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Works and Fruits: Untangling the Gospel from Everything Else



It is increasingly hard to have a conversation about the good works of the believer, because in these last days the enemy has twisted works and fruits all up in the message of the cross. More often than not, the sound preaching of the true gospel is replaced by the cacophony of false gospel teaching and doctrines of demons who teach that works are involved in the salvation process, or that works are guaranteed evidence someone is truly saved. This is error.

The second you take the gospel focus off the blood of Jesus and put it on behavior, you’ve created a false gospel that cannot save or a false message that puts you in charge of not losing what God has freely given. But you cannot lose what you did not gain. Salvation depends on Christ, not us. He saves us (and keeps us saved) “not by works of righteousness which we have done.” (Titus 3:5) The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable, which means “without repentance.” (Rom. 11:29) God will not change His mind.

However, just as Eph. 2:8-9 tells us in no uncertain terms that we are saved by grace through faith, not of works, Eph. 2:10 explicitly tells us we are saved UNTO good works that God has prepared for us in advance. Good works are God’s will for the believer. As the Church, we need to rightly divide this. We need to be able to follow biblical exhortations unto good works without tangling them up with performance-based requirements for salvation, eternal life, or the message of the cross.

Keep the gospel plain and pure. The ongoing disciplines and service of the Christian life are a completely separate matter. Once you have been born again, you are justified forever. You cannot become unjustified. This understanding is essential so we do not pervert the grace of God.

The gospel of Christ isn't full of fancy words or cute cliches. It's simple, plain, and powerful.

All have sinned, and the wages of sin is death. However, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. When you trust from your heart--not by mere head knowledge or intellectual assent, but truly believe--that He died on that cross instead of you, taking the death penalty you deserve, your faith is accounted for righteousness. You are justified by God’s grace and saved forever. (Rom. 3:23, Rom. 4:1-8, Rom. 6:23, 1 Cor 15:1-4, 2 Cor. 5:21, Titus 3:5-7, Rom. 11:29, et. al.)

There is nothing you can do to earn it or keep it or lose it. You are a blood-bought, purchased possession sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. You do not own yourself and cannot return yourself to the department store. This is the guarantee of your inheritance. If God gives you a guarantee, you better believe His word is trustworthy, faithful and true!

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Eph. 1:13-14  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

Not of yourselves.

Scripture is clear that we are saved unto good works, just not by them. But good works are important and commanded for the believer, so how do we encourage one another unto good works in a culture filled with popular teachers and preachers who have presented a false, sneaky, works-ridden gospel? The threat of losing your salvation and going to hell is an easy way to keep someone in line, being a good boy or girl who walks on eggshells in terror of messing up. This is against everything the Bible teaches. How do we “rightly handle” the word of truth as a workman who needeth not to be ashamed? (2 Tim. 2:15)

First, let’s talk about what actually happens when you get saved. A clear understanding of this will place everything else in its proper context.



What being born again really means

In John 3, Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” Being born is a one-time event. One minute you’re not born; the next minute you’re born. You don’t continue being born for the rest of your life. And you can never become unborn, even when you die.

We become born again when we believe that Jesus Christ was lifted up for us on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment for our sin. (John 3:3-17) He calls this being “born from above,” or “born of the Spirit.” You once were not a child of God, and now you have become a child of God. This is a gift; “to them He GAVE the right to become children of God.” (John 1:11-13) You receive a new nature that cannot sin, because it has been born of God. That which is born of God cannot sin. (1 John 3:9, NKJV) Therefore, it cannot die.

I’ll say it again. That which is born of God cannot sin. (1 John 3:9, NKJV) Therefore, it cannot die.

After you’ve been born again, your salvation is assured because, remember, you have become a child of God that cannot sin. You have become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor. 5:21) However, your flesh was not born again. Your flesh still sins. Jesus did not save your flesh and your flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 15:50) Your flesh does not have eternal life, but YOU do. This is why your flesh will die or be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Corruption will put on incorruption, mortality will put on immortality, and you’ll get a glorified body to go with the new nature that is born of the Spirit. (1 Cor. 15:50-58)

Until that happens, you need to consider yourself dead to sin, because you are a born again child of God walking around in a carcass that is unprofitable and has no good thing in it. (John 6:63, Rom. 6:10-12, Rom. 7:18)

What happens AFTER you’re born again determines many things, both earthly and heavenly, but has no bearing on your eternal destination. But to avoid error, you must understand the distinction between being born and living out your life. This seems like stating the obvious, I know, but there are many teaching a false gospel message that tells otherwise. Being born is a one-time event. Living your life is a lifelong event that can only happen AFTER you are born. And you cannot do anything to help yourself be “more born.” You cannot become “more saved.” You being born again is “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13)

So after you’re born again, you can take any questions or doubts about your salvation and eternal security off the table because 1) your flesh is the part that sins (1 John 1:8-10) and Jesus didn’t die for your flesh, but 2) He did die for you and once you’re a born again child of God, you cannot sin, (1 John 3:9, NKJV) which means you cannot die. Sin dwells in your flesh, but this is not YOU. (Rom. 7:17-20) His seed remains in you (1 John 3:9, NKJV) and He is not going to dig His seed back out of you. You have passed from death to life. (John 5:24) You are IN CHRIST. (Col. 3:2-4) You can KNOW that you have eternal life (1 John 5:10-13) and can move on into actually living an eternally-secure-forever life.

What does this mean? What does it look like? What is God’s will for His children? This is where we can begin to talk about works and fruits.




Fruitfulness and the fruit of God

“But did He not make them one,
Having a remnant of the Spirit?
And why one?
He seeks godly offspring...”
(Mal. 2:15a)

Marriage is a precious symbol to describe our oneness with Christ. As the Church, we are His body and are still growing. (Eph. 4:13-16) Just as in the beginning, the Lord is still adding to His Church! (Acts 2:47) He often uses us, the individual members of His body, to plant or water the seeds He gives increase to. (1 Cor. 3:6-8) This is fruitfulness, but not the only kind. We are exhorted to walk in the Spirit so our lives are full of the fruit of the Spirit.

But we cannot be fruitful at all unless we abide in the vine.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

Since good works are closely intwined with fruitfulness, it's appropriate to steer the conversation this way. Especially since many big brothers in the evangelical world have become self-appointed fruit inspectors of other family members, using what is seen outwardly to validate or question the state of their eternal soul. While our works can justify or not justify us before men, as we've seen in Scripture eternal life is not a valid issue anymore. If we are born again, our soul is secure in Christ and our fruitfulness cannot add or take away from our salvation.

