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Is Salvation really a "free Gift" of God?

Thank you or the question Jerry -- it's indeed one of the most important questions in the Bible.
I'll answer that question in full tomorrow or day after latest. Sorry I was busy trying to video record a message on YouTube which talks about vital importance of Obedience in Christ's salvation doctrine.
Anyway take a look at these verses of Christ which are dramatically different from salvation doctrine which is usually taught. Jesus did NOT want salvation seekers. Neither did he want us to love our life. Life lovers are finished per Jesus.
Will elaborate more on that tomorrow .
Meanwhile take a gander at Christs warnings to life lovers and salvation seekers .
Matthew 16:25 ►

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Mark 8:35 ►
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Matthew 10:39
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Mark 8:36
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Luke 17:33
Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.

John 12:25
Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Isaiah 6 :10
Then God said to Isaiah, "Make the minds of these people dull, their ears deaf, and their eyes blind, so that they cannot see or hear or understand. If they did, they might turn to me and be healed."
( God in the final count wants to save only a few , the ones who turned away from sin and turned to Love. Practicing loving kindness)

Jesus says similarly in Matthew 22:24
"For many are called, but few are chosen."
Here is the irony Jerry, only those will. be saved who never craved salvation, but were ready to lay down en their lives for Christ . Who instead of sinning, chose to Love.
More tomorrow. God bless everyone
 
Thank you or the question Jerry -- it's indeed one of the most important questions in the Bible.
I'll answer that question in full tomorrow or day after latest. Sorry I was busy trying to video record a message on YouTube which talks about vital importance of Obedience in Christ's salvation doctrine.
Anyway take a look at these verses of Christ which are dramatically different from salvation doctrine which is usually taught. Jesus did NOT want salvation seekers. Neither did he want us to love our life. Life lovers are finished per Jesus.
Will elaborate more on that tomorrow .
Meanwhile take a gander at Christs warnings to life lovers and salvation seekers .
Matthew 16:25 ►

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Mark 8:35 ►
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Matthew 10:39
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Mark 8:36
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Luke 17:33
Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.

John 12:25
Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Isaiah 6 :10
Then God said to Isaiah, "Make the minds of these people dull, their ears deaf, and their eyes blind, so that they cannot see or hear or understand. If they did, they might turn to me and be healed."
( God in the final count wants to save only a few , the ones who turned away from sin and turned to Love. Practicing loving kindness)

Jesus says similarly in Matthew 22:24
"For many are called, but few are chosen."
Here is the irony Jerry, only those will. be saved who never craved salvation, but were ready to lay down en their lives for Christ . Who instead of sinning, chose to Love.
More tomorrow. God bless everyone

Do you believe the book of Acts is inspired by God?



JLB
 
Thank you or the question Jerry -- it's indeed one of the most important questions in the Bible.
I'll answer that question in full tomorrow or day after latest. Sorry I was busy trying to video record a message on YouTube which talks about vital importance of Obedience in Christ's salvation doctrine.
Anyway take a look at these verses of Christ which are dramatically different from salvation doctrine which is usually taught. Jesus did NOT want salvation seekers. Neither did he want us to love our life. Life lovers are finished per Jesus.
Will elaborate more on that tomorrow .
Meanwhile take a gander at Christs warnings to life lovers and salvation seekers .
Matthew 16:25 ►

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Mark 8:35 ►
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Matthew 10:39
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Mark 8:36
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Luke 17:33
Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.

John 12:25
Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Isaiah 6 :10
Then God said to Isaiah, "Make the minds of these people dull, their ears deaf, and their eyes blind, so that they cannot see or hear or understand. If they did, they might turn to me and be healed."
( God in the final count wants to save only a few , the ones who turned away from sin and turned to Love. Practicing loving kindness)

Jesus says similarly in Matthew 22:24
"For many are called, but few are chosen."
Here is the irony Jerry, only those will. be saved who never craved salvation, but were ready to lay down en their lives for Christ . Who instead of sinning, chose to Love.
More tomorrow. God bless everyone


Do you understand the difference between initial salvation by faith, and receiving the salvation of your soul?



