Not By Works

[oyster67]

That is kind of vague if you don't mind me saying. If you hated God how did you all the sudden stop? What made you give God a chance? Something must have happened in your life. If that is all too personal just say so. I don't want you to feel you have to answer something that you want to keep private.

As for me, I did not actually hate God, but I did want to be free to go my own way and do my own thing. I finally realized that God loved me and knew what was best for me. He loved me before I loved Him. It is the greatest love story of all time, and it is true.

John
3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

 

[Magenta]

How do you know that was poured into you? Do you feel differently when you became a Christian? I'm wondering how someone is sure.

John 10:27-28

 

[VCO]

brother please do not do this, you know this is not true. and I am offended that you would even think such nonsense

I am sorry, and do apologize. I came to that conclusion after you used the word A PROCESS.
Salvation is not a PROCESS, however Sanctification is a PROCESS.
When GOD PLANS IT, it is a done deal, as if it has already happened.

I was also offended when you used the term CALVINIST to something I said, AS I HAVE NEVER BEEN A 5-Point Calvinist, as I only believe in three of the 5 Point TULIP. But I quickly dismissed the offending statement.

 

[VCO]

We were not born again before time began. This is strange corn that you are trying to feed us.

NO that is the TRUTH, so let me explain.

SALVATION is a DONE DEAL the moment HE PLANNED IT. That is why He WROTE OUR NAMES IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, before HE FORMED THE WORLD.

1 Corinthians 7:23 (NRSV)
23 You were bought with a price {When? Before Time Began.}; do not become slaves of human masters.

2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Numbers 33:56 (HCSB)
56 And what I had planned to do to them, I will do to you.”

Isaiah 46:11 (HCSB)
11 I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it.

Malachi 3:6 (NASB)
6 "For I, the LORD, do not change;
therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Revelation 17:8 (ESV)
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.

Revelation 13:8 (ESV)
8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it {image of the Beast}, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

Revelation 21:27 (GW)
27 Nothing unclean, no one who does anything detestable, and no liars will ever enter it. Only those whose names are written in the lamb's Book of Life will enter it.


GOD is the CREATOR of Time, not a Created Being, traveling threw Time as we know it.

SO WHEN DID WE RECIEVE THE SALVATION THAT CHRIST ON THE CROSS PAID FOR ? ? ?

When we were BORN AGAIN!

John 3:3-7 (HCSB)
3 Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 “But how can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked Him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. {Salvation only refers to the Human Spirit.}
7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again.

{Sanctification refers to the Human Body, learning to walk as HE walked, and will take a lifetime.}

John 1:12 (HCSB)
12 But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,

RECEIVE HIM AS WHAT ? ? ?

Romans 10:8-10 (NASB)
8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,
9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord {which means MASTER}, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
10 for with the heart a person believes {not with what lies between your ears}, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

See the end of VERSE 10, some say that WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS, when it comes from the human intellect, BUT NOT went it comes from the HUMAN HEART (the spirit of Man), then it comes from the HOLY SPIRIT.

1 Corinthians 12:3 (NASB)
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say,
"Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

I am sorry, and do apologize. I came to that conclusion after you used the word A PROCESS.
Salvation is not a PROCESS, however Sanctification is a PROCESS.
When GOD PLANS IT, it is a done deal, as if it has already happened.

I was also offended when you used the term CALVINIST to something I said, AS I HAVE NEVER BEEN A 5-Point Calvinist, as I only believe in three of the 5 Point TULIP. But I quickly dismissed the offending statement.

Salvation is a process my friend,

sanctification is a lifelong process i agree

the process of salvation starts at the cross, it continues with god drawing us to himself, including the conviction and teaching of the Hs, many times through other people, it includes for many god putting Circumstances in our life, which cause us to see him and look to him, and it ends when the tax collector and those like him (you and I included); Fallon our knees in total desperation because we became poor in spirit and had no where else to turn. (Faith)

that did not happen in a split second, or over night, in any person I have ever met, no matter what side of doctrine they follow

 

[Infinite_Ark]

Jesus will reveal Himself to anyone who seeks a closer walk with Him. He loves you. You were made for communion with Him.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Life in Christ is a growing process. Sweeter gets the journey every day. Assurance will come. Just keep seeking a closer walk. We will walk together.

Luke
24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs.
24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

Don't worry about predetermination. There are many strange ideas floating around in here that are not Biblical. Satan will try to confuse you. The Holy Spirit will guide you unto deeper truth as you read, study, and meditate upon God's Word. God bless you.

