Why we are not "Saved" (crack this box open...)

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by NewbieMisfits

That was a very good write up


When I say the ease of salvation, this is not aimed at all or maybe even 1/2 of those that claim Christian. I know there are those out there that are Christian, by our definition, and to those that have such discipline, perhaps you understand what I'm saying even if you do not believe (which is fine, again, it's what we believe, and beliefs are simply that, they are not precise facts and they change greatly or slightly based on what we learn).

I'm just trying to understand what you are saying. You mention 'christian by our definition', and include 'those that have such discipline'.

Are you saying that a 'Christian' then involves a certain amount of 'discipline'? Things like 'take up your cross, deny yourself', that sort of stuff?

Are you talking about entire sanctification?

[NewbieMisfits]

Originally Posted by Esaias

I'm just trying to understand what you are saying. You mention 'christian by our definition', and include 'those that have such discipline'.

Are you saying that a 'Christian' then involves a certain amount of 'discipline'? Things like 'take up your cross, deny yourself', that sort of stuff?

Are you talking about entire sanctification?

By "our definition" I mean how myself & Miss Misfit see it, not all God Fearers or Christians.

What is a Christian by our definition you ask? < If that is what you are asking...<
One that lives by what he believes and what he testifies to, and is truly saved and not simply claiming it. Everyone is different, so there is NO exact ground rules in my book, and no one is perfect. It is a rare thing that we've found those that honestly do this, even behind closed doors. What is often found is those that might be God Fearing or not, but based on different factors are clearly putting on a front for many different reasons claiming Christian.

I don't want this to go into judging, as I'm not, I'm being factual. Becoming a Christian (to us) takes time, scriptural knowledge, discipline, respect, patience.... all things we still need more of & I'm sure more things we are not even aware of due to the lack in the list above.

If we leave here before we reach that point of being able to fully understand and commit to the works of God's teaching thru Christ, then we both will be placed before The Judge and only then we will truly know our fate.


.. but then we are not anything to a scholar or even a first year preacher or even granny, so how do we know we're right... we don't.... all one can know is what he has learned to be truth.... and again we have a lot of learning to do

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by NewbieMisfits

By "our definition" I mean how myself & Miss Misfit see it, not all God Fearers or Christians.

What is a Christian by our definition you ask? < If that is what you are asking...<
One that lives by what he believes and what he testifies to, and is truly saved and not simply claiming it. Everyone is different, so there is NO exact ground rules in my book, and no one is perfect. It is a rare thing that we've found those that honestly do this, even behind closed doors. What is often found is those that might be God Fearing or not, but based on different factors are clearly putting on a front for many different reasons claiming Christian.

I don't want this to go into judging, as I'm not, I'm being factual. Becoming a Christian (to us) takes time, scriptural knowledge, discipline, respect, patience.... all things we still need more of & I'm sure more things we are not even aware of due to the lack in the list above.

If we leave here before we reach that point of being able to fully understand and commit to the works of God's teaching thru Christ, then we both will be placed before The Judge and only then we will truly know our fate.


.. but then we are not anything to a scholar or even a first year preacher or even granny, so how do we know we're right... we don't.... all one can know is what he has learned to be truth.... and again we have a lot of learning to do

Hmm... I don't see how a person can be a 'God fearer' and not be living for God. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. It is also to hate all evil. One cannot hate all evil if they still play with it, can they?

I would say your definition of a Christian is pretty much Biblical. A Christian is one who truly has been regenerated, and who truly is led by the Spirit, and who truly is living for God (ie God is truly living in their life).

I do believe sometimes Christians backslide, in which case they are disobedient Christians. And I do believe if they die in that condition they will be lost.

But I also believe if they have truly been regenerated, it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY they will persist in backsliding. If God can drag a sinner kicking and screaming to a place of repentance (as in my case), then surely he can draw a wayward son or daughter back to a place of right standing.

Anyways, I agree - there are too many play-actors and not enough real-deal believers. And I confess there have been times I have been both, to my own shame.

But God leads His dear children along, sometimes putting hooks in their jaws...

[NewbieMisfits]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Hmm... I don't see how a person can be a 'God fearer' and not be living for God. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. It is also to hate all evil. One cannot hate all evil if they still play with it, can they?
..

Very good write up, well said!

As to whats above...

I am a God fearing man, this fear also brings with it being quite scared of not being right with Him. With this, I strive to do right, I strive good works, I strive to respect Him through putting as much discipline into my daily decision as my maturity with Him allows.

Compared to the average of claiming Christians we know, we would assume we are well above par, but who are we judge others, but we can judge ourselves... but "we" still feel we have a ways to go to be able to receive salvation thru the Holy Ghost and honestly be a true Christian.

You are right about evil and still playing with evil & I agree, however, in sinning, many times you don't see the sin in the act until further evaluation or education.
Much like your drivers license:
You know it is bad from the get go to drive down the other lane, Your gut tells you it's bad to drive over the speed limit sign, but unless you read the book and learn all the smaller laws you have no idea what a round-a-bout is, or how to handle it until after you've gone thru it & then you can better understand it...... Hope that came across right

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by NewbieMisfits

I am a God fearing man, this fear also brings with it being quite scared of not being right with Him. With this, I strive to do right, I strive good works, I strive to respect Him through putting as much discipline into my daily decision as my maturity with Him allows.

Isn't this what all Christians are to be doing? 'Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'?

Compared to the average of claiming Christians we know, we would assume we are well above par, but who are we judge others, but we can judge ourselves...

Well, 'comparing them among themselves they are not wise' or something like that. We should compare ourselves to God's standard, not man's performance. Which can be scary some times... lol

but "we" still feel we have a ways to go to be able to receive salvation thru the Holy Ghost and honestly be a true Christian.

Have you received the Holy Ghost?

[NewbieMisfits]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Isn't this what all Christians are to be doing? 'Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'?
^^^
No, I believe once you are truly saved, and "you" know this, I don't feel one would need or have such fear.... saved >salvation >assured security with the proper maintenance





Well, 'comparing them among themselves they are not wise' or something like that. We should compare ourselves to God's standard, not man's performance. Which can be scary some times... lol
^^^^
agreed


Have you received the Holy Ghost?
^^^
No, but I have felt the presence of the Holy Ghost a few times in my life.

..

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by NewbieMisfits

No, but I have felt the presence of the Holy Ghost a few times in my life...

"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"