I see where you have stated 'the Holy Ghost and the Comforter are one' from chapter14. But nowhere does 14 state Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit are one. The Holy Spirit is the holiest of all spirits, it is the spirit of the Father Jehovah, while the Comforter is the 'comfort' (knowledge of the truth)
given to the members of God's true church, the church of God. The Holy Ghost is the anointing given to those of the true church, the spiritual baptism.
My question to you is, do you believe 'in' Christ or 'on' Christ?
Where have you heard this? The word "spirit" and "ghost" are the same Greek word "pneuma" throughout the NT. As in John 14 the Holy Ghost is referred to as the "Spirit of truth" and the "Comforter". The Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit are one and the same. Just using a different English word "ghost or spirit".
If one mistakes the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost as one and the same, confusion will occur. Blaspheme of the Holy Ghost Is an impossibility. So there are no unforgivable sins. The Holy Ghost is an anointing given by God through His Son, Jesus Christ to those worthy. If defilement could occur then God the Father would be judged as mistaken, heaven forbid. God makes no mistakes.
"Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." 1Co 7:18-19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing
The only question is, had he made peace with God? It's the question we must all ask. What have you done with Jesus?
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Titus 3:5
"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." Rom 10:9-10
I will have to break this up into more than one post. I will list each post as Part 1, Part 2, etc. I hope that you will read through this. Salvation is a very important issue, and we need to have assurance one way or another.
(Part 1)
You have touched upon a very important issue. Over the last 30 years or so, emphasis on the ability to save has been shifted from God to man. As a result, the permanency of salvation has been called into question, because this approach to salvation emphasizes that believing certain truths can save a person, and then that same person can subsequently lose his/her salvation by disbelieving those same truths.
However, the Bible clearly teaches that salvation is based solely on God's Spirit coming into the spirit of a human being; and in so doing, causing that person to become a new creation, a new person. A person's experience of regeneration by the Holy Spirit is an act of God, not of man.
Biblically, the salvation process begins with God the Father. Jesus said, in John 6:44, "No one is able to come to me unless the Father who has sent me should draw him; and I will raise him up in the last day." In John 3:3, Jesus says, "Unless anyone should be born from above, he is not able to see the kingdom of God."
Consequently, if the Father does not draw a person to Christ, that person cannot be saved. It is only after the Father has drawn someone to Christ, that the Spirit of Christ enters into the spirit of that person and spiritual birth takes place.
These same truths are taught by the Apostles. Paul, in Titus 3:5 wrote, "Not out of works in righteousness which we did, but according to His mercy He saved us, through washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit."
Peter said, in 1 Peter 1:3, "Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who according to His great mercy has regenerated us again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
My considered belief is that, Yes, that person who is saved through Jesus Blood & faith in that redemptive work, will enter God's Kingdom regardless of water baptism. When he is saved, when truly convicted of sin & repents, at that very moment God's Spirit baptizes him. And this baptism entails forgiveness of all his sins, given a new birth by the Spirit taking up residence within & affecting his mind & spirit towards holiness, being fully accepted of God, becoming a child of God, receiving God's blessings (His gifts, His fruit, His inheritance) & the Spirit's sealing, marking him as one belonging to God making his salvation fully secure.
If we add anything to that 'saving faith', the faith that God requires, then it amounts to acts or works that we perform to help in that salvation. It could be water baptism, the Lord's Supper, self denial, works of service & many other things that people do, just to make sure that God is pleased with them & accepts them. If that's the case, then it's no longer faith, but works that saves - and this goes against Scripture ( Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:4-7). But once we're saved by faith alone, then the ordinances of water baptism & the Lord's Supper follow, as well as pursuing a life of holiness & works of service generated by the new life in Christ.
So neither water baptism or anything else apart from faith is required for salvation as baptism is only an initial physical testimony to you & others of a changed life being identified with the crucified & risen Christ.
That was a great statement of Truth & your belief on salvation & the Christian life that you shared, & it certainly augers well for your Pastor Bryce in his clear ministry to each of you who meet there. And we can take confidence in the fact that its "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" ( Titus 3:5). There was nothing, absolutely nothing, we could do to contribute to this great Work of Salvation gifted to us through Jesus Christ. It's all of Grace made effectual by faith: and this whole 'deal' (i.e. grace through faith) is God's Gift to us. We needed both from Him: His Grace & His Gift of Faith - nothing we could generate from our corrupt sinful selves - it's all from Him and all for Him.
