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Salvation
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Q. Why does Jesus say "but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." in Matthew? Does this mean we can lose our born again status if we do not endure? I really need to know cause I got a friend who thinks he has lost it - because of this verse I cannot convince him otherwise. A. This is a great question and one that is asked by many. You are not alone in wondering about this verse. I'll answer it as best as I can for you - there is a clear answer. First, it is important that I point out, that Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:20, that: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. This verse declares to us that when we seek to find the meaning of the Bible in a particular verse, we must consider the other Scriptures, too. So, to start off, let's consider what Jesus is talking about in the chapter where this is found. The background of this conversation is found in Matthew 24:3, and we see that the disciples had asked Him a question: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? They wanted to know what was going to happen in the future - it was not a question that dealt with salvation. Jesus answer was rather lengthy, but, still, He was answering their question. He starts off by telling them of terrible events, almost inconceivably destructive events, in the history of the Jewish nation - and of the world. Remember that the hope of the Jews was a Kingdom in which their Messiah would reign and bring peace to the earth, and would make Jerusalem the capital. They thought that Christ was going to establish His Kingdom soon. This bad news was not what they were looking for. Christ was talking about the events in the world - and His emphasis was that they would come to an end. His Kingdom will not fail to one day rule over the whole earth. God would be faithful, was Christ's point. This verse in question dealt with this matter. Although terrible times will come - they have an end. The day will come when there is no more trouble. In fact, He was saying, whatever believer is alive, at the end of these times - will come to the end of these troubles - they will be "saved" from these, and all other, troubles. There will never be another time of trouble, after they come to the end of this time He speaks of - the Tribulation. It is the last. Then comes the long awaited Kingdom that will fulfill all then prophecies relating to it - a real time of peace. As you can see, the key to interpreting this verse (and there are other verses that are similar, over which other's are confused) is simply knowing the context that surrounds the verse. But there is another thing that will help us to come to a proper interpretation of the Word of God. Secondly, in order to interpret correctly, there are two other principles that apply here. a. Know that the Scriptures do not contradict themselves. God has a perfect mind, without any failings or shortcomings. He knew what He wanted to say in each verse of Scripture. So, with that in mind, we understand that every verse is the words of God. No verse can contradict another verse. Often, as we read the Bible, what we find, are verses that seem to say something contrary to another verse somewhere else. The truth is that we need to pray for God's light, and study to find out about what God meant in each case. The fault is not with Scripture, but in our failure to properly understand the context, the one who is speaking, the hearers (saved, or unsaved; Israel, or the Church), the geography, etc. The Bible is like a gold mine, but its truth requires some work to get to - when pieces are found and understood, it is worth more than gold! b. Know that we should never interpret any verse whose meaning is uncertain, and taking that verse and use it to cloud the meaning of other verses that are very clear. God does not desire that we be uncertain concerning the status of our salvation. He has very plainly said, in Acts 16:31: And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. To add conditions to this verse, is to add more than what God said. Concerning this, He gives us a warning in Proverbs 30:6: Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. From other clear verses we see that "believe" includes understanding a certain set of facts - the Gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ). Other clear verses teach that repentance is a part of genuine belief. "Repentance" simply refers to a change of mind about the way we feel about our sin. So, if anyone truly repents and believes on Christ alone for their salvation - God says it, they are saved. Consider what God said here in I John 5:12: He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (5:13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Well, I hope that this has helped. I have also tried to give some thoughts that might help in your further study of God's Word. I hope that this will also help your friend. Mike Valles, Evangelist
