Do you understand Biblical repentance?

[Tommy4Christ]

When they say Repent​

and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke24:47
In the Present Day Church System Repentance has come to mean something Entirely different than the Bible definition. When they say ‘Repent’ (and many of them have eliminated the word from their vocabulary) it suggests a ‘TRUSTING’ in some kind of theological arrangement that fits into their systematic understanding of Scripture. In reality this is far removed from what Jesus and the Apostles Preached for the remission of Sins.
The Solid Foundation of following Christ is a Departure from Sin. (2Tim2:19) Remove this fundamental Premise from Repentance and you negate the entire process. Under Present theology man is Born a sinner having been imputed with the guilt of Adam and thereby incapable of free will. Thus this necessitates the creation of ‘Doctrine’ to bring about his Salvation apart from any effort on his part. So Repenting (if preached at all) means an Apology for ‘a nature’ you have no control over. The Best God can do is Save you ‘in your sins’, impute you with the Righteousness and Obedience of Jesus and then Pretend you’re no longer a vile sinner because you’re under Grace.
Since you Can’t forsake a ‘Nature’ (inbred into your flesh) a ‘Willingness’ to stop sinning qualifies for real Salvation. As long as you’re ‘Coming out’ of your sins, gradually, sinning less and less, it qualifies for real Salvation. Although in an effort to protest their faulty theology many preachers will say that the lack of fruit bearing translates into a false conversion. (Obvious Contradiction!) But bottom line they all insist that Salvation is ‘Not of Works’ (Eph2:8-9) and no one can Judge, so they well NEVER actually tell anyone that their behavior may jeopardize the outcome of their Salvation. Again, you’re ‘willingness’ is enough. You express that with a sorrowful apology and God will forgive.
However the Repentance in Scripture uses an ENTIRELY different language that’s completely foreign to Present day theology. First of all the Message is always addressed to the human Mind under the full assumption of Free Will ability to respond. God Does Not Coerce, He invites man to make a Choice. That’s why He Demands that Repentance and Faith be Proven by DEEDS! (Acts26:18) Notice the Vast difference in verbal communication:
”Let the Wicked forsake his ways and the unrighteous man his thoughts, let him return to the Lord”
”Listen and TURN from your evil ways!”
”Amend your ways and your doings and Obey the Lord!”
”He who covers his sins shall not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them shall find mercy.”
”Come Out from among them and be ye separate, says the Lord!”

No one in genuine repentance Presumes upon the Lord. They seek Reconciliation in brokenness and humility expecting nothing. Note the King of Nineveh directing his city to Turn:
Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish? Jonah3:7-9.

When the Lord Himself spoke of Repentance in Matt12:38-42, he compared the Present Message preached to the message of Jonah, which includes an obvious departure from Sin in the Repentance Process. There wasn’t merely a ‘Willingness’ to Stop Sinning in Nineveh or some kind of apology to God for being sinful. The People got CLEAR of their Wrong Doing and Cried out to the Lord. They Obeyed the voice of the Prophet and PROVED it by their Deeds. This Matches Perfectly with the Model of Repentance explained in 2Cor7:10-11……

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Real Repentance Produces an Outcome:
Diligence to DO what is Right!
Clearing of Wrong Doing!
Fear of God
Vehement Desire Change
And PURITY of Heart
WHERE is any of this in the ‘TRUST’ Model?
You Apologize for being a sinner
Repeat some words
Then Trust you have Received Jesus into your heart
The Sin remains. The Bondage stays put. You’re a Slave to Who you Obey convinced you’re a child of God by proxy. (John8:39) Yet NO WHERE did Jesus EVER tell anyone to ‘Trust’ in His finished Work and Receive Him as their Personal Savior! Instead He told them to:

OBEY His Commands, Keep His Word, Put their hand to the Plow, Count the Cost, Take up your Cross, Be DOERS of the Word! Go and Sin no more. Deny yourself, Follow Me!
HOW Does any of this Translate into ‘Trust’ ? Is a Person trying to ‘Save themselves’ by Obeying God, Or Doing the Works of Righteousness? (1John3:7-8) It’s easy to be a hypocrite and follow the crowd down the wide Road to Destruction. You believe your preachers are saying all the Right things and they have your best interest at heart. But the Message is founded in Error based on a theology that Promises you Liberty in your sin. (2Pet2:18) In Salvation you Remain a Self-Confessed: ‘Wretched Man’, ‘Chief’ of Sinners, Double Minded, COVERED by Grace!
Instead of Repentance proven by Deeds, you TRUSTED in a Doctrine invented by men. In the Manner which you heard the message it ‘seems’ you have something. BUT what you have is Shifting Sands that will taken away at the Judgment. (Lk8:32)

 

[resurrection33]

Repentance is an easy concept. It means to stop sinning. All of life's problems disappear when we stop sinning.

