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Smoke Screens?
- Thread starter H. Richard
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Obedience of Faith.I'm the resident guru...? Ha! Didn't know that.
I thought I was probably viewed as Sister Speaks A Lot.
I have this thing where I've learned a little bit (very LITTLE bit) about beginning to walk in the Spirit with a less wobbly gait, and I know every mistake and error I have made along the way. About walking in the Spirit, I can't even speak really, except to keep pounding on the one thing that will get us there. Trust, trust and more trust. Just a constant refrain of - I don't understand Lord, but I trust You. I don't like whatever this is You are doing, its making me sad and cranky, but I trust You Lord. I have no idea how you are going to bring me the money I need in 3 more days and You have cut it very close, but I trust You Lord. And on and on, just trust, see where you really aren't trusting but are doing an end around so sneaky that you even fooled YOURSELF that it wasnt a lack of trust. And then, begin practicing trust in that area. Its...learning the obedience of faith (trust).
I am a broken record that will keep playing one word over and over again - trust. It was struggle for me to get where I am in it and if I can help lessen anyone else's frustration, I will just keep repeating the word!
Perfect.
Romans 1:5 and 16:26.
In fact, if we read Romans 16:25 we learn how by having faith in Jesus, and according to the commandment of God, the obedience of FAITH has been made known to all nations.
I would say that we need only to trust our Lord and not worry about anything.
No, you shouldn't shut up lol.
But here's the thing. The other harder verses do seem scary. You want to just refuse them for fear what you have will be taken from you if you struggle with those verses. But that's not what happens if you struggle with them. What happens instead is...its too wonderful to put into words, but I will think about if a way comes to me.
No need to struggle with verses SBG.
We have the ONE that WROTE those verses!
I just hate to hear that it's not necessary to obey God...
Or that we don't have to do ANYTHING but believe.
This is not taught.
We love God.
We obey God.
We do our best.
That's about it.
We cling to HIM, and fear nothing.
Yes, that's all we need to do. But it's harder than it first sounds. Learning the obedience of trust is a struggle. The whole world works against our having the obedience of trust. The devil works against it. Your own flesh works against it.
Satan doesn't care if we sit here another 500 years and argue doctrine. He doesn't care if we feed the poor. What terrifies him is that the weak church might begin to have that radical trust Jesus had and the apostles had and become a strong church again.
Great post.
But that the church would wake up and become strong again as you've said.
If only the young generation would discover what a treasure it is to know God !
I love
Proverbs 3:5-6
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding.
6In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will direct your paths.
Helen
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I heard something recently. I can't really prove it from scripture. I definitely can't prove it from experience (yet), but deep down I know it is right. In our fellowships, we need to love and not murder each other over doctrine. If we begin to do this, and we love each other rather than just keep blowing each other up, and if we keep our fellowships small, 5 or 6 people, and each of those people learn true fellowship and laying down their lives of pride for each other, we will have the right conditions for the fire to come down. The person I heard it from has some experience and I trust Him. He also says, we can't make the fire come down or decide when it will, but we will be ready for when it does.
I don't concern myself so much anymore with how others judge my salvation/relationship with my Father. It's between me and Him and only He understands all things concerning my life.
Am I saved? Absolutely, I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is the Son of God who willingly died for me and saved me from the curse of sin and death.
Am I saved? Absolutely, I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is the Son of God who willingly died for me and saved me from the curse of sin and death.
Helen
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Phoneman777
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Hi H. R., it seems to me that all those things on your list (except what I crossed out) comprise "a relationship with Jesus" - and a healthy one at that - do they not?
What relationship is there that doesn't involve loving service to the one you love?
Let's focus on the real problem which plagues Christianity today: people who want to be called Christian but have not the slightest interest in doing what Christ asks...even going so far as to claim "freedom in Christ" to do that which He forbids --- and condemning as "under the law" those who strive to "keep His commandments and do those things which are pleasing in His sight." Just my $.02
Note:- if you want to get our attention to your post , its best to tag us.
If you just write " ByGrace" it is not 'alive', and wont show up in our alerts.
But if you write it as @GodsGrace she will now get an Alert when she check back on here. just a heads up.
Good question.
I can only answer via my own experience.
The Lord called my hubby and I to do Bar and Pub work.
Every Friday night my dad would babysit our kids and we would go around the Pubs, Clubs and Bars in our area and towns outside our area.
( what made this easy... David was a 'professional' drinker...
God gave us the passion and desire for this ministry. Our home church prayed for us while we were 'out there' on Fridays. We talked to hundreds.
We also got into many dangerous situations...so were thankful for prayer covering.
We did it for five years.
Two years in we were getting a bit down about it because we didn't SEE a whole lot of fruit for our labours.
We were talking to two of our prayer covering and they were retired Missionaries from Africa.
They encouraged us and said ..."Fruit or not , is not your business, you just do what God has told you to do, = sow seed.
God will take care of the 'watering' and the 'harvest'...which you probably wont even see. "
That encouraged us. And the next three years we did what we were called to do.
So "successful " cannot be measured here, ... but for each of us Obedience is the issue at hand...the outcome is in Fathers hands.
That's my two cents.
It was Mother Theresa that said..."God has not called us to be successful...but faithful.
Grace does indeed enable us to live the Christian life and to do good works; but it should be clear that those works don't save us.
What saves us, alone, is forgiveness through (faith in) the blood of Christ.
I hate to hear that too, that its not necessary to obey God. I also hate to hear someone say the laws of God are done away with. Of course, some will read what I just wrote and will give hearty agreement, because they don't understand what I mean when I say these things. And then others will read what I wrote and disagree, also not understanding what I mean when I say them!
How perfectly odd is THAT??
JohnPaul
Soldier of Jehovah and Christ
Grailhunter
Well-Known Member
@GodsGrace @"ByGrace" @stunnedbygrace
What Is Belief?
Belief or faith in Yeshua is more than a person believing a man named Yeshua once lived. Believing that Yeshua was merely an historical figure will not help you. You must accept and believe in Yeshua as your savior, this is the power of Faith. And as your savior He accomplished all of the above items. If you do not believe that Yeshua delivered you from sin, then you’re not saved. If you are a Christian and still think you are capable of sinning against God the Father, you might want to look for some animals to sacrifice because Christ will probably only be crucified once, (once for all sins.) (Rom. 6:10, Hebrews 10:12) If you do not believe that Yeshua established a New Covenant between God and Man then you are not offered the grace of the New Covenant. If you do not recognize Yeshua as the Son of God you are not saved. If you still hold on to the old relationships with God, as the Jews do looking to the Law as a moral guide, you have not accepted the provisions of the New Covenant and you are not saved.
