Question #1:
When Paul commanded Timothy to make prayers for all people, did he
command Timothy to pray for every single individual (over ten million)
of the genus Homo sapiens sapiens that was living at the time?
Of course not!
Therefore it is false to interpret "God wants all men to be saved" as
meaning God wants every member of Homo sapiens sapiens to be saved.
Rather, Paul is saying that God wants all kinds of people to be saved
Response #1:
The fly in the ointment is the nature of the comparison: Timothy is a
human being; God is God. So what Timothy is encouraged to do is not
equivalent or truly comparable to what God desires to do. More could be
said, but that should suffice: God DOES want all to be saved
(Ezek.18:23; Matt.18:14; Jn.3:17; 12:47; 1Tim.2:4; 2Tim.2:24-26;
2Pet.3:9), but He has given us free will to decide whether or not we
want to be. Sadly, in the history of mankind those who are willing to
submit to Him to accept the Gift of Jesus Christ has been remarkable
small.
Hope you are doing well!
Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
I was also thinking about "all kinds." Could God save all kinds of people without committing injustice? All kinds, including psychopaths, narcissists, corpse-in-jackboots fascists, and betrayers?
Response #2:
Nothing is impossible for God and Jesus died for all. Here is what I read in scripture:
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
1st Corinthians 6:9-11 NKJV
The Lord is our righteousness; we are justified by faith in Him and God
the Father is just to save us because Jesus paid the price for it all.
Of course, once saved, we are responsible to the Lord NOT to be "that
kind" any longer (Ps.85:8b).
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hey Dr. Luginbill,
I don't know if you remember me or not. I know it's been a while .I'm
emailing you because I've been going through some things lately. And I
honestly don't know how to make sense of it. I've been completely
brought to my knees by this situation. Recently, my family was hit
pretty hard with two deaths. [details omitted]
I had drifted pretty far, Dr. Luginbill. To the point where I'd kind of
consider myself an agnostic. But now that this has happened, I have
wanted so badly for there to be a God. For there to be a God, and for me
to be acceptable to him. I want it to be real. I want to be saved. And I
want my entire family to be saved. I want there to be a God above all
other wants that exist in the world. But it feels too good to be true.
I've walked so far away, I don't know what or how I really believed. I
want to know it and believe it to be true. But I'm so scared to get my
hopes up. I don't want false hope. I'm too afraid to even think it .I
want to come back. But it feels like wanting to return to your home, and
finding that's it's been burned down. I don't know if there's anything
left for me. I don't know if it's true.
I don't know what else to say besides this Dr. Luginbill.
Thank you for listening,
Response #3:
While I'm glad to hear from you I'm very sorry to hear your sad family news. I can well imagine how bereaved you are by this double tragedy. I have lost people close to me (my mom this past January), but, blessedly, in those cases where the loss was heavily felt, they were all believers in Jesus Christ. When we lose someone who is a believer, we grieve even our Lord Jesus wept at Lazarus' death so there is nothing wrong with normal grief but "not as those who have no hope" (1Thes.4:13). We know for an absolute certainly by faith that they are with the Lord and no longer have any troubles or sorrows whatever and that is "better by far" than the troubles we are still experiencing in this life (Phil.1:23; Rev.21:4).
"And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son. "But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. "
Luke 15:21-24 NKJV
There is "more joy in heaven" over one person who comes back to the Lord than over ninety nine who don't need to come back from that "far country" (Lk.15:7). The Lord is happy to have you back . . . if you are willing to come back. I have to say that in my own youth, very many years ago now, I, like many believers, took a long journey to a "far country", far, far away from the Lord. The day came when in a flash He confronted me with the folly of my actions and shook me awake in an instant. In shock, I repented of my foolishness and began the journey back to Him immediately. It took quite a while get all the way back to the "high road to Zion", and it is not as if I didn't bump down into the ditch on the side of the road a few times on this journey, but turning around for me was night and day as I confronted the abyss that was the alternative. I have never regretted turning around and coming back. My only regrets have to do with not doing so sooner and more emphatically.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Matthew 13:44 NKJV
Nothing can be compared to salvation. Salvation is everything and everything else is nothing. As in the parable, if we could imagine the "greatest thing in the world", and had the opportunity of attaining this "greatest thing", certainly we would spare no expense, energy or effort to get it. But the kingdom of heaven, salvation, is more valuable than all the treasures of this world. Nothing can compare to the bliss of life eternal in the New Jerusalem face to face with the dear Lord who paid for all of our sins to save us from death and damnation. We truly have no idea at present how wonderful the other side is going to be. But we know that the Lord told us the truth: He went ahead of us to prepare a place for us to be with Him forever (Jn.14:1-3).
For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?
Matthew 16:26 RSV
Nothing in this world is worth losing one's chance at eternal life. Even
if a person could gain the whole world, the whole universe, he/she would
have it for only a very short time because everyone dies physically
sooner or later, and the time goes by faster and faster with every
passing year (trust me on this one). But if we are believers in Jesus
Christ, even if we have little in this world besides trouble, we can
rest in the peace of a blissful eternity where all of our tears and
sorrows will be submerged in glory and joy beyond present imagination.
That is what we hope for hope in the biblical sense of absolute
confidence that God has not lied to us in His Word but has always told
us only the truth. We will have eternal bodies which will never know
pain or hardship again. We will have sweet fellowship with our dear
brothers and sisters in the Church with no sin or guilt or rancor ever
again. We will have a place in the New Jerusalem, the right to the tree
of life and the waters of life, and access to glories untold and as yet
unwritten in the new heavens and the new earth as we enjoy "the things
which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1Cor.2:9). And we will
bask in the glory of the Lord we love more than life forevermore.
If your relatives were believers, then they are experiencing some of the
firstfruits of these things even now. We grieve for the loss of those we
love, but in the case of believers we rejoice that they are out of the
trouble of this world and even now before the resurrection enjoying
blessings beyond the best of what this corrupt world has to offer.
I have been praying for you every day. You know the Lord loves you He
died for every single sin you have ever committed or ever will, the
least of which sacrifice is "bigger" than the universe. He wants you
back, and He is waiting with open arms.
Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hey Dr. Luginbill,
I hope you've been well since we last spoke. I had my surgery. It went
well. I was just a little sore the next few days. I've been so stressed
and anxious lately. I know I say that in every email, but it's true. I
just feel so desperate. I've been reading passages in my bible. I got so
upset last night, it was the only thing that would calm down. It did
remind me that going to God was the only thing that ever provided me
with real comfort. Part of me misses being as devoted and unwavering as
I was before. I was so sure. I want to get back to that. But I have
serious doubts. I know that's not a thing you want to hear from a
supposed believer. I just don't know how to help myself.
Thanks,
Response #4:
I'm relieved to hear that your surgery went well, and I do hope to hear
that there are no complications and that this is the end of it. I know
it does take a little while to recover from procedures like this so I'll
keep you in my prayers for that as well.
I'm also happy to hear that the experience has caused you to remember
how good the Lord is and how good it is to be close to Him, good in
every way. One thing I can tell you about that is that instead of
theorizing about it the best thing is just to keep reading your Bible
and also to keep accessing a good source of Bible teaching, whether a
local church where that is the priority or reading or online or wherever
you find something that meets your needs. Everyone has doubts about
all kinds of things. But that is just a function of where we are in our
journey closer to Him, and the solution is always to get closer to Him
and that only happens through paying attention to and believing the
truth.
