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Bible Study Faith without works

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To say faith without works is dead is the same as saying faith without love is dead for the works we do unto the Lord is our labor of love for others as in Matthew 25:34-40. It's the same labor of love Christ has for us. Faith is action and if it has no fruit it is a false faith. James is not speaking about one who has faith, but one who claims to have faith. It's like giving lip service, but the heart is empty and void of God. Just because one claims to have faith doesn't mean they do, especially if there is no fruit to judge in them as that is how we judge one another, Matthew 7:15-23. We are saved by faith (Christ Jesus) through that of Gods grace (favor) as we can not earn it, but confess it.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
 
To say faith without works is dead is the same as saying faith without love is dead for the works we do unto the Lord is our labor of love for others as in Matthew 25:34-40. It's the same labor of love Christ has for us. Faith is action and if it has no fruit it is a false faith. James is not speaking about one who has faith, but one who claims to have faith. It's like giving lip service, but the heart is empty and void of God. Just because one claims to have faith doesn't mean they do, especially if there is no fruit to judge in them as that is how we judge one another, Matthew 7:15-23. We are saved by faith (Christ Jesus) through that of Gods grace (favor) as we can not earn it, but confess it.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
well said - thoughtful presentation
 
To say faith without works is dead is the same as saying faith without love is dead for the works we do unto the Lord is our labor of love for others as in Matthew 25:34-40. It's the same labor of love Christ has for us. Faith is action and if it has no fruit it is a false faith. James is not speaking about one who has faith, but one who claims to have faith. It's like giving lip service, but the heart is empty and void of God. Just because one claims to have faith doesn't mean they do, especially if there is no fruit to judge in them as that is how we judge one another, Matthew 7:15-23. We are saved by faith (Christ Jesus) through that of Gods grace (favor) as we can not earn it, but confess it.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.


Love, Righteousness, Faith, and Justification all function by the same principle; Obedience


And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. 1 John 4:21


If we are led by the Spirit, we will be expressing the love of God to others, in acts of charity.


IOW, love (that is effective) is a verb, not a noun.




Amen.



Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Matthew 25:34-36



JLB
 
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IOW, love (that is effective) is a verb, not a noun.

Love being a verb describes our actions towards another as being obedient to God's commands and statures. Faith, being a noun is that of Christ found in us when we are in Christ and He in us as His light shines through us. The works we do are the continued works of the Lord and nothing we do from self as self will boast and have its own rewards.
 
I really like the overall spirit of your letter. Thanks for sharing.

It is really inspiring to hear someone wanting to follow what Jesus taught, in order to flex our 'faith muscles' (I like that phrase!) I think this type of spirit if caught on, the world can experience a worldwide revival of the same magnitude of the early Church where all the people were red-hot soldiers for Christ. Though the miracles were a great testimony of God's power with the early Church, I don't think it was the driving force that turned the world upside down. The driving force was the Holy Spirit! Of course, the Holy spirit was there to help with the miracles, but that is not the only job of the Holy Spirit. First and foremost, the Hold spirit's job is to remind us of what Jesus taught (Jon 14:26).

Jesus being the perfect example of love, showed His twelve disciples how mankind can live together in unity, if we abide in His love. How do we do that? John 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

We must abide in Jesus' teachings to abide in the perfect example of love. This is what the world was attracted to by the early church.

John 13:35 ,"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

We must be willing to lay down everything to show the world the love that Jesus showed us.

It truly is inspiring to think about.

In peace
 
I really like the overall spirit of your letter. Thanks for sharing.

It is really inspiring to hear someone wanting to follow what Jesus taught, in order to flex our 'faith muscles' (I like that phrase!) I think this type of spirit if caught on, the world can experience a worldwide revival of the same magnitude of the early Church where all the people were red-hot soldiers for Christ. Though the miracles were a great testimony of God's power with the early Church, I don't think it was the driving force that turned the world upside down. The driving force was the Holy Spirit! Of course, the Holy spirit was there to help with the miracles, but that is not the only job of the Holy Spirit. First and foremost, the Hold spirit's job is to remind us of what Jesus taught (Jon 14:26).

