I’ve always been of the belief that brokenness over sin is evidence of the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit! I will boast in my weakness that Christ may be Glorified!
Pete, you have to understand that Christ's work on the cross is already done. Have confidence that if the spirit of Christ dwells in you, he will persevere until the end!
Hey guys. The best advice i can give you is to ask as many people as possible to constantly pray for you. I used to pray on my own, not wanting others to bother themselves for me. I was so wrong. I went back to sinning and worse, it was all done deliberately. The only time i got to end all my sins at one go was the time i asked for constant prayer from everybody (Family, friends and even random strangers). Believe me, ever since i was born, i couldn't go on a day without doing all the major sins (except killing of course). I'm currently going strong for 2 weeks now which is already a miracle for me. If i can take a guess, this is God's will and design. Imagine the number of people you can remind about God or bring back to the faith if you ask them to pray for you. There is even bigger glory to God when we ask people to pray for us. If it does work for you, please pass the message. We need to help more people like us. Don't do it alone. Your brothers and sisters in Christ are here to help you. Will pray for you as well. Good luck!!! P.S. Join Christian forums. A lot of people go online and they also pray for each other.
Dear Square Circle, I understand your hearts concern for your desire to love God, but the feeling that you don’t love Him deeply enough. I too, feel that weight of lack. But what helped me was the passage in Luke 7, where it tells of the woman who found Jesus at the Pharisee Simons house. She, who had been forgiven by Jesus for her many sins, whose life was transformed from darkness and death to light and life, now wept in gratitude on His dirty feet, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them with perfume. Imagine her heart change because of His forgiveness, put yourself, as we all should, in her place. We are all forgiven because of God, in human form, died a horrible and beautiful death for that forgiveness. One day, when you stand in heaven forgiven, you will be weeping too, as Jesus stands with you as your Redeemer. If the realization of what He has done to pay the price for yours and my sin doesn’t increase your love for Him, then I don’t know what will. While we were still sinners, our Friend died to save us from eternity in hell.
This video is long old now, but please pray for God to renew my faith & repentance since I have sinned heavily from 2016-2019. I have kept my faith, & would appreciate prayer. I can pray for anyone too! Just comment.
These two lessons by John Doerr on what it means to truly be born again are very liberating! The Trueth of the real Jesus Christ’s gospel of grace toward the sinner has been hidden by Rome’s Jesuits and scholars, who work tirelessly to cast doubt on the Word of God. The devil has deceived the whole world. (Rev 12:9) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E5TDOs_tLpQ.html - born again basics pt1 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lwj78N080cw.html - born again basics pt2 Romans 8:2 “For the law of the spirit of life, in Christ Iesus, hath made me free from the law of sinne and death.” The fundamental problem is the corruption of Gods word. In this link you can find a lesson on the unbroken testimony of Jesus Christ in the English language which is found in the authorized version of 1611. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C9lIWdQ0rc0.html 2 Corinthians 2:17 “For wee are not as many which corrupt the word of God: but as of sinceritie, but as of God, in the sight of God speake we in Christ.”
Prayed for you just now even if your post is from 7 months ago. Our strength comes from the Lord who made Heaven and earth. You are forgiven and redeemed by His blood. Take care.
@@owenhall3073 hello Owen, I have been doing well. My sanctification has improved dramatically since 2020 up until today, I have kept the faith in Jesus. Things are rough but I sensed God within my last night (cf. 2 Cor 6:16), my prayers have been heard in recent months, thanks for asking. How are you doing? Thank you all for praying for me too! Praise God.
What about King Saul? He was chosen, the Bible says he had the Holy Spirit. Yet he walked away. So was he saved or can false converts have the spirit. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you pastor John for the clear biblical answer. Allow me to add this Scriptures to your response too. 2 Timothy 2:10-13 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself. Blessed day to all
its not all fun and laughter. There will be huge challenges to face up to, serious illness of either yourself or family and friends. You will still have all manner of tragedy..no matter how you go about things. Its a total lie for anyone to promise its all going to be great, when life will still throw all kinds of things at you. Its still a fallen world. Personally I look forward to passing away. I did before I believed in fact (thought I was having a heart attack when I was in my early 20's) because I could see how hopeless life was. What is so great about becoming old and infirm?
