That is certainly a true observation & understanding of the true child of God. Thanks Dpaulw.
Unfortunately, as Christians, we take hold of certain beliefs and practises seen in the Bible and then confidently apply it to our lives and profession, whether rightly or wrongly. The Scriptures you shared are indeed the true nature of the one who is truly in Christ and we must allow the Holy Spirit to develop and mature us into the Image of Christ, which can take much time & crucifying of the flesh.
But some believers may also read those same verses in agreement but also read many other instances of God's condemnation of Israel and the nations; one such is in Amos 2:1-3 (the nations: Moab), and in Amos 2:4-8 (of Judah). So, in their thinking, if God can be violently against such for their many sins (via the prophet's voice), why shouldn't we stand tall, be bold and vocal, and condemn others today for engaging in godless pursuits?
I also don't believe any good can come from this sort of behavior, rather Christ's name and His people will be spat upon. Titus 3:2,3, as you quoted, would instruct us well in this matter. Even to follow the Apostle Paul's manner in this: he 'reasoned' with the people (be it the Jews ( Acts 18:19) or Gentiles ( Acts 24:24,25). Screaming at and belittling the unsaved does great damage to Christ's Name and the Gospel; but entering into clear, concise, reasoned discussion may cause the wayward to reconsider his life and ways & not make him resistant to the Gospel that can save him. Blessings.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord MUST NOT STRIVE; but BE GENTLE unto all men, apt to teach, PATIENT, 25IN MEEKNESS instructing those that oppose themselves;
A Christian street evangelist was demonstrating outside a city amphitheater. He was part of a group of individuals heckling concert goers through a megaphone, calling them "whores," "sissies," and "Jezebels."
Taking the above into consideration, it does not appear that the two quotes are compatible by any rational standard.
There is a contingent of Christians, at least in name, who have arrived at a biblically skewed conclusion that the ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus includes harassing, denigrating, insulting, and otherwise badgering the lost. This attitude could not be further from our biblical calling.
The Bible provides precise instructions on how to conduct ourselves when occupied in the ministry of the Gospel: preaching, witnessing, and otherwise engaging with the lost. None of which includes calling them "whores," "sissies," and "Jezebels." The servant of the Lord must:
Not Strive
Be Gentle
Be Apt to Teach
Be Patient
In Meekness Instructing
Titus 3:2-3 To SPEAK EVIL OF NO MAN, to be NO BRAWLERS, but GENTLE, shewing all MEEKNESS unto all men. 3For WE OURSELVES ALSO were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
Would you have received the Gospel being harassed, denigrated, insulted, and badgered? It is reminiscent of the Inquisition, not the love and grace of God.
Philippians 1:27 Only LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE AS IT BECOMETH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST that ye STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT, WITH ONE MIND STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL;
To be of one mind, we all have to follow the same rules.
Colossians 3:14 And above all these things PUT ON CHARITY, which is the bond of perfectness.
James 2:8 IF YE FULFIL THE ROYAL LAW according to the scripture, Thou shalt LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF,...
John and the Twelve baptized because God commanded a covenant sign that prepared Israel for the nearness of the promised kingdom. John's mission was prophetic and God-sent: he came to make the Lord's paths straight ( Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1; Matt 3:3), and "He that sent me to baptize with water" defined his work ( John 1:33). His baptism was "of repentance for the remission of sins" ( Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3), publicly separating a believing remnant and manifesting the Messiah to Israel ( John 1:31). This fit Israel's priestly calling and cleansing types-washings consecrated service ( Exod 29:4; Lev 8:6), and prophets promised national purification ( Ezek 36:25; cf. Heb 9:10). Jesus then authorized the apostles to carry this forward in the kingdom gospel: "make disciplesbaptizing" ( Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15-16). At Pentecost Peter summoned Israel: "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins," with the gift of the Spirit and the hope of restoration ( Acts 2:38-41; 3:19-21). In Acts, water baptism identified penitents with the crucified and risen Christ, marked them off from unbelieving Israel, and was confirmed by signs, for "the Jews require a sign" ( Acts 8:12-17; 10:47-48; 22:16; 1 Cor 1:22; cf. Mark 16:17-18). With the later revelation of the Body of Christ, the saving baptism is the Spirit's work-placing believers into one Body apart from rites ( Eph 4:5; 1 Cor 12:13; Titus 3:5). Therefore Paul could say, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17). In sum, John and the apostles baptized in obedience within Israel's kingdom program-repentance, cleansing, identification, and Spirit-attested entry into the remnant-while today the "one baptism" that saves is the Spirit's, not water ( Eph 2:8-9). This preserves Israel's covenant logic with today's grace-salvation rests on Christ's cross-work by faith - not rites, while water witnessed repentance in Israel.
What then of Ephesians 5:31-32? Paul says the husband-wife union is a mystery that illustrates Christ and the church. But Paul still names our identity repeatedly as His Body ( Eph 1:22-23; 5:30; 1 Cor 12:27), "one new man," and a "new creature" ( 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15)-never calling us the Bride. Even 2 Corinthians 11:2 ("espousedas a chaste virgin") is betrothal imagery used to guard the Body from deception; it does not rename the Body as the Bride nor collapse Israel's prophetic marriage into Paul's mystery people. Keeping these categories distinct preserves both God's faithfulness to Israel's covenants and the uniqueness of the church revealed "not made known" before Paul ( Eph 3:1-9; Rom 16:25-26).
On baptism: John's and Peter's water baptisms belonged to Israel's kingdom program ( Mark 1:4; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 2:38; 22:16)-covenantal, priestly, and preparatory for an earthly nation of priests ( Exod 19:6; Ezek 36:25-27). In this dispensation, Christ sent Paul "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17), and there is "one baptism" ( Eph 4:5) by which the Spirit places us into Christ's death and resurrection ( Rom 6:3-5; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:11-12). Romans 6 describes that Spirit baptism's identification with Christ-not a ritual that completes salvation. We are saved by grace through faith apart from works ( Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Water may testify, but it cannot add to the finished cross-work ( John 19:30; Gal 2:21). To make it a salvation requirement would muddle Israel's kingdom commands with the Body's grace calling.
So, yes: saints from Israel's program and from the Body will both be with Christ and under His rule-but Scripture differentiates their identities and spheres. Israel/Zion/New Jerusalem is the Bride/Wife in prophecy and Revelation; the Body is the heavenly people of the mystery, bone of His bone and seated above. Keeping those distinctions guards the gospel of grace today and honors God's promises to Israel tomorrow.
But Paul goes on immediately in the next verse: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." ( Ephesians 2:10).
