My personal belief is that one can pray to both God & His Son Jesus Christ. Even though I generally address God my Father in prayer, I also find that I can speak to Jesus, to thank Him & praise Him. Why I say this is because in our new relationship with the Godhead, God is our Father & Jesus is our Brother. Just as one would seek the help & advice from an earthly father & maybe the understanding & support of an earthly brother, we can even see God & His Son in a similar way, praying to them, praising them, & seeking help. And we should also be able to pray to the Holy Spirit residing in us, especially in those times of trial & testing or for strength & comfort.
As well, we see in Scripture that people prayed to Jesus. You can look at these verses: 1 Corinthians 1:1,2 (calling upon the Lord Jesus' Name); 2 Corinthians 12:8,9 (Paul's thorn in the flesh); John 9:38 (Jesus was worshipped); Revelation 5:8-13 (Jesus worshipped in Heaven as God is); Acts 7:59; Acts 9:6 & many more.
And No, you don't need to speak in other tongues to experience re-birth. Re-birth is effected by God's Spirit as soon as you realize that you're a sinner & that the only hope of your forgiveness & salvation is by coming to the Cross of Christ where He gave His Life in your place. Once you repent of your sins, calling upon the Name of the Lord ( Romans 10:13), God hears your prayer (because it was He by His Spirit that drew you to this point of anguish & need to be saved). And 'all who come to Him He will in no wise cast away, or reject' ( John 6:37). God then indwells you by His Spirit making you a new woman with a clean heart with new & holy desires to please Him with your life. His Spirit also gives us gifts, some to speak with new tongues, & other gifts ( 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Also see verses 28-31), but to speak in other languages is not a requirement or proof of your rebirth experience & of the Holy Spirit in you. A changed life, heart, will & true love for all, characterize a Christian.
Rebecca, may the Spirit grace you with his understanding.
Most things in God's word have to be discerned by applying multiple scriptures and all applied against:
1 John 2:27 But the anointing (Holy Ghost in you) which ye have received (by grace) of him (Holy Ghost) abideth in you, and you NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU; but as the same anointing (the Holy Ghost) teacheth you ALL things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it (the Holy Ghost) hath taught you, ye shall abide (become one) in him (the Holy Ghost).
Ephesians 4:21 If so be that ye have HEARD him (the Holy Ghost), and have been taught by him (the Holy Ghost), as the truth is in Jesus (THE WORD OF GOD).
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by HEARING, and HEARING by the WORD OF GOD (studying, meditating).
The scriptures were written by men under the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Revelation 19:10 .... for the testimony (words) of Jesus (THE WORD) is the spirit of prophecy.
2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy came.....as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Now to your question, what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Ghost. Since the WORD (truth) was written by the Holy Ghost, you blaspheme when you call his WORD a lie. Example:
1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE in the sight of God our Saviour; who WILL HAVE all men to be saved, and come to the KNOWLEDGE of the truth.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, thy WILL BE DONE in earth, as it (HIS WILL) is in heaven.
1 Timothy 4:10-11 .....who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially those that BELIEVE.
(vs) 11 These things COMMAND AND TEACH.
Psalm 22:27 ALL the ends of the world shall REMEMBER and TURN unto the LORD: and ALL KINDREDS OF THE NATIONS SHALL WORSHIP BEFORE THEE.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when ALL THINGS shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him (Father) that put ALL THINGS under him (Son) that GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL.
WE all blaspheme on our journey to TRUTH just REPENT and TURN to the new found TRUTH.
Again its not a case of agree or disagree confessing Romans 10:9+10 and believing in your heart gets you born again spiritually we are perfect in Gods eyes now until any christian renews His mind and determines to make Gods Will his will and do it he will continue to walk according to the flesh Romans Chapter 8 1-13 to mortify or dsetroy works of the flesh this requires putting on Gods Word and acting accordingly. Also something to consider there are sins intentional and ones unintentional when Jesus Christ confronted a lot of religious leaders the evil was in their eyes they were perfect and they were the most corrupt, but most of the commend people understood they weren't worthy and they are the ones that got healed some he said go and sin no more ie don't intensionally, we all sin the question is is it done with evil intent or habit patterns of our old man nature. Any born again believer can do something and thinks its right but in the eyes of God be dead wrong, that doesn't make the person evil perhaps uneducated or unlearned. Thats why Judge not I don't know your background or experiences in life but i,ve been through some that I thought the true God was working wasn't the case but I learned just because you experience something that doesn't make it necessarily something the true God is doing. I take thoughts line them up with Gods word and unless it Glorifies god blesses me and others I don't take action. Just some food for thought.