Jesus being the perfect example of love, showed His twelve disciples how mankind can live together in unity, if we abide in His love. How do we do that? John 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

We must abide in Jesus' teachings to abide in the perfect example of love. This is what the world was attracted to by the early church.

John 13:35 ,"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

We must be willing to lay down everything to show the world the love that Jesus showed us.

It truly is inspiring to think about.

In peace
amen - well said
 
I really like the overall spirit of your letter. Thanks for sharing.

It is really inspiring to hear someone wanting to follow what Jesus taught, in order to flex our 'faith muscles' (I like that phrase!) I think this type of spirit if caught on, the world can experience a worldwide revival of the same magnitude of the early Church where all the people were red-hot soldiers for Christ. Though the miracles were a great testimony of God's power with the early Church, I don't think it was the driving force that turned the world upside down. The driving force was the Holy Spirit! Of course, the Holy spirit was there to help with the miracles, but that is not the only job of the Holy Spirit. First and foremost, the Hold spirit's job is to remind us of what Jesus taught (Jon 14:26).

Jesus being the perfect example of love, showed His twelve disciples how mankind can live together in unity, if we abide in His love. How do we do that? John 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

We must abide in Jesus' teachings to abide in the perfect example of love. This is what the world was attracted to by the early church.

John 13:35 ,"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

We must be willing to lay down everything to show the world the love that Jesus showed us.

It truly is inspiring to think about.

In peace

It's the Holy Spirit that empowers and strengthens us just like the disciples of Christ before they were sent out into the world to teach the good news of the Gospel of Christ. There is nothing of our self we could ever do to earn God's salvation as why would one have to work for that which is freely given.
 
It's the Holy Spirit that empowers and strengthens us just like the disciples of Christ before they were sent out into the world to teach the good news of the Gospel of Christ. There is nothing of our self we could ever do to earn God's salvation as why would one have to work for that which is freely given.
I think having things black in white in how you say it, leads to a lot of bad fruit.
Though there is nothing we can do to earn salvation, there is something we have to do in order to receive it. If not, then everybody would be saved under that pretext of "not having to do anything" to gain eternal life.

I think we can all agree that we have to do something in order to be in the right place to receive salvation, yet people still say we don't.

Does believing in Jesus count as a work? If so, then doing this work puts us in the right place to accept Jesus, if we don't have it, then we are not in the right place. Can you see how simple it is?

If not, then we are giving room for people to sin willfully and still feel like they are entitles to salvation. That, however, isn't what Jesus taught. Only those that do "the will of His Father will enter Heaven", therefore, anyone who doesn't, then they won't enter according to Jesus. Pretty simple, eh?

In peace
 
I think having things black in white in how you say it, leads to a lot of bad fruit.
Though there is nothing we can do to earn salvation, there is something we have to do in order to receive it. If not, then everybody would be saved under that pretext of "not having to do anything" to gain eternal life.

I think we can all agree that we have to do something in order to be in the right place to receive salvation, yet people still say we don't.

Does believing in Jesus count as a work? If so, then doing this work puts us in the right place to accept Jesus, if we don't have it, then we are not in the right place. Can you see how simple it is?

If not, then we are giving room for people to sin willfully and still feel like they are entitles to salvation. That, however, isn't what Jesus taught. Only those that do "the will of His Father will enter Heaven", therefore, anyone who doesn't, then they won't enter according to Jesus. Pretty simple, eh?

