Discuss Ephesians 2 Page 4

  • Sydneyee - In Reply on Psalms 50 - 2 years ago
    Wanda, Gods word is clear that salvation is by grace through faith, not of ourselves, a gift from God, not of works. Ephesians 2:8-9. It also says in 1st John that we can KNOW we have eternal life. The Gospel is in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Read that. But, Christ died for YOU on the cross shedding his blood for the forgiveness of your sins. He rose again three days later according to the scriptures. Do you believe that? All you have to do to have eternal life is trust Christ. Believe he did it for you. Do you believe it? If yes, then you are saved! Salvation is a free gift offered to you and you receive it by faith. Your belief of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the sole basis of your salvation and the surety you have it forever!
  • Jesse - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 2 years ago
    Elizabeth,

    For the believer, Jesus is our hope ( 1 Timothy 1:1), He is our peace ( Ephesians 2:14), He is the light of the world ( John 8:12), He is the good shepherd who gave His life for His sheep (All those who have surrendered their life to Him ( John 10:11), He is the head of the church ( Ephesians 1:22), He is the only one who sets us free from our sin ( John 8:36), He is our redeemer ( Job 19:25), He is the only atoning sacrifice for our sin ( 1 John 4:10), He is the Savior of those who receive Him ( Luke 2:11, John 1:12), He is the creator of all things ( Colossians 1:16-17, John 1:1-3), He is the word of God, and He is God ( John 1:1, Isaiah 9:6), He is our only way to salvation ( John 10:9, John 14:6).

    There are many, many more descriptors in the Bible that tell us who Jesus is, but it would take many more posts to list them all.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Six things determined upon Daniel's people and the holy city.

    Part 2

    To finish the transgression

    To finish; to withhold something from someone. transgression "transgress," to overpass as any rule prescribed as the limit of duty, to break or violate, as a law, civil or moral, the act of transgressing, rebellion, revolt, offend, that a penalty for the transgression a payment is due for the offense. Debt and transgressions, that they/we cannot pay, and the animal sacrifices fall short.

    The only way anyone can stand before a just and holy God is if somebody is worthy and spotless to pay the debt. And the only one who has earned the right to pay that debt is the Messiah the Son of God and we have justification through Christ alone.

    Psalm 32:1 Psalm 89:32 Psalm 103:11-12 Isaiah 43:25 Isaiah 53:5-8 Isaiah 53:11 Galatians 3:19 Ephesians 2:4-5 Hebrews 9:15-18

    Jesus with a perfect life gave up his body to death; he fulfilled the first covenant of sacrificial law. His sacrifice is the redemption of the transgressions and the fulfillment of the first covenant of sacrificial law.

    He became sin for us, and with his blood made the new covenant being the only mediator of the New Testament that we through faith in Jesus Christ receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Offered first to the house of Israel for He came first only for the lost sheep of Israel then was offered to the rest of the world.

    See Part 3
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Six things determined upon Daniel's people and the holy city.

    Part 4

    To make reconciliation for iniquity

    Reconciliation is an element of salvation that refers to the results of the atonement, to coat or cover, Isaiah 61:10 Rev. 3:4 Rev. 16:15, iniquity is guilt, crookedness, twistedness, perverseness, that which is not straight or upright, and moral distortion in the dark.

    Colossians 1:20-22 Isaiah 53:5-6 Isaiah 53:11 Ephesians 2:16 Titus 2:14 Romans 4:7 2 Romans 5:10-11 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Colossians 1:19-22

    The word reconcile means to bring back to a former state of harmony, Jesus reconciled both Jew and Gentile unto God in one body by the cross and now through Jesus we both Jew and Gentile have access by one Spirit unto the Father, no more strangers or foreigners but fellow citizens. Making reconciliation for iniquity concerns our involvement in the work of salvation. God has reconciled himself to us and empowered us by his Spirit to reconcile ourselves to God and one another.

    To bring in everlasting righteousness.

    Everlasting, no end, long duration, antiquity, futurity, forever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, continuous existence. Righteousness, God's attribute, justice, mercy, loving-kindness, in conformity to the demands of the covenant, and according to God's will, fair and balanced.