Hi John. You are correct to a degree but you don't have the complete picture. True, the thief on the cross wasn't baptized. He only received the blood. To this day that thief will remain a baby Christian as he never had the opportunity to grow in God. There are different levels in God's kingdom meant for different degrees of saved Christian. The thief went to paradise. this is only one level you can grow to in God. But if you want to receive the prize of the high calling ( Phil 3:14 and 1 Cor 9:24) you have to go beyond the gifts which is the common salvation ( Rom 10:9-10) and grow according to the tabernacle which includes baptism.When you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour according to Romans 10:9-10. He washes away our sins and creates a new BABY heart within our old heart. This NEW heart is perfect and cannot sin. ( Eph 4:24) Out old heart doesn't disappear automatically or immediately ( Mark 7:21). The journey now starts where the old heart has to die and the new heart has to grow. Only as we crucify the old heart (the flesh) daily can the new heart grow within us. Paul said die daily". This is why many Christians still exhibit anger, resentment, gossiping, betrayal" they haven't repented and died daily. It is a process of repenting, not an instantaneous gift of the spirit.
This is the principal of growing in God according to Moses' tabernacle which has 7 pieces of furniture and is laid out in the form of a cross. It is a picture of the more perfect tabernacle which is Jesus. ( Heb 9:11). First is the brazen altar where the sacrifices were slain (Jesus) A picture of accepting Jesus blood sacrifice. After the Sacrifice was slain, Fire came forth from God and lit upon the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire. Also, in the outer Court was the Brazen Laver where the Priests washed once, outwardly, which is a picture of Water Baptism in the Name, Death, and Life of Jesus Christ. The Priests returned to this Laver, daily, t
When you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour according to Romans 10:9-10. He washes away our sins and creates a new BABY heart within our old heart. This NEW heart is perfect and cannot sin. ( Eph 4:24) Out old heart doesn't disappear automatically or immediately ( Mark 7:21). The journey now starts where the old heart has to die and the new heart has to grow. Only as we crucify the old heart (the flesh) daily can the new heart grow within us. Paul said die daily". This is why many Christians still exhibit anger, resentment, gossiping, betrayal" they haven't repented and died daily. It is a process of repenting, not an instantaneous gift of the spirit.
This is the principal of growing in God according to Moses' tabernacle which has 7 pieces of furniture and is laid out in the form of a cross. It is a picture of the more perfect tabernacle which is Jesus. ( Heb 9:11). First is the brazen altar where the sacrifices were slain (Jesus) A picture of accepting Jesus blood sacrifice. After the Sacrifice was slain, Fire came forth from God and lit upon the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire. Also, in the outer Court was the Brazen Laver where the Priests washed once, outwardly, which is a picture of Water Baptism in the Name, Death, and Life of Jesus Christ. The Priests returned to this Laver, daily, to wash their hands and feet, which is a picture of dying daily to the fleshly, carnal nature within us. We today can return daily to the altar (repentance) and the laver (baptism) daily to be washed (cleansed) of our attitudes and flesh and receive fresh fire from God.
Linda, to answer your question simply put, no. Jesus said in ( John 3:3) "Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God." meaning that we must some how be reborn to go to heaven. Some will assert that ( John 3:5) shows that we must be baptized by water, and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit to be saved, This is easily refuted with scripture. Remember God cannot lie ( Titus 1:2) Therefore, Scripture cannot contradict itself. If God required baptism for salvation, then Jesus Christ lied to the thief on the cross. ( Luke 23:43) Jesus IS God ( John 1:1). He CANNOT lie. God made the way to heaven very simple, so easy that even a child can understand and accept. It is not based on our works ( Ephesians 2:8-9) but on our faith in Christ and His FINISHED work on the cross. We must first understand that we are a sinner in need of a Savior. ( Romans 3:23) ... When we see that there is a penalty for our sin. ( Romans 6:23) That we cannot pay the penalty on our own, but Jesus Christ, loved us so much that He came, lived the perfect life, fulfilled the law, and became sin for us on the cross to pay our sin debt for us. ( Romans 5:8) Then believing the gospel by faith, we accept the GIFT of God, confess our belief in Him, and ask Him to save us. ( Romans 10:9-13) There are MEN who will take God's gift and want to say that in order to receive it you will need to do this or that, but whenever we add WORKS to the equation the GIFT ceases to be a gift. Repentance is a turning from self and a turning toward Christ.
1. Realize and admit you're a sinner, that you're not perfect. ( Romans 3: 10,23)
2. You believe the gospel. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ with your whole heart. ( 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4)
3. You confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and your savior. ( Romans 10: 9,10)
God doesn't lie, God doesn't break his promises. He desperately wants you to be with him in eternity. There's nothing you can do on your own to save yourself, Jesus did all the work for you already on the cross. It's his free gift to you. Have faith!
