Do you have to be good to go to heaven?

[rjcruiser]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

So are some of you saying that the young lady is correct in proclaiming to the young people of the church her husbands serves that "you don't have to be good!" ?

What is your definition of "good?"

And I ask you again....

Originally Posted by rjcruiser

So I ask, the thief on the cross....Was he a good person?

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

Well thank you very much.
Someone who can look at a subject and discuss it without trying to minister church doctrine!!!!!

And we wonder why our churches are full of weak minded spiritual babes. They've never been taught doctrine...and when it comes up...they run the other way.

[Ronnie T]

1John 3:7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother."

*Make sure no one deceives you. There will always be new ways of thinking. Make sure no one deceives you! People who will want it to say what it doesn't day. Make sure no one deceives you? People who will not like the way it's worded. Make sure no one deceives you?

the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning.

"The one who practices, the one who lives in, the one who is comfortable, the one who never repents of it, the one who never turns from it.

[rjcruiser]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

1John 3:7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother."

*Make sure no one deceives you. There will always be new ways of thinking. Make sure no one deceives you! People who will want it to say what it doesn't day. Make sure no one deceives you? People who will not like the way it's worded. Make sure no one deceives you?

the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning.

"The one who practices, the one who lives in, the one who is comfortable, the one who never repents of it, the one who never turns from it.

I agree with your above post....if you are saved, you will bear the fruit of your Heavenly Father.

But...do you have to have that fruit to be saved?


I think you've got the order a little mixed up RonnieT. Sanctification comes after Salvation...not before.

So I ask you again...

Was the thief on the cross a good person?

[speedcop]

obviously the thief on the cross was not a good person....... up to the point where Christ forgave him. Then his sins were blotted out from God's eyes. How many will have the opportunity to be next to Christ and recieve salvation and forgiveness in their last dying moments. He was like a new born baby entering the kingdom.

We, on the other hand given this great gift of salvation and Christ interceeding for our sins daily must continue to try to climb higher to Christ through our walk in this life and setting the example that Christ laid out for us. At least thats the way I percieve it.

[Artfuldodger]

Why didn't God just put John 3:16 in the Bible? He could have left out all the stuff about living right, commandments, & Christian requirements. If I can live however I want to and still get to Heaven, that's all i'm worried about. I have a fear of He11, i'm not worried about various rewards, I just want to sneak in through the gate. This sure is a relief off my mind.
I know I should do my best to follow Jesus' teachings, but just to get a few extra perks, i'm glad I can be luke warm Christian.

[rjcruiser]

Originally Posted by speedcop

obviously the thief on the cross was not a good person.......

So, based on that example, you don't have to be a "good person" to be saved.

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

i'm glad I can be luke warm Christian.

Hmmm...just ask the Laodiceans.

[pstrahin]

Yes.

[Artfuldodger]

Originally Posted by rjcruiser

So, based on that example, you don't have to be a "good person" to be saved.



Hmmm...just ask the Laodiceans.

I agree, I don't think the Laodiceans will make it to Heaven.
I think faith without works is not going to work out for some people and I think it's more than rewards as in punishment.

[rjcruiser]

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

I agree, I don't think the Laodiceans will make it to Heaven.
I think faith without works is not going to work out for some people and I think it's more than rewards as in punishment.

But...the problem with your last line...is that the thief on the cross had no good works. Just a "deathbed" conversion. Does that mean he wasn't saved?

How does that reasoning and the rest of scripture apply to our own lives?


After all, either you believe in a works based salvation or you believe in a grace based salvation. Grace+Works just doesn't work...the two are incompatible when it comes to explaining salvation.

[Ronnie T]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

1John 3:7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother."

*Make sure no one deceives you. There will always be new ways of thinking. Make sure no one deceives you! People who will want it to say what it doesn't day. Make sure no one deceives you? People who will not like the way it's worded. Make sure no one deceives you?

the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning.

"The one who practices, the one who lives in, the one who is comfortable, the one who never repents of it, the one who never turns from it.

Make sure no one deceives you.
Some will bring up the thief on the cross. Make sure no one deceives you. What I write is for you, not for the thief. Make sure no one deceives you. There's a million unanswerable questions concerning the thief. Make sure no one deceives you.
You are not the thief. Make sure no one deceives you.
"the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning."

[rjcruiser]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

Make sure no one deceives you.
Some will bring up the thief on the cross. Make sure no one deceives you. What I write is for you, not for the thief. Make sure no one deceives you. There's a million unanswerable questions concerning the thief. Make sure no one deceives you.
You are not the thief. Make sure no one deceives you.
"the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning."

