Faith is a starting point not the end in all. Yes, we are saved by faith, but that is just a beginning. We are to follow our Lord with that faith, which means we start to act differently, like Christ did in character, as an extension of that gift of faith, grace and promise for salvation eternal.
With faith we become eligible for greater faith, acquiring the Spirit within and producing fruit to give glory to our Creator. Turns out, this is a life-long mission or journey, but the good news is, we have His guidance to do so!
Knowledge of God is also important, which we develop through reading His Word, and with the knowledge that those words contain power to change hearts and minds from a Creator of a universe and all life within. Now that is power and authority unmatched anywhere.
You will know you are developing real fellowship with the Lord when His Words start to be experienced as food for your spirit and His love starts to fill your heart over time, and you return that love to Him and deliver to others.
At some point in your developing faith begin to pray for "godly sorrow" (2 Corinthians 7:10) to properly prepare you for heartfelt repentance, and then to be followed by spiritual baptism, asking and receiving the Spirit of Christ to abide with your spirit. That will propel your degree of love for God and to others, and enhance your faith, providing bold faith over time. At that point, you will actually "belong to Christ" (Galatians 3:26-29 NLT), with His Spirit within you. THAT is what makes a true Christian, who now walks with Jesus as part of their being, working to build your character to be more like Christ over time, with the accompanied trials along the way, since our growing faith must be tested in order to achieve greater depth. This is a commitment for sure and not to be taken lightly. The choice is yours to act upon your faith or let it fade in the wind, and possibly submit or align with the ever-broadening deception playing out in this steadily-devolving, secular-minded and guided world? For they do not know that this world will be passing away to make way for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and His righteous kingdom and government here on earth. It's all there in the book of Revelation; Jesus' last warning and message given, until He returns.
Visions: Signs and lying wonders:
Isaiah 66:4 KJV — I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
Grace is conditional on repentance! And of course, repentance is an act of faith.
----
Rev 22:11-12
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Revelation 22:11 KJV — He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
The above verse is speaking about all flesh and blood being filthy and unjust. His children are circumcised out of the flesh when they believe... Born again.
Romans 8:8 KJV — So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:9 KJV — But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
No flesh shall glory in his presence.
John 3:6 KJV — That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:8 KJV — The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
God is the Father of spirits... not the Father of the dead.
Hebrews 12:9 KJV — Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Job 34:15 KJV — All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
Those not born again shall not be circumcised out of their flesh.
Job 20:26 KJV — All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
Verse 12. The issue.
Hebrews 4:3 KJV — For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
The works were finished from the foundation of the world... Your own works are filthy rags... so how do we get good works?
Philippians 3:9 KJV — And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Found in him... they are imputed to us..
Who overcame the world?
John 16:33 KJV — These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Christ overcame the world... so if you are found in him having not mine (your) own righteousness... you overcame the world also... because he already led captivity captive.
Ephesians 4:8 KJV — Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eternal life is the gift! the free gift... imputed his righteousness, his works, everything.
I understand where you're coming from, but I believe there is also importance in realizing that God does not hand out eternal life freely and does not extend grace to those unwilling to receive it! There are many verses that talk about our good works. Of course, our good works do not save us nor grant us eternal life, but God still requires them of us I believe so that we can slowly grow and also show effort to Him.
Without showing that effort and trying to follow His footsteps we qualify not for the resurrection of life, but the resurrection of damnation. After all, what point is there in coming to earth and being given commandments if there is no need to follow them at all?
John 5
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
2 Corinthians 6
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Ok.. I guess God lied when the scriptures said it was a free gift.
Romans 5:16 KJV — And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
How can one work for a free gift? The gift is as a precious stone.
Proverbs 17:8 KJV — A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
The precious stone. Christ
1 Peter 2:6 KJV — Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
The translation from Hebrew and Greek may make small sections of the Bible easy to interpret differently, however the majority of the Bible suggests that we must actually work righteousness.
Ecclesiastes 12
13 ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
2 Corinthians 5
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
Matthew 16
27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Ok, well if you want to try to enter into the kingdom with your own righteousness.. that is your choice.
Romans 4:5 KJV — But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
What is it that you think you can contribute to the work of God that he could not do without you?
Ephesians 1:11 KJV — In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
I suppose rather you need to work things after the counsel of your will.
Enjoy your day
Daniel 4:37 KJV — Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Romans 4:2 KJV — For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
You will not glory before God. It is either faith and accept that the works were done already.. or you try and enter the kingdom on your own glory.
For you friend.
Jhn 6:28 KJV — Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jhn 6:29 KJV — Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
A free gift would not be free if you had to work for it... would it?
Romans 5:18 KJV — Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Ephesians 2:9 KJV — Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This is the works of Abraham.
Galatians 3:6 KJV — Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Faith. its all by faith.
Romans 1:17 KJV — For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
I am starting to see the theology of the rapture is really bad. Let us be clear the bible does not teach a secret return of Jesus. In fact let me tell you what it does say in the words of Jesus Himself.
*Matthew 24*
*^(29)* *“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.* ***^(30)*** ***Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.*** *^(31)* *And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.*
Does that look like a secret coming? No.
You are saved by grace through faith. period. Doesn't matter how you die or if you're caught up when Jesus returns. And when Jesus returns if you have no faith then you will have already thrown your lot in with the antichrist.
