When it comes to our salvation, is doubt good? This verse has been and is continually used by some to cause many Christians to doubt their salvation. They claim that it is good to question our salvation by examining our works, attitudes, motives, and conduct. But the verse says nothing about examining these things. Understanding the context of the passage--and the whole epistle--is the key to understanding what Paul is saying. In short, he is not telling them to question their salvation. But by using irony, he is making the point that they are saved, and that is how they should know that he is an authentic apostle--because he brought the gospel to them first! In other words, he is saying, "Look at yourselves. Are you saved? Of course you are! Then I must be a true apostle because I got you saved with my gospel." This understanding will free believers who are prone to look within or at their works, which is a quagmire that will stifle growth. God doesn't want us to doubt our salvation! See 1 John 5:13. #Assuranceofsalvation#eternalsecurity#gracelifeministries#Simplybygrace

Christians can get confused and lose the assurance of their salvation for a number of reasons. Charlie will name some of these, but more importantly, he will show how four rhetorical questions from Romans chapter 8 are designed to give full assurance of salvation. The first question reminds us that since God is for us, no one can stand against us. He answers a question with another question by arguing from the greater to the lesser. That is, if God gave us His Son, will He not also give us everything else needed to accomplish our final salvation? The second question reminds us that no one can bring a charge against us because we have been acquitted (justified, declared righteous) by the Judge of the universe. His third question reminds us that no one can condemn us. The fourth and final question elicits from the Apostle a flourish of imagery meant to convince us that there is nothing, no one, nowhere, at no time which can separate us from God's tenacious love. After hearing this episode, you will find peace as you rest in God's securing and assuring grace. This episode is from GraceNotes no. 6 of the same title. #Assuranceofsalvation#eternalsecurity#gracelifeministries#Simplybygrace

God's grace can meet all our needs, which is especially important when we are suffering hardships of all kinds. In this passage from Second Corinthians 12, we find an amazing revelation about the Apostle Paul's amazing revelation! He is too humble to claim ownership of it lest he be accused of boasting, but he describes his experience in unmistakable terms. We see that God did not answer His prayers to remove the "thorn in the flesh" for a reason--so that he could experience Christ's power in his weakness. We see that sometimes, God uses suffering to keep us humble, and may allow it to continue. It is at those times that we discover His strength and even take pleasure in our sufferings. Suffering is a part of everyone's life, but God's grace can carry us through it. He has an abundance of grace for any and every need. This message will give you a biblical perspective on your own suffering and how God can use it for your good. (We apologize for a few minutes of silence that are not crucial and are explained in the slides.) #Suffering#GraceLifeMinistries#SimmplybyGrace#Thornintheflesh

We usually emphasize the deity of Jesus Christ, which is a good thing. But the book of Hebrews has a lot to say about His humanity also. In fact, Jesus' favorite title He used for Himself is "Son of Man." Why? Because he was identifying with the human race as the Second Adam who came to undo the damage of the first Adam. Charlie list six ways from Hebrews chapter 2 how the humanity of Jesus Christ is important. First, he came as a man to rule as the future millennial King. Second, He had to experience and suffering for our salvation. Third, He wanted to make us part of his family. Fourth, He defeated the power of death and the devil to free us from the bondage to fear and death. Fifth, He became our High Priest to make propitiation for our sins. Sixth, He can identify with those who are tempted. This truth should give us comfort in the present and hope for the future that we share with our Lord. #SimplyByGrace #GraceLifeMinistries#Hebrews#HumanityofChrist#BaysideCommunityChurchTampa

This episode is a replay of Charlie's interview by Jamie Bryant of Faith Bible Church (The Woodlands, TX) on their Epilogue podcast in a series devoted to the free grace view. They discuss the nature of "saving faith" (a term Charlie thinks needs clarification). Their talk covers the accusation of easy-believism, the intrusion of works into faith, and illustrations of the faith that saves. #gracelifeministries #eternalsecurity #simplebygrace #EpiloguePodcast #FaithBibleChurch

That’s the name of a new book written by pastor Gary Johnson of Westport Baptist Church in Indiana. In this interview with Pastor Gary, Charlie explains why he likes this book so much: It is clear, simple, and useful to someone without theological training or a deep knowledge of the Bible. Pastor Gary reviews his religious background that did not give him peace until he searched the Scriptures and came to understand and accept the teaching about eternal security. This interview also discusses some of the key Bible passages and the objection that eternal security encourages people to sin. You will enjoy hearing Gary’s heart and hopefully will get his book and share this podcast and video with others. Here is where you can hear more from pastor Gary: Podcast: Westport’s Words of Hope & Grace - One Verse At a Time (Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Lys2GdE8McfzsE4TxNbua, also available on: Youtube, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, and Podcast Addict). Book: You Are Eternally Secure: Count the Cost, But Know the Promise; Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Eternally-Secure-Count/dp/B0FKHNGXTC, or from Gary Johnson. Contact: pastorgary.westportbaptist@gmail.com #gracelifeministries #eternalsecurity #simplebygrace

