Is the Gospel the power of God unto salvation?
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If your enemy is hungry, feed him. it has been said ask eye for an eye, God has always never meant it as it has gotten taken to mean. Son the Messiah, showed us the Love of God, that has always been here, from day one. For God did not kill Adam or Eve did God? had mercy from day one
We the people seem to not have that mercy
So tell that one thank you, we all have the free choice to choose. I hope the best for you. feed them, stop separating people from people and causing wars and rumors of wars
Love is the greatest command of all commands. When I do not love others, even when they do not love me, how can I be different than an unbeliever in God?
Thanks for your quote, I saw that answer in putting my post down, okay, I simply ignored it, not taking away anyone's free will to choose
since it is God's full on love that overcomes evil, overcame evil, when revealed he is risen as in Col 2 tells me this truth, that God confirms this in me
We the people seem to not have that mercy
So tell that one thank you, we all have the free choice to choose. I hope the best for you. feed them, stop separating people from people and causing wars and rumors of wars
Love is the greatest command of all commands. When I do not love others, even when they do not love me, how can I be different than an unbeliever in God?
Thanks for your quote, I saw that answer in putting my post down, okay, I simply ignored it, not taking away anyone's free will to choose
since it is God's full on love that overcomes evil, overcame evil, when revealed he is risen as in Col 2 tells me this truth, that God confirms this in me
The gospel IS the power of God to salvation. However, there is more to the gospel message then what is specifically referenced in the scripture. (1 Corinthians 15)
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you FIRST of all... "
Paul begins by reminding the group that he declared to them the gospel by which they were saved. (Verses 1-2) He goes on to point out a specific part of the gospel message that he and they received FIRST; that Jesus died for their sins, was buried and resurrected. (Verses 3-4) He then delves into concepts associated with resurrection throughout the remainder of the chapter.
Apostle Paul’s comment about Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection being what is shared with people FIRST indicates there is other information included in the gospel message. This truth is seen in scripture relevant to all groups of humanity; Jews, Gentiles and Samaritans. (Acts 2:22-41; 8:12-17; 10:37-48) In each of the referenced scriptures, individuals hear the word of God, repent as evidenced by a willingness to submit to water baptism in the name of Jesus, and become indwelt by the Holy Ghost as well. There are variations in the sequence of events, but all are noted.
Notice in 1 Corinthians 15 verse 29 Paul specifically brings up water baptism. Why bring it up if it is not part of the gospel message? He questions why people are getting baptized for the dead if they don't believe the dead will be resurrected. Even though baptism for the dead is not biblical it speaks to the fact that born again believers realized their own water baptism played a part in their spiritual rebirth. And as such, they were doing it in hopes of changing the fate of relatives and/or friends who had not submitted to it for themselves before meeting their demise.
Without a doubt, repentance and water baptism hold no significance without belief in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Jesus’ sacrifice is what makes the NT spiritual rebirth possible in the first place. Even though Jesus died for the sins of all humanity, not all will have their personal sins washed away. It is through one's belief and obedience to God's plan of salvation as expressed in the word that all are given the opportunity to become born again children of God.
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you FIRST of all... "
Paul begins by reminding the group that he declared to them the gospel by which they were saved. (Verses 1-2) He goes on to point out a specific part of the gospel message that he and they received FIRST; that Jesus died for their sins, was buried and resurrected. (Verses 3-4) He then delves into concepts associated with resurrection throughout the remainder of the chapter.
Apostle Paul’s comment about Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection being what is shared with people FIRST indicates there is other information included in the gospel message. This truth is seen in scripture relevant to all groups of humanity; Jews, Gentiles and Samaritans. (Acts 2:22-41; 8:12-17; 10:37-48) In each of the referenced scriptures, individuals hear the word of God, repent as evidenced by a willingness to submit to water baptism in the name of Jesus, and become indwelt by the Holy Ghost as well. There are variations in the sequence of events, but all are noted.
Notice in 1 Corinthians 15 verse 29 Paul specifically brings up water baptism. Why bring it up if it is not part of the gospel message? He questions why people are getting baptized for the dead if they don't believe the dead will be resurrected. Even though baptism for the dead is not biblical it speaks to the fact that born again believers realized their own water baptism played a part in their spiritual rebirth. And as such, they were doing it in hopes of changing the fate of relatives and/or friends who had not submitted to it for themselves before meeting their demise.
Without a doubt, repentance and water baptism hold no significance without belief in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Jesus’ sacrifice is what makes the NT spiritual rebirth possible in the first place. Even though Jesus died for the sins of all humanity, not all will have their personal sins washed away. It is through one's belief and obedience to God's plan of salvation as expressed in the word that all are given the opportunity to become born again children of God.
