Discuss Matthew 7 Page 6

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

Predestination: Concluding thoughts

Lord willing; this commentary will be helpful for those who really haven't seen the repeated themes of the unity of the Godhead; and the predetermined "elect" group who are chosen for Christ to be revealed; and who therefore will respond to show saving faith. A major point that I tried to bring up in earlier chapters was that there is always a corresponding interaction going both ways; so that confession of faith and all of man's actions prompted by the Spirit are simultaneous actions. KNOWING us according to Matthew 7:23 is part of saving faith; hence the absence indicates we are tares. Our soul testifies with His Spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we are God's children.

None of the contradicts the necessity of confessing with our mouths and believing in our hearts that Christ is Lord ( Romans 10:9). We are asked to repent; but it is He who grants the gift of repentance ( Romans 2:4) and this also has a group of people in mind (the Jews as a whole who come to faith) in Acts 5:31 and the Gentiles in Acts 11:18. We still our to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6). All good fruits therefore come from the source of God; and are evidences of saving faith ( Matt. 7:17). We need to remember that God chastises all He loves ( Hebrews 12:6 etal); and therefore He prunes back so even more fruit is produced ( John 15:1-2). He is doing the work therefore; our WORKS are merely the external evidence that indeed He is working from the inside out. These have been prepared for us from before the foundation of the world ( Eph. 2:10).

The other doctrines such as God's sovereignty; our totally depraved nature; and perseverance of the saints are covered in many scriptures and can be covered in other studies. As far as free will is concerned; God accomplishes His purposes through the vicissitudes of man; and the wiles of Satan and all his minions. To not submit to our Creator is folly ( Psalm 14:1; Psalm 2:2; Rev. 19)

Hi Amanda, I don't believe God necessarily chooses to know what we're going to do. He's powerful enough that He can choose to be in our timeframe if He wants. God can also change His mind, based on human input, like on destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. We have free will to choose and its totally up to us, we're not robots. So, the purpose of life is in our choices- to follow God and obey, or to follow evil and satan. To love or hate. Life is one big test in my opinion. God isn't going to just let everyone into heaven to disrupt and cause chaos. Satan apparently had freewill in heaven to do that and defy God. Fortunately we have grace and can stumble and have many chances. Sadly, most people will reject Jesus and go to hell, but there's a chance we can help those who are lost to share the truth. Matthew 7:13

Matthew 7:23-29 does not answer your question directly

"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.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

John 14 also deals with the same subject. I seldom use single verses, and when doing a study usually the chapters into either word or publisher without verse numbers. The next step is to outline the chapter. Then begin the study.

A phrase I use a lot is, I once was, but now I am." Yes, that comes from Amazing Grace, I consider this to be one of the best sermons ever presented. The study I am doing now is defining Discipleship.

I'd like to share 2 thoughts on predestination:

1. Regarding John 10:36 "neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" if you look at the context Jesus is talking only about his sheep. The sheep are His followers, or, Christians. Not everyone is a sheep. They are choosing to follow Jesus and choosing to believe and choosing be sheep by their own freewill and decisions. We know this because of what it says just prior to that. John 10:25-27. In v26 he says they are NOT His sheep because they don't believe. So, if we combine this verse with Matthew 7:13-14 one can presume that most are NOT sheep. Many most are wolves and some are wolves in sheep's clothing. Matthew 7:15.

2. Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the thoughts" or "plans" and hope for a "future" some translations say. Just because an all-knowing God can know this doesn't automatically mean its robbing you of freewill. You are not an automatic robot following a specific script. God is big and powerful enough to know everything and also let us have freewill at the same time, even if little human brains have a hard time comprehending it. God is much bigger than our assumed limitations. God is also big enough to change His mind, as happened relating to Sodom and Gomorrah.

Maybe God's plan is just a broad overview of what would be best for you, maybe like a map, but its up to you whether you follow it or not. Maybe you take a few detours along the way, maybe you get confused and even go the wrong way at times. This doesn't automatically mean you are following God's plan. Maybe you're not following Him at all. I think if you ask most people who believe in predestination, they generally admit that when they ordered a chicken sandwich for lunch and held the pickles that it was mostly their choice and not necessarily God's plan. Or when a Christian sins 1 John 1:8, I don't think most people actually believe that God causes people to sin. God forbids us to tempt or lead others to stumble in sin: Luke 17:1-4.

God bless.

S Spencer

Is the Gospel necessary? Absolutely!

However some that feast with us don't think so.

