quote:Originally posted by vplee123:
With all due respect, I'll take my lessons from the Lord. He feeds me and teaches me. Comforts and affirms me. He is the only one whose opinion I take to heart. He gave us all the same Word. What we choose to do with it, is up to each person individually. God knows my heart. He knows yours, also. He calls each of us by name.
Mr. Gray, it is simply just not up to you to decide what is right, or "correct" interpretation. Anyway, I'll prefer to err on the side of caution. I sleep better at night knowing that I have done what I can to help my fellow brothers, especially those who are in need. The fruits of salvation are indeed works: this brings us closer to Jesus, and you know He smiles on us when we do good in His Name.
When Jesus tells us we need to "do" something, to avoid falling from his Graces, I take it literally. I take my guidance from the Lord. I pray that I can stop hurting Him with my sinfulness. Or at least, a little less often. This is my prayer.
Hi VP,
I agree with all you wrote. Amen! Amen! Amen!
The only clarification I will make is that, yes we may fall from grace at times -- but, we do not lose our salvation. The gift of salvation to all who will believe and receive it -- is His promise. And, our Lord NEVER breaks a promise.
As we are told in 1 Corinthians 3, our work in this life, the fruit of our salvation, will be examined when we stand before our Lord in judgment. If our works are built on worldly standards -- they will burn up -- but, if by grace through faith, we have believed and received His gift of salvation -- we will be saved; but, a wee bit scorched from the fire of testing.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15, "According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."
God bless, VP, have a wonderful, blessed Easter,
Bill
