Did You Really Not Know That Christ Must Be Obeyed? --Yes, You!

GenemZ · Jun 7, 2020

Blood Bought 1953 said:
Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).

And what are those Commandment? After the Cross? In the present Age of Grace?
1 John 3:23. There are only Two...
#1.....Believe

#2.....Love

Concentrate on those two and everything else will take care of itself ......

And, #3. (Which is really first)

“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment."

How can we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God."

If we truly love the Lord? The Spirit living in us will be urging us on to take in more and more knowledge of God's Word that we will learn to loive more and more. And, He will supply the teachers.

Love knowledge that the Spirit will give to it "flesh and bones," and say..."Live!"

.........

Bible Highlighter · Jun 7, 2020

Blood Bought 1953 said:
The main problem with the Pharisees was their “ SELF-Righteousness”.....
Just as Paul pointed out in Romans 10:2-3.... “ They have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge....they are ignorant of God’s Righteousness and go about trying to establish their OWN Righteousness—- they have not submitted themselves to the Righteousness Of God...Christ is The End Of The Law for Righteousness for everyone that Believes......”
Self Righteousness condemned the Pharisees then, it condemns ModernDay Judaizers today.....they are easy to recognize—-They are the ones that say.... “ Jesus Saves —- B U T “. .......

Romans 9-11 is dealing with unsaved nation of Israel. This means that Paul is talking about how they first need to get saved by the 1st process of salvation which is being saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ (which is a process of salvation that is without the deeds of the Law). The Jews did not accept their Messiah (Jesus Christ). They needed to believe. Yes. This is where salvation starts, but it is not where salvation ends. This is obvious if you look at the whole counsel of God's Word.

Take for example Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:5, and Titus 3:5.
They are probably the most famous select parts of Scripture that are often quoted by those who are in defense of Belief Alone-ism. Let's look at them briefly.

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Yes, it's true. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Christ without works. But this is referring to Initial Salvation or Foundational Salvation: See Ephesians 2:1-7, Ephesians 3:17; This is not a safety net to sin and still be saved on any level: See: Ephesians 5:3-7, Ephesians 5:11.
Romans 4:5: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” This again is referring to the 1st step or stage of salvation. The person who “does not work” is in reference to how they are not saved by “Works Alone Salvationism” (without God's grace); For Romans 4:5 is a belief that leads to one being able to also perform, see: Romans 4:20-21; This is not a safety net to sin and still be saved on any level, see: Grace reigns through righteousness, see: Romans 5:21 (Compare with: Titus 2:11-12, Ephesians 5:25-27). Again, this is not a license to sin, see: Romans 6:1-2, Romans 8:13.
Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5 is also referring to Initial Salvation (See Titus 3:4-7); It is true that we are not saved by works of righteousness we have done alone. We are first saved by God's grace without works of righteousness and then God does the good work through us in the Sanctification Process. We cannot take the credit or boast in ourselves. So this is not a safety net to sin and still be saved on any level: For a person can deny God by a lack of works, see: Titus 1:16; And God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and that we should live righteously and godly in this present world, see: Titus 2:11-12.

But of course you are free to isolate only those parts of the Bible that agrees with your belief, but I would not recommend you in doing so.

Religiot · Jun 7, 2020

genez said:
We were once bound to death (SPIRITUAL DEATH). No longer we are. That is good news! Move on and find out what we now can know!

Sin we should learn is simple to deal with according to 1 John 1:9! Its elementary teaching that should be taught to baby Christians. Adult Christians should not having to think about it any more than thinking about tying their shoelaces.

I can remember as a child how when I first learned how to tie my shoelaces, I needed to concentrate and think about doing the procedure... "this goes over here, and that goes under there, and pull."

But, as an adult Christian? We should not be obsessing about such things that God designed for us to have become like a second nature in performing.

But you? With your "obedience" thing? Want to stop everyone and inspect their shoelaces. Its annoying to those who are mature enough to have mastered the basics. But, you? Seem to think that obedience is the end of what we are to become in Christ. Its baby stuff! Obedience is learning to look both ways before crossing the street. Learning to clean up your room after you wake up.

The frustrating part is this. There so much to learn of Christ by accepting teachings of the ENTIRE Word of God. We should be constantly growing in knowledge of God's Word for our entire life on earth. Not the same things over and over again. When its the same thing over and over again? The Word becomes in itself as a tradition and ritual. No longer alive and constantly growing as we all should be doing.

