A conversation on the Gospel

I recently had an online chat conversation with a young man who expressed confusion over the way of salvation. I had noticed the following phrase on his profile comment line..."the one who endures to the end, he will be saved."

I decided to find out what he meant by that and what follows is our conversation.

Jim: What do you mean by the one who endures to the end?

Young Man: what do you mean, read matthew 24... you might learn something...:)

Jim: Thanks. I like to learn new things.

Young Man: hahahahaha.

Jim: What does that mean to you to endure?

Young Man: meeeeeeeeee...to last... to overcome...I think.

Jim: How do we do that?

Young Man: don't give in to temptation...overcome sin.

Jim: so what happens when we give in to temptation and sin?

Young Man: you better ask for forgivness and repent.

Jim: How does that fit in with enduring until the end?

Young Man: well you can't give in to temptation, you can't fall away from Christ...and no one knows when the end will come.

Jim: What does it mean to fall away from Christ?

Young Man: give into sin.

Jim: ha ha, you are giving me the run around on these answers.

Young Man: lose faith...lol.

Jim: What happens to someone who loses faith and gives into sin?

Young Man: maybe I don't have the answer...

Jim: What does one have to do in order to end up in hell?

Young Man: not believe...not repent...have no faith.

Jim: believe what?

Young Man: believe christ died for our sins...it's much easier to go to hell then to heaven.

Jim: no doubt...what does it mean to have faith?

Young Man: to believe that Christ died for our sins,to believe he's coming back for us...to trust in his word.

Jim: Do you believe you will spend eternity with Christ?

Young Man: honestly, if the last day of the earth was tomorrow, no...but I'm working on it.

Jim: What do you think it would take to know for sure?

Young Man: to know deep down inside that I put the Lord first in my life and that I live every day for him...which I know I haven't.

Jim: Isn't that based upon your own efforts? Is there anything you can do to make yourself a better person or acceptable to God?

Young Man: yes.

Jim: what? The bible says that there is none righteous, not even one, and anything we try and do for God is like the filthy rags of a women having her period. gross eh!

Young Man: well being a good person won't get you into heaven but I think I would be more acceptable to God if I put him first everyday and told people about him.

Jim: Basically, there is nothing we could ever do to earn God's forgiveness. You could tell the whole world about God and that still wouldn't get you into the kingdom of heaven. Even if you put Him first everyday from now on, you have still fallen short of His glory.

Young Man: God's grace is a gift we can't earn it.

Jim: That's right, how do we access that grace.

Young Man: I'm not sure...give your life to him.

Jim: Do you believe Jesus Christ died for you?

Young Man: yes.

Jim: Do you believe He can forgive your sins?

Young Man: yes.

Jim: The bible says that if we confess Jesus as Lord, and believe that God has raised Him from the dead we shall be saved. "But as many as received Him, to them he gave the ability to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." You must believe He died for you, and confess Him as your Saviour. With our mouthes confession is made unto salvation. There is nothing we could do to earn God's favor. Jesus Christ took our place on the cross and the punishment (eternal fire) that we deserved. The payment was made in full, but we need to acknowledge that and trust Christ to save us. Living for Christ and telling others about Him are great, but they will never save us. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse us from our sins and allow us to stand before God, blameless.

Jim: That is a decision you must make between yourself and God. You must place your trust completely in His sacrifice...calling out to Him to save you and forgive you from your sins. The Bible says that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not is condemned.

Jim: Does this make sense to you?

Young Man: yes.

Jim: awesome!

Young Man: :) yes it is...thanx Jim.

Jim: Your more than welcome, I am always happy to try and answer any questions....I will be praying for you.

Young Man: thanx I greatly appreciate it.

While this man obviously knew the terminology regarding salvation, he lacked a key ingredient...assurance. He had no definitive confirmation of being saved. He really didn't understand trusting in Christ alone. Instead, he had included the need to repent, to not sin, to not fall away, and to tell people about God in order to incur His favor. This is the basic problem plaguing religion today...a man centered attempt at reaching God, without realizing that we cannot add to the finished work of Christ. He had not come to the place of simply abiding in Christ and entering into the rest Christ had purchased. This is interesting since many people can quote verses, doctrines, and theologies. But they lack the critical step of faith in Christ, apart from any other external activity. I sincerely pray that he will realize Christ is enough and the payment has already been made in full. He just needs to reach out by faith and lay hold of the promises in scripture. May we all return to the simplicity of trusting in Christ alone. What are your thoughts?

The Beginning of Apostasy

When does a church or denomination begin the descent into apostasy? When is the line crossed from the pure teaching into the obscurity of falsehood and confusion?

