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Featured What are the essentials in having a right standing before God.

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by thisnumbersdisconnected, Sep 30, 2013.

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  1. Practicing the Disciplines: Bible study, prayer, tithing, service

    1 vote(s)
    11.1%
  2. Spiritual Gifts: Administration, exhortation, preaching, teaching, hospitality, service

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  3. Signs and Wonders: Tongues, prophecy, healing, etc.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  4. Dress Code: The desirability of wearing "proper dress" to church

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  5. Practice of the "Liberties": The impropriety of drinking, smoking, dancing, etc.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  6. Church Attendance: Being in church "every time the doors are open"

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  7. Socio-Political: Working toward biblical morality in social and political issues

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  8. Special Issues: Working to eliminate abortion and banning gay marriage on biblical grounds

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  9. Other: Detail in your post any issues is left out above

    2 vote(s)
    22.2%
  10. None of the Above: No position above is necessary toward my standing before God.

    6 vote(s)
    66.7%
  1. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    This thread was inspired by our discussion in adult Bible Study class yesterday morning at church. The question is, what do we consider essential to our standing before God? How important is it that we have an understanding and conviction regarding all these aspects of living the Christian life? What does God think of us in regards to our viewpoints on these subjects?

    I have a definite opinion, but I'm going to let it be discussed on the thread, and I may chime in to ask questions, but I'm hoping not to influence the discussion with my opinion.

    (And I heard all of you who just said, "Yeah, sure that'll happen!!" Go for it!
     
  2. evenifigoalone

    evenifigoalone Well-Known Member

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    Probably the most important thing I can think of is puting God first. That's when we can best hear and understand what He and the Bible are there to tell us in order to guide us.
    Idolatry is more than just blatantly worshiping false gods. Idolatry is puting anything before God in importance and devotion--this could be anything, from a TV show to nature or even the emotion of worship in itself.
     
  3. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    So your view would be that Bible study and church attendance are necessary to our "right standing" before God? Or did I read that incorrectly?
     
  4. evenifigoalone

    evenifigoalone Well-Known Member

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    Gah, I didn't see that this was a poll.

    Anyways--
    No, not quite. You can go to church and study your Bible, go through the motions, without really puting God first.

    My answer to the poll is none of the above. None of the available answers are of any worth if all you're doing is going through the motions.
     
  5. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    That isn't the question, though. I'm not making suppositions about the motivation behind the practices. I'm asking if the practices are of importance to your standing before God.
     
  6. evenifigoalone

    evenifigoalone Well-Known Member

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    In that case....
    Out of the items listed, off the top of my head I'd have to say I view Bible study and prayer as very important.
    I don't view church attendance as a necessity, but fellowship with other believers is important.

    That said, I can stand before God without those things. I view them as important for my walk and learning, but God can meet me right where I am. I do have to be willing for Him to work in me.
     
    #6 evenifigoalone, Sep 30, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 30, 2013
  7. Baptist Believer

    Baptist Believer Well-Known Member
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    I couldn't respond to the poll because I'm not really sure what you mean by "standing before God," although I suspect it might have something to do with going to heaven. Would you clarify that expression?

    Those who respond to the call of Jesus to follow him and enter the kingdom of God (aka "the heavens") are in right standing before God. Some of the things you list are good things that one does as a consequence of entering the kingdom. The spiritual disciplines that the church has practiced for two millenia are enormous helps for most people. However, things like the practice of spiritual gifts are no sure indication of spiritual maturity or right standing before God.

    If you want to know if someone is in the kingdom, their life will be characterized by the fruit (note that the word is singular) of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. If one's life is characterized by the acts of the flesh as described in Galatians 5:19-21, you know that they are not in the kingdom.

    You can judge all those who profess to be spiritual leaders by their fruit. If the life of a professed spiritual leader is characterized by the acts of the flesh, you are free to ignore them and they have no spiritual authority over you.
     
  8. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    Not really. More of a personal feeling of being "right" with God, or in His will.

    Is it possible someone who is a believer could be living in the flesh? Does that mean they are "not saved" or "no longer saved"?
     
  9. Baptist Believer

    Baptist Believer Well-Known Member
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    Feeling? Feelings will lead you astray. Feelings have no bearing regarding whether or not you are right with God or living in the kingdom. We know we are in the kingdom by what is happening in our discipleship to Christ - He pulls us along in that relationship - and the transformative effects it has (that is, bearing fruit).