So before I move on, a quick word about this.

Seeking proof

Do good works prove that someone has truly been born again? No. (2 Cor. 11:14-15, Matt. 7:21-23)

Can someone who professes faith in Christ’s death and resurrection not have visible “fruit,” and yet be truly saved? Yes, because fruit is not a requirement or guarantee of salvation. (Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:5) Eternal life is a guarantee of salvation. Fruit happens when a believer abides in the vine, keeps His commandments and becomes a disciple. (John 15:1-17) Sadly, not everyone does this. Some walk in the flesh as carnal babes in Christ. (1 Cor. 3:1 NKJV, Rom. 8:5-11, Gal. 5) They shouldn't, but they do.

Aren’t we supposed to look for the fruits in someone’s life to know if they are really saved? NO. First of all, the passage that says “by their fruit you will know them” (Matt. 7:15-20) refers to false prophets, not Christians. Second, the fruit in that passage is doctrine. It’s not behavior, deeds, actions or works. (Matt. 12:33-35, Luke 6:44-45.)

Can an unsaved person be loving, faithful, and kind, and exhibit many good fruits? Yes. Many philanthropists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, activists, and Mother Teresa types abound in more good works than some Christians. My thought is that many of them are trying to justify themselves (prove their goodness without trusting the righteousness of Christ) and thus abound in good deeds.

Can a saved person fail at all of that? Yes.

Now that we are born again, should we have good works? Should we walk in holiness? Should we purify ourselves and, with the help of the Holy Spirit who indwells us, walk in the Spirit, deny the flesh, and forsake sin?

YES and YES and YES x infinity! (2 Cor. 5:14-15, Rom. 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 6:12-20, 1 John 3:2-4)



This is one reason why getting the gospel right is so urgent. It is grace that trains us in holiness so we can become a purified people of God, zealous for good works. But if we water down grace, plaster it with warning labels and slap disclaimers on it, how can we know the truth?

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

Some unbelievers will show lovely “fruit” while some Christians will show no fruit at all. Or it may lay dormant for awhile. Some Christians immediately show abundant fruit. But not everyone responds quickly to the Holy Spirit. Sadly, some folks stay babes in Christ. Some stay children tossed about by every wind of doctrine. (Eph. 4:14) This is why Peter exhorts us to desire the “pure milk of the word,” that we may grow. (1 Peter 2:2, NKJV) Some never grow and miss the blessing of a life that is growing in faith, love, and obedience to our heavenly Father.

The point here is that we may not always find “fruit” or proof of salvation in someone’s life and are not called to do so. Instead, we are called to preach the gospel, hold fast to sound doctrine, rebuke, exhort, encourage, and love. God, the One who gives the increase in the first place, is the one who grants repentance to those in error. He chastens His children. (Heb. 12:5-11, Rev. 3:19)

But as His servants, we can humbly and gently offer correction.

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2:24-26) 

You never need to ask “What is my life purpose?” again. Because here is what you were born for.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10)

It is God's will that we, His children, are zealous for good works. 

Scripture teaches that our good works:

* are profitable for the believer, reap rewards, and lay up treasure in heaven,
* are the reasonable service of one who has been saved by grace through faith,
* glorify God,
* justify us before men,
* adorn our witness,
* are how we love one another.

A recurring theme in the New Testament is the profitability and fruitfulness of our good works. (For the record, you can’t “profit” salvation; it is a free gift.) How do our good works profit us? The apostle Paul is eager for believers to have a heavenly account rich with rewards for how they ministered to him and other saints. Notice here:

“For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” (Phil. 4:16-18) “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” (Titus 3:8) “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3:14) 

James also speaks of profit.

“What does it profit, my brethren [born again folk], if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2: 14-17)

Dead here does not mean faith does not exist, but that it’s unfruitful like the deadness of Sarah’s womb. (Rom. 4:19, NKJV). Sarah was not wombless. She had a womb; she was, however, barren. Unable to bring forth fruit. Unprofitable faith is of no use to anyone else and it can also cause us to be disobedient to God’s command to love one another. In contrast, profitable faith lays up treasure in heaven while saving others from dire situations like nakedness and hunger.

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue [“depart in peace, be warmed and filled”], but in deed and in truth.” [Give him the things which are needed for the body.] (1 John 3:16-18)

Apostle Paul does not mince words:

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Cor. 3:11-15)

For women, good works are our “adornments.” (1 Tim. 2:9-10) Good works glorify God. (1 Peter 2:12) Jesus gives us two scenarios. In one, our secret good works reap rewards in heaven (Matt. 6:1-4). In the other, good works seen by men glorify God (Matt. 5:16). Generous good works bring an abundance of thanksgivings to God. (2 Cor. 9:7-15)

While Scripture is hyper-clear that we are not justified by works (see Romans and Galatians and just read the whole Bible), our works do justify the faith we claim in the sight of men. “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.”  (James 2:18, 24) Even Abraham was not justified by his work that God saw; he was justified because he believed what God said. If there was any boasting going on, it was before men. “For if Abraham was justified by works [see James 2:21], he has something to boast about, but not before God.” (Rom. 4:2)

God, who knows the heart, does not need to see a man's work to know if that man has faith. Our fellow mankind, especially those who do not yet have the indwelling Holy Spirit, cannot discern the heart the same way. This is why our good works give testimony to God and bear witness for the Lord before a watching world.



Love.

It all comes back to the love of God. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) He doesn't force either the loving or the obedience. The only command that affects our salvation is to believe the gospel. But someone who has been transformed by a revelation of God's grace, in whom the Holy Spirit is not quenched (1 Thess. 5:19), who longs to serve the One who, while we were yet sinners, loved us and died for us (Rom. 5:8), has been given the sweetest calling for their lives.

“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Cor. 5:14-15) “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” (Is. 32:17) “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1)  

If we walk in the flesh we live for ourselves, but if we deny the flesh and walk in the Spirit, oh, the sweetness of that Spirit-born fruit in us! This is how we can become useful vessels for the Master who bought us with His own blood.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. (2 Tim. 2:20-21)

Love Him, saints. 

Love one another.