Your friend in Jesus Christ our Lord, the only Savior.
Bob L.
Question #5:
Hey Dr. Luginbill,
I've been going through a really rough time lately, and I won't get into
it right now, but suffice to say that He's finally broken me. I can't do
it anymore. For so long I've been in-between about God. It's like, I
never quite stopped believing. But I put God on the back burner. I would
only read my Bible a little sometimes before bed. I'd say a prayer at
night, supposedly out of habit. I even went so far as to call myself an
agnostic, meaning I just didn't know. But now, I feel compelled to come
back. I've been having such a hard time lately. In an instant, I felt
the feeling of having faith in God surge within me. It felt familiar,
and new at the same time. And I immediately had the knowledge that God
is King, and I had come back to Him. And it felt so good. It felt like a
weight off. I know that I need my church. I need support and love from
my church family. I need to read my Bible, and hear the word of God. And
I need God. I can't be away from Him. I realized all of this in an
instant. I was at my lowest point, and it came to me. I'm not trying to
claim that I had some sort of mystical experience. I don't know if it
was me going back to God, or God pulling me. All I know is that I had
lost my faith, I was in so much pain emotionally that deep within me I
said there was no God, and now I have it again.
Thank you,
Response #5:
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to hear that you are purposing to
return to the Lord with all your heart! This is a real answer to prayer!
I very much encourage you to begin some serious Bible study along with
your Bible reading every day and your prayer time with Him. It's the
foundation of all spiritual growth, and, while it may seem to be "not so
important" missing one day, missing day after day always results in
spiritual decline which is what missing one day often results in.
Or as the famous violinist Jascha Heifetz used to say about missing
practice: "If I miss one day, I know it; if I miss two days, my
orchestra knows it; if I miss three days, everybody knows it".
Keeping you in my prayers for a speedy recovery and a blessed renewal of
your walk with our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this there is
not only great joy and peace, but eternal reward that eclipses the best
of what this temporary world has to offer to an infinite degree.
Let me know how it goes keeping you in prayer daily.
In Jesus Christ our Lord,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Hey Dr. Luginbill,
It is nice for me to be back, isn't it? If nothing else, it's one less
thing for me to worry about. When you're going through such a hard time,
the last thing you want to wrestle with is your faith. I'm glad I
finally gave up the struggle and came back. I've been put through an
emotional wringer. I had to come back. I have to believe that the God of
the Bible is real and true, because the alternative is unacceptable. I
don't know how that sounds, but it's the truth. My faith in God is
sometimes the only light in my dark days. I don't have any hope apart
from God. And I know I couldn't make it without believing in God. Life
is hard enough, but the thought of having to go on without the God that
I know is unbearable. I'm also still reading up on the Bible, and more
importantly, reading the Bible. I feel like my old self again,
sometimes. I don't remember if I told you about the Mormons that came
by. I still kind of keep in touch with them. Not because I believe them
or anything. I think I just like being in the company of other young
people who are devout. But that's about all from me. I hope you're doing
well and everything is going according to plan for you. And I hope
you're still growing in your walk with Christ and that you're not weary
of it.
Thanks,
Response #6:
I'm thrilled that you have come to see that the Lord is the only way.
Many of us have had this same experience. This is why the Lord has
worked out "life" the way He has worked it out in the perfect plan. It
shows us and everyone else who we really are and what we really want
more than anything else, confirming believers and refuting unbelievers.
Keep moving towards the light of the truth, my friend, and do feel free
to write me any time.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
p.s., I've known some fine Mormons; but just as I've known many fine
Roman Catholics (some of whom were as you say "devout"), they are not
saved since in both cases we have a religion of works absent grace and
only by grace are we saved (Eph.2:8-9).
Question #7:
Hey,
I really hope you're doing well. I know it's been a while. I would like
to find a church home. I've been struggling lately. Not as much as I
have been in the past, but things could be better. I'm recognizing that
I need the support of a church family. I really do need people to lean
on. It's been years since I've been in church. I don't know where to
start. I want God to lead me to the right one.
On a side note, I've been experiencing a spike in anxiety lately. It's
turning into a thorn in my side. I think it might be that once you've
had cancer, the fear never really goes away. Whenever I even hear the
word cancer my heart jumps out of my chest. I'm deathly afraid of being
diagnosed with cancer again. I'm afraid that God will allow me to get
cancer again because He knows it's a fear of mine. He knows it's a weak
spot, and I'm afraid He'll press right there. I'm afraid to be tested
like that.
How have you been since your mother passed? I hope you're dealing with
the grief well. And hopefully I'm not making it worse by bringing it up.
I think that you're blessed though. I'm guessing that your mother was a
good age. It was how it should be. Parents shouldn't have to bury their
kids. I'm glad you got to keep your mother to old age. And I'm glad that
your faith is strong and you have Christ. People who aren't believers
have no hope at all. They can get by, but it's cold comfort. I know
because I've been having doubts lately. Or rather, I had kind of walked
away. And now I would like to make my way back. When I think about my
mother having to bury me, and this being all I have in this universe and
eternity, it grips me with a deep existential fear. I desperately want
to believe. But these doubts plague me. I know I sound like a ball of
contradictions.
Thanks,
Response #7:
I think many people have fear of disease and fear of death. It's
rational, after all -- for those who are not believers in Jesus Christ.
People whose "portion is in this life" really ought to be afraid,
because there is nothing but judgment staring them in the face on
account of their rejection of Jesus Christ.
But we have a better hope, after all. For us, "to live is Christ, and to
die is gain" (Phil.1:21), and inasmuch as we hate this world, we only
bear up with being in it because that is what our Master wants as long
as He leaves us here. So like Paul at the cited passage, we don't know
what we should choose: staying in the world gives us opportunities to
fill our thesaurus with eternal reward by helping our brothers and
sisters (so it is a blessing on two counts for us and for them), but
being taken home to be with the Lord is so much "better by far"
(Phil.1:23).
Of course, this is the perspective of the mature believer who is walking
closely with Christ and who has passed the tests of spiritual maturity.
It is certainly true that many and probably most Christians in the world
today behave little better than unbelievers. But such spiritual
immaturity is a dangerous place to be, and all the more so considering
that we are on the cusp of the Tribulation where the faith of all
believers will be tested as never before. Those who are prepared will
come through with flying colors and great rewards, but a third of the
Church is prophesied to fall away in the Great Apostasy. So nothing is
more important that pushing forward spiritually and setting ourselves to
draw closer to Jesus day by day.
I'm very happy to hear that you are committing yourself to doing just
that, my friend. Such has been my prayer for a long time now.
Please know that you are in my prayers daily and do feel free to write
me any time.
In Jesus Christ who is our life, now and forevermore.
Bob L.
Question #8:
Hi Dr. Luginbill,
You sound like you're doing very well. That makes me happy. Thank you
for praying for me. I feel that it really does make a difference.
I've decided to go back to my old church. I don't know if I'll make it
my permanent home, but I want to try it out again. I was a different
person back then. I honestly don't think I gave it a fair shake. I
wasn't as concerned with God as I should have been. I was more concerned
with religion and doctrine, and being right. I was judgmental, and I had
no right to be. I thought I was pretty clever at the time, but my heart
wasn't in the right place.