Walk confidently & in holiness, in the joy of your Lord, my dear sister.
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
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the WASHING OF THE WATER by the WORD
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the WASHING of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
As we read our Bibles every day; and spend some time praying to the Lord afterwards: our minds are being cleansed of wrong thinking and temptations.
It's true what they used to say (not so much anymore): garbage in, garbage out. I kicked the cable-tv habit a decade ago. I got tired of tv trying to teach me their low-living doctrines till it made me react. I have not missed it at all.
There are very good Bible Ministry programs on FM Radio. 24 hours a day.
Cable tv preachers can be watched on YouTube, so "LIKE" them so YouTube keeps them on.
There is no reason to be assaulted by the temptations cable tv offers. I watch antenna tv. Costs me NOTHING. $200.00 saved every month. There's news on 5 channels daily, cartoons on 2, three PBS channels, oldies movies, cooking, DIY, cops-cowboys-comedy (clean), medical, mysteries, and more. Depending on where your transmitters are you should pull in 42-58 channels. Spanish programming too!
Kick the habit (cable). With wireless you can still stream. Check it out. :D
Good news is you have more time for Bible Reading and visiting this Comment Community regularly to exchange thoughts and questions. The Prayer Request room always needs people to pray for those who are sick, afraid, have lost someone who died, or stressed from sheltering. I find it very rewarding.
You're so busy you don't have time to be tempted by so many visual temptations. I'm retired and a neighbor and me host Bible Studies in our 50 & up Complex where we live. It's like in here, but with our shut in neighbors. It's nice. Think about it.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His MERCY He saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewal of the Holy Ghost." Titus 3:5-6
Ephesians 4:2 - With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1 Thessalonians 4:11 - And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Psalms 25:9 - The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Isaiah 57:15 - For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
1 Timothy 6:11 - But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
2 Timothy 2:25 - In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;
James 1:21 - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Ephesians 5:4 - Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Let us pray for this nation often. We don't always think of how blessed we are compared to Christians suffering in Countries that hate them; and kill them, for believing in Jesus.
God help us to protect what we have, with strong prayer. To not turn blind eyes away from those who are not free; who suffer peril and hunger every day. Amen.
Our duty as Jesus Christ's servants is to preach His Gospel. Can we make judgments about anyone BEFORE we tell them the Gospel? I don't think so. However, once we have preached to someone, and they react to the news of Christ as a dog/swine(they reject it, mock it, insult it etc), their blood is on their own head. We are clean.
Acts 18:6 'And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, YOUR BLOOD BE UPON YOUR OWN HEADS; I AM CLEAN'
And again, Acts 20:26-27 "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of ALL MEN. For I HAVE NOT SHUNNED TO DECLARE UNTO YOU ALL the counsel of God."
And again, Mark 6:11 "whosoever shall not receive you, NOR HEAR YOU, when ye depart thence, SHAKE OFF THE DUST UNDER YOUR FEET for a testimony AGAINST THEM. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."
And again, Matthew "whosoever shall not receive you, NOR HEAR YOUR WORDS, when ye depart out of that house or city, SHAKE OFF THE DUST OF YOUR FEET."
Perhaps seeds were planted/watered by us and later that person will come to their senses, but the Bible tells us our duty is fulfilled. We depart from them and warn others.
Matthew 7:6 'GIVE NOT that which is holy UNTO THE DOGS, neither cast ye your pearls BEFORE SWINE, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.'
We see here, Christ Jesus never required us to babysit or go after the dogs or swine. Rather, he warns us to beware them.
Philippians 3:2 "BEWARE OF DOGS, beware of evil workers" Dogs are people who reject the Gospel of Christ. God compares them to evil workers.
And again, in Titus 3:10-11 "A man that is an heretick AFTER the first and second admonition REJECT; Knowing that HE THAT IS SUCH IS SUBVERTED, and SINNETH, BEING CONDEMNED OF HIMSELF.
