Scriptures:
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1 John 2:19, John 6:66, John 8:31, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 10:9-10
Episode Handout
Scripture(s):
1 John 2:19, John 6:66, John 8:31, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 10:9-10
Date:
07/10/2025
Main Theme: This episode, a continuation of the previous one, explores the evidence of true salvation, focusing on the concept of continuing in God’s word and the contrast between mere belief and genuine discipleship.
Key Points:
- Not About Doctrinal Differences: The speakers clarify that the passage in Matthew 7:21-23 isn’t about differing doctrinal beliefs or denominations but something far more fundamental.
- Breaking God’s Laws: They emphasize the seriousness of the phrase “workers of lawlessness” (or “you who break God’s laws” in the NLT), highlighting the eternal consequences of disobedience. They compare it to breaking civil or federal laws, which have real-world repercussions.
- Practicing Sin vs. Practicing Righteousness: Marie points out the significance of the word “practice,” indicating a continuous pattern of sin rather than isolated incidents. Will connects this to the idea of practicing righteousness, as mentioned in John 8:31.
- Continual Commitment: The speakers stress that salvation is not a one-time event but requires ongoing commitment and a continual relationship with God. They use the example of John 6:66, where many disciples turned back, to illustrate the importance of perseverance.
- Evidence of Conversion: Will argues that longevity in faith, a continual commitment to following Christ, is the most concrete evidence of true conversion.
- Those Who Leave: They discuss 1 John 2:19, which talks about those who left the church, suggesting that they were never truly part of it. This reinforces the idea that genuine believers will persevere.
- Justifying Sin: Marie observes that people sometimes try to justify their sinful behavior, even while claiming to be Christians. She also notes the social pressures that can lead people away from faith.
- Mere Belief vs. True Discipleship: The episode concludes with a discussion of John 8:31, emphasizing that mere mental assent to the idea of Jesus as Savior is insufficient. True discipleship requires continuing in His word.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 7:21-23
- John 8:31
- John 6:66
- 1 John 2:19
- Romans 10:9-10
- Acts 8 (Simon the Sorcerer)