SkyWriting

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But if that is what you believe, then this just sounds utterly ridiculous in light of what we know of the Lord, and what His Word says.

And we know the Lord does not replace lost limbs or organs
or do anything "magical". And people puzzle why this is.
When you combine this with mindless faith, you get turmoil.
 
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SkyWriting

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I didn't write the Bible, so there is no such thing as my beliefs.

Yes, your beliefs are different than mine. That's ok.
I used to believe as you do. So I have no dismay over it.
 
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SkyWriting

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The Scriptures say, "And he touched his ear, and healed him."

The Scriptures does not say, "And he touched his ear, and he somewhat healed him."

The Scriptures does not say, "And he touched his ear, and he reattached his ear somewhat."​

Come on now.

In the days of healing lepers (Many) there is no mention
of being restored to perfect or any such idea. That is odd
considering people are missing parts of their face.

The very first observation of a leper would be "Their face was repaired!"
This is far different than "The lame could now walk!"
But instead ALL the miracles are described as "They were healed."
Why else were missing legs not replaced? This was likely common.

Why do phoney healers not claim to replace lost limbs?
Because Jesus or his disciples never did.
 
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SkyWriting

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I cited the lepers which you simply ignored in order to cling to your belief.
Not all all. I noticed in my reading that lepers were not restored.
The were healed or cleaned. Not made whole. The same with all healings.

Mark 1:40-42
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Leviticus 13:46
He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.

Leviticus 13:1-14:57
The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a case of leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests, and the priest shall examine the diseased area on the skin of his body. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has examined him, he shall pronounce him unclean. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days. And the priest shall examine him on the seventh day, and if in his eyes the disease is checked and the disease has not spread in the skin, then the priest shall shut him up for another seven days. ...

Luke 17:12-14
And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Luke 17:14
When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Leviticus 14:1-57
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. Then, if the case of leprous disease is healed in the leprous person, the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop. And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over fresh water. ...

Matthew 8:3
And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Numbers 5:2
“Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead.

2 Kings 5:27
Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.

Numbers 5:1-3
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead. You shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”

Leviticus 13:1-59
The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a case of leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests, and the priest shall examine the diseased area on the skin of his body. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has examined him, he shall pronounce him unclean. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days. And the priest shall examine him on the seventh day, and if in his eyes the disease is checked and the disease has not spread in the skin, then the priest shall shut him up for another seven days. ...

Luke 5:13
And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.

Matthew 8:4
And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

Luke 5:14
And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

2 Kings 5:1-27
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. ...

2 Kings 5:1
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

Matthew 8:1-4
When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

2 Chronicles 26:23
And Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the burial field that belonged to the kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” And Jotham his son reigned in his place.

Deuteronomy 24:8
“Take care, in a case of leprous disease, to be very careful to do according to all that the Levitical priests shall direct you. As I commanded them, so you shall be careful to do.

Numbers 12:10
When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

2 Chronicles 26:20
And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead! And they rushed him out quickly, and he himself hurried to go out, because the Lord had struck him.

Numbers 12:13
And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her—please.”

2 Chronicles 26:21
And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death, and being a leper lived in a separate house, for he was excluded from the house of the Lord. And Jotham his son was over the king's household, governing the people of the land.

Leviticus 13:13
Then the priest shall look, and if the leprous disease has covered all his body, he shall pronounce him clean of the disease; it has all turned white, and he is clean.

2 Kings 5:7
And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”

Luke 5:12
While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”

Mark 14:3
And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.

Matthew 8:2-4
And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

Numbers 12:10-15
When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us because we have done foolishly and have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother's womb.” And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her—please.” But the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut outside the camp seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.” ...

Leviticus 14:2
“This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest,
 
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Yes, your beliefs are different than mine. That's ok. I used to believe as you do. So I have no dismay over it.

I don't think you believed exactly the way I do, my friend.
In either case, it does not seem like we are going to agree.

May God bless you today (even if we disagree on God's Word).

Peace be unto you in the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
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Oldmantook

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Not all all. I noticed in my reading that lepers were not restored.
The were healed or cleaned. Not made whole. The same with all healings.

Mark 1:40-42
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Leviticus 13:46
He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.

