Discuss Romans 2 Page 7

Brother david, may christ in us grace us with his wisdom and his understanding.

you are saved!

i am using god's words showing brothers and sisters that all of salvation is of god. man plays no part in salvation. we have been deceived.

at each mans appointed time (by god). god will bring about the circumstances to cause that man to respond to god.

man does't believe god does this. they believe it is their choice.

paul was on his way to kill more of god's church. he believed he was doing god's work.

in one blinding moment god caused saul to become paul.

ephesians 2:10 for we are his workmanship .....

ephesians 1:11 .....being predestined according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will.

philippians 1:29 for unto us it is given in the behalf of christ, not only to believe on him, but to also suffer for him.

philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having our own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of christ, the righteousness of god by faith (of christ).

romans 2:4 ......not knowing that the goodness of god leadeth thee to repentance.

all is of god. god appoints at time, gives man his faith to causes man to believe and causes man to repent.

i give my glory to no one.

i will bring down the high and lofty one.

you died on the cross with christ. he is the life you now have and live by.

thank god for the works of christ.

Hello, I appreciate what you wrote there and agree with all your points except the book of life. It's my opinion that we're not written in the book of life until we're first judged by God. I think God knows all and might even take notes in such a book.

I think many assume we're 'saved' instantly when we start following Christ. While the Bible says we can have assurance of salvation if we follow Him, but I'm not aware of any verse saying we're instantly saved and will skip judgment and are in a book of life, as if its a guest list for heaven.

I looked up the 4 verses you posted about 'book of life' and they don't say that all Christians have their names written in the book of life, it doesn't say who or when their names may be written in the book, and doesn't say this comes before judgment day. The Exodus reference suggests that Moses's name was written in a book by God. It doesn't call it the book of life. Moses was also a special person appointed by God. God also replied with this: And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. And the Bible says everyone has sinned.

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

Doesn't say you have salvation now, doesn't say you have it instantly and aren't judged, it says revealed in the last time.

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

This says grace isn't even given to us until the end at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:12 - indicates the book of life is used on the day of judgment to review what all have done. Either way all will be judged.

2 Corinthians 5:10

Romans 2:16

John 12:48

Hebrews 9:27

Revelation 20:12

If you have more evidence that says the moment you say respond to an altar call you're instantly in the book of life, or that the moment you decide to follow Jesus you are written in the book of life, please let me know where... Thank you.

I have one more Biblical oddity that I've stumbled upon. It is a classic line you hear once in a while.

God said He is not a respecter of men.

( Romans 2:11)For there is no respect of persons with God.

When God remembered his covenant, he respected the captives of the children of Israel.

( Exodus 2:24-25) And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

This example makes it clear that God has respect for meaningful mortal endeavors. If you wanted to get technical, you could rationalize that while God is not a respecter of persons, he sure do love Him some whole house of Israel.

Marco Polo

The words Jew and Gentile can be confusing and when studying we must closely examine the context to make sure their meaning is clear. Due to centuries of mass indoctrination, in the minds of most people, the world is now divided into two groups of people - the Jews and everyone else, as if the Jews constitute the entirety of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel.

Gentile, the original words goy and ethnos refer to "peoples" or "nations" and are applied to both Israelites and non-Israelites in the Bible. It is derived from the Latin word gentilis, which means one who is not a Roman citizen. What's unique, by its meaning a single person can not be called a gentile.

Jew, the term "Jew" did not even appear until the southern kingdom of Judah was taken captive of Babylon. Jew is an abbreviated slang term for Judahite, a resident of the southern kingdom of Judah.

If you refer to those in the Judaism Abrahamic ethnic religion they do not accept Jesus as the Messiah who came 2000 years ago. The New Testament is not relevant to them.

But the Jew pronounced in Romans 2: 28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Those Jews do cherish the New Testament.

RLW

Theoderrick.

Romans 2:28-29. For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Galatians 3:26-29. For ye are all the CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

THERE IS NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

AND IF YE BE CHRIST'S, THEN ARE YE ABRAHAM'S SEED, and heirs according to the promise.

