Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohio
My point is to not look at these verses simplistically. These verses warn and expose the thoughts and intents of the heart. For all of us. Not just the so-called "bad guys," the obviously unrighteous "sinners," but even those who are deceived by their own works.
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Ultimately God knows our heart. Men can only guess at who are saved and unsaved unless they receive a direct revelation from God. Nevertheless those who take on the name of Christ are warned to "depart" from iniquity.
2 Timothy 2:19
But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “
The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “
Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
Jesus is the "way". To take the way implies embarking on a path to reach a destination. None of us our perfect but if we are truly saved we should be growing in sanctification and love on the path that leads to life. Once we die and eternity sets its seal, God accelerates us on this path to perfection. Both Paul and Peter wrote about walking this path and growing in love.
Phil 3:10-12
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible
I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
2 Peter 1:8-11
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.. Therefore, brothers,
be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an
entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.