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Results 1 - 20
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Results from: Answered Questions, Answers, Unanswered Questions, Notes
Contents include: "forgiveness"
On or After: Monday, June 18, 2012
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| Results |
Type |
Verse |
Author |
Date |
ID# |
| 1 |
Why not having a WEEKLY communion? |
Answer |
Acts 20:7 |
BradK |
Thu 06/28/12, 11:21pm |
232807 |
| |
Hello 00123,
We fellowship at a Christian Church here in the Northwest. Our church observes weekly communion - for much the same reason as Doc stated- we see it as a means of grace. This can differ depending upon denomination and tradition. By comparison, in the church where I was saved- Southern Baptist -it was done monthly. Though there is the possibility of a weekly observance becoming rote and merely tradition (as it was when I was brought up Lutheran), I see it as a regular opportunity to express thankfulness to my Lord for the provision of His forgiveness in Christ Jesus!
Speaking the Truth in Love,
BradK |
| 2 |
Did pharisees understand/epexct baptism |
Answer |
John 1:25 |
elder4yhwh |
Sat 07/7/12, 6:14pm |
232954 |
| |
Yes indeed it appears that they had some type of expectancy from the indidvuals listed.
I can't find the word baptise in the Old Testament so that fact that John was baptizing people in repentance, and to put some much importance on it being carried out in one's life.
In the Old Testament their was no forgiveness of sin unless you offered a sacificed animal. They understood the Law but for John to make that statement that lead me to believe that's why the question was asked.
Now they read (Isa 40:3-5) that a voice was going to be crying in the wilderness and since John said he was that person Elias spoke of they automatically assumed that he was the Christ. (John 1:1-31) |
| 3 |
The Champion in the Cause of God |
Note |
Luke 22:49 |
DocTrinsograce |
Mon 07/16/12, 7:23pm |
233046 |
| |
"Behold Jesus Christ in the time of His last sufferings, when His enemies in earth and hell made their most violent attack upon Him, compassing Him round on every side like rending and roaring lions. Doubtless here we shall see the fortitude of a holy warrior and champion in the cause of God in its highest perfection and greatest luster, and an example fit for the soldiers to follow that fight under this Captain. But how did He show His holy boldness and valor at that time? Not in the exercise of any fiery passions; not in fierce and violent speeches, vehemently declaiming against the intolerable wickedness of opposers, giving them their own in plain terms: but in not opening His mouth when afflicted and oppressed, in going as a lamb to the slaughter, and, as a sheep before his shearers is dumb, not opening his mouth; praying that the Father would forgive His cruel enemies because they knew not what they did; not shedding others' blood, but with all-conquering patience and love shedding His own. Indeed, one of His disciples, that made a forward pretense to boldness for Christ and confidently declared he would sooner die with Christ than deny Him, began to lay about him with a sword: but Christ meekly rebukes him, and heals the wound he gives. Never was the patience, meekness, love, and forgiveness of Christ so gloriously manifest as at that time. Never did He appear so much a Lamb, and never did He show so much of the dove-like spirit as at that time.
"If therefore we see any of the followers of Christ, in the midst of the most violent, unreasonable, and wicked opposition of God's and his own enemies, maintaining under all this temptation, the humility and quietness and gentleness of a lamb, and the harmlessness and love and sweetness of a dove, we may well judge that here is a good soldier of Jesus Christ." --Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections, p 279 |
| 4 |
What does Matthew5:32 mean? We bothmarri |
Answer |
1 Cor 7:1 |
EmethAlethia |
Sun 09/23/12, 4:12pm |
233669 |
| |
Hi there,
First off, all of 1 Cor. 7 says a lot. Even if you were a Christian, and a non-believing spouse left you, and/or they committed adultery, you are also without any bondage or servitude with regards to that previous relationship. That said, if restoration is possible, it is clearly taught that that should be done.
