The Security Of The Believer

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mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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No. Salvation is by grace. Once you know Him, you obey as Christ lives in you.
Not sure you understand what happens in salvation. God takes away your heart of stone and gives you a heart of flesh. The heart that was once desperately wicked has been replaced with one that aligns with the will of God. Further, the Spirit of God takes up residence in us and begins to will and do of His good pleasure.
In salvation, God makes a commitment to the individual that will never be broken. Eternal life is forever by definition. It cannot go away and have previously been eternal. And God isn't saving people to put them back under a failed covenant. But that's what you are pushing. Your version has God by grace forgiving our past sins and putting the onus back on us to to maintain our salvation...a new covenant for the past and an old covenant for the future. It didn't work the first time and it never will.
But worst of all, your paradigm robs God of the glory of salvation. Sure, you give God credit for initial salvation, but make yourself the producer of maintaining salvation. Jesus is the author of your salvation, but you are the finisher. God gets some credit, but so do you.
The truth is that if Jesus isn't both, He most likely isn't either. And you burden people with a weight that Jesus has promised to shoulder.
Amen and well said! (y)
 
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Vs 15 clears this up in my opinion.

If we are in fellowship with the Father, we are in an intimate/friendship/personal relationship with the Father. The moment we grieve or quench the Spirit we are no longer in that intimate, personal relationship. We are servants, no longer knowing the will of the Father.
1 John 1:9 and we are back in the divine sphere of personal fellowship and knowing His will again.

I was just in a back and forth argument with a gentleman. He frustrates me. I frustrate him. Half the day I stewed in my head about this guy.......was I Gods friend thinking that way? No. But I'm still a son.........and I did 1 john 1:9 after I throat punched him! Just kidding!:p
I asked the lord and said instead of being facetious to begin with, can I ask the question first,

I said can I ask someone if they mind if I ask them a sarcastic question.

This thought came back to me

Ask and it shall be given.

Since then I've been blessed with a witty sense of humour, well hopefully


It's the Wimbledon wombles in me lol
I can't help it
IMG_20231224_035439.jpg

Any ways I've asked quite a few people in life, if they mind if I I ask them a sarcastic question and one person said to me knowing I believe in God

Well he said God did make us in his image 😊
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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Paul also mentions that there is an “obedience to the faith" (or obedience of faith) at the beginning and end of the book of Romans (See: Romans 1:5, Romans 16:26).
Now although Paul can speak of people’s initial response of choosing to believe the gospel as an act of obedience in which he describes it as "obeyed the gospel" (Romans 10:16; 1:16) the purpose of Paul’s apostleship was not merely to bring people to conversion but also to bring about transformed lives that were obedient to God.

Notice that Paul said they have (already) received grace and apostleship FOR/UNTO obedience to the faith in Romans 1:5. Just as in Ephesians 2:10, Paul said that we are created in Christ Jesus FOR/UNTO good works. Paul did not say that they did not receive grace and apostleship until they produced obedience afterwards. Obedience that is produced "out of" faith is works and we are saved through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Romans 6 says, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). So we have to have obedience unto righteousness. Romans 6 also says, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” (Romans 6:22). So our obedience unto righteousness is being servants of God, and having fruit unto holiness with having the end of everlasting life. This is all a part of “the obedience to the faith.”
In regard to Romans 6:16, works-salvationists typically ignore "servants of obedience unto righteousness" and simply stress "obedience unto righteousness" as if works of obedience which "follow saving faith in Christ" are "unto righteousness," as if we are saved by works. Unbelievers are not slaves of obedience unto righteousness no matter how much so-called obedience that they attempt to conjure up through the flesh in a vain effort to obtain salvation by works. (Matthew 7:22-23)

There is a contrast here between servants/slaves. There are only two kinds of servants/slaves in this world, in the spiritual sense; servants/slaves of sin unto death, or servants/slaves of obedience unto righteousness. When we place our faith exclusively in Jesus Christ for salvation/believe the gospel by trusting in His finished work of redemption as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation, we then become "servants of obedience unto righteousness."

