uj_sizzle: STORY OF GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

Thomas Obadiah Chisolm (1866-1960) had a difficult adult life. His health was so fragile that there were periods of time when he was confined to bed, unable to work. Between bouts of illness he would have to push himself to put in extra hours at various jobs in order to make ends meet.

After coming to Christ at age 27, Thomas found great comfort in the Scriptures, and in the fact that God was faithful to be his strength in time of illness and provide his needs. Lamentations 3:22-23 was one of his favorite scriptures: “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”

Enigma: Ah, will do that now!

DrummaBoy:

Thank you Enigma.

Thank you moderators.

Now, we can ask questions or make our comments on Enigma's paper. This will last until the next paper is presented.

Enigma:

The Only Hope

If with even our best efforts we cannot meet the standard of righteousness in light of God’s holiness, then what can we do? Then what is our hope? There is a fantastic sermon by the late preacher Martin Lloyd Jones titled “The Only Hope” (should still be available to purchase online or even maybe free) in which this very important point is made. Well, the only hope at the end of the day is God’s mercy and ------ God’s grace!

Enigma: PS I will try and do further editing on the forum version e.g. colouring/higlighting etc etc later/gradually.

Ajibam: GALATIANS 5VS4
FOR IF YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE YOURSELVES RIGHT WITH GOD BY KEEPING THE LAW,YOUHAVE BEEN CUT OFF FROM CHRIST! YOU HAVE FALLEN AWAY FROM GOD'S GRACE



WHEN WE FALL OUT OFGRACE,WOULD WE BE SAVE BACK BY GRACE OR THATS ALL?

Ajibam: QUESTION 1

HEBREWS7vs6
AND WHO THEN TURN AWAY FROM GOD.IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BRING SUCH PEOPLE BACK TO REPENTANCE


SUCH PEOPLE MENTION ABOVE!!!HAS GRACE ELUDES THEM?

Ajibam: QUESTION 1

HEBREWS7vs6
AND WHO THEN TURN AWAY FROM GOD.IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BRING SUCH PEOPLE BACK TO REPENTANCE


SUCH PEOPLE MENTION ABOVE!!!HAS GRACE ELUDES THEM?

Ajibam: GALATIANS 5VS4
FOR IF YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE YOURSELVES RIGHT WITH GOD BY KEEPING THE LAW,YOUHAVE BEEN CUT OFF FROM CHRIST! YOU HAVE FALLEN AWAY FROM GOD'S GRACE

WHEN WE FALL OUT OFGRACE,WOULD WE BE SAVE BACK BY GRACE OR THATS ALL?

Ajibam: Am blessed........thank you enigma....God isyour strenght!!!!


@atmc.....how was the teaching

Enigma: Sorry, I had some background distractions.

I understand the concern raised with such warning passages especially strongly in two passages of Hebrews.

There is one danger we must avoid i.e. set scripture against scripture. Rather, we must always seek the harmony and congruence of scripture. One way of looking at "the warning passages" is to consider them as a check and balance: 'you'd better check yourself and see that you are in the faith.' I have to say that there are legitimate questions as to whether that answer is satisfactory and even I can punch some 'holes' in it.

On the other hand, the key thing to remember is that it is God who saves. Remember also that in John 3 it says that a person who is 'born again' is born of God; in other words, it is God Himself who makes a person born again. Such a person can not now be lost to God --- after being truly born again.

alexleo: @Ajibam,

The two scripural verses you quoted are wrong pls cross check with your bible or guide me properly if am the one missing it. While we wait for the second paper. Thanks.

Enigma: Thanks Alexleo; I'm sure you are referring to the same questions that I answered above. Or am I missing something?

alexleo:

Exactly. I ve seen your answers. Sometimes I ve given some thoughts to those two scriptures and conclude that before one gets to that level where it ll be impossible to come back to God that means the person getting to the point of atheism. But I ve seen atheists who still repented and got saved. Could there be a worse point than that, which we could say is the point being reffered to in this scripture? Pls throw some light on this. Thanks.

Enigma: @Alexleo and Ajibam

The point you guys are raising is an extremely deep and crucially important point so I am sorry if my answers are not as detailed as they might be.The topic itself could be a subject of convention in its own right!

Anyway, a couple of things to bear in mind.

1. Jesus said that the wheat and weed/tares will grow together. He also gave us examples of different types of people who received the world; some having no root, some choked by thorns etc. This tells us that appearances can be deceptive. Supposing we know a pastor who seems to preach well etc etc; but we know that he is in the habit of stealing "God's money"; or of sleeping with Girls in his church ---- unrepentantly! Do we really think that person has submitted himself to be cleansed.

2. As for those who have truly submitted, it is God Himself who will strengthen them and hedge them such that they will not be lost. The worst case is that they will descend as low as the 'Prodigal Son' and end up deep in the mud --- including apparent atheism! (My boy logicboy, are you listening? ) But one day, the Spirit will stir within them, they will return to their senses, and they will return to their first love! Even C S Lewis is an example!

There are many examples of people who were atheists and even staunch atheists and yet one day for reasons they themselves cannot even explain, they turn back to God!

I'll like to finish with this passage from John 6

39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”