It is FINISHED.

I was all alone by my bed side when I received the Holy Spirit baptism…I was 25 yrs old and I had been saved at 6 years old.

Present at both was knowing LOVE…I was loved by God and I loved Him too.

Yet, at 25 years old - the empowering was amazing! The scriptures opened and became so easy to read and understand. It was months before I actually felt mad or irritated with anyone… I know the Love I felt… it was not mine…it was God’s Love for me and others.

Don’t resist the Holy Spirit, nothing good comes from resisting the Holy Spirit.

All you people ever do is argue.

And they were hypocrites, right?

I don't resist the Holy Spirit - He has been my guide for over thirty-five years.

I agree. The Sacrificial laws and Ceremonial laws are no more. They were fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ. Only God's Holy Law remains. (Ten Commandments). Not unto life but unto death - that we may see sin as exceedingly sinful and later, after we are Glorified, live in them. There are today, for us, many, many commandments from our Lord to us.

You say their is no forgiveness for a "purposeful" sin. If you believe this before one is Regenerated and Converted, then we are all condemned. If you meant after Regeneration and Conversion, you have not thought this completely through. John 8:11 And she said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more. The Greek word for "sin", is: αμαρτανε - it is an imperfect present active verb. Taking this into account, this is not some absolute end to sin in her life but means to "stop sinning", as in, living in a life of sin. We would express it as: "From now on, quit continuously sinning."

As a believer, have you ever looked upon something and lusted after it. Sure you have. Have you ever entertained in your mind an inappropriate thought. Sure you have. Have you ever wished you could own that home you just saw or that boat or that car. Sure you have and that is Covetousness. You purposely thought about these things and entertained them in your mind. As our Lord said: Mat 5:28 but I say unto you, that every one that looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Therefore, it does not have to be the completed physical action. If any man says that he has not been guilty of these things -then he is a liar.

1Jn 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

However, I don't think we are on the same page and are talking past each other. Let's bring it back to this, please.

Do you believe "works" are necessary to be saved?

Your good works of obedience to God will bring you blessings in this life and treasures in Heaven but, NOT salvation.

Salvation is ONLY in the "works" of Christ for us - we don't get to boast about ANYTHING we have done. ONLY Jesus Christ gets all the glory for our salvation.

Yes, the bible says, we must not only be a hearer of the word, but a doer of the word also (James 1:21-22). If we really have faith in Jesus our actions will prove it. If Jesus is our Lord then we will obey him. Even a child will obey a parent, by getting good grades in school, for the reward of a new bicycle. The child cannot earn money for the bicycle, but instead must act upon their faith to receive the free gift. We must do the same to receive eternal life. "FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD” (James 2:20).
Nevertheless, in judgment each one of us will give account for our own salvation. Therefore, we must not let anyone lead us down the wrong path, but should verify all of our teaching with the holy bible. Paul says "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). A man asked Jesus this very question, "...What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?", and Jesus replied, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:16-19). Jesus only died once, so if we willingly break God's law, after accepting Jesus, our reward will be eternal damnation (Hebrews 10:26-27) 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Let us avoid this at all costs, seeking a better reward. Jesus will return real soon And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12).

Sadly, you did not really engage my post but instead answered in an indirect way. Okay, let me make a few observations about what you posted.

You stated: "A man asked Jesus this very question, "...What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?", and Jesus replied, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:16-19)."

You used, the above, as a proof text about works Salvation. You missed the point and lesson of these verses. Here is the entire context:

Mat 19:16-21 And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.

Now let's break it down.

1) And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments.

This man was attempting to obtain eternal life through works. The Lord said, then keep the commandments. The requirement for keeping the commandments is perfection. Only Jesus Christ could keep the commandments perfectly because his nature was/is Impeccable.

2) He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Here the young man displays his ignorance by asking: "Which one". God requires ALL of The Law to be kept perfectly, there is no single Law that will do. The Lord replies with five of the Ten Commandments. The man responds to this in an unbelievably foolish way.

3) All these things have I observed: what lack I yet?

This proves, that the young man had no concept of what these laws required. If he had ever thought of wishing someone dead or harm, he was guilty of violating the Law that says: Thou shalt not kill". If he had told a "little white lie" about someone, he was guilty of violating the Law that said: Thou shalt no bear false witness.".

4) Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.

According to the Greek language, when Christ said to him: "If thou wouldest be perfect..." This indicates a sarcastic retort. Christ knew what was in the heart of this man and knew he was not perfect, so He goes right to the heart of the matter and gives him a command He knows this young man cannot keep - ".. go, sell that which thou hast..." This command forces a choice, either choose God or choose your material wealth. It tested what this man truly loved and the young man failed. Just as we all would fail.

These passages are not about works for Salvation but rather, show clearly, the foolishness of thinking it can be obtained in this way.

John_14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

As to Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,

The intention here, is not a single sin, but the continuance in the principles of sin. This passage is referring to a complete falling away or one becoming an Apostate.

The writer is saying the same thing, in a different way, that our Lord said here: Mat_12:31 Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.

Sadly, you did not really engage my post but instead answered in an indirect way. Okay, let me make a few observations about what you posted.

You stated: "A man asked Jesus this very question, "...What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?", and Jesus replied, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:16-19)."

You used, the above, as a proof text about works Salvation. You missed the point and lesson of these verses. Here is the entire context:

Mat 19:16-21 And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.

Now let's break it down.

1) And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments.

This man was attempting to obtain eternal life through works. The Lord said, then keep the commandments. The requirement for keeping the commandments is perfection. Only Jesus Christ could keep the commandments perfectly because his nature was/is Impeccable.