In some ways, it feels like I'm starting all over again. A little baby
in the faith. I don't begrudge it though. I'm happy and contented to be
reduced to the level of not knowing anything but that Jesus died on the
cross and I'm saved. All of the excess boiled off, and I'm left with
this little nugget of Truth. I'm happy to have something so simple. I
still drive myself crazy with worry thinking about all the possibilities
in my future. But I feel that if I can just hold on to the fact that God
died for me and it's finished, that it'll all come out in the wash.
Thanks,
Response #8:
I'm doing fairly well and I'm VERY pleased that you are coming back to
the Lord! That has been my prayer for you for a very long time now.
I don't believe in religion, and most "doctrine" as taught in
denominations is flawed. But the truth of the Word of God is the
believer's spiritual life-blood. So while I do hope that this return to
your old church will be a blessing to you in every way, everything
always does come down to the truth. Yes, the truth of who Jesus is, God
become man as well, and what He did for us, dying in the darkness in
expiation of everyone of our sins, is the rock upon which everything
else is built, just as He is the Rock of all creation; but that is the
start point, not the end point.
To be frank, while we have not communicated that much in the last couple
of years, I had the impression that the "problem" was not too much
"religion and doctrine", but a preference for political engagement over
the truth of the Word. Many Christians today have gotten themselves
stuck in the quicksand of politics, and it never ends well. What all
political groups and movements and causes have in common is that they
are jealous idols that will not permit or brook any compromise, setting
those who fall in with them at the throats of those on the other side.
That is not Jesus Christ. He wants all to be saved, and then to serve
Him. And His Kingdom is not of this world. That is the Kingdom we have
been called to serve, and the way to do so is always by learning the
truth, walking in the truth, and helping others do the same.
You are always welcome at Ichthys, my friend, and do feel free to write
me back any time!
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #9:
I don't understand why-- in just a few words-- you won't self-identify with regard to whether you believe in "once saved, always saved," or conditional (including lose-able) justification. And you needn't assume any particular predisposition of my own with regard to this.
Response #9:
I disagree with both OSAS and "pins and needles salvation"; all who believe are saved (secure through faith: 1Pet.1:5); but only believers are saved (insecure if faith lapses entirely: Lk.8:13). It's a question of maintaining faith firm until the end. Apostasy is not something that happens accidentally or overnight, but it does happen (please see the link: "Apostasy and the Sin unto Death"). So here is a case where a label would be misleading and only a detailed explanation will do there are many such at the site; to get both sides of the perspective you might try "Three False Doctrines which Threaten Faith" and "No, Hebrews does not teach that you lost your salvation".
Question #10:
Hi,
I love your research and teachings of Scripture! Wow!!! It is so
biblically clear and sound. That's becoming very rare today. I have a
question about that parable of the Prodigal Son. There seems to be two
different viewpoints of this parable. One teaching is that the Prodigal
Son was never saved. He was lost. And the older son, represented the
religious Pharisees. The other teaching says that he was a backslider
that came back home to his father. Which one is true? Is this a story
about a sinner or a backslider returning to his faith who lost his way?
I would love to get your viewpoint on this parable. Thank you so much! I
hope to hear from you soon.
Response #10:
Good to make your acquaintance, and thanks for your encouraging
comments.
As to your question, in my opinion the only reason why there is any
controversy about the interpretation of this parable is that individuals
with theologies which are out of step with the Bible often want to
rewrite the (usually many) passages which show their ideas up as being
wrong. Sometimes this takes extreme forms, as with Marcion in the early
days of the Church who wanted to take a scissors to the canon (and even
today many hyper-Messianics want to cut out anything written by the
apostle Paul).
This parable tells us of a son and a father a close and unalterable
relationship. The son departed from the father, acted foolishly, but
eventually came back. And while the son assumed that the father had
disowned him, he finds out instead that his father is overjoyed to have
him back. So the entire point of the parable is restoration of the
relationship through "coming back" (repentance). How anyone could
imagine that it meant anything else is inconceivable to me. However, the
idea that there is backsliding from God and repentance and return to God
which He accepts with open arms is uncomfortable for a number of groups
who have flawed theologies, those who teach that they and theirs are now
"sinless" for example. But even though we stumble, and even though we
stray far away, God the Father always takes us back if we genuinely
return . . . because we belong to His beloved Son who died for us. And
that is the most wonderful news of all.
I will say that the older son does parallel the attitude of any manner
of self-righteous individuals; the Pharisees were certainly
self-righteous . . . but most of them were not saved in the first place.
Here are a couple of links at Ichthys where the parable is discussed
further:
Do feel free to write back about any of the above.
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Our friend understood that we are saved by grace through faith, but he
needs to understand how to reconcile this with verses which may seem to
teach salvation by works. He has just asked me about Matthew 25:31-46
(40: "The King will answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, to the
extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least
of them, you did it to Me'"; Then He will answer them, Truly I say to
you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these,
you did not do it to Me."). These are the key points I would make:
Scripture never contradicts itself. If it says that we are saved by
grace through faith and we have verses which seem to suggest otherwise,
we need to look for a solution - in faith.
The context of Matthew 25:31-46 is that of belief and unbelief (despite
the view of the commentators whose notes I've seen) - as in the parable
of the 10 virgins and the parable of the talents.
True faith always finds expression in works (James 2:14-26). If someone
really believes in Christ, this faith will bear some fruit, even
minimal.
The judgment thus goes - "to the extent that you did it - in accordance
to this faith of yours - to one of these brothers of Mine, even the
least of them, you did it to Me"; and "to the extent that you did not do
it to one of the least of these - in accordance with your unbelief, you
did not do it to Me". I could not believe that Meyer, whose work is
helpful at times, sees it as a judgment of believers only, despite what
Matthew 25:46 says (!) and then some of these believes being thrown into
hell for lack of love (!): Because the judgment is a judgment of
Christians (see on Matthew 25:31), faith is presupposed though not
formally mentioned. The truth is, the Judge regulates His decision
according to the way in which faith has been evidenced by love (1
Corinthians 13:1 ff.; John 13:35), without which as its necessary fruit
faith does not save (Galatians 5:6).
The fact that the works are accepted is another evidence they have been
produced after salvation - in the power of the Holy Spirit and not, as
in the case of unbelievers, blasphemous works tainted by sin, coming
from the sin nature which are meant to earn points with God. No work
tainted by sin and done not in the power of the Holy Spirit can be
accepted by a perfect God.
In the grace of our Lord,
Response #11:
I think your five points do say it all. If Matthew 25 were to be explained by works to the exclusion of every other consideration, then we would have to admit that a Mafia don, for example, who spent his whole life doing evil of the most detestable kind, would have to be let into heaven for plunking down a penny one day in the Catholic collection plate. That is obviously not the case, and such a person's life of ill-behavior will only serve to demonstrate that he was not a believer in Jesus Christ in the first place; on the other hand, I doubt there will be a single believer who either 1) did every one of the things our Lord mentions, or 2) did only one of them. This passage can only be understood can only "work" with the rest of scripture if we understand the genuine works done in the power of the Spirit as proof of being a believer and the absence thereof (with works done in the power of the flesh not deemed acceptable) as evidence of unbeliever status.
Question #12:
Another thing Sir is the statement of Jesus in Matthew chapter 7 towards
those who claim to have done many miraculous things in the ministry but
, Jesus disowned them by saying I never knew you!. Are these people an
example of apostasy?
How about the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? I've read long back from the
book of Jacobus Arminius that only the believers can commit such kind
sin since they are rejecting something that they already knew, and
that's unpardonable before God.
