anabolicrhino
Well-known member
True that , not all spirits are friendly and helpful !
Marijuana use... a sin?
- Thread starter spatch
- Start date
True that , not all spirits are friendly and helpful !
Ribo68
Member
Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of Holy Sririt is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control. Against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh (the human godless nature) with its passions, appetites, and desires. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit.
*notice peace is a friut of the Holy Spirit, not fruit of the bong! :think:
1 Corinthians 6:20 You were bought with a price (purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own). So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.
Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore brothers, and beg of you by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a LIVING sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed this world (this age), but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. (emph. mine)
* two ways to learn something, by listening to someone who's learned it the hard way (rarely chosen) or, learn it the hard way yourself (often chosen) The Spirit's voice is soft and easy to tune out. The flesh however, is quite loud!
Iron Warrior
Registered User
I conclude that any drugs (or any addictive action) that interferes with your nobility/Christ-like behavior is sinful. If that drug or behavior also causes self destruction then it is sinful. For example, this can also be something like shopping for stuff you don't need with a credit line you can't afford to pay off since it's a form of self destruction.
OTOH, I've questioned my steroid use. IMO, steroids make me a better person. I use them for self improvement instead of self destruction and that's how I would differentiate it.
We all have free will in this life and choices to make that will affect us tomorrow or 50 years down the line. If you think smoking weed will make you a better person then you can choose to take it. It's like someone who said "I got good and bad news for you. The good news is that your life is in your hands. The bad news is that your life is also in your hands". That's my wisdom for the day, which BTW wasn't influenced by weed or any other mind altering substance
B5150
Legend
Though I agree with this on face, but to be more in line with his query: as a Christian, and in light of the fact that spatch's question was realtive to his Christian walk, will it make him a better Christian or in other words would it make him more Christ like?
There is good, there is better and then the is Christ
spatch
Registered User
Though I agree with this on face, but to be more in line with his query: as a Christian, and in light of the fact that spatch's question was realtive to his Christian walk, will it make him a better Christian? In other words would it make him more Christ like?
There is good, there is better and then the is Christ
Christ was an advocate for peace, marijuana makes people (at least me) much more peaceful (not to say that I don’t earn my “teddybear” nickname when I’m straight, but I couldn’t be mad if I wanted to when using)...
if A=B and B=C...
thesinner
Recovering AXoholic
"Sloth" is one of the 7 deadly sins. God didn't put us on this earth to be mellow. Jesus wasn't this happy "I love and Peace" hippy the media always makes him out to be. There's been several times where he's gone berserk on people. When they were gambling in the temples, he wrecked the joint and cussed 'em all out.
spatch
Registered User
No, that was supposed to be some comic relief, sorry im a sucky comedian.
TheSinner- There is a large difference between feeling peacefull and being lazy. If I smoke before I go see a movie, am I lazier for watching it hi rather than straight?
Also, Jesus went berzerk in the name of a peacefull God using the same logic that republicans used when attacking Iraq. In some instances, non-peacefull acts can lead to peace, or in this case the enforcing of a peacefull God.
thesinner
Recovering AXoholic
There is a difference between being peaceful and being lazy. But when you're talking about pot making you 'peaceful', that put into my mind that someone blazed and incredibly mellowed out. And what do we do when we're in that state of mind? Pretty much nothing except eat cheese doodles, watch cartoons, and (depending in the person) giggle to themselves.
spatch
Registered User
then i guess u smoke the devil weed man, bc we arent talking about the same experiences here. Well, I do giggle and stuff, but I enjoy doing things involving nature (hiking, biking, etc.) when im using.
gdbear65
Member
Same here - I also play ice hockey. Weed will make you lazy if you let it, but it is no more a sin to use than alcohol. And the only reason there's any stigma attached to it, is because of ignorant politicians like Harry J Anslinger, who is credited as being the father of the war on drugs. :smite:
Ribo68
Member
Spatch,
The opinions of others are irrelevant. For a Christian it's the Word that should be the final authority on our lives. You need to dig deep into it and STUDY it. Stop looking for loopholes to see just what you can get by with and still be ok w/ God. That is not what we should be doing. We need to grow up in the things of God and be examples for the world to see. We are called to be separate from the world's ideals and values. We are blessed to be a blessing. Doing drugs is a blessing-blocker guaranteed. Sooner or later, we'll reap the consequences of poor decision making, whatever those poor decisions are.
