“I am righteous and holy” vs. “I’m a sinner saved by grace”

Reading posts, comments, and blogs about this matter. I’d like to share my thoughts and insights as well… I may not claim to be fully educated or taught with doctrines or dogma of such things, but I just like to share what I think on this matter and what I believe God has taught me.

To a person who receives Christ as his personal Lord and Savior; one who has received and believed that Jesus Christ is truly the Savior, through the blood that was shed for sin; and Lord whom we ought to obey and follow; both statements are true but must be careful on how we use each statement. I’ll probably explain the reasons later while let me talk first about “Righteousness.”

From the things that I have learned about righteousness, there are two things that I’ve understood. Righteousness is of course understood or defined as “the good or right things we do.” Now, in Christianity, there is what we call “imputed righteousness of Christ.”

Consider these verses as an explanation to what the phrase means:

Romans 4:3-6 (KJV) "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works"

Romans 4:22-24 “And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was IMPUTED to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be IMPUTED, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.” 
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For HE HATH MADE HIM TO BE SIN FOR US, WHO KNEW NO SIN; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
 
Now, the verses explain that “Christ’ Righteousness” was placed on those who believe on Him, because Christ was pictured or made to become a sinner; when in fact, He is not, since He lived a righteous life. And we, who are sinners and supposed to be condemned to hell, have now the chance to claim that righteousness, through “Faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” And that’s how gracious our God is. This is how “imputed righteousness of Christ,” I believe is explained.

Now, there is also what we call “Righteous living” which is commonly referred to how a Christian lives. This however is not the same as the “imputed righteousness of Christ” but mainly talks of our personal life being lived rightly in the eyes of men. And of course, as Christian, we don’t have yet what we call “the glorified body” but we are still in our own flesh, the tangible body which is still prone of doing sin. The “glorified body” is expected to be acquired by Christians after the so called “rapture” happens or the “snatching of the church.” Nevertheless, Christ has also given provisions to conquer and be victorious over sin, by continuously and daily committing and surrendering oneself to Christ by Faith, not in order to be saved, but an effect or result of our Faith in Christ.

Consider these verses:

Galatians 2:20 (KJV) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 explains that as Christians, we ought to surrender our bodies as living sacrifice, for I believe this is where God starts transforming and molding us toward holiness and righteous living and in effect following and doing the acceptable and perfect will of God. Apostle Paul’s statement in Galatians 2:20 also declares and states his understanding that he too is still in the flesh, therefore, in order to live accordingly to what God wills, he must die unto himself, and let Christ live in him. In a sense that all his desires, ambitions, and even his own ‘will’ is to be neglected and therefore dead with Christ and letting Christ’ mind, thought, and ‘will’ be the one in full-control. Of course, it’s not like a robot, simply controlled by a program or something. It’s just simply knowing and putting his focus on what Christ or God wants him to do and obeying it accordingly. And all these are also done through faith in Christ. This is God’s provision in order for His own to fully do right and live righteously in accordance to His word and principles.

God also gave promises for His own to claim to further have the power to say “NO” to sin. These verses can come to remembrance when temptation draws nigh.

1 John 4:4 (KJV) “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

And if we still fail? God provides forgiveness for His’ own. And that’s how gracious God is.

John 1:9 (KJV)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

But of course, this doesn’t mean that we are free to do sin, since God is forgiving. No, that’s not how it works, because as one who is transformed from darkness into light, we no longer serve sin (Rom. 6:1-6). Therefore if we continue doing sin without the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that may mean we are not truly believers or followers of Christ.

Now having discussed, on how a Christian should live. This is where righteous living is measured and if Christians fail living righteously, our fellowship with God is cut off, but not our relationship as His child.

Now, where were we? I hope the 2 kinds of Righteousness are clearly understood. If not, try reading other books about it.. hehe! Or better yet read the whole Bible. Hehe! Anyway, as I was saying earlier about the two statements that they are true for a Christian, but must be declared in the right way.

The first statement “I am righteous and holy” is true, if we truly are Christians and we can declare this before the Father, through Christ Name. But to men who know not Christ, this statement is nullified, worthless and meaningless. For they will see us as hypocrite and liars, for in truth? We still can sin in this world. And if we declare this statement to men, we then become liars (I John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.). But if I may, we could change the phrase to better it as “I am righteous and holy through Christ’ righteousness.” That could give more meaning and understanding.

