What must I do to be saved

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Danny1988

Active member
Jun 24, 2018
410
124
43
The answer is just as simple. Men love their sin and that love convinces them that they will not experience eternal condemnation.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Jesus said it.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
True, but aren't we all born dead in our trespasses and sin. Don't sinners love sin rather than light, and they don't come to the light lest their deeds be reproved. Why then do some miraculously go against their nature and come to the light and receive salvation.

I lived a life for sin for most of my life, until one day something caused me to get on my knees, repent and ask Jesus to come into my heart. My life changed from that moment on, I can't take any credit for my conversion. I have no idea why God chose to draw me instead of some other people around me who were much less sinful and better in every way.

Those people remain in their unbelief and they can't embrace the Gospel message, no matter how much I plead with them.

I can only conclude that belief is a gift that God gives to some and He leaves others in their sins.
 

shrume

Senior Member
Jun 26, 2017
2,193
464
83
True, but aren't we all born dead in our trespasses and sin. Don't sinners love sin rather than light, and they don't come to the light lest their deeds be reproved. Why then do some miraculously go against their nature and come to the light and receive salvation.

I lived a life for sin for most of my life, until one day something caused me to get on my knees, repent and ask Jesus to come into my heart. My life changed from that moment on, I can't take any credit for my conversion. I have no idea why God chose to draw me instead of some other people around me who were much less sinful and better in every way.
God is drawing all men. He want's all men to be saved (1 Tim 2:4), He is not willing that any should perish (2 Pet 3:9).

Those people remain in their unbelief and they can't embrace the Gospel message, no matter how much I plead with them.
Nobody can force someone to believe, including God.

I can only conclude that belief is a gift that God gives to some and He leaves others in their sins.
Belief is not a gift. The gift is salvation BY belief (faith) Eph 2:8-9.
 

PurpleCandles

Active member
Jun 23, 2018
117
69
28
And here I thought this was eventually to be found worthy of pinning. A resource for new arrivals who are not in Christ so they can find on the Net a means to respond to God's call to his eternal unrepentant grace.
Nope. Just another opportunity to invite conflict and graceless personalities sparring one another in the same way they do in all threads like this.

That though does tell new arrivals what it looks like to need grace. And so it does serve.
 

PurpleCandles

Active member
Jun 23, 2018
117
69
28
Please, peace be still. Please!
This discussion began by asking what one must do to be saved. Should it turn into a conflict zone in answer? :(

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. —Romans 10:9-10
These type conflicts to the point you said something prior to myself are if you notice violating the posted thread that says, remember to be civil.
They're still teaching moments don't you think? Those who have the peace of Christ don't flame up and out defending the peace that a Christian finds in Christ.
Imagine if Jesus taught the way some in this community talk when sharing their opinion of a scripture. Imagine if the bible read like some here act. One person actually thinks this is how it goes and that's why they act hateful.
Imagine. "For God so hated the world that he sent his only begotten son to spew nastines, hatred, sarcasm, vile personal attacks, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting eternity up close and personal with that personality for all eternity."
 

OstrichSmiling

Well-known member
Jun 17, 2018
1,027
418
83
These type conflicts to the point you said something prior to myself are if you notice violating the posted thread that says, remember to be civil.
They're still teaching moments don't you think? Those who have the peace of Christ don't flame up and out defending the peace that a Christian finds in Christ.
Imagine if Jesus taught the way some in this community talk when sharing their opinion of a scripture. Imagine if the bible read like some here act. One person actually thinks this is how it goes and that's why they act hateful.
Imagine. "For God so hated the world that he sent his only begotten son to spew nastines, hatred, sarcasm, vile personal attacks, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting eternity up close and personal with that personality for all eternity."
That is quite the imagination to hold in my mind. Thank you for introducing a levity release valve in the midst of less than cordial atmosphere. Bless you. :D
 
Mar 23, 2016
7,021
1,674
113
I confess that I don't know why some are ungodly/unrighteous and suppress the truth when they hear it. But I do believe God knows exactly why they do, I would go so far as to say He is the One who causes them to suppress it.
No, God does not cause them to suppress the truth.

