The Gospel is meant to share not store up to ourselves.
We need to take ownership.
Here is two verses I will attempt to draw a picture of the way we "play Christianity"
Consider these two verses in 1 John and James. next the other posted scriptures and then I will explain where we need to take ownership. So please bare with me.
1 John 3:17. and James 2:15-16.
Luke 19:10. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
2 Corinthians 5:15. And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Matthew 5:14-15. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Ephesians 2:10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I'm sure we're familiar with the slothful servant in the parable in
Luke 19:20-26.
NOW YO MY POINT.
We complain so much especially here in the US of America. about the spiritual decay and gross sin dating back to Slavery!! AND ALL THAT MATTERS IS WE HAVE THE GOSPEL STORED IN OUR HEART. Brother and Sisters getting it out undefiled should be top priority to the lost. In a way it parallels with the examples presented in
1 John 3:17. and James 2:15-16.
It's so much we all can do together if what's in our heart generated work rather a SHOW of Holiness.
WHAT'S THE POINT REASONING SCRIPTURE TO SOMEONE ABSENT OF THE SPIRIT?
THEY NEED IN THEM WHAT'S WORKING IN US!!
1 Corinthians 2:14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
I agree with sister Dianne. Ephesians 2:8. For by grace are ye saved ( through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:)
I would like to add a verse or two.
1 John 2:2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Romans 1:16 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.
I suggest getting an understanding of Romans 5:1-21. Romans 6:1-23.
James 2:10 clearly state "" whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all "" now this leaves room for punishment that fits the crime so to speak , but let us rejoice in His presence and stand as one multostranger as we run this race laid out be4 us with our eyes not behind us but watching the goal of salvation !!!!! I love my people in Christ Jesus hallelujah hallelujah david hump
It's hard to deny what the Bible so clearly says. Here are more verses saying the same thing about salvation. Jesus warned his followers many times through parables that most will go to hell. Judas was a follower until he turned his back on Jesus and sold Him out. He faced a horrible death and likely will go to hell. Christians unfortunately turn their backs on Jesus today- sometimes even prominent ones, including pastors, worship leaders, ministers. The common response I hear is either denial or 'they were never Christian'- then I ask them their definition of a Christian and then usually don't get a response. The Bible says all those things about security of salvation, but you can't stop reading there, this assumes you're following Jesus and many do for a period of time, but then start following the world or satan directly, without even realizing how far they have drifted. The Bible says to fear God. He will judge you and where you will go. Most won't take it seriously, will goof off, live for pleasure and will go to hell. People need to be warned of this so they will actually follow Jesus, and avoid the disaster that awaits. Jesus's parables were quite clear and He pounded that message into people. People who don't follow Jesus's commandments don't love Jesus. They might say they do, believe they do, but they don't if continue in sin.
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race", not the 'race was already won.'
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. 18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and DO NOT the things which I say?
James 2:10 says, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of the whole thing."
But look what it says in Verse 11. It says "For he that said." He didn't say for the scriptures say. It says for he that says, do not commit adultery, said also, do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if you should kill, you are become a transgressor of the law.
How does that work? The law represents the holiness of God, His complete holiness. Romans 3:20 says through the law we have the knowledge of sin.
If I keep the whole law, and yet I violate one law, I have sinned, and I'm less than who God is. Well, that's a no-brainer, right?
If I think I'm pretty good and I ought to get into heaven because I do pretty good things and I'm not that bad of a person, well, how do I stack-up to God?
Am I as holy as God is? Well, I wouldn't say that. But that's what a sinner is, somebody who has fallen short of the glory of God.
And so the commandments were representative of God's holiness. So if you broke one, you're a sinner, you've broken them all, because even one sin, you have fallen short of who God is. And that is how he shows us how sinful we are and what sin is.
So the emphasis is on the person, not the law. The same person that says thou shalt not commit adultery, also said thou shalt not kill. And if you do one of those things, then you have violated the one who gave the law.
When we sin, we have sinned against the law giver and that's what makes us guilty of all, no matter how big or small we in our human minds might view sin!
Brother Perry, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
God's WILL BE DONE in you battle with cancer.
Most have not been taught the truth about FAITH. Let's let scripture give insight to truth.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is THROUGH THE FAITH OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is of God by FAITH (OF CHRIST).
James 2:17 Even so FAITH (OF CHRIST), if it hath not works (OF CHRIST), is alone.
Man does nothing of himself ALL IS THE GIFT (WORKS) OF GOD.
If we apply these scriptures to Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood, we she her being healed by the faith that went from him to her. Faith and works (healing).
We know it was HIS FAITH and HIS WORKS because he told his followers that he felt virtue go out of him into her.
When Christ GIVES you his faith, his faith is followed by his works. Natural and physical healing often times is not the works being done, but spiritual healing.
Isaiah 43:7 .... I have created him for MY GLORY ....
Isaiah 48:11 ...and I will not give MY GLORY to another .....
Go in the FAITH and WORKS OF CHRIST and HIS WILL BE DONE in this battle (natural and spiritual).
