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NASB | John 6:49 "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 6:49 "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. |
Subject: O.T. Israel salvation? |
Bible Note: Dear zach†, Greetings from Yokohama in the name of Jesus! Friend I hear you, and I am well aware that Jude, James and, depending on interpretation, several other writers of Scripture could be thought of as saying that we are responsible for finishing (maintaining to the end) our faith. However, the sum of Scripture speaks to my heart that we can never merit salvation from hell and damnation, only reward on earth and in heaven. To my way of thinking, salvation is not a reward, but a gift without price or mortgage. After this gift has been bestowed, I do believe that the Bible speaks of reward on earth for *faithfulness* (not faith). This reward is something that God desires to give, but He will not without our submission and sensitivity to His design and will. This reward is given to some in life, according to His will, and to all upon the final judgement. In death we are fully humbled, and eternal reward is given in God's perfect reckoning, all positive, no negative. (thus no tears or dissatisfaction in heaven, all questions are answered, all accounts are settled, His sovereignty and peace rule all!) So, in my estimation, the answer is, "No, we cannot claim any part in our salvation from hell and damnation." The difference between us appears to be that I segregate faith and faithfulness. I am well aware that my stance has holes in it! :-) I pray they are filled by grace. The alternative is to believe in one argument or another, but both seem to be human in nature, not of God. When one is a clear 'victor,' I may reconsider, and align myself. :-) (I'm not holding my breath!) In the meantime I will remain 'simple,' praying that His grace is sufficient for me. I have another 'thought,' and I don't know where to put it, so I will close with it. As a minister of the Gospel, and a shepherd of those that hope in Christ Jesus, I have not found a practical way to segregate those that are still 'of faith' and those that are 'fallen.' If 'manifest faith' is the measure, then many I pray for are lost. I know of many that have tasted of the heavenly gift, and then departed from serving Christ. Some have returned, some have not. I cannot find a clear passage that tells me to give up on people just because they are not in church. I mean this in a personal, individual sense. Truly, there may be 'general' Scriptures to this effect, but none that speak to my heart. Maybe I am too soft? :-) (those that have heard me preach would never accuse me of this!) Nonetheless, I will continue to believe that God still loves these 'wayward' brethren, at least until the Lord convinces me otherwise. Joy in Christ Jesus, charis |