The opinions of others are irrelevant. For a Christian it's the Word that should be the final authority on our lives. You need to dig deep into it and STUDY it. Stop looking for loopholes to see just what you can get by with and still be ok w/ God. That is not what we should be doing. We need to grow up in the things of God and be examples for the world to see. We are called to be separate from the world's ideals and values. We are blessed to be a blessing. Doing drugs is a blessing-blocker guaranteed. Sooner or later, we'll reap the consequences of poor decision making, whatever those poor decisions are.
spatch
Registered User
I am not looking for a loophole, just the answer.
From what I can tell, drugs are deemed as sinful because most people are more likley to sin while using them. If we are not more likley to sin, however, how is that opposing the will of God?
You said we should be seperate from the worlds values. Worlds values, in the neagative meaning, are excess wealth, etc, not smoking weed and hiking throught the woods.
If you could specifically tell me how smoking and then hiking or biking distances me from God it would be appreciated.
thesinner
Recovering AXoholic
After re-reading the name of this thread, I guess I'd have to remit what I've said. Marijuana use is not a sin......it's abuse that gets ya. Only question is where do you draw the line between use and abuse?
spatch
Registered User
I dont even think thats the question. Which is worse, smoking 7 days a week (no, I dont) and hiking or smoking once a week and being the typical stoner?
thesinner
Recovering AXoholic
I never mentioned anything about frequency or tolerance. Sometimes it's not the act, it's the motive.
spatch
Registered User
B5150
Legend
spatch, you are a double minded young man.spatch said:
Your Christian brothers have been faithful in sharing with you what the word of God has to say and you have made every effort and attempt to justify getting high. Gentlemen I commend you are your faithfulness. I also commend those who are not professing to be Christian but having a heart for the spirit of His word. I also commend those who are not 'of faith' for their civil discussion.
You want to get high, go get high.
You want to be right with God be right with God.
You can't have it your way. He is not the Burger King. He is the King of Kings. You are rejecting His word for your own and the opinions of others with the same.
I am rather disappointed but not surprised.
High Times Dude
spatch
Registered User
I'm sorry If I still dont get it, but I have a few questions still
Here you claim that You cant smoke and be right with God, but I'm not sure what you meant by this then...
What do you mean by, if it doesnt bother you then fine?
Here you claim that You cant smoke and be right with God, but I'm not sure what you meant by this then...
What do you mean by, if it doesnt bother you then fine?
B5150
Legend
If you are a Christian you have accepted Jesus as your interscesor and advocate and you have salvation through His death and resurrection. Many chose to accept Jesus for salvation and fail to chose to make Him their Lord. When you chose to accept His salvation you are claiming to be a new creation and have given your life over to Him and His will for it. He is now the proprietor and you are His vessel. His will for you is that you it be filled with His Holy Spirit and walk in His Spirit. Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. He is not content having room mates. If you can live with the fact that Jesus wants all of you and you are only willing to give Him part of you, then live with it. Remember that you may only get part of the blessing and grace that He has in store for your life. That is not His will for your life but it would be yours depending upon your choices.
Now you can ignore what I am saying and do what you want. I did and spent many many years lost and broken and living an empty purposeless and non spirit filled life because of drugs and alcohol. I did all of this after being baptised and saved at the age of 22. I knew I had salvation but I had nothing of a spirit filled fruitful life. He was not Lord of my life He was just my Savior. I wanted to be the Lord of my life and their were things that I did not want to or was unable to let go of.
He does not just want to save you He wants to bless you and give you life abundantly.
Jesus loves you enough to die for you just the way you are. He loves you too much to let you stay that way.
When you are ready to have the life He wants for you then you need to be ready to give over some of the things that you are holding on to.
If you claim to be a Christian and can live with this knowledge so be it. I am not judging you or condeming you. It breaks my heart to see a young man like you settle for less that what you deserve. You are developing patterns and behaviors in your life. As you make choices you can chose to develop patterns and behaviors that bring you closer to Him or further away from Him.
Choose wisely.
Now you can ignore what I am saying and do what you want. I did and spent many many years lost and broken and living an empty purposeless and non spirit filled life because of drugs and alcohol. I did all of this after being baptised and saved at the age of 22. I knew I had salvation but I had nothing of a spirit filled fruitful life. He was not Lord of my life He was just my Savior. I wanted to be the Lord of my life and their were things that I did not want to or was unable to let go of.