Many believe that the phrase “New Testament” means New Text or New Book, when in fact the phrase “New Testament” is a misnomer. The Old and New Testaments refer to the Old and New Covenants. Some people understand this but they do not know why the Church labeled them Testaments and I am not going to get into it....
There is a reason why the Old Covenant is called the OLD Covenant. Because it is the portion of the Bible that tells of the time when God’s people “ONCE” lived under the Laws of the OLD Covenants….the Old Agreements, with a very wrathful God. Paul made a distinction between those that are under the Law and those who are not under the Law, but rather faith. (Romans 3:19-21 & 4:14 - 16, Galatians 4:21, 1st Cor. 9:20) The Old Covenants and the Old Covenant Laws was a testimony that their was something wrong. They prescribed overtly violent acts, hideous rituals, and the Laws that pertained to women were hateful at best. God promised his people that compliance to the Law would insure many Earthly rewards and His blessings, but some of the things it involved was unthinkable. I have said it before but the reader should read through the 613 Mosaic Laws and determine for yourself. Would you want to read these Law and rituals into Church?
Now the Apostle Paul like all of us made his mistakes, but as he made his way through the journey of salvation he learnt as he went. Towards the end of His ministry he learnt the advantages of females and angels. He also realized that salvation had many elements and aspects and he wrote it down,
· Faith
· Love
· Forgiveness
· Grace
· Justification
· Sanctification
· Adoption
· Glorification
· Reconciliation with God the Father
· A dynamic relationship with God’s begotten Son
· Eternal Life
So the Apostle Paul reasoned this out by logical reasoning and divine inspiration. So he said that under the terms of the Old Covenant no flesh could be Justified. (Acts 13:38-41, Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16-21, 3:11) Because the Law itself brought about the wrath of God. But for those that have entered into the New Covenant with God….where there is No Law, neither is there violation, (Romans 4:15) Christians are not under the Law but under grace. (Romans 10:4 Galatians 5:18) Because apart from the Law sin is dead. (Romans 7:8) As Christians we serve God in the newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter of the Law. (Romans 7:6) As Christians we cannot sin, (As defined by the Old Covenant.) because in order to sin, one must break the Mosaic Law (1st John 3:5-9) Because Christ, our savior was the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believes in Him. (Romans 10:4, Ephesians 2:15) We are Justified by Faith apart from the Law. (Romans 3:28, 5:1) The clock of Grace makes us perfect before God the Father.
The Apostle Paul referred to the Old Covenant and the Ten Commandments as a ministry of death and condemnation. Stating that the letter of the Law kills, but the spirit gives life, (2nd Corinthians 3:1-9) and said that Yeshua freed us from the curse of the Law. (Galatians 3:13) And said that the Law was only a shadow of the good things to come. (Hebrews 10:1) The Old Law was set aside because of its weakness and uselessness. For Yeshua is the mediator for us, in a better Covenant with God (Hebrews 7:18-22 & 8:1-13 & 10:9) In Ephesians 2:15&16, Paul had this to say; “….by abolishing in his flesh the ENMITY, which IS the LAW OF COMMANDMENTS contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having put to DEATH ENMITY.
In Galatians Paul had a warning for those that seek to live under the Law or look to the Law as a moral guide. “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:4) For those that look to the Laws for righteousness and thereby sin under the Law, Hebrews has this to say; “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgement, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES……IT IS A TERRIFYING THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD. (Hebrews 10:26-31) In Philippians, Paul called those people that still preached adherence to the Old Laws, dogs, evil workers and warned against false circumcision. (Phil. 3:2-14) In Titus, Paul warned against paying attention to those that preached Jewish myths and commandments of men. (Titus 1:13&14)
The Mosaic Law had its quirks and hard to explain, but Paul tries to explain it this way. (Romans 15:4 & Galatians 3:17-29) “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”
Mosaic Laws, is made up of commandment, statues, ordinances. Before the implementation of the New Covenant, in the Gospels, Yeshua repeatedly either pointed out the deficiencies in the Laws or pointed out that their manmade traditions or interpretations nullified the intent of the Laws, or more correctly God’s intent. In John 8:17, Yeshua indirectly implies that the Mosaic Law was not His Law saying, “Even in your law it has been written…” He could have said “the law, or our law, but He did not. This is further emphasized by the fact that nowhere in the Gospel does Yeshua ever refer to “Mosaic Law or “The Law” as His Law. He refers to His Laws as “My word” or “My Commandments” And in John verse 31&32 He indicates that to be considered one of His disciples, one most follow His word, and His word would set you free from the Law and sin; “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” And verses 34-36, go on to further illustrate that the Jewish Covenant and Laws made them slaves to sin, but Yeshua’s Covenant would set His people free of sin and the Law. “Truly , truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave to sin. “And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. And verse 24 had already indicated that the Jews had no hope of salvation unless they accepted Yeshua and His Laws. “I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins.” There is only one way to sin and that is to break one of the Mosaic Laws. As long as the Jews looked to the Law for righteousness they could and did sin. And as long as they did not accept Christ as the Messiah, they had no hope of forgiveness of their sins or salvation. They or anyone else that teaches adherence to any of the Mosaic Laws or lifts the Mosaic Laws above Christ’s Laws will die in their sins, severed from the saving grace of Yeshua the Messiah!
After Christ’s death and after the implementation of the New Covenant, the Apostles referenced these Laws as obsolete tutors and commandments of men. In most instances that the Ten Commandments were referenced by the Apostles it was done to point out their inferiority to Christ’s teachings, or the burden that was lifted by Christ’s sacrifice, or that Christ’s Laws were so superior to the Old Laws that obeying Christ’s Laws more than fulfill the intent of the Old Laws.
What Is Belief?
Belief or faith in Yeshua is more than a person believing a man named Yeshua once lived. Believing that Yeshua was merely an historical figure will not help you. You must accept and believe in Yeshua as your savior, this is the power of Faith. And as your savior He accomplished all of the above items. If you do not believe that Yeshua delivered you from sin, then you’re not saved. If you are a Christian and still think you are capable of sinning against God the Father, you might want to look for some animals to sacrifice because Christ will probably only be crucified once, (once for all sins.) (Rom. 6:10, Hebrews 10:12) If you do not believe that Yeshua established a New Covenant between God and Man then you are not offered the grace of the New Covenant. If you do not recognize Yeshua as the Son of God you are not saved. If you still hold on to the old relationships with God, as the Jews do looking to the Law as a moral guide, you have not accepted the provisions of the New Covenant and you are not saved.
