Will you listen to what God has to say about OSAS? Just scriptures?

[VioletReigns]

If you cannot earn salvation, you cannot maintain it. It is a free gift. I love my adult children and my grandchildren and always will. Nothing will change it. They have rebelled against me and broken my heart in times past. Yet my heart always yearned for reconciliation (and praise God I received it!! \ / ) and my love for them never lessened. In fact, I love them more today than I did yesterday! Nothing will make me stop loving them, forsake them or disown them. NOTHING!

If I being imperfect can love my own that strongly, how much more does our perfect heavenly Father love us? I would never offer a free gift to my kids and grandsons and then expect them to do things to maintain that gift. That is just ridiculous and evil. In fact, that's exactly the kind of love the Pharisees had. That kind of love Jesus said not to exhibit. "Earn my love!" How ungodly is that?

NO, the Lord God knows His love WILL cause us to obey Him and follow after Him. Everything He offers us is free because Jesus paid the cost on the Cross of Calvary.

Remember in Luke 18 where Jesus was telling about the Pharisee and the tax collector in the temple? The Pharisee was sure he was in good standing with God as he prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I also tithe and fast."
But the tax collector couldn't even raise his eyes up heavenward as he pounded on his chest and cried, "Please have mercy on me a sinner, Father!"
Jesus Christ said that the tax collector went home justified because he knew it was the grace of God who kept him.

Jesus added that whoever prides themselves in obedience is going to get humbled. And those who humble themselves and acknowledge that all they have is the grace of Jesus Christ will be exalted.

Will you exalt your obedience or will you humble yourself and exalt Jesus Christ?

 

[VioletReigns]

Please take note of words such as 'if', or 'unless'...


Hebrews 10:26,27 "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, then there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.”

John 15:1,2, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch IN Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit."


John 15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.”


1 John 1:6,7 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”


2 Peter 2:20-22 "For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed to them."


Romans 8:12,13 "So then, brethren (speaking to those who are saved), we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Notice the word 'putting' is an ongoing action- not 'have put' meaning past tense. This implies constant effort, action on our part after being saved.


1 Corinthians 15:1,2 "Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which also you stand, and by which you are saved, IF you hold fast the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.” In vain means a waste of time because it did not result in salvation.


Colossians 1:21-23 "And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, (that is before you became Christians) you were engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you (that is you have become a Christian) in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless beyond reproach—IF indeed you CONTINUE in the faith firmly established and STEADFAST, and NOT MOVED AWAY from the HOPE of the gospel which you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.”

2 Peter 2:20,21 "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, (now these people are Christians) and they are again entangled in these things and they are overcome, that the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them”


1 Corinthians 9:24-27 "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? You run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and I make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”


Galatians 5:19-21 "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, (who, ‘you Christians’) just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”


1 Timothy 4:1 "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons."


Galatians 5:4 "You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”


John 15:10 "IF you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love."

I John 3:9 - Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for His seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

 

[Hizikyah]

Alot of people think they know him, the pharisees thought they knew God. they did not know him at all now did they? Just knowing god will not save you. now will it?



You keep ignoring the most important part of the passage. their I highlighted it for you. why do you continue to ignore that part?

They practice iniquity because THEY DO NOT KNOW GOD. they have not repented. They are trying to get to God through religion through works, through self effort. and have rejected the gospel of Grace.

do you think I am going to go in front of God and praise all my works? think again, I will be on my knees, KNOWING I deserve judgement, no matter how God I THINK I WAS.



Then why do you ignore the words. I NEVER KNEW YOU?



I NEVER KNEW YOU.

All non believers practice iniquity, because they are of their father the devil. whether they appear to be doing the work of God does not matter, they are still unsaved, still do not know God. Still not known by God. and all they do is for self.

even proclaiming these good works here is puffing themselves up. Where did they praise the work of God? they were to busy puffing their own works up. just like the pharisees. to realise how sinful they were. they denied they were sinners, Jesus proclaimed why they deny, they are sinners. "you who practice iniquity"

.... yet they THINK they know Him.... who is saved? many people think they are... narrow is the path, yet the largest religion(s) in the world....