1 Corinthians 5:1-7. Noting verse 5 which speaks of evidence of fornication in the Church, that the Church is required to take action against the offender. The Church is to resign him into the worldly kingdom (of the Devil), not for the purposes of total rejection & eternal damnation, but to the end that the sinner might come to his senses, repent of his evil, turn back to the Lord & therefore restored into fellowship with God's people in a holy environment. And a further letter by Paul, which we think he might have referred to the same instance in his first letter: 2 Corinthians 2:6-8.
1 Timothy 1:18-20. Paul speaking of Hymenaeus and Alexander, who blasphemed against God, making their 'faith' totally worthless. Paul said that he "delivered them to Satan for the purpose that they may acknowledge their sin & repent.
Romans 16:17. This verse doesn't specifically put out a vile person from the Church, but says to avoid them that cause divisions & teach what is contrary to true doctrine. This is done so that the person may be shamed for their behaviour & so will either cease from doing those things or leave of his own accord. Also 2 Thessalonians 3:6.
Titus 3:10-11. Again here, a heretic should be first warned, not once, but twice, & then despatched if they refuse to repent.
All the above Scriptures were penned by the Apostle Paul to believers & we believe that the apostle wrote & spoke with the full authority of Jesus. So discipline in the Church is necessary & if not administered correctly & swiftly, then sin will affect the whole Body, corrupting it with false teaching - we see so much of it today where extra-biblical sources are used in teaching or the Word of God is twisted to suit their own ends, & the Church then becomes altogether pathetic & useless.
Their faith which looked ahead & our faith also had to ultimately rest on a better Sacrifice bringing in a better Covenant ( Hebrews 7:19,22). Their faith had to find its hope in Jesus, God's Sacrifice, as ours also, post-Cross, does. Their justification & ours also rest in the Holy One from God. There has been no other way for anyone to be cleansed, forgiven & accepted. To the Gentile unreached with the Gospel, Romans 2:12-16 speaks of these who are also subject to the law written within them & by this law they are judged & will perish, as the law accuses them or they find excuse to sin. But why should they be condemned if Christ is not preached to them? Again, are there any readied by God to go to them so they might hear & believe? We have heard of accounts of tribes so grateful for the Gospel to come, as their hearts have been prepared to look for & receive it. Then there have been those who have been violent to the message, bringing death to the messenger. Those such as Jim Elliot & his four companions reaching out to the Huaorani tribe in Ecuador; or John Chau missionary to the Sentinelese people in the Andaman Islands (off the E. Indian coast) were all martyred for Jesus.
Or, to the good, decent people we know of, yet never moved to hear or respond to the Gospel. Will their decency & goodness be sufficient to save them in spite of sin? Romans 6:23 and Titus 3:5,6, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour". Even 'all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags' in God's Sight, so as much as we would long & hope for the ultimate saving of even those still without Christ even in death, I believe the Scripture is clear that a person's response to the Cross in this life determines his fate & sadly that fate is both horrible & eternal.
The bible mentions weddings, but does not give scripture on the way they are to be performed. If it were mentioned then the world would be bound to that method. God establishes governments for his purpose; Ezra 7:25, Titus 3:1. Each government has determined what a marriage ceremony consists of, dealing with each locations laws and customs. As far as I know marriages in one country is recognized by all countries (someone with more knowledge than I might be able to comment on that in depth). The parable of the rich ruler who gave a wedding for his son, mentions a proper wedding garment but does not identify what it is. This parable is more concerned with Christ than earthly weddings but could be applicable. Your question, indicates to me, that you are concerned about a previous marriage and your purity because of it. If your previous husband has died then you are able to remarry Rom 7:2, 1 Cor 7:2-3. If the husband is still living I do not believe that the scripture allows remarriage 1 Cor 7:11.
Yours was indeed a wonderful testimony, Richard, & it truly gladdened our hearts to read of your persistence with reading God's Word and the Holy Spirit's subsequent meeting you at God's appointed time . Stay close to the Lord, read His precious Word often, talk to Him at anytime of the day or night - His Ear is always open to His childrens' voice. The enemy of our souls, the Devil, is also lurking about us to do all manner of evil against us: doubts, fears, discouragement, old sins, etc. Stand against him as Jesus did ( Matthew 4:1-11), using God's Word & the Spirit's Power against him, resist him & he will flee ( James 4:7).