God bless

Sister Martha, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Israel in the Old Testament was dispersed among all the nation of the world. Judea was left so Jesus lineage could be confirmed to be the natural seed of David. Today none can trace their lineage back to Abraham. ISRAEL today (those born again of the Spirit of God) is the promised SEED of Isaac (his name was changed to Israel) (CHRIST IN US).

Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one INWARDLY (Christ in you); and circumcision is of the HEART, in the Spirit, and not in the letter (flesh) .....

Romans 9:6 ...for they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.

The kingdom promised to ISRAEL (CHRIST) is not a literal kingdom that can be seen with eyes; but a kingdom of priest (Christ in you). These battles prophesied in scripture are not literal but in the Spirit.

Jesus said before he comes there would be literal wars, literal earthquakes, literal famines and literal pestilence. This has been happening for 2000 years and Jesus has been COMING to those who look for him 2000 years. Jesus said that it would be like the days of Noah. They knew not till the doors on the ark were CLOSED. The ark could have saved them; Jesus is our ark. Man is looking for all things to be literal and all of a sudden DESTRUCTION (you die; the grave is your reward, the doors to the ark are closed). Most will miss Christ coming; because they are looking for something literal, when the BATTLE and BIRTH are SPIRIT. There will continue literal wars, literal earthquakes, literal famines and literal pestilence until the age we are in ENDS and the next age BEGINS.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was ONCE (Christ ministered in the flesh) offered to bear the sins of many; and unto those WHO LOOK FOR HIM he shall appear the SECOND TIME (IN THE SPIRIT) without sin UNTO SALVATION.

I come like a thief in the night; if you would have seen the thief, he would not have DESTROYED you house.

Can a Christian lose his salvation?

Well, does man have free will to chose to love God and obey him or does God control us to the point where we can't do otherwise?

Did Adam have a choice? Yes. He chose badly and paid the consequences.

Did Noah have a choice? Well, he could have joined the others and would have died in the flood.

Did the ancient nation of Israel have a choice? Well, at times they chose to obey and were blessed. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, they chose to disobey and paid by destruction from Babylon and then Rome.

Christians have a choice to obey or not. God can help us, but he will not make us obey automatically. That is why we have so many warnings given throughout the New Testament by the Apostles to Christians in the Church.

Galatians 6:7-8 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

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,"

Paul includes himself in that statement. If WE sin willfully...

Romans 2:6-8 "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,"

Kindly.

Why wouldn't God call women to preach? God shows no partiality ( Romans 2:11) and can use anybody to do His will ( 1 Corinthians 1:27). Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Isaiah's wife, and Anna were given the authority to speak to the people on the behalf of God and thus preached the Word of God. Go back and read Romans 16:1-15 about the 10 women who where in ministry who held leadership positions.

Brother Stan, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding. Most of the Psalms are prophecies pointing to the NEW COVENANT. Christ already knows the END. He knows because HE SPOKE THE WORDS before the foundation of the world. They are coming to fruition at HIS APPOINTED TIME. (his works)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-9

Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do ENTER INTO (SABBATH) REST, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into MY (SABBATH) REST: although THE (his) WORKS were FINISHED from the foundations of the world. Christ has been RESTING since those first six days; you are defiling the SABBATH if you are not also resting (IN CHRIST'S WORKS): THE WORKS ARE DONE (COMPLETE).

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor setteth in the seat of the scornful.

Christ is declaring kis WORKS that the death and resurrection of HIMSELF will bring to mankind. At his APPOINTED TIME in each of us. HIS WORKS!

Proverbs 16:6 BY MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged.....(his works)

Romans 2:4...not knowing that THE GOODNESS of God leadeth thee to REPENTANCE? (his works)

Isaiah 27:12 And it shall COME TO PASS in that day (NEW COVENANT) (day of the Lord)... ye shall be gathered ONE by ONE (appointed time)...(his works)

Revelation 21:3 ...Behold, the tabernacle (temple) of God is with men...CHRIST IN YOU (his works)

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that YE are the temple of God (new heaven), and that the SPIRIT of God DWELLETH IN YOU. (his works)

Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein (new Jerusalem), for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb ARE THE TEMPLE OF IT (CHRIST IN US). Accomplished at the NEW COVENANT. Death and resurrection of Christ. New heaven (NEW dwelling place of God) and new earth (new body; no longer dust, but THE GLORY OF GOD)! (his works)

I use to believe the Roman Catholic teaching of consciousness after death. Like you are not really dead, but go to Heaven, Hell or Purgatory. (And there if in Hell, burn eternally, with no hope of an end).