Romans 6:1-4 . What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 8:11. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
James 2:20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
John 15:5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Matthew 7:17-20. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
2 Peter 1:20-21. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Isaiah 28:9-10. Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
The Same message is spread throughout the bible. a little here, and a little there.
I'd estimate that 90% of all differences of opinion here stems from "cherry picking" scripture.
1. Person A says 'I believe in scripture A'.
2. Person B says 'yah, but what about scripture B?!'
3. Person A says 'yah, but what about scripture A?!'
What is needed is ALL the verses in context: A+B+C+D+E... to all be considered for a full understanding + seeking God through prayer and asking for understanding.
Example:
Does the Bible says believe and you're saved. Yes. Is that ALL it says? No. Do these contradict? No. Genuinely believing assumes action is associated with such a belief- otherwise, it suggests lack of belief.
James 2:18-19 - Even demons believe. Ok, so maybe we should do just the "bare minimum" more than believe, but no more, because then it would be "legalism" (some actually believe this). Satan believed too and was cast out of heaven. Hitler probably believed then later murdered 6 million Jews.
Person A is yah, just FAITH only
Person B is yah, but WORKS too!
Person A is no, just FAITH!
James 2:18 says it's BOTH! A genuine Christian does both, because a genuine Christian will bear fruit and do good works. Good works is GOOD, not bad as some falsely assume. Love your neighbor as yourself is 2nd greatest commandment and showing love is a good work. It also says we need to confess. We can call that scripture C in this case. 1 John 1:9. We'll find more relevant scripture too if we keep reading the Word.
Hello Carolyn. Two Scriptures come to mind that speak of a Christian's behaviour towards another.
James 2:14-17 and 1 John 3:17,18.
As you read both those portions, the message is clear: In the first passage, if a believer sees a brother or sister destitute of food or clothing & does nothing about it except to assure him of prayers that things will turn for the better for him, then that believer's faith is dead.
In the other passage, if a believer is stoney-hearted towards a needy brother or sister, then that attitude raises serious doubt as to whether God's Love resides in him.
As much that it is not in our power to declare the worth of a person's salvation (that is a matter between God & the individual), a person with such an attitude to another's need, does indeed demonstrate a failure in both faith & love - qualities that God's Spirit has bestowed to every child of God. Of course, maybe the hoped-for helper is also in a pathetic position, whether in giving monetary or other assistance. But even in this case, everything possible should be done to ensure that a fellow-believer is cared for. I feel, generally Churches are very responsive in this area & probably most saints as well, but having had connections with the smaller (tighter) groups, such as the Exclusive Brethren, you will never find any person fellowshipping there ever in any want. Houses, food, clothing & jobs are all catered for. We can indeed learn about love & sacrifice from such Fellowships.
I think all Christians struggle with the temptations of sin. Paul wrote about his struggle: Romans 7:19
In my opinion there's a difference in a Christian genuinely trying to follow Jesus and occasionally messing up and getting a little off track...
VS.
A Christian who assumes he's saved, because grace, and now feel entitled to sin as much as he wants, because grace. He used to follow Jesus, but doesn't really think about it much anymore. He calls himself a 'good person' by his own standards. He enjoys the world, enjoys indulgences (sin) and rationalizes it as being OK. Then puts the world first pursuing fun, money, status, and following Jesus becomes a lower priority. He assumes he's going to heaven, because grace and his actions don't matter anymore and he's a 'good person'.
In my understanding, the Christian who knows he's a flawed sinner and desperately needs Jesus's grace and follows Jesus and tries to emulate Him and apply His teachings is on solid ground. The fact that someone cares and is thinking about it is a heathy sign: Luke 12:5. Sounds like you fit in this category. Remember Paul killed Christians and was forgiven, so no sin other than blasphemy is too great to be forgiven, if genuine repentance.
But the Christian who already assumes he's all good, and uses grace as a license to justify committing unlimited sin and following the world instead of Jesus, I believe is in danger.
Jesus warned His followers (Christians) over and over about heaven and hell through His parables, etc. That few people will go to heaven and most will go to hell.
Matthew 7:21
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
james 2:6-13. but ye have despised the poor. do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
if ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
for whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
( for he that said, do not commit adultery, said also, do not kill. now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. )
so speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
for he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
1 corinthians 6:9-11. know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of god? be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of god.
and such were some of you: ( but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the lord jesus, and by the spirit of our god.
galatians 5:19-21. now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, ( and such like: ) of the which i tell you before, as i have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of god.
im sure we're all guilty of one of these.
question is
how are judged? do you feel confident enough to stand alone without the sacrificial lamb?
im not.
thank you lord for forgiving and strengthening me.
Most of us will face this, Death. Do we sleep in the earth until the resurrection, or go to heaven to be with the Lord? Regardless of which belief, there is no knowledge, no love, no hate, no work, no thoughts, no wisdom, or time in death. Some scriptures can be used to support both beliefs but it is for you to decide in your heart. Can we say either belief is wrong?