Welcome to God's family - all of us have been purchased by our Saviour's own precious blood, and not by anything we have done or could do ( Titus 3:5). Seek the Spirit's help in reading & understanding the Bible, but we're always around here to support you in the Word & victorious Christian living. Every blessing brother.
"We believe and confess that God has ordained power & authority, & set them to punish the evil, & protect the good, to govern the world, & maintain countries & cities, with their subjects, in good order & regulation; & that we, therefore, may not despise, revile or resist the same, but must acknowledge & honor them as the ministers of God, & be subject & obedient unto them, yea, ready for all good works, especially in that which is not contrary to the law, will, and commandment of God; also faithfully pay custom, tribute & taxes, & to render unto them dues, even also as the Son of God taught and practiced, & commanded His disciples to do; that we, moreover, must constantly and earnestly for the prosperity of the country, that we may dwell under its protection, earn our livelihood, & lead a quiet, peaceable life, with all godliness & honesty; &, furthermore, that the Lord would recompense unto them, here, & afterwards in eternity, all benefits, liberty, & favor which we enjoy here under their praiseworthy administration."
Romans 13:1-7Titus 3:11 Peter 2:17Matthew 22:21Matthew 17:271 Timothy 2:1
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20).
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 ( Cor. 2:14).
You cannot just change the word 'born' to 'baptize'. The word of God is not of any private interpretation. The water is the living water (Christ) and unless a person is born of the water and the Spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of God ( John 3:5; Isaiah 44:3,4; Matthew 3:11; Titus 3:5).
We invite you to study what it means to repent ( Acts 26:18) and the baptism of repentance ( Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4), as it means a lot more than what by nature you have been conditioned to believe.
Water baptism and circumcision was an act of faith but could not save people. Then the next question should be asked: Faith in what?
e. last, but not least, this is probably the greatest hindrance to a Catholic's salvation: are you truly God's child because of what Jesus has done for you, or are you believing that you need to add to it to give you a guarantee?
Christ's salvation is given only by having FAITH in what He did for you on the Cross: faith in His dying for your sins, taking your place; His Resurrection back to life showing that God accepted His Sacrifice; His Ascension back into Heaven & His intercessory work for you right now. That's all you need is faith in Him - nothing else - no added works (however good they might be) to guarantee your salvation. ( Titus 3:5: "Not by WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost"). And Ephesians 2:8,9 "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". If we add anything to faith for our salvation, then it's no longer of faith, but of works - & that is NOT God's salvation ( Romans 11:6).
That's all you need is faith in Him - nothing else - no added good works to guarantee salvation. ( Titus 3:5: "Not by WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost"). And Ephesians 2:8,9 "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". If we add anything to faith for our salvation, then it's no longer of faith, but of works - & that is not God's salvation ( Romans 11:6).
So, we summarize knowing & receiving Salvation using our A B Cs:
A: Acknowledge. To understand & accept that Jesus is God's Son & that He came to give His Life for you & me on the Cross. This can only be done by Jesus, no one else. I know you will acknowledge this great Truth.
B: Believe. To repent of your sins, your old way of living, your old beliefs that were contrary to what the Bible teaches, & give all of that wrongdoing to Jesus to be put to death with His death. It is to say, "I'm sorry with all my heart Lord Jesus, for all my sin that I have done, so please forgive me & make me a new person & come in & fill me with your Holy Spirit Who makes me a child of God". But you must truly be convicted by the Spirit to cry for forgiveness. Just to say a prayer or repeat some words doesn't do anything - this is because we're talking about God changing your heart & giving His Spirit, not some contract. You may need to spend time talking to God about how you're feeling & start reading the Bible that will draw you to that point of being convicted of sin & able to truly repent from your heart & not your mind.
I think it's healthy to express your emotion to God when praying. It's a sign you're being real. Use that opportunity to lay your burdens at his feet and to put your trust in God. If this occurs over an extended period of time and you don't feel any relief or healing you might evaluate whether you're truly giving it to God or if you're truly believing that you're forgiven, or whether you truly forgive others, or if you've truly forgiven yourself. May God bless you.