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." - 1 John 5: 13
Acts 16:31; 1 Peter 1:8-9; Romans 10:10; Ephesians 1:12-13; Titus 3:5-6; Once a person gets saved, they will want to do what is right to honor God in any circumstance! James 2:14-26; 1 John 5:11-13
Paula Roberts, Acts20:7 is the earliest pattern of meeting to break bread, the first day of the week, long before there was a vatican. An individual can worship God at any time, but the body of believers, gathered together, should follow the pattern established by the apostles and early disciples, seen here in scripture.
If you are influenced by Adventist teaching, it may be justification by works that is causing the pushback. Following the Bible is not the way to heaven, knowing Christ has paid for all your sins is the only way. If you ever think you can be good enough, that's wrong.
The Sabbath/rest for Christians is throughly discussed by Paul in Hebrews 3&4. In particular, Heb.4:11, that is, a rest from our efforts to obtain salvation by our own works. What are you going to offer to God, that would add to the work of his son on the cross??? To offer anything is to diminish his ability to save you by his grace.
Israel/the world, was under the law(a schoolmaster Galatians 3:24 & 25) to bring them to Christ. The Church is by grace. Romans 6 There are many so called churches that confuse the distinctions between Israel and the Church, Adventists being only one.
ALL the work of salvation was done by Christ. You are saved, if you believe/trust him alone. 1Cor.15:3&4, Romans 10:9,10,11
Paula Roberts, Acts20:7 is the earliest pattern of meeting to break bread, the first day of the week, long before there was a vatican. An individual can worship God at any time, but the body of believers, gathered together, should follow the pattern established by the apostles and early disciples, seen here in scripture.
If you are influenced by Adventist teaching, it may be justification by works that is causing the pushback. Following the Bible is not the way to heaven, knowing Christ has paid for all your sins is the only way. If you ever think you can be good enough, that's wrong.
The Sabbath/rest for Christians is throughly discussed by Paul in Hebrews 3&4. In particular, Heb.4:11, that is, a rest from our efforts to obtain salvation by our own works. What are you going to offer to God, that would add to the work of his son on the cross??? To offer anything is to diminish his ability to save you by his grace.
Israel/the world, was under the law(a schoolmaster Galatians 3:24 & 25) to bring them to Christ. The Church is by grace. Romans 6 There are many so called churches that confuse the distinctions between Israel and the Church, Adventists being only one.
ALL the work of salvation was done by Christ. You are saved, if you believe/trust him alone. 1Cor.15:3&4, Romans 10:9,10,11
It's good to have the mind set of you wanting to growing in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
" [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
When you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for dying on the cross for our sins, was buried, then ROSE AGAIN on the third day
This is what scripture says about when you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ...
Romans 10:10-13
" [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
May the grace our the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family
A Christian is someone who has accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. You START to become one by following Romans 10:9-10. It is just like finding a new friend. As your attachment grows you will find yourself spending more and more time with him. As you do that the relationship grows...
How can we use our mouths (voices) to speak what is good or bad?
The mouth is used for speaking:
To speak what is good
Proverbs 10:11 See also Job 16:5; Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
To praise
Psalm 71:8 See too Psalm 89:1--"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations."
Romans 15:6 (NLT) -- "Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
To testify about God
Psalm 71:15 Compare Romans 10:10 (NLT) -- "For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."
To speak what is bad
Psalm 10:7 other references: 1 Samuel 2:3 --
"Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed."
Proverbs 5:3 --
"For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil" -- NIV
Proverbs 7:21 -- New King James Version
"With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him."
Luke 6:45 Jesus said, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
1Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die
Romans 14:23
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Bible. Mark 4:24
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given
1. Nicodemus, a Pharisee (a Jewish religious leader) was confused by Jesus' expression 'that a man must be born again before he can see the Kingdom of God'. To the natural mind, a birth/re-birth can only be a physical event, making any other meaning confusing & laughable. Yet, Jesus explained that He wasn't talking about a physical birth but a spiritual birth (something that the Pharisee knew nothing about). He knew something about God's Spirit but that the Spirit could do such a work in man was unthinkable. When a person, a sinner, confesses his sinful condition to God & asks for forgiveness, God does forgive him based on the death & resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. As Jesus, the sinless Sacrifice of God, gave up His Life as our substitute (since sinful man cannot atone for his own sins), God accepted that Sacrifice, thus allowing all who come to Him through Jesus might be completely forgiven. As soon as that happens, the sinner is saved from the penalty of his sins & given God's Spirit to indwell Him making him a new person. This transaction: giving of oneself over to God as God then gives Himself to indwell the new person, is what is termed 'being born again': being born anew by the Power & Presence of God.
2. Romans 10:9 speaks of what a sinner's action before God, i.e. "confessing the Lord Jesus" (acknowledging both Jesus' divinity & humanity & that the Sacrifice is all the sinner needs to be saved) & "believing in the heart that God indeed raised Jesus from the grave". When one looks at these aspects, there are not many who can truly acknowledge these Truths. Whereas the new birth in John 3 speaks of God's action in the sinner by making him new & giving of His Spirit to indwell.