Many believe that the phrase “New Testament” means New Text or New Book, when in fact the phrase “New Testament” is a misnomer. The Old and New Testaments refer to the Old and New Covenants. Some people understand this but they do not know why the Church labeled them Testaments and I am not going to get into it....
There is a reason why the Old Covenant is called the OLD Covenant. Because it is the portion of the Bible that tells of the time when God’s people “ONCE” lived under the Laws of the OLD Covenants….the Old Agreements, with a very wrathful God. Paul made a distinction between those that are under the Law and those who are not under the Law, but rather faith. (Romans 3:19-21 & 4:14 - 16, Galatians 4:21, 1st Cor. 9:20) The Old Covenants and the Old Covenant Laws was a testimony that their was something wrong. They prescribed overtly violent acts, hideous rituals, and the Laws that pertained to women were hateful at best. God promised his people that compliance to the Law would insure many Earthly rewards and His blessings, but some of the things it involved was unthinkable. I have said it before but the reader should read through the 613 Mosaic Laws and determine for yourself. Would you want to read these Law and rituals into Church?
Now the Apostle Paul like all of us made his mistakes, but as he made his way through the journey of salvation he learnt as he went. Towards the end of His ministry he learnt the advantages of females and angels. He also realized that salvation had many elements and aspects and he wrote it down,
· Faith
· Love
· Forgiveness
· Grace
· Justification
· Sanctification
· Adoption
· Glorification
· Reconciliation with God the Father
· A dynamic relationship with God’s begotten Son
· Eternal Life
So the Apostle Paul reasoned this out by logical reasoning and divine inspiration. So he said that under the terms of the Old Covenant no flesh could be Justified. (Acts 13:38-41, Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16-21, 3:11) Because the Law itself brought about the wrath of God. But for those that have entered into the New Covenant with God….where there is No Law, neither is there violation, (Romans 4:15) Christians are not under the Law but under grace. (Romans 10:4 Galatians 5:18) Because apart from the Law sin is dead. (Romans 7:8) As Christians we serve God in the newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter of the Law. (Romans 7:6) As Christians we cannot sin, (As defined by the Old Covenant.) because in order to sin, one must break the Mosaic Law (1st John 3:5-9) Because Christ, our savior was the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believes in Him. (Romans 10:4, Ephesians 2:15) We are Justified by Faith apart from the Law. (Romans 3:28, 5:1) The clock of Grace makes us perfect before God the Father.
The Apostle Paul referred to the Old Covenant and the Ten Commandments as a ministry of death and condemnation. Stating that the letter of the Law kills, but the spirit gives life, (2nd Corinthians 3:1-9) and said that Yeshua freed us from the curse of the Law. (Galatians 3:13) And said that the Law was only a shadow of the good things to come. (Hebrews 10:1) The Old Law was set aside because of its weakness and uselessness. For Yeshua is the mediator for us, in a better Covenant with God (Hebrews 7:18-22 & 8:1-13 & 10:9) In Ephesians 2:15&16, Paul had this to say; “….by abolishing in his flesh the ENMITY, which IS the LAW OF COMMANDMENTS contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having put to DEATH ENMITY.
In Galatians Paul had a warning for those that seek to live under the Law or look to the Law as a moral guide. “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:4) For those that look to the Laws for righteousness and thereby sin under the Law, Hebrews has this to say; “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgement, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES……IT IS A TERRIFYING THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD. (Hebrews 10:26-31) In Philippians, Paul called those people that still preached adherence to the Old Laws, dogs, evil workers and warned against false circumcision. (Phil. 3:2-14) In Titus, Paul warned against paying attention to those that preached Jewish myths and commandments of men. (Titus 1:13&14)
The Mosaic Law had its quirks and hard to explain, but Paul tries to explain it this way. (Romans 15:4 & Galatians 3:17-29) “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”
Mosaic Laws, is made up of commandment, statues, ordinances. Before the implementation of the New Covenant, in the Gospels, Yeshua repeatedly either pointed out the deficiencies in the Laws or pointed out that their manmade traditions or interpretations nullified the intent of the Laws, or more correctly God’s intent. In John 8:17, Yeshua indirectly implies that the Mosaic Law was not His Law saying, “Even in your law it has been written…” He could have said “the law, or our law, but He did not. This is further emphasized by the fact that nowhere in the Gospel does Yeshua ever refer to “Mosaic Law or “The Law” as His Law. He refers to His Laws as “My word” or “My Commandments” And in John verse 31&32 He indicates that to be considered one of His disciples, one most follow His word, and His word would set you free from the Law and sin; “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” And verses 34-36, go on to further illustrate that the Jewish Covenant and Laws made them slaves to sin, but Yeshua’s Covenant would set His people free of sin and the Law. “Truly , truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave to sin. “And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. And verse 24 had already indicated that the Jews had no hope of salvation unless they accepted Yeshua and His Laws. “I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins.” There is only one way to sin and that is to break one of the Mosaic Laws. As long as the Jews looked to the Law for righteousness they could and did sin. And as long as they did not accept Christ as the Messiah, they had no hope of forgiveness of their sins or salvation. They or anyone else that teaches adherence to any of the Mosaic Laws or lifts the Mosaic Laws above Christ’s Laws will die in their sins, severed from the saving grace of Yeshua the Messiah!
After Christ’s death and after the implementation of the New Covenant, the Apostles referenced these Laws as obsolete tutors and commandments of men. In most instances that the Ten Commandments were referenced by the Apostles it was done to point out their inferiority to Christ’s teachings, or the burden that was lifted by Christ’s sacrifice, or that Christ’s Laws were so superior to the Old Laws that obeying Christ’s Laws more than fulfill the intent of the Old Laws.
Grailhunter
Well-Known Member
@GodsGrace @ByGrace" @stunnedbygrace
Aspects of Salvation
The doctrine of salvation is both simple and complex. On one hand, most of us can quote at least part of John 3:16 or of Paul’s response to the Philippian jailor’s question about how to be saved (Acts 16:31.) On the other hand, who can explain how a Holy God/Man could take sin out of this world by dieing? (John 1:29 & 1John 3:5)
Salvation is extremely important to understand correctly, for the sake of one’s own salvation and, one would not want to preach a false belief. There is an Anathema (curse) on anyone (including angels or preachers) who teaches a different message of Salvation from what is taught in the New Testament. (This curse is referenced in Gal 1:6 thru 10.) The doctrine of Christianity, the teachings of Christ can be found in the Bible. The doctrine of Man, false teachings cannot!
