The Scariest Verses in the Bible
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt. 7:21-23
Do these verses send a chill up your spine? Many teach that you must make Jesus "Lord of your life" (Lord, Lord!), commit your life to Him, and a host of other requirements to be saved. Now, Scripture tells us that no one can call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:3) Yet here we see MANY...not just a few folks, but MANY...calling Jesus Lord. And not just Lord, but "Lord, Lord" and being denied entrance into the kingdom of heaven. So what is going on?
Here we see the classic example of people confessing Jesus as Lord PLUS trusting in their own works of righteousness. See how they are trying to prove themselves worthy of entering in. "Why can't we come into heaven?" They cry in protest. "Lord, Lord, we belong there! Look at all we did in your name!"
I NEVER KNEW YOU. DEPART FROM ME, YOU WORKERS OF INIQUITY.
The truth is, Jesus is Lord. He is Lord whether someone makes Him "Lord of your life" or not. There is not one scripture that says we must commit our lives to Him to be saved. It brings confusion at the very least because Scripture does not define what "committing one's life" in order to receive eternal life means. What does it look like? What does it entail? How do you know when you've committed enough to finally really be saved? What does a lost person hear when they are told "it's not enough to simply believe; you must commit your life?" How does a lost person have the ability to commit their life before they are regenerated by the Spirit? Statements like this are found on the broad way that leads to destruction. It's a popular message, but unbiblical!
A disciple, one who is already saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit, can do this. But it is anti-scriptural to teach that a single work of righteousness offered by us contributes ANYTHING to the forgiveness of our sins or attaining eternal life. We receive the free gift of eternal life by FAITH ALONE. The folks in the scary passage are confessing with their mouth, but not believing in their heart unto salvation. Instead, they are trusting in their own righteousness, offering their labor as a reason why they should enter in.
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” Rom. 4:3-8
There is NOTHING that you and I can contribute to our salvation except having the faith to receive it.
Paul writes, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” (Rom. 10:9-11)
There is no mention here of calling Jesus Lord plus being water baptized, committing one's life to Him, promising to stop sinning, taking up your cross, feeding the hungry, or any other good work. Those are certainly good things for the children of God to do after they are saved in obedience to Him, but they contribute absolutely NOTHING to your forgiveness of sins or the free gift of eternal life.
I never knew you.
How are we known by Jesus? BY OUR FAITH. Remember when the woman who had bled for many years, and spent all her money on physicians who could not heal her, reached out to touch the hem of His robe? How did Jesus respond? First, see what she did:
"When she heard about Jesus, [FAITH COMES BY HEARING] she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction."
Now pay close attention to what Jesus said:
"And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” (Mark 5:24-34)
Our FAITH is what makes us known to Jesus. Those who called Jesus "Lord Lord" and did many wonderful works were not born again through faith. To them He said, "I never knew you." If they had been saved by faith, He would have known them.
They were doing many works, but they did not do the will of the Father. What is the will of the Father? We learn this in John 6:
"But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:36-40)
This is the Father's will: 1) that of all He has given to His Son, Jesus would lose nothing (once you are Christ's, you are always Christ's) and 2) that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life.
The Father's will is our everlasting life through belief in His Son. Eternal security. Faith alone.
"He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." (1 John 5:10-11)
"Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:28-29)
To enter the kingdom of God, you must be born again.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
"Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:3-5
To be born again, you must be born the first time. "That which is born of flesh is flesh." You need a new nature that is born of God. If you are a born again child of God, you do not need to be afraid. If you have trusted in the blood of Jesus to pay for your sins, knowing there is nothing you can bring to "help" secure your salvation—not your disciplined lifestyle, not your charitable deeds, not your service to those less fortunate, not your many prayers, not your self-denial, not your prophecies in His name, not your miracles, nothing—if you are saved by faith, Jesus knows you. You will not hear those frightening words.
As a child of God, of COURSE you should do all manner of good works; that is what God wants from His children! He desires obedience, and obedience follows after love. (John 14:15) We love Him because He first loved us. You were created for good works. (Eph. 2:8-10) But you are saved by faith. (Eph. 1:13-14, Titus 3:4-7) Your behavior and faithful Christian practices have nothing to do with saving you or keeping you saved. You are kept by the will of God who desires that of all who come to the Lord Jesus Christ, He shall lose nothing but raise them up at the last day.
If you believe in your heart that Jesus paid the death penalty for your sin on the cross and rose from the dead, if you trust His atonement on your behalf knowing there is nothing you can add to His finished work ("It is finished!") but simply to receive the free gift of eternal life by faith, you have no need to fear hearing those terrifying words.
If you think you must do something, to "do your part" as they say, to help Jesus save you or keep you saved, the sad truth is that you are not trusting in Christ alone. You do not believe that His blood is enough. You are showing your unbelief by offering the fruits of your labor, like Cain whose offering was rejected. And you should be afraid and trembling.
