Repentance and Keeping Commandments is only the beginning of salvation.
- Thread starter ATG
- Start date
-
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.
Your last sentence seems to sum up your post.. I would submit that I can see a bit of your reasoning when the matter is strictly limited to justification - as if once freely justified, the process of sanctification was of no effect - but it is! Therefore one can state we are justified by God's grace through faith alone, and then become new creatures - born again spiritually where we are called to do and not do many things/works as we enter the process of sanctification. Its not a "greasy grace" sort of matter - what we do in Christ matters, and matters tremendously - not just as in regards to effecting justification. Justification (God's grace alone) leads to sanctification (our call in Christ re works) and ultimately glorification...where we are given bodies impervious to sin. How cool is that going to be??
They can state that if they aren't interested in being biblically accurate
The Lord expects His people to DO some stuff after getting born again... in fact, getting born again requires some good work on our part which of course the Lord empowers us to do... but we have to make the decision to either submit to Him or not to submit to him.
Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
If it were by faith alone and no action is required on our part... then Jesus would not have said “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” in Luke 9:23.
Only living faith saves, since faith without works is dead... faith alone is not saving faith because there's no good fruit being produced by that faith because it is dead as in the person is not acting like their faith is true and real. Folks that believe this are deceived according to James 1:22 which tells us to “doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”.
God does not accept dead faith as that faith is no better than the devil’s faith! (James 2:19)
1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Philippians 4:13 tells us "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" so this agrees with John 15 that the Lord is the One bearing good fruit thru us IF we are co laborers with the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us (Romans 8:14) and IF we allow the Holy Spirit to live in us (Romans 8:9)
Matthew 7:18,19
A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
John 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Reckon Jesus didn't get the memo from the so called reformers that salvation is by faith only??? (see James 2:14-26)
The Lord says the following thru the Apostle James:
James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 1:21,22
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (walking after the flesh – see Gal 6:7,8), and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
The the Lord says this thru the Apostle John:
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that DOES righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Apparently one is justified by faith AND by works.... and the man that believes justification is by faith only is a "vain" man.
Sounds like either Jesus is wrong or the so called reformers are wrong since they teach an partial truth and leave the part out about works leaving the door open to sinful living (license to sin).
Martin Luther was a known drunk so I can see how he would want to leave the part about works out so he could continue drinking his beloved booze which is living in sin! (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-13)
Quite the quandary here... who shall we say is in error the Lord or the reformers??? That tis the question!
Not after sinning against God as a man or woman. It's only the good created state of all souls and babes from the womb.
Jesus is the only person on earth who continued from a babe without sinning against God.
Luk 2:40
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
All other people have sinned after being created good into the world.
From the beginning God creates all things good, and does not created anything evil.
Rev 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Were from the beginning and still are created by God's good pleasure, not by God's evil will.
The good Creator has not changed His goodness to all men and women created in His image, because of His children sinning against Him.
True. Though none born that way.
And though there are them not born again that way...
2Co 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,
If you believe Scripture teaches we must do any "good" works to receive salvation (justification) I understand your position and reject it. If you are saying God woos us first and we have the responsibility to act upon that initial primary call of God to us then I agree - I simply do not equate that with a "good work." Receiving a gift isn't a work because effort and merit are completely removed from the equation. I in no way suggest that since justification is not of any work on my part, but a gracious gift of my Lord that somehow allows me to sin with disregard or abandonment. That would make no sense in light our our continual call to growth and maturity as believers from babes to adults - sanctification - nor would it make sense as a born again spiritually saved and sealed person living and having the same desires as I did when dead in sin and lost.
No thanks. I'll keep the understanding of Scriptures, and you can keep your own.
I'll never understand being justified with Jesus Christ, while transgressing His commandment without repentance.
However, I can understand from Scriptures warning against such self-deception:
2Th 2:10
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
It's not my position but the Lord's position which is why His Word teaches it.
I sure hope you lead to accept the whole counsel of the Lord soon er rather than later.
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous,
even as He is righteous.
1 John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Romans 2:7-11
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
For there is no respect of persons with God.
1 John 3:6
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1 John 3:8
He that committeth sin is of the devil
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold (take possession) on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
John 8:51
Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my Word, he shall never see death.
