Grace Alone
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The real terror is the Lord not allowing some in to Heaven since Jesus did say "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER" (Matthew 7:21).
Jesus also said thru the Apostle James to "be ye DOERS OF THE WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22)
Jesus apparently expects His people to DO some stuff after getting born again.
Reckon Jesus didn't get the memo from the so called reformers that salvation is by faith only??? (see James 2:14-26)
The Lord says the following thru the Apostle James:
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 1:21,22 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (walking after the flesh – see Gal 6:7,8), and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Apparently one is justified by faith AND by works.... and the man that believes justification is by faith only is a "vain" man.
Sounds like either Jesus is wrong or the so called reformers are wrong since they teach an partial truth and leave the part out about works leaving the door open to sinful living (license to sin).
Martin Luther was a known drunk so I can see how he would want to leave the part about works out so he could continue drinking his beloved booze which is living in sin! (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-13)
Quite the quandary here... who shall we say is in error the Lord or the reformers??? That tis the question!
Jesus also said thru the Apostle James to "be ye DOERS OF THE WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22)
Jesus apparently expects His people to DO some stuff after getting born again.
Reckon Jesus didn't get the memo from the so called reformers that salvation is by faith only??? (see James 2:14-26)
The Lord says the following thru the Apostle James:
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 1:21,22 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (walking after the flesh – see Gal 6:7,8), and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Apparently one is justified by faith AND by works.... and the man that believes justification is by faith only is a "vain" man.
Sounds like either Jesus is wrong or the so called reformers are wrong since they teach an partial truth and leave the part out about works leaving the door open to sinful living (license to sin).
Martin Luther was a known drunk so I can see how he would want to leave the part about works out so he could continue drinking his beloved booze which is living in sin! (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-13)
Quite the quandary here... who shall we say is in error the Lord or the reformers??? That tis the question!
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We are called to answer God's call to abide IN Christ, and be obedient unto Him being led by His Spirit according to God's Word. Turning from sin unto the Lord and getting born again... is a good work powered by the Holy Spirit, but man has to make the decision once he is made aware this is the right thing to do.
The wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience (Colossians 3:6)
Called to Good Works
Hebrews 13:20,21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
2 Timothy 3:16,17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
The wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience (Colossians 3:6)
Called to Good Works
Hebrews 13:20,21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
2 Timothy 3:16,17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
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Thank you for the points you raised, it's appreciated & fruitful to hear different perspectives.
I have faith.
The works I do are the fruit of my faith.
My works have been ordained by God and I do them for His glory.
Faith is God's gift to me, also salvation, repentance, forgiveness, sanctification & justification.
Everything is a gift from God & He controls everything.
I think I've been refined sufficiently to address your objections, though I don't presume to teach you.
I'm sorry this song is displeasing to you.
A good critique of it is here
https://www.thebereantest.com/the-modern-post-grace-alone
May the Lord Jesus richly bless you as you walk with Him with continued spiritual growth & the peace of mind that surpasses understanding.
I have faith.
The works I do are the fruit of my faith.
My works have been ordained by God and I do them for His glory.
Faith is God's gift to me, also salvation, repentance, forgiveness, sanctification & justification.
Everything is a gift from God & He controls everything.
I think I've been refined sufficiently to address your objections, though I don't presume to teach you.
I'm sorry this song is displeasing to you.
A good critique of it is here
https://www.thebereantest.com/the-modern-post-grace-alone
May the Lord Jesus richly bless you as you walk with Him with continued spiritual growth & the peace of mind that surpasses understanding.
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Oh I didn't even listen to the song... I just thought I'd mention that it's more going on than just God's grace
We are saved by grace THRU faith.... so those not walking in faith.... don't get any of the grace.
Lots of folks seem to think that God poured His grace out and they can continue living in sin just because they acknowledge Jesus went to the cross... but they are mistaken.
We are saved by grace THRU faith.... so those not walking in faith.... don't get any of the grace.
Lots of folks seem to think that God poured His grace out and they can continue living in sin just because they acknowledge Jesus went to the cross... but they are mistaken.
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Matthew 7:22 says "many" and not some. Jesus never knew these many people in Matthew 7:22-23 which means they were never saved. These many people in Matthew 7:22 had the wrong foundation. They were trusting in their works to save them and not in Christ alone. (Ephesians 2:8,9) Their hearts were not right with God, so their "attempted external obedience" (apart from the righteousness of God which is by faith and the blood of Christ - Romans 3:24-28; Philippians 3:9) was still stained with sin.
Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Seeking salvation by works is not the will of the Father. John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Of course Jesus expects His people to do some stuff after getting born again. We are saved to serve and not saved to sit. Ephesians 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Yet we are still saved by grace through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8,9)
Faith "only" here in James is referring to an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" - barren of works, as we see in James 2:14. SAYS/CLAIMS to have faith - key word. *Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ "alone" for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) Big difference!
In James 2:14, we read of one who says/claims (key word) they have faith, but they have no works (to evidence their claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So, when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith. So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine.
Again, "faith only" here equates to an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone - "barren of works." James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3) Works bear out the justification that already came by faith.
In the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the Greek word for justified "dikaioo" #1344 is:
1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be
In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.
God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 7:29). This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. Notice that the NIV reads, “acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, “they declared God just.” This is the "sense" in which God was “justified.” He was shown to be righteous.
Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds."
In James 2:20, "faith without works is dead" does not mean that faith is dead until it produces works and then it becomes a living faith or that works are the source of life in faith. That would be like saying that a tree is dead until it produces fruit and then it becomes a living tree, and the fruit is the source of life in the tree. James is simply saying faith that is not accompanied by evidential works demonstrates that it's dead.
If someone merely says-claims they have faith, but lack resulting evidential works, then they demonstrate that they have an empty profession of faith/dead faith and not authentic faith. (James 2:14) Simple!
In regard to Galatians 6:7-8, the one who is continuously (Greek present tense) sowing to his own corrupt, flesh which is opposed to God and unrenewed by the Holy Spirit shall of the flesh reap corruption. Our life here is sowing of one kind or another. But he who sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life. In opposition to reaping corruption, eternal life is reaped by those who sow to the Spirit, which is only those who have placed their faith (belief, trust, reliance) in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (John 3:15,16,18; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1; Ephesians 2:8,9 etc..).
We are justified (accounted as righteous - to render righteous or such he ought to be) by faith and not by works (Romans 4:2-6) and we are justified (shown to be righteous - to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous) by works. (James 2:21, 24)
Neither Jesus or the reformers were wrong. Roman Catholics along with other works-salvationists are wrong. A license to sin is a straw man argument.
Attacking Martin Luther does not help your case. 1 Corinthians 6:9 - Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Verses 9 and 10 is descriptive of the unrighteous and not the righteous. You seemed to have missed that.
In Galatians 5:19-21, we read - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 John 3:9 - No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
*You need to properly harmonize scripture with scripture before reaching your conclusion on doctrine.*
Roman Catholics along with other works-salvationists are in error. That is the answer.
Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Seeking salvation by works is not the will of the Father. John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Of course Jesus expects His people to do some stuff after getting born again. We are saved to serve and not saved to sit. Ephesians 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Yet we are still saved by grace through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8,9)
Faith "only" here in James is referring to an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" - barren of works, as we see in James 2:14. SAYS/CLAIMS to have faith - key word. *Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ "alone" for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) Big difference!
In James 2:14, we read of one who says/claims (key word) they have faith, but they have no works (to evidence their claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So, when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith. So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine.
Again, "faith only" here equates to an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone - "barren of works." James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3) Works bear out the justification that already came by faith.
In the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the Greek word for justified "dikaioo" #1344 is:
1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be
In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.
God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 7:29). This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. Notice that the NIV reads, “acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, “they declared God just.” This is the "sense" in which God was “justified.” He was shown to be righteous.
Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds."
In James 2:20, "faith without works is dead" does not mean that faith is dead until it produces works and then it becomes a living faith or that works are the source of life in faith. That would be like saying that a tree is dead until it produces fruit and then it becomes a living tree, and the fruit is the source of life in the tree. James is simply saying faith that is not accompanied by evidential works demonstrates that it's dead.
If someone merely says-claims they have faith, but lack resulting evidential works, then they demonstrate that they have an empty profession of faith/dead faith and not authentic faith. (James 2:14) Simple!
In regard to Galatians 6:7-8, the one who is continuously (Greek present tense) sowing to his own corrupt, flesh which is opposed to God and unrenewed by the Holy Spirit shall of the flesh reap corruption. Our life here is sowing of one kind or another. But he who sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life. In opposition to reaping corruption, eternal life is reaped by those who sow to the Spirit, which is only those who have placed their faith (belief, trust, reliance) in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (John 3:15,16,18; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1; Ephesians 2:8,9 etc..).