Repent! Change your mind about what you are trusting in. Call upon the Savior to save you, knowing you are helpless and cannot forgive your own sins. Only HIS BLOOD SHED for you can save you. "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission." (Heb. 9:22) Abel's offering, a firstborn of his flock, was acceptable to God. Abel trusted in the blood.
TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.
For He says:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. 6:2)
You are still alive and breathing by the longsuffering and mercy of God. Do not be unbelieving, but believe.
:)
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AMEN!!!!!
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ReplyDeleteHere's a great quote from the book “I NEVER KNEW YOU,” pg. 77...
ReplyDelete“You can live for Christ, you can love Christ, you can serve Him with all your might, time, talent, and wealth. You can pray to Him, read your Bible, get water-baptized, join a church, witness to people, and do every wonderful work contained within the realm of Christianity, but if you fail to trust Jesus Christ alone for your salvation, He will 'dump' you.”
Yep, and salvation is so easy! There is just something about our nature that most want to do something to earn it.
DeleteWe sin cause were sinners.
But Jesus takes care of that both the sins and the condition.
Very good Hillary.
ReplyDeleteJohn 13:34
John 14:15
John 14:21
John 15:10
John 15:12
Matthew 22:36 The question Jesus was asked, Master what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Luke 10:25-29 Jesus was asked a question by a lawyer, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
Luke 10:30 -37And the parable of the "good Samaritan"
Your Faith has to affect you in some way, or it just dies. The parable of the Sower.
That is what James is saying along with Paul.
True. God desires a profitable, useful faith. But dead faith does not make one unsaved. It's just not helpful for anyone else (can't bear fruit if it's dead). Eternal life is not the fruit of a profitable faith (you can't profit salvation) but a free gift. It's important to make this distinction so we do not add to the gospel.
DeleteI don't think the parable of the Sower applies in this context.
Hillary, You say that dead faith does not make one unsaved. Show me that in the Bible. Christ himself explicitly said that every branch in me, that doesn't bear fruit is "cut off from the vine and cast into the fire and burned." That makes it clear that those who say, they never were really in Christ are wrong. It also makes it clear that Christ never rewards sinful lifestyle.
DeleteChrist also said to the lukewarm church in Revelation that they were neither hot nor cold, but because they were lukewarm, that Christ would vomit them out of his mouth.
Paul also explicitly said to the people in Galatia that they had fallen from grace.
Judas Iscariot and Peter both were apostles, and both denied Christ. The only difference between Peter and Judas Iscariot was that Peter repented. Just because a person teaches that we should commit our lives to Christ, this is not the same at all as saying that works save us.
Scripture is explicitly clear that if you love Christ, you will abide in him- (stay, remain, make your home, and that those who love Christ will obey him) this is the litmos test of believers, and everyone understands that you can't simply say you believe in Christ and not be commited to follow him.
Christ also said about the Prodigal son, that he was "dead and lost" in his sin. Clearly not a saved condition.
DeleteWhen he was a prodigal, and departed from the faith to live with the pigs, he was no different from the rest of the world. Not following Christ.
Nothing in scripture anywhere - not an iota of scripture, that supports the notion that God rewards unfaithful behavior.
There are at least a dozen scriptures that are much much scarier, which it seems very obvious why you ignore them, about people who name Christ, but the fruit of their lives is contrary to what they say, and the consequences /punishment for those people. It is never never rewarded.
If you actually read the section of scripture, he had explicitly stated that he said those who sought to be justified by the law "fell from grace." You kind of reworked that to work out in your favor. The prodigal son parable was given under a totally different dispensation. It was a teaching given to the Jews, who were still under the law. And you are correct in saying there is no part of scripture that says God rewards unfaithful behavior. But it says He chastises those whom He loves, He does not revoke their salvation. You might recall that "the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."
DeleteRedRanger7, eternal life is not a reward. It is a free gift received by faith. Rewards or loss of reward are based upon one's life. 1 Cor. 3:9-15.
DeleteYou have accused me of ignoring scriptures. I've not ignored them. If you are finding scriptures that appear to contradict the clear teaching of eternal security, then that is a wonderful place to begin deeper study with lots of prayer. The bible does not contradict itself. I'm not sure why you are resistant to the gifts and grace of God, but there is much joy to be found when coming to understand the truth and I sincerely hope you will take the time to search this out for yourself. It will change your life! God bless.
My favorite on the subject - pretty much says it ALL:
ReplyDeleteJohn 6:29 (NIV):
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to BELIEVE in the One He has sent."
That's it in a nutshell isn't it? (John 6:29) and (Romans 10:9-10)
DeleteAmen!
DeleteAMEN! Thank you my sister for your inspiring message! Carole
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, sister!
DeleteGreat words Hilary.
ReplyDeleteI actually think more people would understand salvation if it was more complicated than simple believing. People like to feel they have somehow contributed to their salvation, by their "being good", by their deeds of kindness, or self denial. But the truth is, until we are saved by faith in Christ, ALL of our works to please the LORD are the equivalent of menstrual rags!!
I so cannot wait to see the LORD face to face, and thank him for what he has done for me.
