Salvation and how to "know" when you receive it.

[Enow]

Hi all,

This was how I came to find Jesus.

For me many years ago when I first started reading my bible. I believed that I needed to keep God's Law (10 commandments) for my salvation accepting the death and life of Jesus. I was very exacting in what I believed at the time and tried to be very strict in my observance to obey God's Law. I found after some time that the harder I tried the more I saw myself as a sinner going through a cycle of sinning, confessing and repenting the same old sins, until I was ready to give up in discouragement. I also saw myself on the inside. Sometimes I was outwardly never breaking God's Laws but in my thinking it was not a very nice place to be at all. Where was this love I was suppose to have for others. I knew deep down inside that I did not really love people like Jesus wanted me to.

What now? Reading God's Word Jesus is telling me even if I look on a woman to lust I have already committed adultery applying God's Law to my very thoughts? Ok here I lost all hope..... condemned as a sinner....... All my righteousness now was as it is plainly to be seen, filthy rags. I have finally given up all hope of trying to keep God's Law. There is finally nothing that I can do to save myself.

It was at this place for the very first time in my life I met Jesus. I could finally see that it was he who died on the cross for my sins and that I was the chiefest of sinners of whom Christ had come to save! I knew for the very first time in my life that Jesus had come into the world not to save the righteous but bring sinners to repentance. Before I was righteous (in my own eyes) but now I can see myself just how God sees me, sick with sin in need of a Savoir. The Law of God was my schoolmaster that brought me to the cross to meet Jesus for the first time. Here I was at the cross, all undone my complete dependence was no longer on what I could do, but was only on what God's Word says it would do. For the first time I had complete dependence on the Word of God to do what it says it would do and that Jesus was holding out His free gift of salvation to me all he wanted me to do was to believe His Word and it was mine. I saw for the very first time that I love Him because He first loved me.

Some clarity is needed here staring with what you said below....

Now I walk with him. His commandments that brought me to him are no longer his commandments. They are his promises and as I received Jesus I live in Jesus, by faith in his Word to do what it says it will do. Now I obey and follow him because I love him. He has made me free in Him and given me power to walk with him in newness of life. Now I follow the God of creation by faith and dependence on the Word only to do what it says it will do. I love Jesus and His Word. His Words are spirit and they are life! I worship Jesus everyday. I follow His Word by faith and it is he that works in my as I believe His Word. For the very first time I am free in Him, He changes me day by day as I believe His Word.

A counterfeit Gospel is out there. It is a Gospel that tries to separate God's 10 commandments from the plan of salvation.

I had thought that you had said that His commandments were no longer His commandments but His promises of what He will enable me to do by faith in Him alone........

Then you went on..

Why is God's Law important to helping someone to have faith in Christ alone?

Because it is only through the Law of God (10 commandments) that any of us have a knowledge of what sin is (1John 3:4; Rom 3:20; 24). If we do away with God's Law we have no knowledge of sin. If we have no knowledge of sin we have no need of a savior. If we have no need of a savior we have no salvation. If we have no salvation we are lost. "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law." (Rom 2:12).

God's Law shows us that we are sinners in need of a savior. God's Law was given to us that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God (Rom 3:19). It shows us that we are sinners and cannot save ourselves from this disease that we have within us so that we can by Faith lay hold of the promises of God's Words so that Jesus can save us from our sins. Jesus did not come to save the righteous (those that think they do not need saving) but sinners (those that know their need of saving) (Matt 9:12-13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32) God's Law has always been part of the true Gospel of Christ. The counterfeit Gospel does not have it. God's forever Law (the 10 commandments) is the foundation of both the Old and the New Covenant and the very foundation and basis of the true Gospel of Christ. It will be the basis of the judgement where we will all be accountable to God.

