Do you have a relationship with Jesus?

[PJ76]

Works based salvation is trying to earn your way into heaven solely based on your own merits.

 

[PJ76]

Repentance is not a works based salvation. Repentance means to turn from your sin and seek the Lord Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. , it is a change in lifestyle. Your making a free will choice to no longer to live in sin, rather you are choosing to live in the light.

 

[DM25]

Repentance is not works. It simply means to turn from sin and seek the Lord Jesus.

What? How is "turning" not a work? You can't can't claim you are against works-based salvation and say something isn't a work when it is at the same time... "Turning" is an ACTION on our part. How on earth are you gonna say it isn't a work? Works based salvation is just that, an action, an effort on our part, such as turning away from sin, in order to get to heaven. That is NOT what repentance is, again you are twisting the word repentance which means to change your mind, not to turn away from anything by definition but you keep denying the definition... Please explain to me, how do you not get this or are you simply making up definition for works in your own head? Works doesn't just mean rituals... Works means any action or effort for salvation or to get to heaven, which is what you believe... This includes the ACTION of turning from sin and turning to Jesus, that is a work... You can't make up the definition of works in your own head when we know what the definition is. That is works-based salvation. Please explain how it isn't? This is heresy too. Because the bible says we are not saved by works, but by grace through faith, nothing else. It does not say we are saved because we turned from sin... It says we are saved by Jesus Christ alone.

Turning from sin requires EFFORT, it is NOT EASY To stop sinning. Therefore it is a work. It is works based salvation, and heresy like you said. You only get to heaven by what Jesus done. You don't get to heaven by turning away from your sin... How do you not get this? The gospel is about Jesus dying for our sins, not us stopping sin in order to get saved which is works... That's not what repentance means. Repentance means a change of mind and deep sorrow.

Don't talk about repentance if you don't know the definition. And don't claim you don't believe in works based salvation when you do because turning away from sin is a work, it's an action on our part, therefore it's works based salvation... This is basic logic and definitions here... Can you explain to me why you think it isn't please?

 

[DM25]

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" Galatians 5:22-23

That is NOT the fruit scripture is talking about when God says you will know them by their fruits... CONTEXT. The fruit of the tree verse is talking about teachings, not how you act. You will know that as Peter was talking to one of the pharisees about the law and the teachings when he mentioned that. Context points to fruit being about whether you present the truth and correct teachings, not how you appear... He was talking about false prophets. Christians have bad days like everyone else. They will not always show patience and joy and the others, it's ridiculous to think that is how you "determine if someone is saved". Fruit inspecting is something God hates. It comes from a spirit of pride and unrighteous judgement and sometimes conspiracy too.

 

[Ttalkkugjil]

Did we not already discuss this? Are you now again making the statement that no one got saved ever with the sinner's prayer being a tool or that people can't get saved through method of prayer? You are saying God never uses these methods again? I thought you repented of that when you replied to me last time... But it looks like you haven't, and you really should... For that statement undermines the power of God and what methods he can use and even bears false witness to those who really did get born again by the sinner's prayer, and God hates people who bear false witness against their neighbours.

If people get saved for saying the right combo of vocal utterances - that's works righteousness. And yes, we did already discuss it.

 

[DM25]

To get to the point - okay, and this could include the sinner's prayer - so long as God is working through his word contained in said prayer.

Are you recounting your statement? This is what you said... And now you are changing it claiming the sinner's prayer cannot be used as way towards salvation for no one... Why are you always changing your mind? Or are you just looking to argue. Because this is EXACTLY what you said here, so I thought you repented of that. I thought you agreed God can use any way to bring people to salvation including the sinner's prayer, disagreeing with that is saying God can't do what he wants in a situation to get someone saved and also bearing false witness to those who did get saved through prayer. So which one is it? Are you changing your mind AGAIN now? I think you are just looking for an argument, because in in this quote you were clear but then you went and changed your mind again.

