James Was Not Talking about Faith in Jesus Christ for Salvation

[GRACE ambassador]

Works of righteousness are not meritorious.

Of course, NOT FOR salvation, which is by "GRACE And MERCY!" (Titus 3:4-7)

But, YES, FOR "rewards In Glory!" (1 Corinthians 3:6-15) Amen.

Acts 2:36-38
Therefore let the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus whom you CRUCIFIED, both Lord and Christ.

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

BIG Difference in being "Accused Of MURDERING Christ," (Peter) AND:

"Being Offered God's FREE Gift, Because Of:
The Merits Of The FINISHED CROSS-Work Of:

The Only SAVIOUR, The LORD JESUS CHRIST! (Paul)
Amen.

Be immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins, Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15-16.

They had not had there sins forgiven until they repented and were baptized for the forgiveness of there sins.

You probably missed The Rightly Divided Bible Answer to this, in post:
# 156

GRACE And Peace...

 

[GRACE ambassador]

I am sorry my friend. You have me rolling, which is sad, because I fear so much for you.

Yes, after "planting and watering," the best we can hope for, in our prayers, is:

"God Gives the increase!" (1 Corinthians 3:6) Amen?

 

[Titus]

No. It is not "Of course he knows". He was persecuting Christians because he believed that Jesus was a false Messiah. Christ was definitely not Lord to him until he met Christ face to face. But no man can call Jesus "Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3). So when he said "Lord" he believed that Jesus was God and Messiah because the light from Heaven could only be God's light.

So let's not promote any false ideas here. Paul was saved on the road to Damascus and Ananias recognized him as a brother in Christ: But the Lord said unto him [Ananias], Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: (Acts 9:15)

I agree, you need to stop promoting false ideas.

You are mistaken on your interpretation of 1Corinthians 12:3.

Matthew 8:29

Lol

Let’s face it

You are either here to play games, Here to try to bully people, or maybe your a young person who really does nt know better?

I am not sure, But one things is sure. You do not know how to read what people are saying.

When I say we are not under law. It means the law of moses. You know that. Everyone here knows that. But you want to play games so you twist what we say so it makes you look like your smart or something?

I don’t know what it is. But you are getting tiresome.

Nonsense, go back a read what you wrote to me.
I'm not assuming or mis-representing what you said.

I'm not holding a gun to your head.
No one is forcing you to have a conversation with me.

If you are tired of me, then stop responding.

I'm not interested in teaching folks, that destroy the entire foundation that their gospel is built on ie faith and no obedience to Gods commandments, 1John 3:23-24.
By admitting that we do obey a commandment to be saved, 1John 3:23-24; Acts 10:35

Then, does not have the intestinal fortitude to admit their doctrine has been built on a false premise.
Instead pretends as if their errors have not been exposed.

That is a man I'm not really interested in debating anymore.
I like folks with integrity.

I'm not going to play your game and just go on as if 1John 3:23-24 did not disprove your faith onlyist gospel.

Folks who will hold to a doctrine that does not hold up under scrutiny,
Cannot come to the truth.
So, you are probably just a waste of my time.

btw, I love you, and hope you will think seriously about the error of your faulty, inconsistent, illogical, unbiblical, false gospel, 1John 3:23-24.

 

[amigo de christo]

What work did Cornelius do?

Much love!

Cornelious had done many good works , gave much alms , much prayer to GOD .
But you ask a very good question . What SAVED CORNELIUS . HE HAD to HEAR the gospel and BELIEVE .
Allow me to expose the all inclusive lie one more time .
For they say if one has so called love and does good works , it dont matter what he or she believes , They are saved .
WE both know that is a lie and one from hades too .
Cause cornelius outdid most folks . He gave so much alms and prayers to GOD that they actually came up as a memorial before GOD .
AND YET if that had saved him , HOW COME He had to send for peter and hear words whereby HE and his house COULD be saved .
Exactly . ONE MUST BELIEVE in CHRIST JESUS . THERE simply is no other way to be saved .
I take this to my grave and have no plans to sell out for the new religoins lie that all religoins serve the same God
and are saved by this false voo doo love they keep talking about .
MARK , NEVER GO DOWN this other false road that i keep exposing . ITS A LIE . ONLY FAITH IN JESUS SAVES and THAT IS THE GOSPEL TRUTH
and the ONLY GOSPEL We gonna beleive IN .