Jesus saved you, you do not save yourself,, satan really pushes us to try to be righteous in the flesh,,,,which insults Jesus,, and robs grace if not corrected,,,but the flesh is not righteous,,,,,,,our spirit is in faith in what Jesus did,not us,,,,,getting in him as our savior,,, many years ago people would go worship idols,,,,,,,,fallen angels,,,,,,and leave JESUS or go back into a temple sacrificing animals,,,,that is falling away,,,,,and none of us are perfect,,,,,our spirit was purified by his washing,,,when we believed and accepted him as our savior,,he gave us a new spirit,,he gave us a new heart,but we are in flesh which profits nada,,,we are spirit, we pray in spirit, he is spirit,,the flesh is our enemy,but its not saved,,,,,we get a new body later that has never been tainted,,,,satan is attacking your mind, as he does to many many of us,,,,he knows who JESUS MADE YOU TO BE,and he does not want you to know it,so he says think self, self, but its JESUS JESUS,and satan knows that,,,,,,all fall short of his standard,,,,,its why he died for us and rose,so know satan is accusing you and attacking,,,,,,as he hates,,,,,,,,people loving JESUS or knowing they are saved,,,,,,he hates,,,,and he hates humans,,,,,,
The proof believers are forgiven is the empty grave he was raised for our justification. However before men you cant necessarily convince them if your a baby Christian if you believe Jesus is gods son and he rose from the dead you will be saved. That is the gospel or good news. God knows if you have faith. Men don't necessarily know if you do or not
Please pray brothers & sisters for my repentance, I’ve struggled with sin. From 2016-2019, heinous sins. Please pray for genuine repentance that God may not cut me off. I’m terrified, but I’m also trying my best to lay aside every sin & persevere. (Heb 12:1-2)
Northern Ice oh yeah, you’ve probably heard it but hearing it directly to you is sort of different . John 8:38 (kjv) pray and read the bible every day, even if you only end up doing 5 minutes do it everyday. when you read and pray ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. it’s obedience most of the day but you n e e d to pray and read the bible. it’s your relationship with him, if you need any personal help i can try to assist :). grace and peace
maxxsoblackk I appreciate the advice. I can attempt that more often. But what does this text you mentioned: “I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.”” John 8:38 ... have to do with me?
I have been struggling with knowing I am saved, a child of God, because I don't know if He chose me, I want Him, I want to to be His child, I have begged and cried, I know I will go to hell unless He saves me, but how can I know He chose me? I feel like such a failure and when I read 1 John I wonder if I love other Christians with the love of Jesus or is it something I am trying to manufacture because I want to be a child of God so much. Is it possible to see I am a sinner and to beg the Lord Jesus to have mercy and save me, and He wouldn't do it?
God is rich in mercy, if you repent of your sins and believe and trust in Jesus than you ARE saved. Once you are saved, when you sin he will convict you but he does NOT condemn you. Jesus righteousness lives inside of you, in Gods eyes you are Holy. We on this earth do still continue to struggle with sin but we are never condemned because of it, turn from it though. We are sort of like soldiers in training. While we are here, we find him, become his children than we train in righteousness and teach others. Watch Ray Comfort on you tube. The very fact that you cry out to him shows you belong to him. The fact that you fight your sin, shows you belong to him. He very much loves you, you are his treasure, he looks upon you like you are a little child, HIS little child. Type into RU-vid Gods love letter to you and look for the pink rose. When I found Christ, he appeared to me in a dream and brought me deep into the ocean and I experienced a piece God, Jesus in my dream God was directing Jesus to hold me tightly while going very fast through the bottom of the ocean. I could not hear God but I had a knowing of his instructions to Jesus. I has a knowing that he was to care for me because I was of extreme value. His love, beyond human comprehension. After my dream I would look at people knowing how God looks at us. God loves you SO much!
