Not By Works
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A
No you don't understand what he is saying..,out of his long post....
.your take away is that EG is attacking you.
Drop the victim act,
He was defining what legalism is, yet you missed THAT whole point because you pRIDEfully say you already kNow it all already.
Yet you still don't get his point of how legalism enslaved people because you don't know what it really means when everyone else but you use the word.
EG related with folks fine. He actually listens to what people say. Sometimes he goes overboard but he normally calms down and apoligizes if he misjudge someone.
I have yet to see that from many here who preach the need for personal righteousness of others but don't seem to apply the principles to themselves.
.your take away is that EG is attacking you.
Drop the victim act,
He was defining what legalism is, yet you missed THAT whole point because you pRIDEfully say you already kNow it all already.
Yet you still don't get his point of how legalism enslaved people because you don't know what it really means when everyone else but you use the word.
EG related with folks fine. He actually listens to what people say. Sometimes he goes overboard but he normally calms down and apoligizes if he misjudge someone.
I have yet to see that from many here who preach the need for personal righteousness of others but don't seem to apply the principles to themselves.
E
Peter, I love ya man, but it is not normal to keep bashing people saying they believe things they never believed, or they understand something in a way that is not true. (And yes, when you tell someone they believe or understand something this way, and it is not true, and yet you keep doing it anyway, you are bashing them, I am sorry, but this is true
normal people say forgive me, I misunderstood what you were saying, what did you really mean, thank you for not just letting me go on believing this thing about you which was not true, I pray in the future I try to understand and not just assume I know.
E
while your right, to a degree, you also wrong to another degree, there is a huge difference in being programmed to see what people believe and think you knew w, and people who actually experienced t first hand, and KNOW what is really going on.
when you live a certain way, or you live around people all your life who are a certain way, you understand, you know, you have experience with it.
thats not the same as being told by so,one people believe something, and this is the sign, it is called living problems f, living experience.
i can see a person a mile away, but I lived it.
when you live a certain way, or you live around people all your life who are a certain way, you understand, you know, you have experience with it.
thats not the same as being told by so,one people believe something, and this is the sign, it is called living problems f, living experience.
i can see a person a mile away, but I lived it.
"You still do not get it"
This is a phrase which is about being assertive with a defined intention, and there is only
one outcome, because everything is nailed down. The mistake is everything relies on our
assumptions about ourselves and the other person are correct. So mainly we get it very
wrong, and the outcome we expect is probably wrong as well.
What I have found is as followers of Christ we can just share, and it will bless some, and not
others. We do not know how or why it will bless or even is that its intention, we just share.
The Lord very often uses things outside our understanding and for different reasons than we
thought. It is why I would encourage people to just share about walking in the Spirit and the
victory Christ brings them.
For me personally to find Paul talking to my heart, almost with every word is so new and
unusual. So I read 1 Cor 10:1-5
Israel are the example of behaviour we are not to follow
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
1 cor 10:6
We are not safe in the Lord is we set our hearts on evil things.
Paul is very aware we all can do this. But he is declaring, it will lead to death.
But for some strange reason some feel this warning is just you will suffer harm,
but nothing else. Why reduce the warnings of Paul? The people of Israel died,
by Gods judgement. I would have thought that is a clue that this is a very
serious problem.
The real issue not being discussed is binding sin that leads people to fall away,
and talking about true open love and open hearts one with another, which is often
missing. And yes intimacy and confession in a trusting way within the church fellowship
is rare. But this probably testifies we are more defensive than we should be, and are not
prepared to bear our souls and crucify the flesh in a public manner.
This is a phrase which is about being assertive with a defined intention, and there is only
one outcome, because everything is nailed down. The mistake is everything relies on our
assumptions about ourselves and the other person are correct. So mainly we get it very
wrong, and the outcome we expect is probably wrong as well.
What I have found is as followers of Christ we can just share, and it will bless some, and not
others. We do not know how or why it will bless or even is that its intention, we just share.