    Isaiah 61:10-11 Hebrews 8:12 Romans 3:21-26 Romans 5:17-21 1 Corinthians 1:30 2 Corinthians 5:21 1 Peter 2:24

    Everlasting righteousness was what our Lord manifested in His sinless life. Jesus by His blood entered in once into the holy place not made by hands having obtained eternal redemption, everlasting, and in Jesus we have everlasting righteousness and salvation, through faith, given by grace from God, by the blood of the Lamb freely offered for us. We have no righteousness apart from Jesus Christ.

    See Part 5
  • Giannis - In Reply on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    Hello Browneyes878787

    I have done some research on the internet and found out that the lettrer "J" was introduced into the English language sometime in the 1400's but it wasn't finallized till the 1700's. It's first pronunciation was as "I" but later it was transformed in a "dz" sound, as it is now. That letter was an invention for the Italian language actually but it was eventually introduced in all western languages. Most languages, like French and the Germanic languages pronounce it as "Y", as in the word "Yacht", but in English it became a "dz" sound. So in the 1611 edition of the KJV Bible the letter "I" is still used , so the name was "Iesus". In the following editions though it took the form "Jesus".

    Just for information, about the name "Jesus", in ancient greek sounds like the Hebrew "Ye" or the English "Je" were not common, the "sh" sound doesn't exist at all in grk masculine names in grk almost always end in "s" or "n" (only feminine names end in "a"), so "Yeshua" became "Iesous" in grk, then in Latin it became "Iesus", then in the archaic English again as "Iesus" and finally in modern English it became "Jesus".

    Finally you are right about the name "Joshua". In Hbr and grk it is Yeshua (Iesous) no matter if it is refered to Joshua of Nan or Jesus Christ. It is the same with the names Jacob and James. In Hebrew(Ya'acov) and greek (Iakovos) it is the same name.

    GBU
  • Chris - In Reply on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    Very well explained, Browneyes. Those who object to using a 'J' for Jesus, seldom object to using 'J' for Jerusalem or Judah (as you pointed out). God receives & delights in the correctness in our living, not in the accuracy of our spelling & pronunciation.
  • Browneyes878787 - In Reply on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    Got answers

    Yeshua is the Hebrew name, and its English spelling is "Joshua." Iesous is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name, and its English spelling is "Jesus." Thus, the names "Joshua" and "Jesus" are essentially the same; both are English pronunciations of the Hebrew and Greek names for our Lord. (For examples of how the two names are interchangeable, see Acts 7:45 and Hebrews 4:8 in the KJV. In both cases, the word Jesus refers to the Old Testament character Joshua.

    As for the controversy over the letter J, it is much ado about nothing. It is true that the languages in which the Bible was written had no letter J. But that doesn't mean the Bible never refers to "Jerusalem" or "Judah." And it doesn't mean we cannot use the spelling "Jesus." If a person speaks and reads English, it is acceptable for him to spell things in an English fashion. Spellings can change even within a language: Americans write "Savior," while the British write "Saviour." The addition of a u (or its subtraction, depending on your point of view) has nothing to do with whom we're talking about. Jesus is the Savior, and He is the Saviour. Jesus and Yeshuah and Iesus are all referring to the same Person.

    We refer to Him as "Jesus" because, as English-speaking people, we know of Him through English translations of the Greek New Testament. Scripture does not value one language over another, and it gives no indication that we must resort to Hebrew when addressing the Lord. The command is to "call on the name of the Lord," with the promise that we "shall be saved" ( Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32). Whether we call on Him in English, Korean, Hindi, or Hebrew, the result is the same: the Lord is salvation.
  • John Paul Elliott/YesUs Love on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    Gentleman could you kindly correct the name of Jesus and your scriptures to yes us it seems and you're welcome to look at Google Google when was the letter J installed in the Hebrew alphabet it wasn't it was done about 402 years ago there was no j in the time of Christ for sure as also prove the Yiddish have for the Yiddish portion of what they called Jews today or the Jewish or the Hebrew faith and never put the letter J in their alphabet they have their own alphabet they never put Jay in there and when the Jay was installed the people who call themselves Jews name themselves Jews and therefore stole the real name of yesass from the Christ and call him Jesus please let me know if that's something you guys really want to do the truth will set you free thanks so much yes
  • GiGi - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Dear Alex, Your doctrine of universal salvation regardless of belief or unbelief in Jesus and His work as well as your doctrine of God being born and replicated in us is what is in error.