Thank you for that. I agree reading here can make someone to be very confused about whats what.

Do you mind me asking this? I asked someone else in a different thread already. I like to get different perspectives. If there are only certain people God chooses for his salvation how do you know you're that one? Can we delude ourselves by all that study and prayer? Thinking we're it and we're really not at all. Is that why we see so many confessed Christians making news for having committed vicious crimes.Could that be because they weren't one of those God chose?

What's it feel like to know you're one of the chosen ones?

I appreciate your help. And thank you. I hope God blesses you too.

 

[Infinite_Ark]

There was a spiritual battle for my life and soul. I was being ripped apart by evil. My eyes were opened to that reality. I also saw the ugliness of my sin and was made to see the holiness and Love of God. I trusted and called on Him and was saved and made new

Thank you for sharing this here. I'm happy for you.

 

[Infinite_Ark]

NO that is the TRUTH, so let me explain.

SALVATION is a DONE DEAL the moment HE PLANNED IT. That is why He WROTE OUR NAMES IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, before HE FORMED THE WORLD.

1 Corinthians 7:23 (NRSV)
23 You were bought with a price {When? Before Time Began.}; do not become slaves of human masters.

2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Numbers 33:56 (HCSB)
56 And what I had planned to do to them, I will do to you.”

Isaiah 46:11 (HCSB)
11 I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it.

Malachi 3:6 (NASB)
6 "For I, the LORD, do not change;
therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Revelation 17:8 (ESV)
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.

Revelation 13:8 (ESV)
8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it {image of the Beast}, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

Revelation 21:27 (GW)
27 Nothing unclean, no one who does anything detestable, and no liars will ever enter it. Only those whose names are written in the lamb's Book of Life will enter it.


GOD is the CREATOR of Time, not a Created Being, traveling threw Time as we know it.

SO WHEN DID WE RECIEVE THE SALVATION THAT CHRIST ON THE CROSS PAID FOR ? ? ?

When we were BORN AGAIN!

John 3:3-7 (HCSB)
3 Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 “But how can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked Him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. {Salvation only refers to the Human Spirit.}
7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again.

{Sanctification refers to the Human Body, learning to walk as HE walked, and will take a lifetime.}

John 1:12 (HCSB)
12 But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,

RECEIVE HIM AS WHAT ? ? ?

Romans 10:8-10 (NASB)
8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,
9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord {which means MASTER}, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
10 for with the heart a person believes {not with what lies between your ears}, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

See the end of VERSE 10, some say that WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS, when it comes from the human intellect, BUT NOT went it comes from the HUMAN HEART (the spirit of Man), then it comes from the HOLY SPIRIT.

1 Corinthians 12:3 (NASB)
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say,
"Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

This is where the confusion sets in.
How do you know your name is in that book?
Can we fool ourselves thinking it is?
Thank you for your help.

 

[CherieR]

This is where the confusion sets in.
How do you know your name is in that book?
Can we fool ourselves thinking it is?
Thank you for your help.

Are you asking out of concern for your own salvation?

Often times I think where people get tripped up with salvation and feeling assured is looking at oneself. Examples are questioning one's salvation because of struggling with sin or asking " do I have enough faith?", " have I truly repented?" Etc.

Salvation is God's work, not our work. Look to Jesus. Look to the cross. Is this not enough? Look to his word. Look to Jesus's character. He did not turn anyone away. He cared for people's physically health through healing them who came to him time and time again. Jesus is also the physician of our souls and He cares for you.

 

[oyster67]

Thank you for that. I agree reading here can make someone to be very confused about whats what.

Do you mind me asking this? I asked someone else in a different thread already. I like to get different perspectives. If there are only certain people God chooses for his salvation how do you know you're that one? Can we delude ourselves by all that study and prayer? Thinking we're it and we're really not at all. Is that why we see so many confessed Christians making news for having committed vicious crimes.Could that be because they weren't one of those God chose?

What's it feel like to know you're one of the chosen ones?

I appreciate your help. And thank you. I hope God blesses you too.

Believing one is born predestined to go to Heaven whilst others are born without even having the chance to choose to follow Jesus is a false religion called Calvinism. It does not even remotely resemble Christianity, which teaches the God loves all and gave His only begotten Son for all and that He would gladly have all come to repentance of their own free will.