Thanks a lot for all your help ,
Response #12:
Good to hear from you, my friend!
1) On, "I never knew you", this statement indicates very clearly that
Jesus "never knew them", not that "He had known them but they turned
away". So this indicates to me not that these individuals are apostates
but those who were never believers in the first place. Do they seem like
believers from what they have done? Perhaps and that is a good lesson
for us. I would estimate that of all the people in this world who call
themselves Christians and go about doing "Christian-looking" activities,
only half are saved (or maybe far less). What does it mean to be saved,
then? It means to put one's trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone, His
perfect person, God and man, and His perfect work in dying for our sins.
Many people of other religions do "good works" of all sorts that
doesn't make them believers and won't save them. The same is true of
people who join a "Christian" group and do all manner of Christian-like
things (as the world sees things) but do not believe in Christ.
Therefore the direct answer to Matthew 7:22's "didn't we?" is "no you
didn't, not really". The sons of Sceva were performing exorcisms in the
Name of Christ but they weren't believers (Acts 19:14ff.). See the
link:
"I never knew you".
2) The "blaspheming of the Spirit" is a sin only unbelievers can commit.
It is attributing the works of Christ to the devil when instead they
were being accomplished by the Holy Spirit. As to the "unpardonable
sin", Christ died for all the sins of all people for all time, believers
and unbelievers both. The only "sin" He could not die for was the sin of
rejecting His work in dying on the cross for all sin: accepting Him and
His work is the way to be saved -- the only way to be saved. So
rejecting Him and rejecting His work is the definition of being an
unbeliever. Unbelief is not pardonable because this life is all about
the choice we have been given to accept Jesus as our Savior . . . or not
(see the link BB 4B Soteriology for more).
Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #13:
What does Genesis 15:1-21 mean? Does Abraham's question in verse nine indicate deficiency in Faith?
Response #13:
It is very hard to know what is going on in someone else' heart it's hard enough to know what is going on in our own. No one is perfect. And even the greatest believers had to grow. By the time that he was told to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham's faith was massive and an example to all for all time. So I would tend to agree with you here. We know that Abraham made some mistakes (e.g., Is.43:27), as we all do. We also know that he became one of the greatest believers of all time. The test of waiting Abraham passed (if with a few bumps along the way) was no doubt much harder than anything we have had to face, if only on account of the decades long duration. But look at the faithfulness of the Lord! The experiences He gives Abraham in this chapter and the promises He makes to him are sufficient to help Abraham carry through and pass the test. There is a lesson here for us all. Whenever we are facing something truly difficult, the Lord always finds a way to encourage us and bolster our faith if we are willing to listen to the Spirit.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1st Peter 5:10 NIV
Question #14:
About the Levitical offerings, these are supposed to be a "statute for
your generations forever" says the Lord to Moses. The Adventists quote
verses similar to this to prove the necessity of continuing the practice
of some of these Jewish traditions. What does the "forever" mean? How to
answer this SDA reasoning? Is it not the fact of Israelite inability to
obey no matter how hard they try the point of God's command? There is
also the matter of sacrifices for "sins of ignorance". Why is this
mentioned? Is it implied that the other category of sacrifices not
specifically labeled for "planned sins" is for "planned sins"? Or, is it
that when the sin one committed is planned he has no chance to be
forgiven because all these different types of sacrifices are only for
sins of ignorance? And because it is unavoidable not to intentionally
sin one is left helpless in one's sinful condition before God? So that
this leads a person to intentionally be mindful of his spiritual
relationship with the Lord so that the consequent speech and conduct
would be pleasing to Him every day?
How do you answer nitpicking of John 1:12 "received" being different
from "believe" to the point of saying that just as the demons' faith in
James' letter is similar to dead faith, "believing" without "accepting"
does not save? Is not it that having/receiving/accepting Jesus as one's
Savior or eating his flesh/drinking his blood is by
believing/trusting/having faith in Him in His complete sacrifice? The
hypothetical believer in James is not in danger of losing his salvation
if he does not show evidence of his good works. That is not the point of
James if I understood it correctly. It is not even about how to be
saved. Maybe the emphasis of the belief+acceptance=salvation proponents
is on degrees/quality of faith like the often heard difference between
historical faith and saving faith (really, really believe) because they
are concerned about the sincerity of the believer. Is there a
difference/degrees of faith in Greek in the Bible, like faith that saves
versus faith that does not?
When you have the time; no hurry, I know you are busy.
Thanks for your kind patience as always. God bless you!
Sincerely,
Response #14:
The Law was fulfilled through the cross (Rom.10:4). Now we have a New Covenant which has superseded the Old one:
The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 7:18-19 NIV
In that He says, A new covenant, He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Hebrews 8:13 NKJV
Previously saying, Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them (which are offered according to the law), then He said, Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God. He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
Hebrews 10:8-9 NKJV
What can one say about various groups which will not even consider
scriptures so clear as the above? We have to say, I think, that they
have substituted a law of their own making for the gospel, the Good News
of salvation in Jesus Christ. The Law couldn't save anyone. What it did
was demonstrate that we are sinners in need of God's intervention and
Christ intervened, dying for all of our sins. To suggest that the Law
needs to be kept is in effect to reject the sacrifice of Christ in dying
for the sins committed "under the Law". But as I say, they have invented
a law, because, clearly, they are not keeping THE Law. They are not
sacrificing animals. They are not attending festivals in Jerusalem. They
are not giving the Levites their first-fruits . . . or anyone of another
thousand things which the Law demands. They are playing a sick
legalistic game, and if anyone in this mess is even saved, I would be
very surprised. See the link (which will lead to many others):
"Law,
Legalism, Rome".
Sins of ignorance: MOST of the sacrifices under the Law are for these
types of sins (variously named) if a correct translation is consulted.
Why? Because "willful sin" was in most cases to be met by capital
punishment. "That's impossible!" you say? Indeed. And that is the point.
No one can hope to be righteous under the Law, and I doubt if a single
Jewish man or woman ever lived (beyond childhood) who never ever
committed any of the very many sins of cognizance which technically
demanded death. Of course throughout the whole pre-exile period, Israel,
so far from trying to keep the Law, was idolatrous! And after the exile,
"keeping the Law" meant conforming to the Pharisees' version of what
keeping the Law meant which was certainly not keeping the Law since
God was essentially excluded from their approach. Here is what Paul, a
"Pharisee of the Pharisees" says:
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Romans 3:20 NIV
Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
Galatians 3:23-25 NIV
The gospel is the answer to sin; the gospel is the answer to the Law;
trying to keep the Law in large part or in small is a one-way ticket to
hell because it rejects the grace of God and spits in Christ's face.
John 1:12 is just another way to express things, but important in the
context because that verse is talking about the reception Jesus Christ
received in Israel. As verse eleven says (NKJV): "He came to His own,
and His own did not receive Him". Israel was supposed to be composed of
believers, so John the baptist's ministry was one of restoration . . .
of those who were already supposed to be believers but who were in need
of being restored. Salvation of unbelievers (gentiles) is expressed by
John as follows:
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of Gods one and only Son.
