STUDYING GALATIANS 1 - WHAT'S THE TRUE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

[Joidevivre]

When in place to share the gospel, I always find out what they believe first - how they see God - their views of Christ - and then go from there. Once they know that you listen to them, they are more likely to listen to you.

And personal testimony always grabs them at first. Build from that.

I always touch on the unconditional love Christ has for them. The concept of grace, redemption are words that don't mean much at first until you give them a simple message - such as talk about the unconditional love then mention it is mercy, etc.

Describe what all those "Christian" words are. Once I asked a 10 year old what the word mercy meant to her. She said "Please please". Sometimes it helps to ask what specific words mean to the person you are talking to. Find out first what they understand.

 

[wsblind]

NOTE: Before everyone gets in an uproar,,,,, in John 10:28-29.... Jesus tells us that No MAN can snatch them from his and His Father's hand(s)

Here t is not a MAN that is going to snatch them out of his hands, but rather the person themselves that turn against Jesus Christ.

Paul covers this in Romans numerous times. Eternal life is a gift from God and is irrevocable.

He specifically covers this argument in Romans 8 :37-39

Nothing created can separate us from the Love of Christ. We are created beings. So I can't tell myself," self, jump out of His hand."

And He also states nothing in the future can separate us from the love of Christ.

37But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Loss of salvation?


33Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;

 

[FreeNChrist]

NOTE: Before everyone gets in an uproar,,,,, in John 10:28-29.... Jesus tells us that No MAN can snatch them from his and His Father's hand(s)

Here t is not a MAN that is going to snatch them out of his hands, but rather the person themselves that turn against Jesus Christ.

Ummmmmm, all persons are man. LOL.

 

[zone]

"Galatianism" is being saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and then returning to the self effort of the Law to try and perfect yourself.

The greatest obsticle in persuading people to abandon Galatianism is that putting people under the Law produces an appearance of maturity and character in them. But it is an artificial facade. As Paul says in Colossians 2:23, "such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."

IOW, Paul is saying that adherence to laws can make a person look good on the outside, but it cannot change the heart or build internal character. Law cannot produce growth and grace, in fact it actually works against the process of growing in grace, because the Bible says, "the power of sin is the Law" (Corinthians 15:56).

As long as people are kept under the Law, they are kept under the power of sin. The Law is not only powerless to change a heart, it actually stirs up sinful desires in us. "I would not have known what sin was except through the Law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the Law have not said, 'do not covet'. But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the Law, sin is dead" (Romans 7:7,8).

you have a thoroughly distorted view of the Law.
the Law is spiritual and good.

 

[zone]

1 Corinthians 15
1Now I would remind you, brothers,a of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

 

[FreeNChrist]

you have a thoroughly distorted view of the Law.
the Law is spiritual and good.

I never said it wasn't. It seems it's you who have a thoroughly distorted view of my view of the Law.

 

[Willie-T]

This was done by a good friend of mine, and I love him dearly. (Even if he does harbor stupid thoughts about Trump.)

Be forewarned that Michael can be more than a bit colorfully graphic in his speech. Don't let his expletives throw you.

Galatians - Preaching Peace

There are four videos here (scroll down to find the first.)

 

[Stunnedbygrace]

you have a thoroughly distorted view of the Law.
the Law is spiritual and good.

I didn't get that he was saying the law is not good...
I rather thought he was just saying that if you try to follow the law for saving, that is an outward thing but that inwardly you could still be breaking it.

So through the better way, the result becomes a true keeping of Gods' laws in spirit

 

[FreeNChrist]

This was done by a good friend of mine, and I love him dearly. (Even if he does harbor stupid thoughts about Trump.)

Be forewarned that Michael can be more than a bit colorfully graphic in his speech. Don't let his expletives throw you.

Galatians - Preaching Peace

There are four videos here (scroll down to find the first.)

I'm not a fan of the "New Perspective on Paul".

 

[samuel23]

In our time you have a host of people who are teaching all kinds of false ways, yet they all profess justification before God through faith in Jesus Christ. In Galatians Paul was writing of those who were saved by faith in God through Christ but who were deceived into believing that the way to follow Christ was to try to keep the laws of the OT. Today we have those who are claiming the true justification...yet who teach all kinds of things contrary to NT teaching for Christians. Here are a few, prosperity gospel, pre-trib rapture, women over men in the church, there are quite a few.

 

[resurrection33]

I've always thought of the Gospel as being what you find in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

 

[Magenta]

Amen Desertrose, and thank you again also. I am sorry for getting frustrated in the other thread. I agree that all we can do is present the Truth of God's revealed written Word and the hope we have through the Living Word of God. It is so freeing just to do that and not take personally all the slander people level at me because their beliefs do not line up with mine regarding the end of life following the resurrection and judgement of all, when the unbelieving go into to the second death (I am not referring to you here ). Jesus tells us we are blessed in those situations, so I need not take it upon myself to reflect their hatefulness back to them. If they are offended by the truth of God's Word, that is on them.

