Bible Question:
By the blood of Jesus, believers are called righteous and saved. As believers, in our process of sanctification in our life time, is it a must that we undergo all sorts of trials, tests, and sufferings, etc.(the refining process of fine gold)? Is sanctification referred to what Paul said in 1 Cor 10:24 as the reward? How should I understand the relationship between being saved and sanctified? With this I mean, some believers believed and were baptized just before the moment of their death, there was no way for them to undergo the process of sanctification as such described in Zech 13:9. Hope I have expressed my question clear. Thanks for your help. Shalom Azure |
Bible Answer: Scripture ... Mat 20:1-16, 24:11-13; Rom 5:9-10, 8:29-30, 13:11; 1Co 1:18; Phi 2:12-13; Eph 2:8; 2Ti 1:9; Tit 3:5; Heb 9:28; Jam 1:2ff ... God's day to you, Azure, This is a repost of mine, in part. We must be born again to see heaven. It is the only requirement. Sanctification (salvation) can be viewed from three points, based on the tenses used: - Past Tense Eph 2:8 2Ti 1:9 Tit 3:5 - Present Tense ... it is ongoing 1Co 1:18 Phi 2:12-13 In our process of sanctification we do undergo trials, tests ... James 1:2ff is one passage on this. - Future Tense ... when we get to heaven Mat 24:11-13 Rom 5:9-10 Rom 13:11 Heb 9:28 1 Cor 10:24 says "Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor" ... so I am confused about your citation. But, sanctification is a reward in the future. Some believe, then die within minutes. Others are Christians for many years. No matter the length one obtains eternal life at the end, like the parable of workers who were hired at different times of the day - all got the same pay (Matt 20:1-16) Romans 8:29-30 form the chain. Verse 29 ends the chain and verse 30 are the links. If we misunderstand - the past tense, we may add works. - the present tense, easy believism can set in - the future tense, we may not persevere Please read the following http://www.biblebb.com/files/mac/45-41.htm http://www.wildernesschurch.com/articles/salvation.htm Hope this helps, Searcher |