Living a Holy Life
Living a Holy Life
Living a Holy Life
By Dan L Baxley
Still working on this --- May 4, 2024
This is a small message to me, the author, more of a personal reminder to myself about living a truly Holy Life -- but it seemed appropriate to share with others -- I have spent 80+ years figuring this out, that is, for my self. So, this is advice to myself, and it is hoped that this might be of benefit to anyone else, looking to live a Holy Life -- then so much the better. Of course, for some this will be too much, and for others it will not be enough -- after all, we seem to be living in the time where everyone does what they think is right in their own eyes -- Judge 17:16 -- true then, true today. We need to find out what the Word says, really, not what we think because what we think is, apart from our Lord's instructions and that of His Apostles, we are not different than those before us, before our Lord and Savior came. Yes, to save us, to give us the gift of Salvation, as we await His return. But, what do we do in the meantime, as we live in these bodies of flesh and bone? We still share in a condition that all men and women have shared -- same impulses and temptations --
Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.Pro 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.(Pro 30:12) There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Hence, we hear this comment, more and more all the time, "Your truth", and "My truth". Talk about confusion. So, for me, I thought I would take a look at this and see "What is My truth"? Turns out, it is NOT "my truth", or "your truth" that I am looking for, but HIS TRUTH. Fist things first, this could all begin with a firm acceptance of His Ten Commandment -- as simple as that.
And there is this business of OVERCOMING -- overcoming would mean that we work on Living a Holy Life. After all, to "overcome" something, take effort. -- but, what is it we are to overcome?
1Jn 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of the FATHER: every spirit who confesses that YaHshua the messiah has come in the flesh is of the FATHER, 3 and every spirit who doesn't confess that YaHshua the messiah has come in the flesh is not of the FATHER, and this is the spirit of the Anti Christ, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.1Jn 4:4 You are of the FATHER, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world. (Overcome them who object or deny His Name, a Name that Identifies our true Savior)1Jn 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.1Jn 4:6 We are of the FATHER. He who knows the FATHER listens to us. He who is not of the FATHER doesn't listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of the FATHER, that we keep His commandments . His commandments are not grievous.1Jn 5:4 For whatever is born of the FATHER overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.1Jn 5:5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that YaHshua is the Son of the FATHER?
Rev 3:5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his (your) name before My FATHER, and before His angels.
Rev 3:6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies (congregations, churches) .Why replace the therm God with Father? Because, in most cases, when the term for Theos, or Diety, from the Greek of Latin or God are used in the New Testament, it is in reference to The Father, and by making this clear we see something many miss in translation -- that God The Father is the Power behind everything even YaHshua our Savior -- 2 Pet 1:17 -- see examples from the King James below the verses quoted:
Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord YaHshua the Christ,Gal 1:4-5 Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Some say it is to "obey" the Law. Now, do not make the mistake others have made -- including myself at one time in my journey. Do not say the Law is Old Covenant and we are New covenant, so the Law is, well, set aside, and then go about replacing the LAW delivered by YaHWeH Himself, with other rules and regulations and laws of obedience -- even the replacement of Holy Days with religious "holidays". The hypocrisy is chilling when you think about it. Much of Christianity has replaced the Laws, that is, Commandments, written by the finger of God Himself with other doctrines and rules, and laws of religious obligations -- taking captives for profit.
