Results 1 - 20 of 33
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: knucklehead Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What is iniquity in Matthew 7:23? | Matt 7:23 | knucklehead | 124053 | ||
Greg: I just happened to run across this old thread that apparently lasted for 3 weeks! I didn't read all the comments (nor much of the referenced material), but I found it interesting to observe the dialogue. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses and have been kicked of this site several times for espousing our understanding of Scripture which you are probably aware rarely, if ever, crosses paths with "Protestant America." While I agree with many on the forum that Christians are not under the law (the covenant was with the Israelites and as a nation they were rejected), I do agree that the principles of the Mosaic Law are applicable to Christians today. Unlike many forum members, I agree with you that endurance to the end and doing the Father's will are conditions for salvation. I also agree that false religion is a favorite tool of the "messenger of light," and the weeds overtook the wheat until the time of the end described in Daniel 12. The question I have has to do with the extent to which Christians are obliged to follow the law. What of animal sacrifices, pelting with stones, etc? Hoping your still available, Knuck (don't ask) |
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2 | What is iniquity in Matthew 7:23? | Matt 7:23 | knucklehead | 124060 | ||
I thought you and/or Tim and/or Ed were the moderators. Now I know. Thank you sir, may I have another. |
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3 | Can a prayer cause one's salvation? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123422 | ||
Can the following prayer guarantee "eternal life"? "A Suggested Prayer to Receive Jesus Christ Dear Lord and Savior, I know that I have sinned against You and that I am not living within Your plan. For this I ask forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and in doing so, paid the penalty for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin and now ask You to come into my heart and life as personal Savior. Help me now, to follow and obey You as Lord and to find Your perfect will for my life. If you prayed this prayer, you now have eternal life!" This is a quote from this website under the Question: Who is Jesus? |
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4 | What is meant by "last day" in John 6:44 | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123427 | ||
Better late than never. Revelation chapter 20 relates the end of the thousand year reign of Christ. The culmination is when Satan is let loose to offer a final test of perfect humans, those who have survived the previous great tribulation and Armaggedon and those resurrected from the dead. (Not unlike Adam was tested as a perfect creature in the beginning.) For those who reject Satan and choose to recognize God as Sovereign Lord, they will be truly resurrected, in that, they will now be granted everlasting life since their names will be indullibly written in the scroll of life. You are correct - the last day under a world where Satan can threaten us will end and a new day will begin. This day will pick up where the sixth creative day ended - all was very good - and continue the seventh day as God originally purposed life to be, Paradise forever and ever and ever and . . . |
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5 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123429 | ||
So you agree it is a little presumptuous to say: "If you prayed this prayer, you now have eternal life!"? |
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6 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123443 | ||
Tim: I've prepared the following commentary so as to show how important accurate knowledge is to praying what one means: 1Th 5:8 – “But as for us who belong to the day, let us keep our senses and have on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation; because God assigned us, not to wrath, but to the acquiring of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our salvation is a hope. Although a guarantee, is not possessed until God provides it. He has furnished the means, but only those that have endured to the end will be saved. (Matt 24:13) It is thus “acquired.” Rom 4:18 – “Although beyond hope, yet based on hope he had faith, that he might become the father of many nations in accord with what had been said: “So your seed will be.”” Abraham was declared righteous for salvation based on exercising faith that Paul says was based on hope he never attained during his life.(Heb 11:39) At Rom 8:24-25, Paul states: ”For we were saved in this hope; but hope that is seen is not hope, for when a man sees a thing, does he hope for it? But if we hope for what we do not see, we keep on waiting for it with endurance.” Paul speaks in the past tense as if already "saved" in order to emphasize God's reliability. Many pre-Christian prophets spoke of yet-to-be fulfilled events as if already having occurred. (I can provide examples if needed.) If our salvation was already here, we would lack the basis for faith that is essential for endurance. Rom 5:3-5 – “And not only that, but let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment; because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, which was given us.” The relationship between the true hope of salvation and genuine faith are paramount. Since faith follows the things heard, more than a casual knowledge of truth concerning God is vital. (Rom 10:17) A person cannot hope in what he does not truly know, so a prayer such as I quoted would not be genuine. I'm pretty sure you'll have a problem with this, but I just can't believe that such a prayer could be enough. |
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7 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123475 | ||