Q. Hi there, Timmy! Help me out here, please! We have had questions in Sunday School about a passage in Hebrews 6. Now you know me well enough to know that I am a FIRM believer in eternal salvation, but I just wonder what you think about my take on this scripture and what your take is, please. Here is the scripture. By the way, I LOVE your KJV online! So nice to be able to cut and paste!!! Incidentally, Timmy, this particular scripture was VERY troubling to me in college and seminary, and I had a seminary prof who used this scripture to try to prove that one could be saved and lost again and never be saved again. What say you? Am I hitting the nail on the head here? Is there anything else I can share with the lady who asked this question: by the way, in our Bible studies on Tuesdays, David does a GREAT job of teaching (We're in Ephesians, and were looking at Ephesians 2: 8-10 yesterday), but he allows for some good discussion, too, and we have some really sharp Christians in the group! {6:1} Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, {6:2} Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. {6:3} And this will we do, if God permit. {6:4} For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, {6:5} And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, {6:6} If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame. David did an excellent job of sharing LOTS of eternal security scriptures in the Tuesday morning Bible study yesterday, but asked to study a bit this week before really responding to this particular passage: I noted that we need to remember about whom and TO whom this scripture is written: the HEBREWS, Jews (although I also noted that many others find themselves in the same position). I said that they had indeed had the Messiah right in front of their faces and knew exactly what it would take to receive eternal life. They come SO close to salvation and even think they want it, but then back away, to the point that even though they may have a form or repentance (being sorry that they have sinned, but not enough to change directions, which is what true repentance is!). They were close enough to salvation to "taste" it, but refused to really "eat" (i.e., accept it). What say you, Brother? Thanks for helping us out here! Love always, David and Dwan A. The big question here is "if they should fall away" acting if they had never been saved Dwan. If you will note in verse 4, Paul said: "It Is Impossible". In otherwords He is saying "it is impossible, but if it were possible for them to fall away"... Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Paul was giving an example of what if, so to speak. He is definatly not saying it is possible to fall away. Your dear husband was doing well when he taught on the scripture covering eternal security. When we read the scriptures, we need to understand that the Bible is always specific about whatever subject it covers and we need to take full context of that particular subject. As you well know this is rightly dividing the word of truth. 2nd Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. As you requested over the phone, please find below a more indepth dividing of the word. For ease of study I'll highlight the key phrases as I did above.
Timothy
Q. Are gay people going to be allowed in heaven? [Anon] A. An interesting question. The Thorndike Barnhart Comprehensive Desk Dictionary defines gay as:
Which definition do you wish me to use? No, I'm not dumb nor am I ignoring the question. I just want you to really know what the root of this word is. Today we use this term for homosexual. Until this moment I didn't know the full connotations of the definition until I read definition #4. The word dissipated means (from the same dictionary) "Indulging too much in evil or foolish pleasures" and the word immoral means "morally wrong; wicked". The words used for homosexuality in the Bible are sodomite or effeminate and in Romans the term used for homosexuality is "leaving the natural use of the woman". This act is an abomination in the sight of the Lord because it goes against the nature (natural use) God had created for us.
But the real question here is really can a homosexual be saved from hell? The Bible says: 2nd Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. This tells us that anyone can be saved but only if they repent of thier sins. Again, I give you the definition of a word. The word is repentance. It means to change your mind of doing evil and stop doing it. Can a homosexual be saved? Yes, but afterwards he is no longer a homosexual. 1st Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Please believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Now, to speak of rights. You have the right to do anything lawful that you so desire according to the Constitution of the United States if you are an American citizen. I would give my life to preserve that right you have as an American. As for God, He also gives us the free will to choose to do whatever we want. It's all about choices. Jesus said we have a choice and I hope that if you haven't you will choose what the Savior is offering.
