What does 'Repent' mean ?

[throughfaith]

The natural man responds to the things of man. The spiritual man responds to the things of the Spirit.

Yes . now read Romans 7 and tell me a believer does not respond to one or another. You did not lose the ' natural man ' upon salvation .
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21¶I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

 

[garee]

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord
This is why we must examine our message and make sure that we always include the necessity of repentance from sin.
Repentance Toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ are the requirements for salvation and Repentance must never be left out as it so often is in many messages today.

As long as he is working in us to both will and do his good pleasure we can repent. To repent is a work . We are not saved by any work we could do .

 

[ForestGreenCook]

What is everyone's opinion on Ray Comfort ? Many say he is preaching Lordship salvation with the way he teaches " there's two things you have to do to be saved. You have to repent and believe. When he explains repentance he will sometimes say " turn from sins " ?

Again you are trusting in how some man has falsely interpreted the scriptures. Scripture proves scripture, and should be our only source of gleaning the truths contained in the doctrine of Christ.

Only the quickened spiritual man will repent of breaking a spiritual law. The un-regenerante natural man, does not understand spiritual laws, and thinks them to be foolishness.

 

[garee]

You say that Christ repents. Chapter and verse, please.

(Exodus 32:12-14; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:15; Psalm 106:45; Jeremiah 4:28; 18:8; 26:3, 13, 19; 42:10; Joel 2:13-14; Amos 7:3, 6; Jonah 3:9-10; 4:2).

 

[ForestGreenCook]

Yes . now read Romans 7 and tell me a believer does not respond to one or another. You did not lose the ' natural man ' upon salvation .
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21¶I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

You are right. When we are born again, we do not leave our fleshly nature behind. The natural man, before he has been regenerated, possesses only the personality of man. The spiritual man, that has been born of the Spirit possesses a split personality. This still leaves the natural unregenerate man as unsaved.

 

[ForestGreenCook]

As long as he is working in us to both will and do his good pleasure we can repent. To repent is a work . We are not saved by any work we could do .

I do agree with you.

 

[Scribe]

What is everyone's opinion on Ray Comfort ? Many say he is preaching Lordship salvation with the way he teaches " there's two things you have to do to be saved. You have to repent and believe. When he explains repentance he will sometimes say " turn from sins " ?

I met Ray Comfort in Texas and had lunch with him in the 90s and he is a good brother who has a passion for winning souls.

As to your question, there are two requirements for salvation, I teach the same thing. I think that is a scriptural statement and one should not let Calvinism/Augustinian/Platonism Philosophy or Lutheran, reformist intellectualism make you afraid to agree with Paul the apostle and the intended Holy Spirit meaning of Acts 20:21 as to the gist of Paul's understanding of the requirements for salvation.

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you do not preach repentance from sin and total surrender to Jesus Christ as your message you would not be preaching salvation. Jesus saves us from our sins and the reason we come to him is to be freed from sin. They would call him Jesus because he would save his people from their sins. Anyone who it teaching a message that you can just keep on sinning and still have Jesus is a Jezebel, a Balaam, a Cain, and a false apostle. They are still with us. Reprove them when you hear them. Jesus last words to the church warned of them. (Rev 2-3)

 

[throughfaith]

I met Ray Comfort in Texas and had lunch with him in the 90s and he is a good brother who has a passion for winning souls.

As to your question, there are two requirements for salvation, I teach the same thing. I think that is a scriptural statement and one should not let Calvinism/Augustinian/Platonism Philosophy or Lutheran, reformist intellectualism make you afraid to agree with Paul the apostle and the intended Holy Spirit meaning of Acts 20:21 as to the gist of Paul's understanding of the requirements for salvation.

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

as your message you would not be preaching salvation. Jesus saves us from our sins and the reason we come to him is to be freed from sin. They would call him Jesus because he would save his people from their sins. Anyone who it teaching a message that you can just keep on sinning and still have Jesus is a Jezebel, a Balaam, a Cain, and a false apostle. They are still with us. Reprove them when you hear them. Jesus last words to the church warned of them. (Rev 2-3)

I would have to disagree . ///If you do not preach repentance from sin and total surrender to Jesus Christ// this is not how a person is saved .That has the opposite effect and just creates church goers / false converts. So long as they are ticking boxes ,following the rules attending church, getting baptised , doing good, ect . Or genuinely saved people are under a yoke of ' Lordship salvation ' .