How is bringing up the thief on the cross being deceitful?


Are we not to search the scriptures like the Bereans in Acts 17:11?


How do we keep from being deceived?

[Ronnie T]

1John 3:7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother."

*If these verses are too difficult, bring another issue into the equation. Use the thief to prove that these words, and all the others words of the Gospel don't actually mean what they say.
That cannot mean what they say if the thief................

Before His death, Jesus had a word for the thief. After Jesus' death and resurrection, Jesus had a word for us.... The Gospel.
Do not be deceived.

[rjcruiser]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

Before His death, Jesus had a word for the thief. After Jesus' death and resurrection, Jesus had a word for us.... The Gospel.
Do not be deceived.

Are you saying that the gospel/how one gains eternal life changed from one way before Christ's death to something different after His death/resurection?

I thought that the book of Hebrews solved that one for us.

[Ronnie T]

Originally Posted by rjcruiser

Are you saying that the gospel/how one gains eternal life changed from one way before Christ's death to something different after His death/resurection?

I thought that the book of Hebrews solved that one for us.

Does the writer of Hebrews nullify the writings of IJohn?

1John 3:7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother."

[rjcruiser]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

Does the writer of Hebrews nullify the writings of IJohn?

1John 3:7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother."

No. Rather, it clarifies I John. And so does the thief on the cross.

Scripture interprets scripture.

However, in your case (and possibly in the case of the youth minister's wife), when you focus on just one or two verses, you can twist scripture to say whatever you want.


Why do you dance around the question I asked? Do you not believe that the thief is in Heaven today? Do you not believe that there can be death bed conversions?

[Artfuldodger]

The thief is in Heaven because he was saved and then died. I don't think he had much time to do much of any kind of living a righteous or sinful life after he was saved. What you do before you are saved doesn't count against you. What you do afterwards does.
If you are saved and can do what you want, what will blasphemy against the Holy Spirit get you? It's got to be one way or the other.

[rjcruiser]

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

The thief is in Heaven because he was saved and then died. I don't think he had much time to do much of any kind of living a righteous or sinful life after he was saved. What you do before you are saved doesn't count against you.

Right. So therefore, the answer to the OP is no, you don't have to be "good" to be saved.

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

What you do afterwards does.
If you are saved and can do what you want, what will blasphemy against the Holy Spirit get you? It's got to be one way or the other.

Correct again.

If you are truly saved, you won't do what you want, but will do what God wants. And when you do sin, you'll repent. After all, like RonnieT has posted numerous times, the righteous will act like it.

Those works will not guarantee salvation, but rather, they are evidence of it.

[hobbs27]

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

If you are saved and can do what you want, what will blasphemy against the Holy Spirit get you? It's got to be one way or the other.

This depends on what you consider blasphemy of the Holy Spirit to be...I've studied it pretty deep and my conclusion is that to blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to deny the calling to salvation..when beckoned.
Therefore if you are already saved you can't commit blasphemy because you have accepted the Holy Spirit and not denied.

[Artfuldodger]

Originally Posted by hobbs27

This depends on what you consider blasphemy of the Holy Spirit to be...I've studied it pretty deep and my conclusion is that to blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to deny the calling to salvation..when beckoned.
Therefore if you are already saved you can't commit blasphemy because you have accepted the Holy Spirit and not denied.

At least you admit someone has a choice to accept Jesus or not.
I've had a coworker witness to me and others in our shop and I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit like he wanted to electrify me, but I didn't let him do it. Since i'm already saved , hopefully that didn't count as to what you are talking about.

[barryl]

Originally Posted by hobbs27

This depends on what you consider blasphemy of the Holy Spirit to be...I've studied it pretty deep and my conclusion is that to blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to deny the calling to salvation..when beckoned.
Therefore if you are already saved you can't commit blasphemy because you have accepted the Holy Spirit and not denied.

According to my Bible, blaspheming the Holy Ghost is in Mark 3 29-30 Come on people, get out from under the LAW !!!

[hobbs27]

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

At least you admit someone has a choice to accept Jesus or not.
I've had a coworker witness to me and others in our shop and I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit like he wanted to electrify me, but I didn't let him do it. Since i'm already saved , hopefully that didn't count as to what you are talking about.

What you felt was within you, not your co-worker.

[Artfuldodger]

Originally Posted by hobbs27

What you felt was within you, not your co-worker.

