Kingdom Korner Podcast

Marks of True Salvation and Modern Deception

• kingdomkornerpodcast25 • Season 1 • Episode 2

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SPEAKER_01:

Welcome to the Kingdom Corner podcast.

SPEAKER_00:

Great to be here.

SPEAKER_01:

Today, we're diving deep into, well, a really important idea, something drawn from our source material. It's this understanding that, you know, within the group of people who identify as Christian, there's maybe a crucial distinction to be made about genuine salvation.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, it's definitely a weighty topic and one that our source approaches with, I'd say, significant care. It's really not about casting judgment on individuals. No. It's more about understanding these vital distinctions that are presented within Christian teachings themselves.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. So our aim in this deep dive, it isn't to evaluate anyone's personal faith journey.

SPEAKER_00:

Not at all.

SPEAKER_01:

But really to explore the framework that's laid out in this material. We want to really get a grasp on what the source defines as the difference between, say, just professing faith outwardly...

SPEAKER_00:

And actually experiencing that true transformative salvation.

SPEAKER_01:

We're going to unpack what the source identifies as, like the key markers of that authentic faith.

SPEAKER_00:

And it's so important as we get into this to just maintain a spirit of... learning and openness to what the source is actually presenting. Absolutely. It frames this whole understanding as having, well, profound and really lasting implications.

SPEAKER_01:

Okay. So let's get into it then. The source starts by tackling what it calls the problem of mass deception.

SPEAKER_00:

Powerful phrase.

SPEAKER_01:

It is. And the source makes a pretty striking claim right off the bat. This deception isn't some like external force attacking the church.

SPEAKER_00:

No, it's saying it's happening within its own walls.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly.

SPEAKER_00:

Within. That's a key point the source really emphasizes. It speaks to this potentially widespread situation where, you know, many people identify with the Christian faith outwardly, but maybe haven't experienced that fundamental inner transformation that the source sees as, well, essential for true salvation. Right. It highlights the potential tragedy of multitudes who call themselves Christian, but without that corresponding change in their heart.

SPEAKER_01:

Right. The source gives examples, too, of these outward expressions that can sometimes maybe be mistaken for true salvation.

SPEAKER_00:

Like what?

SPEAKER_01:

Things like just adopting the label Christian or, you know, participating in religious rituals or even just reciting a prayer at some point. OK. But the source argues that these actions, you know, in and of themselves, they don't automatically signify that a person has been genuinely saved.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. It's saying the real change, according to this perspective, has Precisely.

SPEAKER_01:

And to really underscore this, the source points us straight to Jesus' own words. Matthew 7.21.

SPEAKER_00:

Ah, yes. A central warning, really.

SPEAKER_01:

It is. The verse is pretty direct. Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven. So how does the source unpack that?

SPEAKER_00:

What's the significance?

SPEAKER_01:

John 3, verse 3. And the source really seems to emphasize this as like a non-negotiable aspect of true salvation.

SPEAKER_00:

It absolutely does. The source basically posits that mere outward profession of faith, even if it's accompanied by sincere religious activities or deeply felt emotions, it still falls short of true salvation without this inner transformation, the one brought about by the Holy Spirit.

SPEAKER_01:

So it's not just adding things to your religious resume.

SPEAKER_00:

Exactly. It's about a fundamental spiritual rebirth. So

SPEAKER_01:

when the source talks about being born again, what exactly does that mean? It sounds like it's not something we can just decide to do ourselves.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. It's about God imparting new spiritual life to someone who is, well, spiritually dead in their sin.

SPEAKER_01:

So it's not about joining a group or following rules.

SPEAKER_00:

No, not fundamentally. It's a work of God in the inner being.

SPEAKER_01:

And the source uses John 1.12.13 to back this up, right?

SPEAKER_00:

It does.

SPEAKER_01:

What's the key takeaway from that passage for this discussion?

SPEAKER_00:

Well, that passage says that those who become children of God are born not of blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of Hmm. Yeah, it's baptism. While they might be important expressions of faith for someone who is a believer, they cannot, on their own, produce this essential new birth.