You asked about cults... and I was curious too, for I need a reminder Cults are groups that deny or distort fundamental Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith alone. A cult embraces beliefs that lead to a different Jesus and another gospel. The gospel is the good news. The good news does not entail conscious eternal torment in any way shape or form. God is good. God is just. I adhere to that. It is what I now from personal experience of God. People who have not encountered the living Lord can not really know Him as has one who has met Him.

Many here promote the lie of Satan at the heart of the fall of all creation, and they defend it vociferously. Roman Catholicism is believed to be a major source of the eternal torment doctrines. Roman Catholics show up here occasionally to promote their views. I find their elevation of Mary quite disturbing, and I always stand against it, also.

Another aspect of cultism is, there is usually one person or a leader that those in the cult follow, like the pope, or Charles Russell. They adhere to the teachings of one person. They claim to be the only ones with the truth. And yet, we all believe what we do because we think it is true. Cults may also be secretive, like Mormonism is, and Scientology. That makes me wonder if Scientology even considers itself Christian. gotquestions says this:

Though Scientologists will claim that Scientology is compatible with Christianity, the Bible counters each and every belief they hold to. Scientology differs from biblical Christianity on every important doctrine.

 

[Bladerunner]

Paul covers this in Romans numerous times. Eternal life is a gift from God and is irrevocable.

He specifically covers this argument in Romans 8 :37-39

Nothing created can separate us from the Love of Christ. We are created beings. So I can't tell myself," self, jump out of His hand."

And He also states nothing in the future can separate us from the love of Christ.

37But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Loss of salvation?


33Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;

wsblind.... during this time the Gentiles and the Jews were not getting along to well. In fact you'll find in Thessilonia a third Epistle of Paul had been published, A forgery to be sure, But it brought Paul back to discover that the Thessilonian thought they had already missed the Rapture probably because of the full weight of Rome was coming down on them. Thus 2 Thessiloneon (written by Paul) has a treasure trove of end time prophecies.

Desperate men will do anything in bad times including turning away from their salvation. You and I could not phantom doing that but many have. As I said many times before, College students in the US have a 60-65% chance of throwing away their beliefs and turn to the liberal side of society. As it is these students are the ones that had been raised in a Christian environment throughout their early lives.

On the other hand, a lot of denominations, Baptist in particular, have always stated the "Saved Once Saved Always". Again, I think the only way to turn away is for the individual to turn away from the Holy Spirit within him and follow the another path. It is very easy and the people who will help you get there are everywhere.

Blade

 

[Stunnedbygrace]

wsblind.... during this time the Gentiles and the Jews were not getting along to well. In fact you'll find in Thessilonia a third Epistle of Paul had been published, A forgery to be sure, But it brought Paul back to discover that the Thessilonian thought they had already missed the Rapture probably because of the full weight of Rome was coming down on them. Thus 2 Thessiloneon (written by Paul) has a treasure trove of end time prophecies.

Desperate men will do anything in bad times including turning away from their salvation. You and I could not phantom doing that but many have. As I said many times before, College students in the US have a 60-65% chance of throwing away their beliefs and turn to the liberal side of society. As it is these students are the ones that had been raised in a Christian environment throughout their early lives.

On the other hand, a lot of denominations, Baptist in particular, have always stated the "Saved Once Saved Always". Again, I think the only way to turn away is for the individual to turn away from the Holy Spirit within him and follow the another path. It is very easy and the people who will help you get there are everywhere.

Blade

This is pretty close to what I believe too. I think that continued trust is necessary, or call it abiding, remaining in trust, perseverance of faith. As long as I remain in trust, that trust I began in, I have life and am in no danger of being cut off.

I noticed something interesting in my reading a few minutes ago in reading John. The religious men kept getting on the people Jesus healed. They were like...always shrieking: you can't do that! You're working on the the day of rest! Put down that mat - working! working! Works on the day of rest!

And it suddenly seemed a strange echo of the past to me that to those who believe you can be cut off for subsequent unbelief, (which even if you don't agree with, they HAVE at least based it on scripture), the cry is the same: you're working! You're not resting in His finished work! Works! Works!

So...it seems a strange echo from the past to me...

 

[wsblind]

wsblind.... during this time the Gentiles and the Jews were not getting along to well. In fact you'll find in Thessilonia a third Epistle of Paul had been published, A forgery to be sure, But it brought Paul back to discover that the Thessilonian thought they had already missed the Rapture probably because of the full weight of Rome was coming down on them. Thus 2 Thessiloneon (written by Paul) has a treasure trove of end time prophecies.

Desperate men will do anything in bad times including turning away from their salvation. You and I could not phantom doing that but many have. As I said many times before, College students in the US have a 60-65% chance of throwing away their beliefs and turn to the liberal side of society. As it is these students are the ones that had been raised in a Christian environment throughout their early lives.

On the other hand, a lot of denominations, Baptist in particular, have always stated the "Saved Once Saved Always". Again, I think the only way to turn away is for the individual to turn away from the Holy Spirit within him and follow the another path. It is very easy and the people who will help you get there are everywhere.

Blade

All nonsense on the point that Paul makes himself........ Who will make a charge against Gods elect?

Paul was correcting, and we have to go to the outer reaches of never never land that he was making a charge against their salvation.

