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All of this assumes free will not present in the New Covenant. It confuses law with grace.
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All of this assumes free will not present in the New Covenant. It confuses law with grace.Confusion arises when people do not understand the 4 different aspects of salvation described in the Bible. As a result, verses have to be changed to say something else in order to make their outside belief fit (or work) within the Bible (Which doesn't really fit). They do not read the Bible plainly, and just simply believe it. When they run into words that are confusing or contradictory to another set of passages or God's goodness, they do not reconcile them by comparing Scripture with Scripture. They prefer their outside teachings over what the Bible says. These outside teachings is what makes them justify some kind of lack of responsibility on their part, and or in doing some kind of sin on some level (under God's grace). So when they read Scripture, they cannot see the 4 different aspects of salvation clearly as their were meant to be by the Lord our God.
"Provisional Atonement Verses" are those verses that describe what Christ has done (i.e. His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension) so as to provide a way of salvation for the entire world. As a result of what He has done, He can now offer the free gift of salvation under His drawing (Which is for all men except those individuals in whom He knows will worship the beast in the future).
"Justification Verses" are those verses that describe our receiving what Christ did for us (with our believing in His death, burial, and resurrection), and in seeking His mercy and forgiveness over our sins, and in receiving Him as our Lord and Savior. This is the entrance gate to salvation. This is Foundational Salvation. Foundational Salvation is always believing that Jesus had died, and was risen on our behalf, and in the fact that if we ever stumble on rare occasion, there is God's grace to confess sin so as to be forgiven again. To be forgiven is related to salvation (Which is contrary to the teachings of many today). This is why salvation is initially and ultimately by God's grace (like a gift), and not of works alone. Nobody can be saved by "Works Alone" (without God's grace).
"Sanctification Verses" are those verses that talk about how God does the good work through us so as to obey His commands within the New Testament. Sanctification is living holy, and doing good works according to those commands and teachings put forth by Jesus Christ and His followers. These would not be by looking back to the Law of Moses (the 613 laws) so as to be justified. Paul says we are not under the Law (i.e. we are not under the Law of Moses). But this does not mean we are lawless. Galatians 6:2 says we are under the Law of Christ. Romans 8:2 says we are under the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. James 2:8 says we are under the Royal Law. James 1:25 says we are under the perfect law of liberty. The Old Law is not a law of liberty. There was no liberty in the Law of Moses. If one broke the Law of Moses, in certain cases they would be stoned or killed. It is why it is called the Law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). So the good works we do, the holy walk we walk is by Jesus and His followers. For the Law came by Moses, and grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
"Glorification Verses" are those verses that refer to the Lord taking us home to be with Him. In most cases, those who try to cram outside beliefs into the Bible do not have a problem with "Glorification Verses" because they do not contradict their outside beliefs that make room for justifying some kind of lack of responsibility and or some kind of sin on some level. They see the requirement of doing good as a part of God's kingdom (Sanctification) after we are saved by God's grace (Justification) as something dark, and or evil. Up is down, and down is up. They have things backwards. They cannot explain many verses in what they plainly say in the Bible. Then again, they prefer it this way. Their outside beliefs rule over what it actually says in the Bible. So they cannot see what their Bible actually says. Certain words are invisible to them even when they are pointed out to them.
This is not inline with salvation by grace. It assumes free will which depends on works.Confusion arises when people do not understand the 4 different aspects of salvation described in the Bible. As a result, verses have to be changed to say something else in order to make their outside belief fit (or work) within the Bible (Which doesn't really fit). They do not read the Bible plainly, and just simply believe it. When they run into words that are confusing or contradictory to another set of passages or God's goodness, they do not reconcile them by comparing Scripture with Scripture. They prefer their outside teachings over what the Bible says. These outside teachings is what makes them justify some kind of lack of responsibility on their part, and or in doing some kind of sin on some level (under God's grace). So when they read Scripture, they cannot see the 4 different aspects of salvation clearly as their were meant to be by the Lord our God.
"Provisional Atonement Verses" are those verses that describe what Christ has done (i.e. His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension) so as to provide a way of salvation for the entire world. As a result of what He has done, He can now offer the free gift of salvation under His drawing (Which is for all men except those individuals in whom He knows will worship the beast in the future).
