Worthless, Dead Relgion vs. Vibrant, Living Relationship

[Galatians2-20]

A vital question, of the upmost importance, that every self professing believer in Jesus Christ must ask ourselves on an individual basis is this; Do we actually know Jesus or do we simply know a lot about him? What is the difference and how does it affect our salvation, if at all? To understand that difference, we must first ask ourselves; Are we saved solely on the basis of WHO we know? Or, are we saved on the basis of WHAT we know?

Based on year's of experience both serving & working with Churches across denominational & doctrinal lines, it is both my belief & concern that far too many professing Christians today think they are saved because they agree with certain biblical facts (mental ascent). They are willing to "accept" that Jesus humbled himself by becoming a man and sacrificed himself for the forgiveness of sin. That He rose again on the third day so that we too may partake in the resurrection assured to those who place their trust in Christ for their salvation.

However, when you evaluate both their character & behavior, it is painfully obvious that the presence & power of the Holy Spirit is completely void in their life thus it could be easily argued that they do not know Christ at all. I have personally encountered people, who can quote scripture word for word, yet refuse to submit themselves completely to the wisdom found in Christ's word, which teaches us how we may relate to & walk with Christ. Do keep in mind that Jesus himself taught that a good tree shall not bare continually bad fruit and that we may discern a genuine believer from a counterfeit one according to such bad fruit.

According to scripture, human beings simply do not have the capacity to possess the attributes (righteousness) of Christ apart from the presence (Spirit) of Christ in our lives. It is the good pleasure & role of the Holy Spirit to be both the gift & worker of Christ's righteousness in & through our lives. Each & every single human being is completely and utterly reliant on an ongoing, daily relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, for salvation. Anything less, is to place one's trust in one's own human ability to process information, which is nothing short of a salvation based on human works.

 

[glen55]

Grace doesn't remember sin, we do till we understand why we remember, it does take time to forget them by flesh and blood looking and waiting. When we start to wake and grasp who we are then we laugh at ourself.

 

[Dino246]

A vital question, of the upmost importance, that every self professing believer in Jesus Christ must ask ourselves on an individual basis is this; Do we actually know Jesus or do we simply know a lot about him? What is the difference and how does it affect our salvation, if at all? To understand that difference, we must first ask ourselves; Are we saved solely on the basis of WHO we know? Or, are we saved on the basis of WHAT we know?

Neither. We are saved on the basis of FAITH: certainty that God is Who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do, even when we have no tangible evidence of such.

Based on year's of experience both serving & working with Churches across denominational & doctrinal lines, it is both my belief & concern that far too many professing Christians today think they are saved because they agree with certain biblical facts (mental ascent).

The word is "assent", which is related to "agreement," "consent," and "dissent".

"Ascent" is akin to "climb", as in, "The ascent of the summit was challenging." It is related to "descent" which is the noun for going down.

According to scripture, human beings simply do not have the capacity to possess the attributes (righteousness) of Christ apart from the presence (Spirit) of Christ in our lives. It is the good pleasure & role of the Holy Spirit to be both the gift & worker of Christ's righteousness in & through our lives. Each & every single human being is completely and utterly reliant on an ongoing, daily relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, for salvation. Anything less, is to place one's trust in one's own human ability to process information, which is nothing short of a salvation based on human works.

You cite Galatians, but your statements don't align with Galatians. Perhaps you could base your assertion (particularly the one I have bolded) on specific scriptural truths.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Are we saved solely on the basis of WHO we know? Or, are we saved on the basis of WHAT we know?

Both. It's important to know God's word but the message is one of a transformed life. If a person's life isn't transformed it's safe to say they haven't really understood the message.

Based on year's of experience both serving & working with Churches across denominational & doctrinal lines, it is both my belief & concern that far too many professing Christians today think they are saved because they agree with certain biblical facts (mental ascent).

Or Biblical "facts" which they've manufactured from their own imaginations.

 

[Galatians2-20]

Grace doesn't remember sin, we do till we understand why we remember, it does take time to forget them by flesh and blood looking and waiting. When we start to wake and grasp who we are then we laugh at ourself.

Grace is not, not ever was, God's willingness to ignore our sin(s). Rather, grace is the power to overcome them through the presence & power of the Holy Spirit;

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." ~ Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

 

[Galatians2-20]

Neither. We are saved on the basis of FAITH: certainty that God is Who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do, even when we have no tangible evidence of such.