If you were not a true Christian, and you broke off that ptrevious relationship, for whatever reason, and remarried, you do need to seek forgiveness, from them, but forgiveness from God has already been granted. If reestablishing the marriage relationship is possible because neither is in a new marriage relationship, it seems clear that this is best. There are many related issues, i.e. how to determine if the other party is Christian, or not. THe concept that GOd would have us forgive all others, even for adultery, if they repent, no matter how many times they repent, (The definition of repentance) the issue of hardness of heart in this case, even the biblical definition of adultery, is something that is debateable. |
| 5 |
Which is first, wrath or Grace? |
Note |
Rom 2:2 |
DPMartin |
Thu 11/15/12, 12:59pm |
234399 |
| |
Beja
thanks for the reply
How can it be that we don’t need mercy when scripture says this: (KJV)
********************
Mt:5:7: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Mt:9:13: But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mt:23:23: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Lk:1:50: And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Lk:1:54: He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
Lk:1:72: To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Lk:1:78: Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
***************
Why it is that the “Mercy seat” covers the ark of the covenant, and the law therein, and the Lord God said He would appear (Ex:25:22) and meet with them, meaning Israelites, if Mercy isn’t needed?
Theory isn’t Truth, at best it is merely what men imagine something they don’t know to be, and in that, is no revelation that is of the Lord God, is there? And scripture is all about the Living Almighty God and His relationship with His People, which is revelation of the Lord God to His People, not theory. I do believe even in philosophy circles, theory is theory, and knowledge or knowing, is revelation, but don’t hold me to that.
You said : “we know that God's wrath comes in response to sin”
Sorry its your belief that God's wrath comes in response to sin. If that were true then what is Jesus’ offering on the Cross all about? Granted, Jesus suffered in our place, but wasn’t that act the Mercy of God to have His Son His only begotten Son suffer in our place? And isn’t it so that all manner of “sin” shall be forgiven unto men, (Mt:12:31) How is that is a response of wrath to sin? The Lord God’s response to sin through His Son is Mercy and Forgiveness to the point where the forgiven’s sins are forgotten.
Nobody said there isn’t wrath, but most of that has been men to men, not God to men. At least as of yet. It would seem that the wrath would be toward the refusal of the Presence of His Holy Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the world.
|
| 6 |
Meaning of Mark 3:29 |
Answer |
Mark 3:29 |
DocTrinsograce |
Sat 12/8/12, 11:03am |
234779 |
| |
Hi, Nathan...
John Piper responded to that question very well:
“Jesus said that all sins against the Son of Man will be forgiven but that sin against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven (Matthew 12:32). So what is it? What is this unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit? My own understanding is that it is not any particular word you might speak. I've had people come to me over the years with tears in their eyes saying that they're scared they said something horrible in their past that qualified as the unforgivable sin. I don't think any particular words are the issue here. I think the issue is that when the Holy Spirit begins to work and testify to the living Christ in your heart, and you continually resist, there comes a point where your resisting is unforgivable. That happens when you can no longer repent. Esau is the example of this in Hebrews 12:17. He sought repentance with tears but couldn't find it. Notice it doesn't say he sought forgiveness with tears and couldn't find it. It says he sought repentance. Anybody struggling with this question should know that any sin which you can authentically repent of and embrace Christ for will be forgiven.
“The unforgivable sin is when you have resisted him so decisively that he has forsaken you and you can no longer repent. You try to repent and you can't repent. You can't be genuinely sorry for your sin or turn away from it. That is a horribly frightening situation to be in. But anyone who is now broken-hearted for his sin and does not despise Christ can be forgiven for every sin, no matter what he might have said to the Holy Spirit or however long he might have resisted him. He can be forgiven, because the Bible holds out that promise for him. Whoever believes will be saved (John 3:16; Romans 10:13). It's the inability to repent and believe which marks one as having gone over the line.”