"Justification Verses" are those verses that describe our receiving what Christ did for us (with our believing in His death, burial, and resurrection), and in seeking His mercy and forgiveness over our sins, and in receiving Him as our Lord and Savior. This is the entrance gate to salvation. This is Foundational Salvation. Foundational Salvation is always believing that Jesus had died, and was risen on our behalf, and in the fact that if we ever stumble on rare occasion, there is God's grace to confess sin so as to be forgiven again. To be forgiven is related to salvation (Which is contrary to the teachings of many today). This is why salvation is initially and ultimately by God's grace (like a gift), and not of works alone. Nobody can be saved by "Works Alone" (without God's grace).
"Sanctification Verses" are those verses that talk about how God does the good work through us so as to obey His commands within the New Testament. Sanctification is living holy, and doing good works according to those commands and teachings put forth by Jesus Christ and His followers. Sanctification would not be by looking back to the Law of Moses (the 613 laws) so as to be justified. Paul says we are not under the Law (i.e. we are not under the Law of Moses). But this does not mean we are lawless. Galatians 6:2 says we are under the Law of Christ. Romans 8:2 says we are under the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. James 2:8 says we are under the Royal Law. James 1:25 says we are under the perfect law of liberty. The Old Law is not a law of liberty. There was no liberty in the Law of Moses. If one broke the Law of Moses, in certain cases they would be stoned or killed. It is why it is called the Law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). So the good works we do, and the holy walk we walk are a result of the teachings of Jesus and His followers. For the Law came by Moses, and grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. When we obey Jesus and His followers, we are cooperating with God's spirit in the good work He wants to do through us. This is true Sanctification and it is a necessary part of salvation (See 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
"Glorification Verses" are those verses that refer to the Lord taking us home to be with Him. In most cases, those who try to cram outside beliefs into the Bible do not have a problem with "Glorification Verses" because they do not contradict their outside beliefs that make room for justifying some kind of lack of responsibility and or some kind of sin on some level. They see the requirement of doing good as a part of being in God's kingdom (Sanctification) after we are saved by God's grace (Justification) as something dark, and or evil. Up is down, and down is up. They have things backwards. They cannot explain many verses in what they plainly say in the Bible. Then again, they prefer it this way. Their outside beliefs rule over what it actually says in the Bible. So they cannot see what their Bible actually says. Certain words are invisible to them even when they are pointed out to them.
The all say one thing to a free will believer. And something totally different to the grace believer.Already made my case with Scripture in the OP. Please feel free to explain those verses if you believe so otherwise. But I do not have confidence that you will be able to do so by what I have seen so far.
The all say one thing to a free will believer. And something totally different to the grace believer.
It works like this. Whoever believes has eternal life. Free will turns this into law assuming it means whoever CHOOSES to believe EARNS eternal life. Grace on the other hand says whoever believes has eternal life. Meaning belief is a trait of those whom God saves.So if I I told you, "A dog jumps over the fence," there are two ways that these words can be understood differently between a Prevenient Grace Believer, vs. a Calvinist?
There is information that unbelievers use everyday to build rockets, cars, and run companies. If there was not a common agreement on what language means, then chaos would break loose. I am appealing to basic rules of grammar and reading comprehension. This is how we must read the Bible. If not, then you are merely making it say what you want it to say. For we both know that you are not reading the text plainly. You have already appealed to the Hebrew in attempt to avoid what the text said with me before. You also are not explaining how Acts of the Apostles 3:19 says repent and be converted. You are not explaining how Acts of the Apostles 16:31 says to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. The author of Acts did not write, "you will be converted and you will then repent" in Acts of the Apostles 3:19. The author of Acts did not write "you will be saved, and you will believe."
If it is a condition you must meet to save yourself it is works. People who are saved by grace believe as a result of God first saving them.
Belief proves God saved you. You could not believe otherwise.
You cannot believe in any true sense unless you are saved.Are you teaching the people of this Forum that one does not need to “believe” in order to be saved?
JLB
Yes, but God must save them so they can believe.Does a person need to believe in order to be saved?
JLB
Faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (= salvation if you have the Holy Spirit so you can believe).
You cannot believe in any true sense unless you are saved.
It works like this. Whoever believes has eternal life. Free will turns this into law assuming it means whoever CHOOSES to believe EARNS eternal life. Grace on the other hand says whoever believes has eternal life. Meaning belief is a trait of those whom God saves.
Yes, but God must save them so they can believe.
When I read the Scriptures, I see 4 different aspects of salvation described.
#1. Provisional Atonement (not "Limited Atonement").
(A 100% Work of God alone that can only be applied personally to an individual's life via by being saved by God's grace and Sanctification).