When the gospel of Christ was given to the Gentiles, the countries around were highly influenced by Greek Philosophy and beliefs like what happens when we die, mythical stories of death, paradise, hades, underworlds on more were widely spread by the people who were Greek and they stuck. I know some will disagree but that's ok we are not talking about things that cannot be debated that, like the only hope we have for salvation and eternal life is the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope this is not offensive or confusing. I thought instead of answering I would do something different, just ask a few questions I had and wrote down, when I studied this a while back, may they help you decide for your conscience.
I believe our body is just the dwelling place of our soul, and our spirit (breath) given to us by God is what keeps us alive. ( Ecclesiastes 12:7) ( Psalm 104:29) ( Psalm 146:4) ( James 2:26)
If we say our soul (we/us) is immortal and we are appointed once to die, what dies?
What is resurrected if our soul is already in heaven?
We are sealed (earnest, the down payment) by the Holy Spirit until when?
When are we redeemed?
Is our soul or our body the flesh that is corruptible and must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality?
When will we be absent from this body, is it when we die, or when we are resurrected?
When we meet Jesus in the air does scripture tell us where we go after we meet?
Again, I hope this is taken in love and not confusing, and may we be led by the Holy Spirit of truth.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6.
For God so loved the world, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
GOD IS LOVE, BUT HE IS ALSO JUST AND HOLY.
God doesn't save us by his love.
Love is by the means he sent us a savior.
God also doesn't compromise none of his attributes,
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
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: 1 Peter 1:17-22.
There's your Commandment in John 13.
and it will manifest beyond words.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Dear Tito, it sounds like your religion is something other than Christianity, because in Christianity (followers of Jesus Christ) Jesus clearly says you must obey Him. This makes a lot of people uncomfortable, because they would rather enjoy a life of sin. Most people will choose to continue the life they love and will call it 'love', but aren't willing to change their lifestyle to obey Jesus and avoid sin. They then rationalize with deceptive words not from the Bible, but from the mouth of satan that say you're saved regardless of your actions, that you can do whatever you want with no consequence because you're "saved." That must be an awesome religion, the best of both worlds, where you don't even have to try, where you can enjoy sin and evil as much as you want and God "approves" it, right?
You said even Hitler will be in heaven- so even the world's most evil, vile, mass murderer even gets in, according to you. But I wonder if that's just your idea or if that's 100% untrue. What if that's a lie from satan? It sure sounds the opposite of what God said.
Jesus warned his Christian followers repeatedly to avoid sin. He gave them lots of parables about separating good from bad, and how most people will go to hell, and only few people will make it to heaven. So, in your religion, if even Hitler goes to heaven, then who doesn't make it in?
In your world, if you're a Christian do you believe tonight, you can freely commit any sin you'd like with no ramifications? Adultery, immorality, sodomy, murder, lying, cheating, stealing- it's all ok? Is that really what the Bible says? My Bible doesn't say that. If you do that you're basically slapping Jesus in the face, spitting on Him, and turning your back on His grace. Shame on anyone who does this. God will fairly judge all and no one is saved until they are judged.
John 14:15
Hebrews 10:26
James 2:19
2 Corinthians 5:10
The verses that say you have an inheritance, assurance assume you're genuinely following Jesus, not following Satan!!!
John 13:36-37. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
" Something we know Peter couldn't do.
Peter couldn't Agape the Lord the way he thought he could, "
And in the English it's not obvious but in
John 21:15 he basically admits it using phileo to answer the Lord.
"Yea, Lord thou knowest that I love thee "
not Agape as the Lord asked.
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, YEA, LORD; THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
The 3rd time the Lord asked he also used phileo, Instead of Agape and Peter wept.
What Peter couldn't do in John 13:36-37,
( Follow the Lord to his death )
The Lord tells him it's what he's "GOING" to do in John 21:18-19.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, FOLLOW ME.
Once filled with the Holy Spirit Peter preached the Gospel boldly knowing his fate was death.
It's amazing what we can do when the Spirit of God is in you.
You can know the scripture and walk alongside Christ but without the Holyspirit baptism WHEN YOU TRULY BELIEVE. it means nothing.
Matthew 7:22-23. 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.
I would just read what God says and ignore what man says. If you click on these or hover over them you'll see what each Bible verse says. It's clear to me what it says and means and is interesting how some others word hard to try to make it mean something else. 1 Peter 5:8
Matthew 7:14
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
People have freewill to choose good or evil:
Psalms 25:12
Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"
Psalm 119:30
Luke 16:13
Proverbs 3:31
Fear God:
Joshua 24:14
Psalms 25:12
Proverbs 1:29
Seek God:
Psalms 63:1
"I'm not a bad person". Everyone thinks they're good, including the wicked.
I certainly do believe your viewpoint is the accurate one. If salvation is just believing and can't be lost, then why did Paul say at
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so FIGHT I, not as one that beateth the air: But I KEEP UNDER MY BODY, and BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a CASTAWAY."
Sounds to me that Paul disciplined himself to keep himself in God's love. He did not want to be a castaway - rejected.
