WORTHY

[Michael]

"They will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy." - Rev 3:4

Do we know that the promises of God are to those who prove themselves worthy?
These is the Word of Jesus. Can we accept it?

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." - Matt 16:24

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." - Matt 10:38

Jesus proved worthy of His calling; He bore His Cross. Will we bear our cross and prove worthy of what God has called us for?
If we are to overcome and enter into our inheritance, we must be found worthy.
For the Bible tells me so.

God's wisdom & understanding to all.

https://youtu.be/TjY7Y0ryRkc

 

[Michael]

I felt comfortable putting this in the Christian Theology forum, as there is a plethora of clear Scripture to confirm what we look at here.

 

[Lamb]

The ultimate question for you to answer is

How does GOD make YOU worthy?

 

[MennoSota]

Revelation 3:1-6

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

In this letter to the Church in Sardis we see that the church was known for its social activism, but the majority in the church did not know Jesus as their Redeemer. There were a few whom God had adopted and walked in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 6), but most were dead in their trespasses and sins.
What we learn is that just because you go to church and help out the less fortunate, it does not make you a Christian. Just because you try desperately to be self-righteous, it does not make you a Christian.
This passage actually condemns Michael and his attempt to be saved by works, but it's a sure bet that Michael won't recognize this.

 

[NewCreation435]

I like how you emphasized the word "overcome" that is what John 16:33 says

John 16:33
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

If I have overcome it is because he overcame the world. He is our perfect peace

 

[MennoSota]

Matthew 16:21-28

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

This passage emphasizes that we cannot work our way into heaven. Jesus rebukes Peter for attempting to establish the Kingdom by human strength. Then Jesus tells his disciples that salvation will not come through their human effort, but it comes when they submit themselves to the reconciliation that comes from Jesus atonement on the cross.
Pick up your cross...not your human works to make the Kingdom come.
Once again this passage rebukes Michael and his attempt at works salvation.

 

[MennoSota]

Matthew 10:26-39

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Once again we see Jesus pointing out that his children are of great value and should not fear.
The child of God will not deny His Father. Indeed, the child of God will have faith that gives courage.
When you are a child of God, your human family takes second place to God. We learn to let go of the world as we recognize our Kingdom is not of this world.

 

[Michael]

Interesting how the rebukes come from those who don't even watch the video or look up the dozens of passages I reference in this teaching of Truth.

Again, this word will be a confirmation for some, a seed planted for others, conviction on a few perhaps... but God will bring the increase or knowledge in His time.

Peace & Blessings to all who truly walk with Jesus.

:ange06:

 

[zecryphon_nomdiv]

Interesting how the rebukes come from those who don't even watch the video or look up the dozens of passages I reference in this teaching of Truth.

Again, this word will be a confirmation for some, a seed planted for others, conviction on a few perhaps... but God will bring the increase or knowledge in His time.

Peace & Blessings to all who truly walk with Jesus.

:ange06:

You don't know if people are looking up passages or not. If you're truly here to teach God's word and not the interpretation of God's word by a man, why would people watch a video of a man giving his interpretation of God's word?

 

[Lamb]

Interesting how the rebukes come from those who don't even watch the video or look up the dozens of passages I reference in this teaching of Truth.

Again, this word will be a confirmation for some, a seed planted for others, conviction on a few perhaps... but God will bring the increase or knowledge in His time.

Peace & Blessings to all who truly walk with Jesus.

:ange06:

I don't like how you refuse to answer MY question which is pertinent to the Christian faith.

 

[NewCreation435]

Interesting how the rebukes come from those who don't even watch the video or look up the dozens of passages I reference in this teaching of Truth.

Again, this word will be a confirmation for some, a seed planted for others, conviction on a few perhaps... but God will bring the increase or knowledge in His time.

Peace & Blessings to all who truly walk with Jesus.

:ange06:

If your here for honest discussion then your in the right place. If your hear to try and preach to us and not listen to other points of view I would think your going to find it hard going. This is a very diverse group and not everyone is going to agree with you. If you don't like that you'll just have to get over it.

 

[MennoSota]

Did I fail to specifically address the three verses the OP shared as his reasoning for his views?

 

[Michael]

I don't like how you refuse to answer MY question which is pertinent to the Christian faith.

Hi friend. Actually been extremely busy with work. Being an HVAC Contractor in SoCal with the 110+ degree heat, I'm a wanted man these days!

And I've started a reply to you on your question. Want to spend a little time with the Lord seeing how He would have me answer before I reply publicly. Don't want anything I say to be from my human nature. It's easy to get caught up in debating and arguing. There is no Kingdom fruit in that. We're here to "exhort one another daily" and "stir up one another to love and good works" , and as Paul wrote to "pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling."

 

[Pedrito]

==============================================================================================

Lämmchen (Post #3):

The ultimate question for you to answer is

How does GOD make YOU worthy?

How can that be the ultimate question?

It totally ignores personal responsibility.

I don’t think Jesus or Paul ignored it.

==============================================================================================

Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Philippians 3:12-14:
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I also was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one [thing I do], forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

==============================================================================================

And could some statements from Revelation be pertinent? (Hover your mouse over the blue references.)

Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 21:7.

==============================================================================================

Maybe some churches presume to teach that loyalty to the organisation and its beliefs fulfils all that.