Works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of salvation.
The Spirit of God produces love, service, and obedience in the believer's life ( Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 3:8).
Works are a demonstration of faith, not the basis of it.
The Right Perspective
Works should follow after salvation. But they do not secure salvation, nor do they keep it. They simply manifest the new life we already have in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17).
We are not saved by good works, but we are saved unto good works.
"saved unto good works" is a short phrase with a lot of depth.
1. The Source of Salvation
When Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works, he's setting the foundation:
We contribute nothing to earn salvation.
It's God's gift, given freely because of Christ's finished work on the cross.
2. The Purpose of Salvation
Right after that, Paul explains in Ephesians 2:10:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
This means that once God saves us, He also equips us for a new kind of life - a life that reflects His grace, truth, and righteousness.
"Unto good works" means we are saved for the purpose of living out the good things God intended.
3. The Role of Good Works
Not the cause, but the result: Works don't save us, but they are the evidence that we are saved ( Romans 6:4; Titus 3:8).
Spirit-enabled, not self-made: The works are produced as the Spirit lives through us ( Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:13).
Witness to others: Good works demonstrate Christ's life in us to a watching world ( Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).
The last question, are we saved by grace alone or Grace plus works?
James does not teach that good works are necessary in order to gain salvation and Paul never teaches that good works are unnecessary after a person is saved. On the contrary, Paul agreed with James that for the person justified by faith, good works are essential ( Phil. 2:12-13; Titus 3:5-8; Eph. 2:8-10). Likewise, James agreed with Paul that the only condition for inheriting the kingdom was faith and faith alone (see James 2:5 and also Acts 15 where at the Jerusalem Council James never expressed disagreement over Paul's teaching that salvation was by faith and not by the works of the law).
So, there truly is no contradiction between James and Paul. It is only that they are addressing different problems among believers.
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Baptism connected to salvation
Not just symbolic - a required response of a good conscience
6. 2 Peter 1:5-10 - Add to your faith
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue... knowledge... temperance... patience... godliness... brotherly kindness... charity
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."
Not faith alone - one must add works
Doing these things = assurance of salvation
Summary
Peter preached:
Faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah ( Acts 2:36)
Repentance and water baptism for forgiveness ( Acts 2:38)
Obedience necessary to receive the Holy Ghost ( Acts 5:32)
Sanctification through obedience ( 1 Peter 1:2)
Salvation tied to baptism and holy living ( 1 Peter 3:21, 2 Peter 1:10)
This is in contrast with Paul's message of justification by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5), not by works.
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
Titus 3:15 - All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Paul is making reference to people who are the sincere and genuine Christians who function according to faith, not religion, because that's how Paul lived his life, according to faith. Those who love us in the faith, greet them as well.
And then the principle of grace, and I've mentioned this before. The word be is in italics which means it's not in the original writings. It has been placed there by the translators in order to make it a complete English sentence. The problem is that according to the Greek, this is not a wish or a prayer. It's a statement of fact. Grace is with you all. Amen. It's a reminder and a statement to everybody, to all believers, that the grace of God is always with you for everything that God has for your life!
Well, this is all I have for Titus. As you all know, Philemon is very short, so I'm hoping to have something to post very soon.
Titus 3:11 - Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and this word basically means to bring in a disease. And sins, being condemned of himself. He condemns himself by his own beliefs, and his own twisting and misrepresentation of scripture.
Titus 3:13 - Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Bring Zenas the lawyer. It is unsure whether he's a Gentile, or he's a Hebrew. It would make more sense by his name and function that he would be a Gentile. If he's a Hebrew, then he's a lawyer of the law, the Old Testament, the Tanak. If he is a Greek, or Gentile, then he is a lawyer of Roman law. And that's what Paul needs. He needs somebody to help him with Roman law.
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. The word wanting means lacking. So, when you send them on their way, make sure that they have everything that they need, food, a means of transportation, and that they are completely taken care of.
Titus 3:10 - A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition, or warning, reject him. This term heretic is the adjective form of the word heresy. And it's interesting that the Greek word for heresy means to choose.
Now here's how it works as far as heresy in the church goes:
If I have a block of scripture, and I tell you what I believe it means, I'm choosing to believe something versus a choice that you might make differently. That's heresy. If someone walks into a church and they read the plaque on the wall that lists their doctrinal statement, and they open their bible and say you've got this scripture listed that's backing up one of your doctrines, but as I read it here, that's not really what it says, if they come back and say yes, but that's what we believe it says, that's heresy!
That's heresy. It's not based on our beliefs. It's based on the establishment and the confirmation of God's word by God's Spirit, not by man. So, a person who's a heretic, someone that teaches false doctrine, basically his opinion is I disagree with that, and this is what I think it means. Okay, where does it say that? "Well, it doesn't. But that's what it means!"
That's heresy. It's very easy to do. Most of our church denominations are built on heresy. It's because somebody said I don't agree with your belief about that. I have my own belief. So, they start their own denomination. And most of the denominational and church differences are over personal belief, choosing what they want to believe about a text, rather than taking the text itself.
So, a man that is a heretic after the first and second warning, you've got to warn him. This is the protection of the new life. In the church, the false teachers, they're called heretics. After you warn him the first and second time, then reject him. That's a command.
Titus 3:4 - But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
He says but after, and it's literally the word when. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared. Look at who he calls God. He says God our Savior. Six times, mingled in his pastoral letters, he calls God Savior, and he calls Jesus Christ Savior. They're both the same person.
So, when Jesus came, when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man, when he appeared, that's when our salvation came.
Titus 3:8 - This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
He says this is a faithful saying, and as I mentioned before, whenever you find this phrase "faithful saying," this is Paul's way of saying we don't have a New Testament yet, but this saying is passed around in the church as equal to scripture.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Titus 3:3 - For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
For we ourselves also were sometimes, number one, foolish. This word means unperceptive. We had no spiritual perception whatsoever. Disobedient, which is a refusal to obey the persuasion of God's Spirit. We were deceived. This is where we get our English word planet from. PLANAE means to wander. We were deceived. We wandered all over the place, trying different things, and going in different directions.
Serving divers lusts and pleasures, and the word serving is literally the word enslaved, being enslaved to various lusts and pleasures. And the word pleasure in the Greek, HEDONEI, is where we get our word hedonism from. This is hedonistic desires. We live in a hedonistic society, where we work and do whatever is necessary, so that in our off time, we can serve and satisfy our pleasures. That's hedonism.
