Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How do we know that we are truly saved? | 1 John 3:24 | DocTrinsograce | 141664 | ||
Hi, Momma! Nice to see you posting! I am certainly not a psychologist like Aixen and I am not a pastor like Glenn. (I tend to study a lot, but even so, I don't get everything right.) I hope that nothing is too contrary to the thoughts of these blessed men whose life is the ministry. I appreciated what Aixen said about facts. Facts are not dependent on my feelings, behavior, or even knowledge of them. They are simply true. The Lord dwells in the believer, and all three members of the Triune God participate in this (see Ephesians 1 through 3). By the way, I am a fan of Brother Lawrence, although I'm certain that I'd have theological issues with the man. I believe that tiny little book ("Practice of the Presence") is worthy to be read by all believers. Christ's ministry was a ministry of teaching. It was accompanied by signs and wonders, but even those were there to authenticate His authority (i.e., the correctness and divine source of His teaching). Sound doctrine must be conveyed by teaching. Every believer is involved in this learning process. Christ even stated that "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." Truth is really only believed to the extent that it is lived. Of course, this is also why I'm a stickler for sound doctrine. Here is a model of how I think it all works: You can broadly generalize a human being into cognitive (mind), volitional (will), and relational (heart). Doctrine enters the mind through learning, but that is just the beginning. The mind must apply the knowledge volitionally, that is via the will as expressed by decision and manifested by action. By exercising the will, the heart becomes engaged, and truth ends up being expressed by habits. My pastor expresses this with the alliteration of head, hands, heart, and habits. Ephesians 4:1 is the pivoting point of that epistle, making it clear that the theology in chapters 1 through 3 are part and parcel of the application of that theology (practice) being expressed in the imperatives of chapters 4 through 6. Now, there is a necessary balance in all of this. Head knowledge without application is hypocrisy. Heart activity without head knowledge is emotionalism. Volitional demands alone is legalism. See how all the extremes can be expressed when there is no balance? As another pastor put it, "Right doctrine leads to right living." All renewal begins with the renewal of our minds. This is why you can tie the work of salvation to the love of God. It is also why you can tie the expression of that love to works, etc. This is how we tie the expression of the Greatest Commandment to the life of the believer (Luke 10:27). Christ stated this in John 14:21, "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." See the progression? Cognitive, volitional, and relational. I hope that helps. Perhaps I have stated these thoughts in a clumsy manner. If so, maybe others will be so kind as to correct me. In Him, Doc PS Another class for me starts tonight. I may be a little less active in the forum as a consequence. |
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2 | How do we know that we are truly saved? | 1 John 3:24 | lionheart | 141666 | ||
God bless you Doc. I'll keep you in my prayers as you are going through this class. Dont be too much of a stranger though. I am always encouraged by your postings and heart for God. Always your brother in Christ, lionheart. |
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3 | How do we know that we are truly saved? | 1 John 3:24 | DocTrinsograce | 141673 | ||
Thank you for the encouragement, brother. I appreciate the prayers! While you're at it, if the Lord brings it to mind, you might pray for journey mercies for my far-better-half. She's in New Mexico and about to head back home. To God be the glory! In Him, Doc |
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4 | How do we know that we are truly saved? | 1 John 3:24 | lionheart | 141675 | ||
Thanx Doc, I will be praying for you and your wife as well. If you have the time or feel so inclined drop me an E-mail,you can find my address in my profile. Grace to you, lionheart |
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