The Law of God is the only way of showing us who we truly are, sinners in need of a Savior and in this condition we can see for the first time Him who loved us and washed us in His own blood and by faith only lay hold of the promises of Gods Word. (2Pet 1:4) It is here as we believe God, that he changes us from living a life of breaking God's Law to a life of walking with him. It is through the operation of God through Love because he first loved us that we follow Jesus not for salvation but because of love. Love is the fulfilling of God's Law in us who walk not after the flesh (carnal sinful mind) but after the spirit and why Jesus says to his followers, "If you love me keep the commandments" (John 14:15).

Are you inferring the actual ten commandments under the Old Covenant as being what He was talking about here or the commandment to love others if you keep that verse in context? Some sabbath day keepers like to pull something out of context and say what Jesus did not say about keeping the sabbath day.

People cannot see that this is the operation of God in the believer and assume God's people believe they are saved by their works, when in fact Jesus is saving us from our sins to walk in newness of life in fulfillment of His new Covenant promise (Heb 8:10-12)...... Gods Sheep hear His Voice salvation is from sin and sin is the transgression of God's Law (1John 3:4) whosoever is living in sin has neither seen him nor known him (1John 3:6)

God bless you all.

Hence the call for clarity. The transgression of God's law to love others or are you applying this also to the ten commandments under the Old Covenant that calls for keeping the sabbath day holy?

You started off well, but sometimes sabbath day keepers like to infer God's laws hence the ten commandments as something Jesus would help us to keep but to believe in Jesus Christ which is the first commandment as stated in 1 John 3:23 is what is required in order to know that we are guiltless for NOT keeping the sabbath day holy. Matthew 12:1-7 is where Jesus gave 2 examples out of the O.T. where saints had profaned the sabbath day but were blameless, and pointed out One greater than the Temple was here; inferring Himself as to why His disciples were guiltless for profaning the sabbath day as Jesus is Lord of the sabbath.

Matthew 12:1At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat.[SUP] 2 [/SUP]But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;[SUP] 4 [/SUP]How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?[SUP] 5 [/SUP]Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?[SUP] 6 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.[SUP] 7 [/SUP]But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

I hope you meant what you said that the law showed us why we need the Saviour; and so if any seek to abide in Him... it is to believe in Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd as well as our Saviour for He will give us the love we need to love others which is the second commandment in verse 23.

1 John 3:[SUP]22 [/SUP]And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.[SUP]23 [/SUP]And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.[SUP]24 [/SUP]And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

But if you are inferring God's law as the 10 commandments of the Old Covenant and not the new per 1 John 3:23, then I am not sure how you can escape that rat race of futility you had described yourself in before you came to the knowledge of Him when you were saved. Would that not be what Paul was warning the Galatians about in trying to finish by the flesh what was begun with the Spirit?

Anyway, please clarify what God's Law is now for believers under the New Covenant, because the ten commandments hardly covers everything He taught when it involves the heart as you have said, AND it is because of Jesus Christ in us is why we are guiltless for profaning the sabbath day.

So no saved believer will be held for sinning by not keeping the sabbath day holy under the New Covenant because Jesus Christ is in us as our bodies are the Temples of the Holy Spirit for why we are guiltless. We are children of God by faith in Jesus Christ; not for keeping the sabbath day holy.

 

[joefizz]

Some clarity is needed here staring with what you said below....



I had thought that you had said that His commandments were no longer His commandments but His promises of what He will enable me to do by faith in Him alone........

Then you went on..



Are you inferring the actual ten commandments under the Old Covenant as being what He was talking about here or the commandment to love others if you keep that verse in context? Some sabbath day keepers like to pull something out of context and say what Jesus did not say about keeping the sabbath day.



Hence the call for clarity. The transgression of God's law to love others or are you applying this also to the ten commandments under the Old Covenant that calls for keeping the sabbath day holy?

You started off well, but sometimes sabbath day keepers like to infer God's laws hence the ten commandments as something Jesus would help us to keep but to believe in Jesus Christ which is the first commandment as stated in 1 John 3:23 is what is required in order to know that we are guiltless for NOT keeping the sabbath day holy. Matthew 12:1-7 is where Jesus gave 2 examples out of the O.T. where saints had profaned the sabbath day but were blameless, and pointed out One greater than the Temple was here; inferring Himself as to why His disciples were guiltless for profaning the sabbath day as Jesus is Lord of the sabbath.

