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Is repentance required? |
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Ex 20:13
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Repentance is admitting that you have sinned against God. This is part of salvation. Confession unto the Father that you have sinned is what you do after you become a Christian. When the Holy spirit makes you aware of something you did then you confess and ask for forgiveness. Let me know if that helps you at all. |
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DOES GOD HEAR THE PRAYERS |
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Rom 8:14
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Yes, he hears the prayers of repentence and confession. Jesus is the mediator of his adopted children, however those who want to know him, must "call on Him." As far as a ongoing relationship in prayer, that is reserved for his "sons." |
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Forgive or confront - which to choose? |
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Matt 18:1
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First of all, choose to forgive. Christ chose to die for us while we were yet his enemies. You and I both have a much deeper debt of sin before God than anyone has toward either of us. If we don't begin with forgiveness, we should pray in terror every time we ask God to "forgive us our debts (or trespasses) as we forgive our debtors". If we refuse to forgive "those who trespass against us" then we are asking God to hold our sins to our account and condemn us to hell. Is this extreme? How does it compare with Jesus's teaching in Mat 18:23-35? The guidelines for confronting a brother who sins (Mat 18:15-18) must be read in the context of Mat 18:23-25, as well.
When Paul (in Eph 6:27-28) tells us to "be angry and sin not" by not letting "the sun set" on our anger, there is no mention of confrontation with the other person. This is a call to a forgiveness in order to "not give the devil an opportunity"; it serves our spiritual interest by preventing bitterness from clouding our ability to love.
Once we have forgiven, we are ready to consider whether confrontation is beneficial. Confrontation is for the benefit of our brother (or sister) who has done something wrong, not for the purpose of "letting off steam" or verbal retaliation. As in Mat 18:15, where the purpose is to "[win] your brother" back to obedience and growth in his relationship with God. It's possible that Paul had this in mind in Gal 5:19-21 when he listed specific sins that are practiced by those who "will not inherit" the kingdom of heaven. The increasingly strong convictions and confrontations presented in Matthew 18 are meant to draw the offender to confession, repentance and restoration. Is this not how the Spirit convicts and confronts us, as well? He confronts us to the degree necessary and the degree we are willing to receive. He is to be our model.
I suspect that the final and unequivocable rejection of this persistent and faithful conviction ("slamming the door in the Spirit's face" if you will) is what is meant by the blasphemy against the Spirit, but that's another question. |
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Jesus separated fron the Trinity? |
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Mark 15:34
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Please excuse my vague answer. The concept of the Trinity is pretty awesome to begin with. Did Jesus separate and return? Who knows? Why Jesus would ask the Father why He was forsaken begs an answer that unfortunately only He knows. But, it would seem that, in some way, Jesus, at least for a short time, felt the lonliness of separation from God. That is what sin does, it separates us from God. That is why the cross is so important, it provided a way back to God, through confession of sin, repentance, and fellowship with God through Jesus Christ.
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Sin vs. sins vs. iniquity? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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Dear me, Apparently, no one could, would, or did answer this question. In case anyone was wondering (but I guess not) I was not talking about singular and plural sin. Sin seems to be in the being, in the heart of man. Sins are the many actions and inactions of man that are not pleasing to God, thus against Him. Iniquity seems to be a judgement of the person, not his actions. Thus, it seems to refer to in-born sin inherited from Adam. Dead works are those things that we do that are not in accord with God's will. Even though they may seem to have some benefit in the perpetrator's eyes, they are selfish in nature, thus sin. Jesus died for our sins and our sin. Though sin is dealt with immediately upon our confession of Christ as Savior, sins are still a part of man until final judgment. Sins will be brought before the Lord, and dealt with at the judgment seat of Christ. |
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Part 2 Apologetics? |
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Matt 11:13
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Part 2
APOSTLE (Gk. (apostolos,) a "delegate"). One sent with a special message or commission. In this sense the word is used in the LXX (1KI 14:6; ISA 18:2), and in the NT: JOH 13:16, "Neither is one (who is sent) (apostle) greater than the one who sent him"; 2CO 8:23; PHI 2:25, where persons sent out by churches on special errands are called their (apostles,) or messengers. In HEB 3:1 Jesus is called "the (Apostle) and High Priest of our confession." (New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
Apostle in the New Testament seems to be divided into 3 categories. 1) Jesus, 2) The Apostles to the Lamb, 12 in number, Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot. This is the only 'replacement' recorded in the Bible. 2) 'Post-Ascension apostles, messengers between the churches. Not 'Big-shots' from whom healing and miracles continuously 'radiated,' but servants. I believe this lasy category of apostle is still valid, but often abused.
