Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
( Psalm 37:4).
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
( Luke 18:8).
The issue of our heart relates to our affections and the ownership of such. When we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) His life takes over and our vessel (body) becomes His tabernacle where the Spirit dwells. Since the Lord is eternal; along with the spirit in which God has created us we perceive these things ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Whether in the body or out of it we are part of Christ's Body and we shall stand in His presence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).
Such affections draw us close to our brothers and sisters in the faith; and indeed we are COMMANDED to love one another; both from the Gospels and later quotes from John ( John 15:12; 1 John 3:23). This should be a springboard for time; money and effort to be poured out for the ministries and missions of the church and unity among the brethren. Agape love is the only love which can love anyone unconditionally; and therefore it also extends to the lost who we are commissioned to reach.
Often people complicate things when it comes to relationships; prayer certainly is helpful as I have seen personally a brother finding his wife to be 2 days after praying to find someone; along with another missionary friend of mine from many years ago when overseas. Still; there are some things which may not come to fruition until the Lord returns (primarily finding justice on the earth in places which have for a long time now featured persecution). Since we have a NEW heart; however we can find joy in seeing others being blessed; and seeing people come to faith even during times when we are struggling in our lives.
We often look at Christ's death as the ultimate love; but let us not forget His whole ministry especially toward His Disciples.
1 John 1:8 states "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Such a passage should be enough to convince someone of the fact that there will always be the potential to sin. The first thing we should point out here is that even without any outer manifestations of sin man has a sin nature. I believe it is scriptural to say that at the point of salvation we are as Galatians 2:20 states "crucified with Christ". If we are truly saved we can theoretically continue after the time of our salvation to live without sinning but the pattern of living in sin is still deep in our minds. That nature therefore must meet resistance and a believer is therefore sensing that he is "grieving the Spirit" ( Eph. 4:30-31). These verses show one is sealed indeed until redemption (by death or rapture); but that we can still do things displeasing to God.
Another thing is the use of the word perfect. Matthew 5:48 shows how Christ commanded on the Sermon of the Mount to be perfect. This was in reference to agape love; that is loving your enemies as well as your friends; in other words the opposite of hypocrisy of the Pharisees in particular. I would agree that we are called to live out our lives in total submission to the Spirit which we all fail on but we are starting to be progressively sanctified as believers. We must be cautious also not to assume our legalism is attaining any righteousness; however. Loving our brother is stated in 1 John as an imperative as well; if we show disdain because of any sin in their lives in the flesh we are sinning ourselves.
Furthermore; we have the verse in Genesis where it states that Noah was "perfect in his generations." ( Gen. 6:9). This does refer to he being the only true worshipper of God (and probably his family) as opposed to those who missed the boat; but in context it likely is not biologically corrupted as the offspring of the Nephilim which was likely everyone else who missed the ark.
Part 7. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Works)
When it comes to the word works, surely Paul and James must mean the same thing, do they not? No, they absolutely do not. When Paul speaks of works, he speaks of the works of the Law. I wonder if you have ever noticed that? Will you listen to him,
Therefore, by the deeds [or works] of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. ( Romans 3:20)
So, it is clear that when Paul is talking about works, he is talking about the works of the Law. Then turn to Galatians 2:16 where we read, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Here again Paul is talking about the works of the Law.
But James talks about the works of faith. Could he be any more explicit than when he says,
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith [not the works of the Law, but that which faith produces] without works is dead? ( James 2:20)
Therefore, if man's faith does not produce works, that man's faith is dead. Here we find that the two men have two extremely different sources of works in mind. James, that of faith; Paul, that of the Law.
Paul and James Use Abraham to Illustrate.
At this point, let's bring the teaching of these two men to bear upon the life of God's great servant, Abraham, in the question of justification, for we find both Paul and James using Abraham as an example. This is of keen interest as we see that Paul lets us look at Abraham when God made His first appearance to him, and James goes to the end of his life when God made His seventh and last appearance to Abraham. Paul goes back to the birth of Isaac and the time when God called Abraham - at which time this man had no works and had very feeble faith, but nonetheless a faith sufficient to move out with God. And when he moved out with God, he was justified by faith.-
I already touched on man and some logic as to why God allowed for his fall. His foreknowledge; of course already planned for this with the redemption and atonement the Son of God was to fulfill at the set time here on earth.
One concept that must be considered in depth is that we need to be crucified with Christ in order to live ( Galatians 2:20). Similar doctrines are mentioned with verses such as Matthew 16:25-26 where Christ states that we are to lose our lives to gain eternal life as losing our SOUL is far worse. Christ came to bring life in reverse order to where it was lost; restoring the spiritual aspect first then later at the Rapture and Resurrection of the just PHYSICAL restoration. Again that illustrates that our spiritual state is at primary importance as our spirit lives on forever in whatever STATE it is at death.
The enemy is a master player and manipulator; going from persecution to self "affirmation" in order to decieve the masses. The lie of course remains the same; he promises life and freedom while stealing; killing and destroying the soul of an individual.
Considering my initial posting on this subject as to the vast superiority in strength of Satan over us (apart from Christ) I will continue to expound on what it means to have such resistance. Rewards come from suffering; we in a sense bring fullness to the Son of God Himself who will eventually rule and reign with us as kings and priests ( Rev. 5:10). Again; concepts such as losing our life to gain it is foreign to the flesh. God uses the enemies of our soul to buffet us and test our faithfulness. Those who don't really care about their spiritual "experience" as to its source can and inevitably WILL fall. When we see such verses as Revelation 13:8 we know that ALL unregenerate ultimately WILL worship the Antichrist beast. We realize that the difference between holy angels and fallen ones is if the Spirit is directing it or Satan.
GOD bless all who frequent this site to learn more of our LORD KING and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
May we all be blessed and grow in the LORD, so we may be used to minister to others and give glory to our GOD. Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11-14
Thank you David0921 for your detailed comments & for taking the time to do so. I'll address each part of your five parts.
Part 1: Fully agree about mankind's total spiritual depravity before God, for no sinner can ever find righteousness from within himself that will avert the Wrath of God. To the "Law of God" you referred to, I'll take it as 'the holy standards that God requires of man to which man will always fail God'; rather than the giving of the Law (God's Standards to Israel), to which the Gentile had no knowledge of, aside from the dictates of his conscience ( Romans 2:14,15).
Part 2: Again, fully agree that the sinner is totally incapable or desirous to attain God's Holy Standard for righteousness and God is completely justified in the eternal condemnation of the sinner.
Part 3: Some issues here. a. "What does it mean to be "justified"? It means that we stand perfectly just before the Law of God because we have paid the full penalty required by the Law of God for each and every one of our dirty rotten sins." Did you mean, 'our justification before God means that we can stand guiltless because 'we'(?) or is is 'Christ' that paid our full penalty?'
b. I also understand that Galatians 2:16 refers to those who were no longer under the Law, but would use the Law as well as Grace given through Christ's death, to find their righteousness & justification. This was the 'Works of the Law' referred to, when any of it was added to the faith found in Christ alone - for the Law never gave righteousness & acceptance before God. "for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Unless the Elect of God today is of Jewish descent & was once under the Law, this verse has no application to the Gentile elected of God who was never under the Law & could never & should never use that Law to add to his faith.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the WORKS of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the WORKS of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 3:1,2 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the WORKS OF THE LAW, or by the hearing of faith{Christ's faith}?