He does not just want to save you He wants to bless you and give you life abundantly.
Jesus loves you enough to die for you just the way you are. He loves you too much to let you stay that way.
When you are ready to have the life He wants for you then you need to be ready to give over some of the things that you are holding on to.
If you claim to be a Christian and can live with this knowledge so be it. I am not judging you or condeming you. It breaks my heart to see a young man like you settle for less that what you deserve. You are developing patterns and behaviors in your life. As you make choices you can chose to develop patterns and behaviors that bring you closer to Him or further away from Him.
Choose wisely.
B5150
Legend
spatch, the brothers and myself have presented what the Word has to say about the matter.
The Holy Spirit is Jesus in the form of His Holy Spirit. Getting high introduces and provides the influence of an "other" spirit. The Holy Spirit will not share you. Therfore He allows you to make the choice to have the other spirit be the influence in your life. The Holy Spirit is no longer leading your walk, therefore Jesus is no longer leading your walk (regardless of how peaceful you feal or what a "cuddlebear" you become or how kind you are or how you love everyone so much).You are now walking where that other spirit may have you go. Those are not the ways and the path that the Holy Spirit (Jesus) would have you go. Therefore you have walked elsewhere. You have gone your own way under the influence of this new spirit. Therefore you have distanced yourself from Him. He is right there where you left Him waiting for your return to Him so He can be the influence and the Lord of your life.
This is basic fundamental Christian stuff.
Are you a Christian who has accepted Jesus for his salvation and made him Lord of you life? Do you think you are in your own way? Do you just claim to be and have no idea what it really means?
Do you go to a church? Do you go to a church that studies the Bible? Do your study your Bible? Do you get involved in youth minestry?
The Holy Spirit is Jesus in the form of His Holy Spirit. Getting high introduces and provides the influence of an "other" spirit. The Holy Spirit will not share you. Therfore He allows you to make the choice to have the other spirit be the influence in your life. The Holy Spirit is no longer leading your walk, therefore Jesus is no longer leading your walk (regardless of how peaceful you feal or what a "cuddlebear" you become or how kind you are or how you love everyone so much).You are now walking where that other spirit may have you go. Those are not the ways and the path that the Holy Spirit (Jesus) would have you go. Therefore you have walked elsewhere. You have gone your own way under the influence of this new spirit. Therefore you have distanced yourself from Him. He is right there where you left Him waiting for your return to Him so He can be the influence and the Lord of your life.
This is basic fundamental Christian stuff.
Are you a Christian who has accepted Jesus for his salvation and made him Lord of you life? Do you think you are in your own way? Do you just claim to be and have no idea what it really means?
Do you go to a church? Do you go to a church that studies the Bible? Do your study your Bible? Do you get involved in youth minestry?
CRUNCH
Registered User
How does anybody here know if the mind altering/enhancing effects of pot is not brining some people closer the Holy Spirit. Maybe this is why they feel so much peace and love when high. Yet other's have the door opened to other spirits that may cause harm. I'm not religious but to me it would all be based on the individauls overall relationshp to God to begin with. In other words for some pot is a sin, and for others it is not.
It seems to me that there are a number of different ways to interpret Christs writings, hence all the different Christian sects. There's also seems to be a few people trying to impose there beliefs and interpretations onto others with different views, rather than just being accepting of others beliefs.
Just my view from the outside.
It seems to me that there are a number of different ways to interpret Christs writings, hence all the different Christian sects. There's also seems to be a few people trying to impose there beliefs and interpretations onto others with different views, rather than just being accepting of others beliefs.
Just my view from the outside.
spatch
Registered User
How does satan conquer us with alcohol? When people who are drunk get in fights and cheat on their wives, thats how. They are tempted into sinful acts. Its the same way people are tempted with wealth. Money isnt a sin, being a rich slob is.
I am not on a different way when I play football
I am not on a different way when I watch TV
I am not (atleast its my personal belief) on a different way when I hike throught the woods after burning a plant and inhaling the fumes. I honestly dont see how this seperates me from him.
I am fully convinced that marijuana does 2 completley seperate things to me and B, just like 2 people can have completley different experiences with perscription drugs. I personally hate the feeling of booze while others love it.
B5150
Legend
You never answered these questions. The fact that you have absolutely no idea what I am talking about speaks volumes and has already answered the question for you in advance.
I sense that you had already made up your mind anyway and just wanted to see what others thought about what you were already doing.
