Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:21‬ ‭

It’s belief of what we hear so what I mean is this is meant to shape my belief . I should begin to think what he’s saying that “ just saying I believe I believe he’s the lord “ this isn’t what God requires of me but instead I need to believe him and let him change how I think about God

if I think “ there’s nothing I need to do , I’m already saved I don’t need to hear Gods word and obey “

scripture like that is made to shape my belief to bring me to repentance and obedience


“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

again if I think sin doesn’t apply to me it doesn’t matter if I repent of just keep on sinning . Then scripture is there to change my thinking

Belief has to come from what the lord really said about salvstion and damnation

If we believe what Jesus taught it’s going to change how we think but if we hear it and then reject what he’s saying as if Jesus doesn’t understand God and salvstion it’s not going to change us at all

It’s not a danger for believers it’s just like God warning Noah about the ark . If Noah hadn’t bekieved God he wouldn’t have obeyed and lived building the ark

abut Noah believed what God said and obeyed and was saved by faith

What did the guys in this passage NOT do that caused Jesus to say "I never knew you"?

They apparently dedicated their lives to others, EVEN IN Jesus' Name.
If these guys didn't "obey" then none of us have.

NO! The OBEYING they were missing was to obey the GOSPEL.
The Repentance they failed to do was repenting of THEIR dead works.
They not only believed Jesus' Sacrificial death wasn't enough, but also all THEIR works and obeying were!

So you NEVER sin any more?

I see great danger for those who believe in a false Gospel..

“What did the guys in this passage NOT do that caused Jesus to say "I never knew you"?”

You mean the next two verses that tell us the reason they are rejected plainly ?

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them,


I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

they were working iniquity claiming to be workers of good ….you think because they claimed to be righteous and good workers was enough or did he look at thier actual works ?

They continued on in iniquity never turning from sin to God pretty basic if you read the whole section

He continues making the point of the difference between those who don’t do and those who do

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:24-27‬ ‭

It’s the same principle saying I’m a Christian I’m saved …..v believing what he actually taught like if we won’t repent we’ll perish

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—

whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death,

or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:15-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I think you’ve missed what I said . If a person can’t agree with what Jesus taught about things they need to repent and believe what he said because he’s the son of God who came to tell man the truth about God and salvation


“So you NEVER sin any more?”

What is that to you ? The Bible says what it says friend

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

why ?

“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭NIV‬

so then

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭

repentance is just part of what we need to accept I’m sorry if that upsets you . But what I’ve done and do and will do is between God and me same with whatever you’ve done between God and you . It doesn’t change what’s in the Bible however and this is a bi local discussion forum in a post asking about that verse

The way you look at this and present it, is just off in my opinion. You seem to think and believe that it's our will and power that we obey Him by. As if the weight of these things is on our shoulders, and like we get the credit and glory for this obedience. If I follow what you present as the gospel to it's logical outcome as a whole, what I get when I'm born again is basically a Holy probation. This is a works based salvation, how is it not? What exactly do you think happens to us when we are born again as Jesus is talking to Nicodemus in John 3? When this happens to us, what has actually taken place, in your view? Because I honestly feel like there is a huge misunderstanding of what this actually means in your interpretation of this. I don't think we will be able to even have this conversation if we are wrong about what being saved actually is to start with. So when someone says that "I've been born again", what does that mean to you?

believer has a clear & distinct meaning. if someone is a born again Christian, he or she will TOTALLY be in heaven at passing. the only thing close is a backsliding Christian will still be in heaven at passing. if someone believes there's danger for a believer, there's no illusion or concept in the Bible for that to be true. you either are in hell or heaven at passing. no in-between's, no maybe's & no 2nd chances.

yea often if scripture is presented and just talked about what it says it seems off.

“You seem to think and believe that it's our will and power that we obey Him by. “

what keeps believers from remeotning and obeying him is rejecting his word like “ if you don’t repent you will surely perish like all sinners “

If I can’t accept what he said I’m wrong about it and need to repent and believe him. Or I’m always going to be wrong s out what I think.