John 3:18 NIV
Pretty clear. Believe. We know what that means too, very well: to put
our trust in the Lord Jesus for deliverance from death and condemnation,
believing in His perfect Person, the God-man, and in His perfect work in
paying the price for our sins by being judged in our place. God is not
an accountant. He is not looking to deny someone salvation on account of
failure to follow some regulation to the tee (cf. Jn.3:17). He is
patiently waiting for us and longs to be gracious to us (Is.30:18), if
only we would grope for Him, because He is not far from any one of us
(Acts 17:27). He wants us all to be saved (Ezek.18:23; Matt.18:14;
Jn.12:47; 1Tim.2:4; 2Tim.2:24-26; 2Pet.3:9), and it is so easy to be
saved . . . for us, because Christ died to open the door of grace for
us. Adding things to salvation is the epitome of legalism and actually
endangers the salvation of all who give into such nonsense. That is
because if we are trusting in our own works as they do in the R.C. or
Mormon or JW "church" then we are by definition NOT trusting in the
Lord.
Faith does grow, just like a mustard seed. It always starts off small,
but with spiritual growth, the passing of tests, learning and believing
more and more about the Bible, and eventually helping others to do the
same, it can became a massive tree which fills the whole empty hole of
our heart but legalism is antithetical to growth and to true Christian
faith.
Keeping you in my prayers every day, my friend!
You continue to be a beacon of inspiration to me in your fight and I
am sure that is true for others who are watching your good walk in Jesus
Christ as well.
In our dear Savior.
Bob L.
Question #15:
Is There Salvation Without Repentance?
Jesus: Person A, even though you were wicked all your life and never
shown any shame or remorse for your wickedness, I died for your sins so
you get eternal life.
Jesus: Person B, you have sinned. But even though you were horrified by
your sin and cried to God "what have I done?" and ashamed, and prayed to
God for forgiveness, and never committed the sin again, I did NOT die
for your sins so you have to pay the debt yourself.
Is such a thing possible?
Response #15:
Jesus died for the sins of everyone (1Jn.2:2).
God wants everyone to be saved (1Tim.2:4).
It's not about sin.
It's all about faith being willing to accept the Gift of Gifts in
Jesus who died for our sins.
All who humble themselves to do so are saved.
All who arrogantly refuse to do so are not saved even if they go
through Esau or Judas like gyrations (that is just another form of
self-centered arrogance and works).
When our Lord stated that "one of you will betray Me", all of the
BELIEVERS were legitimately concerned, asking "Is it I, Lord?" when of
course they should have known very well that it was not any of them.
Judas asks the same question, in great hypocrisy, knowing very well that
it IS him. That is the distinction between believers and unbelievers in
a nutshell. Believers often wrap themselves up in knots of worry about
being saved or not when our salvation is absolutely secure when
guarded through faith (1Pet.1:5). Unbelievers could care less, and only
play this game to deceive others and themselves, as in Judas' case.
Believe me when I say that while we may have a hard time seeing the
difference, that difference is profound, and crystal clear to the Lord
(as it was on that famous occasion).
In the Lord who died that we might live through faith in Him and
what's He's done for us, Jesus Christ our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
Started to Bible Study today talking about "Before the foundation of the
world", which I view as a pre-requisite to Romans chapter 8. I used your
material on the subject of "The Providence of God".
Along this line, I read the scripture verse in Rev. 13:8 which mentions
the :Book of Life. Someone asked the question of when the name is
written in this book, my reply was that, to my knowledge scripture does
not say. But, I stated that I believe that it is written when a person
becomes a true believer in Jesus Christ our Lord. From there I mentioned
that there is only one sin that Jesus could not die for, and that was
the unpardonable sin of Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, because that
person denies the truth that he was told by the Spirit. Some then asked
if they could ever come back to Jesus by repentance. Well, I said, not
to my knowledge, but I am a bit sketchy on this subject. But, suddenly
Romans 1 jumped to my mind, so we began our discussion on that
particular chapter beginning with verse18 and continuing to 32, and I
saw the answer to my dilemma. I stated that , when a person crosses over
a line, that only God knows where it is, that it is impossible for them
to repent and return to Christ. This was based on Romans chapter 1. I
also stated that the fact that Peter denied Christ 3 times, but he did
repent and come back to Jesus. My view is that he did not cross that
invisible line. John the Baptizer also questioned whether Jesus was the
Messiah, or were they to look for another. Scripture is silent on what
eventually happened to him? This sin of Blasphemy was, for a few minutes
a puzzle to me, but God cleared it up by directing me to Romans 1. In
Timothy, the apostate believers who deny their faith, have crossed that
line with no possible return either, because they fall away from faith
in Jesus.
In Hebrews Chapter 6, I recall a teacher who taught that these Jewish
believers, who did or were attempting to return to OT practices stated:
that the translation states that Verse 6 says that if they continue to
remain under the OT law there is no more salvation for them as long as
they remain apostate to Jesus. To me, this is not what this verse says.
I don't know what the Greek implies or depicts, so I am under the
opinion that they have committed the sin of Blasphemy of the Holy
Spirit, for knew the truth, just like those in Timothy, but have fallen
away from the Faith. The reason they can never return is stated in 1
Timothy verse 1B "They paid heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
demons. Verse 2: "by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own
conscience as with a branding iron.
Would like to know what your thoughts are about my comments above. I
believe there is a definite difference between one who backslides from
the faith, and one who literally leaves the faith and denies the Gospel.
The later has no hope, whereas the former does.
Thanks so much again,
Your friend,
Response #16:
These are topics I've written a lot about, so I'll give you the gist
here and point you to the links:
1) The book of life was written "before the foundation of the world" and
it contains the names of every human being until such time as the
person either chooses irrevocably to reject Jesus Christ (in which case
he/she is blotted out of the book) or dies without accepting Jesus
Christ (same result). Revelation 13:8 is frequently mistranslated:
"before the foundation of the world" goes with "written in the book"
(i.e., that is WHEN all were written in the book). Here are those links:
"The Book of Life" translation issues
The grammar of Revelation 13:8 and "The Lamb slain"
I will assuredly not erase his name from the Book of Life (in CT 2A)
The godly and the godless and the book of life (in CT 6)
The Book of Life (Revelation 13:8) - in CT 4
Last judgment "books" distinguished from the book of life (in CT 6)
This is an important issue because it means that God's "default setting"
is salvation since Christ died for all, and it is only by rejecting His
will for one's life that one's name is "blotted out". So the policy is
grace: it's already paid for but you do have to accept it through
faith not works: works assumes you "do something" to get into the book.
But we are all "in the book" by the grace of God and the cross of Jesus
Christ and remain there . . . unless and until we opt out through
life-long refusal to believe or deliberate rejection of Him.
2) Technically speaking, there may be "a point of no return", but not in
the practical terms in which we engage with the world. God wants
everyone to be saved, and only someone who He knows does not want to be
saved and would never change, given free will, is "beyond the pale", but
that is a free will decision too about which God knows and God alone
(and has since He decreed the world). Romans says:
Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
Romans 11:22-23 NKJV
So while we are saved and secure, still we have to persevere in this life; and while those who are hardened against Christ are lost and bound for the lake of fire, still if they were to turn to Him and not persevere in disbelief they would be saved. This is therefore one of those times where "theology" doesn't work. What I CAN tell you is that the following is a scenario which has never ever happened and could never happen: someone rejects Christ / blasphemes the Spirit / does all manner of things to demonstrate they want no part of God or His salvation in Jesus then said person actually and genuinely turns back in repentance and wants to be saved but is not able to return because of crossing some invisible line. In practical terms, the only line that can't be recrossed is physical death. God knows the difference, but we don't. For these reasons, it is problematic to talk about an invisible line / point of no return, because that makes it sound as if some may wish to change latter but God won't let them. That is contrary to scripture and has never and could never happen. In addition to that problem, you wouldn't believe how many people have written me over the years fearing that they have crossed just such a line and that God won't have them back. Most of these people are believers, mind you, but mixed up and in spiritual turmoil for want of truth. But the "no return" false teaching is out there and, divorced from any understanding of how the Plan of God actually works (or what it actually is on top of that), can really send immature believers who have lived questionable lives into paroxysms of fear. Some links:
No, Hebrews does not teach that you lost your salvation.
