Discuss James 2 Page 5

Continued from previous.

What should be asked and a great concern is what should salvation look like in a believer because many shall be deceived.

First of all shall you continue in sin?

Paul answers that here in

Romans 6:1-4.

We have been REGENERATED, REBORN, Given a new heart and ready to present Christ work through us. Titus 3:4-6.

We have eternal life now that can bare fruit such as faith ect...

This is what James is saying in James 2:17-18.

What James is saying is he's going to show that this gift is in him by his works. You see a Christian is saved UNTO good works. Ephesians 2:10.

When you are saved, you are baptized into Christ. It is he that works in you. Philippians 2:13.

Also;

Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, THAT HE WHICH HATH BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL PERFORM IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST:

If you can loose your salvation all these scriptures means nothing.

Here's another scripture often used.

John 14:15. "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Well look at the next verse.

Vs 16. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, THAT HE MAY ABIDE WITH YOU FOR EVER; This Love is a fruit, so who is causing you to Love Christ? CHRIST SPIRIT, The HG.

Most people say you can loose your salvation also believes you can earn salvation which you can't do. And if they hold to that it's sad to say but the scripture says they have fallen from Grace. Galatians 5:4.

I believe this means comes up short.

Now if you come up short you will hear this. "And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23.

I never knew you can never be told to a believer because of this verse. "My sheep hear my voice,.... AND I KNOW THEM,.... and they follow me: John 10:27.

Now if a person have habitual sin in their life, Chances are you're not saved. And you can't loose what you don't have.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Hi Renee,

This is a common question and that's even one of the FAQs: Link

My question is if it was impossible for Christians to lose salvation, then why did Jesus warn His followers so many times to avoid sin? They were literal Christians in that they literally followed Christ around and remember all the challenges and parables He spoke? Most involved being separate from those thrown into the fire. Jesus never said to relax and don't worry, and enjoy the world, including sin, because there's no consequences anymore. One would think that satan would say that. That doesn't mean people earn heaven by works, as it's only grace, but being allowed into heaven is conditional on being a legit follower of Christ, meaning actually doing what He says! James 1:22. And sadly most people won't make it, and probably many of them think they're 'good' and entitled to get in, and some may even call themselves Christians. Matthew 7:21-23

Also, if all you have to do to get to heaven is just believe, then why does the Bible say this? James 2:19. The fact is that satan is roaming to deceive people, even among Christians. Is he deceiving people into being 'gooder' than they need to be or is it more likely he is deceiving people into assuming rationalizing evil and assuming they're saved when they are actually disrespecting and spitting on Jesus? Hebrews 10:26. This should deeply scare some people and they should feel it in their heart if this applies to them.

Instead Jesus kept warning Christians and everyone over and over and challenging them. Paul also was frustrated with some of the Christians who were going astray and read what he wrote in his letters to them. Paul said to run the race to get the prize. He didn't say the race is already won, so go sin as much as you want. There's lots of scripture echoing this, but these are easy to find and there's lists in that page above too. Also the idea of being able to commit horrible sins as a Christian and still go to heaven contradicts scripture in blasphemy of the holy ghost, because it clearly says no one will be forgiven of that.

Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

2 Corinthians 5:10 - all will be judged, including Christians. Some like to assume they get to skip that as if they have a free pass . It clearly says ALL, not some, and not just non-Christians.

Hebrews 10:26

Godly sorrow leads to repentance; worldly sorrow to death. ( 2 Cor. 7:10). Note that it also leads to salvation and no regret.

This is illustrated with Peter who clearly knew Christ; but he in a sense had to be "converted" ( Luke 22:32) from the mindset of his old nature. This would be accomplished after the Resurrection and confirmed by the questioning of Christ as to whether he loved Him and the prophesied death for Christ that he would have to endure in the future ( John 21:18).