John 10:27-28
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Notice this promise is ONLY for those that not only hear His voice, but for those that actually follow Him - walking in agreement with Him
2 Peter 2:20
For if after they have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
Maybe read about Abraham (father of our faith) and learn how faith without works (corresponding action) is dead faith as in in not saving faith
James 2:22
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Good Work – Called to Good Works
-----------------------------------------------
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
3 John 1:11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Galatians 6:9-10
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Luke 6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Matthew 7:18-20
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Romans 2:5-11
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
For there is no respect of persons with God.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
2 Timothy 2:20,21
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
James 2:14-20
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
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?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 3:13
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
1 Peter 3:10-12
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Colossians 1:9,10
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
2 Timothy 3:16,17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Colossians 3:5
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Romans 8:13,14
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 6:19, 20
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own....for you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Peter 1:13-16
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ… As obedient children, not fashioning (agreeing with) yourself according to the former lusts in your ignorance… But as He which has called you is holy, so be yourself holy in all manner of lifestyle… Because it is written, Be holy; for I am holy.
-----------------------------------------------
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
3 John 1:11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Galatians 6:9-10
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Luke 6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Matthew 7:18-20
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Romans 2:5-11
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
For there is no respect of persons with God.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
2 Timothy 2:20,21
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
James 2:14-20
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
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?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 3:13
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
1 Peter 3:10-12
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Colossians 1:9,10
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
2 Timothy 3:16,17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Colossians 3:5
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Romans 8:13,14
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 6:19, 20
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own....for you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Peter 1:13-16
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ… As obedient children, not fashioning (agreeing with) yourself according to the former lusts in your ignorance… But as He which has called you is holy, so be yourself holy in all manner of lifestyle… Because it is written, Be holy; for I am holy.
True. However it also applies to them that never had the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, because no one transgressing God's commandments has the faith of Jesus Christ, whether naming His name or not...
Jas 2:1
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
The command to have not the faith of Jesus Christ with evil works, is the judgment of not having His faith with evil works: Them which do such things, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ...
Only good works toward man have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. The good seed of God only produces good fruit, not any evil fruit:
Mat 12:33
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Faith cannot be separated from works, anymore than the seed can be separated from the fruit; For the seed is in the fruit, and so also the faith is in the works.
Good faith produces good fruit; evil faith produces evil fruit; and dead faith produces no fruit.
Faith without works is dead, even as the seed without fruit. Them having faith alone are the wayside hearers only, whose faith is dead and taken away without fruit.
It doesn't mean saving faith is dead, but only that faith without works isn't saving faith.
The first part of James 2 rejects anyone having the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with transgressing His commandment. The 2nd part rejects anyone having the faith of Jesus Christ without doing good.
Neither the faith of transgressors, nor the faith of words only, is the saving faith of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1Jo 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Evil and dead works do not justify the man, which can only be done by evil and dead faith alone.
True. Paul preaches against works without faith, even as James against faith without works.
Paul also preaches against works of the law without faith, even as James preaches against faith with transgression of the law.
Only those doing good toward God and man, have the justifying faith of our Lord Jesus Christ in their works:
3 John{1:11}
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that is doing good is of God: but he that is doing evil hath not seen God.
No person doing evil has Jesus' faith, nor is born of the true God. And, anyone not doing good, is also doing the evil of not loving God and our neighbor:
Jas 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
1 John 3:17
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how is the love of God dwelling in him?
Not doing good, doesn't have the love of God.
James{2:14}
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Not doing good, doesn't have the faith of Jesus Christ.
3 John{1:11}
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that is doing good is of God: but he that is doing evil hath not seen God.
Not doing good, is not born of God.
Faith alone saying otherwise with good words and pretty doctrinal speeches, is just dead talk into the air, that only leads to continued transgressing God's commandment...
Rom 16:18
By good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
False report. No Scripture says Abraham was ever justified before; But Scripture only says Abraham was justified by offering up Isaac.
James{2:21}
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Not justified before offering up Isaac...But by the work of offering up Isaac.
Another false report from a false report.
James{2:21}
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
The Scripture says he had offered Isaac, not preparing the sacrifice. He did not make the sacrifice, but he did make the offering in sight of God.
And another false report from a false report.
No Scripture ever says anyone is ever made righteous by faith, but only imputed righteousness: Imputed is believing the truth, but only works is doing the truth.
James{1:22}
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Jhn 3:20
For every one that is doing evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that is doing truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
James{2:21}
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Being justified and made righteous, is only by works doing the righteousness of faith:
1 John{3:7}
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that is doing righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1 John{2:29} I
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that is doing righteousness is born of him.
No one is righteous nor born of God without doing His righteousness, even as no one is saved nor justified by faith alone without doing good...
So, this is the millionth and one time you've preached these false reports. And no one has corrected you by Scripture in all that time? Well, at least this one time you are.