In replying Kaden Huggins (Mathew 12:31) All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven but blasphemy against the holy spirit shall not be forgiven.
Yes, If you want to repent and ask Lord for forgiveness, He is faithful to forgive you(even it may be bestiality or homosexuality). But blasphemy against holy spirit is not be forgiven.
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
So submit your life unto God and ask for Holy Spirit(which will guide you in the path of rightiousness.
Kaden, if they repent and turn from their sin and ask forgiveness in Christ, then that is my opinion yes Bestiality and sodomy can be forgiven. But there comes a point in time when the Lord sears one's conscience with a hot iron. in other words the door of salvation is slammed shut and then nailed tight.
1 Timothy Chapter 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Romans 1: 26 For this cause God GAVE THEM UP (gave up on them?) unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God GAVE THEM OVER to a REPROBATE reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
If the Holy Spirit convicts them, it is time to repent. When someone seeks and wants the Lord more than their sin they shall find the Lord.
Hello, I believe the answer is yes. God forgives deeply. The man who authored more books of the Bible than anyone else used to murder Christians before he transformed into a strong Christian evangelist. I believe to be forgiven there needs to be genuine repentance and regret. For example, I think a Christian is on shaky ground if they intentionally repeatedly sin with the mistaken idea that they will be forgiven regardless and just try to follow the world and enjoy sin as much as possible. Lately there's even Christians spreading that idea that sin, which I believe comes from satan. There's no downside to following Jesus 'too much' or being 'too obedient'. Hebrews 10:26, John 14:23.
Mathew 12:31 All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven but blasphemy against the holy spirit shall not be forgiven, Does that mean bestiality and homosexuality shall be forgiven theres only one unforgivable sin?
given to the members of God's true church, the church of God. The Holy Ghost is the anointing given to those of the true church, the spiritual baptism.
My question to you is, do you believe 'in' Christ or 'on' Christ?
Tom
God Bless.
"Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." 1Co 7:18-19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing
The only question is, had he made peace with God? It's the question we must all ask. What have you done with Jesus?
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Titus 3:5
"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." Rom 10:9-10
I will have to break this up into more than one post. I will list each post as Part 1, Part 2, etc. I hope that you will read through this. Salvation is a very important issue, and we need to have assurance one way or another.
(Part 1)
You have touched upon a very important issue. Over the last 30 years or so, emphasis on the ability to save has been shifted from God to man. As a result, the permanency of salvation has been called into question, because this approach to salvation emphasizes that believing certain truths can save a person, and then that same person can subsequently lose his/her salvation by disbelieving those same truths.
However, the Bible clearly teaches that salvation is based solely on God's Spirit coming into the spirit of a human being; and in so doing, causing that person to become a new creation, a new person. A person's experience of regeneration by the Holy Spirit is an act of God, not of man.
Biblically, the salvation process begins with God the Father. Jesus said, in John 6:44, "No one is able to come to me unless the Father who has sent me should draw him; and I will raise him up in the last day." In John 3:3, Jesus says, "Unless anyone should be born from above, he is not able to see the kingdom of God."
Consequently, if the Father does not draw a person to Christ, that person cannot be saved. It is only after the Father has drawn someone to Christ, that the Spirit of Christ enters into the spirit of that person and spiritual birth takes place.
These same truths are taught by the Apostles. Paul, in Titus 3:5 wrote, "Not out of works in righteousness which we did, but according to His mercy He saved us, through washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit."
Peter said, in 1 Peter 1:3, "Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who according to His great mercy has regenerated us again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Titus 3:2
Parallel Verses
King James Version
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
don't think negative of yourself.
If we add anything to that 'saving faith', the faith that God requires, then it amounts to acts or works that we perform to help in that salvation. It could be water baptism, the Lord's Supper, self denial, works of service & many other things that people do, just to make sure that God is pleased with them & accepts them. If that's the case, then it's no longer faith, but works that saves - and this goes against Scripture ( Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:4-7). But once we're saved by faith alone, then the ordinances of water baptism & the Lord's Supper follow, as well as pursuing a life of holiness & works of service generated by the new life in Christ.