Fifthly, living in malice and envy, and the word malice is the word that means to cause adversity for people, and to be envious of people. The sixth thing is hateful. And the seventh thing is hating one another. There's a lot of hate going around amongst non-believers because it's so empty and frustrating in the world.
So, without perception, disobedient to the things of the Lord, wandering around, having no direction, being enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, living in adversity and envy, hateful disposition, and hating one another. He gives the seven primary characteristics of the new life, and the seven primary characteristics of the old life.
And then in Verses 4 to 7, he presents the process of receiving the new life. This is great material!
Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Speak evil of no man, do not be brawlers, or fighters, but rather be gentle, lenient is what it means, shewing all meekness unto all men. The word meekness here means to be open. It means openness, receptivity. That's one of the main words that is used in the scriptures for those who are in teaching or pastoral ministries. Meekness doesn't mean that you play the role of a doormat. It means to be open and to be receptive.
One of the hardest things for those in a teaching ministry is to be open and receptive because they don't know all the answers, and if someone is coming up to them to try and prove them wrong, it kind of puts them in a bad position.
So, it's difficult in the human according to pride to be open and receptive to all people, but it's necessary. It is necessary for the person who is up front and is teaching, that they be more open and receptive than anybody else in the whole room. Why?
Because we're all the same, we're all on the same level. We've all learned about the Lord from down here. None of us have come from up there. If you have, I want to meet you!
Titus 3:1 - Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
He starts out with a command. He says put them in mind. This is what is called a Present Imperative. And it's the word remembrance. What that means is he's telling and commanding Titus to continually put them in remembrance of these things.
So, this is not a one-time thing just to say we got this letter from Paul, and then they go file it. He says you Titus, you continually put them in remembrance of these things, the seven things or characteristics of the new life.
First, it says to be subject, and the word is submission, to be subject to rulers and authorities. That's the literal translation. That parallels Romans Chapter 13 Verses 1 through 7, where Paul talked about be submissive to your government, to the officials. Submission means to line up with the Lord with other people, to be in submission, or to be in an orderly arrangement.
And then to be ready to every good work, and he's mentioning the word AGATHOS which is a spiritual good. The word for human good is KALOS. Spiritual good is AGATHOS. In fact, this word AGATHOS, its root word is found in Galatians 5:22 as a fruit of God's Spirit.
So, we have to know that when it says be ready to do good works, what kind are we talking about, KALOS or AGATHOS? That's very important. The good here is AGATHOS, the good work of God. Be ready to function with the Lord and be used of the Lord for His work and be in submission to the authorities here on the earth so that you can carry out your life.
No one can enter Heaven by doing "good" things, observing rituals, turning a new leaf, etc. ALL fall short of God's perfect standard ( Romans 3:23). No one qualifies, for all have sin. We make none of the provision, redemption is made possible utterly through the substitutionary death and resurrection of Christ alone. He's the only sinless one qualified to be the acceptable substitute on our behalf. He offers this rescue as a FREE GIFT to all who will receive it by simply -believing-, placing one's complete trust/faith on Christ and His finished works alone (not on 'self' but on God in flesh who died and arose for ALL sin), period.
What prevents one from receiving the gift is either a flat rejection in unbelief, or by adding to simple faith one's own merit or supposed "good works" (deeds, performance or reform), which scripture explicitly refutes ( Titus 3:5-6). God's way for redemption is so simple, a person's pride or fears often won't allow them to accept that God's redemption is really that complete and free.
Yes, God desires practical righteousness of His children, after being saved; however, one must realize, this is a completely separate issue from that which gets a person to Heaven. We can't bribe God; none will boast in Heaven over their entrance because they did this and stopped that, persevered, or performed religious acts etc. Some of the saved will go onto maturity, in varying degrees, and some will unfortunately not. There's blessing and rewards based on performance and obedience, but holds absolutely no determining factor for getting into Heaven. Some will be left standing at the Bema judgment empty handed but still enter in because Christ paid it all, and they received it... Meanwhile, there's those who plead their many wonderful works done in the name of Christ at the Great White Throne judgement and end up in Hell. The object in which one places their faith is what makes the difference. Christ alone?.. or Him plus your supposed merit and bribes?
Before going any further it certainly needs to be said if we are judging things according to scriptural standards we can expect God to hold us to the same standards. If we are embracing sin we likely are drawn around us to others who also make excuses for their behavior and that certainly is how much acceptance of evil starts.
An immature believer will more often than not be transparent about sin as the Spirit travails in their spirit. It seems a trend that those considered more mature believers talk less and less about sin; when in reality the more we truly grow in faith the more sin is revealed. Confession of sin should help the Body of Christ if we look at it properly.
All aberrant movements start off with either a real or preconceived notion of unfairness; and those against scriptural teachings are the same way; society at large works against the conscience He has given men (see Romans 1; Psalm 19); while those in the church are held under stricter judgment and find ways to approach scripture to justify their behaviors. Such attitudes I have argued before make such individuals under great danger; and it is better to walk away from the church for a time than remain and try to conform the Word into a box of your own making. Wanting to have people stay in fellowship rather than taking proper discipline and the risk of losing members cannot be undertaken without error spreading like gangrene ( 2 Tim. 2:17). We can't worry about the world thinking we are too judgmental; intolerant or mean and afford to disregard jealously guarding the flock and the integrity of the Word. This doesn't mean of course that we ACT judgmental; mean or harsh unless heretical teaching is being forced among the congregation; whenever possible we tach with gentleness ( Titus 3:2 and many other verses on such longsuffering).
In short apostasy usually is associated with the desire for money (offerings); or prestige (praise of others)
Just a couple of corrections to the above: Of Jesus Christ: John 16:27,28 (I left a gap in-between, so the verse couldn't be highlighted). And Titus 3:13 should read as Titus 2:13. Apologies.
Hello Timmywynne. There are many Scriptures that point to the Triune Nature of God, and specifically, that Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit are revealed to us from the very Being of God the Father. When we think of the Trinity, we know we won't find that word in the Bible, as it is purely a descriptive word of what the Bible declares to be the fullness of God's Being. So to the verses you seek, and you will need to read them fully in your Bible.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
I wish to use this excerpt because it explains this topic so well and identifies so many Scripture verses.
Excerpted From: Got Questions:
What Does It Mean that All Sinned?
Romans attests that in Adam, all sinned. Theologically, this has been called "original sin" over the centuries. Original sin does not mean that we are guilty of Adam's sin, but that we inherit a sinfulness that is transmitted from Adam to all humans. No human is exempt from being sinful and corrupted.
Humans are driven to sin, enslaved by this sinfulness to continue to sin and to rebel against God, as these Scriptures say:
John 8:34
Jesus replied, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.'
