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NASB | Ephesians 3:6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 3:6 [it is this:] that the Gentiles are now joint heirs [with the Jews] and members of the same body, and joint partakers [sharing] in the [same divine] promise in Christ Jesus through [their faith in] the good news [of salvation]. |
Bible Question:
Dear Brother Bill, "It [propitiation] is forgiveness for all sins (unrighteous acts) for all people for all time. It is reconciliation." This statement means that I am forgiven. "Forgiveness was provided at the cross by Christ's blood." This statement means that I am not forgiven. So, what are saying about propitiation of the Savior. Are we forgiven by it, or not. Or does it only provide for forgiveness? Peace, Lionstrong |
Bible Answer: Lionstrong, Thanks for the clarification. Now I understand. I believe that all sins were forgiven at the cross, both believers' sins and unbelievers' sins. The forgiveness that we HAVE (posess) was provided at the cross (back then). The forgiveness that OT saints experienced from animal sacrifices, was provided at the cross - Heb 9:15. I don't believe that anyone will go to hell because of their sins (breaking God's law). I believe that they will go to hell because of their unbelief in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished. But again, Lionstrong, forgiveness is not salvation. You are not saved by being forgiven. You are not saved by being reconciled. You are saved by the indwelling life of Christ in you - Rom 5:10, Rom 8:9, John 10:10, the new birth, being born again, being made a new creation, all different words for the regeneration that God causes to happen to believers. Salvation is being saved from the wages of sin (death) by the gift of God, eternal life in Jesus Christ - Rom 6:23. Forgiveness of sins was necessary so that we could have ETERNAL life. If your sins were not forgiven, the first time you sinned after the indwelling of God's Spirit, He would have to leave you. But because sins were, and now are, forgiven, He will never leave us or forsake us. And all of this is experienced through faith. God says that it is true, so I believe it. So the defining issue after the cross, despite all our wrangling of words, is not whether we are forgiven or not. The question to be asked is, 'Are you in Adam or in Christ? Are you born again of not? Is Christ's Spirit in you or not? Are you a new creation or not? Are you spiritually dead to God or alive to God through Jesus Christ?' I hope this answers your question. In Christ, Bill Mc |