However, since then I have read in God's Word that this is not so. In John 11:11-14, Jesus tell His apostles that Lazarus is sleeping, but Jesus goes to wake him up. Finally, Jesus tells His apostles that Lazarus is dead. Also, see 1

Thessalonians 4:15-17. And, John 5:28-29. See, Genus 2:7. Ecclesiastes 12:7. Importantly, Psalms 146:3-4. Again, "Who Only Has Immortality? See, 1 Timothy 6:16. And those who SEEK, Romans 2:7. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 we learn.... Knowing what God's Word really says is priceless, see, Psalms 115:17, "The dead praise NOT the LORD, neither any that go down into silence." Must read, Ecclesiae's 9:5,6, 10. 5."For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of then is forgotten. 6. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 10. Whatsoever thy hand findet to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goes." NOTE: 2 Timothy 3:16, "ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" There is more, but I think by now you get the idea.... God bless you as you prayerfully Study the above....

Hello Temeko, the book of Romans was written to the Romans, who are Gentiles. Paul, of course, was an Isrealite from the Tribe of Benjamin. The Gentiles were not given the Laws, Statutes and Commandments ( Romans 2:14) Only Isreal. Paul was explaining that the Law alone will not get you into the Kingdom, but by Grace and truth ( John 1:17). Most people don't understand what truth is because we have been taught not to read the Old Testement, but the truth is none other than the Laws of God ( Psalm 119:142), except animal sacrafice, which is the only law that was fullfilled on the Cross because Christ was the Perfect Sacrafice. We are commanded to keep the Laws that were given in the Torah ( Romans 3:31). Believe me, many will totally disagree, i guess they think Christ died on the cross so we can be Lawless but what will we be judged by in the Book of Revelations? We will be judged by our works!! (Revelations 20:13). Shalom!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KLV

All scripture is to be used since it is inspired of God.

We gather all scripture about subject so we can can fully understand.

Romans 2:7

King James Version

7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

This verse clearly tell us we seek salvation by "patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:".

This verse plainly destroys the lie of once saved always saved.

Hebrews 3: 12-14

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

We can loose our salvation

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

If our hearts are hardened by sin how can we be saved

14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

We can be saved IF "we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;"

There are of course other scriptures which totally deny the lie once saved always saved.

Praise the Lord! Travis,

Be encouraged and Jesus Christ loves you and he can help you with your anger issue. Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Jesus Christ has helped me with my anger associate with childhood trauma of verbal, physical abuse and filled my empty and broken heart and gave me the love I have never received from my parents and have given me a peace of mind, joy beyond measure and always there for you when you call on him.

Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

I have been listening and learning on youtube-Honest News Network-Brother Joseph Skinner and it has helped me to get closer to God.

God bless you and may the Lord keep you safe under his wings Psalms 17:8 and my prayers are with you.

Praise the Lord! Nancy,

I am sorry for the emotional trauma you and your family are going through and my prayers are with you.

Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Ruler of the synagogue, Jairus asked Jesus Christ to heal his little girl and he did. Mark 5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

I have been listening and learning from youtube-Honest News Network Brother Joseph Skinner and it has helped me to understand it is all in hand of Jesus Christ .

I have been dealing with trauma of loss and depression and when I gave it all to Jesus Christ he mended my broken heart and gave me the joy and peace beyond measure and he can do it for you. Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

God bless you and may the Lord keep you safe under his wings of safety Psalms 17:8

Praise the Lord Joshua, Be encouraged and know that Jesus Christ loves you and ask God for clarity and help and he will do just that, he helped me and can help you as well because Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

God bless you and may the Lord keep you under his wings of safety Psalms 17:8 and my prayers are with you.

Hello Jesse,

Please forgive me as I don't want to get in between the discussion of you & Adam. Though I feel to write my perception on this matter. As I believe it is important to us all.

