our spirits are perfect in Christ; 100% where they should be
BUT
our flesh is not and neither is our soul
how do we get the right alignment? we renew our minds
we are not perfect in the sense some seem to be trying to say. as in all covenants, we have our part in this one also
we still CHOOSE what we are going to do. we still CHOOSE actually, even what we believe and if you don't think so, well this thread gives testimony that there are more opinions then truths passing through the biosphere of the entire forum
that, is why we must align ourselves with what scripture states. we must AGREE with what God says
that does not mean doing a topical study on your favorite subject or finding verses that seem to agree with your own ideas
that means taking the ENTIRE counsel and understanding it as it speaks of itself. I see this as a lost art really. it's not happening for many many people. in fact, some have placed some nebulous, undocumented thought that pops into their head as being from the Holy Spirit only because they do not understand that even if you are saved, you are by no means off the market as far as the devil is concerned
he comes as an angel of light, which means he disguises himself and fools people. many many people, Christians included.
before this turns into a mini book (congratulations to those who have read this far) study what the entire Bible has to say and if you cannot bring yourself to open anything pre Matthew, you will still gain understanding in the NT
many on this thread have simply left out admonition after admonition on the part we play in this present covenant, even though Abraham and even Moses actually had no part in the commandments, which, were never given for salvation and which do not obtain salvation for anyone...apart from the fact they cannot be kept as God looks on our heart and knows our thoughts
mention Moses' name and there is a knee jerk reaction and the 10 commandments are condemned and get them out of your sight. Moses had the covenant of circumcision
Abraham's faith was accounted to him as righteousness BECAUSE of his obedience. He had FAITH that God would raise Issac from the dead.
now put that together and they describe the covenant we are currently living in. Faith and obedience. Obedience is not works, which is why it is a different word altogether. Now if you confuse that, you will kick out and lash out with cries of 'works salvation'
Consider that the very term WORKS SALVATION is an oxy moron because no is saved by works.
the other determining factor in understanding, is the ability to COMPREHEND the terms faith/obedience/works
far too many are confusing those terms and as a result, are bucking at the slightest hint of any word except faith
if you do that, you demonstrate you actually have poor comprehension for that word also
understand, that it was the FAITH of Jesus which led Him to OBEDIENCE even unto death that obtained YOUR faith
and now I am sure I will need to open my Jesus umbrella again even though we have gorgeous blue skies and slightly cooler weather and the birds are singing
I will add that simply the Bible alone will provide what you need. Start there. Don't align yourself with Calvin...no tulips in your garden...you need the Rose of Sharon
don't go NAR or WOF..not good either (new apostolic reformation / word of faith
you need the Way, the Truth and the Life
I have two very good eyes but I will not respond to a tirade from Calvinists nor will I respond to anyone demanding I purge the works from salvation because I have not inserted any so I can't help you. you need to help yourself to a better understanding and pray God would enlighten the eyes of your heart and give you understanding ACCORDING to His word and not the word of man, including mine. that being said, what I just wrote is actually IN the Bible which is why some here are so awful upset at me from time to time
umbrella up