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the WORKS OF THE LAW are under the CURSE: for it is written, CURSED is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
In these verses God is making it crystal clear that if we are following a gospel that is conditioned upon our good WORKS, we are CURSED.
So what is a good WORK? Are our BELIEF, our FAITH, our REPENTENCE good WORKS? The best definition of a "good WORK", I believe, is "any obedience to the COMMANDMENTS of God, the LAW of God". Are we not COMMANDED to Believe and to have FAITH in Christ; are these not "gifts" of God and part and parcel of Salvation?
2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the WORK OF FAITH with power:
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.
Phil 2:12,13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is GOD WHICH WORKETH in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Our Faith, Belief, Repentance are WORKS and a RESULT and EVIDENCE of, not REQUIREMENTS for, Salvation.
Let's look at what God declares regarding our GOOD WORKS and how they enter into God's Salvation program.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS {our works} OF THE LAW, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST {Christ's faith}, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
What does it mean to be "justified"? It means that we stand perfectly just before the Law of God because we have paid the full penalty required by the Law of God for each and every one of our dirty rotten sins. We no longer stand guilty before the Law and the Law can no longer condemn us.
How have we been justified? Christ has paid the full penalty, eternal DEATH for the sins of those He is saving by being perfectly faithful in taking upon Himself all of the sins of each of His Elect (we will get to Election, Predestination and Foreknowledge later perhaps) and Dying an eternal DEATH as the full payment demanded by the Law, and then rising to life again as proof that the payment had been fully made. All of this as Eternal God Himself. We can't comprehend How God could actually DIE, but it is so because the Bible declares it to be so.
And BECAUSE Christ has accomplished all this on behalf of His Elect, it is guaranteed that each and every one of His Elect will become saved.
"But I also note your belief that 'repentance & belief' are considered as 'Works done towards salvation', therefore it can have no place before salvation."
So allow me to clarify.
The Repentance and Belief of someone whom God has saved or plans to save, i.e. one of God's Elect, does NOT contribute in any way whatsoever TOWARDS their salvation. These are good works that we do because God has saved us or is in the process of drawing us to salvation. They will be evidenced in the life of the True Believer and are the RESULT of God working within us to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Our faith, our repentance are WORKS OF THE LAW; we are commanded to believe, to have faith, to repent. But these works do not contribute to our salvation in any way.
It is Christ's faith that saves us. That is, Christ's faithfulness in paying for the sins of His Elect and then applying that salvation to their life and giving them an enduring faith in Him and a repentant heart; all of which is part and parcel of salvation itself.
Hi Mary Jay. As you know, we don't align in our understanding of the Scriptures, but thought to address this one post from you as an example.
In answer to your question, I exist as a physical person, now saved & revived by the Blood of Christ & His Spirit, joined to the Body of Christ. Am I "the BODY of Christ?" NO. My understanding of the Scriptures is that the Body of Christ is the Church ( Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18,24). So, I'm not the Body, Christ is; I am a part of that Body, the parts of which comprise the Church ( Romans 12:4,5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). There can only be one Body, or else, if each member is the Body of Christ, then Christ is no longer the Head of His Church but the Head of each person. And though 1 Corinthians 11:3 states, "...that the head of every man is Christ...", this verse speaks about the position, in the spiritual realm & of the Church presenting before God, of woman to the man, of man to Christ & of Christ to God.
So with Galatians 2:20, my understanding of "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...", is that my life that I now live is not my own (my ownership), but belongs to Christ (His ownership) with Christ (by His Spirit) Who now lives in me. This is a personal relationship with the risen Christ, with Whom all others who completely identify with Him, also enjoy. Thus together we form His Church, which is His Body; so the individual can never be Christ's Body - only His Church can be, which is the collection of believers.
Jeremiah 5:30-31 declares: "A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
1 Thessalonians 5:3 "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."
I know that I am a sinner, so what can I do to be saved? The answer is, there is nothing that I, being DEAD in trespasses and sins, can do to affect my salvation!
Ephesians 2:1 "And you hath he quickened [made alive], who were DEAD in trespasses and sins;"
John 6:29 "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
Galatians 2:16 "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST..."
Romans 9:15-16 "For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."
So what about the churches that say, we will show you how to become saved, or, you must be baptized in water and partake of the Lord's supper? Virtually every church promotes a do-it-yourself salvation, which is not that of the Bible! The baptism that is required is the washing away of our sins, which only God can perform. When we meditate on the word of God with a view to being obedient to it, we are feeding on the flesh and drinking the blood of the Lord Jesus.
John 6:63 "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Salvation is 100% the work of God. If we are trusting in any work that we do for Salvation, we are trusting in a FALSE GOSPEL that cannot save.
Visit ZionInTravail on youtube and the web to lean more about the True Gospel of Salvation and the Day in which we are living.
You say I don't understand which I already explained my understanding is very limited. I am only 2 and half months in my walk with Christ. However, I do understand a little when you are saying about me being "dead" with Christ. I am like the wine bottles. the old me has been destroyed. I am now a new wine bottle filled with the LIVING blood (wine) of Christ. I became His bride at the cross. You're assumptions of me are far wrong though. It's not that I feel guilty, I truly love God for what he has done for me and so want to live a life of obedience to show that love. I am not good with words either when I said about "Christ lives in me" I came across Galatians 2:20 a few days ago which explains it better than me. Also as I stated, my church that I attend although is a baptist church mirror what you are saying. They actually preach these exact words "by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone and not of works lest any man should boast." They did not add to it like you said "you have to do this, this and this." or anything after that. If anything it was myself that was adding to it. Again though I really like to thank you for taking time and patience to help me with my understanding and my growth in God, I really do feel the Holy spirit in me resonating with what you are saying. My carnal mind however is not yet at capable of understanding if that makes sense lol.
I sincerely pray that God blesses you with even more understanding, wisdom, knowledge and strength so that you may continue to help guide others on the narrow path. God bless you, peace and love to you in Jesus name.
Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery ..... Christ in you ......
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet, NOT I, but Christ lives IN ME ....
Notice it's NO LONGER YOU that lives, you DIED on the cross, yoru NOW the BODY of Christ.
You were married to Christ at his resurrection, YOU and CHRIST became ONE.
John 17:22 And the glory that thou (God) gave me (Christ), I (Christ have given them (you Angel), that even as we (God and Christ) are ONE, that they (you Angel) are ONE in us.
I have; after a suggestion by a sister in Christ on this site, endeavored to start a series on the attributes of God. I thought I could go from "a to z"; although I don't have anything in the "X" or "Z" letters; unless someone else can come up with something.
The first thing I came up with was anger which is not normally something people begin with in studying God; but perhaps a topic that needs discussion. God is clearly angry with the wicked every day ( Psalm 7:11). That verse also says that He judges the righteous.