Hey Tara, I hope this finds you well. I'm surprised no one answered the question you asked at the end of your comment because the answer is SO simple. ..no, no, no, a thousand times no! He has already saved you! :) The good news (gospel) is through the death and resurrection of Jesus your sins have been wiped out, you have been redeemed, and you have been made righteous. That's the good news! :) Nothing can take that away from you ever! I'm not sure how old you are but imagine having children then deciding whether or not you're going to love them. It's a no brainer, of course you're going to love them, even if/when they screw up. (Because guaranteed they're going to screw up. haha) Imagine the love you would have for your children then multiply it by infinity, that's the love God has for you and for everyone. I've studied the Bible for almost 40 years and I promise you, God did not elect a few then leave the rest to suffer forever. (This idea is absolute madness, false, and totally misrepresents the heart of God.) What Jesus accomplished on the cross He did for everyone, and the Bible states this over 70 times. I've put all these Scriptures on the website FakeYouOut.com Chapter 2. :) You are blessed in Him...now and forever! :) Pete
@@fakeyououtdotcom2409 In the nicest possible way, your teaching on your website on your Interpretation of the Bible is false with some truth in it making the false appear to be correct. Wide is the gate. Truth is Jesus, Jesus is truth! What he says goes no matter how you spin it. You are most definitely reading the Bible with human understanding, I would encourage you to pray for wisdom and for the Spirit to give you revelation but I know how hard it is to humble ones self in order to see the error of your ways, especially one who has invested in such a website. I will definitely be praying for you, it is not Gods will that any of these little ones be lost!
@@jessicablais8005 Hi Jessica, thanks for the response, and for putting it in the nicest way possible. I appreciate your sincerity. It's interesting you encouraged me to pray for wisdom and revelation. I noticed Paul pray that for the Ephesians almost 40 years ago when I was 16. Since then I've prayed that prayer for myself and others more times than I can count. (Thousands) In the last 3 years I've prayed that prayer everyday knowing that what I'm writing goes against the grain, and will endear me to no one. lol I'm well versed in the traditional Christian understanding of the New Testament, (30 years in the church, many of them as a leader) so I understand your opposition to what I've written. I'm also well aware of how difficult it is to break free from the error of current Christian doctrine. I'm grateful for the grace of God which worked in me to set me free from false teaching. I never once asked God to do so because I didn't know I needed to be set free. lol Is God the cause of our salvation, repentance, reconciliation, righteousness, and our ability to walk in the Spirit or are we? I say it's God, not us, because the New Testament repeatedly says exactly that. The church says WE ARE THE CAUSE of all that happens to us from God. That in a nutshell, is the error, and that in a nutshell is what makes Christ of no effect in our lives. I suspect Gods intent has always been for Christ to be of great effect in our lives, and so I believe what I do to that end...because of Him. :) All the best Jessica. :)
@@jessicablais8005 Hi Jessica, read Acts 11:13-18 and tell me, did these people choose to repent? Read Acts 9, which tells the story of Paul's conversion, and tell me, did Paul choose to repent in the same manner Christianity teaches? The answer is undeniably no. :) When God reveals Himself to us we repent. He does not reveal Himself when we repent. God is always the cause, we are the effect. :) Thanks for taking the time to tell me some of your story. My heart goes out to you for all that you've had to endure. In John chapter 9 we're told the story of the man born blind and the disciples asked Jesus, "did this man or his parents sin that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "neither this man nor his parents, but this happened so that the works of God may be displayed in him." In the same way I trust all that has happened to you is so the works of God may be displayed in you." :) All the best. Peter
I don't believe Pete is coming at the scripture with the presupposition "that you can't know." I can't know his point though, so I'll speak for me. I agree with his question. I love God and his word. I love Jesus' Church and care whether they fall for the ways of the world and whether they're following Jesus for real. I have a degree in Bible. I have been a lay leader, teacher, preacher. And I don't find an answer in this video for my desire to know. Unless... what I know is I'm not saved. I am not successful enough, especially considering the timeline of my warfare with sin, to believe the Spirit is giving me any victory almost at all. My only hope is in the cry "Abba, Father!" and in the "almost" of my previous statement. I am helpless. But I'm so long in this fight with so little rescue, so little of the Paraklete, I am troubled by cynicism toward myself. I do not enjoy the confidence, the peace. I long for Him to be that Father, and I don't know how not to fail, how to "enjoy" at all. And on a slightly side note in my study of the full cross section of Christianity - it seems the name of the game for the disciple, over and over, is "persevere." Hold onto surrender to Christ, to trusting him to the end.