==============================================================================================

 

[Lamb]

==============================================================================================

Lämmchen (Post #3):


How can that be the ultimate question?

It totally ignores personal responsibility.

I don’t think Jesus or Paul ignored it.

==============================================================================================

Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Philippians 3:12-14:
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I also was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one [thing I do], forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

==============================================================================================

And could some statements from Revelation be pertinent? (Hover your mouse over the blue references.)

Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 21:7.

==============================================================================================

Maybe some churches presume to teach that loyalty to the organisation and its beliefs fulfils all that.

==============================================================================================

The question shows that man relies on God for all his needs, even his spiritual ones. Man can't rely on himself. It's always about God and our Christian life is not void of His involvement!

 

[Michael]

==============================================================================================

Lämmchen (Post #3):


How can that be the ultimate question?

It totally ignores personal responsibility.

I don’t think Jesus or Paul ignored it.

==============================================================================================

Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Philippians 3:12-14:
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I also was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one [thing I do], forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

==============================================================================================

And could some statements from Revelation be pertinent? (Hover your mouse over the blue references.)

Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 21:7.

==============================================================================================

Maybe some churches presume to teach that loyalty to the organisation and its beliefs fulfils all that.

==============================================================================================

Amen brother!

I've used those exact passages many times over the years in teaching the overcoming life. Only "he who overcomes" will inherit the promises of Rev 2 & 3. And Rev 21:7 is the verse God gave me to start my website - https://to-him-who-overcomes.com/ and "Kingdom of God" You-Tube channel - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxZDGBVrixU2S_K3xoQrD943IUZr68ddk

Many hear from the pulpits today that we have all the promises of God because of what Jesus has done. No. Jesus did HIS part, we must do OURS if we are to become His "co-heirs" of Creation and inherit the nations.
And sadly, so many reject Jesus' teaching on overcoming, and risk missing out on their inheritance. Even if we must walk alone, we must abide by what the Word says and not man.

May we ever be "pressing in" and "walking worthy" of our calling and the Kingdom

God's wisdom & understanding to us all.

 

[Lamb]

Amen brother!

I've used those exact passages many times over the years in teaching the overcoming life. Only "he who overcomes" will inherit the promises of Rev 2 & 3. And Rev 21:7 is the verse God gave me to start my website - https://to-him-who-overcomes.com/ and "Kingdom of God" You-Tube channel - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxZDGBVrixU2S_K3xoQrD943IUZr68ddk

Many hear from the pulpits today that we have all the promises of God because of what Jesus has done. No. Jesus did HIS part, we must do OURS if we are to become His "co-heirs" of Creation and inherit the nations.
And sadly, so many reject Jesus' teaching on overcoming, and risk missing out on their inheritance. Even if we must walk alone, we must abide by what the Word says and not man.

May we ever be "pressing in" and "walking worthy" of our calling and the Kingdom

God's wisdom & understanding to us all.

Do those who inherit something have to DO something to be in the will? No. You are the one who insists that we have to DO to inherit and the bible says otherwise. It's by grace through faith you get to be with God eternally. Not by your efforts.

 

[Michael]

Do those who inherit something have to DO something to be in the will? No. You are the one who insists that we have to DO to inherit and the bible says otherwise. It's by grace through faith you get to be with God eternally. Not by your efforts.

YES of course!! I am simply stating what the Scripture clearly says!

Now, to be "saved" and begin the journey, we do nothing except hear God's call and believe.

But to inherit the promises we absolutely have to DO many things, including "repent", "obey", "present our bodies a living sacrifice", "deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus", "labor to enter into His rest".... and hundreds of other commands and charges given to the saints. This is what the bulk of the New Testament is about! My question is... The New Testament commands 'believers' to DO all these things.... so what happen if we don't? Does God still love us anyway and forgive us for our disobedience, showing that He really didn't mean what He said? OR... is what the Bible says actually True, and we (especially 'Christians') will be judged "according to our works"? ((Psalm 62:12, Prov 24:12, Jer 17:10, Jer 32:19, Eze 33:20, Lam 3:64, Matt 16:27, John 5:29, Rom 2:6, Rom 14:12, 2 Cor 5:10, 1Pet 1:17, Rev 20:12, and Rev 22:12 to name just a few.)

I know some, maybe even many, here on this forum will never accept what Jesus taught and what the Word of God declares concerning having to actually "walk worthy" to inherit the promises of God in Rev 2 & 3, but some will. I believe God has me sharing on this site for those others, who are not so vocal, that feel the call of God to "press on", "not take the grace of God in vain" , and truly be among those who "overcome."

Peace & Blessings to all who will "love not their lives even unto death."

"Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance." (Matt 3:8)

 

[Arsenios]

Matthew 16:21-28
"If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself
and take up his cross
and follow me."

This passage emphasizes that we cannot work our way into heaven.

So you must want to follow Christ...
Then you must deny yourself...
Then you must take up your cross...
Then you must follow Christ...

Nothing about working your way into heaven here...

But it is a LOT of work!

Yet of God the Gift!

Lest any should boast in his many works...


Arsenios

 

[Arsenios]

Do those who inherit something have to DO something to be in the will?
No.

Ya gotta walk the talk, Lamb...

Lest you forsake your inheritance...

And receive your soul in vain...


Arsenios