Today, focus is upon the believer’s work to spread the gospel for the salvation of others. For the born-again believer, their regular way of living as one saved includes such features as comforting others, overcoming hardship, learning and spiritual growth, preaching the cross, prophesying, rejoicing in the Lord, sacrifice, sharing the hope from GOD in Christ, suffering, and preparing to greet the Lord at his coming. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Red” (Level 3 with 1,085 points, a member since April 09, 2016) posted the following:
Do Christians get some kind of points when they convert someone?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalms 19: 7-14, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Gender, Sex and Christian Beliefs? (05/18/2016); Gifts As A Reward? (02/14/2016); To Walk As He Walked? (11/16/2014); Martyrdom and Tribulation? (09/30/2015); To Continue In His Footsteps (11/17/2014); A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014)
“Red”, many become confused because there are two judgments spoken of in Scripture: one for saved/not saved, one for rewards following service. Many mature Christian believers regard sinners being “born again” through Jesus Christ as a matter of their being permanently changed to serve divinity by offering worship and “works” that please GOD. On the one hand, redemption and salvation are to be received as divine blessing (we say, free gifts from GOD), and the appearance of grace (an expression of divine will inseparable from other aspects of hallowed will such as diversity, divine law, sacred operations (e.g., atonement, Incarnation, judgment, reconciliation, repentance, sanctification), and eternal purpose). On the other hand, redemption and salvation are mechanical (like breathing): It is not something you can do to become alive; it is what you must do to stay alive. For believers, service is the full-time occupation, profession and vocation of the believer. Sinners are called and recruited to make visible the ongoing reign of Jesus Christ as High Priest and King. As his agents upon the earth, believers are to display the character, nature and substance of Christ wherever the routines of their daily life may take them. More than simply ceremony and ritual, believers are to put forth a consecrated lifestyle and saving truth. Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:
(1.) James 5: 19-20, King James Version (KJV): 19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
(2.) Romans 6: 19-23, KJV: 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(3.) Psalms 51: 9-14, KJV: 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) 1st Corinthians 3: 11-15, KJV: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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