SALVATION IS OPEN TO EVERYONE!! “Does Calvinism give the believer piece of mind regarding the security of their eternal destiny? I don’t think so! Is it that much different in effect than Arminianism? Typically the Calvinist is left wondering if they’re one of those predestined to heaven. Uncertainty remains. And at times they question whether or not they are under strong delusion, yet still wanting to believe they are garaunteed heaven. Moreover, when lapsing into sin they doubt their salvation, reasoning that they couldn’t be saved or conformed to the image of Gods Son when their works prove differently. Thus Calvinistic predestination drives the believer back into a form of works based salvation and eternal security measured by works despite their professions to the contrary. Thus the Calvinistic predestinationalist is caught up in a guilt cycle of trying to prove Calvinism’s salvific guarantee through personal behaviour modification, lest they be shown predestined to hell by their works. Similarly the Arminianist, when falling into sin most often believes they may have lost their salvation, not demonstrating a life conformed to that of Christ. Both the Calvinist and the Arminianist are in the same boat. The former uncertain if they are deluded and therefore trapped in patterns of sin because they are not part of the predestined elect, but of the predestined damned. Yet they can’t be sure what group they fall into and they are prone to question their salvation. The latter, the Arminianist, is equally faced with the same dilemma and sometimes drawn into patterns of contrived repentance believing that by recognizing their guilt and repenting, their salvation is maintained. Thus, like the Calvinist, the Arminianist insists that the authenticity of their salvation is proved by their life of repentance. Conversely, the true gospel of Jesus Christ is simple. You are saved by faith. And you are eternally secure through faith in Christ. Period. Jesus said that whoever endures till the end shall be saved. That is to say, whoever keeps the faith to the end. And Paul wrote that he had kept the faith and finished the race and was worthy to receive the prize, eternal life. By faith in Jesus Christ you participate in your salvation. And not by works. That is your assurance of eternal security, and therein is the liberty that most people seek.” - Reg J Block
Gen 1:27. "And God made man according to His image and likeness and gave them authority". That got lost through the fall of man. But is freely returned by Jesus Holy Blood and Holy Spirit IN us. The Gospels were written by man like you and me. Eyewitnesses that saw God walking this earth in Christ. Healing all, raising the dead, casting out demons, controlling nature. He said: "If you see Me, you see the Father. The Father and I are one. You will understand that the Father is IN me and I am IN you. I will send Holy Spirit, the same as Me, He will be IN you, guide you into truth and will give you power. The same miracles I do, you will do too, etc ,etc". It is in John 14 up to 17. It is the ultimate conclusion of Gods word. Jesus, born by the Spirit of God, filled with the Spirit of God, God manifested on earth in a human body. Period. Completely normal btw. In Genesis He made man according to His own image and likeness. So what's the fuzz Jesus being the exact image of God in the flesh? He just is. Evenmore. Now by His Spirit we transform back to the same image! Hence the countless miracles i already have experienced. God has come full circle! "As in the first Adam ALL died (lost the divine nature), so also ALL were made alive IN Christ to walk in Zoë = divine life again." Rom 5:18 The divine life the first Adam let go of has been freely returned to us by Christ's blood and Spirit. A lot of people never understood this, they mock, scoff, put it down, contradict it.... leading you away from your true identity in God. Heartbreaking. Same happens in Christianity btw. Most Christians think it is about trying to do good, dodging hell and going to heaven some day. Heaven already came down in Spiritform, for you to be indwelled by, be changed and walk in unselfish divine power and love. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 AMP Thank you God for stopping down in Christ. Now we see what life is all about. Thank you for your Spirit in us that transforms us back to Gen 1:27. The image of Christ. Walking in unselfish divine power and love. You are so amazing
You can be sure if perseverance itself is not the emphasis of perseverance but the person and work of Christ. Perseverance will not keep you persevering but Christ will through grace.
Calvinism is a doctrine of devils. Their idea of the perseverence of the Saints is not Biblically sound. The promises that Piper mentions here will only come if a believer "remain" in Christ. John 15:5-6 "I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken off] branch, and withers and dies; and they gather such branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned." If a believer in Christ falls away, no longer remains in Christ, and does not repent before leaving this Earth he or she will fall into Hell for eternity. This is the danger of teaching this "Once Saved Always Saved" false doctrine. It gives one a false security of their salvation. This teaching was never found in the first century church. This teaching is a by-product of the Protestant Reformation that occured only 500 years ago. You must obey Christ and produce spiritual fruit until the very end to receive the Crown of Life. Jesus clearly and emphatically said in Matthew 24:13 "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." In the Amplified Bible it says, "But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved." In other words if you lose faith, or if you are not committed to Christ to the very end you disqualify yourself for eternity. Philippians 2:12-13 "So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure." Here the Scriptures teaches obedience that is initiated by the believer, but if we are in Christ, and remain in Him the power of the Holy Spirit, if we heed to Him, will see to it that we will ensure to the end. Another note on this perseverance of the Saints business. If in fact it is God forcing believers against their will to do His will to make them his “elect,” that is imposing his sovereignty on believers, accomplishing this without any work initiated from the believer himself, then why will he be judged by Jesus Christ at the end for the deeds produced in his body while on the Earth? 2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives-the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]."