If God did cause them to suppress the truth, that is their excuse and Rom 1:20 says they are without excuse. So some suppress the truth all on their own.

If God causes them to suppress the truth, there would be no reason for God to reveal His wrath from heaven. They would behave exactly as God caused them to behave, so why would God be angry at their behaving as He designed?

Romans 1:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse



Danny1988 said:
I know most people don't agree with this view but I believe it is the only Biblically logical conclusion.
No it is not the "only Biblically logical conclusion".

Another "Biblically logical conclusion" is that God allows people to reject Him.
 

OstrichSmiling

Well-known member
Jun 17, 2018
1,027
418
83
I confess that I don't know why some are ungodly/unrighteous and suppress the truth when they hear it. But I do believe God knows exactly why they do, I would go so far as to say He is the One who causes them to suppress it.
That is claiming quite a bit of bad on God's part, don't you think? Why would God cause, what would he have to gain, to cause people to suppress it? When if true he foreknows because it is his creation that they'll end up in Hell.
 

mystic7

Senior Member
Jul 27, 2013
289
64
28
Wow, that's such a simple formula to enter into eternal paradise for free.

My question is, if it's so simple and free why doesn't the whole world jump on board. Why is over 95% of the world's population ignoring it.

Could it be possible that the Word of God is foolishness to those who are perishing, just as the Bible says it is. Could it be that it's foolishness to every person until God opens their spiritual eyes to see the truth and repent.

Could it be that God is the author and finisher of our salvation.
If they cannot complete the first step, forget the rest.
In some countries (middle east) people do not have the privilege of choosing the religion they wish to follow. In Muslin nation this religion is force unto them by the Government even if they do not wish to follow it.
The culture of the family religious back ground is of influence. If a child is bought as a Muslins, they will always be a Muslim, it is only through the Grace of God they could leave this religion.
God through His sovereign Grace will give all nations to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
It our duty as Christians to pray for the lost and for labourers for the harvest to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Eastern Nations for this is the Love of God, these are the one sheep Jesus is willing to leave the fold; as you and I were once lost.
 

Danny1988

Active member
Jun 24, 2018
410
124
43
If they cannot complete the first step, forget the rest.
In some countries (middle east) people do not have the privilege of choosing the religion they wish to follow. In Muslin nation this religion is force unto them by the Government even if they do not wish to follow it.
The culture of the family religious back ground is of influence. If a child is bought as a Muslins, they will always be a Muslim, it is only through the Grace of God they could leave this religion.
God through His sovereign Grace will give all nations to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
It our duty as Christians to pray for the lost and for labourers for the harvest to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Eastern Nations for this is the Love of God, these are the one sheep Jesus is willing to leave the fold; as you and I were once lost.
Yes there are so many Christians being martyred and persecuted in Muslim countries Asian, Russia, all over Africa and the Middle East. Christians are being slaughtered in large numbers for their faith in Christ.

The gospel is going out into the whole world and it won't be long before every person has heard it. I believe God will deal with those who haven't had the opportunity to hear the Gospel in a special way, I'm sure He will teat them much more leniently than us westerners who take it for granted.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,563
13,547
113
58
Hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptised, obey, forgive, feed on the Word, partake of the Lords Supper upon the first day of the week in the assembly of christians, pray, try not to sin, remain faithful until you die.
I guess Paul forget to mention your list of "additional requirements" in Acts 16:31. :unsure:
 

OneFaith

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2016
2,270
369
83
I guess Paul forget to mention your list of "additional requirements" in Acts 16:31. :unsure:
Additional requirements huh? Look each one up. For example "if you do not forgive you will not be forgiven." Partaking of the Lords Supper- "I tell you the truth, unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you."
 

mystic7

Senior Member
Jul 27, 2013
289
64
28
Additional requirements huh? Look each one up. For example "if you do not forgive you will not be forgiven." Partaking of the Lords Supper- "I tell you the truth, unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you."
Bro. this is all covered in step 3
God Bless
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,563
13,547
113
58
Additional requirements huh? Look each one up. For example "if you do not forgive you will not be forgiven."
A Christian’s forgiveness of others is based on an understanding that he has been forgiven by God’s undeserved and unearned mercy. Hearts that are humble and appreciate God’s grace gladly forgive others from a heart that is saved, but proud and revengeful hearts with no true repentance, that don't forgive in such small matters, as we see in the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18, which revealed a heart that is unsaved and does not receive God's forgiveness.