 

[FlyingDove]

What is everyone's opinion on Ray Comfort ? Many say he is preaching Lordship salvation with the way he teaches " there's two things you have to do to be saved. You have to repent and believe. When he explains repentance he will sometimes say " turn from sins " ?

No opinion here on Ray Comfort.

Repentance is often misunderstood & misused. Invariably the word repentance is tied to everyday sins. Jesus added thoughts to the law (Matt 5:21-28) good luck controlling/repenting from every single one.

John 12:32 Jesus said; And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
(NOTE: Jesus was in fact lifted up on the cross & from the grave. Everybody is drawn to/offered salvation via God's Holy Spirit. Sadly, not everyone excepts/embraces it)

John 16:
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
(NOTE: The Holy Spirit will reprove/expose/convict everyone of, sins? NO of "SIN" singular.)

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
(NOTE: The only SIN that condemns one to eternal separation/damnation is UNBELIEF! Continued rejection of Christ's sin payment & resurrection, until/at life's end.)

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
(NOTE: The key to this verse is found in the article "TOWARD". Repentance TOWARD God & faith TOWARD Christ)

Repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance is a change of mind """TOWARD God""" that results in a change of actions thru faith.

When Acts is written every Jew knew & had a covenant relationship with God. For them repent meant to flee self serving & return to God. They had a sacrificial system for dealing with sin.

For the gentile that had no covenant relationship with God & no hope (Eph 2:12). They were to acknowledge God's existence & place their faith in Jesus death (sins payment) & resurrection.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word.
(NOTE: They Believed (vs43) & as Peter spoke (vs44) The Holy Spirit fell on them (vs45). NO REPENTANCE of any kind here, No water baptism, No circumcision, they brought no sin sacrifice to the Temple, No law keeping etc)

Thru faith & faith alone, placed in Jesus redemptive work & resurrection. These gentiles were given/received the baptism OF & were eternally sealed BY God's indwelling Holy Spirit (vs45) = SAVED - FINISHED TRANSACTION! Also see Eph 1:13, 2 Cor 1:22 & Eph 4:30/sealed until the day of redemption, Rom 8:38-39)

For NT believers repentance is a God given grant that comes after salvation

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life
(NOTE: God has GRANTED the gentiles repentance.)

Rom 1:5 "Through him we received grace" & apostleship "to call all the Gentiles to the obedience" "that comes from faith" for his name’s sake.
(NOTE: Gentiles are called to FAITH, which leads to obedience & repentance)

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches """of his goodness""" and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that """the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance"""?
(NOTE: It's thru the GOODNESS of GOD not thru OUR OWN great work of sin repentance, obedience or self-control. That we REPENT/change our thinking/course. It's salvations seal of indwelling Holy Spirit that leads us to REPENT/change our thinking outlook & direction).

Rom 16:26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, ""so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience"" ""that comes from faith""
(NOTE: Gentiles are brought to obedience/repentance/godly living, thru Faith)

1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
(NOTE: Anyone that believes they can conquer their own sin nature, without Gods help is mistaken)

At conversion, Jesus our Great High Priest (Heb 4:14) takes away our sins, by imputing them (Rom 4:8 11, 22, 23, 24, Ja 2:23) onto himself & imputing His righteousness onto us. Once our sins have been removed, we become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21).

Ultimately, there is only one sin that Jesus payment doesn't/won't remiss/forgive/pardon: Unbelief in & the rejection of, Christ's sin payment & resurrection, until/at life's end/death. (We all die Heb 9:27). That's my story & I'm sticking to it. Peace FD

 

[throughfaith]

No opinion here on Ray Comfort.

Repentance is often misunderstood & misused. Invariably the word repentance is tied to everyday sins. Jesus added thoughts to the law (Matt 5:21-28) good luck controlling/repenting from every single one.

