Not counting sins, but reconcilling

[Jo555]

The gospel message is GOOD NEWS.

2 Cor. 5:
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

John 3:
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

 

[Jo555]

GOOD NEWS.

Luke 4:
17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.[f]”

 

[fhansen]

The gospel message is GOOD NEWS.

2 Cor. 5:
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

John 3:
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Ysea. If a person is walking in the light now, their lives will reflect it. They will be living in obedience of God, as children of His should.

 

[Jo555]

Ysea. If a person is walking in the light now, their lives will reflect it. They will be living in obedience of God, as children of His should.

That is a given. We just don't want to put the cart before the horse.

There is no offense in loving God with all, and neighbor as self.

 

[Jo555]

That is a given. We just don't want to put the cart before the horse.

There is no offense in loving God with all, and neighbor as self.

 

[fhansen]

Well, it should be a given, but it's apparently not for some who maintain that it matters not how we live but only in whether or not we believe. Either way, loving God with all, and neighbor as self is both a gift of grace from Him, and a choice of ours-to embrace and express that gift. And without that love we are nothing, and not one of His.

 

[Jo555]

Well, it should be a given, but it's apparently not for some who maintain that it matters not how we live but only in whether or not we believe. Either way, loving God with all, and neighbor as self is both a gift of grace from Him, and a choice of ours-to embrace and express that gift. And without that love we are nothing, and not one of His.

Legalism and the abuse of grace are two errors that the apostles often addressed.

Both are wrong.

Yes, we are to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He drives us by the love of God.

Amen.

 

[Jo555]

Legalism and the abuse of grace are two errors that the apostles often addressed.

Both are wrong.

Yes, we are to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He drives us by the love of God.

Amen.

Had this dream this morning. I was in a line with others. I was standing towards the front. This lady then pops up looking towards the back of the line like looking for a place back there. This lady in a seat on line back there then gives up her seat and tells her she could sit there. The lady looked very touched that she did that.

I then knew that prior they had both gone for the seat and the lady that had it had won, but then she had a change of heart and gave up her seat to the other.

The lady was sooo touched you could see the emotions on her and she begins to cry. The lady who originally won the seat, but then gave it up to her then puts her arms around her to comfort her.

It was a very touching scene.

Believe this speaks of what we were discussing fhansen.

 

[fhansen]

Yes, I think pride and selfishness can easily override the love we can and should have-and do.

 

[ozso]

Well, it should be a given, but it's apparently not for some who maintain that it matters not how we live but only in whether or not we believe. Either way, loving God with all, and neighbor as self is both a gift of grace from Him, and a choice of ours-to embrace and express that gift. And without that love we are nothing, and not one of His.

Would you say that's supposed to completely happen all at once, or is it progressive?

 

[fhansen]

Would you say that's supposed to completely happen all at once, or is it progressive?

Progessive, and yet still necessary. God is very patient in this work which won't be completely finished in this life. But to be perfected in that love is our very created purpose.

 

[ozso]

Progessive, and yet still necessary. God is very patient in this work which won't be completely finished in this life. But to be perfected in that love is our very created purpose.

I think simply put is that through the gift we should naturally crave and yearn for what God wants.

 

[fhansen]

I think simply put is that through the gift we should naturally crave and yearn for what God wants.

Yes, we should. But since Eden God has never been in the business of creating automatons, so the change is not without our participation, picking up our cross and following daily. It's like investing, per the Parable of the Talents. The more we practice or express love, along with the virtues of faith and hope, the stronger we grow in it and the more willingly we come to participate and obey. And the greater our willingness, the stronger they are, grace leading and multiplying into more grace yet so to speak. And then from a 4th century believer we have:

“If we turn away from evil out of fear of punishment, we are in the position of slaves. If we pursue the enticement of wages, . . . we resemble mercenaries. Finally if we obey for the sake of the good itself and out of love for him who commands . . . we are in the position of children.” Basil of Caesarea

 

[Jo555]

Sorry, my phone freaking out on me again. Still haven't bought a new one.

Try this again...

Love that comment from the 4th century. I would just have added we are his willing love slaves as He has captured our hearts by his love.

And it really does start with faith. To deny oneself would take faith that what He has for us is so much better and it opens the door for his Spirit to flow through us for He will not flow through our carnal nature.

 

[RileyG]

God is good indeed! He doesn't keep a tally mark against us! Thank God for his grace and mercy!