Thank you so much for the clarification. I'm sorry I didn't pick up that you were keying in on repentance. I think I'm following you now. I can be a dummy sometimes so please bear with me!
As I'm reading through your post, there is so much of the Greek coming to my mind and I'm trying not to jumble things up. I do understand God's grace (CHARIS). As far as faith goes, there are two types of faith, human faith, and the faith the Bible speaks about. We all have human faith, but not everyone has the faith that the bible speaks about. That faith only comes from God's Spirit. He is the source. In fact, the Greek word for faith in the bible means persuasion. It's when God's Spirit persuades us to do something.
And that's what makes sense when you say "Grace to have faith and confess Him and grace to repent in Him, and that God leads us by grace to repentance at the cross." That word faith literally means persuasion. God persuades us and shows us our need for repentance.
I agree that we are eternally saved at the cross. That's why the bible says we were crucified with Christ. You are at a place where you have found peace at the foot of the cross. Jesus Christ bore all of our sins at the cross, and in Him, all who have received Him are at peace.
I fully understand what you are saying about the flesh thing. The flesh will never submit to the things of the Lord. Here's something I would like to share with you about the flesh. In my daily life, I find that most of my struggle is not with Satan. Most of my struggle is with Christ because my flesh is continuously trying to get down off that cross.
But praise God that he is a God of grace and mercy. And He has His ways of dealing with me when I decide to go in a different direction from where He is leading me. And as you know, sometimes it can be harsh. That's how we know we belong to Him. It's when He disciplines us or chastises us when we get out of line!
I also would like to share this with you and anyone else in this thread about the cost of a Jewish person denouncing Judaism and receiving Christ. A pastor had shared a true story with me about a Jewish man who left Judaism and received Jesus Christ.
This man lived in NY City. When he gave up on Judaism to follow Christ, his family denounced him. They even held a funeral for him even though he was still alive because they considered him dead.
And then one day as this man was walking down the street in NY City, he saw his father approaching from the opposite direction. The man waved and called out to him and said "Hey, dad." The dad just stared at him with a blank look. The man said, "Dad, it's me, your son." And he replied back and said, "You can't be my son, my son is dead!"
That's how serious it is for a Jew to surrender their life to Jesus Christ.
I am glad to hear you liked that verse I posted. I agree with how you explain about "salvation" being lost is really more for them that you may ask "were they ever really saved"? Jesus Christ knows His sheep and is known of them when it is revealed. When it is time for our Father to draw us to Him.
As the Hebrews had a lot to lose to follow the Lord and give their lives to Him. As I'm sure there are many people today in which their lives in this world may be more important that giving their lives to the Lord. It seems almost to parallel directly to the parable our Lord told us in Matthew 13:18-23. Being they who received seed in stony places or thorns. As us who are saved, and sealed, unto salvation are as they who received seed in good ground and bear good fruit for our Father in Heaven.
Brother Jesse for me the key word in what I wrote is "repentance". This is using the phrase perhaps out of context but I believe that God draws us from grace to grace. Grace to have faith and confess Him and grace to repent in Him. God leads us by grace to repentance at the cross. At the cross we are eternally saved and no place else. I have Adam's flesh to contend with and my own free will by my mind to choose to believe and follow this grace. For me that place at the cross where the burden of sin was lifted away is a peaceful and restful place. Jesus is there with us because we are now in Him, made clean. When the burdens or drags as you mentioned in life weigh us down we do not need to fight that fight in our mind but return to Calvary as our eternal assurance that Jesus reigns in us. I believe (by experience) that sometimes though these burdens are severe (perhaps against God's leading I chose my own way) enough that the return to Calvary (where all is well) is not clear and repentance may be needed to see the way home again. My testimony is I know this place of eternal rest and peace even in the tribulations of this earth, but I know myself also that I can be deceived; that is why God by his Love, drew me by grace to see His grace which we believe to be his Mercy, which I believe is the way to repentance and eternal salvation which is eternal life.
It is always nice to try to communicate our hearts in His love.
Thanks for sharing Ephesians 2:10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, literally upon the basis of good works, which God has before ordained, or planned, that we should walk in them. As believers, our new position is in Christ and we are the result of His workmanship. And we're walking in the life that He created for us before we were even saved.
