Results 1 - 7 of 7
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | DocTrinsograce | 242542 | ||
Hi, rikbrooks... Martin Luther said it very well, "We are saved by faith alone, but it is a faith that is not alone." I liked the phrase you used: "outward manifestation of having been saved." Christianity is always observable. I think it was Paul Washer who said (and I paraphrase), "If you have an encounter with God, you cannot but come away from it changed. Just as if you have an encounter with an Mack truck, you cannot but come away from it changed." Redemptive history is all about what the Lord God has done. He has made dead men living (Ephesians 2:1) and brought estranged men together (Ephesians 2:15), building them together as a temple, made without hands, of which they are living stones, with Christ as the corner stone (Ephesians 2:20). This isn't a matter of man's doing, but entirely a matter of God's doing. He tells us more about this eternal purpose of His, when He says that we have been transformed in order that we will walk in good works (Ephesians 2:10). You objected to all of this by bringing the example of the thief on the cross. You wrote, "He never performed ANY good works." (sic) This is not true. The thief's regeneration was made manifest in his declaration of Christ's innocence. Yet there was more: He actually submitted to Christ by his prayer, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" (Luke 23:42) No lost person can make such an affirmation. Christ even affirms this transformation in v43. You asked, "What do I care about that?" (sic) You care because we are asked to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5 and Galatians 6:4). You care because if there are no evidences, then perhaps you might be one of those who will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Hebrews 4:1). You wrote, "My relationship with my Lord is deeply personal." What do the kids say? Meh. Your relationship with the Lord is one that He initiated and one in which He expects you to participate in the context of the local church. There is no such thing as Lone Ranger Christian. In fact, according to the Apostle John in his first epistle, the evidences of regeneration include a growing love for God, a growing love for His Word, and a growing love for the brethren. Anyone who thinks that they can love without it showing is a fool indeed. Love cannot help but manifest itself in behavior. You asked, "Should I go around trying to impress everyone around me with my piety?" (sic) Again... Meh. You know better than that. You asked, "I really don’t care if you or anyone else can discern what is in my heart. Is that wrong?" If you do not care, then you must not care about how Christ sees your heart. He said we are to be lights to the world (Matthew 5:14). He commanded us to love (John 15:12), something that He said would identify us to the world. If you do not care, then you are not one of His, just as He explains in John 10:26-27. Our Lord tells us that by our fruit we will be known (Luke 6:44). You see, the word regeneration is a very powerful one. Christians are new creatures in Christ, everything about the old man is gone and is replaced (2 Corinthians 5:17). No matter what you do, apple trees produce apples. But in regeneration (rebirth, new life) the very DNA (so to speak) of who we are changes. Christians always bear fruit (Mark 4:20). The internal realities cannot help but manifest in externally visible behaviors. You can't stop it even if you want to. In Him, Doc |
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2 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | rikbrooks | 242543 | ||
Thank you Doc, for taking the time for me. | ||||||
3 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | DocTrinsograce | 242544 | ||
You're very welcome... and you should know that the genuine believers who read this forum have already begun to pray for you. | ||||||
4 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | rikbrooks | 242545 | ||
I still have questions. I'm afraid that your answer didn't help me much. I am nevertheless grateful that you took the time from your day to try to help me. That is a sincere gratitude, I'm not at all being sarcastic (not being able to see my face it's easy to mistake my meaning). I am also grateful for the prayers. I'm trying to understand, I really am. I am mindful though that there are some things that I'll have to take on faith. There are some things that I'm just not going to understand and that's OK too. Maybe you have a deeper insight into this area than I do at this point. That's OK with me too. I'll just keep doing my best, reading the Bible and praying. If I never understand the truth then that's OK too, it will be God's will because I'll keep praying for wisdom |
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5 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | DocTrinsograce | 242550 | ||
