ASSURANCE OF SALVATION AND FORGIVENESS


Speaking of this “assurance of salvation” and forgiveness, the church has no right to be trying to assure anyone of any such thing. This is the work of God. Nowhere in the Bible is the church given the job of assuring people that they are right with God. The church’s job is to bring men and women to Christ. Her work is to reveal Jesus in a powerful way through preaching and testifying so that people can “see” Him and meet Him.

It is Jesus’ business to forgive the sinner and then give him a confidence that he has been forgiven. This assurance of forgiveness comes from the presence of God. When anyone has a face to face interaction with Him, they are deeply convicted of their sin, yet they come away knowing, being fully assured in their hearts, that they have met Love and Forgiveness Himself. They have had a life changing transaction with God.

Oh, how the churches today are full of those who have never been convicted of sin. They have no right to assurance of forgiveness. Yet they are convinced by man that they have it. Instead of laboring to bring people to God, far too many Christians are working to bring people into their “church.” Their goal is different from the Lord’s.

Their objective is to fill their building and multiply their numbers. They are working to make people feel comfortable and welcome. In fact, they will fight against any preaching which might make someone feel troubled or uneasy. And so they take the place of God. They offer “easy” forgiveness to anyone who will agree with them and join them. This is an ungodly work.

God’s thought, on the other hand, is completely different. It is to bring men and women to a conviction of sin. This is the clearly stated work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:. Sinners need to be uncomfortable. The more uncomfortable the better. All the truly great revivals in Church history were characterized by this one thing: a deep agonizing conviction of sin on the part of the unbelievers.

It is right for the ungodly to be deeply convicted. It is good for them to agonize over their sinful condition. Profound sorrow is a wonderful sign of the work of the Spirit of God. When we find sinners in this state, let us not work to relieve them of this burden.

Our work, our only work, is to point them continually to the Savior until they themselves “do business” with Him, until they know for themselves that they have been forgiven and accepted. This will result in true, long-lasting conversion.

Stay blessed and remain rapturable

MizJanet:


"The cross " ? , but we aint talking about cross here . The cluelesness of religiotards is getting stronger .

Smile, and 'someone is becoming twice son of a Hell'

NB And I agree with what u said about religionist anyways.

Many at times life gets complicated because we always seek meaning to every happenings in our lives forgetting that there is no one or nothing around to give us sufficient reasons. Even when we sometimes get reasons for those happenings they don't make sense, hurt us the more and get angry at God.

God dont give us reasons for we many at times would not comprehend because we can only see a fraction of the big picture which is with Him and His discisions are based on it.

Somethings we will never get answers to these reasons while we remain in 'time' till we get to eternity where things will make more sense to us.

To all going throught so much they can't understand 'why', just hold on and continue to have faith because at the end all would definitely turn out right.

Stay blessed and remain rapturable

MizJanet:


of cos , use your brain ; why would a god waste time to create the earth if his sole aim is to take them to heaven ?



which purpose exactly ? Lots of babies and teens die everyday , is that his purpose for them ? Oh ! Gosh .


So you are actually telling me that ur god has programmed your life and purpose like a robot , to the extent that he is waiting for them to be fulfilled ?

Obviously the msg of the cross is indeed foolishness to them that are perishing!

Talking about Heaven, xtians can do so little talkless of an unbeliever?

Eyes has not seen, hears has not heard and neither has mind conceived what is n what would be Heaven. U dont even have an idea.

MizJanet:
I really have no idea why this churches decide to make noise at night just to disturb the sleep of their neighbours , anyway their noise reveal their hypocrisy . Ask me how ?

A lady came out to give her testimony , she narrated how she would have died from an accident , a petrol tanker falls and That would have led to mass death if a tiny blaze of fire was near . She said they all ran away from their cars but thankfully the situation was controlled . She said they were all afraid . But she is happy they did not die


NOW , I wont have any problem with this experience if this lady doesnt bliv she will go to heaven , that means she is only protecting the only one live she had .

But from the tone of her voice and songs she used while delivering her experience , you will know she is an HEAVEN beliver . Funny , Then the question is: why is she happy that she didnt die and go to heaven ? why thank God for taking away your golden opportunity to be in heaven ?

