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

[followjesus]

I have received salvation because I have received Jesus. My point is that one can still have a little uncertainty about salvation even though one is saved. That is where faith and trusting in Jesus to save you kicks in.

1 corinthians 4 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."


Jesus wil judge us at the appointed time,

1 corinthians 9 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

uncertainty is another term for the fear and trembling we need to work out our own salvation. it keeps us moving in the right direction which is what really matters

 

[Grace777x70]

1 Corinthians is Paul speaking of his ministry - this is not about our eternal destination.

Paul is speaking about being disqualified from his ministry as the context clearly shows.

1 Corinthians 9:18-27 (NASB)
[SUP]18 [/SUP] What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

[SUP]19 [/SUP] For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.

[SUP]20 [/SUP] To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;

[SUP]21 [/SUP] to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.

[SUP]22 [/SUP] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

[SUP]23 [/SUP] I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

[SUP]24 [/SUP] Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

[SUP]25 [/SUP] Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

[SUP]26 [/SUP] Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;

[SUP]27 [/SUP] but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Sometimes with wrong teaching about being secure in Christ - it can mess with our minds and we can become unstable in our thought life even though in our new creations in Christ - we are the righteousness of God in Christ, holy and blameless in His sight because of Christ's work on the cross and resurrection.

You've hit the nail on the head. But what Christians should clearly understand is that all false teaching ultimately comes from Satan, who works on the hearts and minds of those who should know better and who are in positions of spiritual leadership. It is Satan who wants Christians to be in a continual state of doubt and uncertainty about who they are in Christ and what Christ actually accomplished through His life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation at the right hand of the Father.

If you would ask the average Christian to enumerate everything which Christ accomplished, or his or her position in Christ, they would have a hard time making such a list. Why? Because Gospel truth is not being taught fully and properly in most evangelical and fundamentalist churches, and the study of the Word is very superficial (generally).

Something else which hinders new believers is the fact that they are not baptized immediately after conversion (as required by Scripture). So they fail to grow and move forward in their walk as Christians, and wonder why.

 

[p_rehbein]

Sorry Roger............I don't understand your response to my comment. I was NOT speaking of God, but of some person here on earth needing to tell people if they are saved or not saved. Do you believe that some Preacher or some other person must tell you you are saved to be assured that you are?

Would you have me to believe that God revealed to me His terrible wrath upon sin and would not give me full assurance that I am not subject to that wrath?

God does not operate in doubt or uncertainty. Scripture speaks to all men with respect to their salvation.

1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Ro 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[joefizz]

Of course it is...........but did someone HAVE TO TELL YOU? Or, when you invited Christ into your life, did you KNOW when He came to you? Anyone who has EVER experienced the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit does NOT have to be TOLD!

no I didn't need to be told that I was saved after humbling myself to God(my entire body on the floor and tears in my eyes)asking God to save my soul and accepting Jesus as my saviour,I just somehow "Knew".
Though in my case I was grasping at straws so to speak because I hadn't a clue "How" I could be saved so at the very least I "needed" "Instruction" on what being saved "Meant",now I help others by "Instructing" to people what it means to be saved and how to go about "Receiving" salvation.

 

[joefizz]

Sometimes with wrong teaching about being secure in Christ - it can mess with our minds and we can become unstable in our thought life even though in our new creations in Christ - we are the righteousness of God in Christ, holy and blameless in His sight because of Christ's work on the cross and resurrection.

Bad church teachings no matter how well-intentioned can severely hamper our faith in Christ and cause us to have a ship-wrecked faith while walking in this earth.

( No, our loving Father does not send His beloved children bought and redeemed by the blood of Jesus into hell and the lake of fire because their faith for living in this earth is not matured to walk in the things that our inheritance because we are in Christ now. A Ship-wrecked faith does not mean God kicking us out of Christ.)

This can mess with our "knowing" that we have salvation. There is a vast difference between the mind and the heart of man. The mind can be filled with religious teachings that can nullify the grace of God that is in Christ's finished work on the cross and resurrection from operating in our lives like it was meant to.