I have observed that the reason many that believe still have doubts about their salvation is because they have never changed their minds about their sinfulled life (repented) Paul says Faith is a gift from God Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Real faith will only be granted after repentance Mark 1:15 The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. You were going in one direction (sin) you make a decision of the heart and mind to turn away from your sins, and take your life in the opposite direction. Lay your sins at the cross and ask Jesus to forgive them and help you. This is turning from sin. Jesus illustrates this in the Parable of the Prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Respectfully, Pastor Piper does not answer the question of how you can know (100%) that you will persevere. He merely points to your works, which can change. Now, he believes in Perseverence of the Saints - therefore, if Pete was to fall into sin and not walk according to the spirit for a time, he would NOT have good reason to doubt his salvation. Because that would mean that his salvation is in jeopardy - which goes against Calvinism. However, Pastor Piper is telling him that evidence of your salvation is in your (confirming) works. So wouldn't your damnation be as well? I generally agree with this but am just pointing out that this advice is incompatible with his beliefs and he should have just said that one cannot know completely. Even Paul left space for the possibility. 1 Cor 9:27. I lean on 1 John personally.
Salvation is by belief in Jesus' substitutionary work on the Cross. If your works didn't save you, your works sure can't unsave you. These seminary trained people are more confused than laymen. Read your bible and ask the Spirit to teach you. John 6:29 KJV Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Excellent! The question reflects a common misconception of the doctrine of perseverance, usually by those who do not adhere to Calvinism (though they are clearly stated in the Bible).
When you truly believe by faith, that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and you repent of your sins. He will give you the Holy Spirit and you will rejoice and give God glory all the time and never get tired of doing that. That is one way that you can tell that you are truly save.😊
I'm a new believer and how do I get to this firmness and assurance? I worry I might die before reaching this assurance. I feel I turned to God so late. Please pray for me because I am going through fear of death and worrying about not having salvation and leaving my family behind. I can't see to circumvent it 100%, but it Leda me to God to praying ad crying to Him. What can I do, what should I pray, what should I pray? Is it because I don't trust God? I'm an analytical thinker so I believe this may or may not contribute. I believe and know Jesus is real and died for my sins. I wonder if it's that I don't trust or believe in His promises fully?
Zeebubz there are times of doubt and unbelief and lack of feelings. Sometimes we doubt and don’t feel saved, your doubts and feelings don’t separate you from God but continue to pray, ask God for assurance. Read Romans 8 it talked about our flesh at war with the spirit inside of us but is mostly referring to the fact that Christians still sin. Be reading the word and ask God to reveal himself to you. Find someone who can help you with doubts and concerns about your faith
@@stevenchanda4039 hi Steven. So good of you to enquire. Thank you for your encouragement. I am attending a local church and surrounded by wonderful Christians and a pastor who preaches God's word as is. God has truly grown me and continues to do so I believe. Thank you brother. May God bless you
@@Foxtrot07gamer thank you. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner. I believe if I'd read your message I would have truly found great encouragement. I still am encouraged. Thank you and God bless you.
@@Xandy2dandY You are most welcome and that's good to hear. God be praised for everything. And the offer is open whenever you feel the need to. Keep pressing on!
Christ alone is our perseverence. Our salvation is preserved in Him. Because you don't believe, the holy spirit is convicting you of sin. When Christ is your life, you cannot sin, because you are a new creation (spiritual body, hid with Christ in God), and we are completely dead to sin (this temporal, natural body). Go and sin no more.
I thought Jesus was obedient unto death for me; why do I have to persevere? Do I have to be just as holy and sinless as Jesus? How do I know that I'm persevering and someone else isn't persevering? It seems like there's a lot of gray area here and room for self-righteous attitudes. Isn't salvation given to those who "worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly"?