Judas Iscariot was only sorry for the consequences of what he did and still only saw Christ as the world did; a good man. Satan had held him for years with his greed and of course he betrayed Christ for a pittance: 30 pieces of silver. This suicidal mindset was probably a result of Satan's hypnotic pull suddenly ending; perhaps when whatever human conscience he had finally recovered. There was never any recognition given of Christ's Holiness nor was Judas ever rebuked by Him as Peter often was and no doubt everyone else. He "rebukes all those He loves" ( Rev. 3:19). Even though the other disciples ran away they still stayed from afar to witness what was happening. Judas couldn't face that. It is tragic that he could get to see the Resurrection 3 days later. He only faced an end to all meaningful existence in his mind; not realizing that he then should have sought repentance and a right standing with God. It is the sin nature which is the root cause; and we need to be Born Again to put our old self to death.

Galatians 5:4 discusses "falling from grace" in terms of attempting to follow the law again and whoever breaks it is accursed; where anyone who breaks the law even in one area according to James 2:10 breaks it all. Falling from grace would mean once trusting in grace then going back to the law; hence never really having a salvation experience where we are enlightened to grace being needed and our own helpless ability to follow the Lord. (see Romans 8:5-8).

Dear Nats:

Even if I say Giannis has explained it very well, if you not "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-1. I can only perceived by reading "Nats if Jesus is God" you are still searching if Jesus Christ is God. I would be happy to show you how to be saved and obtain the Holy Spirit. Only then the verses you have inquired about will make sense to you because the Holy Spirit will guide you to the truth.

In John 10:36 Jesus Christ himself said He is the Son of God. If you read the entire conversation between the unbelieving Jews and Jesus Christ they will not believe no matter how anybody explained it to them. It is already prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10, Isaiah 42:20; Jeremiah 5:21; Acts 28:27; Roman's 11.8

In John 14:28 the situation was that Jesus was about to fulfill another prophesy and that was to die on the cross for the sins of the world 1 John 2:2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Colossians 2:2-3. When Jesus was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, Jesus fulfilled what God the Father sent Jesus to do on earth. The mystery is that God the Father is greater than Jesus the Son of God. Remember Jesus came to Virgin Mary from God the Father. Then Jesus has to go unto the Father after Jesus rose the third day so the Comforter (i.e. Holy Spirit) will be fulfilled. John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7. There is only one God. Romans 3:30; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; James 2:19. Hope this helps and that you be saved soon. Good question.

Thank you David. You wrote: "how are we born dead in trespasses and sins before being born again of holy spirit." I tried finding this reference in the Bible & the best I could do, was in Ephesians 2:1, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Maybe you have another verse that you're thinking of, so I'd be interested to look at that.

So, using my Ephesians 2:1 verse, I understand that Paul is saying that after sin was imputed to us (through committing the first act), then we died spiritually. Physically alive, but spiritually dead - but God, through His Son, has quickened (enlivened) us, that our spirits might become alive God-wards & not dead, once upon a time having our spirits inclined only towards evil. So, I can't see where we are "BORN dead in trespasses & sins" - I believe that we can only die spiritually after we sin & its imputation to us & not at birth.

Re: "body, soul, & spirit". As I shared in another thread, this triunity of man is given us in the womb - though obviously undeveloped & without expression. I don't understand if you're stating that before our spiritual re-birth, we had only a body & 'breath life soul', without a spirit? Maybe, you're equating the arrival of our spirit only upon the onset of our spiritual rebirth. I could in a small way understand what you're saying (if that's what you're inferring), except for the volume of Scriptures indicating that a human (whatever his spiritual state) must have a human spirit to be alive.

I think these Scriptures reveal what I believe: Haggai 1:14; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Proverbs 20:27; Zechariah 12:1; 1 Corinthians 2:11; Hebrews 4:12; James 2:26. I've picked a few verses specifically showing the evidence of a human spirit well before ever being touched by God's Spirit. If our spirits are untouched by God's Spirit (i.e. without rebirth), we remain spiritually dead towards God, but humanly alive & our spirits accountable to Him in that coming day.