 

[shroom2]

Repentance is an easy concept. It means to stop sinning. All of life's problems disappear when we stop sinning.

2 Tim 3:12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Or, don't you consider persecution a problem?

Did Paul's problems disappear?
2 Cor 11:
23) Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

 

[Laodicea]

To repent means to turn away from the old life and turn to God

 

[jimmydiggs]

2 Tim 3:12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Or, don't you consider persecution a problem?

Did Paul's problems disappear?

Is that a problem though? Sure, if you want comfort, it is. Biblically, is that a problem though?

 

[shroom2]

Is that a problem though? Sure, if you want comfort, it is. Biblically, is that a problem though?

I would consider this a problem:

24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Wouldn't you?

 

[jimmydiggs]

I would consider this a problem:

24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Wouldn't you?

I think we should receive it well.


Barne's notes

Mark 10 Barnes' Notes on the Bible <--- source

With persecutions - Persecutions, or the contempt of the world, and bodily sufferings on account of their religion, they "must" meet. Jesus did not conceal this; but he consoled them. He assured them that "amid" these, or perhaps it should be rendered "after" these, they should find friends and comfort. It is well to bear trial if "God" be our Friend. With the promises of the Bible in our hand, we may hail persecutions, and thank God that, amid so many sorrows, he has furnished such abundant consolations.



Paul endured for the sake of the elect.

2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Is that not a good thing?

Romans 8:28
English Standard Version (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.

God works all things together for good of those who love him. Should not this assure us, that what we endure is, ultimately for good? Is that not a worthy thing?



Genesis 50:20
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people[a] should be kept alive, as they are today.

 

[See_KING_Truth]

I would consider this a problem:

24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Wouldn't you?

Acts 5
40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Luke 21
12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
13And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

 

[jimmydiggs]

Acts 5

40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Luke 21
12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
13And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

I hadn't even thought of that.

 

[See_KING_Truth]

Jesus told us, that as His followers, we would surely be persecuted. I don't see this as a problem, it is unavoidable and such will be apart of each individuals testimony. Count it all joy when you come into persecution for the Lord's name sake.

Matthew 10:28

King James Version (KJV)

28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

 

[shroom2]

...God works all things together for good of those who love him. Should not this assure us, that what we endure is, ultimately for good? Is that not a worthy thing?...

Yes, being persecuted can result in good, and it can be a "worthy thing". But I do not think Paul enjoyed being beaten, whipped, and stoned. Nobody would.

He asked three times for his thorn in the flesh (people persecuting him) to be removed from him.

Do you think Jesus enjoyed being crucified? He fervently asked God three times, "If there is any other way to do this..."

Sometimes life is tough. We are to stand through the tough times. That does not mean everything will be problem-free.

 

[jimmydiggs]

Nobody would.

41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

 

[shroom2]

41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

It doesn't say they were rejoicing while they were being beaten, does it, JD?

...I can yell too

 

[Tommy4Christ]