As to Judas, I meant Judas called Barsabbas, 'sent out' with Silas, Paul and Barnabas. (Acts 15:22) Regarding "Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." Romans 16:7 NASB, you wrote, "As for Andronicus and Junis,they were not Apostles. You see I could be among the pesidents men however that dosent make me one of them." Please look at how the word 'among' is used in the Bible. It means 'with, together' and the usage implies clearly that the one party is included with the other party. What about: "But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out..." Acts 14:14 NASB. And when Paul, number 14, is considered to be number 12, does he displace James or Matthias? Rev 21:14
While I am talking about 5-fold ministry, please read "And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message." Acts 15:32 NASB.
Friend, I also have personal experience with divine healing, my wife was healed from cancer of the womb, and I now have two teenage daughters. Actually, I do not like 'healing ministries,' and think that most are spiritually arrogant, some even charlatans. However, I cannot discount that many are healed by faith in God. I do, as a matter of fact, believe that one can be 'slain in the Spirit,' but think that the popular 'mass-slayings' are false, an abuse of showmanship and emotional manipulation.
I am part of a healthy, well-balanced church. Many speak in tongues and (gasp!) prophesy. However, in our defense, I assure you that "...all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." 1 Corinthians 14:40 NASB. You may have never experienced this, but it IS possible. (Please note that stating that something cannot happen because you have not seen it is spiritual bigotry) My friend, you cannot make your assumptions based on the how many people abuse the gifts. After all, if every lemming jumped off the cliff, there would be no more lemmings. Obviously, some lemmings are not totally stupid :-)
Finally, I am not 'buying into' anything. All that I speak of I have experienced. (Please watch your assumptions) If you have never been to a 'spirit-filled' church that was orderly, respectable, responsible and balanced, come to Yokohama some time.
Yours in Christ Jesus. charis |
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What does this verse mean? |
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Heb 10:26
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Hi prayon, The writer of Hebrews makes it a pretty important decision doesn't he? Verse 31 here says,"It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Compare also Heb 12:29-29 "See to it that you do not refuse (Him) who is speaking...for our God is a consuming fire."
Heb 10:20 "Since therefore brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living (Way) which He inauguated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,...Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;" Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Later, Ray V.H. |
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How do you define apostle? |
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Eph 4:11
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Dear Xapis, Excellent observation! Actually, I have tried to explain my ideas on this in several other 'threads.' I admit that it was my fault in posting similar questions, but afterwards others were 'cross-threading.' :-) The major problem, as I see it, is that many are adamant that an Apostle must be like Peter or Paul, and a Prophet must be like Isaiah or Jeremiah.
APOSTLE (Gk. (apostolos,) a "delegate"). One sent with a special message or commission. In this sense the word is used in the LXX (1KI 14:6; ISA 18:2), and in the NT: JOH 13:16, "Neither is one (who is sent) [apostle] greater than the one who sent him"; 2CO 8:23; PHI 2:25, where persons sent out by churches on special errands are called their (apostles,) or messengers. In HEB 3:1 Jesus is called "the (Apostle) and High Priest of our confession." (New Ungers Bible Dictionary)
The Bible describes 3 'types' of apostles; 1) Jesus. 2) The 'Apostles to the Lamb,' also called the 12. Matthai replaced Judas Iscariot, the only 'replacement' apostle in the Bible. 3)The 'post-ascension apostles.' Paul and Barnabas, among others, continued the ministry of 'special commissions' between churches. Sometimes these are referred to as the 'lower sense' of the apostolic ministry. I believe this continues today, although often misinterpreted and abused. I do not think that the present-day apostle equals the missionary, as I know too many missionaries that do not fit the Bible's description. However, some missionaries may well be working in an apostolic calling.
