A Believer’s many promises
There are certain things we are promised when we believe. Many things we need reminded of, especially in light of all the doctrinal attacks going on today. This was taken from the Bible study I shared today regarding what transpires immediately (for us all) when we are saved.
THE SUPPOSED MARKS OF A BELIEVER
What this study is not about, is some fake laundry list of some ‘marks of a believer’, or things a believer WILL do or will NOT do or otherwise they are not saved. There is no such Biblical list and if someone judges their salvation by their works they are misled. Often self-righteous people will twist Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Pet 3:16-17). But God’s Word does not contradict itself, instead it will witness with other Scripture to be the truth. So if we can’t make it align with His Grace, and all the many other Scriptures that say otherwise, we need to look at context and ask questions as to why something may not seem to match up.
I think the biggest thing we all have to remember is that He loves us. Also that He loved us while we were yet sinners (Rom 5:6-8). What is man that He is mindful of us? There is a difference between our position in Christ and before God, and what we feel or experience in our life here. In our position in Him, no one can undo what He has done. It is promised to be permanent, eternal, everlasting, forever. The question for those who have been taught differently is whether or not He will undo what He has done based on their faulty interpretations of some difficult verses. So it’s good to know what His promises to believers are.
ETERNAL LIFE IS EVERLASTING
All believers are given the FREE GIFT of ETERNAL LIFE – Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9, Rom 5:15-ff; Rom 6:23. Too often people will claim they believe salvation is not of works, but yet will say they can sin it away or lose something everlasting. Even though Jesus said they would never perish (John 10:28-29; John 3:15-16), somehow they haven’t believed Him and they live in either fear or pride. And I am in fear for them. Have they ever believed?
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. John 11:25-27
The first and easiest question to ask, is what were we saved from?
Some will say from sin. Or saved not to sin. That we know is not what the Word tells us although obviously sin is important to avoid (with His help) in our walk, contrary to what they often accuse us of.
The answer is simply that we are saved from >Eternal death. That is why we need the free gift of Eternal life. People who think they can lose their salvation, sin it away, or walk away from it, do not know when that might happen, or even if they currently are saved. They do not know how much sin is o.k., how long they ‘backslide’, or when it’s a done deal in their economy and they’re lost again supposedly.
But in Biblical terms, forever seems pretty easy to understand if one will just believe God and take Him at His Word that is said over and over. The fact we shall never die seems very clear to me. The fact that He says we will never perish, or never be lost, or that we will never be cast out, or that no one can snatch us out of His hand, or even that He WILL raise us up. The fact we are preserved by Him is said in a bunch of different ways in His Word, yet it all means the same thing.
It is FINISHED.
It puts my hope in Him alone, not into any works of my own. And I now know I won’t be one of those (like in Matt 7:15-23) saying Lord, Lord I did all these wonderful works in your name. Firstly, it is because I won’t be at that particular judgment, but secondly, it will be because I know the only reason I’m going to heaven is because of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for me. I don’t why He loves us, but He commended His love for us on that cross before we ever were born and ever sinned (Rom 5:6-8).
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BELIEVERS POSSESS ETERNAL LIFE NOW
The Bible says we can KNOW that we possess eternal life. 1 John was written to believers for several purposes. One was so they could recognize whether they were in intimate fellowship with the Father, and so that their joy would remain full (if they would listen to what was written to them). We’re also told later on that it’s written so believers could know that they had, or currently possessed, eternal life (1 John 5:13) because they believed. And being reminded of that in writing, they could continue in faith in His Word or continue believing (as some of the translations put it). This doesn’t suggest that salvation from hell is a progressive thing, it just means to continue in faith. We need reminded, we need encouraged about what He gifts us with when we believe.
We have to remember the accuser of the brethren is always there to try to give us a spirit of fear each day, but this doesn’t come from God (2 Tim 1:7). It’s why every part of our armor in Ephesians 6 has something to do with the Word. And why I believe preparing in the gospel each day is an important part of our armor that many skip. This way we can answer the accuser of the brethren the same way Jesus did — ‘it is written’. We are saved by faith, by what He has done, by His grace, not by any work of our own.
