Discuss Matthew 7 Page 11

Acts 2:38 seems to be the most compelling verse. While I can't go so far as to say it's 'required' for salvation with no exceptions, baptism is emphasized and encouraged so much in the Bible that at bare minimum it's extremely important. So, why a Christ follower would want to follow Christ on everything else, but this, I cannot understand, and in my opinion is risky to disobey Jesus. A Christian or Christ follower puts Christ first and shouldn't be ashamed to follow Christ. I think verses like this are scary: Matthew 10:33. Also: John 14:15, Matthew 10:28. One can presume if we don't obey Jesus then we don't love Jesus, and if we don't love Jesus, should we expect benefits from Him? Matthew 7:21. Some don't fear God, but should. Fearing God is mentioned many times in the Bible, so I believe it, and think that we should really fear his judgment if we are not following Jesus. If we have a pure and clean heart and are genuinely following Jesus I believe we can have confidence and assurance of salvation, but that doesn't give us a license to go out sinning and violating God's moral laws. A lot of people falsely assume they get to cut corners and earn a get out of hell free card while enjoying all the benefits of a worldly, sinful, anti-Christian life, but the Bible already addressed those false assumptions.

Psalms 37:4, John 16:23, John 14:14, John 16:24,26,27, Luke 11:9-13, John 15:16, Matthew 7:7-11

James 4:3,

Hopefully this is helpful

Matthew 7:1-27, Matthew 25:31-46,

Hello Joe Rak,

Interestingly some people will think for sure they're going into Heaven & aren't. Matthew 7:1-27.

Yet encouragingly many that didn't think they're worthy do. Matthew 25:31-46,

Luke 16:1-13, Colossians 3:23-25, James 2, Ephesians 2, Hebrews 10, - Hebrews 11, Jude 1

I hope you find these scriptures helpful :

Proverbs 19:29, Proverbs 10:21, Proverbs 1:22, Proverbs 14:8, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 13:20, Psalms 107:17, Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 7:5, Ecclesiastes 5:1, Proverbs 1:32, Proverbs 9:13, Proverbs 15:20, Proverbs 17:25, Proverbs 10:14, Proverbs 29:9, Proverbs 21:20, Proverbs 14:7, Proverbs 14:1, Ecclesiastes 4:13, Ecclesiastes 7:17, Proverbs 9:6, 1 Timothy 6:9, Romans 1:21,

Psalms 73:22-28, Titus 3:2-8, Matthew 7:26,

1 Corinthians 4:9-13, Proverbs 4:5-18, Proverbs 5:1-2,

1Corinthians 1:18-31,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study.

Hello Utibe. The one who has been truly saved & has God's Spirit in them, can never be lost back into Satan's domain. These people will remain faithful to their Lord, suffering all things for His sake, & hating even the smell of sin entering their lives. There are many 'Christians' who faithfully attend a Fellowship, witness to others & give every appearance of being saved, but when adversity comes or even when committing sin isn't all that important, they fall away, turning their backs to the One they once called their Saviour. The Lord knows who belongs to Him; 2 Timothy 2:19, "the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

Here are some Scriptures showing God's Part in saving & securing those who have truly repented & turned from a life of sin - being born again of His Spirit:

John 10:27-29; Ephesians 1:13,14; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:13; Romans 8:33-39.

But there is also the other side, where some Scriptures seem to indicate that a Christian can apostatize, such as:

1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 3:12.

But the ultimate test of real faith is when our love, even our lives hang in the balance. Will we deny Christ - will we save our lives rather than lose it for Jesus? Many 'Christians' would under examination want to save themselves, yes, even those who attend a Fellowship & follow through with Christian disciplines. We should not have to hear those words in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Please explain matthew 7:6

I believe this is what you're asking for,

Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Luke 12:31 "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."