God is not some dark master of delusion. Blessed assurance is beautiful, wonderful, and for real. Why someone would ever walk away from this boggles my mind, but the Bible teaches us that some will actually commit horrible apostacy. Men will return to vomit and mire after tasting of the goodness of the Lord.

 

[oyster67]

What's it feel like to know

It is wonderful! The source of blessed assurance is this...

John
14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to post this. If you lack peace at this moment and are plagued by fear at this moment, know that joy like a fountain can be experienced no matter what the situation or circumstance. I shall pray with you now, beloved brother/sister.

 

[OIC1965]

Thank you for that. I agree reading here can make someone to be very confused about whats what.

Do you mind me asking this? I asked someone else in a different thread already. I like to get different perspectives. If there are only certain people God chooses for his salvation how do you know you're that one? Can we delude ourselves by all that study and prayer? Thinking we're it and we're really not at all. Is that why we see so many confessed Christians making news for having committed vicious crimes.Could that be because they weren't one of those God chose?

What's it feel like to know you're one of the chosen ones?

I appreciate your help. And thank you. I hope God blesses you too.

when you become a Christian and begin walking with the Lord, you begin to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit. Love, you begin to love God and love your neighbor. You begin to think about others, not just yourself. You found out that you did not and were unable to love people the way God calls you to love them, like your wife, or your children, or your neighbor, etc. Love has a new dynamic. And you love God's people and God's Word. I remember I started reading God's Word and literally began to devour it.

Joy- I had and have a sense of joy that was bubbling over and overflowing when I'm walking with God. When I have a lapse where I am not walking with God, the joy diminishes somewhat, but does not go away. Joy is different from happiness, because happiness is based largely on circumstance, but joy is there even when the circumstances are difficult or hard.

Peace, when you walk with God you receive a peace that passes all understanding. You can be going through the greatest troubles or trials, and you may even be worried or anxious, but you have a deep seated peace that carries you through, knowing God will take care of you and knowing that you can cast your burdens and anxieties on Him.

The rest of the fruit of the Spirit Self control, goodness, gentleness, faith, etc. are things that effect our state and our actions. They are produced in us not by self effort and self reform, but from a close relationship and walk with Jesus. The closer we walk with Jesus, the more these things manifest in our lives. When we drift away from Him, we begin to stagnate, and these things are kind of put on the back burner. But they can be replenished and abound more and more. We just need to be filled with the Spirit, and that is accomplished one way. nearer to our Lord Jesus we must be.

 

[VCO]

Salvation is a process my friend,

sanctification is a lifelong process i agree

the process of salvation starts at the cross, it continues with god drawing us to himself, including the conviction and teaching of the Hs, many times through other people, it includes for many god putting Circumstances in our life, which cause us to see him and look to him, and it ends when the tax collector and those like him (you and I included); Fallon our knees in total desperation because we became poor in spirit and had no where else to turn. (Faith)

that did not happen in a split second, or over night, in any person I have ever met, no matter what side of doctrine they follow

No, GOD STARTED IT the moment HE PLANNED IT before the Beginning of TIME, and HE COMPLETED IT THE Moment HE WROTE OUR NAMES DOWN in the BOOK OF LIFE BEFORE HE FORMED THE WORLD.

IT IS A DONE DEAL, when HE wrote our names down in the Book of Life.


Revelation 17:8 (ESV)
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.

2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Isaiah 46:11 (HCSB)
11 I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about.
I have planned it; I will also do it.

Malachi 3:6 (NASB)
6 "For I, the LORD, do not change;
therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.


It does not matter that YOU can not COMPREHEND that TRUTH ABOUT GOD. IT IS STILL ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
There IS no TIME with GOD, HE is the CREATOR OF TIME AS WE KNOW IT. HE is the ETERNAL "I AM!"
He is not the I WAS, and THE AM, and I WILL BE.

Isaiah 40:28 (NRSV)
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth {That is a reference to time as we know it, the beginning and the end.}. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

GOD EXISTS OUTSIDE OF TIME ITSELF.

He declares the end from the beginning because He is already THERE.

SALVATION has NOTHING TO DO WITH US, JESUS CHRIST DID IT ALL.

 

[VCO]

This is where the confusion sets in.
How do you know your name is in that book?
Can we fool ourselves thinking it is?
Thank you for your help.

EXCEPT for the ABSOLUTE FACT, HE controls my life, as I surrendered to HIM the night I was BORN AGAIN, and will never take it back.
THEREFORE I KNOW HIM!