All believers are reconciled to the Father the moment we first believe – 2 Cor 5:18-20; Col 2:14-17. We are made near to Him, reconciled through His cross – Eph 2:13-17; 2 Cor 5:18; Col 1:20-22. In the KJV in Col 2:13-15, it is called His cross. I think that’s the only way to put it. This is not about us picking up our cross in discipleship, but to come to the Father must be through Him, Christ, the only way, the only truth and the only way to eternal life (John 14:6).
OUR NEW NATURE IS INCORRUPTIBLE
We are born again by the incorruptible seed, begat by the Word of God (1 Pet 1:23; James 1:18). If we are born again of that which is incorruptible, then we know our new creation is just that – incorruptible — it cannot be corrupted, it does not sin – John 3:3,6; 1 Pet 1:23; 1 John 3:9.
Conversely, our old man does still sin. He is not gone, we still need to put him off (Eph 4:22-23). We only need to read the epistles to be clear on that. Or simply ask a family member if you somehow errantly think you do not sin. Or that you do not sin enough to lose salvation, or that you always confess it. Even one lie will keep people out of heaven (Rev 21:27). Believers are no longer seen as liars in God’s sight. However, our sin nature (our flesh) remains with us until the day we die (Rom 7:24-25), the day He delivers us from our corruptible bodies (1 Cor 15:50-58). Paul said in Romans 7 that he practiced sin (prasso). Our flesh continues to war with our soul until then (1 Pet 2:11). The epistles give us instruction (as does the entire Word) for how we should live in order to be blessed, to demonstrate our faith in front of others, and to be thoroughly equipped as a child of God (2 Tim 3:14-17).
THE PERFECT GIFTS GOD GIVES BELIEVERS
He gives us the gift of the Spirit when we believe. The gift of righteousness, the gift of eternal life resulting in justification (Rom 5:15-21; Rom 6:23). All are inclusive in the free gift. Remember, His Spirit is an everlasting Spirit. God will not suddenly remove His Spirit from us. He does not put His Spirit into us, tell us He will dwell with us forever, then take Him out (Gal 4:6; Col 1:27). God only gives good and perfect gifts.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
God doesn’t give imperfect gifts, or gifts that can fail or be lost. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Rom 11:29). Eternal life was promised from the beginning (Titus 1:2). Eternal life is the gift of God (Rom 6:23) and it will not be revoked. Along with reminding ourselves that He loves us, we need to remember that Nothing will separate us from His love (Rom 8:31-39). He is not some fickle human, He is perfect and loves perfectly and unconditionally.
Every single believer is baptized by One Spirit into the body – Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 2:12; 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:4-6. All believers are sealed by the Spirit until the day of redemption the very moment we believe (Eph 1:13-14; Eph 4:32; John 7:37-39).
We are also baptized into His death – Rom 6:4; Col 2:12. His Word tells us we are indwelt by the Spirit forever. God doesn’t make mistakes. In all that happens with the Spirit, we are told our bodies are the temple of the Lord, because that is where the Spirit has His dwelling (1 Cor 6:19). Paul asked the Corinthians, don’t you know you have the Spirit abiding in you? 1 Cor 12 tells us we have all been given spiritual gifts. Please don’t use that to try to figure out whether you are saved or not. Use what you have believed to know why you are saved. Because He does not lie, and He does not make it hard. We make it hard.
OTHER THINGS DONE FOR BELIEVERS AS SOON AS THEY ARE SAVED
Our names are written into the book of life (Phil 4:3; Luke 10:20).
We become a friend of God. With that great love He gave His life for ours (His friend) –John 15:13-15; John 10:17-18. He asks believers to cast our cares upon Him (1 Pet 5:5-7).
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30
Does this Jesus sound like the Jesus others present to you? Gentle and humble? An easy yoke? A light burden?