The word is "assent", which is related to "agreement," "consent," and "dissent".

"Ascent" is akin to "climb", as in, "The ascent of the summit was challenging." It is related to "descent" which is the noun for going down.


You cite Galatians, but your statements don't align with Galatians. Perhaps you could base your assertion (particularly the one I have bolded) on specific scriptural truths.

I whole heartedly agree that we are saved by FAITH. However, if you actually paid attention to what I wrote, instead of glancing over it looking for typos and other reasons to he critical of someone that you obviously disagree with based solely on the title of this post, you would noticed that FAITH is obviously implied, for why would anyone place their complete trust in & full reliance on someone who they do not personally know to be worthy?

Anyhow, you would be wise not to let your pride in your "head knowledge" allow your heart toward others to grow so cold, for even truth, if delivered with a wrong motive, can become sinful.

 

[Blik]

The Lord within has tremendous power but only when we use it. If we have faith in Christ we will listen to what He tells us and follow Him. You cannot say you have faith in that Christ died for your sin but no faith in His instructions about living in the kingdom of heaven.

Grace has great power when it is used correctly. We would be so handicapped if we would live with guilt over our mistakes, but we are set free. If grace is used to say it is OK to sin, God will forgive me through grace, then it is misused and lost its power.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

A vital question, of the upmost importance, that every self professing believer in Jesus Christ must ask ourselves on an individual basis is this; Do we actually know Jesus or do we simply know a lot about him? What is the difference and how does it affect our salvation, if at all? To understand that difference, we must first ask ourselves; Are we saved solely on the basis of WHO we know? Or, are we saved on the basis of WHAT we know?

Based on year's of experience both serving & working with Churches across denominational & doctrinal lines, it is both my belief & concern that far too many professing Christians today think they are saved because they agree with certain biblical facts (mental ascent). They are willing to "accept" that Jesus humbled himself by becoming a man and sacrificed himself for the forgiveness of sin. That He rose again on the third day so that we too may partake in the resurrection assured to those who place their trust in Christ for their salvation.

However, when you evaluate both their character & behavior, it is painfully obvious that the presence & power of the Holy Spirit is completely void in their life thus it could be easily argued that they do not know Christ at all. I have personally encountered people, who can quote scripture word for word, yet refuse to submit themselves completely to the wisdom found in Christ's word, which teaches us how we may relate to & walk with Christ. Do keep in mind that Jesus himself taught that a good tree shall not bare continually bad fruit and that we may discern a genuine believer from a counterfeit one according to such bad fruit.

According to scripture, human beings simply do not have the capacity to possess the attributes (righteousness) of Christ apart from the presence (Spirit) of Christ in our lives. It is the good pleasure & role of the Holy Spirit to be both the gift & worker of Christ's righteousness in & through our lives. Each & every single human being is completely and utterly reliant on an ongoing, daily relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, for salvation. Anything less, is to place one's trust in one's own human ability to process information, which is nothing short of a salvation based on human works.

“Do we actually know Jesus or do we simply know a lot about him?”

Jesus preached the knowledge of himself so we who believe him can know him it’s why we must believe the gospel it’s the knowledge of Christ the true God

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It seems your looking at seperating the knowledge we’re offered in the gospel from knowing him. But hearing and believing the gospel is the only way we can know him that’s the truth about God if we accept it we can know him if we reject it we can never know him

it’s why the Bible comes down to this statement for salvstion

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

our eternity depends on accepting the gospel .that information is the truth hat saves us and offers a real relationship with him.


Literally this means “ the beginning of the true good news of Jesus Christ “

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

it’s as simple as Jesus said if we hear and believe the gospel we’ll come to know him in truth. Often we see what’s in the gospel and then look for ways to know a different jesus somehow other than how he said. But the gospel presents the true God to all nations until the end and cannot change

This “ good news “ of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all of the true God and savior

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:14‬ ‭

We can trust the presentation of gospel of Jesus Christ because he will never change from what he showed and told man in the gospel

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we want to Know him we want to accept how he himself presented himself what he actually taught about God. But often we look for other ways

 

[shittim]

“Do we actually know Jesus or do we simply know a lot about him?”
You have hit the nail on the head, mere mental assent is not genuine faith, seems more like the "outward form of godliness" Jesus warned us of.
Jesus indwells the believer and if we are truly obedient we will let Him manifest through us, we will be His hands and feet in and to this world.
Most only know about Him though they may indeed love Him.
blessings

 

[Dino246]

I whole heartedly agree that we are saved by FAITH. However, if you actually paid attention to what I wrote, instead of glancing over it looking for typos and other reasons to he critical of someone that you obviously disagree with based solely on the title of this post, you would noticed that FAITH is obviously implied, for why would anyone place their complete trust in & full reliance on someone who they do not personally know to be worthy?