The Gospels teach that true Salvation is that which is provided by God Himself through the sacrificial death of His Son Yeshua Christ. There is no other way that Man can be saved from eternal condemnation and enter into eternal life. (John 14:6 ) There is no other name that can be called upon for salvation. (Acts 4:12) Man alone can not save Himself, not through works, through deeds, or observance of Laws. Man can only be saved through the great love and grace of Yeshua. (Ephesians 2:4-10, Titus 2:11 & Titus 3:4 - 5, 2nd Timothy 1:9, John 3:16)
The Analogy of Salvation by the Apostle Paul
Propitiation
There are many facets to the meaning of Christ’s death, but the central one….without which the others have no eternal meaning is, the act of substitution. Christ was the only blameless person in a universe of those that had done wrong. This simply means that Christ died in the place of all those that had sinned and done wrong. The use of the Greek preposition “anti” can mean “in place of” or “against” and here it means “in the place of.” It is used, for instance, with this meaning in a passage that has nothing to do with the death of Christ. (Luke 11:11) But more significantly, it is used in a passage which gives our Lord’s own interpretation of the meaning of His death. (Matt. 20:28 Mark 10:45) His death, He said, “….was to be a payment in the place of many.”
However, another preposition, “huper”, is also used in the New Testament, and it has two meanings; sometimes it means “for the benefit of”’ and sometimes “in the place of.” Of course the death of Christ was both in our place and for our benefit, and there is no reason why “huper” when it is used in relation to His death does not include both concepts. (2nd Corinthians 5:21 and 1st Peter 3:18)
Redemption
The doctrine of redemption is built on three words in the New Testament. The first is a simple word, which means “to buy or purchase or pay a price for something.” It is used for instance with this ordinary everyday meaning in the parable of the treasure hid in a field which motivated the man to buy (redeem) the field (Matt. 13:44). In relation to our salvation, the word means to pay the price, which our sins demanded so that we could be redeemed.
The second word is the same basic word indicated above, pre-fixed with a preposition, which has the force of intensifying the meaning. This can be easily expressed in English because the preposition means “out of” making the meaning of the second word, “to purchase out of the market.” Thus the idea in this second word is that Christ’s death not only paid the price for everyone sins and wrong doings, but also removed us from the marketplace of sin in order to give us full assurance that we will never be returned to the bondage and penalties of sin. (Colossians 1:14 & 2:14)
The third word for redemption is an entirely different one. Its basic meaning is “to loose” and thus it signifies that the purchased person is also released and set free in the fullest sense. The means of this release is through the substitution Christ made. The basis is the blood of God’s own Son. The intent is to purify a people. Thus the “Doctrine of Redemption” is; Because of the shedding of the blood of Yeshua Christ, believers in Him have been purchased and removed from the bondage and curse of the Law, and liberated. (Eph. 1:7, Heb. 9:12 – 15, Gal. 3:12 & 5:1.)
Christ died once, for all sins. Once saved a Christian’s sins are forgiven and they are dead to sin. (Romans 6:10 & 11) Now were there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. (Heb. 10:18) Meaning that not only can we not sin, there is no means of removing it. The last sacrifice has happened that ended it all.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Yeshua. For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Yeshua has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1&2) The “Law of sin and of Death” being, Mosaic Laws. Romans 3:20, 4:15, 5:20&21, 7:5-12, 2nd Cor. 3:6&7
“Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Yeshua Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.”
The Apostle Peter Acts 2:38&39
Aspects of Salvation
The doctrine of salvation is both simple and complex. On one hand, most of us can quote at least part of John 3:16 or of Paul’s response to the Philippian jailor’s question about how to be saved (Acts 16:31.) On the other hand, who can explain how a Holy God/Man could take sin out of this world by dieing? (John 1:29 & 1John 3:5)
Salvation is extremely important to understand correctly, for the sake of one’s own salvation and, one would not want to preach a false belief. There is an Anathema (curse) on anyone (including angels or preachers) who teaches a different message of Salvation from what is taught in the New Testament. (This curse is referenced in Gal 1:6 thru 10.) The doctrine of Christianity, the teachings of Christ can be found in the Bible. The doctrine of Man, false teachings cannot!
The Gospels teach that true Salvation is that which is provided by God Himself through the sacrificial death of His Son Yeshua Christ. There is no other way that Man can be saved from eternal condemnation and enter into eternal life. (John 14:6 ) There is no other name that can be called upon for salvation. (Acts 4:12) Man alone can not save Himself, not through works, through deeds, or observance of Laws. Man can only be saved through the great love and grace of Yeshua. (Ephesians 2:4-10, Titus 2:11 & Titus 3:4 - 5, 2nd Timothy 1:9, John 3:16)
The Analogy of Salvation by the Apostle Paul
Propitiation
There are many facets to the meaning of Christ’s death, but the central one….without which the others have no eternal meaning is, the act of substitution. Christ was the only blameless person in a universe of those that had done wrong. This simply means that Christ died in the place of all those that had sinned and done wrong. The use of the Greek preposition “anti” can mean “in place of” or “against” and here it means “in the place of.” It is used, for instance, with this meaning in a passage that has nothing to do with the death of Christ. (Luke 11:11) But more significantly, it is used in a passage which gives our Lord’s own interpretation of the meaning of His death. (Matt. 20:28 Mark 10:45) His death, He said, “….was to be a payment in the place of many.”
However, another preposition, “huper”, is also used in the New Testament, and it has two meanings; sometimes it means “for the benefit of”’ and sometimes “in the place of.” Of course the death of Christ was both in our place and for our benefit, and there is no reason why “huper” when it is used in relation to His death does not include both concepts. (2nd Corinthians 5:21 and 1st Peter 3:18)
Redemption
The doctrine of redemption is built on three words in the New Testament. The first is a simple word, which means “to buy or purchase or pay a price for something.” It is used for instance with this ordinary everyday meaning in the parable of the treasure hid in a field which motivated the man to buy (redeem) the field (Matt. 13:44). In relation to our salvation, the word means to pay the price, which our sins demanded so that we could be redeemed.
The second word is the same basic word indicated above, pre-fixed with a preposition, which has the force of intensifying the meaning. This can be easily expressed in English because the preposition means “out of” making the meaning of the second word, “to purchase out of the market.” Thus the idea in this second word is that Christ’s death not only paid the price for everyone sins and wrong doings, but also removed us from the marketplace of sin in order to give us full assurance that we will never be returned to the bondage and penalties of sin. (Colossians 1:14 & 2:14)
The third word for redemption is an entirely different one. Its basic meaning is “to loose” and thus it signifies that the purchased person is also released and set free in the fullest sense. The means of this release is through the substitution Christ made. The basis is the blood of God’s own Son. The intent is to purify a people. Thus the “Doctrine of Redemption” is; Because of the shedding of the blood of Yeshua Christ, believers in Him have been purchased and removed from the bondage and curse of the Law, and liberated. (Eph. 1:7, Heb. 9:12 – 15, Gal. 3:12 & 5:1.)