Meet urgent needs. Give cheerfully and generously of what you have. Be tenderhearted and kind. Put off that old man who is dead anyway, and put on that new man who cannot sin. Walk in the newness of the Spirit. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Welcome the stranger. Visit the prisoner, whether the one behind bars or the one captive to their own fear and despair. Set your mind on things above. Lay up treasures in heaven. Speak an encouraging word to the weary heart. Give a cup of cold water to your little ones. Change another diaper. Make dinner for the new mom and take it to her house. Pray for your family, your friends, the body of Christ, the persecuted Church, your unsaved friend, your pastor, your favorite teachers on YouTube.

You were born for this.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:9-10)
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Col. 3:23-24)


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88 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Romans 11:5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

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  2. Hillary, I have learned so much from your article. You have answered questions that I have had for a long time. Can I ask your opinion on Communion ? The Bible says if one eats or drinks unworthily, he brings damnation on himself. If someone who is saved takes Communion and has their mind on something or someone other than Christ and His Sacrifice (I know it’s a terrible thing to do) will that person go to hell ? I’ve wondered because I know we can’t lose our salvation but as you mention in your article, some saved people stay babes in Christ and what if that babe in Christ takes Communion unworthily ? The Bible says some were sick and even died because of how they took Communion. Can you please tell me what you think about this ?

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    1. Hi Archangel!

      It's interesting you bring up this passage because I just referenced briefly in an article I shared on facebook called "Warning: re: the gospel."

      "Sin always reaps consequences. (Gal. 6:8) Sin in the life of a believer can lead to tragedy. (1 Cor. 5:1-5, 1 Cor. 11:29-30)"

      When taking in the whole counsel of Scripture, the improper taking of communion would be sinful and foolish and can lead to what Paul specifically says: "For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep." Weakness, sickness, and death are the judgments one takes upon themselves when they eat and drink in an unworthy manner. They are consequences. But nowhere does it say that they lose eternal life. The blood of Jesus covers all our sin, even this.

      If this is something you are guilty of, go to the Father. 💜Some don't believe we need to ask for forgiveness anymore, but I believe that's part of being in a loving relationship. All our sins are already forgiven in Christ, but it's a matter of cleansing your conscience and being restored. And He is so faithful and just. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

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    2. The other thing to remember is that it's the flesh that sins, not the new man who is born of God. The new man can not go to hell no matter what the flesh does. The flesh can suffer terrible consequences, though.

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    3. "The Bible says if one eats or drinks unworthily, he brings damnation on himself."

      The Bible uses this word "damnation" in other context and meaning than just referring to the "damnation of the soul." For example, in 1 Timothy 5:11-12, we read the following ...

      "But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith" (1 Timothy 5:11-12).

      “Cast off their first faith”: This refers to a specific covenant young widows made when asking to be included on the widows’ list. Likely, they promised to devote the rest of their lives in service to the church and the Lord. Though well-meaning at the time of their need and bereavement, they were surely to desire marriage again (verse 11), and thus renege on their original pledge. When a widow marries outside of Christ’s will (verse 11), she then incurs judgment (damnation from others because she has broken (cast off) her “first faith,” or primary pledge to obey Him. I’ll emphasize that statement for clarity … CONDEMNATION FROM OTHERS, NOT FROM GOD – For Paul reveals in Romans 8 that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Then there was the special area of ministry for them. But Paul said the younger widows, don’t take them into this special company.

      So Paul says that the younger widows should marry. If they are brought into this special company in ministry within the church, and then should leave that, fall in love and so forth, having made that commitment to Christ, having put the hand to the plough; turning back, they would [feel condemned], not actually be damned or condemned in the sense of losing salvation. Not good. It is better that they just go ahead and marry and bear children and all and not be brought into this special company of ministering widows within the church. For if the church is taking care of them, they’re apt to be just going around from house to house becoming idle, and tattlers and busybodies, speaking about things that they should not be speaking.

      Bottom line, this isn’t talking about the prospect of losing salvation. If it were, it would contradict Jesus’ own words in Matthew chapter 6 when he said he would lose no one … “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day” (John 6:39). Damnation as it's used here isn't speaking of salvation. So, the point is that damnation being received by taking the cup of communion unworthily is also not speaking of the damnation of the already saved soul or spirit.

      She has cast off her first faith in the Lord to be her security and to meet her needs. And secondly, she has cast off the testimony of her first faith. She has claimed to be a Christian for all of these years, and has taught her own children to never marry an unsaved person — but that is exactly what she does when she gets lonely and in need. That widow will have “damnation,” NOT in the sense of losing her salvation, but in many areas of her life. Damnation means, “condemnation to a punishment or fate; to condemn as invalid; to condemn as a failure” (Merriam Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary). First, that widow will find that all her years of teaching her children are suddenly rendered invalid — of no value; meaningless. She taught them to never marry an unsaved person, but that is exactly what she did. She is thus condemned as a failure in living up to what God says, and what she affirmed all of those years.

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    4. Thanks Jack! :) I really appreciate the in depth reply ETDD gave here.

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    5. Thank you, End Times.

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    6. Hi, just to add one extra point... have a look at the context in which Paul wrote these words. What was happening with the Corinthians and specifically with the Lord's supper? In what way were they eating and drinking 'in an unworthy manner'? I believe the answer is in what precedes these verses in the same chapter:

      "In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it... When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not! (1Co 11:17-22)

      The Church was all divided. Some were coming and eating everything leaving others going hungry. Some were drinking everything and even getting drunk! And this was the Lord's supper! In short, it was a mess! It is in this context that they are told to consider one another and not eat and drink in an unworthy manner.

      So the issue isn't about whether your mind wanders at communion onto other things... that happens to all of us at times. It isn't even whether you personally are worthy to take it, none of us are in and of ourselves. He is the only worthy One. Part of communion is acknowledging that we are not worthy! In context, the issue Paul was addressing was the unworthy way it was being taken taken - ie with greed, drunkenness and division. They were making a mess of the Lord's supper and Paul said if you want to do that, do it at home!

      All the best.

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    7. Thank you, elgordo. I just got so hung up on the “damnation” part.

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    8. Hehe... all good. Looks like I missed your main concern there! It's not the first time and probably won't be the last! : )

      'Damnation' in the KJV sounds bad right? It sounds eternal and spiritual. But the Greek word is better translated 'judgement'. That it how it is translated in the NASB, NIV, ESV, NKJV etc and is translated that way in other verses more often than not even in the KJV.

      "For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.' (1 Cor 11:29 NKJV)

      That this verse should be 'judgement' is backed up by what Paul goes on to say:
      "But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world." (1 Cor 11:31-32)

      Notice that? For those that have been born again, even in the cases where God has to judge us, it is a chastening of the Lord (as a Father does his son or daughter) 'SO THAT WE WILL NOT BE CONDEMNED WITH THE WORLD.' It is never about damnation to hell for His own.

