Posted on 04/19/2013 10:21:32 PM PDT by DouglasKC
Many people believe God will accept them just as they are. But Scripture nowhere supports this idea. God expects His true followers to grow, mature and bear fruit. What kind of fruit does God expect? And how do we produce it?
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection" (Hebrews 6:1).
Correctly understanding the scriptural truth that the Holy Spirit is God's power that can transform our lives helps us better understand His purpose and will for us. Paul wrote that "we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15, NRSV). He also said, "Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature" (1 Corinthians 14:20 ).
This growth process involves overpowering the pulls of the flesh, replacing them with the character of Jesus Christ. Where do we begin?
John tells us: "Those who are God's children do not continue sinning, because the new life from God remains in them. They are not able to go on sinning, because they have become children of God" (1 John 3:9, New Century Version). The converted Christian does not habitually practice sin. He has, after all, determined to turn away from sin.
The sense here is not that, as a Christian, we will never sin (1 John 1:8), because we remain human and imperfect and can still be influenced by our nature and the degenerate world around us. Instead, the sense is that a Christian will not make it his practice to sin.
Note this paraphrase translation of 1 John 3:9 : "People conceived and brought into life by God don't make a practice of sin. How could they? God's seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It's not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin" (The Message).
A truly converted Christian will stumble and sin at times, but his or her life will be one of striving mightily to avoid sin. This will involve learning not only to resist temptation, but to flee circumstances where one might be tempted into wrongdoing (1 Corinthians 6:18).
In Ephesians 4 Paul presents an easy-to-understand formula for overcoming sin. He illustrates the method with several examples so we may readily comprehend what is involved. When we examine these verses we notice three steps we need to take to shift from a sinful life to one that properly represents God's working with us and in us. Paul's instruction regarding overcoming our inclination to sin is this: "to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV).
Out with the old
The first step, says Paul, is to "put off your old self." To do this we must realize that the old person is our carnal, selfish nature, which is hostile to God (Romans 8:7).
The "old self" to whom Paul referred is both our unconverted mind and the individual thoughts and acts of sin that spring from it. As discussed earlier, our former self must be put to a symbolic death through the waters of baptism (Romans 6:1-4).
Over time God can work miracles in changing the worst of us through the transforming power of His Spirit. He can free us from the many sins that imprison us—sins that we may think we can never overcome. We can be released from the bonds that have ensnared us and held us captive. With God's help we are progressively liberated from a wrong way of life that Paul described as slavery (Romans 6:16). To break free of enslavement Paul tells us to "put to death . . . whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5, NIV).
As we study God's Word, even after we are baptized and converted, we continue to see details of our human nature revealed to us. The Scriptures help us identify changes we still need to make. The Word of God, if we let it, powerfully cuts and penetrates to the core of our being "and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
God's Word helps us identify our wrong practices and thoughts (see "Why Bible Study Is Necessary for Spiritual Growth" on page 51). We can then turn away from them and think godly thoughts and do godly works. But we cannot do them alone!
We need to stir up the gift of God's Spirit within us (2 Timothy 1:6). That Spirit can renew us every day and will empower our new nature for the successful fight against sin (2 Corinthians 4:16). With the help of His Spirit we can "put to death the deeds of the body" (Romans 8:13 ).
Some stumble in their fight against sin when they attempt to overcome it by their own strength rather than relying on the power God makes available through His Spirit. Paul acknowledges this human deficiency. He knew full well the impact of human nature on our conduct. "Evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good," he wrote (Romans 7:21). This scripture describes the struggle of Paul—and every Christian—between his human nature and his new godly nature.
It is through Jesus dwelling in us that we can live a new, godly life (Galatians 2:20). We can be redeemed "from every lawless deed" and purified as "His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14 ). With God's help we can overcome.
In with the new
If we strive only to put off the old self, the process of overcoming is incomplete. Now comes the most challenging part. We must, with God's help, build into our character the positive traits that are the opposite of the flaws we have identified. As Paul explained, we must "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) with all its godly attributes. We must focus our attention and effort on the godly behavior we desire to practice.
We must concentrate on the positive to eliminate the negative. This is where the examples Paul uses are so instructive and helpful: "Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor'" (verse 25).
When is a liar not a liar? He doesn't cease being a liar just because he keeps his mouth shut. He is still a liar between lies, so to speak. The only way a liar can demonstrate a change in his character is to "speak truth with his neighbor."
He must put off the old by putting on the new. When a former liar consistently begins telling the truth, his old ways of dishonesty and evasion begin to shrivel up and die. This is what happens when, with the help of God's Spirit, we strive to overcome our old ways of living and replace them with God's ways.