Prophet-"But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. Though many definitions demand that a prophet be a soothsayer, I believe that a New Testament prophet will probably speak God's word for the above purposes more than for telling the future. (Though soothsaying is also still possible, this gift must be used carefully, and must be tested before placing spiritual 'weight' upon it) This encouragement should be for the church, not for the 'pumping up' of the people, nor for the edification of the prophet.
Both the apostle and the prophet should be servants to the church, in the same manner as the evangelist, pastor and teacher. I have seen abuse and personal use of all 5 ministries, but I have also seen wonderful, godly application of them, too. I pray that the gifts of ministry will be poured upon the church of Jesus Christ in a fuller sense as we come closer to His glorious return.
I hope this makes my viewpoint clear. Blessings and peace to you. In Jesus' name, charis
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What unmarried sexual acts are sinful? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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"... but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you.... If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you...." Matthew 5:28-30
The issue is not primarily one of action alone but one of willful inclination, attitude and thought. Just as pusuing adulterous thoughts equals adultery, pursuing thoughts about intercourse outside of marriage equals fornication. Likewise, willfully placing oneself in a position of temptation and-or stimulation of sexual hunger is sin. I can not claim to be without sin in this regard. However, that doesn't change the gravity of the act. We are to "flee immorality" even above other sins (1 Cor 6:18) and to "flee from youthful lusts" (2 Tim 2:22).
Of course there is forgiveness for the person who has already foolishly done this and repentantly comes to God seeking transformation (1 Jn 1:9); You (like myself or any other repentant sinner who comes humbly to Christ in confession and repentance) are currently purified from past sins. However, this is never an excuse for deliberately moving away from God by going down the road of chosen disobedience and pursuit of temptation (Gal 5:13).
God gives grace to deliver us from naturally occurring temptations, but this includes waiting expectantly for the way of escape and taking it as soon as it becomes available (1 Cor 10:13). The best route is always to avoid temptation. There is no simple set of rules of conduct as to what is safe and what is not. The effect on the conscience and the pusuit of the excitement of temptation is not identical for everyone, and it's easy to rationalize away the sins that others can't see. Based on reports of my own and others' personal experience, I'm convinced that it is specifically the stimulation of this "sexual enticement and excitement" (either in oneself or in one's partner) that makes most (physical or fantasized) out-of-wedlock sexual contact attractive.
As an additional note, seeking to stimulate urges in another is no less sinful than doing it in oneself. "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." (Luke 17:1-3). This passage also assumes close enough relationships with brothers as to allow accountability; this is a big help in such situations. Be careful to seek counsel from people with holy and repentant lives and not to look for counsel that merely affirms the decisions you are considering; this is not a natural thing to do when facing appealing temptations.
Take heart. Holiness is a blessing, not a curse, and God has provided access to all you need for long-term and lasting victory.
" No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 |
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Do you have to be baptized to be saved? |
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1 Pet 3:21
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Yes. 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:4, Galatains 3:26-27, Mark 16:16, etc. make this abundantly clear. This does not negate the necessity of many other factors (grace, faith, repentance, confession, etc.). However, baptism for the remission of sins is one of God's requirements prior to the forgiveness of those sins. |
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Salvation comes by asking for it. |
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Not Specified
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I forgot to give the Bible reference to my statement about being save befor Being Baptized...
With the mouth confession is made unto salvation. |
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Baptized and the Salvation Process: |
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Not Specified
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I am Assembly of God, and I believe that being born of water and the spirit is when you are born from your mothers womb you are born of water. You are in water in your mothers womb. Her water breaks, and you are born. Being born of the spirit is when you accept Christ as your savior...Being BORN AGAIN. Nicodemus said to Jesus...AND THIS IS A BIG POINT..He said: "Quote" "Can I enter again into my mothers womb". He knew what Jesus was talking about.
Being born of Water..Is Being Born..
Born of the spirit..Is being Born Again.
I have talked to many people who believe you have to be Baptized in order to be saved, but if those people would just stop a minute, and think about what they are saying they would see how foolish that is. If a man accepts Jesus in the middle of the desert..Where is water to baptize..Even if you are in Church..WHAT IF...You accept Jesus, and on your way to the Baptiizmal you trip and hit your head on the piano and die...are you going to Hell just because you did not make it to be Baptized? I don't think so.
Sometimes we have to use a little common sence when we make statements like ..You have to be bapitzed to be saved..
What must I do to be saved?