In peace

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The faith of Christ, (KJV - John 12:44-50; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9), is where we find faith in Christ. The newer translations has changed where it says faith of Christ to faith in Christ. There is a difference between faith of Christ and faith in Christ as you can read in those scriptures out of the KJV. The faith of Christ is what He believed in the Father as He never said or did anything above that which God gave Him to speak to do while He was on earth. Our faith in Christ is the same faith of Christ He had in the Father as we can never go above that of what He taught us and the works He left for us to follow in.

The Son of God is that free gift of God's grace given to all who will believe by faith in Christ and confess Him as Lord and Savior so they will see the kingdom of God, John 3:5-7; Romans 10:9, 10. There is no working towards something that is free as all we have to do is accept the gift. Believe is a verb that means something we consider to be true as we have heard the Gospel and not only heard it, but also believe what is written for our well being.

Faith works come after we are Spiritually born again and indwelled with the Holy Spirit that empowers us to go out into the world and continue in the good works of the Lord, Acts 2:37, 38; James 2:14-20. The good works are taking His Gospel message to the world as we too are His disciples and to love and help those in need as what we do we do unto the glory of the Lord Christ Jesus, Matthew 25:31-40
 
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I think having things black in white in how you say it, leads to a lot of bad fruit.
Though there is nothing we can do to earn salvation, there is something we have to do in order to receive it. If not, then everybody would be saved under that pretext of "not having to do anything" to gain eternal life.

I think we can all agree that we have to do something in order to be in the right place to receive salvation, yet people still say we don't.

Does believing in Jesus count as a work? If so, then doing this work puts us in the right place to accept Jesus, if we don't have it, then we are not in the right place. Can you see how simple it is?

If not, then we are giving room for people to sin willfully and still feel like they are entitles to salvation. That, however, isn't what Jesus taught. Only those that do "the will of His Father will enter Heaven", therefore, anyone who doesn't, then they won't enter according to Jesus. Pretty simple, eh?

In peace
there is always a danger that people will take the grace of God as a licence to sin

it's a individual issue -
1. some people are afraid of sin and losing their salvation -
2. others don't mind sin and think sinning is no big deal -
3. some have no desire to sin - they love doing the right thing
4. some people have a struggle with sin and want to be free

because of the different personality types different messages help different people
 
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The faith of Christ, (KJV - John 12:44-50; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9), is where we find faith in Christ. The newer translations has changed where it says faith of Christ to faith in Christ. There is a difference between faith of Christ and faith in Christ as you can read in those scriptures out of the KJV. The faith of Christ is what He believed in the Father as He never said or did anything above that which God gave Him to speak to do while He was on earth. Our faith in Christ is the same faith of Christ He had in the Father as we can never go above that of what He taught us and the works He left for us to follow in.

The Son of God is that free gift of God's grace given to all who will believe by faith in Christ and confess Him as Lord and Savior so they will see the kingdom of God, John 3:5-7; Romans 10:9, 10. There is no working towards something that is free as all we have to do is accept the gift. Believe is a verb that means something we consider to be true as we have heard the Gospel and not only heard it, but also believe what is written for our well being.

Faith works come after we are Spiritually born again and indwelled with the Holy Spirit that empowers us to go out into the world and continue in the good works of the Lord, Acts 2:37, 38; James 2:14-20. The good works are taking His Gospel message to the world as we too are His disciples and to love and help those in need as what we do we do unto the glory of the Lord Christ Jesus, Matthew 25:31-40

Is believing in Jesus by confessing Him with our lips considered a work? If not, then can I still be saved if I didn't do that ritual?