2) He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Here the young man displays his ignorance by asking: "Which one". God requires ALL of The Law to be kept perfectly, there is no single Law that will do. The Lord replies with five of the Ten Commandments. The man responds to this in an unbelievably foolish way.

3) All these things have I observed: what lack I yet?

This proves, that the young man had no concept of what these laws required. If he had ever thought of wishing someone dead or harm, he was guilty of violating the Law that says: Thou shalt not kill". If he had told a "little white lie" about someone, he was guilty of violating the Law that said: Thou shalt no bear false witness.".

4) Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.

According to the Greek language, when Christ said to him: "If thou wouldest be perfect..." This indicates a sarcastic retort. Christ knew what was in the heart of this man and knew he was not perfect, so He goes right to the heart of the matter and gives him a command He knows this young man cannot keep - ".. go, sell that which thou hast..." This command forces a choice, either choose God or choose your material wealth. It tested what this man truly loved and the young man failed. Just as we all would fail.

These passages are not about works for Salvation but rather, show clearly, the foolishness of thinking it can be obtained in this way.

John_14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

As to Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,

The intention here, is not a single sin, but the continuance in the principles of sin. This passage is referring to a complete falling away or one becoming an Apostate. The writer is saying the same thing, in a different way, that our Lord said here: Mat_12:31 Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.

Well, since we here in Matthew, let's take a look at the full version and get some understanding on what's going here. Let's go back into Matthew 19: 16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Notice the young man says "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" The young man didn’t need to ask this question to Jesus, because he was already in a good place with the Lord. This is where the story gets interesting, because if you read the full story which we have to do, to get full understanding. We will see that the commandments Jesus mention wasn't the young man problem, it was something else.

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

So Jesus says if thou be perfect, that means the young was really close to being perfect, but the young had great riches that he couldn't let go, and that goes with what Jesus says in Matthew (22:37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment.

This was very hard for the young man to do. So let's recap the story a little, the young man kept the commandments from his youth up, all most perfect, except one thing Jesus ask him to do, and that's sell all his possession and come follow him.


So let's continue in Matthew 19: 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

If you truly believe that this young man, indeed kept the Commandments from his youth - perfectly!!!!! Then I don't know what to say to you. You have reversed, what Paul taught in Romans and nullify the need for Jesus Christ's Sacrifice. I fear, there is much darkness still in you.

Is that really what you believe, because as I go through Paul's writing I see the word of God lining up with what I'm saying. Paul concerning the unchangeable Royal Law of God (Commandments). (Rom. 13:7-10) (v.7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (v.8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. That’s the biblical definition of love, the keeping of God’s law. And you thought love was kissing and hugging and rolling around in bed. (v.9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. (v.10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that is what God’s holy commandments are all about; the first four tells you how to love God and the last six tells you how to love your neighbor. If you love your God you will not do any thing to offend him, like having other gods before him. You will do as he says like remember the sabbath day to keep it holy on the seventh day of the week. If you love him you will obey him when he tells you not to eat certain meats etc… And the same goes for your fellow man, if you love your neighbor you wouldn’t steal from him, you wouldn’t kill him, you wouldn’t try and sleep with his wife and so on and so forth. This is God’s definition of love and it is perfect in its ways. So if you say that you know God, but you don’t keep his commandments, lets see what the Lord had specially written for you. (See exodus 20: 1-17)

Let's take a look at something said in (1John 2:3-4) (v.3) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (v.4) he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Maybe there's much much darkness in you, and the truth is not in you!

Should a believer, love the Lord with all his/her heart, mind, soul? YES! Should a believer, love his/her neighbor as he/she wants to be loved? YES! Doing these things, are right in the sight of God, according to Scripture.

But doing these things, are a part of ones Conversion or Christian walk. All of 1 John 2, is about the Christian walk. John is saying, that we as believers are to walk worthily of our calling.

None of these things, has to do with one being saved (Regeneration). That is the Sovereign work of God upon the recipient. (But that's for another time and another discussion).

If you don't keep those Commandments then you will be moving in the opposite direction of being save. True saints realize that God's law must be obeyed to receive eternal life. Faith and works go together and you can't have one without the other. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12).

No, you are wrong when you say Jesus Christ only saves me from my past sins but not my present or future sins.

True, when I sin after being saved I still repent and acknowledge my sin but I absolutely know without a doubt that God will forgive me - there is no fear of His wrath but, I am very concerned about hurting Him with my sin - that grieves me very much and I know He will correct and chasten me.

The Blood of Jesus Christ takes away all my sins and His Body imputes His Righteousness (human fulfillment of all the law required from me).

Jesus Christ seals me with the Holy Spirit and I am FOREVER His… I do not have to maintain my salvation with good works nor ever be in fear of losing it.

However, I absolutely looooove doing good works because I know it pleases God and is a blessing to others and myself- I receive great joy in doing good.

This is works salvation and won't save. Read Rom 3:20. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

Let's take a look at that Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. We have both laws within this verse. Notice the first part of the verse, "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight." What law is this? It is the sacrificial law. Why? Remember in Hebrews the 10th chapter verse 4 it states, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." So, by the deeds of the sacrificial law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.

Now, look at the second part of the verse, "for by the law is the knowledge of sin." What law is this? The commandments. Why? Sin is the transgression of the law (1John 3:4), and if there is no law how would any of us have knowledge of sin. Let's take a look at the next verse.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (Romans 3:21)

Notice what Paul says, "The righteousness of God without the law is manifested." What law is this? It is the sacrificial law. Why? And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (Colossians 2:13-14).

But let's go and read the final verse in Romans 3: 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Salvation is by GRACE (unearned) through faith (not works). Eph 2:8