Believers are anointed when we’re sealed by the Spirit – 2 Cor 1:21-22; 1 John 2:26-27, Eph 1:13. And He teaches us now that we’re believers, and brings His Word to our remembrance. We need to read of course and it’s good to apply ourselves to it, with our attitude being one of showing ourselves approved unto God (Pr 22:17-21; John 14:26; 2 Tim 2:15). We are no longer natural but in the Spirit, so the Word of God does a lot of things in us if we will choose that good part (Lk 10:38-42). The Word was written ahead of time to give us comfort and hope (Rom 15:4).
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
And God’s Word will provide us with seed to sow or food to eat (Is 55:10-11). Please read it that so you can see the manner in which God’s Word settles and also what it will accomplish. We can trust the power of His Word to do what He sends it to do (Heb 4:12), just spend some time getting washed and sanctified by it (Eph 5:26; John 17:17).
Because we have the Spirit, our minds can be renewed by His Word (Eph 4:23; Rom 12:2; Col 3:10). There is so much the Word can do for us, which is why the enemy seeks to accuse us, to twist it, to distract us by this world, or one of his many attempts to keep us from it. One of my favorite things I know about His Word is knowing it can strengthen and revive me (From Ps 119:25,28)
My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.
My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.
All believers have a promised Intercessor in Him. He is our mediator, our advocate, making intercession for us in God’s will, whatever our weakness is.
Someone read Rom 8:26-27 (also see 1 John 2:1; Rom. 8:34; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25; 9:24)
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And once we have the Spirit, He is promised to abide with us forever.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:16-17
All believers are saved to the uttermost, Heb 7:25, even those believers in Hebrews who were struggling under persecution and desiring to leave the rest they had in Him and go back into bondage, (similarly to those at Galatia. I’d suggest anyone struggling re-read Galatians, specifically chapters 2-4).
We are made members of the body of Christ – Every single believer is placed in the body, composed by Christ, and ALL of us are necessary in the body, even if it seems like we’re not too lovely or wonderful – 1 Cor 12:20-27
We are built on the foundation of Jesus Christ the Rock, the cornerstone, the stumbling stone to some – 1 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Corinthians 3:9-11; Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:4-25.
We are fellow citizens of the Household of God. We are no longer strangers and foreigners. We were once aliens and strangers from the covenants of promise. But He has made Himself one new man from the two. (Eph 2:11-19)
We are complete in Him. We read in Colossians 2 that in Him we are complete. That He circumcised us, with the circumcision of Christ — that is, putting off the body of the sins of the flesh. That we were (figuratively) buried with Him in baptism (of the Spirit), and risen with Christ (made alive eternally) through faith in the work of God, who raised Him from the dead – Col 2:10-12; Col 3:1; Col 2:10-12.
CHRIST IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
Positionally, (or in His sight), believers are made righteous (also called the righteousness of God) and that only because of His work, none of our own. That righteousness is a gift. In Him, we are righteous – Rom 10:4, Rom 3:21-22; Rom 5:17-19; 2 Cor 5:21
Believers are gifted to Jesus. When we believe, He gives us eternal life, and in turn, we are gifted to Jesus by the Father – John 6:37-40; John 10:28-29; John 17:11, 24, Col 1:13.
We are forgiven all sins by His one sacrifice – Col 2:13-15; Titus 2:14; Acts 13:38-39. We are made white as snow (Is 1:18).
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Col 2:13-15
We are perfected forever by His one sacrifice – Heb 10:10, 14
Each Christian is made God’s own purified, purchased Possession – Eph 1:14, Titus 2:14; 1 Pet 2:9. Can a possession remove ownership from the owner? If we’re talking human beings and a dog, then maybe. However we are talking about a perfect, all-powerful God, an all-knowing God — a God who is everywhere. He cannot be fooled, and He cannot be usurped in His promises. His covenant with us is unconditional. He has promised, He swore by Himself, He will do it.
Redeemed from the curse of the law (the law cannot save-Rom 8:3; Gal 2:16) – Gal 3:13-14. We are the Redeemed (purchased) by and forgiven through His Blood – Eph 1:7; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 1:18-19, Rom 3:24; Gal 3:13; Titus 2:14.