Some people never know what it is like to distance themselves from God because they never knew Him and His presence in the first place. If you did know His presence you would know what it is like to be distanced from Him.
It's all good. You ask for what the Christian view was and you got it from several of us. The decison is ultimately in your hands.
EDIT: BTW - I don't think this act is any worse than the other acts that we do to distance ourselves from Him. The desire to grow closer to Him should be in the heart of every Christian. Getting high does not in any way shaper or form grow you closer to Him. Christian's get high. The wiser and more mature one's don't.
spatch
Registered User
Different denominations have different views on issues infinitely larger than this, such as the Orthodox Christians not believing in original sin (that all humans are at fault of it anyway).
spatch
Registered User
My bad,
This is basic fundamental Christian stuff.
Are you a Christian who has accepted Jesus for his salvation and made him Lord of you life? Do you think you are in your own way? Do you just claim to be and have no idea what it really means?
Do you go to a church? Do you go to a church that studies the Bible? Do your study your Bible? Do you get involved in youth minestry?
Have I accepted Jesus for his salvation and made him Lord of your life? Yes, I accept that I am a sinner and am saved by the blood of Christ. I appalogize again if I am blind, but I do not see how smoking seperates Him from being my lord. The books of the NT are unclear in this topic for me.
Do you go to church? I go, but usually just to accept the body and blood. Jesus says hypociates pray in public, and that we are to pray in our room alone.
Do you study your Bible? Yes. Hwoever, I can study chemistry all day long and still have a question or 2.
Do I get involved in youth minestry? I never really did as a child, because I came from a completley athiest family. I had to teach myself Christianity untill a few years ago, because I was basically forbidden to go to Church. I have used my faith and love in Jesus to get throught every obsticle in my life. Several times I have wanted to do things, such as attain justice or sexually immoral acts, that in this world would be accepted, but that Jesus would not approve of. I do my best to show each and every person the same love Jesus showed us on the cross. I have converted many of my friends from athiesm to accept Christ as their lord and savior.
I know that smoking doesnt bring me closer to God. However, neither does watching TV, or playing sports. I do not understand how activating the canaboid receptors in my brain seperates me from Christ. However, part of being Christian is accepting that you are sometimes wrong, and I might be on this topic. There has been only one perfect man, and he died a horrible death at age 33.
spatch
Registered User
Not sure how I missed this, but how is smoking an "other" spirit. I have never viewed marijuana as a "spirit." It is unfortunate that some people do look to drugs as an escape, the same way I look to God when I have a heavy heart or am tempted into evil acts.
I mean, some people look to food as an escape. Is that deemed looking to a different spirit for help? Certantly you wouldnt say eating is a sin.
spatch
Registered User
If you feel convicted when praying about it, then He's telling you not to use it. If you genuinely feel okay about it - enjoy
As I said above, the same could be said about food. I look to a cheeseburger as nothing more than food, but some look to it for help when they are in a rought spot. I have never onced looked to weed to "make me feel better" (mentally anyway, it does wonders for an upset stomach though).
CRUNCH
Registered User
So you think everybody who gets drunk will get in fights and cheat on their wife??
When did I mention anything about alcohol in the first place. I was talking about pot only.
the russian
New member
Pot has been used for thousands of years. The Marijuana ban is still a very recent event in history. I have my own theories as to why it was outlawed, none of which involve health issues or religious beliefs.
spatch
Registered User
EXACTLY!
Not everyone who drinks does that. For those who do, however, drinking (better yet, what they do while drinking) is a sin.
CRUNCH
Registered User
I've thought about this some more.
So could you also say that smoking pot is not a sin, but doing harm to yourself or others when on it is. The pot would only be a sin if it "causes" you to do harm you would not have otherwise done when sober.
Certainly seems like the same rational to me.
spatch
Registered User
Precisely. 99% of things in this world have good and evil potentials. Take knives for example.
I would consider it harm if you look to it to escape, even thought no physical harm is being done.
spatch
Registered User
1000 years ago, you could go to a pastor and tell him the earth rotates around the sun and you would probably get killed.
TINYTOAD
Active member
So... what's the answer?
I went over to Wikipedia and found the following definition (not that Wikipedia is gospel, or anything...)