Yes brother, salvation is eternal, amen! And I agree that it is God the Father that led us to Christ as Jesus says in John 6:44 that No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Jesus has promised that He will raise us up at the last day. Jesus said in John 6:39, "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day."
It is God the Father who draws us to Christ. It is God the Father who gives us to Christ. And Christ said of all that is given to Him, He will not lose one. That seems permanent to me.
Now the word "draw" isn't the drawing that I depict when I put my hand out to draw. This is the word drag in the Greek text. It's the same word used of Lot when the angels, and if you remember when he was leaving town, didn't want to go, and he hesitated?
It was the faithfulness of God that took him by the hand and dragged him out of the city. That is the faithfulness of God. Even in our hesitations, he'll drag us. So the saying is true, "Christianity is a drag!"
I am doing well, thank you. I am also happy to hear all is well with you. The Lord is good!
Salvation is eternal unto life at the foot of the cross and we must know that place by our original repentance experience yet not laying aside the grace that God had for us as he turned our minds toward Him as he led us to His place of repentance, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Hope all is well your way, good this way. Keep the faith!
You will not find the phrase "Once saved, always saved" in the bible. But that does not mean that salvation is not permanent. There are a couple of verses in Hebrews that seem to indicate that salvation can be lost, but if you understand who the book was written to and what was taking place at that time, you can better understand that it's not talking about saved individuals losing their salvation.
I would encourage you to do some research on what it would cost a Hebrew/Jewish person to denounce Judaism and surrender their life to Christ. It would cost them everything. They would be disowned by their own family, they would be kicked out of their temple, society would not accept them, and they wouldn't be allowed to get a job. It's still the same today.
Hebrews 6:4 seems to indicate that a person can lose their salvation, but that's not the case. It's not talking about saved believers losing their salvation. It's talking about Jews who were part of the crowd that were following along with the teachings and being enlightened to the truth, but never taking that next step in surrendering to Christ. An enlightened person does not mean they are saved. We have many people in our churches today that are being enlightened to the truth, but still haven't surrendered their lives to Christ. They are in church every week but they are not saved. And many of them do eventually walk away. They are not losing their salvation because they never were saved.
You see, there were many Hebrew people following along with the teaching. They were being "enlightened" to the truth. The problem is they never surrendered their life to Christ because of what it would cost them.
I believe in the permanency of salvation because I know that salvation is a work of God, not man. It is God who saves us, and it is God who keeps us saved. If we say we have eternal life, but also believe it can be lost, is it really eternal?
Good day brother Richard, currently working here with the hands and by the sweat of the brow (it was easier when I was your age) but still it is good. Keep the faith!
These are some of the verses some people use to defer them from good works.
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.
Then just reading the next verse shows we are the Lords workmanship to good works and we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 4:21-32. If so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil.
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Hello Sherry, I am sure there will be some scriptures coming forward from brethren today with your questions. Brother Chris and I had a discussion kind of related to your question when I gave an experience on a death sin and my restoration. Currently our discussion would be found on page four and finishing towards the end of page three. I hope you find the answers that you are wanting.
No where in the Bible does it say "once saved always saved". It does say those who have been "partakers" of the gift of the Holy Ghost "if they shall fall away". Hebrews 6:4-6. In numerous places it speaks of those who have heard the truth, of our Lord Jesus Christ, or "escaped the pollutions of the world" and then are entangled again. 2 Peter 2:20-22. Is as the Proverb 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Repenting of the sins of this world is one of the most important messages throughout the entire Holy Bible. 1 Peter 1:14-16. The devil is the only one who wants people to keep sinning in their worldly lifestyles. Which keeps you separated from God. We are to do our best to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ did not die so we could live a life of willful sin and not care. That is what the devil wants people to think so they keep on sinning. This is not a joke or a free pass to sin. God hates sin. Though he loves the sinner and wants them to repent and turn to the Lord.
There is nothing wrong with good works. That is what makes God happy. Love. What is in your heart? It is not good works that save us. The grace, mercy, and love of God saved us as He sent us His Son. To live a perfect life for us. Good works, and repenting from sin and iniquity, is what shows our faith in the Lord that we are walking in newness of life and are His children. To live by His Will.
Don't let anyone tell you repenting and good works are taking something away from Jesus Christ. We must follow our Lord, with a pure heart, till the end.