And really think on this. We were redeemed by the One who is perfect with His blood that was untainted with sin. He was the Lamb without blemish or spot, which is why He is able to present us in that same way to the Father. We are not without blemish or spot because of our aimless or religious good works, or dead works, or anything we could boast about, but with the precious and perfect blood of Jesus.
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Pet 1:18-19
LEST ANYONE SHOULD BOAST
Psalm 94:4 tells us that the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. This is easy to see why salvation is not of works, lest any of us should boast (Eph 2:8-9; Rom 4:2-5; Matt 7:15-22). We tend to think we’re pretty good, or not that bad. Until we begin to read His Word and learn from Him, that’s when we began to see we may not be as great or good or nice as we thought we were.
When we believe we’re made a child of God – John 1:12-13, Gal 3:26 – we are His child whose sins are taken away by the Lamb of God (John 1:29). He Himself purged our sins (Heb 1:3; 7:27), He was the propitiation for our sins. The moment we believe upon Christ and Him crucified, that propitiation or the perfect appeasement of His sacrifice is applied to us (1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10). And all because He first loved us. As children, we are no longer under a tutor (the law, but believers are adopted by Jesus to Himself. We are no longer slaves, but sons and Heirs of God – Eph 1:5, Rom 8:15-19, Gal 4:5-7
KINGS AND PRIESTS TO OUR GOD
And all those who were made a child of God are also a Royal Priesthood. We are both Kings and Priests to our God. Rev 5:9 speaks of the elders in heaven singing a new song. It’s about the redeemed out of every kindred, tongue, people and nation. Hebrews and 1 Pet 2:9-10 speaks of that same priesthood, (the order of Melchizedek) who was both a King and a Priest. Israel had the Levite priests. Jesus is after the order of Melchizedek and we the church are in Christ, and we are also Kings and Priests to our God.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Pet 2:9-10
A quick fact, some say it’s just Jews spoken of. But vs. 10 answers that.
Here are some more quick facts regarding what happens when we believe
We are quickened or Made Alive in Him when we believe – Eph 2:1,5; 1 Pet 3:18, Col 2:13
Established, Anointed, Guaranteed and sealed– 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Eph 1:13
Healed by His stripes – Is 53:5; 1 Pet 2:24. Of you read both passages you will see a spiritual healing from our dead flesh being spoken of, because He bore our sins in His own body on that tree.
We are given a guaranteed inheritance because He makes us worthy – Acts 20:32; Eph 1:14; Col 1:12. God promises the inheritance is reserved in Heaven for us, imperishable, undefiled and doesn’t fade away – 1 Pet 1:4;Heb 9:15
When we believe we are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of His dear Son Jesus – Col 1:13
Passed from death unto life – John 5:24, we are no longer servants of sin, but made servants of God, freed from sin and it’s penalty –Rom 3:20-23. This again does not mean we no longer sin, but we are no longer bound by the chains and sentence of death that was upon our heads.
Passed from darkness unto light – Col 1:13; 1 Pet 2:9; Eph 5:8; 1 Thess 5:5; Luke 1:76-79
We are made accepted in the beloved – Eph 1:6.
All believers are the elect. Chosen to be ‘in Him’.
We are the bride of Christ. We are not bridesmaids or virgins (Matt 25). We are not friends of the bridegroom, we are the bride, Jesus is the groom. John 3:29; Matt 9:15; Mark 2:19; Luke 5:34. Israel is the friend of the bridegroom, but we are the betrothed. Just as Joseph was to Mary, and by all accounts she was pregnant, but he was a picture of how Christ upholds all His promises.
We are given the garment of salvation, we (as His bride) are covered with the robe of righteousness.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
He abolished, put to death, the enmity (the law) by His flesh on the cross (Eph 2:15-16; Col 1:21-29). So those who somehow are trying to live by the law, keeping Sabbaths or the Law of Moses, have not understood how we are justified (Rom 3:19-ff; Rom 4:2-5; Col 2:16-23; Gal 2:16-21; Gal 3:10-11).