We are justified (accounted as righteous - to render righteous or such he ought to be) by faith and not by works (Romans 4:2-6) and we are justified (shown to be righteous - to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous) by works. (James 2:21, 24)
Neither Jesus or the reformers were wrong. Roman Catholics along with other works-salvationists are wrong. A license to sin is a straw man argument.
Attacking Martin Luther does not help your case. 1 Corinthians 6:9 - Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Verses 9 and 10 is descriptive of the unrighteous and not the righteous. You seemed to have missed that.
In Galatians 5:19-21, we read - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 John 3:9 - No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
*You need to properly harmonize scripture with scripture before reaching your conclusion on doctrine.*
Roman Catholics along with other works-salvationists are in error. That is the answer.
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It's a lifestyle of abiding in Christ... not having to do 124 good works and you're in!
Those that are twisting in the night... should study God's Word on the subject to find out.
So He decided that most people will go to hell???
Jesus said the way the leads to life is narrow and few find it (Matthew 7:14), so is He the One responsible for blinding the minds of them that do not believe? Man has zero responsibility?
You're post is conflicting... some of what you posted says those doing evil works will be lost, and then you turn around and say those that are saved have no responsibility to do good works even though the Lord has called and ordained us to do good works.
Doing good works does not "earn" salvation are some may claim but is out of obedience to the Lord answering His call to come walk with Him and be like He is... a doer of good works, not a doers of evil works like the devil.
None the less... you cannot explain away these verses no matter how hard you try!
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 1:21,22
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (walking after the flesh – see Gal 6:7,8), and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Those that are twisting in the night... should study God's Word on the subject to find out.
So He decided that most people will go to hell???
Jesus said the way the leads to life is narrow and few find it (Matthew 7:14), so is He the One responsible for blinding the minds of them that do not believe? Man has zero responsibility?
You're post is conflicting... some of what you posted says those doing evil works will be lost, and then you turn around and say those that are saved have no responsibility to do good works even though the Lord has called and ordained us to do good works.
Doing good works does not "earn" salvation are some may claim but is out of obedience to the Lord answering His call to come walk with Him and be like He is... a doer of good works, not a doers of evil works like the devil.
None the less... you cannot explain away these verses no matter how hard you try!
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 1:21,22
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (walking after the flesh – see Gal 6:7,8), and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
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I explained away nothing and I properly harmonized scripture with scripture before reaching my conclusion on doctrine. Your arguments culminate in sugar coated double talk.
Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-26).
*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works.* (Romans 3:24-28)
It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-26) *Perfect Harmony*
Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-26).
*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works.* (Romans 3:24-28)
It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-26) *Perfect Harmony*
None the less... you cannot explain away these verses no matter how hard you try!
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 1:21,22
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (walking after the flesh – see Gal 6:7,8), and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 1:21,22
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (walking after the flesh – see Gal 6:7,8), and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
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You seem to favor your eisegesis over properly harmonizing scripture with scripture.
See post #305 from the link below:
https://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/works-complete-faith.212639/page-16#post-5161214
Also see post #91,547 from the link below:
https://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/not-by-works.146296/page-4578#post-3871839
See post #305 from the link below:
https://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/works-complete-faith.212639/page-16#post-5161214
Also see post #91,547 from the link below:
https://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/not-by-works.146296/page-4578#post-3871839
Where do you attend church? Or do you attend church?
Jesus said, John 15: 1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
:Apparently one is justified by faith AND by works..." (of the Holy Spirit) Jesus said in John 14:11,12
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (faith and works done by the Holy Spirit working in us and the faith in God, that God Himself, has given us to believe should be evidence that we are justified in God's eyes. The two are fruits, "evidence" of the Holy Spirit that we are His Children.
Acts 17:28-30; For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Repent)
That's a big one, because on this website, I've actually come across a false teaching of grace without "repentance".
But my main point here is that true believers are justified, and sanctified by "abiding" in the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit abiding in us, and how can a person "abide in the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit abide in a person with a corrupt heart?
Jesus said in John 15 6-8; (6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.) He is the vine, we are the branches, but it is the Holy Spirit that produces the fruit, and obedience to God's will.
Many people read over verse eight. The Father glorifies Himself by the Holy Spirit working His will through us and the more fruit, or proof of the Holy Spirit in our lives the better, it seems Jesus was saying.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15
King James Version
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Of course the works that the Holy Spirit does through us will abide, any other works will not.
Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of "works", lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. "we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before "ordained" that we should walk in them." That's deep! (His workmanship), (ordained and created by God for that purpose!) What purpose? Created to bring forth proof of God's existence and righteous fruit of the Holy Spirit to Glorify God through our actions and very existence!
We are not justified by works and by faith. No sir. These also are fruits by the Holy Spirit for those who He abides in and for those who abide in Him.
Phillipians 2:12,13; 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, awork out your own bsalvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
:Apparently one is justified by faith AND by works..." (of the Holy Spirit) Jesus said in John 14:11,12
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (faith and works done by the Holy Spirit working in us and the faith in God, that God Himself, has given us to believe should be evidence that we are justified in God's eyes. The two are fruits, "evidence" of the Holy Spirit that we are His Children.
Acts 17:28-30; For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Repent)
That's a big one, because on this website, I've actually come across a false teaching of grace without "repentance".
But my main point here is that true believers are justified, and sanctified by "abiding" in the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit abiding in us, and how can a person "abide in the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit abide in a person with a corrupt heart?
Jesus said in John 15 6-8; (6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.) He is the vine, we are the branches, but it is the Holy Spirit that produces the fruit, and obedience to God's will.
Many people read over verse eight. The Father glorifies Himself by the Holy Spirit working His will through us and the more fruit, or proof of the Holy Spirit in our lives the better, it seems Jesus was saying.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15
King James Version
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Of course the works that the Holy Spirit does through us will abide, any other works will not.
Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of "works", lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. "we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before "ordained" that we should walk in them." That's deep! (His workmanship), (ordained and created by God for that purpose!) What purpose? Created to bring forth proof of God's existence and righteous fruit of the Holy Spirit to Glorify God through our actions and very existence!
We are not justified by works and by faith. No sir. These also are fruits by the Holy Spirit for those who He abides in and for those who abide in Him.
Phillipians 2:12,13; 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, awork out your own bsalvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Jesus never new these many people in Matthew 7:22-23 which means they were never saved. These many people in Matthew 7:22 had the wrong foundation. They were trusting in their works to save them and not in Christ alone. Sound familiar?
Their hearts were not right with God, so their "attempted external obedience" (apart from the righteousness of God which is by faith and the blood of Christ - Romans 3:24-28; Philippians 3:9) was still stained with sin.
Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Seeking salvation by works is not the will of the Father. John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Instead of Lord, Lord, didn't WE, the correct answer for these many people in Matthew 7:22 would have been Lord, Lord, didn't YOU die for our sins, were buried and rise again the third day to provide for us eternal life? We trust in you alone as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation.
In regard to Matthew 7:21-23, (I will never forget, prior to my conversion several years ago while still attending the Roman Catholic church) I read Matthew 7:22 and was astonished! I remember thinking to myself, these many people accomplished all of that, "prophesied in His name, cast out demons, and did many wonderful works" but that still was not "good enough?"
Then I thought to myself at that time, how am I going to "top that" and be "good enough?" Such is the mindset of the natural man who believes that obtaining salvation is based on works.
Their hearts were not right with God, so their "attempted external obedience" (apart from the righteousness of God which is by faith and the blood of Christ - Romans 3:24-28; Philippians 3:9) was still stained with sin.
Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Seeking salvation by works is not the will of the Father. John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Instead of Lord, Lord, didn't WE, the correct answer for these many people in Matthew 7:22 would have been Lord, Lord, didn't YOU die for our sins, were buried and rise again the third day to provide for us eternal life? We trust in you alone as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation.
In regard to Matthew 7:21-23, (I will never forget, prior to my conversion several years ago while still attending the Roman Catholic church) I read Matthew 7:22 and was astonished! I remember thinking to myself, these many people accomplished all of that, "prophesied in His name, cast out demons, and did many wonderful works" but that still was not "good enough?"
Then I thought to myself at that time, how am I going to "top that" and be "good enough?" Such is the mindset of the natural man who believes that obtaining salvation is based on works.
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The way that leads to life is narrow and few find it because Jesus Christ is the only way (John 3:15,16,18; 10:9; 14:6) and few are trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Those who refuse to believe the gospel by refusing to trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) remain lost and are blinded by the God of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4)
Those who refuse to believe the gospel by refusing to trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) remain lost and are blinded by the God of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4)
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