I will comment on versus 19-21; we are warned by the Apostle Paul in these versus that if Christians live an ungodly lifestyle, they will not inherit the kingdom of God. In order to understand the warning we must first understand the difference between entering the first dispensation of the kingdom of God, and inheriting the second dispensation of the kingdom of God. All Christians, upon being born again enter the kingdom of God, as in John 3:5 & Colossians 1:13 The Lord Jesus taught during this first dispensation of the kingdom of God, it is within the heart of all believers. Luke 17:20-21 We got into the kingdom of God by unconditional promises, through faith without works, as part of the foundation that Christ Jesus laid. Yet when we speak about inheriting the kingdom, we cannot talk about this first dispensation of the kingdom of God at all, seeing the word used here is inheriting, meaning, the Apostle Paul is referring unto the second dispensation of the kingdom of God, known as the millennial kingdom. Not all Christians will make it into this kingdom, although they will all go to heaven, yet to make it into the kingdom of heaven, it is not a free gift, rather you must earn entrance by meeting conditional promises, as in Matthew 7:21 and as in Acts 14:22 and as in Matthew 3:5 and Matthew 3:10 All of which speak of entering the millennial kingdom of heaven by faith with works, as you meet the conditions spoken of in those chapter versus. On the other hand, if a Christian lives an immoral lifestyle, as mentioned here in these seventeen sins, he is denied entrance into the millennial kingdom of God, and will remain in heaven until the thousand year kingdom is over.

Hi Alex N. In your response to conditional promises, you wrote about the kingdom of God, as though all Christians already have this in them, I should clarify this statement therefore to you, the first dispensation of the kingdom of heaven is inwardly, it lasts for 2,000 years, from the time the Lord Jesus died until he returns, according to the Lord Jesus in Luke 17:20-21 all Christians have the kingdom of God in their heart, this is also taught in John 3:5, all Christians enter the kingdom of God when they are born again, The Apostle Paul affirms this truth in Colossians 1:13, however, this is not what I was speaking about in conditional promises, I spoke about the millennial kingdom of God, which has not happened yet, no Christian has entered this yet, all scriptures place conditions upon entering that kingdom of God. I will say this, we made it into the first dispensation of the kingdom by faith without works, but to make it into the millennial kingdom, it is by faith with works. Please read Matthew 7:21 only if a Christian does the will of God can he make it in, this is a condition attached to making it in the kingdom. Read Matthew 25:14-30 unless you used your talents you cannot make it into the joy of the Lord, being the millennial kingdom, again a conditional promise to get it, or read Acts 14:22 as we must suffer much tribulation in order to make it into the kingdom, another conditional attached to making it into the millennial kingdom of heaven. Again read the warnings of why Christians will not make it into that millennial kingdom in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 & Galatians 5:19-21 & Ephesians 5:3-5 as a result of living a godless lifestyle, you lose your inheritance of entering into the millennial kingdom of God, in order to rule and reign for a thousand years. As concerning your topic of the man child teaching us all things, that prophecy is for the coming of Elijah in Malachi 4:5-6 it is not the ministry of the man child. I hope this explains conditional promises.

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Hi Kenaket.

God is Holy more so than we can imagine,

Sin separates us from God. Jesus is the only way to the father. John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Matthew 7:21-23. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

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

And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: DEPART FROM ME, YE THAT WORK INIQUITY.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Jesus said to watch out for false teachers. Matthew 7:15

The Bible also talks about the importance of humility: 1 Peter 5:5

Teachers will be judged more strictly: James 3:1

Brother Adam,

Amen, and well said.

I'm not surprised with this kickback against scripture. There is a large percentage of people today, preaching and believing false doctrine out there. Much of this doctrine is coming out of the Mega Churches, and the "feel good preachers". Their teachings, have no merit when held up to the light of scripture. They ignore tons of scripture, including the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are more interested in growing their congregations and bringing in vast amounts of money. In order to keep and grow their congregations, they tell people what they want to hear, and manipulate the scriptures to agree with their lies. People don't want to hear that they need to change their life and stop sinning. They want to continue living a worldly lifestyle and believe they will still get salvation, when the scripture clearly states otherwise.

Yes, the gate is strait, and narrow is the way - few will find it! Many today ignore this verse.

Matthew 7:14

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

Many also ignore:

Revelation 22:14

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

Jesus tells us Point Blank - if we don't keep his commandments we WILL NOT have the right to the tree of life! So we will not enter into Heaven.

A wise person "fears God' and in conjunction with the Holy Spirit will do their very best to avoid sin, and live a Christ like life, while producing good works and good fruit.

God Bless.

Hello Spencer,

I'd like to comment on what you wrote: "in fact if you add works to salvation you are not saved at all and going to hell"

You quoted scripture which is great, but that intepretation is untrue.