We are washed, sanctified, justified and glorified positionally. There is a difference between what will happen to us in the future. There will be an ultimate glorification vs. what happens to us right when we believe. Which leads to the fact each and every believer is predestined to be conformed to His image (Rom 8:28). When we receive our incorruptible body, this will be our ultimate glorification. Our experience though may feel differently based on circumstances or our own poor decisions even, but we can still trust that His Word is true – 1 Cor 6:11; Eph 5:26; Rev 1:5; Heb 10:10,14; Rom 8:30.
We’ve been delivered from the power of darkness – 2 Tim 4:18; Col 1:13.
We are Kept/protected by His power, not ours – 1 Pet 1:5; John 10:28-29.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Pet 1:3-5
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. John 10:28-29
We are preserved in Jesus Christ by Him – 2 Tim 4:18; 1 Thess 5:23; Jude 1:1. We will not perish, because He Himself is imperishable and He lives in us forever (1 Pet 1:18-23; John 14:16; Eph 4:30). We are His gift, no one, including us, can take us out of His hand.
Believers are chosen to be Holy and Blameless and above reproach before Him. This is how we are seen in our position and ultimately what we will be (Eph 1:4; Col 1:22; Eph 5:26-33, 1 Cor 1:7-8). And it is because He was the only High Priest who was Holy, blameless, undefiled, separate from us sinners (Heb 7:26).
In addition, let’s read this passage in Eph 5:26-33
26… that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
We see in this passage that we are part of His own flesh. We are one flesh with Christ. The great mystery which is Christ and the church. Remember, Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. We are of His flesh and of His bones.
We are Blessed with every all/every spiritual blessing in Him – Eph 1:3
This does not mean believer’s always experience feeling spiritually blessed. But being ‘in Him’ is our position in Christ. And so we cannot be undone in the big picture. There is a difference between eternal life and having abundant life in this lifetime.
We are made a new creature or creation (given a second nature – 2 Cor 5:17). We have the flesh, but now we have been given a new nature. I highly recommend Tom Cucuzza’s series on Understanding the Two Natures if you don’t quite understand what this means.
Christians are risen in Him – Col 2:12, Col 3:1, John 6:40
We are seated in heavenly places already – Eph 2:6
Made citizens of heaven – Phil 3:20; Eph 2:19. We aren’t lost, found and then lost again. When He finds us, He doesn’t lose us. Matt 18:11; John 10:28-30, 17:12; 18:9, John 10:28-29
And remember, He goes to prepare a place for us. John 14:1-3
God does not lie, nor does His Word contradict itself.
Believers are not under condemnation. John 5:24 tells us we shall not come into condemnation (see also John 3:18; Rom 8:1). That speaks to what kind of judgment?…. Eternal, as we know believers can still get judged in this lifetime.
As the church, we are not appointed unto wrath. We are no longer children of disobedience (Eph 2:1-2). But now, because we have believed, we are not under His wrath ever anymore (Rom 5:9; 1 Thess 5:9, 1 Thess 1:10; John 3:36)
Jesus prayed for His Disciples and those who will believe in John 17. Here are some of the things He prayed for us to reflect on. Whether now or later, all these prayers will be answered yes.That Jesus is glorified in us
- That we will be kept
- That we won’t be lost
- That will we be kept from ‘the evil’
- That we will be sanctified through His Word of truth
- That His joy will be fulfilled in us
- That we all will be one in the Father and the Son
- That we may be made perfect in one
- That we may behold His Glory (and we will)
Remember always — When we believe, He Gifts us ETERNAL LIFE.
Thank the Lord for His indescribable gift (2 Cor 9:15)
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While “The Adoption” is a done deal, isn’t it a still future event? Dr Andy Woods would call it a “proleptic” event.