 

[amigo de christo]

Before all in this digital place , i stand tonight to procliam that ONLY faith in JESUS saves
And that one must BELIEVE IN HIM , CONFESS HIM by mouth and believe from the heart that GOD has rose HIM from the dead
TO BE saved . And that there is no other way one can be saved .
I declare it here for all to hear and everywhere i go . I refuse the all inclusive lie and i stand on ONLY the one true gospel
the TESTIMONY that GOD HIMSELF bare of HIS SON CHRIST JESUS . And i leave us all with
two things to remember concerning this .
IF JESUS said it , IT cannot be altered or changed and JOHN echoes him too .
HE who believes shall be saved but HE who believes not is condemned already .................JESUS SPOKE IT and as such ITS TRUTH .
And john later wrote , HE who has the SON has life but he who has NOT the SON has NOT LIFE .
They all knew this . SO dont let Rome and the sold out we are one unity false all inclusive men lead any astray into the lie .
CLING TO CHRIST and HOLD FAST to the original doctrine and gospel .

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Nonsense, go back a read what you wrote to me.
I'm not assuming or mis-representing what you said.

Nonsense,

I said we are not under law (mosaic) we are under grace.

Then you lied and said I said we are under law. I said no such thing.

I'm not holding a gun to your head.
No one is forcing you to have a conversation with me.

If you are tired of me, then stop responding.

I'm not interested in teaching folks, that destroy the entire foundation that their gospel is built on ie faith and no obedience to Gods commandments, 1John 3:23-24.
By admitting that we do obey a commandment to be saved, 1John 3:23-24; Acts 10:35

Then, does not have the intestinal fortitude to admit their doctrine has been built on a false premise.
Instead pretends as if their errors have not been exposed.

That is a man I'm not really interested in debating anymore.
I like folks with integrity.

I'm not going to play your game and just go on as if 1John 3:23-24 did not disprove your faith onlyist gospel.

Folks who will hold to a doctrine that does not hold up under scrutiny,
Cannot come to the truth.
So, you are probably just a waste of my time.

btw, I love you, and hope you will think seriously about the error of your faulty, inconsistent, illogical, unbiblical, false gospel, 1John 3:23-24.

I hope you consider you legalistic, works based Gospel of self righteousness. And repent and come to christ.

And your like your brother. You lie through your teeth, I love when peopel claim how righteous they are. Yet sin almost every post’
I am not a faith on lies. There is no such thing as faith alone. Faith is never alone.

However, We are saved the moment we repent and place our faith in christ. Not of works lest anyone shoudl boast. For we (those saved by Grace) are his workmanship created in christ for good works.

We are his workmanship. It is him working in us, Not us working.

Thats why no amount of work we ever could do will save us.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done by by his mercy

You are tryign to earn mercy, You will fail miserably

 

[Titus]

lololol

I am sorry my friend. You have me rolling, which is sad, because I fear so much for you.

The law is the law of Moses. The law of Christ is grace my friend.


Yet you have no response to how I am wrong, you just say it, That should convince me?



Nope. Those verses claim we need christ, because the law proves we are in sin, It proves we have failed to keep the law. It proves we are cursed by the law. which is exactly what I said.


Why do you not post the whole verse...

13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

It supports everything I have been saying

Apart from the law there would BE NO WRATH!

As paul said in rom 7, the law came and I DIED> because the law said do no covet.. etc etc.



Dude, You are misrepresenting what I am saying, because your blind to what the word says. If you can not understand what the law is and what it does. Don;t try to blame me and falsly accuse me

Again, I am not going any further in your post. because everything you have said so far is

1. Misrepresenting what I have said and believe
2. Misrepresents the law and its purpose.
3. Misrepresents the word of God.

My bible says I am under grace. Not under the law.

Your correct.

So if you are under law. YOUR DOOMED!

First you said not under law.
Now you contradict yourself and say you are under law,

The law of Christ is grace my friend

Now apologize for accusing me of misrepresenting you.

You did contradict yourself.

You are confused about which law Paul is teaching in Romans.
We are under law today.

Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Two laws being contrasted by Paul.

The law of Moses and the law of Christ.

I don't need to refute your faith and no obedience to Gods commandments salvation gospel, 1John 3:23-24.
You did it for me, when you admitted we do works to be saved, Acts 10:35,

Acts 10:35
There you go. In your own words.

Acts 10:35
But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

Works righteousness is keeping, doing the commandments of God, 1John 3:23-24.