The Lord very often uses things outside our understanding and for different reasons than we
thought. It is why I would encourage people to just share about walking in the Spirit and the
victory Christ brings them.
For me personally to find Paul talking to my heart, almost with every word is so new and
unusual. So I read 1 Cor 10:1-5
Israel are the example of behaviour we are not to follow
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
1 cor 10:6
We are not safe in the Lord is we set our hearts on evil things.
Paul is very aware we all can do this. But he is declaring, it will lead to death.
But for some strange reason some feel this warning is just you will suffer harm,
but nothing else. Why reduce the warnings of Paul? The people of Israel died,
by Gods judgement. I would have thought that is a clue that this is a very
serious problem.
The real issue not being discussed is binding sin that leads people to fall away,
and talking about true open love and open hearts one with another, which is often
missing. And yes intimacy and confession in a trusting way within the church fellowship
is rare. But this probably testifies we are more defensive than we should be, and are not
prepared to bear our souls and crucify the flesh in a public manner.
E
Yep, it's all about you, it does not matter if it is true or not, Truth is subjective, that is what the whole world is falling under today, how dare you tell me I am wrong, how dare you question me.
your one one of the hardest most stubborn people I have ever met. Not the most, but pretty close to it. I pray God will somehow break through that fortress you have built in your head,
Ariel - So you feel I am accusing people falsely of saying sin is not an issue in the christians life.
What is confusing, is if future sin is forgiven, then sinning is not an issue. The theology being
presented says the real sin is accepting Christ or rejecting Him. This is called the sin of unbelief
which is not forgiven.
Now if someone says I sin everyday, that for me implies their view of sin, is they are not pure,
holy, blameless, or walking in the light. It is used rather as a badge of honour to say those who
disagree that sin has not bound us and is avoidable are evil self-righteous hypocrites.
Now if I said I go and partake in sexual immorality every day, but it is ok, Christ has forgiven me,
I do not need to change, I believe in Jesus, there appears to be no argument you can bring against
me.
But then I find this
We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.
1 Cor 10:8
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;
1 Thess 4:3
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
Rev 21:8
So if a believer is sexually immoral and does not resolve this in their life, they
will be thrown into the lake of fire.
So sin in this way is a salvation issue, and believers are not exempt from walking
in purity and holiness, rather it is our calling.
So those who treat sin lightly are guilty of distorting the gospel of grace and love,
defiling holiness and temple of the Holy Spirit which is their bodies, if they have come
to faith.
What is confusing, is if future sin is forgiven, then sinning is not an issue. The theology being
presented says the real sin is accepting Christ or rejecting Him. This is called the sin of unbelief
which is not forgiven.
Now if someone says I sin everyday, that for me implies their view of sin, is they are not pure,
holy, blameless, or walking in the light. It is used rather as a badge of honour to say those who
disagree that sin has not bound us and is avoidable are evil self-righteous hypocrites.
Now if I said I go and partake in sexual immorality every day, but it is ok, Christ has forgiven me,
I do not need to change, I believe in Jesus, there appears to be no argument you can bring against
me.
But then I find this
We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.
1 Cor 10:8
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;
1 Thess 4:3
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
Rev 21:8
So if a believer is sexually immoral and does not resolve this in their life, they
will be thrown into the lake of fire.
So sin in this way is a salvation issue, and believers are not exempt from walking
in purity and holiness, rather it is our calling.
So those who treat sin lightly are guilty of distorting the gospel of grace and love,
defiling holiness and temple of the Holy Spirit which is their bodies, if they have come
to faith.
A
1. You don't understand why people use the term "future sins are forgiven" I don't like it because it's easily misunderstood. However, it is basically saying that God can reach down and forgive any sin...no one is so lost that God can't save them.
Yet instead of learning what the term means, you impose that folks teach a licences to sin, which is a lie that you love to repeat and hammer over and over even when people have told you it's a lie.
