Christ says, those who love one another are His disciples.
But He says those who call on His name are saved.
I personally believe there is a difference in the two.
Some are saved and some are disciples.
Jesus had the 3, 12, 70, and multitudes.
Scripture talks about "rewards" that are given. I believe this idea is what Paul was driving at when he said he didn't want to be "disqualified". For Paul life was about preaching Christ and he didn't want to be disqualified from carrying that great honor.
What I firmly believe is that eternal life is a Person. Thus when we die to the old man and are baptised (or reborn) in Christ we are joined to eternal life. But I believe He who started the work will complete it.
But there are some who Jesus never knew. They called Him Lord, but they pointed to their works to show their admittance.
C.
But He says those who call on His name are saved.
I personally believe there is a difference in the two.
Some are saved and some are disciples.
Jesus had the 3, 12, 70, and multitudes.
Scripture talks about "rewards" that are given. I believe this idea is what Paul was driving at when he said he didn't want to be "disqualified". For Paul life was about preaching Christ and he didn't want to be disqualified from carrying that great honor.
What I firmly believe is that eternal life is a Person. Thus when we die to the old man and are baptised (or reborn) in Christ we are joined to eternal life. But I believe He who started the work will complete it.
But there are some who Jesus never knew. They called Him Lord, but they pointed to their works to show their admittance.
C.
I disagree for the following reason.
1. The works salvationist faith is in himself, and in his works, NOT in Christ. They reject salvation by faith in Christ, thus reject Christ.
2. While a person who is truly saved may have legalistic tendencies (ie, How can I be saved if I do these things, or if I do not change God will not love me anymore etc etc) That is different than someone who is depending on human works to gain salvation.
Paul is adament that those who try to work to earn salvation have brough a different gospel, which is not a gospel itself and has no power to save.
I can not judge Stephen or anyone else. But I know our gospels do not match, and thus both of us in our current state will not enter heaven.
1. The works salvationist faith is in himself, and in his works, NOT in Christ. They reject salvation by faith in Christ, thus reject Christ.
2. While a person who is truly saved may have legalistic tendencies (ie, How can I be saved if I do these things, or if I do not change God will not love me anymore etc etc) That is different than someone who is depending on human works to gain salvation.
Paul is adament that those who try to work to earn salvation have brough a different gospel, which is not a gospel itself and has no power to save.
I can not judge Stephen or anyone else. But I know our gospels do not match, and thus both of us in our current state will not enter heaven.