God commands us to work the works of God to be saved,
John 6:28-29.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

First you said not under law.
Now you contradict yourself and say you are under law,

See how the lies go?

I state if YOU (meaning you) are under law (as you say you are) then YOU (meaning you) are doomed

And you say I said we are under law

Give it up dude, You need to repent and confess of your sin.

I ain’t playing your game anymore

 

[Titus]

No. It is not "Of course he knows". He was persecuting Christians because he believed that Jesus was a false Messiah. Christ was definitely not Lord to him until he met Christ face to face. But no man can call Jesus "Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3). So when he said "Lord" he believed that Jesus was God and Messiah because the light from Heaven could only be God's light.

So let's not promote any false ideas here. Paul was saved on the road to Damascus and Ananias recognized him as a brother in Christ: But the Lord said unto him [Ananias], Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: (Acts 9:15)

But no man can call Jesus "Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3). So when he said "Lord" he believed that Jesus was God and Messiah because the light from Heaven could only be God's light

Believing in Jesus as Lord without obedience to Jesus' gospel does not save.

You claim Paul had the Holy Spirit on the road to Damascus because of 1Corinthians 12:3.

1Corinthians 12:3 is teaching miraculous gifts to saved Christians.
These christians have been given power by the Holy Spirit.

Did all saved christians recieve direct miraculous power from the Holy Spirit?

Simon who was saved, did not, yet he called on the name of the Lord,

Acts 8:12-13
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Simon has believed in Jesus Christ.
He is a saved christian.
Now we will learn he did not have the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:14-18
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
Who when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
For as of yet he had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
Saying, Give me this power also that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.

Here Simon is saved and water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Yet he has not yet received the Holy Spirit gifts.

We have examples of saved christians not receiving the Holy Spirit the moment they believed in Jesus Christ or before belief.

So Paul did not have to have the Holy Spirit to say Lord in Acts 9:5-6.
1Corinthians 12:3 is miraculous giftscof the Holy Spirit.
No one needs miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit to believe and become a saved christian!
Simon proved that to be true!

Besides, we know exactly when Paul received Holy Spirit baptism.
Not on the road to Damascus but THREE DAYS LATER AFTER FAITH IN CHRIST!

Acts 9:17 is when Paul received the Holy Spirit.

Fact: Paul said from his own mouth His sins were washed away not when he believed on the road to Damascus as you teach, Enoch. But three days later when he was baptized into Christ, Galatians 3:26-27 ;
Acts 22:16
And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

 

[Titus]

See how the lies go?

I state if YOU (meaning you) are under law (as you say you are) then YOU (meaning you) are doomed

And you say I said we are under law

Give it up dude, You need to repent and confess of your sin.

I ain’t playing your game anymore

Are your eyes working properly?
I quoted where you said we are under law,

The law of Christ is grace my friend.

You did teach we are under law today after you taught we are not.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Are your eyes working properly?
I quoted where you said we are under law,



You did teach we are under law today after you taught we are not.

Good day sir. you are knowingly and willingly trying to deflect from what we were actually talking about .

You have no desire to discuss anything.

Scripture states clearly. if we are under law. we are not under grace. period.

That means that there is NO WAY possible to merit salvation. Salvation is a free gift. It is not achieved by the work of water baptism, The work of obeying commands, The work of any thing we do to earn, maintain or keep from losing salvation.

When you teach that. You teach we are under law. Not under grace.

Law allows one to be accused, Tried and found guilty of a crime, and it tells us what that punishment is.

The law says the penalty of sin is death.

Grace states, even though one is guilty, even though one has been tried (by the law) found guilty (by that law) and had a penalty imposed on them by that Law. The judge shows mercy, But a perfect judge will only do that if the penalty was paid by someone else (in this case Christ)

Abraham, Who was not under law. Believed God and it was credited to his spiritual account as righteousness (his sin debt was paid in full)

Why could God do this? Because he is God. He KNOW he was going to come to earth, Live a life free of sin (fulfill the law) and then take the penalty of sin on behalf of mankind.

For this reason. Christ righteousness death was applied to Abraham's account, hence even though Abraham was guilty, When God saw him, He saw his son righteousness, Not Abraham sin and death.

Thats what the day of atonement shows.

1. The ten commands, Arron's rod that budded, And manna was in the ark these three items PROVED the guilt of the people. And PROVED they deserved the death they had recieved (spiritual death)

2. on the day of atonement, The lamb was slaughtered, and its blood poured on the mercy seat. When the judge looked. He no longer saw what proved the guilt of the people. He saw the blood of the sacrificial lamb, Who gave its life for the sin of the people.