Many teachers can not teach to reach maturity. That is because they were self promoted to where they do not belong. Or, some are lazy and never learned good study skills as they needed. Or, if they have found good teachings from someone who can teach? They refuse to pass along those teachings from those who can teach that way. Instead?

To make a niche for them self? They create gimmicks to concentrate on. Limiting areas pertaining to only certain doctrines. Doctrines that they will present as being the "end all" of Christianity. Like for example? Using the word.."Obedience." Which when left undefined? Means nothing. "Obedience to Christ?" Can mean a million things when what it means is never understood and defined.

That is how some here come across when they act so obsessed about "obedience" all the time. Its nothing new. The Catholic church demands "obedience." Many legalistic churches do the same thing in their own way.
It becomes a "catch word" for a man's gimmicks that he always justifies with the same few Scriptures. And, in that way? Nobody grows beyond the first grade in Christ. Its dead religion. (Revelation 3:1)

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith;
as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Rom 1:17

Faith comes by hearing (learning) the Word of God!

Faith understood leads to more faith. "From faith to faith." The more we learn of Bible knowledge, the more we can learn even more knowledge... That is what we are to do in Obedience! Jesus constantly taught the Word! Constantly. No pet teaching. Taught what ever part of the Bible applied to their given situation! That is how He overcame the world. In obedience to his commands we should be constantly expanding and gaining in knowledge of God's Word.

God wants us to have that kind of teachings?

Then God will provide a few (James 3:1) teachers who are capable and able to teach in an ongoing and ever growing way. These pastors are OBEDIENT to their calling. Obedient to Christ!

But? When one makes obedience the issue? Without knowing what it should mean? Its emptiness and legalism. We need grace and Truth.

Keep in mind. When Jesus told his disciples to be obedient to His commands? He was sending out TEACHERS. Its not the same as for those who sit in the pews.

grace and peace...

genez, I would like your opinion on the following:

It is a comic book, in pdf format, best viewed in full screen mode, or presentation mode.

Please read it carefully, and then tell me what you think, thanks.

Bible Highlighter · Jun 7, 2020

* Post removed by me *

Bible Highlighter · Jun 7, 2020

Blood Bought 1953 said:
Well, in my experience in talking online on various different Christian forums over the years: Making it personal is a standard tactic by those who hold to a sin and still be saved type belief. In other words, if one's belief cannot be supported with Scripture, then the discussion is made about the individual instead (Thereby showing the Scriptural weakness of one's own argument).

Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).

And what are those Commandment? After the Cross? In the present Age of Grace?
1 John 3:23. There are only Two...
#1.....Believe

#2.....Love

Concentrate on those two and everything else will take care of itself ......

What verse or passage tells you that the teachings of Jesus before the cross have ended? Jesus was teaching New Covenant teachings primarily and not Old Covenant teachings. I only seen one time Jesus refer to an Old Covenant custom or teaching in his sermons. Jesus actually was changing the Law of Moses by His new teachings. For example: In the Old Covenant, you could make oaths. But Jesus says do not make any oaths at all. This is a change in the Law.

The Law came by Moses, and grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Besides, even after the cross there are tons of New Testament commands. I know. I did the study. But if you think that looking for God's laws in the New Testament is legalism, then by all means... that is your choice. In fact, I was thinking of 1 John 3:23 this morning. This means that you believe that you are saved by obeying a Law or a Commandment. For 1 John 3:23 says that to believe on the name of Jesus is a commandment. So you are saved by keeping this Law. You are saved by a form of Legalism or Law keeping. Jesus even says, “ This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29). So you are saved by a work, too.

This is why Belief Alone-ism is bankrupt in light of God's Word.

GenemZ · Jun 7, 2020

Religiot said:
genez, I would like your opinion on the following:

It is a comic book, in pdf format, best viewed in full screen mode, or presentation mode.

Please read it carefully, and then tell me what you think, thanks.

What it tells me is what I have witnessed to enough times to no longer be stunned.

Many believe God will judge them according to their sins. But, as that tract says when it quotes Revelation 20:12... That unbelievers will be judged according to their works.

Meaning? The books will be searched and trying to find one work that would have saved them.

That one work will be the one not found. Which is the following:

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the
one he has sent.”

That is the only work that saves.