Jude 1:21 "KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
Notice the words of James at
James 5:19-20 "BRETHREN, if any of YOU do ERR FROM THE TRUTH, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
James is here speaking to the "BRETHREN" and says that it is possible for a brother (a true believer) to "ERR FROM THE TRUTH" - therefore, he must have been in the truth to start off with, otherwise he would not be erring from it. He has become, once again, a sinner and is in danger of death.
Paul also said at
1 Corinthians 10:12 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he STANDETH take heed lest he FALL."
Some say that Paul is referring to those who THINK they are standing but really are not. If that were so, then why does he say LEST HE FALL. If they are not standing, they certainly cannot fall.
What Paul is really saying is: Let him that thinks he is standing SOLIDLY, take heed that he does not fall after all.
I leave you with these few thoughts which I thought you might enjoy.
It is Christ who works in us and through us. It's His work. But it is such a blessing when He uses us to accomplish His will. I had someone years ago tell me that they were doing God's work. I said "Oh yea, how's that working out for you? They didn't know how to answer that. That person then told me that's what we are supposed to do as believers. I then said "If God is counting on me to do His work for Him, then He is in trouble." That conversation ended quickly as that person didn't want to talk anymore!
Brother Jesse, I agree with every word you wrote. We are predestined to be the LIKENESS of Christ; as he could do nothing of himself, the Father did it all through him; we do nothing our self, Christ does it all through us. We are the vessel, we only hold Christ. We are the body of Christ.
I just wanted to take the Verse a little deeper from a Greek perspective.
If you notice the word "with." Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Well, it is the Greek word EN, which means in.
All three prepositional phrases are "in." You will love the Lord your God (in) your whole heart, and (in) your whole soul and (in) your whole mind.
Please notice the location?
I am not going to love with it. I am going to be in it. It is going to be in me, in my inner being. That is how it is literally translated in the Greek.
You see, God gives us the ability to love Him because in the natural, we do not have that capability. So Jesus says this is the first commandment.
Can you imagine how many years have we gone by with people thinking that the first commandment is a commandment?
No, the commandment is YOU WILL. There is no choice there! It is not an invitation like I hope you will, or could you, or should you.
You will, because God's Spirit is the one who has the love. He is the one who loves. And when you have God's Spirit in you, you are in God's love.
And we have to be sensitive to the fact that AGAPE love is not an action, something we have to go out and do. Agape love is a person. That person is Christ. And if we have Christ, we will love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul. And we will love our neighbor (fellow believer) as ourself. It's not a command for us to go out and do. It is something we will do because His Spirit in us gives us the ability to do so!
It probably came from Matthew 22:37. The term "Thou shalt love" is not in command form. That is a Future Active Indicative in the Greek text. It is not a command. It is a factual statement. You will love!
Believers are supposed to love one another. But, neither in the Old Testament, nor in the New Testament, is it in command form.
As a matter of fact, the command in the Old Testament is YOU WILL love the Lord your God, and YOU WILL love your neighbor as yourself. It is a factual statement!
It all centers around where the commands came from, Deuteronomy Chapter 6 that has the SHEMA, the prayer that is prayed every morning and evening by Orthodox Jews.
In that prayer, they recite the fact that God says that I will put my Spirit in you, and I will put my laws on your heart, and YOU WILL love the Lord your God.
We are told in Galatians 5:22 that love, AGAPE, is a fruit of God's Spirit.
In 1 John Chapter 4, it tells us that God is love. Now if I focus on the fact that God is love, and I've been commanded to love, and God is love, then what am I to do? Give you God, because He is love. Love is a person. Love is the nature of God!
In my human abilities, or in my human effort, I cannot produce God's nature of love. I can't produce that!
And as I said, Galatians 5:22 tells us it is a fruit. It is produced by God's Spirit, just like faith, and all the other ingredients that make up the fruit of the Spirit.
Some continue to take scriptures out of context and put pressure on themselves to produce these things, when the bible says no.
The bible says point-blank that if you're not loving your brother, then you don't know God! If you do not have AGAPE love in you, you are not saved. That is what the bible says.
I am running out of space but want to share a little more on Matthew 22:37 from a Greek perspective. It is some pretty powerful stuff!
You're not butting in, I don't think any private conversations on this site.
The context in this comment was those who "HATE THE BRETHEREN' the love Christ is not in them.
"If Christ dwell in us and we in him, his spirit CAUSE us to love one another.
quoting me now:
"I believe the emphasis here in John is not just the love for the brethren is evidence of
Christ in you,
But also the hatred for the brethren is evidence Christ is not in you."
Here's THE VERSES.
1 John 3;18-21. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
"We may fool one anther but not God." God knows the Heart!!
1 John 2:8-11. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
1 John 4:20-21. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
1 John 2:5. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
( hereby know we that we are in him.)
We are to display Gods love on all men, But Agape/Love which is one of 3 loves in scripture, It's what is used here towards the brethern WHERE BY WE KNOW! Christ is in us.
