Matthew 5:22, can someone give a good explanation?

[timothyu]

Appsrently his religion requires works for salvation. The Bible says that God saves us so that we we will love and obey God Who begins a work in us and will complete what He began.

That is what religion sys. The Bible says Jesus brought us the good news that God was returning to take governance of man away from man, and He opened the door for those with allegiance with God over man into the kingdom. He didn't say repent of the ways of man for nothing. The way into the Kingdom is through following Him, which of course is Hs teachigs.

 

[Guojing]

Always did and Jesus made that plain in His two commandments.

Why do you think Jesus was speaking to you there, given Matthew 10:5 and Matthew 15:24?

 

[Rescued One]

When Paul was on the road to Damascus He had just come from being an accomplice to Stephen's murder and was on His way to violently round up more Christians and put to death if needed those like Stephen who wouldn't obey. He did nothing that day or in his prior actions to receive the unmerited grace of Jesus Christ, yet I have no doubt Christ came into His life that day and He was converted. But he didn't sit on his laurels. He rose from that day committed from then on with the attitude I quoted him to have in the above scriptures regarding the sermon on the mount. It cost Paul everything Philippians 3 to follow Christ. Should it cost us any less?

Are you risking your life every day? Do the accomplishments of Paul represent a striving for more rewards?

Ephesians 1 (Verses 3-4 happened before we were conceived by our parents!)
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

So the answer you seek is not found in Lutheranism or Catholicism, the answer will always be found in Christ. Whatever he tells you to do, do it and it will be enough. It is not what we do for Christ that matters it is what we do In Christ that matters. At the end of the day everything will be seen as it really is. Everything hidden will be brought to the light. Only what was truly of and out from Christ will remain. That is what will really matter. If you seek to live out from and do that which comes from Him each day that is the only thing that counts. Our works are nothing apart from that. We can go to the ends of the earth in His name and never get to Him. We can spend all we have to feed the poor and still not come into that which really matters. That is why it says . And yet I show you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy understanding all mysteries.... and faith to move mountains, and though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor...and give my body to be burned, but have not love I am nothing, it profits me nothing. ( 1 Corinthians 12:31) (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

But likewise if we just come to the cross for the benefits of the blood and not the hassle and trouble thereof then what have we really done? It is not a place I would want to be in the end. He who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for My sake will find it (Matthew 10:38-39)

That to me is the balance between grace and works.

If anyone wants --to defend faith PLUS works, he/she must think of ways to make it palatable. Make the rewards outstanding! You need an apple or carrot appeal! Find fault with religions that say Jesus already paid for eternsl life.

Eternal life is a GIFT. But is it up to us to be worthy of it?

People lost in sin are content to "enjoy the pleasures of sin." It's similar to lusting for money and gambling to gain more (keep trying till you hit the jackpot). Keep drinking till you can't think about your misery. Your spouse left you? Find another who appreciates you more and will overlook the faults the last one didn't. Enjoy challenges? Find a religion that entices you with a special reward and prove to relatives and friends that you, of course, can meet the requirements.

Could it be that God gives the ULTIMATE GIFT?

Has anyone any valid objections?

 

[BobRyan]

Guojing said: ↑
So salvation now requires you to love your neighbor as yourself?

Always did and Jesus made that plain in His two commandments.

Matt 22 - Jesus is challenged to see if he knows the greatest command in scripture and His response is that there are TWO --
1. Love God with all your heart - Deut 6:5
2. Love your neighbor as yourself - Lev 19:18

Both books of the Bible were written at the same period in time -- the period of the wilderness wandering of Israel. So the "scriptures" start out with those two commands from the start.

There is - and has always been "only ONE Gospel" Gal 1:6-9 and that "Gospel was preached to Abraham" Gal 3:8 - even before the books of Moses were written.

 

[BobRyan]

Why do you think Jesus was speaking to you there, given Matthew 10:5 and Matthew 15:24?

Because in Matt 28 Jesus said to tell the world - what HE TAUGHT them -- and that is what Matthew is doing in his "Gospel according to Matthew"

 

[Brad D.]

Are you risking your life every day? Do the accomplishments of Paul represent a striving for more rewards?

Ephesians 1 (Verses 3-4 happened before we were conceived by our parents!)
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.




If anyone wants --to defend faith PLUS works, he/she must think of ways to make it palatable. Make the rewards outstanding! You need an apple or carrot appeal! Find fault with religions that say Jesus already paid for eternsl life.

Eternal life is a GIFT. But is it up to us to be worthy of it?

People lost in sin are content to "enjoy the pleasures of sin." It's similar to lusting for money and gambling to gain more (keep trying till you hit the jackpot). Keep drinking till you can't think about your misery. Your spouse left you? Find another who appreciates you more and will overlook the faults the last one didn't. Enjoy challenges? Find a religion that entices you with a special reward and prove to relatives and friends that you, of course, can meet the requirements.

Could it be that God gives the ULTIMATE GIFT?

Has anyone any valid objections?