So neither water baptism or anything else apart from faith is required for salvation as baptism is only an initial physical testimony to you & others of a changed life being identified with the crucified & risen Christ.
Walk confidently & in holiness, in the joy of your Lord, my dear sister.
Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the WASHING OF THE WATER by the WORD
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the WASHING of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
As we read our Bibles every day; and spend some time praying to the Lord afterwards: our minds are being cleansed of wrong thinking and temptations.
It's true what they used to say (not so much anymore): garbage in, garbage out. I kicked the cable-tv habit a decade ago. I got tired of tv trying to teach me their low-living doctrines till it made me react. I have not missed it at all.
There are very good Bible Ministry programs on FM Radio. 24 hours a day.
Cable tv preachers can be watched on YouTube, so "LIKE" them so YouTube keeps them on.
There is no reason to be assaulted by the temptations cable tv offers. I watch antenna tv. Costs me NOTHING. $200.00 saved every month. There's news on 5 channels daily, cartoons on 2, three PBS channels, oldies movies, cooking, DIY, cops-cowboys-comedy (clean), medical, mysteries, and more. Depending on where your transmitters are you should pull in 42-58 channels. Spanish programming too!
Kick the habit (cable). With wireless you can still stream. Check it out. :D
Good news is you have more time for Bible Reading and visiting this Comment Community regularly to exchange thoughts and questions. The Prayer Request room always needs people to pray for those who are sick, afraid, have lost someone who died, or stressed from sheltering. I find it very rewarding.
You're so busy you don't have time to be tempted by so many visual temptations. I'm retired and a neighbor and me host Bible Studies in our 50 & up Complex where we live. It's like in here, but with our shut in neighbors. It's nice. Think about it.
Mishael
Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1 Thessalonians 4:11 - And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Psalms 25:9 - The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Isaiah 57:15 - For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
1 Timothy 6:11 - But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
2 Timothy 2:25 - In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;
James 1:21 - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Ephesians 5:4 - Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Let us pray for this nation often. We don't always think of how blessed we are compared to Christians suffering in Countries that hate them; and kill them, for believing in Jesus.
God help us to protect what we have, with strong prayer. To not turn blind eyes away from those who are not free; who suffer peril and hunger every day. Amen.
Acts 18:6 'And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, YOUR BLOOD BE UPON YOUR OWN HEADS; I AM CLEAN'
And again, Acts 20:26-27 "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of ALL MEN. For I HAVE NOT SHUNNED TO DECLARE UNTO YOU ALL the counsel of God."
And again, Mark 6:11 "whosoever shall not receive you, NOR HEAR YOU, when ye depart thence, SHAKE OFF THE DUST UNDER YOUR FEET for a testimony AGAINST THEM. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."
And again, Matthew "whosoever shall not receive you, NOR HEAR YOUR WORDS, when ye depart out of that house or city, SHAKE OFF THE DUST OF YOUR FEET."
Perhaps seeds were planted/watered by us and later that person will come to their senses, but the Bible tells us our duty is fulfilled. We depart from them and warn others.
Matthew 7:6 'GIVE NOT that which is holy UNTO THE DOGS, neither cast ye your pearls BEFORE SWINE, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.'
We see here, Christ Jesus never required us to babysit or go after the dogs or swine. Rather, he warns us to beware them.
Philippians 3:2 "BEWARE OF DOGS, beware of evil workers" Dogs are people who reject the Gospel of Christ. God compares them to evil workers.
And again, in Titus 3:10-11 "A man that is an heretick AFTER the first and second admonition REJECT; Knowing that HE THAT IS SUCH IS SUBVERTED, and SINNETH, BEING CONDEMNED OF HIMSELF.
1 Corinthians 5:1-7. Noting verse 5 which speaks of evidence of fornication in the Church, that the Church is required to take action against the offender. The Church is to resign him into the worldly kingdom (of the Devil), not for the purposes of total rejection & eternal damnation, but to the end that the sinner might come to his senses, repent of his evil, turn back to the Lord & therefore restored into fellowship with God's people in a holy environment. And a further letter by Paul, which we think he might have referred to the same instance in his first letter: 2 Corinthians 2:6-8.