Being slaves of sin is put in the past tense. Paul goes on in Romans 6:18 - "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

Notice in Romans 10:10 - For with the heart one believes unto righteousness..

Notice in Romans 4:5 - But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith (not his works) is accounted for righteousness.

There is no such thing as “the disobedience of the faith.” For Ephesians 5 says, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:3-6).
Those who are born of God are characterized by obedience and not disobedience. Ephesians 2:2 - And you He made alive, who were (past tense) dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked (past tense) according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. (unbelievers) "The sons of disobedience" who practice such sins (lifestyle or bent of life) is descriptive of the unrighteous and not the righteous. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21)

#7. John 3:36 (The Greek word “apeitheō” used in John 3:36 for “believeth not” (KJB) is translated as “obey not” or “disobedient” in other English bible verses. For example, 1 Peter 3:1 and 1 Peter 3:20 translates apeitheō as “obey not” or “disobedient.” It is used in context to being disobedient in regards to one’s righteous conduct (Whereas John 3:36 is translated as believeth not” in the King James Bible). Some translations render the KJB’s John 3:36 “believeth not" as “obey not” in other Translations (NLT, ESV, BLB, NASB, ASV, EXB, GNT). In other words, “believeth not” is synonymous with “obey not.” In fact, you can check this Greek word for yourself and its usage here at BlueLetterBible.

G544 - apeitheō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV)
I often hear works-salvationists (particularly Roman Catholics) cite John 3:36 in the NASB and "stress" the word "obey" to imply that we are saved "by" obedience/works. In regard to "does not obey the Son" in the New American Standard translation of the Bible, this does not mean that receiving eternal life is received based on the merits of our obedience/works which "follow" believing in the Son but obey by choosing to believe in the Son.

If John wanted to make obedience the central theme in salvation here, he would have said: "He who believes and obeys the Son has eternal life," but that is not what John said. To obey the Son here is to choose to believe in the Son.

The King James Version renders this same verse as: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that "believeth not the Son" shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. The NIV says "rejects the Son" and the HCSB says, "refuses to believe in the Son." To refuse to believe in the Son is to disobey, rebel, be disloyal and refuse conformity. Strong’s definition of apeitheo is "to disbelieve willfully and perversely." *In the context of 3:36, to "not obey the Son" means to reject the Son by refusing to believe in the Son. Your misinterpretation of these passages of scripture above culminates in salvation by works at the back door.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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I have noticed just the opposite of that.
John 10:28. A very clear and concise worded verse. Post that verse, and the loss of salvation believer won't touch it with a 10 meter cattle prod. They skip it and say, "well you have to look at this verse to see......." And never touch it.

John 10:27. I hear Him. I follow Him. He knows me. I am one of His sheep.

John 10:28. He gave me eternal life. He promises me I have eternal life and will NEVER perish. No way around that. It's a promise.

Loss of salvation can't deal with this simple truth. Because if they claim to be one of His sheep.......they have to deny "never perish"

And they know it, so they won't deal with the many verses that clearly say we are eternally secure in Him.

Amen! In John 10:27-28, we read - My sheep hear My voice, (not some of them hear His voice and some of them don't hear His voice) and I know them, (not some of them He knows and some of them He doesn't know) and they follow Me. (not some of them follow Him and some of them don't follow Him) And I give them eternal life, (not some of them He gives eternal life and some of them He doesn't give eternal life) and they shall never perish; (not some of them will never perish and some of them will perish) neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (not some of them will never be snatched out of His hand and some of them will be snatched out of His hand)

What about those who are not His sheep? But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. (John 10:26)
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
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Absent from this diagram are the plant suckers and there is a process employed by vineyard keeper called 'suckering the vines.' Bing offers an explanation of this process as "desuckering" which is applied to "prevent them from becoming part of the plant structure and encouraging the plant to grow down toward the dirt."

