Results 1 - 2 of 2
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Salvation: Instantaneous, progressive? | Ps 68:19 | Reformer Joe | 28185 | ||
Randy: I concur with what I think you are saying here, if you mean that sanctification of our wills is a progressive thing that is not completed until we leave this earth. I also say that it is far more than an experiential thing. All throughout the New Testament we see on one hand our salvation as a "done deal" (Romans 8:29-30 is a very good example -- we are already GLORIFIED?). On the other hand, we see that we are "being saved" (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15). There definitely exists this tension in the Christian life that is explicitly set forward in the biblical text. On the one hand, we are not what we were before (Ephesians 2:3-5). We are not merely "sinners saved by grace." A true transformation has begun. On the other hand, we are certainly not all that we will be (1 Corinthians 15:49 ff. is a beautiful illustration of this, as is Philippians 3:20-21). I hold that the end of the journey for the elect is certain, but it is precisely that: a journey. God in His free grace who initiates our salvation will bring it to completion in His sovereign timing. Of course, we must also take into consideration the warnings against heresy and false brethren. Accepting all as saved simply because they have come forward can get us into an equally huge amount of trouble as automatically rejecting the new convert who is still struggling with (and often losing out to) the "old man." One of the best books I have ever read on the subject is a quite brief and simple one, called "Righteous Sinners: The Believer's Struggle with Faith, Grace, and Works" by Ron Julian. I have noticed that it can be picked up for just a couple of bucks at Christianbook.com, so I hope that you will excuse this shameless plug (I assure you I am getting no kickbacks!). Read it, folks; you will be glad you did! --Joe! |
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2 | Salvation: Instantaneous, progressive? | Ps 68:19 | charis | 28198 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings in Jesus' name! Well said, sir! I agree heartily with you about heresy and false brethren. Indeed, this 'cheap grace' is available wherever a minister is yearning for 'notches on his evangelical six-gun,' basking in the numbers of 'salvations' attributed his (dead) work. If one needed a license to preach the Good News to the lost, many 'veterans' would be guilty of 'professional negligence' and have their privilege pulled! :-) Seriously, a dearth of responsibility and discernment is evident in the church these days, and spiritual arrogance and self-serving ministry is rampant! I'll try to see if this book is available in Japan. It sounds good! (I'll tell them Joe! sent me :-)) Blessings and love in Christ Jesus, charis |
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