More of what God reveals to me as I study the Word of God is happening on Facebook. Because, when people post things, The Holy Spirit reminds me of Scripture that agrees or disagrees with what is posted. John 14:26 Like on April 26, 2018 This is a good study today. My eyes are opened to what I have been trying to teach and have made the same mistakes as everyone else. In the book that everyone loves to use for the gift of Salvation through faith, Ephesians 2:8, 9 I always counter with verse 10. - For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to "do good works", which God prepared in advance as our way of life." http://biblehub.com/bsb/ephesians/2.htm This seems to be a contradiction. Saved by grace to do good works. But, people must be getting the works of the Law confused with the Good Works that we are created to do. Paul tries to explain this in the verses following verse 10. 11. Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands), remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the Two, One, and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the Law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility. The good works that are not from the Law but, are a result of the gift of grace through faith are what we are created to do. They go hand in hand and you cannot have one without the other. Clarifying why James would say, Show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith "by my works". He should have said by my Good Works. http://biblehub.com/james/2-18.htm Some people tell me that confessing with the mouth, is a work but, Faith Alone is not enough. We must, not only believe with our hearts but also confess Jesus as Lord. Romans 10:10 for with the heart you believe and are justified and with the mouth "Confession is made unto Salvation". Then, we must forgive others who have wronged us or we will not be forgiven. Giving a cup of water to one of the least of God's brothers as in Matthew 25:31-46. We love our enemies and help them if the opportunity arises but, our focus is to those who hear the word of God and do it. These are my mother, sister and brother. Luke 8:21 I believe that Salvation is a free gift. Our slate has been wiped clean but now we have to keep it clean. Here is a free gift. Now that it is yours, what will you do with it. How will you treat it. One can receive a free gift and put it under a basket or put it on a stand and display it. Invite people to experience it. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will be with you and in you. Meaning: not always In you but with you. You cannot say Jesus is Lord without the Holy Spirit. This is our evidence of being saved. http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/12-3.htm Will the Holy Spirit remain with someone when they deliberately sin? You cannot lose your salvation but Satan can and will tempt you to do something that will bring separation. Matt. 4:6, 7 If Satan can kill you during that separation then you will die in your sin and your Salvation has been stolen from you. The Spirit is willing but the flesh is Weak. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate to the Father: Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. biblehub.com/1_john/2-1.htm Once you are saved, you still need to be Born Again, just like Jesus said, and you will have power over the devil.
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