(edited... December 26, 2011)
Now, the other phrase “I’m a sinner saved by grace,” is quite a subject matter to some. They negate and go against such phrase. And actually I’ve read a post rebuking of using this phrase. With what I understood, the focus was about the word “sinner”. True! as Christians, we are no longer sinner in God’s sight. But to men, we can be perceived still as sinner, one who does wrong things. Some commentators believe that such statement gives a thought and freedom for Christians to continue to do sin or to continue to be bound to sin and not under grace. As for me, I do not see that. But giving a second thought about the statement, I ask myself, “is it possible for one to be misled?” It is probably possible, if one truly have not understood the real meaning of “being saved by grace.” An unbeliever has no reason to say this statement, but at some point to an unbeliever hearing this word, may also give a reflective question to ask question what the statement means, giving opportunity for the gospel to be proclaimed and explained. This statement maybe damaging if the statement intensifies one to continue to do sin, but if it intensifies the meaning of grace in his life would it be something  profitable? But anyway having been read another post about this matter.. I like the correction to it... by stating the phrase in this manner... "I WAS a sinner, saved by grace."

Loakan Baptist Church (LBC) 55th Anniversary and Christmas Cantata 2011

I'll be posting videos here, hopefully after all songs and videos are uploaded by those who took videos of the said event....

LBC Men presenting a skit with the goal of making people laugh... hahaha! Just to show they too can laugh... and laught hard indeed..... and also shows they too are approachable if you need guidance or help... PLEASE BE WARNED BEFORE WATCHING THIS... This is not to offend anyone but just for laughs... as they say.. Laughter is the best medicine...



The LBC Hallelujah Quartet singing "Keep on the Firing Line" before hearing God's Word...

"A Great and Mighty Wonder" LBC Choir

"The Wonder of the Promise" LBC Choir

I don't know the title of this song....



Videos of the Christmas Cantata 2011 from Anna & Jay-jay :

A Great and Mighty Wonder - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of Promise - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of the Incarnation - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of the Heavens - Tom Fettke (NOT RECORDED?)

The Wonder in a Manger - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of the Star - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of the Gift - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of It All - Tom Fettke

Rapture, Tribulation, and Second Coming

Much to my curiosity and eagerness to learn about these things, I've tried to search the internet about these topics. And looked for videos as well, as my father has asked me too about looking for such that could help out in learning about these things. Surely the Bible also exists to give guidance to His people, but when it comes to prophecies, here are so many interpretations and diversions. So in order to help in establishing the faith and belief I have about these matters, I would like to try to incorporate links and websites here, as I myself can not explain all of it and it would take lots of words to do so anyway. So here's a great site to really learn all this stuff: http://www.preservedwords.com/disptruth/contents.htm. I actually have the same book (or I should say, my father's book), and it's interesting that someone placed this whole and clear in the internet, available for all. It's really a great book explaining several topics. And actually, I haven't read it all, but just read a couple of the topics in it namely the tribulation, the signs of end times and such.. but really, it's a great book =D.... But of course it's best also to refer to God's Word, the Bible, the Authority of our Christian Faith.

From my searches, several videos I too have viewed are not of the same belief and interpretation as what the book or the site I've recommended. At some point they may be logical, but nevertheless, it may be a very deceiving one. So beware! That you might not be deceived. Of course, I do not impose what to believe, but let the Holy Spirit convict us and reveal to us what we ought to believe. Let God do the work not us.

Here's a video I've seen which I believe is not an accurate interpretation. But it's good to know, so one could really compare different interpretation. Before watching these, I ask that you pray first and ask for God's guidance and wisdom.




Now, having watched that movie, listen to this preaching of John MacArthur, which explains a great deal why as Christians, we believe that Rapture will happen first before the Tribulation Period.




Now, these are just a few things to learn from, but I hope much more than learning and understanding these things, we are more ready when time comes.