The question is : do you focus on your sin and how you are a sinner or do you focus on God and How He has helped you overcome sin and walk in His light,
Everyday we are called to go before God and ask Him if we have sinned or if we need to repent or change our behavior.
All God's kids get chastened and shown God's truth and way,
.if you are not chastened and taught to live godly lives, you are not a child of God.
Yet instead of learning what the term means, you impose that folks teach a licences to sin, which is a lie that you love to repeat and hammer over and over even when people have told you it's a lie.
The question is : do you focus on your sin and how you are a sinner or do you focus on God and How He has helped you overcome sin and walk in His light,
Everyday we are called to go before God and ask Him if we have sinned or if we need to repent or change our behavior.
All God's kids get chastened and shown God's truth and way,
.if you are not chastened and taught to live godly lives, you are not a child of God.
EG - Again, it has never been about me, but about theology and our walk.
I listen to God, and read His word and rejoice in the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for the complements. I am glad to know I walk in the Spirit and
listen to my Lord. When you love Christ, it is His word that dominates.
The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’”
18 The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.
1 King 13:16-19
A prophet was sent with a message to deliver and not eat. Another prophet came
and said God had changed His mind. The prophet believed the man and eat and was
later killed.
So who am I to listen to, you and your invented version of faith or God and His clear
declaration of Holiness, purity and love?
So I praise the Lord and His death on the cross that brings me love and victory and not
the promises of safety by man.
I listen to God, and read His word and rejoice in the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for the complements. I am glad to know I walk in the Spirit and
listen to my Lord. When you love Christ, it is His word that dominates.
The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’”
18 The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.
1 King 13:16-19
A prophet was sent with a message to deliver and not eat. Another prophet came
and said God had changed His mind. The prophet believed the man and eat and was
later killed.
So who am I to listen to, you and your invented version of faith or God and His clear
declaration of Holiness, purity and love?
So I praise the Lord and His death on the cross that brings me love and victory and not
the promises of safety by man.
Ariel, have you ever thought it is your misunderstanding that might be involved, or are you above
such things?
It is like saying 1+1 = 2 to say, all sin is forgiven and no matter what you do, the Lord will still
call you home.
I have said, which the holders of this position have never answered, if you fall into unbelief about
Christ, you will not be forgiven, so therefore were never saved in the first place.
If this is possible there is no such thing as true security in Christ.
It is why when I came to faith when I was a teenager, I did not have any ideas about security,
or loosing salvation because for me that is an absurd idea. If you know God you do not think, what
happens if this all goes wrong? You are just wrapped up in the implications of knowing the creator.
Now if later on, I come to a realisation I can lose this relationship, it has not invalidated the spiritual
experiences I have had. It does not unbaptise me, or suddenly the Holy Spirit leaves, or I am in evil
or sin beyond redemption. So therefore it is rediculous to say security has any bearing on salvation,
security is a spiritual reality when you know the cross and Jesus's love expressed through it.
Unfortunately I come to the opposite conclusion, that those who need such automatic acceptance,
have not truly felt the total acceptance through the cross deep in their souls, or communion while
praising the King of Kings, or knowing the Holy Spirit pouring in His power and authority on ones life.
And worse still when these self driven judgmental believers start kicking off with believers, they are
like impetious children who feel their immediate experience justifies seeing everything in life through
their view and unless you agree with them, you are lost.
Paul of all people would have preached on security if it mattered this way, but he is silent. What Paul
is not silent about is how to love one another, how to share deeply from the heart and encourage one
another in the Holy Spirit and in Praise. So that is my appeal to you guys to stop this mission of
condemnation and embrace the love of the cross and encourage people to walk in purity, love and
faithfulness, doing good works to the glory of His name, Amen.
such things?
It is like saying 1+1 = 2 to say, all sin is forgiven and no matter what you do, the Lord will still
call you home.