Believing isn't enough, because the Bible clearly says that even demons believe James 2:14-26. Even satan believes and you probably know that he's not going back to heaven. Jesus said most people will go to hell and most people on earth believe in God. So, does the math add up? Most will go to hell, despite believing. And since the Bible already says believing isn't enough, it makes a strong case that believing isn't enough. In fact, it's likely that satan is the one trying to convince Christians that they don't need to be obedient or do anything good, because they were told they didn't have to and that good works was bad. Clever trick.
What I think is a common source of common confusion is cherry picking a verse and ignoring the context of the chapter. For instance some cite Hebrews 10:10-20 as the reason they are 'saved' permanently, regardless of their actions. So, some believe they can enjoy sin, having affairs, stealing, committing murder, with no consequence apparently. Does that sound like it comes from God? But if someone were to simply read further in the same chapter, they would see the greater context and read this...
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.
29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
So, it assumes that a Christian is genuine and being obedient, not willfully sinning! What a massive distinction with eternal consequences!
What comes out the mouth comes from the heart,
The Gospel is meant to share not store up to ourselves.
We need to take ownership.
Here is two verses I will attempt to draw a picture of the way we "play Christianity"
Consider these two verses in 1 John and James. next the other posted scriptures and then I will explain where we need to take ownership. So please bare with me.
1 John 3:17. and James 2:15-16.
Luke 19:10. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
2 Corinthians 5:15. And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Matthew 5:14-15. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Ephesians 2:10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I'm sure we're familiar with the slothful servant in the parable in
Luke 19:20-26.
NOW YO MY POINT.
We complain so much especially here in the US of America. about the spiritual decay and gross sin dating back to Slavery!! AND ALL THAT MATTERS IS WE HAVE THE GOSPEL STORED IN OUR HEART. Brother and Sisters getting it out undefiled should be top priority to the lost. In a way it parallels with the examples presented in
1 John 3:17. and James 2:15-16.
It's so much we all can do together if what's in our heart generated work rather a SHOW of Holiness.
WHAT'S THE POINT REASONING SCRIPTURE TO SOMEONE ABSENT OF THE SPIRIT?
THEY NEED IN THEM WHAT'S WORKING IN US!!
1 Corinthians 2:14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Love is not hiding the Gospel it's presenting it.
God bless.
I agree with sister Dianne. Ephesians 2:8. For by grace are ye saved ( through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:)
I would like to add a verse or two.
1 John 2:2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Romans 1:16 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.
I suggest getting an understanding of Romans 5:1-21. Romans 6:1-23.
and James 2:14-26.
God bless
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race", not the 'race was already won.'
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. 18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and DO NOT the things which I say?
James 2:10 Also came to mind.
If I may add another perspective.
James 2:10 says, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of the whole thing."
But look what it says in Verse 11. It says "For he that said." He didn't say for the scriptures say. It says for he that says, do not commit adultery, said also, do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if you should kill, you are become a transgressor of the law.
How does that work? The law represents the holiness of God, His complete holiness. Romans 3:20 says through the law we have the knowledge of sin.
If I keep the whole law, and yet I violate one law, I have sinned, and I'm less than who God is. Well, that's a no-brainer, right?
If I think I'm pretty good and I ought to get into heaven because I do pretty good things and I'm not that bad of a person, well, how do I stack-up to God?
Am I as holy as God is? Well, I wouldn't say that. But that's what a sinner is, somebody who has fallen short of the glory of God.
And so the commandments were representative of God's holiness. So if you broke one, you're a sinner, you've broken them all, because even one sin, you have fallen short of who God is. And that is how he shows us how sinful we are and what sin is.
So the emphasis is on the person, not the law. The same person that says thou shalt not commit adultery, also said thou shalt not kill. And if you do one of those things, then you have violated the one who gave the law.
When we sin, we have sinned against the law giver and that's what makes us guilty of all, no matter how big or small we in our human minds might view sin!
I like the way you put that Brother Earl.
God bless
God's WILL BE DONE in you battle with cancer.
Most have not been taught the truth about FAITH. Let's let scripture give insight to truth.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is THROUGH THE FAITH OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is of God by FAITH (OF CHRIST).
James 2:17 Even so FAITH (OF CHRIST), if it hath not works (OF CHRIST), is alone.
Man does nothing of himself ALL IS THE GIFT (WORKS) OF GOD.
If we apply these scriptures to Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood, we she her being healed by the faith that went from him to her. Faith and works (healing).
We know it was HIS FAITH and HIS WORKS because he told his followers that he felt virtue go out of him into her.
When Christ GIVES you his faith, his faith is followed by his works. Natural and physical healing often times is not the works being done, but spiritual healing.
Isaiah 43:7 .... I have created him for MY GLORY ....
Isaiah 48:11 ...and I will not give MY GLORY to another .....
Go in the FAITH and WORKS OF CHRIST and HIS WILL BE DONE in this battle (natural and spiritual).
GBU
If a person truly believes he will bare fruit.