Let's be very specific. Someone could interpret what you said and instead of helping feed the poor for the day he decides to commit a few random murders. So, according to your statement that's good, because he avoided helping people which would have been bad because it's "works"? Do you realize how twisted and backwards that sounds? So, doing good is bad, and bad is good is your message? Beware, because that is precisely what the devil does. He deceives in order to disobey God and commit evil. Those who follow satan and commit evil are going to hell if they never turn to Jesus. Obeying and doing works is GOOD, as Jesus said.

Now, let's focus on the possible origin of this misunderstanding: Rom 4:1-5.

This is talking about Abraham and works, but as good as he was it wasn't enough. God has high standards. Just because we're not good enough means we should do the opposite of God wants- and commit evil, that would be like slapping Jesus in the face.

This means you can't EARN grace. It doesn't mean to stop doing good. If you keep reading notice Romans 4:8. Paraphrased it says blessed is the man who doesn't even sin in the first place.

The Bible says to be a light of the world, to love and help people, do good works and deeds, help orphans and widows, care for people. And do everything possible to AVOID SIN, even if you have to cut off your own hand! Mark 9:43

John 14:15 - Jesus says to OBEY! And if you don't you don't even love Jesus. Those who don't love Jesus probably aren't following Jesus and by definition are not Christians and should not expect to attain salvation as He says here:

Matthew 7:21

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Does that scripture influence your belief?

I will speak of versus 19-21;

Here the apostle Paul gives warning unto all Christians concerning the millennial kingdom, he warns if Christians live an ungodly lifestyle of immorality in these seventeen sins or the like, they cannot inherit the kingdom of God. This warning is specifically speaking about not inheriting a kingdom, it is not speaking of Christians who live immoral lifestyles cannot go to heaven. The Kingdom of God is based upon conditional promises, Christians must qualify in order for them to make it into the millennial kingdom of God, otherwise they will remain in heaven until the thousand year kingdom has expired before being resurrected. The Apostle Paul gives this same warning in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 and Ephesians 5:3-5 Even the Lord Jesus taught conditional promises must be met before a Christian is counted worthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 7:21 The Lord Jesus taught if we bury our pounds we are denied entrance into the Millennial kingdom of Christ, as we must meet the conditions to qualify us. Luke 19:12-27 Again, the Apostle Paul taught conditional promises are required to make it into the millennial kingdom, as we must through much tribulation enter that kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

One thing about Christianity is you can't carbon copy it, observation and following doesn't leads to Justification, It's what's inside that has to be renewed,

not the doctrinal practices and rituals we focus on. We can't manifest spirituality.

When we are born again our walk is guided by the Holyspirit,

The Apostles walked and observed Jesus 3 years but was unable to truly follow Jesus until he sent the Holyspirit. Not only did their beliefs changed also their walk.

It's not how much we know, winning debates, following any particular doctrine or church age that seals or confirms anything, IT'S BEING IN CHRIST WHERE IT BEGINS AND WHERE IT ENDS.

After we have been regenerated, guidance follows and that's a work by the Spirit on your heart!! Spiritual growth begins. If there is no Spiritual growth we examine ourselves,

We don't go after looking for sheep to follow.

Matthew 7:15-18.

John 15:5.

But if there is one shepherding the Lords flock we will hear his voice.

John 10:27.

We don't become his sheep by following him, we follow him because we are his sheep. We hear is voice in who ever is speaking and from there we are led to green pasture.

Alan F. Portelli,

I appreciate your exactness. I have understood it to mean what you've stated. With emphasis on "few''. With a cross reference to Matthew 22:14. Matthew 20:16, Numbers 26:54, Luke 13:23-24, Matthew 7:14,22,23,

Romans 5:19 with "many" referred to in like manner: because scripture says 'all' Romans 3:23,

Romans 2:12,

Perhaps the word "many" is used to help us understand the magnitude of people and striking contrast to the emphasis on the word "few" as opposed to a translation of "all" would it seem impossible or less significant per the reader?

Hopefully this is helpful.

Those bands (U2 & Rolling Stones) are Irish & British respectively & are secular. Just thought of, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", loosely taken from Matthew 7:12; and "its more blessed to give than receive", from Acts 20:35 (& mostly used by the world to save embarrassment when the receiving party had nothing to give in return).