In peace
 
there is always a danger that people will take the grace of God as a licence to sin

it's a individual issue -
1. some people are afraid of sin and losing their salvation -
2. others don't mind sin and think sinning is no big deal -
3. some have no desire to sin - they love doing the right thing
4. some people have a struggle with sin and want to be free

because of the different personality types different messages help different people

those who think sinning is ok need to be impressed with the holiness of God and the benefits of clean holy living - scaring them straight might or might not work with them - they live the most dangerously - best not to be this kind of person - don't know if they will lose their salvation or not but i wouldn't recommend anyone play around with sin - there are lots of scripture endorsements of avoiding sin and bad company - are people who enjoy sin really saved? - seems like the new nature is missing and Christ needs to be formed in them - Galatians 4:19

the people i am most concerned about are those who are afraid of sin and are tormented with the thought that they have or will lose their salvation - imo these people need a strong dose of God's power grace and mercy - they need to be assured of the power of God working inside them to keep them saved AND ALSO help them be free of sin if that is their issue - when we talk to these people about what they must do to be saved they get more tormented because they already are traumatized by their failure to be free of sin -

people who enjoy sin are not traumatized by their sin - they are the ones who use God's grace as a licence to continue as they are - i wonder about their spiritual state - i don't know how a new creation in Christ can enjoy sin - i don't know how many of these people there are - most people are troubled by their sin and if they knew how to get out of sin they would
Thanks for your reply.

I do think that helping people understand the love of God and His grace is very important as a Christian. It must be put in connection to Jesus' teachings, however, if we want to get the fuller understanding of what that means.

In peace
 
Is believing in Jesus by confessing Him with our lips considered a work? If not, then can I still be saved if I didn't do that ritual?

In peace

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

There is no ritual in order to be saved. It's all about being Spiritually born again in order to see the kingdom of God, John 3:5-7. It's all the condition of your heart as you believe by faith as you confess Jesus with your mouth that He is Lord and Savior as you truly believe this in your heart.

The works we do is after believing and making confession, but yet not our own works that anyone should boast, but the continued works of the Lord in taking His gospel message to the world and that of loving and helping our neighbors like that of Matthew 25:31-40.
 
there is always a danger that people will take the grace of God as a licence to sin

it's a individual issue -
1. some people are afraid of sin and losing their salvation -
2. others don't mind sin and think sinning is no big deal -
3. some have no desire to sin - they love doing the right thing
4. some people have a struggle with sin and want to be free

because of the different personality types different messages help different people

those who think sinning is ok need to be impressed with the holiness of God and the benefits of clean holy living - scaring them straight might or might not work with them - they live the most dangerously - best not to be this kind of person - don't know if they will lose their salvation or not but i wouldn't recommend anyone play around with sin - there are lots of scripture endorsements of avoiding sin and bad company - are people who enjoy sin really saved? - seems like the new nature is missing and Christ needs to be formed in them - Galatians 4:19

the people i am most concerned about are those who are afraid of sin and are tormented with the thought that they have or will lose their salvation - imo these people need a strong dose of God's power grace and mercy - they need to be assured of the power of God working inside them to keep them saved AND ALSO help them be free of sin if that is their issue - when we talk to these people about what they must do to be saved they get more tormented because they already are traumatized by their failure to be free of sin -

people who enjoy sin are not traumatized by their sin - they are the ones who use God's grace as a licence to continue as they are - i wonder about their spiritual state - i don't know how a new creation in Christ can enjoy sin - i don't know how many of these people there are - most people are troubled by their sin and if they knew how to get out of sin they would

This brings to mind:

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
 
This brings to mind:

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
amen - i usually say run to God not away from Him when you sin
 
the people i am most concerned about are those who are afraid of sin and are tormented with the thought that they have or will lose their salvation - imo these people need a strong dose of God's power grace and mercy - they need to be assured of the power of God working inside them to keep them saved AND ALSO help them be free of sin if that is their issue - when we talk to these people about what they must do to be saved they get more tormented because they already are traumatized by their failure to be free of sin -
see in many churches this is taught ..the word security is a cuss word throw the word eternal in there .is compared to yelling fire a sounding the fire alarm in a crowded movie theater. many simply want to ignore the word of God . they depend on the preacher to bottle feed them--
 