[Timothy] R E S P O N C E B E L O W Q: Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have a friend that is homosexual...a very kind, giving, loving, Christian. In many eyes this person has very few faults. Almost the perfect Christian life. I would call this person a true Christian before I would call many of my called "Christian" friends that are not homosexual. Will this lifestyle keep them out of heaven. He has felt this way since he was a small child and we have talked many hours about it. He said if he had choice he would not have wanted to be born like this just because it is different from others. He's tried to change and be like us but it is a terrible battle within. So he gave in and is trying to live the best Christian life in all other area's. Is being that was just a sin...like all other sins? But you're saying God will still not let him in heaven? [Anon] A. I think you missed the point of the answer. What I am saying is that once someone has been born again they should no longer desire to be sinful. Also, when someone is born again they ARE on their way to heaven and nothing is going to stop their entry.(John10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.) For instance, when someone is a homosexual and then comes to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus, they have accepted the free gift of salvation. A new nature has then been planted in them and the desire to be a homosexual should then leave them. But this also is a choice the same as accepting Jesus as their Savior. It is then up to them to turn away from the old ways and pick up the Lords ways.
So then there are two possibilities here.
If the case is that of #1 then this person really needs to be genuinely born again. If then the case is that of #2 then things are not going to get rosey here. You have to understand that God will not create a creature to be something and then forbid them to be what He created. That would be perposteous. God will not create a man or woman to be a homosexual and then tell them they aren't allowed to be homosexual. Why would the He create someone to be an abomination only to condemn them for what God Himself had done. Ain't gonna happen. To say such is blasphemy! God doesn't make mistakes and He destroyed two entire cities because of this abomination. (Genesis 19:1-29)
If this person is really born again and then returned to homosexuality they are about to face chastisment of the Lord. Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. And if this person will not repent and is a child of God he or she is doing what they know is sin and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)! James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. I can tell from your letters that you love your friend with a godly love as do I. I hope this helps you in some way. If not, I'll continue in prayer to answer your questions until you can better understand. [Timothy]
Q. Is it possible for a person who is a practicing Catholic to find God's salvation to eternal life from within the Roman Catholic church? [Len] A. Len, finding Salvation can happen anywhere. The Lord said: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. In other words, Salvation comes from being a believer, contrary to what you may have been told. There aren’t any rituals or ceremonies that have to be preformed. Just simple belief. Now, what are we to believe:
Now, are being a practicing catholic and following the scriptures two different things? Do you really believe that if there is error in the church you are in that you can serve God well? Some would say yes, I can't honestly answer that for you. If being in the catholic church and trying to follow the scriptures is impossible, that would cause confusion and God is not the author of confusion! 1st Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Besides, and I say this in love, Jesus has already told you to come out of her (the RCC) Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. I would suggest you read the 17th & 18th chapters of Revelation for yourself and see if anything in this description rings a bell or looks familiar. One last thing that you might also want to consider. Once you are saved there is no one who can take your salvation away from you. Consider these scriptures: John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one. & Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. I thought I would mention this in leu of the fact that it is said that a priest can remove your salvation. Rubish... Please feel free to email back with any other questions. OK? I'm sure you will most likely have some. Your servant in Christ Jesus, The Parson
Q. When one receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is that the time one is baptized with the Holy Ghost? [Doug] A. Yes it is. The word baptise means to immerse. This literally means that when we're saved our soul is immersed in the Holy Spirit. This is the process of sealing us unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. And there is not a more powerful seal anywhere. This is the process that Jesus explained about us not ever being plucked out of His hand. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one. This sort of puts a kink in the theory of us being able to loose our salvation, doesn't it??? [Timothy]