I dont disagree with you, but im focusing on the meanings of the words brother.....

 

[VioletReigns]

I John 3:9 - Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for His seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

This Scripture should make every child of God run boldly to the throne of grace and rejoice with loud shouts of joy and thankfulness to Jesus Christ our Lord! We are forgiven and are the possession of God whereas Jesus is made manifest in us and will conform us to His image from glory to glory! Our Teacher is instructing us at every moment and making a way for us to lead us home! We can trust in Jesus with every breath we take and in everything we do. We don't need guilt and shame and condemnation and fear tactics; we only need Jesus!

 

[newbirth]

He said.

I NEVER KNEW YOU.

So yes he was talking to unsaved people. If they were vr saved, then at the time they were saved, they had a personal relationship with God. AND GOD KNEW THEM.

Jesus did not say, I knew you at one time, but you fell away and started practicing sin, so I cast you out.

He said, I NEVER KNEW YOU.

The they is the church, just like the 7 churches, many had fallen away in the time john spoke. by listening to false prophets and teachers, because they were not saved.

the church is falling away today, Just as prophesied.

people are not losing salvation. the church is losing its lampstand.

so what are they losing.....if not their salvation....the whole church is losing its lampstand....are you saying none o them were really saved????

what doed this mean...[SUP]10 [/SUP]Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

are you saying those who are not faithful to the end will also receive a crown of life???

is this in your bible???? does this look like OSAS????
[SUP]19 [/SUP]I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

[SUP]22 [/SUP]Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

.... yet they THINK they know Him.... who is saved? many people think they are... narrow is the path, yet the largest religion(s) in the world....

I dont disagree with you, but im focusing on the meanings of the words brother.....

so am I.

God never knew them. They tried to use their works, and good deeds to get Christ to accept them.

They are the religious. not the licentious. who KNOW they have no excuse.

these people think they have an excuse, but they do not. That is who Jesus was addressing.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

so what are they losing.....if not their salvation....the whole church is losing its lampstand....are you saying none o them were really saved????

A church is a group of people. not an induvidual.

Are you going to sit there and claim these people were ever saved? When JESUS SAID HE NEVER KNEW THEM??

Israel lost its lampstand not because there were no jewish believers, there were. But because as a whole. the majority who were in her rejected God and rebelled. It does nto mean every jew was lost forever.

what doed this mean...[SUP]10 [/SUP]Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

It means they will get a reward for doing good.

News flash, Salvation is a gift. NOT A REWARD.

are you saying those who are not faithful to the end will also receive a crown of life???

Nope. their reward will be burned, as wood hay and straw. and they will lose their crown. but they themselves. will still be saved, even as though through fire.

As paul said, even when we are faithless. he remains faithfull. he can not deny himself (his promise)

is this in your bible???? does this look like OSAS????
[SUP]19 [/SUP]I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

[SUP]22 [/SUP]Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

lol..

It does not look like legalism, thats for sure.

I NEVER KNEW YOU..

You work for your reward. If you think yuo will be rewarded with salvation. you will be one of the ones proclaiming all your good deeds to God. Who will tell you to depart. for HE NEVER KNEW YOU!

I will work trying to produce fruit. And If I get a reward. thats great, I still will not think I deserved it.

 

[Hizikyah]

so am I.

God never knew them. They tried to use their works, and good deeds to get Christ to accept them.

They are the religious. not the licentious. who KNOW they have no excuse.

these people think they have an excuse, but they do not. That is who Jesus was addressing.

Yet you continually ignore why He says "get away" and the meaning of the words that are written, again words have a meaning....

you acknowledge why the people think they are saved, but you ignore why He says "get away"

 

[newbirth]

If you cannot earn salvation, you cannot maintain it. It is a free gift. I love my adult children and my grandchildren and always will. Nothing will change it. They have rebelled against me and broken my heart in times past. Yet my heart always yearned for reconciliation (and praise God I received it!! \ / ) and my love for them never lessened. In fact, I love them more today than I did yesterday! Nothing will make me stop loving them, forsake them or disown them. NOTHING!