Leviticus 13:1-14:57
The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a case of leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests, and the priest shall examine the diseased area on the skin of his body. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has examined him, he shall pronounce him unclean. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days. And the priest shall examine him on the seventh day, and if in his eyes the disease is checked and the disease has not spread in the skin, then the priest shall shut him up for another seven days. ...

Luke 17:12-14
And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Luke 17:14
When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Leviticus 14:1-57
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. Then, if the case of leprous disease is healed in the leprous person, the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop. And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over fresh water. ...

Matthew 8:3
And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Numbers 5:2
“Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead.

2 Kings 5:27
Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.

Numbers 5:1-3
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead. You shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”

Leviticus 13:1-59
The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a case of leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests, and the priest shall examine the diseased area on the skin of his body. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has examined him, he shall pronounce him unclean. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall shut up the diseased person for seven days. And the priest shall examine him on the seventh day, and if in his eyes the disease is checked and the disease has not spread in the skin, then the priest shall shut him up for another seven days. ...

Luke 5:13
And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.

Matthew 8:4
And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

Luke 5:14
And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

2 Kings 5:1-27
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. ...

2 Kings 5:1
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

Matthew 8:1-4
When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

2 Chronicles 26:23
And Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the burial field that belonged to the kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” And Jotham his son reigned in his place.

Deuteronomy 24:8
“Take care, in a case of leprous disease, to be very careful to do according to all that the Levitical priests shall direct you. As I commanded them, so you shall be careful to do.

Numbers 12:10
When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

2 Chronicles 26:20
And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead! And they rushed him out quickly, and he himself hurried to go out, because the Lord had struck him.

Numbers 12:13
And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her—please.”

2 Chronicles 26:21
And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death, and being a leper lived in a separate house, for he was excluded from the house of the Lord. And Jotham his son was over the king's household, governing the people of the land.

Leviticus 13:13
Then the priest shall look, and if the leprous disease has covered all his body, he shall pronounce him clean of the disease; it has all turned white, and he is clean.

2 Kings 5:7
And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”

Luke 5:12
While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”

Mark 14:3
And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.

Matthew 8:2-4
And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

Numbers 12:10-15
When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us because we have done foolishly and have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother's womb.” And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her—please.” But the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut outside the camp seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.” ...

Leviticus 14:2
“This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest,
Another irrelevant reply by you. Do you understand how to use Scripture? You claim that all who are physically healed are also spiritually healed. I pointed out to you that that may not be the case by citing Luke 17:11-19. In this account only one leper who was healed came back to thank Jesus. As a result of his return, Jesus said to him "Arise, go; thy faith has save thee." Out of the ten lepers, only one had saving faith evidenced by Jesus' own words. Whether the other nine lepers were spiritually healed as a result of their physical healing is questionable as the text does not say which throws doubt upon your assertion that all who are physically healed are spiritually healed.
 
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Strong in Him

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And we know the Lord does not replace lost limbs or organs

You might "know" that; I'm not going to limit the Lord in any way.
Again, HOW do you know that when Jesus healed lepers he did not restore missing limbs?

or do anything "magical".

You seem to call "magical" what many would call "miracle by the power of God".

And people puzzle why this is.

You seem to, certainly.

When you combine this with mindless faith, you get turmoil.

No mindless faith or turmoil here, thank you.
 
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JLB777

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The gospel message in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (i.e. Believing Christ died for our sins, and that He was buried, and risen three days later for our salvation) was not fully revealed yet during the giving of the Parable of the Sower.

The Gospel is repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel must have the command repent, or it is not the Gospel.


Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 taught the Church from the scriptures the truth about the Gospel and those whom God first sentence to preach it.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


Do you think the Gospel includes all of these verses, because all of these verses are one continual thought being expressed.


If you don’t understand that the Church, born again Christians, are taught from the scriptures, and unsaved sinners have the Gospel preached to them, then you will keep making the mistake that most people make, not understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


Paul is teaching from the scriptures that Jesus Christ dies for our sins from the scriptures, that He was buried and rose on the third day, according to the scriptures, and was seen by witnesses including himself.


The Gospel must contain the word repent, as well as Jesus Christ being crucified and being raised from the dead.


Repent means turn to God in submission to Him as Lord.


This is the Gospel Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to preach.