 

[eternally-gratefull]

No, GOD STARTED IT the moment HE PLANNED IT before the Beginning of TIME, and HE COMPLETED IT THE Moment HE WROTE OUR NAMES DOWN in the BOOK OF LIFE BEFORE HE FORMED THE WORLD.

IT IS A DONE DEAL, when HE wrote our names down in the Book of Life.


Revelation 17:8 (ESV)
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.

2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Isaiah 46:11 (HCSB)
11 I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about.
I have planned it; I will also do it.

Malachi 3:6 (NASB)
6 "For I, the LORD, do not change;
therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.


It does not matter that YOU can not COMPREHEND that TRUTH ABOUT GOD. IT IS STILL ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
There IS no TIME with GOD, HE is the CREATOR OF TIME AS WE KNOW IT. HE is the ETERNAL "I AM!"
He is not the I WAS, and THE AM, and I WILL BE.

Isaiah 40:28 (NRSV)
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth {That is a reference to time as we know it, the beginning and the end.}. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

GOD EXISTS OUTSIDE OF TIME ITSELF.

He declares the end from the beginning because He is already THERE.

SALVATION has NOTHING TO DO WITH US, JESUS CHRIST DID IT ALL.

My friend

if you did not come to the point you called out to him, you would not be saved today.

and i am only going to ask this once, do not ever tell me I am saving myself, because your lieing and slandering me and all who you say this to

paul said we are saved BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH.

remove faith from the equation, you have no salvation.

what you are doing is taking all the good hard work god did in drawing you to himself, in taking a personal interest in you, and doing what ever it took, to get you to see him and cry out in pain,

you had nothing to offer God but Your brokenness, Yet like the tax collector tor. god though your were so valuable to HiM, he sent his son to die in your place, so you would be able to do what you did when you cried out to him.

you should be praising God that he saved you,not telling people how evil they are because they think because they did the same thing you did, they are trying to ear; their salvation.

i love ya bro, but you should know you now. I do not take being slandered very lightly.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

EXCEPT for the ABSOLUTE FACT, HE controls my life, as I surrendered to HIM the night I was BORN AGAIN, and will never take it back.
THEREFORE I KNOW HIM!

FYI my friend, this sure sounds like you offered god your life as payment for salvation, it COULD be said you believe You were Saved by Faith plus surrender of life,

I know you do not believe this, but it can come across this way just saying. Don’t mock someone because they believe they were saved totally by grace, because they said yes lord, I want your salvation. When you appear to be saying you had no part. But admit you had faith and surrendered to him,

 

[VCO]

FYI my friend, this sure sounds like you offered god your life as payment for salvation, it COULD be said you believe You were Saved by Faith plus surrender of life,

I know you do not believe this, but it can come across this way just saying. Don’t mock someone because they believe they were saved totally by grace, because they said yes lord, I want your salvation. When you appear to be saying you had no part. But admit you had faith and surrendered to him,

I NEVER use Capitalization or BOLD FACE as a means to show anger. IT was just a way to show Emphasis, when I went to School, and I refuse to bow to Face Book Rules. No I have never logged on to Face Book in my life.

><> 🕆 <><

Response to the RED type, "NOT in the LEAST." No Offense, but that statement is just plain DUMB.
I LOVINGLY SURRENDERED TO HIM OUT OF PURE AGAPE LOVE.
I was anxious to SEE WHAT HE COULD DO WITH MY LIFE,
AND HE DID NOT DISAPOINT ME, HE USED IT BEYOND MY WILDEST IMAGINATION.

I knew HE WAS IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE from the very first morning, and WAS HAPPY FOR IT.
HE gave me the spiritual gift of TOTALLY TRUSTING HIM.

You seem to be confused that RECEIVING HIM as LORD, is part of Salvation?
I do not. Salvation was COMPLETE Before the Beginning of TIME.
RECEIVING HIM is CRITICAL, but not part of SALVATION, that is the natural part of having BEEN SAVED BY HIM.

Titus 3:5-7 (HCSB)
5 He saved us— not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
6 He poured out this ⌊Spirit⌋ on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that having been justified by His grace {Notice that past tense verbiage of GRACE, which I believe wholeheartedly that it goes all the way back to HIS writing our names in the BOOK OF LIFE,}, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.