Christ died once, for all sins. Once saved a Christian’s sins are forgiven and they are dead to sin. (Romans 6:10 & 11) Now were there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. (Heb. 10:18) Meaning that not only can we not sin, there is no means of removing it. The last sacrifice has happened that ended it all.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Yeshua. For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Yeshua has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1&2) The “Law of sin and of Death” being, Mosaic Laws. Romans 3:20, 4:15, 5:20&21, 7:5-12, 2nd Cor. 3:6&7
“Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Yeshua Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.”
The Apostle Peter Acts 2:38&39
Grailhunter
Well-Known Member
@GodsGrace @"ByGrace" @stunnedbygrace
THE EFFECTS OF CHRIST’S DEATH
The fact that the death of Christ brought an end to the Mosaic Law is quite clearly stated in the New Testament. (Romans 10:4 Eph. 2:15, Col. 2:14, Hebrews 8:13&10:9) Our Holy Father said, He would effect a New Covenant…..(Hebrews 8:8)…..Not like the Covenant He made with our fathers….(Hebrews 8:9)….This Covenant would be written in our hearts…..(Hebrews 8:10)…..and He will make the Old Covenant Obsolete. (Hebrews 8:13) Yeshua Christ was the Mediator of a better Covenant, which had better promises. (Hebrews 8:6) The importance of this fact is related to one, Justification and two, Sanctification. The former being easier to see than the latter. The reason is simply that the Law could not justify the sinner, (Acts 13:39, Romans 3:20) therefore, if Men are to be justified, another way must be provided. The Law can show Man his need but it cannot provide the answer to that need (Gal. 3:23-25). Thus the death of Christ provided the way for Justification by faith in Him alone. (Romans 3:28 & 5:18) Further Paul repeatedly stated that neither justification nor righteousness could be achieved through observance of the Law. (Romans 3:20 & Galatians 2:16 & 21)
Furthermore, 2nd Corinthians 3:1-18 states quite clearly that the Ten Commandments (“that which was written and engraven in stones”) were done away with. So how do you put all these facts together? Are Christians under the Mosaic Law in relation to Salvation or Sanctification or not? Through scriptural reference, intent, and mission, there is absolutely no way that the New Covenant includes the laws of the Old Covenant and the New Covenant became effective upon Yeshua’ death for those that believe in Him. ( Matt. 26:26 & 28, Mark 14:22 & 24, Luke 22:19 & 20 )
God gave the Mosaic Law to the Hebrews, but as a Law it does not apply to persons that have been saved. The Law under which the believer lives today is called the Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2) or the Law of the Spirit of Life (Rom. 8:2) or the Law of Liberty (James 2:12) 1st John talks of His Commandments but it is nearly all code so it is another topic. Just for the fun of it, read through 1st John and notice the number of times the phrase “His commandments” appears but His commandments are never stated. Codes are fun!
Can the laws of Moses and the Old Covenant be used by Christians as a basic guide of right and wrong? I will let the Apostles answer that question. Their response when essentially asked that question was, “…that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things you will do well” (Acts Chapter 15) So why didn’t the Apostles at least site the Ten Commandments as at least a reference? Because one of the most important differences between Judaism and Christianity is that, Christianity is not based on legalism. Where there is no Law, neither is there violation. (Romans 4:15) Of course Yeshua and the Apostles taught that we should not Judge one another and warned of the dire consequences of Judging. (Matthew 7:1 & 2, Luke 6:37 Romans 14:13 James 2:12 James 4:11) And without a Law there is nothing to Judge with. Those that believe and preach legalism (The Ten Commandments and or the Mosaic Laws) are not following Christ’s teachings and are severed from the saving grace of the New Covenant. (Hebrews 10:26-31) Christ’s laws are the only Laws that govern Christians. And the Apostles gave warnings to those that would reject Christ’s Laws. (Hebrews 10:28&31 Titus 3:9&10) Christ’s Laws go well beyond the Old Laws, because they cover every possible situation. And there is no way of working around Christ’s Laws. Christ’s Laws are in every way superior to the Old Laws. It is not good enough to; Thou shalt not murder. Christ Laws are; Thou shalt not Harm, Thou shalt not hate, Thou shalt not envy, Thou shalt not be prejudice, Thou shalt love thy God and thy neighbor as Christ loves us. The Laws of the Old Covenant taught a discipline of actions. The New Covenant teaches a discipline of thoughts and the spirit of the heart. The old Laws are not only not good enough they are not even close! Those that follow the Law and preach the same are not following the teachings of Christ. They promote a belief that saves none, and therefore they are no service to God. You can do no wrong if you treat everyone with love. And it is better to live in the love of God, than the fear of Him
There are significant differences between those that preach the Laws of the Old Covenant, and the teachings of Christ. The goal of Christianity is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. And the Apostle Paul went so far as to say that those Christians that preach the Law simply do not understand. (1st Timothy 1:5-11)
Even Yeshua explained that Christianity was not just an update to the Jewish religion. It was not a patch on an old garment! (Matt. 9:16 &17, Luke 5:36-38) He also explained that they were not compatible. You can not put new wine in old wineskins. (Matt. 9:17 Mark 2:22 Luke 5:37,38,39) But for the most part the rest of the Ten Commandments are compatible with the New Covenant. But the Apostles choose not to use them even as the basics. When they did reference them they did so to illustrate that the intent of the Mosaic Law was more perfectly summed up in Christ’s teachings. (Romans 13:9 & 10) The reason for this maybe that they thought it would be easier or less confusing to learn only “The Way” and “The Laws of Christ.”