Mat 10:22 And you will be hated of all men for My name's sake, but the one who endures to the end shall be saved!
Those who walk in the truth, and defend and contend to keep the doctrines of Christ pure will be persecuted, and those who are IN the church system and sit under the lies being taught today as truth are in great compromise!
Persecution comes in many forms, the main one today we face is rejection, hate, isolation, and loss of out jobs etc.. Also sometimes in this world, when we stand against evil, we will also be hated and persecuted, Jesus said He came to divide, and that the road was very narrow,
Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the narrow gate. For I say to you, many will seek to enter in and shall not be able. To strive means to agonize, and I ask how many today who profess Christ are doing this to stay in the faith? Try standing against the popular things of the world, and you will be persecuted and hated, and labeled an evil judge, by those in the system, who have been fooled into believing they were born sinners, can live of the world and still be saved! Jesus took their place on the cross and suffered their penalty(substitution,) or that once they say the magic prayer they are in the kingdom, and will never loose their secure position. This is the false gospel, and all you who are supporting your pastor who teaches any of these false teachings, are in great danger, and must expose the lies and flee Babylon! Rev 18-4. Soon preaching against homosexuality, will get you some time in prison, and you will be labeled unloving and hateful, in fact if you went into any modern church today, and preached against sin, and worldliness, which most churches resemble more than the house of God, you will feel the sting of hate and rejection, as you preach truth, calling people to repentance and faith prooven by deeds!
Without real repentance there is no forgiveness of sins! And if you think you get saved, receive the holy spirit, then work at repenting from your vile sins,(1 Corin 6-9-10) then you are still defiled, double minded, and need to go back to your first work. Rev 2-5.
I send this message to show you all what most Churches you are in are not teaching, most in the church system are still in bondage to many sins that will eliminate them from the kingdom, but claim they are saved because they repented, which to them is just to admit they sinned, or they confess them to God. BUT He asks us to stop the sin, put it to death with Christ, Gal 2-20, assume nothing, and hope God Will relent and grant them mercy.
If most pastors and these mega preachers today preached the truth, they would be out of a job, and parking cars, instead of leading millions of gullible souls into perdition.
I pray all of you can see this, and will ask questions of whoever is teaching you, make sure they are not really wolves in sheep's clothing. many professing Christians today, think the false teachers are the Mormons, JW, Jimmy Jones, Islam, etc.... but in reality the false teachers could very well be their very own pastors, elders, Sunday school teachers.. etc.. Test all things hold fast to what is true, and abstain from all appearances of evil. 1 Thess 5-21-22.

 

[Red33]

Mat 10:22 And you will be hated of all men for My name's sake, but the one who endures to the end shall be saved!
Those who walk in the truth, and defend and contend to keep the doctrines of Christ pure will be persecuted, and those who are IN the church system and sit under the lies being taught today as truth are in great compromise!
Persecution comes in many forms, the main one today we face is rejection, hate, isolation, and loss of out jobs etc.. Also sometimes in this world, when we stand against evil, we will also be hated and persecuted, Jesus said He came to divide, and that the road was very narrow,
Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the narrow gate. For I say to you, many will seek to enter in and shall not be able. To strive means to agonize, and I ask how many today who profess Christ are doing this to stay in the faith? Try standing against the popular things of the world, and you will be persecuted and hated, and labeled an evil judge, by those in the system, who have been fooled into believing they were born sinners, can live of the world and still be saved! Jesus took their place on the cross and suffered their penalty(substitution,) or that once they say the magic prayer they are in the kingdom, and will never loose their secure position. This is the false gospel, and all you who are supporting your pastor who teaches any of these false teachings, are in great danger, and must expose the lies and flee Babylon! Rev 18-4. Soon preaching against homosexuality, will get you some time in prison, and you will be labeled unloving and hateful, in fact if you went into any modern church today, and preached against sin, and worldliness, which most churches resemble more than the house of God, you will feel the sting of hate and rejection, as you preach truth, calling people to repentance and faith prooven by deeds!
Without real repentance there is no forgiveness of sins! And if you think you get saved, receive the holy spirit, then work at repenting from your vile sins,(1 Corin 6-9-10) then you are still defiled, double minded, and need to go back to your first work. Rev 2-5.
I send this message to show you all what most Churches you are in are not teaching, most in the church system are still in bondage to many sins that will eliminate them from the kingdom, but claim they are saved because they repented, which to them is just to admit they sinned, or they confess them to God. BUT He asks us to stop the sin, put it to death with Christ, Gal 2-20, assume nothing, and hope God Will relent and grant them mercy.
If most pastors and these mega preachers today preached the truth, they would be out of a job, and parking cars, instead of leading millions of gullible souls into perdition.
I pray all of you can see this, and will ask questions of whoever is teaching you, make sure they are not really wolves in sheep's clothing. many professing Christians today, think the false teachers are the Mormons, JW, Jimmy Jones, Islam, etc.... but in reality the false teachers could very well be their very own pastors, elders, Sunday school teachers.. etc.. Test all things hold fast to what is true, and abstain from all appearances of evil. 1 Thess 5-21-22.