Then there is: Am I my brother's keeper?; Apple of his father's eye; Scapegoat; Spare the rod, spoil the child; baptism of fire; salt of the Earth; sign of the times; wash my hands of the matter; good Samaritan; twinkling of an eye; fall from Grace; reap what you sow; four corners of the Earth.

Also, it may be that many of these individuals in these bands (since they are all quite aged now), had some Christian input in their younger days. So when thinking of a theme or lyrics to a new song, they might just appeal to the Bible for 'inspiration'! Also tells us, the great value of Scripture classes to those of us privileged enough to have had that as a school subject; nowadays, most don't even know who Noah or Moses are - tragedy!!

Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7:21,

What I've found with most people who seemingly reject the "church" have suffered greatly

1 Corinthians 4:5, Psalms 98:9,

Hopefully this is helpful

Donna,

In Matthew 24 Jesus said take heed that no man deceive you. This is the tool that darkness uses and when we are deceived, we are taken out of the way. You are correct we will not know everything because not all have been revealed. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and only in Him do we have salvation, He is the cornerstone that the foundation is laid. In 1 Corinthians 3:10 it tells us; 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.

This is where man has blundered, man trying to define or dictate what he truly cannot comprehend or has not been revealed to him. Do not ever doubt your salvation because of confusion caused by man. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and when things that some teach cause confusion and cause doubt, that is not of God.

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

We tend to follow the crowd, we should not let the majority guide us, with prayer and a clear mind study this and let the Holy Spirit show you the truth. It would be helpful to study how this doctrine began, why it began, who developed it, how many deaths it caused, and why has it become fundamental, and if you do not believe and confess it you are not a Christian but a heretic.

May the Holy Spirit of truth guide you in Jesus' name.

God bless,

RLW

Hopefully these are helpful to you in the context of "works for the LORD"

James 2:14-26, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 16:27,

Jesus's examples of miraculous "works" & compassion Matthew 11, Matthew 13,

Not:

Exodus 23:24, Matthew 7:20-23, Matthew 23,

Hello, as per your question the Bible doesn't say you "don't have to" be baptized. It says you do, but of course we have freewill to choose who we want to follow in this life- and whether to do good or evil.

Here is Jesus's command to His followers: John 3:5

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

So, the real question is: if someone claims to be a Jesus follower (a Christian), but doesn't follow what Jesus says, how serious are they about following Jesus? And do they really love Jesus? John 14:15.

Would a genuine Christ follower always be looking to do the bare minimum they assume is required to "be saved" -or- give everything in their life to Christ, perhaps beyond what they assume is required?

Matthew 7:22 - this seems to be an unpopular reality for some believers who are uncomfortable with Jesus's words that many will assume they're "saved" but will not be. Given this scenario already predicted by Jesus, and given that someone desires to go to heaven, is it safer to obey Jesus or look for ways to disobey Him?

God bless...

Hi Jerimiah. Yes, Jesus was sacrificed to pay the price of our sin that we couldn't pay - and that payment was God's requirement as His pure Lamb was killed as our substitute, so we wouldn't have to take the awful penalty of God's Judgement against us. So the Sacrifice was for all mankind - but not all mankind want that Sacrifice. Jesus' Coming & Death was God's Gift to us so we can have our sins forgiven & enjoy eternal life with Him - but not all want to receive that Gift. In fact, not only do they refuse Him, but also shame & mock Him with their talk & way of living, just as those Romans & Jews did at Jesus' crucifixion.

So, the way is indeed narrow - the narrow path to eternity that only a few can traverse on, as God's children looking to the day when they will be with their God & Father & Jesus Christ. But the other way is wide, for there are so many more that have refused the Gift, & so blinded by their own lusts & passions, that they don't even recognize that hell is at the end of it ( Matthew 7:13,14; Luke 13:23,24). Every man, woman & child has the Blood of Christ available for them - it's now up to them what they do with that great expression of God's Love - God doesn't force that Gift upon them. That is why John 3:16 is so precious: "For God so loved the world (all people), that He gave His only begotten Son (as His Sacrifice for them), that whosoever believeth in Him (they must come - they must place their trust in Jesus), should not perish, but have everlasting life (life forever in God's Presence & not a life forever in hell's torment).