Romans 4:5 is referring to one who does not work to EARN his salvation. Romans 3:20 says that by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight. It's not saying that we don't do any good works, as faith without works is dead (James 2:26). We do good works out of love for Christ, and to live the Christian life the way God commands us to live it. True faith in Christ WILL result in an obedient lifestyle to His commands. We won't obey perfectly, but where we fail, we confess our sins and repent of them. And we spend our entire life doing that. That is what perseverance is. And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. (Colossians 1:21-23, NASB) Hope this helps you, God bless!
@@matthewnel8778 "True faith in Christ WILL result in an obedient lifestyle to His commands" is a prideful statement. Also, you're adding that interpretation when you read James 2. That's not what it says. It says that faith alone won't save you from God's judgment without mercy in this lifetime. Perseverance of the Saints is a prideful doctrine and is a perverted version of Once Saved, Always Saved. The only condition for salvation is believing in Jesus Christ, not repenting of your sins and keeping your sin count down. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WM0GLmnhfkY.html
@@jamieunderwood9704 Jesus said "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). The apostles also preached repentance (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19). If you do not turn from sin, there is no salvation. True faith will produce repentance from sin. Hebrews 12:14 says that without holiness, none shall see the Lord. This easy-believism of "just believe" has produced many false converts. True faith produces a changed lifestyle. You cannot say you have faith in Christ if you are living just like you used to before you made a profession of belief in Christ. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Salvation is by Grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, but if that faith has not produced a change of lifestyle, it's not real faith. Hope this clears things up for you. Blessings in Christ
@@jamieunderwood9704 Amen!! It's the simple gospel. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. When we believe that He died for our sins, was buried and rose again we are saved. A child of God forever. The word of God is clear when we use Ephesians 2:8-9 as a measurement for salvation. Other scripture cannot contradict it. Thank you Lord for making salvation simple and everlasting. Praise Jesus!
@@matthewnel8778Repentance is a change of mind. Going from unbelief to belief. Going from believing you could save yourself to believing the gospel. Have you turned from all sin? Salvation is not dependent on what we do. It's a gift from God. Turning from sin would mean you are adding to the gospel. You are wanting to do something to earn your salvation when nobody can earn it. No scripture can contradict Ephesians 2:8-9.
I have observed that the reason many that believe still have doubts about their salvation is because they have never changed their minds about their sinfulled life (repented) Paul says Faith is a gift from God Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Real faith will only be granted after repentance Mark 1:15 The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. You were going in one direction (sin) you make a decision of the heart and mind to turn away from your sins, and take your life in the opposite direction. Lay your sins at the cross and ask Jesus to forgive them and help you. This is turning from sin. Jesus illustrates this in the Parable of the Prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Here is a simple answer. What are you trusting in to get to Heaven? If it's Jesus Christ who died on the cross for your sins, was buried and rose again, then correct. Is it enough? Yes. Good you can be sure of your salvation. Salvation is a gift of God for whoever believes the gospel. We can't use our fruit we produce, our perseverance to judge of we are saved because that depends on us and nobody is saved by what they do. See Ephesians 2:8-9. Have you ever believed that Jesus Christ, Son of God, God the Son died for your sins, was buried and rose again? That's all that's matters for salvation.
This is a very valid question and as many of you have stated, there seems to be an understanding of election which may be informed by Calvin's doctrine which circumvents Jesus' own warnings and teachings about salvation. In Matthew 10: 37-39, Jesus explains what He considers to be a true disciple; namely, one who values Jesus above all other things in this world, even his or her own life. He reiterates this point further in Luke 14: 26-35, where he provides warning about counting the cost before making the decision to give your life to follow Him. Both of these verses, in conjunction with the epistle messages about perseverance to the end, running the race, and the finishing of God's saving work on the day of salvation, leads me to vigilance each day, guarding my heart as steadfastly as possible to not be so arrogant as to believe that 1) I deserve salvation in the first place, and 2) salvation is so cheap that I could receive it by committing to anything less than giving all of me. It's a necessarily difficult truth to reconcile, and in the "working out of my salvation," as Phil. 2: 12-13 says, if Jesus is truly my Supreme treasure and my eternal life depends on him, the least I can do is give my utmost best in arriving at as true a repentance and cry for salvation as I can before my eyes shut for good on this side of eternity.