There is a difference between being estranged from the Lord, going to a
"far country" away from Him such as the prodigal son did yet still
remaining a "son", a believer on the one hand, and on the other
completely abandoning faith so as to become a non-believer again (as in
the case of the seed which fell on the rock and shriveled when the sun
came out and scorched it: Matt.13:5). The question of "does an apostate
have a chance to recover" is perhaps an interesting theological one, but
along the lines of the discussion above, since scripture doesn't address
it, practically speaking it doesn't matter. If a person ever
turns to
the Lord in this life, he/she is received and forgiven regardless of
whatever went before. Has it ever happened? Only God knows. But if it
did ever happen, such a person was saved. It doesn't matter, and it
doesn't matter BECAUSE the failure to come back is not a restriction
placed on the person/situation by the Lord but undertaken freely by the
person's own free will. That is very important. God does not reject
anyone. Those who end up in the lake of fire have rejected Him. He
wanted all angels to be saved. Satan and His followers rejected Him and
never came back. He wants all human beings to be saved. And Christ paid
the entire penalty for the sins of all so that there is no impediment
whatsoever for anyone being saved . . . except their own determination
not to be saved. Wherever a person is on the continuum, salvation is
merely an act of faith away because in grace God has already provided
it. So I am always reluctant to put anything in such terms, not only
because I know the damage it can do to those whose faith is weak, but
even more importantly because I don't find scripture stating things in
such terms. Grace is bigger than anything we can imagine. And that is a
wonderful thing because we are ALL in desperate need of it.
Do feel free to write me back about any of this, my friend.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hello again Dr. Luginbill,
By your response, you have again opened my eyes to so many things I did
not know. I really, really appreciate your input, and I cherish it so
much.
So much to learn, and so little time.
I don't have the advantage of knowing the Greek, so that is why I did
not have a clear understanding of Rev. 13:8 in the way it was
translated.
Romans 3:23-27 is the same. The translation you provided makes it so
much clearer.
Blessing be with you always,
Your friend
Response #17:
You're most welcome!
Continuing to keep you and your family and your ministry in my prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Bob,
A fear of mine. What if God poses some question to my spirit, I answer
in a way that demonstrates that I have a hard heart, says "now I have
proof that you have a hard heart" and then denies me any opportunity to
change?
Response #18:
Don't be like the man who was in such fear of God he hid his talent;
rather be like the ones who in love for God went out and worked hard for
Him meaning spiritual growth, progress and production. That is the
true love for God in which there is no fear.
As far as change, we are all here to change. That is what repentance is.
And Christ calls all to repent . . . until we get to the point where it
is no longer necessary.
Question #19:
Robert,
Thank you for the Christian walk material. I am reading / working
through it, enjoys the methodical system to it and the Biblical truths
reflected.
However, if you could clarify your motivation for focusing more on the
legalistic stance of others and giving a reprieve against ", judging
others for engaging in it most definitely is a sin". I think i am in
line with you when it is done legalistically! For "GRACE" is paramount!!
But, what if it becomes a matter of "... your body is the temple of the
Holy Spirit...; "...glorify God in your body..." (1 Corinthians
6:19-20). Again, for "GRACE" is paramount in acknowledging the "work of
Christ's" cross to engage in victorious living. Would you allow the same
teaching to the Priest's in the Old Testament, to enter into the most
holy place with an unclean thing or even a different kind of holy
garment as directed by the Lord? "Proscribing" a wrong as not sinfull or
not focussing on the higher good of overcoming something of which the
person has become a slave off, is confusing! Romans 6:12-18 defines that
by which you become a slave of; the lust after something is thus also
included as a sin. For smoking and drinking does not lead to
"..obedience leading to righteousness' (V16c). We are to be "...slaves
of righteousness" (V18) and ".. as slaves of righteousness for
holiness." (V19). Being 'body of Christ' should be the semblance of our
Lord Jesus Christ as our growing process towards glorification!! Church
for that matter can accommodate your stance. But 'body of Christ' (1
Corinthians 12:27) should not promote matters as 'alcohol and smoking',
an acceptable norm.
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of His glory with exceedingly joy, To God
our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen.
Response #19:
Good to hear from you, my friend.
I have always maintained, as you suggest here, that salvation has always
been the same. The difference before the cross is that the sacrifice is
anticipated; after the cross we see it clearly in the face of Jesus
Christ. As Paul says:
For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
Romans 4:3-5 NKJV
So beyond all argument Abraham was saved just as we are, by grace
through faith and not by works (Eph.2:8-9).
You are certainly right to allude to 1st Peter 1:10-12 in regard to the
issue of the prophets of the Old Testament not understanding with
specificity the incarnation and the sacrifice of Christ not, that is,
the same specificity we today possess. But it is hard to read Isaiah
52-53 without realizing that they were not unaware of the great
sacrifice to come. And as the title of your email suggests as well, they
could not help but see in the lamb slain and the other animal sacrifices
the price in blood and fire that would have to be paid to redeem them
from sin.
Here are a few links on this:
Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Dear Dr. Luginbil:
Sir, I recently stumbled onto your website after trying to do some
research on the two natures of Man. However your article on the
"Three False Doctrines That
Threaten Faith" caught my attention. I read it and enjoyed it very
much and thought it was spot on. I have been trying to tell people the
same thing for years and of course all the So-called Christians, mostly
false preachers try to tell me that I don't know what I am talking
about.
I am currently trying to write a book about "Pride", and its destructive
nature and how the sin from it is extremely corrosive and deceiving and
it definitely causes back-sliding. In your article there is a section
where you wrote about the danger of back sliding. I would like to use a
portion of that in regards to how once your heart starts to harden that
attitude of not wanting to seek God becomes more prevalent and a must
for the sinner to justify their sin. Of course I would seek permission
first if that time comes prior to using any of your material.
I was raised by a fire brimstone preacher who pastored for 67 years and
the same church for 52 of those years. My Grandfather is now dead but
the amount of people he introduced to Christ lives on. He had 40 million
air miles as a missionary and preached a lot on the false doctrines that
many churches and pastors are pumping out today. This perversion of
God's word is an abomination as you know and the idea of sinning
Monday-Saturday and getting right on Sunday is complete nonsense.
I greatly appreciate your time and patience, and please feel free to
send me anything that might be of interest and would help me! Again,
thank you very much!
My Respect,
Response #20:
Good to make your acquaintance. Your request seems to fall within the
fair-use quotation stipulations I have posted (see the link for the
details: "Copy Policy"; and
do feel free to ask further if there is anything that is unclear). There
is more detail and more recent material about hardening the heart at the
following link in BB 4B: Soteriology,
beginning with
"Phase One Hardening of the Heart".