Q. If someone believes in Christ the Lord , follows his teachings, but has no faith in any human leader, can he get into heaven? [Kevin] A. Yes Kevin, you can be saved without having faith in any human leader. That human leader needs the Savior the same as you and I do! You do need to understand that there are two distinctly different realizations there. If you believe "IN" the Lord Jesus then you are believing in His existence and purpose. There is just one further step there! You also have to believe "ON" the Lord Jesus Christ, then you are trusting Him to be Lord of your life and He will save you from hell. John:3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. First you must come to the realization that He is the Lamb of God, the final sacrifice for our sins. Then you need to come to the realization that He is the only way to be saved from hell! John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. That last verse by the way should answer the last part of your question there: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. I don't care if the pope or anyone else say's that you must go through them to get to heaven. The Savior say's otherwise in this verse! Does this answer your question? [Timothy]
Q. Dear Brother in Christ-- Could you answer a question that has some of us here in New Jersey are debating about? Is it once saved always saved? A short but very important question. Thanks so much, May God Bless you and your ministry. [Keith] A. Keith, yes it is "Once Saved Always Saved"! There's alot of folks out there who are having trouble separating the Spiritual from the natural. Your very short question warrants a very long answer so just bear with me here. What exactly do you believe is saved when we are Saved? Is it this natural body? No this body is sin and God will not have any part of that! Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. This flesh has to be killed off daily so that the sweet Holy Spirit can work in us. Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: & 1st Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. In other words we are to keep the flesh from sinning by spiritually killing it off daily. Romans 12:1 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. Is it this mind of mine? No, it's tied to a carnal body and therefore subject to being carnal! Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. & Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. & Romans12:2 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. Then what is it that is Saved??? The only thing left that can be saved is your soul! James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. & James 5:20 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. & Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. & 1st Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Jesus was tried to get Nicodemus to understand this and like many today, he just couldn't get past his carnal mind! John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. :3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. We are reborn in spirit, something this carnal mind and body cannot corrupt because once born again we are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. I have many times wondered why Ephesians 4:30 has been ignored by so many! If the Holy Spirit come into us to dwell are we mighty enough to remove the seal that He's placed on us? Another question I have for you is answered plainly in one of the answers below. Jesus said: John 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one. Is anyone, (including ourselves) able to pluck us from His hands??? Now, I would guess that some of you would ask, "How on earth could we be saved and still sin"? Well, if you are child of God, you won't get away with unrepented sin for long! Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? So I ask you, if it were possible that we loose our salvation, would that make us stronger then God? I mean, Jesus said: and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand! Didn't he? [Timothy]
Q. How do I get Saved? [Anon] A. I love this question, whoever you are!
Simple enough for a child to understand, isn't it? Believe this as a child would believe and you have found Salvation. [Timothy]
Q. A person accepts Jesus as Saviour, and says the prayer of salvation. Then, lives in the same way they did before... pretty much forgetting about the saving experience. Are they going to Heaven? [Keith Hafner] A. Someone who accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will not forget their Salvation! They may loose (misplace) their first Love (stray from the Lord), but the Salvation received can never be forgotten nor lost. The Holy Spirit which now lives in the reborn won't let them forget! Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Reading the passages above, one might wonder what the Lord is talking about when He says "repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Would you believe that a Christian can become so useless to the Lord that he would just bring them on home? There is something called THE SIN UNTO DEATH. Simply put, the Lord may just as well bring home a servant who refuses to serve Him and as for an accounting! 1st John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. Then again it's also possible that this individual was never saved. Only they and the Lord knows! [Timothy]