Do not confuse scriptures which refer to the Tribulation saints of Israel and NOT to us in this Christian dispensation of Grace. For the Christian it is God who saves us by His grace by faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice to put away sin on the cross. Christ gives us Eternal Life as the gift of God and we shall never perish. There is absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (the end of Romans ch. 8). The scripture which is referred to about persevering is in relation to the great Tribulation period of 7 years after the Christian church, the body of Christ and His Bride, has been removed from this scene of time at the rapture. The saints there are the 144000 elect remnant of Israel, 12000 from each tribe. Though Israel are our enemies in the case of the gospel of Grace, God still has his believing remnant of Israel and will carry out and fulfill all the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, etc. through Christ Jesus and in Him to that believing remnant of Israel who will endure to the end of the period of tribulation.
The day you were saved. Your flesh was already put to death. If you were truly saved. The old you died and you were born again of the spirit of Christ. A child of God!
I have struggled for over a year with my salvation. I denied God and left Him way back when i was a baby Christian in 2014. But felt extremely guilty after like 2 minutes and came back to Him. I back slid for almost 3 years after, but never denied Him. I got scared last year with the thought of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, it terrified me so much i gave up listening to bad music, movies, and repented again and again, but i kept struggling with thoughts of leaving and swearing against God i could almost never control, so i kept doubting wheather i was saved because i did not know if i left Him or not, i could've left Him in a split second, and barely recognized it. I have always struggled with doubts as well, cause i seem to have an idea about something built up then it always seems to get destroyed. So it causes me to doubt practically everything in the Bible- How do i know anything i believe is true if i keep gaining an idea believing it to be true and then it just crumbles later on. And recently i keep struggling with the time years ago when i left Him if i can be saved or if i even am saved at all. I am so scared! Please pray for me, i feel hopeless.
Justine Adamson I’ll pray for you. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a sin in which someone rejects the conviction of the Holy Spirit for so long and persistently that eventually they become so hard and so in love with the world that they cannot repent from their sin. Its a sin in which constant rejection takes place to the point of no return because they were rejecting the conviction to return to Christ and repent from sin. If you read in the same passage that speaks of it Jesus says that all sins and blasphemy’s are forgiven. So thinking an evil thought or saying something about God or using his name in vain are all forgiven sins and can be repented from. The problem isn’t forgiveness, the problem is repentance. A person who committed that sin rejected God so harshly and persistently that eventually they became hardened against the work of the Holy Spirit and could not repent. The bible says that if we confess our sins to the Lord he is just and faithful to forgive us our sins. Pray that God will open your heart and eyes to the cross and to his love. The bible also says that perfect love casts out fear. Surrender your heart and allow God to work in you. Prayer is your best friend. Perhaps you could find a pastor or someone who is strong in their faith to help you. The Christian faith isn’t about keeping the whole law it’s about accepting the fact you cant keep the law and that you’re a sinner and running to Christ and his work on the cross for our justification
I became a Christian as a teenager then slid into the ways of adultery and the world. I have come back stronger than ever through Him. We must deny ourselves and seek Him earnestly and diligently even in the times our minds (maybe even your heart) doesn't want to. Always seek and you will find Salvation. Let your seeking diligence even during the times you wish not to. This will show your true faith of desiring God and Christ. These are the personal fruits of your Faith. You can find many more verses on seeking God. Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Don't have a unhealthy fear, but the holy fear of respect for our Lord, that will keep you away from evil, but know that he also loves you, that holy fear on our hearts are a gift from God itself who keep many of us away from sin, and bring us closer to him, i have passed the same problem and God have comforted me, just seek him with all your strength, lay down all your sins, let God work in your heart, his word is clear "This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,…" 1 Timothy 2:4 That's why some of us have this holy fear, to stay away from evil, but we need to listen it and go to God, he is the one who will perfect us and cast away all fear, just believe in him, in that battle you will listen to two voices, the voice of satan who keep saying that you are already beyond salvation but that is a lie, and the voice of God who keep calling you to go closer and closer to him.