With the Tribulation close at hand, and with most Christians in our
lukewarm Laodicean age blithely imagining "it doesn't matter" because
they are going to be "raptured", falsely assuming "I'm saved no matter
what" will be an even bigger problem. Why not then take the mark of the
beast (and avoid all the unpleasantness)? Fully a third of believers are
prophesied to apostatize during the Tribulation, and belief in the three
false doctrines detailed in the posting you cite is no doubt going to be
a large contributory factor to their spiritual vulnerability.
One point of clarification seems in order, however. Salvation, while it
is only secured once we are with the Lord, is also not a "pins and
needles" thing. It takes the complete loss of faith to lose salvation.
Salvation is guarded by faith (1Pet.1:5; cf. Jn.3:16-18). All believers
those who believe in Jesus Christ are saved. Unbelievers are not. So
the issue is faith, not sin. Sin does play a role, because sin,
especially giving oneself over to a lifestyle of gross sin, not only
alienates us from the Lord but also degrades us spiritually, and can
lead to never wanting to return as the prodigal son did. Believers who
give themselves over to sin always face a crossroads of this sort
because the Lord is not going to allow Himself to be so poorly
represented forever. At that decision point, if the believer - - no
doubt under severe divine discipline for his/her behavior fails to
repent, return, confess and begin moving forward again spiritually (like
the prodigal son did), then one of two things is going to happen: for
those who still refuse to let go of their faith even as they refuse to
let go of their sin, the painful "sin unto death" is the result
(horrible, but not resulting in loss of salvation: cf. 1Cor.5:5: "that
his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord"); for those who are
unwilling to let go of sin but willing to let go of the Lord (to get out
from under the pressure of discipline), loss of faith is the result
apostasy; and loss of faith means loss of salvation and loss of eternal
security. This is a very short reprise of what you can find in detail at
the link: in
BB 3B: Hamartiology: "Apostasy and the Sin unto Death".
Best wishes for your enterprise to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord
and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Sir, thank you very much for responding to me. On another note I did
not know you were in the Marines until I looked at your bio. I was in
the Marine Corps as well (Hollywood Marine) From 1988-1996, 3rdBN 5th
Marines. I went in right after high school and ended up going to Desert
Shield/Storm and a few other awful places. I was a 0311 and 0331. Then
from 2002-2005 I worked PSD security both OCONUS/CONUS, but mostly in
Iraq and Africa. I have been contemplating of potentially trying to get
in to Physician Assistant School and becoming a PA. So in the meantime
I am trying to finish up a couple more prerequisites, Genetics, and Bio
Chemistry while also trying to spread the Gospel around the nursing
homes and hospitals.
If I can ever be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me
anytime.
Semper Fi,
One in the work of Christ for the healing of the nations through Christ.
Response #21:
I'm pleased to hear this thanks for your service, and thanks also for
your kind offer.
I was in the corps just after Vietnam so I never got shot at. This was
the era when those in service were getting spit at, not shot at. But I
do have a pair of steel pins in my left ankle where it was crushed in an
M60 tank.
Best wishes for your future career and your work for Jesus Christ.
Do feel free to write any time, my friend.
In Him,
Bob L.
Question #22:
Dr. Bob:
Sir, being crushed is not something I would be a fan of. The Marine
Corps has changed drastically since then. And even more since I was in
the late 80's. Gotten pretty soft from what I hear. On another note,
there are too many so-called Christians acting like Lott. And with that
there are far to many pastors and churches trying to synthesize Jesus
down to a sissy. And Jesus was no sissy as you know. These churches
are distorting the truth with a common theme around that God is only
love, tolerance, and acceptance. That way they can take the
accountability off themselves and justify their sin and wicked ways. Or
fulfill their own kingdoms, rather than fulfill God's Kingdom. We can
see that in 1 Peter 2:8, and Galatians 1:6-8.
These hirelings are nothing more than money grubbing self serving
morons. The truth has been distorted so much that people actually
trying to find Jesus can not. Looking at 1 Corinthians 1:18 and abiding
by it, it's almost impossible to try to get these people to listen. Not
all preachers or Christians are ignorant but many are lost and unwilling
to yield. They do not want to hear the truth, but be filled with a rock
band and a latte rather than preaching of God's word!
I had considered law school to, but thought the PA route might be a
little more interesting. Not sure, been praying about it. Forty-eight
years old and trying to figure out what to do. LOL
Take Care,
Response #22:
Too true, my friend. This is the era of Laodicea, after all.
Stay "red hot" for the truth.
And it's never too late to do the right thing. I'll say a prayer for
your guidance.
In our dear Lord Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #23:
Bob,
I have been thinking about what you said about "aggressively seeking the
Lord through spiritual growth". I would like to do this please. I am
worried that I've made a mistake. I thought that being born again would
mean that the changed heart would mean that I would never sin again. I
am more aware of sin now than I was before and see it differently now. I
have sinned since becoming born again. Will that mean that I will lose
my salvation?
I am confused about this. I know that none of us are good enough and it
is only through believing in Christ dying to save us and that he has
saved us that we will have salvation. It is the grace of God not through
works.
Surely though we should still try to live a sinless life? Is a sinless
life possible for us? Is that what I should be aiming for?
Although it is good to not give into temptation and repent of sin. At
what point am I depending on myself (not sinning) and at what point do I
depend on Christ (his paying for the debt in full)?
I have to say that I am not tempted the same anymore. I am a different
person but I have been shocked that I am still able to sin after being
saved. It is not that I now believe that I am perfect but I guess I
thought I wouldn't be tempted any more. I have to say that for the most
part I am not tempted but I have sinned Bob and I want to work towards
sanctification as I realise that I am a baby in Christ and really don't
know anything at all but would like to live as a good Christian and not
backslide.
I hope this doesn't sound offensive to you. I am being very honest and I
hope that you can guide me towards how I can take my next steps towards
spiritual growth. Amen
God bless you,
Response #23:
Always wonderful to hear from you, my friend.
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:5 NKJV
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
1st John 1:8-9 NKJV
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1st John 2:1 NKJV
David, one of the greatest believers who ever lived, certainly did sin
after salvation (cf. Ps.51:1ff.); but he reports in the citation quoted
above that his sins were forgiven on confession (Nathan the prophet says
the same: 2Sam.12:13). John, writing to believers, tells us that if we
say we have no sin the truth isn't in us, that if we claim not to have
sinned we are lying, but that if we confess our sins, we are forgiven;
and that if we do sin although of course we should not do so the
Lord who died for all of our sins is Himself our Advocate.
The false doctrine of sinless perfection is one of the most noxious and
dangerous ever perpetrated on the church visible. In the very many years
I've been doing this ministry, I have probably answered more emails
about good Christians who are worried that they have "lost salvation"
than about any other single topic. Inevitably, only a believers even
COULD be worried about losing salvation because unbelievers and
apostates do not care.
Sin is a serious issue of course. But far too many "churches",
preachers, groups and cults have gone far "beyond what is written" in
claiming that sinning results directly and immediately in loss of
salvation. That is not only untrue but VERY dangerous to believe. Why?
Because if a person believes that false teaching, one of two things is
going to happen. Either the person with a good heart will be terrified
when they do sin (and as John affirms above all do sin; cf. Rom.3:23 in
the Greek: "all sin"), or else a person is going to be tempted to
downplay what behavior is sinful and restrict "real sin" to certain
extreme behaviors that he/she is not particularly tempted to commit. The
latter is what the Pharisees did, and it was consistent in fact with
lack of being saved somewhat ironic I suppose. Sin is a very wide and
deep and dark are and composes plenty of behaviors we may not even
recognize as sinful. Even if we can control our physical behavior, which
of us is really in control of his/her tongue (Jas.3:2-16)? And even if
we could theoretically posit a person who never ever erred in anything
he/she said, who of us could dare to claim to be in complete control of
what is going on in our hearts (Jer.17:9)?