I have said, which the holders of this position have never answered, if you fall into unbelief about
Christ, you will not be forgiven, so therefore were never saved in the first place.
If this is possible there is no such thing as true security in Christ.
It is why when I came to faith when I was a teenager, I did not have any ideas about security,
or loosing salvation because for me that is an absurd idea. If you know God you do not think, what
happens if this all goes wrong? You are just wrapped up in the implications of knowing the creator.
Now if later on, I come to a realisation I can lose this relationship, it has not invalidated the spiritual
experiences I have had. It does not unbaptise me, or suddenly the Holy Spirit leaves, or I am in evil
or sin beyond redemption. So therefore it is rediculous to say security has any bearing on salvation,
security is a spiritual reality when you know the cross and Jesus's love expressed through it.
Unfortunately I come to the opposite conclusion, that those who need such automatic acceptance,
have not truly felt the total acceptance through the cross deep in their souls, or communion while
praising the King of Kings, or knowing the Holy Spirit pouring in His power and authority on ones life.
And worse still when these self driven judgmental believers start kicking off with believers, they are
like impetious children who feel their immediate experience justifies seeing everything in life through
their view and unless you agree with them, you are lost.
Paul of all people would have preached on security if it mattered this way, but he is silent. What Paul
is not silent about is how to love one another, how to share deeply from the heart and encourage one
another in the Holy Spirit and in Praise. So that is my appeal to you guys to stop this mission of
condemnation and embrace the love of the cross and encourage people to walk in purity, love and
faithfulness, doing good works to the glory of His name, Amen.
E
Amen
and those saved by works enter the kingdom of God, and are changed people. continuing to be sanctified by God, growing through tribulation, Through Trial, Through chastening Hopefully learning to love as God loved them. And not torn down by false teachers and satan who always wants to accuse them
E
See how you are, You act all pure and righteous, then in the middle you have to put a jab and attack in there. Which is totally meaningless, because it is all based on a FALSE PREMISE of you KNOWING and UNDERSTANDING a view someone else takes. Which has been proven countless times by countless people not to be true.
News flash peter. I know it is hard for you to understand, because of the armor that you have surrounded yourself with, But you can not tel someone they have an invented form of faith WHEN YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT THEIR FORM OF FAITH IS.
That is like a person who has never studied about engines, Worked on an engine, or even watched someone work onn an engine going to them and telling them they have no idea what they are talking about, there way to fix the engine is an invented view and is not right, And they need to try to tell the mechanic how to fix the car.
but you will continue on, You will continue to bash people. continue to tell them they believe things they do not COntinue to make yourself look bad, and continue to be unable to converse with anyone, Because you refuse to try to figure out what they believe, Your right about everything, You know them better than themselves. You are a self proclaied diety who is omniscient and knows all things, and how dare anyone tell you otherwise.
Fruit tree's give off a fragrance before the fruit manifests.
Some things to consider on fruit bearing...
First, it is not evidence of salvation, it is evidence you are a disciple of Jesus-He said so in John 15.8
Fruit bearing is not to be confused with the Fruit of the Spirit. 2 completely different things.
Fruit of the spirit is for personal character development that should feed baby Christians. As you become a spiritual elder the fruit of the Spirit is not for you, it is for others.
Fruit bearing is planting the seed of the word in the lost and then making them disciples, who then replicate the process. The parable of the unfruitful tree in Luke 13.6-9 demonstrates this plainly
Fruit bearing is created followers of Jesus, this is bearing much fruit that Jesus talks about and nothing to do with Fruit of the Spirit or works based salvation.
Real world example of Luke 13.6-9 and what it means to bear fruit
My wife and I took on 3 people onto our ministry team about 3 years ago, that the local church probably would have left alone because they had "no fruit". All 3 were saved, born again and spirit filled and going to a local Bible college. Yet religion kept their pasts up front and center.
A- was a former drug addict, amateur porn star and black magic spiritual advisor to the drug/porn lords that owned her.