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Yeshua Christ Matt. 28:18-20
THE EFFECTS OF CHRIST’S DEATH
The fact that the death of Christ brought an end to the Mosaic Law is quite clearly stated in the New Testament. (Romans 10:4 Eph. 2:15, Col. 2:14, Hebrews 8:13&10:9) Our Holy Father said, He would effect a New Covenant…..(Hebrews 8:8)…..Not like the Covenant He made with our fathers….(Hebrews 8:9)….This Covenant would be written in our hearts…..(Hebrews 8:10)…..and He will make the Old Covenant Obsolete. (Hebrews 8:13) Yeshua Christ was the Mediator of a better Covenant, which had better promises. (Hebrews 8:6) The importance of this fact is related to one, Justification and two, Sanctification. The former being easier to see than the latter. The reason is simply that the Law could not justify the sinner, (Acts 13:39, Romans 3:20) therefore, if Men are to be justified, another way must be provided. The Law can show Man his need but it cannot provide the answer to that need (Gal. 3:23-25). Thus the death of Christ provided the way for Justification by faith in Him alone. (Romans 3:28 & 5:18) Further Paul repeatedly stated that neither justification nor righteousness could be achieved through observance of the Law. (Romans 3:20 & Galatians 2:16 & 21)
Furthermore, 2nd Corinthians 3:1-18 states quite clearly that the Ten Commandments (“that which was written and engraven in stones”) were done away with. So how do you put all these facts together? Are Christians under the Mosaic Law in relation to Salvation or Sanctification or not? Through scriptural reference, intent, and mission, there is absolutely no way that the New Covenant includes the laws of the Old Covenant and the New Covenant became effective upon Yeshua’ death for those that believe in Him. ( Matt. 26:26 & 28, Mark 14:22 & 24, Luke 22:19 & 20 )
God gave the Mosaic Law to the Hebrews, but as a Law it does not apply to persons that have been saved. The Law under which the believer lives today is called the Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2) or the Law of the Spirit of Life (Rom. 8:2) or the Law of Liberty (James 2:12) 1st John talks of His Commandments but it is nearly all code so it is another topic. Just for the fun of it, read through 1st John and notice the number of times the phrase “His commandments” appears but His commandments are never stated. Codes are fun!
Can the laws of Moses and the Old Covenant be used by Christians as a basic guide of right and wrong? I will let the Apostles answer that question. Their response when essentially asked that question was, “…that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things you will do well” (Acts Chapter 15) So why didn’t the Apostles at least site the Ten Commandments as at least a reference? Because one of the most important differences between Judaism and Christianity is that, Christianity is not based on legalism. Where there is no Law, neither is there violation. (Romans 4:15) Of course Yeshua and the Apostles taught that we should not Judge one another and warned of the dire consequences of Judging. (Matthew 7:1 & 2, Luke 6:37 Romans 14:13 James 2:12 James 4:11) And without a Law there is nothing to Judge with. Those that believe and preach legalism (The Ten Commandments and or the Mosaic Laws) are not following Christ’s teachings and are severed from the saving grace of the New Covenant. (Hebrews 10:26-31) Christ’s laws are the only Laws that govern Christians. And the Apostles gave warnings to those that would reject Christ’s Laws. (Hebrews 10:28&31 Titus 3:9&10) Christ’s Laws go well beyond the Old Laws, because they cover every possible situation. And there is no way of working around Christ’s Laws. Christ’s Laws are in every way superior to the Old Laws. It is not good enough to; Thou shalt not murder. Christ Laws are; Thou shalt not Harm, Thou shalt not hate, Thou shalt not envy, Thou shalt not be prejudice, Thou shalt love thy God and thy neighbor as Christ loves us. The Laws of the Old Covenant taught a discipline of actions. The New Covenant teaches a discipline of thoughts and the spirit of the heart. The old Laws are not only not good enough they are not even close! Those that follow the Law and preach the same are not following the teachings of Christ. They promote a belief that saves none, and therefore they are no service to God. You can do no wrong if you treat everyone with love. And it is better to live in the love of God, than the fear of Him
There are significant differences between those that preach the Laws of the Old Covenant, and the teachings of Christ. The goal of Christianity is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. And the Apostle Paul went so far as to say that those Christians that preach the Law simply do not understand. (1st Timothy 1:5-11)
Even Yeshua explained that Christianity was not just an update to the Jewish religion. It was not a patch on an old garment! (Matt. 9:16 &17, Luke 5:36-38) He also explained that they were not compatible. You can not put new wine in old wineskins. (Matt. 9:17 Mark 2:22 Luke 5:37,38,39) But for the most part the rest of the Ten Commandments are compatible with the New Covenant. But the Apostles choose not to use them even as the basics. When they did reference them they did so to illustrate that the intent of the Mosaic Law was more perfectly summed up in Christ’s teachings. (Romans 13:9 & 10) The reason for this maybe that they thought it would be easier or less confusing to learn only “The Way” and “The Laws of Christ.”
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Yeshua Christ Matt. 28:18-20
Grailhunter
Well-Known Member
@GodsGrace @"ByGrace" @stunnedbygrace
CLEANSING FROM TRANSGRESSIONS
The blood and death of Christ is the basis of our cleansing from transgression. (1st John 1:7). This does not mean that there is a recrucifixion or a dipping into blood with which to touch the erring Christian, but that the once-for-all sacrifice of our Lord was the ultimate sacrifice that separated us from sin and the Law. (Romans 6:10, Hebrews 7:27 & 9:26-28 & 10:10, 1st Peter 3:18) Our family relationship is kept right by his death; our family fellowship is restored by our confessions.
JUSTIFICATION OF CHRISTIANS
One of the other effects of Christ’s death is that we are acceptable before God. (Col. 2:13) We are Reconciled. (2nd Cor. 5:19 - 21) We are Forgiven (Romans 3:25) We are Delivered.(Col.1:13) We are acceptance in the Beloved. (Eph.1:6) We are assured future Glorification (Romans 8:17) We are Justified. (Romans 3:24)
To Justify, is to declare righteous. It is a judicial term indicating that a verdict of acquittal has been announced, excluding all possibility of condemnation. Indeed, in the Scriptures, Justification is invariably set over against condemnation. (Romans 5:16; 8:33 and 34) The claims of God’s Law against the sinner have been fully satisfied. Justification is not because of any overlooking, suspended sentence, or alteration of God’ righteous demands, but because in Christ all of His demands have been fulfilled. Christ’s perfect life of obedience to the Law and His atoning death, which paid its penalty, are the bases for our Justification. (Romans 5:9) Justification could never be based on our good works, for God requires perfect obedience, which is impossible for Man. ( Romans 3:20, Gal.2:16-21,3:11, Titus 3:5-7)
The means of Justification is faith (Romans 3:22, 25, 28, 30). Faith is the means or channel through which God’s grace can impute the righteousness of Christ to the believing transgressor. (Romans 5:1&2.) When we believe that Yeshua Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah, and are baptized in His name, God drops all charges of sin against us; thus we stand acquitted. (Acts 13:38-41) Then God justly announces that acquittal, and that pronouncement is Justification.