If I being imperfect can love my own that strongly, how much more does our perfect heavenly Father love us? I would never offer a free gift to my kids and grandsons and then expect them to do things to maintain that gift. That is just ridiculous and evil. In fact, that's exactly the kind of love the Pharisees had. That kind of love Jesus said not to exhibit. "Earn my love!" How ungodly is that?

NO, the Lord God knows His love WILL cause us to obey Him and follow after Him. Everything He offers us is free because Jesus paid the cost on the Cross of Calvary.

Remember in Luke 18 where Jesus was telling about the Pharisee and the tax collector in the temple? The Pharisee was sure he was in good standing with God as he prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I also tithe and fast."
But the tax collector couldn't even raise his eyes up heavenward as he pounded on his chest and cried, "Please have mercy on me a sinner, Father!"
Jesus Christ said that the tax collector went home justified because he knew it was the grace of God who kept him.

Jesus added that whoever prides themselves in obedience is going to get humbled. And those who humble themselves and acknowledge that all they have is the grace of Jesus Christ will be exalted.

Will you exalt your obedience or will you humble yourself and exalt Jesus Christ?

so now obedience is become as a sin??? anyone who is obedient to Christ is already humble...How does one exalt their obedience abiding in Christ? one cannot sin in Christ , one cannot be disobedient in Christ...in order for one to do those things they must first be drawn away....

 

[newbirth]

A church is a group of people. not an induvidual.

I did not say different..

Are you going to sit there and claim these people were ever saved? When JESUS SAID HE NEVER KNEW THEM??

Israel lost its lampstand not because there were no jewish believers, there were. But because as a whole. the majority who were in her rejected God and rebelled. It does nto mean every jew was lost forever.

I really thought you had an understanding of scripture....does Jesus know all things or not....if you say he does then he is trying to teach a principle here...if you say he does not then he is not who he say he is...so the question is ....have you learned anything from that scripture??? I guess up till now you have not...else you would not be going on about Jesus not really knowing these people...

It means they will get a reward for doing good.

News flash, Salvation is a gift. NOT A REWARD.

that is your misunderstanding of scripture at work

Nope. their reward will be burned, as wood hay and straw. and they will lose their crown. but they themselves. will still be saved, even as though through fire.

more misunderstanding of scripture.....

As paul said, even when we are faithless. he remains faithfull. he can not deny himself (his promise)

another misunderstanding of scripture...

lol..

It does not look like legalism, thats for sure.

I NEVER KNEW YOU..

do you understand anything???

You work for your reward. If you think yuo will be rewarded with salvation. you will be one of the ones proclaiming all your good deeds to God. Who will tell you to depart. for HE NEVER KNEW YOU!

this is you misunderstanding what people tell you...so you say they work for a reward

I will work trying to produce fruit. And If I get a reward. thats great, I still will not think I deserved it.

I remember a while back you said faith produce work which is the fruit....is your faith now gone so you have to work to produce fruit....was it not you who said all works is works of the law???

 

[VioletReigns]

so now obedience is become as a sin??? anyone who is obedient to Christ is already humble...How does one exalt their obedience abiding in Christ? one cannot sin in Christ , one cannot be disobedient in Christ...in order for one to do those things they must first be drawn away....

[SUP]Luke 18
9 [/SUP]And Jesus spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:[SUP]10 [/SUP]Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.

Obedience is not a sin. Proclaiming your obedience earns you good standing with God is a sin. They were Jesus' words, not mine. Don't shoot the messenger.

 

[Jason0047]

The Parable of the Tax Collector can be looked at in another way, too. Not only does it refute the person who thinks they can be self righteous so as to earn their salvation (i.e. Works Salvationism), which is wrong. But it also refutes Easy Believism (Antinomianism), too. For the Pharisee thought he was God's child and thought himself better than the Tax Collector. However, the Tax Collector was sorrowful before God and cried out to God to have mercy on him. The OSAS proponent who believes they can sin and still be saved does not believe they have to repent or cry out to God as being necessary. They are not sorrowful or humble before God like the Tax Collector. They are more like the Pharisee who thinks they are God's untouchable child.

Side Note:

Please take note that I am not talking about all OSAS proponents. I am referring to OSAS proponents who think they can live like the devil and still be saved and or that they can be both good and evil.