3, Christ, as the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the people. Gave his blood. as he who knew no sin became sin that we may be made right with God.

You want to pervert this gospel. by adding works to the blood. and claiming the blood alone is not enough to grant remission of sin, and justification.

Then when people ty to help you and show you the flaw. You mock them, Claim they say things they have never said, Twist what they do say to make it look like they are guilty and your just trying to help them. and deflect from the actual conversation.

You claimed you did not teach works. Then you went after @mailmandan and myself because we questioned you.

You then got mad, and said you never said that, and asked me to prove it

Which I DID. And notice since that time, you have not even responded to that proof. and have instead been twisting my words, Claiming I have said something I have never said, and done everything you can to deflect from your own lie, which you refuse to repent of.

Again, If that's the way you are going to be, I am done. I have dealt with enough of people like that to least me a lifetime.

You want to discuss the gospel. Lets discuss the gospel.

You want to falsly accuse me, Then you will continue to get exposed.

 

[Ernest T. Bass]

It seems an impossibility for them to come to that logical conclusion.

I have not had one person who believes you do not obey any commandments to be saved, answer, 1John 3:23-24.
I'm waiting for Danthemailman, Eternally Greatful and marks to give an answer to,
1John 3:23-24.

Not obeying God's commands is transgression and transgression is sin (1 John 3:4) and transgression/sin is the reason people are lost, dead spiritually (Ephesians 2:1). Therefore if one does not have to obey, that means one can be saved while dead in sin, while in transgression to God's commands. Yet the Bible speaks of "obedience UNTO righteousness" (Romans 6:16) and nothing about DISobedience unto righteousness.

I have read where people have said, for example, that water baptism is COMMANDED but not REQUIRED for salvation. The fact it is commanded if for no other reason makes it REQUIRED for disobedience is transgression/sin and transgression/sin is the reason people are lost.

If those in Acts 2 could disobey God's command to 'repent and be baptized' yet still be saved anyway, then why even command them anything? But not obeying that command to repent and be baptized would be transgression/sin and if one can be saved in their sin then why isn't EVERYONE universally saved in their sins? For if one can disobey the command to 'repent and be baptized' yet still be saved, then why can't people disobey the command to 'believe' and still be saved too? Then everyone universally, whether they believe or not, can be saved. Why couldn't the jailer disobey the command to believe (Acts 16:31) yet be saved anyway?

 

[Episkopos]

There are many dualities in the Bible and being under the law is no exception:

When Paul said that he was no longer "under the law" he meant the law of Moses...the law serving as a "covering" until Christ came. He then exchanged his old covering for that of being in Christ...covered by the righteousness of God. Judaism is about being covered by the Torah given to Moses. Obedience to the Mosaic law is seen, even today, as what covers the people. A covering is what you come under for righteousness' sake (God's righteousness). That standard was the highest standard available until the coming of Christ. In fact, the law of Moses (although not the law of God) is now obsolete because of the availability of grace...and entering INTO Christ to be covered by Him.

With the coming of the New Covenant. there is added a deeper significance to being "under the law". God has concluded all people "under sin". (Gal. 3:22) That includes the Jews who were under the law...since the law does not produce life. Until we are covered by God's righteousness by the law of life in Christ....we are all under the law of sin and death. We are all, as humans in the same boat where it comes to the weakness of the flesh.

We are justified (in high resolution) by the LIFE (not the death as people are mistakenly taught) that is found in Christ.

"Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." Gal. 3:21

 

[Titus]

Not obeying God's commands is transgression and transgression is sin (1 John 3:4) and transgression/sin is the reason people are lost, dead spiritually (Ephesians 2:1). Therefore is one does not have to obey, that means one can be saved while dead in sin, while in transgression to God's commands. Yet the Bible speaks of "obedience UNTO righteousness" (Romans 6:16) and nothing about DISobedience unto righteousness.

I have read where people have said, for example, that water baptism is COMMANDED but not REQUIRED for salvation. The fact it is commanded if for no other reason makes it REQUIRED for disobedience is transgression/sin and transgression/sin is the reason people are lost.

