Christianity Oasis Forum

[Netchaplain]

The believer’s standing (position) is the way the Father sees him in His Son, as perfect in Him. But his state (condition) is the way the Father sees him in his daily walk, which is sinful and erring and needs to be developed and improved.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand” (Rom 5:1, 2). “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand” (1 Cor 15:1). “That I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state” (Phil 2:19, 20).

Nearly all the false doctrines that teach some form of human works or merit for salvation are based upon Scriptures that deal with the believer’s state and have nothing to do with salvation at all. God’s Word would not be complete if it did not teach both the sinner how to be saved and the believer how to conduct himself after he is saved. Many of the difficulties in understanding the Scriptures would disappear if we would always ask: is this verse about our standing or our state?

One notable instance of this principle of Bible understanding is found in the first epistle to the Corinthians. In the first chapter, Paul refers to them as saints who “are sanctified.” But in the third chapter he says they are “carnal”, or fleshly. As to their standing, they are sanctified in Christ Jesus—perfect in Him. But in their actual earthly walk, or state, they were carnal. In their standing they are safe, as secure and perfect as the work of the Cross can make them. But in their state they need exhortation and growth.

Again, in Colossians 2:10, “And ye are complete in Him.” This refers to the perfect standing which the believer has in Christ. It cannot be improved upon; it is already “complete” in Christ. Yet in our walk we cannot say that we are sinless, for “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8).

The Father looks upon every believer as if he were already in heaven, as far as his standing in concerned. This blessed truth is brought out in Ephesians 2:6, “And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” But as far as his earthly state is concerned while he is waiting the home-call, the believer is admonished thus: “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth” (Col 3:5). So we see that the believer is said to be both in heaven and on earth. “Standing and State” is the only explanation of this. Much more of the Word is given to instructions for the believer’s state than to his standing. His standing is heavenly, eternal and perfect. His state is earthly, temporary and imperfect.

- Unknown

[beenawhile]

Netchaplain,

Thank you, this is a good post, and one that I have questioned for quite some time now. Balance, how do I find balance between my spiritual standing and my state of being? So, my standing is secure, but my state is to be ever changing onward and upward, is that it? I once understood these things it seems, but somehow I stumbled along the way.

Do you think that the influence of "once saved always saved" is bad for Christian growth? I mean, if I am secure in my salvation, why should I do anything else? Am I expected to do anything else? This is rhetorical question of course, but I in my ignorance married into this doctrine six years ago and it has had a profound and destructive effect on my relationship with God. When one has walked close with the Lord and tasted and seen the goodness thereof as I have, then resting on our standing is not enough; it can never be. Surely Jesus didn't lay down His life so that we could just say, 'I'm saved, good for me,' then go one living as if nothing had changed! Thoughts?

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (2Peter 3:18)

[Netchaplain]

Netchaplain,

Thank you, this is a good post, and one that I have questioned for quite some time now. Balance, how do I find balance between my spiritual standing and my state of being? So, my standing is secure, but my state is to be ever changing onward and upward, is that it? I once understood these things it seems, but somehow I stumbled along the way.

Do you think that the influence of "once saved always saved" is bad for Christian growth? I mean, if I am secure in my salvation, why should I do anything else? Am I expected to do anything else? This is rhetorical question of course, but I in my ignorance married into this doctrine six years ago and it has had a profound and destructive effect on my relationship with God. When one has walked close with the Lord and tasted and seen the goodness thereof as I have, then resting on our standing is not enough; it can never be. Surely Jesus didn't lay down His life so that we could just say, 'I'm saved, good for me,' then go one living as if nothing had changed! Thoughts?

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (2Peter 3:18)

Hi BAW - Thank you for your reply and comments, which are of importance! The idea of saying "not of works" refers to the idea that works can neither produce salvation and/or retain salvation, but many misinterpret it that one born again will not need to "bear" works. I believe the most significant issue concerning works is that they are produced by God and the believer "bears" them (uses us to show them). Fruits are works and it is the Vine that produces them, not the branch (Jhn 15:5, 8) which bears them, as instructed in James 2:24. "by works a man is justified." Here the word "justified" means to show or display (branch); not to render or produce (Vine).

Works cannot effect nor retain salvation. Neither can they be absent in salvation because the Father "works in you both to desire and do of His good pleasure" (Phl 2:13). As God works in everyone born again, the fruit of the Spirit will become more evident, confirming His "conforming" us (Rom 8:29; 1Co 3:18); and it is not the Spirit's life that the Father uses--but the Son's (Col 3:4).

The quickest growth is reading and rereading Scripture--esp. the NT. I always mark where I left off so I know where to restart. This promotes consistency.

Blessing!