Paul lists another example, that of stealing. When is a thief not a thief? Someone who is not at this moment stealing something may be a thief "between jobs." The only demonstrable proof that a thief has changed his ways is if he begins consistently to do the opposite.
Stealing is simply the act of unlawfully taking. The opposite approach to a selfish, thieving attitude is giving. With God's help a thief should learn to work "that he may have something to give him who has need" (verse 28).
Destructive or constructive words?
Paul cites yet another example of the way we communicate. Our tongue is often an accurate indicator of our dominant nature, whether good or bad. Jesus noted that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34 ). James tells us that the unbridled tongue is "a world of iniquity" (James 3:6).
Keeping silent so that no corrupt communication slips out may be a step in the right direction. But keeping our mouth shut is not proof in itself that our nature has changed. After all, "even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace" (Proverbs 17:28). Our nature has fundamentally changed when we begin using our tongue in a positive way. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29, NIV).
To overcome the wrong use of speech, we need to ask God, through the power of His Spirit, to help us concentrate on encouraging and building up others instead of berating them or tearing them down. Our words should spring from "a well of life" (Proverbs 10:11). Our talk should be as "choice silver" (Proverbs 10:20). We should pray to God that our speech be "always with grace" (Colossians 4:6 ).
We can overcome our base traits by concentrating on upright behavior. Through applying this formula with the help of God's Spirit, change becomes a lasting part of our character.
Which spirit will be with you?
God's Spirit is contrasted with the spirit of "bitterness and wrath" in Ephesians 4:31-32: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." When we indulge the nature of our old self with all its corrupt practices, we "give the devil a foothold" (verse 27, NIV). When we are kind and forgiving we reflect the Spirit of God.
Perhaps now we can understand why we quench God's Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) if we refuse its leading and indulge in stealing or corrupt communication such as lying. Satan thrives in such an environment.
But, when we put on the new man led by God's Spirit, the opposite results prevail. Satan hates godly behavior and cannot prevail in such a setting. God's Spirit, however, flourishes in a person who strives to live a godly life. All this beautifully illustrates some simple yet profound truths: When we "submit to God" and "resist the devil," he will flee from us (James 4:7). As Paul explained, "Walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
The simplest way to remove the air from a cup is by filling it with water. Likewise God can overcome our human nature by filling our minds with His nature and its many wonderful attributes.
As 2 Peter 1:5-8 tells us: "Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (NIV).
This does not mean we will never sin again, for as long as we are physical we remain subject to human weakness. However, we need not become discouraged in the face of our sins. Indeed, we should be thankful that we are mindful of them, because awareness is the first step toward their eradication.
Paul shares with us that he never attained perfection in his efforts to eliminate sin from his life. But he gives us this perspective: "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).
From the book of Hebrews come these encouraging words: "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession [the faith we profess]. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).
"Therefore . . . let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart"(Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV, 1984).
Our ultimate transformation
The entire conversion process concerns the wonderful transformation that God—through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit—makes in us. The final and most dramatic aspect of our transformation will occur at the resurrection of the dead when Jesus returns.
The apostle Paul reveals what will happen to the "called, chosen and faithful" disciples of Christ at that time: "What I mean, my friends, is this: flesh and blood can never possess the kingdom of God, the perishable cannot possess the imperishable. Listen! I will unfold a mystery: we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet-call.
"For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will rise imperishable, and we shall be changed. This perishable body must be clothed with the imperishable, and what is mortal with immortality. And when this perishable body has been clothed with the imperishable and our mortality has been clothed with immortality, then the saying of scripture will come true: ‘Death is swallowed up; victory is won!'" (1 Corinthians 15:50-54, REB).
Daniel 12:2-3 also speaks of this marvelous occurrence: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament [the sky], and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." (To learn more, please request our free booklet What Is Your Destiny? )
Finally, Paul describes the wonderful conclusion to all that God is doing for us: "We eagerly await a Savior from [heaven], the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:20-21, NIV).
Therefore, Paul writes in Titus 2:12-14, by "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
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One of the defense positions of false religions is claiming “victim-hood” from those who call them out, even that is often ‘masked’ by repeatedly attempting to associate themselves and their position with mainline Christianity......in one breath claiming they are the only true church and doctrines of, in the next breath making claims there is no difference, especially when those very differences have been clearly pointed out.
Counterfeit Christianity, such as UCG, Mormonism, Scientology, New Age Spirituality, always presents itself as "like" in its beliefs and behavior.....that's what they are.."counterfeits"......
Sounds like the old Salem witch trials. Certain proof of guilt is your denial but after a while on the rack you confess...well, we knew it all along.
In my opinion you’re being very unfair, here.
I’ve observed commentary from DouglasKC and occasionally interacted for some time on FR. He knows his Bible and does not err in his understanding of matters pertaining to salvation, not that I’ve seen.
