Oldmantook
Well-Known Member
Salvation is referenced in the NT in the past, present and future tenses, thus it is a process and not just a one-time moment of decision. Saving faith consists of belief (Jn 3:16) and also obedience (Heb 5:9). Many emphasize the former but neglect to mention the latter. We are commanded to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). We are promised salvation only if we continue in the faith.
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Col 1:22-23
1 John provides us with clues to ascertain whether we possess saving faith.
1 Jn 2:29 ...everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 Jn 2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in Him. By this we know we are in Him.
1 Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 Jn 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
1 Jn 3:21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
Saving faith is a race and a fight to the finish. That is why we are to emulate
Paul who wrote: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Tim 4:7).
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Col 1:22-23
1 John provides us with clues to ascertain whether we possess saving faith.
1 Jn 2:29 ...everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 Jn 2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in Him. By this we know we are in Him.
1 Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 Jn 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
1 Jn 3:21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
Saving faith is a race and a fight to the finish. That is why we are to emulate
Paul who wrote: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Tim 4:7).
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