The Holyspirit will sanctify,
Romans 6:1-4 . What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 8:11. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
James 2:20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
John 15:5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Matthew 7:17-20. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
2 Peter 1:20-21. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Isaiah 28:9-10. Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
The Same message is spread throughout the bible. a little here, and a little there.
All scripture should harmonize.
Amen.
1. Person A says 'I believe in scripture A'.
2. Person B says 'yah, but what about scripture B?!'
3. Person A says 'yah, but what about scripture A?!'
What is needed is ALL the verses in context: A+B+C+D+E... to all be considered for a full understanding + seeking God through prayer and asking for understanding.
Example:
Does the Bible says believe and you're saved. Yes. Is that ALL it says? No. Do these contradict? No. Genuinely believing assumes action is associated with such a belief- otherwise, it suggests lack of belief.
James 2:18-19 - Even demons believe. Ok, so maybe we should do just the "bare minimum" more than believe, but no more, because then it would be "legalism" (some actually believe this). Satan believed too and was cast out of heaven. Hitler probably believed then later murdered 6 million Jews.
Person A is yah, just FAITH only
Person B is yah, but WORKS too!
Person A is no, just FAITH!
James 2:18 says it's BOTH! A genuine Christian does both, because a genuine Christian will bear fruit and do good works. Good works is GOOD, not bad as some falsely assume. Love your neighbor as yourself is 2nd greatest commandment and showing love is a good work. It also says we need to confess. We can call that scripture C in this case. 1 John 1:9. We'll find more relevant scripture too if we keep reading the Word.
Link
James 2:14-17 and 1 John 3:17,18.
As you read both those portions, the message is clear: In the first passage, if a believer sees a brother or sister destitute of food or clothing & does nothing about it except to assure him of prayers that things will turn for the better for him, then that believer's faith is dead.
In the other passage, if a believer is stoney-hearted towards a needy brother or sister, then that attitude raises serious doubt as to whether God's Love resides in him.
As much that it is not in our power to declare the worth of a person's salvation (that is a matter between God & the individual), a person with such an attitude to another's need, does indeed demonstrate a failure in both faith & love - qualities that God's Spirit has bestowed to every child of God. Of course, maybe the hoped-for helper is also in a pathetic position, whether in giving monetary or other assistance. But even in this case, everything possible should be done to ensure that a fellow-believer is cared for. I feel, generally Churches are very responsive in this area & probably most saints as well, but having had connections with the smaller (tighter) groups, such as the Exclusive Brethren, you will never find any person fellowshipping there ever in any want. Houses, food, clothing & jobs are all catered for. We can indeed learn about love & sacrifice from such Fellowships.
I think all Christians struggle with the temptations of sin. Paul wrote about his struggle: Romans 7:19
In my opinion there's a difference in a Christian genuinely trying to follow Jesus and occasionally messing up and getting a little off track...
VS.
A Christian who assumes he's saved, because grace, and now feel entitled to sin as much as he wants, because grace. He used to follow Jesus, but doesn't really think about it much anymore. He calls himself a 'good person' by his own standards. He enjoys the world, enjoys indulgences (sin) and rationalizes it as being OK. Then puts the world first pursuing fun, money, status, and following Jesus becomes a lower priority. He assumes he's going to heaven, because grace and his actions don't matter anymore and he's a 'good person'.
In my understanding, the Christian who knows he's a flawed sinner and desperately needs Jesus's grace and follows Jesus and tries to emulate Him and apply His teachings is on solid ground. The fact that someone cares and is thinking about it is a heathy sign: Luke 12:5. Sounds like you fit in this category. Remember Paul killed Christians and was forgiven, so no sin other than blasphemy is too great to be forgiven, if genuine repentance.
But the Christian who already assumes he's all good, and uses grace as a license to justify committing unlimited sin and following the world instead of Jesus, I believe is in danger.
Jesus warned His followers (Christians) over and over about heaven and hell through His parables, etc. That few people will go to heaven and most will go to hell.
Matthew 7:21
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13
Romans 11
John 14:15
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5
the lord want be singling out just murderers.
james 2:6-13. but ye have despised the poor. do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
if ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
for whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
( for he that said, do not commit adultery, said also, do not kill. now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. )
so speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
for he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
1 corinthians 6:9-11. know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of god? be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of god.
and such were some of you: ( but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the lord jesus, and by the spirit of our god.
galatians 5:19-21. now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, ( and such like: ) of the which i tell you before, as i have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of god.
im sure we're all guilty of one of these.
question is
how are judged? do you feel confident enough to stand alone without the sacrificial lamb?
im not.
thank you lord for forgiving and strengthening me.
god bless
Most of us will face this, Death. Do we sleep in the earth until the resurrection, or go to heaven to be with the Lord? Regardless of which belief, there is no knowledge, no love, no hate, no work, no thoughts, no wisdom, or time in death. Some scriptures can be used to support both beliefs but it is for you to decide in your heart. Can we say either belief is wrong?