That aside, back to the initial question -- what is it that we are to overcome? Read the following from a modern translation the WEB version and compare with the KJV. Notes were added to update what Peter said, and still says what is fitting for us today, as we are the witnesses covering nearly 2,000 years bearing His truth:
2Pe 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Lord (YaHshua) who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. (Nearly 2,000 years later? Everything being equal on the eternal side, on this side, in the physical realm, each person only has a time space of less than 100 years. The centuries before are a number amounting to less than 2 days, or less on the eternal side -- in personal time, compared to all other time, the destruction those false teachers are bringing on themselves is certainly coming quickly. He does not delay as some count, delay -- 2 Pet 3:9 -- His time is the real time, our is but second, even less than that -- 2 Pet 3:8)2Pe 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned.2Pe 2:3 In covetousness (greediness, fraudulence) they will exploit (sell you out for money) you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn't linger, and their destruction will not slumber (They are being noticed -- but not stopped, yet -- it is up to you to overcome them, not letting those who have crept in as wolves to make hay of you, that they should "overcome you, but you them. How? By knowing the Word yourself -- 1 Tim 2:15 -- this does not mean you disrupt or try to take charge -- 1 Thes 4:11 -- but like the Bereans in the first century, setting and example for us -- Acts 17:11)2Pe 2:4 For if the FATHER didn't spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Hell (Earth - Rev 12:9), and committed them to pits of darkness (Jude 1:6), to be reserved for judgment; 5 and didn't spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man dwelling among them, was tormented in his righteous soul from day to day with seeing and hearing lawless deeds): 9 the Lord knows how to deliver the Godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment; 10 but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries; 11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, don't bring a railing judgment against them before the Lord.2Pe 2:12 But these, as unreasoning creatures, born natural animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed, 13 receiving the wages of unrighteousness; people who count it pleasure to revel in the daytime, spots and blemishes, revelling in their deceit while they feast with you; 14 having eyes full of adultery, and who can't cease from sin; enticing unsettled souls; having a heart trained in greed; children of cursing; 15 forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing; 16 but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a man's voice and stopped the madness of the prophet. (The preacher, Balaam, knowing better, worked for money, letting greed rule over his better sense -- he is but an example. Why is the faith spoke evil of? For the examples set in the open, on public display, one master preacher after another found to be living just as described. We could make a list of names, but the list is much greater and more complete in the books being kept in Heaven -- how strange too, that those who would harp on the sin they see in the Churches are themselves full of immorality, living as the children of Satan, doing his bidding -- for even as in the days of Noah, only 8 souls survived the judgement of that day -- Mat 7:13-14)2Pe 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.2Pe 2:18 For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; 19 promising them liberty, while they themselves are bond servants of corruption; for a man is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes him. (If you overcome them, then your are the overcomer and have the power over those who would use and abuse you, not in the flesh but in and by His Spirit in you -- We must "overcome" their deception, not letting them overcome us)2Pe 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior YaHshua the messiah, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. (But, do these deceivers see this? Those deniers of His true Identity, calling on another, do they know it? Some do, and apparently, some deceivers believe their own deceptions -- deceiving and being deceived -- 1 Timothy 3:13)2Pe 2:22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns to his own vomit again," and "the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire." (HOLY COMMANDMENT? REPENT = )2Pe 2:21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YaHshua the Anointed for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. (This is exactly what His Apostles did, and from them we have their writings, their witness that his was done. And then what happened? The wolves came in and scattered the sheep, even replacing our Lord's Identity with "another" --Mat 4:17 From that time YaHshua began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (This was and still is out Lord YaHshua's Holy Commandment to us -- to everyone. See how this changes when you restore His Birth Name?)
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My Truth, or, Your Truth? How About, Their Truth?
Funny, I never really thought about that -- My truth thingy -- but we hear that type of talk more and more -- Your truth, my truth -- how about Your Stupid, My stupid? Sometimes, I "think", we can be the joke.
Being a Bible based kinda guy, Truth has always been the Word -- The Book that serious believers see as inspired and good for proof and reproof, like a source of Real Truth, trusting what it says, over and above what any person, man, woman, transgender, homosexual, cat person, dog person, snake, or beast person says.
Rom 3:3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?
Rom 3:4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
If the Word says something is wrong, then it is wrong -- simple. Apparently not so simple for some. Not to get into all of the various reasons and excuses for why history is filled with so many killings and torturing others for "their truth" -- what it really comes down to is that human nature, like spoiled babies want their own, self-centered way, no matter who is hurt. by not keeping this evil in check, liars, cheats, killers and thieves run rampant, as in -- the Heathen rage. This small investigation is going to "blindly", yes, "blindly" accept the Hebrew/Christian Bible as the source of real truth, as the INSPIRED Words of the Living God -- for all mankind -- His TRUTH, not yours, or their's, but His. So, don't fight me over this, this is my choice, My Truth, if you will -- and if you don't like it? Well, I just don't care. I do, really, but seeing that we are all liars compared to His Word, I cannot trust you any more than I can trust myself. His Word and words, if hear, will correct me, and for those rare times of indecision (rare?) His Spirit will see me through, I do pray.
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A Living Sacrifice -- A Reasonable Service:
Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
First:
Let's be clear -- as soon as you give up your right to question, honor, respect, of course, but stop questioning and just accepting whatever you are told, is when you become susceptible to those who would make merchandise, that if profit, from you and others doing the same. We see this all the time. Remember that old phrase, "Bending to peer pressure"? When that happens you then know that the groups you are with have given up their direction and are operating like a Hive as opposed to Children of The Living God. Not joining the hive put YaHshua on the Cross, and His disciples into hiding. The Hive that formed at Jerusalem became the poorest of all the believers in community, and was eventually, completely destroyed. Others were driven into hiding and nearly 300 years of hiding in the wilderness, so to speak, reemerged as something totally different, becoming the State Religion of the Roman Empire. We can rely on only one thing to Unify the Children of the Living God -- His Holy Spirit, in Him, through Him, and the Father, and only by our Repentance and confess -- for all who do not Confess In His Name are of the AntiChirsts.