Nehemiah6 and all CC members reading this thread,
I don't often participate on the Bible Discussion Forum. It is rarely a place where minds are changed to consider other views as most here are convinced after years of time in their perspective churches. However, your title got my attention as I whole heartedly agree with the gospel of Christ. In fact we likely agree on 95% of the topics I've read of your posts if not more.
My doctrinal views are usually clear and plain for all to see as I try to lead others to Christ where there are opportunities. I am happy to answer questions as well.
When I trusted Christ as my Savior, decided to believe that gospel instead of my works, I started attending a Baptist Church. The pastor invited many Evangelists and Missionaries to preach. The topic that was most inconsistent and confused was the response to the gospel per 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 1:16; 10:16, Acts 16:30, etc.
They would often add to faith in Christ things like, "give YOUR LIFE to Christ, turn from your sins, make a commitment", and many things that applied to disciples.
The words "repent and repentance" were defined in context to salvation by those Evangelists/ Missionaries in multiple ways. I thought that they being Evangelists, whose primary responsibility was to lead others to Christ, would be very clear and knowledgeable about the subject. If anyone would know, they would.
I found disagreements even among members of my own church and the deacons. Even when I discussed it with my pastor, they were ignored and swept under the rug for years. I was even told that they were all right.
I asked, how can the responses all be right when they differ?
Like David asked, I asked concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ, Is there not a cause? If salvation is not of works, then why do preachers keep adding works to faith? I do not believe it's of works, yet they are the experts. Perhaps I am just too young and ignorant to know . I haven't read the Bible nearly as much as they have. I don't think God would make it confusing to those who sincerely seek the truth.
One day I decided to take Paul's example and get alone with the Lord to study the subject of salvation in particular for three years with an open mind and open Bible. Even though I attended Church, I spent much time in personal study and away from distractions. I didn't consult commentaries or others opinions. It was a worthy investment of time considering that people's eternal destinies depend upon believing the correct response to the gospel.
Paul, John and the Lord often corrected, rebuked and warned, about the subject.
I turned down a scholarship for a post graduate to a major Bible college and career over this topic, so I don't take it lightly.
I put the "X" meaning disagree after some thought, because I don't want you or anyone else to take it lightly either. I don't think you do.
Nehemiah6, I've read many of your posts and believe that you are a diligent student of the word.
The "X" is to emphasize one small but very significant point that I already stated in my only other post on the previous page. That's all, but it makes a big difference. Other than that, I would have to agree.
However I see that gospel requiring faith from the unbeliever.
I do not agree with your statement,
"repentance means a total turning away from sins..."
Was it a wicked sinner who first repented in the Bible?
Who repented more than anyone?
Does the original language even contain one of the words for sin?
Rather than debate to no end and nobody changes their mind to any benefit, I ask that you and hopefully others will do as I have. Challenge yourselves with an honest open mind to do an exhaustive word study on the words repent/ repentance and beg God for insight, especially as it applies to the context of salvation. It will do no harm and the time spent might be eternally beneficial.
Sincerely,
H&H
I don't often participate on the Bible Discussion Forum. It is rarely a place where minds are changed to consider other views as most here are convinced after years of time in their perspective churches. However, your title got my attention as I whole heartedly agree with the gospel of Christ. In fact we likely agree on 95% of the topics I've read of your posts if not more.
My doctrinal views are usually clear and plain for all to see as I try to lead others to Christ where there are opportunities. I am happy to answer questions as well.
When I trusted Christ as my Savior, decided to believe that gospel instead of my works, I started attending a Baptist Church. The pastor invited many Evangelists and Missionaries to preach. The topic that was most inconsistent and confused was the response to the gospel per 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 1:16; 10:16, Acts 16:30, etc.
They would often add to faith in Christ things like, "give YOUR LIFE to Christ, turn from your sins, make a commitment", and many things that applied to disciples.
The words "repent and repentance" were defined in context to salvation by those Evangelists/ Missionaries in multiple ways. I thought that they being Evangelists, whose primary responsibility was to lead others to Christ, would be very clear and knowledgeable about the subject. If anyone would know, they would.
I found disagreements even among members of my own church and the deacons. Even when I discussed it with my pastor, they were ignored and swept under the rug for years. I was even told that they were all right.
I asked, how can the responses all be right when they differ?