If those in Acts 2 could disobey God's command to 'repent and be baptized' yet still be saved anyway, then why even command them anything? But not obeying that command to repent and be baptized would be transgression/sin and if one can be saved in their sin then why isn't EVERYONE universally saved in their sins? For if one can disobey the command to 'repent and be baptized' yet still be saved, then why can't people disobey the command to 'believe' and still be saved too? Then everyone universally, whether they believe or not, can be saved. Why couldn't the jailer disobey the command to believe (Acts 16:31) yet be saved anyway?

This is logical reasoning, backed up with scriptural harmony. Must be a preacher of righteousness. Love you dearly friend/brother.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

This is logical reasoning, backed up with scriptural harmony. Must be a preacher of righteousness. Love you dearly friend/brother.

You cant be a teacher of righteousness, when you can’t acknowledge your own sin. And you can’t be a teacher of righteousness when you continually misrepresent what the word says and what others say. And get mad when they call you out on it.

What you turn out to be is nothing more than a pharisee. Who themselves claimed to be teachers of righteousness. But as Paul learned after he repented. Where the nothing but lost sinners who thought they were ok, because they obeyed some commands.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I believe confusion over this topic arises because folks do not understand the different aspects of salvation in regards to time. For there are two major aspects of salvation a believer needs to be concerned with in this life.

#1. God's Grace Through Faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior
(Initial Salvation, and or Foundational Salvation).
(The 1st synergistic work of GOD done in a believer).
Being saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus as ones Savior is the entrance gate to salvation, and it is the foundation of our salvation (by faith) upon which we stand. Being saved by God's grace is believing the gospel (Which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes it - Romans 1:16). According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: The gospel is you believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins, He was buried, and He had risen again three days later for your salvation (Note: Do not let anyone sell you on another gospel besides this one). Depending on a person’s access or exposure to the Word: Being saved by God's grace will also generally include receiving Jesus as your Savior (John 1:12), and calling upon the name of the Lord (i.e. confessing with your mouth the words: “Lord Jesus” or similar equivalent - Romans 10:9) as a part of seeking forgiveness of your sins with Him by way of prayer (Romans 10:13) (Luke 15:18-21) (Luke 18:9-14). This process of salvation is without the deeds of the Law or works because it is based upon God’s mercy and grace and His redemptive work. As a result: One is born again spiritually (Note: Born again by the Spirit, and born again by water (i.e. the Scriptures - Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 1:23)). A person is foundationally or ultimately saved by God’s grace because if they happen to sin on rare occasion in their Christian walk, they do not do a good work to absolve that sin, but they confess of their sins to Jesus in order to be forgiven of that sin (1 John 1:9) (1 John 2:1) (Hebrews 4:16) (For verses on being saved by God's grace, see: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:1-6, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Luke 18:9-14, Romans 5:1-2).

#2. Sanctification of the Spirit to Live a Holy Life & A Belief of the Truth.
(The Next Step or Phase in the Salvation Process).
(The 2nd synergistic work of God done in a believer).
This is based on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (Which is call of the gospel; Note: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 is not the gospel. It is simply the call of the gospel; For the gospel is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

13 “…God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel,..”​

Anyways, this secondary aspect of salvation is in two parts. It is a two part intertwined secondary aspect of salvation (Which joins the cord of Initial Salvation or Foundational Salvation in being saved by God’s grace; See note below at the end of this post). Anyways, this secondary aspect of salvation is in two parts. One does not exist without the other (Note: The following is mentioned in order according to 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 and it is not stating that one cannot proceed the other or vise versa).

(a). Sanctification of the Spirit to Live a Holy Life is the next step or phase in Salvation for a believer who lives out their faith; This is the work of God moving in a believer's life so as to help them to live holy, and to do good works and to put away the lusts of the flesh. These good works are the works of God done through the believer, and so all boasting or praise is given to the Lord. Therefore, there is no boasting in one's own work because they are ultimately the works of God done through the believer. A believer today who obeys the Lord looks to the commands of Jesus and His followers within the New Testament primarily. For believers today are not under the 613 Laws of Moses as a whole package deal (even though certain laws have carried over into the New Testament). Basically all ceremonial laws and judicial laws in the Old Testament no longer apply. For example: Believers do not have to keep the Saturday Sabbath, circumcision, dietary laws, animal sacrifices, holy days, etc.; However, believers must keep God's Moral Laws like: Do not murder, do not steal, do not covet, do not lie, do commit adultery, etc.; Two of the greatest commands that we should focus on daily is to love God and love our neighbor which is more fully described in Mark 12:29-31. We need to worship or adore the Lord our God, preach the gospel, help the poor, love the brethren, love our enemies, and live holy lives, etc. (For Sanctification verses, see: James 2:24, James 2:17-18, Titus 1:16, Hebrews 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 8:1 (KJV), 1 Corinthians 16:22, Romans 8:13, etc.).

