What is required for a BAC to be acceptable to God?

[Senior]

The most important thing for a BAC to do is to co-operate
with the Holy Spirit while he is being sanctified unto holiness.
Endure in the faith while believing, trusting, and being obedient.

● Being a slave of righteousness leads to holiness
“… you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether (slaves) of sin leading to death,
or (slaves) of obedience leading to righteousness …
so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.” (Romans 6:16,19)

● Practicing righteousness leads to being
viewed by God as being righteous
“Little children, let no one deceive you.
He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins (habitually) is of the devil …
In this the children of God and the children of the devil
are manifest:
Whoever does NOT practice righteousness is NOT of God,
NOR is he who does NOT love his brothers and sisters.”
(1 John 3:7-10)
“… whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:35)

● The way to righteousness is by living a holy life
“For it would have been better if they had never known
the way to righteousness than to know it and then
reject the command they were given to live a holy life.”
(2 Peter 2:21)

● The unrighteous will NOT inherit the kingdom of God
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.
Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Parallel verses are: Galatians 5:19-24, Ephesians 5:3-6.

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress
the truth (by living) in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18)

“… to him who orders his conduct aright (by practicing righteousness) I will show the salvation of God.”
(Psalm 50:23)

● The opposite of practicing righteousness
is practicing lawlessness (sin)
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day,
‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name,
cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders
in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them,
‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

● In the beginning of Matthew, Jesus takes it easy
… so as to NOT discourage people (especially new believers).
He only says they are blessed … not making it clear what the blessing is!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled … Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:5,10)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Things such as food, drink, clothes, etc.

 

[JohnDB]

Collossians 2:21-23
“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

 

[for_his_glory]

Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

What is required is that we seek those things from above and walk in the Spirit of God in obedience to His commands and statures. There are only two choices as one can walk in the flesh and condemn themselves to damnation, or walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

 

[JLB]

The most important thing for a BAC to do is to co-operate
with the Holy Spirit while he is being sanctified unto holiness.
Endure in the faith while believing, trusting, and being obedient.

● Being a slave of righteousness leads to holiness
“… you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether (slaves) of sin leading to death,
or (slaves) of obedience leading to righteousness …
so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.” (Romans 6:16,19)

● Practicing righteousness leads to being
viewed by God as being righteous
“Little children, let no one deceive you.
He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins (habitually) is of the devil …
In this the children of God and the children of the devil
are manifest:
Whoever does NOT practice righteousness is NOT of God,
NOR is he who does NOT love his brothers and sisters.”
(1 John 3:7-10)
“… whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:35)

● The way to righteousness is by living a holy life
“For it would have been better if they had never known
the way to righteousness than to know it and then
reject the command they were given to live a holy life.”
(2 Peter 2:21)

● The unrighteous will NOT inherit the kingdom of God
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.
Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Parallel verses are: Galatians 5:19-24, Ephesians 5:3-6.

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress
the truth (by living) in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18)

“… to him who orders his conduct aright (by practicing righteousness) I will show the salvation of God.”
(Psalm 50:23)

● The opposite of practicing righteousness
is practicing lawlessness (sin)
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day,
‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name,
cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders
in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them,
‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

● In the beginning of Matthew, Jesus takes it easy
… so as to NOT discourage people (especially new believers).
He only says they are blessed … not making it clear what the blessing is!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled … Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:5,10)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Things such as food, drink, clothes, etc.

Obedience to Christ Jesus and His Doctrine, Commandments, and Gospel.


This is called the Truth.


We are to obey the truth.

• but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,

God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,
Romans 2:6-8



Born again Christians must walk in the truth and practice righteousness or we will not inherit the kingdom of God.

• eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;

JLB

 

[lisa-in-FL]

The answer is in your question - being born again is the only way.
The Holy Spirit will lead you to seek righteousness and good works but that won't earn you a spot in Heaven. Only Jesus Christ can pay that admission price for you.

 

[LovethroughDove]

We are acceptable because he is the one who chose us.

John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

So, I agree that we should listen to the Holy Spirit as born agains, but you make it sound like we are sanctified as born agains. We were chosen to do the work of the Lord..... He chose us particularly to do his will.

 

[Senior]

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

To cut to the chase ... all I've been doing lately is to
WARN BACs who are habitually sinning (w/o repentance)
that they are strolling merrily down the broad road to hell.
They really need to repent and get back on the narrow path.

 

[lisa-in-FL]

Romans 7 - Paul knew that the struggle with sin is inevitable for the believer and that we'll never be fully sanctified until we pass from this life.

No one has ever or will ever get to heaven by perfect obedience to the law expect for Christ and we're only getting in on his coat tails.
By all means, repent and walk the narrow path but don't put your faith in your own righteousness.