Passages in Romans 10 shows great importance in preaching it.

vs 8) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, WHICH WE PREACH;

vs 14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?

vs 15) AND HOW SHALL THEY PREACH, EXCEPT THEY BE SENT? as it is written, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THEM THAT PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, AND BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!

Jesus said Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15.

This same group false theology suggests there's no hell or Satan and everyone goes to heaven so even the word salvation is pointless because there is nothing to be saved from. So the death of Christ doesn't display the love of God.

John 3:16 would have to be an error!

The wide gate in Matthew 7:13 doesn't exist.

There's no consequences to sin, no reward for righteous living by the Spirit.

Those who denied Christ, Hate God, murderer ect... And those who love God will sit down with judas, Paul, Peter, Putin, Hitler and sit down at the marriage supper. So our preaching is in vain.

So why do they earnestly stand in our way? They pretend to be beside you when talking about the trinity but when you mention Faith, Believe, ect.. in regards to salvation they come unglued! Why do they bother if whether you believe or not according to them it doesn't matter? That they won't answer.

They stand in the way when it shouldn't matter to them unless the spirit in them is to deceive!

And This doctrine "Salvation by works is by that same Spirit. As seen in Galatians 3:1 and many other verses.

Hi Mark.

Part 1.

I Agree with Brother Chris "God knowing beforehand the choices that we make & the way our lives will unfold" and the Gospel goes out to all, the invitation is for all, but not all will respond!!

1 John 2:2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Matthew 7:13-14. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.

Galatians 3:22. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given TO THEM THAT BELIEVE.

Ephesians 1:12-13. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also AFTER THAT YE BELIEVED, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

So let's make it clear

Romans 10:8-15 is what's relevant.

But look at verse 16. "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

Here's my thought on this that I'm sure can be improved on.

Romans 9:11. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, THAT THE PURPOSE OF GOD ACCORDING TO ELECTION might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) Here we have God's way that He Elected..

Next we have "WHEN" God's way was Elected.

Ephesians 1:4. According as he hath chosen us ( IN ) him BEFORE THE FOUNDATION of THE WORLD...

You may find it easier to understand if we look at it as the church or the body of Christ instead of Individuals.

See part 2.

Brothern.

1 Peter 5:8.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

When a lion roars he's seeking to divide the prey.

They're also amongst us as seen here in

Matthew 7:15. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

CONCLUSION.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES. Eph 6:11-12.

Be visual.

God bless.

Brothers and Sisters.

The clarity of scripture.

Matthew 7:15-20.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, "THAT THEY MIGHT BE MADE MANIFEST" that they were not all of us. 1 John 2:19.

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

A FALSE WITNESS THAT SPEAKETH LIES, AND HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN. Proverbs 6:16-19.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17-18.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus 3:8-9.

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. Jude 1:16-19.

Matthew 7:15-20 !!

1 Peter 5:9-11.

Amen and God bless.

Matthew 7:13-14

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

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.

Being saved by grace: Genesis 6:8, Genesis 19:12,13,15,16, Exodus 33:12,17,

By The law: Romans 3:10-31,

Faith : Romans 4, Romans 5,

Obedience, yeilding to GOD: Psalms 84:11, Romans 6, Romans 12, 1Corinthians 3:9-15, 2Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:7,8, 1Peter 4:10, 1Peter 5:1-11,

Romans 11:16-22, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7: , Hebrews 10, James 2,

Watch out for: Jude 1:4,

Hopefully these are helpful in your walk, with GOD

Hi Mae.

Part 1.

Yes salvation is by grace alone.

Romans 3:28.

Galatians 2:16.

Every verse emphasizing salvation in the Bible presents this grace when read in context.

When the Lord judge the quick and the dead you are going to have to present yourself spotless!!

THAT MEANS NOT JUST REFRAINING FROM SIN, NOT EVER EVEN THINKING OF COMMITTING SIN. ( EVER!!!) Sin is in the Heart. The penalty of sin is death.

We had to be bought by THE "UNBLEMISHED" BLOOD OF CHRIST.

When we attempt to add our works/filthy rags to Christ unblemished sacrifice those filthy rags shows up at the judgment seat alone without Christ and is rejected.

That's what Jesus is saying in Matthew 7:22-23.

Man working for salvation doesn't change the Heart of Man. The Lord came to give a new Heart, not repair the old one.

Let's look at Ephesians 2.

Notice what's highlighted.