Smile, u dont even understand what u say. Ok going by ur rationale, then they shouldnt have been born on earth at all but in Heaven?

NB The fact that we are born/placed on earth means that there is a purpose for that, Heaven also have its purpose. So all things will continue till its fulfilment, its not just about going to heaven or remaining here on earth. And pat attention to what Image123 said @op!

Debeloved87:
thank you.. You can re-read the post again.

Its so unfortunate that as xtians will still do not see the handwriting on the wall many at times, even when we claim to have the spirit of God. The ex pastor did nt fail when he started having affair with the secretary, or even when false doctrine crept into the church. The man failed right from the onset of founding a church when himself wasnt a church, many will end up in hell simply cos they became pastors, What is he relationship with God n how much did he hear from Him before starting a church? The present day concept of church is quite different from the bible yet we wonder why many atrocities are happening in the church (building).

Anyways I quite agree with u brother what false doctrine can cause and ow dangerous it is. False doctrine is as a result of lack of intimacy with God which brings about knowledge of the word n power of God, the man failed in this aspect for his act is only a manifestation of what was already in his heart long ago.

NB Why in the in the world would anyone be persuaded to compromise the stand of the gospel for a doctrine, obviously such person is yet to encounter Christ though a pastor.

By their fruit u shall know them, the best way to detect n run away from false doctrine is to look at the life of the teacher in comparison of that of Christ, if he falls short then his words can never be from Christ. For bad tree do not bear good fruit n vice versa.

FYB:
Im amazed at how he managed to be so religious. upon his level of commitment n business

Dont be, there is something called encountering Christ which when u do u, u will become a wonder unto many n u will not be easily placed cos many would not understand.

NB Ecountering Christ is quite different from being religious, being religious will make u do things for reasons bt encounter makes u 'live' in the things u do even without reasons.

Time and space will not permit me to fully express my thought here. Now coming to those that claim to have accepted Christ for some time (years) n are nothig like him. I tell u these one have fallen to the category of those that are trampling the grace of God underfoot and there remaineth no sacrifice for their sins. The reason is simple, the greatest sin a man can commit is to willig go astray when he knows the truth Hebrews 10:26-27 better explain that.

NB The truth should always be told that though we are all growing to maturity bt anyone that still hides under d facade of baby xtians after years in the faith to indulge in his/her excesses cant decieve anyone but recieve just recompense n would never attain full salvation. He will never be kept blameless spirit, soul n body unto the day of Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

The problem now is it takes some workings on our part by the Holy Ghost for our minds to follow suit with our spiriy cos it will not naturally was to yield. So we work out out our salvation with fear n trembling that which the Holy Ghost is working in us. This we do daily n continuously till our mind fully yield n we have the mind of Christ, though we r given the life of Christ bt not the mind which came later wards.

Continue.......

When we got born again it was only our spirit man that was quickened, our soul n body still remained the same n no change whatsoever was experienced. So when we got born again and received the God kind of life to live like Christ here on this side of eterninity, we have the potential to become exactly that. But the problem now arise cos we have spent some time in the world n our soul (mind) has bee so corrupted n needed to be regenerated to comform to our new identity or new life simply put.


Continue........

Goshen360:


Put it simple - A Christian is not less a Christian weather sin or mistake. That's why I completely agree with the article but the title is kind of misleading or sending a wrong impression that some or "true" Christians and some "are not". Tell me if the true Christians too don't make mistake or sin once a while. I hope you get my point now? There's a wide margin between being a baby\childish and a mature Christian. May the Lord help His Church!

I agree with the fact that there are no true or fake xtians for it is either u are one or not. And also that we are all growing to maturity and a baby xtian who many at times makes mistake is not lesser a xtian than a more mature one who makes less mistake.

Now there is something I will want to share in the light of xtians who do not exhibit the life of Christ even after many years of being saved. There is a lost teaching in the christendom which is keeping many xtians in bondage of elemental forces of this world though they have been saved (born again).

The concept of salvation is ot fully taught in churches today and many at times neglected. There is a difference between being born again and salvatio, when many give their lives to Christ, or better put accept the life of Christ, they think that is all there is to salvation. Not realizing that being born again is just a means to an end, but what God really desire is the salvation of man spirit soul and body. The ultimate goal of God is to make us like is Son while here on earth which is the reason for growth to maturity, but that would only be consumated at the later end.