Believe that Jesus is the son of God, and you will be saved...With the mouth confession is made unto Salvation..Ask Jesus to come into your heart, and be filled with the spirit,and my friends you are saved...Then by all means, as soon as you can, be baptized, because it is still a command, but it has nothing to do with the salvation process. It is just an act of submission to Jesus, representing the old man dieing, and the new man rising up. God Bless you all, and thank you for the making a place to express everyones opinion. |
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Baptized and the Salvation Process: |
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John 3:6
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I am Assembly of God, and I believe that being born of water and the spirit is when you are born from your mothers womb you are born of water. You are in water in your mothers womb. Her water breaks, and you are born. Being born of the spirit is when you accept Christ as your savior...Being BORN AGAIN. Nicodemus said to Jesus...AND THIS IS A BIG POINT..He said: "Quote" "Can I enter again into my mothers womb". He knew what Jesus was talking about.
Being born of Water..Is Being Born..
Born of the spirit..Is being Born Again.
I have talked to many people who believe you have to be Baptized in order to be saved, but if those people would just stop a minute, and think about what they are saying they would see how foolish that is. If a man accepts Jesus in the middle of the desert..Where is water to baptize..Even if you are in Church..WHAT IF...You accept Jesus, and on your way to the Baptiizmal you trip and hit your head on the piano and die...are you going to Hell just because you did not make it to be Baptized? I don't think so.
Sometimes we have to use a little common sence when we make statements like ..You have to be bapitzed to be saved..
What must I do to be saved?
Believe that Jesus is the son of God, and you will be saved...With the mouth confession is made unto Salvation..Ask Jesus to come into your heart, and be filled with the spirit,and my friends you are saved...Then by all means, as soon as you can, be baptized, because it is still a command, but it has nothing to do with the salvation process. It is just an act of submission to Jesus, representing the old man dieing, and the new man rising up. God Bless you all, and thank you for the making a place to express everyones opinion. |
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Baptized and the Salvation Process: |
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John 3:6
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Amen! Amen! Amen! This is a breath of fresh air! You do not need to be baptized to be saved. The thief on the cross would be in paradise that very day and he was saved! (He was not baptized because, if you recall, he was nailed to a cross next to Jesus.) The phrase "born of water" clearly refers to the birth. "That which is born of flesh is flesh, that which is born of spirit is spirit." (John 3:6) This verse clearly shows that Jesus was talking about the birth of the flesh and the birth of the spirit (two births not baptism) Thank you again for bringing some reason to this forum! |
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What does it mean to believe. . . ? |
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John 3:16
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I agree with your definition as you give it in your first sentence. I think your definition floats. May I add one thing? According to John MacArthur, "Salvation is conditioned solely on faith in Jeus Christ." He goes on to list "The False Additions to Faith." They include: 1) surrender, 2)baptism, 3) repentance, and 4) Confession.
. . . He explains, Repentance "is a VALID condition for salvation when understood as a synonym for faith. It is a FALSE addition to faith when understood as a prerequisite, requiring the the cleansing of the life in order to be saved" (p. 2073, Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition, Moody, 1986, 1995).
To repent means much more than to have feelings of remorse. One can feel badly about his sin, but never change. Just feeling badly about your sins does not save anyone. Also please note what the word repentance actually means: To repent is "to change the way you think and act." Surely one does not have to change the way he thinks and acts BEFORE God will save him. Salvation WILL change they way you think and act. Changing in this manner is the RESULT, not the CAUSE, of salvation. |
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Salvation comes by asking for it. |
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John 3:3
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I forgot to give the Bible reference to my statement about being save befor Being Baptized...
With the mouth confession is made unto salvation. |
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Salvation comes by asking for it. |
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John 3:3
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Salvation comes when we are born-again. Plus Ephesians 2:8 states that; "it is by grace we are saved through faith." |
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The inevitable BUT... |
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1 John 1:9
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Thanks for your reply. I hope my question gets attention, too, because I'm really struggling with this issue. Your conclusions definately has merit. BUT (I hate using this word) why does John seem to say that forgiveness is conditional upon our confession? "IF we confess...He is faithful and just TO FORGIVE..." This seems to imply that if we don't confess, He won't forgive. Please don't think that I'm trying to argue your conclusion. Your answer seems right. But how does this verse fit in? I've been taught (right or wrong) that we don't have the truth until all scriptures dealing with a subject correlate and do not contradict. I even tried looking at the Greek behind the text and it doesn't seem to help. Thanks. |
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Does His blood wash away ALL our sins? |
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1 John 1:9
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Lifer,
Romans 8:1 clearly states there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ (saved). If I believe this to be true, then no matter what sin I have ever committed or ever will commit, there is no condemnation to me because I am in Christ. This is not a liscence to sin and when we sin, we must judge our hearts as to why we sin, acknowledge that we have sinned and confess the sin to God. Our confession does not let God know something He doesn't already know and the sin is already forgiven.
