Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Rowdy, Rowdy, are you sure? | 1 Tim 2:9 | WalkingTalkingBible | 132185 | ||
Hi, Doc, when I used the word 'conversion' I was not speaking in theological terms. I do understand, however, that theologically, conversion has one meaning, and it's pertaining to the moment when one accepts Christ as Savior. I also understand that this is instantaneous. But in reality (spiritually), conversion also pertains to spiritual growth which is a process. When one accepts Christ as Savior, she doesn't immediately become holy. God teaches her to live holy. For example, when I first accepted Christ as Savior, I was full of pride, anger, and selfishness. Those sinful characteristics didn't just "fall off" when I accepted Salvation. As I grew closer to God, I was converted from prideful to humble. Later, I was converted from angry to peaceful, selfish to giving, hateful to loving. It's a process as I am being converted from the sin nature to holiness. And He's not finished with me, either. Holy is the very nature of God. I believe I'm safe in stating that no man has taken on the nature of God when Christ was accepted into his soul. However, I guess I could've used the word 'transition' but it means conversion! 2 Peter 1:4-8 "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." These don't all come in the instantaneous conversion, you obtain these characteristics of God as you walk faithfully with Him and are continually converted from the sin nature to holiness. What EdB responded concerning conversion and preaching - I could not have said it better. I didn't mean stop preaching. I mean that preaching and love has to line up with each other. God says that we are the light of the world. Light is silent. Our way of life should be a witness to others even when we are not preaching. A lot of people are preaching, but few are loving. God says He drew us with lovingkindness and that's the same compassion we ought to have for other souls. Let me know if you understand my position and thanks for responding. WalkingTalkingBible |
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2 | Rowdy, Rowdy, are you sure? | 1 Tim 2:9 | DocTrinsograce | 132234 | ||
Thank you, ma'am. I rather thought that you might be speaking in common terms, but I was curious. Thank you for explaining! Actually, I have noticed this same sort of "drawing" in my own life. In that sense there is a process that is only visible looking back over the past. From my own theological tradition I would call this an aspect of "electedness" (if there were such a word). :-) What we are talking about is expressed well by Francis Thompson in the poem "Hound of Heaven." (Though I find parts of it more poetic than soundly doctrinal.) Tying both of these topics (conversion and preaching) together: Unfortunately, among Baptist circles, we have been guilty of leading people to believe that saying a prayer, or walking an aisle, or some such thing is a kind of first step. Then, if you want to get serious about God, get baptized. Then, if you really want to be holy, sit in the front row and come to church every time the door is opened. Then, if you are even more serious about God, become a Sunday School teacher. Then, if you are even more interested in Godly things, become a deacon. Then, if you want to be really out there, become a preacher. But if you want to be super holy, become a missionary! I have searched the scriptures and I do not find this kind of optional behavior. I am bought with a price. I can do nothing but fall at the foot of the throne and cry out "I am but a dead dog!" What else is there but full submission to such an incredible Sovereign Lord! To mix love of self with worship of such an awesome Savior is to end up with nothing left but the filthy rags of self. I must come to Him through that narrow gate. Anything else is offering strange fire. Sorry... I do go on, don't I? :-) Thank you, again, for your comments. |
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3 | Rowdy, Rowdy, are you sure? | 1 Tim 2:9 | Mommapbs | 132243 | ||
Doc - a narrow gate it is indeed! When we visited Greece and went to the site of Lydia's baptism, the stream had been reinforced with concrete in an area to represent that place. As I looked at the construction it appeared as two funnels - wide at the mouth, narrow with steps leading down into the baptismal area and then wide again. "Many are called but few are chosen", came to mind when I stood there. Jesus does not call us to remain "dead dogs" (yet I understand more about how sinful I am as I grow in Him); He has called us to an abundant life, free in Him - to enjoy His presence and reflect His love to other "dead dogs." Blessings, mommapbs |
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