What are the essential beliefs needed for salvation?
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Let the Apostle Paul, our Apostle, spell out the church doctrine for salvation.
"BUT NOW the righteousness of God without the law is manifested" (Rom. 3:21);
"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:5)
"Being Justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24);
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7);
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Tit. 3:5);
"Not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8,9)
When God now says this, what will faith do? Faith will say, "This is the most wonderful offer ever made by God to man. I cannot refuse it. I will trust Christ as my Savior and accept salvation as the free gift of God's grace."
Trust me when I tell you, everyone else from the Old Testament, King David, Noah, even the 4 Gospels guys such as Peter, James and John, will be very envious about you.
Their conditions for showing faith were not as simple as what we have to do, under the age of Grace.
This is the most wonderful offer ever made by God to man. I cannot refuse it. I will trust Christ as my Savior and accept salvation as the free gift of God's grace."
We simply believe the message, that Jesus Christ has started and completed the work required for our salvation and we cease from our work and believe it. If we do that, we will receive the same righteousness as Abraham received (Gal 3:6-9). I especially like the NLT version.
6 In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”[b] 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. 8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.”[c] 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.
"BUT NOW the righteousness of God without the law is manifested" (Rom. 3:21);
"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:5)
"Being Justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24);
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7);
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Tit. 3:5);
"Not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8,9)
When God now says this, what will faith do? Faith will say, "This is the most wonderful offer ever made by God to man. I cannot refuse it. I will trust Christ as my Savior and accept salvation as the free gift of God's grace."
Trust me when I tell you, everyone else from the Old Testament, King David, Noah, even the 4 Gospels guys such as Peter, James and John, will be very envious about you.
Their conditions for showing faith were not as simple as what we have to do, under the age of Grace.
- Noah had to build an ark. (Hebrews 11:7)
- Abel had to bring the correct sacrifice (Gen 4:4-5, Heb. 11:4)
- Abraham had to believe, at his advanced years, that God would make him a father of many (Genesis 15:5-6)
- Rahab had to hide the spies, at the risk of being caught and punished (Hebrews 11:31)
This is the most wonderful offer ever made by God to man. I cannot refuse it. I will trust Christ as my Savior and accept salvation as the free gift of God's grace."
We simply believe the message, that Jesus Christ has started and completed the work required for our salvation and we cease from our work and believe it. If we do that, we will receive the same righteousness as Abraham received (Gal 3:6-9). I especially like the NLT version.
6 In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”[b] 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. 8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.”[c] 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.
(ARE ALL SINS THE SAME?)
Good talking point. Jesus did seem especially harsh towards those who offended little ones. Another problem comes when some are referring to sinful acts while others are referring to sin as having a rebellious attitude toward God. Perhaps someone might want to start a new thread devoted exclusively to the above question.
Good talking point. Jesus did seem especially harsh towards those who offended little ones. Another problem comes when some are referring to sinful acts while others are referring to sin as having a rebellious attitude toward God. Perhaps someone might want to start a new thread devoted exclusively to the above question.
We do not take an isolated verse and build a doctrine from that. So first you should look and all the verses which clearly and unequivocally state that Christ died for the sins of the whole world. Then when we take John 6:39 (not 38) within that context as well as the context of that chapter, we see what Christ meant. The verses will be shown in logical sequence (different from the narrative).
SALVATION IS FOR ALL ["A MAN" = ANY MAN, "THE WORLD" = ALL HUMANITY]
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (v 33) This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (vv 50,51)
THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT DRAW ALL MEN TO CHRIST
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (v 44) [NOTE: ONLY THE FATHER MENTIONED HERE]
FAITH IN CHRIST NECESSARY TO RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (vv 28,29) [NOTE: FAITH IS NOT A WORK BUT THAT WAS THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE. FAITH IS GENERATED BY THE GOSPEL]
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (v 40)
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (v 54)
THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE ARE NOT GIVEN TO CHRIST BY THE FATHER
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. (v 36) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (vv 64,65)
THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER IS GUARANTEED
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (v 37) And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. (v 39) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (v 47)
SALVATION IS FOR ALL ["A MAN" = ANY MAN, "THE WORLD" = ALL HUMANITY]
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (v 33) This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (vv 50,51)
THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT DRAW ALL MEN TO CHRIST
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (v 44) [NOTE: ONLY THE FATHER MENTIONED HERE]
FAITH IN CHRIST NECESSARY TO RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (vv 28,29) [NOTE: FAITH IS NOT A WORK BUT THAT WAS THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE. FAITH IS GENERATED BY THE GOSPEL]
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (v 40)
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (v 54)
THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE ARE NOT GIVEN TO CHRIST BY THE FATHER
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. (v 36) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (vv 64,65)
THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER IS GUARANTEED
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (v 37) And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. (v 39) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (v 47)
What does scripture teach us ?
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
If Jesus had paid the debt for sin in full for the world all would be saved.
The theology being expressed here is one which has a mythical belief without anything else,
like I believe in unicorns, and God sees the thought, and I will be given life eternal, given a new
body and dwell with Him forever.
If having a thought at some point in ones life is enough to be given eternal life, then you may as
well just save everyone and heaven is a place for sinners.
This approach has to be taken because anything else, a dependant change in someones life to
confirm the transformed heart and life, is deemed as heretical works.
But listen to James saying how sinners should respond to a conviction of sin
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:8-10
Paul says these are the attributes of transformed people responding to the Lords grace.
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
People who walk like this are God's chosen people because it flows from their hearts.
So it is more than just a transaction between Jesus and the Father, it is being born again,
starting life anew, in communion with the Living God.
