Are we saved by grace alone through faith alone? (Scripture)
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Are we saved by grace alone through faith and a dedication to obedience? (Lordship salvation)
We are saved by grace through faith and God adds to that faith, virtue, knowledge, self control, perseverance, brotherly kindness and love.
If we don't have deep roots or bear fruit are we still saved?
I guess it depends on if you believe all four seeds were saved in the parable or if only one was saved...the one the birds stole, the ro,cky ground, the weed infested one and the good soil.
It's not my job to judge another's salvation. However I know God is able to plant the seed again in the lives Satan stole from. He is able to tear down the stones and force the roots to grow deep during periods of drought. He can weed out thorns and whistles of this life so that all we have is Him. All this He does by His grace and mercy.
At what exact point are we saved?
1. At the beginning while we are still sinners lost and dead in this world, yet hear God calling out to us?
2.when we submit our lives to Christ, admit that we are dead and in need of a savior?
3. When we hear God's answering call of love and forgiveness?
4. When we learn to walk with the Holy Spirit and tear down the spiritual strongholds?
5. When we begin to do the good works God created us to do?
6. When we die and are raised again?
God's power works through each step. People want to say others are saved at step 1 or step 5. Does it really matter what we think?
Most people won't feel saved until step 3 or 4 but God was saving them from step 1. They just might not realize it until much later.