Q. What is the difference between being saved and being baptized and accepting the lord in your life, once you accept him into your life should mean he will always be with you? [Anon] A. Salvation is not a hard thing to comprehend. Romans10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Salvation is being saved from your sins by accepting the sacrifice the Lord Jesus made for us and taking Him into our heart as our Lord! Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Notice the order! Teach them of Jesus and then Baptize them! Being baptized is an outward expression (testimony) of how the Lord buried the old sinful man and raised up a new creature! In Acts we see where Paul came across some of Johns disciples who had not yet heard of Jesus death, burial and resurrection and how that Jesus had freed them from the condemnation of the Law. They heard, they believed and then they were baptized. Acts:19:1: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. So to answer your question, accepting the "Lord into your life" and "being Saved" are one and the same. Baptism is the outward showing (symbolic) to the world of that Salvation. And last, yes, it means that the Lord will always be with you! He said it Himself! Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. You can't get any plainer than that! [Timothy]
Q. Does one have to believe in all the right things to be saved? Or can one just experience the Spirit of Christ in his or her life after answering the invitation of a minister of the gospel? [Lee j.] A. How can a sinner know all things of the Spirit unless they have experienced a Re-Birth? When Nicodemus came to the Lord to ask him about the wonders and miracles He had preformed the Savior quite plainly told him what he had to do to understand what was going on! John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Notice what Jesus said: Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.To see the Kingdom of God you must be part of it. Nicodemus had not at that time accepted the re-birth so his response to the Lord was: John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? He didn't understand! This man must have had a learned education because of his position as a ruler of the Jews but he just couldn't grasp it! The Lord, knowing this quite frankly told him that unless he experience a Re-Birth (be Born Again) He can't understand. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? Find the Lord and His Salvation and the rest will come to you through the Spirit! Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [Timothy]
Q. Can a person be un-born again? [Larry Weems] A. Simply put, NO!!!!!!! Once you accept Jesus as your personal Savior then you are no longer your own! 1st Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. & 1st Corinthians 7:22: For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. Now then, once you are paid for, you are in the hands of the Father and the Savior told us in John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one. Again it is asked and again I proclaim the Gospel to you. It seems that you must not be understanding this. Those that would believe that we are strong enough in ourselves to wiggle away from our God must think that we worship a God that only does things in a haphazard, incomplete way. No, when God does something, it is forever! Read the passages above and the answers below. The scriptures are clear on this matter and to doubt what God has said in His Word is to call God a lier. NO WAY, NO HOW, NOT IN A ZILLION YEARS CAN WE BECOME UNSAVED ONCE WE HAVE BECOME A CHILD OF GOD! Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; Jesus said "IT IS FINISHED" on the Cross! Do you believe what He did has to be repeated over and over again? Hebrews 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. [Timothy]
Q. My question has to do with being saved. I am very confused. As a child I had a Christian upbringing but in recent months I have been drawn back to the church. I joined and church and began reading my Bible daily. The more I read the more I felt my church was letting me down. I don't want to go to church to hear about crime on the streets and and people on drugs. I want to hear the word of GOD. There are also so many gospels around that I began to get confused. So I stopped going to church, but I continue to read my Bible. I have accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour, but I don't know if I am saved? I read and I read and I pray and I pray but it seems to me that I still am concerned about things of this world. I recognize all blessings received and I sometimes feel very close to GOD but I continue to question my spiritual rebirth. I recently heard a radio evangelist say, "man can not save himself, only GOD can save man." Does GOD somehow let us know when we are saved? Or, do we just take it on faith that because we have asked and accepted Christ it is so? [Carolyne Swayze] A. Carolyne, don't be confused. Salvation is a very simple thing to understand. Simply put, set aside your worldly mind and with the faith of a child, accept that Jesus had to die for your sins. Accept that He hung on the cross as the Perfect Sacrifice to God so that if you call on Him, He will save you.
