance!" IS the true character of God!
Your lack of discernment on this tells me, and every wise reader of these posts? That "traditions of man?" Has rendered you rather ignorant, at best, or quite insensitive of?:
Hebrews 4
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

You may have the true character of God's will down pat?
There be a whole lot more of and to God's "true" character, you haven't been exposed to, or haven't allowed yourself to be exposed to.
Yet? That's alright! Because God will never allow you to be tempted? More then you can bear! Or, leave you without a way out of it.

I'll just reply to your comments about my "lack of discernment" (which you obviously know nothing about) with Scripture: "Now the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him (Moses) there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and fourth generation." (Exodus 34:5-7) Yes, I fully understand the true character of God, and I have personally experienced His chastisement for my youthful rebellion and disobedience of His commandments. But all through the many trials and tribulations that I've endured throughout my life, I never once felt forsaken or unloved by God. I feel the most important phrase from this scripture is "abounding in goodness and truth." These words in Greek describe Jesus in John 1:14 as "full of grace and truth."

 

[Lafftur]

Your Believe with your faith
You worship in spirit and truth

Not by going to church or "dancing" to worship songs

Be not deceived

Oh dear, and I do so love to dance to worship and praise songs.................

 

[ForestGreenCook]

Please do NOT cherry-pick only parts of my posts. You completely ignored my reference to the correct definition of the word "repent" which means "change of mind" towards what one believes about who Jesus Christ is (His Diety/Son of God/God manifested in the flesh/Messiah ); that He came to save the world from their sins and give them eternal life by purchasing those who will believe and trust in Him through the shedding of His blood on the cross of Calvary as payment in full for all their past, present, and future sins. "In Him, you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

1 Cor 2:14 says that the natural man cannot discern (hear) spiritual things. After you heard the word of truth, indicates that they were already regenerated and had the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Only his sheep (regenerated child of God) hear his voice. Being sealed (a stamp of approval, an earnest, or down payment) by the Holy Spirit that is already within you.

 

[Lafftur]

This might seem like a basic question but maybe people would like to share.

(Not sure if this is the right section for this thread)

LeeLoving.................you ask, "How does one believe?" I answer you with a question, "How does one diligently seek to know and love the truth?"

Even devils believe in God and tremble but, they have NO love for the truth.

James 2:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Somehow it seems "love" always enters the equation with God. Some may say it requires faith to believe but, even faith works by love.......

Yeshua/Jesus declared Himself to be The Way, The Truth and The Life.......but, how do we know Him as Truth and love Him?

The "Spirit of Truth" - the Holy Spirit reveals Him to us - we are given knowledge straight from The Father in Heaven which we cannot refute nor deny. At that point, we must choose to either love the Truth or reject it.

If we diligently seek to know and love the truth we will receive Yeshua/Jesus Christ as King, Lord and Savior and live accordingly...........take up our cross and follow Him.

 

[ForestGreenCook]

Ya see here FGC what yer a sayin'? Calvinists like you? That have allowed "traditions of men", to infiltrate their ranks, and play this "1 upmanship", of something not originally promoted by Calvin? Making Calvinism, as seen in general, as something to stay away from? Misguidingly steering folks to Arminianism? Thereby, eroding those predestined for election, into thinking it is only there free will that brings them into repentance?

Your "take" on Calivinism makes you "appear", and act like (whether intentional, or not) that you are superior to everyone! Which, of course, you are not! And neither am I!

Do you see, how traditions of man causes all these "twisty-doodles" in your "eternal deliverance and timely deliverance?"
Swatting at fleas,(eternal deliverance verses timely deliverance) while swallowing camels of "vainful superiority?"

I am sorry that you objected to me for pointing that out to you. Can you explain to me how the natural man described in 1 Cor 2:14 can repent of breaking a spiritual law that he cannot discern? To me, if a person repents of breaking a spiritual law, then he must have already been born spiritually, Eph 2:5. I am sorry that you perceive me as coming across as being smarter. That is not my intention, I am just discussing the scriptures as I see them, not unlike you or anybody else on this forum. I thought this was a "bible discussion forum".

 

[metanoia]

1 Cor 2:14 says that the natural man cannot discern (hear) spiritual things. After you heard the word of truth, indicates that they were already regenerated and had the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Only his sheep (regenerated child of God) hear his voice. Being sealed (a stamp of approval, an earnest, or down payment) by the Holy Spirit that is already within you.