It's always very interesting that loss of salvation believers won't deal with the scriptures presented to them.

Paul DIRECTLY stated nothing created can separate us from the love of Christ.

Paul DIRECTLY stated nothing in the future can separate us from the love of Christ.

It's very interesting to watch people and their own theology wiggle out of these CLEAR and DOGMATIC statements.

 

[samuel23]

They wiggle out in their imagination only.

 

[Desertsrose]

Amen Desertrose, and thank you again also. I am sorry for getting frustrated in the other thread. I agree that all we can do is present the Truth of God's revealed written Word and the hope we have through the Living Word of God. It is so freeing just to do that and not take personally all the slander people level at me because their beliefs do not line up with mine regarding the end of life following the resurrection and judgement of all, when the unbelieving go into to the second death (I am not referring to you here ). Jesus tells us we are blessed in those situations, so I need not take it upon myself to reflect their hatefulness back to them. If they are offended by the truth of God's Word, that is on them.

You asked about cults... and I was curious too, for I need a reminder Cults are groups that deny or distort fundamental Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith alone. A cult embraces beliefs that lead to a different Jesus and another gospel. The gospel is the good news. The good news does not entail conscious eternal torment in any way shape or form. God is good. God is just. I adhere to that. It is what I now from personal experience of God. People who have not encountered the living Lord can not really know Him as has one who has met Him.

Many here promote the lie of Satan at the heart of the fall of all creation, and they defend it vociferously. Roman Catholicism is believed to be a major source of the eternal torment doctrines. Roman Catholics show up here occasionally to promote their views. I find their elevation of Mary quite disturbing, and I always stand against it, also.

Another aspect of cultism is, there is usually one person or a leader that those in the cult follow, like the pope, or Charles Russell. They adhere to the teachings of one person. They claim to be the only ones with the truth. And yet, we all believe what we do because we think it is true. Cults may also be secretive, like Mormonism is, and Scientology. That makes me wonder if Scientology even considers itself Christian. gotquestions says this:

Though Scientologists will claim that Scientology is compatible with Christianity, the Bible counters each and every belief they hold to. Scientology differs from biblical Christianity on every important doctrine.

Thanks for the info on those who teach a false gospel. My mind went blank when the teacher asked and I think most of the other students must have had the same problem.

I've got too many irons in the fire right now, but I am considering what you've said about the eternal suffering that unbelievers go through vs the destruction. I do have the information from a teacher I respect who believes as you do.

I skimmed over his newsletter thinking of it as a possibility, but I didn't spend time reading through all the scriptures. So that's something I'm going to try to get to hopefully within the next week or two. I really am interested in what he says about the way we've always been taught and what they mean. But, I'm having severe pain right now with a herniated disk/sciatica so as soon as it calms down and behaves itself, I'll be able to spend more time sitting. Prayers are welcomed.

I remember speaking with a guy at the mall one day. I can't remember the name of the cult he's involved with because it was new to me, but he was talking excitedly about how he and his wife had just come back from Jerusalem and that they walked where Jesus walked. When he told me his faith he told me that I could be a part of it because they accept Christians too. I guess it's a salad bowl of different denominations. Isn't that just like Satan to include us into his religions.

The sad thing about promoting the lie of satan at the fall of creation is that they have no scripture to back it up. Is a name for this false teaching or is that it - and is there a particular denomination that teaches this? As always you've been very helpful. Thanks again.

 

[Desertsrose]

I've always thought of the Gospel as being what you find in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

What I've been taught is that the gospel of the Kingdom of God doesn't stop with the gospels, it begins with them.

Jesus gave the apostles the keys to the kingdom and they were to carry on where Jesus left off. So all of the teaching and doctrines from the apostles is to be taken as the gospel because they are the very words of Jesus.

 

[Bladerunner]

All nonsense on the point that Paul makes himself........ Who will make a charge against Gods elect?

Paul was correcting, and we have to go to the outer reaches of never never land that he was making a charge against their salvation.

It's always very interesting that loss of salvation believers won't deal with the scriptures presented to them.

Paul DIRECTLY stated nothing created can separate us from the love of Christ.

Paul DIRECTLY stated nothing in the future can separate us from the love of Christ.

It's very interesting to watch people and their own theology wiggle out of these CLEAR and DOGMATIC statements.

WS blind.....not really sure what/who are pointing to here in the Blue sentence above?????

Yes-sir...Paul did say those very things at a later time in Romans which was written some 2 years later.

WHile I agree with you, He does tell the Galatians that if they go Back to Works, they could lose the Grace of God. To me that means their Salvation.

wsblind....think about it....How many churches/denominations do you know that that require works in order to be saved. There are some that are placing works as a requirement plus faith... (i.e. to be save,, one must repent,accept Jesus and His Gospel (1 Cor 15:1-4) ....BUT to get Salvation, one must have water Baptism (act of Works))

If they join a church that has this doctrine and embrace these values even though they were saved by Grace??????????Where are these people at with Jesus????????Saved or Live by the LAW??

 

[europanzz]

I have studied Galatians.. this is the best ever study of Galatians.. http://www.ministrybooks.org/books.cfm?id=082EDD