Where in the Bible does it once you are saved you are always saved? Also I know some people who say if you repent of your sins you are trying to be saved by works, is this true ? If so where in the Bible does it say this.?
You are correct my brother Chris. As we really can't make to much of it. We'll just have to stay vigilant.
Most definitely let us fervently pray day and night.
1 Timothy 6:15-16 Which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Hi brother Richard. Thanks for the heads up. I found a video on YT: The False Messiah in Jerusalem.
One can't make too much of it but worth bearing in mind, if there are any developments or official proclamations ahead. It doesn't seem to be staged but one can only wonder as to how this 'manifestation' has started or the background of this character. For the moment, we should continue to pray for Israel & for their eyes & hearts to be opened to the true Messiah Who came for them. 2 Corinthians 3:14-17.
Just to post this unless anyone else has seen. They are calling someone Messiah in Israel. They were kissing his hand and lots of people trying to get him on camera.
Matthew 24:5. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
S Spencer, may the Spirit grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
The Spirit has revealed to you HIS truth in your reply to Karen. The promise was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (immortal life by Christ); but this was not possible without RESURRECTION; therefore, we and the saints of the old testament also became partakers of HIS RESURRECTION.
Hebrews 11:39-40
Isaiah 26:19
Revelation 20:5-6
Matthew 27:52-53
Revelation 7 they were sealed with the Holy Spirit and His immortal body
King James tried to make the Bible available to common lay people, so they could read it themselves, rather than have a priest tell them what he thought about it.
Key this into Google: King James Bible history
(tip: skip Wikipedia. They aren't Bible Scholars)
Bringing the KJV Bible to the public, cost many lives. They were captured and burned publically at the stake for this crime. Remember those that paid the ultimate cost.
For some, their Bibles are in a closet gathering dust; some Bibles are taken to goodwill with other old books. Or they sit on a spotless side table for show; not being read daily.
King James paid dearly for this atrocity against "the Church". Bible smuggling was huge at that time in History. Our Lord Jesus commanded us, GO YE into all the World... and ordinary monks and people did that! Praise God.
The King James Bible has less errors than any other version of the Bible. It's an original: not interpreted, simplified or paraphrased. I'm not saying all other Bibles are not correct to use. No way.
What IS important, is the Bible that is INSIDE OF YOU. How MUCH Bible have you ingested into your mind, heart and immortal soul. It cant grow up big unless you feed (read) it every day.
I read big chunks every day because I love to follow the stories; the progress of events. Yes it means I have to turn off the tv so I can concentrate. Less tv qualifies as a FAST unto the Lord. It's as hard to fast from food, as it is to silence the tv. Proclaim the fast and make it count. Set phones to vibrate only.
We all have to know that Satan doesn't want us to actually read our Bibles. That's why I often read Bible OUT LOUD, so Satan and his creepy demons have to listen too. Jesus fasted 40 days and nights and when Satan tempted him, Jesus said: IT IS WRITTEN: and He put the right scripture for that particular temptation. He was showing us, that is HOW we are to do it. Got ammo?
:)
Made it home, hydrating! Not that the day went exceptionally smooth but it was a good day!
Grateful and thankful!
:)
Thank you so much for the clarification. I'm sorry I didn't pick up that you were keying in on repentance. I think I'm following you now. I can be a dummy sometimes so please bear with me!
As I'm reading through your post, there is so much of the Greek coming to my mind and I'm trying not to jumble things up. I do understand God's grace (CHARIS). As far as faith goes, there are two types of faith, human faith, and the faith the Bible speaks about. We all have human faith, but not everyone has the faith that the bible speaks about. That faith only comes from God's Spirit. He is the source. In fact, the Greek word for faith in the bible means persuasion. It's when God's Spirit persuades us to do something.
And that's what makes sense when you say "Grace to have faith and confess Him and grace to repent in Him, and that God leads us by grace to repentance at the cross." That word faith literally means persuasion. God persuades us and shows us our need for repentance.
I agree that we are eternally saved at the cross. That's why the bible says we were crucified with Christ. You are at a place where you have found peace at the foot of the cross. Jesus Christ bore all of our sins at the cross, and in Him, all who have received Him are at peace.