How can one tell if a certain Christian group is on the level doctrinally?

While there are many warning signs to look for, the first and most obvious one is the means of salvation.

In other words, what a church, denomination, or organization teaches and promotes concerning the way of salvation is the true benchmark of apostasy.

It is so simple that we usually miss it: Whenever any condition is added to the doctrine of grace through faith, the die has been cast for declension into apostasy. If we make the gospel conditional upon any other factor than expressly required, we have created another gospel, and instead of being the good news it has now become the formula for attaining eternal life.

We are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - plus nothing - minus nothing. Any addition of works or requirements pollutes the purity and power of the shed blood of Christ, and casts insult upon the finished and complete work of Christ.

When you add requirements to simply trusting in Christ alone for your salvation, you have in essence created a works based salvation, or as the theological elite like to call it, an anthropocentric gospel.

You may say, “But they have such sound doctrine or teach such wonderful hermeneutics”. Any such teaching will be flawed and fundamentally corrupted by their denial of the sufficiency of the atoning work of Christ’s blood for our sins.

To front or backload the gospel is to create another gospel. While many may in fact be saved through such incorrect preaching, there will exist doubts and fears that their salvation may possibly be false, spurious, disingenuous, or even be taken away should they not maintain good works and evidences of fruit.

So to nail it down: Our hope should rest on nothing else but Jesus’ blood and righteousness. In Christ alone my hope is found. Praise God that nothing can separate us from His love which is in Christ Jesus.

Friday's Quiz Question

Dear readers, I would like your imput on this question:

Who does the Bible mean when it refers to Babylon in the NT, especially in regards to its mention in Revelation?

Calvin's Hobble

If a 4 point Calvinist is in fact an Arminian, does a 4 point Arminian then become a Calvinist?

Update!!

Are you all still here? I am hoping to get back to some regular posting soon.

God bless,
Jim

CRUCIFIXION

If you haven't been to Joe's site yet, I would encourage a visit to read the graphic account of Christ's betrayal and suffering on the cross. Joe has done a wonderful job of breathing fresh understanding and reality into this most important event in history.

Mock, Mock, Mock

Pilate and Herod

Once more...Pilate

Thirty Nine

Crucified

The Invitation

The Celebration

Vivid Moving Heartwrenching

q&a brouhaha

It seems the blog is heating up over the contentious issue of works in the role of salvation. While the mother church has always espoused works as a necessary requirement for salvation, even then they cannot and will not guarantee the security of the pilgrim. Rather, they promote a regimen of penance mixed with a healthy dose of charitable and self sacrificing efforts to swing the poor souls chances of avoiding the fires of hell. The prospective candidate is then encouraged to much self introspection and examination of their works to prove the merit of God's grace. Perhaps the rest of the rebellious children are finally catching on and returning home as they have always wanted?

Q&A Round II

Ok, Frank the Centurion has found another willing contender for his Q&A blog. HK Flynn has taken up the gauntlet and will now challenge Frank starting with a volley from the book of James. Don't miss the action, the agony of defeat, and the thrill of victory as these two equally determined opponents strive for technical mastery over one another.

Will Frank be wearing a new egg makeup soon? Or will Jodie make a fatal mistake allowing the Cent to take advantage of any weak link in her armor? Stay tuned for the latest development in the latest FG vs. Calv. debate.

Finally, will truth emerge as victorious or will rhetoric and linguistic gymnastics prevail once again leaving a cloudy film of obscurity as the smoke clears.

Flex Your Theological Muscle!

Tell me please, O thou astute reader! Is it proper and Biblical for a pastor or elder who has fallen into fornication or adultery to continue in his ministry as a leader? Why or Why not?

Also, is there any other sins that would, should, could, preclude a man from a position of ministry and church authority?

Not Under the Law but Grace!

Have you ever heard this line before, "Hey were not under the law anymore but under grace". More than one christian has pulled that line out of scripture when attempting to justify some selfish or carnal behaviour. But what does that phrase really mean? Does it mean that we are not accountable to God for our actions? As this link clearly shows, the New Testament is rife with commandments for the child of God.

So check it out if you dare...

The Crux of the Matter

Tell me - if you can - what the answer is to the following question...

What are the works that James is referring to? When James say that if a man has faith and not works his faith is dead, what are the works that he means?

I have heard this verse given many times to explain away the 'false' faith of those who do not exemplify works as a confirmation of their faith. So, please enlighten me by explaining exactly what works are required to prove we have 'saving faith'. Also how many works would be enough for you to be assured someone was definitely a believer and one of the elect?

He's Back!!