In discussing God's reaction toward a saved individual as "chastisement" and the wicked as anger; we see a different outcome ultimately with believers not being damned every time they sin to hell. Nonetheless even with chastisement we can't say that God isn't angry. A father can be angry with a child with righteous indignation; and God as our Father certainly is upset when we grieve the Spirit ( Ephesians 4:30). Sin is sin; we clearly can't use grace as an excuse to sin more ( Romans 6:1-2). The REASON for His anger is different to some respect IF we are His children. We are as believers TRULY dead to our old nature; and if Satan attempts to renew our sinful behaviors it is foreign to our new nature; thus the Spirit contends against the flesh. ( Gal. 5:17). It is contrary to who we are in Christ DEAD TO SIN ( Galatians 2:20) if we sin as believers. If we really deceive ourselves then the truth is not in us ( 1 John 1:8). Thus without the Lord we are still dead in sins and trespasses ( Eph. 2:1); and if we do believe there is still potential for the old man to rise up but no NEED for it to happen if we continue to walk in the Spirit we will not satisfy the desires of the flesh ( Gal. 5:16). Clearly Galatians 5 in particular is a good read for that subject.
There are some things which God particularly hates ( Proverbs 6:16-19) and one he loathes (same idea). God also hates divorce ( Malachi 2:16). Anger and hatred are justified for God
If you don't believe; you will DIE in your SIN (unbelief), ALL other sins are COVERED by the BLOOD of Christ.
You cannot; add or take away, from the WORKS of the CROSS of Christ.
Did his CROSS save mankind; from DEATH, or was the WORKS of the CROSS useless?
Philippians 3:18 For MANY (christians) walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are ENEMIES of the CROSS of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED with Christ, yet I LIVE, yet NOT I, but CHRIST ......
ONLY the BODY of Christ was RESURRECTED.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Ye are the BODY of Christ ..... you're just a BODY, nothing else.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in YOU (my BODY) and CAUSE you to walk in my statutes, and KEEP my judgements and DO THEM.
Ephesians 4:4 ..... ONE BODY ....
Most don't BELIEVE the WORKS of the CROSS of Christ.
Once again; the verse "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" is a necessary verse to quote and is found in Proverbs as well as at least a couple places in Psalms. Assuming that there is a genuine conversion needs to be in word and deed. Confessing with our mouth must be accompanied by believing in our heart ( Romans 10:9-10). Believing in our heart must involve; of course a heart change as Ezekiel 36:26 indicates. Evidence of that is an understanding that as sinners we are coming from being ENEMIES of God (i.e. the enmity is in both directions) as Romans 5:10 indicates. True faith understands the painful sacrifice of Christ to pay the redemption through the atonement which only His blood could do in our behalf. Obedience accompanies true love for God as John 14:15 indicates. RECOGNITION that we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) means that our new nature is now having new affections and the old one is something which we no longer find our "default" mode. We are beyond wanting to avoid sin because of the consequences but because we recognize that we are offending a Holy God who dwells in us ( 2 Cor. 5:1; and apparently the meaning implicit in John 1:14 where He dwells in us. True salvation never brings contentment with sin; we may fall away but as Proverbs says in chapter 24; verse 16 he rises again; but it is not so for the wicked. We are saved by grace but always have potential to sin and a true believer will be as Paul was cognizant and wary of anything that will get in the way until the end of this earthly existance ( Philippians 3:12-14). This is like 1 Corinthians 9:24 in striving to gain the prize.
Another related situation is that a true believer recognizes that rewards can be attained or lost according to Revelation 3:11. Realizing that we can enter heaven but as through the fire suffering loss ( 1 Cor. 3:15) shows salvation is the beginning of the journey of a truly saved person
Have you ever presented the Gospel to a atheist or perhaps a Muslim?
The first thing they refer you to is the 10 commandments and their argument sounds just like those who present the keeping of the law as a means of salvation.
So, they should have a clear understanding of what the law was for and what it did "by the scriptures" through a study in Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians.
Romans 7:8-14.
Galatians 2:16-21.
Galatians 3:1-29.
2 Corinthians 3:5-11. and then perhaps scriptures like Philippians 3:2-14.
These verses convict the sinner and put all under sin. That's what the law was for!
Our outward ceremonies and obedience at our best couldn't make us perfect! There is no new birth!
God requires perfection that is why he required a perfect replacement, Lamb. Christ Jesus.
SANCTIFICATION FOLLWS THIS.
Consider Israel.
God displayed the fallen nature of man and their inability to perform even while God was in their midst and carried them. This was and still is an example to us.
We are lost hopeless sheep gone astray apart from Jesus's blood shed on the cross.
Understand Matthew 21:42.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the pivotal piece of the foundation in which we are to build on.
When we are led by the Spirit we're building with precious stone. When we are led by the flesh, we build with wood hay and stubble. every man's work shall be tested by fire.
WHEN ISRAEL AS A NATION IS DRIVEN TO CALL ON THEIR MESSIAH THOSE WHO ACCEPT HIM AT THAT TIME WILL BE SAVED ALSO. AND GOD WILL BE SANCTIFIED IN THEM.
You're changing the narrative to strengthen your point.
You said,
Just because you strive for righteousness and strive to walk in Jesus's example does not mean you're trying to earn heaven.
We agree on striving for righteousness and strive to walk in Jesus's example! When did you get that?
You also said, "You think the 10 commandments apply- obviously the argument that since Jesus it's ok to do "whatever" is a weak argument"
I've never heard anyone say that on this site, in fact for years we've made it very very clear that the commandments was Holy and they were to show man he is a sinner.
The emphasis has always been on man and his inability to keep the commandments and man's fallen sinful nature.
Is man sinful? Yes!
Has all sinned? Yes!
Romans 3:10
1 John 1:8-10.
Can the commandments make him right with God? No! Galatians 2:21.
It has never been anything close to an argument whether killing, stealing, adultery, ect was a sin or not on this site, and you know that.
There's plenty sins we make that is not listed in the 10 commandments, We sin in our mind and heart, Lack of patience and trust in God is a sin.
You can sin doing the right thing because you didn't want to. Our rebellious nature is sinful.
The Power of Christ resurrection didn't just atone for your sins, it also quickened you to live a live a productive life in Christ, pleasing to God. Romans 8:9-13.
And even with this power and energy from the Holyspirit you can't come from underneath the blood of Christ.
Scripture teaches if a man continues in sin he's not saved. You call that a straw man's argument. But I'm sure you will admit that all have sinned.
You've said no one knows whether they are saved or not until the judgment, But if we're saved by keeping the law it should be clear to you that we're all condemned considering the strictness of the law, then how do God judge his people? He'd have to compromise if Galatians 2:16 isn't true.
What does taking up your cross and following Jesus imply.
DEATH, you have to DIE; yet, you are alive; this is the first death, dying to TRUTH, then the judgement: 1 Peter 4:17 The time is (NOW) come, that JUDGEMENT must begin at the HOUSE OF GOD (your the house of God, judged by the words of God).
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED (you died on the cross) with Christ; yet I LIVE, yet NOT I, but CHRIST LIVETH in me (YOU are the body of Christ).
ONLY the BODY of Christ arose from the grave, the NEW CREATION, you are the BODY of Christ, you; flesh and blood, now longer exist, you DIED on the cross, only Christ RESURRECTED exist.