Bobby,

I would like to use a verse that almost every believer probably has memorized, and it is John 3:16 which says, "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth (in him) should not perish, but have everlasting life.

But is that all it takes to have everlasting life, just to believe in Jesus? I would have to say no. Believing in Jesus is a must, but just believing alone cannot save a person.

Here's something I would like to share about John 3:16, and other verses that use the word in. First of all, in John 3:16, the original text does not say whosoever believeth in Him. It says whosoever believeth into Him. It is the word EIS which means into, not in. This is very important because there is a difference between believing in and believing into Jesus.

You see, a person can believe in Jesus but still not surrender their life to Him. Their belief will not save them. They must experience a Spiritual birth from above. They must receive Christ. They must transfer that belief in Him to a belief into him, meaning they must be born of His Spirit (Spiritual birth), them in Christ and Christ in them.

When I read verses that say believe in Jesus, especially John 3:16, I already know that in the original text it says believe into, not believe in. And again, there is a difference. There are people who will say that all you have to do to be saved and have eternal life is believe in Jesus. But that is not true. Again, belief is important but will not save a person.

The bible tells us in James 2:19 that even the demons believe in Jesus. They know who He is but they will never surrender their life to Him. They will never believe into Him.



Just thought I'd share this!

Part 2.

Titus 3:4-6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Which he shed on us abundantly THROUGH Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Let's look at this word regeneration. Greek:

Transliteration: paliggenesia

Pronunciation: pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah

Definition: From G3825 and G1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act) that is (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specifically Messianic restoration: - regeneration.

We have been REGENERATED, REBORN, Given a new heart and ready to present Christ work through you.

So we have the words Quickening.

Greek:

Transliteration: zopoie

Pronunciation: dzo-op-oy-eh'-o

Definition: From the same as G2226 and G4160; to (re-) vitalize (literally or figuratively): - make alive give life quicken.

KJV Usage: quicken(9x), give life(2x), make alive(1x).

It means to make alive or give life.

Here in

1 Corinthians 15:45.

We know Jesus is that Quickening spirit which is also the Holyspirit that gives life in Romans 8:11-14.

( If you notice verse 14 you have to be led by the Spirit.)

A life now that can bare fruit such as faith.

This is what James is saying in James 2:17-18. 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.

What James is saying is he's going to show that this gift is in me by his work. You see a Christian is saved UNTO good works. Ephesians 2:10.

This is why the Lord says you shall know them by their fruits. It doesn't say you shall know them by their works! You see your fruits is something only God can produce such as Love/Agape, Faith, ect.. and fruit determines what type of works it is. "OF God/Spirit. or of Self/flesh. Matthew 7:15-20.

God bless.

Matthew 4:1, Mark 14:38, Luke 8:55, Luke 11:13, Luke 23:46, Luke 24:39, John 3:5,6, John 4:23,24, John 6:63, John 14:17, 1Corinthians 12:3, 1Corinthians 15:45, Galatians 5:16,17, Galatians 5:22-25, Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 1:17, 1Thessalonians 5:23, James 2:26,

Romans 8, Hebrews 4:12,

Warning, 1Timothy 4:1,

1John 4:1-11, 1John 4,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study of your spirit & flesh; (body)

David, I agree with you in your prayer for those who come to this site, either often, or just once, or are new to this site.

Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

1 Cor 9:24-27 run the race

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

2 Peter 3:17

Luke 8:5-18

1 Timothy 4:1

2 Peter 2:20-22

Hebrews 3:12

Galatians 5:4

1 Corinthians 15:2-8

2 Peter 2:20-21

Romans 11

Hebrews 6:4-6

Important to read all scripture in its full context, not just cherry pick. When reading in context its obvious from countless passages, parables, teachings that God wants us to obey him! Satan deceives believers into assuming doing evil is ok; it's not.

good stuff brother

James 2:18 To this the apostle replies, that the two things referred to, faith and works, were not independent things, which could exist separately, without the one materially influencing another--as, for example, charity and chastity, zeal and meekness; but that the one was the germ or source of the other, and that the existence of the one was to be known only by its developing itself in the form of the other. A man could not show that he possessed the one unless it developed itself in the form of the other. In proof of this, he could boldly appeal to any one to show a case where faith existed without works. He was himself willing to submit to this just trial in regard to this point, and to demonstrate the existence of his own faith by his works.