    Refer to John 3:18-19 and Luke 13:3 (Jesus said to repent or perish)

    The Sciptures says that the Holy Spirit, Christ, and the Father all come to dwell within the believer, but all are not remade into baby gods in us, nor replicated in our human persons.

    Read Ephesians 2:22 and Ephesians 3:17

    John 14:17 and John 14:23

    God does not change, as in the Spirit being born in us as child that grows. Only Jesus was Incarnated, not the Holy Spirit.

    Read Psalm 102:27 and Hebrews 1:12 and Malachi 3:6

    Alex, I know that we have addressed these doctrines before, but I still believe that YOU are the one in direct opposition to the revealed Word of God.

    Bless you today, Alex. Always, love in Christ.
  • Chris - In Reply on John 12 - 2 years ago
    Yes Jeff, you can also look at John 14:30; John 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:3,4; Ephesians 2:2.
  • Texsis - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Db, 'T Levis' points out: Hebrews 7-10; with titles being: 'Imperfection of Aaronic Priesthood', 'A Better Covenant' & 'A New Covenant', 'Old Covenant's Sanctuary', 'New Covenant Sanctuary' & 'NEW Covenant Sacrifice' & finally 10 w/the title of, 'Fourth WARNING: Danger of Drawing Back'. I pray God grows these seeds we plant & blesses you and yours to continue by also reading: 2Corinthians 5 titled, 'Motivation of the Future Presence of Christ', Ephesians 1:7 'Redeemed by the Son' & Ephesians 2:8-9 'Old Condition: Dead to God' & 'New Condition: Alive to God' then Colossians 2 'Freedom from Enticing Words', 'Freedom from Vain Philosophy', Freedom from Judgement of Men', 'Freedom from Improper Worship', & 'Freedom from the Doctrine of Men'.

    *Heavenly Father thank you for your son Jesus. As well as for your unending Love, Forgiveness & Grace. Lord I ask that you be with Db in their time of need & bring them to your truth that we needn't do anything to get to heaven but believe in Him, except Him & thank Him for dying for all sin & Live accordingly to your will Father. We repent (turn to Christ) & are, at that moment, baptized with His Holy Spirit. In your time Lord, not ours, will change our hearts to fit your purpose for our lives so we may know your truth & spread your true word w/Love & Forgiveness to the ends of the earth.! In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray these things to be lifted up to you so Db can know & love you as we do, Amen.
  • Ellix2u - In Reply - 2 years ago
    I respectfully disagree with Jesse's answer. The Bible is clear on salvation. One must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. John 3:16. It is by faith Ephesians 2:8. The question was asked how to be saved.. answered in Acts 16:30 ."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved". Every Word of God is true.in Mark. 16:16 it says "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned". It does not say if you don't believe and are not baptizedyou shall be. Damned only that if you don't believe. Another proof that there is no need for baptism to be saved is that when Jesus was on the cross the thief said to Jesus in Luke 23:42. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." So clearly the thief was not baptized prior to his death and it was his belief alone that saved him. It is not of any works.lest any man boast. You don't have to go to church.keep the commandmentsnor be baptized . There's no amount of works or anything you can do to save yourself. It is the free gift of God. All these things are good .. but we all fall short.. and the reason God sent Jesus. Ephesians 2:8. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. It is easy to be saved that is why even a small child can be saved.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi. Allelee.

    The Apostles lais the foundation in which we are to build upon.

    Jesus is the Cornerstone. ( In building the Cornerstone is the first and most important part of the foundation. The rest of the building depends on It's perfection. afterwards the foundation is layed. (THE APOSTLES)

    Then the comes the building. (US.)

    Once the building has started there is no need of another foundation. This is what Christ was saying in Matthew 16:18. " upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

    HE was speaking of himself referencing Peters answer. ( Matthew 16:16 "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

    Ephesians 2:19-22. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens 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;

    In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

    In whom YE ALSO ARE BUILDED TOGETHER FOR AN HABITATION of God through the Spirit.