Continue.....

ojuu4u:







Dnt use your church doctrine to destroy her affair,if anything happens,she might never forgive you.






As if u ar in my mind thas my biggest 'dillema' i dnt want her to see me as obstacle. And am nt a prophet to kn if single guy is stil coming and she knw am a married man already. (Dat am happy but deny her happness)

With this ur post u being a teacher in the church I can clearly see why d sister is in such position, and also I will want to believe she aint the only one in such (confused) situation in the church.

NB I think the greatest problem in the church today is people given what they dont have n we wonder why we dont see true change in the lives of the members. Until we all come to know the father personally, head knowledge of His will will never sufffice.

Mary Mary God in me, love the lyrics n beat n kind of remind me of myself whenever my phone ring.

Also prayer changes by R Kelly, just love the guy's voice and anything that comes from him (though d songs when his head is dow n he is seeking God). Love the song cos of the lyrics.

Being born again is not the end but just a means to an end, and more be kept blameless spirit body and soul unto the second coming of Jesus.

See that u grow unto complete salvation for u see the day approaching

If u still need another evidence that the world is gone crazt, I guess this will sufice. Give ur life today before its too late for Jesus is coming back soon.

Sodiumdawg:


Really?

Are you married with children? Training kids in University?

Are you a Management Staff in your working place?

If, truthfully, the answer is no, you be learner for where I dey.

Pastor.

Smile, and obviously u write as one.

Sodiumdawg:


Pastor,

That post simply said: "You obviously didn't read the original post. You're arguing? okay. Here's the part of the post that shows you didn't, and had you read it, you wouldn't have posted that shallow pool of sh*t."

And the poster did it so politely!

Bless you Sir.

So much for Airaland kids

sonOfLucifer:

That awkward moment when you find a sensible, well-informed post on Nairaland.

You, my man, win the Man of the Internet for today. CHEERS.

Smile, simply cos u didnt read the articla u would have found this info there?

keandre:


Lol, ya

Smile, old mind?

keandre:
Are you rehearsing for weekday service sermon?

Are u sure of ur signature?

A common misunderstanding of becoming new creatures which has kept so many and still kepping so many in bondage, is the lack of the experience of the reality of Christ' life and manifestation in their walk with Him Sometimes in the New Testament these truths concerning the cross and our becoming new creatures are stated as if they had already happened. Galatians 2:20 reads, “I have been crucified with Christ,” seemingly indicating a work which is already done. Colossians 3:3 states, “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” There certainly is a sense in which this is true because when Christ died His work was completed. He said: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30).

However, this can cause confusion in believers’ minds. Many do not realize that this crucifixion must be made real to them. They do not understand that biblical truths are of no value to them unless they enter into the experience of them through the Holy Spirit. Some mistakenly think if they simply “believe” that they are already changed completely, they then are. Others imagine that since they have been forgiven, everything is now O.K., not realizing that this was just the beginning and that God still has important work to do in them. The truth is that unless we enter into the experience of these things they will do us absolutely no good.

For example, Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world but only those who through faith enter into Him are benefited by it. In the same way the fact that we have died with Christ and have been raised with Him will do us no good whatsoever unless we through faith and obedience enter into the reality of it. It is not enough spiritually speaking to simply claim our “position in Christ.” That “position” must become our experience. This could be compared to the Children of Israel. They could have stayed on the east side of the Jordan river instead of crossing over into the good land. There they might have spent their time praising and thanking God for his wonderful gift of the good land. They might have done a lot of teaching and preaching about what a great place the other side was, yet never crossing over into it and taking possession of it. Sadly, this is exactly how many believers behave today. If we do not enter into this good land which God has given us and possess it, then even though it is ours in theory, we will not obtain it. We must by faith in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, yield ourselves daily unto His death so that He can raise us up to walk in newness of Life.

