"If" can be a very important word if someone thinks it means they can lose their salvation. That is how some might interpret 1 Corinthians 15:2 where the Apostle Paul says, "you are saved , if you hold fast to that word which I preached to you." The word that Paul preached is the gospel he reminds them of in verses 3-4. The readers had received the gospel and believed it, so there is no doubt they are saved (as many other passages in the epistle show). They were saved or delivered from hell. But what does Paul mean by using the present tense as if to say "you are being saved"? He is telling them that their steadfastness to the truths of the gospel will continue to deliver them from sin. That is why he reminds them about the death of Christ for our sins and His resurrectioin in verses 3-4. Those truths that were the foundation of our salvation are also the foundation of our Christian growth and sanctification, as also explained by our union with Christ in Romans 6:2-5. If they depart from these identification truths, then their salvation will be "in vain," or not reach its intended purpose of their sanctification. The gospel truths that saved us also sanctify us, or continue to save us. This episode is from GraceNotes no. 62. Please let us know what you think, like it, and share it. #GraceLifeMinistries#sanctification#eternalsecurity

What does the Apostle Paul mean when he tells the Galatian readers that they have "fallen from grace"? Some think he is saying they fall short of the grace of salvation. Others say that he is telling them they have lost their salvation. Neither of these interpretations considers the context. As shown, Paul is writing to believers--they had received the gospel of grace from him. However, there were false teachers who were turning the Galatians away from the grace of Christ to the Law. Paul is saying that if they go back under the Law, then they will not benefit from the blessings of grace that are in Christ. They are "estranged" or severed from that grace because they have turned to their own fleshly efforts to be acceptable to God in justification and sanctification. The Law does not bless believers; it condemns them because no one can keep the Law. For believers, the key to living under grace is to walk in the Spirit, not the flesh. Then they will be blessed with all the benefits of Christ's grace. #grace #podcast #christiantheology #bible #Galatians #faith

In this episode of GraceNotes from no. 87 "Arminianism and the Gospel of Grace," we dive into the theology of Arminianism and its views on the gospel of grace. Named after Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius, Arminianism challenges the strong determinism of Calvinism, particularly in its views on salvation, free will, and God’s grace. We’ll explore the historical roots of Arminianism, from Arminius’ objections to John Calvin's doctrines to the formalization of Arminian theology in the early 17th century.

The Philippines is the most Roman Catholic country in the world. It is no wonder that it is a starting place for most who become Protestant Evangelical Christians. Erwin Armador, pastor of GFC Nuvali Church in the Philippines journeyed from his Catholic background into Pentecostal Protestantism finding Jesus as his Savior along the way. But ultimately, his Arminian theology left him with questions and doubts. He then adopted Calvinism, but found that it lacked the joy he desired and also left him with theological questions about the character of God. He was a committed Calvinist until he encountered another option, Free Grace theology. With a new enthusiasm and freedom, he received theological training at Grace School of Theology (Grace Asia in the Philippines) earning his DMin degree. He now pastors a vibrant church committed to intentionally making disciples. Pastor Erwin is committed to sharing the gospel of grace with his nation and recently spoke at the Free Grace Alliance regional conference there. Charlie sat with him to record his story, which should encourage everyone to appreciate the free grace of God in the biblical gospel. See how the message of God's grace has changed his life and shaped his ministry. You will see God has used and will continue to use this man as a trophy of grace in the Philippines and beyond.

Madel knew the Roman Catholic theology she was raised with. When she felt it unfulfilling, she migrated to Protestant Evangelicalism where Calvinism was the default view. That is all she knew, but it left her with questions and feeling a bit uncomfortable. Deeply involved in ministry as a Bible study leader, she found herself becoming a "fruit detector" wondering if those in her group were showing enough fruit and good works to prove they were indeed true believers. She had heard of the Free Grace view, but believed the reports that it was "easy-believism." Madel concluded the best way to know the truth about the Free Grace view was to study it, so she enrolled in Grace School of Theology (Grace Asia in the Philippines). In her first classes, she heard that that the gospel of God's free grace meant that she could know for certain she was saved. She learned that Jesus Christ died for all and offers all who believe in Him eternal life that cannot be earned or lost. When this truth dawned on her, Madel had a burden of doubt lifted and left her with a joyful heart. She now shares that message in ministry including writing curricula. Completing her master's degree at GSOT, she is now working on her ThD at another seminary. Charlie spoke at a Free Grace Alliance regional meeting at her church, Grace Victory Church in the Philippines, which Madel helped organize and he was able to record her testimony. Be sure to share Madel's exciting story with those who need the freedom that grace, free grace, brings. #GraceforPhilippines #AssuranceofSalvation #SimplybyGrace#youtube.com/@gracelifeorg