2 Peter 2:19
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
Titus 3:3
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures-living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Romans 6:16, 17
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:20
For when ye were the slaves of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Romans 3:10-12 quotes Psalm 14:2-3 and Ps. 53: 1-3 saying that no one does what is good, not even one, no one understands the things of God (spiritual matters) because the god of this world has blinded us so that we cannot see the glory of Jesus in the gospel.
Paul also says that all humans are hostile to God, at enmity towards Him, His enemy, dead in sin, and enslaved to sin, we do not seek Him nor can we please God nor submit to His law. Elsewhere we are told that it is man's pride that keeps Him from hating his sin and submitting to God.
( Romans 2:1; 5:10: 3:10-18, 8:6-8; Eph.2:13; Ecc. 7:20; Ps. 14:2; 36:1-2; Is. 53:2)
Every sinner is in need of God's mercy. When one realizes this and cries to God for mercy we admit to deserving eternal punishment for our sins as well as being undeserving of His mercy. By rights, we should be under his impending wrath, like all mankind ( Ephesians 2:3) - but for "the tender mercy of our God" ( Luke 1:78), in which Jesus took god's wrath in our place and allows for our sins to be forgiven.
In Titus 3:4-7, the apostle Paul gives us one of the best descriptions of God's mercy as revealed in Jesus Christ:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
God's mercy forgives and saves us specifically because He withholds the punishment, condemnation and wrath we deserve.
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Thessalonians 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Exodus 33:19 reveals a great glimpse of God's mercy. In one of the most important passages in all the Bible, after Moses has asked God to show him his glory, God answers, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."
When asked to show his glory, God puts his goodness in grace and mercy on display - and his utter freedom in showing his mercy to whomever he chooses.
Many, many Scriptures repeat again and again that there is no salvation through human goodness.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."- Titus 3:5.
"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."- Eph. 2:8,9.
"Without shedding of blood is no remission."- Hebrews 9:22.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."- Romans 5:6.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."- Isa. 53:6.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."- I Peter 1:18,19.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."- Rom. 6:23.
Dear sinner, remember that church membership will not save you. If you have been baptized, that cannot save you. Baptism does not save, does not keep anybody saved. It is only an act of duty for those who have already found Christ as their Saviour.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?"- Romans 10:13,14.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
There are many denominations out there and many are filled with the wisdom of man with I am right, and you are wrong, not love. Salvation is in the simplicity that is in Christ that is with faith and prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the Bible you will find the truth.
Romans 10:8-11 8 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; 9 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Is being baptized in water in the name of Jesus in the Bible? Acts 2:38Romans 6:3-4 and more. Is being baptized with the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 12:13Titus 3:52 Corinthians 1:21-22 and more. Does one come before the other, not necessarily, Acts 10:45-48, but the sealing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit in us is a must, Romans 8:11, read all of 8.
We must work out our salvation, Philippians 2:12, we will stand in judgment accountable for ourselves, what different denominations say will not acquit us. It is a lifetime journey, love and obedience are a must, Romans 6:16.
God bless you and God bless your journey He will always be with you and lift you up, John 16:131 Corinthians 16:23-24.
Thanks GiGi; and I hope you had a good time away, away from those noisy workers, at least.
I think what we are grappling with here, is the word, 'regeneration'. I understand you believe that 'regeneration' can happen at any time to the one who is 'elected to salvation' to enable him to come to salvation. Whereas, the word 'regenerate' to me means 're-birth', and not simply an awakening or displaying some propensity towards spiritual things. I'm sorry if I've not properly grasped your meaning, but that's what I gather.
The best verse I can think of for this matter is Titus 3:3-5:
"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly".
Paul of course, speaks of our former spiritual condition, then on God's Love & Kindness shown to sinful man (via the Gospel), and finally, that man could never save himself or make himself right before God, but could ONLY BE SAVED because of God's Mercy toward him. And how was his salvation effected? By 'regeneration' and by 'renewal', through the Holy Ghost.
If this sinner was first regenerated, so he could repent, respond, or approach God for salvation, then why would he need to do these things, for he was already regenerated & renewed by the Holy Ghost? And this question I had just posed to David0921. So, regeneration to me equates to re-birth, for I can't perceive that a regenerative Work of God is any less than that. If anything, as stated in another post of mine, I see the 'convicting, drawing, compelling' Work of the Holy Spirit urging the unregenerated soul - but this I wouldn't consider as a regenerative work. Thanks for your input here.
Thank you, Jesus shamed the leaders of Jerusalem about traditions, Matthew 15:3 and we are told in Colossians 2:8. My understanding is when we believe in our heart that Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to salvation we are justified by God's grace, Romans 3:24 and being baptized is being obedient to God's word, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: We then start the road to sanctification by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Titus 3:5.
Jesus Christ has done everything necessary for our salvation and all we do we do in is name including being baptized, Colossians 3:17. He paid the penalty that our sins deserved by His sacrificial death on the cross. His death satisfied God's justice and turned away His wrath from us. God calls us but we must answer we must believe and be obedient to Him to be chosen, Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
When we are baptized in the Name of Jesus we have put on Christ, Galatians 3:27. Being baptized is obedience, Ephesians 2:102 Thessalonians 1:8, every believer who has opportunity will be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is the result of salvation, not the means to it.
Our obedience strengthens our faith, obedience shows our love for God, and our obedience to God's word is essential and it is not works. Those who are obedient are imitators of Christ and are willingly submitting to the authority, His will, and the word of God.
Having gone to some lengths in discussing subjects such as Predestination and things related to this subject I thought I would
present some logic to consider this concept. A primary idea that I have discussed elsewhere is related to Galatians 2:20. To live in new life necessitates a DEATH blow to our old self. If not then we are still trying to do things in our own strength; and since we cannot save ourselves (see Titus 3:5) there is no way to please God in the flesh. Clearly this doesn't spell the end of our struggles on earth; as Paul states in Romans 7:23. Interestingly; he mentions the word "law" in regard to both the pull of the flesh that remains AND that of the Spirit of God; we see similar verses describing war between the desires of the flesh and that of the Spirit in Galatians 5:17.
Serving the Lord; therefore must be out of the love and resulting obedience in God. It has to surpass our human desires; no matter how noble they may seem. It counters our own loves and hates and brings us into conformity with Christ through the Spirit so that we can especially LOVE our ENEMIES which is not possible in the same way with our flesh. We could conceivably
tolerate a wicked man or be in submission out of fear but not seek his deliverance and serve selflessly expecting nothing in return in our own strength. As I have stated in other posts as well we also warn the wicked of their calamity; and that includes all those who seemingly are kind and compassionate; FRIENDS and enemies as well. As showing love toward mean people is impossible; we also have to warn those who seem like "good people" as well; despite our flesh trying to make our relationship with them (wife; husband; mother; father or best friend) seem to somehow absolve them from the fate of all of the rest of mankind.