Exactly, but I didn't allow him to fully compell me. I guess I felt it would be too embarassing if I got up and started acting how i was beginning to feel. If I had been in Church that would have been different.

[Artfuldodger]

[quote=rjcruiser;6883775]Right. So therefore, the answer to the OP is no, you don't have to be "good" to be saved.
QUOTE]

You are correct, you got me on a technicality. The same would be true for a 15 year old who accepted Jesus at Church and died on his way out the door. He didn't have time to be good or bad.

[thedeacon]

Of course you have to be good to be a Christian.

Not according to the standards of man.
They are to strict.

You must be good according to the standards
set by God.

You don't have to be good to become a Christian.
Christianity REQUIRES repentance, that means
you leave the evil and embrace the good.

You can be bad, accept Christ and be good just
a mille second later.

We can never assume our definetions of words
are the same as Gods.

Just my opinion, God bless

[Ronnie T]

Originally Posted by rjcruiser

No. Rather, it clarifies I John. And so does the thief on the cross.

Scripture interprets scripture.

However, in your case (and possibly in the case of the youth minister's wife), when you focus on just one or two verses, you can twist scripture to say whatever you want.


Why do you dance around the question I asked? Do you not believe that the thief is in Heaven today? Do you not believe that there can be death bed conversions?

I hope you don't think I'm twisting scripture simply because I'd like to stick with one thing at the time.
What John wrote in his first letter didn't reference the thief and it has absolutely nothing to do with the thief.

I might be wrong, but I don't believe the thief on the cross was ever mentioned again after Jesus was buried.
So I'd say he isn't germane.
But he is a great diversion.
But he can also be used deceptively.

1John 3:7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil;

*Personally, I believe the word "practices" is a key word here. No one loses salvation through a sin.
But the one who "practices" sin is not walking in the light.

[grizlbr]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

Recently the young wife of a youth minister told me that "a person doesn't have to be good to go to heaven".

Is that really a true statement?

Yes! with a name : grizlbr? Think Im sweet and cuddly? But you will see me in heaven! I know Jesus. I think I just passed the first requirement! Claim Jesus now and he will claim you when you get there: Heaven! Sounds too easy. I knew someone So mean: he took wife's tires off her car to prevent her driving to church. He was an usher at the end of the story.

[Ronnie T]

Originally Posted by grizlbr

Yes! with a name : grizlbr? Think Im sweet and cuddly? But you will see me in heaven! I know Jesus. I think I just passed the first requirement! Claim Jesus now and he will claim you when you get there: Heaven! Sounds too easy. I knew someone So mean: he took wife's tires off her car to prevent her driving to church. He was an usher at the end of the story.

I'll bet he became a "good" usher.
But he shouldn't have took his wife's tires.

[Kawaliga]

Ronnie T, How many people do you know that don't sin on a pretty regular basis after they are saved, and some of the same sins over and over at that. A few examples are: gossip, thinking lustful thoughts about women, pride, and oh by the way, a little white lie now and then. If you say that after you are saved, and you continue to sin you are of the devil, then there are a lot of us in SW Georgia that are going to he11. This thing can get pretty complicated and confusing if you are really honest with yourself.

[Ronnie T]

Originally Posted by Kawaliga

Ronnie T, How many people do you know that don't sin on a pretty regular basis after they are saved, and some of the same sins over and over at that. A few examples are: gossip, thinking lustful thoughts about women, pride, and oh by the way, a little white lie now and then. If you say that after you are saved, and you continue to sin you are of the devil, then there are a lot of us in SW Georgia that are going to he11. This thing can get pretty complicated and confusing if you are really honest with yourself.

You pegged me pretty well. Thankfully, sin ain't gonna keep me away from my lord.
Being "good" isn't going to get you or myself into heaven.
But that doesn't mean it's proper to tell someone "you don't have to be good to go to heaven".

[Ronnie T]

I was just thinking..... I wonder if any of the inspired New Testament writers ever told a person to "now that you've been saved, go on with your life, you don't have to be good"?

[formula1]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

I was just thinking..... I wonder if any of the inspired New Testament writers ever told a person to "now that you've been saved, go on with your life, you don't have to be good"?

Probably didn't have to, because the Gift of Salvation was so wonderful to the hearers, service came naturally out of Love. This is the same as it should be today, yet for many Satan has deceived us into thinking that the Power of God is weak in overcoming the sinful nature. Many have believed a lie and walk in darkness! Jesus warned us to be careful! I am challenged!

Luke 11
33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.