Matthew 12:1At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat.[SUP] 2 [/SUP]But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;[SUP] 4 [/SUP]How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?[SUP] 5 [/SUP]Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?[SUP] 6 [/SUP]But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.[SUP] 7 [/SUP]But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

I hope you meant what you said that the law showed us why we need the Saviour; and so if any seek to abide in Him... it is to believe in Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd as well as our Saviour for He will give us the love we need to love others which is the second commandment in verse 23.

1 John 3:[SUP]22 [/SUP]And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.[SUP]23 [/SUP]And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.[SUP]24 [/SUP]And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

But if you are inferring God's law as the 10 commandments of the Old Covenant and not the new per 1 John 3:23, then I am not sure how you can escape that rat race of futility you had described yourself in before you came to the knowledge of Him when you were saved. Would that not be what Paul was warning the Galatians about in trying to finish by the flesh what was begun with the Spirit?

Anyway, please clarify what God's Law is now for believers under the New Covenant, because the ten commandments hardly covers everything He taught when it involves the heart as you have said, AND it is because of Jesus Christ in us is why we are guiltless for profaning the sabbath day.

So no saved believer will be held for sinning by not keeping the sabbath day holy under the New Covenant because Jesus Christ is in us as our bodies are the Temples of the Holy Spirit for why we are guiltless. We are children of God by faith in Jesus Christ; not for keeping the sabbath day holy.

inevitably somethings we don't agree on between all of us whether Christian or not,but such is God's plan for everyone,for if we were all to come to God in one exact way,then there would have been no need for several churches instead having one belief but tis why God confounded mankind in the first place at babbel,it was to be through faith in God that we all should be,not some "way" aside from Jesus,for it written Jesus said"I am the way the truth and the life,none come to the father except through the son,and whosover believeth on him shall have everlasting life"it is not in some traditional way that we come to God to receive "Salvation" but belief upon God's only begotten son whom died for our sins,traditions do not save only Jesus saves,so only through him can one have salvation.

 

[OneFaith]

Very well you are welcome to your belief,glad to see you are well read in the bible no matterI disagree. There is no scripture to back up ". belief alone" or "ask Jesus into your heart" or "you are saved when you just accept that you are saved" as ways to achieve salvation. You had it right the first time. It's ok that we learn more about being saved after we are saved. But set options aside for a moment, and let's take a look at what the Bible actually says about abstaining salvation our beliefs we can agree that "learning" scripture is important and that we "serve" God.

Indeed. I respect that we both have the God-given freewill to conclude what the scriptures say. My beliefs have to be backed up by other scriptures, not opinions or hunches. Thank you for taking the time to consider my thoughts.

 

[joefizz]

Indeed. I respect that we both have the God-given freewill to conclude what the scriptures say. My beliefs have to be backed up by other scriptures, not opinions or hunches. Thank you for taking the time to consider my thoughts.

well to have "thoughts"'was one reason for creating this thread because discussing salvation in any wise in "not by work" the thead is like a battleground instead of a reasonable and understandable "discussion"because I believe a "discussion" especially concerning God's word is to be "civil" "understandable" "honest" and not,"what I say is right" type banter because I believe God to be always Right where as all people to be often wrong than right more than many are willing to admit,we are to show ourselves approved,but not dismiss other beliefs,for if we do not "communicate" with each other then we can miss an opportunity to bring one more soul to God,for if we can't "forebear" other speakings of belief then what faith have we in God?
to be honest I joined a non believer site to possibly through the holy spirit bring non believers to God because I do not fear being led from God I am God's forever,only him do I fear,I know one would declare "why go where sinners are?"
my answer"did not Jesus go unto the tax collectors and prostitutes and sit with them and teach them instead of condemn them"?
so shall I if necessary,because God's word and promise of Salvation is not to be kept to ourselves,but rather to all whom will listen or better yet seek God.(I realize I got somewhat off topic but I felt like sharing that)