I highly recommend reading
part 3B of Bible Basics: Hamartiology: the Biblical Study of Sin
where all of these issues are discussed in detail. And I will give you
some links below to a number exchanges with true Christians who, on
account of the false teaching of sinless perfection, were coming to
doubt their salvation. There is no doubt but that the devil is behind
this one, because once a Christian starts becoming worried about
salvation, erroneous guilt is in the driver's seat, and said Christian
is going to be hors de combat for as long as this worry persists,
going nowhere in spiritual growth, making no progress in testing, being
unable to help anyone else in the Church, no matter how blessedly
gifted.
Of course, none of this means that we are not to struggle might and main
against sin. We certainly are. Nor does it mean that sin does not
produce divine discipline designed to straighten us out. It certainly
does. This is serious business indeed, and without sanctification, no
one will see the Lord (Heb.12:14). Why? Because the Lord is looking to
shun us? Heaven forbid! He died for every single sin of the entire human
race and if that doesn't demonstrate His love for us, what could? The
problem is that only believers are saved, and giving oneself over to a
life of sin will eventually sour our relationship with Him and push us
ever farther from Him. In some extreme cases, the believer in question
allows his/her faith to die out completely and becomes apostate, that
is, reverts to the status of unbeliever; but only believers are
saved. However, very importantly, ALL believers are saved. You are a
believer, and you are saved.
When we stumble (and all do: Jas.3:1), we confess to the Lord and He
forgives us immediately. If there is discipline forthcoming to help us
not to make the same mistake again, that discipline is from a loving
Father to sons and daughters He loves with a boundless love; and that
ought to encourage us as to the security of our relationship with Him as
a result, not the other way around. Our job is to keep fighting the
fight day by day no matter what. This Christian life is a war and we are
being opposed by an enemy we cannot even see (Eph.6:12). We can't allow
ourselves to get taken out of the fight by mistakes here and there. We
should try not to make them (absolutely that's that safest and least
painful course); but if and when we do (none of us is perfect, after
all), we need to confess, take our lumps, and move on, trying not even
to break stride in our running for the Lord. He is for us. Who can be
against us?
So what shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over for our sake, how will He not also graciously give us everything [we need] along with [that gift of] Him? Who will [dare to] bring charges against God's elect? God is the One who is pronouncing [us] justified. Who is he that condemns [us]? Christ Jesus is the One who died [condemned in our place], and the One, moreover, who was raised from the dead [for us], who is [seated] at the right hand of God, who is also making petitions on our behalf. What will separate us from Christ's love? Tribulation? Or privation? Or persecution? Or hunger? Or destitution? Or danger? Or violence? As it is written, "For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We were accounted as sheep for slaughter". But in all such things we are decisively victorious through Him who loved us [enough to do what He did for us]. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angelic nor human authorities, neither things present nor things to come, neither heavenly powers, be they the highest [of the elect] or the lowest [of the fallen], nor any other created thing [on this earth] will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31-39
So please keep reading your Bible, praying, and accessing good Bible
teaching daily (you are most welcome at Ichthys). And please keep doing
so whether or not you have stumbled. When we stumble in this race, we
are to get back up, confess, and get back in the race, never looking
behind, but always looking ahead to the goal of the upward calling that
is ours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord (Phil.3:14).
Here are those other links I mentioned:
Does Hebrews 10:26 teach loss of salvation?
Feel free to write any time.
In Jesus Christ our Savior,
Bob L.
Question #24:
Hi Bob,
I oftentimes get into friendly conversations with the homeless and the
atheists. One of the most asked questions by them are, "How can a loving
God send anyone to hell for all of eternity for the short life we have
on earth if He is the most forgiving and merciful?" They also quote
Psalm 136:1, where it says that "His mercy endureth for ever." (Psalm
136:1)
I thought I had a fairly good understanding of Scripture until these
questions I'm confronted with proved that I have a LOT MORE to learn
from the Spirit of Truth.
The bible says that it is appointed unto man once to die, and then the
judgment. They will ask why would God shows no mercy or forgiveness
after the lost are judged?
Thanks in advance!
God Bless,
Response #24:
Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners (1Tim.1:15). The Son of God, in the presence of God the Father (Jn.1:1-2), one who had absolutely no need to prove anything or any need to defend His deity took on true humanity, lowering Himself and fighting through this world and this life as a man in order to save us (Phil.2:5-8). When He had taught us the truth and shown us the way, He endured a gauntlet to get to the cross that would have destroyed anyone else physically and/or emotionally (Is.53:1ff.), and He persevered even though as God He could have called a halt at any time. They mocked Him and dared Him to come down from the cross, and we turned our backs on Him. But when the darkness fell, He didn't turn His back on us. He went into that darkness and gave Himself over to rise in the flames, to be burned and not consumed until He has paid the entire price of judgment for every single human sin from Adam to the end of time. It is not too much to say that Christ's death for the least sin of all time is worth more than the entire universe, and that all human sorrow and suffering from the beginning to the end rolled into one bitter pill would not equal what He endured in dying for that least sin. So great is the victory of the cross. So great our Lord Jesus' sacrifice for everyone. He died for everyone. He died for all these people who find fault with God's grace and mercy. But please tell me what more Christ could have done than to sacrifice everything for us? Tell me what more the Father could have done than to sacrifice the dear Son He has always loved with a perfect love?
But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, Why did you make me like this?'
Romans 9:20 NIV
The Gift of Christ is for all but all do not accept it. Everyone has
been given the ability to accept the Gift: free will, the very image of
God. But not all choose to use that ability to honor Him and to return a
humble response to the One who sacrificed more than we will ever know
that we might be saved. Some use that very free will to throw the Gift
of Christ back in the Father's face and blame Him for it! "Why did you
make me like this?!"
Praise be to God that life is short! Who would not want to live in this
miserable, temporary world forever? Answer: the devil and unbelievers
who want the benefits of what God has done but without acknowledging Him
as God, without bowing the knee to Jesus Christ. But in the end, every
knee shall bow before Him (Is.45:23; Rom.14:11; Phil.2:10).
God is merciful and perfectly so. God is love, and completely so. God is
not at fault God forbid!
But people are arrogant. They want the blessings of God while remaining
gods unto themselves.
Life may be short, but it is plenty long enough in each and every case
for the person in question to demonstrate by their words, actions and
thoughts what is really in their hearts.
Those who return God's great love by responding with faith in Jesus
Christ are saved. Those who never were willing to do so go to hell of
their own free will choice. This will be made VERY clear at the last
judgment where every thought and intent of every heart will be revealed
(Matt.10:26; Mk.4:22; Lk.2:35; Eccl.12:14: Rom.2:16; 1Cor.4:5a), and it
will be shown that these arrogant people are without excuse and that
their defenses were defenses of clay in the face of the light of the
glory of God.
God has mercy . . . on those who are willing to receive it.
What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! For He says to Moses, I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION. So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.
Romans 9:14-16 NASB
In the One who paid a price beyond imagination that we might be saved,
Jesus Christ our dear Lord.
Bob L.