Ephesians 5:11
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

1 John 1:6
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

[Artfuldodger]

Originally Posted by formula1

Probably didn't have to, because the Gift of Salvation was so wonderful to the hearers, service came naturally out of Love. This is the same as it should be today, yet for many Satan has deceived us into thinking that the Power of God is weak in overcoming the sinful nature. Many have believed a lie and walk in darkness! Jesus warned us to be careful! I am challenged!

Luke 11
33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.

You are telling a new Christian he has the power of the Holy Spirit so he'll not have to worry about living right anymore. Then you offer him a verse where Jesus is telling him to "be careful".

[formula1]

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

You are telling a new Christian he has the power of the Holy Spirit so he'll not have to worry about living right anymore. Then you offer him a verse where Jesus is telling him to "be careful".

Yes (though I did not say he doesn't have to worry, you did) and Yes. And what is the contradiction???

[Ronnie T]

Originally Posted by Kawaliga

Ronnie T, How many people do you know that don't sin on a pretty regular basis after they are saved, and some of the same sins over and over at that. A few examples are: gossip, thinking lustful thoughts about women, pride, and oh by the way, a little white lie now and then. If you say that after you are saved, and you continue to sin you are of the devil, then there are a lot of us in SW Georgia that are going to he11. This thing can get pretty complicated and confusing if you are really honest with yourself.

After rethinking this during the night I'd like to revisit your questions.
I know plenty of Christians who do not sin on a regular basis. I know lots of people who don't lie, not even a white lie. And why shouldn't their lives be that way? Why shouldn't they? None of that means they deserve any credit for it. It simply is an indication that they've truly been touched by the gracious blood of Jesus.

It changes a person. Fruits of the Spirit.

[thedeacon]

Christ was GOOD we have to pattern our lives after his. Is there anyone that can't grasp even that.

[gemcgrew]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

Do you have to be good to go to heaven?

As good as God.

[Artfuldodger]

[quote=formula1;6900390]Probably didn't have to, because the Gift of Salvation was so wonderful to the hearers, service came naturally out of Love. This is the same as it should be today, yet for many Satan has deceived us into thinking that the Power of God is weak in overcoming the sinful nature. Many have believed a lie and walk in darkness! Jesus warned us to be careful! I am challenged!QUOTE]

I just interpreted what you said wrong quoting Luke 11.
Above you did say Jesus warned us to be careful.

[gtparts]

Originally Posted by formula1

Probably didn't have to, because the Gift of Salvation was so wonderful to the hearers, service came naturally out of Love. This is the same as it should be today, yet for many Satan has deceived us into thinking that the Power of God is weak in overcoming the sinful nature. Many have believed a lie and walk in darkness! Jesus warned us to be careful! I am challenged!

Luke 11
33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.

Ephesians 5:11
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

1 John 1:6
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

You are telling a new Christian he has the power of the Holy Spirit so he'll not have to worry about living right anymore. Then you offer him a verse where Jesus is telling him to "be careful".

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

After rethinking this during the night I'd like to revisit your questions.
I know plenty of Christians who do not sin on a regular basis. I know lots of people who don't lie, not even a white lie. And why shouldn't their lives be that way? Why shouldn't they? None of that means they deserve any credit for it. It simply is an indication that they've truly been touched by the gracious blood of Jesus.

It changes a person. Fruits of the Spirit.

Seems to me that we (a large number of Christians) think of the Holy Spirit as some kind of 'guardian angel' or talisman, to keep us on the straight and narrow. It is a though when we sin, we could blame the Holy Spirit for not doing His job.

But, Scripture describes Him as the Parakletos, one called or sent to come along side to help, counsel, advise, and advocate. The context is that of the perfect asset to assist us in living a godly life. He does not rule over us, at least not in the sense that He mandates all our thought and behavior. Instead, we must avail ourselves of what He can and will do for us and others. He can be a moral compass, if we pay Him heed. He can be the comforter, if we allow Him to carry our burden. He can and does advocate for us when we are committed to dwell in God's will, but we stumble. He stands in the gap when we are under the assault from Satan and his crowd. He helps and advises us, if we ask. He doesn't force himself upon the believer, but willingly provides leadership when we admit we do not know the way and seek His direction.

But, He is no more a genie in "our bottle" than the waffle I had for breakfast is. Not Santa Claus nor the Tooth Fairy.

The point is, He can only do what we allow Him to do in our lives. When we choose to go it alone, we bear all the consequences that might result.

