Not By Works

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
U

UnderGrace

Guest
Thanks for your patience bro.

Romans 7:18
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. (NLT)

Romans 7:18
18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. (NIV)

Romans 7:18
18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.(HSCB)

Romans 7:18
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.(NKJV)

What we see from the above verses.

Sinful nature but not sinful flesh.
So if we sin why not sinful flesh?

So is the spirit that is born again my spirit before I came to Jesus?
Or is it the Holy Spirit in me?

What is the said spirit that does not sin but seeks to right?
What spirit is being sanctified?

I think for me the reason I am struggling with this is because I hate my sin with a passion but I don't understand where it is coming from?

Nature or flesh.
We are called to crucify the flesh but why does sin reside in the flesh?

I know we should not focus on sin, and I tell others that.
Don't focus on the sin but focus on Jesus, when we do he will deal with issues.

Do you know what, I think I know the truth and teach it, but when it comes to me I'm very hard on myself.

What is true for others and is the truth in Jesus doesn't apply to me.
Is that normal?
Here perhaps this is helpful...

The Old Nature is called:
  • The flesh
  • The outward man
  • The old man
Now there are times when "flesh" means actual physical body but the context should help discern that. :)
 
Dec 28, 2016
9,171
2,719
113
I am well versed in all his work, his background etc.,
I have thoroughly researched him when he I noticed he would contradict himself often in his books.
Unsubstantiated means not true, and frankly, slander. When you come against a man of God with an accusation, you need to offer proof, not assertions. You do this often to the Reformed, and it's shameful.
 
Dec 28, 2016
9,171
2,719
113
And that is what he preaches , it is ALL Jesus , nothing to do with us...Please , go to his homepage of Grace to you , then you can see for yourself...I do not want to go back and forth , read his testimony , and then see what you find , if not , then like you said , we shall leave this alone ...xox...
Amen sister, don't allow those who bear false witness and slander without evidence stop you.

John MacArthur is totally solid, but that doesn't mean every single thing he teaches we have to agree with. But he does preach the true Gospel of Christ, that it is all to his glory, and many on here and elsewhere have a real aversion to giving God all the glory, and will rush in to tell of what they do, their goodness, how they loved God while lost, how they chose...they...they...they...and always after a post giving God all the glory, they counter this and have an aversion this very thing.

Meditate on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. There is not one place in there that says man chose, or that gives man glory, as in all texts of eternal salvation. It is all to God, yet others will rush right back to themselves when shown this truth.

Blessings!
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
9,033
4,456
113
Amen sister, don't allow those who bear false witness and slander without evidence stop you.

John MacArthur is totally solid, but that doesn't mean every single thing he teaches we have to agree with. But he does preach the true Gospel of Christ, that it is all to his glory, and many on here and elsewhere have a real aversion to giving God all the glory, and will rush in to tell of what they do, their goodness, how they loved God while lost, how they chose...they...they...they...and always after a post giving God all the glory, they counter this and have an aversion this very thing.

Meditate on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. There is not one place in there that says man chose, or that gives man glory, as in all texts of eternal salvation. It is all to God, yet others will rush right back to themselves when shown this truth.

Blessings!
Hi bro.

Good to see you.
I hope you are well.

I have some J C Ryle stuff in my library. Not started reading them.

The elder preaching this morning, from the sermon on the mount quoted from him.
I didn't know this but he started as a Vicar in a church about 5 minutes from where I live.

God bless you bro
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,402
113
Thanks for your patience bro.

Romans 7:18
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. (NLT)

Romans 7:18
18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. (NIV)

Romans 7:18
18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it.(HSCB)

Romans 7:18
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.(NKJV)

What we see from the above verses.

Sinful nature but not sinful flesh.
So if we sin why not sinful flesh?

So is the spirit that is born again my spirit before I came to Jesus?
Or is it the Holy Spirit in me?

What is the said spirit that does not sin but seeks to right?
What spirit is being sanctified?

I think for me the reason I am struggling with this is because I hate my sin with a passion but I don't understand where it is coming from?

Nature or flesh.
We are called to crucify the flesh but why does sin reside in the flesh?

I know we should not focus on sin, and I tell others that.
Don't focus on the sin but focus on Jesus, when we do he will deal with issues.

Do you know what, I think I know the truth and teach it, but when it comes to me I'm very hard on myself.

What is true for others and is the truth in Jesus doesn't apply to me.
Is that normal?
Sure brother.........we all go thru this struggle.....
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
9,033
4,456
113
Sure brother.........we all go thru this struggle.....
You are a good brother.
Thankful for you.

You are as patient with me with want I don't get.
And I'm as patient with others that I walk with that they don't get when I do.

I suppose and have come to the conclusion that God will reveal it at the right time.
Not just to release me but to help others to be realesed.
 
Dec 28, 2016
9,171
2,719
113
Hi bro.

Good to see you.
I hope you are well.

I have some J C Ryle stuff in my library. Not started reading them.

The elder preaching this morning, from the sermon on the mount quoted from him.
I didn't know this but he started as a Vicar in a church about 5 minutes from where I live.

