No one can understand and believe the Gospel without the Holy Spirit. This can cause a problem on Christian Forums. The reason is that not everyone on the Forum is a born-again believer. If you have never called on Christ to save you, Romans 10:13, then chances are that you are a lost unbeliever. A Christian is one that is totally and completely dependent upon the saving work of Jesus Christ for their salvation. The Holy Spirit is only given to those that meet this criteria. Paul said, "This only would I learn of you, did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law (what you do) or by the hearing of faith" (hearing and believing the Gospel) Galatians 3:2.
In the Gospel Jesus justifies lost sinners, Romans 3:26 and reconciles them unto God, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. We did not participate in this. The Gospel is a past historical event. It took place over 2,000 years ago before we were born. Because Jesus did it all and he did it perfectly, we are saved and justified by faith alone, it is by faith alone because it is by Christ alone. The reason that it is by faith alone is because God does not accept the works and the obedience of sinners, which we are all one of. If God accepted us that would make him a sinner also. God only accepts the works and the obedience of Jesus Christ. We are accepted only in him and because of him.
Most religious people are offended by the Gospel because it is not about them, it is about Jesus Christ and what he has done to provide salvation for fallen man, Hebrews 2:9. Jesus is the savior, we are the lost sinners. Jesus saves us by doing for us that which we cannot do for ourselves. Jesus in our name and on our behalf fulfills the law, Romans 10:4. Jesus in our name and on our behalf, atones for our sins and the sins of the whole world, 1 John 2:2. The question is can you believe and trust in what Jesus has done for you? If you can, then you are saved. If you can't believe, then you are lost.
Those that cannot believe the Gospel usually turn to religion. Religion is man's effort to save himself by what he is or by what he has become. Those that are trying to be saved by their works and their obedience will be disappointed in the judgment. God only accepts the righteousness of Christ, if we are not in him, we will perish. This is why it is important to believe the Gospel and receive the Holy Spirit. In the judgment God will recognize his Spirit and will allow you into heaven. No one will enter into heaven on their own works or their own righteousness.
In the Gospel Jesus justifies lost sinners, Romans 3:26 and reconciles them unto God, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. We did not participate in this. The Gospel is a past historical event. It took place over 2,000 years ago before we were born. Because Jesus did it all and he did it perfectly, we are saved and justified by faith alone, it is by faith alone because it is by Christ alone. The reason that it is by faith alone is because God does not accept the works and the obedience of sinners, which we are all one of. If God accepted us that would make him a sinner also. God only accepts the works and the obedience of Jesus Christ. We are accepted only in him and because of him.
Most religious people are offended by the Gospel because it is not about them, it is about Jesus Christ and what he has done to provide salvation for fallen man, Hebrews 2:9. Jesus is the savior, we are the lost sinners. Jesus saves us by doing for us that which we cannot do for ourselves. Jesus in our name and on our behalf fulfills the law, Romans 10:4. Jesus in our name and on our behalf, atones for our sins and the sins of the whole world, 1 John 2:2. The question is can you believe and trust in what Jesus has done for you? If you can, then you are saved. If you can't believe, then you are lost.
Those that cannot believe the Gospel usually turn to religion. Religion is man's effort to save himself by what he is or by what he has become. Those that are trying to be saved by their works and their obedience will be disappointed in the judgment. God only accepts the righteousness of Christ, if we are not in him, we will perish. This is why it is important to believe the Gospel and receive the Holy Spirit. In the judgment God will recognize his Spirit and will allow you into heaven. No one will enter into heaven on their own works or their own righteousness.