1 Timothy 1:18-20. Paul speaking of Hymenaeus and Alexander, who blasphemed against God, making their 'faith' totally worthless. Paul said that he "delivered them to Satan for the purpose that they may acknowledge their sin & repent.
Romans 16:17. This verse doesn't specifically put out a vile person from the Church, but says to avoid them that cause divisions & teach what is contrary to true doctrine. This is done so that the person may be shamed for their behaviour & so will either cease from doing those things or leave of his own accord. Also 2 Thessalonians 3:6.
Titus 3:10-11. Again here, a heretic should be first warned, not once, but twice, & then despatched if they refuse to repent.
All the above Scriptures were penned by the Apostle Paul to believers & we believe that the apostle wrote & spoke with the full authority of Jesus. So discipline in the Church is necessary & if not administered correctly & swiftly, then sin will affect the whole Body, corrupting it with false teaching - we see so much of it today where extra-biblical sources are used in teaching or the Word of God is twisted to suit their own ends, & the Church then becomes altogether pathetic & useless.
Their faith which looked ahead & our faith also had to ultimately rest on a better Sacrifice bringing in a better Covenant ( Hebrews 7:19,22). Their faith had to find its hope in Jesus, God's Sacrifice, as ours also, post-Cross, does. Their justification & ours also rest in the Holy One from God. There has been no other way for anyone to be cleansed, forgiven & accepted. To the Gentile unreached with the Gospel, Romans 2:12-16 speaks of these who are also subject to the law written within them & by this law they are judged & will perish, as the law accuses them or they find excuse to sin. But why should they be condemned if Christ is not preached to them? Again, are there any readied by God to go to them so they might hear & believe? We have heard of accounts of tribes so grateful for the Gospel to come, as their hearts have been prepared to look for & receive it. Then there have been those who have been violent to the message, bringing death to the messenger. Those such as Jim Elliot & his four companions reaching out to the Huaorani tribe in Ecuador; or John Chau missionary to the Sentinelese people in the Andaman Islands (off the E. Indian coast) were all martyred for Jesus.
Or, to the good, decent people we know of, yet never moved to hear or respond to the Gospel. Will their decency & goodness be sufficient to save them in spite of sin? Romans 6:23 and Titus 3:5,6, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour". Even 'all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags' in God's Sight, so as much as we would long & hope for the ultimate saving of even those still without Christ even in death, I believe the Scripture is clear that a person's response to the Cross in this life determines his fate & sadly that fate is both horrible & eternal.
Luke 18:13 ; Matthew 9:13 ; Psalms 51:17 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 ; 1 John 1:19 ; Luke 15:18 ; Matthew 3:5-6 ; Acts 19:17-18 ; Romans 6:2 ; 2 Chronicles 7:14 ; Luke 19:8 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:22 ; 2 Corinthians 7:11 ; Romans 8:13 ; Colossians 3:5 ; John 5:24 ; Ephesians 2:1 ; Romans 8:2 ; John 3:5-8 ; Ephesians 5:26 ; Titus 3:5 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ;
Romans 12:2 ; John 1:29 ; John 3:14-15 ; 1 Peter 3:18 ; Romans 5:1-2 ; Romans 8:1 ; Philippians 4:7 ; Romans 8:2 ; Romans 8:11-14 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ; 1 John 3:19 ; 1 Peter 1:23 ; Psalms 119:11 ; 1 John 4:7 ; Romans 5:5 ; Matthew 5:44 ; 1 John 5:4 ; John 16:33 ; James 1:27 ; 2 Corinthians 4:10 ; Acts 11:26 ; Romans 8:29 ; Ezekiel 36:26-27 ; Ephesians 2:2-3 ; Ephesians 2 4-6 ; Matthew 18:3 ; Acts 3:19 ; Ephesians 4:22-24 ; Colossians 3:1-14 ; Romans 8:29 ; Romans 8:29 ; Romans 6:1-2 ; Matthew 1:21
Likely there are more that are missed here.
:)
Welcome to God's family - all of us have been purchased by our Saviour's own precious blood, and not by anything we have done or could do ( Titus 3:5). Seek the Spirit's help in reading & understanding the Bible, but we're always around here to support you in the Word & victorious Christian living. Every blessing brother.