    Also see.

    1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (KJV) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

    For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

    God bless.
  • S Spencer - 2 years ago
    More on this important topic concerning our works ans righteousness.

    Romans 10:10. Says 'For with the heart man believeth UNTO "righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

    Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO 'good works", which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    The righteousness is not of the law as mentioned and the works is not the working of the law. 2 Corinthians 3:3-4. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

    And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

    This is performed by Christ being in you and he will abide in you until the end.

    Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST:

    1 John 5:10-12. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

    AND THIS IS THE RECORD, THAT GOD HATH GIVEN TO US ETERNAL LIFE, AND THIS LIFE IS IN HIS SON.

    He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

    We either have Jesus or ww don't!

    If we have Jesus we have life and that life is sealed and eternal.

    I love the way the scripture plainly put it. "GOD HATH GIVEN TO US ETERNAL LIFE, AND THIS LIFE IS IN HIS SON.

    God bless.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Amen David.

    Gigi this is the example I have given when one trample over the blood of Christ. Hebrews 10:29.

    Romans 10:4-11. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

    For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

    But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

    Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

    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;

    That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

    FOR WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION.

    ( If you claim you don't know that you are saved until you die and is judged how do you confess it?

    WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION IS TO LATE IF YOU ARE DEAD!

    ( Here's one of many verses that speaks on eternal security)

    FOR THE SCRIPTURE SAITH, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED.

    Was not Christ judged on the cross taking the penalty of our sins? Yes.

    Was he not the Lamb of God? Yes.

    Was it sufficient? Isaiah 53:7-10.

    How many of those sins was future?

    If you can earn it you can loose it.

    But if it is a gift and you didn't earn it, how could you loose it?

    We are saved by GRACE.

    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. Ephesians 2:8-10.

    Grace can't be taken away.

    God bless.
  • Alex1939 - In Reply on 2 Samuel 4 - 2 years ago
    alex1939...Samuel the strangers were any body not of the common wealth of Israel...The Gentiles were considered the strangers .... Ephesians 2:11...Remember ye being strangers in the past called the uncircumcisied in the flesh....Ye were strangers to the comon wealth of Israel etc....Anybody not circumcised. gb
  • Giannis - 2 years ago
    Hagai 1:7-10

    "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house(of God); and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house. Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit."

    1 Corinthians 3:16, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

    1 Corinthians 6:19, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

    Ephesians 2:19-21, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens 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; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Amen, Spot on Brother Jesse.

    I believe the short cummings of the disciples during Jesus 3-year ministry exhibits the lack of "fruit barren faith" that only can be produced by the vine.

    This is faith in a substance, (Our Lord Jesus.) The author and finisher of the faith.

    If I'm going to have to go with the body of scripture as a whole, I would have to come up with the conclusion that my faith is a fruit of the Holyspirit without having to go to the Greek.

    However here is the Greek in the Strongs.

    Author= Chief leader/Captain or prince.

    Finisher=Completer that is consummater.

    Faith:

    Greek:

    Transliteration: pistis

    Pronunciation: pis'-tis

    Definition: From G3982; persuasion that is credence; moral conviction (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher) especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance belief believe faith fidelity.

    Ephesians 2:8-9.

    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.

    Now if it's God's grace, and my faith, then I would something to boast of. "My faith initiated His grace".

    That would be a form of work to add to my salvation and it would be something I could lose.

    But if he is the Author and the finisher of "HIS faith, I can't lose that.

    BECAUSE HE IS THE FINISHER OF WHAT HE STARTED.

    God bless you.
  • David0920 - 2 years ago
    Christ's Faith

    Ephesians 2:8-9

    For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.

    The FAITH through which we are saved is Christ's faithfulness in performing everything required to accomplish the salvation of those whom God has chosen to save.

    The faith the we exercise is a WORK and, if we are saved, is a RESULT of our salvation, not the CAUSE nor the MEANS.