3. True, spiritual rebirth is synonymous with Spirit baptism. But to be born of water, I understand to mean a reference to one's physical birth. As Nicodemus spoke of the physical birth, Jesus said that both the physical ( Jn 3:6) & spiritual births are necessary to be saved.
The Bible tells us that the Lord is patient, merciful and wants all of us to come to repentance. He does not want any of us to perish. ( 2 Peter 3:9)
He desires "all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." ( 1 Timothy 2:4).
It doesn't matter what you have done in the past, or how you may have rejected him previously - He is ready and willing to save you. We have ALL sinned in the past. For many years I was an atheist and utterly rejected God - but He found me and saved me. The Apostle Paul was a persecutor of Christians - and yet God saved him.
Pray to Him, confessing your sins and asking for his mercy and salvation and then turn away from those sins. Confess that He is Lord, and start following Him and living your life for Him.
Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
So God sent forth His Word, clothed in flesh, in fulfilment of the prophecies about His Son Jesus, both in His coming & in His dying. Jesus perfectly kept God's Laws, as only He could, not destroying them, rather fulfilling them. He never proclaimed the cancellation of the Laws, as all Israel was still bound to it & would be judged by it. Sacrifices still continued even after Jesus' Crucifixion, until the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army in AD 70. So the Jews were in a strait: they had to maintain their sacrifices even though these 'Christians' preached that Jesus' death was God's Sacrifice & animal sacrifices were no longer needed. This would have been a real stumbling block to any Jew wanting to believe in Jesus, not only as the Son of God from Heaven but also the Sacrifice of God for sins. So did God utter the words, "My Son has now made void the Law"? No, His sending Jesus to die for man's sins & Jesus' Own Words, "It is finished" tells us that all that the Father planned for man's redemption was now completed. The application of the Law ended - the need for sacrifices had ceased - only Conversion & Faith in the work of the Cross was needed.
But Jesus was Israel's only hope of salvation, since God sending His Own Sacrifice meant the negating of the animal sacrifices. If then Jesus annulled that system by being the Sacrifice & also annulled the Law by being the embodiment of the Law, that Sacrifice of His showed the end of the Law & sacrifices to them that put their faith in that Work on the Cross. See Romans 10:1-5. And particularly note, that Israel went about establishing their own righteousness (which came from trying to obey the Law), but not towards God's righteousness.
Romans 10:17 - So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Proverbs Chapter 3
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
James Chapter 1
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Your friend needs to hear that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, then rose from the dead to save us from an eternity in Hell and give us eternal life. He needs to hear the word of God to plant and nurture faith, verses such as Romans 6:23 and Romans 10:9-11 among others. Also your personal walk and testimony must show that you are sincere and that God has transformed you by his love. It is only right that you be extremely careful about his possible influence on you.
The Lord bless you Richard. Your words were very gracious & well thought through & I can see the dilemma that is before us when we consider that there are those who have lived carefully also showing love to others in their lives & not committing some dreadful sin. Or even others who have been engulfed in deception or waylaid by false teachers, never having the chance to receive knowledge of the Truth. These are indeed sad situations for which we aren't privy to the actions of God with them. We are tasked to share the Good News, the Spirit often directing us to the one who has been ordained to Life, even as Romans 10:13,14 clearly teaches us.
Each person through the ages has had to give an account of himself to God. For the Jew, his obedience to the Law was where his salvation lay, but the Law rather showed him that he failed in his obedience & that repentance & sacrifice was required. Even though the offering of the blood of bulls & goats could never secure God's forgiveness, his coming with a contrite heart, true sorrow for sin, & faith in a merciful God, secured him forgiveness & acceptance. Thus the Hebrews writer demonstrates this in chapter 11 that God looked for faith as the essence for acceptability. "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided SOME BETTER THING FOR US, that they without us should not be made perfect." ( Heb 11:39,40).
Repentance is essentially about changing our way of thinking and agreeing with God in regard to our sin and our need of Jesus Christ. It is the LORD's work to perfect us as we persist in walking daily with him:
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ( Jude 24-25)
Salvation is a free gift from God through Jesus Christ whose perfect righteousness is credited to us when we trust him as our Savior. Salvation was purchased by Jesus' blood shed on the cross, and made certain by his resurrection from the dead.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. ( Romans 5:18)
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ( Romans 10:8-13)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ( Ephesians 2:8-9)
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, ( 2 Timothy 1:9)
THE LAW versus UNMERITED FAVOR OF GOD on Genesis 1 - 4 years ago
GRACE IS UNMERITED FAVOR FROM GOD. (You didn't earn it)
Romans 10:4 - For Christ is the END OF THE LAW, for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye ARE NOT under the law, but UNDER GRACE.
Romans 7:7 - What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Romans 3:31 - Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 7:6 - But now WE ARE DELIVERED from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that WE SHOULD serve in newness of spirit, AND NOT in the oldness of the letter.