SPEAKER_01:

Only God can do that.

SPEAKER_00:

That's the source's point. It's something only God can do.

SPEAKER_01:

It makes a really important point about past decisions too, doesn't it? Well... Like many people might point to a specific moment, maybe growing up in a Christian home or saying a specific prayer once or, you know, walking down an aisle at church.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, a decision point.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. As the definitive moment of their salvation. How does the source handle that?

SPEAKER_00:

The source acknowledges those moments can be significant, definitely part of someone's spiritual journey. Okay. However, it cautions against automatically equating a past decision or experience with being truly born again.

SPEAKER_01:

Ah, okay.

SPEAKER_00:

The crucial question the source keeps posing is, has God actually changed your heart? And then it points us to Titus 3.5. That verse emphasizes salvation isn't based on works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

SPEAKER_01:

Those are God's mercy, God's work through the Spirit.

SPEAKER_00:

Exactly. It highlights that salvation is rooted in God's grace and the Spirit's work, not our own efforts or even specific past actions.

SPEAKER_01:

Okay, so this This idea of regeneration, that seems to be right at the very heart of the source's understanding here.

SPEAKER_00:

It really is.

SPEAKER_01:

How does it define or describe that process?

SPEAKER_00:

The source describes regeneration as a supernatural work of God, something that brings about a fundamental transformation within a person.

SPEAKER_01:

Not just surface level.

SPEAKER_00:

No, not just a superficial adjustment. It's a deep renewal that produces a new nature, a new heart, and consequently a new direction in life. Wow. It's a profound internal change initiated and carried out by God.

SPEAKER_01:

Okay. So having laid that foundation, the source then shifts gears a bit, talks about the evidences of not being born again.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. What are the signs that this transformation maybe hasn't happened?

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. What are some of the key indicators the source

SPEAKER_00:

points to? no real desire to grow in understanding it. I see. They might even have a strong intellectual glass of Christian doctrine, but there's no personal heartfelt love for Christ that actually transforms their actions and desires.

SPEAKER_01:

And the source brings in 2 Timothy 3.5 here, doesn't

SPEAKER_00:

it? It does. How does that verse fit?

SPEAKER_01:

Well, that verse talks about people having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.

SPEAKER_00:

Ah, yes. The form without the substance.

SPEAKER_01:

Precisely. The source emphasizes that simply going through the outward motions of religious practice without that corresponding inner transformation and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

SPEAKER_00:

It's not real.

SPEAKER_01:

It's ultimately a delusion, according to the source. True conversion, the source asserts, is shown by conviction of sin.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay, so really seeing your sin before God.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, and then repentance actually turning away from that sin. Faith in Christ, a wholehearted trust in his saving work, and finally a growing desire to obey God Okay, but

SPEAKER_00:

it's important to clarify what the source means by that growing desire to obey God. It's not suggesting genuine believers suddenly become perfect, right? They still struggle.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. The source definitely acknowledges that believers will continue to grapple with sin in this life.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay.

SPEAKER_01:

However, it emphasizes there should be a decisive break from the pattern of their former life.

SPEAKER_00:

A new direction.

SPEAKER_01:

Yes, and a genuine desire to walk in newness of life. Reflecting

SPEAKER_00:

a heart that's changing.

SPEAKER_01:

Reflecting a heart that is increasingly aligned with God's will. That's the idea.

SPEAKER_00:

And the source also mentions the fruit of the indwelling spirit as another crucial piece of evidence.

SPEAKER_01:

Ah, yes. Galatians 5.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. What does that look like, according to this perspective?

SPEAKER_01:

Well, these are those characteristics Paul lists out. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, The fruit

SPEAKER_00:

of the Spirit.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. And the source doesn't present these as like optional extras for super Christians.

SPEAKER_00:

No.

SPEAKER_01:

No, but as the natural outgrowths of a life that's indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

SPEAKER_00:

Makes sense.

SPEAKER_01:

It also loops back to Jesus's words in Matthew 7.16. you will recognize them by their fruits.

SPEAKER_00:

Ah, the fruit test again.