Dear RO may you find peace in your heart one day. As for me I will rise each day and continue to live as I have, desiring to live out from the Spirit in all I do, desiring only to be pleasing to Him. It's not a bad way to live. And is certainly not as dangerous as theology as you make it out to be. We have a good guide. May He put the same heart in me. I do nothing of myself...for I always do those things that please Him (John 8:28-29) If that is faith plus works to you then I am guilty as charged. I will follow our precious Savior's lead. The alternative is no place I desire to be.

 

[Guojing]

Matt 22 - Jesus is challenged to see if he knows the greatest command in scripture and His response is that there are TWO --
1. Love God with all your heart - Deut 6:5
2. Love your neighbor as yourself - Lev 19:18

Both books of the Bible were written at the same period in time -- the period of the wilderness wandering of Israel. So the "scriptures" start out with those two commands from the start.

There is - and has always been "only ONE Gospel" Gal 1:6-9 and that "Gospel was preached to Abraham" Gal 3:8 - even before the books of Moses were written.

So you are also saying that to be saved today, those 2 commandments must also be kept?

 

[BobRyan]

So you are also saying that to be saved today, those 2 commandments must also be kept?

1 Cor 7:19 "what matters is keeping the Commandments of God"
Matt 7 (even before the cross) it is only the "Good tree" that produces the good fruit of obedience. Bad trees do not produce good fruit in order to become a good tree.

Rev 14:12 "the saints KEEP the Commandments of God AND their faith in Jesus"
1 John 5:3 "This IS the LOVE of God that we KEEP His Commandments"

1 Cor 6 has a "do not be deceived" section in it - if you read it then you will see how Paul explains this entire aspect of the Gospel.

 

[Zachm531]

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.
— Matthew 5:21-26

It sounds like Jesus is saying if you are angry with your brother or call him "good for nothing" you are guilty in our Earthly courts, but calling someone a fool makes you guilty of hell. Does this mean some sins lead to hell and others not? I have never understood this.

Yes, there is venial sin and mortal sin.
Mortal sin is willful sin in grave matters.
“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:16-17‬ ‭

 

[Guojing]

1 Cor 7:19 "what matters is keeping the Commandments of God"
Matt 7 (even before the cross) it is only the "Good tree" that produces the good fruit of obedience. Bad trees do not produce good fruit in order to become a good tree.

Rev 14:12 "the saints KEEP the Commandments of God AND their faith in Jesus"
1 John 5:3 "This IS the LOVE of God that we KEEP His Commandments"

1 Cor 6 has a "do not be deceived" section in it - if you read it then you will see how Paul explains this entire aspect of the Gospel.

But do you love God with all your heart mind and soul, or are you merely trying your best to do so?

Is it enough to try your best?

 

[timothyu]

Why do you think Jesus was speaking to you there, given Matthew 10:5 and Matthew 15:24?

So Christianity is built upon the teachings of someone other than Jesus? The gentile institution obviously did a good job removing the Jews from the church the Jews started.

 

[Guojing]

So Christianity is built upon the teachings of someone other than Jesus? The gentile institution obviously did a good job removing the Jews from the church the Jews started.

You are instructed to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)

How do you do that? You are instructed to follow Paul, as he follows Christ (Romans 11:13, 1 Corinthians 11:1)

 

[timothyu]

You are instructed to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)

How do you do that? You are instructed to follow Paul, as he follows Christ (Romans 11:13, 1 Corinthians 11:1)

There is only one Messiah

 

[timothyu]

You are instructed to follow Paul, as he follows Christ (Romans 11:13, 1 Corinthians 11:1)

Acts 19:8 He (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God

Acts 28: 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Acts 28: 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

All referencing Jesus' only Gospel.

 

[Guojing]

There is only one Messiah

No one is saying there are 2.

 

[Guojing]

Acts 19:8 He (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God

Acts 28: 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Acts 28: 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

All referencing Jesus' only Gospel.

Is this your argument?

Since Paul preached the Kingdom of God
Peter and the 11 also preached the Kingdom of God

Therefore Paul and them must be preaching the same gospel?

 

[timothyu]

Therefore Paul and them must be preaching the same gospel?

Yes but guess who brought the salvation gospel in

 

[Guojing]

Yes but guess who brought the salvation gospel in

Does this same argument form makes sense to you then?

I preached that my wife had long hair and wearing dresses.
Someone else also preached his wife had long hair and wearing dresses.

Therefore, we must be talking about/married to the same woman.

 

[Jonaitis]

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.
— Matthew 5:21-26

It sounds like Jesus is saying if you are angry with your brother or call him "good for nothing" you are guilty in our Earthly courts, but calling someone a fool makes you guilty of hell. Does this mean some sins lead to hell and others not? I have never understood this.

The devaluing of someone's worth is a manifestation of hate from a murderous heart, and John says that no murderer will inherit the kingdom of God (1 John 3:15), and that he who does not abide in love abides in death (v. 16). It one thing to be angry with your brother, but quite another to hate him. "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness" (1 John 2:9).

 

[timothyu]

The devaluing of someone's worth is a manifestation of hate from a murderous heart, and John says that no murderer will inherit the kingdom of God (1 John 3:15), and that he who does not abide in love abides in death (v. 16). It one thing to be angry with your brother, but quite another to hate him. "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness" (1 John 2:9).

It all revolves around the original sin of self interest