Unlike the temporary atonement prior to Calvary, Christ's atonement is a once and for all (sins and time) cleansing of sin. It does not prevent us from sinning but it does prevent us from being condemned for sinning. His atonement is a perpetual atonement always being made for His elect.
Hebrews 10:11 explains how the Old Testament Priests stood daily ministering offerings time after time the same sacrifice that could not take away sins. However, our Lord is "seated" at the right hand of His Father, having taken away complete and utter condemnation for sins (past, present and future). No present or future work of atonement is necessary since Christ's atonement was complete.
When, not if, a Christian dies and has unconfessed sin, that Christian is still a Christian and still under no condemnation of sin. Romans 8:1 settles that argument. There are some, however, who would have us believe that we must continually seek forgiveness in order to be what we already are. This is a works oriented salvation and usually goes hand in hand with free-will theism, though not always. This places the actions of man at the center of his salvation rather than Christ Himself.
Hope this helps.
Sam Hughey |
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Saved by belief or belief and baptism? |
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NT general
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Romans 10:9-10(KJV) says,"That if thou shall 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." Baptism is the outward sign of an inward change. |
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Is fellowship with God conditional? |
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1 John 1:9
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Thanks for your response. I have a question about a statement you made. You said, "When we sin, it hinders our fellowship with God." What does this mean? What is fellowship with God? I see in Rom 6:23 that 'the wages of sin is death.' As I understand it, when I sin (and, unfortunately, I still do) I deserve death. James says that if I've broken the least of the commandments, I've broken them all. Where does the Bible negate Rom 6:23 and state that, for the Christian, the wages of sin is broken fellowship. Even 1 John 1:9 DOESN'T say, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to restore fellowship." Please don't think I'm trying to be argumentative. I appreciate what you said in your reply. Especially about taking communion. But we're not generally taught this view. I agree that we stand before a holy God only because of what God has done. But I want fellowship with Him. I want to 'know' Him. And if I'm always bouncing in and out of fellowship with God (because of my sin), how can I be secure in my relationship? Is being in fellowship totally dependant upon me and my confession? Thanks. |
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One religion as good as another? |
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John 14:6
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Dear Hank, I have studied non-Christian religions a bit, and find that they rely upon a mystical relationship with god-gods and-or nature. Hinduism and Buddhism (and their many offspring) do not give any hope for today, only for a far-off 'someday.' Present-day Islam is far from their origins, the faith of Abraham. (I believe the Koran teaches great respect for the 'followers of the Book (the Bible),' which is not adhered to very much these days. As to the Jewish faith, this is more difficult. Thought the nation of Israel has strayed from the faith, I cannot find anywhere that specifically denies individual faith in God through the covenant to Abraham. It is easy to dogmatically deny salvation to all who do not call upon the name of Jesus. But then we make exception for children of believers. Again, how can WE, here, know when faith is applicable in, for instance, the mentally ill? At what point do we accept/deny deathbed 'confessions of Christ?'
To answer your question, No, one religion is not as good as another. But how we measure the 'absolute' salvation in God the Father is, in my estimation, beyond our authority.
I believe in Christ Jesus, and I will preach the Good News of His victory on the cross to all I know and meet. But to nullify His covenant to Abraham, and claim the ability to 'determine' salvation of others is not my burden.
