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NASB | Psalm 68:19 ¶ Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Psalm 68:19 ¶ Blessed be the Lord, who bears our burden day by day, The God who is our salvation! Selah. |
Subject: Salvation: Instantaneous, progressive? |
Bible Note: Nolan, Nolan, Nolan, Peace to you in Jesus' name! Please reread my posts, all of them if you must, and tell me that you truly think I deny the cleansing work of the blood of Christ and God's assurance of eternal life at the moment of apprehension by the Holy Spirit. My friend, I am merely trying to say that some folks don't have the same intellect, the same ability to grasp faith, the same upbringing in a Christian home, the same atmosphere of Judeo-Christian faith, the same environment of relative peace, the same freedom to express feeling or faith. There are those that are not able, for one reason or another, to appropriate and apply the faith that God gives. From a minister's point of view, a person that is touched by the Lord, then immediately starts walking in a manner worthy of this calling, studying the Word, fellowshipping with the saints, responding to the call of service, seeking and manifesting his gifts, this person is a JOY! It 'appears' that the work of the Holy Spirit is done! (Frankly, I don't think I have ever met anyone truly 'done' :-)) But there are just as many, or more, that flail and struggle, stumble and fall, but get back up again and continue to trust in the work of Christ. These are not the 'golden boys,' but the somewhat 'embarrassing' Christians. But they are God's children nonetheless! And I mean NONE THE LESS! My point of describing 'apparent' salvation is for such as these. If we do not explain that the work of the Holy Spirit is ongoing, these saints will be judged (and I mean judged, not discerned) by their peers as unworthy. This is sad and wrong, but true anyway. For you, with your ability to accept by faith complete salvation, there are the Scriptures that support a 'done deal.' Good for you! :-) But for others of weaker constitution, there are Scriptures that clearly speak of God's grace being continually poured out, working afresh today and tomorrow. Their salvation is assured daily (see above Scripture), not upon a past event. Indeed, some look back with shame for their failings, and wonder if the Lord really touched them. Then they open their Bible, or hear the preached Word that says, "My son, your sins are forgiven, again. (and AGAIN!)" You may try to intellectually argue with these people that they are really 'still' saved, but they don't see it the way you do. Nolan, for myself, I see things much the way you do. But I am called to (also) see how others know salvation. I am merely trying to state my observations. I was once told that I was not called to 'relate' with people, but only to 'relay' the message. I did that for a while, but found that it did not bear fruit, but only created a bigoted church. (with MY bigotry!) Several years ago, I said 'sayonara' to that method, and have been blessed with a peace I never knew before. The peace that comes from serving God's people, not MY people. There you have it! Sorry for the inclusion of 'experience!' :-) Love and joy to you in Christ Jesus, charis |