You yourself said that "I have accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour". So take the Lord at his Word. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
It's not a sin to wonder about your salvation. The Devil is quite capable of lieing to you and causing you to doubt. Just go to the Lord in prayer and ask him to strengthen your faith. Also, don't give up on finding a church! You need to be under the preaching of the Word. You also need, the same as myself and all other Christians, to be where you can fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. And also Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Pray to God that he show you a place where you can worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. There are still Bible believing, Blood washed, Spirit filled assemblies out there. The Lord will lead you to a place where you can hear the Gospel. Email me if you are having trouble finding one and I'll try to help. I can't express the importance of being with Gods people. I will end this answer with a verse that might be of help to you: 1st John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. [Timothy]
Q. Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Parson, does this text mean a Christian can lose their salvation? If it doesn't mean that, what does it mean? [Billy:)] A. By no means does it mean we can loose our Salvation. Paul was saying - "what if"! He was telling them that if this could happen, what would have to be done over and over again. As a matter of fact, this selection of Pauls writings is one of the most difinate ways of understanding total and complete Salvation. Once Saved, always Saved if you will. Why don;t we look at the preceding scriptures! Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit. Notice in verse 1 Paul says; not laying again the foundation of repentance. Why should we have to constantly rebuild the "WORK" that was done by the Savior when He has already completed it perfectly! Why not read this entire page and see if it doesn't shed some light on your question. [Timothy]
Q. What exactly does the word "saved" mean? And how can we absolutely without a shadow of a doubt, know that we are accepted by God and:or are true Christians? [Anon] A. Saved means that we are relieved of the punishment we deserve. You see, God is a Righteous God. He cannot look upon sin. We have inherited this sin from our grandparents, Adam & Eve. Because of their transgression, we are under the curse of sin. Genesis 3:22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 3:23 Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Christ came to set things right: Galations 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. For us to know that we are accepted by God we have to believe the promise made to us by Jesus Christ, John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 6:36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. Jesus also told us in John 10:30 I and my Father are one. And if he is one with the Father he cannot an will not lie. Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. As for knowing that we have received eternal salvation, read this: 1st John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Have you received this kind of love in your heart? Now, I make this statement because I know you and care for you! Put aside your doubts and just simply believe. There is no greater promise than the promises of God. Quit doubting him and his Word and simply believe. OK? God loves you enough to sacrifice His Blessed Son, Jesus Christ so that you may be a child of the Living God! John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. And - John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [Timothy]
Q. My question is, What exactly happened when Christ bore our sins on the cross? How can God and sin coexist at that point? [Anon] A. Jesus came to us as 100% God and 100% man. Don't ask me to explain how that happened, I just believe in faith. We also know that He was one with God, John10:30 I and my Father are one. which made him God the Son. When Jesus was on the cross, God the Father had to turn his back on Him (Jesus) because God the Father could and would not look upon sin. Do you remember where Jesus prayed to God Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? This is when God left his perfect Sacrifice on the Altar. Yes, God could turn his back on the Son because it was necessary to pay the price for our sins. That is exactly what happened. This you really have to look at with the eyes of Faith. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [Timothy]
Q. Where in the bible do I find the passage about Bring the little children onto me (baptising) [Alice] A. No where that I can find! There are some churches that say a child has to be baptized but this is just not scriptural. When we come to Jesus Christ to be cleansed from our sins (Saved) we are to come as little children because this is the way of the Kingdom of God. Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. These churches that say that when you are a baby you are "Baptized" into the church are missing the mark. The Savior said in John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? When you are "Born Again" Then is the time to be baptized because then you are a new born baby in Christ Jesus. [Timothy]
Q. Why does God let little children and babies suffer? The person I am witnessing to keeps asking me this question. I would like to hear how you would answer this question. [Alfred Stephens] A. He doesn't let them suffer. Pain and suffering of the innocents is not Gods will. Mankind was born under the curse that was of man's own doing, not Gods. The minute we are born we begin to die and suffer because of mans own sin nature. Disease, Poverty, Pestilence, Greed, Envy, Strife, Murder, and any of the other things that make our life unpleasant are the product of sin. I know that it is hard for some of us to look at the little ones and believe that there is sin about them but they have inherited it from us. To understand the curse, read Genesis chapter three. As I said, we are born dieing. We are perishing because of the curse! But tell your friend that there is a way out of the curse and that is Jesus Christ. He took that old sin nature of mans and placed it on his bleeding, lassarated back and took it to the cross. So now that if we believe that he did this for us and accept it we are free from the punishment that is truly ours because of the curse. He paid the price. Now consider this. Every time that there was a great persecution of the children, God moved! When the children of Israel were in bondage in Egypt and Pharoah heard that there would be a deliverer (Moses) he started killing the children. God moved in delivering the children of Israel and plagues came upon Egypt. Exodus 1:15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwifes, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: 1:16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. 