Anyhow, you would be wise not to let your pride in your "head knowledge" allow your heart toward others to grow so cold, for even truth, if delivered with a wrong motive, can become sinful.

It's surprisingly easy to distinguish the people who make hollow claims from those who are genuine; one need only offer a mild correction.

 

[Lanolin]

processing information is what a computer does lol

I think knowing Jesus personally does take time and people can be so busy they dont make the time. in a busy world what happens is somone says something and they agree cos they dont want to look dumb for not agreeing.

I dont know about people quoting scripture word for word some people are very good at saying lines but having no idea what they are saying i.e actors.

 

[Laura798]

A vital question, of the upmost importance, that every self professing believer in Jesus Christ must ask ourselves on an individual basis is this; Do we actually know Jesus or do we simply know a lot about him? What is the difference and how does it affect our salvation, if at all? To understand that difference, we must first ask ourselves; Are we saved solely on the basis of WHO we know? Or, are we saved on the basis of WHAT we know?

Based on year's of experience both serving & working with Churches across denominational & doctrinal lines, it is both my belief & concern that far too many professing Christians today think they are saved because they agree with certain biblical facts (mental ascent). They are willing to "accept" that Jesus humbled himself by becoming a man and sacrificed himself for the forgiveness of sin. That He rose again on the third day so that we too may partake in the resurrection assured to those who place their trust in Christ for their salvation.

However, when you evaluate both their character & behavior, it is painfully obvious that the presence & power of the Holy Spirit is completely void in their life thus it could be easily argued that they do not know Christ at all. I have personally encountered people, who can quote scripture word for word, yet refuse to submit themselves completely to the wisdom found in Christ's word, which teaches us how we may relate to & walk with Christ. Do keep in mind that Jesus himself taught that a good tree shall not bare continually bad fruit and that we may discern a genuine believer from a counterfeit one according to such bad fruit.

According to scripture, human beings simply do not have the capacity to possess the attributes (righteousness) of Christ apart from the presence (Spirit) of Christ in our lives. It is the good pleasure & role of the Holy Spirit to be both the gift & worker of Christ's righteousness in & through our lives. Each & every single human being is completely and utterly reliant on an ongoing, daily relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, for salvation. Anything less, is to place one's trust in one's own human ability to process information, which is nothing short of a salvation based on human works.

Galatians 2:20,
(that is a favorite verse btw)

I truly struggle with this--I've been told I have a scripture for every circumstance and yet I still struggle with having a temper--a temper which usually flares when I think of how other's ought to behave. I was the one in my school years who always stood up for the underdog. I fortunately was never bullied but I stood up to the bully. However, this got me terminated from my last job--my boss was a bully and one day --after a year and a half I had had enough and told her she was mean and unfair--that was six months ago and I have yet to find another job other than temp work. I really can't stand rudeness, arrogance and unkindness. But this is my besetting sin--I am dependent on myself to live, so it behooves me to keep a cool head. In any case, I have prayed and prayed and had bible verses all around my desk (in places only I could view-I live in SF area so you can guess the atmosphere).

And I have empathy for those who are hurting or the underdog, but I don't have the "Love of God that is in Christ Jesus" for the meanies--this is upsetting to me. If I have the Holy Spirit within me then why can't I overcome this? I do believe this anger can serve me well in certain circumstances, but alas not in most that I find myself in.

As an aside, I think I would make a good human rights activists--these are the kind of people I consider heroes--like Mosab Hassan Yousef, aka 'The Green Prince' a former member of Hamas (his father was one of the founders) who became a Christian. I watched this video many times (love the expressions of the two delegates in front of him--'you're the man':

Please no judgment- or advice giving -I've read every single bible verse on anger and prayed and prayed. If you have your own story to share, I'd appreciate it.