For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

  • This is an example of salvation by faith, which is when we are born again, or regenerated.


Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
John 5:28-29


  • This is an example of receiving the salvation of our soul at the end of our faith, when we stand before our King to be judged according to our deeds.


Rightly dividing these two examples of salvation will greatly increase our ability to communicate in this discussion with clarity and unity.




JLB
 
What about faith?
faith does not save us grace through faith justified by faith. hebrews 11 BY FAITH if faith is all it took the whole world would be saved. show me a scripture that says we can be saved by faith alone . Faith is a part of it .but faith is not the saving element . Grace is its about what Christ done for us. = Grace God riches at Christ EXPENSE .. Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded," grace " abounded much more, Titus 2: 11- 12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

if any of you are trying to persuade/ convince me that there is some other way to be saved other than Grace . your hitting a brick wall. many things will make me stop and study before i make a firm stand . but salvation by Grace i will stand . faith is the key in believing with out it is impossible to please God . Grace is Jesus
 
if any of you are trying to persuade/ convince me that there is some other way to be saved other than Grace . your hitting a brick wall. many things will make me stop and study before i make a firm stand . but salvation by Grace i will stand . faith is the key in believing with out it is impossible to please God . Grace is Jesus
Scripture teaches grace through faith. Not faith alone and not grace alone.

We all have faith, but what do we have faith in? Some put their faith in Science, some on their good works, some on false gods. You see, faith is things hoped for according to the Hebrew writer, and not just anything hoped for, such as unicorns and marshmallows. But instead, our faith is in Gods abundant grace toward us.

Your faith is secure in Gods grace, as shown by your insistence of Gods grace as the primary means of your salvation. What you express, is great humility for your own faith, which is rooted so deeply in Gods grace It humbles itself almost to near nonexistence. I wonder how those who Jesus healed felt when Jesus said, “ Your faith has made you well”. You see, they put their faith in Jesus, knowing He could heal them. Such humility to say, not my faith, but Jesus pouring out Grace upon me and making me whole. Yes, that is great humility.

Now then, understanding our faith is the instrument in which God pours out and lavishes us with grace is not to say our faith saves us. But it does open ourselves up to receive Gods grace, and thereby be saved.

This brings us back to our faith. In what do we hope for? If we only hope for our eternal destiny and salvation becomes a fixation of the afterlife then we’ve missed the mark, as Ephesians 2:10 outlines. We are Gods workmanship, which means our faith opens us up to be molded / repaired back into Gods image and not for the purpose of our eternal salvation, but instead for the Good Works God has prepared for us, here, now, which is our salvation.

I heard it put this way one time, and it makes since to me.

I am saved
I am being saved
I will be saved.

Eternity is not a destination. Eternity is now, and we presently live in it, and always will. The question is really this. How are we living in eternity?

O death, where is your sting? We are born again, never to see death. Our bodies may die, but we’ve been born again. We have already experienced death when we were buried with Christ in baptism and were raised new in Christ.
 
if any of you are trying to persuade/ convince me that there is some other way to be saved other than Grace . your hitting a brick wall. many things will make me stop and study before i make a firm stand . but salvation by Grace i will stand . faith is the key in believing with out it is impossible to please God . Grace is Jesus

Faith is the substance of the thing hoped for. It comes to us when we hear God. It is a gift from God. Grace also accompanies faith because grace is God’s Spirit being imparted to us that gives us the ability to do what God tells us to do that we might be saved.

Faith and grace both come from God.


For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8


This of course refers to initial salvation; ie being born again, or regenerated.


As we grow and mature in His grace He expects us to walk in a manner worthy and pleasing to Him, being fruitful in every good work.

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14

This being fruitful is the evidence we are indeed in Christ.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
John 15:1-6


We must remain in Christ, if we expect to become fruitful in every good work.


He is how we are instructed to remain “in Christ”.


Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. 1 John 3:24


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


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


This refers to the day of Judgement when we all will stand before our King to be judged “according to our deeds“.


Those who have done good, to the resurrection of eternal life.


Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
John 5:28-29




JLB
 
You see, faith is things hoped for according to the Hebrew writer,
Perhaps we should take that a step further to faith being the assurance or essence or substance of things hoped for rather than just things hoped for, right?

edit:
Oops, I responded before reading JLB's post.
 
Paul says in Romans 6:23 "Salvation is a free Gift of God"

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of god is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Paul mentions this thought few more times like in Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:24 etc.

But, while reading Luke recently I realized Jesus completely rejects that (Paul’s) claim in Luke 14:25-34 --- by stating the LARGE COST of becoming His disciple—be ready to give up EVERYTHING warns/ counsels the Lord if you want to become my disciple. Exactly what Jesus had told the rich man in the rich man and Jesus incident ( it is not a parable) (Mark 10:17–31).

Christ again teaches the same message in "The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price " in Matthew 13:45-46

Let us read the Lord’s words in Luke 14:25-33 (New International Version)

The Cost of Being a Disciple

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."

Far from being a free gift, even to become a disciple of Christ requires us to be ready to give up ALL – including our LIVES--- if needed (Luke 14:26, 33), says the Lord, else He does NOT want us to be His disciple.
Most definitely NOT a free Gift by any stretch of the imagination, as Paul taught.

Christ gave up his all for us and now wants OUR ALL in case we wish to become His disciple, was what I got from Christ's words in the above mentioned Luke passage. This begs the question How/ Why was Paul was teaching Salvation is a free gift? And I feel cheated that almost every Church I have been to over past 15 years teach the same falsehood ---” Salvation is a free Gift of God, all you have to do is believe” But I ( now) do not believe the Churches! I believe what Jesus taught --- He IS the messiah. He IS the architect of the rules of salvation. He died for us on the Cross. Nobody else did. He does not agree it's a free gift.
This misteaching(s) ( of many Churches)is one of the most important reasons that I love our website here. This IS my real Church because the “real Churches” did NOT teach the truth. Jesus’ words in Matthew 15:14 summarizes their teachings for me now :
“Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
Would invite thoughts ( backed with scripture please ?) on this important doctrinal question.
Many thanks in advance. Submitted in respect and love...Raj
Salvation is a Free Gift of Gods Grace. However when people make anything they do to be the reason why they got saved, that's bringing attention to themselves, which certainly is far from denying oneself. Properly speaking, its when we are brought to the end of ourselves, all of our attempts at religious reformation, doing this, not doing that and so forth, and come to realize that Salvation is a Free Gift to Gods Chosen People in Christ, Christs Sheep, effected by His Perfect Life of Obedience and death and shed blood, then we come to begin to know the true sense of denying oneself and following the Lamb.
 
Salvation is a Free Gift of Gods Grace. However when people make anything they do to be the reason why they got saved, that's bringing attention to themselves, which certainly is far from denying oneself. Properly speaking, its when we are brought to the end of ourselves, all of our attempts at religious reformation, doing this, not doing that and so forth, and come to realize that Salvation is a Free Gift to Gods Chosen People in Christ, Christs Sheep, effected by His Perfect Life of Obedience and death and shed blood, then we come to begin to know the true sense of denying oneself and following the Lamb.
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
 
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Those are good verses, love them.
 
Salvation is a Free Gift of Gods Grace. However when people make anything they do to be the reason why they got saved, that's bringing attention to themselves, which certainly is far from denying oneself. Properly speaking, its when we are brought to the end of ourselves, all of our attempts at religious reformation, doing this, not doing that and so forth, and come to realize that Salvation is a Free Gift to Gods Chosen People in Christ, Christs Sheep, effected by His Perfect Life of Obedience and death and shed blood, then we come to begin to know the true sense of denying oneself and following the Lamb.