Words of Christ in red —


So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:16-20


The way we repent is to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.


For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10




JLB
 
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The Gospel is repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel must have the command repent, or it is not the Gospel.


Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 taught the Church from the scriptures the truth about the Gospel and those whom God first sentence to preach it.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


Do you think the Gospel includes all of these verses, because all of these verses are one continual thought being expressed.


If you don’t understand that the Church, born again Christians, are taught from the scriptures, and unsaved sinners have the Gospel preached to them, then you will keep making the mistake that most people make, not understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


Paul is teaching from the scriptures that Jesus Christ dies for our sins from the scriptures, that He was buried and rose on the third day, according to the scriptures, and was seen by witnesses including himself.


The Gospel must contain the word repent, as well as Jesus Christ being crucified and being raised from the dead.


Repent means turn to God in submission to Him as Lord.


This is the Gospel Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to preach.

Words of Christ in red —


So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:16-20


The way we repent is to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.


For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10




JLB

In regards to the believer's responsibility:
I believe salvation is in two components or two processes.
We are first saved by God's grace through faith in Christ, and then we continue in God's plan of salvation by entering into the Sanctification Process. Here are each of the two steps (or processes) of salvation:

#1. Justification or God's Grace through Faith:
(Initial Salvation, and or Foundational Salvation).
(The 1st synergistic work of GOD done in a believer).
Justification (or God's grace through faith) is the entrance gate to salvation, and it is the foundation of our salvation (by faith) upon which we stand. Justification is believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and had risen again three days later on your behalf, and accepting Jesus as your Savior, and seeking forgiveness of your sins with Him by way of prayer. This process of salvation is without the deeds of the Law or works because it is based upon God’s mercy and grace. As a result: One is born again spiritually (Note: Born again by the Spirit, and born again by water (i.e. the Scriptures - Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 1:23)). (For Justification verses, see: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:1-6, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Luke 18:9-14, Romans 5:1-2).

#2. Sanctification
(The Next Step or Phase in the Salvation Process).
(The 2nd synergistic work of God done in a believer).
Sanctification is the next step or phase in Salvation for a believer who lives out their faith; This is the work of God moving in a believer's life so as to help them to live holy, and to do good works and to put away the lusts of the flesh. These good works are the works of God done through the believer, and so all boasting or praise is given to the Lord. Therefore, there is no boasting in one's own work (because they are ultimately the works of God done through the believer. (For Sanctification verses, see: James 2:24, James 2:17-18, Titus 1:16, Hebrews 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 8:1 (KJV), 1 Corinthians 16:22, Romans 8:13, etc.).​

Please explain your view of how we access God's grace.
While we definitely agree that Sanctification (Living holy by God's power) and or obeying God's commands as a part of salvation, I am not so sure about your view on God's grace. For the problem I have with the "Church of Christ" is that they preach no grace or salvation in receiving Christ and or seeking forgiveness with Him, and or in believing in His death, burial, and resurrection for salvation. The Church of Christ is all about, "do, do, do" and no grace. We cannot be saved without God's grace first. We cannot put the cart before the horse. For God's grace is also the foundation of our salvation, as well. For if a believer happens to stumble on rare occasion unintentionally into sin within their holy walk with God, do they get clean by doing a good work? No. They get clean by going to God's grace; For "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) (cf. Proverbs 28:13) (Psalms 51).

I see being saved by God's Grace through faith as:

(a) Believing in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4),
(b) Seeking forgiveness of our sins with Jesus (Romans 10:13) (Luke 18:9-14), and in:
(c) Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior (Matthew 10:28-29) (Romans 10:9).
 
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The Gospel is repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel must have the command repent, or it is not the Gospel.


Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 taught the Church from the scriptures the truth about the Gospel and those whom God first sentence to preach it.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


Do you think the Gospel includes all of these verses, because all of these verses are one continual thought being expressed.


If you don’t understand that the Church, born again Christians, are taught from the scriptures, and unsaved sinners have the Gospel preached to them, then you will keep making the mistake that most people make, not understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


Paul is teaching from the scriptures that Jesus Christ dies for our sins from the scriptures, that He was buried and rose on the third day, according to the scriptures, and was seen by witnesses including himself.


The Gospel must contain the word repent, as well as Jesus Christ being crucified and being raised from the dead.


