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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | True...but what about 1 John 1:9? | 1 John 1:9 | reformedreader | 2904 | ||
Lifer, Yes, our salvation is complete because of the complete work of Christ. He has given us complete and utter redemption, justification, sanctification and reconciliation (forgiveness). If it is complete, then what further acts of Christ do we need to be or have what we already are and have? Hebrews address this same problem. Many 1st century Jews were still going to the Tabernacle to offer sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. The writer clearly explains how Christ's atonement was complete and brought an end to any future sacrifice (offering) for the forgiveness of sin. That is why Romans 8:1 can say what it says. I think the problem you are having might be that you are forcing the two verses to fit into perhaps a preconceived idea. I don't believe the two contradict each other because they are part of the same gospel message John is preaching. John is addressing an audience of people who are both unredeemed and redeemed. Perhaps as in our own congregations today there are those who are under the impression they are saved because they walked an aisle, repeated certain words and were baptized. Our Baptist churches are filled with unregenerate church members. John is merely doing the same any preacher would do. When presenting the gospel, there should always be a warning to repent of sin and the consequences for not doing so. There should also be the message of security for knowing that, as Christians, our sins (all) are forgiven (2:12). 1 John 1:9 and 2:12 merely compliment the complete gospel message and warns those who falsely believe they can be saved and have no problems with sin versus those who have problems when they sin and therefore, confess to God to restore the fellowship (not membership) of their relationship. Sam Hughey |
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2 | Fellowship? Am I in or out? | 1 John 1:9 | Lifer1J511 | 2910 | ||
Thanks for your help. Please humor one more question. What are the consequences for Christians who are 'out of fellowship' with God? I know it seems that I'm asking alot of questions that almost seem to say, "How much can I get away with?" But, I'm not trying to imply that. I don't believe we should sin so that grace may super-abound. What I need to know, and I don't think I'm the only one, is, 'Where do I stand with God?' If I've accepted the gospel that Christ died to take away my sins, and that He now resides in me living His life through me, then where do I stand? You been gracious enough to answer that, in Christ, I AM forgiven. Can I be in and out of fellowship, too? Other than 1 John, is there any other N.T. writings that deal with Christians being out of fellowship with God - what the consequences are, and what the remedy is? Thank you. | ||||||
3 | Fellowship? Am I in or out? | 1 John 1:9 | reformedreader | 2916 | ||
Lifer, Please don't be troubled with asking anything. Afterall, that is why we are here. The consequences for Christians who are suffering from an unhappy fellowship with God is unhappiness, weak faith, easily tempted into surrendering to sin, doubting their salvation and even leads to not believing God. If this persists, it can lead to disastrous results in both your Christian life and others who are both directly and indirectly influenced by you. Look at the "prodigal son" for example. He did not have the proper fellowship with his father which caused him to be envious and greedy (wanting his inheritence before its time). He wallowed in the mud with pigs (lowest form of life for Jews), yet his relationship with his father never changed. Your standing with God, if you are a believer, is certain. Your relationship has not been dissolved and never will be. Christ has stated in John 6:39 that the will of the Father is that of all whom the Father has given Him (Christ), He (Christ) will lose "NONE". Both the Father and the Son were and are fully aware of the sins we will commit in our future but our salvation is certain and not even the gates of hell can prevail against that truth. I think the terms "in" and "out" of fellowhsip are inaccurate and abused by many. It is another term "Bible-Believing" Christians like to use that is not even used in the Bible. I think the Bible refers to the "joy" of our fellowship being there or not as with David when he finally acknowledged his sins concerning Bathsheba and her husband. David suffered much, such as the loss of his child with Bathsheba and his reign as King would always be filled with violence. I cannot say what God will or will not do in any given situation. But I do know that God will allow us to wallow in the mud with pigs until we come to our senses. It can be very painful and we might lose much in the process, but our relationship will never, never be lost. Sam Hughey |
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