Does one only gain eternal life because one is saved? Therefore salvation would equal eternal life because one who is not saved will not gain eternal life.
I understand that much of the rest of what you say here is returning to the topic of salvation because you've tied eternal life to salvation here, so I'll avoid commenting on those portions again. But correlation doesn't imply causation. Just because two things are related doesn't mean one caused the other or that the two things are equal.
It's true that all those who receive eternal life are saved...but not all those who are saved will receive eternal life. Many have and will fail. There are proofs throughout scripture of this:
- I already gave the example about Israel being saved from death & Egypt never receiving their rest.
- Also the multitude of disciples, who were saved by the 1st (physical) bread Christ gave them as a free gift (i.e. salvation), later rejected the 2nd "living" bread (i.e. himself) offered to them by refusing to follow him (i.e. eternal life).
- Also the son of destruction, Judas, received everything the other 11 apostles received (including the Holy Spirit) but he let his greed open the door for satan to enter in...and he was lost. This was a fulfillment of scripture but he was still lost.
- Also there wouldn't be a warning in Hebrews 10:26 that one can trodden the blood of Christ underfoot, no longer having a sacrifice for sin for willful sins, if what we gain from Christ's gift wasn't able to be given up.
Small is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to
life and *VERY FEW* people find it.
Yes, Matt. 19:17 is a true statement addressed to Israel - and the whole premise of the Mosaic Covenant - you will enter eternal life IF you obey my commandments; you will receive blessings IF you obey; you will receive cursing IF you don't obey. The foundation of my salvation is based upon IF I shall believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
No. There is neither Jew or Gentile; but one body (Galatians 3:28). And
there is only *one* way into eternal life (John 10:7-11), just one way; belief in Christ. Why would Christ give *another* way for eternal life to another group of people who are supposed to be *one with us* in him, especially when there's only *one* way to life; Him? The answer is he didn't, otherwise that would mean there's more than just one way to
eternal life (which goes against Christ's WORDS).
Thus we have to define what it really means to believe in Christ.
And also [the Israelites] did not have the indwelling of the holy Spirit to strengthen them.
Moses, Eldad and Medad each had the Holy Spirit (Numbers 11:27) and each of them still failed to enter in. Only Joshua and Caleb entered in through faith (proven by obedience).
So possessing the Holy Spirit doesn't guarantee obedience to God or eternal life (again Judas and Hebrew 10:26) because one must *yield* their will to the Spirit; a work/task on our part (i.e. Dying to self daily; i.e. being a living sacrifice).
So - it seems that John 3:16 is not sufficient for eternal life? You see I am already seated in heavenly places in Christ, I am sealed with the holy Spirit of promise until the day of redemption when my Jesus Christ my Lord will come again for his purchased possession - that is the basis of the new covenant. But for my maturity and growth - I will endeavor to walk by the Spirit and NOT fulfill the lust of the flesh.
No, John 3:16 is wholly sufficient for eternal life, but again we have to define what it means to believe in Christ.
- Christ is call THE WORD made flesh (John 1:14)
- Christ's WORDS = Christ's Holy SPIRIT (John 6:63)
- Christ's WORDS = Eternal LIFE (John 6:63)
- To believe in Christ is to believe in Christ's WORDS
- To not believe in Christ's WORDS is to not believe in Christ
- One who accepts Christ's WORDS receives Christ's Holy SPIRIT
- One who does not accept Christ WORDS does not have Christ's SPIRIT in them, no matter how much they claim they do.
- If we do not follow Christ's WORDS Christ is not our Lord, as a servant will follow their master's words.
- If we do not do what Christ SAYS we can not call Christ Lord (Luke 6:46)
- If we do not follow Christ's WORDS we do not accept Christ WORDS
- If we do not accept Christ's WORDS we do not believe in Christ
- If we do not believe in Christ we will not receive eternal life, nor have we been born again.
- Christ's WORDS wash us (John 15:3; 1 Cor 6:11)
- One who does not receive Christ's WORDS is not WASHED by Christ and is still dirty, no matter how many time they say they believe in Christ or claim the are righteous by faith in Christ. Christ words are everything. Christ's words are the only thing.
So to say one believes in Christ means nothing if one does not follow all of Christ WORDS. Christ SAID
there are two things required for eternal life: To Obey the Commandments & To Follow Him (faith in him)...these are his WORDS. His words are then repeated to John in the book of revelation at rev 12:17 & rev 14:12...the last prophetic message literally given from Father God...through Christ the Son...to John the servant...to us who choose to believe it.
1) Keep God's commandments
2) Have faith in Christ
Again, not talking about salvation but eternal life.
Again, not talking about salvation but eternal life.
(obedience to) The law alone is not good enough to inherit eternal life.
But Obedience to The Law + Faith in Christ's Salvation = eternal life
...because Christ said so.