    A WORK (i.e. a good work) that we do is obedience to ANY commandment of GOD. And we are not saved by any work that we do. We are saved by Christ's WORK, and Christ's work ALONE. We contribute nothing.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 years ago
    Signs of the Rapture Part 4

    Principle 3 (cont). I would say that there are verses showing validity of either argument (i.e. all believers are taken out at the Rapture) OR that some may be left behind whose garments are soiled as shown in Revelation 3:4 to be made purified. I have discussed this in more depth in my Revelation commentaries. We certainly do well to "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith" ( 2 Corinthians 13:5) in either event. Revelation 3:11 shows how we may forfeit our rewards at least; and 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 show how we may suffer loss if that happens. I would venture to say that the lack of discussion of the Bema Seat and a lackadaisical attitude in general to considering being in His Presence characterizes todays church in a large part. Naturally; with this attitude hearts become calloused ( Matthew 24:12); and we are also not urgent about fulfilling the Great Commission. The political correctness of today has infiltrated a church already defining doctrinal standards on a much broader road than the straight and narrow delineated by the scriptures. Such events were of course warned about by both Paul and Peter who agonized in prayer over what they knew would come after their demise ( Acts 20:29-31); 2 Peter 2:1).

    In short; my point here is that none us should take for granted that we are saved without evidence of fruit; and none of us should rest on our laurels so to speak trusting that we will be raptured out of here. The same idea applies; we are free from our old nature but not free to imbibe once again in the world following our old sin nature. If the Kingdom of heaven isn't within our souls now it certainly won't be later. Whatever is the case with the Rapture itself there is certainly enough wisdom to go around to escape certain events beforehand that can be avoided if we are focusing on being seated in heavenly places ( Ephesians 2:6).
  • S Spencer - In Reply on Luke 20 - 2 years ago
    Hi Marie.

    Let's take it from verse 56 to get the context.

    Luke 9:56-62.

    For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

    And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

    And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

    And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

    Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

    And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

    And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

    The people of the world are those whom the Savior describes here as the (spiritually) dead who should bury the (physically) dead. Let people, He says, who are not interested in My work, and who are "dead in sin" ( Ephesians 2:1), take care of the dead. Your duty is now to follow Me.

    Some hold the view that the man's father has not died yet and what the man is saying let me go take care of my father until he dies, being he was the first born.

    "Jesus I will follow you but first let me stay with my father, until he dies. I am not sure how long that will take but once that happens then I will bury him. When that is done then I will come and follow you."

    Also, this man may have been consideringhis inheritance. It's possible this man was waiting to claim his inheritance from his father. So, he wasn't just saying he wanted to wait until his father died. He was also saying - Lord I have some inheritance coming to me and I want to secure my financial future. Once that happens, I will be ready and at that time I will come and follow you. It was a matter of priority.

    I hope this helps.

    God bless.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi GIgi.

    Part 1.

    Great and important question Gigi!

    At the same time can get really confusing!

    There's what we call saving faith. We're saved by grace " Through faith". Ephesians 2:8. Here's an element of election with the faith being performed is actually supplied by the Spirit. It is obvious everyone is not supplied with it; however, the invite goes out to everyone. God knew who would believe.

    Is believing what it takes to initiate God's faith to the believer? Are they separate? Are they the same?

    Here's a few verses where believing is used in the Bible. It's obvious when it comes to salvation It's "what" you believe not just believing in God as seen here in James 2:19.

    And then we have John 6:28-28 and Romans 10:9-10 Where belief is directed towards something specific.

    God given faith is a fruit and is accompanied with other fruit.

    There are results in God given faith as seen here in James 2:14-18.

    Faith is not trusting in something! It's trusting in someone and that's the Lord.

    Believing is not believing in something It's believing on someone and that's the Lord. We are to believe on the promise given to Abraham as mentioned here in Galatians 3:16-22. We are heirs of the promise by faith as Isaac as mentioned in Galatians 4:28.

    We are given a promise by God and given faith to believe in that promise.

    The invitation goes out to all as mentioned in 1 John 2:2.

    Everyone is given the ability to comprehend that light as mentioned in John 1:4-8. "But all will not"

    A person has to fall upon that rock and know he needs a savior.

    This is where the 10 commandments come into play. The commandments were meant to drive one to Christ. Some from out of darkness and some from dead works.

