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" By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. (1 John 2:3-5) Third, spiritual growth will result in an enlarged faith. “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged” (2 Thess. 1:3; cf. 2 Cor. 10:15). "
― John F. MacArthur Jr. , Colossians and Philemon: New Testament Commentary (MacArthur New Testament Commentary Serie)
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" THE EVIDENCE OF RECONCILIATION if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. (1:23) One of the most sobering truths in the Bible is that not all who profess to be Christians are in fact saved. Our Lord warned, “‘Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness”’” (Matt. 7:22-23). "
― John F. MacArthur Jr. , Colossians and Philemon: New Testament Commentary (MacArthur New Testament Commentary Serie)
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" Perhaps no passage stresses the vital importance of reconciliation more than 2 Corinthians 5:17-21: If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. "
― John F. MacArthur Jr. , Colossians and Philemon: New Testament Commentary (MacArthur New Testament Commentary Serie)