1 Timothy 6:16 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the LIGHT ......
! Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal shall put on IMMORTALITY (Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY) .....
1 Corinthians 15:49 As you have borne the IMAGE of the EARTHLY, you shall bear the IMAGE of the heavenly .....
Romans 8:29 ... being predestinated to be conformed TO THE IMAGE of CHRIST ....
John 17:22 And the glory that thou gavest me, I HAVE GIVEN THEM, that they may be ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE.
You should understand that as Peter is leading in the first part of the book of Acts, at the persecution when the apostles left town in Acts Chapter 7, James (the Lord's half-brother), took over as the head of the church in Jerusalem. So, they actually had a council there that was the head of all ministry in Jerusalem. It wasn't Peter.
Then in Acts Chapter 15, here's where Peter comes, and Paul comes, and the council in Jerusalem gets together and they want to discuss the issue of salvation for the Gentiles. So, Peter is standing in front of the leaders in Jerusalem in Acts Chapter 15 giving testimony concerning the salvation of the Gentiles. After Acts Chapter 15, Peter disappears from the historical records until he writes his letters.
Galatians 2:7 states that Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, and Peter was the apostle to the Jews. After a few years, the leader of the church in Jerusalem was James while Paul and Peter traveled.
So, Peter was not there in charge. He was a missionary and traveling, and that's when he came back and reported to the council what he found about the Gentiles being born of the Spirit of God.
Paul died in Rome around 64 A.D. Peter died in Rome around 66-67 A.D.
III. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
According to Verse 1, Peter wrote his letters to the DIASPORA, which is the designation for the Jews who had been displaced from Jerusalem. Starting in Acts Chapter 7, there was persecution against the believing Jews. And they all left the city of Jerusalem because of the persecution.
All of these Jews who left because of that reason were called the DIASPORA, which literally means the spreading over, or spreading out. It's a word used for a farmer planting seed as he goes through his field.
Remember, this word is also found in James. James ministered to the 12 tribes of the DIASPORA. Peter also writes to the DIASPORA. As a matter of fact, all the Jewish literature is written to the DIASPORA.
We have documents and accounts of how if you were a believer, and if you happened to know who a Christian was, and you said I need a fellowship to go to, they would check you out first to make sure you were not a spy or some kind of government official.
But you would be interviewed at least two or three times to see if they want you in the fellowship. Are you going to be a problem? What are your motives? How sincere are you?
It's just the opposite of today where churches are trying to get in as many people as they can, almost not caring who they are. Just show up!
But back then they were very selective as to who they received into their fellowships to make sure that they're not going to have a problem, and to make sure your motives are in sincerity.
So, Paul left Titus there on the island of Crete, and Titus was known as a bulldog type of person, not like Timothy who was timid and needed to be reminded to have a little courage and to stand up for the truth of Christ. But Titus was the other way around. You didn't want to tangle with Titus. So, Paul left the right man in the right spot.
III. THE HISTORY OF TITUS:
His name is mentioned 13 times in the New Testament; 9 times in 2 Corinthians. He was a Gentile and was saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Galatians 2:3).
Paul called Titus three things:
1) My genuine son in the faith ( Titus 1:4).
2) My brother ( II Corinthians 2:13)
3) My partner and fellow worker ( II Corinthians 8:23).
Titus traveled with Paul in all of his missionary journeys and was used by Paul to minister mostly in the city of Corinth. After Paul's first imprisonment, he traveled through the Island of Crete with Titus. Paul left Titus there while he went on to Macedonia.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Matthew 20:30-34 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
This is a "historical parable". That is it is an accurate description of an actual historical event. But like all of the miracles that Jesus did, He is teaching us in this language something about the Gospel, the Nature of Salvation.
In this case we see that the two blind men came to Jesus pleading for Mercy that He would give them physical sight. And then, having received sight they FOLLOWED JESUS.
Just as we come to Christ demanding nothing but pleading with Him that He might give us Spiritual Sight, that He might Save us. And having received our Sight, that is Christ having Saved us, WE FOLLOW JESUS.
So our FOLLOWING JESUS and OBEDIENCE to Him is the RESULT of our Salvation, never the cause. The action is God's action altogether in saving us by His Grace Alone; not of our Works in any sense whatsoever, "that any man should boast".
Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the GRACE OF GOD: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Hebrews 11
Hebrews 12:1,2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF FAITH; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Galatians 2:20 puts the focus on being crucified with Christ and the life now lived being that in the Spirit. Our identity should be understood as part of His Body; which is the physical representation of Christ on earth today; functioning together to act as "salt and light" until He comes ( Matt. 5:13-20). This idea of being saved to be part of a community is opposed to our "rugged individualism" mentality here in the West especially. Without this understanding we are putting all of our spiritual growth under the Pastor who is somehow supposed to be the only one who shapes and molds us into Christ's image. Thus; we only evangelize; do service projects; corporate prayers; missionary ventures; etal. under his directive; scheduling and tutelage. In such an approach we are placing an undue burden on someone called to have the role of an elder to play all the other roles such as accountability partner; and we are also liable to fall away should the leader of a church fall into error or sin himself.
Every church seems to have individuals that stand out for service (usually but not always a minority); and others that; for one reason or another make an appearance on Sundays (whether primarily to support family members; ritualistic purposes; etc.)
As adopted sons and daughters of the Kingdom we share a stronger bond than what we find in our own families. Some will not reach out in that capacity toward others. Psalm 27:10 reminds us that even if our mother and father forsake us; we have refuge in Christ. Perhaps more time fellowshipping with those in the foreign mission field whose families have shunned them for being a Christian would help many of us. Those churches involved with international college students in exchange programs; for instance have an advantage in such exposure as well as unique evangelistic opportunities.
I always say we may as well get along now; since we are going to spend eternity together.
Then the mysterious transaction of Spirit-given Faith: to believe, to receive, & then to rejoice that the Work of Salvation has been completed in us. Nothing at all of us - but all of God to bring sinners devoid of the knowledge & blessings of God, into the family of the olive tree's 'natural branches'; standing only by faith ( Romans 11:20).
And Galatians 2:16: this is Paul speaking of those 'justified by faith & not the works of the law'. This "faith of Jesus Christ" can only apply to those after Christ's death & not before, even as Peter was reprimanded for his hypocrisy in applying the ceremonial Law - applying the works of the Law to the faith of Christ. And you've stated that this is the 'Christ's Faith' ("His faithfulness in paying the full penalty for the sins of those he saves"). I think the Greek here is that it is the 'Faith from Christ', but I can't be sure; one of our Greek-speaking brothers will need to verify this as this is an important point in what you shared. In any case, only those after Jesus completed His Work on the Cross, can this Faith be seen and applied.
( Psalm 37:4).
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
( Luke 18:8).
The issue of our heart relates to our affections and the ownership of such. When we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) His life takes over and our vessel (body) becomes His tabernacle where the Spirit dwells. Since the Lord is eternal; along with the spirit in which God has created us we perceive these things ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Whether in the body or out of it we are part of Christ's Body and we shall stand in His presence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).