So true, Jordan. The ironic thing is, it's apparently not very simple for most. :( Our flesh wants to atone for ourselves. It's humbling to know we can bring nothing to the table but our sin to be exposed by the light of the gospel and washed by the blood of the Lamb.
DeleteI think there's a serious misunderstanding here. There are many people in our churches who have no problem believing in Jesus, but who completely reject the idea that He has the right to tell them what to do. These people believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus but they live as they please and have no intention of obeying Him. They accept Jesus as Savior but they reject Him as Lord. It's true that Jesus is Lord no matter what anyone believes, but these people live in open rebellion against Him. They mock His Word and live by their own rules.
ReplyDeleteIt is simply not true that you can be saved by assenting to the resurrection of Jesus while rejecting His authority and refusing to bow down to Him. Jesus will not save anyone that He cannot command. The demons believe in the resurrection of Jesus but they are far from saved. It makes a great deal of difference who your authority is. If it is not Jesus then you are lost.
It is true that we are not saved by our works. We contribute nothing to salvation. Good works are a result of salvation, not its cause. But 1 John 2:4-5 wasn't kidding when it said that those who claimed to know God but refused to walk in His commandments were liars. Obedience does not preserve our salvation, and our failures in life don't cost us salvation because our sins were atoned for once and for all on the cross. What obedience does is reveal what side we are on and who our authority truly is. That's why Jesus said you will know people by their fruits.
There are many people who will tell you they believe in Jesus, but their lives reveal otherwise. They don't accept the idea that God has the right to command them. They are living in open rebellion, but they are convinced they're saved because so many pastors have told them that if you just pray the sinner's prayer one time in your life then you're good to go and have nothing to worry about. They have been told they only need to believe, and they don't need to submit themselves to God's authority. Luke 19:27 tells us exactly what Jesus will do to those who rejected His reign.
Telling people they can accept Jesus as Savior while rejecting Him as Lord is exactly the wrong thing to say. That road leads to Hell. You must lay down your arms and stop your rebellion against God if you want to be saved. If Jesus is not your Lord then He is not your Savior either. No one can serve two masters.
There's no misunderstanding. She's exactly right. Salvation is through faith alone. God's word is clear. Jesus died for all of our sins or none of them. If someone truly believes and trusts in Jesus and yet is living rebelliously in some way, you know who they are? Every Christian who ever lived. Not one Christian since Peter and Paul-on has fully given 100% to Christ's lordship. If they had, then they would already have been liberated from their bodies of sin and death and been glorified.
DeleteOther Christians who TRULY believe in Christ and live in ways that seem particularly sinful, are being given over to Satan for the destruction of their flesh, so that their souls will be saved (1 Cor. 5:5). They have the indestructible foundation of Christ, but nothing built on top of it (1 Cor. 3:11-15). Christ will not lose one who believes. Not one. God does not lie.
All this being said, I've rarely (if ever) encountered a person who seems passionately convinced that Jesus is the only way and that salvation is through faith alone, and yet lives in open rebellion. To the contrary, those are the only sort of people who bear the fruits of genuine love and grace. There are, however, many people who fill pews on both sides of the political and religious aisle who reject the gospel. Don't confuse pseudo-universalists and Brian McLaren-types with people who truly believe Christ is the only way.
https://www.unsealed.org/2020/03/one-road-to-heaven-two-roads-to-hell.html
Gary nailed it. Salvation is by faith alone. Outward actions aren't a true reflection of that reality, although they can be a good temperature gauge. A saved person can sin (for a wide range of reasons), but you don't see how the Holy Spirit is working with a person on that sin. A saved person can be really struggling (and failing) to overcome a habitual or addictive sin. A person may be making a string of excuses to God about that sin, but is feeling a heavy weight of conviction that they should change. Life is a process of sanctification and none of us are perfect. It's entirety possible for someone to be saved and recurve no rewards from God (smell like smoke) once they get to Heaven.
DeleteHaving said that, a hard callused heart toward a "pet sin" (especially if this attitude is true for multiple anti-God behaviors) be an indication that they're speaking with their lips, but not with their hearts, and may not have salvation. I just feel you have to be pretty cautious about casting that kind of stone (you aren't perfect either, after all, and what kind of sin is someone else seeing in your life that has them condemning you over? Pride? Lack of compassion? Gossip?)
As far as the condemnation of demons who express "Jesus is Lord" but are not saved, that's a very, very poor illustration as demons are not given the opportunity to ever receive salvation. They aren't declaring a truth out of faith, but out of knowledge. They know exactly who Jesus is - they can see Him! Demons can say truth about Jesus all they wish and it won't change their eternal destination.
@Jon Cooper, that is the doctrine of the Lordship salvation. See https://www.gotquestions.org/lordship-salvation.html.