I can live my life saying this isn’t true

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

abut then I’m rejecting the purpose he came for

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus came to save sinners from sin calling the to repentance. We need to accept this and believe him it will change how we understand and believe and removes sins dominion over us so we can make a choice between life and death

Whatever arguments people come up with the things Jesus said are going to be the truth and judgement of God even if we hear a message that “we don’t have any choice satan is our master we can’t choose to obey God “

satan is always going to want us to think that because we aren’t going to ever be free from his trap that way Gods truth brings freedom from satans dominion over us

Gods always going to be telling us repent and do what is right , Satan will always explain why we can’t and aren’t capable we’re just sinners having no control over anything we do no choice just puppets ect ect

thats never going to bring anyone to repentance and sadly that leads to death

We have a choice who to yield ourselves to either Satan and sin or God and righteousness if we’ve heard the truth and haven’t then argued why it’s not true and won’t work but if we believe

Maybe the problem is nonone accepts what the lord said ?

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32, 34, 36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

a maybe to be free we need to accept what the lord and savior said and if we aren’t free maybe it’s because we reject what he said makes us free ?


“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey;

whether of sin unto death,

or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.


I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:16-20, 22‬ ‭

why do we just keep pretending we can’t hear the lord and believe ?

It’s because we skip right over the life

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we have no choice we need to start listening to what Jesus said makes us free and believing that

Wow, you didn't answer my very strait forward question. Typed all that to sidestep my main question. What does it mean to be born again? Can you not just tell me this with out a page of text? I'm asking you Christian to Christian, what does being born again "do" to us. Not what we do to get salvation, not what we do after being saved, what happens to us when we are born again?

I'm not at all trying to question your salvation status, trip you up, or pretend I have some kind of "got you" answer, but the fact is that if we have not been born again then we can not have the answer to this. This has to do with the person and God, but I can tell you what happen when I was born again, can you? This is an actual event in a believers life, it's what happens when we are truly saved by God. Please just answer to the point or tell me you won't answer me. Don't make me read another wall of text to find out you didn't answer.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:24-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:45‬ ‭

““All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:27-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬


Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32, 34, 36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If our faith is built upon Christ and what he our lord and creator said about everything but we still fall well short and make many mistakes what then ? We still look to what he taught and find the answers in him

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:35-38‬ ‭NIV‬‬

were never going to be perfect but we can learn to follow the lord and treat other people with respect and dignity , offer the needy help when we’re able and have plenty . To actually give a hoot , about the broken man I see on my way to the grocery store or those I’ve seen for seventy plus years now sixty lol that I remember

But if we don’t just only focus on one aspect the repentance and obedience but also her about the mercy we give and also receive we begin to realize that Jesus is teaching those he understands aren’t yet perfect , those he understands need mercy every day because they still have flaws and weaknesses

they still also struggle against the old man they were that sinner sleeps long naps but somehow he always comes up like them darn zombie movies and before you know it your walkin around mindless chanting “ brains ….braiiinnnns !””

Jesus knows we aren’t perfect he knows we’re sinners but when , we understand that he knows , that we know …..that he knows and he still loves us . It lets us come near to him into the cloud like Moses did and actually meet the lord and one to Know him personally man to man in Jesus the Christ , our Lord and God. Who became our savior the holy one of Israel

The law demanded death of sins , Jesus offers intercession and remission of sins in his name who had no sin. For those who become his disciples in other words those who believe his message “ I am the promised messiah , the Lord in the flesh , the promised son of man who fulfills the Old Testament promise of salvation.

come to me and learn of me, be me student my disciple , understsnd I love you enough to suffer and die , know come and follow Me because I did . You’ll make mistakes at times but be merciful as I was and am to you

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

if I can come to believe this it allows me to understand why the imperfect sinners flocked Tom listen to Jesus words , and the “righteous “ religious leaders and elders and flock ….stood far away , and gossiped and accused him because he accepted sinners among his flock

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:1-2, 7, 10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Bit he wasn’t telling them don’t worry just keep sinning don’t repent your saved ….he told them parables that concluded with sinners repenting and burning heaven joy and celebration because a sinner finds the principle of repentance upon earth .