Repent means turn to God in submission to Him as Lord.


This is the Gospel Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to preach.

Words of Christ in red —


So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:16-20


The way we repent is to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.


For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

JLB

I believe the Sinner’s Prayer is just another way of the Bible saying to “Repent.”

A Biblical Case For Repentance:


At the heart, I believe the Bible teaches that "Repentance" means, "Asking God for forgiveness" (Which of course naturally then leads to the "fruits of repentance", i.e. obedience to the Lord):

Important Note: While I may believe "Repentance" does involve to a certain degree a "change of mind" (like a person changing their mind about their old life of sin), I do not think "Repentance" exclusively means a “change of mind.”

"Asking God for forgiveness of sin" can either refer to: The "Sinner's Prayer" (Initial Salvation) (Romans 10:13), and or the seasoned believer "Confessing one's sin" (Continued Salvation) (See 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:1).

Anyways, here are my ten points using Scripture showing that "repentance" means "asking God for forgiveness of sin.”

#1. Acts 2:38,
The New Living Translation says in Acts 2:38 to "repent of your sins."
Douay Reheims says in Acts 2:38 to "Do penance."
New Life Version says in Acts 2:38 to "Be sorry for your sins"

#2. Luke 17:3 says, "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him." This doesn't make any sense if "repent" means believe in Jesus (as some teach) or to have a change of mind about sin (as others teach) or to exclusively forsake sin. Yes, we are to forsake sin as a part of repentance but that comes later after repentance (Which is to ask God for forgiveness of our sin). For how can we reconcile with a brother if we do not say we are sorry vs. just going on about life as if we did nothing wrong?

#3. Jesus said in Matthew 12:41 that the Ninevites will rise up in Judgment against this generation because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. If you were to turn to Jonah chapter 3, you would be able to see in Jonah 3:6-10 that the King of the Ninevites had told his people to:

(a) Cry out to God (i.e. Repentance) (See Jonah 3:8).
(b) Turn from their sins or evil ways (i.e. The Natural Fruits of Repentance).​

#4. Matthew 3:6 (which then lines up with Matthew 3:8). Also, in Mark 1:4-5, it says John preached the "baptism of repentance" for the remission of sins (verse 4), and it then defines this "baptism of repentance" by saying they confessed their sins when they were baptized (verse 5).

#5. We see in Acts of the Apostles 8:22 a clear example of Peter telling Simon to "repent" of his wickedness in trying to pay for the Holy Spirit. Peter is telling Simon to make a prayer towards God. For Peter says that he should pray that God might forgive him. In other words, Peter is telling Simon to repent of a one time event of wickedness by way of prayer to GOD. This only makes sense if "repent" means to "ask for forgiveness."

#6. Ezekiel 14:6 says,
"Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols;" Repent makes the most sense here if a person is asking God for forgiveness by way of prayer instead of a person just believing in God. Naturally a person believes in God as their Savior if they are planning on forsaking their idols.

#7. We see repentance is the topic of discussion in Luke 15 (Luke 15:6) (Luke 15:10); This is then followed up by the "Parable of the Prodigal Son" with the son desiring to be reconciled with his father. We learn the WAY the Prodigal Son desired to be reconciled with his father when he said,

"I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants." (Luke 15:18-19).

In other words, the Prodigal Son was seeking forgiveness. This ties into the point of repentance in Luke 15:6 and Luke 15:10.

#8. Luke 10:13 says,
"Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes." This rules out the theory that repentance is exclusively forsaking sin. Granted, forsaking sin always follow true repentance (Asking God for forgiveness of one's sins) but forsaking sin is not repentance. The word "repented" here is describing a one time event because they "repented", sitting in sackcloth and ashes. In Jonah 3:6 we learn that the King of Nineveh sat in sackcloth and ashes. In Jonah 3:8, the King of Nineveh tells people to put on sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God (i.e. repentance): and then turn from their evil way (i.e. the fruits of repentance).

#9. John the Baptist says we are to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8). Fruits are deeds (or obedience to God). How can repentance be the same thing as the fruit? Is the fruit the same thing as the tree?

#10. Jeremiah 8:6 says, "I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle." Here we see the word "repented of wickedness" tied with the words, "What have I done?" This is an acknowledgement of one's sin to God as a part of asking His forgiveness.