Such affections draw us close to our brothers and sisters in the faith; and indeed we are COMMANDED to love one another; both from the Gospels and later quotes from John ( John 15:12; 1 John 3:23). This should be a springboard for time; money and effort to be poured out for the ministries and missions of the church and unity among the brethren. Agape love is the only love which can love anyone unconditionally; and therefore it also extends to the lost who we are commissioned to reach.
Often people complicate things when it comes to relationships; prayer certainly is helpful as I have seen personally a brother finding his wife to be 2 days after praying to find someone; along with another missionary friend of mine from many years ago when overseas. Still; there are some things which may not come to fruition until the Lord returns (primarily finding justice on the earth in places which have for a long time now featured persecution). Since we have a NEW heart; however we can find joy in seeing others being blessed; and seeing people come to faith even during times when we are struggling in our lives.
We often look at Christ's death as the ultimate love; but let us not forget His whole ministry especially toward His Disciples.
Such a passage should be enough to convince someone of the fact that there will always be the potential to sin. The first thing we should point out here is that even without any outer manifestations of sin man has a sin nature. I believe it is scriptural to say that at the point of salvation we are as Galatians 2:20 states "crucified with Christ". If we are truly saved we can theoretically continue after the time of our salvation to live without sinning but the pattern of living in sin is still deep in our minds. That nature therefore must meet resistance and a believer is therefore sensing that he is "grieving the Spirit" ( Eph. 4:30-31). These verses show one is sealed indeed until redemption (by death or rapture); but that we can still do things displeasing to God.
Another thing is the use of the word perfect. Matthew 5:48 shows how Christ commanded on the Sermon of the Mount to be perfect. This was in reference to agape love; that is loving your enemies as well as your friends; in other words the opposite of hypocrisy of the Pharisees in particular. I would agree that we are called to live out our lives in total submission to the Spirit which we all fail on but we are starting to be progressively sanctified as believers. We must be cautious also not to assume our legalism is attaining any righteousness; however. Loving our brother is stated in 1 John as an imperative as well; if we show disdain because of any sin in their lives in the flesh we are sinning ourselves.
Furthermore; we have the verse in Genesis where it states that Noah was "perfect in his generations." ( Gen. 6:9). This does refer to he being the only true worshipper of God (and probably his family) as opposed to those who missed the boat; but in context it likely is not biologically corrupted as the offspring of the Nephilim which was likely everyone else who missed the ark.
Part 7. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Works)
When it comes to the word works, surely Paul and James must mean the same thing, do they not? No, they absolutely do not. When Paul speaks of works, he speaks of the works of the Law. I wonder if you have ever noticed that? Will you listen to him,
Therefore, by the deeds [or works] of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. ( Romans 3:20)
So, it is clear that when Paul is talking about works, he is talking about the works of the Law. Then turn to Galatians 2:16 where we read, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Here again Paul is talking about the works of the Law.
But James talks about the works of faith. Could he be any more explicit than when he says,
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith [not the works of the Law, but that which faith produces] without works is dead? ( James 2:20)
Therefore, if man's faith does not produce works, that man's faith is dead. Here we find that the two men have two extremely different sources of works in mind. James, that of faith; Paul, that of the Law.
Paul and James Use Abraham to Illustrate.
At this point, let's bring the teaching of these two men to bear upon the life of God's great servant, Abraham, in the question of justification, for we find both Paul and James using Abraham as an example. This is of keen interest as we see that Paul lets us look at Abraham when God made His first appearance to him, and James goes to the end of his life when God made His seventh and last appearance to Abraham. Paul goes back to the birth of Isaac and the time when God called Abraham - at which time this man had no works and had very feeble faith, but nonetheless a faith sufficient to move out with God. And when he moved out with God, he was justified by faith.-
Amen.
Praised be our GOD and Father
GOD blesses and shines HIS face on all who are on this platform.
January 28, 2024
I already touched on man and some logic as to why God allowed for his fall. His foreknowledge; of course already planned for this with the redemption and atonement the Son of God was to fulfill at the set time here on earth.
One concept that must be considered in depth is that we need to be crucified with Christ in order to live ( Galatians 2:20). Similar doctrines are mentioned with verses such as Matthew 16:25-26 where Christ states that we are to lose our lives to gain eternal life as losing our SOUL is far worse. Christ came to bring life in reverse order to where it was lost; restoring the spiritual aspect first then later at the Rapture and Resurrection of the just PHYSICAL restoration. Again that illustrates that our spiritual state is at primary importance as our spirit lives on forever in whatever STATE it is at death.
The enemy is a master player and manipulator; going from persecution to self "affirmation" in order to decieve the masses. The lie of course remains the same; he promises life and freedom while stealing; killing and destroying the soul of an individual.
Considering my initial posting on this subject as to the vast superiority in strength of Satan over us (apart from Christ) I will continue to expound on what it means to have such resistance. Rewards come from suffering; we in a sense bring fullness to the Son of God Himself who will eventually rule and reign with us as kings and priests ( Rev. 5:10). Again; concepts such as losing our life to gain it is foreign to the flesh. God uses the enemies of our soul to buffet us and test our faithfulness. Those who don't really care about their spiritual "experience" as to its source can and inevitably WILL fall. When we see such verses as Revelation 13:8 we know that ALL unregenerate ultimately WILL worship the Antichrist beast. We realize that the difference between holy angels and fallen ones is if the Spirit is directing it or Satan.
May we all be blessed and grow in the LORD, so we may be used to minister to others and give glory to our GOD. Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11-14
Happy New Year to every one.
December 29, 2023
Thank you David0921 for your detailed comments & for taking the time to do so. I'll address each part of your five parts.
Part 1: Fully agree about mankind's total spiritual depravity before God, for no sinner can ever find righteousness from within himself that will avert the Wrath of God. To the "Law of God" you referred to, I'll take it as 'the holy standards that God requires of man to which man will always fail God'; rather than the giving of the Law (God's Standards to Israel), to which the Gentile had no knowledge of, aside from the dictates of his conscience ( Romans 2:14,15).
Part 2: Again, fully agree that the sinner is totally incapable or desirous to attain God's Holy Standard for righteousness and God is completely justified in the eternal condemnation of the sinner.
Part 3: Some issues here. a. "What does it mean to be "justified"? It means that we stand perfectly just before the Law of God because we have paid the full penalty required by the Law of God for each and every one of our dirty rotten sins." Did you mean, 'our justification before God means that we can stand guiltless because 'we'(?) or is is 'Christ' that paid our full penalty?'
b. I also understand that Galatians 2:16 refers to those who were no longer under the Law, but would use the Law as well as Grace given through Christ's death, to find their righteousness & justification. This was the 'Works of the Law' referred to, when any of it was added to the faith found in Christ alone - for the Law never gave righteousness & acceptance before God. "for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Unless the Elect of God today is of Jewish descent & was once under the Law, this verse has no application to the Gentile elected of God who was never under the Law & could never & should never use that Law to add to his faith.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the WORKS of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the WORKS of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 3:1,2 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the WORKS OF THE LAW, or by the hearing of faith{Christ's faith}?
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the WORKS OF THE LAW are under the CURSE: for it is written, CURSED is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
In these verses God is making it crystal clear that if we are following a gospel that is conditioned upon our good WORKS, we are CURSED.