Galatians 3:10 - For as many as are of the works of the law are UNDER THE CURSE, for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
James 2:10 - For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 7:4 - Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ;
Galatians 5:18 - But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Romans 8:1-39 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are IN Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by FAITH, without the deeds of the law.
* Ephesians 2:8 - For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT OF GOD:
This is for those who still persist in telling women that they are to be silent In Church and save all their questions for their husbands.
What if a woman is Not married, and chooses to live single like Apostle Paul?
What if the woman is saved and chooses to live within the grace of God and in the freedom that is in Christ?
Your comments are a compilation of vain religious doctrines and commandments ( Matthew 15:9; Isa. 29:13; Col 2:18; 1 Timothy 1:6,7; Titus 1:14) that are not able to provide salvation to mankind.
Regardless of the thin air in Nova Scotia as described by Fred Scanlan, please do know that our website and Ministry in Christ moves very well with the Holy Spirit and was visited last year by people from over 160 countries. There are 193 countries in the world, while the Vatican and Palestine are observer States. Also, we much prefer to breath the cleaner air in Nova Scotia rather than the air out West.
Please remember: You need not that any man teach you ( Isaiah 54:13; 6:45; 1 John 2:27), It is only by revelation of God that you will come to know Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1).
You are currently travelling on a 'wide' road and be reminded that it is a narrow way that leadeth unto 'Life', and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:13,14). The emphasis is on the word 'few'.
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7). Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:3,4).
The standard I only desire to use is God's Word, and this is the only standard anyone can use regarding the truth( John 17:17).
Whether we, still imperfect in our sinful flesh, can "know" if we are saved or not is a good question. God tells us to examine ourselves, to see if we are in the faith( 2 Cor. 13:5). We examine if we are walking in agreement with God.
The whole of God's Word shows us that once we are born again, we become a new creature( 2 Corinthians 5:17). We are to be dead to our old ways. Dead to the ways of the world, because the world is wicked( 1 John 5:19). We are not to continue practicing sin( Titus 2:12, James 1:27).
We will still sin because we are still imperfect. ( Romans 7:23-24, Philippians 3:12, Ephesians 4:13). The difference is we do not continue PRACTICING sin, or WILLFULLY sinning. God does not judge by appearance, but by the TRUE state of our HEARTS( Luke 16:15, John 7:24).
If we continue our old practice - our dead in our sins way of living AFTER we become saved, we were never saved/born again to begin with( Hebrews 10:26, Hebrews 10:38-39, 1 John 2:15, 2 Peter 2:20-22).
We are still in the world but we are not of the world( John 17:16, Romans 12:2). On the contrary, we are tasked by the Lord to be examples & witnesses to the world( Philippians 2:15, Matthew 5:14, Romans 10:9-11, 13-15, 2 Corinthians 4:13).
This, I believe, is the "key" to knowing whether or not we are truly saved. If we truly believe.
Please consider the following, as you refuse to accept God's 'Life' giving message ( John 18:37).
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
Please consider the following, as you refuse to accept God's 'Life' giving message ( John 18:37; Hebrews 12:25).
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
Please consider the following as you follow after an image of a false god and a false Christ.
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
As well, we see in Scripture that people prayed to Jesus. You can look at these verses: 1 Corinthians 1:1,2 (calling upon the Lord Jesus' Name); 2 Corinthians 12:8,9 (Paul's thorn in the flesh); John 9:38 (Jesus was worshipped); Revelation 5:8-13 (Jesus worshipped in Heaven as God is); Acts 7:59; Acts 9:6 & many more.
And No, you don't need to speak in other tongues to experience re-birth. Re-birth is effected by God's Spirit as soon as you realize that you're a sinner & that the only hope of your forgiveness & salvation is by coming to the Cross of Christ where He gave His Life in your place. Once you repent of your sins, calling upon the Name of the Lord ( Romans 10:13), God hears your prayer (because it was He by His Spirit that drew you to this point of anguish & need to be saved). And 'all who come to Him He will in no wise cast away, or reject' ( John 6:37). God then indwells you by His Spirit making you a new woman with a clean heart with new & holy desires to please Him with your life. His Spirit also gives us gifts, some to speak with new tongues, & other gifts ( 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Also see verses 28-31), but to speak in other languages is not a requirement or proof of your rebirth experience & of the Holy Spirit in you. A changed life, heart, will & true love for all, characterize a Christian.
Most things in God's word have to be discerned by applying multiple scriptures and all applied against:
1 John 2:27 But the anointing (Holy Ghost in you) which ye have received (by grace) of him (Holy Ghost) abideth in you, and you NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU; but as the same anointing (the Holy Ghost) teacheth you ALL things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it (the Holy Ghost) hath taught you, ye shall abide (become one) in him (the Holy Ghost).