We see that this message of repentance is to everyone, specifically to the Gentile-- non-Israeli -- and Israel/Judah too, but how many times do the Jewish people need to be witnessed to? Even Paul gave up on them -- Paul is in Roman, speaking to Romans, Roman gentiles, who have become or are interested in becoming followers of YaHshua. Everyone outside of the Chosen Nation of people, Israel/Judah, are called "gentiles", heathens, pagan, everyone else -- this includes all other religious groups and nations and people -- everyone outside of the Chosen Nation of People are GENTILES. We must understand this. Why? Because, it is the people of Israel/Judah with whom a Covenant was made. This covenant included ways to live a Holy Life in a Nation, or as a Nation. This Covenant included personal direction as well as national, and Civil Law -- these instructions, became the Constitution by which the people of Israel and Judah agreed to conduct themselves, and the Leaders, from the Kings on down, would accept as common to all.
These Covenant Rules include, not only personal rules and Laws to govern personal conduct, but rules and regulations governing animal sacrifice, something all of the nations were doing to their gods, but for the Chosen people, things had to be different even having to mean something more -- like pointing toward the One who would end this endless flow of blood. And to that we can say, HalleluYaH. ***
A New Covenant was introduced, a Covenant dating back to before Israel -- a Covenant made with a man called Abram, whose name would be changed after the confirming of this Covenant, to Abraham, a Covenant of Promises. This Covenant with Abraham was passed on to all Israel but with some additions, all of which were spoken to, delivered, to the people with each amended version -- first at the foot of Mount Sinai, and later at the end of Joshua's entering the Holy Land, and both times the people pledged their willingness to accept the Covenant as a people, as a nation. Of course, while individuals may have stayed pure to the Agreement, the nation as a whole did not. Does Israel observe this Covenant today? No, they do not. There are some groups, like the Hebrew Roots movement who work to restore the Old Covenant, and teach that we should live by the Old Covenant, something that is impossible to do. For one thing, according to the Covenant we as believers in YaHshua as our only hope to Salvation, has, by His lone sacrifice put an end to animal sacrificing. The Old Covenant, still requires the blood of bulls, sheep and goats. Learn from the Old? Yes, but trying to put the New into the Old? Our Lord had something to say about this very thing
Mat 9:17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wine skins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wine skins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wine skins, and both are preserved."
That last part is missed by most who quote this when discussing the Old and the New Covenants -- you do not mix, one with the other, and both survive, side by side. But, still, men try to pour the New into the Old. And yet, by the Word, both are supposed to be able to live side by side, at least for now. History show, however, that men just will not allow for the pure teaching found in the Truth of His Word. Why would the Old be preserved if we have the New? Because the old has value, great value, for it is from the Old Wine that the New came to be. In the New Testament writings, we have some 400 direct quotes from the Old -- that is, of course speaking from the point of view of a follower of YaHshua as Messiah and Savior. A Jewish person of faith, may not see the covenant Moses oversaw, as Old in the sense of being replaced. But, as mentioned, even in the Gospel writings, the Messiah, YaHshua, and His disciples quoted from the Old Testament, a lot.
Those of Israel already have a pattern set before them defining a Holy Life -- The Torah -- That is the first five Books of te Law, that contained what Moses wrote and was given to give to the people of Israel. This is usually recognized as the First Five Books of the Hebrew Bible. Finding it near impossible for them, as a nation of people to stay within the confines of the Covenant contained in the Torah, and as opportunity presented itself, opportunity that even the Torah hinted at, and too that the Prophetic writings declared, (if they had eyes to see, and ears to hear) but having clouded minds, they missed one of the biggest opportunities of all time -- the First Coming of their Messiah, whom they rejected. But, to be clear, their God, our God, had thrown a veil over their minds, causing them to stumble, and thus making it possible for gentiles like us to come into the fold of His righteousness, as a gift to us, but in the New Wine Skins. Nothing that we had earned, but a gift, making their, that is Israel/Judah essentially, a sacrifice, as a nation of people, for us, as we become a nation of gentile believers that will stand, or should stand, as the New Wine in the New Skin, while they, in rejecting YaHshua, stand still, in the Old Wine. Their failure became our win.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Does not come about by repentance -- a gift -- and will not be withdrawn -- He said it, so it is.)Rom 11:28 As concerning the Gospel, they (Israel) are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake.
(Rom 11:30) For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.Rom 11:32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.