We are saved by one work alone. (singular)

“The work of God is this: to believe in the
one he has sent.”

Yet, we are not saved by works. (plurality = a man-devised system designed to gain the approval of God by doing many prescribed deeds)

Now God has ordained us to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10) Works that God will arrange our lives for, to save us from the evils we must endure while here on earth. Now, that is a different type of salvation from God. Its not what saved us from the Lake of Fire, which was to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some when they see the word "saved" confuse it to mean only one thing.

There is a second kind of salvation from God. The salvation of our souls in this lifetime on earth!

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Pet 1:3-9

That is what it means " faith without works is dead."

Bible Highlighter · Jun 7, 2020

Blood Bought 1953 said:
Your “ experience” is bogus this time. All I did was ask you a simple question.....you turned it into something about “ me”, thereby evading the question you did NOT want to answer .....Your “Non-Answer” is in itself an Answer.....want to try again to give an answer? I did not know that it was “against policy” to ask a question in a debate....I’m not buying it.....sorry....

If I told you that I lived like a saint, or I lived holy most days of my life, I highly doubt that would convince you or change your mind.

My experience on folks seeking to make it about me instead of sticking to the topic with Scripture is not bogus. I can recall many, many times of when this happened over the years. Sure, some have responded with Scripture in return before, but others have not. This to me is very telling of the bankruptcy of their position.

Those who have responded with Scripture in return were either quoting from a Modern Translation that corrupted the text, or they simply altered the text of the King James Bible by saying that a particular verse meant something else in the original languages.

Bible Highlighter · Jun 7, 2020

genez said:
What it tells me is what I have witnessed to enough times to no longer be stunned.

Many believe God will judge them according to their sins. But, as that tract says when it quotes Revelation 20:12... That unbelievers will be judged according to their works.

Meaning? The books will be searched and trying to find one work that would have saved them.

That one work will be the one not found. Which is the following:

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the
one he has sent.”

That is the only work that saves.

We are saved by one work alone. (singular)

“The work of God is this: to believe in the
one he has sent.”

Yet, we are not saved by works. (plurality = a man-devised system designed to gain the approval of God by doing many prescribed deeds)

Now God has ordained us to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10) Works that God will arrange our lives for, to save us from the evils we must endure while here on earth. Now, that is a different type of salvation from God. Its not what saved us from the Lake of Fire, which was to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some when they see the word "saved" confuse it to mean only one thing.

There is a second kind of salvation from God. The salvation of our souls in this lifetime on earth!

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Pet 1:3-9

That is what it means " faith without works is dead."

What you fail to understand is that the two processes of salvation is not by my effort or work alone. God saves both in Justification (God's grace), and in Sanctification (Living holy by God's power working through us). Justifying sin (on any level) is pretty obvious that is not morally correct or good, and or biblical. It's common sense. One is either for obeying God or disobeying God. Disobeying God is all about another kingdom that is not of God.

Think.

Besides, for every sin and still be saved type belief verse you got, I got a bunch more verses that say that you cannot sin and still be saved. What do you do with the kind of verses that appear to refute your belief? Ignore them? Change them? I cannot. My soul is too important to play games with. But you are free to do as you wish (of course).

Bible Highlighter · Jun 7, 2020

Blood Bought 1953 said:
The main problem with the Pharisees was their “ SELF-Righteousness”.....
Just as Paul pointed out in Romans 10:2-3.... “ They have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge....they are ignorant of God’s Righteousness and go about trying to establish their OWN Righteousness—- they have not submitted themselves to the Righteousness Of God...Christ is The End Of The Law for Righteousness for everyone that Believes......”
Self Righteousness condemned the Pharisees then, it condemns ModernDay Judaizers today.....they are easy to recognize—-They are the ones that say.... “ Jesus Saves —- B U T “. .......

Again, read Matthew 23:23, and Luke 11:42. The Pharisees ignored the weightier matters of the Law. This is why Jesus called them hypocrites. They made it appear like they were obedient to God, but they were not obedient to God. Both John the Baptist, and Jesus condemned their claims of “Belief Alone-ism.”

John the Baptist was against Belief Alone-ism. He said to the Pharisees “do not think to say within yourselves we have Abraham our father.” For they thought they were saved by simply being sons of Abraham.

For it is written:

“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father...”
(Matthew 3:8-9).

Jesus was against Belief Alone-ism.