Ephesians 2:3-5. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE BY NATURE THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath QUICKENED us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

We "WERE" by nature children of wrath. What happened? We were QUICKENED!!

Notice the order of events.

Ephesians 2:8-10. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Now let's take this mindset to the book of James and see what he is actually saying.

See part 2.

Yes because God himself shall wipe their tears away. And we will get to sit with Jesus in his throne Rev. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Seems above what we can comprehend, but it is what the Bible says.

Hey Linda,

Yes, it is for real, we will not be in these corruptible flesh bodies, 1 Corinthians 15:53.

Revelation 21:1-3 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Revelation 22:1-4 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

I don't think our human minds can comprehend what it will be like, I know I can't.

God bless,

RLW

Hi Linda The beatitudes list a number attributes or qualities that people need for God to make himself known. Now

to litterally see God i take you togospel of john 1:18 where it says no man hath seen God but His son our saviour hath

made him known. Also in John 4:24 God is spirit thats why His gift when born again is holy spirt.

Linda,

I believe it is true, as Jesus would not lie. When we die and live in again in eternity, we will be pure of heart because the sin nature will be removed from us. We will see God in Jesus our Savior.

In the Book Of Matthew chap.5 In the Beatitudes it says Blessed is the pure in heart for they shall see God. Do they mean that for real? Would you actually see God?

Hi bro Giannis,

I enjoyed your comments on this Holy Sabbath Day, and thanks for sharing!

I also observe many people in the world choosing to ignore Jesus Christ and His Gospel of the Kingdom. It is very sad to see the rejection, but it coincides with much of the scripture which tells us so many times that "few people will enter into God's Kingdom".

Matthew 22:14

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

Luke 13:23-24

"Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them," "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

Matthew 7:14

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

The emphasis coming directly from the mouth of Jesus saying "few there be that find it". If these bible verses don't move a Christian to "take notice" of themselves, nothing well.

Are we truly picking up our crosses and following Christ? Are we living our lives as part of this world? Jesus tells us that we can't do both!

Matthew 16:25

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

People need to take the bible to heart and NOT be lulled into thinking/believing they are (forever saved) while at the same time living their worldly lives.

Matthew 16:26

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

There are many false teachers, and preachers out there telling others that you can still live a worldly life and still have a "free ticket to heaven".

Any wonder why Jesus tells us over and over that FEW will be saved!

GB You

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.

Job 23:14

For HE (the Father, Spirit, Life) performeth the thing that is appointed for me (the Body).......

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (the Father, Spirit, Life) that worketh in you (the Body) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY .....ONE SPIRIT .....

Ephesians 4:6 ONE GOD and Father of ALL .....

Not many BELIEVE that the LIFE in their BODY is CHRIST.

Matthew 7:14 Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto LIFE, and few there be that find it.

John 10:10 .....I am come that they might HAVE LIFE ......

John 19:28 I give unto them ETERNAL LIFE ...

1 Timothy 6:18 WHO only (CHRIST ONLY) hath immortality, dwelling in the LIGHT which no man can approach unto .....

John 11:25 I am the resurrection, and THE LIFE .....

John 14:6 ....I am THE LIFE .....

John 20:31 ....and that BELIEVING you might have LIFE through HIS NAME .....

Revelation 22:4 ....and HIS NAME shall be in their foreheads .....

Revelation 3:12 ...and I will write upon him MY NAME .....

Acts 2:38 ....be ye baptised every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST .....

John 17:21 That they all may be ONE, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also be ONE IN US ......

God Bless You.

Praying in Jesus name

1John 2:27,

John 14:13,14, John 16:23,

Luke 11:2-13, Matthew 6, Matthew 7:7-12, John 15:7,16, 1John 3:22, 1John 5:14,15,

Matthew 18:19, Matthew 21:22,

James 1:5, Matthew 6,

Hopefully these are even more helpful, straight from GOD's book,

John 17,

Part 8.

Jesus says in John 15:1-2 "my Father is the husbandman." Vine dresser"

This emphasizes fruit barring is a work of the Holyspirirt, not of you.

Let's consider that for a moment, FRUIT IS NOT GIFTS AND IT'S NOT SERVING AND IT'S NOT BY COMMAND.

So, when we come across these scriptures John 13:34-35. Mattthew 7:20. 1 John 2:11. 1 John 4:20. these are the marks of a Christian and is the ONLY way they are identified! And if you cannot be Identified by this you have John 15:6 to deal with.

