Hi hi fellow brethens in Christ,
I am excited cause Sabbath gonna start soon, can't wait to go church and study God's beautiful word ^^

Hi Thomasthai,

The below is not written by me but I find it helps to clear a lot of confusion in regards of Holy Spirit(speaking in tongue).

If the reception of the Holy Spirit is so important for salvation, it should be clear when it happens. Its evidence is the speaking of tongues (Acts 2:4, 33). The incident of speaking in tongues at Pentecost formed the basis for confirming Cornelius’ reception of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44f): “Can any forbid water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have (Acts 10:47; 11:15)?” That they had received the Holy Spirit was in no way a haphazard guess or even to be expected, seeing as they were Gentiles. All the circumcised believers who had come to Cornelius’ house were amazed because they heard them speak in tongues (Acts. 10:46), thus confirming that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also.

A careful reader would realize that the word ‘gift’ is singular. It coincides with that of the Pentecost: “…and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The Greek word for it is “Dorea” (Acts 2:28, 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Jn 4:10). It denotes “free gift”. “The Gift of the Holy Spirit” here refers to the Holy Spirit Himself. The “gift” is not charismatic (1 Cor 12:4) because Peter’s message emphasized Jesus’ ministry, deeds, death and resurrection (Acts 10:34ff). “Charisma” is another Greek word which means “gift” (1 Cor 12:7). It refers to the bestowments (spiritual gifts, which include tongues-speaking as well) of the Holy Spirit upon different individuals in the body of Christ (Rm 12:6; 1 Cor 1:7; 12:4, 9, 28, 30, 31; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; 1 Pet 4:10).

Some may argue that the ability to extol God is also likely evidence, since it happened in Cornelius’ case. This is highly unlikely in the context of the other passages in Acts that record the receiving of the Holy Spirit and also that it stands as very weak evidence for such a momentous occasion. It is more likely that the Gentile listeners extolled God as a way of acknowledging and enjoying Peter’s preaching. In defending himself when he returned to Jerusalem, Peter explained his association, together with six brethren, with the Gentiles as sanctioned by the same gift – the Holy Spirit evidenced by tongues – bestowed upon them (Acts 11:17).

At Ephesus, Paul made use of the same evidence – speaking in tongues – to confirm the receiving of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:6). Even though prophecy (which means preaching) had occurred, it was not the evidence, for those who had not received the Holy Spirit, were able to prophesy too. The sending out of the 70 others to preach prior to the days of Pentecost proves this point (Lk 10:1ff). The occurrence of prophecy at Ephesus could well have taken place after they had received the Holy Spirit. Simply, Christ requires His servants to be empowered by the Holy Spirit (Lk 24:49) when doing evangelistic work, although the two can be in reverse order. In Luke’s descriptive writing, he did not add that prophesying was the initial evidence of being filled by the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2:4).

To avoid confusion, it is necessary to explain the two functions of tongues: as evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit and for the common good. The former provides self-edification in prayer (1 Cor 14:2, 4). Those who have received the Holy Spirit may all speak in tongues simultaneously (Acts 2, 10, 19). Since it is concerned with the individual, no interpretation is needed (Acts 2; 10; 19; 1 Cor 14:27). The latter, as a charismatic gift, serves the purpose of edifying others (1 Cor 12:7, 10). It has to be administered orderly, with two or three persons, and each in turn, and one needs to interpret what they say into intelligible words for the listeners (1 Cor 14:27).

In Acts 4:31, Peter, John and some believers were described as being filled by the Holy Spirit and thereby spoke boldly “the word of God”. To some, to speak boldly is the evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit. A careful reading of Acts would make us realize otherwise. This is not a passage of Spirit-reception, as Peter and the rest had already received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). This is only the description of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in their preaching work.

Even while Acts 8 does not specifically state that the Samaria believers spoke in tongues, a cursory study of it would make us discover that the initial evidence for Spirit-reception was neither the ability to perform miracles (v6f), nor the expression of joy (v8), nor faith, nor baptism in the name of Jesus (v 12f, 16). Rather, it was an outward and recognizable sign the apostles (Peter and John) and others witnessed. It even impressed a wicked person, the magician who desired to have it. It had to be tongues. Luke in his writing has implied so by the word ‘gift’ (v20), which takes the same root word in Greek as stated in the case of Pentecost (Acts 2:39). The other reason: Peter later went to Caesarea (Acts 10) and confirmed the receiving of the Holy Spirit based on tongues, thus at Samaria he could not have determined Spirit-reception by another sign, but tongues. Remember! The Bible is consistent.