    Part 2 an article from J Vernon Mcgee.
  • Chris - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Page 2.

    c. Not Works. In relation to Salvation's matter, Works opposes Faith. It can be seen as not only self-effort & self-determination, but of Faithlessness & opposition to God. If any attempt is made to supplement our efforts to gain or assist in our salvation by faith, our faith is nullified & we are still in our sins. Any act of works declares that God's Work to save us was insufficient or not wholly believable - salvation must be all of God or not at all.

    In summary, in Ephesians 2:8,9 Paul tells us that the Gift of God towards us unworthy sinners, was His Grace & His Faith to believe & accept His Salvation. It could never be His Grace & our Faith, for we could never generate such a faith towards salvation - it had to be both from God, which ensures its reality in our hearts & confidence towards God.

    So, if God has done all this for us, making the preciousness of our Savior's death & resurrection vital in our hearts, what can ever "separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord?" This is the Faith God requires. And He gives it to those earnestly seeking Him cowering under the weight of their sin.
  • Chris - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Page 1.

    Hi GiGi. Another great & important question from you & btw, thank you, my wife & I had a very enjoyable vacation visiting some of the S. Pacific islands.

    My attempt to answer your question, takes me first to its root. And the one Scripture that I believe identifies this is Ephesians 2:8,9.

    "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."

    I see three things at work here:

    a. God's Grace. If it wasn't for the Grace of God afforded us, nothing in relation to salvation could ever occur, indeed, could we even continue to exist on Earth without that Grace? As was previously discussed in your other thread (on Mercy & Grace), that only out of God's Holy Character of Love & Mercy for all, can such Love ever be experienced by sinful man. So, first we see that we need a Gracious God ever ready to pour out His Love & ever ready to Forgive (but on His Terms).

    b. Of Faith. God knew that man could never generate such faith as to apprehend the glories of God, of Heaven, & of Eternity. Man can, & always had hope of something better than this life, but never knew of it with any certainty. Our fickle faith is limited to what we see & know in our worldview, but to ask us to believe in & apprehend something that is 'impossible to fathom', requires an extra Grace. God has to give us Faith as well as Grace, or else all talk of His Love & Salvation would circumvent our minds. And so Hebrews 11:1 gives us the meaning: this Faith from God to us must be of substance & evident in our hearts & not a wishful hope. If it weren't, then it isn't Faith - Faith brings into reality that which appears unreal.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Gigi.

    Great question and great responses!

    So, when it is all summed up here is the difference between the two.

    "As often said" Mercy is not getting what we deserve, and grace is freely receiving what we don't deserve.

    Here is where I believe they come together.

    As posted in others response mercy is flowing from the God by way of love.

    This is Gods Holy spirit. God is Love! God is Just! God is merciful!

    In the cross we have God displaying his very nature without compromising any of his attributes.

    LOVE and Mercy.

    He loved us so he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    JUDGE.

    In Matthew 26:39-44 Jesus prayed three times "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Those were our sins that nailed him to that cross and those prayers were answered by those sins being judged and paid for by the penalty of death.

    GRACE.

    Christ done what only he could have done as "God in the flesh" live the sinless life he did as the perfect lamb of God endure the cross and raise the 3rd day. And his righteousness is imputed to those who believe. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8.

    Also. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Corinthians 1:30.

    Sin has been judged.

    Mercy has been given.

    We have been graced with the Holy spirit.

    We have been given Christ!

    Now we look to display for this fruit to exist in our lives.

    God bless.
  • Baker - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Quoted from the strongs greek "mercy is kindness or good will toward the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them"

    Grace has several usages such as favor, kindness, benefit, lovingness, thankfulness, gift . This is all found in the Kings James Bible dictionary ; Strong's No.: G5485 , Thayers definition is good . Salvation is the greatest gift of all for it is "Grace" through faith are we saved Ephesians 2:8 . The statement has three parts- salvation, grace, and faith - they are equally important.

    Im of the opinion mercy and grace go hand in hand.
  • Richard H Priday on Psalms 40 - 2 years ago
    THE STATE OF MAN AND UNCHANGEABLENESS OF GOD

    Psalm 139:8 shows that God is everywhere; including in what was the abode of the dead; Sheol. Think for a minute what this implies. When we see what can only be taken as a literal story of Lazarus and the rich man we see two individuals clearly in a different state in the afterlife. In fact; the rich man is still there and will be until the Great White Throne Judgment.