In this second part of Charlie's message on Romans chapter 4, he begins with verse 9 that argues Abraham was not declared righteous because he was circumcised as a sign of being Jewish. He was circumcised (Genesis 17) some 14 years after he was declared righteous in Genesis 15. This makes Abraham the father of all who believe, not just the Jews who are circumcised. God's promise of Abraham's seed or descendant who would be heir to the promise can only be appropriated through faith, not works or rituals like circumcision. Neither can the Law obtain the promise. On the contrary, the Law brings God's wrath because it condemns all who break it, which is everyone. Paul's conclusion is that grace can only be ralized through faith. A good illustration of faith is how Abraham believed God's promise of an heir even though he and Sarah were old and beyond natural childbearing age. Yet Abraham believed God could do this miracle, and Abraham's faith was again vindicated. Paul assures the readers that this story and its lessons on justification through faith alone was written for the sake of his readers, and by implication, for us today. We can also be justified by faith in the gracious promise of God. #SimplybyGrace#Simplythroughfaith#Faithalone#Romans4

How can a sinner be made acceptable to a righteous God? Many explanations of what one must do to be saved have confused the issue. In part 1 of this sermon on Romans chapter 4, Charlie shows how verses 1-8 makes it clear that salvation is simply through faith. Having made the case that jutification salvation is given by God as an absolutely freely gift in Romans chapter 3, the Apostle Paul goes on to argue that the only way for a sinner to obtain that free grace is through faith. Faith is being convinced that something is true and therefore trustworthy. Faith is contrasted with works. Using Abraham as an example, and citing Genesis 15:6, Paul shows that Abraham was not justified before God by his works, but through faith in God's promised descendant who would bless the world. Abraham's faith may have been justified (vindicated, affirmed) before men when they saw him willing to obey God and offer Isaac as a sacrifice, but that did not justify him before God. Charlie takes a quick look at James 2:20-24 explaining that Abraham's faith was seen by others and therefore his faith in God was vindicated or shown to be genuine. King David is mentioned as an example of someone--another key Jewish figure--who enjoyed the benefit of forgiveness of sins because of his faith. There is hardly a clearer passage in the Bible than this one which shows the simplicity of salvation through faith. #SimplybyGrace#Simplythroughfaith#Faithalone#Romans4

Suicide by anyone is a terrible tragedy filled with uncertainty by those who kill themselves and those who will miss them. Unfortunately, it is a reality in this world. But what about a Christian who commits suicide? Or, is it possible that a Christian can commit suicide? And does that Christian lose salvation? This presentation is from GraceLife's GraceNotes series, no. 26. It follows previous discussions of eternal security, and the extent of God's forgiveness. Suicide of the Christian relates to those issues. Some think that a Christian, who commits suicide cannot be forgiven because a dead person cannot ask for forgiveness or repent from their sin. The question is, is God's grace, big enough to cover even in an confessed sin like suicide. It is clear from the Scriptures that suicide is a sin because it is taking a life that does not belong to that person (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Some would use 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 to argue that a suicide is punished with eternal destruction, but that passage is talking about the church and a temporal ruin that comes to those who harm the church. Some people would say that someone who commits suicide proves that he or she was not a true believer. But the Bible evidences Christians are capable of all kinds of sins. If someone dies with unconfessed sin, there is comfort in the promise of 1 John 1:9 that God cleanses us not only from confessed sins, but from "all unrighteousness." This is a condition of fellowship with God, not salvation. Besides, all believers have some sins they are unaware of and therefore unconfessed. Romans 5:20 promises that God's grace always exceeds our sins, and that would include the terrible sin of suicide. This should not be an excuse to commit the act, but a reason to live and grow in that grace and serve God. #GraceNotes26#SuicideSalvation#GraceLifeMinistries#AbundantGrace

There is a sin that God does not forgive. Some call it the unpardonable sin. But Jesus describes it as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In our previous discussion of Colossians 2:13-14, we saw that God forgives all our sins, even the most terrible sins we could commit or might commit in the future. So what does Jesus mean when He says in Matthew 12:31-32 that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven? There are four main views on this challenging passage.

1) Some say this pertains only to Jesus's time and could only be committed in His presence by those who ascribe His work to Satan.

2) Others say it is Israel's national rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. However, Jesus seems to apply this to individuals in verse 32.

3) Some think it refers to those who do not believe the gospel. Therefore, they cannot be forgiven.

4) It is a willful and slanderous rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about Christ. This comes from a hardened heart, which reveals itself in verbal blasphemy. Charlie prefers this view and explains why this makes the most sense. It can be committed today, but if someone is worried about committing it, that is a good indication they have not done it. Some people struggle with this passage, so share it and leave your comments. #GraceNotes16#Unpardonablesin#blasphemyoftheHolySpirit#GraceLifeMinistries

How far does God's forgiveness extend? Charlie will discuss how God dealt with our sins from His timeless perspective. Charlie looks closely at Colossians 2:13-14, which says that God has forgiven all our trespasses. Most know that His forgiveness would include past sins, but what about present and future sins? The work of Jesus Christ on the cross covers all our sins, and all means all. We must understand the difference between positional or judicial forgiveness and fellowship forgiveness. God's grace is that amazing--we cannot out-sin His grace, according to Romans 5:20. When we sin, 1 John 1:9 gives us a way to restore the fellowship lost. We have to look at Jesus' work on the cross from God's eternal perspective to understand that all our sins includes past, present, and future. Subscribe so that you won't miss the next episode on the one sin that Jesus said cannot be forgiven. #GraceNotes33#GraceLifeMinistries#Forgiveness