A Christian Life Struggle

Truthfully, there shouldn’t be hardships in life if we are in the Lord’s side. Such as the Word of God says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) . But thing is, we, as Christians are not in our beloved home.  And as the Word of God declares, we are but pilgrims or strangers of this world (I Peter 2:11). Our home is with the Father in Heaven and where our Lord Jesus Christ reigns (John 14:2). And what of this world? Ruled and governed by the enemy, the fallen angel, Lucifer, now known as Satan. Matthew 4:1-11 declares it as Jesus was tempted by the devil, proclaiming that the devil will give all the kingdoms of this world to Jesus, if He would bow Himself and worship the devil. And, how did Christ respond? “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” You would probably ask, how has it that Satan rules and governs the world, when the Bible declares that God created the heavens and the earth? True, that God created the heavens and the earth. But He gave the management of all His creation to man (Gen. 1:26-27). And since man fell to sin, Satan was then able to be the OIC of the earth. But of course, Satan’s power still doesn’t match over what God can do. God is still in control, but the system of this world is still as of this moment resides in the hand of the devil, as he is named to be the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2) or the ruler of the darkness of this world as such can be found in Eph. 6:12. Therefore concludes, that we Christians are behind enemy lines, as also explained by the Apostle Paul in Eph. 6:10-18, we Christians are in the battlefield, not of flesh and blood but of the spiritual battlefield.

    So what now if we are in the spiritual battlefield? Chances are we Christians should expect then battles to face. One of the common pictures of spiritual battle would be, when we are tried and tested like the Lord Jesus Christ in the dessert. Most often, these trials and testing would include physical matters and probably the cares of this world (power, fame, possessions, etc… you name it, Satan has it). But all these physical things have its expiry date. For it all ends still, with God (Ecc. 12:14). Jesus too warns us about this dreadful matter:

Matthew 16:26 “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Jesus, makes a point that what matters most is where the soul goes? Is it in the hands of the Father and of the Son (John 10:28-29)? Or, in a place prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41)? Now of course, we should know that those who are of Christ are those who have a relationship with Him… those who know, believe and understand Christ as their Lord and Savior (John 10:27-28). There are more verses that explain how to know Christ or how man can be saved from sin. But unless man would not believe nor understand nor have faith, it’s nothing more but words to them who hear it. For even Christ himself acknowledges that there are those who have ears to hear and eyes that see but does not come to understanding (Matthew 13:14-15). But if they do understand with their heart, then Christ shall heal them or save them.

    Now back to the cares of this world, these are the things which definitely make the Christian life a real struggle. The fact that physical and spiritual things are of different… say… “worlds” and most often spiritual things are not ruled by our physical senses, it easily destroys a Christian’s focus which is supposed to be Christ. I remember one phrase “Remember Lot’s wife.” from Luke 17:32. It indicates or teaches a very much practical view of the physical and spiritual struggle. Lot’s wife chose the physical things rather than the spiritual things. How sad I often observe amongst us Christians, including me, in this kind of struggle, especially now we are in a critical world or should I say, “Critical economy” (hehe!). Just a glimpse of my personal struggle would be our everyday needs. Sometimes I catch myself always worrying about providing the needs of my family, taking note as well that I’m still single (Haha!) Oh well, not sure if you could get yourself in my position or shoes but probably best if one experiences being the bread winner or provider of a family, maybe then real understanding of the situation I’m explaining will be revealed. But I think it’s easy to understand if you simply observe other people who work hard and try to provide their needs.

    Of course as a Christian, I shouldn’t worry, since I have a big God. =) … And truthfully, even with my unfaithfulness and doubts, God proves to be Faithful, Great and Good God. True, we would at times go through testing and trials, but as Christian we should always know God is always there. And the truth about this kind of struggle? Our problem is most often found in discontentment… It’s really quite an observation, how that cellphone nowadays have become more of a need, when these things weren’t a need before… life will go on even without these! Just a real big lie that feeds and consumes our own mind. TVs, gadgets and everything… all these are just but a real want and not a need.

    Sometimes I really want to picture myself having only food, shelter and clothes. I’m sure my monthly income would be far more abundant and overflowing. And, probably, help much in the ministry. But then again, here come cars, diesels and gasoline. Oh well…. Truthfully these are the things that bind us and make Christian Life a struggle. And, that’s just a part. Nevertheless, may it be that we could always Hope in God and have rest, knowing that God is with us!