Hi Jeffrey! Yes, there are several things that are both positional and ultimate. If you look throughout, you’ll see we are glorified in Rom 8:30, but we know there is an ultimate glorification right? Also we are called sanctified, yet Jesus asked for us to be sanctified by the Word which is truth in Jn 17:17. So we also see in Heb 10:10,14, we are Sanctified and perfected forever. So we still are being sanctified in a different way. Yet we will be one day ultimately set apart and raised incorruptible. That will be a different perfection.
So I would disagree slightly in it being just a prophetic event, I would tend to say more that things are a done deal now in our new man which does not sin, and have a yet future ultimate fulfillment. I hope I explained myself well, but if not, feel free to ask anything.
Thanks Jeffrey, in Christ, Holly
So basically I see different things; our position, some things are practical and eventually ultimate although finished in eternity as God is outside of time.
I also ask questions with word usage, because we see that we sanctify the Lord in our hearts. And it is so we’re ready with an answer of the reason of the hope that is within us. We see the word ‘saved’ or ‘salvation’ all the time and the majority of the time it doesn’t mean saved from hell. It is a deliverance from a consequence or from enemies, etc. And sometimes justification doesn’t speak to eternal life. Or the word saved, may not mean saved from hell. For example in James 2 the justification by works is before men. Since we know we are not justified by works before God as in receiving righteousness. Neither was Abraham justified (as in declared righteous) when he was circumcised and he was most certainly circumcised then, but he was declared righteous while yet uncircumcised (Rom 4:9-12).
So a lot of what happens to us, is a now event (such as possessing eternal life) but it also has a future fulfillment when we will shed this body of sin 🙂
Holly, believers are predestined to be fully conformed unto Christ’s image at the resurrection, which is when the adoption and salvation (eternal life) will be fully manifested. In this life believers have the “firstfruits” of the Spirit (ongoing sanctification). God doesn’t want believers to live like the world, and so we have the Spirit proactively conforming us unto Christ’s image even now. But the Bible is clear that the believers’ fruit varies greatly. And the Bible is also clear that the seeded “good ground” is fruit producing ground. In the parable of the seed and the sower, only the “good ground” produced fruit. The believers who are truly born again are the “good ground.” The “good ground” received the “seed” (word) deep enough that fruit was produced. The other categories of examples such as the “stony ground” and the “thorns” did not ptoduce any fruit at all (not saved). All who have received the gospel of Christ and have believed in their hearts (not just superficially or in a wrong way) and are producing fruit as a result, are truly saved All saved believers in Christ will have some fruit of the Spirit because they’re already predestined to be conformed unto Christ’s image. That peesestination proces is not future, it’s already begun in the daily living of the believers in Christ. Therefore, fruit will be present in the lives of the believers. How much fruit can vary greatly (see Mark 4:8), but there will be sanctification. There will be fruit.
Sean,
I do agree with you on a couple points, but most certainly not with your ‘proof of life’. I agree we are predestined to be fully conformed unto Christ’s image when we are resurrected because this is what Romans 8 is addressing.
I do not agree the firstfruits of the Spirit is ongoing sanctification (also Rom 8). I believe it simply speaks to the Spirit Himself, who indwells us and is our promise upon belief.
I also agree that God doesn’t want believers to live like the world (Rom 12:1-2; James 1-2; Gal 5-6; 1 Cor 3,5,6,11, etc). We should walk in the Spirit vs. walking in the lust of the flesh (which is what the Galatians were doing – see Gal 5). And we know this grieves the Spirit when we live like this (Eph 4:30) but we are still sealed by Him until the day of redemption. Continual rebellion can cause consequences. Loss of witness, loss of potential rewards, chastening, not having intimate fellowship with God or others, sickness, death, even our witness causing someone else to be loss — all these and more we see in God’s Word, vs. our own suppositions.
The Bible is clear that believers fruit can vary if they do not add to their faith (discipleship), even unto being ‘barren and unfruitful’ (2 Pet 1:5-9). Too many people do not understand the difference between positional sanctification and practical/progressive sanctification in our walk, thereby confusing it with ‘truly born again’ (no such thing).