Ephesians 4:21 If so be that ye have HEARD him (the Holy Ghost), and have been taught by him (the Holy Ghost), as the truth is in Jesus (THE WORD OF GOD).
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by HEARING, and HEARING by the WORD OF GOD (studying, meditating).
The scriptures were written by men under the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Revelation 19:10 .... for the testimony (words) of Jesus (THE WORD) is the spirit of prophecy.
2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy came.....as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Now to your question, what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Ghost. Since the WORD (truth) was written by the Holy Ghost, you blaspheme when you call his WORD a lie. Example:
1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE in the sight of God our Saviour; who WILL HAVE all men to be saved, and come to the KNOWLEDGE of the truth.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, thy WILL BE DONE in earth, as it (HIS WILL) is in heaven.
1 Timothy 4:10-11 .....who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially those that BELIEVE.
(vs) 11 These things COMMAND AND TEACH.
Psalm 22:27 ALL the ends of the world shall REMEMBER and TURN unto the LORD: and ALL KINDREDS OF THE NATIONS SHALL WORSHIP BEFORE THEE.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when ALL THINGS shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him (Father) that put ALL THINGS under him (Son) that GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL.
WE all blaspheme on our journey to TRUTH just REPENT and TURN to the new found TRUTH.
This is the principal of growing in God according to Moses' tabernacle which has 7 pieces of furniture and is laid out in the form of a cross. It is a picture of the more perfect tabernacle which is Jesus. ( Heb 9:11). First is the brazen altar where the sacrifices were slain (Jesus) A picture of accepting Jesus blood sacrifice. After the Sacrifice was slain, Fire came forth from God and lit upon the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire. Also, in the outer Court was the Brazen Laver where the Priests washed once, outwardly, which is a picture of Water Baptism in the Name, Death, and Life of Jesus Christ. The Priests returned to this Laver, daily, t
This is the principal of growing in God according to Moses' tabernacle which has 7 pieces of furniture and is laid out in the form of a cross. It is a picture of the more perfect tabernacle which is Jesus. ( Heb 9:11). First is the brazen altar where the sacrifices were slain (Jesus) A picture of accepting Jesus blood sacrifice. After the Sacrifice was slain, Fire came forth from God and lit upon the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire. Also, in the outer Court was the Brazen Laver where the Priests washed once, outwardly, which is a picture of Water Baptism in the Name, Death, and Life of Jesus Christ. The Priests returned to this Laver, daily, to wash their hands and feet, which is a picture of dying daily to the fleshly, carnal nature within us. We today can return daily to the altar (repentance) and the laver (baptism) daily to be washed (cleansed) of our attitudes and flesh and receive fresh fire from God.
2. You believe the gospel. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ with your whole heart. ( 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4)
3. You confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and your savior. ( Romans 10: 9,10)
God doesn't lie, God doesn't break his promises. He desperately wants you to be with him in eternity. There's nothing you can do on your own to save yourself, Jesus did all the work for you already on the cross. It's his free gift to you. Have faith!
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." - 1 John 5: 13
If you are influenced by Adventist teaching, it may be justification by works that is causing the pushback. Following the Bible is not the way to heaven, knowing Christ has paid for all your sins is the only way. If you ever think you can be good enough, that's wrong.
The Sabbath/rest for Christians is throughly discussed by Paul in Hebrews 3&4. In particular, Heb.4:11, that is, a rest from our efforts to obtain salvation by our own works. What are you going to offer to God, that would add to the work of his son on the cross??? To offer anything is to diminish his ability to save you by his grace.
Israel/the world, was under the law(a schoolmaster Galatians 3:24 & 25) to bring them to Christ. The Church is by grace. Romans 6 There are many so called churches that confuse the distinctions between Israel and the Church, Adventists being only one.
ALL the work of salvation was done by Christ. You are saved, if you believe/trust him alone. 1Cor.15:3&4, Romans 10:9,10,11
If you are influenced by Adventist teaching, it may be justification by works that is causing the pushback. Following the Bible is not the way to heaven, knowing Christ has paid for all your sins is the only way. If you ever think you can be good enough, that's wrong.
The Sabbath/rest for Christians is throughly discussed by Paul in Hebrews 3&4. In particular, Heb.4:11, that is, a rest from our efforts to obtain salvation by our own works. What are you going to offer to God, that would add to the work of his son on the cross??? To offer anything is to diminish his ability to save you by his grace.
Israel/the world, was under the law(a schoolmaster Galatians 3:24 & 25) to bring them to Christ. The Church is by grace. Romans 6 There are many so called churches that confuse the distinctions between Israel and the Church, Adventists being only one.
ALL the work of salvation was done by Christ. You are saved, if you believe/trust him alone. 1Cor.15:3&4, Romans 10:9,10,11
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
" [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
When you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for dying on the cross for our sins, was buried, then ROSE AGAIN on the third day
This is what scripture says about when you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ...