1:17 But the midwifes feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. When the birth of Christ was foretold, Harrod proclaimed that the children were to be killed just as Pharoah had done in Egypt, and God Moved. Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. He came forth and brought the Messiah! That same Messiah made it possible to finally be free from the total payment of the curse. Explain to this person you are witnessing to that the persecution and suffering of the children certainly will not last long as far as Gods timeclock is concerned! God will deal with it in his way and be assured that it will be the right way. God loves us even though we are contained in the body of sin. His judgment is the ultimate justice. I cannot see that He will allow the murdering of unborn babies, the child pornography, the child abuse, and the suffering of the innocents to last very much longer! He is a Just and Holy God. Children are held in high esteem by the Lord in the fact that we are to use them as our model when coming to the Lord for our salvation! If the Lord holds them in this high of esteem we truly know that he is not going to let their suffering continue! Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 10:16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. And also using them as an example calling someone who is one of his own a child or little one, the Lord warned what would happen to them who offended or hurt them. Luke17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Let us know if this helps you with your answer. If not, we will go deeper until you have all that you need. [Wayne and Timothy]
Q. For whom was Christ a substitute? Was his ransom a payment given for every human? [Rick Taron] A. Yours, mine and everyone who accepts it! Christ was the sacrificial lamb for all of us because he was the only righteous, clean and pure sacrifice that God would accept. Yes, the payment he made is beyond any riches and as far as God was concerned, once he paid the price for sin, it was complete and total! No other payment is required. That if we were to try to offer ourselves as the sacrifice, it would be unaccepted by God! Christ was the substitute for us all! But here is the kicker! We have to accept that he was the only price that could be paid and give ourselves completely to him! Lets let the scriptures speak for themselves on this matter! Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 53:10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Q. On the once-saved-always-saved theory how do you answer someone that was saved as a teen but does not live to any standard. Parties multiple marriages children from husbands and boyfriends with no thought of change. If asked to sit down with a Bible friend or pastor this lady replies I am saved on the the Bible as once-saved-always-saved so it does not matter what I do on earth I reserved my place in heaven as a teen. I do believe this person believes in Jesus but does not want to give up the human pleasures. I need scripture to help her want to change. [Anon] A. As you can read in the answer below this one, I believe very strongly in the Once Saved Always Saved question. But it sounds to me like your friend is treading on thin ice. Look closely at your friend. Does it seem that she has misfortune following her or does she have an easy life? If the answer is the latter then it might seem that the chastising hand of God is not upon her. We read in Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. If she is a born again child of God, There should at least be some form of sorrow for what she is doing. And if she was actually born again then something is going to happen sooner or later to make her see that this is not the kind of behavior God expects from one of his own. Remember the passage that reminds us what it is like to go against God. Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; [Timothy]
Q. Can you tell me the basis in the Bible for the Once-saved-always-saved theology [Anon] A. It is not theory! It is FACT!!!! We are bought and paid for with a price. That price was the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. We do not belong to the world, or ourselves after we ask Jesus to come into our hearts and become our Lord! The bible says in 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. And consider the Creator of the universe! That he sent his Son to come into this world to pay the price for our sins. How much power do you think was in that sacrifice? Was there only enough to save us conditionally or once and for all? Why should he have to die over and over again? That would make the resurrection have to be repeated over and over again! [Hebrews 6] Our God and Savior is well able to keep us once he has us. There is nothing that can take us from him as we see in John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Q. Is baptism necessary for salvation [Anon] A. No, water baptism is a demonstration of your obedience to God. If baptism were necessary for salvation, then our Lord's words to the man who died on the cross next to him were untrue and we know that isn't right! Lets read the account, Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. This man didn't have time to be baptized and yet the Lord himself told him that To day shalt thou be with me in paradise! Some of us can get leagalistic and forget that there is also the baptism of the Holy Spirit which takes place after we are saved. Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: This is one of the issues where we as Christians seem to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel! Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. You can't get no plainer than that! Yes I do believe that we have to be baptized, but it is an act of obedience and a symbol of down with the old sinful man and up with the new cleansed man. Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
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