Notable Additional Verses that Deal with Repentance
(But They Do Not Use The Word "Repent" or "Repentance"):

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13).

13 "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:13-14).

Proverbs 28:13 says whosoever confesses and forsakes sin shall have mercy.
 
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The Gospel is repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel must have the command repent, or it is not the Gospel.


Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 taught the Church from the scriptures the truth about the Gospel and those whom God first sentence to preach it.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


Do you think the Gospel includes all of these verses, because all of these verses are one continual thought being expressed.


If you don’t understand that the Church, born again Christians, are taught from the scriptures, and unsaved sinners have the Gospel preached to them, then you will keep making the mistake that most people make, not understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


Paul is teaching from the scriptures that Jesus Christ dies for our sins from the scriptures, that He was buried and rose on the third day, according to the scriptures, and was seen by witnesses including himself.


The Gospel must contain the word repent, as well as Jesus Christ being crucified and being raised from the dead.


Repent means turn to God in submission to Him as Lord.


This is the Gospel Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to preach.

Words of Christ in red —


So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:16-20


The way we repent is to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.


For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10




JLB

Repentance: = Sinner's Prayer.
Fruits of Repentance: = Doing Good Works (The Result or Fruit of Repentance).

I believe that when John the Baptist says bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, he was referring to how we need to DO good works to make good on their confessing their sins to the Lord. In fact, read the context of John baptizing. They were confessing their sins as they were being baptized. Confessing sins is just another way of saying "Sinner's Prayer." This was called the baptism of repentance.

We need both repentance, and the fruits of repentance as a part of salvation.
 
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The Gospel is repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel must have the command repent, or it is not the Gospel.


Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 taught the Church from the scriptures the truth about the Gospel and those whom God first sentence to preach it.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


Do you think the Gospel includes all of these verses, because all of these verses are one continual thought being expressed.


If you don’t understand that the Church, born again Christians, are taught from the scriptures, and unsaved sinners have the Gospel preached to them, then you will keep making the mistake that most people make, not understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


Paul is teaching from the scriptures that Jesus Christ dies for our sins from the scriptures, that He was buried and rose on the third day, according to the scriptures, and was seen by witnesses including himself.


The Gospel must contain the word repent, as well as Jesus Christ being crucified and being raised from the dead.


Repent means turn to God in submission to Him as Lord.


This is the Gospel Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to preach.

Words of Christ in red —


So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:16-20


The way we repent is to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.


For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10




JLB

I believe there are two aspects to the gospel as a part of salvation.
The 1st aspect of the gospel we need to apply or our lives is:

Believing the Gospel:

We must first ask ourselves (according to Scripture):
full

(Note: You can click on the above highlighted text to enlarge it):

The 2nd aspect of the gospel we need to apply or our lives (as a part of salvation) is:

Obeying the Gospel:

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 says, "When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."

Please take note that this is essential to one's salvation. It says those who do not obey the gospel will be punished with everlasting destruction.

I believe the gospel is defined for us in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In context, 1 Corinthians 15 is talking about "believing the gospel" (See 1 Corinthians 15:11).

But there is another kind of thing we must do besides believe the gospel. It is called "obeying the gospel."

So again, what is obeying the gospel?

I believe it is defined for us in Scripture:​

Obeying the Death of Jesus Christ:

Crucify the affections and lusts:
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:24).

Take up your cross (Die to self):
"And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38).
I see the "taking up your cross" as this: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2).

We should be dead to grievous sin's effects and we should no longer live in any kind of grievous sin anymore:
1 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? " (Romans 6:1-2).

6 "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin." (Romans 6:6-7).​

Obeying the Resurrection of Jesus Christ:

"...that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" (Romans 6:5).

Side Note:

I believe the "death/burial" is also symbolic of Spirit baptism as per Romans 6:3-4. Granted, in this passage it sounds like water baptism and indeed it is referring to water baptism. But that is how they accepted the Lord back then and receive Spirit baptism. Paul said elswhere that he came not to baptize. So obviously we NEED to be baptized as per obeying the death aspect part of the gospel. We need to crucify the affections and lusts. This can happen when a person accepts Jesus as their Savior and they believe in His death and resurrection for salvation. It can happen when a believer seeks forgiveness of their sins with the Lord Jesus Christ and they crucify the affections and lusts in their life by the power of the Lord.