Shew me thy faith without thy works. That is, you who maintain that faith is enough to prove the existence of religion; that a man may be justified and saved by that alone, or where it does not develope itself in holy living; or that all that is necessary in order to be saved is merely to believe. Let the reality of any such faith as that be shown, if it can be; let any real faith be shown to exist without a life of good works, and the point will be settled. I, says the apostle, will undertake to exhibit the evidence of my faith in a different way-- in a way about which there can be no doubt, and which is the appropriate method. It is clear, if the common reading here is correct, that the apostle meant to deny that true faith could be evinced without appropriate works. It should be said, however, that there is a difference of reading here of considerable importance. Many manuscripts and printed editions of the New Testament, instead of without [works--cwriV], read from or by, (ek,) as in the other part of the verse, "show me thy faith by thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." This reading is found in Walton, Wetstein, Mill, and in the received text generally;

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ( Titus 2:1)

We are saved by grace through faith.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ( Ephesians 2:8)

And Jesus said the to woman who anointed His feet,

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. ( Luke 7:30)

But James teaches,

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( James 2:26)

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ( James 2:17)

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. ( James 2:18)

Therefore, James and Paul contradict.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. ( Romans 11:6)

Consequently, we are saved by both faith and works, which says both James and Paul are inspired and not one over the other.

And Christ's apostles will judge

when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Thank You Lord for all the brethren and those who are seeking Your truth on this forum. I've enjoyed the discussions and I pray that the truth many are searching for will be received in the mighty name of CHRIST.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

"I need Thee every hour most gracious LORD, No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

I need Thee, O I Thee every hour I need Thee. O bless me now, my Savior I come to Thee."

Author(refrain): Robert Lowry(1872); Author:Annie S. Hawks (1872) Tune: NEED (Lowry)

Praise the LORD.

July 14, 2022 Praying for our Nations leaders.

Part 9.

The faith of Christ.

Galatians 2:15-16.

We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by "THE FAITH "OF" CHRIST", even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Who's faith? CHRIST FAITH! We were lacking faith it had to be given to us! Ephesians 2:8-9.

Some have objected to this interpretation, saying that faith (pistis) is feminine, while that (touto) is neuter. That poses no problem, however, as long as it is understood that that does not refer precisely to the noun faith but to the act of believing. Further, this interpretation makes the best sense of the text, since if that refers to by grace you have been saved through faith (that is, to the whole statement), the adding of and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God would be redundant, because grace is defined as an unearned act of God. If salvation is of grace, it has to be an undeserved gift of God. Faith is presented as a gift from God in 2 Peter 1:1, Philippians 1:29, and Acts 3:16.

Boy is that humbling! We can't produce faith, there is nothing to boast on that either!

That is why some say you can lose your salvation, and no one is saved until the Judgement.

THEY'RE NOT SURE. "VOID OF CHRIST FAITH"

Just believing is his name don't cut it either.

John 2;23-24. "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many "BELIEVED IN HIS NAME", when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

You have to believe in his work, through the Holyspirit. (FAITH OF CHRIST)

Romans 10:9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and SHALT BELIEVE IN THY HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, thou shalt be saved.

1 Corinthians 1:18.

See part 9.

James 2:14-26.

God bless.