Make sure you check out Antonio's lastest post. Friend and foe should find something there they will like.

Links??

I am looking for more good bloggers to link to. So with that in mind I request your nominations!

1. When you submit the site please specify if you are presently linked to it.

2. Please give a short description of the site.

3. Please list at least one reason why this site is worthy of more readers.

What is the greatest SIN?

State your case in a logical succinct and articulate manner.

What Are You Reading?

As Christians, our first response is to say that we read our bibles daily. That is great, indeed we cannot spend enough time in the Word mingled with prayer and meditation.

However, the question is; what is shaping your worldview? According to a recent Barna report, a large majority of evangelicals lack a biblical worldview.

So again, what are you reading? If the Bible is not shaping your understanding of the world around you and God's plan for your life, what is? God's word must be the central core and plumb line of all our understanding.

Consider the following: how well do you understand the historic significance of our scriptures? Are you aware of the struggle to bring the Bible to the common man in a language they could understand? Are you familiar with the work of missionaries throughout the last few centuries? How do you interpret current events? When issues such as abortion, euthanasia, drug use, same sex marriage, premarital sex, adultery, politics, etc. come up, how do you react?

It is one thing to be reading our bibles daily, but it is another thing to have what we read shape the way we think, act, and speak.

Let us examine our intake; are you allowing the world to infiltrate your home through secular media such as television, movies, magazines, or music? If so, to the degree you absorb this material you are desensitizing yourself to the Spirit of God and the dangers of a fallen world. Don't fall for the lie that says we need to be in the culture to be relevant. A Spirit filled believer is the most relevant thing the world will ever need. Only by keeping ourselves unspotted from the world can our 'religion' be pure and undefiled. Only by properly reflecting the glory of the Lord can we shine for Christ is this wicked and perverse generation.

May God keep our hearts and thoughts pure and holy as we set our minds on the things above where Christ is.

Back in The Saddle

Well, Daniel informed me that he is back from his short hiatus. As his latest posts attest, he has something to say again. So mosy on over there and give his blog a read, unless of course you are trying to avoid personal responsibility and conviction.

p.s. What topic of discussion is at the top of your thoughts these days?

Modern Day Martyr

A topic receiving much discussion as of late by many bloggers is the predicament of an Afghani believer. It seems Abdul Rahman, a 41 year old christian, has been convicted of rejecting the islamic faith in favour of Christ Jesus. For this 'terrible' crime he is going to be sentenced to execution.

What makes this particular story stand out of course is the place and time of this aggression. As you know, christians are being persecuted everyday around the globe with many giving theirs lives rather than deny the Saviour that purchased them with His own blood.

However, this is one of the first public cases in Afghanistan after the western powers have spent years and billions of dollars attempting to construct a democratic nation. For all the rhetoric of open and free elections, the Afghan constitution is still completely steeped in Sharia tradition and law which forbids the conversion of any muslim to christianity. While most western media could care less whether or not the Afghans actually decide to worship Christ rather than Allah, it has become a point of contention that our 'freedom of choice' has not been accepted by this undemocratic society.

Let us not lose the real issue here, that a man is willing to lay down his life rather than deny Christ. He deserves our prayers. But also we should be willing to intervene not only for his life but for the lives of future believers in Afghanistan. Let us pray that this is the beginning of a large increase of the church in the midst of this dark nation. Let us always remember that only the gospel will bring true freedom, and only the truth of God's word can set men free.

For more indepth and analysis on this subject you can visit Centuri0n's post, or Matt Gumm's take on it. Of course don't forget to stop by and visit Voice of the Martyr's weblog on this current issue. Let me know your thoughts on this subject, perhaps you have more to add?

Who Is Our God?

"For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted". Heb. 2:16-18

Praise the Lord we have such a high priest, Jesus Christ the righteous! He is much acquainted with our temptations and weaknesses, yet without sin, and now intercedes for us day and night. What an awesome God we serve!

Let us not simply stand on the fringes but come boldly by the blood of Jesus into the very throne room of God that we may receive mercy and grace in time of need. Come today and enter his courts with praise, give thanks unto our great and mighty Saviour!

Gospel Analogy Take II

Ok, it seems I goofed up the first analogy so bad that I will try again. I am going to use the template of scenario #3 in the last post that Daniel so graciously made for me. I am trying to isolate one point and one point alone. To that end see if you can spot the difference between the two scenarios here and tell me which one would be closer to scripture. Please give appropriate Biblical context.