For 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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The Gospel is repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel must have the command repent, or it is not the Gospel.


Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 taught the Church from the scriptures the truth about the Gospel and those whom God first sentence to preach it.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


Do you think the Gospel includes all of these verses, because all of these verses are one continual thought being expressed.


If you don’t understand that the Church, born again Christians, are taught from the scriptures, and unsaved sinners have the Gospel preached to them, then you will keep making the mistake that most people make, not understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


Paul is teaching from the scriptures that Jesus Christ dies for our sins from the scriptures, that He was buried and rose on the third day, according to the scriptures, and was seen by witnesses including himself.


The Gospel must contain the word repent, as well as Jesus Christ being crucified and being raised from the dead.


Repent means turn to God in submission to Him as Lord.


This is the Gospel Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to preach.

Words of Christ in red —


So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:16-20


The way we repent is to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.


For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

JLB

I see the "Kingdom of God" as in reference to "Jesus."

In other words, John the baptist said, "repent" (seek forgiveness with God by way of prayer), for the Kingdom of God (JESUS) was at hand (near, or coming).

We can read about how the disciples preached the kingdom of God before the cross:

"And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:2).​

Yet, the kingdom of God was preached after the cross, too:

"Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." (Acts of the Apostles 28:31).​

Kingdoms are made up of people.
Jesus is the head of the Kingdom.
For you cannot have a Kingdom without King, and Jesus is he King of Kings.

The Kingdom of God is Jesus.

For the Kingdom can be within a person.

"Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21).​

Jesus says, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7). Jesus stands at the door of men's hearts and knocks to come inside them: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20). "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love," (Ephesians 3:17).

Jesus identifies Himself as the Kingdom of God when He says,

"But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you." (Luke 11:20).​

When Jesus told His disciples that when they healed the sick, they are to say to them that the Kingdom of God has come near to them.

"And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’" (Luke 10:9).​

This again is Jesus healing them. Jesus is the Kingdom of God. He is the One who heals.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," (Luke 4:18).​

Jesus is the One who lives in all believers thereby making up the Kingdom of God's people. It's why we are the body of Christ.

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." (Romans 12:5).
 
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The Gospel is repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel must have the command repent, or it is not the Gospel.


Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 taught the Church from the scriptures the truth about the Gospel and those whom God first sentence to preach it.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


Do you think the Gospel includes all of these verses, because all of these verses are one continual thought being expressed.

Well, I believe verse 4 ends the gospel message of believing that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was risen three days later. I believe the words, "according to the Scriptures" in verse 4 conclude or end the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:4). Verse 5 begins a new thought about the eyewitness accounts of this gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:5).

Now, while believing in the eyewitnesses of Christ is important (because it shows our trust in God's Word), nowhere does any place else in Scripture say or imply that believing the gospel is also believing the eyewitnesses accounts of Christ. Eyewitness accounts in and of themselves alone do not save us. It is what Christ did with His death, burial, and resurrection that saves. That's the gospel or the good news that the eyewitnesses testified to. Yes, receiving them is receiving Jesus, but the eyewitnesses of Jesus did not die for our sins, and neither were they risen for our salvation.

1 Corinthians 15:3 says that Christ died for our sins [according to the gospel - 1 Corinthians 15:1].

Ephesians 1:13 mentions the gospel.

Ephesians 2:8 essentially says, we are saved by God's grace through faith.
Ephesians 2:5 says, "Even when we were dead in sins, has made us alive together with Christ, ( by grace you are saved; )"

Hebrews 2:9 says,
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18).

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." (1 Corinthians 1:17).

"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" (Romans 3:25).​

There are New Testament Grace Commands:

"Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace (that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need) (Hebrews 4:16).

"Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:9-10).

"Be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1).

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).​

The gospel is tied to the resurrection in another place:

"Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:" (2 Timothy 2:8).​

Nothing is said elsewhere in Scripture of how we must believe in the eye witness accounts as being a part of the gospel message. While, believing the eyewitness accounts is important, believing such a thing is not the gospel.