The account on the conversion of Paul does not state tongues was spoken, but he affirmed in his first epistle to the Corinthians that he spoke in tongues more than all: a sign that he attributed to the Spirit of God (1 Cor 12:10f; 14:18).

Those who do not believe in ‘tongues’ argue also that “when the author of Acts emphasizes a specific phenomenon, such as the speaking in tongues, he does not seem to do so to teach a doctrine of Spirit-reception.” They claim that there is no hint that this was the purpose; the author’s intent instead was to show the validity of the gospel development described in Acts.

We know the gospel is the word of God (1 Pet 1:25). It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith (Rm 1:16f). The Lord Jesus has promised that the Holy Spirit is to be given to those who ask (Lk 11:13; 24:47ff) – it is part of the gospel, which is His word (Lk 24:44). Many in the end time shall speak in new tongues (Mk 16:17). The first fulfillment of this promise of Jesus took place at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). It is true that the Holy Spirit validated the development of the gospel; but the evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues (Acts 2, 10, 19). This is the pattern of the apostolic beliefs.

Likewise today, we who love God also hope that the Gospel of Salvation will be speedily spread and appropriately developed. However, if such a proclamation is without the validation from the Holy Spirit evidenced through speaking in tongues, it is most likely we have missed the mark of being saved (Eph 1:13f; Jn 3:5; Tit 3:5). If speaking in tongues validated the gospel development in the apostolic time, but does not do so today, perhaps we should examine the ”gospel” that we preach.

Whenever the author of Acts relates a religious story of speaking in tongues, we should evaluate it with our belief. If our present experience with God differs radically from it, the right thing to do is not to change its actual meaning to match our belief; rather, we should renew our belief to conform to what it teaches.

There are many facets of teaching on the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, the emphasis of one author on the Spirit differs from the others. However, this does not imply that they are contradicting each other. Rather they are emphasizing the different aspects of the same Holy Spirit. For example, Luke stresses more on the work and the evidence of the Holy Spirit, which is the speaking of tongues. Paul underscores Spirit-reception as a pledge, deposit or guarantee to enter into God’s Kingdom (Eph 1:13f; 4:30; 2 Cor 1:22; 5:5). He also underlines that the Holy Spirit is the renewing agent (Tit 3:5), orientating a person to a mode of behavior pleasing to God (Rm 7-8) and interceding for us to submit to God’s will. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians, Paul stresses that ‘tongues’ edifies the speaker when praying to God. It is also a way in which God conveys His message to His people through an interpreter. It is also a sign to the unbelievers.

There are three accounts of tongues speaking. Three times should be more than enough to confirm anything. Thus, speaking in tongues becomes the natural result or phenomenon of receiving the Holy Spirit.

In sum, if we look up all the examples pertaining to the evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts, the speaking of tongues is always the accompanying sign (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6). The apostles used the experience of tongues speaking at Pentecost (Acts 2:4) as the foundation for determining the receiving of the Holy Spirit. It became the ‘way’ He was received in their later empowered-ministry (Acts 10:46f). It is also independent of any other signs when the outpour is described. In fact, it is always stated first, if more than one manifestation of the Holy Spirit occurs. These three passages unravel the biblical pattern of the early Christians’ belief; and it is also the standard for us to discern whether the Holy Spirit is received.

The two functions of speaking in tongues:

Charismatic tongues (1 Cor 12:1, 10-11)
1. This is tongues in preaching
2. It is for the mutual good of the community of faith (1 Cor 12:7; 14:5, 26c).
3. Its target audience is the church (people). There were members at Corinth who preached to the church community in tongues (1 Cor 14:27-28).
4. It requires interpreting (1 Cor 12:10; 14:5, 26-28).
5. It is only given to some at the discretion of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:8-12).
6. It has to be done in turn for maximum effectiveness (1 Cor 14:26-28), to maintain order in the church.