I fully understand what you are saying about the flesh thing. The flesh will never submit to the things of the Lord. Here's something I would like to share with you about the flesh. In my daily life, I find that most of my struggle is not with Satan. Most of my struggle is with Christ because my flesh is continuously trying to get down off that cross.
But praise God that he is a God of grace and mercy. And He has His ways of dealing with me when I decide to go in a different direction from where He is leading me. And as you know, sometimes it can be harsh. That's how we know we belong to Him. It's when He disciplines us or chastises us when we get out of line!
God Bless!!!
I also would like to share this with you and anyone else in this thread about the cost of a Jewish person denouncing Judaism and receiving Christ. A pastor had shared a true story with me about a Jewish man who left Judaism and received Jesus Christ.
This man lived in NY City. When he gave up on Judaism to follow Christ, his family denounced him. They even held a funeral for him even though he was still alive because they considered him dead.
And then one day as this man was walking down the street in NY City, he saw his father approaching from the opposite direction. The man waved and called out to him and said "Hey, dad." The dad just stared at him with a blank look. The man said, "Dad, it's me, your son." And he replied back and said, "You can't be my son, my son is dead!"
That's how serious it is for a Jew to surrender their life to Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 3:1-19
Hebrews 4:1-16
Many Blessings and peace be upon you.
I am glad to hear you liked that verse I posted. I agree with how you explain about "salvation" being lost is really more for them that you may ask "were they ever really saved"? Jesus Christ knows His sheep and is known of them when it is revealed. When it is time for our Father to draw us to Him.
As the Hebrews had a lot to lose to follow the Lord and give their lives to Him. As I'm sure there are many people today in which their lives in this world may be more important that giving their lives to the Lord. It seems almost to parallel directly to the parable our Lord told us in Matthew 13:18-23. Being they who received seed in stony places or thorns. As us who are saved, and sealed, unto salvation are as they who received seed in good ground and bear good fruit for our Father in Heaven.
God Bless.
It is always nice to try to communicate our hearts in His love.
Thank you brother Jesse.
Carleton
Thanks for sharing Ephesians 2:10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, literally upon the basis of good works, which God has before ordained, or planned, that we should walk in them. As believers, our new position is in Christ and we are the result of His workmanship. And we're walking in the life that He created for us before we were even saved.
Yes brother, salvation is eternal, amen! And I agree that it is God the Father that led us to Christ as Jesus says in John 6:44 that No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Jesus has promised that He will raise us up at the last day. Jesus said in John 6:39, "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day."
It is God the Father who draws us to Christ. It is God the Father who gives us to Christ. And Christ said of all that is given to Him, He will not lose one. That seems permanent to me.
Now the word "draw" isn't the drawing that I depict when I put my hand out to draw. This is the word drag in the Greek text. It's the same word used of Lot when the angels, and if you remember when he was leaving town, didn't want to go, and he hesitated?
It was the faithfulness of God that took him by the hand and dragged him out of the city. That is the faithfulness of God. Even in our hesitations, he'll drag us. So the saying is true, "Christianity is a drag!"
I am doing well, thank you. I am also happy to hear all is well with you. The Lord is good!
Salvation is eternal unto life at the foot of the cross and we must know that place by our original repentance experience yet not laying aside the grace that God had for us as he turned our minds toward Him as he led us to His place of repentance, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Hope all is well your way, good this way. Keep the faith!
Carleton
You will not find the phrase "Once saved, always saved" in the bible. But that does not mean that salvation is not permanent. There are a couple of verses in Hebrews that seem to indicate that salvation can be lost, but if you understand who the book was written to and what was taking place at that time, you can better understand that it's not talking about saved individuals losing their salvation.
I would encourage you to do some research on what it would cost a Hebrew/Jewish person to denounce Judaism and surrender their life to Christ. It would cost them everything. They would be disowned by their own family, they would be kicked out of their temple, society would not accept them, and they wouldn't be allowed to get a job. It's still the same today.
Hebrews 6:4 seems to indicate that a person can lose their salvation, but that's not the case. It's not talking about saved believers losing their salvation. It's talking about Jews who were part of the crowd that were following along with the teachings and being enlightened to the truth, but never taking that next step in surrendering to Christ. An enlightened person does not mean they are saved. We have many people in our churches today that are being enlightened to the truth, but still haven't surrendered their lives to Christ. They are in church every week but they are not saved. And many of them do eventually walk away. They are not losing their salvation because they never were saved.