John 12:32 Jesus said; And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
(NOTE: Jesus was in fact lifted up on the cross & from the grave. Everybody is drawn to/offered salvation via God's Holy Spirit. Sadly, not everyone excepts/embraces it)

John 16:
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
(NOTE: The Holy Spirit will reprove/expose/convict everyone of, sins? NO of "SIN" singular.)

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
(NOTE: The only SIN that condemns one to eternal separation/damnation is UNBELIEF! Continued rejection of Christ's sin payment & resurrection, until/at life's end.)

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
(NOTE: The key to this verse is found in the article "TOWARD". Repentance TOWARD God & faith TOWARD Christ)

Repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance is a change of mind """TOWARD God""" that results in a change of actions thru faith.

When Acts is written every Jew knew & had a covenant relationship with God. For them repent meant to flee self serving & return to God. They had a sacrificial system for dealing with sin.

For the gentile that had no covenant relationship with God & no hope (Eph 2:12). They were to acknowledge God's existence & place their faith in Jesus death (sins payment) & resurrection.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word.
(NOTE: They Believed (vs43) & as Peter spoke (vs44) The Holy Spirit fell on them (vs45). NO REPENTANCE of any kind here, No water baptism, No circumcision, they brought no sin sacrifice to the Temple, No law keeping etc)

Thru faith & faith alone, placed in Jesus redemptive work & resurrection. These gentiles were given/received the baptism OF & were eternally sealed BY God's indwelling Holy Spirit (vs45) = SAVED - FINISHED TRANSACTION! Also see Eph 1:13, 2 Cor 1:22 & Eph 4:30/sealed until the day of redemption, Rom 8:38-39)

For NT believers repentance is a God given grant that comes after salvation

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life
(NOTE: God has GRANTED the gentiles repentance.)

Rom 1:5 "Through him we received grace" & apostleship "to call all the Gentiles to the obedience" "that comes from faith" for his name’s sake.
(NOTE: Gentiles are called to FAITH, which leads to obedience & repentance)

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches """of his goodness""" and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that """the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance"""?
(NOTE: It's thru the GOODNESS of GOD not thru OUR OWN great work of sin repentance, obedience or self-control. That we REPENT/change our thinking/course. It's salvations seal of indwelling Holy Spirit that leads us to REPENT/change our thinking outlook & direction).

Rom 16:26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, ""so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience"" ""that comes from faith""
(NOTE: Gentiles are brought to obedience/repentance/godly living, thru Faith)

1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
(NOTE: Anyone that believes they can conquer their own sin nature, without Gods help is mistaken)

At conversion, Jesus our Great High Priest (Heb 4:14) takes away our sins, by imputing them (Rom 4:8 11, 22, 23, 24, Ja 2:23) onto himself & imputing His righteousness onto us. Once our sins have been removed, we become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21).

Ultimately, there is only one sin that Jesus payment doesn't/won't remiss/forgive/pardon: Unbelief in & the rejection of, Christ's sin payment & resurrection, until/at life's end/death. (We all die Heb 9:27). That's my story & I'm sticking to it. Peace FD

Finally some sense . I would only say that I believe Jesus did die for the sin of unbelief , as we were all in unbelief when he died and payed for sins . The issue is that ' belief ' is the only access point. We have to recieve the atonment Rom 5 .12 /R om 5.2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. So not Believing condemns a person because faith its the only access to the grace .
1 cor 1.21 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

 

[Scribe]

I would have to disagree . ///If you do not preach repentance from sin and total surrender to Jesus Christ// this is not how a person is saved .That has the opposite effect and just creates church goers / false converts. So long as they are ticking boxes ,following the rules attending church, getting baptised , doing good, ect . Or genuinely saved people are under a yoke of ' Lordship salvation ' .

Well, if you do not have repentance toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ, you are not saved. It is not that complicated.
If someone thinks that attending church saves them, they need to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Lord no matter what.