That means we HAVE NOTHING TO PAT OURSELVES ON THE BACK FOR. Our RECEIVING HIM AS LORD, was a work of the HOLY SPIRIT, NOT US, (1 Cor. 12:3). And RECEIVING HIM AS LORD, is how HE PLANNED (a done deal from the beginning of time,) to work out HIS will in our lives.


2 Corinthians 3:5 (HCSB)
5 ⌊It is⌋ not that we are competent in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God.

Philippians 2:13 (HCSB)
13 For it is God who is working in you, ⌊enabling you⌋ both to desire and to work out His good purpose.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

I NEVER use Capitalization or BOLD FACE as a means to show anger. IT was just a way to show Emphasis, when I went to School, and I refuse to bow to Face Book Rules. No I have never logged on to Face Book in my life.

><> 🕆 <><

Response to the RED type, "NOT in the LEAST." No Offense, but that statement is just plain DUMB.
I LOVINGLY SURRENDERED TO HIM OUT OF PURE AGAPE LOVE.
I was anxious to SEE WHAT HE COULD DO WITH MY LIFE,
AND HE DID NOT DISAPOINT ME, HE USED IT BEYOND MY WILDEST IMAGINATION.

I knew HE WAS IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE from the very first morning, and WAS HAPPY FOR IT.
HE gave me the spiritual gift of TOTALLY TRUSTING HIM.

You seem to be confused that RECEIVING HIM as LORD, is part of Salvation?
I do not. Salvation was COMPLETE Before the Beginning of TIME.
RECEIVING HIM is CRITICAL, but not part of SALVATION, that is the natural part of having BEEN SAVED BY HIM.

Titus 3:5-7 (HCSB)
5 He saved us— not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
6 He poured out this ⌊Spirit⌋ on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that having been justified by His grace {Notice that past tense verbiage of GRACE, which I believe wholeheartedly that it goes all the way back to HIS writing our names in the BOOK OF LIFE,}, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.


That means we HAVE NOTHING TO PAT OURSELVES ON THE BACK FOR. Our RECEIVING HIM AS LORD, was a work of the HOLY SPIRIT, NOT US, (1 Cor. 12:3). And RECEIVING HIM AS LORD, is how HE PLANNED (a done deal from the beginning of time,) to work out HIS will in our lives.


2 Corinthians 3:5 (HCSB)
5 ⌊It is⌋ not that we are competent in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God.

Philippians 2:13 (HCSB)
13 For it is God who is working in you, ⌊enabling you⌋ both to desire and to work out His good purpose.

my friend I used your words not what you highlighted,
if I was an outsider,and read that post that is what I would have thought you said,

don’t take me wrong g bro I was trying to show you something i saw.

back to the temple thread bro

 

[Infinite_Ark]

when you become a Christian and begin walking with the Lord, you begin to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit. Love, you begin to love God and love your neighbor. You begin to think about others, not just yourself. You found out that you did not and were unable to love people the way God calls you to love them, like your wife, or your children, or your neighbor, etc. Love has a new dynamic. And you love God's people and God's Word. I remember I started reading God's Word and literally began to devour it.

Joy- I had and have a sense of joy that was bubbling over and overflowing when I'm walking with God. When I have a lapse where I am not walking with God, the joy diminishes somewhat, but does not go away. Joy is different from happiness, because happiness is based largely on circumstance, but joy is there even when the circumstances are difficult or hard.

Peace, when you walk with God you receive a peace that passes all understanding. You can be going through the greatest troubles or trials, and you may even be worried or anxious, but you have a deep seated peace that carries you through, knowing God will take care of you and knowing that you can cast your burdens and anxieties on Him.

The rest of the fruit of the Spirit Self control, goodness, gentleness, faith, etc. are things that effect our state and our actions. They are produced in us not by self effort and self reform, but from a close relationship and walk with Jesus. The closer we walk with Jesus, the more these things manifest in our lives. When we drift away from Him, we begin to stagnate, and these things are kind of put on the back burner. But they can be replenished and abound more and more. We just need to be filled with the Spirit, and that is accomplished one way. nearer to our Lord Jesus we must be.

Very good testimony. Thank you for sharing that with me. I very much appreciate your opening yourself and sharing what God has given you.

 

[Infinite_Ark]

It is wonderful! The source of blessed assurance is this...

John
14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to post this. If you lack peace at this moment and are plagued by fear at this moment, know that joy like a fountain can be experienced no matter what the situation or circumstance. I shall pray with you now, beloved brother/sister.

Thank you and thank you for your prayers.