 

[Senior]

Romans 7 - Paul knew that the struggle with sin is inevitable for the believer and that we'll never be fully sanctified until we pass from this life. No one has ever or will ever get to heaven by perfect obedience to the law expect for Christ and we're only getting in on his coat tails.
By all means, repent and walk the narrow path but don't put your faith in your own righteousness.

Gee, thanks, Lisa ... WOW!

 

[lisa-in-FL]

Gee, thanks, Lisa ... WOW!

Is that sarcasm or did you finally figure out that a saved person with sin they haven't conquered or confessed is not going to end up in hell?

 

[for_his_glory]

Romans 7 - Paul knew that the struggle with sin is inevitable for the believer and that we'll never be fully sanctified until we pass from this life.

No one has ever or will ever get to heaven by perfect obedience to the law expect for Christ and we're only getting in on his coat tails.
By all means, repent and walk the narrow path but don't put your faith in your own righteousness.

1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[LovethroughDove]

To cut to the chase ... all I've been doing lately is to
WARN BACs who are habitually sinning (w/o repentance)
that they are strolling merrily down the broad road to hell.
They really need to repent and get back on the narrow path.

Well, I do understand your point. There is a vibe through the church that kinda omits a repentant heart once you've been given the truth. But the people who are truly called, will see through the bs. You can't be given the Holy Spirit and not become holy, or go the opposite way or stay the same. The Holy Spirit will guide you unto holiness. Also, God will not give you the Holy Spirit if you are not called by him. He actually trusts those who are his.

John 10:29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.

See, Jesus trusts us because we were given to him by the Father

 

[JLB]

Romans 7 - Paul knew that the struggle with sin is inevitable for the believer and that we'll never be fully sanctified until we pass from this life.

No one has ever or will ever get to heaven by perfect obedience to the law expect for Christ and we're only getting in on his coat tails.
By all means, repent and walk the narrow path but don't put your faith in your own righteousness.

Of course we don’t put faith in our righteousness.

On this we can all agree.


Never the less we are to walk according to the Spirit and practice righteousness.


Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 1 John 3:7




JLB

 

[JLB]

The Holy Spirit will guide you unto holiness.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears. Hebrews 12:14-17




JLB

 

[lisa-in-FL]

Senior and JLB - let's try a hypothetical. let's say there is a man who got saved at 30. Knew he was a sinner, called on Jesus to save him and repented. Then began going to church, learning the bible and learning that he had more work to do - for example, getting over wanting to have a beer every day. About 5 years later he's not going to church much and drinking more than a beer every day and nearly gets in a car accident and realizes he needs to "get right" with God again.
Do you believe that if he died in the accident without having repented of his most current sin, that God would have sent him to hell?
What about if he died the next day - after he prayed and "rededicated" himself to God but hadn't yet had the time to go to church again or do any good works?

Do you see where I'm going with this? God will not be impressed with anything you've done or disappointed by what you haven't done. He's going to look to see if you are covered by his Son's blood and that's all.

 

[JLB]

Do you see where I'm going with this? God will not be impressed with anything you've done or disappointed by what you haven't done. He's going to look to see if you are covered by his Son's blood and that's all.

How about if the man is a murderer rather that a beer drinker?


Would that change anything?




JLB

 

[lisa-in-FL]

How about if the man is a murderer rather that a beer drinker?


Would that change anything?




JLB

Um, okay, I can tell the story again and change it to murder and not drinking, or wife beating and not drinking or thief but not a drinker . . but my questions are still valid -
Do you believe that if he died in the accident without having repented of his most current sin, that God would have sent him to hell?
What about if he died the next day - after he prayed and "rededicated" himself to God but hadn't yet had the time to go to church again or do any good works?

I think so many people look at Revelation 3:5 as a challenge instead of a promise. They read "the one who conquers" as if its a gauntlet being thrown down. There's no "if" there. Romans 8:37 - we are more than conquerors. Also 1 John 5:4.

 

[JLB]

Do you believe that if he died in the accident without having repented of his most current sin, that God would have sent him to hell?

Absolutely without question.


No murderer has eternal life.


Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15




JLB

 

[lisa-in-FL]

lol. I'm getting that deja vu feeling again. Let me see if I can predict what will happen next. I'll say that what you're saying is the man in my example lost his salvation. You'll say you aren't saying that and ask me to agree that the verse you are taking out of context means that people who hate or murder can't be Christians or whatever. I'll quote verses that prove my point and you'll ignore 90% of what I say. So I'm going to flip the table and just walk away. Good day, sir.

 

[Nathan12]

To cut to the chase ... all I've been doing lately is to
WARN BACs who are habitually sinning (w/o repentance)
that they are strolling merrily down the broad road to hell.
They really need to repent and get back on the narrow path.

Perhaps they never did repent in the first place. And without repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21), they have not been justified by grace through faith. Thus not born again (John 1:12,13).

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world... (Titus 2:11,12)