Hi, Rik... You should also be continuously involved with a congregation where the Word is exposited. If you neglect that, then your other efforts will be without suitable direction and you will also be subject to error. Asking God to give you understanding is something that He does promise, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5-8) Indeed, probably one of the most efficacious prayers a person can pray is simply "Help!" God will never turn away the sacrifice of our utter dependence on Him coming through such a prayer. These things -- hearing the word, reading the word, praying with the brethren, worshipping corporately, sharing one another's burdens, participating in the sacraments (or ordinances if you prefer) -- are what are called "means of grace." You see, God cannot be approached in any way you like. No, we must approach Him the way He has directed. Any other ways are, quite simply, evil. Our God is not to be trifled with. Nonetheless, He has lovingly provided us with channels through which He empowers us to do His will. It is rather like the old time showers where you pulled a chain and the water would flow. That is a good analogy of what is meant by means of grace. By the way, there are some things I will never understand either. God tells us that very succinctly in Deuteronomy 29:29. But if you read that verse, you will discover that He does promise us knowledge that He reveals through the Word (Hebrews 1:1-2). Job is a good example. In that book the fundamental question asked is "Why do good people suffer?" It is interesting though that in Job (as in the other wisdom books) the "Why" questions are not answered. I believe there are three reasons why that may be so: (1) It is none of our business (per Deuteronomy 29:29); (2) We are incapable of understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9); (3) We really don't want the answer -- instead we are only trying to justify ourselves (e.g. Luke 10:29a; cf Proverbs 12:15). I often tell people to read through the New Testament. I always remind them: Do not worry about what you do not understand. God will not hold you responsible for what you do not understand. Instead, worry about what you DO understand. That will separate you from the double-minded man spoken of by James. In Him, Doc |
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6 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | rikbrooks | 242554 | ||
OK, Doc - THAT is a message that I understand. I'm going to go back and study those verses in an hour or so. I just awoke and although now is a great time for prayer as my mind is relaxed and unencumbered by responsibilities that I face each day it is not quite ready for study. That's just how I'm built. Creative to start the day then logical. Although I still don't understand this subject and these answers haven't helped me as much as I hoped I still have faith that God will answer my prayer and if He DOESN'T give me the wisdom that I seek it will be OK. I am seeking ways to do works. Since I've been praying on the subject I've met a couple that helps a place where poor people can go to get groceries. I can donate to them. Then there are other things that I can do but don't want to bore y'all with that. I AM going to a church. It's a non-denominational Christian church. They believe in going to church but then meeting in small groups during the week for specific study. I've joined one of those groups too. So again, without boring y'all, I am not trying to get around the works part, just trying to understand what seems to be a contradiction. Contradictions bother my scientific, logical mind. Then again, that might be God's point, huh? To make me stretch my credulity. To put me outside my comfort zone. Thanks for answering. I may have other questions when I study the cites that you provided. |
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7 | Grace vs Works? | James 1:22 | DocTrinsograce | 242565 | ||
Hi, Rik... The fundamentals of what we believe are simple, such that even children can grasp these truths. However, the truth is not shallow nor simplistic. We would not expect it to be! Think of the enormous profundity that is in creation: from Astronomy to Zoology. If the created realm is that profound, why would we think that our God would be simple? I want to point out to you that there ARE answers to your questions. The Scriptures are polemic, propositional, and purposely epistemic. God is a rational being who created language before humans ever came on the scene. His word is intended to convey the truths that He wants us to know. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17. He tells us that the Scriptures are to help us know what to believe, to correct the error in our minds, to instruct us in Godly behavior. All of this for the purpose of Christian maturity, and equipping us to be His servants. Some ten years ago I transcribed some of my notes on rightly interpreting the Scriptures. This is what we call hermeneutics: The science (systematic approach) of properly interpreting the Bible as it was meant to be understood by those who wrote it. If you like, you can read through those posts by entering the number 156916 in the search box in the upper right hand side of your screen. Perhaps some of that will be useful to you. In Him, Doc |
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