DeleteI have never commented here before, but have been reading posts and articles here for the past couple years. Although much of what I read here is over my head, I have for years been drawn to studies about Bible prophecy with regards to Revelations and end times. I have been blessed by this website and all of the authors, contributors, and people here, not just from the Bible prophecy and end times research, but by articles about other things just like this.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with wanting to see changes or "fruit" in the lives of the people I love (such as my children), and the people that God has laid on my heart to pray for, those who have professed faith in Christ. I do believe that I am looking at it as evidence of genuine faith, not as someone needing to do certain things, or anything, to earn their salvation. But was hoping someone could expand on that a little. Is it possible for someone to come to a point of professing genuine faith in Christ but then continue living their life completely as before, or even continue to progress in unrepentant sin or evil? I wear myself out sometimes going around in circles in my mind with this. I know in my head and in my heart that salvation is by faith in Christ alone. Are there people who profess Christ and they DON'T do "self-righteous works in Jesus's name", and their faith is not genuine? Say, just "fire insurance", or they got caught up in just the emotion of a revival or church camp and everyone else was "going forward". Is this what the Parable of the Sower is speaking of? I have heard two different teachings on that parable. That only the last one, the seed in the good soil that bears fruit, represents a saved person. But I have also heard it taught that they all are saved people, just some do more for God after their salvation.
Beth, it is surely possible for a person to have gone through the motions of "accepting Christ" and not gotten truly saved. that is part of what this verse says...I NEVER KNEW YOU...many will sadly hear those words...to be born again is to be born of the Holy Spirit. At the point a person is truly saved the Father begins to coach and discipline His children...The Holy Spirit is in that persons to bring conviction...The Holy Spirit is working in the life of every true believer. And every one sins in some thought or motive or action - every day - and it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict and lead the true believer. Ultimately, it is a blessing that God will be the judge of who is His and who is not. He will be the judge of who truly believes and who does not. So glad that is not going to be my job. God is good! Saved by Grace - Knowing Jesus by Grace - Having the Holy Spirit by Grace - www.HeDied4U.com -
DeleteActually, this scripture (as Hillary states in her article) is not talking about people who have "gone through the motions" of accepting Christ (whatever that means), but it's about people who trust in their works to save them. Those are the people about whom Christ will say, "I never knew you".
DeleteThere is an unfortunate misunderstanding among many believers that faith without works = no faith. James teaches us that faith without works = dead faith, but not NO Faith. Faith without works is dead, useless, and unproductive. Yet it is saving faith. Faith without works won't save us from the loss of rewards and an unfruitful life (as James teaches), but it will save us from death and hell.
Our works neither save us nor do they provide proof of our salvation. The proof of our salvation is whether we trust in Jesus to save us or not. If we do, then we're saved.
I feel for you I really do.
DeleteAnd I'm sure there a lot of people here who are struggling in prayer and concerned for family and friends alike.
For me its like being in this secret club and if I could just communicate in a special way they could be in it also.
But Ive learned to listen more and let the spirit guide you in what ever you do.
Some times it takes the periodical son extreme for some to come to there senses.
Beth, this is a link to an article by Jack Kelley on Grace Thru Faith titled: SAVED FROM THE WORST BUT KEPT FROM THE BEST:
Deletehttps://gracethrufaith.com/topical-studies/thy-kingdom-come/saved-from-the-worst-but-kept-from-the-best/
"Jesus said if we remain in Him we will bear much fruit, but apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). He didn’t mean that we literally can’t do anything, He meant we can do nothing of VALUE to the Kingdom. In other words, we can’t produce any fruit."
* * * * *
We do not all learn and grow at the same pace or as much.
While we are all believers, it takes time to step away from the world, to let go of its' hold on us, to yield our plans and go with Gods', to learn to TRUST God completely and in all things - no matter the situation or circumstance.
It takes time to learn to listen and to actually KNOW when it is God acting in our lives.
We all struggle - even PAUL several times proclaimed he did not think and act as he should.
Another words, it's a process.
* * * * *
As a parent myself, I completely understand and empathize with you - we all want our children SAVED! For many of us, from the moment we knew we were pregnant, we prayed for the salvation of our children and to help them to learn and grow in the Lord.
Unfortunately, children reach a point in their lives where, despite our efforts on their behalf, they make their own WRONG choices. We see what's going on in the world and want to spare them what's to come. (They may not be BAD from a worldly perspective, but we all know that when it comes to salvation, it doesn't matter how GOOD you are!)
A part of me says that I know my children. But the ONE thing I want to know, I cannot say I know for certain! Sometimes, yes... other times, it's more of a HOPE than a tangible reality.
And, it largely has to do with what we call FRUIT.
They're young still (early to mid 20's).
They know ABOUT God.
I've asked point blank and have no clear answers. Sometimes, it's a 'Yes, Mom, I believe in God.' But other times...
They hear from me about what's going on in the world (ISRAEL), but they want to live their lives - they have plans and hopes for the future!
I have to remind myself that not all believers bear fruit (I can't say I have...), that fruit bearing trees have to reach a certain growth, be pollinated, and be in season to bear fruit - again, it's a process.