    The souls of the righteous; however are now present with the Lord ( Ephesians 4:8; 2 Cor. 5:6).

    No longer are those who die in the Lord held captive by the Devil from the presence of God ( Hebrews 2:14-15). Only the rightous will actually see God; Psalm 11:6-7 illustrate this along with the fate of the wicked in hell in great detail. Even this life; in fact shows how one can be dead in trespasses and sins yet physically alive ( Ephesians 2:1). This will be the eternal state for the wicked in the lake of fire.

    Our human minds cannot conceive how God does not change; and how He can be a God of mercy and grace yet render eternal judgment on the unregenerate; also those whose souls God created ( Ezekiel 18:4). Nonetheless; that verse illustrates how a father and son and blood relations are not relevant for determining the salvation of an individual. We see that in the book of Joshua with Gideon that God is for those who are on his side; whatever we percieve in our reality as the right or wrong sides. God brings good to those who love Him ( Romans 8:28). It is according to HIS PURPOSE that these things occur; the same holds true for the wicked as God has no joy in the death of the wicked ( Ezekiel 18:23) but grace is only available for repentance in THIS LIFE according to His terms.
  • Richard H Priday on Psalms 37 - 2 years ago
    Psalm 37 seems to be a general overview of many of the preceding Psalms; although once again it should be emphasized that the chronology is not in order but the verse about the righteous never being foresaken (v. 25) shows it is likely written after many others.

    There are many examples found in other Psalms. For example; we see in verse 13 about God laughing at the wicked; which is mentioned in Psalm 2. Another example found in Psalm 10 is in verse 17 about the arms of the wicked which are broken. We also find verses elsewhere in scripture; including the N.T. One such case in verse 11 is quoted by Jesus in the Gospels in Matthew 5:5.

    We even see elements of predestination in verses 23 to 24. Ephesians 2:10 talks of good works before the foundation of the world prepared for us to perform. Verse 24 gives us the concept of "Perseverance of the Saints" also echoed in Proverbs 24:16. There is the concept largely covered in Psalm 119 about having the law of God in their hearts (v. 31) Verse 34 could be a Millennial reference; exhorting us to wait on the Lord; such a theme of patience is found in numerous other passages along with promises of the Saints (as well as David) to rule when the Kingdom of God comes to earth. ( Jeremiah 30:9; etal).

    The main idea here seems to be the eternal destinies of the righteous and the wicked and the brevity of this life. Passages such as in verse 28 are not popular today. As an individual; we should not seek vengeance on anyone in particular; but we should understand that the suffering of the church at large in the world where persecution is much greater than in this country; for example needs to be recompensed through Divine justice. We all are saved from wrath and being enemies of God and therefore we need to be humble in preaching the Gospel but also deliver the whole truth; including eternal judgment for the damned who will not repent.
  • T Levis - In Reply on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    Psalms 139:1-18,
  • Richard H Priday on Psalms 22 - 2 years ago
    To add to the discussion on Psalm 22; the sufferings of Christ; His one time separation from the Father so that He could be the atonement for our sins and utter rejection by His own should be considered carefully. There are plenty of scientific journals which talk of the incredible suffering with the brutality of a crucifixion. We need to remember that while we were yet ENEMIES Christ died for us. (see Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:3 and many other scriptures). He experienced what we under the blood will never have to experience when taking on our sin and trading it for His righteousness through the sacrifice on the cross. There is more to see here as we get to Psalm 24 on that subject.

    As for now; we remember that He will always have the nail scarred hands and feet on His resurrected body. ( Luke 24:39). He conquered death itself; which also is a theme discussed in the next study on Psalm 23 often used to assure those on their hour of need or to those facing death. Our only hope is in Christ; as are the blessings so we need to carefully examine our hearts to see if we are right with the Lord NOW. (See Hebrews 9:27).

    Agape.


Viewing page: 4 of 31

< Previous Discussion Page    Next Discussion Page >

1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13  

 

Do you have a Bible comment or question?


Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!