They could have experienced something better, but at a pivotal moment in their history, they chose not to accept the One sent to them -- but, this was our Heavenly Father's plan, not only working out their salvation, but ours too. A few individuals did accept YaHshua as Messiah and Savior, but as a nation they chose to allow those over them, in the flesh, to hang their Savior, our Savior, along with the help of the Civil government of Rome, on the execution Cross, as if He were a common thief or murderer. This, however, opened up the door of acceptance to, for, the Gentile populations. But, remember, their judgement was clouded as determined by our creator and this for our sake -- to allow a way for us too, to enter the Kingdom of Eternity. And, make no mistake, while He put a veil over their minds, His intent is to ultimately save all Israel.
But, what is it that we are to do? Follow the Old Covenant, as some in the Holy Names Movement, or the Sacred Names Movement say? Pour the Old Wine into the New? Not according to our Lord YaHshua. Some in the Christian group orders, go so far as to say that Christians are the New Israel -- and seeing the truth about His true Identity, begin to claim to be Jews themselves, by their actions in attempts to restore the Old, essentially, claiming to be Jews, better Jew, and this is a dangerous game they play -- Rev 3:9.
At one point the Roman Church claimed it was the New Israel and it was their duty to usher in the 1,000 year rule of what they thought the Kingdom of God should be. Of course with Roman Leadership, under the one they called 'father", the Pope, or PaPa -- in spite of the fact that the Word of Truth told us not to call any MAN our Father on Earth -- Mat 23:9 -- on and on it goes -- no end to the natural wickedness of men and women. So, what is our "Reasonable Service"?
The Holy Life? A Reasonable Service
Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Doing what is Right
At the top of the list is -- Doing what it Right: Sometimes a Commandment by the number or numbers does not cover a particular situation. Perhaps we do not have a Bible close by, and we are but a babe in Him? This is when we just know what we should or should not do. Sometimes it is to do nothing, as we wait on Him to show us. But, most often, I have found, we already have the answer, and our conduct, or action is and should be appropriate and leaving us with a clear conscience. This, I believe is what is meant by judging ourselves -- (1Co 11:31) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
Let us take a look at what the Apostles instructed. Not once do we hear them say that the New Wine (Covenant) Believer should jump into the Old Covenant with the Jewish believers. And we see a bit of the problem with the forming of the New Congregation. The Old and the New, standing next to each other, existing side by side. Some, however, could not see this and even those with one foot in the Old and one in the New, mistakenly thought that the Gentile converts should become Jews too, or at least live as they do. It took several decades and the Gospel of John to make it plain that Jews were not asked to become Gentiles any more than Gentiles were being called to become, or live like Jews. The New Covenant is covered in other places. We are considering personal conduct and where do we seek our guide toward living a Holy Life.
Act 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism
Act 10:35 but accepts men from every nation who fear (in awe) Him and do what is right.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Rom 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Rom 10:10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Rom 10:11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,
Rom 10:13 for, "Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved."
Be Perfect? Or Become Perfect?
2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect (complete - repair - growth - moral character), be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect (complete - mental, moral character), be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect (complete - repair) in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through YaHshua The Christ (Anointed); to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Mat 5:48 Be you therefore perfect (complete - growth), even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (labor - growth -mental - Moral Character).
Heb 12:23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,
Heb 11:40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect (accomplish - finish - fulfill).
1Jn 2:29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.
1Jn 3:8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
1Jn 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God (YaHshua, the First Born).
1Jn 3:10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother (fellow believer -- ).
Still in the works -- to be continued
This is the Good New about the Coming Kingdom of God:
Mat 6:33 But seek you first the Kingdom of God (the Father), and His (The Father's) righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 26:29) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.
Mar 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. (It is a mistake of the Christian Communities to think that we are in the Age of Salvation -- we are not, not yet)
This is the Good News about our Salvation and that of all Saints:
Col 1:9-15 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don't cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of the FATHER; 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of His glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy; 12 giving thanks to the FATHER, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 3 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love; 14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; The Preeminence of (the) Christ 15 who is the image of the invisible the FATHER, the firstborn of all creation. (YaHshua has a beginning, while the Father does not, He has always existed)
Col 1:16-20 For by Him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together. 18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him; 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Once Saved Always Saved? Here is a good link Youtube presentations by Chris White about this doctrine --
Why should this be an issue, when Baptism into His Name was to lead to you and me being a New person, not the same old sinner, but one striving to walk in a better path, one of doing the right thing, working to overcome the sinner in us. That is Change. And, if one save meant always saved, no matter what, then what about our Lord's teaching that some Gospel seed falls upon stony ground and does not take root. Certainly we do not need to go any further than that. We are running the race. The Above link is a discussion and presentation about this lie entering the Christian works.