Thank you brother/sister for your viewpoint. It's much appreciated. Over the last few years I have learned to appreciate and respect the viewpoints and reasonings of fellow brothers and sisters, even if I may not agree with them. I yet respect their thoughts/ views on the subject. hopefully, even when you choose not to agree with what I'm going to write below, I request you also to be respectful. You can absolutely elect to not accept my views, which have been derived exclusively from words of Christ Himself and few of the ones who walked with Him like Apostle John. Not one word will be " my feelings", " according to me" , or " I think" ---and that kind of stuff. It will be purely based on the utterances of Christ Himself. Yet the inference is all mine and is likely significantly different than what is typically taught in protestant Churches.
But as life and age are now catching up with me, please allow me a day or two to complete the reply. Getting along in years now friend :) It is through many studies that I came to those conclusions. Lost my family also in the process ….
It’s all good IF my interpretation is good, else I have lost almost everything ( health, family) in vain. Rather than quickly rejecting, I would humbly request reader to reflect on words of Jesus. Why did He say all that?
First of all , I was blown when I came to the conclusion Jesus was not appreciative of those who came to him ( exclusively) to save their lives and achieve salvation ( get saved). I still cannot figure out how could salvation have been the biggest teaching point of most Churches ? Should always have been " do the Will of God if you wish to be saved" but that was unfortunately not taught ( ill be providing an abundance of verses, mostly of christ) to state/ explain that point. Jesus revealed that the entire law , and prophets and the will of God and salvation itself ---all hinged on one hyphenated word LOVING-COMPASSION. Practicing loving-kindness indiscriminately ... consistently. that would merit the highest consideration on the last day when the Lamb will judge both Christians and non-Christians. The most important question/ consideration would be "Did we practice loving compassion or not? " Reveals Jesus in Goats and Sheep -- vision (it's NOT a parable but glimpse of a future event-- a day when many Christians--- and others who didn't practice loving compassion in their earthly life--- are destined to lose their salvation and get rejected by none other than Jesus Himself-- these are the goats)
Moving Away from sin and moving TO Loving-compassion was the CORE message of Bible . the whole story of the Bible culminates in ONE Word-----LOVE :) isn't that absolutely amazing? Will be providing lots of verses of christ and apostle John on this summary/ inference. pls bear with me /\
Here is an ACRONYM i made of WHAT is the Will Of God. the Will of God was we W.I.L.L ( Walk In Lasting Love)
Here's one of the reasons why:
1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God
, because God is love.

Let us study what Jesus says about “getting saved” as many teachers teach, and some even assure that an individual is “saved” the moment they believe:
From His words, I do not believe he approves of those who come to Him ( only for) seeking salvation. In fact, he warns such people they will lose it! Let's take a gander at the words of Christ on salvation, and hopefully heed the warning/ caveats of Christ about those who come to Him exclusively to seek salvation :

John 12: 5

Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Matthew 10:39

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Matthew 16:25

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Mark 8:35

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.

Luke 9:24

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

Luke 14:26

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be My disciple.

Luke 17:33

Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.

-----submitted in respect and love /\...Raj
( To be continued )
 
------Continued from my previous post--one immediately preceding this one----
As we must have observed the narrative of Bible is fraught with ironies and Paradoxes ( appears God loves them!)
Examples:
He made Paradise on earth for Adam and eve and yet they ended up doing that one thing He had warned them not to do ( earth the Fruit of the knowledge of Good and the evil despite knowing they will die) . yet they ate it.

The jews ended up worshipping the Golden calf while Moses was receiving the Law from God!

pharaoh continued to resist God despite all the devastation that was occurring around Him.

the Jews grumbled about being liberated from Egypt!

The Savior was crucified by those who he had come to save

First will be last the last will be the first says, Jesus

"Those who humble themselves will be exalted, and those who exalt themselves will be humbled" (Mark 10:43)

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,"

" for many be called, but few chosen" ( Matt 20:16)​


( and hundreds of other examples)
Sorry for giving so many examples, but that's what God loves-- ironies and paradoxes as he narrates His great Story of Love...Bible
In the same way, Jesus warns us that all those who want to be saved will lose their salvation but THOSE who are willing to lay down their lives for him and the gospel are the (only) ones who will keep it ( be saved) . As Jesus and his Apostles laid down their lives for the Gospel, each Christian must also be ready to lay down their life for Jesus and the gospel if the situation so demands, else they cannot be saved says the Lord. Infact they should not become His disciples unless they examine ( and accept) the costs involved. Because it's going to be a very very hard walk ( and an absolutely rewarding experience! :) Rich in spiritual revelations-- not earthly rewards)
Let us examine the COST of becoming Christ disciple and what is at stake--in Christ's own words:

Luke 14:25-33

The Cost of Being a Disciple​

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."