So what is a good WORK? Are our BELIEF, our FAITH, our REPENTENCE good WORKS? The best definition of a "good WORK", I believe, is "any obedience to the COMMANDMENTS of God, the LAW of God". Are we not COMMANDED to Believe and to have FAITH in Christ; are these not "gifts" of God and part and parcel of Salvation?
2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the WORK OF FAITH with power:
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.
Phil 2:12,13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is GOD WHICH WORKETH in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Our Faith, Belief, Repentance are WORKS and a RESULT and EVIDENCE of, not REQUIREMENTS for, Salvation.
Let's look at what God declares regarding our GOOD WORKS and how they enter into God's Salvation program.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS {our works} OF THE LAW, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST {Christ's faith}, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
What does it mean to be "justified"? It means that we stand perfectly just before the Law of God because we have paid the full penalty required by the Law of God for each and every one of our dirty rotten sins. We no longer stand guilty before the Law and the Law can no longer condemn us.
How have we been justified? Christ has paid the full penalty, eternal DEATH for the sins of those He is saving by being perfectly faithful in taking upon Himself all of the sins of each of His Elect (we will get to Election, Predestination and Foreknowledge later perhaps) and Dying an eternal DEATH as the full payment demanded by the Law, and then rising to life again as proof that the payment had been fully made. All of this as Eternal God Himself. We can't comprehend How God could actually DIE, but it is so because the Bible declares it to be so.
And BECAUSE Christ has accomplished all this on behalf of His Elect, it is guaranteed that each and every one of His Elect will become saved.
More to follow
I was puzzled by your comment:
"But I also note your belief that 'repentance & belief' are considered as 'Works done towards salvation', therefore it can have no place before salvation."
So allow me to clarify.
The Repentance and Belief of someone whom God has saved or plans to save, i.e. one of God's Elect, does NOT contribute in any way whatsoever TOWARDS their salvation. These are good works that we do because God has saved us or is in the process of drawing us to salvation. They will be evidenced in the life of the True Believer and are the RESULT of God working within us to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Our faith, our repentance are WORKS OF THE LAW; we are commanded to believe, to have faith, to repent. But these works do not contribute to our salvation in any way.
It is Christ's faith that saves us. That is, Christ's faithfulness in paying for the sins of His Elect and then applying that salvation to their life and giving them an enduring faith in Him and a repentant heart; all of which is part and parcel of salvation itself.
In answer to your question, I exist as a physical person, now saved & revived by the Blood of Christ & His Spirit, joined to the Body of Christ. Am I "the BODY of Christ?" NO. My understanding of the Scriptures is that the Body of Christ is the Church ( Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18,24). So, I'm not the Body, Christ is; I am a part of that Body, the parts of which comprise the Church ( Romans 12:4,5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). There can only be one Body, or else, if each member is the Body of Christ, then Christ is no longer the Head of His Church but the Head of each person. And though 1 Corinthians 11:3 states, "...that the head of every man is Christ...", this verse speaks about the position, in the spiritual realm & of the Church presenting before God, of woman to the man, of man to Christ & of Christ to God.
So with Galatians 2:20, my understanding of "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...", is that my life that I now live is not my own (my ownership), but belongs to Christ (His ownership) with Christ (by His Spirit) Who now lives in me. This is a personal relationship with the risen Christ, with Whom all others who completely identify with Him, also enjoy. Thus together we form His Church, which is His Body; so the individual can never be Christ's Body - only His Church can be, which is the collection of believers.
Do you exist, other than being the BODY of Christ?
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I (as the body) live, yet NOT I, but CHRIST ......
this mystery... HIDDEN from the foundation of the world
Jeremiah 5:30-31 declares: "A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
1 Thessalonians 5:3 "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."
I know that I am a sinner, so what can I do to be saved? The answer is, there is nothing that I, being DEAD in trespasses and sins, can do to affect my salvation!
Ephesians 2:1 "And you hath he quickened [made alive], who were DEAD in trespasses and sins;"
John 6:29 "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
Galatians 2:16 "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST..."
Romans 9:15-16 "For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."
So what about the churches that say, we will show you how to become saved, or, you must be baptized in water and partake of the Lord's supper? Virtually every church promotes a do-it-yourself salvation, which is not that of the Bible! The baptism that is required is the washing away of our sins, which only God can perform. When we meditate on the word of God with a view to being obedient to it, we are feeding on the flesh and drinking the blood of the Lord Jesus.
John 6:63 "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Salvation is 100% the work of God. If we are trusting in any work that we do for Salvation, we are trusting in a FALSE GOSPEL that cannot save.
Visit ZionInTravail on youtube and the web to lean more about the True Gospel of Salvation and the Day in which we are living.
You say I don't understand which I already explained my understanding is very limited. I am only 2 and half months in my walk with Christ. However, I do understand a little when you are saying about me being "dead" with Christ. I am like the wine bottles. the old me has been destroyed. I am now a new wine bottle filled with the LIVING blood (wine) of Christ. I became His bride at the cross. You're assumptions of me are far wrong though. It's not that I feel guilty, I truly love God for what he has done for me and so want to live a life of obedience to show that love. I am not good with words either when I said about "Christ lives in me" I came across Galatians 2:20 a few days ago which explains it better than me. Also as I stated, my church that I attend although is a baptist church mirror what you are saying. They actually preach these exact words "by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone and not of works lest any man should boast." They did not add to it like you said "you have to do this, this and this." or anything after that. If anything it was myself that was adding to it. Again though I really like to thank you for taking time and patience to help me with my understanding and my growth in God, I really do feel the Holy spirit in me resonating with what you are saying. My carnal mind however is not yet at capable of understanding if that makes sense lol.
I sincerely pray that God blesses you with even more understanding, wisdom, knowledge and strength so that you may continue to help guide others on the narrow path. God bless you, peace and love to you in Jesus name.
By whom (BY Christ) HE (God) made the worlds.
Angel, Christ's BODY is YOU.
Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery ..... Christ in you ......
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet, NOT I, but Christ lives IN ME ....
Notice it's NO LONGER YOU that lives, you DIED on the cross, yoru NOW the BODY of Christ.
You were married to Christ at his resurrection, YOU and CHRIST became ONE.
John 17:22 And the glory that thou (God) gave me (Christ), I (Christ have given them (you Angel), that even as we (God and Christ) are ONE, that they (you Angel) are ONE in us.
God Bless YOU!
The first thing I came up with was anger which is not normally something people begin with in studying God; but perhaps a topic that needs discussion. God is clearly angry with the wicked every day ( Psalm 7:11). That verse also says that He judges the righteous.
In discussing God's reaction toward a saved individual as "chastisement" and the wicked as anger; we see a different outcome ultimately with believers not being damned every time they sin to hell. Nonetheless even with chastisement we can't say that God isn't angry. A father can be angry with a child with righteous indignation; and God as our Father certainly is upset when we grieve the Spirit ( Ephesians 4:30). Sin is sin; we clearly can't use grace as an excuse to sin more ( Romans 6:1-2). The REASON for His anger is different to some respect IF we are His children. We are as believers TRULY dead to our old nature; and if Satan attempts to renew our sinful behaviors it is foreign to our new nature; thus the Spirit contends against the flesh. ( Gal. 5:17). It is contrary to who we are in Christ DEAD TO SIN ( Galatians 2:20) if we sin as believers. If we really deceive ourselves then the truth is not in us ( 1 John 1:8). Thus without the Lord we are still dead in sins and trespasses ( Eph. 2:1); and if we do believe there is still potential for the old man to rise up but no NEED for it to happen if we continue to walk in the Spirit we will not satisfy the desires of the flesh ( Gal. 5:16). Clearly Galatians 5 in particular is a good read for that subject.