"We believe and confess that God has ordained power & authority, & set them to punish the evil, & protect the good, to govern the world, & maintain countries & cities, with their subjects, in good order & regulation; & that we, therefore, may not despise, revile or resist the same, but must acknowledge & honor them as the ministers of God, & be subject & obedient unto them, yea, ready for all good works, especially in that which is not contrary to the law, will, and commandment of God; also faithfully pay custom, tribute & taxes, & to render unto them dues, even also as the Son of God taught and practiced, & commanded His disciples to do; that we, moreover, must constantly and earnestly for the prosperity of the country, that we may dwell under its protection, earn our livelihood, & lead a quiet, peaceable life, with all godliness & honesty; &, furthermore, that the Lord would recompense unto them, here, & afterwards in eternity, all benefits, liberty, & favor which we enjoy here under their praiseworthy administration."
Romans 13:1-7 Titus 3:1 1 Peter 2:17 Matthew 22:21 Matthew 17:27 1 Timothy 2:1
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20).
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 ( Cor. 2:14).
You cannot just change the word 'born' to 'baptize'. The word of God is not of any private interpretation. The water is the living water (Christ) and unless a person is born of the water and the Spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of God ( John 3:5; Isaiah 44:3,4; Matthew 3:11; Titus 3:5).
We invite you to study what it means to repent ( Acts 26:18) and the baptism of repentance ( Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4), as it means a lot more than what by nature you have been conditioned to believe.
Water baptism and circumcision was an act of faith but could not save people. Then the next question should be asked: Faith in what?
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
e. last, but not least, this is probably the greatest hindrance to a Catholic's salvation: are you truly God's child because of what Jesus has done for you, or are you believing that you need to add to it to give you a guarantee?
Christ's salvation is given only by having FAITH in what He did for you on the Cross: faith in His dying for your sins, taking your place; His Resurrection back to life showing that God accepted His Sacrifice; His Ascension back into Heaven & His intercessory work for you right now. That's all you need is faith in Him - nothing else - no added works (however good they might be) to guarantee your salvation. ( Titus 3:5: "Not by WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost"). And Ephesians 2:8,9 "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". If we add anything to faith for our salvation, then it's no longer of faith, but of works - & that is NOT God's salvation ( Romans 11:6).
That's all you need is faith in Him - nothing else - no added good works to guarantee salvation. ( Titus 3:5: "Not by WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost"). And Ephesians 2:8,9 "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". If we add anything to faith for our salvation, then it's no longer of faith, but of works - & that is not God's salvation ( Romans 11:6).
So, we summarize knowing & receiving Salvation using our A B Cs:
A: Acknowledge. To understand & accept that Jesus is God's Son & that He came to give His Life for you & me on the Cross. This can only be done by Jesus, no one else. I know you will acknowledge this great Truth.
B: Believe. To repent of your sins, your old way of living, your old beliefs that were contrary to what the Bible teaches, & give all of that wrongdoing to Jesus to be put to death with His death. It is to say, "I'm sorry with all my heart Lord Jesus, for all my sin that I have done, so please forgive me & make me a new person & come in & fill me with your Holy Spirit Who makes me a child of God". But you must truly be convicted by the Spirit to cry for forgiveness. Just to say a prayer or repeat some words doesn't do anything - this is because we're talking about God changing your heart & giving His Spirit, not some contract. You may need to spend time talking to God about how you're feeling & start reading the Bible that will draw you to that point of being convicted of sin & able to truly repent from your heart & not your mind.
Yes, If you want to repent and ask Lord for forgiveness, He is faithful to forgive you(even it may be bestiality or homosexuality). But blasphemy against holy spirit is not be forgiven.
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
So submit your life unto God and ask for Holy Spirit(which will guide you in the path of rightiousness.
1 Timothy Chapter 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Romans 1: 26 For this cause God GAVE THEM UP (gave up on them?) unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God GAVE THEM OVER to a REPROBATE reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
If the Holy Spirit convicts them, it is time to repent. When someone seeks and wants the Lord more than their sin they shall find the Lord.