      All the best. With a bit of luck I haven't missed the main point again : )

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    9. Blessings elgordo, you have explained it very well and I thank you. When we get to Heaven and are perfect, among many other things that I look forward to is reading God’s Holy Word in the original languages Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. You can see how easily one word, if not translated exactly as the original (which may not be entirely possible) could throw, oh, someone like me into a panic and then all thought of researching the original word in the original language goes out the window. I know taking Communion is a serious spiritual act and it had never occurred to me that damnation could mean something other than damnation in the original. I am still trying to be a Berean and fail miserably sometimes (most).

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    10. This is why I think Jesus needs to return the most. We need a much more thorough education directly from the Author and Creator... to all 'get on the same page' as it were...

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    11. If my ignorance will hasten His Return, I’m all for it.

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    12. Hillary, you are confused. For good reason, Anne Hutchinson and her Free Grace followers were kicked out of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for this error and deception. The Antinomian Controversy is also known as the Free Grace Controversy. Your doctrine is Anne Hutchinson's doctrine.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antinomian_Controversy

      When the ark/barge goes over the Niagara Falls on Monday Feb 17th, as predicted, this will prove the Lord's big picture of End Times signs, which is clearly communicating, through many signs, that He hates this Nicolaitan doctrine you are espousing. This video, and this videos series explains this.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTpeVGajeZs

      After the barge goes over the falls I hope you take the time to watch these videos and learn why what you are teaching is heresy.

      All you need to do is learn what the early Christians believed, before Augustine, who was a Gnostic philosopher for 9 years, corrupted the Western Church with his doctrine. Which Free Grace is rooted in. You will be shocked to learn that what they 'all' believed you would consider heresy. I'll leave links to their quotes. Which therefore means they were fighting Gnostic heretics that held your doctrine.

      Peter warned that the Nicolaitans twist the writings of Paul to their own destruction. Which is what you do when you isolate verses, and misrepresent their meaning.

      Peter 3:15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

      Lastly, as a woman, you should not be teaching doctrine.

      Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. {1 Timothy 2:11-14}

      Did Augustine Corrupt The Church With Gnostic Doctrine? Beyond Augustine Documentary - Jesse Morrell
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhLF-...

      What the Early Christians Believed About Salvation (quotes)
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJceu...

      What the Early Christians Believed About Eternal Security (quotes)
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sduM...

      23 Church Signs - clearlywrittendotnet
      https://youtu.be/6_M3uJbK3hk

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    13. It's the 18th. The Lord is timing the stock market peak and subsequent crash over the waterfall, with the timing of the barge over Niagara. (The stock market was closed on the 17th for Washington's birthday). This video explains.

      https://youtu.be/8yIJjxXUH9k

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  3. Thank you my sister in Jesus, I appreciate your article, really well done. Carole

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  4. Blessings Hillary, thank you so much for explaining this to me. I was taking Communion once with my mother and I could tell her mind wasn’t on Christ’s sacrifice by what she said immediately after drinking the cup. It was something about my brother (her favorite). It wasn’t me. I might be crazy but I’m not stupid:)

    But it has always bothered me. I never took Communion with her again. I didn’t want her to heap more judgment on herself. I read that the word damnation in the KJV really isn’t what the original Greek word is: krima (something like that) which is more of a chastening which we all get. But I was really scared for her. I’m so glad you reiterated that we are not the Fruit Inspector. Jesus is. And that we are not to look at outward actions as proof of salvation which I think a lot of us erroneously do. I did. And that, as Pastor Hagee said, there’s going to be a lot of Smokey smelling Christians in Heaven.

    God bless you, Hillary and everyone at Unsealed. I came across Unsealed right after my mother passed away and the Rev12 was not too far away. I thank God for leading me here. Maranatha!

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  5. Christ's statement in John 6:39 that he will lose no one is not only a promise, it can be looked at as a prophecy ...

    "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:39-40).

    Jesus himself said that he will not lose anyone, but raise them up again on the last day. There it is. From the very mouth of Jesus himself. That should settle it right there alone. In all of our learning about prophecy, let's not forget the most important one of all ... " ... I will raise him up on the last day."

    A specific statement by Christ that no one will be lost.

    ETERNAL SECURITY DEBATE 1: CAN A PERSON LOSE THEIR SALVATION ONCE SAVED?
    https://endtimesdarknessdescending.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/the-eternal-security-debate-can-a-person-lose-their-salvation-once-saved/

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  6. Great article Hillary.
    While I completely agree with you that works is not needed in order to become saved or stay saved,I disagree that someone cannot lose their salvation if they so choose. For instance someone can be saved for years, then decide to walk away from the faith and not believe it anymore. I have a person in my own family who has done that. She believed on Jesus when she was younger, said the sinners prayer, and had a relationship with Jesus. Years later she went in the opposite direction and now openly says she does not believe in Christianity anymore. When 2 people get married and have a relationship with each other, then divorce they no longer have that relationship. I think it can happen to Christians as well with our relationship to Jesus. I pray that my family member is still saved and hope that you and others that teach OSAS is correct, but I fear she may not be saved anymore, because she walked away from the faith. I of course believe she can come back to believing at anytime and hope that she will soon.
    I was praying about this matter a couple of months ago and God woke me up in the middle of the night. I had a sort of download in my spirit if you will that said if OSAS is correct then why would anyone die for their faith? Millions of people in the last 2,000 years have been killed because they would not renounce their faith in Jesus Christ when faced with imminent death. This happens every day around the world, but the most recent high profile example of this in recent years is ISIS. They would go into Christian homes and threaten them with death if they would not renounce Jesus. To their credit those people did not renounce even though they were killed. If OSAS is correct there would be no need for anyone to die in this matter, because they could renounce Jesus and still be saved. When I had that download in my spirit I knew it was coming from the Holy Spirit and it solidified by belief that someone can walk away from being saved if they renounce their belief in Jesus and what he did for us. Those people died for their faith, because they knew in their hearts that if they renounced Jesus in order to continue living on the earth, they would lose their salvation in heaven for eternity. I hope and pray no one reading this ever has to make that choice, but if so, I pray we will chose correctly.

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    1. Hi Anonymous, thank you for weighing in. We don't know whether or not your family member was truly saved because we do not know their heart. But if they were, the "walking away" would be a sin, correct? Based on Scripture, it's the flesh that sins, not the part that has been born again which cannot sin.

