His Child, are people numbered and sealed before they pass the MOB test?

By "fruit" I assume you to mean the result in one's life and behavior.

In a NUTSHELL:

So, going on that assumption, I believe one is saved solely through the grace of God without any merit or actions on our part with the exception of accepting the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

As a result of the Holy Spirit's action on the heart, which drew the sinner to God in the first place, there is also a desire to lead a life acceptable to God. This is part and parcel of the conversion/salvation process. Without a desire to change there is actually no true conversion.

Through the leading of the HS, which is ascertained through prayer and the reading of Scripture, one begins to change their behavior in accordance with their understanding of the Spirit's leading.

However, being human, our behavior changes slowly and imperfectly, often with much resistance on our part. But we must continue in the Christian life, being led by the HS through Bible study and Prayer, confident that forgiveness is ALWAYS available. When we sin and ask forgiveness, we are not restored to God's favor because we never left it. This point is important, even vital, because we cannot do our best unless we know that we are NOT REJECTED (ie: we do not leave God's favor) if we fail.

Nadi,

1) which Bible passages tell us that the fruit of saving faith is "our behavior changes slowly and imperfectly"?

2) you wrote - "When we sin and ask forgiveness, we are not restored to God's favor because we never left it." Does anything change when we sin (before we "ask forgiveness")?

3) and, what does Jesus mean when He speaks of judgment, reward, and punishment?

The fruit of saving faith is not "our behavior changes slowly and imperfectly," rather the fruit is "a desire to lead a life acceptable to God."

The short answer is No, nothing changes. God himself, through the Holy Spirit, will bring us to repentance if we continue in the Christian walk. It is our desire to follow Christ and be led by the Holy Spirit that is important to God. If we continue with that desire God will continue to work with us, and we do not leave His grace. This is why David could be called a man after God's own heart.

I haven't gotten to that part yet.

Nadi, you wrote - saving faith is "a desire to lead a life acceptable to God." As you see it, what is the difference between "desire" and "doing" as it pertains to living in harmony with God's will? And, how do the following passages speak to the issue at hand?

Matthew
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Matthew
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

God has given us His word that we may become acquainted with its teachings and know for ourselves what He requires of us. When the lawyer came to Jesus with the inquiry, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” the Saviour referred him to the Scriptures, saying: “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Ignorance will not excuse young or old, nor release them from the punishment due for the transgression of God's law; because there is in their hands a faithful presentation of that law and of its principles and claims. It is not enough to have good intentions; it is not enough to do what a man thinks is right or what the minister tells him is right. His soul's salvation is at stake, and he should search the Scriptures for himself. However strong may be his convictions, however confident he may be that the minister knows what is truth, this is not his foundation. He has a chart pointing out every waymark on the heavenward journey, and he ought not to guess at anything. GC 598.1

Many are daily cheating their souls with a form of godliness without the power; but the Lord has removed His smile and the inspiration of His Spirit from them. His displeasure is against them, because their deeds are evil. He demands decided changes in the life and character. Good intentions, good resolutions, good acts, can not be accepted as substitutes for repentance, faith, and willing obedience. ST November 7, 1906, par. 4

Many are inquiring, “How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?” You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him. SC 47.1

Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians. SC 47.2

Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith. SC 48.1

A close reading of that which I actually write will be helpful. I did not say that "... the fruit of saving faith is "our behavior changes slowly and imperfectly" nor did I say "saving faith is "a desire to lead a life acceptable to God." "Rather, I said that THE FRUIT OF (ie: the result of, or that which is produced by) SAVING FAITH is a desire to lead a life acceptable to God.

No difference. The desire is as much a sin as the doing. However, through the grace and power of God we can refrain from the doing as God works to change the desire, while at all times remaining secure in the grace of God.

On the other hand, God accepts as sufficient our desire to live a holy life, even though we may not actually BE living a holy life. His grace makes up for our shortfall as long as we continue to seek Him.

Nadi, not sure I understand. I'll wait for you to finish addressing my quotes and questions. Thank you.

Mike,

Review Ezekiel 9. The man with the ink goes through (sealing God's people) before the men with the slaughter weapons). And Judgment begins at the House of God.

If no one is sealed before the MOB how would God pour out His Holy Spirit to finish the work? Just as the judgment of the people before Christ Comes, the sealing has to precede the out pouring of the Holy Spirit.

Are people who are not sealed, going to resist the MOB? Or is resisting the MOB something that prepares us to be sealed?

But is that really an issue that we have to concern ourselves with? Pray for the Holy Spirit and prepare to meet our God.

As I have apparently struggled to make my position clear, perhaps it is best if we abandon this line of discussion.

If you wish, you could clarify or be more specific about what it is regarding my posts that you do not understand.

Or not.