What I can know intellectually in my head is a lot more difficult to know in my heart!
I pray. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Beth,
DeleteWhen I fell in love with my wife it was all encompassing. When I said, "I do" it was for life. It was an, "All in, Yes!" That doesn't mean I was perfect in love or that I didn't fail along the way to love her the way I should; it did mean that my commitment was to her and that as best I could my life would reflect that love.
Such a love gives and forgives!
We are born of human fathers. In this way we are Sons of Man, descended from Adam and subject to all that entails. Our honest, complete and all-in, "Yes!" to God in Christ means we are adopted children of the King. We are Sons of God.
Christ came that we may have peace, peace to the near and to the far. (Isaiah 57:18-19 ESV) In Him we have peace and out of that peace my heart rejoices and responds.
Do I have a taste for the old life? Absolutely not! My only hope and desire of tomorrow is to be able to reach one more soul in a meaningful way that encourages the saints in telling their story (testimony) and that points the lost to the One in which they may be found.
Beyond that? I'm wholly sold-out to the LORD. But that's just who I am. Peeling away the layers of life that were formed living outside of the LORD took time. Time and understanding. For me, it was a matter of understanding the disconnect of what I experienced in the world v what I understood in my heart.
Now I understand.
That understanding is LOVE and that Love needs not rules. Love is a law unto itself that abides by faith and trust. It is wholly relational and seeks not self but the object of our Love for loves sake.
Can I fathom going outside of my marriage for a simple *want*? If I did would it satisfy me?
The answer is no to both questions.
(1 Corinthians 13:1-13) is our wedding vow. It defines who we are as a couple and who we are in Christ. It defines God's Love for us and what we are being conformed to in Christ as children of God.
Jesus came to us, Sons (and Daughters) of Man, as the second Adam...the Son of God come in the image He created as a Son of Man; that we may through Him be conformed to the righteousness of God in Christ through His life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the right-hand of the Father. In this we have been given the right to become Children of God with all of the privileges that come with that title.
Are we to be Children of God in name only or Children of God in whole?
Only the LORD Himself knows our heart. It is He who conforms us all we need do is show-up and let the master do His work.
(Jeremiah 18:1-4 ESV)
I hope this helps.
Blessings,
PR
Thank you all so much. I appreciate hearing all these different perspectives, and understand, agree with, and can relate to all that you say. You confirm what I have been taught from scripture and believe, plus it's also just what I know is true from my own testimony. And Jenny, as a mother, I appreciate the things you said and the way you put them. I have been a believer since my early teens, but things really didn't start clicking until my early 20's after I had made a total mess out of my life. But my struggle with this particular subject has been a spiritual one for sure. We lost our oldest son nearly two and a half years ago at the age of 25. He was a pilot and was killed in a helicopter accident. I know with confidence that he was saved, and even still, I went through some very dark months of questioning and wrestling with lots of things. Not questioning my faith, but plenty of other things. God has been faithful to carry our family through it all, and it has taken us all much deeper in our faith, but I still find myself coming back and dwelling on this subject a lot. I need to put it to rest.
DeleteBut thank you ALL again for taking the time to respond and share your wisdom and insights. It has truly blessed me.
Lord come quickly!
All good answers here, but I wanted to add one more. From personal experience, it can take years, decades, to overcome certain sins. There is one sin in my life and I feel like an AA member (how many days since I last fell victim to this sin? Can I make it one more day or will I return to it today?) I can go weeks, months in freedom, and then sink back into that sinful action, knowing God doesn't want me there, but feeling helpless to resist. And then I struggle with guilt and despair, but know I am still HIS! I daily, for literally decades, have struggled with this one issue (and, praise God, am currently "dry"), and never has my salvation been in question.
DeleteSo I'd continue to pray for your family, but don't despair. It can take the Holy Spirit a long time, maybe even a lifetime, to "clean up" a saved person.
A personal 'thorn in the flesh' to keep us from exalting ourselves too much... I take heart that Paul had one (or more) of these too, though I wonder what it was and why he didn't expound on this more... Perhaps he felt that naming it would give it excuse to exist rather than be fought against.
DeleteAmen! Jesus did not say, "once I knew you but you backslid" - He said - "I NEVER KNEW YOU" -
ReplyDeleteHallelujah! It is a blessing to Know Jesus and be Known by Him - My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholy trust in Jesus name.
1 My faith has found a resting place,
from guilt my soul is freed;
I trust the ever-living One,
his wounds for me shall plead.
Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
it is enough that Jesus died,
and that he died for me.
2 Enough for me that Jesus saves,
this ends my fear and doubt;
a sinful soul, I come to him,
he’ll never cast me out. [Refrain]
3 My heart is leaning on the Word,
the written Word of God,
salvation by my Savior’s name,
salvation thro' his blood. [Refrain]
4 My great Physician heals the sick,
the lost he came to save;
for me his precious blood he shed,
for me his life he gave. [Refrain]
30 rapture songs to help you begin celebrating - https://prayat316.com/rapture-songs
"I *NEVER* knew you." Exactly.
