POLL: How do you generally view the LC?

[Jo S]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

And what is repenting - what does the word repent mean? To change the mind. And what is the good news of the gospel? His Son. Believe in Him. So change your mind and believe in Him.

Biblical repentance isn't a mere changing of your mind, as the Greek word suggests, lest a person boast in themselves. That's part of it but it's also so much more.

Repentance is a strong inner conviction of your sinful nature and a life lived in rebellion against God. It’s a notable work of God in your life prior to salvation; “Godly sorrow”, as Paul puts it (2 Cor 7:10), which is in contrast to worldly repentance. This conviction comes by turning to God in sincere humility and faith and not just one of merely turning into oneself. Christians are willing participants but it's a formula and a process not carried out by us but by God.

Anyone can have fleeting spiritual experiences but if it’s one of true repentance then it leads to a godly life and not the kind that you see the leaders of these movements lead; one's filled with pride, arrogance, debauchery, spiritual fornication, ect.

At an attempt to not muddy up your thread any more then it is, StG, you can always PM me if you'd like to discuss this topic further

[Curious]

Originally Posted by Jo S

Anyone can have fleeting spiritual experiences but if it’s one of true repentance then it leads to a godly life and not the kind that you see the leaders of these movements lead; one's filled with pride, arrogance, debauchery, spiritual fornication, ect.

Yes and by the same token, having a spiritual experience of God and an instant cure of some addiction or bessetting problem, does not preclude the person from also experiencing a genuine and sincere repentance before God.

Personally, I can attest that I had both. I just want to clarify that point alongside this discussion just as that's not clear from your comment.

[Jo S]

Originally Posted by Curious

Yes and by the same token, having a spiritual experience of God and an instant cure of some addiction or bessetting problem, does not preclude the person from also experiencing a genuine and sincere repentance before God.

Personally, I can attest that I had both. I just want to clarify that point alongside this discussion just as that's not clear from your comment.

Agreed. You can be saved and also experience healing. I've testified before on the forum to being delivered completely from depression but healings are not a biblical sign of saving faith because even Satan can heal (Luke 11:19). Godliness is the sign of genuine salvation. That was the point.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Jo S

Agreed. You can be saved and also experience healing. I've testified before on the forum to being delivered completely from depression but healings are not a biblical sign of saving faith because even Satan can heal (Luke 11:19). Godliness is the sign of genuine salvation. That was the point.

When I was miraculously delivered, I knew who had done this, and who to thank. No doubt about it.

[Jo S]

Originally Posted by Ohio

When I was miraculously delivered, I knew who had done this, and who to thank. No doubt about it.

That's great, Ohio. I could imagine most feel the same way however the bible still teaches us to examine the fruit because even the most assured and confident can be deceived (Matt 7:22, 24:24). For this reason we are even exhorted to examine and test ourselves whether we are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by Jo S

That's great, Ohio. I could imagine most feel the same way however the bible still teaches us to examine the fruit because even the most assured and confident can be deceived (Matt 7:22, 24:24). For this reason we are even exhorted to examine and test ourselves whether we are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).

And that full verse in 2nd Corinthians reads, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" I love that verse and share it with folks like JWs when the opportunity presents itself!

This is the test of tests . . . can you boldly declare that you know that you know that you know that Christ is in you?

[Jo S]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

And that full verse in 2nd Corinthians reads, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" I love that verse and share it with folks like JWs when the opportunity presents itself!

This is the test of tests . . . can you boldly declare that you know that you know that you know that Christ is in you?

Early in my walk when I fell into a season of mysticism, I would have emphatically told you I knew Christ yet while my lips honored God my heart was far away from Him. I wasn't grounded in a proper understanding of scripture and so I was easy target to seducing spirits.

Unfortunately, boldly declaring something to be so isn't a sufficient enough test.