2011 Ministries

Days and months have passed and the year-end draws nigh once again. Just before 2011 started, I’ve prayed and prepared myself to a ministry that will lead me to be part of my father’s and my “Father in Heaven’s” mission work. At first, I went with my father to minister in a place called Apalan, where some believers reside, of whom my father previously ministered to after the well known killer quake of 1990. In a few months, a bunch of young people, who came from a place called “Guesset” joined into the fellowship in Apalan. After which, my father came to know that those young people were actually children of those old members of the local church in Guesset, which has actually been disbanded due to ceasing of assembling themselves. My father worked in that local church year 1990s and from which left to go to another place, leaving the ministry to the Minac Baptist Church. And now that my father came back to minister again in Apalan, these young people came. There are more stories about how things come about but it might take me a lot of time explaining and narrating everything. But just to cut the story short, it was agreed to hold services in Apalan and Guesset on Sundays alternately. Forgetting to mention, my father also was actually given a schedule to preach every first Sunday in a place called Daclan, the adopted mission point of Loakan Baptist Church (which currently was moved to second Sunday of the month). And before the young people from Guesset came, we were actually going to Daclan along with the Apalan folks to minister in that place. I was dismayed at my first-time visit at Daclan since I saw only few of them compared to those of us who visited. But nevertheless, even few, they are to be counted faithful. And what I saw when we came, were eyes filled with joy seeing that so many of us came. But not so long, with Guesset folks joining the Apalan folks in services, changes had to be made. So at times that my father had to go, he would bring a number of those who are able to go with him and I have to stay to continue holding services in Apalan / Guesset.

                Within the year, my father was commissioned by the Loakan Baptist Church as an official local missionary of the church; two batch of believers also followed Christ through the water baptism; Janice Galong also volunteered to teach children, whereas I was in-charge of teaching the young people, as for my father to the adults. And if ever my father had to go to Daclan, he would assign volunteers to share God’s Word. A work was also established in a place called “Cubabeng”, due to the request of one member from Apalan and one member from Daclan, who had both relatives in the area. My father then committed to go to the place every fourth Sunday of the month. I was privileged to see the work when my father visited for the second time. And I saw old folks and also children that desires to hear God’s Word. Oh, the burden of sharing to the lost, how has it that this passion seem to go away from God’s own people? I must admit, I’ve never seen before the great need to really go out and reach those desiring to know Christ until I decided to help my father and be part of my Father’s work. Even with some hindrances, like my language skills, God sustains and by His grace, enables us to do His work whether in Apalan, Guesset, Daclan or Cubabeng.

                By third quarter of the year, the Apalan-Guesset Fellowship was established and was organized, but seemingly the enemy does not simply stand and watch. The enemy too does his work, as many delays, hindrances and struggles occurred and probably still occurring. Praying that indeed even with these circumstances, the gospel of Christ continues to be proclaimed that many lost shall hear the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

                With the coming end of the year, my father envisions to start a new work in a place called “Beckel.” Or perhaps pioneer a church there too. The work actually started already with prayer meetings being held every Wednesdays. But the plan is to set Sunday Services there and to preach the gospel in that area too probably year 2012. Recently Bible Studies were already held every Saturday with a hope that God’s hand leads them. My father and mother, along with some Apalan-Guesset Fellowship members, who are actually residents there, started the bible studies to where ever God lead them. So far, it went well, even with some disturbances of the enemy; presumptively, as the original houses of bible study didn’t come to materialize. Instead they were directed to 2 different houses that accommodated them well.

                Truly God is great and amazing! With all the things I’ve seen, I’ve seen how God works in people. But sometimes places me too in question, wondering about the churches of today. Does the church really know and understand the gospel of Christ? Truthfully I know that the church has its ministries, but sadly and most often I see churches just waiting for people to come, when in fact we are commanded by Christ to go. Of course I know, I ought not to judge, but I’m sincerely hoping and pleading that churches will learn to “go” and pursue it. Go out and reach toward the people, may not be in words but could also be done in actions and in small things, just simply sharing the blessing of knowing Christ Jesus in our lives (e.g. sharing our belief through posting it in our FB status). With all the signs and shocking events of the year 2011, I wonder if the churches are very alarmed. Have they become so dumb, deaf and blind too to see that the Lord’s Coming draws nigh? It’s just sad and probably I’m one to blame, but God has given His people all that is needed to fulfill His command. The Word of God, the Holy Spirit that indwells His people and gives authority and power to proclaim the gospel of Christ, the grace that God daily provides, faith to counter each doubts and fears. What more does His people need or require? Oh may it be that God’s people move before the time comes when God will close the door of grace. To them that has ears to hear, let them hear what Spirit says unto the churches.