Tim: Another related thought that's no doubt been beat to death on the forum is: Why does so much of the content of the letters written to the Christian congregation, including Jesus' words to the seven congregations in Revelation, involve attitude,conduct, etc. if the audience was already saved? It doesn't appear the point was to stop anyone from worrying, but rather to take it more seriously in order not to lose something. They needed to be reminded of God's great love and how He will legitimately expect us to respond to it.I think that the Scriptures indicate that the free gift of eternal life is available to all and cannot be earned. But we can show by our conduct a lack of appreciation that will cause us to forfeit the gift. Yahweh promised the Israelites a covenant to "time indefinite" but it was conditional. God did not break his side of the agreement, they did. Likewise with Christians, the hope is sure, but endurance is necessary. Thus Paul, John, James, Peter, and Jude found it important to keep addressing this issue. Works that reflect our sincere gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice, living no more for ourselves, indicate faith in the ransom, please God and work out salvation. That is why Satan continues to attack Christians, seeking to devour us. If saved already, he's mistaken and wasting his time. If I'm correct, this is not bad news. Think of it as the knowledge we now possess concerning cigarettes. People once died not knowing smoking was the cause. Now people can take appropriate action to avoid a similar outcome. So God will even resurrect the unrighteous that have died not knowing the truth. However, for all having considered this issue, He will expect us to "do the Father's will, not just say Lord, Lord." I'll end here rather say more and risk complicating things. Take care. |
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8 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123519 | ||
Brad: That was my point: If we are already saved, why would Satan bother with us? He should move on to someone not yet saved and try to prevent him from being such. All these letters to the saints admonish for a reason. So far, I am saved. I say that because I am also aware of the Bible’s counsel not to be overconfident of our standing. (1 Cor. 10:12) What is the reason for that? To persons who had been born again and had the hope of heavenly life (Heb. 3:1), the apostle Paul wrote: "Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; but keep on exhorting one another each day, as long as it may be called "Today," for fear any one of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin. For we actually become partakers of the Christ only if we make fast our hold on the confidence we had at the beginning firm to the end." (Heb. 3:12-14) It is by growing in knowledge and appreciation for the truth found in God’s Word that we fortify our faith. We must choose life. (Deut 30:19) People spend time at what they set a high priority on. These are works. Fleshly works show a lack of faith while spiritual works show true faith. We should do what our heart impels us to do - not thinking we are earning anything, but respondng gratefully as a man rescued from drowning does to the one that pulled him to safety. Even if I am misinterpreting, I feel safe in my position before the One who judges righteously. Thanks for all your input. |
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9 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123546 | ||
Brad: John 3:36 states: "And he who believes in (has faith in, clings to, relies on) the Son has (now possesses) eternal life. But whoever disobeys (is unbelieving toward, refuses to trust in, disregards, is not subject to) the Son will never see (experience) life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Are you saying that such reliance cannot cease for someone "saved." This is to me the reason why the apostles and older men repeatedly counseled the first century Christians: Don't loose your faith and thus loose your salvation! "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Heb 11:6) MUST believe! James said it stronger: "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord." Faith can be lost - one can drift away or one can shipwreck his faith through recklessness, and if and when it ever happens, that one is in serious spiritual danger. Keep asking God for the fruit of his spirit, including faith, and act in harmony with those prayers as we feed on His word and apply his perfect counsel in our daily life and he will add to our supply of this vital quality. When people talk about someone that is a "Christian" but has returned to his vomit (old worldly ways), they will often say to the effect: I guess he thought he was saved but really wasn't. Can we really be so sure about ourselves? If we behave similarly, will it not belie our claim of salvation? Again I quote Paul: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" |
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10 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123547 | ||
What about the pastor that actually does molest children? Is he still saved? 1 Corinthians chapter 5 gives instructions for someone called a brother that violates what is holy. Hand him over to Satan so the congregation will not be contaminated, yet with the intent of bringing such a person to his senses to get forgiveness. I know we have a spiritual battle and that true Christians are a special target of Satan. I thought someone might say that he attacks us so we stop preaching, but that's not the only reason as I've elaborated in another post about faith to you. Take care. |
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11 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123553 | ||