Do you allow in your understanding of the word and doctrine for a believer to backslide? For how long? One day, a week, a month, six months, a year... how about (30) years? What is the longsuffering of God all about?

Do you think that longsuffering has a place in the plan of God? Does a Spirit-filled believer have the fruit of longsuffering? Do you think you are where God wants you to be? How do you know that and how can you be assured of that? Is it because you are not living in any known sin at the present time? Many pride themselves of not living in sin like other men but they are ladened with iniquity in the imaginations and thoughts of their own heart that are rooted in self and relevant righteousness. That means that they live by a moral law unto themselves that does not include the Spirit or the grace of God. These individuals are always comparing themselves to others and commending themselves as they compare themselves. But these are unwise because they live in relevant righteousness.

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Eph 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


Col 3:12,13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

1Tim 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

2Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

1Pt 3:18-20 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Gal 5:22,23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2Pt 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Surely the longsuffering of our Lord musy count for something!

 

[Tommy4Christ]

Do you allow in your understanding of the word and doctrine for a believer to backslide? For how long? One day, a week, a month, six months, a year... how about (30) years? What is the longsuffering of God all about?

Do you think that longsuffering has a place in the plan of God? Does a Spirit-filled believer have the fruit of longsuffering? Do you think you are where God wants you to be? How do you know that and how can you be assured of that? Is it because you are not living in any known sin at the present time? Many pride themselves of not living in sin like other men but they are ladened with iniquity in the imaginations and thoughts of their own heart that are rooted in self and relevant righteousness. That means that they live by a moral law unto themselves that does not include the Spirit or the grace of God. These individuals are always comparing themselves to others and commending themselves as they compare themselves. But these are unwise because they live in relevant righteousness.

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Eph 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


Col 3:12,13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

1Tim 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

2Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

1Pt 3:18-20 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Gal 5:22,23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2Pt 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Surely the longsuffering of our Lord musy count for something!

You diddnt read my article or understand it, I am NOT claiming perfection, far from it, but let me ask you a question, can one continue in unrepentant sins as I listed from the scriptures and still be saved?
The mercy of God is extended to those who have truly repented as I described, that is what is wrong with Christianity today, sin is a calimaty, and not a crime against God.
I tell you as I proved by scripture, IF a Christian falls into any vile sin, premeditated and thought out sin, as listed in the scriptures, then he will loose his salvation, unless he repents, remember KIng david, lost his salvation, but repented and got it back. But he ruined his life and his families life. Read Eze ch 18...
God grants mercy to those who obey Him, and love Him more than thier vile sins. Here is an article I wrote on my blog, I pray it will bless you or atleast make you think how serious sin is to God, and how He gives us all the strength and tools to put them to death in repentance less we fall away and loose our salvation!

The mercy of God​

Rom 9:15 For He said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."​

God is a God of mercy and compassion, He is the giver and taker of all life, and His mercy endures forever and ever. Now many teach that the mercy of God can be abused to the extent that a vile sinner, who in unrepentant before God, can also receive His mercy. I believe he can, but does God give His mercy and forgiveness to those still defiled, and living a lie?

I believe the gospel is clear on this, as to the many scriptures warning all sinners to repent, Luk 13:3 I tell you, No. But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

The mercy of God I believe is extended to all who come to a saving faith, that includes real repentance and faith followed by deeds, proving we have repented, have gone through a crisis of conviction and have cleansed and purified our hearts, broken and ready to receive the holy spirit, having crucified our flesh with Christ, Galations 2-20, explains this well.

I also believe Gods mercy is extended to the whole world, 2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is long-suffering toward us, not purposing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He demands repentance, a working faith in love, and an obedient heart, that has been cleansed by the blood of Christ in repentance 2 Corin 7:10 For the grief according to God works repentance to salvation, not to be regretted, but the grief of the world works out death.
2Co 7:11 For behold this same thing (you being grieved according to God); how much it worked out earnestness in you; but also defense; but also indignation; but also fear; but also desire; but also zeal; but also vengeance! In everything you approved yourselves to be clear in the matter.
God is merciful and longsuffering, and we are not to judge another's salvation, but we sure can judge their fruits, and conduct, as compared to scripture, as long as our obedience is fulfilled. 2Co 10:6 and having readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

I don't think God winks and overlooks sin in any way, shape or form, and the warnings are clear in His word, Psa 7:11 God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. The word is clear on who will enter the kingdom of God, and this entrance comes from the mercy of God, on the truly repentant heart, not a perfect heart as most would accuse, but a heart made pure, through repentance, and following the truth in scriptures.