"Sin is a term used mainly in a religious context to describe an act that violates a moral rule, or the state of having committed such a violation. The English word sin was originally an archery term. The distance from the center of the bullseye to the point where an arrow struck is known as the 'sin of the arrow'. Sin is often used meaning an action thought of as wrong or prohibited however in some religions (most notably Christianity), sin or sinning is something that is an action or a state of mind.
In monotheistic religions, the code of conduct is determined by God. Colloquially, any thought, word, or act considered immoral, shameful, harmful, or alienative might be termed "sinful""
So, If I understand this... if smoking pot is immoral, shameful, harmful, or alienative, then it might be sinful.
Ultimately, it depends on your circumstances. If God thought it was such a big deal, he surely would have made it the 11th commandment.
Follow those other 10 commandments, do good to your fellow man, be kind to animals, say a few "hail Marys," and I think the big "G" will let a few bong hits slide, when it's judgement day.
-TT
I went over to Wikipedia and found the following definition (not that Wikipedia is gospel, or anything...)
"Sin is a term used mainly in a religious context to describe an act that violates a moral rule, or the state of having committed such a violation. The English word sin was originally an archery term. The distance from the center of the bullseye to the point where an arrow struck is known as the 'sin of the arrow'. Sin is often used meaning an action thought of as wrong or prohibited however in some religions (most notably Christianity), sin or sinning is something that is an action or a state of mind.
In monotheistic religions, the code of conduct is determined by God. Colloquially, any thought, word, or act considered immoral, shameful, harmful, or alienative might be termed "sinful""
So, If I understand this... if smoking pot is immoral, shameful, harmful, or alienative, then it might be sinful.
Ultimately, it depends on your circumstances. If God thought it was such a big deal, he surely would have made it the 11th commandment.
Follow those other 10 commandments, do good to your fellow man, be kind to animals, say a few "hail Marys," and I think the big "G" will let a few bong hits slide, when it's judgement day.
-TT
B5150
Legend
He asked what the word of God had to say about it. It has been presented and it is rather clear to those who have the slightest bit of discernement that being of sober mind is what it states.
He got feedback from other Christians on their view on it.
Our relationship with God is like any other relationship. It is a two way street. He loves us and accepts us as we are. That is unconditonal. That does not mean He approves of our condition. Like any other intimate realtionship it is to grow more closely and deeply.
When you are indeed close to God you know that it distances you from him. You are high. You are under the influence. You are distorted. If someone who claims to be intimate with God cannot see how this interferes with their relationship with Him they may not be as close as they should be or could be or think they are. If they are fine with that then fine. But as for me and some of the other Christians in here that is not accpetable. If Jesus would to return today as promised and walked up to me and introduced Himself to me and I were high I would be ashamed. If I were to die and meet Him face to face high I would be devestated. If you had the slightest comprehension of what He did for you when He freely died on the cross for you, you would do nothing of the sort to your body or mind with the short time you have on this planet. If you don't get it you never got it in the first place.
Again, this is just my opinion. It is my realtionship with our God and soul in my hands for eternity. Do with yours as you choose.
He got feedback from other Christians on their view on it.
Our relationship with God is like any other relationship. It is a two way street. He loves us and accepts us as we are. That is unconditonal. That does not mean He approves of our condition. Like any other intimate realtionship it is to grow more closely and deeply.
When you are indeed close to God you know that it distances you from him. You are high. You are under the influence. You are distorted. If someone who claims to be intimate with God cannot see how this interferes with their relationship with Him they may not be as close as they should be or could be or think they are. If they are fine with that then fine. But as for me and some of the other Christians in here that is not accpetable. If Jesus would to return today as promised and walked up to me and introduced Himself to me and I were high I would be ashamed. If I were to die and meet Him face to face high I would be devestated. If you had the slightest comprehension of what He did for you when He freely died on the cross for you, you would do nothing of the sort to your body or mind with the short time you have on this planet. If you don't get it you never got it in the first place.
Again, this is just my opinion. It is my realtionship with our God and soul in my hands for eternity. Do with yours as you choose.
mmowry
Board Sponsor
Very well stated.
I dont smoke anymore not because Im worried that Gods going to be mad........not even close.I dont do it out of love and respect.This is all about relationship bottom line.If my wife doesnt like it if i do something (what ever the reason) I dont because I care for her and want to please her.
Love in action is putting anothers needs or wants infront of your own.Thats why I do or dont do these things.
Its tough to try to live up to my sig if Im all vaporlocked also.