      Even so, Scripture speak directly to this. Some were having their faith overthrown and this is what the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:

      "And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they ***overthrow the faith of some.*** Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." 2 Tim. 2:17-21

      If your family member was born again, based on the authority of Scripture they may have had their faith overthrown but NEVERTHELESS the Lord knows those who are His, and this person may be a "vessel for dishonor" in His house.

      Regarding your point on if OSAS was true, why would anyone die for their faith? Oh my. I am MORE willing to die for my faith now that I understand the gospel, the goodness of God and His abundant grace! And it's a willingness that is not based on fear of whether or not I'll end up in hell. Many throughout history have died for ones they love. The TRUTH of the gospel and of Jesus Christ is worthy of dying for.

      You wrote: "Those people died for their faith, because they knew in their hearts that if they renounced Jesus in order to continue living on the earth, they would lose their salvation in heaven for eternity."

      I think it is a grave mistake bordering on accusation to suggest that those who died for their faith just did it so they wouldn't go to hell! I pray you reconsider.

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    2. Anonymous ... First off, if someone “stops believing in Christ," that does indeed mean that they were not saved to begin with.

      “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John 2:19).

      If one is saved, he is said to be abiding in Christ. To “abide” is to live, continue, or remain; so, to abide in Christ is to live in Him or remain in Him. When a person is saved, he or she is described as being “in Christ” (Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17), held secure in a permanent relationship (John 10:28–29). Therefore, abiding in Christ is not a special level of Christian experience, available only to a few; rather, it is the position of all true believers. The difference between those abiding in Christ and those not abiding in Christ is the difference between the saved and the unsaved. Abiding in Christ is taught in 1 John 2:5–6, where it is synonymous with “knowing” Christ (verses 2 and 3). Later in the same chapter, John equates “remaining” in the Father and the Son with having the promise of eternal life (verses 24 and 25). Biblically, “abiding in,” “remaining in,” and “knowing” Christ are references to the same thing: salvation. The phrase abiding in Christ pictures an intimate, close relationship, and not just a superficial acquaintance. In John 15:4–7, Jesus tells His disciples that drawing life from Him is essential, using the picture of branches united to a vine …

      “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:4-7).

      Without that vital union with Christ that salvation provides, there can be no life and no productivity. Elsewhere, the Bible likens our relationship with Christ to that of a body with a head (Colossians 1:18)—another essential union. Some people take the warning of John 15:6 (branches that do not abide in the vine are thrown away and burned) to mean that Christians are always in danger of losing their salvation. In other words, they say it’s possible to be saved but not “abide,” in which case we would be cast away. But this could only be true if “abiding” were separate from salvation, referring to a state of intimacy with Christ we must strive to attain post-salvation. The Bible is clear that salvation comes by grace and is maintained by grace (Galatians 3:2–3)

      continued below ...

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    3. If a branch could somehow fall away from the vine, resulting in the loss of salvation, then other, very clear passages of Scripture would be contradicted (see John 10:27–30). It is best to interpret the True Vine metaphor this way: Jesus is the True Vine, obviously. The branches who “abide” in Him are the truly saved—they have a real and vital connection to the Savior. The withered branches who do not “abide” in Him are the unsaved pretenders who feigned an attachment to the Vine but drew no life from Him. In the end, the pretenders will be seen for what they were: hangers-on who had no authentic attachment to Jesus. For a while, both Peter and Judas seemed identical in their walk with Christ. But Peter was attached to the Vine; Judas was not. John restates the withered-branch principle this way:

      “They [people now opposed to Christ] went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us” (1 John 2:19).

      The Apostle John restates in his epistle what he first reveals in his gospel. If they are truly saved (abiding in the branch), they will remain. 1 John 2:19 has the answer for your family member's situation.

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    4. Blessings End Times and thanks so much. 1 John 2:19 truly explains it.

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    5. Why would anyone die for their faith if OSAS was true?

      To be with Jesus sooner, obviously... there's even a verse or two about that, though the one that comes to mind is Romans 5:7 : https://biblehub.com/romans/5-7.htm

      Also... we have the example of Peter... Even after 3 denials, the Lord welcomed him back

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    6. Blessings Kris, I thought about Peter too. Thank God for being so forgiving and it illustrates the command to forgive others no matter what.

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    7. End Times, thank you for sharing! When you post answers from other resources, do you mind including the link or an author reference? That way others can read more if so inclined. Thanks so much!

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    8. UNSEALED FAMILY, Blessings. In re Salvation & Martyrdom, it seems we are forgetting The Lord in all of this. At such a moment, it is THE LORD Who Attends The Details. EVERY Saint who offers their life in Witness of Christ does so walking hand In Hand With Christ. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints," Declares THE LORD,(Psalms 116:15, ESV),and, as He Instructs: "When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour." If "what you are to say will be given to you in that hour," of your Witness before P&P, how much MORE Will He Attend A Believers ULTIMATE WITNESS?

      I am reminded of a father's counsel to his younger daughter, terrified that she will be unable to boldly accept her martyrdom, should it come to that. In Like Manner To His Lord, the father built a simple, real-world story to illustrate: When arriving at a train station for a journey, are you expected to have your ticket? No. While packing your luggage, at home? No. Is it required for the trip to the station? No. Not until you BOARD THAT TRAIN and you hand the Conductor your ticket, is it, at all, required. So, not to worry, as it will NOT BE YOUR STRENGTH WHICH UNDERGIRDS YOUR DEATH, But, The Lord's: "..., what you are to say will be GIVEN to you IN THAT HOUR." Maranatha!

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    9. Jesus Freaks and Under God are two books about Christian martyrs - those who have suffered and/or died for their faith. Folks throughout our 2,000+ history who chose to not to compromise with the world and to hold fast to their trust in Christ.
      Many are the true life stories of those just like Jesus in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego happening than and now, today!

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    10. Death is better than compromise

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    11. Remember Stephen, That sweet Christian saw the Lord Jesus standing at His Throne to welcome him. And don’t forget Daniel in the lion’s den. When I think of Christians willing, gladly, to be torn apart by lions at the Roman Colosseum, God surely gave them strength to endure.

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    12. Archangel... :)

      "If I perish, I perish."

      - Esther

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  7. That would violate so many Scriptures that I can’t even begin to list them. Jesus said He will never leave us nor forsake us. The Holy Spirit has sealed us unto the day of redemption. God keeps His Covenants forever. He keeps you saved and no one can pluck you out of His Hand and that includes you. You can’t save yourself nor unsave yourself, unless you think your will can win over God’s Will.