In Him, Doc |
| 7 |
I'm confused about sin please help |
Answer |
Not Specified |
Subparracer |
Tue 12/11/12, 10:35pm |
234827 |
| |
I don't really under stand sins and going to hell like sins send u to hell but we sin everyday like speeding is a sin and then why don't we all go to hell because we dont ask for forgiveness for every sin |
| 8 |
I'm confused about sin please help |
(?)Answered |
John 3:16 |
Subparracer |
Tue 12/11/12, 10:35pm |
234830 |
| |
I don't really under stand sins and going to hell like sins send u to hell but we sin everyday like speeding is a sin and then why don't we all go to hell because we dont ask for forgiveness for every sin |
| 9 |
I'm confused about sin please help |
Answer |
John 3:16 |
EdB |
Wed 12/12/12, 9:50am |
234831 |
| |
We do not go to hell because we don't ask forgiveness for our many sins. Since Jesus' death and resurrection people go to hell because they don't believe on HIM. |
| 10 |
Ressurrection of Christ? |
Answer |
Eph 2:5 |
DocTrinsograce |
Wed 12/12/12, 4:14pm |
234832 |
| |
Hi, angelicchoir1...
Welcome to the forum!
That is a very good question! It deserves a good answer with proper Biblical citations:
The resurrection of Jesus was a sign (Luke 11:29-30) that demonstrated His victory over death (Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57), His righteousness (John 16:10), and His deity (Romans1:4). It was followed by His ascension and enthronement (Acts 1:9-11; 2:34; Philippians 2:9-11). It is evidence of the acceptance of His atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 10:4-12). It is the proof of the truth that Jesus is Judge and Savior (Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 20). It is the guarantee of the forgiveness and the justification of the believer (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:17). Furthermore, it forms the foundation of the resurrected life in Christ for us today (John 11:25-26; Romans 6; Ephesians 1:18-2:10; Colossians 2:9-15; 3:1-4). It is the basis of our confident expectation of our own future resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:14).
In Him, Doc |
| 11 |
Where's the difference? |
(?)Answered |
2 Chr 7:14 |
nathanbgerman |
Tue 12/18/12, 8:22pm |
234961 |
| |
2 Chronicles 7:14 says that when God's people humble themselves and pray, he will forgive them of their sins. 2 Chronicles is in the Old Testament. So my question is this. If people could be forgiven of their sins in the OT simply by prayer, then where is the difference between before and after the cross? I believe that Jesus died to take away to take away the sin of the world and without the shedding of his innocent blood there can be no forgiveness. So, if that's correct, how were they forgiven before? |
| 12 |
Jesus is Faithful Israel? |
Note |
Ex 4:22 |
DocTrinsograce |
Thu 12/20/12, 4:18pm |
234992 |
| |
“In the New Testament, there are some parallels between ancient Israel and Jesus Christ that give warrant to the view that Jesus is faithful Israel whose obedience brings blessings to others. For example, in Matthew, like Israel, Jesus goes to Egypt and then is called out of Egypt. Listen to Matthew 2:13-15.
“Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.' So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.' (Matthew 2:13-15)
“After Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:13-17), He 'was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil' (Matthew 4:1). Matthew tells us that 'after He had fasted forty days and forty nights' (Matthew 4:2), He was tempted. But unlike Adam in the garden and Israel in her wilderness wanderings between Egypt and Canaan, Jesus did not succumb to temptation and sin. Recall that Israel's wilderness wanderings occurred over a forty year period due to sin (cf. Numbers 14, esp vv 31-35) and after she passed through the Red Sea waters (Exodus 14-15). Jesus, however, passed through the waters of baptism, was tempted after forty days of fasting, and did not sin.
“Another example of the New Testament relating ancient Israel and Jesus Christ comes from the apostle Paul. It is agreed upon by most Bible scholars that the redemption of the Old Testament was Israel's exodus from Egyptian bondage, as stated above. God rescued Israel from Egyptian bondage. The Israelites were under a dark and oppressive Egyptian ruler and God Himself delivered them from bondage and took them to the Promised Land through the human leadership of Moses and then Joshua. In Colossians 1:12-15 there are some interesting echoes of the exodus in the words of the apostle Paul. Here's what he says there:
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (Colossians 1:12-15)
“The redemption of sinners by Jesus has some parallels with the redemption of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Just as the Israelites were in a dark and oppressive place, so sinners redeemed by Jesus were trapped in the domain of darkness. Just as God liberated Israel from bondage, so Christ liberates sinners from bondage. Just as God took the Israelites out of Egypt and gave them an inheritance – the Promised Land – so God takes sinners out of the bondage of sin and qualifies them for a future inheritance. Just as God ruled over Israel, so God places believing sinners in the kingdom of His beloved Son to be ruled by Him.
