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!
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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Practicing the Disciplines: Bible study, prayer, tithing, service
1 vote(s)11.1% -
Spiritual Gifts: Administration, exhortation, preaching, teaching, hospitality, service
0 vote(s)0.0% -
Signs and Wonders: Tongues, prophecy, healing, etc.
0 vote(s)0.0% -
Dress Code: The desirability of wearing "proper dress" to church
0 vote(s)0.0% -
Practice of the "Liberties": The impropriety of drinking, smoking, dancing, etc.
0 vote(s)0.0% -
Church Attendance: Being in church "every time the doors are open"
0 vote(s)0.0% -
Socio-Political: Working toward biblical morality in social and political issues
0 vote(s)0.0% -
Special Issues: Working to eliminate abortion and banning gay marriage on biblical grounds
0 vote(s)0.0% -
Other: Detail in your post any issues is left out above
2 vote(s)22.2% -
None of the Above: No position above is necessary toward my standing before God.
6 vote(s)66.7%
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evenifigoalone Well-Known Member
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. -
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evenifigoalone Well-Known Member
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. -
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evenifigoalone Well-Known Member
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. -
Baptist Believer Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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. -
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Baptist Believer Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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.
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). -
Union with Christ is all.
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padredurand Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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 -
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: -
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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. -
Baptist Believer Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
ThisNumber has not explained his phrase "standing with God," so I am unsure what he means as well.
Thanks! -
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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. -
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, -
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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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