 
Dec 18, 2023
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Absent from this diagram are the plant suckers and there is a process employed by vineyard keeper called 'suckering the vines.' Bing offers an explanation of this process as "desuckering" which is applied to "prevent them from becoming part of the plant structure and encouraging the plant to grow down toward the dirt."

ahh have you not forgot about the desuckerer who grew in concrete and went bloom 😁
 

Bible_Highlighter

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2023
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Yeah most everyone is really annoyed with you right now, but truth is never popular. I'm praying that you remain steadfast despite the opposition! :)

Also know that all your effort was not for nothing. The word you've put forth from the Bible will not return void - I've already learned a lot from your posts! Others will be built up by them too when they do a search and your posts come up. They will reach the right people that love God and His truth.

May God bless you and your family!


🌼
I also wanted to say, thank you for Isaiah 55:11.
Beautiful verse.

May the richness of our Savior bless you more than you can imagine.

Side Note:

If you have not see it, there is a really great Christian film. It’s called “Polycarp.”
I think you will like it. Here is the trailer:


You can officially watch for free on YouTube via by ChristianMovies Channel.
See this vid below for full movie:


Truly a heart warming film that inspires in our following Jesus Christ.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
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^ This movie looks interesting. Saw the trailer. Thanks for sharing.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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I am still baffled.

How an anyone read James 2 to say we are saved by faith plus works. When so many other passages of scripture say the opposite is true

Not to mention. James did not say they had faith, he said the CLAIMED to have faith. That one statement alone destroys their argument, He confirms it later. When he said their faith was dead (lifeless, without power. Mere belief)

Its like in another thread where some wants to talk about Pauls saved by grace. Yet through faith. Then spends paragraph after paragraph talking about works. When that would directly contradict what Paul said in eph 8 - 9.

I am saddened to believe some people will just never get it
Amen and Merry Christmas brother! In James 2:14, we read of one who SAYS/CLAIMS he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith.

So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!

That salvation is by grace through faith and is not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9) is not hard to understand. It's just hard for works-salvationists to ACCEPT. It's a shame that human pride will not allow works-salvationists to trust in Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation. Their hands are full of their works, and they will not let go in order to receive Christ through faith.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
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Amen and Merry Christmas brother! In James 2:14, we read of one who SAYS/CLAIMS he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith.

So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!

That salvation is by grace through faith and is not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9) is not hard to understand. It's just hard for works-salvationists to ACCEPT. It's a shame that human pride will not allow works-salvationists to trust in Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation. Their hands are full of their works, and they will not let go in order to receive Christ through faith.
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:24 - You see that a man (believer) is justified by works and not by faith alone [that is, by acts of obedience a born-again believer reveals his faith]. (AMP)

James 2:24 - So, you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone. (CEB) Empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone - "barren of works." (James 2:14) Hence, faith alone. *Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)

In James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3)

Greek word for justified "dikaioo" Strongs #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

*Fits the context.

Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness. *Hermeneutics.

Greek word for justified "dikaioo" Strongs #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

*Fits the context.
 

selahsays

Well-known member
May 31, 2023
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Amen and Merry Christmas brother! In James 2:14, we read of one who SAYS/CLAIMS he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith.

So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!

That salvation is by grace through faith and is not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9) is not hard to understand. It's just hard for works-salvationists to ACCEPT. It's a shame that human pride will not allow works-salvationists to trust in Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation. Their hands are full of their works, and they will not let go in order to receive Christ through faith.
Indeed, and we need to understand that Christ, not ourselves, is the source of our good deeds; they are not our own.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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Indeed, and we need to understand that Christ, not ourselves, is the source of our good deeds; they are not our own.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)
Amen! Apart from Christ (vital union with Christ) we can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Some branches are "in the vine," only in the sense that they're intertwined or touching the other branches. Yet, they are not truly part of the life of the plant. In this context, these are the people Jesus refers to as "in me" but barren (John 15:2). Those "branches" merely associate with Christian faith, identify with believers, or attend a church. But only branches truly connected to the source of life will produce fruit—just as only truly born-again Christians will produce spiritual fruit (John 15:4).

https://www.bibleref.com/John/15/John-15-5.html

Have a Merry Christmas!
 