SPEAKER_01:

Right. Stressing that the true nature of a believer is revealed not just by what they say, but by that tangible transformation in their character and their conduct.

SPEAKER_00:

This is certainly a challenging perspective. Important, but challenging.

SPEAKER_01:

It is. Now, the source then kind of shifts its focus a bit to what it calls the drift of modern Christianity.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay. What are the main concerns there?

SPEAKER_01:

Well, the source expresses a deep concern. Okay.

SPEAKER_00:

Feelings over truth.

SPEAKER_01:

And maybe emphasizing entertainment and superficial engagement over a deep transformative encounter with God's word.

SPEAKER_00:

Hmm. It specifically mentions churches that might focus heavily on emotional experiences.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah. Or motivational messages that maybe lack theological depth.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. Feel good messages.

SPEAKER_01:

And even like theatrical or entertainment driven productions as part of their services.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay. So what's the underlying issue with that approach from the source's viewpoint?

SPEAKER_01:

Fragile

SPEAKER_00:

how?

SPEAKER_01:

It brings up Romans 10.1t. Faith comes by hearing. So

SPEAKER_00:

genuine faith is a response to God's revealed truth.

SPEAKER_01:

Not just an emotional reaction.

SPEAKER_00:

Not merely an emotional response to a particular atmosphere or message.

SPEAKER_01:

Got it. So relying too heavily on those emotional highs in our spiritual lives, that can actually be detrimental, according to the source.

SPEAKER_00:

Exactly. The source cautions against the danger of equating intense emotional experiences with genuine spiritual closeness to God. Right. And conversely, of interpreting a lack of strong feelings as some kind of spiritual failure.

SPEAKER_01:

Which happens, right?

SPEAKER_00:

Oh, absolutely. It points to examples in scripture like Habakkuk 3.17-18. What's the

SPEAKER_01:

point there?

SPEAKER_00:

Well, the prophet expresses profound joy and trust in God, even in the face of a This illustrates an authentic faith, one that endures beyond the ebb and flow of emotions.

SPEAKER_01:

The source also seems pretty critical of a trend where maybe biblical truth takes a backseat to entertainment or, you know, more palatable messages in some churches.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah. How does it describe that shift?

SPEAKER_01:

It describes a scenario where perhaps sermons might be shortened or softened.

SPEAKER_00:

To be more engaging or less offensive.

SPEAKER_01:

Right. And where the focus of worship can sometimes shift towards providing Instead

SPEAKER_00:

of primarily glorifying God and edifying believers through sound doctrine?

SPEAKER_01:

But will

SPEAKER_00:

gather teachers who tell them what their itching ears want to hear.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah. So what are the potential consequences of this shift, prioritizing entertainment and emotionalism over solid biblical teaching?

SPEAKER_00:

Well, the source argues it can lead to a shallow Christianity. anchored in really understanding and applying God's word.

SPEAKER_01:

So what's the corrective then? What does the source propose? What should the focus be?

SPEAKER_00:

The source really advocates for a return to the sufficiency of scripture. Like Hebrews 4.12 says the word of God is living and active.

SPEAKER_01:

It doesn't need propping up.

SPEAKER_00:

Exactly. It emphasizes the Bible doesn't need to be diluted or sensationalized or supplemented with tons of entertainment.

SPEAKER_01:

So the call is?

SPEAKER_00:

The call is to preach and teach the truth of God's word faithfully, even when it's challenging Okay. It really

SPEAKER_01:

drives home the idea that true faith is about something much more profound, more enduring than just feelings,

SPEAKER_00:

doesn't it? Absolutely. A commitment. Right. Okay, we're going to take

SPEAKER_01:

just a quick pause here. But while we do, we really encourage you to continue exploring these vital topics and a lot more by visiting the Kingdom Corner podcast over on Podbean. We'll be right back to dig deeper into our source material. We're now turning our attention to the concept of the narrow road.

SPEAKER_00:

Right.

SPEAKER_01:

This is from Matthew 7.1314.

SPEAKER_00:

Right.

SPEAKER_01:

And it seems the source has some pretty strong concerns about how this is understood and followed today.