Those who are unforgiving from the heart show that they are unfitted to receive God’s forgiveness. Failure to forgive in such a small matter shows that this person has not understood God’s grace and forgiveness, hence the term, "wicked servant," which is not descriptive of a genuine believer. The fact that this person is called a servant does not necessarily mean they are saved. Israel (the Jews) were referred to as "the Lord’s servants" - You are my witnesses, says the LORD, my servant, whom I chosen.. - Isaiah 43:10, but they were not all saved.

Unforgiveness is the mark of an unbeliever and forgiveness would be the mark of a true believer. We should forgive others because God, through Christ, has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). It is inconceivable that someone who has truly experienced God's forgiveness could refuse to grant forgiveness to others, especially in such a small matter, as we saw in Matthew 18:26-35.

Partaking of the Lords Supper- "I tell you the truth, unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you."
So you teach that partaking of the Lord's Supper is a requirement for salvation? Is that what you believe Jesus was teaching in John chapter 6? You sound like a Roman Catholic. Eating and drinking here is not describing eating with the mouth and the digestive organs of our bodies, but the reception of God’s grace by believing in Christ, as Jesus makes it abundantly clear by repeating the same truths both in metaphoric and plain language. Compare for example the following two verses:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47).

“He who eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:58).

“He who believes” in Christ is equivalent to “he who eats this bread” because the end result is the same--eternal life. The parallel is the same in verses 40 and 54:

“Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

“Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:54).

John 6 does not support your theology or the false Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. On the contrary, it is a statement on the primacy of believing in Him/faith as the means by which we receive eternal life. Jesus is the Bread of Life; we eat of Him and are satisfied when we believe in Him.

John 6:35 - "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." As Jesus was accustomed, He used figurative language to emphasize these spiritual truths. Jesus explains the sense of the entire passage when He says, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)

Bread represents the "staff of life." Sustenance. That which essential to sustain life. Just as bread or sustenance is necessary to maintain physical life, Jesus is all the sustenance necessary for spiritual life.

The source of physical life is blood -- "life is in the blood." As with the bread, just as blood is the empowering or source of life physically, Jesus is all the source of spiritual life necessary.
 

OneFaith

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2016
2,270
369
83
Bro. this is all covered in step 3
God Bless
If you are referring to me, I am not a bro but a daughter of God Most High. And just as my brother Noah pleaded the truth until God closed the ark, so will I continue to obey my God until He takes me home.
 

OneFaith

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2016
2,270
369
83
A Christian’s forgiveness of others is based on an understanding that he has been forgiven by God’s undeserved and unearned mercy. Hearts that are humble and appreciate God’s grace gladly forgive others from a heart that is saved, but proud and revengeful hearts with no true repentance, that don't forgive in such small matters, as we see in the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18, which revealed a heart that is unsaved and does not receive God's forgiveness.

Those who are unforgiving from the heart show that they are unfitted to receive God’s forgiveness. Failure to forgive in such a small matter shows that this person has not understood God’s grace and forgiveness, hence the term, "wicked servant," which is not descriptive of a genuine believer. The fact that this person is called a servant does not necessarily mean they are saved. Israel (the Jews) were referred to as "the Lord’s servants" - You are my witnesses, says the LORD, my servant, whom I chosen.. - Isaiah 43:10, but they were not all saved.

Unforgiveness is the mark of an unbeliever and forgiveness would be the mark of a true believer. We should forgive others because God, through Christ, has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). It is inconceivable that someone who has truly experienced God's forgiveness could refuse to grant forgiveness to others, especially in such a small matter, as we saw in Matthew 18:26-35.



