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NASB | Ephesians 2:5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 2:5 even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace--His undeserved favor and mercy--you have been saved from God's judgment). [Rom 6:1-10] |
Subject: Thanks, but what about....? |
Bible Note: Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! My friend, I apologize for being cynical. As soon as I posted it, I felt that what I said questioning your ministry in the body of Christ was not in keeping with the spirit of this forum. I am sorry. That said, I must strongly agree with your last sentence! "Finally Cultures may change, but Jesus never changes. (Christ Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever Heb. 13:8) Jesus can transcend cultures." In fact, I will even 'up the ante' and say that Jesus DOES transcend cultures! ALL issues are evangelical. That is, if we understand the word to mean 'of the preaching of the Good News.' The saved are as much in need of Good News as the lost, IMHO. However, if we consider evangelism as being for the sole purpose of presenting salvation to the 'lost-who-were-never-saved' as compared to the 'lost-who-decided-to-be-saved-but-later-decided-not-to-be-saved-and-are-now-permanently-and-irrevocably-lost' (let me catch my breath! :-)), then I can see your point. So...I disagree. The God I serve is the same One that saved Moses, David, Peter and Doubting Thomas. He saves those that don't deserve salvation, and His salvation is indelible and irrevocable. Personally, I have no problem reconciling this enduring salvation with the (few) Scriptures that clearly speak of 'lost' salvation. These are aberrations, examples of extreme willfulness that few could achieve even if they wanted to. The alternative, relatively 'easy' loss of salvation, turns us into judgemental, arrogant, and myopic Christians. Again, one man's opinion. My ministerial gift is to shepherd His flock, and encourage the saints. My method is perhaps more graceful than, "One strike and your outta there!" :-) Actually, my church is quite orderly, and WYSIWYG. (What you see is what you get) In my few years of experience, the mature need grace in exactly the same quantity and quality as the newborns. It just works in different areas and is more subtle. :-) I gotta go. Grace, peace and love to you as well. In Christ Jesus, charis |