SPEAKER_00:

Yes. It quotes Jesus's powerful words directly. Wow. Yeah. And the source says,

SPEAKER_01:

Well, it demands self-denial,

SPEAKER_00:

a willingness to put God's will above our own desires. Holiness, striving to live in a way that praises God, self-denial, Right. So it involves

SPEAKER_01:

turning away from sin daily.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah. What Scripture calls crucifying the flesh and living with a reverent fear of the Lord. It's not an easy path.

SPEAKER_01:

And the source observes that these core aspects—self-denial, holiness, obedience— They're often downplayed or even rejected in many modern Christian circles.

SPEAKER_00:

Why is that, do you think, according to the source?

SPEAKER_01:

Well, they're sometimes dismissed as being too rigid or legalistic, maybe outdated or just too harsh for today.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. Unpopular concepts.

SPEAKER_01:

Instead, the source identifies this tendency to gravitate towards a more diluted version of the gospel.

SPEAKER_00:

One that doesn't confront sin directly.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. And one that tries to blend in with the prevailing values and norms of the culture, maybe to seem more relevant. It even

SPEAKER_00:

brings up the danger of what it calls cultural Christianity, doesn't it?

SPEAKER_01:

It does. What are the risks there?

SPEAKER_00:

Well, the source cautions against the church just uncritically adopting the language, the values, the ideologies of secular culture to try and appear more appealing or accessible. It points us to James 4.4, friendship with the world means hostility toward God.

SPEAKER_01:

Strong words.

SPEAKER_00:

Very. The underlying message is that when the church starts looking more like the world than like Christ, it risks losing its distinctiveness, its prophetic voice, and ultimately its effectiveness in pointing people to true life.

SPEAKER_01:

And it seems like the pursuit of personal comfort has also become a big factor in this shift away from the narrow road.

SPEAKER_00:

How does the source address that?

SPEAKER_01:

The source identifies the pursuit of comfort and personal ease as something that can subtly become an idol.

SPEAKER_00:

An idol. Wow.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah. And believers That gets minimized. Often minimized or even avoided. Yeah. The gospel, in some presentations, can get reduced to something that mostly offers personal benefit and emotional comfort.

SPEAKER_00:

Rather than a radical call to transformation and self-denial.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly.

SPEAKER_00:

So what are the ultimate consequences, in the source's view, of straying from this narrow road that leads to life?

SPEAKER_01:

Well, it leads to what Paul described as a form of godliness without power.

SPEAKER_00:

2 Timothy 3.5 again.

SPEAKER_01:

Right. An outward appearance of religiosity that lacks the inner reality, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Okay. It results in people who might honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from him, like Isaiah said. And it can lead to churches focusing on maybe entertaining people who aren't genuinely seeking God.

SPEAKER_00:

Instead of deeply feeding and nurturing true disciples, like entertaining goats instead of feeding sheep, as the source puts it.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, that's the phrase. The source reiterates that sobering truth. So true discipleship

SPEAKER_00:

is a call to embrace the narrow, often challenging road.

SPEAKER_01:

That's the source's conclusion. The one that leads to eternal life.

SPEAKER_00:

Wow. Okay. This brings us to the absolutely foundational importance of biblical repentance and submission to Christ's lordship. The source makes a strong case that these are often missing or maybe misunderstood elements in a lot of modern faith.

SPEAKER_01:

That's absolutely right. The source emphasizes that genuine salvation isn't just intellectually agreeing to some doctrines or having a particular emotional experience.

SPEAKER_00:

It requires more.

SPEAKER_01:

It necessitates a fundamental turning away from sin in all its forms and a complete wholehearted surrender to the authority and rule of Jesus Christ in every area of our lives.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay, so how does the source specifically define biblical repentance? What does that really involve?

SPEAKER_01:

The source describes it as a radical change of mind.

SPEAKER_00:

A change of mind.

SPEAKER_01:

Yes, a profound shift in how we understand sin, ourselves, and God. And that inevitably results in a corresponding change of direction in our lives.