Dorean tongues (Acts 2, 8, 10)
1. This is tongues in prayer.
2. It is to edify the speaker alone, who utters mysteries in the Spirit (1 Cor 14:2, 4).
3. The target audience is God. This is the evidence of one receiving the Holy Spirit when praying to God (1 Cor 14:2). These examples are scattered throughout the book of Acts.
4. It requires no interpreting (Accounts in Acts).
5. It is a common experience of all who have received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2, 10, 19).
6. It can be spoken in groups (Acts 2, 10, 19) or by a person who has received the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 14:2, 4).

In Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit was poured out, they were speaking in Dorean tongues. What the people of various language backgrounds experienced was a miracle. God opened their ears to understand Dorean tongues, which speak of the wonderful works of God and mysteries (Acts 2:11, 1 Cor 14:2). This confirms what Paul says in 1 Cor 14:22 that [Dorean] tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers. However, note that there were others who mocked and said they were drunk (Acts 2:13). God did not open these people’s ears likely because their hearts were hardened.

So when you refer to 1 Cor 14:13 about translating or interpreting tongues, this is referring to Charismatic tongues according to the original Greek text. Paul instructed them to keep silent [from prophesying] if there was no interpreter because this was causing disorder at the time in Corinth. However, note that Paul did not ask them to stop speaking in tongues altogether (Acts 14:2, 28, 39). After all, speaking in Dorean tongues is a given when one prays or speaks to God, and is the evidence of having received the Holy Spirit (as explained in the above post).

Hi Thomasthai,

Sorry but I've disagreement with your understanding. I also doubt if you really read the previous writings I shared with you. No offense, but the explanation has verses along with it too, did you really read it and check into the bible at the same time?

We can know from Acts 2:3-4... tongues of fire,... speak in tongues is Holy Spirit from Acts 2:4 and from Acts 2:33...He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. And then we go to the following verses for more understanding:

[Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.]

And [Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells in you.] to have Holy Spirit is to resurrect us at the end times, just like Christ did.

Referring to the 2 verses above - How is it coveting when every believers just wants to be belong to Christ? and for resurrection/salvation purpose? Whether is it coveting or not or whether to get a showy gift or not, God reads our heart, he knows our intention. Putting these negative intention aside. Anyone that really want to belong to God and resurrect on the last day still have to pursue to receive the real Holy Spirit.

And about 1 Corinth 12:30 "...Do all speak in tongues?", and lets look at Luke 11:13...how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" <- Here in this situation, we can see that they're those that do not have the Holy Spirit yet but are in the process still praying and asking and waiting to receive Holy Spirit (speaking in tongue) from God. It doesn't mean that they do not need Holy Spirit, is just mean that some just haven't receive yet so not all speak in tongue. For example in a church, 90% have received 10% still waiting to receive. Looking into the situation in my church, one sister received it after 2 months of baptism and another big news, a brother received after 60 years!!! of praying, asking and waiting. The whole church is so happy for him that it became an announcement in the church.

As for the special gift, some members in the body of Christ would be given different gift from the same Spirit of Christ, some preaching, some healing and some interpret etc. As for the interpretation part, that Paul rebuked, there is a need for me to go into details... too much to write and am busy now, some day may be...
Anyway this whole thing here is like heading to somewhere heaty, for peace sake may be I just don't desire to continue...God bless.


This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 24 2018, 02:38 PM

Dear pehkay,

Truth is not always sweet and easy and sometimes is cruel but for people's good so that we don't be deceived and don't procrastinate.
And truth is not to be sugar coated to makes believers feels good and feels safe and risk putting their salvation in danger.
I love and care for other brethens in Christ and that is why I am here to also share and encourage all of us to look for the real truth.
Truth is shared so that people would put in effort to pray and ask from God to receive his real Holy Spirit and really seek where is his real body (his church). Side note, if you found the true church then you get can get laying of hands and receive Holy Spirit like what happened in Acts 19:6 below.