    Possible? Yes. But that person has not heard the complete gospel. There's lots of people like that today who have been taught a gospel of forgiveness alone, that is, a gospel which is all about dying and going to heaven but has little relevance in everyday living. It is a gospel that has no call to discipleship. It is incomplete. If a person who has received that gospel has no desire to align their lives with Christ's kingdom, then they can have no confidence that they are in the kingdom (reign) of God.

    Jesus preached the Kingdom of God (aka "the heavens" in Matthew) and all of His disciples did the same. Paul's gospel was the gospel of the Kingdom - just like Jesus - not just talk of forgiveness like so many of his interpreters present him.

    Those who enter the Kingdom (reign) of God are preserved by God and are "pulled along" in their discipleship to Christ. A person who has entered the Kingdom will desire to obey the commands of Christ. Those who have no interest in following Jesus, aligning their lives according to God's Kingdom, or want anything more than "fire insurance" should not be assured that they will not face eternal judgement.

    Let me point out that people who "live in the flesh" for any substantial length of time, have probably never entered the Kingdom. There may be seasons of sin to be sure, but they will either repent or God will discipline them. One of the ways we know we are in the faith is that we are disciplined by God when we enter into a period of rebellion (see Hebrews 12:7-11).
     
    #9 Baptist Believer, Sep 30, 2013
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2013
  10. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    Union with Christ is all.
     
  11. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
    Micah 6:8 KJV
     
  12. JohnnyReb

    JohnnyReb New Member

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    Love god with all your heart and love your neighbor.

    Of course nobody gets to the Father accept through the Son. Good standing before god?.....have faith in his Son :jesus:
     
  13. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    How does the modern day Christian achieve these as goals?

    In light of your second paragraph, does that render the first sentence as "works"?
     
  14. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    The question was, what do we consider essential to our standing before God?

    My standing depends upon one thing and one thing only, my union with Christ. If any thinks that his standing is measured by his degree of righteousness or right doing, he is lost.
     
  15. Baptist Believer

    Baptist Believer Well-Known Member
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    Aaron, I think I agree with you, but I'd be interested in hearing you flesh out the phrase "my union with Christ."

    ThisNumber has not explained his phrase "standing with God," so I am unsure what he means as well.

    Thanks!
     
  16. preacher4truth

    preacher4truth Active Member

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    It would be quite helpful if you would define what you mean by 'right standing before God'. At that point others and myself (perhaps) could more concisely give answers to your OP.
     
  17. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    Assurance of salvation, going to heaven, being within God's will. Unfortunately, the phrase "standing before God" carries almost as many meanings as their are individuals. I'm sure others could include other definitions that cover their own understanding of what being "right" with or before God means to them. Hence the poll list is about essentials. Are there some who feel the need to act on the things on that list, even though they would not express the opinion they are salvation-effective?

    Let's try to define it as the belief that we as believers are not only assured of our own abiding in His will, but might also be convinced that if others did what we do, so would they. We may or may not express that last opinion openly. That is kind of where the Bible study discussion went Sunday morning at church.
     
    #17 thisnumbersdisconnected, Oct 1, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 1, 2013
  18. percho

    percho Well-Known Member
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    As a member of the human race. Ecc 12:13
    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man

    Otherwise Romans 1:1
    Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
     
  19. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    Great Scriptures, but how do they translate into everyday Christian life?
     
  20. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    The moment I confessed Christ, I entered into union with Him. As those who stand in a marriage union share all things, my sin became Christ's, and His righteousness became mine.

    Before the throne of God above
    I have a strong and perfect plea.
    A great high Priest whose Name is Love
    Who ever lives and pleads for me.
    My name is graven on His hands,
    My name is written on His heart.
    I know that while in Heaven He stands
    No tongue can bid me thence depart.

    When Satan tempts me to despair
    And tells me of the guilt within,
    Upward I look and see Him there
    Who made an end of all my sin.
    Because the sinless Savior died
    My sinful soul is counted free.
    For God the just is satisfied
    To look on Him and pardon me.

    Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
    My perfect spotless righteousness,
    The great unchangeable I AM,
    The King of glory and of grace,
    One in Himself I cannot die.
    My soul is purchased by His blood,
    My life is hid with Christ on high,
    With Christ my Savior and my God!​

    Until the Father can be dissatisfied with Christ, He will never be dissatisfied with me.
     
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