Yes most certainly,certain teachings and preachings were holding me back spiritually,after leaving my family church recently,I became more drawn to the holy spirit,and I was led here to Christian Chat first,and it has become my favorite discussion site,after joining and helping others come to God I then felt called to join more Christian Chat sites,now I spend nearly every waking day on these sites as well as others helping people come to God,Welcoming people,and praying for people when someone makes a prayer request and I couldn't be happier,because now my mind isn't being filled with repetitious teachings of people,I actually "Use" what I've learned and what I don't know entirely I allow the holy spirit to guide what I say,instead of "trying" to answer questions about God's word "Alone",for now I have made "Room" for the holy spirit to dwell in me and that has been more"educational" than any teachings I've been taught by people!

 

[joefizz]

You've hit the nail on the head. But what Christians should clearly understand is that all false teaching ultimately comes from Satan, who works on the hearts and minds of those who should know better and who are in positions of spiritual leadership. It is Satan who wants Christians to be in a continual state of doubt and uncertainty about who they are in Christ and what Christ actually accomplished through His life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation at the right hand of the Father.

If you would ask the average Christian to enumerate everything which Christ accomplished, or his or her position in Christ, they would have a hard time making such a list. Why? Because Gospel truth is not being taught fully and properly in most evangelical and fundamentalist churches, and the study of the Word is very superficial (generally).

Something else which hinders new believers is the fact that they are not baptized immediately after conversion (as required by Scripture). So they fail to grow and move forward in their walk as Christians, and wonder why.

Yeah Satan is the author of confusion God is the God of peace.

 

[joefizz]

1 corinthians 4 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."


Jesus wil judge us at the appointed time,

1 corinthians 9 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

uncertainty is another term for the fear and trembling we need to work out our own salvation. it keeps us moving in the right direction which is what really matters

Yes it can be fear but overall,"Uncertainty" is "Doubt" when one allows for "Doubt" satan acts upon such doubt giving individuals false doctrine to justify staying on the fence when it comes to what they "Believe",and he also gives unto such an individual sinful pleasures to indulge in and lead such an individual astray before they accept Salvation,so that God has one less soul for his kingdom.

 

[joefizz]

yes, time to bring back to testimonies, thanks for the reminder.

Indeed for if one can declare openly and honestly that they are Saved not of themselves but through Jesus Christ then this in essence shows not only whom they serve but that they appreciate Salvation that they have received!

 

[mailmandan]

1 Corinthians is Paul speaking of his ministry - this is not about our eternal destination.

Paul is speaking about being disqualified from his ministry as the context clearly shows.

1 Corinthians 9:18-27 (NASB)
[SUP]18 [/SUP] What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

[SUP]19 [/SUP] For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.

[SUP]20 [/SUP] To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;

[SUP]21 [/SUP] to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.

[SUP]22 [/SUP] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

[SUP]23 [/SUP] I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

[SUP]24 [/SUP] Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

[SUP]25 [/SUP] Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

[SUP]26 [/SUP] Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;

[SUP]27 [/SUP] but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Amen! Just like in the Olympic games, those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize. Only one receives the gold medal, but those who don't win the gold medal are not disqualified from the Olympics. I don't see "disqualified for the prize" as disqualified for salvation, which is a gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9) that we receive through faith and not a prize that we win in a race.

 

[joefizz]

Amen! Just like in the Olympic games, those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize. Only one receives the gold medal, but those who don't win the gold medal are not disqualified from the Olympics. I don't see "disqualified for the prize" as disqualified for salvation, which is a gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9) that we receive through faith and not a prize that we win in a race.

Yes Salvation is a "Gift" we ask for,not something we gain from our actions!

 

[joefizz]

I'm so glad this thread has had particularly"honest","inspired" and "well thought out answers and testimonies,praise be to God!

 

[20]

Everyone who believe that Jesus is the Christ is the Child of God KJV1John5:1 1."Whatsoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him". Every Child of the Lord overcome the World ... KJV1John5;4 4. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the World, and this is the victory that overcome the World even our faith". Everyone who loves is the Sons and Daughters of God KJV1John4;7 7."Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God".

