By Grace........

Dead beings can not have faith unless the Holy Spirit convicted the person to have faith. Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Jesus said in John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Faith itself is not in my works because the Holy Spirit is the generator of my works which is obedience. Faith produces obedience (works). By Grace.....Not By Merit (earned). Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Our standards and God's standards

Human reasonings to view God whether He meets our ethic standands. Psalm 42:9 I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" Romans 9:18-20 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' " Of course finally.......... Job 2:3 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason." Then Job gets inflicted even though God finds Job blameless.

Sin.. sinful nature... leads to physical death

1. Adam's sin caused our bodies to decay and die which then translate illnesses will cause us to die. Romans 5:12 [ Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ ] Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 2. Now, if you are talking specific illnesses such as genetic, then its part of family's sin passed on from generation to generation. (Sciencific facts) 3. There are some who were born ill (disabled) no fault of the child. God created my inmost being and knitted me together in my mother's womb. As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. This is what the LORD says— "He who made you, Who formed you in the womb, and Who will help you and that before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. The LORD said to Moses, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?" I was born this way so that the work of God might be displayed in my life and I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. 4. Of course, people sow their sinful nature will reap. Galatians 6:8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. We can go on and on regarding our bodies carrying our sinful nature caused by Adam. 1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Definition of Soul

Greek for Soul (yuchv) Strong's Number: 5590 Psuche Definition breath the breath of life the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing 1a of animals 1a of men life that in which there is life a living being, a living soul the soul the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body) Now maybe the soul has a different function in a sense than the spirit but they are one and the same thing, because they are the total "me"--I can't lose my spirit and still be me, and I can't lose my soul and still be me. I see them as interchangeable.

Soul lives on

Soul lives on. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Jesus said again in Matthew 16:26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? In the New Testament: 1 Peter 1:9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Member of an Eternal Invisible Church

In the Bible talks about two kinds of church memberships. First Kind of Member is at SALVATION: At the instant of our conversion, we become "eternal members" in the universal church of Jesus Christ, based solely on His merit and grace. If you are a Christ-follower, then you are already this kind of member. This is eternal and unchanging (I Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 2:13-22; 4:3-6; Colossians 1:13-22). Everyone who is saved is a member of God's Kingdom. Second Kind of Member is at Local Church, the Bible also assumes those "positional members" physically in a visible local Church and become deeply involved in the participation of a local assembly (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians. 12:25-31; 14:12, 26; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Tim. 3:14-15). The Scriptures teach every believers to be committed to a local church where he or she is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively. The classes are intended to help every believer who attends a Church to come to that place of faith, commitment, and fruitfulness. It is designed as an overview of some of the most foundational truths in the Christian faith. The primary reason to become a participating member is not to gain a personal advantage, but to identify with the characteristics of biblical maturity and commitment to the mission and future of a local church. All Christian Gentiles and all Christian Jews who are not a part of the Church foundation are being fitted together as a part of God's church, His holy temple, His dwelling, His body. There is only one complete "church of God," one temple, one body, one dwelling; therefore, only one foundation and one cornerstone are needed. One true Church, the body and the bride of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-32), composed of all true believers of the present age (I Cor. 12:12-13); and the organization of its members in local churches for worship, for edification of believers, and for world-wide gospel witness, each local church being autonomous but cooperating in fellowship and work (Eph. 4:11-16). The Holy Spirit, the eternal Spirit of God,who dwelled in Jesus Christ, who empowers the church, who is the source of our life in Christ, and who is poured out on those who believe as the guarantee of redemption. The church is the assembly of those who have accepted God's offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the new community of disciples sent into the world to proclaim the reign of God and to provide a foretaste of the church's glorious hope. It is the new society established and sustained by the Holy Spirit. A ministry is a continuation of the work of Christ, who gives gifts through the Holy Spirit to all believers and empowers them for service in the church and in the world. We also believe that God calls particular persons in the church to specific leadership ministries and offices. All who minister are accountable to God and to the community offaith. The church of Jesus Christ is one body with many members, ordered in such a way that, through the one Spirit, believers may be built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. Christians are called to a committed fellowship of believers.