The Pharisees said,
“...Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said unto them,

“If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.” (John 8:39).

So if you want to know that God is against Belief Alone-ism, just remember the number 39.

Matthew 3:9.
John 8:39.

Religiot · Jun 7, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
Wow. That was awesome! The one thing I would alter in that tract is the salvation prayer part where it says “special prayers cannot save you” on page 27. I believe a person can initially be saved by the Sinner's Prayer (God's grace) (Romans 10:13), and they can also later confess of their sins to be forgiven of sin (1 John 1:9); However, a believer's life must lead to a changed obedient life to the Lord (Sanctification and holy living) (Hebrews 5:9). If a believer justifies sin (instead of battling against sin), they are not gonna make it (Matthew 13:41-42). But a believer can make salvation all about works and no grace (Which is also wrong). A person first needs God's grace (Which can be in the form of seeking forgiveness with Jesus Christ). For we see king David seek forgiveness with God over his sins in Psalms 51. So yes. We can be saved by a special prayer. It cannot be just saying a “prayer alone,” and then staying in one's sins and or in being unfruitful for the Lord. If that is the case, then I agree.

Anyways, this tract (for the most part) is a great wake up call. Granted, there needs to be some new fresh drawings for this tract and a new title and a slight altering of the message to include an emphasis also on God's grace. I am an artist and I could draw a tract similar to this. But I may change it a bit and or rework it entirely.

Ironically, I was saved by the Chick Tract called “This Was Your Life” back in 1992. So it is kind of interesting that you posted this particular tract (But re-edited as a much needed wake up call for Christians).

This comic book/tract is heavily layered with meaning: it can be read superficially, just like any other tract, or it can be studied deeply, like a bible study guide, but above those things is the pattern it lays out, that demonstrates the age-old problem, of men doing what they want, over and against what God has already plainly said.

PS: Anyone can pray til their blue in the face, but if it's not in response to what the Lord has already said, then it is prayer in vain:

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." --Psalms 66:18

"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." --Proverbs 28:9

"And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." --Isaiah 1:15-20

--special prayers cannot save, period.

Repentance in obedience to the gospel is the only way Christ declared.

Wherefore, the preaching of the gospel must be by those sent by Christ, those who will only preach as the Lord commanded, without omitting critical parts; for those who do omit and twist, are not the Lord's, but someone else's.

The gospel must be obeyed--the one and only gospel of Jesus Christ--for men to be saved, period.

No other version will do.

Godspeed.

GenemZ · Jun 7, 2020

Religiot said:
This comic book/tract is heavily layered with meaning: it can be read superficially, just like any other tract, or it can be studied deeply, like a bible study guide, but above those things is the pattern it lays out, that demonstrates the age-old problem, of men doing what they want, over and against what God has already plainly said.

I got saved via a tract. After I did? I never knew what hit me. I was baptized into a mystery.

Took me ten years to find out why I was suddenly and so dramatically changed on the inside.

Yet.. In spite of my almost complete ignorance of the Scriptures? I got saved.

Until I got into the Word (ten years later) my life was continuously like a fish out of water.

Yet, I got saved by the tract.

One that contained just enough truth, so the Holy Spirit could save me.

God the Holy Spirit only utilizes that which is truth.

The opinions of believers based upon ignorance, the Holy Spirit can not utilize.

GenemZ · Jun 7, 2020

Religiot said:
Repentance in obedience to the gospel is the only way Christ declared.

Obedience to this...

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the
one he has sent.” John 6:28-29

Jesus did say...

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

LIGHT and EASY!

Not being placed under the whip of some "obedience master."

Some people crave power over others. Legalism is their invention. Cruelty in the name of love is the game.

Legalism = Spiritual narcissism. Their preaching gaslights their hearers.

Jesus said the Truth will make you free. Free to see the legalist for what he is.

Religiot · Jun 7, 2020

genez said:
Obedience to this...

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the
one he has sent.” John 6:28-29

Jesus did say...

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

LIGHT and EASY!

Not being placed under the whip of some "obedience master."

Some people crave power over others. Legalism is their invention. Cruelty in the name of love is the game.

Legalism = Spiritual narcissism. Their preaching gaslights their hearers.

Jesus said the Truth will make you free. Free to see the legalist for what he is.

The gospel is available to all who want it:

The Bible is the number one best selling book of all time, and the irony to that fact, is that it is also the number one book that is given away for free.