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but practically speaking how would we explain to someone who is struggling with sin to walk in the Spirit?
to walk in the spirit is a awareness of right and wrong .most will understand when the do wrong.. to a new convert that has never heard of walking being led of the spirit is difficult to understand .. when i was a new christian i was given the office sunday school supt. we had a young adult s.s class great teacher we was learning..the former teacher had stopped coming .his wife had passed away.. he decides to come back wants his class...what should i do? i was clueless i started reading every thing about being led of the spirit.. praying asking God show me.. the former teacher dropped his quest . some times it takes a want to and a desire . there is a real battle going on with in each of us FLESH vs SPIRIT . the Holy Spirit will never guide you to wrong .. the flesh the lust of the flesh our body desires it craves it . the devil is trying to feed our flesh . prayer and knowledge of the scriptures. helps us in the spirit life
 
see in many churches this is taught ..the word security is a cuss word throw the word eternal in there .is compared to yelling fire a sounding the fire alarm in a crowded movie theater. many simply want to ignore the word of God . they depend on the preacher to bottle feed them--
to walk in the spirit is a awareness of right and wrong .most will understand when the do wrong.. to a new convert that has never heard of walking being led of the spirit is difficult to understand .. when i was a new christian i was given the office sunday school supt. we had a young adult s.s class great teacher we was learning..the former teacher had stopped coming .his wife had passed away.. he decides to come back wants his class...what should i do? i was clueless i started reading every thing about being led of the spirit.. praying asking God show me.. the former teacher dropped his quest . some times it takes a want to and a desire . there is a real battle going on with in each of us FLESH vs SPIRIT . the Holy Spirit will never guide you to wrong .. the flesh the lust of the flesh our body desires it craves it . the devil is trying to feed our flesh . prayer and knowledge of the scriptures. helps us in the spirit life
thanks for giving a testimony of how God's word works
 
there is always a danger that people will take the grace of God as a licence to sin

it's a individual issue -
1. some people are afraid of sin and losing their salvation -
2. others don't mind sin and think sinning is no big deal -
3. some have no desire to sin - they love doing the right thing
4. some people have a struggle with sin and want to be free

because of the different personality types different messages help different people

those who think sinning is ok need to be impressed with the holiness of God and the benefits of clean holy living - scaring them straight might or might not work with them - they live the most dangerously - best not to be this kind of person - don't know if they will lose their salvation or not but i wouldn't recommend anyone play around with sin - there are lots of scripture endorsements of avoiding sin and bad company - are people who enjoy sin really saved? - seems like the new nature is missing and Christ needs to be formed in them - Galatians 4:19

the people i am most concerned about are those who are afraid of sin and are tormented with the thought that they have or will lose their salvation - imo these people need a strong dose of God's power grace and mercy - they need to be assured of the power of God working inside them to keep them saved AND ALSO help them be free of sin if that is their issue - when we talk to these people about what they must do to be saved they get more tormented because they already are traumatized by their failure to be free of sin -

people who enjoy sin are not traumatized by their sin - they are the ones who use God's grace as a licence to continue as they are - i wonder about their spiritual state - i don't know how a new creation in Christ can enjoy sin - i don't know how many of these people there are - most people are troubled by their sin and if they knew how to get out of sin they would


I agree with you that there are people with different perceptions of God and His grace for salvation.


Those who are beat down with guilt need to be encouraged of God’s love and forgiveness.


Those who believe it’s ok to live immoral thinking they will be saved on that Day, need to be corrected and exhorted to repent.




JLB
 
Is believing in Jesus by confessing Him with our lips considered a work?
Jesus taught, YES it is a work.

Jesus responded and said to them, “This is the work of God: that you be believing in the One Whom that One sent-forth”.
John 6:29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John 6:29&version=DLNT

Now a question:

According to Jesus, is believing in Christ a work of:
1. Man
2. God
3. The Devil
4. None of the above
5. 1 and 2


can I still be saved if I didn't do that ritual?
Believing in Him and even confessing Him is not a ritual.
 
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