DeleteAfter reading this article yesterday and this morning there are a couple of things that really stood out to me today in John 6:39-40 that I never noticed before and hoping someone can explain.
ReplyDeleteIn verse 39 it says..... I Shell not lose nothing and raise (it) up (again)
Verse 40 .... l will raise (him) up.
Is ( it) the church and what dose it mean Again
While verse 40 is, him and nothing about Again.
Not sure if anyone has picked up on this ???
Hi Steven,
DeleteHere's an approach to examining this question. Find (John 6:39) and (John 6:40) on Biblehub. Their interlinear resources are very helpful in word studies,
https://biblehub.com/text/john/6-39.htm
https://biblehub.com/text/john/6-40.htm
Original languages are a powerful tool. Here's a look at verse 39 from the link above.
The first use of "it" in verse 39 reads, "αὐτοῦ" (pronounced "autou") meaning, "it" in the personal possessive pronoun genitive neuter 3rd person singular form. This differs from the second use of "it" in the same verse, "αὐτὸ" (pronounced "auto") in the personal, possessive pronoun - accusative neuter in the 3rd person singular word pronounced. The second instance is the accusative form.
Greek, like Hebrew, is a very precise language. There's even a very recent New Testament release dedicated to reflecting this precise wording.
Is "it" the church? Yes, Lord Jesus will receives both men and woman so "it" is appropriate as the neutral gender term here.
Sorry, the word, "again" is not found in these verses.
I hope that helps!
Good word, Pastor Rich! You are a blessing. Thank you so much for your thoughtful and loving responses here and elsewhere on Unsealed.
DeleteWhenever I read, "unless one is born of water and the Spirit" I always thought the reference to water meant baptism. As I read it today it occurred to me that amniotic fluid which fills the amniotic sac that contains our bodies before birth is really just water. If you change the word water/fluid to spirit in this Wikipedia definition for amniotic fluid it makes perfect sense.
ReplyDelete"The amniotic fluid is the protective liquid contained by the amniotic sac of a gravid amniote. This fluid serves as a cushion for the growing fetus, but also serves to facilitate the exchange of nutrients, water, and biochemical products between mother and fetus."
The Spirit not only serves as a cushion for the growing Christian, but also serves to facilitate the exchange of nutrients (knowledge), water (grace), and spiritual products between Father and child."
God is great!
Maranatha
I'm so glad the Lord has shown this to you! It's a common thing to believe "born of water" has to do with water baptism, but the context shows it's talking about the womb. "That which is born of flesh is flesh." God bless you!
DeleteAmen. Beautiful Gospel presentation. Sadly those lost to work's are very hard to convince otherwise.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder if this is what the millenium will be about... a final chance for everyone to get it right before the end... Guess we have to wait and see. Come Lord Jesus!
ReplyDeleteMany years ago my Mother joined the Church of Christ. Most of them were good people as far as I could tell but were in such bondage and sin consciousness it was really sad. And the main reason for it was that they couldnot accept the concept of once your saved, thats it, your saved.
ReplyDeleteIf God removed his gift of holy spirit from us-even the best of us- every time we sinned it would pop in and out like a yoyo.
The simplist analogy I know is the earthly Father and Son relationship. Depending on the sons behavior, the fellowship, the closeness may suffer but the sonship cannot change because its seed. "Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorrutible by the Word of God which lives and abides forever". 1 Peter 1:23 kjv. Amen
Amen!
DeleteAs my pastor says, "You can't unchild the child."
DeleteMy friend sent me this link. Can anyone tell me if this is accurate and what's really going on?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.brighteon.com/4b272468-5739-449e-bf6f-221d63d7b0d5
WHAT'S GOING ON
ReplyDeleteEXCLUSIVE UPDATE! Messianic Rabbi Zev Porat With Kaduri's Student - Eliyahu
An interesting interview just posted between Zev Porat of Messiah of Israel Ministries and one of Rabbi Kaduri's students who were taught Jesus as The Messiah.
(Video is 11:00 in length)
The interview begins at 4:00 mark. At 5:12 the identity of the *messiah* is shared by name.
DeleteFor me, Zev Porat’s story is just about as compelling as Kaduri’s. I was so inspired by his contribution to Carl Gallup’s book ‘The Rabbi, the Secret Message, and the Identity of Messiah’, that I started contributing to Porat’s bold and miraculous ministry inside Israel. I recommend the book to everyone; it seems to be the only way to fully grasp what Kaduri accomplished, and why he chose to follow through the way he did. Before reading the book, I was very skeptical.
DeleteDW
The Rabbi Kaduri story is very compelling.
ReplyDeleteWe can only be saved by believing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Saved from what? From the fires of hell? or saved from sin? How do we believe? Isnt it by surrendering our lives to HIM alone completely. Many Roman Catholics say they believe in the LORD JESUS but they still pray to Mary and to the saints. Many Hindus who believes in the LORD JESUS still believe in other gods.