[formula1]

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

I just interpreted what you said wrong quoting Luke 11.
Above you did say Jesus warned us to be careful.

Well, ,thanks for the opportunity to clear things up. There is no contradiction at least from my point of view.

Jesus did warn us to be careful. Why? Because we have a nature that is prone to choose wrongly (to hide our light), to gratify the desires of the flesh rather than listen to the Holy Spirit as a guide in our lives. After awhile, we get to believing we are doing OK, yet we are still refusing to submit our will to the Power of the Holy Spirit in us. Eventually, this causes us to judge our own hearts as clean, yet still deceiving ourselves. We know His will for the Holy Spirit has made it clear to us (by His Word and Spirit), but we willfully ignore it. That's when the light in us becomes darkness, as we fail to respond to the His light within.

The Power of God through the Holy Spirit truly is an amazing force in helping us be overcomers in Christ. But if we don't guard our path, what can He do?

Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your Word.

I hope this helps!!!

[Ronnie T]

Came across this today.

*New Life in Christ
If I had a car with the engine that was ready for the grave, I'd have a new engine put in. I'd take the car into a mechanic who would put it in for me. If when I got that car back, it ran just as poorly, I'd begin to wonder if the old really had been replaced or just cleaned up. It is not different with our new lives in Christ.

Christian Personal Ethics, C.F.H.Henry,Eerdmans,
1957, pp. 383ff

[Ronnie T]

Another one.

James 1:22

I was hungry and you formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger.
I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.
I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so close to God.
But I'm still very hungry and lonely and cold.

We must hear again the words of James: 'But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only"" (James 1:22).

[hobbs27]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

Came across this today.

*New Life in Christ
If I had a car with the engine that was ready for the grave, I'd have a new engine put in. I'd take the car into a mechanic who would put it in for me. If when I got that car back, it ran just as poorly, I'd begin to wonder if the old really had been replaced or just cleaned up. It is not different with our new lives in Christ.

Christian Personal Ethics, C.F.H.Henry,Eerdmans,
1957, pp. 383ff

I agree, as long as we evaluate things under our own hoods, and don't go around judging other cars.

[mtnwoman]

We are not suppose to continue in sin. Even though we do, sometimes. Jesus changed the way I think/thought about things. I was having so much fun, I was killing myself. I wasn't a mean kind of sinner, just a stupid kind of sinner.

I look at the Holy Spirit as sort of an 'umpire'...'do go here, don't go there, don't do this or that, don't say that, do say that'....I'm instantly convicted when I do something I shouldn't and I instantly ask for forgiveness. In my spirit, lives Jesus, in my soul lives me. I'm battling myself and my flesh, I'm not battling Jesus. When I am weak, He is strong....sometimes I turn a blind eye and sin anyway, knowing good and well......my goal is to become more and more like Christ everyday. It's really easier to be like Him than it is to suffer the consequences of being like me....I cause my ownself grief.

[Ronnie T]

Originally Posted by hobbs27

I agree, as long as we evaluate things under our own hoods, and don't go around judging other cars.

I always appreciate it when someone tells me my car's not sounding so good.

I'm equally greatful when a good brother points out something in my life that I'm not doing such a good job at.

[hobbs27]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

I always appreciate it when someone tells me my car's not sounding so good.

I'm equally greatful when a good brother points out something in my life that I'm not doing such a good job at.

My brother is just as inexperienced as I am, and would probably ignore his own rod knocking to point out my ticking valve I'll take the advice of my Father.

[Ronnie T]

Then I'd appreciate him letting me know what that ticking noise is.

James 5:20
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

[Artfuldodger]

Originally Posted by gemcgrew

As good as God.

We are not called Godians for a reason. We are Christians as we are to Try to be as Christ like as humanly possible.
One more thing to show the difference between God & Jesus. You might get close to being Christ like but you will never be God like.

[Ronnie T]

Do you have to be good to go to heaven?

It just came to me tonight.......

No? But the one going to heaven will have an inner desire to be good.

[gemcgrew]

Originally Posted by Artfuldodger

You might get close to being Christ like but you will never be God like.

How close to being Christ like would one need to be in order to enter heaven? The righteousness required by God, only God can give. Only one who is equal to God can stand in the presence of God.(Psalm 24:3-5) (Matthew 17:5)

[StriperAddict]

Originally Posted by Ronnie T

Do you have to be good to go to heaven?

It just came to me tonight.......

No? But the one going to heaven will have an inner desire to be good.

Pardon me for thinking that's a given. And worse yet I suppose...
taking it for granted.