Why does every Christian not being taught the Gospel

Alex

I think you are still misunderstanding the concept: God tugs on the heart or calls us we listen and except God are we turn a death ear to God. If we except the tug or the call from God than the blood is applied to our life our sins are forgiven. But this is where the freewill comes in if we turn a death ear to God than God leaves us in our sins and at judgement, we will receive our reward good or bad, Heaven are Hell. God said in Genesis 6:3 My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: this is the reason for our freewill to except God or to deny God. If we deny God than the blood can not be applied to our life. But if we except God than the blood can be applied to our life. Matthew 7:6 tells us not to give what is holy to the dogs, now in saying that do you think God is going to do that which he told us not to do and do you think God is going to cast his precious blood before swine. Just saying.

God Bless

stay prayed up and ready to go up

cowboy

Hi Brother William,

Amen. You are speaking truth. Many so called christians today do not want to be submissive and obedient to God. They twist/divide/manipulate/ignore bible scripture in such a way, that they fool themselves, and even worse, bring down many others. They are convinced that they can live their worldly sinful lives and still achieve salvation.

You rightly listed one of the most powerful little verses spoken by Jesus in the entire bible: John 14:15 If we love Jesus we will keep his commandments.

Many people are so blinded, they feel justified in outright ignoring this scripture! Well I believe that Jesus will also be justified in ignoring them! And he tell us that he will - in this easy to understand scripture here:

Matthew 7:22-23

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

If we continue to follow Jesus, love him, and keep his commandments we will always have a lighted path, and he will know us!

God Bless.

Hi Lillie (what a lovely name)

Yes, the lame man was expectant because he probably had heard or saw Jesus had the power to heal people. We have "heard" this same thing in our reading of Scripture. Some have witnessed a healing in their own life or in others.

You have spoken well by pointing out about expectation. If we are to pray in faith we should have the expectation tat God hears our prayers and will answer in the best way possible for us His children.

In Matthew 7:7-11 tells us to "ask and it will be given to you, seek, and you shall find, knock, and the door shall be opened to you. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to those who ask Him."

Hi Donna, what you said about loving God, and sending his Son to be crucified for us, and that we are washed in the blood of his salvation is the basic essence of faith.

Throughout the gospels Jesus is praying to God the Father many times, when he teaches his disciples the Lord's prayer, Matthew 6:9 "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."

when he teaches his disciples the first and great commandment, Matthew 22:36-39 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."

he also teaches his disciples how they should baptize as in Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

these are but a few examples of how we are taught to pray, the Godhead (Trinity) is explained clearly in 1 John 5:7

you have no reason to be confused, if someone teaches different they are not teaching what is written in the bible. After Jesus baptism when he was in the wilderness and tempted by the devil he didn't argue, but he did quote scripture, this is why it is so important to read our bible (KJV) on a daily basis, we need to put on the whole armor of God, as in Ephesians 6:11-18, a few years ago I started to read my bible on a daily basis, and now have an inner peace that I never had before. God bless

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Thanks Sister GiGi.

It's funny how We share views of Scripture It's not the dialog that often breaks the peace It's what's sown within that reflects outwardly.

You don't have to give your view, just post the scripture and there's contention!

We shouldn't be surprised

The concept is all through scripture.

John 1:4-5.

No one is going out to seek contention, It's already there.

( Example)

Matthew 10:32-38.

God don't compromise his Holiness to exercise judgment and I don't think he asks us to when dividing the word.

We have to wonder If we're not going to win them over and they know they're not going to win us over, Why are they so adamant on keeping this dialog going? Perhaps they're after the audience. And this is where I believe 2 John 1:10-11 applies.

And if we've been battling this for I know over a year!! Perhaps this verse apply.

Matthew 7:6.

My question was when do it apply and if we're so fundamental about everything else why not this?

In the secular we call the democrats "liberals" But aren't we also as a whole.

And this especially goes for those who say salvation is by works and not by grace when Paul makes that clear all through Galatians starting here-

Galatians 1:6-8.

Paul says let them be a curse

But we call them Brother.

He also emphasize it in

Philippians 3:2-11. And this is the only "religion" given to Man and it slew us.

Now this is a peaceful dialog that you and I are having but some would say it's contentious.

And by the way I have been guilty of this as well, that's why I carefully say WE.

Yes this is difficult but did the Lord say it wouldn't be?

Be strong in the Lord

God bless.