If you do not come to Jesus Christ every single moment with a heart that says.. "I repent of anything in my life that is not pleasing to you and turn from it and I will follow your will and your word" then what is it that you are calling saved? That to me is the result of what happens to a person when they are saved. They love righteousness and hate iniquity. And therefore the Lord pours out on them the oil of gladness and the anointing of the Holy Spirit and spiritual illumination. When you don't have that heart, and think to yourself that you can hold on to certain things that are not pleasing to God but they are not "deal breakers" and that you are "saved" anyway, you show a heart condition that is already backsliding toward apostasy if not already there.

Now this topic has been hashed and rehashed so many times it is a waste of my time to state the obvious, but I encourage all those who have the opportunity to preach to emphasize the freedom and joy that comes from total surrender to Jesus Christ in these last days. There is no other way to have the joy that makes the Christian life so full of excitement and energy even when facing difficult situations. Many Christians are miserable simply because they are continuing to indulge in sins that they can be free from if they would repent and recognize that there is no joy in the Lord while indulging in pet sins at the same time. They are forsaking the mercy and joy that could be theirs because they are observing lying vanities. (Jonah)

 

[FlyingDove]

Finally some sense . I would only say that I believe Jesus did die for the sin of unbelief , as we were all in unbelief when he died and payed for sins . The issue is that ' belief ' is the only access point. We have to recieve the atonment Rom 5 .12 /R om 5.2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. So not Believing condemns a person because its the only access to the grace .

Yes we all begin in unbelief. Post did say unbelief until/at life's end/death.

Here:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
(NOTE: The only SIN that condemns one to eternal separation/damnation is UNBELIEF! Continued rejection of Christ's sin payment & resurrection, until/at life's end.)

Last paragraph as well:
Unbelief in & the rejection of, Christ's sin payment & resurrection, until/at life's end/death.

 

[throughfaith]

Finally some sense . I would only say that I believe Jesus did die for the sin of unbelief , as we were all in unbelief when he died and payed for sins . The issue is that ' belief ' is the only access point. We have to recieve the atonment Rom 5 .12 /R om 5.2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. So not Believing condemns a person because faith its the only access to the grace .
1 cor 1.21 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

I meant romans 5.11

 

[Scribe]

 

[throughfaith]

Well, if you do not have repentance toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ, you are not saved. It is not that complicated.
If someone thinks that attending church saves them, they need to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Lord no matter what.

If you do not come to Jesus Christ every single moment with a heart that says.. "I repent of anything in my life that is not pleasing to you and turn from it and I will follow your will and your word" then what is it that you are calling saved? That to me is the result of what happens to a person when they are saved. They love righteousness and hate iniquity. And therefore the Lord pours out on them the oil of gladness and the anointing of the Holy Spirit and spiritual illumination. When you don't have that heart, and think to yourself that you can hold on to certain things that are not pleasing to God but they are not "deal breakers" and that you are "saved" anyway, you show a heart condition that is already backsliding toward apostasy if not already there.

Now this topic has been hashed and rehashed so many times it is a waste of my time to state the obvious, but I encourage all those who have the opportunity to preach to emphasize the freedom and joy that comes from total surrender to Jesus Christ in these last days. There is no other way to have the joy that makes the Christian life so full of excitement and energy even when facing difficult situations. Many Christians are miserable simply because they are continuing to indulge in sins that they can be free from if they would repent and recognize that there is no joy in the Lord while indulging in pet sins at the same time. They are forsaking the mercy and joy that could be theirs because they are observing lying vanities. (Jonah)

I think we have more scriptural support that if a person does no

Well, if you do not have repentance toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ, you are not saved. It is not that complicated.
If someone thinks that attending church saves them, they need to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Lord no matter what.

If you do not come to Jesus Christ every single moment with a heart that says.. "I repent of anything in my life that is not pleasing to you and turn from it and I will follow your will and your word" then what is it that you are calling saved? That to me is the result of what happens to a person when they are saved. They love righteousness and hate iniquity. And therefore the Lord pours out on them the oil of gladness and the anointing of the Holy Spirit and spiritual illumination. When you don't have that heart, and think to yourself that you can hold on to certain things that are not pleasing to God but they are not "deal breakers" and that you are "saved" anyway, you show a heart condition that is already backsliding toward apostasy if not already there.