SANCTIFICATION THROUGH CHRIST
The word sanctify means to set apart (it has the same Greek root as the words saint and holy). For Christians, sanctification has three aspects. First the believer has been set apart by his position in the family of God. This is usually called positional sanctification. It means being set apart as a member of the family of God. It is true of every believer regardless of his or her spiritual state. Read 1st Corinthians 6:9-11 and remember the carnal condition of these believers. This positional sanctification is based on the death of Christ is clear from Hebrews 10:10, 1st Cor.1:30, 2nd Thess. 2:13, 1st Peter 1:2. Sanctification is a wonderful thing but this term has caused confusion for some Christians. Because this word essentially means “set apart” many Christians have mistakenly interpreted it to mean that Christians should separate themselves from the world. This is absolutely wrong because we are disciples to the World, the salt of the Earth, the guiding light, the beacon, the lighthouse on the shore. So the idea to separate ourselves could not be more wrong!
In this case the word means more than the simple definition. It is an analogy or doctrine that defines that act of God sanctifying a people so that they can have a relationship with Him.
Of coarse there is also an experiential aspect of sanctification. In the positional sense no one is more sanctified than another, but in the experiential aspect it is quite correct to speak of one believer as being more sanctified than another. All the exhortations of the New Testament concerning spiritual growth are pertinent to this progressive and experiential factor of sanctification. Of course the keyword being spiritual growth, which is the progressive path of a maturing Christian. In this aspect of sanctification the reward has to do with our position or level in Heaven. No one Christian is better than the other. Nor should one Christian think of themselves better or more righteous than another. In God’s eyes Billy Graham is no better than the druggie that just got saved. On the other hand Billy’s job in Heaven may place him in the Heavenly Court of God. On Earth this experiential factor of sanctification may enjoy the blessings of a closer relationship with God. Like a father, God loves all His children but the son that takes up the father’s trade may have a closer relationship with Him. It makes him no better than his brother or sister but it may be a personnel joy for him. The experiential factor of sanctification is the blessings one receives from a closer relationship with God. Salvation, over all is the journey, the walk with God.
There is also a sense in which we will not be fully set apart to God until our position and practice are brought into perfect accord, and this will occur only when we see Christ and become as He is. (1st John 3:1- 3) This is our ultimate or future sanctification which awaits our complete Glorification with resurrected bodies.
So what is the purpose of Forgiveness, Propitiation, Justification, Redemption, Sanctification, Reconciliation, and Adoption. To know and understand this is another enlightenment. Because to know this is to have an insight into how God’s plan worked. Certainly all of this was done to save us, but more than that; All these things were done so we could be reconciled to our God. (2nd Cor. 5:14-21 Col. 1:22) So that once again He could accept us as His children, purified and blameless before Him. (Titus 2:11-15, 1st Cor. 1:8, Eph. 1:4)
RECONCILIATION WITH GOD
This is the process by which God and His people are brought together again. The Bible teaches that God and His people were alienated from one another because of God’s holiness and human sinfulness. Although God loves the sinner, (Romans 5:8), it is impossible for Him not to judge sin, (Hebrews 10:27). Therefore, in Biblical reconciliation, both parties are affected. Through the sacrifice of Christ, people’s sins are atoned for and God’s wrath is appeased. Thus, a relationship of hostility and alienation is changed into one of peace and fellowship. (Ephesians 2:13-19)
The initiative in reconciliation was taken by God, while we were still sinners and enemies, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8&10, Col. 1:21). Reconciliation is God’s own plan. God Himself “…has reconciled us to Himself through Yeshua Christ.” Paul regarded the Gospel as “…the word of reconciliation”, (2nd Cor. 5:18&19).
ADOPTED INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD
Adoption is a particularly wonderful benefit of the New Covenant. Every time you read “son” in relation to a believer in John’s writings, for instance, you should translate it “child” for John does not write of the sonship of the believer. (Even though he acknowledges that we are “children of God, 1st John 3:1) But on the other hand Paul reveals that we are adopted as sons. It is true that we are “The Children of God” by the new birth, but it is also true that we are adopted into God’s family at the same time. Romans 8:14-23, 9:4&8, 2nd Corinthians 6:18, Galatians 3:26, 4:5-7 Ephesians 1:5, 2:19, Philippians 2:15. In the act of adoption a child is taken by a man from a family not his own, introduced into a new family, and regarded as a true son with all the privileges and responsibilities that belong to this new relationship. The imagery in the idea of a child of God is one of birth, growth, and development into maturity; the idea in sonship is that of full fledged privileges in the new family of God. Adoption bestows a new status on the one who receives Christ. The results of adoption are deliverance from slavery of sin and the Law, and from the flesh (Gal. 4:1- 5 Romans 8:14 - 17), and it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to enjoy the privileges of our position. Forgiveness, Propitiation, Justification, Redemption, Sanctification, Reconciliation, and Adoption are the Seven Biblical elements of the Doctrine of Salvation. And as such are of extreme importance but, many religions, even most religions do not recognize the Seven elements of the doctrine of Salvation. They either ignore or modify these doctrines so that they do not contradict their own man-made doctrines. And in doing so preach a false doctrine and perdition to Man kind.
Not to regress, but so as not to confuse...sin...transgression...wrong doings...mistakes, Christians can do these things and can call them sins but, what we do wrong is between us and Christ as if we were his children. Does He spank you...you tell me. Either way there are severities levels of sins....and how they are judged by Yeshua is more complex than we can understand. That is why Yeshua spent so much time speaking against judging, because we cannot comprehend the process. As far as loosing your saved state….Who can pluck us from His hand. The actions required to loose this status are more horrendous than most Christians could think of. Are we going to meet Hitler in Heaven? Probably not, but who am I to say.
Gods Grace to All.
CLEANSING FROM TRANSGRESSIONS
The blood and death of Christ is the basis of our cleansing from transgression. (1st John 1:7). This does not mean that there is a recrucifixion or a dipping into blood with which to touch the erring Christian, but that the once-for-all sacrifice of our Lord was the ultimate sacrifice that separated us from sin and the Law. (Romans 6:10, Hebrews 7:27 & 9:26-28 & 10:10, 1st Peter 3:18) Our family relationship is kept right by his death; our family fellowship is restored by our confessions.