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  8. God will call your relative back to Him or take her home. Jesus said if you deny Him before men He will deny you before His Father and the Holy Angels and that’s why they would rather die than compromise. Jesus said be faithful unto death.

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  9. Matthew 16:25 King James Version (KJV)

    25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

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  10. Brilliant article Hillary. Bang on. OSAS is the truth. We can never lose our Salvation because it was not received from anything we did, but given to us as a free gift by our faith that what JESUS did and achieved for us, was sufficient to pay our entire personal sin debt

    I did a video about James 2 which confirms your take on it. Blessings sister.

    YTC: Jordan Clarke
    LINK: https://youtu.be/CST2yU0RhbA
    DURATION: (14 mins)

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    1. God is good, Jordan! Daily I praise Him for the gospel and our salvation and my prayer is that more people will come to understand these things!

      Thanks for sharing your video! James 2 is sadly such a misunderstood and often twisted chapter. May the Lord give understanding to His Church!

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  11. Good work Hillary. Good to see you back writing! : )

    You are always solid as a rock on grace, salvation and works. Nice. I particularly liked this thought:

    "That which is born of God cannot sin. (1 John 3:9, NKJV) Therefore, it cannot die."

    Blessings.

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    1. Thanks, elgordo! I'm still watching and longing as ever for the Lord's appearing but when it comes to study the gospel, grace, salvation & eternal security are my primary focus these days. I'm revisiting some of my eschatological conclusions and don't know where that will take me. But I do know God is good and so much better than we can even conceive in our hearts and minds. The truth of the gospel and our salvation is part of this. I pray more will understand!

      God bless.

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  12. Blessings all. I don’t know if it’s because we are nearing the end of the Age of Grace but I tend to lean.more towards yes because I have received answers to every question I ever had wandering in the back of my mind. Questions I thought I knew the answer to but not confident about it and then questions I have forgotten about suddenly answered and made clear to with no doubts. God is so good and sends us good teachers. I am blessed with Unsealed, Greg Lauer at alittlestrength, Hal Lindsey, Robert Breaker, Rapture Ready and my brothers and sisters in Christ here. The Rev12 blog where so many links to incredible videos are posted. Pastors Crone and JD. I never found a church that taught about the Rapture or Israel. Nothing prophetic. But God always provides. Maranatha!


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    1. I'm having a different experience. My head is becoming more and more loaded with questions that I believe only God can answer. I've also had some moments where I feel completely disconnected from my body, staring at it as though it's a foreign object. It's unnerving to say the least...

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    2. That must be terribly unsettling. I’m sorry this happens to you. That would freak me out big time. My questions for the most part involve basic doctrinal precepts but there are also questions I will have to wait to ask God involving specific events in my life . Some think as soon as we get to Heaven and out of our faulty flesh, everything will be manifest and clear to us. No more seeing through a glass darkly. That’s going to be awesome.

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    3. I suspect there will be more mysteries to be honest... How else will He keep us from getting bored with eternity?

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    4. I know you know this but here goes:
      1 Corinthians 2:9-10 King James Version (KJV)

      9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

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  13. I have to believe OSAS for a simple reason: 'The flesh is weak.'

    If a pastor has devoted most of his adult life in the Lord's service, leading many to the Lord Jesus, and then suffered a stroke and spent the rest of his life cursing God, I do not think the Lord would forget that man's earlier faith and service. He would know that it was the stroke that changed him that way... Same with any other wayward soul.

    If He has the compassion to die for us while we are yet sinners, surely He can bear with us the rest of our lives. He has already seen our whole lives in advance. Once cured of this fleshly hinderence, we will be forever with Him, faithful and obedient always.

    Also... if damaging our flesh was truly a way to cost us our salvation, the enemy would be attacking it 24/7... Never enough to kill it outright, but basically torturing us through it until we broke and went along with his program... though maybe he does and we're just unaware of it... It is hard to tell what is going on in the realms our senses cannot sense...

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  14. This is really, really solid teaching. Proud of my sister. Eternal security = the pure gospel. If OSAS is false, then Christ's atoning sacrifice was incomplete and man gets the glory rather than the Creator.





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    1. God bless you brother! You are a blessing.

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    2. Hi Gary.
      YOU SAID IT WELL!
      Simple as:
      Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
      The day we accept Christ we are sealed, until the day of Redemption which is:
      Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and "hast redeemed us" to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
      What grieves The Holy Spirit, our sins, but He cannot and will not leave us!
      This is also proof of the pre-trib Rapture as no seals have been opened yet those Crowns are awards ( Chronos Crowns ) that are only given at Christ's Bema seat that the 24 elders have.
      What did God also say about those who come to his son:
      John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
      We ourselves cannot be plucked from The Father's Hand who He has given to His Son.
      I love you Brother.
      God Bless You!


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  15. I think anything other than OSAS is blasphemous after all the loving assurances God gives us.

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  16. Hillary,
    Such an encouraging and enlightening article. You have blessed many by your words. I feel convicted for wasting time on the computer but in coming to this site it is never a waste of time. Thank you for explaining the grace of God so clearly. I pray that many will be led here and find answers to troubling questions that the enemy plants so as to trip us up. You have a gift for explaining these things and thank you for allowing God to use you in this way.
    Love in Christ,
    Megan

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    1. I'm so happy that you found this easy to understand! That is my hope because I so dearly want all to come to understand the truth of the gospel. Thank you for your encouragement, sister. You are a blessing!

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  17. Hillary, Blessings. Such a treat to see you have a teaching up. You write beautifully, clearly and your writings are superbly readable and your divisions of The Word always add up so Wonderfully. Again, you fail to disappoint, and your work, here, edifies the Body & Magnifies The Lord. Thank you, Maranatha!

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    1. Thanks for reading and for your kind words, brother Jimboni. It's humbling to read this. I prayed a lot over this one. All glory to God!

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  18. People quite often confuse repentance with confession of sins and use the two words interchangably. They are not the same. Repentance is for the unsaved sinner, Confession is for the saved sinner.
    You can only repent one time, after that you confess your sin to establish fellowship with the Father.
    As far as communion is concerned I dont see any reference to communion made by the Apostle Paul in his epistles to the Body of Christ.

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    1. Does 1 Cor. 11:23-32 not speak of the communion to you? I'm curious how you would interpret it?