SPEAKER_00:

So it's more than just feeling sorry.

SPEAKER_01:

Much more. It's more than expressing remorse. It involves a conscious change The source points

SPEAKER_00:

to some powerful examples of this kind of repentance being preached in the New Testament, right?

SPEAKER_01:

It does. It highlights John the Baptist's initial call to repentance.

SPEAKER_00:

Preparing the way.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah. And Jesus' own message. Matthew 4.17. Right. And Peter's call on Pentecost. Repent and be baptized.

SPEAKER_00:

Acts 2.38.

SPEAKER_01:

And Paul's summary of his preaching as urging people everywhere to repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.

SPEAKER_00:

Acts 26.20. So these examples really underscore that repentance isn't just a one-time thing.

SPEAKER_01:

No.

SPEAKER_00:

It's an ongoing posture of the heart that shows up in actual changes in behavior.

SPEAKER_01:

So why does the source believe that biblical repentance is so Well. infrequently preached or genuinely practiced in many churches today. What's going on there?

SPEAKER_00:

Well, part of the issue, according to the source, stems from a misunderstanding or maybe even a downplaying of the true nature of God's grace.

SPEAKER_01:

How so? Misunderstanding grace?

SPEAKER_00:

It suggests that some have mistakenly come to believe that grace somehow excuses sin or allows us to keep living in disobedience without consequence, rather than recognizing that God's grace actually empowers us to live holy and transformed lives. Right.

SPEAKER_01:

It enables obedience.

SPEAKER_00:

Exactly. The source reminds us of Titus 2.11.12, which teaches that God's grace trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives.

SPEAKER_01:

The grace isn't a license to sin.

SPEAKER_00:

Not at all. And the source is quite firm here. It asserts that where there is no genuine repentance, there is no true salvation, only a form of religious pretense.

SPEAKER_01:

Wow. Okay. And the other crucial element is submission to Christ's lordship.

SPEAKER_00:

Yes. How does the source feel that So Jesus

SPEAKER_01:

as Savior,

SPEAKER_00:

but maybe not so much as Lord?

SPEAKER_01:

That's the idea. Jesus might be readily accepted as a Savior who offers forgiveness and personal benefits, but he's not. He's often not presented as the absolute Lord who demands complete allegiance and obedience in every part of our lives. The source points to Romans 10.9, emphasizing the confession that Jesus is Lord.

SPEAKER_00:

And that's not just words.

SPEAKER_01:

No. The source argues this confession isn't merely verbal acknowledgement. It's a profound recognition of Christ's supreme authority over our entire being, leading to practical obedience and a life lived under his rule.

SPEAKER_00:

It seems the source is critical of a tendency within modern Christianity to kind of cater to human desires and preferences rather than upholding God's commands and standards.

SPEAKER_01:

Absolutely. It describes a contemporary Christian landscape where there's often a strong emphasis on being comfortable, non-confrontational.

SPEAKER_00:

Avoiding Right.

SPEAKER_01:

Avoiding anything that might challenge people's chosen lifestyles or make them feel uncomfortable.

SPEAKER_00:

Which is pretty different from Jesus'

SPEAKER_01:

call. Completely different from Jesus' call to deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me, Luke 9.23. That call inherently involves sacrifice, commitment, a willingness to go against the grain.

SPEAKER_00:

So what are the ultimate consequences, in the source's view, of this absence? No genuine repentance, no wholehearted submission to Christ's lordship.

SPEAKER_01:

The source concludes that without these foundational pillars, the church ultimately loses its true spiritual power, its moral purity, its very purpose in the world. Wow.

SPEAKER_00:

So what's left?

SPEAKER_01:

What remains is often a superficial, ineffective form of religion. It might look impressive on the outside, but it lacks the genuine life-transforming power of the Holy Spirit within.

SPEAKER_00:

So the solution is?

SPEAKER_01:

The source firmly believes that true spiritual revival, authentic salvation, will only come when the church returns to the uncompromised biblical call to repentance and bows in complete submission to Christ's sovereign rule in everything it teaches and does.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay. Finally, the source really digs into Jesus' sobering warning in Matthew 7.21-23.