“There are other parallels from other New Testament themes. Just as Israel was given a memorial meal (i.e., the Passover) to remember her deliverance from bondage, so the church has been given a memorial meal (i.e., the Lord's Supper) to remember her deliverance from bondage. And finally, just as Israel was given a memorial day to remember her deliverance (i.e., the Sabbath), so the church has been given a memorial day (i.e., the Lord's Day) to remember her deliverance. What the Old Testament typified in Israel (i.e., God's son and firstborn), finds its fulfillment in Jesus, God's faithful Son and firstborn, and His body, the church.
“Due to Christ's faithfulness, He obtains an eternal inheritance for all those He came to save, unlike Adam and Israel who were unfaithful. The New Testament interprets Christ's coming as the fulfillment of Israel's hopes (e.g., Luke 1:26-38, 46-55, 67-79; 2:25-38; Acts 26:19-23). The New Testament also understands the church as the fulfillment of the eschatological Israel of Old Testament prophecy (e.g., Acts 2:14-21; 15:13-21; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Galatians 6:16; Ephesians 2:11-22; Hebrews 8:7-13). The Lord's servant, Jesus Christ, unlike Old Covenant Israel, was faithful and became a 'light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles' (Acts 26:23), just as 'the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place' (Acts 26:22).
“Old Testament Israel was a means to an end. The end is not Palestine. The end is not an earthly, Jerusalem temple at which animal sacrifices are offered. Ancient Israel was chosen by God to be a means through which the last Adam would come. She was also a means through which His Person, His work, His people, and His kingdom were typified. Israel has connections with the first man, Adam, and the last Adam, Jesus Christ.” --Dr. Richard Barcellos (2012) |
| 13 |
Do you agree w/ my thoughts? |
(?)Answered |
Matt 12:31 |
nathanbgerman |
Sun 12/30/12, 11:21pm |
235083 |
| |
My thoughts on the unpardonable sin:
Do you agree?
"And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven" (Matthew 12:31).
"Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin" (Mark 3:29).
"And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven" (Luke 12:10).
Possible meanings:
A. This is a one time speaking sin. Once somebody speaks against the Holy Spirit, they can never be forgiven.
B. This means to call miracles the work of the devil.
C. This sin simply means unbelief.
D. This sin is to harden the heart to the Spirit's call to repentance and to completely reject God.
God's word is perfect so in order for any of these suggestions to be the correct meaning of the verse, they must not contradict other scripture.
Option A:
In Matthew's version, Jesus says every kind of slander can be forgiven. The key word here is "EVERY". The Message version translates it as "There's NOTHING done or said that can't be forgiven". So, this is NOT simply a one time speaking sin.
Option B:
Over and over, the Bible says that all who believe are saved. Below are a few examples.
Acts 13:39 - "Through him everyone who believes is set free from EVERY sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses."
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him SHALL NOT PERISH but have eternal life."
John 3:18 - "Whoever believes in him is NOT CONDEMNED."
Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES!"
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and WILL FORGIVE us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
So, according to these verses and many others in the Bible, belief in God forgives every single sin, not most sins, every sin! Everyone who believes is saved and no one who believes is condemned. Believers in Christ shall not perish! All sins that are repented of will bring forgiveness. So, though calling the work of Christ the work of the devil may be the beginning of this unforgivable sin, this alone is STILL FORGIVABLE if the person is truly repentant! Note: Jesus never said that the Pharisees had committed this sin. It's possible that Jesus was simply giving a warning to them if they continued.