Resurrection unto life is the end, keeping the commandments are sanctification are the beginning of faith in Jesus Christ.
1Co 1:2
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Rev 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Disobedience is the fall of any man. No one is born disobedient. And no one disobeying God's commandment has faith nor is pleasing Him...
The 'free salvation' error is having no responsibility to repent of transgressions, in order to believe Jesus Christ, and be freely justified with God, by repentance:
Mark{1:15}
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Acts{3:19}
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
2 Cor 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:
It is free justification, in that it is not by reward for repenting from doing evil, The thief must repent and stop thieving, in order to not die. But no man is rewarded for not stealing...
Eph{4:28}
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
The reward of eternal life and resurrection is now for doing honest and good work through Jesus Christ our Lord.
So far as God's sanctification with His justification, they are both whole and complete at once with repentance from all sins and trespasses:
Ezek 18:31
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
1Co 6:11
And such were some of you: but now ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Acts{3:19}
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
There is no sanctification 'process' in the righteous and holy kingdom of Jesus Christ: there aren't any thieves in the body of Christ, needing to 'wholly' repent, while still stealing at times...
Conclusion: Complete repentance from sinning and trespassing is wholly necessary to believe Jesus Christ from the heart, and now be washed, sanctified, and justified from sins and trespasses.
The gradual progressive sanctification 'process' of transgressors, where sinners only repent in part, is not God's commanded whole hearted repentance from all sins and trespasses:
Jerem 3:10
And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.
Rev 3:15
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth
Partial disobedience from partial repentance are both rejected by God as unrepentance and disobedience of the whole law:
Jas 2:10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
Jas 4:6
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Transgressors' religion with better living on earth than before, is not the whole conversion and translation to the pure religion of Jesus Christ:
Jas 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Col 1:12
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Transgressing less than before is the human secularism of man's religion. Unrepented transgressors cannot receive the pure eternal sanctification and justification of a righteous, holy, and endless life in Christ Jesus:
Lev 20:7
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
Psa 106:3
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
1 John{3:7}
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous
1Pe 1:15
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Rev 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
In the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ the righteous, there is only keeping God's commandments, not keeping more and transgressing less than before...
Heb{5:8}
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Eternal salvation is only had by obeying the Son, not obeying Him more and disobeying Him less than before...
Every repented saint and member of the body of Christ, from the least to the greatest, begins righteous and holy as He, keeping His commandments blameless, and doing no evil of sin and trespass against God.
False. faith alone justification without repentance from dead works, is the dead religion of man still doing dead works. Even if less than before, it is still dead to God by dead faith alone...
1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is born of God is not sinning; but he that is begotten of God is keeping himself, and that wicked one is touching him not.
It's still man's grace, if repentance from dead works is in part with man's hands and will, and in his own good time.
It's not the free grace of God by Jesus Christ, to repent by commandment all at once for Jesus' sake, from all transgressions against Him.
The free grace of Jesus Christ is not to sin less, but to sin not; And is only given to them that whole heartedly repent, to be saved from all sins and trespasses, not only in part:
1Ch 12:33
Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.
Mat 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sinning.
Jhn 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Only God's grace is simple and easy: repent of all transgressions now, and receive all of God's grace, faith, sanctification, Spirit, and Jesus Christ Himself to only do good, and no more evil:
Act 2:23
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?...Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
True. whole repentance and sanctification matters both to be justified in this life, and also to be raised again unto the life to come:
3Jo 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
1 Tim{4:8}
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
1 Peter {1:15}
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Only as sure as the transgressing stops in this life with this natural body, by grace and faith in Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:6
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For the repented saints in Christ Jesus, temptations are overcome not to sin. In the resurrection with glorious body, they will be impervious to temptation.
The time is now, not later, to be newborn of God with all old sins and trespasses passed away, and all things are now new, righteous, and holy of God.
2 Cor 6:2
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)... Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
2Co 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,
The transgressors not seeking salvation, sanctification, and justification from all sins and trespasses in this life, is not finding it after the grave, where there is no more repentance from sinning and trespassing.
Them that continue unrepented transgressing in part to the grave, will not be resurrected in part unto life.
Rev 20:5
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Conclusion: No unrepented person on earth transgressing God's commandment, whether more or less, much or little, is now washed, sanctified, and justified by Jesus Christ: His everlasting kingdom is only for such were some of you, not for such are some of you...
1Co 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Heb 2:11
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.
If it's not all cool now, it will only be hot later.