Chapter 4 of Paul's epistle to the Galatian church is a declaration of the freedom believers have as sons of God, not slaves. The author reveals his heart's affection for his readers and his desire for them to live in the freedom that Christ brings. To illustrate the contrast between the Law that enslaves and the gospel of grace which liberates, Paul uses the analogy of two women in Genesis: Sarah and Hagar. Each had a son, but they were incompatible, so Hagar and her son had to be cast out. So too, the Law and grace are incompatible when it comes to how we are saved and sanctified. Believers are of the free woman, not the slave. #Galatians #SimplybyGrace #GraceLifeMinistries #longstoryshort #winterbibleschoolnewzealand

This final session covers chapters 5 and 6, where Paul exhorts his readers to stand strong in grace and resist those who want to enslave them to the Law. Should they go back to the Law, they will fall from grace, meaning they will no longer be under the blessings that come from God's promises because they are depending on their own efforts. If they really want to fulfill the Law, they should love one another. The liberty they have in the gospel of grace should be controlled by love, not license. Don't resort to legalism--stand strong in grace! Don't try to live by the Law, but live by the Spirit and bear the fruit of the Spirit. Chapter 6 includes other exhortations that show how to display the love of Christ towards others. Paul's example was to boast only in the work of the cross, not in the work of his flesh. #Galatians #SimplybyGrace #GraceLifeMinistries #longstoryshort #winterbibleschoolnewzealand

As Paul continues his defense of his gospel of grace, he rebukes the Galatians for their inconsistent thinking that they can be sanctified, or finally justified, by works not faith. This leads to an explanation of the purpose of the Law. It was not given to sanctify us, but to expose our sin and lead us to our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Law did not replace the promise of God to Abraham to provide a Seed who would be our Savior. Since the promise comes by grace, not Law, faith is the chief principle for living, just as it was for salvation. #Galatians #SimplybyGrace #GraceLifeMinistries

As the Apostle Paul continues to defend his gospel of grace through faith in Christ alone, he explains how he did not compromise his message and ministry with the legalists. He uses Titus and an incident with Peter as examples. Paul had to rebuke Peter when Peter would not eat with Gentiles and thus Peter implicitly endorsed the Law as necessary for the Gentiles. This leads to a marvelous exposition of Paul's defense of justification through faith. It also allows him to declare that his life is defined by Christ living in and through Him, thus grace extends beyond initial salvation into sanctification. Paul will not neglect the grace of God! #Galatians #SimplybyGrace #GraceLifeMinistries

Galatians is a critical Bible book that shows how the gospel of grace is easily corrupted by the intrusion of works. Its emphasis on the grace of the gospel is one reason why Martin Luther called this book his "Katherine," who was his wife. In chapter 1, the Apostle Paul expresses his surprise and concern at how the readers had so soon been corrupted from his gospel to a different gospel. He argues that he received his gospel from Jesus Christ Himself. He did not change his message to win the approval of others. This message is needed today because the gospel of grace is still in danger of corruption by those who teach works or the law is a necessary component of salvation. #Galatians #SimplybyGrace #GraceLifeMinistries

In this very theological discussion based on GraceNotes no. 106, Charlie shows how the context helps us understand the assurances of the believer's future found in Romans 8:28-30. The surrounding contexts speak of the believer's future sharing in the glory of God through Christ in His millennial rule. The key to understanding the message of verses 28-30 is seeing our futures from God's timeless perspective. To Him, the past, present, and future are seen at once since He lives in "one eternal now." That is why the believer's glorification is as certain as his justification. It is as good as accomplished because God knows those who are His. His will does not work in exclusion of man's free will, but in congruence with it. The assurances of our future with Christ are as sure as God's Word and purposes. #AssuranceofSalvation#FreeGraceTheology#LordshipSalvation#SimplybyGrace

This GraceNotes episode begins a series of messages on the assurance of salvation. This is such an important subject because so many people struggle with doubts about their salvation. In this episode, from GraceNotes no. 73, we will see that Free Grace theology is the only theological perspective that can give a believer full assurance of salvation. Three alternate views are explained. First, Reformed Calvinism believes that the elect can be sure of their salvation, but the problem is, no one can be sure they are one of the elect until they die having persevered in their faith and obedience to the end of their life. Another theology, Arminianism, holds that a Christian can be sure of salvation if they are living obediently. However, they cannot be sure of future salvation because thatw obedience is not guaranteed. A third perspective can come from both theologies. It is Lordship Salvation, which teaches that we are saved by committing ourselves to Jesus as our Master, which is proven by our genuine faith, turning from sins, and our full commitment. However, since it is impossible to gauge these things, full assurance becomes unattainable. Free Grace is the only view that gives full assurance of salvation because it depends on God's work and performance, not the believer's. This view is the most biblical and allows for peace and confidence in the Christian's life.#AssuranceofSalvation#FreeGraceTheology#LordshipSalvation#SimplybyGrace