(b) A Belief of the Truth is also another secondary synergistic intertwined aspect of salvation for the believer (in addition to Sanctification of the Holy Spirit). We need to study to show ourselves approved unto God according to 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJB). We need to hold to certain correct doctrines or teachings in God’s Word. One example: It is implied that denying bodily resurrection means one’s faith is overthrown (See: 2 Timothy 2:17-18). So we need to study God’s Word (the Holy Bible) and hold to it’s truths. Now, does that mean one is not saved if they don’t know of the bodily resurrection? I don’t believe so. I believe that is what God’s grace is for. But once a key core doctrine of God’s Word is revealed to a believer, they cannot reject it. So a belief of the truth is similar to Sanctification. A Christian must grow in the knowledge of God’s Word and accept it’s beautiful fundamental truths. Does holding to all truths in the Bible save? Well, I don’t think a belief in the Nephilim saves (although it is a truth taught in His Word). But I believe there are other foundational truths we must eventually learn and accept as Christians. The Spirit will guide a believer into all truth within God’s Word.
​

Side Note:

(A) Initial Salvation is solely in being saved by God’s grace through faith without works.

(B) Continued Salvation (or the Secondary Aspect of Salvation) is sort of like a three corded rope (or a cord of three strands). This rope involves:

Cord #1. Initial Salvation continuing in our life as one strand of the rope in our ongoing trust in God’s grace as the foundation of our salvation. Without this grace, we would be without any hope and without salvation. For Jesus is our cornerstone or foundation upon which we are ultimately saved. If we sin, we must confess of our sins to the Lord (throwing ourselves down upon His mercy and grace for forgiveness).

Cord #2. Sanctification of the Spirit (to live a holy life by God’s power according to His Word) (Living holy by the Spirit involves putting away sin, and doing good works, and in keeping oneself pure and not by justifying sin).

Cord #3. A Belief of the Truth (Which is a continual study and belief of God’s Holy Word known as the Holy Bible).​

For Ecclesiastes 4:12 (GNT) says,
“A rope made of three cords is hard to break.”

In any event, I hope what I said helps, and may God bless you all greatly today.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

There are two wrong extremes.

Law Alone Salvationism and Perpetual Belief Alone Salvationism.

Some Christians make it all about all Law and no grace. The Church of Christ comes to mind. They believe that water baptism (a work) is how you get initially saved and it is not by just believing the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, and calling upon the name of the Lord (Jesus) according to Romans 10:13. Believers when they first come to the faith are to throw themselves down upon the mercy of Jesus and seek forgiveness of their past life of sin with Him (with the intention that they will turn their life around). They fail to understand that we are saved by God's grace without works. This is the FIRST aspect of salvation. It's the FOUNDATION of our salvation. For if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

However, that does not mean there is not a secondary aspect of salvation that follows after we are saved by God's grace without works (Which is different). For many other Christians today make it all about grace and yet ignore basic morality and the goodness of God. They believe that they can be lawless or that we can abide in sin (on some level), and yet still be saved (all because they have a belief alone in Jesus as their Savior). However, I believe they would be mistaken for thinking this way. Take for example the apostle Paul (the most famous of all grace preachers of the New Testament).

Paul says he appeared to be without Law to those who are without Law but then he clarifies how he is not without the Law of God seeing he is under the laws of Christ.

“To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.” (1 Corinthians 9:21).​

Also, many Christians today fail to understand that Paul was fighting against a heresy of which I call, "Circumcision Salvationism" (Which is Law Alone Salvationism without God's grace); A certain sect of Jews were trying to deceive some Christians into thinking they had to first be circumcised in order to be saved. This was a heresy that was clearly addressed at the Jerusalem council (See Acts of the Apostles 15:1, Acts of the Apostles 15:5, Acts of the Apostles 15:24). Paul also addressed this problem; Paul said to the Galatians that if you seek to be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing (Galatians 5:2), and then Paul mentions how if you seek to be justified by the Law, you have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). This "law" is the Torah because circumcision is not a part of the commands given to us by Jesus and His followers.