SPEAKER_01:

Yes, this feels like a really pivotal passage. It brings together so many of these themes we've been discussing.

SPEAKER_00:

It really does. The source quats the whole thing. Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and drive out demons in your name and perform many miracles in your name?

SPEAKER_01:

Powerful stuff they claim to have done.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.

SPEAKER_01:

Oof, I never knew you. What strikes you as the most significant aspect of that warning, based on the source's analysis?

SPEAKER_00:

I think the most striking element is just the stark, unsettling revelation that simply calling Jesus Lord, even if it sounds really sincere, and even engaging in outwardly impressive spiritual activities and ministry are absolutely no guarantee of salvation.

SPEAKER_01:

He's talking to people who thought they were in.

SPEAKER_00:

Exactly. Jesus is speaking directly to people who genuinely believe they were saved. People who were actively involved in what they thought was serving him.

SPEAKER_01:

It really hammers home that outward actions and words alone They're not the ultimate measure of true faith, are they?

SPEAKER_00:

Precisely. The source emphasizes the crucial issue isn't what these individuals claim to believe or even what they did in Jesus' name.

SPEAKER_01:

But what?

SPEAKER_00:

But the condition of their hearts, whether they had truly been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and were actually living in genuine submission to God's will.

SPEAKER_01:

That repetition of Lord, Lord suggests they were earnest,

SPEAKER_00:

right? It does. It suggests earnestness, maybe even desperation. Yet Jesus unequivocally rejects their claim. Why? Because their lives weren't characterized by obedience to the Father.

SPEAKER_01:

And what does it truly mean then to do the will of the Father in this critical context?

SPEAKER_00:

According to the source, it means producing fruit in your life that's consistent with genuine salvation. Like? And those workers of

SPEAKER_01:

lawlessness.

SPEAKER_00:

That phrase exposes the fundamental problem. Their outward religious activity was ultimately just a facade. It masked hearts that were actually in rebellion against God's commands and his righteous standards.

SPEAKER_01:

The source clearly sees this as a profound and, uh... Very relevant warning for contemporary Christianity, too.

SPEAKER_00:

Absolutely. How does it apply today?

SPEAKER_01:

Well, the source views this passage as a direct, sobering challenge to any presentation of the gospel that might assure people of salvation without also demanding genuine repentance and a radical transformation of their lives.

SPEAKER_00:

Goes back to that transformation point.

SPEAKER_01:

It does. It reiterates the fundamental truth. Salvation isn't just a superficial transaction or a verbal agreement. It's a deep, comprehensive transformation of the inner being that inevitably shows up in outward change.

SPEAKER_00:

And without that inner new life from the spirit.

SPEAKER_01:

There's no real saving faith, regardless of how much outward religious activity there is.

SPEAKER_00:

And it's crucial that this warning is specifically for those within the church, right? Not just outsiders.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. That's a powerful point. It serves as a potent call for introspection, for self-examination, for all who profess to follow Christ.

SPEAKER_00:

Like Paul said, examine yourselves.

SPEAKER_01:

Right. 2 Corinthians 13.5. Examine yourselves to see whether you are truly in the faith. The inherent danger, the source stresses, is the possibility of being profoundly deceived.

SPEAKER_00:

Deceived into thinking

SPEAKER_01:

Into thinking that our religious works, our church attendance, our verbal affirmations can somehow substitute for a truly repentant heart and genuine faith that produces a transformed life.

SPEAKER_00:

So ultimately, what does Jesus desire?

SPEAKER_01:

Ultimately, the source emphasizes, Jesus desires heartfelt obedience that flows from a deep love for him, a living faith that consistently bears the fruit of the Spirit.

SPEAKER_00:

Which leaves us with those crucial questions.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. The crucial questions it leaves us, the listener, you, with are, Have I truly been born again? Does my life genuinely and increasingly reflect the fruit of repentance and sincere submission to Christ's Lordship? Am I actively growing in holiness, becoming more like him?

SPEAKER_00:

Heavy questions. Important questions.