Hi Justine, I hope you're doing well. I read your message and the responses people gave you. My bet is none of those answers helped. The people who responded to you are likely sincere in their effort to help but, based on my experience with God and understanding of the Bible, what they had to say doesn't help. I'm 56 years old and became a Christian at 16. Since then I have been in and out of the church, many of those years were spent as a radical sinner. lol That all changed three years ago and I created a website to write about how it all changed. You're not alone in your back and forth struggle. Everyone goes through it because God set us up to go through it. The difference is you admit it, whereas most hide it. The problem is not that you sin, the problem is you believe your sin separates you from God; IT DOESN'T! We are sinners because God made us sinners, not because we sin. Check out FakeYouOut.com to read more about what God has shown me about the Christian life, and how it contradicts almost everything we've been told by the church. There's a really good reason why what you've been told hasn't helped your relationship with God and that's because what you've been told is false! You are blessed...now and forever...because of Him. :) Pete
Bill Erickson I don’t think it is ommision on his part. He wasn’t talking about warnings here - these are purely to try and answer a question. He does address warnings in his sermons which are on the website.
Not in my experience. There is what some call "the doctrine of perfection", but I don't think it's biblical. The adversary has used the concept to taunt and torment me. I'll find peace sometimes, but he always throws it back at me...telling me I've messed up too often...my fighting is in vain. The thing is...it's not like giving up is even an option. We know our Lord is real...so abandoning ourselves to sin is no solution. We have no other place to go but the foot of the cross.
We're human, we are Mortals. We were born to sin ever since Adam and Eve defiled God. It's in our natural blood to sin but that doesn't mean we should keep doing it. We should stop this path and walk in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ wants us to improve and walk away from sin but yet we must have complete and utter faith in him.
@Elevated Harmony I think its more so that your justified by faith alone in Jesus' life death and resurrection . And because of that, the giving of the Holy spirit, becoming a new creature, we are told to put of the old man and put on the new, abstain from the passions of the flesh etc. I dont think the reformers teach we have to kill our sin in order to be justified. Its more a fruit of salvation (becoming conformed to the image of Christ), not a work in order to be justified. "What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?" Romans: 6:1 "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Absolutely not! " Romans 6:15 "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-2
@Elevated Harmony Its not so much our good works as evidence of salvation because then it would be of works and not of faith. It's more so a biblical idea to pray and see and ask the Lord to search our hearts. It wasn't Calvin or Luther who wrote these verses. "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you- unless you actually fail the test? " 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble," 2 Peter 1:10 "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." Matthew 7:16-20
No one can be assured of their salvation in this life because salvation is for those who persevere (Matthew 10:22) and no one knows if they will persevere or not. We should HOPE for salvation but never presume to already have it. Once-saved-always-saved in particular is a very evil and false doctrine.
A Calvinist can never “truly” know whether they are saved . They can only assume. And those who truly believe they are “truly”saved are assured they can fall back into sin but won’t be lost. (No matter how bad it is). Horrible doctrines.
John Piper is going to hell and anyone else who trusts in their own ability to persevere or thinks one must persevere to the end, is also going to hell.
jacksmack77 What if someone initially believed once saved always saved but then they were convinced that they must persevere to the end? Do they lose their salvation for believing that? Or are they once saved always saved no matter what they believe after the fact?
The will of god is the key. Saved by grace unto good work. God gave us the holyspirit and divine nature as a result, these are all God's ability to assist us in righteous living. Now we work out(live out) our salvation by God's ability not for salvation (Philippians 2: 12,13). This is God's will and we better not go against him. Bible said, you put on the new man and put off the old man because you already have the ability. Noticed he did not say, I'll put it on for you but rather, "you" put it on. The main reason why believers do not pursue righteousness is false teachings. BEWARE!!!!!!
Paul had complete assurance but also knew he could fall. Piper says you can’t. It is your PRESENT CONDITION which matters . That’s where your assurance is. Dont believe this nonsense.
Bill Erickson I don’t think you understood what JP was trying to say. Paul knew he could fall IF he didn’t rely on God’s power to keep him. God doesn’t fail anyone and our salvation isn’t up to us. We can fall, but God prevents us falling or helps us up if we fell.
Perservering has nothjng to do with salvation, it has to do with living a successful Christian life and serving God AFTER they have been saved. "Your sin can send you to hell." John Piper doesn't have faith in Jesus Christ, he has faith in his own ability to perservere by perverting the word of God. Piper teaches a back door works salvation. If you're doubting your salvation you know you believed a false Gospel and do not have the faith of a child by placing complete trust in the finished work of Christ. If he taught faith alone in Christ alone he wouldn't have to keep answering questions from all of his followers about them doubting their salvation.
JPL1o618 the saved are not free of temptation or doubt, Thomas doubted but was saved, yes He does all the saving but by saying doubt (a sin to you) would send the to hell then their own works are what could save or condemn.