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    2. Hi Anon,

      re: repentance, if repentance is only for the unsaved sinner, why does Jesus tell His Church in Ephesus, to repent? They had things that they were doing well (their toil, testing of false apostles, perseverance for Jesus' name, not growing weary) but they had something that had gone wrong... they had forsaken their first love of Jesus Himself! For this He asks them to REPENT!

      "I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. 'But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent." (Rev 2:2-5)

      On this verse J.Vernon McGee writes:
      ""And repent." Believe me, Christians need to repent. We need to break the shell of self-sufficiency, the crust of conceit, the shield of sophistication, the veneer of vanity, get rid of the false face of "piosity," and stop this business of everlastingly polishing our halo as if we were some great saint. Repent! Repentance means to turn back to Him, and it is the message for believers."

      All the best.

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    3. The biggest problem that I see when it comes to the word repentance is that people automatically associate repentance with sin.

      The repentance that has anything to do with our Salvation has nothing to do with our sin, only our belief.

      An unsaved person has no ability to repent of their sins but they have been given the power to come to the repentance that leads to Salvation which is all about changing their mind concerning Christ and choosing to believe in the gospel, placing 100% of their trust in the finished work of Christ.

      On the cross Christ said "it is finished". He didn't say that for no reason. It's called the finished work of Christ because there is nothing else that we can add to it that will make any difference.

      Is repentance something that God performs in your life or is it something that you do because anything that you do is as filthy rags or worse? Therefore anything that we do including repentance is considered a filthy Rags work. It has no value in our lives concerning our salvation.

      That is why the only way that Salvation works is if YOU are JUDGED according to the LIFE OF CHRIST and not according to YOUR OWN LIFE, so you see it makes no difference the state of your life, how good or bad your life has been as long as you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ and he is your substitute before the righteous judge.

      A life lived in the holiness and a righteous life that obeys the Ten Commandments has much value concerning sanctification, becoming more like Jesus. It has much value in storing up Treasures in Heaven and receiving Rewards in heaven, but that's it.  Anything that we do has no salvation value because we are not judged according to what we do, we are judged according to what Christ has done. We are not judged according to our life, we are judged according to Christ's life.

      ANYBODY THAT ENDS UP BEING JUDGED ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN LIFE WILL BE CONDEMNED, NO EXCEPTIONS.

      The mindset of repenting of sins everyday, like it's a requirement for salvation, literally works against salvation and unless you consciously chooses to let go of the mindset concerning repentance of sin and place 100% of your trust in what Jesus did for you, you can never be saved.

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  19. Hillary, could you add an aside for those who may find and read this AFTER the Rapture of the Church? Once the Age of Grace ends, salvation changes a bit, so that while folks will not have to work FOR it, they will still have to work AT it during the Tribulation.
    Just thinking ahead...
    The "deal of the Century" gets released on TUESDAY!
    (I keep thinking the REAL deal has been the same for the past 20 centuries...)
    * * * * *
    Anyone else have their "READ this when I'm Gone" or "I've Disappeared, Now What?" letters written and ready for those family members who will be left behind?

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    1. "And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Rev. 20:4

      This will be the only difference, so is this what you're referring to? Those who are saved during the tribulation most likely will lose their lives for the faith. Rev. 13:8 tells us that the ones who have not been written in the book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world will worship him, so I'm not sure that the saved ones would even be able to do so. Are you suggesting adding a warning that believers after the rapture will be killed?

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  20. Romans 4:4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

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  21. From Grace thru Faith:
    "At the rapture the Age of Grace will end and the seven remaining years of the Age of Law will be completed. Revelation 14:12 tells us that during this time believers will need to obey God’s commandments as well as remain faithful to Jesus to assure their salvation.
    Unlike the Church, Tribulation believers won’t have the Holy Spirit sealed within them and will be responsible for maintaining their own faith. It’s the same relationship with God that Old Testament saints, who were also saved by faith, enjoyed.
    They won’t have to be without sin, but will have to believe that the Lord is coming to save them even though it will look for all the world as though the anti-Christ is winning. And yes, it will be a great burden for them in the midst of all the persecution they’ll have to endure. That’s why it’s so important for people to be saved now while the church is still here."

    https://gracethrufaith.com/topical-studies/parables/the-parable-of-the-wedding-banquet/

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  22. Wonderful teaching once again! Thank you.
    So often we need reminding of how to live our lives on earth thru all the negativeness and iniquities around us........ even as reborn Christian it is tough sometimes to reflect love throughout within all the vibes going around.

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  23. Ok Elgordo, keep in mind what Jenny said above about the terms of salvation changing after the rapture. The terms of salvation will return to what it was before the out pouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Revelation is not written to us it is written to Israel and the tribulation saints.
    No one will be getting 'born again' during that time like people are today during the age of grace.
    Before Pentecost all people had was repentance and thats all they will have after the rapture.
    There is a difference between repentance and confession. I John is written to saved-born again sinners instructing us on how to maintain fellowship with God. " If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness". I John 1:9

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    1. I quoted from Rev 2:1-7. It is Jesus' message to the CHURCH that was PRESENT in John's day in Ephesus. It is also a message for the church of all ages. It shows that those in the CHURCH still need to repent. Yet you write:

      "Revelation is not written to us it is written to Israel and the tribulation saints."

      Yes, there is instruction for Israel and the Tribulation Saints in the book of Revelation. But Rev ch 2&3 are not that! They form part of 'the things that are' (according to the threefold division of Revelation given by Jesus Himself in Rev 1:19.) I know your hyper-dispensationalism probably won't allow you to, but you would do well to reconsider who Revelation ch 2 and 3 are written to. It is clear:

      Rev 1:4 John to the seven CHURCHES that ARE in Asia: Grace to you and peace...
      Rev 2:1 To the angel of the CHURCH IN Ephesus write...
      Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the CHURCHES...

      Anon, you don't need to fear repentance or try make it a once only event. It's not like getting your wisdom teeth out! Being born again is a once only event. Repentance is a continual turning of the heart and mind back to God as He places the need upon your heart.

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  24. If there is no bearing on my eternal destination, is it ok to sin just a little, like, once in a while? Maybe just watch a bit of porn now & then . . . . yeah, since i'm saved.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your life will not affect your salvation if your salvation is genuine and if your belief on Jesus Christ is sincere. Your question is the wrong attitude to have concerning sin and salvation though.