Now this topic has been hashed and rehashed so many times it is a waste of my time to state the obvious, but I encourage all those who have the opportunity to preach to emphasize the freedom and joy that comes from total surrender to Jesus Christ in these last days. There is no other way to have the joy that makes the Christian life so full of excitement and energy even when facing difficult situations. Many Christians are miserable simply because they are continuing to indulge in sins that they can be free from if they would repent and recognize that there is no joy in the Lord while indulging in pet sins at the same time. They are forsaking the mercy and joy that could be theirs because they are observing lying vanities. (Jonah)

Do we not

Well, if you do not have repentance toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ, you are not saved. It is not that complicated.
If someone thinks that attending church saves them, they need to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Lord no matter what.

If you do not come to Jesus Christ every single moment with a heart that says.. "I repent of anything in my life that is not pleasing to you and turn from it and I will follow your will and your word" then what is it that you are calling saved? That to me is the result of what happens to a person when they are saved. They love righteousness and hate iniquity. And therefore the Lord pours out on them the oil of gladness and the anointing of the Holy Spirit and spiritual illumination. When you don't have that heart, and think to yourself that you can hold on to certain things that are not pleasing to God but they are not "deal breakers" and that you are "saved" anyway, you show a heart condition that is already backsliding toward apostasy if not already there.

Now this topic has been hashed and rehashed so many times it is a waste of my time to state the obvious, but I encourage all those who have the opportunity to preach to emphasize the freedom and joy that comes from total surrender to Jesus Christ in these last days. There is no other way to have the joy that makes the Christian life so full of excitement and energy even when facing difficult situations. Many Christians are miserable simply because they are continuing to indulge in sins that they can be free from if they would repent and recognize that there is no joy in the Lord while indulging in pet sins at the same time. They are forsaking the mercy and joy that could be theirs because they are observing lying vanities. (Jonah)

Again i disagree strongly. This is Lordship savation and is very damaging . Churches filled with attendees doing the routine ,following the formula . And many an inactive

Well, if you do not have repentance toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ, you are not saved. It is not that complicated.
If someone thinks that attending church saves them, they need to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Lord no matter what.

If you do not come to Jesus Christ every single moment with a heart that says.. "I repent of anything in my life that is not pleasing to you and turn from it and I will follow your will and your word" then what is it that you are calling saved? That to me is the result of what happens to a person when they are saved. They love righteousness and hate iniquity. And therefore the Lord pours out on them the oil of gladness and the anointing of the Holy Spirit and spiritual illumination. When you don't have that heart, and think to yourself that you can hold on to certain things that are not pleasing to God but they are not "deal breakers" and that you are "saved" anyway, you show a heart condition that is already backsliding toward apostasy if not already there.

Now this topic has been hashed and rehashed so many times it is a waste of my time to state the obvious, but I encourage all those who have the opportunity to preach to emphasize the freedom and joy that comes from total surrender to Jesus Christ in these last days. There is no other way to have the joy that makes the Christian life so full of excitement and energy even when facing difficult situations. Many Christians are miserable simply because they are continuing to indulge in sins that they can be free from if they would repent and recognize that there is no joy in the Lord while indulging in pet sins at the same time. They are forsaking the mercy and joy that could be theirs because they are observing lying vanities. (Jonah)

Either your saved or not saved . There is no middle ground .

 

[throughfaith]

Well, if you do not have repentance toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ, you are not saved. It is not that complicated.
If someone thinks that attending church saves them, they need to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Lord no matter what.

If you do not come to Jesus Christ every single moment with a heart that says.. "I repent of anything in my life that is not pleasing to you and turn from it and I will follow your will and your word" then what is it that you are calling saved? That to me is the result of what happens to a person when they are saved. They love righteousness and hate iniquity. And therefore the Lord pours out on them the oil of gladness and the anointing of the Holy Spirit and spiritual illumination. When you don't have that heart, and think to yourself that you can hold on to certain things that are not pleasing to God but they are not "deal breakers" and that you are "saved" anyway, you show a heart condition that is already backsliding toward apostasy if not already there.