---------end of 2nd bite-sized bit :)------ as I attempt to explain(and it's hard) in Christ's words how everything has to end in LOVE, for it to end well -- for otherwise, it will not end well ...
Thank you for bearing with me---as we move to the third part /\-- Plus please remember this is MY take-- what I get from the story and message of Bible, as I pour out my heart and share with you how I understand the message...
I wish for everyone to deeply examine the Word and especially the words of Jesus /\
As Christ gave up his ALL, He is putting it across plainly in these above verses, that he wants ALL from us.. everything, should we desire to follow Him ( think what Jesus said to the Rich man who wanted to be saved, and His own apostles when he appointed/ called them). He wants EVERYTHING including our life... the rich man backed off ( and lost Jesus) but the apostles FOLLOWED and laid down their lives for Him. I believe all, except John who was kept from that, possibly to write the book of Revelation.
So do we all have to lay down our lives for Jesus and the gospel to be his followers/ disciple?
Answer ( again my take ) is yes we must be ready and willing to, BUT we fulfill all of Christ's and the LAW's demands,/ requirements, when we turn away from sin and turn to practice Loving compassion ( unconditionally and indiscriminately) as the "sheep" had ---- and were invited by Christ on the last day to his heaven (Matthew 25:31-46)
I have seen some incredibly kind-hearted Christians (I'm not yet in their ranks and file yet--- i have a lot of work to do on my own love and charity. I'm yet judgemental. Despite knowing Christs call for loving ALL, I'm not able to feel love for all. I pray to teh Lord to change the DNA of my heart to LOVE. ) . Possibly these (kind-hearted Christians-- and YOU could be one as well:) are the "FEW" Jesus was talking about when He says ( warns!) " For many are invited but few are chosen"
2 John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

(continued in the next bit....)
 
Putting it all together:


God is Love says 1John 4:8

Christ is Love –Father and son are one ( John 10:30)

The entire creation was made in love reveals John 3:16

We are made in God’s image and likeness ( and therefore our inherent DNA is love)

Love is the opposite of all cause of human misery –Sin

Love covers a multitude of sins says Apostle Peter in 1Peter 4:8

While Proverbs 10:12 reveals Love covers ALL sins

Jeremiah 23:23-24 reveals God (who is Spirit-- John 4:24) FILLS the entire UNIVERSE

Therefore the Universe is filled with GOD who is LOVE

The entire universe ( zillions of unlimited miles) is therefore filled with LOVE

Christ says emphatically that the Law which is written on our heart and minds by God Himself (Hebrews 10:16) simply CANNOT go--- the universe can pass away and become nothing , But the Law still cannot go away! (Matthew 5:18)

But Jesus taught us how to fulfill the requirement, the demand of the Law

Jesus says in Matthew 22:37-40 when we Love God and other humans we fulfill the entire teachings and demand of the Law AND the teachings of the Prophets

Christ says his GREATEST two commandments are to love God and Love other Humans--- regardless of any prejudices/ judgment)

Jesus repeats the same in different words in Matthew 7:12 where He says “ do to others as you would want them to do to YOU ( Practice loving compassion!) And yet again he repeats the SAME words--that when we do that we OBEY the entire law and teachings of the Prophets—it all stood one word …….LOVE

Christ also says Love each other as I have loved you

And lest we have an excuse Jesus in Matthew 5:44-46 reminds us to Love even the enemy and bless those who persecute us and in Matthew 5:46 says for where is the reward if we Love only those who love us?