 

[Enow]

inevitably somethings we don't agree on between all of us whether Christian or not,but such is God's plan for everyone,for if we were all to come to God in one exact way,then there would have been no need for several churches instead having one belief but tis why God confounded mankind in the first place at babbel,it was to be through faith in God that we all should be,not some "way" aside from Jesus,for it written Jesus said"I am the way the truth and the life,none come to the father except through the son,and whosover believeth on him shall have everlasting life"it is not in some traditional way that we come to God to receive "Salvation" but belief upon God's only begotten son whom died for our sins,traditions do not save only Jesus saves,so only through him can one have salvation.

As you say, but some can depart from traditions; from the faith; and say that keeping God's law is required or else you are living in sin when inferring the keeping of the sabbath day. When saved believers judge another saved believer as sinning for profaning the sabbath day, the accusers are denying Jesus Christ in them for why they are guiltless for profaning the sabbath day.

That is why they cannot judge any saved believer in that way as sinning when Jesus is able to make them stand.

They are free to regard the day or esteem the day to honor the Lord on the sabbath day, but they need not fear doing it perfectly or to avoid sinning when they can rest in Him on the sabbath day too for the Lord is able to make them stand regardless.

But as they judge.... then by that same standard of judgment, they will be judged. That is why clarity is needed so that they do not have any stuck up mentality for keeping the sabbath day from which they judged others as sinning when they do not keep the sabbath day. The Lord is the One that makes those who honor Him on the sabbath day to stand just as those He is able to make those who do not keep the sabbath day to stand.

1 Corinthians 1:[SUP]9 [/SUP]God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.[SUP] 10 [/SUP]Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Romans 14:[SUP]4 [/SUP]Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.[SUP] 5 [/SUP]One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [SUP]6 [/SUP]He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. [SUP]8 [/SUP]For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Since no flesh shall glory in His Presence in Heaven, there will be no sabbath day keepers boasting in Heaven over other believers.

1 Corinthians 1:[SUP]29 [/SUP]That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [SUP]31 [/SUP]That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Galatians 3:1O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? [SUP]2 [/SUP]This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? [SUP]4 [/SUP]Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. [SUP]5 [/SUP]He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [SUP]6 [/SUP]Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness..........[SUP]11 [/SUP]But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. [SUP]12 [/SUP]And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. [SUP]13 [/SUP]Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: [SUP]14 [/SUP]That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith...........[SUP]24 [/SUP]Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [SUP]25 [/SUP]But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. [SUP]26 [/SUP]For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [SUP]27 [/SUP]For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [SUP]28 [/SUP]There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [SUP]29 [/SUP]And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


We are not identified as the children of God by keeping the sabbath day holy. That is not of our faith.

 

[OneFaith]

well to have "thoughts"'was one reason for creating this thread because discussing salvation in any wise in "not by work" the thead is like a battleground instead of a reasonable and understandable "discussion"because I believe a "discussion" especially concerning God's word is to be "civil" "understandable" "honest" and not,"what I say is right" type banter because I believe God to be always Right where as all people to be often wrong than right more than many are willing to admit,we are to show ourselves approved,but not dismiss other beliefs,for if we do not "communicate" with each other then we can miss an opportunity to bring one more soul to God,for if we can't "forebear" other speakings of belief then what faith have we in God?
to be honest I joined a non believer site to possibly through the holy spirit bring non believers to God because I do not fear being led from God I am God's forever,only him do I fear,I know one would declare "why go where sinners are?"
my answer"did not Jesus go unto the tax collectors and prostitutes and sit with them and teach them instead of condemn them"?
so shall I if necessary,because God's word and promise of Salvation is not to be kept to ourselves,but rather to all whom will listen or better yet seek God.(I realize I got somewhat off topic but I felt like sharing that)

Indeed. "Let every man be a liar and God be right." If I can be biblically proven wrong, I will change instantly and thank the person for showing me the truth- which has happened. I am not out to be right, I'm out to be righteous by obeying God and sharing the truth as I know it. It is only Him I aim to please. I work for Him, not for myself. Pleasing my Master is my pleasure- not pride.