The Word of God never uses that term, of ‘truly born-again’ nor suggests anyone who have professed belief is not. And I disagree with you completely regarding those who didn’t bear fruit not being saved. Again, the Word shows in many places, (James, Galatians, 1 Cor 5-6, 11, 2 Pet 1 etc.) believers who are not demonstrating their faith by works.
We need to look at the whole counsel in God’s Word, so we can see the answer. I suggest this link for you, which is clear in Luke that 3 of the 4 soils believed and therefore were changed.
https://expreacherman.com/2016/01/03/lordship-salvation-a-tale-of-two-soils/
If you think you have to produce fruit to prove you were truly saved, I’m not sure you’re understanding the gospel clearly. And that has to cause confusion Sean. Over and over we are told to believe. No where does it speak of being ‘truly saved’ or ‘true believer’, but it speaks of believers receiving eternal life, the moment they believe. Not later when they prove themselves by their works.
We do need to do good works, for this is beneficial to all men (Titus 3:8) and we are encouraged to do so throughout His Word. But if you look to your works vs. His work to prove you are saved, you are looking in the wrong place. I won’t argue the point but if you have questions, I will answer, however, I do not want people misled.
In Christ, Holly
Holly, i don’t want people misled either. You know what tbe Bible says about the unprofitable servant. In my blog, i biblically show conclusively that the unprofitable servant is a picture of Christians without fruit who will be cast into the lake of fire and outer darkness.
I also have a post biblically showing how John 6:40 cannot, in any way, shape or form, be applied to Matthew 7:21. I know you won’t like to hear this, but you’re the one in error. I’ve studied this subject thoroughly and know what i’m talking about. If you choose to refuse correction, then that’s between you and the Lord. I just know the truth on these things and am trying to correct a sister in Christ. Maybe a little stubborn, but a sister nontheless. I hope you reconsider. I can e-mail you the links to my studies and you can check them out privately if you wish. I honestly just want to help. I respect your Bible knowledge a lot and am not trying to disrespect you, but i think you need to refine what you already know and change your position on a few things. I’m always willing to talk about the Bible with anyone. I’m not afraid of correction. Best wishes, may God bless you.
Sean, I read your post, and in short, you are confusing discipleship with what one is required to do in order to receive the free gift of eternal life.
In your opinion that you ‘show conclusively’ that the ‘unprofitable servant’ is a picture of ‘Christians’ (who go to hell) is one I will not tolerate here so this will be the last one I post from you. I don’t need straightened out by one who believes receiving eternal life is a process of belief plus works. That is an accursed gospel. Nor do I plan to change my position in that regard. Whether you feel I am stubborn or in error is really not relevant here. It is the Word of God that corrects us and the Holy Spirit who teaches us if we will hear.
The will of the Father concerning eternal life is that we understand the offer is free. And that it is eternal and through no works of our own. That we will never be cast out.
Sadly, your link (which I will not post) makes it very apparent you believe eternal life is some sort of process, similarly to the Calvinists ‘perseverance of the saints’.
I don’t know if you’ve always believed this, or have progressively fallen into this. I take Biblical correction when it is Biblical.
The Narrow Way is Jesus. (Jn 14:6)
The fruits of the wolves in sheep’s clothing is their doctrine. They try to climb up another way (Jn 10) but they do not believe HE is the way to eternal life. Instead, they try to justify themselves by their many ‘wonderful works’ (please turn to Ps 94:4) and you will see it is the wicked who justify themselves by their works. This is exactly what these men who look like sheep outwardly are doing. Remember, their works aren’t disputed by Jesus Christ, but the fact disputed is that He NEVER knew them. Not that they were Christians He once knew and then threw into outer darkness. Jesus KNOWS His Sheep (John 10:14). We are made the righteousness of God in Him, we are no longer unrighteous, since Christ is the end of the law (any consequences from it) for righteousness for those of us who have believed. (Rom 10:4)
Sean, it sounds like you are still seeking to establish your own righteousness based on works (Rom 10:3). Contextually speaking, Jesus Christ said, I came not but for the Lost sheep of the House of Israel. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. While Christ was preaching law (a tutor to bring them to Christ), He was showing them their need for a Savior, since NO ONE (including you) will ever be justified by a WORK of the law (Gal 2:16). Not one good work of righteousness will get us saved (Titus 3:4-7) since it not by works of righteousness.