Those teachers that likes to make believers feels good and safe without biblical truth always say to the people this "Once you believed in Christ, you've received the Holy Spirit".
The truth is here >> Acts 19:2-6 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied. 4Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Key point here: 1) believed but haven't receive. 2) Baptism 3) Laying of hands, Holy Spirit, Spoke in tongues

Pls don't misunderstand me, I wish all have the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongue), is for our salvation. I want everyone to be saved.
The case of the brother in my church that prayed 60 years asking to receive Holy Spirit, we won't think of him being unsave, we all admonish each other is God's perfect timing. And personally, me think - who knows if it is to test your faith and patience?
Truth is if you haven't have it yet then pray, ask, seek, knock and have faith that God will guide, help and give. Faith faith faith.
Don't be deceived and don't be lazy and think "Oh, I already have it, I believed so I have dy la, no effort needed'.

About the gifts, There is dorean and charisma. If you have the time, please read the first message I shared with ThomasThai, have a lot of information with bible verses along.

Sorry, Truth hurts. For love, I shared.
God bless.


This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 24 2018, 07:58 PM

After what you have gone through is understandable and may be that is exactly what the devil schemed so that you give up on this promised gift. I know many churches have the unclean spirit pretending to be Holy Spirit(speaking in tongue).

And No offense, another possibility, may be it wasn't fully exorcised out. Even in my church, I know many successful exorcism cases, I learned some cases the devil is like on and off in a person. And I remember the bible did say some will need fasting and praying both to drive out demons.

This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 24 2018, 06:44 PM

When I click reply, in the box there's this [quote=....] and then ending has another [../quote] , I just deleted everything in between this 2 bracketed quotes and write the word snip

[quote=Roman Catholic,Oct 24 2018, 06:59 PM]
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Well, I have to admit I myself struggle with the painful truth 'will others in other churches be saved too?' because I care and even today I still ache for others. In my church, around 80% of my brothers and sisters around the world already have Holy Spirit, pray speaking in tongue together every Sabbath day, the other 20% are those still in the process of praying and asking and waiting. When we gather together, kneel down and pray with Holy Spirit(speaking in tongue), the sounds is like roaring bubbling waterfalls. No crazy stuff like falling, jumping rolling like monkey, dancing or laughing out of control. If God have given his Holy Spirit to thousands of us. There is no way I will tell you that you don't need it if you want salvation.

About those churches that don't have the abidance of the Holy Spirit, when it comes to the truth, have they taken the wide gate or the narrow gate Matt 7:13? And why did God withhold his Holy Spirit? Jer 5:24-25.

In Old Testament, out of all the people on earth we know God choosed Israelites only. In our world today the New Testament, who does God wants? John 4:23-24, 23 ....the true worshippers, ... in Spirit and in truth, 24 ...MUST worship in the Spirit and in truth.

God bless.

This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 24 2018, 10:40 PM

Thank you but be fully with the truth, not me.... compare and check it with every word in the bible.

The salvation is a whole set, the Holy Bible. For example a person want to receive Holy Spirit(speaking in tongue) but don't want baptism is not right either.

God bless.


This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 24 2018, 10:51 PM

Hi unknown warrior,

About the dying thief on the cross, I have thought about this too asked the preacher in my church.
What I have learned is that the ultimate answer will be from God, his decision on that day, not something we can answer... only Him.
And for those that are living, we have to do our job, do his will, follow and keep his truth.
For example, a case in my church, there is this unbelieving husband of a sister, he has cancer, he only agreed to baptize on his dying bed,
so our brother carried him to the river and have him baptized, then a day or 2 later he passed away.
He baptized but haven't have Holy Spirit (speaking in tongue) so most of us will go, how ah??? Brethen in the church, including me is confident he is saved. Cases like this, we would see it as the irregular/special case....

For us that are living, we do our job, we seek Him, do his will, keep his word and truth. Since God tell us receiving Holy Spirit is so important for our salvation so we do as he says, pray and ask for it, receive his promised gift Holy Spirit and then we have a counselor that guide us into his truth/word (John 16:13 However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. ..... )

God bless!

This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 31 2018, 11:05 AM

Hi MrCee
Yes, I understand where you are coming from.
The thing is, God give us his Holy Spirit but his Spirit does not force us to do things, even the good ones he does not force us... it is us, are we willing to yield to his will? The bible has a story on the prodigal son, he has done many bad things, he is the dead and now alive. Though we belong to God, if we are not watchful, we could still stray. But one really have to come back to Him with repentance and determination to not stray again. God is merciful and forgiving but he does give us time, even to an adulterer (Rev 2:21Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling.)