Stay Blessed and remain rapturable

Once we are born from above this is just the beginning of a Christian life. As wonderful as it is to receive the new life from God, this is only the first step of a life-long process of growing in the Lord. It is only the introduction to “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (I Cor 7:1). Not only do we need to receive this new life but we also need this life to grow up in us into full maturity. The Bible teaches that, after being born in a manger, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature” (Lk 2:52). In the same way we too must grow spiritually until the expression of God through us is complete.

We as Christians must disabuse ourselves of the notion that once we receive Jesus this is the consummation of spiritual experience. Receiving God’s life through the Spirit is just the beginning. Just as the birth of a baby is only the first event of its whole lifetime, so also when we are born of the Spirit this is just the initial step of a life full of growing in the knowledge of God.

The Father’s intention is that we would be daily eating, drinking and thereby growing into all that Christ came to bring – all of which is freely poured out to us in the Holy Spirit. The life of God, the most precious, valuable element in the whole universe is abundantly available to every believer right now today. Through His Spirit we can continually partake of AIONIAN ZOÊ.Everywhere the scriptures speak of such growth. Ephesians 4:14,15 urges us to “...grow up into Him in all things” recommending that we be no longer babies who are easily tossed around. I John chapter two speaks of different stages of spiritual growth, i.e. children, young men and fathers. Surely it is easy to see then that maturity is not instantaneous but takes time and attention.

This too is an essential part of our Christian experience. Remaining a baby is not good enough. Spiritual growth is optional only for those who are foolish. We must continually seek the Lord and nurture this life which has been given to us so that it can grow to maturity. Everywhere in nature we notice that all kinds of life must grow. Even though, for example, an entire oak tree is contained within an acorn, it takes time and nurturing for that tree to attain its full stature. In the same way, even though the life which we receive from God is complete, it takes time and attention for it to arrive at full maturity. If we are to be useable sons of God, manifesting His life and nature to the world in a powerful way, we too must grow into His fulness (Eph 4:15). Babies are wonderful, but they are not very useful. Instead of being able to help out and contribute to the well-being of the household they themselves require our time and attention. I am confident that God greatly loves all His babies, but I am also firmly convinced that He is seeking sons who have grown into maturity to fulfill His purposes on the earth.

Too many Christians suppose that being born again is the end, the ultimate. They imagine that after regeneration the only thing left is to accumulate “rewards” in heaven. How far from the truth this is. Growing into a full spiritual maturity is the only way in which we can be really useful in God’s kingdom. It is important to note that this growth does not happen automatically. God is not forcing His way upon us. He graciously allows us all to choose. Just as we had to make a choice to receive His life to be born again, so we must make a daily choice to be filled with His life. No one else can make you grow. Unless we set our hearts to seek the presence of the Lord every day and spend time in intimate communion with Him, we will grow very little. If our choice is to spend our time pursuing our own interests, spiritual dormancy is a certainty. Growth in God’s life is available to all, but is realized only by those who make a conscious choice to pursue it. Those who make this choice will benefit greatly not only in this world but also in that which is to come.

That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [ full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.

Ephesians 4:13 Amplified

Stay blessed and remain rapturable

Earthkumy:
when u get born again, we automatically have the power to leave above sin, and sin is far away from us, that was my experience when I first got born again. But as I grow my faith got tested and I wasn't properly built up by word of God and I went back to sin believing grace covered me and is impossible to leave above sin. When Jesus came for me and spoke to me in my room, after that encounter, my life changed and my believe changed. With proper study of the word of God one can leave above sin from start to finish.
John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

No problem if all u can decipher from what I have there is not living above sin then there is nothing I can do, but for emphasis sake, when we gave our lives to Christ we have the power to live above sin but sometimes we do make mistake which does not negate the fact that we still have the power. But as we grow we fully mature to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ Jesus, also meditating on the word daily hasten ouor growth.

Earthkumy:
the bible says guide ur heart with all diligence, we are to leave above sins and we are to believe is possible to leave a righteous life. What you are saying is that is impossible to leave righteous life, I use to believe that too my brother, until I started believing is possible to leave without sin, I was so surprised how God through the power of faith in Jesus and my believe for him to help me made all that possible. When we put our desires aside and foolishly trust God we will be amazed.