1 Peter{1:14}
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Exactly.
The answer OSAS Christians have, is that though such works are called for, they have nothing to do with being already unconditionally justified by their faith alone.
At least that's for some of them. There are honest OSAS Christians that say no works following need be expected at all. These are the true OSAS Christians, who know that if faith alone apart from any works does unconditionally justify them, how can anyone then command a change of works? which have nothing to do with being justified of God...? Their own Christ doesn't command them to be justified by works, so who are these OSAS preachers to command works at all?!
2Co 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
1Pe 5:1
Neither as being lords over God's heritage,...
These pretentious OSAS Christians that command works by faith, are just giving lip service to works; the same as they are with the Lord's name:
Isa 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
By the plain precept of faith alone justification, without any works affecting their justification, all they can do is give honor to works with lips, and never with deeds to be justified of God...
Amen. Simple as Scripture itself. And living faith is only faith that is lived.
Hab 2:4
For the just shall live by his faith.
And only those living the faith are the justified.
No one having faith alone without works, has living faith nor justification with Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen again.
Jesus christ says that if we are believing in Him but not doing His word by faith, then we are no better than the devils who also certainly believe Jesus is Christ, and certainly are not doing His word at all.
Amen again and again. This is the rebuke to being righteous by faith alone: only those doing the righteousness of God are righteous and justified with God.
Imputed righteousness by faith is the key to doing righteousness, but if we are not doing the righteousness by faith, then the key is recieved in vain:
Mat 16:19
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The keys of faith are to do the will of God, not to have the keys alone:
Luk 19:20
And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:...And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant...And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
Anyone holding the faith of God alone to themselves for their own unconditional justification, will have their faith taken away, and given to them that will do the word of truth, and not only agree God's word is true...And think themselves justified by hearing alone.
This is not fair, and if you are Catholic, then that would explain the unjust animus.
Luther wined and dined, but so did Jesus with His disciples. Drunkenness was not reported about either of them, though both were accused of drunkenness, and also gluttony:
Luk 7:34
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Was Luther a glutton too?
"We are justified by faith alone, and not by faith that is alone..." -Luther
As we see, Luther does not exclude all works from justifying faith, as in faith that is alone without works...Of course, he is guilty of placing 'alone' with faith, though rejecting faith without works.
Luther was not preaching a justification by a faith alone, that is alone without works, but faultily preaching, that no man is justified by faith with works commanded by men, and not by God only:
Mar 7:7
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Tit 1:14
Not giving heed to commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
In fairness, Luther was rebuking the established Christian domain of the time, that had become ensnared in their own traditions and practices invented to justify believers with their leaders, rather than only with God by Jesus Christ:
2Co 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
1Pe 5:1
Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Mat 23:5
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
There always have been Jewish and Christian sects that demand works to be seen, in order to be justified with their leaders, and not only by Jesus Christ. The works in themselves may not be evil, but no matter how holy or spiritual they may appear, they are still traditions and precepts of men, that are commanded for doctrine of God:
Mat 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
It's only the modern OSAS perversion of Luther's gospel, that does preach justification by faith alone, that is faith alone without works;
Which you rightly point out cannot justify any man, being dead to God and man:
Jas 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jas 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James{2:22}
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Scripture's justifying faith is only apart from unjustifiable works commanded by men only. Luther preached it in excluding any faith that is alone without works, though he did so faultily by attaching 'alone' also to justifying faith...Which of course is unnecessary confusion:
1 Cor{14:33}
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
God woos evil doers that crucify His Son? Seriously.
Matth 12:37
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned…for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Now this is absolutely uniquely classic for a more smooth transition from transgressing much to less, rather than simple cutting off transgressions by commandment of God: God woos evil doers to Himself:
Isa 30:9
That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
God doesn't woo any evil doer, whether the devil nor his transgressors. And Jesus Christ crucified by wicked hands of men, certainly doesn't woo them to love Him instead.
The true God and righteous Lord Jesus Christ commands repentance from all evil doing against Himself and man, before any mercy of forgiveness by grace:
Ezek 18:31
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Jhn 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Acts{3:19}
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
No wonder the OSAS Christians never repent wholly of all their sins and trespasses by commandment, since they are only being wooed to God, not commanded to repent by God. No wonder their sanctification is oh so gradual and progressive repentance, that never ends in transgressing not. Too much wooing, and not enough commanding already...
The Gospel of Woo preached at the churches of Wooville.
What a hoot. Seriously.
Rom 16:18
And by wooing words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. But shun profane and vain wooings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.