If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.." I have been accused of being a "works preacher." To that charge I plead "guilty." I am as guilty as James the apostle. Did he not write under inspiration, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" (James 2:17). The little word "if," according to Webster, has the meaning of "in the event of." In the event that this takes place, then this is true. If this does not take place, then this is not true.
Most religious people disregard this little word. Do not be so foolish as to overlook this in regard to your relationship to Christ. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (I John 1:9). This does not say God will forgive all your sins regardlesst but IF. "If we love one another God dwelleth in us" (I John 4:12). It does not say God dwelleth in us regardless, but IF we love one another. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar" (I John 4:20). If a man claims to love God and carries hatred and prejudice and bigotry in his heart that man is a liar. The scripture in Colossians goes back and talks about some mercies, some blessings, and some benefits. And Vs. 23 says these are all yours IF you continue in the faith. I know God preserves us, but taught in this book there is a perseverance. We are kept by the power of God, but no man has ever been saved who did not BELIEVE on Christ and CONTINUE to believe on Christ and DIE believing on Christ. Yes, I am a works preacher. I take my place beside the Apostle James and Paul and all the rest who taught plainly that this faith in Christ is more than just talk.
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