What seems to preoccupy most Christians is the issue of sin, both of the things you should do but don't do, and of the things you should not do but you do. The same thing is also true with the majority of Christian teaching which is dedicated toward solving this perennial problem. But the key verse we're studying in this article denounces it as elementary teaching while it admonishes us to move on to maturity.
Almost all Christians must have heard at least more than once sermons that encourage them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus as both a commandment and a promise that they would experience peace, joy, and ultimately a more fulfilling Christian life. Is this what Jesus had in mind when he spoke these words?
“In him you also were circumcised - not, however, with a circumcision performed by human hands, but by the removal of the fleshly body, that is, through the circumcision done by Christ. Having been buried with him in baptism, you also have been raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:11-12—NET).”
Before Jesus took his last breath on the cross, he said: “It's finished.” So just as God rested after he completed the work of creation, Jesus rested after he completed the work of saving man. It is his will that we enter this rest, yet so many Christians do not experience it, their walk with God is still weighed down with burdens as they try to achieve what only Jesus could achieve for them, and he had already done so.
Many are concerned that the unlimitted teaching of grace will cause many to fall into antinomianism, and take advantage of the grace of God and find a license to sin. However Dr. Chalmers, an 18th century theologian, attempts to show us in his writing that such is not a case in the Christian experience.
One mistranslated word can completely change the meaning of a verse. The mistranslation though may have been unintentional, it could reflect the theology of the translator; the implication can be profound, as it affects how people view their relationship with God, and consequently leads them astray.
Matthew 5:48 says this about God: 'Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.' Therefore, if Christ hasn't already made you perfect, when will you be? One more revival meeting? One more communion? One more Bible verse to memorize? One more soul to win for Christ? No, if you aren't already perfectly acceptable to God, you will never be.
Are we ever more in danger of teaching an error, than when we are combatting one? For when a teacher has the 'antinomians' in his sights, I find he often becomes a proponent of increased endeavour, talking of the 'necessities' required in a 'holy' life, instead of rather the holy inevitabilities to be expected in the regenerate.
What does God's forgiveness mean to you? Does He still count your sins against you?
The Lord's Supper and the Christian Communion. Understanding it from the Passover context.
This article will show that traditional interpretation of this parable is far from what Jesus had in mind. The oil in the virgins' lamps has nothing to do with sins or works.
The question most often asked by Christians is: What is the will of God for my life? Many books have been written with the express purpose of showing readers how to get an answer to this question.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Most Christians interprete the narrow path spoken by Jesus to be the path which requires self sacrifices, the renouncing of personal possessions or pleasure, as opposed to the wide path which suggests a life of ease and worldly pursuit. No, it does not mean that at all.
Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works? Do we contribute our works along with our faith for salvation?
Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ Galatians 6:2
Imitation of Christ — Thomas A. Kempis Can Man Really Imitate God?
We've all heard of the Ten Commandments, but did you know that originally God gave His people a choice between the law and grace? When God brought the Isrealites out of Egypt, He bore them eagles's wings. In other words, he delivered them by grace. But instead of being contented to live by His grace, they wanted to live by law.
The full title for this writing should be: Do not conform to the patterns of this world. This article begs to differ with virtually all known commentaries and messages from pulpits everywhere that it does not mean what they generally propose.
Hebrews 12:4. What is the meaning of "You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin"? Is the goal of Christians to avoid sinning at all cost?
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