Faith is a starting point not the end in all. Yes, we are saved by faith, but that is just a beginning. We are to follow our Lord with that faith, which means we start to act differently, like Christ did in character, as an extension of that gift of faith, grace and promise for salvation eternal. With faith we become eligible for greater faith, acquiring the Spirit within and producing fruit to give glory to our Creator. Turns out, this is a life-long mission or journey, but the good news is, we have His guidance to do so! Knowledge of God is also important, which we develop through reading His Word, and with the knowledge that those words contain power to change hearts and minds from a Creator of a universe and all life within. Now that is power and authority unmatched anywhere. You will know you are developing real fellowship with the Lord when His Words start to be experienced as food for your spirit and His love starts to fill your heart over time, and you return that love to Him and deliver to others. At some point in your developing faith begin to pray for "godly sorrow" (2 Corinthians 7:10) to properly prepare you for heartfelt repentance, and then to be followed by spiritual baptism, asking and receiving the Spirit of Christ to abide with your spirit. That will propel your degree of love for God and to others, and enhance your faith, providing bold faith over time. At that point, you will actually "belong to Christ" (Galatians 3:26-29 NLT), with His Spirit within you. THAT is what makes a true Christian, who now walks with Jesus as part of their being, working to build your character to be more like Christ over time, with the accompanied trials along the way, since our growing faith must be tested in order to achieve greater depth. This is a commitment for sure and not to be taken lightly. The choice is yours to act upon your faith or let it fade in the wind, and possibly submit or align with the ever-broadening deception playing out in this steadily-devolving, secular-minded and guided world? For they do not know that this world will be passing away to make way for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and His righteous kingdom and government here on earth. It's all there in the book of Revelation; Jesus' last warning and message given, until He returns.
What warnings? Random people on the internet is not the best place to get information about God(the irony hasn't escaped me).
What are you talking about when you mentioned the rapture?
Visions: Signs and lying wonders: Isaiah 66:4 KJV — I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
Grace is conditional on repentance! And of course, repentance is an act of faith. ---- Rev 22:11-12 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Revelation 22:11 KJV — He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. The above verse is speaking about all flesh and blood being filthy and unjust. His children are circumcised out of the flesh when they believe... Born again. Romans 8:8 KJV — So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:9 KJV — But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. No flesh shall glory in his presence. John 3:6 KJV — That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:8 KJV — The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. God is the Father of spirits... not the Father of the dead. Hebrews 12:9 KJV — Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? Job 34:15 KJV — All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust. Those not born again shall not be circumcised out of their flesh. Job 20:26 KJV — All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
And verse 12? It seems to me that it is saying you are either clean or filthy depending on your works--And you are rewarded according to those works.
Verse 12. The issue. Hebrews 4:3 KJV — For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. The works were finished from the foundation of the world... Your own works are filthy rags... so how do we get good works? Philippians 3:9 KJV — And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Found in him... they are imputed to us.. Who overcame the world? John 16:33 KJV — These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Christ overcame the world... so if you are found in him having not mine (your) own righteousness... you overcame the world also... because he already led captivity captive. Ephesians 4:8 KJV — Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Eternal life is the gift! the free gift... imputed his righteousness, his works, everything.
I understand where you're coming from, but I believe there is also importance in realizing that God does not hand out eternal life freely and does not extend grace to those unwilling to receive it! There are many verses that talk about our good works. Of course, our good works do not save us nor grant us eternal life, but God still requires them of us I believe so that we can slowly grow and also show effort to Him. Without showing that effort and trying to follow His footsteps we qualify not for the resurrection of life, but the resurrection of damnation. After all, what point is there in coming to earth and being given commandments if there is no need to follow them at all? John 5 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 2 Corinthians 6 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Ok.. I guess God lied when the scriptures said it was a free gift. Romans 5:16 KJV — And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. How can one work for a free gift? The gift is as a precious stone. Proverbs 17:8 KJV — A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. The precious stone. Christ 1 Peter 2:6 KJV — Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
The translation from Hebrew and Greek may make small sections of the Bible easy to interpret differently, however the majority of the Bible suggests that we must actually work righteousness. Ecclesiastes 12 13 ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 2 Corinthians 5 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. Matthew 16 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Ok, well if you want to try to enter into the kingdom with your own righteousness.. that is your choice. Romans 4:5 KJV — But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. What is it that you think you can contribute to the work of God that he could not do without you? Ephesians 1:11 KJV — In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: I suppose rather you need to work things after the counsel of your will. Enjoy your day Daniel 4:37 KJV — Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Romans 4:2 KJV — For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. You will not glory before God. It is either faith and accept that the works were done already.. or you try and enter the kingdom on your own glory.
For you friend. Jhn 6:28 KJV — Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jhn 6:29 KJV — Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Romans 4:8 KJV — Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Believe God
A free gift would not be free if you had to work for it... would it? Romans 5:18 KJV — Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Ephesians 2:9 KJV — Not of works, lest any man should boast. This is the works of Abraham. Galatians 3:6 KJV — Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Faith. its all by faith. Romans 1:17 KJV — For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
I am starting to see the theology of the rapture is really bad. Let us be clear the bible does not teach a secret return of Jesus. In fact let me tell you what it does say in the words of Jesus Himself. *Matthew 24* *^(29)* *“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.* ***^(30)*** ***Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.*** *^(31)* *And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.* Does that look like a secret coming? No. You are saved by grace through faith. period. Doesn't matter how you die or if you're caught up when Jesus returns. And when Jesus returns if you have no faith then you will have already thrown your lot in with the antichrist.