--Thus most ignorance of the truth is by choice, for not only do true preachers promote the gospel, but false one's do too; so the hearing of the message has become an inevitability to most in the West, and the true contest now, is the preservation of the truth of the message, against the rebels that come in the name of the Lord, preaching that 'you don't have to do what He says.'

That's what myself, and others like me do, we defend the faith against those who would otherwise pervert the gospel of Christ.

GenemZ · Jun 7, 2020

Religiot said:
--Thus most ignorance of the truth is by choice, for not only do true preachers promote the gospel, but false one's do too; so the hearing of the message has become an inevitability to most in the West, and the true contest now, is the preservation of the truth of the message, against the rebels that come in the name of the Lord, preaching that 'you don't have to do what He says.'

If we are humble and name our sins as we may see them? Walking in the Spirit will cause one to discover that he has been doing what Jesus commanded.

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you,
and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing
teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not
counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him." 1 Jn 1:27

If the anointing we have guides and fills us? We will have no need for someone to tell us what commands He wants us to do. We should find ourselves automatically doing His commands when the need to do so is there. We will only need to hear the Word taught... as to find out if we have been doing what He commands when its being taught.

That is true spirituality. Other wise? It becomes as obedience to Law when a man must tell us what commands we are to obey.

We are to learn His commands to see how well we are walking in the Spirit. No one filled with the Spirit needs to be commanded to love his brother. No one filled with the Spirit needs to be told to forgive another. Only if someone is walking after the flesh should the command be taught send up a red light to warn that he needs to judge himself and confess what sins that are keeping him from being filled with the Spirit.

For this reason many among you are weak and sick,
and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly,
we would not be judged." 1 Cor 11:30-31

The only time a pastor should need to tell us what commands we must obey, is when he needs to rebuke carnal Christians. Its to let them know they are not walking in the Spirit, and that they must become transformed in their thinking towards sin and how to deal with it.

Its the filling of the Spirit that will cause us to be doing the commands of Jesus. It should be to us as if it were second nature.

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law." Gal 5:18

It not to be law. His commands are there to show to the believer if he has been walking in the filling of the Spirit!

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law."

Anyone who starts laying down the law for others as to what commands of Jesus to follow? Needs to take a vacation from his flesh.

Blood Bought 1953 · Jun 7, 2020

Religiot said:
This comic book/tract is heavily layered with meaning: it can be read superficially, just like any other tract, or it can be studied deeply, like a bible study guide, but above those things is the pattern it lays out, that demonstrates the age-old problem, of men doing what they want, over and against what God has already plainly said.

PS: Anyone can pray til their blue in the face, but if it's not in response to what the Lord has already said, then it is prayer in vain:

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." --Psalms 66:18

"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." --Proverbs 28:9

"And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." --Isaiah 1:15-20

--special prayers cannot save, period.

Repentance in obedience to the gospel is the only way Christ declared.

Wherefore, the preaching of the gospel must be by those sent by Christ, those who will only preach as the Lord commanded, without omitting critical parts; for those who do omit and twist, are not the Lord's, but someone else's.

The gospel must be obeyed--the one and only gospel of Jesus Christ--for men to be saved, period.

No other version will do.

Godspeed.

The Gospel That Saves..... 1Cor15:1-4........is NOT what a man does for God.....It is what God has done for man.

The way to obey the Gospel is to REST in it ....Heb.4.......If you do not trust it , and “IT” alone , for your Salvation.....God declares you guilty of “ disobedience and UNBELIEF .....

Blood Bought 1953 · Jun 7, 2020

genez said:
And, #3. (Which is really first)

“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment."

How can we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God."

If we truly love the Lord? The Spirit living in us will be urging us on to take in more and more knowledge of God's Word that we will learn to loive more and more. And, He will supply the teachers.

Love knowledge that the Spirit will give to it "flesh and bones," and say..."Live!"

.........

“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment."

Nobody except Jesus ever obeyed this Commandment.....That is why we need Grace...

Blood Bought 1953 · Jun 7, 2020

Bible Highlighter said:
Romans 9-11 is dealing with unsaved nation of Israel. This means that Paul is talking about how they first need to get saved by the 1st process of salvation which is being saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ (which is a process of salvation that is without the deeds of the Law). The Jews did not accept their Messiah (Jesus Christ). They needed to believe. Yes. This is where salvation starts, but it is not where salvation ends. This is obvious if you look at the whole counsel of God's Word.

