How does salvation happen?

 How does salvation happen? 

God initiates and controls salvation. Although God explains some of how salvation works, He does not fully disclose all of the details.  Terms such as election, calling, regeneration, conversion, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, and glorification are all helpful for attempting to understand the process of salvation.

(Romans 8:29-30) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30 ] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 

• “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. - Deuteronomy 29:29

• “Salvation is from our side a choice; from the divine side it is a seizing upon, an apprehending, a conquest by the Most High God. Our accepting and willing are reactions rather than actions." A.W. Tozer

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works?

 

Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works? 

Salvation is by faith alone, through Christ’s work alone.  True faith is evidenced by good works that honor Christ’s name.

• (Ephesians 2:8-10)  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

• (James 2:26) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

Should we question or test our faith?

 Should we question or test our faith? 

We are called to test ourselves to ensure we are genuine believers.

• (1 John 2:3-4) And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

• (2 Corinthians 13:5) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/how-can-i-be-sure-im-a-christian 

What is my role in salvation?

 What is my role in salvation? 

We are responsible for our sin and are called to respond to His glory in repentance and belief.  When God regenerates my soul, I respond in faith-filled repentance and belief, trusting and treasuring Christ above all else as my Lord and Savior.

• (John 1:12-13) But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [13 ] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 

• “Since no man is excluded from calling upon God the gate of salvation is open to all. There is nothing else to hinder us from entering, but our own unbelief." – John Calvin

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

What You Need to Know about Spiritual Warfare

 

What You Need to Know about Spiritual Warfare

Ever have questions about spiritual warfare? Here is the first video of 20 that cover some of the most important issues in the battle of the followers of Christ agains the spiritual forces of evil.  Join us as we study God & Satan, Angels & Demons, Believers & Unbelievers, Heaven & Hell, and spiritual warfare examples in the Bible and early church.

Ephesians 6:10–12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (ESV)

More at: www.spiritualwarfare.blog