Read again bro and u will understand what I am saying, I never said we cant live above sin. I am talking about practicality, we dont just give our lives to Christ n start living above sin or victoriously. There is always a period of growth to maturity which is what I am emphasizing, as we mature the life of Christ is being manifested in us n we live overcomingly in Him.

why do u think u had issues with sin before overcoming? It was definitely cos u were yet a babe, bt as u mature u discover it was acheivable n u did. Growing to maturity entails so many things, bt sure time factor is sure siignifiicant.

Earthkumy:
I'm saying if one my die on top of his or her mistake as you call it and if that happens no more forgiveness.

Not really friend, God know everyone of us indivdually n what is in our hearts, and no one can decieve Him. It all comes from the heart, one that live a lifestyle of sin means that d heart is yet to be purified n still under bondage.

When one understand the principle of sin he will understand better. The issue is nt the many sins we commit bt the principle of sin which is at work in the life of unregenerated man. It is the priinciple of sin which is the root that brings about the many other siins, when the root is done away with then the many sins wiill nt be an issue cos with time they will leave.

The most important thing is growth, when one is growin as a xtian then the less sin he commits n d more he grow to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Remember we are all growiing to maturiity, so when the heart is right n one is growin in Christ, he mk liittle mistake n cannnt persist in sin neither will he sin delibrately n God will surely forgives him when he sins or mk mistake.

orisa37:
Deliberate Actions, Interactions and Movements to Hurt or intimidate others are Sins not covered by Grace.

Hebrew 10 Amplified Version

26 For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward].

27 [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God].

But I have this to say concerning ur example, no matter ow many times one sins in as much as he comes back for forgiveness he wiill be forgiven. But the main concern is this, will someone that have encounter Christ persist in sin? The answer definitely is no, a christian is not a sinner and a sinner is not a Christian.

Now we cannot deny that a xtian sins sometimes, so ow do we relate it? Simple, persisting in sin is different from some sinning as a mistake which we sometimes commit as christians. To us christians sin is not a lifestyle and we do not persist in it, but to unbeliever sin is a lifestyle n they continue in it.

Stay blessed and remain rapturable

How is it now that sin and the lifestyle has become the other of the day even among Christians, while we claim to have grace and live in the dispensation which covers our sins?

Yes it is true we live in the dispensation of grace and all our sins had been paid for and covered by Christ Jesus, but continuing in sin because of the dispensation we are in is total misconstrueing of grace and very graven.

Grace rather is the empowerment to live the supernatural life which is above sin, we don't continue to sin because we have grace, but rather we have grace which gives us the enablement not to continue in sin. Sin is supposed to be frowned at and rebuked by us all in this dispensation, even as the early Christians stood and spoke against it with great tenacity. Grace is supposed to make us live differently and not conform to the pattern of this world, but in as much as there is no difference in our lives in contrast with others, then we are yet to encounter Christ or grace.

We cannot continue in sin and expect His grace to speak for us because grace and sin do not mix, it is either you have grace (Christ) and live above sin or you continue in sin as a sign of graceless and Christ-less life.

Flee from sin if you want to live!

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

1 Timothy 5:20

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein.

Romans 6:1-2

Stay blessed and remain rapturable

How is it now that sin and the lifestyle has become the other of the day even among Christians, while we claim to have grace and live in the dispensation which covers our sins?

Yes it is true we live in the dispensation of grace and all our sins had been paid for and covered by Christ Jesus, but continuing in sin because of the dispensation we are in is total misconstrueing of grace and very graven.

Grace rather is the empowerment to live the supernatural life which is above sin, we don't continue to sin because we have grace, but rather we have grace which gives us the enablement not to continue in sin. Sin is supposed to be frowned at and rebuked by us all in this dispensation, even as the early Christians stood and spoke against it with great tenacity. Grace is supposed to make us live differently and not conform to the pattern of this world, but in as much as there is no difference in our lives in contrast with others, then we are yet to encounter Christ or grace.

We cannot continue in sin and expect His grace to speak for us because grace and sin do not mix, it is either you have grace (Christ) and live above sin or you continue in sin as a sign of graceless and Christ-less life.

Flee from sin if you want to live!

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

1 Timothy 5:20

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein.

Romans 6:1-2

Stay blessed and remain rapturable