In order to go to heaven must one live for God?

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Nov 1, 2024
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#21
This is not the same as forsaking sin. It is forsaking self will, our "rights", our selfish ambitions and self preservation. This is a lifetime work of the cross, as death to self allows the life of Christ to take over. It is all according to the choices we make.
Where in scripture is the phrase "death to self" used? I know where it says a disciple must deny himself, ie his life, but that is not self. I think it's more accurate to say death to the old man, ie, the sinful nature, because the new man still has a self.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
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Frankston, Victoria
christianlife.au
#22
Where in scripture is the phrase "death to self" used? I know where it says a disciple must deny himself, ie his life, but that is not self. I think it's more accurate to say death to the old man, ie, the sinful nature, because the new man still has a self.
Yes, the new man still has a self and that is the problem. This self is the nature that we get from Adam. It is not necessarily evil. Peter's intention was noble when he urged Jesus not to go to Jerusalem to be killed. Yet Jesus rebuked him. Peter thought like a man, not as God would have him think. Peter truly imagined that he was going to stand by Jesus. Self preservation was more powerful than his loyalty to Jesus.

The cross means death. We are urged to take up our cross and follow Jesus. We are already dead to sin, so that is not the problem. Self is far more insidious and dangerous. Sin is relatively easy to recognise. We are told to reckon ourselves dead to sin, because that is accomplished fact. Paul said that he died daily, and that is the death to self that we need to embrace. Paul knew that he had certain rights. For example, he could have asked the church to support him, but he chose to work instead. He could have had a believing wife, but he chose celibacy instead. He could have avoided persecution, but he endured instead.

This is in part what is meant by the salvation of the soul. Every time we choose God's will in preference to self will, we lose something of the soul life and the life of Christ can be expressed instead.
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
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#23
Yes, the new man still has a self and that is the problem. This self is the nature that we get from Adam. It is not necessarily evil. Peter's intention was noble when he urged Jesus not to go to Jerusalem to be killed. Yet Jesus rebuked him. Peter thought like a man, not as God would have him think. Peter truly imagined that he was going to stand by Jesus. Self preservation was more powerful than his loyalty to Jesus.

The cross means death. We are urged to take up our cross and follow Jesus. We are already dead to sin, so that is not the problem. Self is far more insidious and dangerous. Sin is relatively easy to recognise. We are told to reckon ourselves dead to sin, because that is accomplished fact. Paul said that he died daily, and that is the death to self that we need to embrace. Paul knew that he had certain rights. For example, he could have asked the church to support him, but he chose to work instead. He could have had a believing wife, but he chose celibacy instead. He could have avoided persecution, but he endured instead.

This is in part what is meant by the salvation of the soul. Every time we choose God's will in preference to self will, we lose something of the soul life and the life of Christ can be expressed instead.
"Lord Jesus did not come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive" (GK Chesterton)

He did both-and.
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
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#25
"live for God" to go to heaven?

No, believe/trust/have faith In The Gospel Of The GRACE Of God "to go to heaven!"

Then "live for God" to "get rewards" When you get there (1 Corinthians 3:8-15 AV)

Amen.
Much for me will probably burn up, and I shall suffer Loss. If does not burn up, some I will glory over it, since Father might approve of it.
However, finally 'I" will go through it, the fire. Oh wait, I have been ever since flesh birth here on earth.
I saw Father and Son skipping across the Mountains. I wanted to join in, and do the same.
I heard go with suffering and shame first, you will grow up from all those troubles there on earth, and grow Hinds feet, then you will be able to skip across the Mountains with me.
You'll see, staying in belief to me, while adversities continue to go after you
I said Okay Father, however it be here, I trust you love me and all others too.

I see to sit still, watch, observe and see, watching out for pride that tries to enter me to be a person better than others, as religion can do to many people as in Luke 18:9-14, forgetting they once were a Heathen too, and not seeing what asking God for to be forgiven really means from God to them, being a religionist, chasing after being a better person than others, back talking.
Pride and guilt today Is now what I see my Father hates, that gets in the flesh and blood fallen nature, not original flesh, making them better than others in thought and belief over others.
No wonder It is stated to take all thought captive to the obedience of Jesus for us to be new in humility, love and mercy to all as a thankful response to Father and Son, fro me anyways, not a few as did when under Law of religion
So simple, this gift given, that I have messed up many a times and will suffer loss, yet thanking Father I will be at least a toilet bowl scrubber in Heaven at least, wow woe is me Isaiah 6:1-7
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
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#26
Let's go to an apostle for this answer.
He was not edumacated....he was just a regular friendly guy that people respected.

1Peter 4:1-3
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.