They came near to hear Jesus because his teachings are for sinners to hear and it will bring them to actually know what God is like personally what he wills for us and why we need to stop serving sin and turn to God . And as we believe those things it reshapes our perception of the world , God , ourselves , our relationship to God ect

Bringing us along as children still flawed but drawing us towards the goal as we hear and believe our lord and teacher , never destroying us because we make mistakes and sin , but always telling us when we’ve sinned acknowledge it and repent if you are following Christ there’s always mercy of we bealieve his teachings they teach us wonderful things that can save sinners from judgment and death

We press towards the prize , carry our cross run the race fight the good fight but we aren’t perfect yet we’re disciples of Jesus followers of his ways


“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we’re never finished but always growing and learning sometimes we stray but he has a way of calling us back when he needs too

if we begin to really hear the gospel of Matthew mark Luke and John before anything it’s a powerful thing that can save and also there’s so much grace and forgiveness and mercy on those words so we don’t have to be condemned there’s always life even when we have failed , if we believe and follow the lord

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: ( it’s a growth process through our lives like a seed grows up through a continual process and becomes a tree or plant yielding fruit ) as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Don't make me read another wall of text to find out you didn't answer.”

wow …..did mama not give you your baba today ? So you are a grumpy Gus ? A fussy gussy ? What if I do show you more scripture haha ??

You asking what it is to be born again ? Here you go since you apparently can’t see it in those scriptures. This is why people talk about being “ born again “

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:3, 5-6‬ ‭KJV‬

thats the first time it’s mentioned in the New Testament.

“It is the spirit that quickeneth;

the flesh profiteth nothing:

the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭

to be born again of the spirit is to hear the gospel and believe , not reject it but hear and accept what the gospel says. I’m not saying one has to know every detail but like this

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judæa, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

( Peter just briefly summarized Matthew mark Luke and John the true gospel of the kingdom that being born again is all about now friend watch what happens because they heard the gospel before hand peters saying now he’s there witnessing by the Holy Ghost )


And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:34-40, 42-44‬ ‭KJV‬‬

They just have been born of the spirit because they heard the gospel and believed now Peter commands them to be born of water for remission of thier sins and a new life tbrough his name .

“Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:46-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

thats to be reborn of spirit and water and enter into his kingdom to hear and believe the gospel ( not perfectly obey every jot and tittle up front , but to believe it as it is )

Which is where that whole term came from what Jesus was preaching to a man about the gospel of the kingdom

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:3, 5-6‬ ‭KJV‬

We have to hear the gospel and believe to receive the spirit ….when we do we’re of course going to hear about baptism for remission of sins in water because it’s throughout the nt .

born again is a concept based on Gods promises to make new people with a new heart and new spirit , his promise to quicken them and make them new and able to walk in his ways because everyone was condemned by sin he’s giving man a new beginning in Christ that’s what that term is all about inheriting things promises to Christ the son of God and son of Abraham’s promises for the earth and all nations and peoples

it seems like you want to argue , I don’t have any interest in arguing with you , if you disagree with every word I’ve written , more power to ya , I’m alright with that it’s a free country

If you want to discuss maybe try being respectful rather than the fit throwing and demanding

Brother i believe Jesus came to save anyone who believes the gospel …….

your saying I don’t think God is the one saving us ? Because Jesus said that we have to repent and start obeying him ? Lol

God suffered and shed his blood on a cross to save people and then he told us all about it in his word if you want to be born again thisnis how

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:22-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

New life from the dead equals born again by his promises on the gospel and belief

It's easy to get caught up in the idea of this Verse because it has Jesus saying (I never knew you).
But He says something more definitive with [you workers of iniquity].
So it's more than just whether they were believers or not but it's specifically about what they are being defined as according to the Judgement of God.