Love in Jesus' name, charis |
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Does dying bring forgiveness? |
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1 John 1:9
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i ask you why cant the blood cover us in all areas whether in or out of the body? i believe that with the mouth confession is made unto salvation,rom 10:10. why is confession so important.1john1:9 does this mean that if we dont confess then we are not cleansed? i believe that if we are aware of a sin and dont deal with it, By the Blood and the WORD of our testimony,Rev 12:11.then we choose not what God wants,It is His Grace that Keeps us in His calling that He has placed upon us for we are called and chosen. we cant say to God what He is to do and when.irreverence and rebellion Go hand in hand.what i am saying is that while we live we are perfected by God through the Blood of Jesus and if we die before that perfection or maturity has been accomplished it is the Grace of God that gives us BOLDNESS to come to the Holy of Holies. no matter where we are in Christ.so while we live we confess our sins one to another ,James 5:16.and when we die we have done all that the Lord has shown us to do.and not rebelled in sin. While we are in Christ it is unconditional and cleanes us from all unrighteousness .outside of Christ it is conditional. |
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How is comunion only symbolic? |
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1 Cor 11:29
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Here is another view of communion which, I believe, scripture supports:
1) Some of the Corinthian Christians were coming to the fellowship suppers and eating up most of the food and getting drunk on the wine. Paul is trying to correct this 'unworthy manner.' They were not recongizing the body of Christ. Now, think this through:
2) When Christ was physically on earth, He had a flesh and blood body. At what we call the Lord's supper, He took a loaf of bread (representing His 1 physical body) and broke it into many pieces. The disciples ate these many pieces of bread. The bread (symbolizing His body) was no longer one loaf. It was now broken and inside every one of the disciples. After His resurrection, He is now in heaven seated at the right hand of God the Father. Where is His body now? Well, physically it is in heaven. But, spiritually WE are the body of Christ. Believers indwelt by Him constitute His earthly body until He returns. He is the head. If you want to see the body of Christ in 2001 (unless He returns), look for Christians. As His body, we should respect one another because Christ dwells in each and every believer.
2) So, if, when we gather together for fellowship, we eat up all the food and drink up all the ..um, beverages, others will go hungry and thirsty. This is not properly recognizing (in this present age) the Body of Christ. We are to serve one another as Christ served. If we don't, others, Christians and non-Christians will judge us and say, "Look at those Christians, they don't act any different from the world. They only look out for their own needs." Paul summarizes this at the end of the chapter - 1 Cor 11:33 So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
1 Cor 11:34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will arrange when I come.
3) The wine represents the blood of the new covenant. This new covenant went into effect at Christ's death and states in Heb 10:17 "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."
Heb 10:18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Yet, most Christians sit, trying to remember all their sins so they can confess them to God before they partake of the cup. Is this faith in what Christ has done at the cross? Christ said, "This cup represents the NEW COVENANT in My blood." The new covenant says God no longer remembers our sins because Christ took them away. So why do we remember what God says He doesn't? God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not holding men's sins against them. We think confession bring forgiveness when only Christ blood, shed 2000 years ago, provided forgiveness. Nothing we do can ever make us 'worthy.' Only Christ blood makes us worthy. And it is no longer flowing. But it did flow at Calvary. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. So why do we ask for more forgiveness than what Christ provided at the cross?
I hope this helps your understanding of communion. |
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Question Number Two? |
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Matt 24:44
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Dear JonnyRay49423, Your confession is received and applauded loudly! Oh, I believe there are several hints about the end time. But, as the above scripture says, Jesus will not come when you think He will, and in another scripture "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming." Matt 24:42 NASB. So, as you said earlier, we must be prepared today. No eschatology or hypothesis should affect that stance in nay way.
Blessings to you in Jesus' name, charis
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The Rapture, when will it be? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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We need to concentrate our efforts on the Gospel of Grace and not look at Revelation as a puzzle book, but a picture book which reveals God's plan. He is in charge of history and we are to spend our time working out our salvation with fear and trembling. With our main focus on the great commission.
Our foundation is based on the Gospel. James Boice in his last book written before his death made the following statement: "Without these five confessional statements-Scripture alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and Glory to God alone-we do not have a true church, and certainly not one that will survive for very long. For how can any church be a true and faithful church if it does not stand for Scripture alone, is not committed to a biblical Gospel, and does not exist for God's glory? A church without these convictions has ceased to be a true church, whatever else it may be."
Food for thought, where are you concentrating you efforts, on solving the puzzle?