There are some things which God particularly hates ( Proverbs 6:16-19) and one he loathes (same idea). God also hates divorce ( Malachi 2:16). Anger and hatred are justified for God
Galatians 2:20 I AM CRUCIFIED with Christ .......
I BELIEVE God's word, I'm DEAD.
..... nevertheless I LIVE ...... yet NOT I, BUT CHRIST .......
Psalms 1:2 ... his delight is the LAW of the Lord .....
Romans 8:2 For the LAW of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in Christ ......
John 14:6 .... I am the LIFE ......
Ephesians 4:4 ..... ONE body ...... ONE Spirit .....
1 Corinthians 15:38 ... to every SEED ..... his (Christ's) own BODY .....
1 Corinthians 12:27 NOW ye are the BODY of Christ .....
Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery ..... Christ in you ....
Ezekiel 36:27 And I WILL CAUSE you to walk in my statutes, and keep my judgements and DO THEM.
I'm DEAD, dead men CANNOT sin.
God Bless YOU!
What is ONE SAVED FROM?
DEATH
If you don't believe; you will DIE in your SIN (unbelief), ALL other sins are COVERED by the BLOOD of Christ.
You cannot; add or take away, from the WORKS of the CROSS of Christ.
Did his CROSS save mankind; from DEATH, or was the WORKS of the CROSS useless?
Philippians 3:18 For MANY (christians) walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are ENEMIES of the CROSS of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED with Christ, yet I LIVE, yet NOT I, but CHRIST ......
ONLY the BODY of Christ was RESURRECTED.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Ye are the BODY of Christ ..... you're just a BODY, nothing else.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in YOU (my BODY) and CAUSE you to walk in my statutes, and KEEP my judgements and DO THEM.
Ephesians 4:4 ..... ONE BODY ....
Most don't BELIEVE the WORKS of the CROSS of Christ.
God Bless YOU!
Once again; the verse "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" is a necessary verse to quote and is found in Proverbs as well as at least a couple places in Psalms. Assuming that there is a genuine conversion needs to be in word and deed. Confessing with our mouth must be accompanied by believing in our heart ( Romans 10:9-10). Believing in our heart must involve; of course a heart change as Ezekiel 36:26 indicates. Evidence of that is an understanding that as sinners we are coming from being ENEMIES of God (i.e. the enmity is in both directions) as Romans 5:10 indicates. True faith understands the painful sacrifice of Christ to pay the redemption through the atonement which only His blood could do in our behalf. Obedience accompanies true love for God as John 14:15 indicates. RECOGNITION that we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) means that our new nature is now having new affections and the old one is something which we no longer find our "default" mode. We are beyond wanting to avoid sin because of the consequences but because we recognize that we are offending a Holy God who dwells in us ( 2 Cor. 5:1; and apparently the meaning implicit in John 1:14 where He dwells in us. True salvation never brings contentment with sin; we may fall away but as Proverbs says in chapter 24; verse 16 he rises again; but it is not so for the wicked. We are saved by grace but always have potential to sin and a true believer will be as Paul was cognizant and wary of anything that will get in the way until the end of this earthly existance ( Philippians 3:12-14). This is like 1 Corinthians 9:24 in striving to gain the prize.
Another related situation is that a true believer recognizes that rewards can be attained or lost according to Revelation 3:11. Realizing that we can enter heaven but as through the fire suffering loss ( 1 Cor. 3:15) shows salvation is the beginning of the journey of a truly saved person
The first thing they refer you to is the 10 commandments and their argument sounds just like those who present the keeping of the law as a means of salvation.
So, they should have a clear understanding of what the law was for and what it did "by the scriptures" through a study in Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians.
Romans 7:8-14.
Galatians 2:16-21.
Galatians 3:1-29.
2 Corinthians 3:5-11. and then perhaps scriptures like Philippians 3:2-14.
These verses convict the sinner and put all under sin. That's what the law was for!
Our outward ceremonies and obedience at our best couldn't make us perfect! There is no new birth!
God requires perfection that is why he required a perfect replacement, Lamb. Christ Jesus.
SANCTIFICATION FOLLWS THIS.
Consider Israel.
God displayed the fallen nature of man and their inability to perform even while God was in their midst and carried them. This was and still is an example to us.
We are lost hopeless sheep gone astray apart from Jesus's blood shed on the cross.
Understand Matthew 21:42.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the pivotal piece of the foundation in which we are to build on.
When we are led by the Spirit we're building with precious stone. When we are led by the flesh, we build with wood hay and stubble. every man's work shall be tested by fire.
WHEN ISRAEL AS A NATION IS DRIVEN TO CALL ON THEIR MESSIAH THOSE WHO ACCEPT HIM AT THAT TIME WILL BE SAVED ALSO. AND GOD WILL BE SANCTIFIED IN THEM.
God bless
You're changing the narrative to strengthen your point.
You said,
Just because you strive for righteousness and strive to walk in Jesus's example does not mean you're trying to earn heaven.
We agree on striving for righteousness and strive to walk in Jesus's example! When did you get that?
You also said, "You think the 10 commandments apply- obviously the argument that since Jesus it's ok to do "whatever" is a weak argument"
I've never heard anyone say that on this site, in fact for years we've made it very very clear that the commandments was Holy and they were to show man he is a sinner.
The emphasis has always been on man and his inability to keep the commandments and man's fallen sinful nature.
Is man sinful? Yes!
Has all sinned? Yes!
Romans 3:10
1 John 1:8-10.
Can the commandments make him right with God? No! Galatians 2:21.
It has never been anything close to an argument whether killing, stealing, adultery, ect was a sin or not on this site, and you know that.
There's plenty sins we make that is not listed in the 10 commandments, We sin in our mind and heart, Lack of patience and trust in God is a sin.
You can sin doing the right thing because you didn't want to. Our rebellious nature is sinful.
The Power of Christ resurrection didn't just atone for your sins, it also quickened you to live a live a productive life in Christ, pleasing to God. Romans 8:9-13.
And even with this power and energy from the Holyspirit you can't come from underneath the blood of Christ.
Scripture teaches if a man continues in sin he's not saved. You call that a straw man's argument. But I'm sure you will admit that all have sinned.
You've said no one knows whether they are saved or not until the judgment, But if we're saved by keeping the law it should be clear to you that we're all condemned considering the strictness of the law, then how do God judge his people? He'd have to compromise if Galatians 2:16 isn't true.
God bless.
What does taking up your cross and following Jesus imply.
DEATH, you have to DIE; yet, you are alive; this is the first death, dying to TRUTH, then the judgement: 1 Peter 4:17 The time is (NOW) come, that JUDGEMENT must begin at the HOUSE OF GOD (your the house of God, judged by the words of God).