Option C:
Though this option makes sense in context with most of the Bible, Mark 3:30 says that Jesus said this because they said he has an impure spirit. It does not say that he said this because they refused to believe. Therefore, it appears that there is more to this sin than simply unbelief.
Option D:
This option is the one option that seems to fit best with the rest of Scripture. The Bible says, as stated in the review of option B, that God will forgive those who are truly repentant. Therefore, this sin must be something that puts the believer beyond repentance. Hebrews 6:4-6 says, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance." This passage does not say forgiveness is impossible, it says repentance is impossible. Therefore, there is a point where people can fall so far away that they can no longer be brought back to repentance. This makes sense for this sin because the Holy Spirit is the one that leads people to repentance. So, if someone totally rejects God and refuses to listen to the spirit's call to repentance, they will eventually reach a point where they can no longer hear the Spirit calling them back. Therefore, if they can no longer be brought back to repentance, they can no longer be forgiven. The problem is not that God refuses to forgive them. Romans 10:13 says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. The problem is that they refuse to call on that saving name and salvation can not be found any other way. "Salvation is found in no one else for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
So, if one worries that they may have committed this sin, they haven't. This fear shows that they do still care and therefore there is still a Spirit at work in them. The Spirit will not continue to work in those who cannot be saved because Ephesians 1:14 calls the Spirit a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. So, as long as the Spirit is at work in someone, there is still hope of salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says that Godly sorrow brings repentance which leads to salvation. John 6:37 says that nobody who comes to God in repentance will ever be driven away. |
| 14 |
Do you agree w/ my thoughts on this sin? |
(?)Answered |
Luke 12:10 |
nathanbgerman |
Sun 12/30/12, 11:23pm |
235084 |
| |
My thoughts on the unpardonable sin:
Do you agree?
"And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven" (Matthew 12:31).
"Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin" (Mark 3:29).
"And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven" (Luke 12:10).
Possible meanings:
A. This is a one time speaking sin. Once somebody speaks against the Holy Spirit, they can never be forgiven.
B. This means to call miracles the work of the devil.
C. This sin simply means unbelief.
D. This sin is to harden the heart to the Spirit's call to repentance and to completely reject God.
God's word is perfect so in order for any of these suggestions to be the correct meaning of the verse, they must not contradict other scripture.
Option A:
In Matthew's version, Jesus says every kind of slander can be forgiven. The key word here is "EVERY". The Message version translates it as "There's NOTHING done or said that can't be forgiven". So, this is NOT simply a one time speaking sin.
Option B:
Over and over, the Bible says that all who believe are saved. Below are a few examples.
Acts 13:39 - "Through him everyone who believes is set free from EVERY sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses."
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him SHALL NOT PERISH but have eternal life."
John 3:18 - "Whoever believes in him is NOT CONDEMNED."
Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES!"
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and WILL FORGIVE us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
So, according to these verses and many others in the Bible, belief in God forgives every single sin, not most sins, every sin! Everyone who believes is saved and no one who believes is condemned. Believers in Christ shall not perish! All sins that are repented of will bring forgiveness. So, though calling the work of Christ the work of the devil may be the beginning of this unforgivable sin, this alone is STILL FORGIVABLE if the person is truly repentant! Note: Jesus never said that the Pharisees had committed this sin. It's possible that Jesus was simply giving a warning to them if they continued.
Option C:
Though this option makes sense in context with most of the Bible, Mark 3:30 says that Jesus said this because they said he has an impure spirit. It does not say that he said this because they refused to believe. Therefore, it appears that there is more to this sin than simply unbelief.
