Perfection, when will we gain it?

[LightOfMyLife]

Yes, so we must truly be IN Christ, not just claim we are, and He will judge.

Its clear what Gods Word says..

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

None of us is good enough to earn salvation because it isn't based on good works. We miss the mark as in archery. We believe and trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. We will be given rewards for good deeds, but that isn't how we are saved. It is a free gift that we believe and receive.

 

[Andy C]

That judgment is for works not for salvation. We are fully saved by what Christ did; but whether we receive rewards in heaven or not and the amount of the rewards is what is determined at the Bema seat judgment.

10 According to the grace of God having been given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, but another is building upon it. But let each one take heed how he builds upon it. 11 For no one is able to lay another foundation, besides the one being already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds upon the foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 the work of each will become manifest, for the day will disclose it, because it is revealed in fire, and the fire itself will prove the work of each, what sort it is. 14 If the work of anyone that he built up will remain, he will receive a reward. 15 If the work of anyone will be burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, but so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)​

Note particularly verse v15.

Over the years I've preached a number of sermons on this and related topics. This area is very important to understand properly. There is, sadly, such a thing as a carnal Christian. You're probably not interested in reading sermons; but in case you are, here is the text of three that deal with this area--

Losing Salvation

Thread 'Losing Your Salvation'

Jun 17, 2023

"If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." —1 Corinthians 3:17​

Along with Hebrews 10:26-27, 1 Corinthians 3:17 has struck terror into generations of Christians. Because of failure to properly understand what is being said, far too many Christians have given up in sadness, thinking these passages are saying something they are not. And Satan is all too eager to help a person believe doctrinal error is actually truth. So, it these thoughts have troubled you, read on.

If we look at...

• mattfivefour
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Bible Studies

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Failure To Thrive

Thread 'Failure To Thrive'

May 29, 2024

This is a message I taught 12 years ago. I just came across it again and thought it was worth reposting. It is a hard teaching: solid meat for the believer. Its teaching is intended to challenge and exhort. I pray it helps someone here today.
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Failure to thrive. It’s a medical term that refers to a child who despite the provision supplied to it fails to grow properly. It can be brought about by a lack in the child’s environment and care, it is true; but more likely it is caused by some lack in the child itself. Children who fail to thrive first of all fail to grow. Their...

• mattfivefour
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Bible Studies

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Carnal Christians

Carnal Christians: Is There Such a Thing?

The Carnal Christian: Is There Such a Thing? Lot is an excellent way in which to illustrate this topic. Here was an adult man who chose to accompany Abram to Canaan. He also left his people, his friends, his society, and every other thing he had—both in Ur and Haran—and headed off into the...

www.raptureforums.com

Thanks for posting these. I read the link on your sermon Carnal Christian, and the below stood out:

“When battling besetting sins, we need to stand in faith, understanding and believing that we already have the victory over it through what Christ did. Then if we are overcome by the sin, we immediately confess it. We do not deny it; we do not lessen it; we do not make excuses for it. We state simply to God that this is my sin and it is mine alone. I do it because I like it. But I also know that this is not good for me or pleasing to You. And I am caught between pleasing myself and pleasing You. With my mind I want to please you but my flesh is too strong for me. I cannot win this by anything I can do myself. I believe that Christ has already given me the victory over this thing; therefore my own weakness cannot undo that victory. I will not heed the evidence of my eyes or my experience or anything said by anybody. I will believe only that Christ has given me the victory and that You will work that victory out in my life. Therefore, no matter how many times I will fail, I will set my heart to obey You and trust completely that You will do the work in me as I maintain my faith in that victory being real.”

 

[Hol]

This topic reminds me of something my church does. We have ten ‘actions of a disciple’ that begins with #1 Surrender.

When we initially get saved we surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s conviction that we turn to Jesus and believe. It’s a joyous occasion.

During sanctification, or discipleship, we surrender our pride, our independence, selfishness, self-will—and it can be a painful process. It is for me. But obedience comes through eventually because of His will, His power, His grace and mercy.

In both stages of surrender, I have nothing to boast in.

 

[mattfivefour]

The Israelites had to learn the same thing. They were set free from the captivity to pharaoh but then had to learn not to trust in themselves at all but only in God. It took forty years to get them to the point where they themselves were lowered* to the point where God could lead them into the Promised Land ... the land of milk and honey. Yes, there would still be foes and struggles, but they would overcome them all because they had learned to rest in complete confidence in God.

* - Interesting that the word Jordan (יַרְדֵּן) comes from the Hebrew word yarad (יָרַד) which means to come down, bring down, be lowered).