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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Narrow Gate further questions | Matt 7:14 | terrib | 111986 | ||
BDE, You wrote, "What action of ours constitutes entering through the small gate?" God has given us the ability to make choices. By making the choice to follow Jesus we have entered through the strait gate. (Mat 7:13 KJV) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: The only thing Jesus is asking us to do is believe in Him. He is the way. (Joh 14:6 KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." means the choice is strait and narrow. By believeing in Him we have entered through the gate. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. You wrote, "Once we have done so how can we ensure we stay on this path to salvation?" And here again we have choices. The book of James may help in understanding Christian living. In studying the Bible, more of these meanings will be opened up to you and your understanding and faith will be increased. (Rom 10:17 KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Hearing what? The Word of God. How do we hear it? Read, listening to sermons. And by reading His Word our hearing gets better and leading to understanding. Jesus also promised not to leave us without any guidance. (Joh 14:26 KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Hope this helps, terrib |
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2 | further question on the gate | Matt 7:14 | BDE | 112885 | ||
Dear Terrib, sorry for the dealy I have been travelling and each time I write a response the system tells me I have missed something and makes me write the whole thing again. You say that the only thing Jesus is asking us to do is believe in Him and the action of believing gets us through the gate. However in Mark 16:16 Jesus appears to be saying (sorry dont know how to paste text from NASB) that we must believe and be baptized in order to be saved. So if believing gets us through the gate does baptism ensure we reach the end of the way? Thank you for your ongoing help |
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3 | further question on the gate | Matt 7:14 | terrib | 112892 | ||
Dear BDE, No, baptizism is not the assurance that gets us to the end. The assurance (promise) is higher than that. The assurance (promise) is: (Joh 6:37 KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. As to baptism: this subject is well documented on this forum, type the word baptism in the box titled "Quick Search". But, I will offer this at this time: As indicated in the general articles on BAPTISM and SACRAMENTS, the doctrine ordinarily held by Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, Methodists, and also by Low-Church Episcopalians, differs from that of the Roman and Greek churches, and of High-Church Anglicans, in its rejection of the idea that baptism is the instrumental cause of regeneration, and that the grace of regeneration is effectually conveyed through the administration of that rite wherever duly performed. The teaching of Scripture on this subject is held to be that salvation is immediately dependent on faith, which, as a fruit of the operation of the Spirit of God in the soul, already, in its reception of Christ, implies the regenerating action of that Spirit, and is itself one evidence of it. To faith in Christ is attached the promise of forgiveness, and of all other blessings. Baptism is administered to those who already possess (at least profess) this faith, and symbolizes the dying to sin and rising to righteousness implicit in the act of faith (Rom 6). It is the symbol of a cleansing from sin and renewal by God's Spirit, but not the agency effecting that renewal, even instrumentally. Baptism is not, indeed, to be regarded as a bare symbol. It may be expected that its believing reception will be accompanied by fresh measures of grace, strengthening and fitting for the new life. This, however, as the life is already there, has nothing to do with the idea of baptism as an opus operatum, working a spiritual change in virtue of its mere administration. In Scripture the agency with which regeneration is specially connected is the Divine “word” (compare 1Pe 1:23). Without living faith, in those capable of its exercise, the outward rite can avail nothing. The supposed “regeneration” may be received - in multitudes of instances is received - without the least apparent change in heart or life. Many might argue the point, my only response would be, and not to attack or malign, but to read the Scriptures in context and ask The Father to open the mind. (Read all the Scriptures and do not make a doctrine upon one verse.) terrib |
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4 | further question on the gate | Matt 7:14 | BDE | 112895 | ||
Dear Terrib I appreciate your help. FYI I do read the bible for several hours each week and study carefully either whole books or individual concepts. Like you I do look to the Lord for guidance but some things do have me puzzled and I thanak you for your help. As you suggest I will explore the Baptism part of this site as I can not understand why Jesus would make it a prerequisite for salvation (Mk 16:16) and yet you seem to imply its not necessary. I do not question your belief, just trying to understand the truth. Mk16:16 cant not contradict other scripture and likewise other scripture can not contradict it. All must be in harmony as they are from God. So, thank you for your view, which is informative and helpful but still leaves me feeling that what our Lord stated was indeed something different. I will continue my pursuit of the truth. Once again, thank you and I wish you a great life in Christ Regards Barry |
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