Romans 10:10-13
" [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
May the grace our the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family
The mouth is used for speaking:
To speak what is good
Proverbs 10:11 See also Job 16:5; Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
To praise
Psalm 71:8 See too Psalm 89:1--"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations."
Romans 15:6 (NLT) -- "Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
To testify about God
Psalm 71:15 Compare Romans 10:10 (NLT) -- "For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."
To speak what is bad
Psalm 10:7 other references: 1 Samuel 2:3 --
"Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed."
Proverbs 5:3 --
"For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil" -- NIV
Proverbs 7:21 -- New King James Version
"With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him."
Luke 6:45 Jesus said, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
Romans 14:23
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Bible. Mark 4:24
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given
2. Romans 10:9 speaks of what a sinner's action before God, i.e. "confessing the Lord Jesus" (acknowledging both Jesus' divinity & humanity & that the Sacrifice is all the sinner needs to be saved) & "believing in the heart that God indeed raised Jesus from the grave". When one looks at these aspects, there are not many who can truly acknowledge these Truths. Whereas the new birth in John 3 speaks of God's action in the sinner by making him new & giving of His Spirit to indwell.
3. True, spiritual rebirth is synonymous with Spirit baptism. But to be born of water, I understand to mean a reference to one's physical birth. As Nicodemus spoke of the physical birth, Jesus said that both the physical ( Jn 3:6) & spiritual births are necessary to be saved.
The Bible tells us that the Lord is patient, merciful and wants all of us to come to repentance. He does not want any of us to perish. ( 2 Peter 3:9)
He desires "all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." ( 1 Timothy 2:4).
It doesn't matter what you have done in the past, or how you may have rejected him previously - He is ready and willing to save you. We have ALL sinned in the past. For many years I was an atheist and utterly rejected God - but He found me and saved me. The Apostle Paul was a persecutor of Christians - and yet God saved him.
Pray to Him, confessing your sins and asking for his mercy and salvation and then turn away from those sins. Confess that He is Lord, and start following Him and living your life for Him.
Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
So God sent forth His Word, clothed in flesh, in fulfilment of the prophecies about His Son Jesus, both in His coming & in His dying. Jesus perfectly kept God's Laws, as only He could, not destroying them, rather fulfilling them. He never proclaimed the cancellation of the Laws, as all Israel was still bound to it & would be judged by it. Sacrifices still continued even after Jesus' Crucifixion, until the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army in AD 70. So the Jews were in a strait: they had to maintain their sacrifices even though these 'Christians' preached that Jesus' death was God's Sacrifice & animal sacrifices were no longer needed. This would have been a real stumbling block to any Jew wanting to believe in Jesus, not only as the Son of God from Heaven but also the Sacrifice of God for sins. So did God utter the words, "My Son has now made void the Law"? No, His sending Jesus to die for man's sins & Jesus' Own Words, "It is finished" tells us that all that the Father planned for man's redemption was now completed. The application of the Law ended - the need for sacrifices had ceased - only Conversion & Faith in the work of the Cross was needed.
But Jesus was Israel's only hope of salvation, since God sending His Own Sacrifice meant the negating of the animal sacrifices. If then Jesus annulled that system by being the Sacrifice & also annulled the Law by being the embodiment of the Law, that Sacrifice of His showed the end of the Law & sacrifices to them that put their faith in that Work on the Cross. See Romans 10:1-5. And particularly note, that Israel went about establishing their own righteousness (which came from trying to obey the Law), but not towards God's righteousness.
Romans 10:17 - So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Proverbs Chapter 3
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
James Chapter 1
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
The Lord bless you Richard. Your words were very gracious & well thought through & I can see the dilemma that is before us when we consider that there are those who have lived carefully also showing love to others in their lives & not committing some dreadful sin. Or even others who have been engulfed in deception or waylaid by false teachers, never having the chance to receive knowledge of the Truth. These are indeed sad situations for which we aren't privy to the actions of God with them. We are tasked to share the Good News, the Spirit often directing us to the one who has been ordained to Life, even as Romans 10:13,14 clearly teaches us.
Each person through the ages has had to give an account of himself to God. For the Jew, his obedience to the Law was where his salvation lay, but the Law rather showed him that he failed in his obedience & that repentance & sacrifice was required. Even though the offering of the blood of bulls & goats could never secure God's forgiveness, his coming with a contrite heart, true sorrow for sin, & faith in a merciful God, secured him forgiveness & acceptance. Thus the Hebrews writer demonstrates this in chapter 11 that God looked for faith as the essence for acceptability. "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided SOME BETTER THING FOR US, that they without us should not be made perfect." ( Heb 11:39,40).