When the gospel of Christ was given to the Gentiles, the countries around were highly influenced by Greek Philosophy and beliefs like what happens when we die, mythical stories of death, paradise, hades, underworlds on more were widely spread by the people who were Greek and they stuck. I know some will disagree but that's ok we are not talking about things that cannot be debated that, like the only hope we have for salvation and eternal life is the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope this is not offensive or confusing. I thought instead of answering I would do something different, just ask a few questions I had and wrote down, when I studied this a while back, may they help you decide for your conscience.
I believe our body is just the dwelling place of our soul, and our spirit (breath) given to us by God is what keeps us alive. ( Ecclesiastes 12:7) ( Psalm 104:29) ( Psalm 146:4) ( James 2:26)
If we say our soul (we/us) is immortal and we are appointed once to die, what dies?
What is resurrected if our soul is already in heaven?
We are sealed (earnest, the down payment) by the Holy Spirit until when?
When are we redeemed?
Is our soul or our body the flesh that is corruptible and must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality?
When will we be absent from this body, is it when we die, or when we are resurrected?
When we meet Jesus in the air does scripture tell us where we go after we meet?
Again, I hope this is taken in love and not confusing, and may we be led by the Holy Spirit of truth.
RLW
Especially the part, "He's your Lord and savior.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6.
For God so loved the world, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
GOD IS LOVE, BUT HE IS ALSO JUST AND HOLY.
God doesn't save us by his love.
Love is by the means he sent us a savior.
God also doesn't compromise none of his attributes,
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
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: 1 Peter 1:17-22.
There's your Commandment in John 13.
and it will manifest beyond words.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
James 2:18.
God bless.
You said even Hitler will be in heaven- so even the world's most evil, vile, mass murderer even gets in, according to you. But I wonder if that's just your idea or if that's 100% untrue. What if that's a lie from satan? It sure sounds the opposite of what God said.
Jesus warned his Christian followers repeatedly to avoid sin. He gave them lots of parables about separating good from bad, and how most people will go to hell, and only few people will make it to heaven. So, in your religion, if even Hitler goes to heaven, then who doesn't make it in?
In your world, if you're a Christian do you believe tonight, you can freely commit any sin you'd like with no ramifications? Adultery, immorality, sodomy, murder, lying, cheating, stealing- it's all ok? Is that really what the Bible says? My Bible doesn't say that. If you do that you're basically slapping Jesus in the face, spitting on Him, and turning your back on His grace. Shame on anyone who does this. God will fairly judge all and no one is saved until they are judged.
John 14:15
Hebrews 10:26
James 2:19
2 Corinthians 5:10
The verses that say you have an inheritance, assurance assume you're genuinely following Jesus, not following Satan!!!
John 13:36-37. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
" Something we know Peter couldn't do.
Peter couldn't Agape the Lord the way he thought he could, "
And in the English it's not obvious but in
John 21:15 he basically admits it using phileo to answer the Lord.
"Yea, Lord thou knowest that I love thee "
not Agape as the Lord asked.
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, YEA, LORD; THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
The 3rd time the Lord asked he also used phileo, Instead of Agape and Peter wept.
What Peter couldn't do in John 13:36-37,
( Follow the Lord to his death )
The Lord tells him it's what he's "GOING" to do in John 21:18-19.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, FOLLOW ME.
Once filled with the Holy Spirit Peter preached the Gospel boldly knowing his fate was death.
It's amazing what we can do when the Spirit of God is in you.
You can know the scripture and walk alongside Christ but without the Holyspirit baptism WHEN YOU TRULY BELIEVE. it means nothing.
Matthew 7:22-23. 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.
AGAPE YOUR BRETHREN.
HERE BY WE KNOW!!
God bless.
I would just read what God says and ignore what man says. If you click on these or hover over them you'll see what each Bible verse says. It's clear to me what it says and means and is interesting how some others word hard to try to make it mean something else. 1 Peter 5:8
Matthew 7:14
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
People have freewill to choose good or evil:
Psalms 25:12
Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"
Psalm 119:30
Luke 16:13
Proverbs 3:31
Fear God:
Joshua 24:14
Psalms 25:12
Proverbs 1:29
Seek God:
Psalms 63:1
"I'm not a bad person". Everyone thinks they're good, including the wicked.
Romans 3:23
Mark 10:18
That's it, and in much more detail.
This time I will hold on to this treasure and not forget where I pasted it.
Thanks
Goodnight and God bless.
Vessels we are,
If we take hold of that it will solve a lot of debates.
God bless.
I certainly do believe your viewpoint is the accurate one. If salvation is just believing and can't be lost, then why did Paul say at
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so FIGHT I, not as one that beateth the air: But I KEEP UNDER MY BODY, and BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a CASTAWAY."
Sounds to me that Paul disciplined himself to keep himself in God's love. He did not want to be a castaway - rejected.
Jude 1:21 "KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
Notice the words of James at
James 5:19-20 "BRETHREN, if any of YOU do ERR FROM THE TRUTH, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
James is here speaking to the "BRETHREN" and says that it is possible for a brother (a true believer) to "ERR FROM THE TRUTH" - therefore, he must have been in the truth to start off with, otherwise he would not be erring from it. He has become, once again, a sinner and is in danger of death.
