The Narrow Path Ministries

Hello,

I would like to hear anyone's thoughts on the works of the flesh mentioned in Galatians and other places being associated with not inheriting the kingdom. One question in particular, if a person let's say has stolen in the past and is having trouble coming to a point where they will make restitution. At this point for the believer is it make restitution or be damned? If so isn't that it the act that becomes a part of salvation/justification and not faith alone? I have for the most part heard that our faith or belief is what justifies us and our works are an outward sign of this justification, that our works and holy living are for sanctification and a right relationship with God. I appreciate any comments and I hope I articulated my point well-enough. Thanks.

Hola:

I would think it's a question of repentance.

Repentance is more than just asking for forgivenes , it is a change of heart and a commitment to sin no more. This brings salvation.

If the thief can not come to a point of restitution it is because he has not truly repented. He cannot ask for forgiveness and keep the money. It is repentance which saves and restitution is it's result.

Thomas

Those still in darkness and lost are commanded to change their mind about how they view sin, and look to the Son of God who died for their sins and was resurrected and believe that through him, they can be forgiven, delivered from sin, and reconciled to God. This is what God commands of the wicked. Nothing more, nothing less. Once they do this, they become children of God, and it is up to them as to whether they feel God their Father speaking to them to reimburse the people they wronged. He may be, or He may not be.

certain things can't be "restitituted."

TK

Some things can't be restored, but if no effort is made to "atone" for one's wrongdoing, then there is every reason to believe that he has not truly repented, as Thomas pointed out.

Imagine the following: John has charged $500 to much for some contract work he did for George. John visits George and explains, "I now see it was wrong for me to charge you $500 more than I should have. I am very sorry."

George: "So when will you be returning my $500?"

John: "Oh, I'm not returning it. I've already spent it, and anyway, the Lord hasn't shown me that I should return it."

Anything wrong with this scenario?

Here is a Biblical story of a man who truly repented, and showed it by his actions:

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully.

And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."

And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold."

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:5-10

i was thinking along the lines of an arsonist who burns a home including all the old family pictures.

TK

kallin1986 wrote:I would like to hear anyone's thoughts on the works of the flesh mentioned in Galatians and other places being associated with not inheriting the kingdom.

kallin1986,

I think it is important to first understand what it means to "not inherit the kingdom." I used to believe it meant going to hell, but I'm not so sure anymore. What does it mean to you?...and why?

Todd

Too be honest, I am inclined to think that is speaking of heaven but I'm not sure either. It could be speaking of a fellowship on Earth and have nothing to do with heaven but I don't know.