JUSTIFICATION OF CHRISTIANS
One of the other effects of Christ’s death is that we are acceptable before God. (Col. 2:13) We are Reconciled. (2nd Cor. 5:19 - 21) We are Forgiven (Romans 3:25) We are Delivered.(Col.1:13) We are acceptance in the Beloved. (Eph.1:6) We are assured future Glorification (Romans 8:17) We are Justified. (Romans 3:24)
To Justify, is to declare righteous. It is a judicial term indicating that a verdict of acquittal has been announced, excluding all possibility of condemnation. Indeed, in the Scriptures, Justification is invariably set over against condemnation. (Romans 5:16; 8:33 and 34) The claims of God’s Law against the sinner have been fully satisfied. Justification is not because of any overlooking, suspended sentence, or alteration of God’ righteous demands, but because in Christ all of His demands have been fulfilled. Christ’s perfect life of obedience to the Law and His atoning death, which paid its penalty, are the bases for our Justification. (Romans 5:9) Justification could never be based on our good works, for God requires perfect obedience, which is impossible for Man. ( Romans 3:20, Gal.2:16-21,3:11, Titus 3:5-7)
The means of Justification is faith (Romans 3:22, 25, 28, 30). Faith is the means or channel through which God’s grace can impute the righteousness of Christ to the believing transgressor. (Romans 5:1&2.) When we believe that Yeshua Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah, and are baptized in His name, God drops all charges of sin against us; thus we stand acquitted. (Acts 13:38-41) Then God justly announces that acquittal, and that pronouncement is Justification.
SANCTIFICATION THROUGH CHRIST
The word sanctify means to set apart (it has the same Greek root as the words saint and holy). For Christians, sanctification has three aspects. First the believer has been set apart by his position in the family of God. This is usually called positional sanctification. It means being set apart as a member of the family of God. It is true of every believer regardless of his or her spiritual state. Read 1st Corinthians 6:9-11 and remember the carnal condition of these believers. This positional sanctification is based on the death of Christ is clear from Hebrews 10:10, 1st Cor.1:30, 2nd Thess. 2:13, 1st Peter 1:2. Sanctification is a wonderful thing but this term has caused confusion for some Christians. Because this word essentially means “set apart” many Christians have mistakenly interpreted it to mean that Christians should separate themselves from the world. This is absolutely wrong because we are disciples to the World, the salt of the Earth, the guiding light, the beacon, the lighthouse on the shore. So the idea to separate ourselves could not be more wrong!
In this case the word means more than the simple definition. It is an analogy or doctrine that defines that act of God sanctifying a people so that they can have a relationship with Him.
Of coarse there is also an experiential aspect of sanctification. In the positional sense no one is more sanctified than another, but in the experiential aspect it is quite correct to speak of one believer as being more sanctified than another. All the exhortations of the New Testament concerning spiritual growth are pertinent to this progressive and experiential factor of sanctification. Of course the keyword being spiritual growth, which is the progressive path of a maturing Christian. In this aspect of sanctification the reward has to do with our position or level in Heaven. No one Christian is better than the other. Nor should one Christian think of themselves better or more righteous than another. In God’s eyes Billy Graham is no better than the druggie that just got saved. On the other hand Billy’s job in Heaven may place him in the Heavenly Court of God. On Earth this experiential factor of sanctification may enjoy the blessings of a closer relationship with God. Like a father, God loves all His children but the son that takes up the father’s trade may have a closer relationship with Him. It makes him no better than his brother or sister but it may be a personnel joy for him. The experiential factor of sanctification is the blessings one receives from a closer relationship with God. Salvation, over all is the journey, the walk with God.
There is also a sense in which we will not be fully set apart to God until our position and practice are brought into perfect accord, and this will occur only when we see Christ and become as He is. (1st John 3:1- 3) This is our ultimate or future sanctification which awaits our complete Glorification with resurrected bodies.
So what is the purpose of Forgiveness, Propitiation, Justification, Redemption, Sanctification, Reconciliation, and Adoption. To know and understand this is another enlightenment. Because to know this is to have an insight into how God’s plan worked. Certainly all of this was done to save us, but more than that; All these things were done so we could be reconciled to our God. (2nd Cor. 5:14-21 Col. 1:22) So that once again He could accept us as His children, purified and blameless before Him. (Titus 2:11-15, 1st Cor. 1:8, Eph. 1:4)
RECONCILIATION WITH GOD
This is the process by which God and His people are brought together again. The Bible teaches that God and His people were alienated from one another because of God’s holiness and human sinfulness. Although God loves the sinner, (Romans 5:8), it is impossible for Him not to judge sin, (Hebrews 10:27). Therefore, in Biblical reconciliation, both parties are affected. Through the sacrifice of Christ, people’s sins are atoned for and God’s wrath is appeased. Thus, a relationship of hostility and alienation is changed into one of peace and fellowship. (Ephesians 2:13-19)
The initiative in reconciliation was taken by God, while we were still sinners and enemies, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8&10, Col. 1:21). Reconciliation is God’s own plan. God Himself “…has reconciled us to Himself through Yeshua Christ.” Paul regarded the Gospel as “…the word of reconciliation”, (2nd Cor. 5:18&19).
ADOPTED INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD
Adoption is a particularly wonderful benefit of the New Covenant. Every time you read “son” in relation to a believer in John’s writings, for instance, you should translate it “child” for John does not write of the sonship of the believer. (Even though he acknowledges that we are “children of God, 1st John 3:1) But on the other hand Paul reveals that we are adopted as sons. It is true that we are “The Children of God” by the new birth, but it is also true that we are adopted into God’s family at the same time. Romans 8:14-23, 9:4&8, 2nd Corinthians 6:18, Galatians 3:26, 4:5-7 Ephesians 1:5, 2:19, Philippians 2:15. In the act of adoption a child is taken by a man from a family not his own, introduced into a new family, and regarded as a true son with all the privileges and responsibilities that belong to this new relationship. The imagery in the idea of a child of God is one of birth, growth, and development into maturity; the idea in sonship is that of full fledged privileges in the new family of God. Adoption bestows a new status on the one who receives Christ. The results of adoption are deliverance from slavery of sin and the Law, and from the flesh (Gal. 4:1- 5 Romans 8:14 - 17), and it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to enjoy the privileges of our position. Forgiveness, Propitiation, Justification, Redemption, Sanctification, Reconciliation, and Adoption are the Seven Biblical elements of the Doctrine of Salvation. And as such are of extreme importance but, many religions, even most religions do not recognize the Seven elements of the doctrine of Salvation. They either ignore or modify these doctrines so that they do not contradict their own man-made doctrines. And in doing so preach a false doctrine and perdition to Man kind.
Not to regress, but so as not to confuse...sin...transgression...wrong doings...mistakes, Christians can do these things and can call them sins but, what we do wrong is between us and Christ as if we were his children. Does He spank you...you tell me. Either way there are severities levels of sins....and how they are judged by Yeshua is more complex than we can understand. That is why Yeshua spent so much time speaking against judging, because we cannot comprehend the process. As far as loosing your saved state….Who can pluck us from His hand. The actions required to loose this status are more horrendous than most Christians could think of. Are we going to meet Hitler in Heaven? Probably not, but who am I to say.
Gods Grace to All.
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