For if a person thought they had to first be circumcised in order to be initially saved (instead of being saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the gospel, and His mercy), then they would be making a Work of the Law (the Torah or Old Law) the basis of their salvation instead of God's grace. The entrance gate and the foundation of salvation would be circumcision or a law, or work.

This is why Paul spoke in the way he did in Ephesians 2:8-9. He is not referring to all forms of works that were taught to us by the Lord Jesus Himself and His followers after we are saved by God’s grace.

For whenever Paul spoke of the words “law” and “works” in generic terms in a negative light, he was referring to the 613 Laws of Moses under the Old Covenant (or Old Testament) that does not apply as a contract or binding covenant anymore. Paul also is condemning Law ALONE Salvationism, or Works ALONE Salvationism, as well. If this was not the case, then he would be contradicting even himself (See: Titus 1:16, Romans 8:13, 1 Timothy 6:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

As for John 1:17 saying: the Law came by Moses and grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

I don't believe there was no grace during the time of the law of Moses. After the Fall: Grace, and faithfulness has been the theme of the Bible from Genesis all the way to Revelation. For even King David who was under the Law sought forgiveness with the Lord (seeking God's grace in Psalms 51). What I believe John is saying is in reference to helping the Jew who was stuck under a form of salvation that was all about Works ALONE Salvationism via by the 613 Laws of Moses with little to no grace. Grace still existed even in the Old Covenant and with the Law of Moses, but the Jews distorted that into being Works or Law Alone-ism (with no grace). Truly grace did come more fully with Jesus Christ in that the Jews did not have to keep sacrificing animals to atone for the same past sins year after year. Jesus would forever forgive sin if we come to Him (Who is our Heavenly high priest). Jesus truly offers a better way. Jesus is the Truth that comes to set the captives free not only in forgiving past sin, but setting them free from being a slave to sin.

For there is nothing that can transform or changes lives more than Jesus Christ; That is why God's people preach the good news of Jesus Christ so as to be saved by Him. For Jesus has fixed up broken homes (or families). Jesus has drawn the alcoholic away from the bottle. Jesus has helped the gambler to put down his cards and walk away from the game. Jesus has helped the drug addict from the power of the needle. Jesus has helped the harlot from being a slave to sexual sin and money. For Jesus Christ changes lives. Jesus changed my life and He continues to change lives today (Making them new creations in His image).

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
(2 Corinthians 5:17).

 

[Titus]

Some Christians make it all about all Law and no grace. The Church of Christ comes to mind. They believe that water baptism (a work) is how you get saved and it is not by believing the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, and calling upon the name of the Lord (Jesus) according to Romans 10:13. Believers when they first come to the faith are to throw themselves down upon the mercy of Jesus and seek forgiveness of their past life of sin with Him (with the intention that they will turn their life around). They fail to understand that we are saved by God's grace without works. This is the FIRST aspect of salvation. It's the FOUNDATION of our salvation. It does not mean there is not a secondary aspect of salvation that follows after we are saved by God's grace without works.

For many other Christians today make it all about grace and yet ignore basic morality and the goodness of God. They believe that they can be lawless or that we can abide in sin (on some level), and yet still be saved. However, I believe they would be mistaken for thinking this way. Take for example the apostle Paul (the most famous of all grace preachers of the New Testament).

Paul says he appeared to be without Law to those who are without Law but then he clarifies how he is not without the Law of God seeing he is under the laws of Christ.

“To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.” (1 Corinthians 9:21).

Also, many Christians today fail to understand that Paul was fighting against a heresy of which I call, "Circumcision Salvationism" (Which is Law Alone Salvationism without God's grace); A certain sect of Jews were trying to deceive some Christians into thinking they had to first be circumcised in order to be saved. This was a heresy that was clearly addressed at the Jerusalem council (See Acts of the Apostles 15:1, Acts of the Apostles 15:5, Acts of the Apostles 15:24). Paul also addressed this problem; Paul said to the Galatians that if you seek to be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing (Galatians 5:2), and then Paul mentions how if you seek to be justified by the Law, you have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). This "law" is the Torah because circumcision is not a part of the commands given to us by Jesus and His followers.

For if a person thought they had to first be circumcised in order to be initially saved (instead of being saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the gospel, and His mercy), then they would be making a Work of the Law (the Torah or Old Law) the basis of their salvation instead of God's grace. The entrance gate and the foundation of salvation would be circumcision or a law, or work.

This is why Paul spoke in the way he did in Ephesians 2:8-9. He is not referring to all forms of works that were taught to us by the Lord Jesus Himself and His followers after we are saved by God’s grace.