B- was a former meth cooker, dealer and abandoned her kids and served 5 years in MAXSEC Prison for women
C- was a former male same sex/hetero prostitute.
All 3 are now powerful ministers of the Gospel, preach and teach in our ministry. They all have started their own independent ministries and all were recently ordained.
A- recently graduated with a 4 year degree in Christian Counseling & is employed full time in a shelter for women that were involved in the same life she was. In addition to counselor, she is the home chaplain and is a teacher in our ministry, is a mentor and developing disciples
B- graduated 1 year ago from a 2 year Bible college, free from drugs, working as a CNA and received a 4year scholarship for nursing school. Is married and was reunited with her kids and just regained full custody of them from the state. She is a teacher in our ministry, is a mentor and developing disciples
C- graduated from 2 year Bible college 2 years ago and has a ministry reaching out to boys and men trapped in the very same past life he was. He is a preacher in our ministry and is a mentor and developing disciples
My wife and I are their accountability partners and elders and only deposit into them and make no withdrawals.
Our trees are bearing fruit of their own and in return we are bearing much fruit which glorifies the father and proves to him that we are followers of the son.
Let the flaming arrows of the religious start, but be warned the shield I have is soaked in the water and oil of the Holy Spirit and is a faith that you cannot possibly began to understand or comprehend.
All Glory in this goes to the Father
Some things to consider on fruit bearing...
First, it is not evidence of salvation, it is evidence you are a disciple of Jesus-He said so in John 15.8
Fruit bearing is not to be confused with the Fruit of the Spirit. 2 completely different things.
Fruit of the spirit is for personal character development that should feed baby Christians. As you become a spiritual elder the fruit of the Spirit is not for you, it is for others.
Fruit bearing is planting the seed of the word in the lost and then making them disciples, who then replicate the process. The parable of the unfruitful tree in Luke 13.6-9 demonstrates this plainly
Fruit bearing is created followers of Jesus, this is bearing much fruit that Jesus talks about and nothing to do with Fruit of the Spirit or works based salvation.
Real world example of Luke 13.6-9 and what it means to bear fruit
My wife and I took on 3 people onto our ministry team about 3 years ago, that the local church probably would have left alone because they had "no fruit". All 3 were saved, born again and spirit filled and going to a local Bible college. Yet religion kept their pasts up front and center.
A- was a former drug addict, amateur porn star and black magic spiritual advisor to the drug/porn lords that owned her.
B- was a former meth cooker, dealer and abandoned her kids and served 5 years in MAXSEC Prison for women
C- was a former male same sex/hetero prostitute.
All 3 are now powerful ministers of the Gospel, preach and teach in our ministry. They all have started their own independent ministries and all were recently ordained.
A- recently graduated with a 4 year degree in Christian Counseling & is employed full time in a shelter for women that were involved in the same life she was. In addition to counselor, she is the home chaplain and is a teacher in our ministry, is a mentor and developing disciples
B- graduated 1 year ago from a 2 year Bible college, free from drugs, working as a CNA and received a 4year scholarship for nursing school. Is married and was reunited with her kids and just regained full custody of them from the state. She is a teacher in our ministry, is a mentor and developing disciples
C- graduated from 2 year Bible college 2 years ago and has a ministry reaching out to boys and men trapped in the very same past life he was. He is a preacher in our ministry and is a mentor and developing disciples
My wife and I are their accountability partners and elders and only deposit into them and make no withdrawals.
Our trees are bearing fruit of their own and in return we are bearing much fruit which glorifies the father and proves to him that we are followers of the son.
Let the flaming arrows of the religious start, but be warned the shield I have is soaked in the water and oil of the Holy Spirit and is a faith that you cannot possibly began to understand or comprehend.
All Glory in this goes to the Father
Meggido,
I respect and admire you for what you do.
It's a WORK!!! And some work it is.