Flipping the question "What must I do to be saved" (Act 16:31) to "What must I do to be unsaved?" is a way to see all the things that have been accomplished in an individual's salvation. In order for someone to lose their salvation, there are many things that would have to be undone or reversed, if it was possible. Charlie duscusses twenty-two results of salvation that a believer would have to undo in order for a person to lose their salvation. Of course, Charlie believes Christians cannot lose their salvation, so a discussion of the irreversible results of salvation help us appreciate what God has done by His grace. It is hard to listen to this description of God's blessings given to us at salvation and believe that they can be lost or denied. This is a good listen for any who want to defend eternal security or help others find their security and assurance of salvation. #EternalSecurity #LoseSalvation #GraceLifeMinistries #SimplyByGrace

In Romans 11:22 some think that the Apostle Paul is warning that if an individual believer does not continue to live in God's goodness, but abusees that privilege, that believer will bt "cut off" or lose their salvation. That view, however, neglects the context. Paul is not addressing individuals, but the fate of two different peoples: The Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews are the natural branches that were broken off by the Lord because of their unbelief in the Messiah. God then turned to the Gentiles and when they believed, be grafted in these unnatural branches to enjoy the blessings given to the Jews. However, Paul warns, if the Gentiles do not continue in faithfulness to God's goodness, they can also be broken off from the blessings. This message is not a message to individual believers about losing their salvation. It is a warning to Gentiles as a group to not neglect the grace of God given to them in the gospel. #EternalSecurity #SimplyByGrace #GraceLifeMinistries

There is a different gospel being preached, one that differs from the gospel of grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. It is called Lordship Salvation, and many people will not recognize its subtlety--until they know what to look for. This episode explains what Lordship Salvation teaches about Faith, Repentance, Lordship, and Discipleship, then shows their erroneous thinking about these important issues. Also covered are the negative consequences of this perversion of the gospel. It affects one's assurance, motivation, Christian living, and interpretation of key Bible passages. The failure to see the distinctions between salvation and discipleship, or justification and sanctification, is a crucial error of the Lordship view. Listen and be equipped. #LordshipSalvation #GraceLifeMinistries #FreeGraceGospel #SimplybyGrace

Where do you get your self-image from? Is it the opinion of others, society, or something someone told you in the past? When we meet God's grace, it changes everything. We view ourselves as in Christ, fully accepted by God. It is by grace that we are who we are and are able to do what we do. There is no room for self-glorification. The Apostle Paul called himself the chief of sinners, but he recognized that the grace of God working in him was able to accomplish much. He had a new identity and a new power through Christ. We must see ourselves through the eyes fo God's grace. #SimmplybyGrace#GraceLifeMinistries

In Part 2 of this conversation about the nature of saving faith, Charlie answers questions on the live-streamed conference. Questions were answered about the view of whether faith is given to only the elect. Also, discussed is faith as a response rather than a divine gift. Can an unregenerated person respond in faith? Can the Spirit's prompting be resisted? What does it mean to be spiritually dead? #GraceLifeMinistries #SimplybyGrace #GraceforAllCoalition

Welcome to the Simply by Grace podcast, where Dr. Charlie Bing of Grace Life Ministries delves deep into understanding the true essence of faith and its pivotal role in salvation. Highlighting pivotal biblical references such as Ephesians 2:8 and Acts 16:31, Dr. Bing defines faith as the persuasion or conviction that the gospel is true, while dispelling common misconceptions surrounding its meaning.This episode challenges traditional views with an insightful examination of how faith is often intertwined with concepts like trust, commitment, and works, and explores how these notions may not align with biblical teachings. Dr. Bing encourages listeners to consider faith as a simple, heartfelt response to God's grace rather than a convoluted theological construct.Tune in for a refreshing perspective on salvation that keeps the message of God's grace clear and accessible, inviting believers to embrace a faith that is true to the Scriptures.

Join Dr. Charlie Bing on Simply by Grace, a podcast by Grace Life Ministries, as he explores the controversial topic of Lordship Salvation. In this insightful episode, Dr. Bing delves into the debates surrounding the belief in salvation by grace alone versus the commitments required by Lordship Salvation. Discover the theological nuances and biblical interpretations that influence how Christians perceive salvation, faith, and discipleship. Journey with Dr. Bing as he clarifies misconceptions and asserts the power of grace as a free gift, encouraging believers to rest assured in their faith. Stay informed and grounded in sound doctrine with resources available at gracelife.org.