So in this posting I am stating that our works (i.e. good fruits) as well as thoughts and what we say display whether He is truly in us.
Unfortunately, as Christians, we take hold of certain beliefs and practises seen in the Bible and then confidently apply it to our lives and profession, whether rightly or wrongly. The Scriptures you shared are indeed the true nature of the one who is truly in Christ and we must allow the Holy Spirit to develop and mature us into the Image of Christ, which can take much time & crucifying of the flesh.
But some believers may also read those same verses in agreement but also read many other instances of God's condemnation of Israel and the nations; one such is in Amos 2:1-3 (the nations: Moab), and in Amos 2:4-8 (of Judah). So, in their thinking, if God can be violently against such for their many sins (via the prophet's voice), why shouldn't we stand tall, be bold and vocal, and condemn others today for engaging in godless pursuits?
I also don't believe any good can come from this sort of behavior, rather Christ's name and His people will be spat upon. Titus 3:2,3, as you quoted, would instruct us well in this matter. Even to follow the Apostle Paul's manner in this: he 'reasoned' with the people (be it the Jews ( Acts 18:19) or Gentiles ( Acts 24:24,25). Screaming at and belittling the unsaved does great damage to Christ's Name and the Gospel; but entering into clear, concise, reasoned discussion may cause the wayward to reconsider his life and ways & not make him resistant to the Gospel that can save him. Blessings.
A Christian street evangelist was demonstrating outside a city amphitheater. He was part of a group of individuals heckling concert goers through a megaphone, calling them "whores," "sissies," and "Jezebels."
Taking the above into consideration, it does not appear that the two quotes are compatible by any rational standard.
There is a contingent of Christians, at least in name, who have arrived at a biblically skewed conclusion that the ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus includes harassing, denigrating, insulting, and otherwise badgering the lost. This attitude could not be further from our biblical calling.
The Bible provides precise instructions on how to conduct ourselves when occupied in the ministry of the Gospel: preaching, witnessing, and otherwise engaging with the lost. None of which includes calling them "whores," "sissies," and "Jezebels." The servant of the Lord must:
Not Strive
Be Gentle
Be Apt to Teach
Be Patient
In Meekness Instructing
Titus 3:2-3 To SPEAK EVIL OF NO MAN, to be NO BRAWLERS, but GENTLE, shewing all MEEKNESS unto all men. 3For WE OURSELVES ALSO were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
Would you have received the Gospel being harassed, denigrated, insulted, and badgered? It is reminiscent of the Inquisition, not the love and grace of God.
Philippians 1:27 Only LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE AS IT BECOMETH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST that ye STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT, WITH ONE MIND STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL;
To be of one mind, we all have to follow the same rules.
Colossians 3:14 And above all these things PUT ON CHARITY, which is the bond of perfectness.
James 2:8 IF YE FULFIL THE ROYAL LAW according to the scripture, Thou shalt LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF,...
Titus 3:14 "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful."
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Blessings
John and the Twelve baptized because God commanded a covenant sign that prepared Israel for the nearness of the promised kingdom. John's mission was prophetic and God-sent: he came to make the Lord's paths straight ( Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1; Matt 3:3), and "He that sent me to baptize with water" defined his work ( John 1:33). His baptism was "of repentance for the remission of sins" ( Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3), publicly separating a believing remnant and manifesting the Messiah to Israel ( John 1:31). This fit Israel's priestly calling and cleansing types-washings consecrated service ( Exod 29:4; Lev 8:6), and prophets promised national purification ( Ezek 36:25; cf. Heb 9:10). Jesus then authorized the apostles to carry this forward in the kingdom gospel: "make disciplesbaptizing" ( Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15-16). At Pentecost Peter summoned Israel: "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins," with the gift of the Spirit and the hope of restoration ( Acts 2:38-41; 3:19-21). In Acts, water baptism identified penitents with the crucified and risen Christ, marked them off from unbelieving Israel, and was confirmed by signs, for "the Jews require a sign" ( Acts 8:12-17; 10:47-48; 22:16; 1 Cor 1:22; cf. Mark 16:17-18). With the later revelation of the Body of Christ, the saving baptism is the Spirit's work-placing believers into one Body apart from rites ( Eph 4:5; 1 Cor 12:13; Titus 3:5). Therefore Paul could say, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17). In sum, John and the apostles baptized in obedience within Israel's kingdom program-repentance, cleansing, identification, and Spirit-attested entry into the remnant-while today the "one baptism" that saves is the Spirit's, not water ( Eph 2:8-9). This preserves Israel's covenant logic with today's grace-salvation rests on Christ's cross-work by faith - not rites, while water witnessed repentance in Israel.
G&P
Titus 3:14 "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful."
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Blessings
What then of Ephesians 5:31-32? Paul says the husband-wife union is a mystery that illustrates Christ and the church. But Paul still names our identity repeatedly as His Body ( Eph 1:22-23; 5:30; 1 Cor 12:27), "one new man," and a "new creature" ( 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15)-never calling us the Bride. Even 2 Corinthians 11:2 ("espousedas a chaste virgin") is betrothal imagery used to guard the Body from deception; it does not rename the Body as the Bride nor collapse Israel's prophetic marriage into Paul's mystery people. Keeping these categories distinct preserves both God's faithfulness to Israel's covenants and the uniqueness of the church revealed "not made known" before Paul ( Eph 3:1-9; Rom 16:25-26).
On baptism: John's and Peter's water baptisms belonged to Israel's kingdom program ( Mark 1:4; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 2:38; 22:16)-covenantal, priestly, and preparatory for an earthly nation of priests ( Exod 19:6; Ezek 36:25-27). In this dispensation, Christ sent Paul "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17), and there is "one baptism" ( Eph 4:5) by which the Spirit places us into Christ's death and resurrection ( Rom 6:3-5; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:11-12). Romans 6 describes that Spirit baptism's identification with Christ-not a ritual that completes salvation. We are saved by grace through faith apart from works ( Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Water may testify, but it cannot add to the finished cross-work ( John 19:30; Gal 2:21). To make it a salvation requirement would muddle Israel's kingdom commands with the Body's grace calling.