Zsuzsi: You say: "If we live by this Spirit, we will be "in" but not "of" the world - this is what Jesus prayed for in John 17." That "IF" is very important, and the crux of my argument. "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." Satan wants us to be lured back into the world, and will not quit until he is abyssed when the judgement of those living at Armaggedon comes. He tempted the perfect men Jesus and Adam in an attempt to thwart God's loving purposes, and will do it again to each privileged to be alive when he's released from the abysss after the thousand year reign. (Rev 20) Luther carried his complaint against the church's greedy indulgences to far. The trap of misinterpreting God's undeserved kindness is just as dangerous. Thanks for your comments. |
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12 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123559 | ||
In answer I quote Titus 3:10,11: "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." To what will such a "saved" brother be condemned? Paul told the Phillipians: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Later as Paul's death appeared close he says he did lay hold of it. (Couldn't find the ref. just now.) Let me know what you think. |
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13 | Why need of endurance? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123712 | ||
Why does Paul preach endurance if his audience is saved completely with no prospect of losing such status? | ||||||
14 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123731 | ||
God is faithful and will fulfill his end of the bargain. But in the context of all the cited verses, Paul speaks of the obligation of one hoping to be the recipient of such awesome blessings. Notice Romans 8:12-14: "So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh, to live of the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the Spirit you are putting to death the evil deeds prompted by the body, you shall live forever. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Notice that little often overlooked word "IF." Yes, if you put away the works of the flesh you will be saved. Thus endurance under test is needed. The power beyond what is nornal will be provided IF we rely on God and act courageously to apply his righteous ways in our daily lives. In Phillipians 3:12,13 Pauls acknowledges: "Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me and made me His own. I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own yet; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." Notice however what Paul proclaims at 2 Tim 4:7,8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day--and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing." Why the difference? Verse 6 indicates he knew his death was imminent, and he knew he had endured to the end! God would not forget his works nor the love he had for his name. Peter speaks encouragingly to Christians in order to build them up in the face of persecution. However, 1 Pet 4:18 states: "For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" Chapter 5:8 talks about the possibility of the Devil causing one's spiritual death. Why is it even hard for the righteous to be saved? Why judge the house of God? Persecution will make it difficult to maintain an approved standing before God. And, not all saying "Lord, Lord" are actually doing the Father's will, thus will not be saved. (Matt 7:21) Yes, IF is a big word, but not one we need to dread. God's commandments are not burdensome, but loving. |
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15 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123733 | ||
I believe Jesus' half brother understood the true meaning of Christ's words you quote. He states at Jude 4,5: "For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered (saved) his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. I ask you to please tell me: Why did he pen these words except to warn against some who would false teachers would mislead people to believe that nothing could change their "saved" status before God? Do not be mislead. Bad associations spoil useful habits. (1 Cor 15:33) |
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16 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123734 | ||
I agree. And that listening (obeying) must continue until the judgment at Armaggedon or one's death, whichever comes first. Your choosing of life through Jesus' ransom does not end with an admission, typically based on limited knowledge, but your choosing must continue to be manifest in all your subsequent decisions. | ||||||
17 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123735 | ||
So you literally believe that no one that says he's saved will not be saved? (Jude 4,5) I fear you have listened to such godless men that Jude warned against. | ||||||
18 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123742 | ||
Brad: If I haven't already provided this, compare Paul's statements about his salvation at 2 Tim 4:6-8, and later, at Phil 3:12-16. Also his comments to the young overseer at 1 Tim 6:12 and 2 Tim 2:10-13 are enlightening. I do think this issue is worthy of our consideration, and am enjoying your heartfelt comments. Thanks. |
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19 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123744 | ||
Hank: People have gone so far as to justify infant baptism based on this account. (After all his whole household must have included infants, so they conclude.) However, verse 32 does leave much to the imagination. Fortunately, we have the complete Bible to indicate what in addition to mere belief Paul taught as essential to salvation. I'll plead as did Jude in verses 4,5: "For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe." |
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20 | Is the quote presumptuous? | John 6:44 | knucklehead | 123745 | ||
This may open another can of worms, but what do you say is the context of Matt 24:3? I side with James on this issue: "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." (James 2:18,24) |
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