evangelist-7
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1 - Believers are called to be obedient, holy, perfect, etc.
“… He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame” (Eph 1:4)
Let us make it very clear exactly who Paul was writing to …
“Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah),
by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God)
to the saints (the consecrated, set-apart ones) at Ephesus
who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: …” (Eph 1:1, Amp)
Similarly, let us look at who Peter was writing to …
“Peter, an apostle (special messenger) of Jesus Christ, [writing] to the elect
exiles of the dispersion scattered (sowed) abroad in … who were chosen and
foreknown by God the Father and consecrated (sanctified, made holy) by the Spirit
to be obedient to Jesus Christ (the Messiah) …” (1 Pet 1:1-2, Amp)
Sorry, Paul and Peter were writing only to to faithful, loyal, and obedient BACs!
Those who refuse to co-operate with God’s plan for them … will be rejected
… just like the Israelites who were left scattered all over the desert floor!
2 - Believers were made new creations so they could be obedient, holy, perfect, etc.
God gave the Holy Spirit to believers, and His plan is …
“… to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight” (Col 1:22)
“… that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle
or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Eph 5:26-27)
“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete” (James 1:4)
3 - Believers are to BE living and practicing obedience, holiness, perfection, etc.
“… but as He who called you is holy, you also BE holy in all your conduct,
because it is written, ‘BE holy, for I am holy’ ” (1 Pet 1:15-16)
“… what manner of persons ought you to BE in holy conduct and godliness …?” (2 Pet 3:11)
“Pursue … holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom 12:1)
“… let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness;
and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.” (Rev 22:11)
Paul encourages believers to be “(slaves) of obedience leading to righteousness” (Rom 6:16)
“… so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.” (Rom 6:19)
“… whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:35)
“… let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous” (1 John 3:7)
Only those who are practicing righteousness are righteous (saved) in God’s eyes!
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