SPEAKER_01:

Very. Finally, the source tells us, The importance of visible transformation. Drawing insights from the books of James and 1 John.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay.

SPEAKER_01:

It argues that just a verbal confession of faith alone isn't the complete evidence of genuine salvation.

SPEAKER_00:

Right. While acknowledging Romans 10.9, confessing Jesus as Lord is important, the source underscores that genuine salvation will always be accompanied by a demonstrable transformation in a person's life.

SPEAKER_01:

Changed heart, changed life.

SPEAKER_00:

Exactly. A changed heart inevitably leads to changed behaviors and attitudes. It points to 2 Corinthians 5.17. Therefore, if anyone is in And this isn't

SPEAKER_01:

about earning salvation through works. Yeah. Not legalism.

SPEAKER_00:

No, the source is clear about that. This isn't legalism or trying to earn God's favor through external actions.

SPEAKER_01:

What is it then?

SPEAKER_00:

Rather, it's the natural, organic result of a genuine God-given new nature. When God regenerates a heart, he imparts new desires, a new direction. He replaces a life once dominated by sin with a growing pursuit of holiness, a deepening love for his word and increasing hatred for sin, a genuine hunger for righteousness.

SPEAKER_01:

All through the Spirit's power.

SPEAKER_00:

All through the supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit.

SPEAKER_01:

The source also brings in those practical tests for genuine salvation from 1 John, doesn't it?

SPEAKER_00:

It does. What are some of those key indicators?

SPEAKER_01:

Well, particularly 1 John 2.4. Whoever says, I know him, but does not keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

SPEAKER_00:

Pretty blunt.

SPEAKER_01:

Very. But the Okay, important

SPEAKER_00:

clarification.

SPEAKER_01:

There'll be

SPEAKER_00:

a sensitivity.

SPEAKER_01:

And...

SPEAKER_00:

The book of James strongly reinforces this connection too, right? Faith and action.

SPEAKER_01:

Absolutely. James 2.17 famously states, in the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

SPEAKER_00:

Faith without works is dead.

SPEAKER_01:

Right. The source emphasizes that while our works don't save us, they serve as tangible evidence that our faith is real and alive. An unchanged life after professing faith in Christ should be seen as a serious warning sign.

SPEAKER_00:

Prompting self-examination.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. prompting us to examine the genuineness of our faith.

SPEAKER_00:

It all seems to come back to this essential idea of bearing fruit, doesn't it?

SPEAKER_01:

Yes, precisely. Just as a healthy tree naturally bears good fruit.

SPEAKER_00:

A person truly saved by God's grace will inevitably exhibit the fruit of the Spirit.

SPEAKER_01:

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5.

SPEAKER_00:

And these aren't optional add-ons.

SPEAKER_01:

No, the source insists they are the necessary and discernible evidence of a life transformed from the inside out. True salvation, the source concludes, is a continuous process of transformation that progressively bears spiritual fruit and endures to the very end.

SPEAKER_00:

Wow. That's a comprehensive look at the source's perspective.

SPEAKER_01:

It really has been a profoundly insightful and, yeah, thought-provoking deep dive into these crucial distinctions. Outward profession versus genuine salvation, as presented in our source material.

SPEAKER_00:

It certainly gives us a lot to reflect on regarding the true nature of saving faith.

SPEAKER_01:

It really does. It underscores the vital importance of looking beyond just superficial appearances and honestly examining the inner reality of our hearts and lives and the, well, the clear light of God's Word.

SPEAKER_00:

Indeed. It really emphasizes that need for honest self-assessment based on scripture.

SPEAKER_01:

So we really encourage you, the listener, to continue reflecting on these important ideas. Maybe consider that potential gap between outward religious activity and the inward reality of the heart, not just in your own life, perhaps, but also within the broader church landscape, as our source described

SPEAKER_00:

it. A sobering but necessary reflection.

SPEAKER_01:

And for more in-depth discussions just like this one, please be sure to visit the Kingdom Corner podcast on Podbean.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, check it out.

SPEAKER_01:

Thank you so much for taking this deep dive with us today on the Kingdom Corner Podcast.