Like David asked, I asked concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ, Is there not a cause? If salvation is not of works, then why do preachers keep adding works to faith? I do not believe it's of works, yet they are the experts. Perhaps I am just too young and ignorant to know . I haven't read the Bible nearly as much as they have. I don't think God would make it confusing to those who sincerely seek the truth.
One day I decided to take Paul's example and get alone with the Lord to study the subject of salvation in particular for three years with an open mind and open Bible. Even though I attended Church, I spent much time in personal study and away from distractions. I didn't consult commentaries or others opinions. It was a worthy investment of time considering that people's eternal destinies depend upon believing the correct response to the gospel.
Paul, John and the Lord often corrected, rebuked and warned, about the subject.
I turned down a scholarship for a post graduate to a major Bible college and career over this topic, so I don't take it lightly.
I put the "X" meaning disagree after some thought, because I don't want you or anyone else to take it lightly either. I don't think you do.
Nehemiah6, I've read many of your posts and believe that you are a diligent student of the word.
The "X" is to emphasize one small but very significant point that I already stated in my only other post on the previous page. That's all, but it makes a big difference. Other than that, I would have to agree.
However I see that gospel requiring faith from the unbeliever.
I do not agree with your statement,
"repentance means a total turning away from sins..."
Was it a wicked sinner who first repented in the Bible?
Who repented more than anyone?
Does the original language even contain one of the words for sin?
Rather than debate to no end and nobody changes their mind to any benefit, I ask that you and hopefully others will do as I have. Challenge yourselves with an honest open mind to do an exhaustive word study on the words repent/ repentance and beg God for insight, especially as it applies to the context of salvation. It will do no harm and the time spent might be eternally beneficial.
Sincerely,
H&H
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op: The Gospel, The Power Of God?
Yes, and Also:
The Written Word Of God And The Living Word Of God Can Never be. . .
Amen.
(credit: Nehemiah6)
"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."
(Romans 1:16 AV)
Yes, and Also:
"...the preaching of The Cross * is to them that perish
foolishness; but unto us which are saved It is The Power of God."
(1 Corinthians 1:18 AV)
"But we preach Christ Crucified,* unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and
unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both
Jews and Greeks, Christ The Power of God, and The Wisdom of God."
(1 Corinthians 1:23-24 cp 2:5; 2 Corinthians 6:7, 13:3-4 AV)
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of The Testimony of
our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker
of the afflictions of The Gospel according to The Power of God!"
(2 Timothy 1:8 AV)
The Written Word Of God And The Living Word Of God Can Never be. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . "Separated", eh?
Lord, I believe, please Help Thou my unbelief!Amen.
* The Gospel is not The Gospel without:
The FULL Picture Of Christ's 'Finished' Sacrifice On The Cross! (credit: Nehemiah6)
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And the conversion of the Ninevites in Jonah, the conversion of Zacchaeus in the Gospels, and the conversion of Paul from persecutor of Christians to the leading apostle of Christ proves you wrong.
Anyway, for a Christian to put a red X on the total post regarding the Gospel is to throw seekers (or the unsaved) off unnecessarily. All you had to do is say what you said in a separate post. But it is not even biblical, just your own idea. If you did not turn away from your sins and idols at the time you received Christ, then how could you be saved?
Anyway, for a Christian to put a red X on the total post regarding the Gospel is to throw seekers (or the unsaved) off unnecessarily. All you had to do is say what you said in a separate post. But it is not even biblical, just your own idea. If you did not turn away from your sins and idols at the time you received Christ, then how could you be saved?
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HealthAndHappiness said:
I do not agree with your statement, "repentance means a total turning away from sins...
many have chosen to do that, exactly what you said above. Tell me has anyone fully done that and does not or has not ever sinned again? As Christ never sinned once, fulfilled the Law and Prophets, yet took on the sin of the entire world all by himself on that cross, willingly< not forcefully, with Father watching in great distress, loving us all so deeply, widely and highly. Therefore, Daddy can save us as born again from him, through Son’s done work< includes resurrection. Without the reconciling death to us all first. There can be no new life offered. Death had to take away sin first. (John 1:29)
‘cleaned the deck. Cleared us all of ever being punished for sin again.
except, for anyone thing to not Believe God, then one stays dead, even though can dance, smile and deceive anyone, by showing good works, without the new heart
Ezekiel 36:26, that is offered in the risen Son, to be given anyone that believes he is risen without any ulterior motive for any self gain
Believe< Receive, eventually see, one will, provided one not giving up, no matter how long it might take to see it
me, personally, I went through death willingly. And I am not saying I know or got it together. God dose by Son once for us all on that cross. At least me thanks
I do not agree with your statement, "repentance means a total turning away from sins...
