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NASB | Acts 15:11 "But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 15:11 "But we believe that we are saved through the [precious, undeserved] grace of the Lord Jesus [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us eternal life], in just the same way as they are." |
Bible Question:
Are we getting caught up in a snare set by the adversary? My first understanding of a Christian was person that came to saving grace in Christ as a repentant sinner. There were repentant liars, repentant murders, repentant thieves, repentant adulterers, repentant horse thieves, all had fallen short but had repented and turned to Christ for salvation. Today we try to define Christians as anyone the believes in Christ, they can be liars, murders, thieves, adulterers, horse thieves, anyone that falls short but has come to Christ for salvation. We neglect one word repentant. The definition of repentant is some one demonstrating repentance. The definition of repentance is the process of repenting. The definition of repenting is the process of changing ones thinking based on the regret of having committed past sins. To abjure or recant past sins, to turn away from. Is repentance necessary for salvation? My Bible says it is! Jesus said we must repent. Peter in his first two sermons said we must repent. Repentance and the need for repentance is woven all through the New Testament. Now the question really becomes does a truly repentant person willfully and with forethought continue to lie, commit murder, steal, commit adultery, and steal horses? Can you show me in scripture where it says that? And further can anyone show me in scripture where is says a Child of God washed in the blood can continue to sin with impunity? |
Bible Answer: According to Acts 15:11, we are saved by Grace. Grace can be defined as mercy, clemency, temporary immunity or exemption (not from the law, but from death). A favor rendered by one who need not do so. Grace is divine love and protection bestowed freely on people. It is a state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God. Grace is often misunderstood and misinterpreted by many, even pastors and priests, who lead the congregation as shepherds over God’s flock. Romans 3:23-25 says we are justified freely by grace. To be justified is to be free of guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin through the redemption in Christ. Christ “purchased” our lives with his own. We, therefore, are indebted to him. There are terms and conditions as described in 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 5:20-22, Ephesians 5:4-6, and Hebrews 12:27-29. These are not taught in churches for fear of losing the congregation. These conditions come from laws given by Moses from God. John 1:17 says, the law was given by Moses but Grace and truth come by Christ. We are saved by Grace, but we must still follow the law and keep his commandments. He will continue to forgive us our sins; however, he is not to be tested, for he is a consuming fire. We must, therefore, be hot for if we are lukewarm he will spit us out, Revelations 3:16. “But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5 |