The theology being expressed here is one which has a mythical belief without anything else,
like I believe in unicorns, and God sees the thought, and I will be given life eternal, given a new
body and dwell with Him forever.
If having a thought at some point in ones life is enough to be given eternal life, then you may as
well just save everyone and heaven is a place for sinners.
This approach has to be taken because anything else, a dependant change in someones life to
confirm the transformed heart and life, is deemed as heretical works.
But listen to James saying how sinners should respond to a conviction of sin
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:8-10
Paul says these are the attributes of transformed people responding to the Lords grace.
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
People who walk like this are God's chosen people because it flows from their hearts.
So it is more than just a transaction between Jesus and the Father, it is being born again,
starting life anew, in communion with the Living God.
"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." (John 12:47)
This is an interesting question.
Did Jesus save the world, or is this expressing anyone in the world can take up His offer?
The problem we all have is the same, identical.
We are sinners who need to be forgiven and to believe God is serious, for us to give up the
world and to walk the path Jesus is calling us to walk. Make no mistake we are giving up
something to gain something much better.
But our problem, sin, is only resolved once we accept Jesus, His terms and start the walk.
And the walk is with a destination, to be like Jesus.
Some believe when Jesus talks about the world, He means everything has been applied to the world,
ie all sin for the world after the cross past, present future has now been forgiven.
This is one interpretation, except it is only true if you are an universalist.
Some have a refined version of universalism, which says you are lost if you do not at some point have
the thought that Jesus died for you. This thought makes you eternal, no matter what else you do,
which is the lowest bar one can imagine for salvation. How much mind reading does God need to do
to make sure He is not sending the wrong people to hell?
How long must the thought be in the persons head? 1 second, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day etc.
And what about dreaming, or just being in an imaginary state?
The word farce comes to mind here.
This is an interesting question.
Did Jesus save the world, or is this expressing anyone in the world can take up His offer?
The problem we all have is the same, identical.
We are sinners who need to be forgiven and to believe God is serious, for us to give up the
world and to walk the path Jesus is calling us to walk. Make no mistake we are giving up
something to gain something much better.
But our problem, sin, is only resolved once we accept Jesus, His terms and start the walk.
And the walk is with a destination, to be like Jesus.
Some believe when Jesus talks about the world, He means everything has been applied to the world,
ie all sin for the world after the cross past, present future has now been forgiven.
This is one interpretation, except it is only true if you are an universalist.
Some have a refined version of universalism, which says you are lost if you do not at some point have
the thought that Jesus died for you. This thought makes you eternal, no matter what else you do,
which is the lowest bar one can imagine for salvation. How much mind reading does God need to do
to make sure He is not sending the wrong people to hell?
How long must the thought be in the persons head? 1 second, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day etc.
And what about dreaming, or just being in an imaginary state?
The word farce comes to mind here.
Belief is just a thought ( interpretation ) thought belief
Belief is something you know to be true but is not provable, it is something unseen.
Like you know someone loves you. You have the foundation in your life.
Now if belief is just an idea that exists in your head, that has no effect on your behaviour,
has no expression in your words or conversation, but your belief it is true, it is just a thought.
Some have developed a theology which takes the verse
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
The term "believes" is taken to have faith in Jesus. When you talk to these folk, it is stripped
of anything that would show this belief exists, because any indication is viewed as dependant
earning of the gift eternal life, so rejected.
Now the a belief with no impact is just a thought, an idea. So in essence eternity for these folk
rests on having the idea Jesus is the saviour of the world and this saves you.
So Jesus writes people in the Lambs book of life because they think He is God.
All the church is then saved, and anyone who got caught up in a service and for 5 minutes felt
Jesus was their saviour. Not exactly in line with this saying of Jesus
24 If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matt 16:24-26
Fools think foolish thoughts as they fall into hell wondering where they went wrong.
Belief is something you know to be true but is not provable, it is something unseen.
Like you know someone loves you. You have the foundation in your life.
Now if belief is just an idea that exists in your head, that has no effect on your behaviour,
has no expression in your words or conversation, but your belief it is true, it is just a thought.
Some have developed a theology which takes the verse
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
The term "believes" is taken to have faith in Jesus. When you talk to these folk, it is stripped
of anything that would show this belief exists, because any indication is viewed as dependant
earning of the gift eternal life, so rejected.
Now the a belief with no impact is just a thought, an idea. So in essence eternity for these folk
rests on having the idea Jesus is the saviour of the world and this saves you.
So Jesus writes people in the Lambs book of life because they think He is God.
All the church is then saved, and anyone who got caught up in a service and for 5 minutes felt
Jesus was their saviour. Not exactly in line with this saying of Jesus
24 If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matt 16:24-26
Fools think foolish thoughts as they fall into hell wondering where they went wrong.
If Jesus is an offering for our sins we must accept the offering as being for our sins.. That means we must believe Jesus died for our sins on the cross..
And we have had a long discussion on when a person is regenerated.. They are regenerated the moment they believe Jesus and trust in His atonement Not before.. So we are not going to agree on that point..
And we have had a long discussion on when a person is regenerated.. They are regenerated the moment they believe Jesus and trust in His atonement Not before.. So we are not going to agree on that point..
4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed,
5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws
Genesis 26:4-5
I had a similar thought to your own, that Abraham was a man of faith.
But here Abraham is obedient, but the requirements, commands, decrees and laws are not Moses,
or recorded for us to see.
5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws
Genesis 26:4-5
I had a similar thought to your own, that Abraham was a man of faith.
But here Abraham is obedient, but the requirements, commands, decrees and laws are not Moses,
or recorded for us to see.