You quoted 1 Cor. 2:14 incorrectly. It actually says: But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;..." the correctly quoted word "receive" means "to welcome, to embrace, to make something one's own." Once a person believes in the Gospel of Christ, they are indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit and can thus discern and comprehend spiritual things. No one is born with the Holy Spirit but will definitely receive it after they believe in the gospel of Christ. "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 2:13)

 

[ForestGreenCook]

You quoted 1 Cor. 2:14 incorrectly. It actually says: But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;..." the correctly quoted word "receive" means "to welcome, to embrace, to make something one's own." Once a person believes in the Gospel of Christ, they are indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit and can thus discern and comprehend spiritual things. No one is born with the Holy Spirit but will definitely receive it after they believe in the gospel of Christ. "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 2:13)

I did not quote the whole verse, and neither did you, but the last part of the verse in the KJV says "neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." He cannot know them until he is born of the Spirit (Eph 2:5). A person cannot hear and believe in spiritual things unless he is already God's sheep (born again of the Spirit). My sheep hear my voice and I know them by name.

 

[metanoia]

You quoted 1 Cor. 2:14 incorrectly. It actually says: But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;..." the correctly quoted word "receive" means "to welcome, to embrace, to make something one's own." Once a person believes in the Gospel of Christ, they are indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit and can thus discern and comprehend spiritual things. No one is born with the Holy Spirit but will definitely receive it after they believe in the gospel of Christ. "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 2:13)

Also, see Romans 1:18-23:

I did not quote the whole verse, and neither did you, but the last part of the verse in the KJV says "neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." He cannot know them until he is born of the Spirit (Eph 2:5). A person cannot hear and believe in spiritual things unless he is already God's sheep (born again of the Spirit). My sheep hear my voice and I know them by name.

I did not quote the whole verse, and neither did you, but the last part of the verse in the KJV says "neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." He cannot know them until he is born of the Spirit (Eph 2:5). A person cannot hear and believe in spiritual things unless he is already God's sheep (born again of the Spirit). My sheep hear my voice and I know them by name.

My point was that the correct word was "receive" NOT "hear" as you quoted. Romans 1:18-20 reveals that man is made known of God and is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. God puts in everyone's heart an inner witness to a source of right and wrong, a greater power to who they are accountable. In Romans 1:21-27, people reject God seven ways: through irreligion (did not glorify Him), ingratitude (nor were thankful), ignorance (became fools), idolatry (changed the glory of God into an image), immorality (lusts of their hearts), and inversion (exchanged the natural use for what is against nature). Romans 1:22 - In this context, "fool" means someone who has heard the truth about God and deliberately rejected it. In Romans 1:24-32, one might ask how can a loving God give people up to the evils they choose (24, 26, 28)? God gives them up only after an adequate revelation of His being (1:20). He does not cause anyone's demise; the natural law of consequences does. God cannot abide in the presence of sin, which is why He abandoned His own Son at Calvary as Christ bore the sins of the world (1 John 2:2).

 

[Deade]

You said, "action not acknowledgment," which is works, and I say we are only saved by "believing" in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the Message of the Cross--it is Christ and Him crucified for our sins, buried and risen again from the dead in three days as the Scriptures foretold. Believe it to be saved and He will save you from the penalty of your sins (eternal death) and freely give you Everlasting Life. It grieves me and other believers to hear many preachers telling people to stop sinning or turn from all your sin in order to be saved, when we know that we ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8). Christ said repent or likewise perish. The word "repent" in the Greek means "change of mind." In terms of perishing, Christ was telling people to change their mind relative to their belief about Him. (John 1:10 - He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ) The Apostle Paul said God commanded all men everywhere to repent, and he said it was about God (who He was and was not) and His Son, Jesus, who He ordained to judge the world and proof was His resurrection from the dead (after He was crucified for our sins). No work of ours can be added to believing upon who Christ is and what He has done for us. Only Christ's work can save. You quoted James 1:22 to support your "works salvation," however, but you failed to acknowledge who James was addressing his message to, i.e., "Beloved Brethren." James was talking to SAVED saints of Christ. Yes, I absolutely believe saved Christians should follow the heart of God and the footsteps of Jesus, just as James believed, but we must get saved first by believing in the Gospel of Christ so that the Holy Spirit can guide us throughout our life journey. No where in the Bible does it say we must repent from our sins in order to be saved. Rather Jesus said: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life (John 5:24).

You are sure a nit-picker when it comes to works. I see nobody claiming their salvation is a result of their works. So it becomes a distinction who's works is it when we start obeying Christ as His followers. How do we really know we believe unless we obey His commands? Where does it stop being our works and become Christ's works? You believe we should follow the heart and footsteps of Jesus, then you turn around and say that is our works. Once we are saved, is it not God's works?

Regarding your statement that scripture does not tell us to repent: Not true. The very message that John the Baptist brought was to repent for the remission of sins. That is what sets up the gospel. The gospel is about the Kingdom of God, not the story of Christ.

Mark 1:4, 5 "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins."

Mark 1:15 "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."