Results 1 - 4 of 4
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Accountable for every commandment? | NT general Archive 1 | inmyheart | 66454 | ||
Greetings Charis, We have already seen that believing on Jesus is an absolute essential for salvation. We have already seen that repentance is an absolute essential for salvation. Now the question, "What about water baptism?" There is much debate on this subject. One of the main subjects to be considered in this discussion is that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ "apart from all works." This statement is absolutely true. It is written, Eph 2:8,9-FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST. Now the questions arise: "Is calling on the name of the Lord classified as works?" "Is repentance classified as works?" "Is water baptism classified as works?" The answer to all three of these questions is no. No where in the Bible is calling on Jesus, repentance, water baptism, or reading the Bible classified as a form of works. Those that relate these things to works or the works of the Law appear to be greatly misled. One might say that repentance can certainly be very hard work, or very difficult. There are certain things or areas in each of our lives where the flesh does not want to repent, but never does the Bible classify repentance as works. It is the same for baptism. Water baptism is a command for all that repent and believe. It is not classified as "works." Hearing or reading the Bible might be considered as work or a chore by some, yet it is never classified as "works" in relation to working or earning your way into heaven. We need to hear and read God’s Word to learn more about God. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word. Thank you for your response, I have enjoyed your postings. God bless! |
||||||
2 | Accountable for every commandment? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66470 | ||
Dear inmyheart, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, I have read and reread your post, and can't help feeling that you want to say something, but aren't saying it. (?) Perhaps I am just reading too deeply, but it seems to me that you consider our salvation to be decided upon the sum of our walk with Christ. For instance, the Bible speaks of repentance in ways. The initial repentance is turning away from our sinful nature and turning toward God. This repentance is part of saving faith, and is also concurrent with calling upon the name of the Lord (for the first time). From this starting point we are saved. (Actually, God knew us from before our birth, so from His standpoint, we are saved even before we are 'apprehended' by God and respond to His calling!) After this 'meeting' with the Lord, we continue to call upon his name, to exercise the gift of faith, and repent from our sinful ways. But these subsequent actions are not for 'continued' salvation, but to serve the Lord, to perfect our lives, to please our Savior. I believe that water baptism is part of the latter sanctification, not the former justification. If we say that we must be baptized, repent daily, call upon His name daily, and read the Bible daily in order to 'preserve' our salvation, then we indeed begin to have a 'performance' based salvation. As I have said before, we are saved by grace (alone) through faith (alone). Nothing further is required to 'preserve,' 'validate,' or 'update' this salvation. However, obedience to the commandmants of the Lord Jesus pleases our God, and produces fruit and reward. This reward does not produce 'more-saved' saints. :-) It just pleases God. This, to me, is good enough. Well, it's late. Good night. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
3 | Accountable for every commandment? | NT general Archive 1 | inmyheart | 66492 | ||
Charis, The final proof or evidence of salvation is a person’s fruit after repenting, believing on Jesus, and water baptism. Yes, it's late. God bless |
||||||
4 | Accountable for every commandment? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66616 | ||
Dear inmyheart, Greetings in Jesus' name! With all due respect, this sounds like water baptism is a requirement for salvation, repenting and believing on Jesus are separate events or actions, and that we must produce fruit until the end of our days or we're 'toast.' I would not know where to begin (or end!) trying to define 'fruit' if it means 'sum.' My friend, I respect your opinion, and hope that your definitions are not as severe as they sound, but this is just too terribly close to 'performance-based salvation' for my taste. As a shepherd, I know more about the sheep entrusted to my care than anyone (except maybe my wife!). I can't think of a one, including myself, that would 'stand muster' if the Inspector were 'counting merits and demerits.' I believe we are saved by grace through faith, even though God knew the missteps we would make. Well, enough said. I'm sure you understand my stance. Blessings and peace to you and yours. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||