The sad thing is, most churches teach you get saved as a vile sinner, that Jesus took you place and is your obedience or substitute, all sins are pre forgiven, and after you confess, and receive Jesus into your heart, you are declared saved, and righteous, not of your own accord, but that of the imputed righteousness of Christ.

So now Gods mercy declares a vile sinner pure, holy, and in His favor, because God can grant mercy to whom He pleases, but this goes against His command for us to repent, stop our sinning against Him, seek His mercy after we make a strong effort towards Him in reconciliation.

All throughout scripture God is calling all who can hear, to repent, avoid all appearances of evil, do not be deceived, follow and remain in the spirit, give no provision to the flesh, be crucified with Christ, seek His kingdom and righteousness first, stand fast, be diligent, flee immorality, remain separate and unspotted from the world, love Him with all your heart, mind, strength and soul, love your neighbor, expose the unfruitful works of darkness, defend and contend to keep the gospel pure, love not the world and its vain attractions, be perfect in purity, sincerity, and love, avoid temptation, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, you must endure to the end, don't let your faith get shipwrecked, stop doing evil, learn to do good, rightly divide the word of God, deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, godly, and righteously in this present age, you reap what you sow, he who sins shall die, he who sins is of the devil, and many more warnings coming from our most merciful God, who has made it perfectly clear in His word, where His mercy will be granted.

I believe if a person comes to God in all humility, brokenness, and sincerity, Gods mercy will be abundantly poured out on them, but if he comes with pride, still In vile sins of the flesh, loving the world more than God, full of self, expecting God to clean them up, an do His thing to make them stop sinning, then all bets are off, to me this is abusing the love, grace, and mercy of almighty God. Jas 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says, God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
Jas 4:7 Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We all know many sincere men and women past and present who lived a very holy and separated life, full of giving and compassion for all mankind, who did good works in helping the poor and sick. But they followed another gospel, another religion, taught many false teachings, and led millions away from the true gospel. Many will say as long as you did good works for God, showed your fellow man compassion and love, etc., it doesn't matter what doctrine you taught, followed or adhered to, as long as you loved Jesus and mankind, your works will burn up but the mercy of God will prevail, and you will be saved.

All’s I know is, if these people repented of their false ways, before they perished, then they are saved, but there comes a time when God will not grant repentance as with Esau, who lost his birthright, and cried bitter tears to find repentance and didn't. Heb 12:15 looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God, or lest any root of bitterness springing up disturb you, and by it many are defiled,
Heb 12:16 (lest there be any fornicator, or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
Heb 12:17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he did not find any place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears)

Yes God is merciful, but He is also a righteous patient judge, not wanting any to perish, and He makes it clear, on just how narrow the road to salvation is, and who will be saved and receive mercy. Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the narrow gate. For I say to you, many will seek to enter in and shall not be able.

If we don't follow the straight gate and narrow road, there will be dire consequences, and hoping God will grant me mercy if I went my own way, but thought I was going the right way, is not something we want to learn when our time is up! Mat 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord! Lord! shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness!

let’s all be sure we are going the right way:

Pro 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.

Tommy 2-11-12

 

[resurrection33]

2 Tim 3:12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Or, don't you consider persecution a problem?

Did Paul's problems disappear?
2 Cor 11:
23) Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Why should persecution bother us? What bothers me is the unpleasant consequences of my sin.

 

[resurrection33]

2 Tim 3:12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Or, don't you consider persecution a problem?

Did Paul's problems disappear?
2 Cor 11:
23) Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Problems really aren’t problems when we’ve done the Lord’s will. Problems don’t bother us because we know the Lord will take care of all our needs.

 

[busyceeq]

Repentance means to confess your sin and turn from it. King David was very good at this. IJohn 1:9 promises that we will be forgiven.

 

[tribesman]

Repentance is not a work, it is a gift to God's people.

Acts.5

[31] Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Only the regenerate can live in true repentance.

2Cor.7

[9] Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
[10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.