 

[joefizz]

Everyone who believe that Jesus is the Christ is the Child of God KJV1John5:1 1."Whatsoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him". Every Child of the Lord overcome the World ... KJV1John5;4 4. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the World, and this is the victory that overcome the World even our faith". Everyone who loves is the Sons and Daughters of God KJV1John4;7 7."Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God".

Indeed you are correct,Glad you shared!

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Amen! Just like in the Olympic games, those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize. Only one receives the gold medal, but those who don't win the gold medal are not disqualified from the Olympics. I don't see "disqualified for the prize" as disqualified for salvation, which is a gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9) that we receive through faith and not a prize that we win in a race.

wow, I need to spread some rep. but again, another great post bro!!

 

[Meggido]

Amen! Just like in the Olympic games, those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize. Only one receives the gold medal, but those who don't win the gold medal are not disqualified from the Olympics. I don't see "disqualified for the prize" as disqualified for salvation, which is a gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9) that we receive through faith and not a prize that we win in a race.

How come you are discussing salvation once again, when Bruce clearly and correctly pointed out his passage has nothing to do with salvation? How are you taking 1 Cor 9.18-27 and making it fit your doctrine, when it says no such thing?

If you are going to use this, then lets play....

What is your definition of the race and what is your definition of the prize....if you state salvation is the prize, then you are contradicting yourself and your doctrine, because running implies action, and is not mere belief and rest...

 

[joefizz]

How come you are discussing salvation once again, when Bruce clearly and correctly pointed out his passage has nothing to do with salvation? How are you taking 1 Cor 9.18-27 and making it fit your doctrine, when it says no such thing?

If you are going to use this, then lets play....

What is your definition of the race and what is your definition of the prize....if you state salvation is the prize, then you are contradicting yourself and your doctrine, because running implies action, and is not mere belief and rest...

I don't know who bruce is...maybe but I'm glad you came and posted also feel free to share your experience with salvation or how you view it or both!

 

[Meggido]

I don't know who bruce is...maybe but I'm glad you came and posted also feel free to share your experience with salvation or how you view it or both!

my bad grace7777 is bruce...should not have used his name...

 

[joefizz]

my bad grace7777 is bruce...should not have used his name...

it's ok,after all there is a member called bruce wayne,I don't think many will pay attention to your mention of his name lol!

 

[mailmandan]

How come you are discussing salvation once again, when Bruce clearly and correctly pointed out his passage has nothing to do with salvation? How are you taking 1 Cor 9.18-27 and making it fit your doctrine, when it says no such thing?

Discussing salvation once again? I said "disqualified for the prize" is not disqualified for salvation. 1 Corinthians 9:18-27 fits my doctrine nicely.

If you are going to use this, then lets play....

Play what? Is this a game to you?

What is your definition of the race and what is your definition of the prize....if you state salvation is the prize, then you are contradicting yourself and your doctrine, because running implies action, and is not mere belief and rest...

The Greek word for "race" is stadion - Strong's #4712.

Strong's Concordance
stadion: a stadium (a Gr. measure of length), by impl. a racecourse
Original Word: στάδιον, ου, τό
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine; Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: stadion
Phonetic Spelling: (stad'-ee-on)
Short Definition: one eighth of a Roman mile
Definition: (a) a stadium, one eighth of a Roman mile, (b) a race-course for public games.

HELPS Word-studies
4712 stádion – properly, the distance of a race-course; a stadium ("furlong"), the measure (length) of an ancient foot-race; a furlong ("stadion"); (figuratively) the total length (distance) God requires each of us to run in our race of faith. That is, doing all He measures out to receive full eternal-inheritance.

I never said that salvation is a prize (salvation is a gift) and I am not contradicting myself. The Greek word for "prize" is βραβεῖον which is an award a prize in the public games. It's a prize bestowed in connection with the games and is used metaphorically of "the reward" to be obtained hereafter by the believer.

Thayer's Definition
the award to the victor in the games, a prize
metaph. of the heavenly reward for Christian character

A prize is not the same thing as a gift.