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From the past couple of pages it does seem like everyone is in agreement those in Christ are following Verse 14 because they obey His commands and have become friends to Christ. That leaves the next question. What are His commands?
 

Bible_Highlighter

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Nov 28, 2023
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^ This movie looks interesting. Saw the trailer. Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome. I may create a thread of my top favorite Christian films when I have more time.

Polycarp is one of my top favorites after TimeChanger.


You can watch the full version of the film officially for free at Christian Movies Channel.

 

Bible_Highlighter

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Nov 28, 2023
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Yea, I love KJB too, I just only think many used it unskillfully
There are Christians who refer to themselves as “KJB preferred” and claim that they love the King James Bible. They merely prefer the KJV but they do not see it as perfect or inerrant. I am not ”KJB preferred” or “KJV Only.” I am “Core KJB.” “Core KJB” is the belief that the King James Bible is the perfect and inerrant words of God for today. Meaning, there are no errors in the King James Bible. However, that does not mean I do not use Modern Translations to sometimes aid in deciphering the archaic wording in the KJB. I am not seeking to explain away what it says in the King James Bible, but merely to flesh out the difficult wording at times. This occasional deciphering process can be done with either an older dictionary and or a Modern Bible. Modern Translations are not my final Word of authority because they teach many false doctrines. Most Christians are pretty clueless to this fact. They are like a deer frozen in their tracks by the blinding headlights of an oncoming speeding pickup truck on this matter.

Side Note:

Oh, and as to the name “Core KJB”: Well, the KJB is my core foundational text, but I do use other sources (dictionaries, other translations) to help define what the KJB already says. I am not looking to say that an English word is incorrect or anything. The King James Bible is the Word of God. Most folks are clueless of what archaic words are in the KJB to begin with. They never did the study.
 

Bible_Highlighter

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Nov 28, 2023
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Yea, I love KJB too, I just only think many used it unskillfully
[Continued from my previous post to you]:

A true “KJV Only believer“ only reads or examines Modern Bibles to point out their flaws or errors.
They will never read Modern Bibles to help update any meanings or gain any extra insight into the KJB.
However, I have been blessed many times by the readings in Modern Translations and older dictionaries when looking at difficult or archaic words in the King James Bible. For example: “Faith to faith“ (Romans 1:17) (KJB) is explained as from the beginning of our faith to the end of our faith in Modern Translations, which really helps. So while I believe Modern Bibles are corrupt and teach false doctrines, I believe that God has placed them there as a part of His greater plan for good, too. Meaning, God can turn a bad situation around for good. Sometimes Contemporary Translations can be very helpful. But I would not recommend Modern Bibles as one’s final word of authority, though. There can only be one Word of God and not many. In my view: Modern Bibles are like a dictionary. Sometimes the definition fits, and sometimes it doesn’t. But my authority is not in a dictionary made by men.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
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James 2:24 - You see that a man (believer) is justified by works and not by faith alone [that is, by acts of obedience a born-again believer reveals his faith]. (AMP)

James 2:24 - So, you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone. (CEB) Empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone - "barren of works." (James 2:14) Hence, faith alone. *Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)

In James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3)

Greek word for justified "dikaioo" Strongs #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

*Fits the context.

Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness. *Hermeneutics.

Greek word for justified "dikaioo" Strongs #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

*Fits the context.
One has to do a dance around the clear reading of scripture to force James to agree with Paul. It doesn’t fit. No amount of works can justify someone’s righteousness. The actual example in the passage is:

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

If one feeds or clothes the needy, does that declare they are righteous?