Jim Raisler |
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Who's sinning? |
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Col 3:9
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Someone writes: "The only sin that Christ didn't pay for is the sin of unbelief....sin of unbelief. That is the one sin that MUST be repented of... That sin, unbelief in Christ, cannot be forgiven, it must be repented of."
. . . It is not clear to me who wrote the above question.
. . . Whoever wrote it, you are very much mistaken to say that there is a sin that Christ didn't pay for. There is not one sin that Christ did not pay for. To say or imply otherwise borders on blasphemy.
. . . Then to say: "That sin cannot be forgiven, it must be repented of." Repentance and confession are always required and go together with forgiveness. To say it's either forgiveness or repentance makes no sense, neither biblically nor in any other way.
. . . We need to take great care when we word our questions and comments concerning God's Word and the atonement of Christ. Carelessness can lead to erroneous statements that could confuse Christians and deceive non-Christians.
. . . To summarize, 1) Christ's death on the cross paid for every sin, not every sin but the sin of unbelief. 2) To make forgiveness and repentance opposites, to make them two mutually exclusive things, is confusing and not true. 3) No matter what the sin, repentance is required before forgiveness can be granted. 4) Unbelief is NOT the "one" sin that must be repented of. Every sin must be repented of.
. . . Then you write: "You must change your mind about who Christ is. This is the illusive 'unpardonable sin.'"
. . . "This is the illusive 'unpardonable sin.'" No, it isn't. It is not. The only unpardonable sin Jesus ever labeled as such is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. That is, ascribing to Satan the work or activities of the Holy Spirit. Who are we to ignore what Jesus clearly taught about the unpardonable sin and then make up our own definitions?
One last thing: I have no personal animosity toward you. I strongly disagree with what you wrote. But I value you as a brother Christian who apparently loves the Word and is doing his best to understand it, as we all are.
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Describe the unity of the saints of toda |
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John 17:11
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In the Old Testament the Shema, "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!" [Deut.6:4] was the central confession of the faith of Israel. Because God is one, one set of laws was to apply to both Israelites and foreigners. The result intended was a unified body of believers. In the New Testament, Jesus prayed that His disciples would enjoy the unity that He had with the Father. [John 17:11] Unity was achieved in the earlist church. The first believers were together in all things, united in one place in one heart and soul. [Acts 2:1, 43; 4:32] As in the Old Testament, sin crept in with all its ugliness and divisiveness and threatened the unity of the church. [Acts 5:1-11; 6:1; 15:1] One of Paul's central and pervasive themes was unity of the believers -- "one body in Christ" [Rom 12:5-8; 1 Cor.12:13,27-30; Gal.3:28; Eph.2:14-15; 3:6] These verses will give you a fair idea of the New Testament ideal of unity as well as some of the consequences of division. Informed people today, both inside and outside the church, are most of them keenly aware that the church is a mess. It is not merely torn by rampant denominationalism and cultism. It is torn by bitter infighting among members in the denominations themselves. A cursory inspection of the decline in the membership and attendance of many of the so-called mainline churches suggests something is wrong, and in some cases, fatally wrong. Church doors are closing. Some churches die. We all of us who call ourselves Christian must, to a certain degree, share the blame. Collectively we have sat idly by (as Saul did when he watched the martyrdom of Stephen) and done little to stem the invasion of secular humanism that has eaten away at the very core and vitals of the integrity of the church. We have seen the eternal word of God supplanted by the ephemeral philosophies and doctrines of men. How can we -- or can we indeed -- fix it? There are no easy answers, but there is a sure answer. Back to the fundamentals. Back to giving the authority of Scripture more than mere lip service. Back to honest, fervent, constant prayer. Back to being an evangelist in the truest sense of the word. In short, back to God through the Door, Jesus Christ our Lord. --Hank |
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Unbaptized children |
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Bible general Archive 1
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What are the Sacraments?
The sacraments are defined in the Prayer Book as "outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace." This means that we recognize God as active and sustaining in our lives, and through the sacraments we participate in this sustaining and saving power. The two main sacraments in the Episcopal Church are the sacrament of Baptism, in which we are initiated into new life with Christ, and the Eucharist, in which we remember and celebrate Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Baptism happens only once in a person's life, but the Eucharist is celebrated at least once a week. The other traditional rites that have sacramental character include confirmation, ordination, marriage, reconciliation (confession and absolution), and anointing of the sick.
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