So, yes: saints from Israel's program and from the Body will both be with Christ and under His rule-but Scripture differentiates their identities and spheres. Israel/Zion/New Jerusalem is the Bride/Wife in prophecy and Revelation; the Body is the heavenly people of the mystery, bone of His bone and seated above. Keeping those distinctions guards the gospel of grace today and honors God's promises to Israel tomorrow.
G&P
Works Come After Salvation
But Paul goes on immediately in the next verse: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." ( Ephesians 2:10).
Works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of salvation.
The Spirit of God produces love, service, and obedience in the believer's life ( Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 3:8).
Works are a demonstration of faith, not the basis of it.
The Right Perspective
Works should follow after salvation. But they do not secure salvation, nor do they keep it. They simply manifest the new life we already have in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17).
We are not saved by good works, but we are saved unto good works.
"saved unto good works" is a short phrase with a lot of depth.
1. The Source of Salvation
When Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works, he's setting the foundation:
We contribute nothing to earn salvation.
It's God's gift, given freely because of Christ's finished work on the cross.
2. The Purpose of Salvation
Right after that, Paul explains in Ephesians 2:10:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
This means that once God saves us, He also equips us for a new kind of life - a life that reflects His grace, truth, and righteousness.
"Unto good works" means we are saved for the purpose of living out the good things God intended.
3. The Role of Good Works
Not the cause, but the result: Works don't save us, but they are the evidence that we are saved ( Romans 6:4; Titus 3:8).
Spirit-enabled, not self-made: The works are produced as the Spirit lives through us ( Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:13).
Witness to others: Good works demonstrate Christ's life in us to a watching world ( Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).
The last question, are we saved by grace alone or Grace plus works?
G&P
Titus 3:14 "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful."
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Blessings
James does not teach that good works are necessary in order to gain salvation and Paul never teaches that good works are unnecessary after a person is saved. On the contrary, Paul agreed with James that for the person justified by faith, good works are essential ( Phil. 2:12-13; Titus 3:5-8; Eph. 2:8-10). Likewise, James agreed with Paul that the only condition for inheriting the kingdom was faith and faith alone (see James 2:5 and also Acts 15 where at the Jerusalem Council James never expressed disagreement over Paul's teaching that salvation was by faith and not by the works of the law).
So, there truly is no contradiction between James and Paul. It is only that they are addressing different problems among believers.
5. 1 Peter 3:21
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Baptism connected to salvation
Not just symbolic - a required response of a good conscience
6. 2 Peter 1:5-10 - Add to your faith
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue... knowledge... temperance... patience... godliness... brotherly kindness... charity
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."
Not faith alone - one must add works
Doing these things = assurance of salvation
Summary
Peter preached:
Faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah ( Acts 2:36)
Repentance and water baptism for forgiveness ( Acts 2:38)
Obedience necessary to receive the Holy Ghost ( Acts 5:32)
Sanctification through obedience ( 1 Peter 1:2)
Salvation tied to baptism and holy living ( 1 Peter 3:21, 2 Peter 1:10)
This is in contrast with Paul's message of justification by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5), not by works.
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
God bless,
RLW
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
thanks again, God Bless!
Titus 3:15 - All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Paul is making reference to people who are the sincere and genuine Christians who function according to faith, not religion, because that's how Paul lived his life, according to faith. Those who love us in the faith, greet them as well.
And then the principle of grace, and I've mentioned this before. The word be is in italics which means it's not in the original writings. It has been placed there by the translators in order to make it a complete English sentence. The problem is that according to the Greek, this is not a wish or a prayer. It's a statement of fact. Grace is with you all. Amen. It's a reminder and a statement to everybody, to all believers, that the grace of God is always with you for everything that God has for your life!
Well, this is all I have for Titus. As you all know, Philemon is very short, so I'm hoping to have something to post very soon.
Blessings to you all in Christ Jesus!
Titus 3:11 - Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and this word basically means to bring in a disease. And sins, being condemned of himself. He condemns himself by his own beliefs, and his own twisting and misrepresentation of scripture.
Titus 3:13 - Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Bring Zenas the lawyer. It is unsure whether he's a Gentile, or he's a Hebrew. It would make more sense by his name and function that he would be a Gentile. If he's a Hebrew, then he's a lawyer of the law, the Old Testament, the Tanak. If he is a Greek, or Gentile, then he is a lawyer of Roman law. And that's what Paul needs. He needs somebody to help him with Roman law.
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. The word wanting means lacking. So, when you send them on their way, make sure that they have everything that they need, food, a means of transportation, and that they are completely taken care of.
Titus 3:10 - A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition, or warning, reject him. This term heretic is the adjective form of the word heresy. And it's interesting that the Greek word for heresy means to choose.
Now here's how it works as far as heresy in the church goes:
If I have a block of scripture, and I tell you what I believe it means, I'm choosing to believe something versus a choice that you might make differently. That's heresy. If someone walks into a church and they read the plaque on the wall that lists their doctrinal statement, and they open their bible and say you've got this scripture listed that's backing up one of your doctrines, but as I read it here, that's not really what it says, if they come back and say yes, but that's what we believe it says, that's heresy!
That's heresy. It's not based on our beliefs. It's based on the establishment and the confirmation of God's word by God's Spirit, not by man. So, a person who's a heretic, someone that teaches false doctrine, basically his opinion is I disagree with that, and this is what I think it means. Okay, where does it say that? "Well, it doesn't. But that's what it means!"
That's heresy. It's very easy to do. Most of our church denominations are built on heresy. It's because somebody said I don't agree with your belief about that. I have my own belief. So, they start their own denomination. And most of the denominational and church differences are over personal belief, choosing what they want to believe about a text, rather than taking the text itself.
So, a man that is a heretic after the first and second warning, you've got to warn him. This is the protection of the new life. In the church, the false teachers, they're called heretics. After you warn him the first and second time, then reject him. That's a command.
Titus 3:4 - But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
He says but after, and it's literally the word when. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared. Look at who he calls God. He says God our Savior. Six times, mingled in his pastoral letters, he calls God Savior, and he calls Jesus Christ Savior. They're both the same person.
So, when Jesus came, when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man, when he appeared, that's when our salvation came.
Titus 3:8 - This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
He says this is a faithful saying, and as I mentioned before, whenever you find this phrase "faithful saying," this is Paul's way of saying we don't have a New Testament yet, but this saying is passed around in the church as equal to scripture.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Titus 3:3 - For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
For we ourselves also were sometimes, number one, foolish. This word means unperceptive. We had no spiritual perception whatsoever. Disobedient, which is a refusal to obey the persuasion of God's Spirit. We were deceived. This is where we get our English word planet from. PLANAE means to wander. We were deceived. We wandered all over the place, trying different things, and going in different directions.