Israel was established as a nation in 1948! No pun but your timeline is a bit off! At least 74 years off! There's a few missing links that has to connect that we're embarking upon before the "Second Coming" ie soon rise of the Antichrist taking his platform world center stage bringing his false peacehis mark the RFIDCHIP IN the hand and forehead Rev13:15-18 globally mandated but already here and many have already been deceived into taking it Rev.19:20global martyrdom of true followers of Jesus Yashua that missed the marriage supper of the Lamb! Not all Saints are invited Rev.19:6 the ready remnant raptured 1 Thes.4:13-18 Matt.24:40-42 will be there while the great tribulation is transpiring that the ready Remnant will be spared from! Rev.3:10 Luke 21:36 Not to mention the one world religion ran by the false prophet aka Pope F who already established his headquarters in Dubai to get the ball rolling and already has laws and consequences in place ready for those who violate their "Chrislam" Religion! You see many folk especially tragically the "Saints" don't realize we're a lot further along in Bible prophecy than many folk believe! Luke 12:56 Repent from sin Acts 3:19 after receiving Jesus in your heart and His Holy Spirit (imperative) asking His forgiveness for all your sins loving Him with everything within you and each other as we love ourselves forgiving everyone! He only gives the Holy Ghost to those who OBEY Him! Acts 5:32 Ecc.12:13 1 John 2:4 James 2:10 Let go of the cares of this life ie ungodly people places and things fast pray read His Word daily and spread His Gospel to those who will hear! Don't hold nothing back or there will be eternal consequences and will be held accountable when it's all said and done! Ez.3:18-21 We must be holy and strive for perfection DAILY! If it wasn't attainable or possible He wouldn't have written it! Our brother Job 1:1 proved that! Heb.12:14 1Pet.1:16 Matt.5:48 2 Cor.5:10 1John 3:6-11 Eph.5:27 Offic'ly warndYah bless!

Yes, according to the Bible. It also depends on one's definition of "saved" and when this event occurs. Are people saved while still on earth instantly after they say their first prayer, at some point later, or are they saved after they are judged by God Himself? What does the Bible say...

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race" (not the race was already won.)

2 Peter 3:17

Luke 8:5-18

1 Timothy 4:1

2 Peter 2:20-22

Hebrews 3:12

Galatians 5:4

1 Corinthians 15:2-8

1 Corinthians 4:5

2 Corinthians 5:10 whether "good or bad". People are sorted at this time.

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

OSAS believers: "Ok, but a Christian would never do that."

Christians no longer have freewill to sin?" Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"

"OSAS: But no one has ever done that."

Sadly, many Christians fall away. Look at "ex-Christian" on Reddit with 107,000 members. Very prominent pastors have denounced faith and later denied Jesus is Lord.

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

Hebrews 6:4-6

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

Romans 11

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

God bless and pray for wisdom and truth.

Continued Hebrews 4

The Moral law contains the Love and legal code God has for His Universe and beloved children. It is;

Written in stone by God's own finger - Exodus 31:18, Deuteronomy 4:12-13, 9:10

Has always existed & will be kept throughout eternity and throughout all the universe - Psalm 111:7,8, Romans 5:19 refers to Adam sinning in the Garden of Eden

Jesus said He did not come to destroy it but to fulfil it - Matt 5:17 - 19

Jesus said 'If you love me keep my commandments' John 14:15 and that 'He is the Lord of the Sabbath - Mark 2:28 - yet never mentions it being dissolved or changed

God's people are commanded to keep the Commandments of God for all eternity & God's people are identified by it because they keep it out of love to God and by faith - Exodus 19:5, Ecclesiastes 12:13,14, Psalm 111:7,8, Revelation 14:12, 12:17

Lives in the heart of God's children - Psalms 40:8

We are judged by them - James 2:12

Blessed with access to the Tree of Life if you keep them by faith - Revelation 22:14

Page 2.

Romans 10:2-5: "For I bear them record that they (Israel) have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them."

Again, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth". To all who put their trust in Jesus, Christ's coming ended the Law that should have brought righteousness but failed. Nothing wrong with the Law - the problem was with man. The Law failed to achieve it - but faith in Christ & a new birth did, ending the demands of the Law that only brought death.

And there can't be any syncretism, coming under both the Law & under God's Grace. We cannot be justified by the Law - even keeping or trying to keep one Law & still claim Grace. Galatians 5:4; Romans 4:13,14. And the keeping of the Sabbath is just one of the ten Laws. Whoever wants to keep the Law is bound to keep them perfectly (all ten of them) James 2:10 - and there remains no avenue to claim Grace when under the Law.