ReplyDeleteWhen we believe in the LORD JESUS and receive HIM as LORD & Savior of our lives we were set free from sin and darkness. GOD also brought us into the Kingdom of the LORD JESUS in whom we have forgiveness through HIS blood. GOD expects us to remain there. Just as the LORD JESUS said in John12:46 HE came as a light into this world so that no one believes in HIM should stay in darkness.
The LORD JESUS said demands commitment from us who follow HIM. Mat10:37-39; Mat16:24,25; Mk9:34-38;
Lk9:23-26,62; Lk14:25-27.
Tit2:11-14 says 'The grace of GOD that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness & worldly passions, & to live a self-controlled, upright, godly lives in this present age as we wait for the glorious appearing of our great GOD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST who gave Himself for us to redeem us from wickedness & to purify for Himself a people that are HIS very own EAGER TO DO WHAT IS GOOD. Col2:6-8 also talks about commitment.
1Jn3:2,3 tells us about those of us who wants to be included in the rapture should be committed to be pure as the LORD is pure. For the LORD Himself said in Mt5:8 'Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD.' And without holiness no one will see GOD, Heb12:14.
The LORD has set us free from sin & has made us slaves to GOD the benefit we reap leads to holiness and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, Ro6:22,23. Isn't this tells us that we have to keep CHRIST JESUS as LORD to have eternal life? Did the LORD JESUS came so that those who have received His Salvation & His life to go back to sin & darkness?
I do not know what you are trying to imply in your article but your article have already created confusion among those who have read it.
doulos, your opening to your closing sentence does a fine job of clearly declaring your situation: "I do not know what you are trying to imply. " It is clear that you are not in understanding of many things, not the least of which is your abuse of 1st John. Kindly meditate on your admission of ignorance, for a few years, before sharing further details of it. Much appreciated.
DeleteHillary,
ReplyDeleteWell said. I dont know if you remember me but im glad to see you so secure in the faith.
Hello brother! I do remember you, with much appreciation! Thank you for your encouragement. Are you writing anything these days?
DeleteNah. Would you believe I really dont like to read and write? For me to write something else, Jesus would have to come down here and demand a publication. :)
DeleteThis verse is often twisted by muslims into saying as if Jesus wasnt the Lord
ReplyDeleteFamily, Blessings. As we wrestle with the details of being The Bride of Christ, eager to please and attract and honor our Lord and Savior, we can find comfort in the very Psalm many now read, often aloud daily, as do I & others from over at Rev12, as part of a prayer warfare against current things, Psalm 91, ofc.
ReplyDeleteIn my repeated soaking in this Psalm, these past weeks, Our Lord Has Shown Many Beautiful Things, amen. Highlighted in the close of this Wonderful Psalm, verses 14 & 15, the relationship between the Psalmist, as Beloved servant, the Disciple whom He Loves, and The Master is eloquently simplified. I'm aware of NIV challenges but it works well on this one:
14 “Because he *loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he *acknowledges my name.
15 He will *call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
So, we see that (1) The Bride *loves her lord (adores), 2 *reverences His Name & as Name = Nature, this shows she revers His Grace and Blood, and, 3 she *calls upon Him, without ceasing, enjoined in a love conversation.
As we press in to these 3 things, with our Christ, ALL the rest will ABUNDANTLY follow, Maranatha!
This is so beautiful, brother! Thank you for sharing these verses and your insights. It all reminds me of another favorite, Psalm 27.
DeleteI hope you and your loved ones are well. Maranatha!
Jimboni, how did I abuse 1John? 1John3:2 says, Dear friend, now we are children of God and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1John3:3 says, Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. So tell me, how did I abuse 1John?
ReplyDeleteThink of it this way, this may seem radical but think about it, He says those who work lawlessness or work sin( meaning making sin a lifestyle). Most christians have been tricked into worshipping lies and not truth. where is christmas easter in the bible? They are not they are adopted pagan days and these are the things we are told not to do. Can one take a day 1 Corinthians 10:20 King James Version (KJV)
ReplyDelete20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
King James Version (KJV)
see YRM.OGR
Jimboni, you still have not answered my question of 'How did I abuse 1John? It seems you don't want to hear the truth & only want to hear what your itching ears wants to hear, 2Tim4:3. So you still don't believe that after you received salvation from the LORD JESUS CHRIST you now have a responsibility as a child of GOD to live for GOD?
ReplyDeleteJon Cooper above was spot on. No one is saved by works. [No one is asserting that]. Scripture is also very clear about the description of those Christ gives as who are his sheep.
ReplyDeleteScripture also says that If you love Christ, you will keep his commandments. This has nothing to do with the thing that saves us, but when people say we need to commit our lives to Christ, it means to obey him, and most people understand that - just the same at millions of people have no problem understanding when someone talks about joining a professional sports team, that they need to be committed to that.
You can't join the Atlanta braves and continue to vocally promote the Whitesox or the Cardinals.