Serving divers lusts and pleasures, and the word serving is literally the word enslaved, being enslaved to various lusts and pleasures. And the word pleasure in the Greek, HEDONEI, is where we get our word hedonism from. This is hedonistic desires. We live in a hedonistic society, where we work and do whatever is necessary, so that in our off time, we can serve and satisfy our pleasures. That's hedonism.
Fifthly, living in malice and envy, and the word malice is the word that means to cause adversity for people, and to be envious of people. The sixth thing is hateful. And the seventh thing is hating one another. There's a lot of hate going around amongst non-believers because it's so empty and frustrating in the world.
So, without perception, disobedient to the things of the Lord, wandering around, having no direction, being enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, living in adversity and envy, hateful disposition, and hating one another. He gives the seven primary characteristics of the new life, and the seven primary characteristics of the old life.
And then in Verses 4 to 7, he presents the process of receiving the new life. This is great material!
Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Speak evil of no man, do not be brawlers, or fighters, but rather be gentle, lenient is what it means, shewing all meekness unto all men. The word meekness here means to be open. It means openness, receptivity. That's one of the main words that is used in the scriptures for those who are in teaching or pastoral ministries. Meekness doesn't mean that you play the role of a doormat. It means to be open and to be receptive.
One of the hardest things for those in a teaching ministry is to be open and receptive because they don't know all the answers, and if someone is coming up to them to try and prove them wrong, it kind of puts them in a bad position.
So, it's difficult in the human according to pride to be open and receptive to all people, but it's necessary. It is necessary for the person who is up front and is teaching, that they be more open and receptive than anybody else in the whole room. Why?
Because we're all the same, we're all on the same level. We've all learned about the Lord from down here. None of us have come from up there. If you have, I want to meet you!
Titus 3:1 - Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
He starts out with a command. He says put them in mind. This is what is called a Present Imperative. And it's the word remembrance. What that means is he's telling and commanding Titus to continually put them in remembrance of these things.
So, this is not a one-time thing just to say we got this letter from Paul, and then they go file it. He says you Titus, you continually put them in remembrance of these things, the seven things or characteristics of the new life.
First, it says to be subject, and the word is submission, to be subject to rulers and authorities. That's the literal translation. That parallels Romans Chapter 13 Verses 1 through 7, where Paul talked about be submissive to your government, to the officials. Submission means to line up with the Lord with other people, to be in submission, or to be in an orderly arrangement.
And then to be ready to every good work, and he's mentioning the word AGATHOS which is a spiritual good. The word for human good is KALOS. Spiritual good is AGATHOS. In fact, this word AGATHOS, its root word is found in Galatians 5:22 as a fruit of God's Spirit.
So, we have to know that when it says be ready to do good works, what kind are we talking about, KALOS or AGATHOS? That's very important. The good here is AGATHOS, the good work of God. Be ready to function with the Lord and be used of the Lord for His work and be in submission to the authorities here on the earth so that you can carry out your life.
What prevents one from receiving the gift is either a flat rejection in unbelief, or by adding to simple faith one's own merit or supposed "good works" (deeds, performance or reform), which scripture explicitly refutes ( Titus 3:5-6). God's way for redemption is so simple, a person's pride or fears often won't allow them to accept that God's redemption is really that complete and free.
Yes, God desires practical righteousness of His children, after being saved; however, one must realize, this is a completely separate issue from that which gets a person to Heaven. We can't bribe God; none will boast in Heaven over their entrance because they did this and stopped that, persevered, or performed religious acts etc. Some of the saved will go onto maturity, in varying degrees, and some will unfortunately not. There's blessing and rewards based on performance and obedience, but holds absolutely no determining factor for getting into Heaven. Some will be left standing at the Bema judgment empty handed but still enter in because Christ paid it all, and they received it... Meanwhile, there's those who plead their many wonderful works done in the name of Christ at the Great White Throne judgement and end up in Hell. The object in which one places their faith is what makes the difference. Christ alone?.. or Him plus your supposed merit and bribes?
Before going any further it certainly needs to be said if we are judging things according to scriptural standards we can expect God to hold us to the same standards. If we are embracing sin we likely are drawn around us to others who also make excuses for their behavior and that certainly is how much acceptance of evil starts.
An immature believer will more often than not be transparent about sin as the Spirit travails in their spirit. It seems a trend that those considered more mature believers talk less and less about sin; when in reality the more we truly grow in faith the more sin is revealed. Confession of sin should help the Body of Christ if we look at it properly.
All aberrant movements start off with either a real or preconceived notion of unfairness; and those against scriptural teachings are the same way; society at large works against the conscience He has given men (see Romans 1; Psalm 19); while those in the church are held under stricter judgment and find ways to approach scripture to justify their behaviors. Such attitudes I have argued before make such individuals under great danger; and it is better to walk away from the church for a time than remain and try to conform the Word into a box of your own making. Wanting to have people stay in fellowship rather than taking proper discipline and the risk of losing members cannot be undertaken without error spreading like gangrene ( 2 Tim. 2:17). We can't worry about the world thinking we are too judgmental; intolerant or mean and afford to disregard jealously guarding the flock and the integrity of the Word. This doesn't mean of course that we ACT judgmental; mean or harsh unless heretical teaching is being forced among the congregation; whenever possible we tach with gentleness ( Titus 3:2 and many other verses on such longsuffering).
In short apostasy usually is associated with the desire for money (offerings); or prestige (praise of others)
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
Pt. 4
I wish to use this excerpt because it explains this topic so well and identifies so many Scripture verses.
Excerpted From: Got Questions:
What Does It Mean that All Sinned?
Romans attests that in Adam, all sinned. Theologically, this has been called "original sin" over the centuries. Original sin does not mean that we are guilty of Adam's sin, but that we inherit a sinfulness that is transmitted from Adam to all humans. No human is exempt from being sinful and corrupted.
Humans are driven to sin, enslaved by this sinfulness to continue to sin and to rebel against God, as these Scriptures say:
John 8:34
Jesus replied, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.'
2 Peter 2:19
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
Titus 3:3
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures-living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Romans 6:16, 17
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:20
For when ye were the slaves of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Romans 3:10-12 quotes Psalm 14:2-3 and Ps. 53: 1-3 saying that no one does what is good, not even one, no one understands the things of God (spiritual matters) because the god of this world has blinded us so that we cannot see the glory of Jesus in the gospel.