Jesus uses the Aramaic that was translated into the Greek word (ἐργαζόμενοι (ergazomenoi)) that means [To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor] connected to the Greek word (ἀνομίαν (anomian)) that means [Lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin. From anomos; illegality, i.e. Violation of law or wickedness].

Ultimately, Jesus is saying, they made a job out of doing wickedness.

So they knew what they were doing. And what they were doing would not match what we see the Apostles doing.

Actually, Cessation, matches this most perfectly.


When we consider that Paul said he would see the [perfect to come] means it cannot be the completed Bible because he was DEAD 30 years before it was completed. So it clearly means when he see's the Resurrected Jesus. So the Gifts end when we see Jesus Return.

Yet Jesus told them they never repented, in other words, your run at the mill evangelicals:


New International Version
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

New Living Translation
But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

English Standard Version
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Berean Standard Bible
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

Berean Literal Bible
And then I will declare unto them, 'I never knew you; depart you from Me, those working lawlessness.'

King James Bible
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

New King James Version
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

New American Standard Bible
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; LEAVE ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

And what is that worry?

I know lots of people who believe that they do such works in the hope that if there is a god they will go to heaven.

Of course they won't because they think they can be saved by their works.
For me it's non believers.
At name of Jesus every knee shall bow.
When he comes in his glory all will know he is Lord, even those who had not believed but try to be saved with "Lord I did this and that"

Last time I looked my scriptures said we were saved by grace through faith, not obedience. You are either a believer or an unbeliever. The Gospel reveals which one you are.

Fall from grace!

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬


““Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:46-49‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:3-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Should we believe these teachings from Jesus and his apostles and think this way regarding our own actions and responsibilities ? Like it teaches the audience tbat reads it or should we reject these things Jesus oaul and Peter taught the Christchurch and say it’s a self works that doesn’t glorify God the right way ?

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus said

““Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live,

and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:28-29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

pul said

“But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.

God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;

but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:5-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

At some point in our faith we have to start taking steps and acting in it

“You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

…As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2:22-24, 26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

its the difference in saying I believe and living like we believe acting upon our beliefs . What if it’s not that God wants us to think “ dont think you need to do what I commanded you you have faith “

But instead he wants us to have faith so we will follow what he said believing him and acting upon it ? Not before we say I believe and he’s the lord but after we say that ?

“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What if faith doesn’t mean “now we don’t have to do what God said will save us , Because we have faith now ?

abut it means now I can learn and know Gods will and do what he says will save my soul because I believe him and he’s filled me with his spirit and set me free ?

True ? Not asking if it’s true of you personally but of the church who Paul wrote this too

“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.

God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil:

first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:4-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

what if these crazy ideas of a persons works mattering , is coming from the Bible’s new testement letters of Paul and Peter John and the words of Christ in the gospel ? And the words of the ot prophets ?

and what if being saved doesn’t mean now we never have to do anything but now we’re able to do what we need to in Christ through his spirit ? So we dont have an excuse anymore of bieng ruled by sin ?

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jesus never knew them which means they did not receive the Spirit so they did not have the power to be Christlike, but were workers of iniquity, but that is what they wanted believing they were saved and had the Spirit, and holding on to sins did not affect their salvation status.

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Those that name the name of Christ has to depart from iniquity, and that is what seals the saints.

Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

If a person holds on to sin the blood of Christ cannot wash it away for God will not take away a sin they hold on to.

2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Some have a form of living for God but they deny the Spirit leading them and want to enjoy sin, and hold on to sin, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, and believe they are saved in that condition, and never come to the truth they have to depart from iniquity.

But a person that received the Spirit might sin but they will repent, and get rid of the sin, and move forward in the Spirit.

If you are going to dabble in sin for a while at least have the attitude that you are not right with God and get rid of the sin, and He knows the heart.

Those that Jesus never knew got off on the wrong foot in believing they can hold on to sin, and are saved making excuses that we are not perfect, and we are only human, and cannot abstain from sin.

But a Spirit led person will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh so there is no excuse.