Your faithfulness, intelligence, commitment, being noble, teaching, serving is all good but you're not identified as a Christian by none of these and can be told I "NEVER" knew you! Matthew 7:22-23.

Let's be clear on the recipient of this love that validates our position.

We are to love everyone, but our validation is specifically towards the Brothern.

The passages in 1 John speaks expressly about HATING you Brother.

God is truth, God is light, and God is Love. We are to worship God in truth and in Spirit. When the truth is spoken it shines light on darkness, and those in darkness hates the light and they will hate you!

HUMILITY.

Another fruit with great virtue. Woks of the law couldn't bring this either. It brought pride!

Being connect to the genuine vine brings humility. Look at what the Lord tells the Pharisees in Matthew 21:33-44. Right away you see the contrast of the two vines. Israel was to be a vine, but they became a degenerate vine. Jeremiah 2:9.

Now, place your attention on vs 43. Therefore, say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (The Church) Peter calls the Church a Holy nation in 1 Peter 2:9.

Humility cast out pride doesn't it. We tend to want to place our spirituality on things we do, putting ourselves on display and pointing people towards us instead of Christ.

more to come.

Its Christ faith were saved by not ours!

See part 9.

Dear Chris, about John's baptism being a commandment of God or not lets read Luke 7::29-30

"And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified (why justified?) God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him."

The greek text instead of the word "counsel" has the word "will". So it was God's will, a commandment, that Jesus obeyed although there was no need for Him to do. It is a very serious mistake for someone to not follow God's commandments. Matthew 7:21"21

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." The belief that one when once saved is always saved even if he disobeys God commandments (having the belief that because this is a man's work that don't save) is objected by that as well as many other verses. But that will be answered by me in another post. Have a nice weekend. GBU

Part 7.

Fruit barring.

Let's keep these two verses in mind while we go through this section.

Matthew 22:36-37. and 1 John 4:21.

and remember the context in the previous sections.

Notice the highlights!

Jesus answered and said unto him, "IF" a man love/Agape me

( HE WILL ) keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

( He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings and the word which ye hear is not mine but the Father's which sent me.

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:23--26.

We've established that Agape is a fruit and can't be achieved by the flesh, "Mans efforts"

Man can not produce the fruit, the vine does. Man is the branch, he bares the fruit. John 15:4-5.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

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. Matthew 7:15-20. When you look at Matthew 7:13-14 the corrupt tree is any other way to God presented in the wide gate. for instance "WORKS"

That's why these often misused verses follows, Matthew 7:22-23.

This is a fruitless deceived group that thought they worked their way into Heaven.

So tell me why isn't the significance of Loving one another sought after and debated above anything else when it's paramount?

Because some know they don't have that love on display and don't bare it.

God bless.

Dear Steve .

I think you are right about the promises given to Israel are to be distinguished from the ones to the church. The promises given to Israel were mainly material promises, the promises given to the church are mainly spiritual. But I think you are not that right of whom is the Lord in our life. Satan is the ruler in the world of unbelievers and draws people to distraction. People choose to follow him and God doesn't intervene most of the times since people threw Him out of their lives. But in the church God is the ruler, the Lord, because we ask Him to be our Lord. So what happens in our life is due to God's permission. He allows things to happen. He can prevent them if He wants to. But for His own good purposes He allows things to happen when these things serve His plans for us. Surely what the evil people do affects our lives ie we have gone through world wars, believers and not believers. But still God is in control and we can face/fight all those with His help and be winners at the end.

In Matthew 7:24-25. it says

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."

The rain, the floods and the wind will come in one's life, but his house will not fall, because he built his life on the Word of God, on Jesus, on Father God.

GBU

Matthew 6:5-34, Matthew 7:7-27, Matthew 10:29-33, John 14:11-28, John 15, note John 15:16, John 16:23,24,26,27,

Honestly, I've had answered prayer in very immediate dangerous situations, just crying "GOD, help me" possibly even just "GOD" it's possibly because GOD knows if we love Jesus. Romans 8:27,

Hopefully these are helpful

Baptized: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11, John 1:6-37, John 3, John 4, Luke 3:1-23,

Acts 2, Acts 8, Acts 9, Acts 10, Acts 16, Acts 19, Philippians 4:22,

Note; Luke 3:7-14, Matthew 7:21-27, Matthew 25:31-46,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study

Believers are the Body of Christ, the Church. Matthew 7:13-29, Luke 19, Matthew 10:16-42, Acts 20:28-30, Jude 1, whole chapter.

Hopefully this is helpful

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.