Knowledge, wisdom and understanding in Gods words is given to us by God as a gift. These are mentioned as gifts of the Holy Spirit. So which comes first, repentance of sin and obedience, or the free gift?
It is written that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. So I would say the gift comes first, then repentance of sin and obedience follow soon after. Paul is a good example of this, one who persecuted the followers of Jesus, but despite this was given the Spirit of grace and understanding being chosen by God.
Not that we continue in sin after the free gift, but we are obedient to God because of the free gift. If obedience earns us the gifts, then it is our works and not Gods Grace. Obedience comes after we are chosen and called by Gods grace.
God gave gifts to the rebellious also….
Psalm 68:18
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LordGod might dwell among them.
Since we prophesy in part and know in part and He did say those who are fruitful, He will prune to bear more fruit, it is when we refuse the reproof that we stop abiding in Him & His words as His disciples for why we would be at risk of being cut off when the Bridegroom comes.
1 Corinthians 12:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. As it is, any believer can ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help them receive whatever He has bene trying to tell them in His words, especially if it goes against their church's teachings or even a famous Christian evangelist.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
John 15:1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away:
and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
So may the Lord help us to run that race by faith in Jesus Christ being our Good Shepherd to help us to follow him by abiding in him & His words as His disciples so that our joy may be full while bearing fruit.
Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses
, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
