/christian/ - Christian Discussion and Fellowship

>>537645

That's a really good point.

We have liturgical hymns and other songs to literally ask so we may die as soon as possible and that End Times come quick into our age.

I think that we are prepared.

>>537652

Belonging to a church body does not guarantee your salvation as an individual. This is a question that each person on this board should look into his own heart and ponder deeply.

>>537657

I do and still pray. If I will not endure then it's my fault. If I endure but not perfectly,i will be glad for mercy of God. If I endure perfectly I will glorify Lord for he worked in me despite law of sin in my flesh.

Haha, I know. I'm fucked.

>>537641

Sanctification is an ongoing process, however:

<I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Once one comes to the faith given as a gift by God, He will make sure we persevere. If we were left to our own devices, we would all be doomed. On the contrary, God will save powerfully to His own glory and shape us daily more Christlike.

>>537694

The "law of sin" Paul speaks of in Romans 7 is not applicable to believers, because in the very next chapter he tells us: "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).

>>537701

It's never too late, brother. You can start by not cursing. James 1:26, " If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."

>>537704

This is very true, but if you are entirely passive and put forth no effort of your own to strive for perfection, you will fall desperately short of the mark and find yourself in a world without forgiveness in the next life. The atonement of Christ is intended to make repentance acceptable to God and cover those sins we commit on account of the infirmity of our constitution, not willful and deliberate transgressions against the law of the Most High God.

>>537718

>This is very true, but if you are entirely passive and put forth no effort of your own to strive for perfection, you will fall desperately short of the mark and find yourself in a world without forgiveness in the next life. The atonement of Christ is intended to make repentance acceptable to God and cover those sins we commit on account of the infirmity of our constitution, not willful and deliberate transgressions against the law of the Most High God.

Of course. I would argue that the people who do this never were christian in the first place though.

<They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

I don't disagree. I'm sympathetic to the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. But often people who hold this doctrine will underestimate the necessity of actually repenting from dead works because of their imagined election. Paul Washer is one of the few popular Calvinist preachers that gets it.

>>537730

Haven't listened to his stuff, remember any good sermons or articles of his?

I'm not, but I wish it would happen soon just to see the end of the misery of this world.

>>537645

t-that really softened my heart of stone tbh

>>537731

I've only seen a few videos, and I can't remember most of them. The most well-known is the "Shocking Message." I've watched this one a couple times. It's very good from what I remember. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuabITeO4l8

>>537733

The misery of this world cannot compare to the horror that awaits the fearful, the unbelieving, and the idolatrous. Repent before it's too late. I can assure you there is nothing more wonderful or sweet than to be free of the grip of sin and to become a slave of righteousness.

I beg Christ for mercy.

>>537737

Thanks, anything is better than nothing, and I'm new enough to reformed theology to not know much about the "greatest" modern sermons and preachers.

>>537764

No problem. I've been a Presbyterian for a few years (and still am one), but have modified my views over time through Scripture reading. A little-known Calvinist theologian who deserves to be read more is William Greenough Thayer Shedd. He presents a very balanced Calvinist perspective that avoids the more extreme versions (e.g., denying common grace and God's genuine desire for all men to be saved). By the way, John Piper's "don't waste your life" sermon is good, too. The whole thing is an hour, but this is one of the best excerpts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfpmbmsvu3A

>>537718

>The "law of sin" Paul speaks of in Romans 7 is not applicable to believers, because in the very next chapter he tells us: "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).

Sed contra, Romans 8:1 There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh.

We are not condemned by it if we are not in power of it. But it still there. Concupiscence is not sin.

>>537776

If all you mean is that there dwells within us a perpetual inclination to sin that can yet be resisted, then we are in perfect agreement. But if you mean we cannot help but sin, Paul's writings everywhere militate against this, as do the rest of the Scriptures.

>>537782

>If all you mean is that there dwells within us a perpetual inclination to sin that can yet be resisted, then we are in perfect agreement.

Glad to hear that then, since that what I mean.

> But if you mean we cannot help but sin, Paul's writings everywhere militate against this, as do the rest of the Scriptures.

By all means no, I am not Luther nor Calvin