Sacrifices for Sin (Atonement)

In the Old Testament Leviticus 9:7 Moses said to Aaron, "Come to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering and make atonement for yourself and the people; sacrifice the offering that is for the people and make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded." Hebrews 5 explains that "Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins." that in Hebrews 7 explains that Jesus is the "high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever." Pretty clear to me. Romans 3:25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 Peter 4:1 (NIV) Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

Change Residence at Physical Death

There is only a change of residence at the time of physical death. After physical death, there are two locations for a soul to live eternally: Life and Death. The soul will change its location, but it will never cease to be. The lifeless body will be laid in the earth, where it finally will return to dust. The soul has changed its place of existence, but it has not ceased to be. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. —John 14:3 2 Corinthians 5:1 [ Our Heavenly Dwelling ] Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Love flows through us

God blesses you and the blessings flows through us with love. Without Christ, we are nothing. Along with love and under the control of the Holy Spirit, the power of love and Holy Spirit flows through us. The only way the spiritual gifts are going to operate is love. Love is the key. God is love. He gave us two commandments. We are to love God and others. With the Holy Spirit and love, I will walk in the Spirit, Christ produces the fruit. And out of that fruit comes whatever the ministry of the gifts Christ wanted me to use. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” I Peter 4:10 (NIV) 2 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV) For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. It is not US that is doing the ministry for Jesus Christ. It is Christ through the Holy Spirit produces power, love, a sound mind through us. Christ helps us. Without Christ, we are nothing. Along with love and under the control of the Holy Spirit, the power of love and Holy Spirit flows through us.

Will receive the Promise

"Will be given to you." God has not lied. He didn't say when but He will give whenever He decides. Luke 12:31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 1 Corinthians 3:14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. (Future tense) Colossians 3:24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Hebrews 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. If I am not healed before I die, I will receive the promise at the time of my death.

Guaranteed to Come

1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Hebrews 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 2 Corinthians 1:22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Healing is not guaranteed by the atonement, it is provided by the atonement.

A man's doctrine: The only thing standing between a Christian and perfect health is sin or a lack of faith, because healing is the privilege of all believers. While ultimate physical healing is in the atonement (a healing we will enjoy in our resurrection bodies), healing of our bodies while in the mortal state (prior to our death and resurrection) is not guaranteed in the atonement. Christ's atonement provided us with a means to obtain a resurrection to eternal life with no more sickness, death, or suffering, so in that sense, yes, healing was provided for in the atonement. What I will be discussing is the popular teaching of healing in the atonement which teaches that the realization of all the benefits of the atonement belong to us in the here and now. I believe that God can and does heal people today. I believe in the gift of healing. God may heal people in answer to prayer, and he may empower some with the gift of healing. What I am arguing against is the idea that temporal physical healing is guaranteed. Too many people mistakenly assume that if a person doesn't believe in healing in the atonement that the person doesn't believe in healing at all, and that's just not the case. Many who fail to receive healing claim to have "exercised faith" but the Bible makes it, very, clear that the prayer of the faithful will be heard and granted. Is the Bible in error, or do we just have a faulty understanding of faith? What is the true nature and source of faith? From a Christian perspective, we believe that God's Word is true and that He can be trusted to perform all that He has promised. Our faith is in God, not in faith. Faith itself has no intrinsic power, rather the power resides with the one in whom our faith is placed. Those who have proclaimed healing in the atonement the loudest have sometimes burdened the sick ones with more guilt about being sick. In their zeal to defend what they perceive to be an important Bible truth, they have offered no comfort to those who, for whatever reason, are not healed. This of course, is not helpful. But neither is maintaining an incorrect view of the scriptures in order to justify our experience. So often God’s sovereignty is offered as the answer when we don’t experience the things promised by the word. “God is sovereign over His sovereignty” someone said. (Whatever that means!) Charles Spurgeon said “Before he pledged his word he was free to do as it pleased him; but after he has made a promise, his truth and honour bind him to do as he has said. To him, indeed, this is no limiting of his liberty; for the promise is always the declaration of his sovereign will and good pleasure, and it is ever his delight to act according to his word; yet is it marvelous condescension for the fee spirit of the Lord to form for itself covenant bonds.