Option D:
This option is the one option that seems to fit best with the rest of Scripture. The Bible says, as stated in the review of option B, that God will forgive those who are truly repentant. Therefore, this sin must be something that puts the believer beyond repentance. Hebrews 6:4-6 says, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance." This passage does not say forgiveness is impossible, it says repentance is impossible. Therefore, there is a point where people can fall so far away that they can no longer be brought back to repentance. This makes sense for this sin because the Holy Spirit is the one that leads people to repentance. So, if someone totally rejects God and refuses to listen to the spirit's call to repentance, they will eventually reach a point where they can no longer hear the Spirit calling them back. Therefore, if they can no longer be brought back to repentance, they can no longer be forgiven. The problem is not that God refuses to forgive them. Romans 10:13 says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. The problem is that they refuse to call on that saving name and salvation can not be found any other way. "Salvation is found in no one else for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
So, if one worries that they may have committed this sin, they haven't. This fear shows that they do still care and therefore there is still a Spirit at work in them. The Spirit will not continue to work in those who cannot be saved because Ephesians 1:14 calls the Spirit a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. So, as long as the Spirit is at work in someone, there is still hope of salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says that Godly sorrow brings repentance which leads to salvation. John 6:37 says that nobody who comes to God in repentance will ever be driven away. |
| 15 |
Would you agree with these thoughts? |
(?)Answered |
Mark 3:29 |
nathanbgerman |
Sun 12/30/12, 11:24pm |
235085 |
| |
My thoughts on the unpardonable sin:
Do you agree?
"And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven" (Matthew 12:31).
"Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin" (Mark 3:29).
"And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven" (Luke 12:10).
Possible meanings:
A. This is a one time speaking sin. Once somebody speaks against the Holy Spirit, they can never be forgiven.
B. This means to call miracles the work of the devil.
C. This sin simply means unbelief.
D. This sin is to harden the heart to the Spirit's call to repentance and to completely reject God.
God's word is perfect so in order for any of these suggestions to be the correct meaning of the verse, they must not contradict other scripture.
Option A:
In Matthew's version, Jesus says every kind of slander can be forgiven. The key word here is "EVERY". The Message version translates it as "There's NOTHING done or said that can't be forgiven". So, this is NOT simply a one time speaking sin.
Option B:
Over and over, the Bible says that all who believe are saved. Below are a few examples.
Acts 13:39 - "Through him everyone who believes is set free from EVERY sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses."
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him SHALL NOT PERISH but have eternal life."
John 3:18 - "Whoever believes in him is NOT CONDEMNED."
Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES!"
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and WILL FORGIVE us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
So, according to these verses and many others in the Bible, belief in God forgives every single sin, not most sins, every sin! Everyone who believes is saved and no one who believes is condemned. Believers in Christ shall not perish! All sins that are repented of will bring forgiveness. So, though calling the work of Christ the work of the devil may be the beginning of this unforgivable sin, this alone is STILL FORGIVABLE if the person is truly repentant! Note: Jesus never said that the Pharisees had committed this sin. It's possible that Jesus was simply giving a warning to them if they continued.
Option C:
Though this option makes sense in context with most of the Bible, Mark 3:30 says that Jesus said this because they said he has an impure spirit. It does not say that he said this because they refused to believe. Therefore, it appears that there is more to this sin than simply unbelief.
Option D:
This option is the one option that seems to fit best with the rest of Scripture. The Bible says, as stated in the review of option B, that God will forgive those who are truly repentant. Therefore, this sin must be something that puts the believer beyond repentance. Hebrews 6:4-6 says, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance." This passage does not say forgiveness is impossible, it says repentance is impossible. Therefore, there is a point where people can fall so far away that they can no longer be brought back to repentance. This makes sense for this sin because the Holy Spirit is the one that leads people to repentance. So, if someone totally rejects God and refuses to listen to the spirit's call to repentance, they will eventually reach a point where they can no longer hear the Spirit calling them back. Therefore, if they can no longer be brought back to repentance, they can no longer be forgiven. The problem is not that God refuses to forgive them. Romans 10:13 says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. The problem is that they refuse to call on that saving name and salvation can not be found any other way. "Salvation is found in no one else for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
So, if one worries that they may have committed this sin, they haven't. This fear shows that they do still care and therefore there is still a Spirit at work in them. The Spirit will not continue to work in those who cannot be saved because Ephesians 1:14 calls the Spirit a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. So, as long as the Spirit is at work in someone, there is still hope of salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says that Godly sorrow brings repentance which leads to salvation. John 6:37 says that nobody who comes to God in repentance will ever be driven away. |
| 16 |
Ridding myself of guilt and fear |
Answer |
James 5:16 |
BMyers |
Sun 01/6/13, 8:11am |
235225 |
| |
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.(James 5:16 ESV)
I would encourage you, if you are not, find a good local Christian church that you can attend and seek counsel from them. The forum is great place to exchange ideas and thoughts, but not the best place for getting counseling in such a public format.