Call it what you will....
i wanted to ask you re a sentence of yours...
First, it is not evidence of salvation, it is evidence you are a disciple of Jesus-He said so in John 15.8
What's the difference?
If you're saved, you're a disciple of Jesus.
If you're a disciple of Jesus, you're saved.
It's the same thing...
Also, Luke 7:40-43 comes to mind.
The more we are forgiven, the more we love.
I respect and admire you for what you do.
It's a WORK!!! And some work it is.
Call it what you will....
i wanted to ask you re a sentence of yours...
First, it is not evidence of salvation, it is evidence you are a disciple of Jesus-He said so in John 15.8
What's the difference?
If you're saved, you're a disciple of Jesus.
If you're a disciple of Jesus, you're saved.
It's the same thing...
Also, Luke 7:40-43 comes to mind.
The more we are forgiven, the more we love.
I would include the idea of a 'believer' vs. a 'follower'.But, the use of the words "believe" and "follow" in the Bible have essentially the same meaning. This is referring to a living faith in God, which is an unreserved (unconditional) surrender of your will to God in full love and obedience to Him, yielding to His purposes. This is seeing Christ as worthy of your full trust and confidence and following in His example. This is allowing God to rule in your heart (Col 3:15).
We develop a very real and personal relationship with Jesus. Questioning God or His purposes simply reveals that you have not totally died to self and there is still some rebellion within you – this is your judgment upon God’s purposes. You do not have any authority to judge God. The only one who has presumed to do such is Satan and this is the nature of his followers. To most the word "believe" is applied as a mere mental acknowledgement, agreement and acceptance of Jesus Christ and what He did, but not necessarily full commitment and submission to Him. This may be evidenced in a desire for a Savior, but not necessarily a Lord. However, anything short of full faith and commitment is hollow, unacceptable and just plain lukewarm.
Christ made a distinction between professing with your mouth and living with your heart: Matthew 15:8, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." He said such worship was in vain (v. 9). Jesus said we must die to our old lives and be "born again." Until we die to our old way, there can be no conversion (newness of life, new creature, Rm 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Col 3:10). Most just want to incorporate being a Christian into their existing life. Sort of like a membership with a get out of hell free card benefit.
Jesus either becomes your life or you have no life in Him. To mentally acknowledge Jesus is equivalent to what the devils do. James 2:19, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." If you have not totally surrendered to Him then you are in rebellion just as the devils are. The devils believe, because Christ’s existence is a fact (Mk 1:34). The devils do not follow because they are in rebellion to Him and His purposes. You cannot live for self and just have Christian aspects to your life. You are either a whole-hearted follower or you are deceived. Self seeking (careers, possessions, entertainments, money, etc.) is just that and is the opposite of seeking God. This is a broad, yet temporal outlook that will never be satisfying or fulfilling (2 Cor 4:18). You're either one or the other and you are what you are – you decide. When you truly become converted, your desire will be for your Lord and not yourself.
If your belief does not fully manifest in your actions, then for what purpose is it? Being a member at a religious institution does not necessarily qualify you to be a follower. When you follow, Christ is your life twenty-four hours a day (Col 3:4, Lk 20:38). He is in your thoughts, prayers, motives, decisions and actions. Your life is not separable from Christ, for they are one in the same – this is a mystery (Eph 5:25-32). Your life revolves around Him and not you. Your actions will be weighed based upon His light. Your life is found in Christ and that relationship and not in religious activities and works. Your heart should always be to please Him and seek His will – for this you do voluntarily out of love as you seek to glorify God.
A believer’s faith will be tested and tried (1 Thess 2:4). This process will draw us closer to God or push us away. The heart will reveal itself under pressure and must be purified. Impurities are identified and burnt away (removed) as the purifying flame (trials and tribulations) is put to one’s life. This is a denial of the flesh and is not necessarily pleasant, but is spiritually necessary. By nature of the act, to "follow" is to submit, yield and obey.