 

[joefizz]

Indeed. "Let every man be a liar and God be right." If I can be biblically proven wrong, I will change instantly and thank the person for showing me the truth- which has happened. I am not out to be right, I'm out to be righteous by obeying God and sharing the truth as I know it. It is only Him I aim to please. I work for Him, not for myself. Pleasing my Master is my pleasure- not pride.

Very well said yes please God for one can only have one master there be but two masters,satan of the earth,and God of heaven,one cannot please both lest one shall ye do less for.

 

[Locutus]

I knew I was saved when it followed with whines and blunders on my part....

 

[joefizz]

I knew I was saved when it followed with whines and blunders on my part....

care to explain with detail?

 

[Locutus]

Not really Joe...

 

[dcontroversal]

Faith alone saves....end of story

It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to SAVE THEM THAT BELIEVE.

To any that add water, works, church affiliation, religious religionism etc. to faith for salvation it is foolish that one can simply believe and be saved.

There is a reason we are instructed to NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS FOUND IN CHRIST!

 

[joefizz]

Not really Joe...

Very well.

 

[joefizz]

Faith alone saves....end of story

It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to SAVE THEM THAT BELIEVE.

To any that add water, works, church affiliation, religious religionism etc. to faith for salvation it is foolish that one can simply believe and be saved.

There is a reason we are instructed to NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS FOUND IN CHRIST!

Glad you came dcontroversal,and Yes I believe faith alone saves as well.

 

[joefizz]

Well time for sleep for me I got a double shift in the morning,please as I stated in my first post in this thread,be unhateful and mature,and add civil to that too,I look forward to seeing what you "All" have to say about salvation,and particularly the main reason I made this thread was to see whom can give an account that they "know" that they are saved for a reason,no matter an individual's answer I look forward to seeing whom can say the very words in all honesty..."that's how I know that I am saved" because if one cannot even say such words,"honestly"then this shows to me where a person stands concerning their salvation,for I remember when I was unsure as I posted at the first of this thread of if I was saved but now I know I'm saved,so call it what you will I believe saying such words is "tough" for an unbeliever to say,well goodnight everyone!

 

[loveme1]

Hebrews 10

6For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.






Repentance and belief.

You live by Faith... and drawing back is possible if you don't believe to the saving of your soul.

Confidence brings reward...

Please don't counter this Scripture with Scripture... I believe all things and nothing counters but affirms... it is only interpretation that can bring a counter.

If you would like to share your interpretation of the above then please do politely... we are here to learn.. also no Greek meanings because GOD is found by those who seek Him with a willing heart. No scripture is of private interpretation as to believe seperate doctrine to understand it...

 

[BillG]

Most of my Christian life has been like the Hokey Cokey dance.

In out, in out.

My performance dictated my relationship with God and installed an unhealthy fear that lead to guilt and condemnation.
I would meditate on scripture but mainly looking at worst possible outcome. YOUR OUT, SINNED TOO MUCH.

Then one day I was laid up with a bad back.
I felt God ask me to spend time with him, at the 4th request I complied.

So I opened my bible and felt led to read

Romans 5:1-2
Chapter 5
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

I looked up the word faith and peace. Particularly peace. I used to think it meant an inner peace and as I didn't have this then obviously I didn't have faith. I never realised it meant there was no hostility between God and me. No more war.

Then I looked at faith. I realised I had faith in Jesus. Not a faith that gives a mental assent only but one that wants to be so much like him.

