"Oh, no. I couldn't possibly accept that. Thank you for the thought!"
Have you ever had someone in your life bring you a gift? Caught by surprise you quickly said "Oh, no! I can't accept that. We have all done it. It truly feels harder to receive than to be the one giving. You wouldn't think so, but when put in the unexpected position, mentioned above, we have all resorted to the all too familiar, and PRIDEFUL, response of rejecting the gift.
You know the old saying - "It is better to give than to receive." Or... " You know, you really can't give until you learn how to receive."
It is actually a biblical principle to be a giver. But, what about receiving? If someone wants to give you a gift don't deny them their own blessing by refusing their gift. Actually, it is quite PRIDEFUL to reject someone's gift. Where is PRIDE in the list of the things the Lord hates? Pride is a bigger problem than any of us will admit. And... due to pride, some will NEVER admit.
GIFT AND REWARD
"Gift and Reward" are two completely different doctrines clearly laid out in scripture. Do keep in mind that if you work for someone they owe you a wage. The reward for work is different than simply a gift. Along the road of church history and the establishment of church doctrine (dogma), Calvinism slipped in and blurred the lines between Soteriology (doctrine of salvation) and the biblical doctrine of rewards. The two were merged resulting in the "works doctrine" called "Lordship Salvation."
When I ponder how doggedly so many hold on to their works ((over Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, in Christ's work on the cross alone (And I used to be one of them)) I find it thoroughly staggering. Staggering that so many pastors are willing to preach another gospel. When challenged they give opinions and little to no scripture. What scripture they give is not contextually and hermeneutically grounded. They simply are not up to the challenge. Why is this an issue? Well... because Matt 7:21-23 is the issue. This scriptural reference is about people who thought their works had it going for them. They even said they did these wonderful works "In His name." As for vs. 21 and "doing the will of the Father" what do you think that would be? What does it say is the will of the Father?
39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and BELIEVETH on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (Jn.6:39-40)
HERE...TAKE IT. IT'S A FREE GIFT. Why are so many so quick to say to the Lord - "Thank you, but no thank you. I couldn't possibly accept that!" I need to work for it. I need to do something to maintain it.
When it comes to salvation and the subject of "ETERNAL" life, and how it is only obtained by excepting His free gift and believing that it means what it says... "ETERNAL", why do so many insist that it is "their works" that get it done? "Their works" that maintain it? That some unbiblical "GRACE + something else" false gospel is what is saving them. All the while having moments of wondering if they may have lost their salvation. Why - when scripture could not be more clear?
"8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it is of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work” (Romans 11:6).
These things have I written unto you THAT BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God. (1Jn.5:13)
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Jn.3:15-16)
His own words to Martha... 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that BELIEVETH in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever LIVETH and BELIEVETH in me shall NEVER die. BELIEVEST THOU THIS? (Jn.11:25-26)
Just accept the free gift Jesus has given and leave "works" to the clear biblical doctrine of "rewards." Eternal life is granted unto them that believe; it is a gift, not a reward... treat it as such!
If you realize that you are part of the "Grace + something else crowd" you really need to re-think your position after you revisit the biblical text. And, as for your pharisaical PRIDE, thinking you can maintain something you could NEVER purchase... ditch it and believe the scriptures. Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Solus Scriptura.
Blessing - yours in Christ.
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