Mark 8:34, "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Jesus said, "Whosoever will." What hinders you? The narrow path is not crowded; the invitation is open to all. What is the cost? - Trading your love of self for the love of another (Jesus). John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." What about those who will not "come after" or "follow?" Mark 8:35-36, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Job 27:8, "For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?" To gain self will and supposed control is to lose the life of Christ and ultimately your soul. After a life of doing what is right in your own eyes, what will you exchange for your soul (v. 37)? You have nothing to offer God nor will you take anything with you beyond the grave (Job 1:21). Will you shame Christ by rejecting Him? What goes around comes around (v. 38).
We develop a very real and personal relationship with Jesus. Questioning God or His purposes simply reveals that you have not totally died to self and there is still some rebellion within you – this is your judgment upon God’s purposes. You do not have any authority to judge God. The only one who has presumed to do such is Satan and this is the nature of his followers. To most the word "believe" is applied as a mere mental acknowledgement, agreement and acceptance of Jesus Christ and what He did, but not necessarily full commitment and submission to Him. This may be evidenced in a desire for a Savior, but not necessarily a Lord. However, anything short of full faith and commitment is hollow, unacceptable and just plain lukewarm.
Christ made a distinction between professing with your mouth and living with your heart: Matthew 15:8, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." He said such worship was in vain (v. 9). Jesus said we must die to our old lives and be "born again." Until we die to our old way, there can be no conversion (newness of life, new creature, Rm 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Col 3:10). Most just want to incorporate being a Christian into their existing life. Sort of like a membership with a get out of hell free card benefit.
Jesus either becomes your life or you have no life in Him. To mentally acknowledge Jesus is equivalent to what the devils do. James 2:19, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." If you have not totally surrendered to Him then you are in rebellion just as the devils are. The devils believe, because Christ’s existence is a fact (Mk 1:34). The devils do not follow because they are in rebellion to Him and His purposes. You cannot live for self and just have Christian aspects to your life. You are either a whole-hearted follower or you are deceived. Self seeking (careers, possessions, entertainments, money, etc.) is just that and is the opposite of seeking God. This is a broad, yet temporal outlook that will never be satisfying or fulfilling (2 Cor 4:18). You're either one or the other and you are what you are – you decide. When you truly become converted, your desire will be for your Lord and not yourself.
If your belief does not fully manifest in your actions, then for what purpose is it? Being a member at a religious institution does not necessarily qualify you to be a follower. When you follow, Christ is your life twenty-four hours a day (Col 3:4, Lk 20:38). He is in your thoughts, prayers, motives, decisions and actions. Your life is not separable from Christ, for they are one in the same – this is a mystery (Eph 5:25-32). Your life revolves around Him and not you. Your actions will be weighed based upon His light. Your life is found in Christ and that relationship and not in religious activities and works. Your heart should always be to please Him and seek His will – for this you do voluntarily out of love as you seek to glorify God.
A believer’s faith will be tested and tried (1 Thess 2:4). This process will draw us closer to God or push us away. The heart will reveal itself under pressure and must be purified. Impurities are identified and burnt away (removed) as the purifying flame (trials and tribulations) is put to one’s life. This is a denial of the flesh and is not necessarily pleasant, but is spiritually necessary. By nature of the act, to "follow" is to submit, yield and obey.
Mark 8:34, "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Jesus said, "Whosoever will." What hinders you? The narrow path is not crowded; the invitation is open to all. What is the cost? - Trading your love of self for the love of another (Jesus). John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." What about those who will not "come after" or "follow?" Mark 8:35-36, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Job 27:8, "For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?" To gain self will and supposed control is to lose the life of Christ and ultimately your soul. After a life of doing what is right in your own eyes, what will you exchange for your soul (v. 37)? You have nothing to offer God nor will you take anything with you beyond the grave (Job 1:21). Will you shame Christ by rejecting Him? What goes around comes around (v. 38).