23 July 2014 by Lim Poh Ann –
Just as the sighting of a single swallow in the sky does not necessarily mean summer has arrived, one or two verses cannot form the basis for sound doctrine.
If perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), does it mean we don’t have to fear God anymore? “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).
Just because we are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), does it mean we can now rest easy and do nothing? Truth be told, we also need to play our part—work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2: 12). “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26).
ref : http://www.vaspress.com
While it is highly unlikely any born-again believer will continue to pursue a sinful lifestyle because God’s seed remains in them (1 John 3:9), the possibility of believers falling away (apostasy) and receiving damnation is real (Hebrews 6:4-8)
Just because believers are no longer under law but under grace (Romans 6:14-15), does it mean we can be above the law? A paradox is found in apostle Paul’s argument: “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law” (Romans 3:31). Jesus puts it succinctly: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).
ref : http://www.gerhardy.id.au
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Note: Dr Lim Poh Ann is a medical practitioner. He was the former editor of Asian Beacon magazine (December 2008 – October 2011). He can be reached at his blog, Porridge for the Soul: http://limpohann.blogspot.com/
Source of Article : http://limpohann.blogspot.com/2014/06/one-swallow-does-not-summer-make.html
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