Psalms 32 is a very good read, which you can see confession and forgiveness.
Brad
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| 17 |
Ridding myself of guilt and fear |
Note |
James 5:16 |
happy soul |
Mon 01/7/13, 10:01am |
235257 |
| |
I am assuming that you have not been baptized, hence the reason for your guilt? The only true way to rid ourselves of our guilt is to be penitent (turn from the life of sin) confess that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) and son of God and know that He died for our sins and rose on the 3rd day and was taken up to heaven and is now reigning at the right hand of God. We must also be buried with Christ in baptism for the forgiveness of our sins and receive the gift of the holy spirit which will also help us in avoiding future temptations. In additon, when we sincerely accept Christ as our Saviour and Lord and act accordingly by being buried with Him in baptism, God says he will remember our sins no more. However, we must also remember that this does not mean that we can then continue in the same lifestyle that we lived previously as it requires dying to "self" and living for Christ. As much as we have died to self, we must now "put on Christ". As Paul stated, it is no longer
"I" who lives, but "Christ" liveth in me. |
| 18 |
Ridding myself of guilt and fear |
Note |
James 5:16 |
BradK |
Mon 01/7/13, 10:36am |
235260 |
| |
Hello Hasppy Soul,
I'm not sure what your assumption that they have not been baptized would have to do with the reason for their guilt? What's the connection? Is the baptism to which you refer water or spiritual?
One is either "in Christ" (en Christo), or not! Eph. 1:7 tells us, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (NASB)
Speaking the Truth in Love,
BradK |
| 19 |
Ridding myself of guilt and fear |
Note |
James 5:16 |
happy soul |
Mon 01/7/13, 3:18pm |
235279 |
| |
BradK,
The baptism is both water and spiritual. The act of water immersion is to comply with God's command that all be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (salvation) as is stated in Acts 2:38. You can only be included in the Kingdom of God through baptism (being born again) see John 3:1-8
This same water and spiritual baptism cleanses us from our past sins and guilt. Any future sins committed and the guilt that we might suffer after committing such sins can be alleviated through prayers and supplications to the Father and from prayers offered on our behalf by confessing our sins to others of like faith. It is true that we have redemption through Christ's blood for the forgiveness of our sins, but only through obedient faith by our baptism is this process completed in Him. In Christ, HappySoul |
| 20 |
Ridding myself of guilt and fear |
Note |
James 5:16 |
BradK |
Mon 01/7/13, 4:01pm |
235280 |
| |
Hello Happy Soul,
You said, "You can only be included in the Kingdom of God through baptism (being born again) see John 3:1-8" Again, which is it? It cannot be both water and spiritual, for then you are mixing grace and works. The two are mutually exclusive when it comes to salvation.
Then you said, "Any future sins committed and the guilt that we might suffer after committing such sins can be alleviated through prayers and supplications to the Father and from prayers offered on our behalf by confessing our sins to others of like faith"?
Is Christ's sacrifice on the cross not sufficiento atone for all our sins?
(Cf. Eph. 1:7, 4:32, Col. 2:13; 3:13)
I agree that it's true that according to Eph. 1:7, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." (NASB)
However, you've added " but only through obedient faith by our baptism is this process completed in Him."? How so? That's not what Eph. 1:7 says. We're told our redemption and forgiveness are, "...according to the riches of His grace.", not through obedient faith by our baptism. That's clearly adding to Christ's finished work!
Gal. 2:16 is quite clear: "nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified."
It's either all of grace or it's not (Rom. 11:6)
Speaking the Truth in Love,
BradK |
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