WOW! This is just a sliver from an introduction to one of my points in a new document I am writing. (the WOW is not about my writing, but the revealed truth concerning human responsibility in salvation).
From Philippians 3:8
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
DLG note…
Vs. 8 Paul “suffered the loss of,” refers to Paul willingly and actually self surrendering everything, so that he might win Christ, so that he might gain Christ, so that he might lay hold of Christ.
Vs. 8 Paul’s desire was to “win Christ,” or “gain Christ.” Paul said (in vs. 7) that the gain, the advantage, the prize of all earthly position and possessions was a loss, but he chose, he willed, he took steps to lose everything in order to gain Christ.
Remember, Jesus said, “what shall a man PROFIT, if he should GAIN the whole world and LOSE his own soul.”
We gain or lose based on our,
Desires,
Decisions and
Direction.
God requires an obedient response.
God does not require from us anything that we cannot give, by His help, His provision, His grace, His power.
God does not do for us, that which He requires from us.
God does not excuse us for refusing to follow Him in obedience.
These gains and losses are not forced upon us by God. They are made possible by free choice and action.
I am still working on this article, which actually refers to ten passages in the New Testament. God provides GREAT SALVATION, and GREAT GRACE, and GREAT REWARD, but God requires us to ENDURE A GREAT FIGHT OF AFFLICTION.
God requires an obedient response.
God does not require from us anything that we cannot give, by His help, His provision, His grace, His power.
God does not do for us, that which He requires from us.
God does not excuse us for refusing to follow Him in obedience.
These gains and losses are not forced upon us by God. They are made possible by free choice and action.
I am still working on this article, which actually refers to ten passages in the New Testament. God provides GREAT SALVATION, and GREAT GRACE, and GREAT REWARD, but God requires us to ENDURE A GREAT FIGHT OF AFFLICTION.