Setting

Ten Canadian businessmen were approached with a lucrative investment deal. The men were offered a 60% return on their initial investment within a 6 month period of time. It sounded too good to be true but the salesman relieved their concerns by telling them the reason for the substantial return was due to the type of investment; they would be investing in the largest gold mine ever to be discovered and once the mine went public their shares would skyrocket in price. There was one little catch however; the men needed to do a tiny little backroom deal in order to seal the arrangements. They were told that this was normal business practice among the big boys in the investment circles. Greedily the men mortgaged their homes, borrowed heavily from the banks, and accumulated as much cash as they could from their friends and family.

Imagine their dismay and shock when four months later they realized they had been swindled by the most devious con artist in history. Of course they should have known better, they were after all experienced at deceiving others in their daily business practices. Just so you know, these men were the most wretched of Canadians and completely deserved what they got, as their past dealings had left many others destitute and poverty stricken. They were such complete reprobates that their depravity was totally obvious.

What's more, they soon learned that the little 'backroom' deal they had participated in was a serious violation of investment law causing them to face years of jail time and millions in penalties.

Scenario #1

While awaiting their sentencing in jail, a wealthy young African king reads of their plight and decides to show them some kindness. He then contacts the prosecuters office and finds out the exact charges against these men. After determining the exact fine required by law, this young African then proceeds to sell all the gold in his kingdom to cover the total fines imposed by the judge. He then instructs his personal assistant to take individual letters to each of the convicted men and offer them complete freedom from their debts and criminal charges. One by one however the men scoff and mock the messenger of the king and reject his offer of redemption. I forgot to mention; these men where also extreme racists who despised the blacks more than any other ethnic group around and their utter contempt for africans prevented them from humbling themselves to receive the payment.

Deeply saddened by the rejection of his offer, the african king decides to visit five of the convicted men to personally show them his offer of redemption and payment for their crimes. Again, one by one these depraved Canadians mock and ridicule the young king. They even go so far as to spit in his face and curse him. Patiently the king explains his offer again this time informing them that their crime had impacted the economy of his country and their actions had caused him the loss of his largest gold mine. Moved by his compassion, the five men break under the obvious show of care and humbly received the gift offered by this king. They then walk free and forever after tell everyone they meet of this kings mercy upon them.

Scenario #2

While awaiting their sentencing in jail, a wealthy young African king reads of their plight and decides to show them some kindness. He then contacts the prosecuters office and finds out the exact charges against these men. After determining the exact fine required by law, this young African then proceeds to sell all the gold in his kingdom to cover the fines imposed by the judge on five of the guilty men. He then instructs his personal assistant to take individual letters to each of the ten convicted men and offer them complete freedom from their debts and criminal charges. One by one however the men scoff and mock the messenger of the king and reject his offer of redemption. I forgot to mention; these men where also extreme racists who despised the blacks more than any other ethnic group around and their utter contempt for africans prevented them from humbling themselves to receive the payment.

Deeply saddened by the rejection of his offer, the african king decides to visit five of the convicted men to personally show them his offer of redemption and payment for their crimes. Again, one by one these depraved Canadians mock and ridicule the young king. They even go so far as to spit in his face and curse him. Patiently the king explains his offer again this time informing them that their crime had impacted the economy of his country and their actions had caused him the loss of his largest gold mine. Moved by his compassion, the five men break under the obvious show of care and humbly received the gift offered by this king. They then walk free and forever after tell everyone they meet of this kings mercy upon them.

Okay, can you tell me which one of these scenarios more accurately represents the gospel. For those of you who fall into the Calvinist camp, please try and refrain from using the terminology of TULIP in your explanation. Let's see if we can't define our views from sola scriptura in approx. five verses. Rather than simply proof texting, see if you can weave those five or so verses into a succinct paragraph that clearly explains your understanding of this point.

Monday Mind Mess Up!

Which of these two scenarios is more like the gospel? Please give a reason from scripture.

Scenario #1

After visiting the poverty stricken area of western Africa, a rich businessman decided to get involved and help in some tangible, practical way. He purchased ten brand new tractors and sent individual letters to ten farmers he had met informing them of the gifts. He also gave them the details of where and when to pickup the new machines.

To his dismay, five of the farmers refused to come and pick up the new tractors citing doubt over the genuineness of the offer. However, the other five farmers gladly went to the dealership and claimed the gift the businessman had purchased for them.

Scenario #2

The same businessman after visiting the same area, decided to purchase tractors to help the poor farmers. However, after seeing the pride in these poor peasants, he realized only five of the ten men would actually take the gift. Therefore he only purchased five tractors.

The businessman then proceeded to mail individual letters to the ten farmers informing them of their gift. As expected only five farmers came forward to claim their free tractors.

Which of these two scenarios (very poor analogies) are more like the gospel?