About Reverend Ramona C. Stonecipher Expertise Hi! I'm an ordained minister with a Master Degree in Theology. I have spent several years preaching and teaching God's word, and I would like to continue to share the Gospel message with you. As a Pastor and servant of the Lord, I can help you find answers to questions of faith, that have perhaps troubled you over the years. I can help you understand the difference between having a religion and having a faith. We can explore the power of prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. I can help you cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, your Savior. We can study the Bible together. I can't solve your problems, but I can lead you to the One who can. I can't make you believe or have faith, all I can do is plant the seeds__, and I can introduce you to the One who is the Gardener. I can tell you that God loves you and God is the God of Second Chances. What I can't answer, trust me, God can. Let's walk the Damascus Road 'together'__ OK.
Experience Graduate Saint Paul School of Theology
Master of Divinity
United Methodist Minister
Bible Teacher (some 30 years)
Christian Counselor
Counselor Suicide Prevention
CPA Baptist Medical Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
Education/Credentials Graduate: University of Nebraska
Graduate Studies: Fairleigh Dickenson University, New Jersey
Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri
Expert: Reverend Ramona C. Stonecipher - 3/10/2009
Question I understand and believe that only by faith in Jesus and not by deeds that one will be able to go to heaven. At the same time, the bible teaches us that we are to live a holy life. Apart from failing to become more like Jesus & failing to attract non-believers to God, what difference will it make if a saved person does not wish/try to live a holy life?
Sincerely,
Lenin
Answer Hi Lenin!
I find your question interesting. First of all, as you know, if a person accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, he/she is sealed with the Holy Spirit, and belongs to God. Nothing can take us from Jesus' hand. So, this believer is assured of Eternal Life! If a believer 'chooses' not to 'pick up his/her cross and follow Jesus, one has to question whether this person has truly believed - or if it was just an empty decision. You see, when you are sealed with the Holy Spirit, you receive the 'fruit of the Spirit'... (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.) Now a person who has received these gifts couldn't possibly not want to live a holy life or share it with non-believers. While we are all Christians under construction, we still try to 'walk in the Spirit' and be holy because Jesus asks us to be like Him.
If a believer doesn't want to live a holy life, then perhaps he/she is in open rebellion against God. What will happen is,the person will reap what he/she sows. Will the person still inherit eternal life - yes. Will the person be rewarded for his/her rebellion - no. Our rewards are for the spiritual deeds that we have done in the name of the Lord.
All have fallen short of the glory of God, and you are right, it is by faith that we are saved. But like James says, 'faith without works is useless." James 2:20. In other words, they go together - when we believe, it's only natural that we serve. It goes hand in hand for the believer.
I pray that if you are speaking of yourself, that you will sit down with your pastor and share your dilemma. Many a Christian gets caught up in spiritual warfare and needs spiritual guidance. Valleys teach us much - expect God to show you the path to victory. If it's just a question, I hope I've answered it to your satisfaction. If you need more, don't hesitate to ask.