Paul also says that all humans are hostile to God, at enmity towards Him, His enemy, dead in sin, and enslaved to sin, we do not seek Him nor can we please God nor submit to His law. Elsewhere we are told that it is man's pride that keeps Him from hating his sin and submitting to God.
( Romans 2:1; 5:10: 3:10-18, 8:6-8; Eph.2:13; Ecc. 7:20; Ps. 14:2; 36:1-2; Is. 53:2)
See Pt. 5
GOD'S MERCY IS NEW EVERY MORNING AND NEVER FAILS
Every sinner is in need of God's mercy. When one realizes this and cries to God for mercy we admit to deserving eternal punishment for our sins as well as being undeserving of His mercy. By rights, we should be under his impending wrath, like all mankind ( Ephesians 2:3) - but for "the tender mercy of our God" ( Luke 1:78), in which Jesus took god's wrath in our place and allows for our sins to be forgiven.
In Titus 3:4-7, the apostle Paul gives us one of the best descriptions of God's mercy as revealed in Jesus Christ:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
God's mercy forgives and saves us specifically because He withholds the punishment, condemnation and wrath we deserve.
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Thessalonians 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Exodus 33:19 reveals a great glimpse of God's mercy. In one of the most important passages in all the Bible, after Moses has asked God to show him his glory, God answers, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."
When asked to show his glory, God puts his goodness in grace and mercy on display - and his utter freedom in showing his mercy to whomever he chooses.
See Pt. 2
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."- Titus 3:5.
"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."- Eph. 2:8,9.
"Without shedding of blood is no remission."- Hebrews 9:22.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."- Romans 5:6.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."- Isa. 53:6.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."- I Peter 1:18,19.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."- Rom. 6:23.
Dear sinner, remember that church membership will not save you. If you have been baptized, that cannot save you. Baptism does not save, does not keep anybody saved. It is only an act of duty for those who have already found Christ as their Saviour.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?"- Romans 10:13,14.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
COME LORD JESUS
There are many denominations out there and many are filled with the wisdom of man with I am right, and you are wrong, not love. Salvation is in the simplicity that is in Christ that is with faith and prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the Bible you will find the truth.
Romans 10:8-11 8 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; 9 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Is being baptized in water in the name of Jesus in the Bible? Acts 2:38 Romans 6:3-4 and more. Is being baptized with the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 12:13 Titus 3:5 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 and more. Does one come before the other, not necessarily, Acts 10:45-48, but the sealing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit in us is a must, Romans 8:11, read all of 8.
We must work out our salvation, Philippians 2:12, we will stand in judgment accountable for ourselves, what different denominations say will not acquit us. It is a lifetime journey, love and obedience are a must, Romans 6:16.
God bless you and God bless your journey He will always be with you and lift you up, John 16:13 1 Corinthians 16:23-24.
RLW
I think what we are grappling with here, is the word, 'regeneration'. I understand you believe that 'regeneration' can happen at any time to the one who is 'elected to salvation' to enable him to come to salvation. Whereas, the word 'regenerate' to me means 're-birth', and not simply an awakening or displaying some propensity towards spiritual things. I'm sorry if I've not properly grasped your meaning, but that's what I gather.
The best verse I can think of for this matter is Titus 3:3-5:
"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly".
Paul of course, speaks of our former spiritual condition, then on God's Love & Kindness shown to sinful man (via the Gospel), and finally, that man could never save himself or make himself right before God, but could ONLY BE SAVED because of God's Mercy toward him. And how was his salvation effected? By 'regeneration' and by 'renewal', through the Holy Ghost.
If this sinner was first regenerated, so he could repent, respond, or approach God for salvation, then why would he need to do these things, for he was already regenerated & renewed by the Holy Ghost? And this question I had just posed to David0921. So, regeneration to me equates to re-birth, for I can't perceive that a regenerative Work of God is any less than that. If anything, as stated in another post of mine, I see the 'convicting, drawing, compelling' Work of the Holy Spirit urging the unregenerated soul - but this I wouldn't consider as a regenerative work. Thanks for your input here.
Thank you, Jesus shamed the leaders of Jerusalem about traditions, Matthew 15:3 and we are told in Colossians 2:8. My understanding is when we believe in our heart that Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to salvation we are justified by God's grace, Romans 3:24 and being baptized is being obedient to God's word, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: We then start the road to sanctification by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Titus 3:5.
Jesus Christ has done everything necessary for our salvation and all we do we do in is name including being baptized, Colossians 3:17. He paid the penalty that our sins deserved by His sacrificial death on the cross. His death satisfied God's justice and turned away His wrath from us. God calls us but we must answer we must believe and be obedient to Him to be chosen, Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
When we are baptized in the Name of Jesus we have put on Christ, Galatians 3:27. Being baptized is obedience, Ephesians 2:10 2 Thessalonians 1:8, every believer who has opportunity will be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is the result of salvation, not the means to it.
Our obedience strengthens our faith, obedience shows our love for God, and our obedience to God's word is essential and it is not works. Those who are obedient are imitators of Christ and are willingly submitting to the authority, His will, and the word of God.
God bless,
RLW
Having gone to some lengths in discussing subjects such as Predestination and things related to this subject I thought I would
present some logic to consider this concept. A primary idea that I have discussed elsewhere is related to Galatians 2:20. To live in new life necessitates a DEATH blow to our old self. If not then we are still trying to do things in our own strength; and since we cannot save ourselves (see Titus 3:5) there is no way to please God in the flesh. Clearly this doesn't spell the end of our struggles on earth; as Paul states in Romans 7:23. Interestingly; he mentions the word "law" in regard to both the pull of the flesh that remains AND that of the Spirit of God; we see similar verses describing war between the desires of the flesh and that of the Spirit in Galatians 5:17.
Serving the Lord; therefore must be out of the love and resulting obedience in God. It has to surpass our human desires; no matter how noble they may seem. It counters our own loves and hates and brings us into conformity with Christ through the Spirit so that we can especially LOVE our ENEMIES which is not possible in the same way with our flesh. We could conceivably
tolerate a wicked man or be in submission out of fear but not seek his deliverance and serve selflessly expecting nothing in return in our own strength. As I have stated in other posts as well we also warn the wicked of their calamity; and that includes all those who seemingly are kind and compassionate; FRIENDS and enemies as well. As showing love toward mean people is impossible; we also have to warn those who seem like "good people" as well; despite our flesh trying to make our relationship with them (wife; husband; mother; father or best friend) seem to somehow absolve them from the fate of all of the rest of mankind.
So in this posting I am stating that our works (i.e. good fruits) as well as thoughts and what we say display whether He is truly in us.