Then I felt God lead me to

John 8:10-12
10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

I read and asked God the purpose of me reading this.
He said "Look at what Jesus said to the lady"

Then it hit me. He didn't say "Go sin no more and I won't condemn you"
It was the other around to me it as like him saying "I don't condemn you, now that I don't live your life according to that and according to my will for me"

Wow God doesn't condemn me, he knows I want to be like Jesus, that I hate my sin and when I get it wrong.

Then God led me to

Romans 8:1
Assurance of Eternal Life in the Spirit (8:1-30)
The Spirit of Life
1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Then finally he led me to the following

John 17:23
23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

As I was reading it I had a picture. The above verse was written on a silver bullet put in a gun and pointed at my heart.
The gun was fired and that bullet went straight into my heart and brought me to tears.

GOD LOVES ME AS MUCH AS HE LOVES JESUS.

It was like a whole weight had been lifted.
In fact when my wife came home she looked at me and asked "What's gone on, you look totally different"

That was 7 years ago, (25 years after placing my faith in Jesus) when I actually became secure in the fact that through Jesus and being in Jesus my salvation was not a Hokey Cokey dance. But a merry dance with Jesus.

Sorry for the long post.

 

[loveme1]

Most of my Christian life has been like the Hokey Cokey dance.

In out, in out.

My performance dictated my relationship with God and installed an unhealthy fear that lead to guilt and condemnation.
I would meditate on scripture but mainly looking at worst possible outcome. YOUR OUT, SINNED TOO MUCH.

Then one day I was laid up with a bad back.
I felt God ask me to spend time with him, at the 4th request I complied.

So I opened my bible and felt led to read

Romans 5:1-2
Chapter 5
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

I looked up the word faith and peace. Particularly peace. I used to think it meant an inner peace and as I didn't have this then obviously I didn't have faith. I never realised it meant there was no hostility between God and me. No more war.

Then I looked at faith. I realised I had faith in Jesus. Not a faith that gives a mental assent only but one that wants to be so much like him.

Then I felt God lead me to

John 8:10-12
10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

I read and asked God the purpose of me reading this.
He said "Look at what Jesus said to the lady"

Then it hit me. He didn't say "Go sin no more and I won't condemn you"
It was the other around to me it as like him saying "I don't condemn you, now that I don't live your life according to that and according to my will for me"

Wow God doesn't condemn me, he knows I want to be like Jesus, that I hate my sin and when I get it wrong.

Then God led me to

Romans 8:1
Assurance of Eternal Life in the Spirit (8:1-30)
The Spirit of Life
1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Then finally he led me to the following

John 17:23
23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

As I was reading it I had a picture. The above verse was written on a silver bullet put in a gun and pointed at my heart.
The gun was fired and that bullet went straight into my heart and brought me to tears.

GOD LOVES ME AS MUCH AS HE LOVES JESUS.

It was like a whole weight had been lifted.
In fact when my wife came home she looked at me and asked "What's gone on, you look totally different"

That was 7 years ago, (25 years after placing my faith in Jesus) when I actually became secure in the fact that through Jesus and being in Jesus my salvation was not a Hokey Cokey dance. But a merry dance with Jesus.

Sorry for the long post.

So you had a personal revelation and drawn to certain verses?

 

[BillG]

So you had a personal revelation and drawn to certain verses?

Yes those were the verses.

 

[loveme1]

Yes those were the verses.

Bill since you witness you were drawn by GOD to those verses and have inner peace I have no authority to speak against it.

I too was drawn and received inner peace.. by GODs Grace and drawn to Scripture and love the verses you share also...

Would you mind if we continue in our Faith peacefully? I look not to judge just share what I received... sometimes zealousness can cause heated tones.

But like I say you have stated the above and we can both continue the race.

peace and Blessings.

 

[BillG]

I have no desire to fight anyone here.
Yes at times my emotions have got the better of me and I have had to apologise.
We are brothers and sisters in Jesus. One family.

I agree that we should all endeavour to act towards each other as Jesus has asked us to.

Peace and blessings to you as well.