I dont smoke anymore not because Im worried that Gods going to be mad........not even close.I dont do it out of love and respect.This is all about relationship bottom line.If my wife doesnt like it if i do something (what ever the reason) I dont because I care for her and want to please her.
Love in action is putting anothers needs or wants infront of your own.Thats why I do or dont do these things.
Its tough to try to live up to my sig if Im all vaporlocked also.
TINYTOAD
Active member
I guess I'm unclear here...
Are you agreeing or disagreeing with my post. (see last sentence in post)
Thanks,
-TT
Are you agreeing or disagreeing with my post. (see last sentence in post)
Thanks,
-TT
B5150
Legend
Do you mean this:
Follow those other 10 commandments, do good to your fellow man, be kind to animals, say a few "hail Marys," and I think the big "G" will let a few bong hits slide, when it's judgement day.
-TT
TINYTOAD
Active member
Yes.
I see these long, masturbatory discussions about stuff that really doesn't matter in the long run, and think people are missing the forest for the trees.
What truly maters, is how you treat your fellow man, and the rest of God's creatures. I think that's what you will ultimately get graded on in the end.
I don't care if you're Christian, Moslems, or Wicken. God has a good place for you when your time has come, if you just treat people right.
-TT
I see these long, masturbatory discussions about stuff that really doesn't matter in the long run, and think people are missing the forest for the trees.
What truly maters, is how you treat your fellow man, and the rest of God's creatures. I think that's what you will ultimately get graded on in the end.
I don't care if you're Christian, Moslems, or Wicken. God has a good place for you when your time has come, if you just treat people right.
-TT
B5150
Legend
Absolutely agree. But too many decide what is right for themselves and have no idea what their own doctrine states or they shop around to find one that meets up with their carnal desires for their lives and blend them all together so they can have their cake and eat it to. As a Christian (Christ following Bible believer) it is very clear. Most reject Christaianity and Jesus for the above stated reason and the doctrine and words in the Bible and go where it better suites their concepts. Sitting on the fence and playing multiple doctrines does not cut if if someone claims to be a Christian (follow Jesus). I am not masturbating anything, though I stand firm and erect in my stance on my faith.
Sure, God has a place for all of us. But you can be a huge influence on whether you are penthouse or an economy efficiency.
1 Corinthians 3:8-15
He who plants and he who waters are equal, and each shall receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw -- each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
1 John 2:28
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Comes from the same book who's pages contain statements like be sober.
TheCrownedOne
Registered User
I don't see that as Biblically accurate.
John 14
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
John 15
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Matthew 22
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mark 12
28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
There is no way to do anything good enough for God to hold you in high esteem. God sees us all as sinners going to hell until we trust in His Son's finished work alone for salvation (Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
. The way I see it, Jesus more or less said, "I AM. I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me. I lived a sinless life, willfully gave Myself as your payment for sins, suffered, gave up My life willingly, took the sins of every person - past, present, and future - to hell for three days and three nights (as it is reckoned on earth), raised Myself from the dead under My own power, and ascended to heaven and sit even now at the right Hand of GOD. Trust in Me to save you. If you hold Me accountable by faith in My Words, I cannot fail you."That's where your reward comes from in the end. There is no such thing as "God, I treated your creation well, and I acted good, but I never trusted in Your Son. Can I still get in?"
Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Ephesians 2
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
B5150
Legend
I don't know about other brothers but let me share a part of this thread regarding spatch's conclusinon that is my main gripe with this thread and where it has gone.
We have an individual who has split hairs, a distorted interpretation of scripture and fluctuates from doctrine to doctrine to meet and justify his desire to smoke weed.
I would have more respect for an individual who said "look, I like getting high, I don't care what you think, or what God thinks, I'm getting high, I have no problem with it", than someone who manipulates the truth in scripture to justify his behaviors.
I used to get high. I know the appeal. So I can completely identify.
I know the conviction of my heart through my conscience, validated by knowing the truth in scripture and I choose to be obedient.
We have an individual who has split hairs, a distorted interpretation of scripture and fluctuates from doctrine to doctrine to meet and justify his desire to smoke weed.
I would have more respect for an individual who said "look, I like getting high, I don't care what you think, or what God thinks, I'm getting high, I have no problem with it", than someone who manipulates the truth in scripture to justify his behaviors.
I used to get high. I know the appeal. So I can completely identify.
I know the conviction of my heart through my conscience, validated by knowing the truth in scripture and I choose to be obedient.