 

[newbirth]

[SUP]Luke 18
9 [/SUP]And Jesus spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:[SUP]10 [/SUP]Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.

Obedience is not a sin. Proclaiming your obedience earns you good standing with God is a sin. They were Jesus' words, not mine. Don't shoot the messenger.

you are forcing your thought into scripture...He spoke a parable unto

certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others

never said the Pharisee in the parable was obedient to God....he was speaking to, them trusted in themselves that they were righteous...and was making the point to them....you are saying the Pharisee in the parable was obedient...if he was , then they were also...and what would the point he was teaching be??

Scripture proclaims our obedience puts us in good standing with God...
Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Acts 5:32
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Yet you continually ignore why He says "get away" and the meaning of the words that are written, again words have a meaning....you acknowledge why the people think they are saved, but you ignore why He says "get away"

No, I am not ignoring those words. Why do you think I am? I have acknowledged them in almost every post.

What good is it if we acknowledge one part of the post (the why) and ignore the rest of the verse (I NEVER KNEW YOU)?

People who are not born of God practice unrighteousness (sin) even the pharisees, who were very religious, and seen as the most morally upright people on earth by the people. practiced sin. All of them do.

I am not ignoring that at all. Everyone who goes to hell will go because they practiced sin.

But that is not the point Jesus was making, the part your ignoring, is that these are not people who went out practicing sin as the world can see, these were the religious people. Who THOUGHT they were saved by their works.

It is EASY to tell a licentious person. it is NOT SO EASY to tell a religious person is practicing sin.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

]I did not say different..[/COLOR]I really thought you had an understanding of scripture....does Jesus know all things or not....if you say he does then he is trying to teach a principle here...if you say he does not then he is not who he say he is...so the question is ....have you learned anything from that scripture??? I guess up till now you have not...else you would not be going on about Jesus not really knowing these people...

What I know is you have a very weak understanding of scripture.

I never knew you means just that, I NEVER KNEW YOU (AS MY CHILD)

that is your misunderstanding of scripture at work

so a gift is not a gift, it is a reward, and a reward is not a reward it is a gift?

Scripture would not agree with you. not to mention the meanings of the words. they are not even in the same category of things. One is given for free out of love, one is given because you worked very hard and you earned it.

more misunderstanding of scripture.....

Keep thinking that. That perfectly fine for you. But I take scripture as a whole. not in bits and peaces that seem to fit my viepoint.

another misunderstanding of scripture...
do you understand anything???

Yeah I do.

1. You have no grasp of grace or what it is
2. You have no grasp of real sin, and how sinful you really are
3. You have no grasp of your plight against God
4. You have no grasp of scripture. and are left to make these attacks, because you have nothing else.

this is you misunderstanding what people tell you...so you say they work for a reward

A stone is a stone, why call it something it is not?

some people are just blinded. they say one thing, then deny they say it, because they would have to admit they are wrong.

You so steeped in pride and your own works, and trying to earn Gods love, yet you can;t even see or admit your trying to earn a reward, and in fact rejecting Gods grace.

I remember a while back you said faith produce work which is the fruit....is your faith now gone so you have to work to produce fruit....was it not you who said all works is works of the law???

Nope. My faith is not gone, but it still takes work. I can't just sit on my couch (like some Christians do) and produce fruit, I have to out on the battle front, and allow God to use me.

ever wonder why all the people in revelations lay their crowns at the feet of Jesus? Because they have all realised on thing you have yet to comprehend, Even the rewards they get for their hard work, they do not deserve. We do not deserve to be sitting here having the conversation, but for the grace of God. We deserve hellfire.

 

[riverlandfarmer]

I see more fluff balls and heresy from those who teach you can loose salvation.......

Salvation and eternal life are a once for all act...it is the spirit that is born of God, does not sin and bears witness with the Holy Spirit that we are the sons of God......for those who believe you can loose it....let me guess you have maintained a perfect walk without sin since you trusted and have never fallen and if you say you have sinned then you will cook for all eternal ages as Hebrews states it is IMPOSSIBLE to gain, loose and then regain salvation.......your ability to keep yourself saved will take you straight to the PIT as you never trusted into Christ to begin with, but rather your own selves and your own abilities......