You said:
The way we repent is to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

Romans 10:13 says whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. This is what Luke 18:9-14, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13, Psalms 51 is all about. I believe this is repentance.

Although, these words "Jesus is Lord" from Romans 10:9 could be manifested in this way when a person first comes to the Lord seeking forgiveness with Him and looking to what He did for us with His death, burial, and resurrection, I don't believe a person just confessing "the Lord Jesus" or "Jesus is Lord" is enough to save a person if they are not sorry over their sins with the Lord by way of prayer. After the reveal of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (i.e. Believing that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was risen three days later for our salvation), a person would also normally "repent" or seek forgiveness (Call upon the name of the Lord, "confessing the Lord Jesus" in the hope of being forgiven of their sins). In other words, Romans 10:9-13 is the Sinner's Prayer mingled with believing the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. This is God's grace. This then leads to the fruits of repentance in doing good deeds by the power of God working in them (i.e. Sanctification or in living holy, i.e. God directed works, and not Man Directed Works Alone.).
 
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JLB777

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Well, I believe verse 4 ends the gospel message of believing that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was risen three days later.

We all believe Jesus died and rose again according to the scriptures,, but Paul doesn’t end it there does he.


He goes on to show the witnesses that saw Jesus after He was resurrected, including himself.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


It’s all connected as one thought and is surely the truth.



Here is the Gospel Jesus preached:


From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17


Repent in context with the Gospel means turn to God in submission to Jesus Christ as Lord.



Jesus said this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the last days before His return.


And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:14



Here is what Peter preached on the day of Pentecost —


Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38




Here is what Jesus commissioned Paul to preach to the Gentiles.

Words of Christ in red:



But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Acts 26:16-20



Repent is how we obey the Gospel.






JLB
 
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JLB777

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In other words, John the baptist said, "repent" (seek forgiveness with God by way of prayer), for the Kingdom of God (JESUS) was at hand (near, or coming).


Repent means to turn to God in submission to Him as Lord.


But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Acts 26:16-20


The way we repent is to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.



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. Romans 10:9-10




JLB
 
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We all believe Jesus died and rose again according to the scriptures,, but Paul doesn’t end it there does he.


He goes on to show the witnesses that saw Jesus after He was resurrected, including himself.


For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8


It’s all connected as one thought and is surely the truth.

All these words here are true in 1 Corinthians 15, and we must accept them as the Word of God, but nowhere will you find how we must also believe in these specific eyewitness accounts so as to be saved as a part of the gospel. Meaning: Where else does God's Word confirm the truth that believing the eye witness accounts is the gospel? Scripture says,

"...In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (2 Corinthians 13:1).

"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:" (Isaiah 28:10).

"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (1 Corinthians 2:13).

"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts of the Apostles 17:11) (NIV).​

I can confirm that believing that Christ died for our sins in 1 Corinthians 15:3 is a part of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 1:17-18.

17 "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:17-18).
Paul talks about how "to preach the gospel" is related to "the preaching of the cross." This is a second witness confirming that the gospel message of believing that Christ died for ours sins mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:3.

I can confirm that Christ's resurrection is a part of the gospel in 2 Timothy 2:8.

"Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:" (2 Timothy 2:8).​

So this is a second witness confirming that the resurrection is a part of the gospel according to 1 Corinthians 15:4.

But what about how we must believe the eyewitness accounts as a part of the gospel? Does Paul or another apostle say, "....and we believed the eyewitness accounts, which is a part of the gospel message."

Again, the eyewitness accounts do not save in and of themselves. Scripture says that we are nothing. We are just vessels or clay jars to be smashed. It is the communicated Word and living Word that saves.

You said:
Here is the Gospel Jesus preached:


From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17


Repent in context with the Gospel means turn to God in submission to Jesus Christ as Lord.

Where in the Bible do you see that this is so?
Where is the words "repent" and the words "kingdom of Heaven is at hand" (or the "gospel") tied with words in context stating a general submission to Jesus Christ as Lord? If things are as you say, then you should have Scripture to back up this claim. So far I just see you making this claim and yet you are offering no context and or a repeat pattern of verses making us to see that this is so.