So you teach that partaking of the Lord's Supper is a requirement for salvation? Is that what you believe Jesus was teaching in John chapter 6? You sound like a Roman Catholic. Eating and drinking here is not describing eating with the mouth and the digestive organs of our bodies, but the reception of God’s grace by believing in Christ, as Jesus makes it abundantly clear by repeating the same truths both in metaphoric and plain language. Compare for example the following two verses:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47).

“He who eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:58).

“He who believes” in Christ is equivalent to “he who eats this bread” because the end result is the same--eternal life. The parallel is the same in verses 40 and 54:

“Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

“Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:54).

John 6 does not support your theology or the false Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. On the contrary, it is a statement on the primacy of believing in Him/faith as the means by which we receive eternal life. Jesus is the Bread of Life; we eat of Him and are satisfied when we believe in Him.

John 6:35 - "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." As Jesus was accustomed, He used figurative language to emphasize these spiritual truths. Jesus explains the sense of the entire passage when He says, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)

Bread represents the "staff of life." Sustenance. That which essential to sustain life. Just as bread or sustenance is necessary to maintain physical life, Jesus is all the sustenance necessary for spiritual life.

The source of physical life is blood -- "life is in the blood." As with the bread, just as blood is the empowering or source of life physically, Jesus is all the source of spiritual life necessary.
No, a person does not 'not forgive' because they don't understand forgiveness, they do not forgive because they choose to not forgive. "He who knows the good he ought to do, but chooses not to do it, sins"
 

stonesoffire

Poetic Member
Nov 24, 2013
10,665
1,829
113
To be saved one must obey the commandments....which is to love others as yourself. This is the law and the prophets.
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Believe:

G4100
πιστεύω
pisteuō
pist-yoo'-o
From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.

Hi Latour

Glad to meet you.

Wouldn't the things that we do to please the Lord be for rewards and not for salvation?
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,563
13,547
113
58
No, a person does not 'not forgive' because they don't understand forgiveness, they do not forgive because they choose to not forgive. "He who knows the good he ought to do, but chooses not to do it, sins"
If a person has not been born again, then they don't truly understand the forgiveness that Christ offers them by grace through faith, along with they choose to not forgive. Prior to my conversion, while still attending the Roman Catholic church several years ago, I did not understand the depth of the forgiveness of God and the love of God had not yet been poured out in my heart by the Holy Spirit which I had not yet received (Romans 5:5). Since my conversion, forgiveness flows out of a heart of love and gratitude for what Jesus has done for me. :)
 

Danny1988

Active member
Jun 24, 2018
410
124
43
If a person has not been born again, then they don't truly understand the forgiveness that Christ offers them by grace through faith, along with they choose to not forgive. Prior to my conversion, while still attending the Roman Catholic church several years ago, I did not understand the depth of the forgiveness of God and the love of God had not yet been poured out in my heart by the Holy Spirit which I had not yet received (Romans 5:5). Since my conversion, forgiveness flows out of a heart of love and gratitude for what Jesus has done for me. :)
That's right brother, we can only truly forgive and love because He forgave us and loved us first.

These good qualities don't come naturally to us, they are the result of the Holy Spirit working through us. We will only stop sinning and do good at all times after we receive our glorified bodies. Then we will be like Christ, only good will dwell in us at all times. Sin will no longer have any power over us, until then we remain dependent on the Holy Spirit to help us do good.
 

Latour

Active member
Jun 11, 2018
437
255
43
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Believe:

G4100
πιστεύω
pisteuō
pist-yoo'-o
From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.

Hi Latour

Glad to meet you.

Wouldn't the things that we do to please the Lord be for rewards and not for salvation?


Mat. 19:17And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments."

Do this and please the Lord.


John 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Do you believe Jesus? Or does our faith in Jesus count in disobedience?
 

Embankment

Senior Member
Feb 28, 2017
703
196
43
Mat. 19:17And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments."

Do this and please the Lord.


John 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Do you believe Jesus? Or does our faith in Jesus count in disobedience?
This is a bit of wasted effort ...but...
There is a old covenant and a new covenant. Two different teachings...