 

[Ttalkkugjil]

Are you recounting your statement? This is what you said... And now you are changing it claiming the sinner's prayer cannot be used as way towards salvation for no one... Why are you always changing your mind? Or are you just looking to argue. Because this is EXACTLY what you said here, so I thought you repented of that. I thought you agreed God can use any way to bring people to salvation including the sinner's prayer, disagreeing with that is saying God can't do what he wants in a situation to get someone saved and also bearing false witness to those who did get saved through prayer. So which one is it? Are you changing your mind AGAIN now? I think you are just looking for an argument, because in in this quote you were clear but then you went and changed your mind again.

Chuckling over how you're trying to twist my words around. What I said, I stand by. To get to the point - okay. It's because God works through God's word. However, our works will never save us. Seems to me it may be you who's looking for an argument DM25.

 

[DM25]

Again. DM25. To turn from sin and seek our Lord Jesus Christ, is not works based salvation. It is biblical repentance.

Oh yes it is and here is the biblical proof that turning away from sin is a work.

Jonah 3:10
"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."

Am I saying we shouldn't turn from our sins after we are saved? No. Shall we sin more so that grace be abound? God forbid! I am saying that turning from sin isn't what saves you because that's a work and I proved it's a work in the verse above. What saves you is God's grace and believing on Jesus Christ dying on the cross for your sins. I do believe once you believe you will get sanctification and you will have a change in direction, as God will give you a new heart and spirit so you won't be totally be living in darkness anymore (but we will all still sin). But that's after you have already been saved by grace through faith alone.... Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, you must remember that.

 

[Neogaia777]

"It is not your works that save you, but to turn from those works because you are saved"...

Or "Loved", ect... (Do you know what I mean)...? (the above)...?

From dead works (that will be burned up) to living works... from not being very loving, to loving again... And hopefully, you will find, living again also...

God Bless!

 

[W2L]

If we repent of some evil work, we will not want to do that work again.

 

[Neogaia777]

"It is not your works that save you, but to turn from those works because you are saved"...

Or "Loved", ect... (Do you know what I mean)...? (the above)...?

Self love, for real Love, or a "turning or turning away from" "you" and "your own", ways, ect, to His, ect...

Selfish and self serving, and self satisfying and gratifying, ways, ect...

Now, Is "any kind of cooperation" or "any kind of co-effort with God" a "work" "of yours" or that you feel are in part responsible for, or, in your eyes, or should get some of the credit for (you may consider thinking), and/or for, ect)... Anyway,

Is "any kind of cooperation with God, any kind of work of your own"; or your own, on your own, or because of your own, work or doing, really truly "your own work or doing"...?

And if so, what does that mean...?

Especially if we play at all any kind of part in our own being Saved with that...?

God Bless!

 

[Neogaia777]

If we repent of some evil work, we will not want to do that work again.

May not want to, but some of us may, from time to time, and that shouldn't have to mean your not saved or cannot be saved any longer, or still be His, or one of His, or belong to Him, ect...

God Bless!

 

[Neogaia777]

staff edit.

Who in the "blank" are you talking to...?

I'm not going to get into that whole other debate or topic here, and if you do, then start your own thread, OK...?

God Bless!

 

[PJ76]

Hello everyone. Sorry I was M.I.A. missing in action. I have been very busy. Since I don't have time to get to everyone's questions, I will just answer the basic fundamentals that have been asked.

1. Is repentance a works? Yes and no. No, repentance does mean your trying to earn your way into heaven based on your own merits. In other words, you need Jesus to get into heaven. But yes, repentance is a work of action that is required on our part, to turn from sin and seek the Lord Jesus for forgiveness and salvation.

2. Does having a relationship with Jesus mean we are dating Him? Answer is No. The bible describes what type of relationship is required in order for us to be born again. The type of relationship mentioned in scripture is a master and servant relationship. In other words, is Jesus Christ the king of your life? King means master. And if Jesus is indeed your master, then you are also a friend of Christ.