Take for example Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:5, and Titus 3:5.
They are probably the most famous select parts of Scripture that are often quoted by those who are in defense of Belief Alone-ism. Let's look at them briefly.

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Yes, it's true. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Christ without works. But this is referring to Initial Salvation or Foundational Salvation: See Ephesians 2:1-7, Ephesians 3:17; This is not a safety net to sin and still be saved on any level: See: Ephesians 5:3-7, Ephesians 5:11.

Romans 4:5: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” This again is referring to the 1st step or stage of salvation. The person who “does not work” is in reference to how they are not saved by “Works Alone Salvationism” (without God's grace); For Romans 4:5 is a belief that leads to one being able to also perform, see: Romans 4:20-21; This is not a safety net to sin and still be saved on any level, see: Grace reigns through righteousness, see: Romans 5:21 (Compare with: Titus 2:11-12, Ephesians 5:25-27). Again, this is not a license to sin, see: Romans 6:1-2, Romans 8:13.

Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5 is also referring to Initial Salvation (See Titus 3:4-7); It is true that we are not saved by works of righteousness we have done alone. We are first saved by God's grace without works of righteousness and then God does the good work through us in the Sanctification Process. We cannot take the credit or boast in ourselves. So this is not a safety net to sin and still be saved on any level: For a person can deny God by a lack of works, see: Titus 1:16; And God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and that we should live righteously and godly in this present world, see: Titus 2:11-12.

But of course you are free to isolate only those parts of the Bible that agrees with your belief, but I would not recommend you in doing so.

.....simply a new way of saying.....” Jesus Saves......B U T”
The division of Salvation into separate parts put on display here is simply UnBiblical......no matter HOW you dress it up.....

Blood Bought 1953 · Jun 7, 2020

Phil W said:
As per the OP, obedience is necessary for salvation.

Yes indeed.......” Obedience to the Gospel Of Grace” Plus Nothing.Obey the Gospel by RESTING in it.....as God Commands in Heb 4......

Blood Bought 1953 · Jun 7, 2020

Phil W said:
How does one "obey" a bit of good news?
I think you may be assigning the label "gospel" to what we do because of that good news.

What's to obey?
The gospel doesn't tell us to do anything.
We either believe it or we don't.
Our future actions, obedience, are predicated on our belief.

That I can agree with.

Can our belief be illustrated by the love "spurred" by our "rest in the gospel"?
How about our unbelief?
Does a lack of love illustrate unbelief?

[/QUOTE]

“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment."

“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment."

Religiot said:
Brother, we were once bound to death, now we are freed from death and bound to Christ: this freedom is not freedom to sin, but freedom from death.

--And the rest that we must enter requires labor, for the flesh wars against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh.

Our labor is simply to keep the faith, for Satan is constantly trying to steal from us what God freely gave.

To follow Christ, means to enter war: war with the world, and war with ourselves.

The peace that passes understanding, is the peace that God is for us, and that we are no longer against Him; so come hell or high-water, Christians march on, knowing that their labor is not in vain.

“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment."

“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment."

Religiot said:

Brother, we were once bound to death, now we are freed from death and bound to Christ: this freedom is not freedom to sin, but freedom from death.

Click to expand...

Phil W said:

What's to obey?
The gospel doesn't tell us to do anything.
We either believe it or we don't.
Our future actions, obedience, are predicated on our belief.

Click to expand...

Who is promoting “ Freedom to sin?”....... not me.

Blood Bought 1953 · Jun 7, 2020

Phil W said:
What's to obey?
The gospel doesn't tell us to do anything.
We either believe it or we don't.
Our future actions, obedience, are predicated on our belie

The Bible talks about “ the Obedience of the Gospel”
You are correct when you say that the Gospel “ doesn’t tell us to do anything”
That is how you “ Obey” it.......do nothing....do NOT add to it....REST in it for your Salvation....the Gospel Of Paul, found in 1Cor15:1-4.....All we have to do is Believe it....If you Believe , that means you Trust it.....If you Trust in something you will Rest in it.....thinking there must be something that YOU have to do in addition to Believing Jesus died for your sins and rose from the grave will make you “ Fall from Grace”......Read all about it in Galatians...

Did You Really Not Know That Christ Must Be Obeyed? --Yes, You!

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