God bless!

Dear Thomasthai,

Then how do you explain Luke 11:13 ....how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
The key word here is ask. If people have received the Holy Spirit once believed, they don't have to ask. People do not receive the Holy Spirit once believed, therefore they ask to receive.

Many people want the easy way out. Wants the shortcut. Wants to be lazy. Don't want to put in effort to pray daily, don't want to ask but just want things given to them automatically. And then change the truth? That will bring curse....
I only want the good for people, not curse. May God help us to know his truth.

This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 31 2018, 10:30 AM

Agree. I have been there too. Learned my lesson, don't be lazy to pray, asked God to help me with a praying habit... now everyday pray, so much peace and contentment. Really, Only God can fill this void and take away the unexplainable pain.

The bible verses you shared did not explain Luke 11:13.
It is promised to be given, doesn't mean a person have it already.
There is a narrow gate and a wide gate.
Those that go through the wide gate, did God not choose them? God choose them but they choose the easy way without biblical truth.
And there is a Parable of the Net. Many fishes are caught in the net, but not all fish is collected.
Though he chooses us, that does not mean one can be lazy and pick the wide easy gate 'Oh I believed, I have already'.

Your choice, your way. Not going to force anything on anyone.
You can continue to keep yours.
I will continue to keep mine.

Peace~

"Good tree bears good fruit. Bad tree bears bad fruit." <- Yes, true also.
When it comes to determination, I would think more like may God grant us a heart of determination with his help. When we make up our mind and God will help us along the way. To make effort and do our part.
I don't think you should use the word "naturally" follow God's ways, for we know that David have the Spirit of God yet he committed serious sin, and he cried bitterly begging God not to take away his Spirit from him. (Psalms 51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.)

God give us his Holy Spirit and at the same time, he gives us our freedom to make our own choice. With his Spirit, he would remind us, he would teach us, he would bring revelation and understanding, he would rebuke and he would also comfort. But when God remind and rebuke, do we ignore or do we submit, that is the problem with us.

And I don't know what "scream" you are talking about. The Holy Spirit(speaking in tongue) in my church do not scream. We pray in tongue orderly, the sound is like bubbling fountain. If you see someone screaming, that is probably unclean spirit.

This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 31 2018, 03:06 PM

Hi Sister amy85,

Did you put this into your prayer? After I put this matter into my prayer, things begin to take place.
My advise, don't forget to put this in your prayer.

God bless!

Hi unknown warrior,

God is of course consistent in his words.
Yes, it is by the Grace of God through faith. The case of this thief is that he doesn't have the chance to be let down and have a baptism. If the thief have the chance to come down, I believe he too have to be baptized. Even Lord Jesus have set us an example for baptism. We can't just focus on 'grace' and forget his other teachings... We know the bible is a whole set of teachings from God, there is grace, there is baptism, there is foot washing and there is also 10 commandments...

Hi unknown warrior,

The thief is with Lord Jesus without baptism. God surely have grace and authority to give this to whomever he wants.
The very same God Jesus Christ have shown us baptism, foot washing, Holy communion, 10 commandments. The thief don't get the chance to continue his life doing all this but that doesn't mean the us now living on earth shouldn't follow what Lord Jesus himself has taught us to follow.

God bless and peace~

Dear brother in Christ,
That 'special grace', I won't say that we don't have that grace... Today we are living and comes to believe in Him, is all his grace, we're under his grace but we who are living have been chosen with a task to be Christian soldiers to preach on... God has his plan, has his way beyond our understanding. In regard of consistent and fair, I too have asked this question before and I found this Roman 9:14~29 is about God's Sovereign Choice.

About qualifying the factors of salvation, actually no one qualifies... it is all by God's grace and not by works, so that no one could boast (Ephe 2:8~9). Baptism, foot washing, Holy Communion, 10 commandments is what he has given to us by his grace for salvation. We're not perfect but he wants us to do our best to strive for perfection. To do our best to be holy. To do our best to follow him, follow his truth. What God have commanded and taught us to do, we be obedient, do and trust in him. There are things we might not fully understand yet, have hope that someday we will.