Conclusion: we were born to LEARN to turn away from sin and learn to LOVE ----for when we do that our sins are covered, we keep the Law ( which is alive and will always be) and the teachings of the prophets, the grace that comes from Christ’s death on the cross is imputed to us ( else not, reveals Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46) our sins are pardoned and we become in sync with the will of God. Good to be in His eternal sanctuary. I am the Alpha and the Omega says Jesus in Revelation. What started in LOVE ( the entire creation) must also end in LOVE --- think New Jerusalem as it comes down from heaven as described in the book of revelation

Bottom line: Turning away from sin (Ezekiel 18:20)—and practicing loving compassion, just as the Good Samaritan did, was the message of the Bible—and the will of God. For whatever is not in sync with the Will of God will finally be destroyed (Matthew 7:21, Mark 3:35)

Lots of Love to everyone ?( having written Love so many times what else do you think fills my heart right now! :) ?
I end this with the words of Apostle John (again!)

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”
And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.
( 1 John 4:8, 2 John 1:6)
 
A free gift amen.. this is written. Its all wrong or its all right. John 3:16 is very simple for God didn't send His son to condemn the world but to save it. And I can see how some call it just grace. We forget we have to believe in Christ <---there is the faith :)

Forgive me again things are being said that are not written. :) He does not make any mistakes. What is written is what should have be said. Context really matters here. One has to add to all this no one can come to Jesus unless the Father who sent Christ draws them. That's no one. That means as its written in Samuel man sees the flesh and God is the only one that sees the heart. We live in a fallen world.

We can take everything Christ said. He told the 12 "if you love me". So what happened? Who stood by His side and never left? Did they not all love Him? In truth will you also leave? Peter.. where will we go? You have words of ever lasting life. Yet they all that loved Him so much left Him. They walked with Him 24/7 and still left. Something happened after He died and rose AMEN GLORY TO THE FATHER! The were given the sweet Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). He was before He died talking to the Jewish people that were still under the law.

For me what I see hear over time is man saying how hard it is to be saved and only a few will be saved. Yet.. not from Him ever. I really think some believe unless you LOVE HIM your not saved. This is not written. I can still see when He saved me. I didn't love Him at all. I was 9 or so and the preacher talked about hell and I had a dream that next week. He found me. Didn't love Him didn't know Him yet was 100% saved secure in His hands that are in the Fathers hands. Now what He started He is still working in me and will finish it.. He said so. The song playing Completely Ledger.

Through out all this He shows me where I love the world.. yet I am His no man can take this from me. We live in a fallen world and this flesh we battel daily. So.. praise GOD for what you share.. I disagree. Some things are what you personally believe.
 
Paul says in Romans 6:23 "Salvation is a free Gift of God"

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of god is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Paul mentions this thought few more times like in Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:24 etc.

But, while reading Luke recently I realized Jesus completely rejects that (Paul’s) claim in Luke 14:25-34 --- by stating the LARGE COST of becoming His disciple—be ready to give up EVERYTHING warns/ counsels the Lord if you want to become my disciple. Exactly what Jesus had told the rich man in the rich man and Jesus incident ( it is not a parable) (Mark 10:17–31).

Christ again teaches the same message in "The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price " in Matthew 13:45-46

Let us read the Lord’s words in Luke 14:25-33 (New International Version)

The Cost of Being a Disciple

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."

Far from being a free gift, even to become a disciple of Christ requires us to be ready to give up ALL – including our LIVES--- if needed (Luke 14:26, 33), says the Lord, else He does NOT want us to be His disciple.
Most definitely NOT a free Gift by any stretch of the imagination, as Paul taught.

Christ gave up his all for us and now wants OUR ALL in case we wish to become His disciple, was what I got from Christ's words in the above mentioned Luke passage. This begs the question How/ Why was Paul was teaching Salvation is a free gift? And I feel cheated that almost every Church I have been to over past 15 years teach the same falsehood ---” Salvation is a free Gift of God, all you have to do is believe” But I ( now) do not believe the Churches! I believe what Jesus taught --- He IS the messiah. He IS the architect of the rules of salvation. He died for us on the Cross. Nobody else did. He does not agree it's a free gift.
This misteaching(s) ( of many Churches)is one of the most important reasons that I love our website here. This IS my real Church because the “real Churches” did NOT teach the truth. Jesus’ words in Matthew 15:14 summarizes their teachings for me now :
“Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
Would invite thoughts ( backed with scripture please ?) on this important doctrinal question.
Many thanks in advance. Submitted in respect and love...Raj
Short and best answer. Yes it is a free gift.
 
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