Now this topic has been hashed and rehashed so many times it is a waste of my time to state the obvious, but I encourage all those who have the opportunity to preach to emphasize the freedom and joy that comes from total surrender to Jesus Christ in these last days. There is no other way to have the joy that makes the Christian life so full of excitement and energy even when facing difficult situations. Many Christians are miserable simply because they are continuing to indulge in sins that they can be free from if they would repent and recognize that there is no joy in the Lord while indulging in pet sins at the same time. They are forsaking the mercy and joy that could be theirs because they are observing lying vanities. (Jonah)

Either a person is saved or not . Its not partial regeneration; partially sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. Were not partially justified , partial peace with God ( cease fire )

 

[SoulWeaver]

What is everyone's opinion on Ray Comfort ? Many say he is preaching Lordship salvation with the way he teaches " there's two things you have to do to be saved. You have to repent and believe. When he explains repentance he will sometimes say " turn from sins " ?

I think he's awesome. He's bringing atheists to God in a very effective way. He has love of God in him and is a gentle meek soul. This is very obvious as soon as he speaks and when you see how he treats others.

 

[throughfaith]

I think he's awesome. He's bringing atheists to God in a very effective way. He has love of God in him and is a gentle meek soul. This is very obvious as soon as he speaks and when you see how he treats others.

I've met him and he is a great guy . I don't agree with all he teaches but yeah great guy .

 

[TheDivineWatermark]

throughfaith: Or genuinely saved people are under a yoke of ' Lordship salvation ' .

[...]Lordship savation and is very damaging .

Agreed.


___________


...and as to the thing I'd written about Peter's call for them (in Acts 3) to have a "change of mind" regarding His IDENTITY, this is because:

"And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men, by which it behooves us to be saved." - Acts 4:12

(and that is basically what the entirety of what Peter's point is in Acts 3:12-26--the Man you put to death on the Cross was/is indeed HIM/YOUR MESSIAH; there is no other name or way of salvation [/or, forgiveness of sins]. )

 

[ForestGreenCook]

I met Ray Comfort in Texas and had lunch with him in the 90s and he is a good brother who has a passion for winning souls.

As to your question, there are two requirements for salvation, I teach the same thing. I think that is a scriptural statement and one should not let Calvinism/Augustinian/Platonism Philosophy or Lutheran, reformist intellectualism make you afraid to agree with Paul the apostle and the intended Holy Spirit meaning of Acts 20:21 as to the gist of Paul's understanding of the requirements for salvation.

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you do not preach repentance from sin and total surrender to Jesus Christ as your message you would not be preaching salvation. Jesus saves us from our sins and the reason we come to him is to be freed from sin. They would call him Jesus because he would save his people from their sins. Anyone who it teaching a message that you can just keep on sinning and still have Jesus is a Jezebel, a Balaam, a Cain, and a false apostle. They are still with us. Reprove them when you hear them. Jesus last words to the church warned of them. (Rev 2-3)

I do not question that you are probably more entelect in secular teachings than I. I use, as my counsel, only the inspired word of God,in belief, that scripture proves scripture, and they must all harmonize with each other, if we are to understand the truths of what Jesus taught.

I believe the scriptures to teach that the dead alien sinner is eternally saved by God's sovereign grace, without the help from mankind. Otherwise, it would be eternal salvation by mankind's good works. There are no requirements for eternal salvation. Salvation, according to Greek means "a deliverance". Not all deliverances are eternal. We are delivered (saved) when we repent of breaking one of God's spiritual laws, if God forgives us. After we have been born again, and commit a sin, we lose our fellowship with God, until he forgives us, but we do not lose our eternal inheritance.

Paul is instructing the elders of the church to preach repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Before Paul was an Apostle, Jesus instructed his Apostles to go and preach to the LOST sheep (God's regenerated, babes in Christ, children) of the house of Israel, which is not the nation of Israel, but is Jacob's new name that God had changed in Gen 33:28. Jacob is representative of God's elect, Rom 9:11-13.

The babes in Christ were in need of being taught the knowledge of God's righteousness, because they were not mature in the knowledge, being just babes. We see an example of this teaching need in Paul's words of Rom 10:1-3.