In another thread Secondson said
1. You're only free if Jesus sets you free.
2. You can do nothing to save yourself.
3. Salvation is a gift, not a reward.
My own take on this has always been
1. You're only free if Jesus sets you free. [AGREED]
2. You can do nothing to save yourself. [WRONG]
3. Salvation is a gift, not a reward. [AGREED]
1. Jesus makes one free from sin. Jesus by his death paid the price for the sin of mankind. A believer can continue on being free by following the commandments and refraining from a life of continued sin.
2. The professed believer must continue with a life of righteousness thereby saving himself. Paul makes this point here in TImothy:
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:10-16 KJV)
Here is a summary:
- God through Christ is the Saviour of ALL MEN especially believers, Notice he did not say 'ONLY believers'
- Live righteously and do good works
- By doing this you will SAVE YOURSELF AND THOSE WHO HEAR YOU.
Christians preach a doctrine of laziness and complacency which is totally contrary to the bible.
@rajk999 saidI have always used the saying “salvation is free but discipleship will cost you everything” to lay out the scripturally accurate ends of the faith/works ideological spectrum.
In another thread Secondson said
1. You're only free if Jesus sets you free.
2. You can do nothing to save yourself.
3. Salvation is a gift, not a reward.
My own take on this has always been
1. You're only free if Jesus sets you free. [AGREED]
2. You can do nothing to save yourself. [WRONG]
3. Salvation is a gift, not a reward. [AGREED]
1. Jesus makes ...[text shortened]...
Christians preach a doctrine of laziness and complacency which is totally contrary to the bible.
@divegeester saidI know that statement, but to my mind it is not quite right. I suppose it depends n how one defines salvation. I define salvation as eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
I have always used the saying “salvation is free but discipleship will cost you everything” to lay out the scripturally accurate ends of the faith/works ideological spectrum.
The word 'saved' however can have a multitude of meanings. Women will be saved in childbearing. A man is saved by his faith. This does not mean the women who have kids get eternal life neither would the man who has faith automatically get eternal life. Salvation defined as eternal life is not free in the sense one has nothing more to do but profess faith. Paul condemns that doctrine. There is work to be done and commandments to follow, and a lifestyle to be lived. Failure leads to damnation.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (Philippians 2:12-16 KJV)