For whenever Paul spoke of the words “law” and “works” in generic terms in a negative light, he was referring to the 613 Laws of Moses under the Old Covenant (or Old Testament) that does not apply as a contract or binding covenant anymore. Paul also is condemning Law ALONE Salvationism, or Works ALONE Salvationism, as well. If this was not the case, then he would be contradicting even himself (See: Titus 1:16, Romans 8:13, 1 Timothy 6:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

As for John 1:17 saying: the Law came by Moses and grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

I don't believe there was no grace during the time of the law of Moses. After the Fall: Grace, and faithfulness has been the theme of the Bible from Genesis all the way to Revelation. For even King David who was under the Law sought forgiveness with the Lord (seeking God's grace in Psalms 51). What I believe John is saying is in reference to helping the Jew who was stuck under a form of salvation that was all about Works ALONE Salvationism via by the 613 Laws of Moses with little to no grace. Grace still existed even in the Old Covenant and with the Law of Moses, but the Jews distorted that into being Works or Law Alone-ism (with no grace). Truly grace did come more fully with Jesus Christ in that the Jews did not have to keep sacrificing animals to atone for the same past sins year after year. Jesus would forever forgive sin if we come to Him (Who is our Heavenly high priest). Jesus truly offers a better way. Jesus is the Truth that comes to set the captives free not only in forgiving past sin, but setting them free from being a slave to sin.

For there is nothing that can transform or changes lives more than Jesus Christ; That is why God's people preach the good news of Jesus Christ so as to be saved by Him. For Jesus has fixed up broken homes (or families). Jesus has drawn the alcoholic away from the bottle. Jesus has helped the gambler to put down his cards and walk away from the game. Jesus has helped the drug addict from the power of the needle. Jesus has helped the harlot from being a slave to sexual sin and money. For Jesus Christ changes lives. Jesus changed my life and He continues to change lives today (Making them new creations in His image).

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
(2 Corinthians 5:17).

God did not make the matter of how one is saved complicated.

The main reason for the confusion on salvation is,

Not searching for truth.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask and it will be given unto you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Most are not interested in truth.
This is the cause for all the confusion in the endless doctrines of men.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

God did not make the matter of how one is saved complicated.

The main reason for the confusion on salvation is,

Not searching for truth.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask and it will be given unto you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Most are not interested in truth.
This is the cause for all the confusion in the endless doctrines of men.

God showed me that there are three verses that teach we are saved by both a belief (first) and then by Sanctification (living holy by God's power - obedience) (which is second).

There are three verses that teach that we are saved by both a Belief and Sanctification (Note: The red letters are in reference to Sanctification, and the letters in blue, are in reference to Belief - God's grace through faith without works).

Verse #1.

"...God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13).​

(Note: Verse 12, says that there are those who are damned who believed not the truth and had pleasure in unrighteousness. Verses 16-17 in 2 Thessalonians 2 mentions faith and works in context, as well).

Verse #2.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24).​

(Note on John 5:24: The EXB Translation explains that the word "hear" is to: "obey."; Meaning, we have to believe in Jesus and obey Him to not perish. Acts of the Apostles 3:23 confirms this. It says that if anyone does not hear that prophet (JESUS), they shall be destroyed).

Verse #3.

"You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
(James 2:24).​

(Note: Most Christians believe that the phrase "justified by faith" is dealing with salvation; If this is what you believe, you must then also be consistent with the use of this word "justified," and we should use this one word in the same way in relation to works.).

 

[Bible Highlighter]

After many years of studying and prayer in discovering that there are two aspects of salvation, I found out later that a few other Christians believed the same way I did.

Some Christians say there are two aspects of salvation, but they call it...

Initial and Final Salvation.

But I don't like the term “Final Salvation” because it is a bit misleading in the fact that “Glorification” (The Rapture and or God taking us home to be with Him in His kingdom) is Final Salvation. Also, being saved by God's grace continues on into the life of the believer and it is our foundation because if we happen to stumble on rare occasion (unintentionally), we can confess of our sins to Jesus in order be forgiven of our sins (See: 1 John 2:1, 1 John 1:9). This is God's grace. This is our lifeline. We also continue to stand upon believing the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 in that it saves us, too. For we must always believe the good news that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was risen the third day (for our salvation). This grace (which is salvation)... then leads to the next step or aspect of salvation.