May we walk in the Spirit, obeying the Spirit, that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us ( Romans 8:4) and not bound to the letter ( Romans 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:6). The Sabbath Rest is not found in a day set aside for physical rest, but in a Person Whom we have sanctified in our hearts & lives. Blessings.

The Bible speaks to to salvation from sins and atonement for sins which is of grace for we had a debt we could not pay. When the Bible talks of eternal salvation it speaks of works. Some of the verses...... Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Luke 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. (if he was alive was he saved?) John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (if we don't abide in his love are we saved?) Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 19:16,17 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (if we haven't enter into life, are we saved?) James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (Read this chapter carefully. We want it to say that works are a result of salvation. I understand it to say that faith without works is dead for salvation). Rahab did nothing to have the opportunity to be saved (of grace), but she had to respond properly (stay in the house) to be saved. It might be beneficial to differentiate between the works of the law (which no flesh shall be justified) and the works and teachings of Jesus. The lawgiver proceeded out of Juda, not Levi. Genesis 49:10

This can be very encouraging to people and these are great verses.

It is worth considering that sometimes people try to simplify things by cutting out key verses about salvation, but its in the Bible for a reason and shouldn't be ignored. For example, the Bible over and over talks about obedience. If someone discards all these verses and assumes it will happen magically through the spirit and not their own freewill then they can be misled into following evil. Maybe they assume their sins don't count or matter or that God doesn't even care or they no longer have the freewill to sin, but the Bible doesn't say any of those things.

Maybe they their friends are going out drinking and doing "just a little" drugs, and going to a strip club "just a for a few minutes" and rob a store "sharing was done in Jesus's time" and commit a murder "just one who 'deserved' it". Then they go to church on Sunday and they are reminded of the above verses and not to worry about it as they are forgiven, so they do it again and again every weekend. Lying, cheating, stealing, assaulting, harming, idolatry, worshipping the world and satan.

This may throw a wet blanket on the simplicity of all the warm fuzzy verses cherry picked from the Bible, but life isn't simple and temptation of sin isn't simple. Sometimes someone SHOULD feel guilt and convicted by the holy spirit of evil that person has done. Some are deceived into believing they are "saved" when they are following satan and not Jesus. If they aren't following Jesus they may not be Christian and may not have assurance of salvation, but assume they are because someone told them not to worry about it.

There are many important Bible verses that people should heed about salvation and not simply throw them out:

Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 12:32

Hebrews 10:26

John 14:15

James 2:14-26

1 Peter 1:5

1 Cor 9:24-27

1 Peter 1:13

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

Teresa, I see value in both ways of dealing with the painful aspects of life; first (and most importantly) bringing them before the Lord in prayer & leaving it with Him to help you through them, and secondly, to seek a sympathetic ear & wise counsel from a trusted caring person. The New Testament Church was always encouraged to look out for each other & to attend to each one's needs ( Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 13:16; Romans 12:13; James 2:15,16; 1 John 3:16,17). God has given us a wonderful access, through His Spirit, right into His Throne room, but He has also provided 'family' used by Him to bring comfort & hope as well.

Sometimes, when we are over-burdened with problems, all that we have to share with another are only our problems & very little else. So your friend might be feeling that all she hears from you are your issues only & sees you in great anxiety or overly depressed because of them. And this might in turn depress her, hence her reaction. In many cases, the person with a huge problem isn't able to think clearly through it (its cause, ways to deal with it, support from others, etc.). That's where 'a friend' needs to be able to really listen & help you work through it & always be there for you. Often, your pastor or Christian counsellor can listen attentively & give good advice & also follow-up. The main thing, is for you to re-gain your peace in heart & mind from the Lord, hang onto Him in both your good & bad times, read His Word, & not give up. He has blessed each one of us with life, life to be lived for Him. So the Author of Life will certainly be with those whose trust rests only in Him. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" ( Psalm 30:5). May the Lord guide you very specially in your concerns & help you live above them, looking for His Arm to work mightily on your behalf.

