Not By Works
- Thread starter dcontroversal
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Of course God draws, and of course he “picks and chooses” (a failed attempt to ridicule this truth).
Funny how many including you think it unfair He does this (picks and chooses) but totally fair if they’re in charge, showing who they think is more just than God, and more in charge and fair than He.
Since, not if He does this, these same become hostile, angry, and do the Romans 9:19-20 thing and reply against God.
Now, why does He do this, and what is it based on? He does it according to the counsel of his purpose and will; Ephesians 1:11, which means it is not according to man’s will or purpose, John 1:13, James 1:18.
No, salvation is not a revolving door.
God does not allow that (Hebrews 6:4-6).
Then what is this?
"stand firm in the faith - 1 Corinthians 16:13
"building yourselves up in your most holy faith" - Jude 1:20
"holding on to faith" - 1 Timothy 1:19
"let us hold firmly to the faith we profess" - Hebrews 4:14
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess" - Hebrews 10:23
"And now, dear children, continue in him" - 1 John 2:28
"As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you." - 1 John 2:24
Then what are these for?
"stand firm in the faith - 1 Corinthians 16:13
"building yourselves up in your most holy faith" - Jude 1:20
"holding on to faith" - 1 Timothy 1:19
"let us hold firmly to the faith we profess" - Hebrews 4:14
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess" - Hebrews 10:23
"And now, dear children, continue in him" - 1 John 2:28
"As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you." - 1 John 2:24
"kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off." - Romans 11:22
Why has the church gone against Paul and say that even 'believing' is now a work of merit?
Matthew 18:23-35.
"the kingdom of heaven is like"
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you"
In the kingdom, the Father knows ahead of time who will trample on the free gift of forgiveness he has given it to, yet He gives it anyway.
We can live worthy of it:
"conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." - Philippians 1:27
In fact, that is how you show your gratitude for God's mercy.
To not do that is to show contempt for God's mercy.
Works are required by the virtue of us being new creations "created in Christ Jesus to do good works" - Ephesians 2:10
Ultimately, in the end, no good works shows you are not a new creation in Christ. That's how works are required without those works earning salvation.
Works are the required and obligatory result of being saved. Just as getting wet is the required and obligatory outcome of going swimming. Getting wet is required in swimming, but you don't get wet to go swimming, you go swimming and invariably get wet. You have to, or you didn't go swimming. In this same way, works are required in salvation.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
If there is a specific verse which troubles you, feel free to post what you believe it to mean in context as you have many times.
The copy and paste jumbled out of context verses technique saves time, I'm sure... but if you are trying to suggest any of the verses you posted, in context, say that a born again child of God can ever "lose salvation" then I disagree and it is on you to show where you believe scripture says that....
You have never once even been able to ask a question I couldn't answer using scripture and with a clean conscience towards God and my own beliefs in regards to what He has put in His written word. Even if you often just "disagree" and go to different verses which still flow in perfect harmony with eternal security.
Living "worthy" of the gospel doesn't for one moment mean we can live in a way which deserves God's grace.
You always sound just like Jesus.
Ah, I see labels save. The sacred cow of the Christian label. You're a Christian so you're going to heaven.
That has nothing to do with anything. Have you repented and been baptized? Do you abide in His Word? Do you deny your soul, take up your cross and follow Him daily, or do you walk in your way? Is He head over all things for you? Do you abide in Him? Do you live in the Spirit? Do you love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? Has He circumcised your heart?
The world doesn't need to see more Christian hypocrites (not that everyone is, they aren't) what they need to see is disciples of our Lord for whom He is King. That was a charge against the early believers - "They say there is another King!" Hardly the charge today.
At least you are clear enough to state that you believe faith AND works are both required for salvation. I can respect that.
Salvation is a gift, it cannot be earned. It is only obtained by belief in the gospel. This is step 1.
Step 2: After receiving the free gift, you must continue in God’s goodness and walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you were called (Romans 11:22; Ephesians 4:1).
i'm sorry; i haven't followed that part of the conversation in this thread. i'm not able to keep up with all of the things going on in here
E
EleventhHour
Guest
Then it is not really a gift is it?