Believers SHOULD be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8), but believers can be BARREN and UNFRUITFUL because they do not ADD to their faith. (2 Pet 1:5-9).
Now one of us is wrong. And that person will be judged (James 3:1). His Word is powerful and hopefully we will revere and respect it (Is 66:2).
Look up context always, consider who is being spoken to and WHAT is being addressed. What kind of salvation/deliverance? Does this speak to eternal life or deliverance from consequences or loss of potential rewards? Does this speak to Israel, the Gentile nations, the church, the disciples, an individual, etc.?
I can’t change your mind Sean, but the Lord can. In His love I am exhorting you to stop teaching and consider some ‘feet time’ (Lk 10:38-42; Pr 22:17-21) because confusion is not from Him. We can know the certainty of His Words of truth.
In Christ, Holly
Holly, you’ve royally misjudged me. You didn’t even bother to see what i believe beyond one blog post that you probably just scanned and didn’t read carefully. I gave you a link to one of my posts, as a kindly response ro your misapplying John 6:40 to Matthew 7:21. Make no mistake, tou have misapplied that verse. I tried to offer biblical correction because i see that you are in error. The Bible indicates that a wise person will hear:
(Proverbs 1:5) A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
If you refuse this offer of biblical correction, then you have to answer to God, Who very well may have sent me to you to help correct your understanding regarding John 6:40. I’m just trying to help and mean no disrespect, but i’m not going to allow you to rudely misjudge me. You can do as you please. May God change your heart to receive biblical correction. Best wishes in Christ.
Sean
Thank you Sean. For the sake of the hearers, we won’t continue to go round and round. I will say I have been to your site before, more than once, and was hoping that possibly you had grown in your understanding. I really don’t mean to sound rude at all, just firm. May the Lord always give us discernment as we have our senses exercised by being in the strong meat of His Word. His Word indeed will judge us. I’ll let Him teach me, and others who have proved themselves by their doctrine and their ministry and their manner of life.
As for the ‘unprofitable servant’, here are a couple of thoughts.
Believers are no longer under His wrath, so would a servant be flogged? Or is this a certain time period being addressed? A certain servant being spoken about? Why does He tell them in Luke 17 to call themselves all unprofitable? Is it possibly because Israel was given a service (duty) and they had not fulfilled what He said they should? They had the Word of God, they were the salt and the light. They were to be a light to the Gentiles (Is 49) and since they were not, Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of that prophecy.
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. Rom 3:1-2
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (Rom 9:3-5)
Unbelieving Israel are the ‘sons of the kingdom’ who are cast into outer darkness in Matt 8:12. To Israel was promised/covenanted a Kingdom, a Throne, and a House. Since the time spoken of regarding the unprofitable servant in Matt 24-25 is the last seven years of Israel’s prophecy spoken by Daniel, I believe the servant in view there is Israel (both believers and unbelievers).
The believing servants of Israel, enter into the joy of the Lord.
We can see several things about the unprofitable servant:
He hid the talent, presumably because he did not believe the Lord was coming back (see the Pharisees in Matt 23).
The Lord calls him wicked, and we are no longer wicked or unrighteous. Our flesh is evil until we are raptured (which will be before this time addressed which is the end of the seven years).
I believe his talent given to others, will be the portion of the promises due to Israel.
The unprofitable servant is cast into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. I don’t believe this is some sort of Protestant Purgatory because the only other time we see this, it addresses hell. Hell is for all who have not received the free gift of eternal life.
Believers are light. In Christ there is no darkness, and we are in Him. We are already passed FROM darkness into light. We are already in His Kingdom (Col 1:13), already citizens of heaven, already seated in heavenly places. We will never be ‘cast’ out. So this cannot speak to a believer in my humble estimation.
Sorry about the typo. Meant to say predestination, of course..