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ( Jude 24-25)
Salvation is a free gift from God through Jesus Christ whose perfect righteousness is credited to us when we trust him as our Savior. Salvation was purchased by Jesus' blood shed on the cross, and made certain by his resurrection from the dead.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. ( Romans 5:18)
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ( Romans 10:8-13)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ( Ephesians 2:8-9)
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, ( 2 Timothy 1:9)
Romans 10:4 - For Christ is the END OF THE LAW, for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye ARE NOT under the law, but UNDER GRACE.
Romans 7:7 - What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Romans 3:31 - Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 7:6 - But now WE ARE DELIVERED from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that WE SHOULD serve in newness of spirit, AND NOT in the oldness of the letter.
Galatians 3:10 - For as many as are of the works of the law are UNDER THE CURSE, for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
James 2:10 - For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 7:4 - Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ;
Galatians 5:18 - But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Romans 8:1-39 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are IN Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by FAITH, without the deeds of the law.
* Ephesians 2:8 - For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT OF GOD:
This is for those who still persist in telling women that they are to be silent In Church and save all their questions for their husbands.
What if a woman is Not married, and chooses to live single like Apostle Paul?
What if the woman is saved and chooses to live within the grace of God and in the freedom that is in Christ?
Mishael
Your comments are a compilation of vain religious doctrines and commandments ( Matthew 15:9; Isa. 29:13; Col 2:18; 1 Timothy 1:6,7; Titus 1:14) that are not able to provide salvation to mankind.
Regardless of the thin air in Nova Scotia as described by Fred Scanlan, please do know that our website and Ministry in Christ moves very well with the Holy Spirit and was visited last year by people from over 160 countries. There are 193 countries in the world, while the Vatican and Palestine are observer States. Also, we much prefer to breath the cleaner air in Nova Scotia rather than the air out West.
Please remember: You need not that any man teach you ( Isaiah 54:13; 6:45; 1 John 2:27), It is only by revelation of God that you will come to know Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1).
You are currently travelling on a 'wide' road and be reminded that it is a narrow way that leadeth unto 'Life', and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:13,14). The emphasis is on the word 'few'.
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7). Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:3,4).
In His Service.
Andy & Dianne van den Berg - Nova Scotia, Canada
Yes, I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The standard I only desire to use is God's Word, and this is the only standard anyone can use regarding the truth( John 17:17).
Whether we, still imperfect in our sinful flesh, can "know" if we are saved or not is a good question. God tells us to examine ourselves, to see if we are in the faith( 2 Cor. 13:5). We examine if we are walking in agreement with God.
The whole of God's Word shows us that once we are born again, we become a new creature( 2 Corinthians 5:17). We are to be dead to our old ways. Dead to the ways of the world, because the world is wicked( 1 John 5:19). We are not to continue practicing sin( Titus 2:12, James 1:27).
We will still sin because we are still imperfect. ( Romans 7:23-24, Philippians 3:12, Ephesians 4:13). The difference is we do not continue PRACTICING sin, or WILLFULLY sinning. God does not judge by appearance, but by the TRUE state of our HEARTS( Luke 16:15, John 7:24).
If we continue our old practice - our dead in our sins way of living AFTER we become saved, we were never saved/born again to begin with( Hebrews 10:26, Hebrews 10:38-39, 1 John 2:15, 2 Peter 2:20-22).
We are still in the world but we are not of the world( John 17:16, Romans 12:2). On the contrary, we are tasked by the Lord to be examples & witnesses to the world( Philippians 2:15, Matthew 5:14, Romans 10:9-11, 13-15, 2 Corinthians 4:13).
This, I believe, is the "key" to knowing whether or not we are truly saved. If we truly believe.
Please consider the following, as you refuse to accept God's 'Life' giving message ( John 18:37).
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
In His Service.
Andy & Dianne van den Berg
Please consider the following, as you refuse to accept God's 'Life' giving message ( John 18:37; Hebrews 12:25).
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
In His Service.
Andy & Diane van den Berg
Please consider the following as you follow after an image of a false god and a false Christ.
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
In His Service.
Andy & Dianne van den Berg
Please consider the following:
God unites His people (the believers) by His Spirit ( John 4:24; Eph. 4:3-6,13).
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
Matthew 11:6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me ( Isa. 8:14; Matthew 13:57; 24:10; 26:31; Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:14; Gal. 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Luke 11:22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
1 John 4:4-6. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he than is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ( John 8:47; 18:37).
You search the scriptures for in them ye think that ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( John 5:39,40).
He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things, yet he himself is judged by no man ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true ( Proverbs 1:7; 10:8,21; 12:15; 13:20; 14:9; 16:22; 18:2; 20:3; 29:11; Luke 18:10-14; Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 15:36).
We regret that you are not able to understand any of the above ( 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:10). Notwithstanding: Seek and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Don't let your self-righteousness stand in the way of your salvation ( Romans 10:2-4).
In His Service.
Andy & Dianne van den Berg - Nova Scotia, Canada