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED (you died on the cross) with Christ; yet I LIVE, yet NOT I, but CHRIST LIVETH in me (YOU are the body of Christ).
ONLY the BODY of Christ arose from the grave, the NEW CREATION, you are the BODY of Christ, you; flesh and blood, now longer exist, you DIED on the cross, only Christ RESURRECTED exist.
1 Timothy 6:16 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the LIGHT ......
! Corinthians 15:54 ...this mortal shall put on IMMORTALITY (Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY) .....
1 Corinthians 15:49 As you have borne the IMAGE of the EARTHLY, you shall bear the IMAGE of the heavenly .....
Romans 8:29 ... being predestinated to be conformed TO THE IMAGE of CHRIST ....
John 17:22 And the glory that thou gavest me, I HAVE GIVEN THEM, that they may be ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE.
God Bless You!
You should understand that as Peter is leading in the first part of the book of Acts, at the persecution when the apostles left town in Acts Chapter 7, James (the Lord's half-brother), took over as the head of the church in Jerusalem. So, they actually had a council there that was the head of all ministry in Jerusalem. It wasn't Peter.
Then in Acts Chapter 15, here's where Peter comes, and Paul comes, and the council in Jerusalem gets together and they want to discuss the issue of salvation for the Gentiles. So, Peter is standing in front of the leaders in Jerusalem in Acts Chapter 15 giving testimony concerning the salvation of the Gentiles. After Acts Chapter 15, Peter disappears from the historical records until he writes his letters.
Galatians 2:7 states that Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, and Peter was the apostle to the Jews. After a few years, the leader of the church in Jerusalem was James while Paul and Peter traveled.
So, Peter was not there in charge. He was a missionary and traveling, and that's when he came back and reported to the council what he found about the Gentiles being born of the Spirit of God.
Paul died in Rome around 64 A.D. Peter died in Rome around 66-67 A.D.
III. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
According to Verse 1, Peter wrote his letters to the DIASPORA, which is the designation for the Jews who had been displaced from Jerusalem. Starting in Acts Chapter 7, there was persecution against the believing Jews. And they all left the city of Jerusalem because of the persecution.
All of these Jews who left because of that reason were called the DIASPORA, which literally means the spreading over, or spreading out. It's a word used for a farmer planting seed as he goes through his field.
Remember, this word is also found in James. James ministered to the 12 tribes of the DIASPORA. Peter also writes to the DIASPORA. As a matter of fact, all the Jewish literature is written to the DIASPORA.
We have documents and accounts of how if you were a believer, and if you happened to know who a Christian was, and you said I need a fellowship to go to, they would check you out first to make sure you were not a spy or some kind of government official.
But you would be interviewed at least two or three times to see if they want you in the fellowship. Are you going to be a problem? What are your motives? How sincere are you?
It's just the opposite of today where churches are trying to get in as many people as they can, almost not caring who they are. Just show up!
But back then they were very selective as to who they received into their fellowships to make sure that they're not going to have a problem, and to make sure your motives are in sincerity.
So, Paul left Titus there on the island of Crete, and Titus was known as a bulldog type of person, not like Timothy who was timid and needed to be reminded to have a little courage and to stand up for the truth of Christ. But Titus was the other way around. You didn't want to tangle with Titus. So, Paul left the right man in the right spot.
III. THE HISTORY OF TITUS:
His name is mentioned 13 times in the New Testament; 9 times in 2 Corinthians. He was a Gentile and was saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Galatians 2:3).
Paul called Titus three things:
1) My genuine son in the faith ( Titus 1:4).
2) My brother ( II Corinthians 2:13)
3) My partner and fellow worker ( II Corinthians 8:23).
Titus traveled with Paul in all of his missionary journeys and was used by Paul to minister mostly in the city of Corinth. After Paul's first imprisonment, he traveled through the Island of Crete with Titus. Paul left Titus there while he went on to Macedonia.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Matthew 20:30-34 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
This is a "historical parable". That is it is an accurate description of an actual historical event. But like all of the miracles that Jesus did, He is teaching us in this language something about the Gospel, the Nature of Salvation.
In this case we see that the two blind men came to Jesus pleading for Mercy that He would give them physical sight. And then, having received sight they FOLLOWED JESUS.
Just as we come to Christ demanding nothing but pleading with Him that He might give us Spiritual Sight, that He might Save us. And having received our Sight, that is Christ having Saved us, WE FOLLOW JESUS.
So our FOLLOWING JESUS and OBEDIENCE to Him is the RESULT of our Salvation, never the cause. The action is God's action altogether in saving us by His Grace Alone; not of our Works in any sense whatsoever, "that any man should boast".
Galatians 2:16-21
Hebrews 11
Hebrews 12:1,2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF FAITH; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Galatians 2:20 puts the focus on being crucified with Christ and the life now lived being that in the Spirit. Our identity should be understood as part of His Body; which is the physical representation of Christ on earth today; functioning together to act as "salt and light" until He comes ( Matt. 5:13-20). This idea of being saved to be part of a community is opposed to our "rugged individualism" mentality here in the West especially. Without this understanding we are putting all of our spiritual growth under the Pastor who is somehow supposed to be the only one who shapes and molds us into Christ's image. Thus; we only evangelize; do service projects; corporate prayers; missionary ventures; etal. under his directive; scheduling and tutelage. In such an approach we are placing an undue burden on someone called to have the role of an elder to play all the other roles such as accountability partner; and we are also liable to fall away should the leader of a church fall into error or sin himself.
Every church seems to have individuals that stand out for service (usually but not always a minority); and others that; for one reason or another make an appearance on Sundays (whether primarily to support family members; ritualistic purposes; etc.)
As adopted sons and daughters of the Kingdom we share a stronger bond than what we find in our own families. Some will not reach out in that capacity toward others. Psalm 27:10 reminds us that even if our mother and father forsake us; we have refuge in Christ. Perhaps more time fellowshipping with those in the foreign mission field whose families have shunned them for being a Christian would help many of us. Those churches involved with international college students in exchange programs; for instance have an advantage in such exposure as well as unique evangelistic opportunities.
I always say we may as well get along now; since we are going to spend eternity together.
Then the mysterious transaction of Spirit-given Faith: to believe, to receive, & then to rejoice that the Work of Salvation has been completed in us. Nothing at all of us - but all of God to bring sinners devoid of the knowledge & blessings of God, into the family of the olive tree's 'natural branches'; standing only by faith ( Romans 11:20).
And Galatians 2:16: this is Paul speaking of those 'justified by faith & not the works of the law'. This "faith of Jesus Christ" can only apply to those after Christ's death & not before, even as Peter was reprimanded for his hypocrisy in applying the ceremonial Law - applying the works of the Law to the faith of Christ. And you've stated that this is the 'Christ's Faith' ("His faithfulness in paying the full penalty for the sins of those he saves"). I think the Greek here is that it is the 'Faith from Christ', but I can't be sure; one of our Greek-speaking brothers will need to verify this as this is an important point in what you shared. In any case, only those after Jesus completed His Work on the Cross, can this Faith be seen and applied.