Surely, I agree that we have to submit to His grace, and we must submit to believing in the gospel (Which is believing that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was risen three days later on our behalf for salvation). To seek forgiveness with the Lord is a command and we must submit to Him. I believe to seek forgiveness with the Lord is to: "repent." I have demonstrated this fact by Scripture itself by showing you the repetitive pattern of how one can see that the word "repent" is tied with seeking forgiveness. I did not offer you a one time verse, but multiple verses that over, and over show that repentance is seeking forgiveness (generally in most cases involving in seeking forgiveness with the Lord).

I encourage you to address at least 3-5 of the verses in my long list on my "Biblical Defense for Repentance" (posted in this thread) here.

You said:
Jesus said this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the last days before His return.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:14

I believe "the gospel of the Kingdom" is another way of saying "the good news of Jesus Christ." The word "Kingdom" can refer to Heaven, or Paradise, etc., but it depends on the context. But many times in Scripture we see Jesus as in reference to the Kingdom. This is especially important to understand because Jesus is the King of Kings and He makes up the Kingdom. Jesus lives in all believers thereby establishing the body of Christ to exist in the first place. Abiding in Jesus is how we have eternal life (1 John 5:12). But of course, we must keep His commands to show that He is living within us - 1 John 2:3, John 14:15, John 15:10 (of which I am sure you agree with). For we both agree in the beautiful truth that those who are of God do righteousness and they love their brother (1 John 3:10). Jesus is the good news because He comes to save, both in forgiving us of our sins and in by helping us to overcome grievous sin in this life (So as to enter God's dwelling place).

You said:
Here is what Peter preached on the day of Pentecost —

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

While believers today can be water baptized, baptism was an Old Testament ritual, of which we see done by John the Baptist. I believe the disciples were steeped in their Jewish traditions still and it was hard to let go of some of their Old Covenant ways. Remember the vision given to Peter about the animals? Peter was thinking that he still had to eat only clean animals. Granted, the major point of the vision was the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's plan of salvation, but I believe the secondary message of that vision was to also say that Peter could literally eat unclean animals now, too. I believe that when Jesus gave the disciples the great commission (which included baptism) (Matthew 28:19-20), I believe that Jesus meant that this was to be spirit baptism by the laying on of hands (Acts of the Apostles 19:1-7), and not water baptism (Luke 3:16).

"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" (Luke 3:16).

Note: At Pentecost, I believe that they were baptized in the Holy Ghost, but Peter was still steeped in his Jewish traditions, and he required men to still be water baptized. God of course allowed for them to misunderstand because water baptism was symbolic of the true baptism (Which is spirit baptism). Paul would then later make clear the true form of baptism (i.e. spirit baptism, which could be administered by the laying on of hands or a person receiving Jesus).

You said:
Here is what Jesus commissioned Paul to preach to the Gentiles.
Words of Christ in red:

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Acts 26:16-20
Repent is how we obey the Gospel.

If I am understanding you correctly, I think you believe Acts of the Apostles 26:20 is defining the word "repent" for us by saying, "turn to God." You translate this as submit to God.

"...that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." (Acts of the Apostles 26:20).​

While in the most basic sense, "repent" could mean to "turn to God" because we see the word "repent" used a lot in a way to seek forgiveness with the Lord by way of prayer. But when we read a word, our definition for that word should not always have to be in the immediate follow words in the most obvious way every time (Note: I will explain this further in my next post to you).

When we define a word, the meaning of that word has to make sense in how it is used elsewhere in Scripture.

Again, nowhere is the word "repent" tied with obeying the gospel in the way that you define it here.
Repent = Seeking forgiveness with the Lord.
Turning to God = Going to God and away from one's sin.
Do works befitting of repentance = Means that Works is different than the word "repentance." You want "repentance" and "works" to be the same thing, and they are not the same thing.

For example: John the Baptist says bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Fruits are the result of the tree of repentance. When you think of fruit, it comes out of another thing and does not just magically appear out of thin air. Fruit is the result of having been saved by God's grace. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace, etc.; Receiving the Holy Spirit and the fruits thereof is the result of being saved by God's grace through faith in Christ, and in seeking forgiveness of your sins with Him (Note: For verses on seeking forgiveness with the Lord, or God's grace, see: Luke 18:9-14, Psalms 51, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:1-2, Proverbs 28:13, Hebrews 4:16, Matthew 11:28-29, Romans 10:13, etc.).
 
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