God bless you bro
Gotta love some JC Ryle stuff. Good to see you too bro. God bless.
 

Rosemaryx

Senior Member
May 3, 2017
3,758
4,120
113
63
Amen sister, don't allow those who bear false witness and slander without evidence stop you.

John MacArthur is totally solid, but that doesn't mean every single thing he teaches we have to agree with. But he does preach the true Gospel of Christ, that it is all to his glory, and many on here and elsewhere have a real aversion to giving God all the glory, and will rush in to tell of what they do, their goodness, how they loved God while lost, how they chose...they...they...they...and always after a post giving God all the glory, they counter this and have an aversion this very thing.

Meditate on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. There is not one place in there that says man chose, or that gives man glory, as in all texts of eternal salvation. It is all to God, yet others will rush right back to themselves when shown this truth.

Blessings!
Hi P4T...
Yes he is sound , one of the very few preachers left that calls the false teachers out and is not afraid in doing so...
I pray God uses him still for many years to come...
God bless you brother , you have been missed...xox...
 
Dec 28, 2016
9,171
2,719
113
Hi P4T...
Yes he is sound , one of the very few preachers left that calls the false teachers out and is not afraid in doing so...
I pray God uses him still for many years to come...
God bless you brother , you have been missed...xox...
Yes, MacArthur does that, he is faithful.

Don't forget to listen to Martyn Lloyd-Jones at mljtrust.org. He is one of the best expositional preachers ever, be patient when listening and you will be blessed.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
Your false accusations against some who speak the truth, and don't see things as you do, is very telling.

We love Catholics Orv.

We don't love Roman Catholicism.

Are Catholics Christians?

1 John 2:9-11
He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.
11But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not where he goes, because that darkness has blinded his eyes.

SOME Catholics are True Christians.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
@Macabeus what is at the center of this diagreement is two opposing doctrines.

One that John MacArthur teaches of one nature being transformed into the image of Christ.

And the other of the dual nature.

For those who follow the "one nature" doctrine evidence of works and obedience are essential because the believer only has one nature, many follow this teaching on this thread who still believe works are not part of salvation. In this doctrine people will state we are obligated to put works in there somewhere

In this area, I do believe scripture makes it abundantly clear that there are two natures in the born again believer, works will vary depending on the person and how willingly they walk in the Spirit....you do realize this does not mean they are ardent sinners it means they do not put themselves under grace, they are being good in the power of their own flesh.

I think that this is where the dispute can be resolved.

Here I can do it..... Scripture teaches we have two natures read Romans.

Okay all done:)

Never heard that sermon, and I have heard most of them.
 
Sep 6, 2014
7,034
5,435
113
SOME Catholics are True Christians.
Not according to John MacArthur.

The following statements were made by him in the first two minutes of his sermon entitled "Roman Catholicism-True or False Gospel". It's available at youtube, for all to see.
"Our entire discussion tonight has one purpose. And that is to make sure that we understand that people caught up in the Roman system are not saved Christians. They are lost people on their way to eternal hell. We have to continue to evangelize them. We can not be deceived, we can not be fooled as if they belong to Christ, when in fact they do not. That has been the conviction of the true church for centuries. As you well know. We can not reach a point now where we re-designate people in the Roman Catholic church as believers in Christ, or we will cut them off from the necessary exposure to the true Gospel, which alone can bring them salvation."

John MacArthur.
Roman Catholicism-True or False Gospel

Perhaps you will label Mr. MacArthur as one who promotes "HATE CATHOLICISM PROPAGANDA " as well? (#101,832)
Maybe you should go listen to more of his tapes instead of making false accusations.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
Here perhaps this is helpful...

The Old Nature is called:
  • The flesh
  • The outward man
  • The old man
Now there are times when "flesh" means actual physical body but the context should help discern that. :)
 

Skyline

Active member
Jun 13, 2019
112
91
28
39
I’m new but Romans 1:16-17, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, and Romans 1-3 reaffirms for me.
By a faith from first to last, or faith to faith. By faith, through faith, in Jesus Christ alone we are justified. For this I am grateful!, and seek to please Him but any works from me do nothing for my salvation. They may however show my faith(ness) externally to others.
Read it put as “Not faith to works, not works to faith.”
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
The problem with Christianity today....NO real power because it has been watered down, believers are easily offended, afraid to OFFEND anyone with the truth, coddling false cults/religions for the sake of trying to win one at the expense of the hard, naked truth........Jesus cut it straight and was not concerned with who got offended at the truth so did John the dipper, PAUL, Elijah etc.........they laid the AX to the root and let the chips fall where they fell......

When anyone that was offended walked away from JESUS he DID NOT coddle them, run them down and beg them to receive the truth.....and this is what Christianity has sunken to........it utterly sickens me........
Seems you have three groups

The group that wishes to judge everyone and send them to hell if they do nto stop particular sins

The group that is afraid to offend anyone, so they are all inclusive

And the group that gets caught in the middle. Which as Christ said, does not judge people. But knows the most important thing is to get them the gospel so they can be saved, THEN allow the HS to work in them to change their lives.