3. Do I need to turn from sin in order to be saved? Answer is Yes. God will not force anyone to repent and He certainly will not repent for you. We each have a free will choice to repent. We have to exercise our free will and make a choice. Do not be self-deceived. You cannot be living in sin and still be born again. Yes you must be born from above, in order to enter heaven.

4. What if I just believe in Jesus, is that enough to get me into heaven? Answer is No. Otherwise the demons themselves would be in heaven. Since even the demons believe in Jesus and also shudder at His name. The bible makes it very clear, you must repent and believe.

 

[Neogaia777]

Hello everyone. Sorry I was M.I.A. missing in action. I have been very busy. Since I don't have time to get to everyone's questions, I will just answer the basic fundamentals that have been asked.

1. Is repentance a works? Yes and no. No, repentance is not a works based salvation. But yes, repentance is an action that is required on our part, it is part of our free-will, to turn from sin and seek the Lord Jesus.

2. Does having a relationship with Jesus mean we are His boyfriend or girlfriend? Answer is No. The bible describes what type of relationship is required in order for us to be born again. The type of relationship mentioned in scripture is a master and servant relationship. In other words, is Jesus Christ the king of your life? King means master. And if Jesus is indeed your master, then you are also a friend of Christ.

3. Do I need to turn from sin in order to be saved? Answer is Yes. Unfortunately, God cannot repent for you. We are not robots. Repentance is part of our free will and we each have a free will choice to repent. Yes indeed, we each have the ability to make that free will choice. You cannot be living in sin and still be born again. And you must be born from above, in order to be saved.

4. What if I just believe in Jesus, is that enough to get me into heaven? Answer is No. Otherwise the demons themselves would be in heaven. Since even the demons believe in Jesus and also shudder at His name. The bible makes it very clear, you must repent and believe.

2. It's a child/parent relationship.

And three and four, we are not the judge or judges of one another, or were not supposed to be anyway...

But in general, you are correct though...

God Bless!

 

[PJ76]

Hi Neo. Therefore, judge righteously and rebuke with love. Being a pastor, it is my job to tell people what they need to hear, instead of telling people what they want to hear. Yes sometimes the truth hurts, but its better to be hurt now and make the change, rather than to be hurt in the afterlife when you hear those chilling words, "Depart from Me, I never knew you!" May peace be with you.

 

[Neogaia777]

Hi Neo. Therefore, judge righteously and rebuke with love. Being a pastor, it is my job to tell people what they need to hear, instead of telling people what they want to hear. Yes sometimes the truth hurts, but its better to be hurt now and change, rather than to be hurt in the afterlife. May peace be with you.

Yes, we are sometimes "forced to judge", but we should only do it when that is the case only, and in that case, or those cases only, we must be very careful to judge "rightly" or correctly or righteously...

I personally feel bad for a lot pastors/preachers/teachers because of this...

God Bless!

 

[aiki]

So how does a person determine whether or not they have a relationship with Jesus? Unfortunately, your relationship it is not determined by a date you've written on the back of your bible or the time you recited the Sinners Prayer. So how is it determined then? It is determined by whether or not Jesus is actually in your life and the ruler of your life. Does Jesus have kingship over your life? Have you repented and turned to Christ? Have you surrendered your will and asked Jesus to come into your life? Are you living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ? My dear friends, if you have answered "yes" to these questions, then you indeed have a relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Pastor Johnny

I think there are more concrete ways for people to see whether or not they are truly in the faith and have a genuine relationship with God. The Bible lays out quite a few things that clearly mark out a person in whom God dwells:

A love for the brethren. (1 John 3:14)
A desire to do God's will. (1 John 2:3)
The inner witness of God's Spirit (Romans 8:16)
A hunger for God's word. (Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Peter 2:2)
The conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8)
Divine discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11)
The development of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

And so on.

 

[PJ76]

Hi Aiki, yes we do have to look in the mirror to determine whether or not we are actually living in obedience to the word. And if we are not living in obedience, then perhaps we are not who we claim to be and need to repent. It all starts with repentance. Repent and trust that Jesus has forgiven you. And start living in obedience.

 

[PJ76]

yes