To begin I don't feel what you stated about the two Greek words for "good", meaning one is of God and the other of men, is completely accurate. First I would say everything good is of God weather the person knows God literally or not. As Love is of God and those who abide in love are of Him to 1 John 4:7. Now weather that person has been drawn to the light, Jesus Christ, yet is up to God. Also stated in Romans 2:12-15 about how those who do what is right or "good", even though they have not heard the law, shows Gods law written on their hearts. They being obedient to God and not even knowing it.

Back to the word "good" in the Greek. The two words you gave are the two words used the most for "good" in the NT. G18 and G2570. Though they are not the only words used for simply put "good". We have "cherestotes-G5544", "eudokia-G2107', and "eupoiia-G2140" for a couple others. Showing in Hebrews 13:16 that just because it's not the word "agoth.." doesn't mean God isn't pleased with it.

Also how in a couple instances like 1 Timothy 6:18, and 1 Timothy 5:10. the words "agoth.." and "kalos" are both used in the same verse.

Now of coarse what you stated in that if someone seems to be trying to "earn" there way into Heaven, by good works, hopefully they will find out there is only one way and that is Jesus Christ. We have all fallen short in our lives. Thanks be to the Grace of our Father in Heaven He sent us His Son. To now focus on Him and let Him lead the way for us. We need Jesus Christ our Lord just as we need our Father in Heaven.

God Bless you Jesse. Please don't let my message come to you the wrong way. It is from the heart.

"The goodness of God leads to repentance" Romans 2:4

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" Matthew 1:21

4 parts total of these Grace of God verse inspirations by some of my brethren.

"This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" Luke 4:21

"Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" Hebrew 4:7

"Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation" 2 Corinthians 6:2

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation." Hebrews 2:3

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you" 2 Corinthians 9:8

"The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" Romans 2:4

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" Ephesians 2:19-20

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" 2Peter 1:4

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" Titus 2:11-14

"the spirit of grace and supplications" Zechariah 12:10

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing" Romans 7:18

"But by the grace of God I am what I am" 1 Corinthians 15:10

"This is the true grace of God wherein ye stand" 1Peter 5:12

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" Revelation 2:10

"He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" Matthew 24:13

"See that ye abound in this grace" 2 Corinthians 8:7

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" 2Peter 3:18

"For God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

Jesus said not to judge in several places:

Luke 6 37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Romans 2:1 |

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Romans 14:13 |

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

James 4:12 |

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Not yet sir I hope to have one soon

GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was put into prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the GOSPEL of the kingdom of God.

(vs 15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the GOSPEL.

Repentance is not the GOSPEL.

Psalms 52:1 Why BOASTEST thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man; the goodness of God endureth continually.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his GOODNESS and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the GOODNESS of GOD leads to repentance.

Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, Lo there! behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN you.

THIS IS THE GOSPEL!

Colossians 1:27 ..... which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory.

You are baptised (not by physical water; but with living water) INTO CHRIST!

The baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire Matthew 3:11

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Hello Judy,

Just to add a couple verses to what Mishael posted for you about the real circumcision being of the heart. Not the flesh.

Romans 2: 25-29 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Judy, may the Spirit grace you with his wisdom and his understanding.

Were women commanded to be circumcised in the old testament? Are you cut off from God for not being circumcised?

Romans 2:28-29 For he (or she) is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outwardly in the flesh:

(vs 29) But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; an circumcision that is of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

It's Christ in you, the new birth, that is the true circumcision.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Ezekiel 33:11-20

( Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 12:35-36 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Matthew 13:37-43

( John 5:26-29

( Romans 2:2-11

( Romans 6:1-2

( Romans 6:15-23

( James 2:14-20

( 1 Peter 4:16-19

( 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

I agreed to rebirth of a person to be rebirth again spiritual.

Sister Mary, good question. I appreciate somewhat lengthy 'general or typical response' from brother Chris. But I'll give you specific theological response.

When you received Christ as your personal saviour, you also received the other two members of Trinity (1Joh 5:7), Holy Ghost and GOD the Father, and you are now born again (Joh 3:3). You are a baby spiritually in the beginning when you are just saved recently. You can't feel or experience HIM right away but you need to grow spiritually to experience a new spiritual birth. Naturally everybody is born with devil spirit simply because we inherited Adam's sin and therefore we are sinners by birth ( Rom 5:12-14).