You weren't specific about what verse from James. Keep in mind James is written to the 12 tribes of Israel. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The bible does say that God does hate certain sins above others.

Paul, thanks so much for quoting verses that get passed over so easily because we live in an entitlement society. Others verses to go along with the ones you quoted. Luke 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." When James says "faith without works is dead" he means dead for salvation. He starts the discourse about faith and works saying can faith alone save him.

But we can't have grace without faith.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ( Ephesians 2:8)

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( James 2:26)

Therefore, to believe the entire Bible and not just parts of the Bible we would need to say we are saved by both grace and works.

And many Biblical passages confirm this:

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ( James 4:7)

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. ( Hebrews 4:11)

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; ( Hebrews 5:9)

and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ( Revelation 2:23)

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ( Revelation 2:26)

I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. ( 1 John 2:13)

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, ( Revelation 2:7)

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ( Revelation 21:7)

Doug:

You said when we disobey God it is lack of faith.

When we disobey God it LACK of KNOWLEDGE.

You died on the cross with Christ.

Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery ....Christ in you .......

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (Christ in you) that worketh IN YOU (you are Christ's body, but he is the LIFE) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

John 14:6 ....I AM the LIFE .......

Since it's his life, it's his faith, since it's his faith, it's his works.

Faith without works is dead.

But you have both, being you are THE BODY of Christ.

Truth will set you free.

God bless YOU!

My understanding is that all sins are not the same. An example would be where Jesus makes a distinction between blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and other sins.

Matthew 12:31

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

But one sin no matter how great or how small, leaves us guilty of breaking God's holy law and therefore all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. So we are all reliant on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

Revelations 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Jesus told all the churches that he knew their works. If God only saw the righteousness of Christ he could not correct us. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. I believe that cleansing us from all sin is actual and covering us from sin implies that it is only imaginary. Our faith is counted(valued) for(as)righteousness. When we disobey God it is because our lack of faith. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. I agree that we need to walk in truth.

Stealing a piece of bubble gum is not the same as murder: Even though through the blood of CHRIST we are no longer under the law, it was our school master to know right from wrong. We still do not commit murder, steal etc. There were different levels of crime and different levels of penance. You were to send a murder to GOD (capital punishment) if he murdered, he therefore wasn't able to be forgiven in the flesh. ( Numbers 35:30) There is also 1 unforgivable; Luke 12:10. The whole of Deuteronomy gives the degrees of such from a turtle dove to a bullock to appease for different levels. Just because we are no longer under the law doesn't mean we can commit them. There are abominable sins, civil sins, health sins, capital sins etc. GOD is judge and knows the heart and why, when, where a crime was committed and cannot be hidden. He knows if there was a chemical inbalance or if a person is just pure evil. Gods will be done!

1 John 5:16

There are different degrees of sin, but all sin still needs covered by the blood. For without the shedding of (His Blood) there is no forgiveness of sin.

Sins of the flesh are greater than sins of the body for the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. If you are married, would your spouse be more forgiving if you look at another person in lust or if you actually committed adultery.

Either way the point is that sin leads to darkness and blind's a person vision. For the unbeliever sin can separate you from receiving God's forgiveness for God shall not always strive with man.

Shrek said it best to donkey. People are like onions, they have layers (of darkness). Only the Word (Christ) can penetrate thru the layers - nothing else. John 8:36 - If He sets you free - you are free indeed.

For the believer nothing even sin shall separate you from the love of God in Christ, no powers in this age or the age to come. But a person will have many troubles if they magnify sin over the magnification of God. Philippians 4:5

Do not be overcome with the things of this world be overcome with Christ! His mercy, His grace are endless. Be strong in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us be conscious and deliberate in what we are pursuing! We are called to be Savior conscious! Be blessed!

Praise God and to Him be the Glory!