Getting back to scripture James 1:23-4 says For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
I have brought out the idea that many in the Calvanist movement didn't like the admonitions in the book of James since it mentions our good works in relation to salvation. With hundreds of like admonitions in scripture we simply can't ignore the fact that good works are a part of EVIDENCE of saving faith and we not only can but MUST realize without such works showing good fruit that we are not truly saved. Now before everyone gets too antsy about this; of course our sanctification and perhaps realization of how as a believer He is changing us day by day; what He is calling us to do and knowledge and wisdom of what are sins of commission as well as omission take time.
Getting back to my list salvation is NOT
Grafting ourselves into our FAMILY HERITAGE based on our lineage being something special somehow justifying either them or ourselves before God in judgment Day
Making a verbal assent of faith that is based on ANYTHING other than the Holy Spirit's prompting
Making a vow to do acts of penance or self sacrifice to earn God's favor
Attempting to follow Christ but mixing in other religion or traditions; as well as following an unscriptural occultic "Christ"
Looking for personal experiences over love and obedience to Christ
"Lording it over" others because we are proud that we are Christians or showing bad fruits of lack of self control and anger for those "sinners" and not possessing the love of Christ.
In similar fashion we don't just love those who love us.
The last two categories are a bit tricky because I have known true Christians who have a short fuse as a personality trait; as well as shy individuals. We must be changed; from flawed to flawless.
Getting back to scripture James 1:23-4 says For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
I have brought out the idea that many in the Calvanist movement didn't like the admonitions in the book of James since it mentions our good works in relation to salvation. With hundreds of like admonitions in scripture we simply can't ignore the fact that good works are a part of EVIDENCE of saving faith and we not only can but MUST realize without such works showing good fruit that we are not truly saved. Now before everyone gets too antsy about this; of course our sanctification and perhaps realization of how as a believer He is changing us day by day; what He is calling us to do and knowledge and wisdom of what are sins of commission as well as omission take time.
Getting back to my list salvation is NOT
Grafting ourselves into our FAMILY HERITAGE based on our lineage being something special somehow justifying either them or ourselves before God in judgment Day
Making a verbal assent of faith that is based on ANYTHING other than the Holy Spirit's prompting
Making a vow to do acts of penance or self sacrifice to earn God's favor
Attempting to follow Christ but mixing in other religion or traditions; as well as following an unscriptural occultic "Christ"
Looking for personal experiences over love and obedience to Christ
"Lording it over" others because we are proud that we are Christians or showing bad fruits of lack of self control and anger for those "sinners" and not possessing the love of Christ.
In similar fashion we don't just love those who love us.
The last two categories are a bit tricky because I have known true Christians who have a short fuse as a personality trait; as well as shy individuals. We must be changed; from flawed to flawless.
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