Eternal means eternal not temporary and you turn the word of God into a lie by your heretical dogma!

Hi dcontroversal. I do believe that once we are saved we are forever saved as long as we keep hang on to Jesus Christ and don't let Him go. WE had to make a choice to follow Him, that was not His choice but ours and we always have the right to change our mind. God did not design robots. Satan was ejected out of heaven because of rebellion. Adam and Eve ejected out of the garden because of rebellion. The story of the prodigal son leaving his father and coming back is a story of a person that was once in the family but decided on his own to leave and then returned out of desperation. The whole book of Hebrews was written to the Jews that had once believed by faith in what Christ had done at the cross but then were going back to the law because of peer pressure from fellow Jews. The author of Hebrews was desperately trying to get them back on track, WHY? All through the Old Testament we see time after time how the children of Israel turned their back on God and faced his wrath.
All of these people were given a self-will of choice and we have that choice to make everyday. Maybe you are right about your belief and I truly hope you are so then 2 of my children that once were saved will make it to heaven, but I'm very concerned for them. Should I quit praying for them? Should I just live by hope that they will make it? What if your wrong and I'm right? Eternity is a long time to be taking chances with. I choose to hang on the lord with all the power within me.

 

[newbirth]

What I know is you have a very weak understanding of scripture.

I never knew you means just that, I NEVER KNEW YOU (AS MY CHILD)

so now you admit he knew them....but you want to impress upon people... The God of all who knows all... never knew them in no way whatsoever...that is plain hypocrisy...in my view...but then what do I know???

 

[SeaBass]

who ignores everything God says, and was ever saved?

One can hear and believe for a while then quit. Because he quits does not mean he never did hear and believe, cannot quit what one never started. 1 Tim 4:1 one cannot depart from what he never had; 1 Tim 5:12, one cannot cast off what he never had.

 

[SeaBass]

The sheep do hear His voice. Can't say the same for the goats.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

Jn 10:27 sheep hear and follow by their own volition and can therefore quit hearing and following by their own volition. Because they can quit does not mean they were never a sheep that was hearing and following. One can go through grades 1-11 and drop out before entering the 12th grade. His quitting does not mean he was never a student, never took tests, never received any grades.

 

[SeaBass]

If you cannot earn salvation, you cannot maintain it. It is a free gift. I love my adult children and my grandchildren and always will. Nothing will change it. They have rebelled against me and broken my heart in times past. Yet my heart always yearned for reconciliation (and praise God I received it!! \ / ) and my love for them never lessened. In fact, I love them more today than I did yesterday! Nothing will make me stop loving them, forsake them or disown them. NOTHING!

If I being imperfect can love my own that strongly, how much more does our perfect heavenly Father love us? I would never offer a free gift to my kids and grandsons and then expect them to do things to maintain that gift. That is just ridiculous and evil. In fact, that's exactly the kind of love the Pharisees had. That kind of love Jesus said not to exhibit. "Earn my love!" How ungodly is that?

NO, the Lord God knows His love WILL cause us to obey Him and follow after Him. Everything He offers us is free because Jesus paid the cost on the Cross of Calvary.

Remember in Luke 18 where Jesus was telling about the Pharisee and the tax collector in the temple? The Pharisee was sure he was in good standing with God as he prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I also tithe and fast."
But the tax collector couldn't even raise his eyes up heavenward as he pounded on his chest and cried, "Please have mercy on me a sinner, Father!"
Jesus Christ said that the tax collector went home justified because he knew it was the grace of God who kept him.

Jesus added that whoever prides themselves in obedience is going to get humbled. And those who humble themselves and acknowledge that all they have is the grace of Jesus Christ will be exalted.

Will you exalt your obedience or will you humble yourself and exalt Jesus Christ?

Salvation is not earned but is a free gift that comes with conditions (faith) and one must maintain the conditions (faith) to keep the free gift. If one quits meeting the conditions (faith) then he no longer has the free gift. You love your children and grand-children, well God loves the world but that does not mean He will unconditionally save the world.