You see, there were many Hebrew people following along with the teaching. They were being "enlightened" to the truth. The problem is they never surrendered their life to Christ because of what it would cost them.
I believe in the permanency of salvation because I know that salvation is a work of God, not man. It is God who saves us, and it is God who keeps us saved. If we say we have eternal life, but also believe it can be lost, is it really eternal?
Carleton
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.
Then just reading the next verse shows we are the Lords workmanship to good works and we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil.
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Carleton
No where in the Bible does it say "once saved always saved". It does say those who have been "partakers" of the gift of the Holy Ghost "if they shall fall away". Hebrews 6:4-6. In numerous places it speaks of those who have heard the truth, of our Lord Jesus Christ, or "escaped the pollutions of the world" and then are entangled again. 2 Peter 2:20-22. Is as the Proverb 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Repenting of the sins of this world is one of the most important messages throughout the entire Holy Bible. 1 Peter 1:14-16. The devil is the only one who wants people to keep sinning in their worldly lifestyles. Which keeps you separated from God. We are to do our best to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ did not die so we could live a life of willful sin and not care. That is what the devil wants people to think so they keep on sinning. This is not a joke or a free pass to sin. God hates sin. Though he loves the sinner and wants them to repent and turn to the Lord.
There is nothing wrong with good works. That is what makes God happy. Love. What is in your heart? It is not good works that save us. The grace, mercy, and love of God saved us as He sent us His Son. To live a perfect life for us. Good works, and repenting from sin and iniquity, is what shows our faith in the Lord that we are walking in newness of life and are His children. To live by His Will.
Don't let anyone tell you repenting and good works are taking something away from Jesus Christ. We must follow our Lord, with a pure heart, till the end.
God Bless.
Most definitely let us fervently pray day and night.
1 Timothy 6:15-16 Which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
God Bless
One can't make too much of it but worth bearing in mind, if there are any developments or official proclamations ahead. It doesn't seem to be staged but one can only wonder as to how this 'manifestation' has started or the background of this character. For the moment, we should continue to pray for Israel & for their eyes & hearts to be opened to the true Messiah Who came for them. 2 Corinthians 3:14-17.
Matthew 24:5. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
The Spirit has revealed to you HIS truth in your reply to Karen. The promise was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (immortal life by Christ); but this was not possible without RESURRECTION; therefore, we and the saints of the old testament also became partakers of HIS RESURRECTION.
Hebrews 11:39-40
Isaiah 26:19
Revelation 20:5-6
Matthew 27:52-53
Revelation 7 they were sealed with the Holy Spirit and His immortal body
1 Timothy 6:16
:)
Key this into Google: King James Bible history
(tip: skip Wikipedia. They aren't Bible Scholars)
Bringing the KJV Bible to the public, cost many lives. They were captured and burned publically at the stake for this crime. Remember those that paid the ultimate cost.
For some, their Bibles are in a closet gathering dust; some Bibles are taken to goodwill with other old books. Or they sit on a spotless side table for show; not being read daily.
King James paid dearly for this atrocity against "the Church". Bible smuggling was huge at that time in History. Our Lord Jesus commanded us, GO YE into all the World... and ordinary monks and people did that! Praise God.
The King James Bible has less errors than any other version of the Bible. It's an original: not interpreted, simplified or paraphrased. I'm not saying all other Bibles are not correct to use. No way.
What IS important, is the Bible that is INSIDE OF YOU. How MUCH Bible have you ingested into your mind, heart and immortal soul. It cant grow up big unless you feed (read) it every day.
I read big chunks every day because I love to follow the stories; the progress of events. Yes it means I have to turn off the tv so I can concentrate. Less tv qualifies as a FAST unto the Lord. It's as hard to fast from food, as it is to silence the tv. Proclaim the fast and make it count. Set phones to vibrate only.
We all have to know that Satan doesn't want us to actually read our Bibles. That's why I often read Bible OUT LOUD, so Satan and his creepy demons have to listen too. Jesus fasted 40 days and nights and when Satan tempted him, Jesus said: IT IS WRITTEN: and He put the right scripture for that particular temptation. He was showing us, that is HOW we are to do it. Got ammo?
Mishael
so what is the true bible version?
bear with me.