A newly born baby does not know what is going on around him until he will grow up physically and mentally, does he? Same analogy with spiritual rebirth. Grow spiritually by reading scripture, praying, listening to preaching, and etc. Then you can feel joy and do not forget to spread gospel to others.

Some theological consideration. I have many things to say about Holy Ghost but I can't say them all here. Did you know Trinity WORKS and exists as ONE? In other words you can't receive Christ or Spirit independently as I indicated above. I hear truly saved people say that they are uncertain if they received Spirit also. Are you one of them? I'll just list verses for you to understand about Trinity more deeply without going lengthy discussion. Joh 10:30, 6:44, 14:6; 1Joh 5:7, 8. Thanks

When you have truly repented of your sins & come in faith in the finished work of Jesus on the Cross for you, those sins are taken away, you're forgiven, you have been made clean & acceptable to God & you have God's Spirit dwelling in you. If anyone doesn't come in true repentance & faith in Christ, then salvation is not given. If you have come the way of the Cross & you're truly thankful to the Lord for what He has done for you, then His Spirit will make you completely new in your spirit (re-born spiritually), renew your mind, your view of life, of people and endue with His Power to live for Jesus & give you gifts that you may use to testify of God's Love & build up others. In other words, your life will be completely changed by God because you are a child of God.

Is this what you have experienced, or maybe you've heard that a special outward manifestation is needed as the only proof of the Holy Spirit in you? The Holy Spirit might choose to give this, but it is only faith in Christ that saves you & not the waiting for or pleading for some manifestation. Do you feel that your life is still the same as the old one? That nothing has changed - you may still be careless with sin or still finding delight in doing those things that are not right & not feeling a check in your heart when doing them? If so, you will need to attend to this urgently & seek the Lord & read His Word, that maybe the Spirit of God might reveal Jesus to you afresh.

How do I know if I have the Holy Ghost?

That is one of the oldest questions asked concerning eternity, aside from the pre-existence of God. Both non-Christians & those claiming Christian faith have wondered about "good people consigned to Hell" & humanly speaking, we really can't believe that a Holy, Righteous God would do such a thing. But the Scriptures are clear.

What we term a 'good person' is based on our understanding of 'goodness', i.e. one well behaved, conforms to society's norms & requirements, has a careful, considered disposition, rendering help to others & not given to 'major sins'. And yet, will all that 'goodness', God still manages to find fault with him. Is God unfair or judging us too harshly? From our viewpoint, we might think so, but from God's viewpoint (& from the Word), He assesses us correctly.

If "all have sinned & come short of the glory of God (or, God's standards)" ( Romans 3:23), God takes into account that evidence of sin, however minute in substance, as that which infects & affects the whole ("a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" 1 Corinthians 5:6). Just as the addition of a little leaven (yeast) causes fermentation & expansion of dough that affects the whole bread, so to does the smallest of sins (white lies, pride, bitterness, false accusation, anger, etc.) spoils the whole person making him a sinner: he's not a person who slips up in some sin but still essentially good, but a person who because of sin is essentially bad but show traits of goodness at times. But even with all his 'goodness', can he present himself as acceptable to God? Never to a holy God.

Romans 2:11-16 explains why a person never hearing about God or the Gospel through His Son, still remains condemned. In advanced civilizations, the Law alerts a person to his errors & sins. Amongst hidden tribes, their tribal Law applies, & where that law doesn't deal with sin, man is naturally alerted in his heart to wrong doing, their conscience bearing them witness. No chance without the Gospel reaching them.

Page 2.

Romans 2:14,15 clearly show that the Law was never in our possession & we've never been subject to them. And then when the Gentiles became believers, the only instruction given was, not that any of the commandments given to the Jews be followed, but as per Acts 15:19,20: "Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood."

Rather, our directive can never be from the Law given to Israel, because "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." ( Romans 8:2). If the Life-giving Spirit freed a Jewish Paul from the bondage of the Law, how much more to us Gentiles, who never received the Law, are only subject to the Spirit's directions in our lives.

Again, thank you for bringing up those very worthy points.