      Delete
    2. Sin is an offense against Almighty God and is never ok. Paul endured accusations much like yours, Anonymous. "Shall we sin so grace may abound? God forbid!" That doesn't change the truth of the gospel. And it doesn't change how God set up that where sin abounds, grace much more abounds. A true realization of this would have you in tears of grief over even the thought of sin. I pray that you come to a revelation of God's grace that brings you to your knees, my friend.

      For the record, someone with an attitude like you described is simply using Jesus as a get out of hell free card. If their conversion was genuine (only God knows) God is faithful to His word and promises. However, that person has yet to love God and is not walking in the Spirit. If you know anyone like that, if you are a Christian you need to be praying for them to come to the knowledge of the truth. And if God opens the door for influence in their life, follow 2 Tim. 2:25-26.

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    3. Anonymous, one more thing. Listen to the gospel you're preaching. "Don't watch porn or you'll go to hell." That's what you're saying. Break it down once more: "stop watching porn and you'll go to heaven." This is a work of righteousness. God did not save us according to our works of righteousness. Titus 3:5. You are preaching a false gospel with this thinking. I pray you repent.

      Delete
    4. "Don't watch porn or you'll go to hell." - Errm, is this not true??!!
      "Stop watching porn & you'll go to heaven." You mean that is a work of righteousness?
      Huh?!
      Contradicting yourself much, Hillary?
      So aren't you actually condoning that i can continue watching porn, since i'm already saved? Because if i were to stop watching porn, it would be WORKS?
      Read what you've written again . . . carefully. You're contradicting yourself.
      You're sooooo confused. You have to say the above, otherwise, your doctrine of OSAS will have no legs to stand on.

      Tell me, what difference does it make, whether i watch porn once a year, or 100 times a year, since i'm saved anyway, & believe in Jesus Christ? I'm going to heaven either way, aren't i? Since my lifestyle doesn't affect my salvation, who cares?

      "Some unbelievers will show lovely “fruit” while some Christians will show no fruit at all."

      So i'm one of those Christians that show no fruit at all. Just like what you said. Big deal! What incentive do i have to live a holy life, if my salvation is never under threat?

      Man, you don't make any sense with this article.

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    5. :( I'm sorry that's your takeaway, sir. I would like to humbly encourage you to put all your trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. He saves you and keeps you saved. If you are trusting in the fact that you do not watch porn as a reason for your going to heaven, I truly fear for your soul. If you refrain from watching porn out of love for the Lord and a desire to walk in righteousness and holiness (Titus 2:11-14) because He saved you and sanctified you, I rejoice in that. God bless.

      Delete
    6. Troll alert

      Delete
  25. Faith is an action word.
    Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law or by the hearing of faith?
    Fait cometh by hearing the word of god.
    So how do get the Spirit in you?
    Same formula "Faith is action based upon belief sustained by confidence, in that you have enough confidence in you can sustain the action."
    Paul tells us the spirit wars against the flesh and vice a versa.
    He changes us from inside out.
    All the promises of god are yes in Christ, so how do you get in Christ, same formula.
    He knows your down sittings and your uprisings and your thoughts from afar.
    And your care is His constant concern!
    He paid for the Sins of the world, past present and future.
    Grab a promise and start faithing!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm just wondering, I have always believed in a Gospel where you can lose your salvation if you do not abide in the faith! However, over the course of the past couple of weeks I have been reading the book of Romans and see the eternal security that Paul talks about, within the NASB. However my friend today brought it to my attention something called the Youngs Literal Translation, where someone can lose their salvation if we look at the original literal translation of the Hebrew and Greek. I've been following unsealed for about the past 4 years, looking at the end time studies. However, from anyone's perspective what do they think of the Youngs Literal Translation and the idea of us having to abide in Christ? Thank you just want an answer because we all know eternity depends on it lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What is the Scripture reference? I'm happy to take a look at the verse(s) in question.

      Delete
    2. Also keep in mind that any sin that happens after we are born again is done in the flesh. The flesh is not saved and will not inherit eternal life. The born again new man cannot sin because he is born from above. If we abide in Christ we will bear much fruit (see John 15). I encourage you to read 1 Cor. 3:9-15 over and over until it really sinks into your heart. Any believer who has works of the flesh will suffer great loss, but he himself will be saved "yet so as through fire." Scripture does not contradict itself, so whatever reference your friend is using in the YLT cannot contradict the truth of these scriptures.

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  27. It scripture on John 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Colossians 1:21-23 and a couple of other ones. He was saying that the word believe in the Greek means to have an active faith that keeps on pursuing and abiding in Christ by the fruit that we bear!

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately your friend is incorrect. And by presenting a new definition of "believe", I'm afraid this could lead to creating a false, accursed gospel. Let's look directly at the Greek. You'll notice that it has to do with faith, trusting, putting confidence in.

      believe = pisteuó

      4100 pisteúō (from 4102 /pístis, "faith," derived from 3982 /peíthō, "persuade, be persuaded") – believe (affirm, have confidence); used of persuading oneself (= human believing) and with the sacred significance of being persuaded by the Lord (= faith-believing). Only the context indicates whether 4100 /pisteúō ("believe") is self-serving (without sacred meaning), or the believing that leads to/proceeds from God's inbirthing of faith.

      believe, put in trust with.
      From pistis; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ) -- believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.

      There's more at the link.

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  28. I just read 1 Corinthians 3 in the KJV, and and is this saying that men that try to live by a faith works salvation will be saved but their works will be burnt up because this is out of pride! Even though they attempted to do good works and their doctrine was off, Jesus will still spare them from an eternity in hell. Because when it comes down to it, we dont know it all, but I'm hoping that's exactly what Paul.was saying in this regard

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  29. Paul says there is trench warfare going on inside us.
    Galatians 5:19-25 points out the difference.
    The Corinthian church had a lot of maturing to do as "Christians" and Paul recognized that and was trying to expose that to them.

    ReplyDelete
  30. The Lords Prayer in John 17 is quite different from the disciples prayer.
    I take great comfort in reading that, specially john 17:20.

    There is a point of no return where God turns you over to a strong delusion and you believe a lie and are damned.
    The Spirit pretty much leaves the believer or non believer never to return and they pretty much don't care one way or the other!
    Sad really!

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    Replies
    1. Scripture does not support that this happens to a believer. In fact, 2 Thess. 2:9-11 is clear that those who receive the strong delusion are not saved. "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

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  31. Simple really, by our faith in Christ God stamps on us Righteousness, the same He stamped on Abraham!

    ReplyDelete


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