This is Jesus paying the price for the sins of the entire world so as to offer mankind the free gift of salvation (if they so choose to accept it); Note: Christ's resurrection (to give us a new body not tainted by sin one day), and the ascension to the Father (after Christ telling Mary not to touch Him), and his entering the holy temple by his blood (to be our Heavenly High Priest) is also included in the Provisional Atonement, too. (For Provisional Atonement verses, see: John 1:29, 1 John 2:2, 1 Timothy 2:6, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Romans 5:6-8.) (Note: The best way to describe the Provisional Atonement is like a man who paid the price to pay off your debts by his handing you a check to be debt free; But it is up to you to receive the check, deposit it into your checking account, and pay off those you are in debt to; It's a gift, but like all good gifts in life, you have to receive the gift and use it properly to be of any benefit). Jesus provided an atonement, but it is up to us to receive it to personally apply to our lives by having a proper faith. Men will remain as sinners if they reject the Provisional Atonement of Jesus Christ. Jesus provided a provisional atonement (salvation) in dealing with sin as a way of escape for mankind to be saved through accepting Him (Who is the gift).
#2. God's Grace Through Faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior
(Initial Salvation, and or Foundational Salvation).
(The 1st synergistic work of GOD done in a believer).
Being saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus as ones Savior is the entrance gate to salvation, and it is the foundation of our salvation (by faith) upon which we stand. Being saved by God's grace is believing the gospel (Which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes it - Romans 1:16). According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: The gospel is you believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins, He was buried, and He had risen again three days later for your salvation (Note: Do not let anyone sell you on another gospel besides this one). Depending on a person’s access or exposure to the Word: Being saved by God's grace will also generally include receiving Jesus as your Savior (John 1:12), and calling upon the name of the Lord (i.e. confessing with your mouth the words: “Lord Jesus” or similar equivalent - Romans 10:9) as a part of seeking forgiveness of your sins with Him by way of prayer (Romans 10:13) (Luke 15:18-21) (Luke 18:9-14). This process of salvation is without the deeds of the Law or works because it is based upon God’s mercy and grace and His redemptive work. 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)). A person is foundationally or ultimately saved by God’s grace because if they happen to sin on rare occasion in their Christian walk, they do not do a good work to absolve that sin, but they confess of their sins to Jesus in order to be forgiven of that sin (1 John 1:9) (1 John 2:1) (Hebrews 4:16) (For verses on being saved by God's grace, 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).
#3. Sanctification of the Spirit to Live a Holy Life
(The Next Step or Phase in the Salvation Process).
(The 2nd synergistic work of God done in a believer).
Sanctification of the Spirit to Live a Holy Life 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. A believer today who obeys the Lord looks to the commands of Jesus and His followers within the New Testament primarily. For believers today are not under the 613 Laws of Moses as a whole package deal (even though certain laws have carried over into the New Testament). Basically all ceremonial laws and judicial laws in the Old Testament no longer apply. For example: Believers do not have to keep the Saturday Sabbath, circumcision, dietary laws, animal sacrifices, holy days, etc.; However, believers must keep God's Moral Laws like: Do not murder, do not steal, do not covet, do not lie, do commit adultery, etc.; Two of the greatest commands that we should focus on daily is to love God and love our neighbor which is more fully described in Mark 12:29-31. We need to worship or adore the Lord our God, preach the gospel, help the poor, love the brethren, love our enemies, and live holy lives, etc. (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.).
#4. Glorification (The Future Salvation of the Truly Faithful Believer).
(A 100% Work of God alone that can only be applied personally to an individual's life via by being saved by God's grace and by properly applying the Sanctification of the Spirit to Live a Holy Life).
Glorification is when God takes the believer home to be with Him in His kingdom and He gives Him a new resurrected body that is not tainted by sin. This process of salvation (in being taken home) is a by product automatically for those believers who properly apply God's grace through faith in Christ, and Sanctification to their lives (For Glorification verses, see: 1 Peter 5:4, 1 Peter 1:4, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Romans 13:11, Philippians 3:20-21, Hebrews 9:28).
Conclusion:
God's grace, and then Sanctification is what we as believers need to be focused on. For if we are saved by His grace, and sanctified (which is only made possible by the Provisional Atonement), then we will be glorified.
The all say one thing to a free will believer. And something totally different to the grace believer.
This is a fine piece. I appreciate your diligence and detailed explanation of the doctrine.
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