His understanding of other Biblical matters is at times at variance with mine and it appears that he does not accept as doctrine some beliefs that most Christians do accept as doctrine. These areas, however, fall under Christian liberty as I’ve been taught to understand and continue to understand.
Can you show where it’s forbidden to observe holy days and feast days because they’re Jewish and not Christian? I’ve read the Bible through more times than I could recall for going on forty years, was even tested upon memorizing it while in a Baptist school for several years as a child, and I just do not see it.
I’m going to throw out an analogy that I hope will be helpful in settling this controversy between Christians: as a teen, your parents or guardians likely required you to be home by a certain time, let’s say 10 PM. As you grew into adulthood and the age of accountability, there likely came a point when that requirement was no longer. Did this mean you were forbidden to come home before 10 PM? Did this mean that there was no longer any benefit to be derived from doing so?
No, it didn’t mean those things, not at all. It meant you were no longer required, that you yourself were accountable for any consequences. You were given a freedom. That freedom was not to be abused, though.
I checked out the web site and see that you have all the sermons online there. I don’t have time to listen to them all but one piqued my curiosity. What exactly is the unpardonable sin that is mentioned as one of the sermon titles?
“His understanding of other Biblical matters is at times at variance with mine and it appears that he does not accept as doctrine some beliefs that most Christians do accept as doctrine. These areas, however, fall under Christian liberty as I’ve been taught to understand and continue to understand.”
It falls under Christian liberty to deny that the Holy Spirit is God, and to affirm that the Father and the Son are not the same in substance, but two different gods? He claimed earlier he was a monotheist, yet in the past 2 threads he’s launched attacking the trinity, he has used the idea of a man and wife getting married in order to explain the Godhead in a cooperative sense and has refused to recognize UCG doctrine as quoted from their site and answer the clear statements in scripture that there is “No God beside” Him, and “No God formed” before or after. IOW, he affirms polytheism without addressing the fact that it is polytheism or defending it.
Do you also deny the trinity and affirm his beliefs, or share similar ones as in the LDS?
“He knows his Bible and does not err in his understanding of matters pertaining to salvation”
So, what do you think is his understanding of matters pertaining to salvation? I’d be surprised if you could express it clearly, as not much the UCG puts out isn’t double-talk. For example, they say, salvation is a “free gift,” but wait, it’s NOT free, you have to obey zealously all the UCG’s teachings on what the law of God is.
“Can you show where it’s forbidden to observe holy days and feast days because they’re Jewish and not Christian?”
I wouldn’t say they are forbidden. I’ve known of Christians who celebrated the Passover to honor Christ. It’s just that it isn’t a requirement of your salvation to obey any of the dietary laws or festival days.
1Co 10:23-33 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (24) Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. (25) Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: (26) For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. (27) If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. (28) But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: (29) Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? (30) For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? (31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (32) Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: (33) Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Rom 14:1-6 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. (2) For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. (3) Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. (4) Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. (5) One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. (6) He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Col 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: (17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
“I’m going to throw out an analogy that I hope will be helpful in settling this controversy between Christians:”
The UCG is an anti-Christian religious group that believes that we are all members of a counterfeit religion who wrongly believe that we have the Holy Spirit and are justified in the sight of God.
I’ll have no concord with Belial, thank you very much.
I’ve seen DouglasKC avow that he is monotheist. My beliefs are not subject to tinpot inquisition from you or any other human being. I’ll save someone the trouble of breaking out the rack on my account by saying that my understanding of the Bible is pretty orthodox by American southern fundamentalist standards. Not all that far removed from Orthodox, for that matter. I do take issue with several aspects of Roman Catholicism but know several people who manage to be very decent, believing Christians despite this. Mormonism is outside of Christianity, imho.
“I’ve seen DouglasKC avow that he is monotheist.”
And presumably, you’ve seen my post with quotes from the UCG demonstrating that they define “two gods” joined together in the sense of cooperation in a “God family” as “monotheism.” If you read the link I posted from their site as well, you would see them argue against “strict monotheism” and affirm that their central problem with the trinity is, in fact, its monotheism.
So, what is the definition of a religion that believes in two different gods, and argues that mankind can partake of divinity by joining the Godhead?
“My beliefs are not subject to tinpot inquisition from you or any other human being.”
What is the first commandment?:
Mar 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
If they do no even believe in the first commandment, can you claim they are Christian? And when we are warned not to be unevenly yoked with unbelievers, and to not even wish a false teacher Godspeed, how does it follow that we are to ignore their heretical doctrines which deny the foundation of Christianity?
This is not “tinpot” stuff. This is Christianity vs non-Christian religions.
