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| I am going through 1 John 4, where he says test all spirits and that every spirit that acknowledge that Jesus has come in the flesh is of God (in the short). As I am trying to study the words and it seems that it might have a different meaning to it. It seems that John skips to another subject then back again. Is this more applied to us as Christ in us (our body), not Jesus in his flesh? This seems to fit the context of the whole letter.
Secondly, in Ephesians 2:8-10 (in short) Grace through faith the gift of God. Most people I know use this to say that we have no responsibility or accountability and it will cost us nothing. As I read I think I see that accepting the sacrifice will cost us. We have to give up some things, which is a cost Right?
As I look up Grace it means acceptable and gift sacrifice.
Is this saying that in the acceptable sacrifice of Jesus (we being in him and him in us through a trusting obedience) we are saved? We can boast of nothing of it because the sacrifice was not of us, it was of God and provided by Him and so all the works we do should glorify the Father through him?
Sorry this is so long and thank you for your help in my wanting to draw closer through Christ.
Kenneth | | | Dear Kenneth,
Regarding your question (1 John 4), the first thing you need to understand about the Epistles of John are largely written to offset Gnostic teaching, Gnostic theology. There were those Gnostic schools that said that Jesus wasn't flesh and blood - He just looked like he had flesh and blood but really wasn't, and all other kinds of silly arguments going back and forth among the Greek Gnostics that, even at this early period in church history, would have an impact on individuals' faith. John is simply saying here that there are those who have taught and are teaching that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh. Anyone who teaches this is teaching heresy and is not of God. It is just that simple. There is no big mystery about it.
Your Second Question -"Ephesians 2: 8-10 - Grace through faith is a gift of God. Most people I know use this to say that we have no responsibility or a accountability and it will cost us nothing."
Well, I hate to tell you, but most people don't know what they are talking about when it comes to Biblical things anyway. Grace means God's unmerited favor. In other words, a person is made to be in right relationship with God as a result of what God did - His unmerited favor or grace. But here is the kicker - How does one appropriate that grace? That is where knowledge, faith, trust, obedience comes in. Most folks would like to take the grace without paying the price for its appropriation. But, unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.
Roy,
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