Sadly, this article is simply quibbling over semantics. Hillary also didn't mention, the scary verses where Jesus says to the lukewarm Christians in the church of Laodocea in Revelation that He would vomit them out of His mouth, and where Paul says to the lukewarm Christians in Galatia that they have fallen from grace.
The words of Christ in John 15 regarding his true sheep are present continuous, or present progressive - a condition that is true now and continuing on into the future - Marked by 'ing'. My sheep are hearing my voice, and they are following me. Not simply because they said some prayer at day camp in 5th grade.
That's one of the biggest reasons we know that we are in the end times - is that scripture explicitly says "The Holy Spirit explicitly says that in latter times, some will depart from the faith, and give heed to doctrines of demons."
A huge cause of this is the increase of false teachers and pastors telling people a message of "cart blanc" fire insurance salvation.
I have to add,not that you missed anything RedRanger7.
DeleteThere seems to be the idea of "once saved always saved", one can still fall from Grace. Parable of the sower and more.
Its pretty much why James gets confused and attacked a lot.
James says this is what Faith looks like and Paul says this is what Faith is.
to RedRanger7 and to Jon Cooper, thank you so much. You explained it better than I did.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the entire message should be directed at "Christians".
ReplyDeleteWhy? According to rev 3:16-18, rev3:20, and Matthew 25, 50% don't make the Rapture.
Thank you Hillary for taking the time to create this topic!
ReplyDeleteI just reevaluated my scariest verse in the bible, and this is it.
Take a look at Rev. 20:11-15.
especially 20:011.
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Double emphasis "no place for them".
50% don't make the Wedding Feast or the Rapture, but they do get another chance to be martyrs and whiteness for Christ.
But the THEM they have no chance anymore except to join the Devil,Beast, and the False Prophet in the lake of fire which burns for ever!
What this tells me is that you cannot die, you will live eternally somewhere.
All the more to get the word out to everyone family friends loved ones.
Even if you have to suffer rejection of any sort.
Preaching & teaching about sin, repentance, denying yourself and being obedient is rare these days. That 'scary verse' is what used to preached in church & especially Following Jesus.
ReplyDeleteJesus said, If you love Me then obey my commandments. IF you LOVE Me, then OBEY Me.
If anyone wants to be My disciple, he must deny himself, pick up his cross and follow Me.
Jesus told us to follow Him. Deny yourself. Obey Him. This is the Narrow Way.
Pick up your Cross. Carrying a cross is .. a dead man walking. Crucifying the flesh.
Denying yourself means to detach from this world. Dying to self.
To bring every thought into captivity. Not even to think or imagine sinful things.
To forsake and renounce worldly pleasures. Stop - turn away from sin and the ways of the world. To repent. And to pick up your cross and follow Jesus.
To love Jesus more than mother or father or children.
You may be rejected by them. They will call you crazy.
They do not understand why you won't compromise.
Jesus said,
"My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me." That means that you must listen for His directives. Then obey them. He is your Lord. You obey. You submit.
This is a real personal relationship with the Living God. He speaks to you. He KNOWS you and you KNOW Him. Very, very deeply. You must surrender to Jesus.
This is not easy. Sometimes it's painful and you'll find yourself alone.
At times there will be persecution. Or you'll find yourself in a furnace of affliction.
That is the Narrow Way. But Jesus is always there. Leading you.
The groups of believers who compromise call you self-righteous because you do not watch movies, read novels, get involved with politics or joke around. But Jesus has become EVERYTHING and you love Him so much and He speaks to you and you get closer and closer to Him. Losing that worldly life is SO worth it! Being set apart is not lonely.
Obeying & following Jesus is the Narrow Way. Few find it. Harder still to stay on it.
You'll be hated at times. Just like Jesus. Misunderstood mostly.
Only a few find the Narrow Way.
Jesus IS the NARROW WAY. Jesus IS SALVATION.
He is the GATE. You need to go through The Gate.
The WAY, The TRUTH and LIFE.
John 3:36 - This is a scary verse too;
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God remains on him.
The Broad Way seems like the way to Heaven. Most church going people are on that road. They said their ABC prayer and got a Bible.
Most cannot believe that they could be deceived and are on the wrong road.
I'm writing this to make sure you are on that Narrow Way.
Find Jesus. KNOW Him.
Jesus himself says you need to commit your life to him totally pretty unambiguously.
ReplyDeleteJeremiah 17:19 the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? The following question often gets asked, what about Romans 10:9? That if you shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. It’s impossible for mankind to believe God’s Spiritual Word, in His Spiritual book, the Bible with a stony, deceitful and wicked heart. God must do all the work of drawing his chosen people, putting His Spirit in them, remove their heart of stone and give them a new heart. Only then can they believe in thy heart.
ReplyDeleteGod decrees, I will cleanse you from all your filthiness! God decrees, a new heart will I give you! God decrees, a new spirit will I give you! God decrees, I will take the stony heart of flesh out of you! God decrees, I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them. Ezekiel 36:24 – 27.
Ephesians 2:8 “the Gift of God” “Not of Yourselves”!