“I’ll save someone the trouble of breaking out the rack on my account by saying that my understanding of the Bible is pretty orthodox by American southern fundamentalist standards.”
You could barely say that his polytheism differs from Christianity, and even now suggest it is still something under “Christian liberty” to believe. So, these statements of yours don’t give me much comfort.
“Mormonism is outside of Christianity, imho.:
Well that’s a bizarre conclusion. So the LDS is outside Christianity, yet the UCG, which is a cousin doctrinally to the LDS and the Jehovah’s Witnesses, IS within Christianity?
Quibbling over words. How three are one is conceptually challenging. Other sincere Christians have struggled to convey the concept in a way that does not follow in lock step with Trinitarianism.
Is lock step Trinitarianism down to the last jot and tittle a requirement for salvation? I don’t believe it is, although I myself accept it as the best way of describing something that is likely beyond understanding in our present state.
I do believe you’re sowing discord among brethren. Seems I recall some Biblical admonition against that.
“Quibbling over words.”
Yeah, quibbling over words. I mean, what’s the difference between ONE God and TWO?
“How three are one is conceptually challenging. Other sincere Christians have struggled to convey the concept in a way that does not follow in lock step with Trinitarianism.”
They deny the Trinity altogether. I even posted to a thread he launched attacking the trinity. If you’re going to defend his religion, you should at least read the material that discusses what his religion believes instead of asking me to share in your indifference for the venom the UCG spreads. If YOU have a problem with the trinity, I have a post in this thread that goes over some standard Trinitarian scripture. You’re more than welcome to dispute it or, at least, explain how his theology is acceptable within it.
“I do believe you’re sowing discord among brethren. Seems I recall some Biblical admonition against that.”
The false premise here is that the UCG is Christian. I wouldn’t make that mistake so easily, if I were you, considering scriptures like this:
2Jn 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
I’m not defending his religion or even “a” religion, I’m attempting to defend him against what appear to be very unfair aspersions upon his Christianity, based upon what I have seen over the course of a much lengthier exposure than yours.
He is better suited to that task than I am though, so I suggest taking any campaign against a particular set of actual or imagined religious beliefs back to those who espouse them.
It does seem rather evident that you’re associating salvation and even Christianity itself with a particular denomination or sect, while I do not, so long as the basic good news, the gospel, is being taught.
Is there a particular reason for such a strong identification?
“I’m not defending his religion or even “a” religion, I’m attempting to defend him against what appear to be very unfair aspersions upon his Christianity,”
I don’t care how unfair you think it is when I’ve provided documentation that proves what I was saying. Address it, instead of accusing me of “unfair aspersions.”
“It does seem rather evident that you’re associating salvation and even Christianity itself with a particular denomination or sect, while I do not, so long as the basic good news, the gospel, is being taught.”
So, how do you reconcile a denial of monotheism with this?:
Mar 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
And can you actually tell me what his “Gospel” even is? How is one saved according to the UCG? Do you actually know?
If I believed you were interested in anything other than a platform for continued denominational rants I’d comply. Sorry to say, I don’t believe you are interested. I replied to another FReeper to begin with.
“If I believed you were interested in anything other than a platform for continued denominational rants I’d comply. “
The UCG is not a denomination. It is an anti-Christian religious cult that believes in two different Gods, amongst many other strange doctrines.
I’m going to have to side with Paul on this one, and not with RegulatorCountry.
2 Cor 11
12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
Sorry about that. Well, no, I’m not sorry about it at all.
You wouldn’t be the first seminarian pretending to be fundamentalist on FR.
Assuming you are, that is.
“You wouldn’t be the first seminarian pretending to be fundamentalist on FR.”
Because opposition to anti-Christian cults is FUNDAMENTALIST, apparently.
Thanks for making it clear where you stand on the divide.
As a fundamentalist, what sort of objections might you have if any, to Roman Catholic belief and practice?
This is a pro-God forum:
From Jim Robinson:
“Free Republic is a pro-God site. The one and only true Judeo-Christian God as taught to us by KJV with no additional editing or books of fiction. I have zero faith in Joseph Smith or his so-called Mormon religion and do not want it taught on FR as gospel. Joe Smith was a false prophet and his book is false gospel (look it up in KJV). Those who cannot live with that are certainly free to post elsewhere.”
Comparing Catholics and Protestants with anti-Christian religious cults like the UCG is probably a big no-no in such an environment.
I battle with the Catholics all the time, and they with me, but I’m not about to argue that my disagreements with them are the same as my disagreements with Polytheistic groups who claim to be the one true church of God on Earth and that both Catholics and Protestants are in a counterfeit church.
So, sorry, I’m not playing your relativist game.
Don’t pull my name into your personal disputes, ‘tread.
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