Paul also said at
1 Corinthians 10:12 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he STANDETH take heed lest he FALL."
Some say that Paul is referring to those who THINK they are standing but really are not. If that were so, then why does he say LEST HE FALL. If they are not standing, they certainly cannot fall.
What Paul is really saying is: Let him that thinks he is standing SOLIDLY, take heed that he does not fall after all.
I leave you with these few thoughts which I thought you might enjoy.
Take care, Adam.
It is Christ who works in us and through us. It's His work. But it is such a blessing when He uses us to accomplish His will. I had someone years ago tell me that they were doing God's work. I said "Oh yea, how's that working out for you? They didn't know how to answer that. That person then told me that's what we are supposed to do as believers. I then said "If God is counting on me to do His work for Him, then He is in trouble." That conversation ended quickly as that person didn't want to talk anymore!
Here is the second part I promised:
I just wanted to take the Verse a little deeper from a Greek perspective.
If you notice the word "with." Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Well, it is the Greek word EN, which means in.
All three prepositional phrases are "in." You will love the Lord your God (in) your whole heart, and (in) your whole soul and (in) your whole mind.
Please notice the location?
I am not going to love with it. I am going to be in it. It is going to be in me, in my inner being. That is how it is literally translated in the Greek.
You see, God gives us the ability to love Him because in the natural, we do not have that capability. So Jesus says this is the first commandment.
Can you imagine how many years have we gone by with people thinking that the first commandment is a commandment?
No, the commandment is YOU WILL. There is no choice there! It is not an invitation like I hope you will, or could you, or should you.
You will, because God's Spirit is the one who has the love. He is the one who loves. And when you have God's Spirit in you, you are in God's love.
And we have to be sensitive to the fact that AGAPE love is not an action, something we have to go out and do. Agape love is a person. That person is Christ. And if we have Christ, we will love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul. And we will love our neighbor (fellow believer) as ourself. It's not a command for us to go out and do. It is something we will do because His Spirit in us gives us the ability to do so!
Blessings in Christ Jesus!
It probably came from Matthew 22:37. The term "Thou shalt love" is not in command form. That is a Future Active Indicative in the Greek text. It is not a command. It is a factual statement. You will love!
Believers are supposed to love one another. But, neither in the Old Testament, nor in the New Testament, is it in command form.
As a matter of fact, the command in the Old Testament is YOU WILL love the Lord your God, and YOU WILL love your neighbor as yourself. It is a factual statement!
It all centers around where the commands came from, Deuteronomy Chapter 6 that has the SHEMA, the prayer that is prayed every morning and evening by Orthodox Jews.
In that prayer, they recite the fact that God says that I will put my Spirit in you, and I will put my laws on your heart, and YOU WILL love the Lord your God.
We are told in Galatians 5:22 that love, AGAPE, is a fruit of God's Spirit.
In 1 John Chapter 4, it tells us that God is love. Now if I focus on the fact that God is love, and I've been commanded to love, and God is love, then what am I to do? Give you God, because He is love. Love is a person. Love is the nature of God!
In my human abilities, or in my human effort, I cannot produce God's nature of love. I can't produce that!
And as I said, Galatians 5:22 tells us it is a fruit. It is produced by God's Spirit, just like faith, and all the other ingredients that make up the fruit of the Spirit.
Some continue to take scriptures out of context and put pressure on themselves to produce these things, when the bible says no.
The bible says point-blank that if you're not loving your brother, then you don't know God! If you do not have AGAPE love in you, you are not saved. That is what the bible says.
I am running out of space but want to share a little more on Matthew 22:37 from a Greek perspective. It is some pretty powerful stuff!
I'll send it as Matthew 22:37 (Part 2)
You're not butting in, I don't think any private conversations on this site.
The context in this comment was those who "HATE THE BRETHEREN' the love Christ is not in them.
"If Christ dwell in us and we in him, his spirit CAUSE us to love one another.
quoting me now:
"I believe the emphasis here in John is not just the love for the brethren is evidence of
Christ in you,
But also the hatred for the brethren is evidence Christ is not in you."
Here's THE VERSES.
1 John 3;18-21. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
"We may fool one anther but not God." God knows the Heart!!
1 John 2:8-11. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
1 John 4:20-21. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
1 John 2:5. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
( hereby know we that we are in him.)
We are to display Gods love on all men, But Agape/Love which is one of 3 loves in scripture, It's what is used here towards the brethern WHERE BY WE KNOW! Christ is in us.
God bless
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
What I think is a common source of common confusion is cherry picking a verse and ignoring the context of the chapter. For instance some cite Hebrews 10:10-20 as the reason they are 'saved' permanently, regardless of their actions. So, some believe they can enjoy sin, having affairs, stealing, committing murder, with no consequence apparently. Does that sound like it comes from God? But if someone were to simply read further in the same chapter, they would see the greater context and read this...
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.
29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
So, it assumes that a Christian is genuine and being obedient, not willfully sinning! What a massive distinction with eternal consequences!