Hope this helps.
God bless!

This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Oct 31 2018, 10:36 PM

Oh, dear brother in Christ, "Hence I think no one should add in...we must do this or must do that"<- who added? you thought is us, the common people? Do you not know all this baptism, foot washing, Holy Communion, 10 commandments is the teaching from Lord Jesus Christ himself?
I hope you gain true understanding that it is Jesus himself who teaches us to do baptism, Holy Communion, foot washing, 10 commandments, receive Holy Spirit, is all what Lord Jesus want us to follow and do. Is the baptism, Holy Communion, foot washing, 10 commandments, Holy Spirit here not from his sovereignty?

And why would you call it a performance? You think is a show? a performance just for people to see and for no reason? How is it a performance when God wanted us to do it with the reason and purpose he has given us? And what have I added or stated that is not from the bible?

Baptism, Jesus did it as an example for us. The event of Christ and the thief died and then Jesus resurrected, after this event, even Paul that have never met Christ in person still have to get baptized at Acts 9:18. Yes, grace by faith but Paul still have to get baptized and so do we. Baptism to wash away our sins and live a holy life. (John 3:5... born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God)

Holy Communion to raise us on the last day (John 6:54)

Footwashing to have a part with Christ. (John 13:8)

Receive Holy Spirit to help us born again, Spirit gives birth to spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5-6) , Holy Spirit to testify we're God's children (Rom 8:9, 8:15-16) Holy Spirit to resurrect us on the last day (Rom 8:11)

10 commandments, Matthew 19:16 and Mark 10:17-22.... what must I do to inherit eternal life, 19 ....you know the commandments... 21....give money to the poor, .... follow me.

What is your conclusion on grace by faith? Do you mean is ok to continue sinning, as long as we have faith? We continue sinning and we will still be saved by grace? Grace by faith and we don't have to obey what God have taught us to do, no need baptism, no need holy communion and no need Holy Spirit to raise us on the last day? But you read the verses above, you would know how and why it is so important. No offense and sorry brother, but I am quite lost here with you. About grace by faith, what is the key point or conclusion do you are really want to convey here...?

'Grace by faith, the thief have an easy way to get to heaven, I want this too. Aah I wish I don't have to do this and that' <- did this cross your mind? I want this, I want this then I forget all the others? Or was it your teacher in church that wants the easy way and taught you this? What was he/she thinking? Making it easy so it attracts many people to come and he can collect tithes for himself?
God give us grace by faith but don't mistake it as a shortcut to heaven. Yes, God make his sovereign choice and so is the above teachings from his Sovereignty too.
Don't magnify grace by faith to the point that you overlook the other teachings that the Lord have given to us that is also for our salvation, the reason and the purpose he have clearly mentioned. We have to have the full complete gospel with us.

Remember the parable of the Net that the bad fish will still be thrown away (Matthew 13:47-49). Then there is goat and the sheep got separated. Then the narrow gate and wide gate. All the things that God want us to do, if we don't do it, we have to ask ourselves are at the wide gate? are we the goat? are we the bad fish?
I always ask and think myself, I don't want to be the bad fish, I don't want to be goat but am I a goat? Am I at the narrow gate? I hope I am not at the wide gate... when some teachers make the road easy for you, think of the wide gate and go into the bible and look for the answer. We received grace by faith, is it that's all to be his disciple, easy? Don't let anyone deceive you that following the Lord is easy, God did tell us the cost to be his disciple at Luke 14:25~.

Rev 12:9....the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Matthew 24:11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Sigh, I am quite tired already, write until almost 2am dy, haven't even shower... haha.
You most probably will write me a reply but I think I won't go on anymore further on this, since it looks like we are just circling and circling at the same point going nowhere.
At the end, it is still your freedom to choose what you want to believe in.
May God grant each of us a humble heart, to learn and to understand his truth.
God bless and peace.

This post has been edited by GirlOnaMission: Nov 2 2018, 09:16 AM

Video titled: Do you have the Holy Spirit?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F4DuSvbq2Yg&feature=youtu.be