many have chosen to do that, exactly what you said above. Tell me has anyone fully done that and does not or has not ever sinned again? As Christ never sinned once, fulfilled the Law and Prophets, yet took on the sin of the entire world all by himself on that cross, willingly< not forcefully, with Father watching in great distress, loving us all so deeply, widely and highly. Therefore, Daddy can save us as born again from him, through Son’s done work< includes resurrection. Without the reconciling death to us all first. There can be no new life offered. Death had to take away sin first. (John 1:29)
‘cleaned the deck. Cleared us all of ever being punished for sin again.
except, for anyone thing to not Believe God, then one stays dead, even though can dance, smile and deceive anyone, by showing good works, without the new heart
Ezekiel 36:26, that is offered in the risen Son, to be given anyone that believes he is risen without any ulterior motive for any self gain
Believe< Receive, eventually see, one will, provided one not giving up, no matter how long it might take to see it
me, personally, I went through death willingly. And I am not saying I know or got it together. God dose by Son once for us all on that cross. At least me thanks
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I believe HH is correct. We come to Christ as we are. We may be sorrowful in the process and confess our sins, but when one believes he or she is turning from trusting in anything that isn't Christ to trusting fully in Him. The object of faith is where the turning away and turning to occurs.
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those that will not give up (deny God) will see
accepted, forgiven, reconciled, and sealed by God. Responding in thanksgiving and praise all sin taken out of the way< as far as the east is from the west.
God reveals this to us all that choose to believe God, even though we all, I have mucked it up a lot, still can as I see not to now, yet still have, it is unlimited trust to God the Father of the risen Son the two as Won (One) that has and saves me in love and mercy to all. The same as Son did that first< going to that cross willingly. Time to respond, over getting or being religious about it, as revealed in Luke 18:9-14 the two that go to the temple, one gets justified, the other does not. I need God’s love and mercy still, whether I sin again or not!
accepted, forgiven, reconciled, and sealed by God. Responding in thanksgiving and praise all sin taken out of the way< as far as the east is from the west.
God reveals this to us all that choose to believe God, even though we all, I have mucked it up a lot, still can as I see not to now, yet still have, it is unlimited trust to God the Father of the risen Son the two as Won (One) that has and saves me in love and mercy to all. The same as Son did that first< going to that cross willingly. Time to respond, over getting or being religious about it, as revealed in Luke 18:9-14 the two that go to the temple, one gets justified, the other does not. I need God’s love and mercy still, whether I sin again or not!
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Really? Even though Christ said this? From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Mt 4:17)
"As we are" means that we would keep on sinning. But repentance does not mean that you have suddenly reformed your life totally. But it does mean TURNING AWAY from sins and idols and TURNING TO the living God and Christ.
Do you want bible proof? Speaking of the Christians at Thessalonica here is what Paul said: For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thess 2:9)
We already have the example of the Ninevites, and how God turned away His wrath:
JONAH 3: THE REPENTANCE OF NINEVEH AN EXAMPLE TO ALL
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
On the road to Damascus, Paul immediately said to Chris: "Lord what will you have me do?" and within days of his repentance and conversion, He was preaching Christ. The same man who has severely persecuted Christians. Repentance is not just a change of mind (lexical definition). It is a complete 180 degree change of direction in every aspect of your life. And Paul is our best example.
So let's not promote a false gospel, when Peter said this: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
"As we are" means that we would keep on sinning. But repentance does not mean that you have suddenly reformed your life totally. But it does mean TURNING AWAY from sins and idols and TURNING TO the living God and Christ.
Do you want bible proof? Speaking of the Christians at Thessalonica here is what Paul said: For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thess 2:9)
We already have the example of the Ninevites, and how God turned away His wrath:
JONAH 3: THE REPENTANCE OF NINEVEH AN EXAMPLE TO ALL
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
On the road to Damascus, Paul immediately said to Chris: "Lord what will you have me do?" and within days of his repentance and conversion, He was preaching Christ. The same man who has severely persecuted Christians. Repentance is not just a change of mind (lexical definition). It is a complete 180 degree change of direction in every aspect of your life. And Paul is our best example.
So let's not promote a false gospel, when Peter said this: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
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The key phrase is...in the name of Jesus Christ. Having placed one's faith in Christ we will begin to renounce all kinds of things in favor of what is good and right. And the newness of life under the aegis of the Spirit will bring incredible changes in the believer's life. But belief in Christ comes when an individual turns from trusting in whatever they were believing in to placing their trust solely in Christ. That's what faith is.