Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ

[wattie]

So, we have many phrases we often use instead of these scriptural words, to talk about getting eternal salvation.

'Turning from sin and making Jesus Lord or your life '

'Committing your life to Christ'

'Asking Jesus into your heart'

Etc..

These aren't actually in scripture..although may be fully supported by scripture.

The key thing is.. how do you know if these kind of scriptures are the same as 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ'

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

So, we have many phrases we often use instead of these scriptural words, to talk about getting eternal salvation.

'Turning from sin and making Jesus Lord or your life '

'Committing your life to Christ'

'Asking Jesus into your heart'

Etc..

These aren't actually in scripture..although may be fully supported by scripture.

The key thing is.. how do you know if these kind of scriptures are the same as 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ'

You don't.
I've asked pastors this all my life
One said, "they are all right."

I preached against his heresy for a graded sermon last semester of Bible college.
That would mean that there are many gospels if they are all acceptable.

Another pastor, IFB, answered my rebuke by putting his wife in his pulpit who justified their heresy for over half an hour.
This was the same one who had an adult lesbian daughter lead the children's church services.

 

[wattie]

You don't.
I've asked pastors this all my life
One said, "they are all right."

I preached against his heresy for a graded sermon last semester of Bible college.
That would mean that there are many gospels if they are all acceptable.

Another pastor, IFB, answered my rebuke by putting his wife in his pulpit who justified their heresy for over half an hour.
This was the same one who had an adult lesbian daughter lead the children's church services.

Yeah.. I meant to edit my opening post to say these kind of phrases.. instead of scriptures.. but ran out of time!

We have discussed turning from sin before.. how does someone lost.. already dead in sin.. 'turn from sin' as part of getting saved? Rhetorical question i know !

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Yeah.. I meant to edit my opening post to say these kind of phrases.. instead of scriptures.. but ran out of time!

We have discussed turning from sin before.. how does someone lost.. already dead in sin.. 'turn from sin' as part of getting saved? Rhetorical question i know !

My examples were personal experiences of what was in some IFB churches. I heard so many different things about how the lost was supposed to respond to the knowledge that the Son of God took upon himself their punishment, died and arose the third day.....
"So turn from sins and give YOUR life to Christ!" To quite billy Graham.

So the lost hell bound sinner is to believe that they are to be obedient to the law by giving up sins, promising to not sin anymore, maybe shed enough tears to make God sad.....THEN what Jesus did was NOT the issue, what the sinner must do to be saved is to give HIS LIFE to Christ!

You can see how confusing this would be, of course, which is why you probably started this topic/thread. Glad you did.
There needs to be clarity here.

 

[GWH]

So, we have many phrases we often use instead of these scriptural words, to talk about getting eternal salvation.

'Turning from sin and making Jesus Lord or your life '

'Committing your life to Christ'

'Asking Jesus into your heart'

Etc..

These aren't actually in scripture..although may be fully supported by scripture.

The key thing is.. how do you know if these kind of scriptures are the same as 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ'

Good question. My answer is the following creed:

The normative way of stating the kerygma/GRFS in the NT is “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” (as in 2CR 4:5 & CL 2:6). Another way is “Saving faith is loving Jesus as Messiah and Lord.” The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in such statements can be explained or elaborated as follows:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or God (DT 6:4, JN 3:16, 2THS 1:6), who is both able (2TM 1:12) and willing (1TM 2:3-4, EZK 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (RM 3:23, 2TM 3:2-4, CL 3:5), miserable (GL 5:19-21), and hopeless (EPH 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (MT 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (JN 3:18, RM 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (JN 3:16, ACTS 16:30-31, PHP 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (RM 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1CR 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (LK 2:11, JN 14:6, ACTS 16:31), which means trying to obey His commandment to love one another (MT 22:37-40, JN 13:35, RM 13:9)—forever (MT 10:22, PS 113:2).
5. Then God’s Holy Spirit will establish a saving relationship with those who freely accept Him (RV 3:20) that will eventually achieve heaven when by means of persevering in learning Truth/God’s Word/sanctification everyone cooperates fully with His will (JN 14:6, 17&26, RM 8:6-17, GL 6:7-9, EPH 1:13-14, HB 10:36, 12:1, JM 1:2-4).

 

[wattie]

Good question. My answer is the following creed:

The normative way of stating the kerygma/GRFS in the NT is “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” (as in 2CR 4:5 & CL 2:6). Another way is “Saving faith is loving Jesus as Messiah and Lord.” The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in such statements can be explained or elaborated as follows:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or God (DT 6:4, JN 3:16, 2THS 1:6), who is both able (2TM 1:12) and willing (1TM 2:3-4, EZK 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (RM 3:23, 2TM 3:2-4, CL 3:5), miserable (GL 5:19-21), and hopeless (EPH 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (MT 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (JN 3:18, RM 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (JN 3:16, ACTS 16:30-31, PHP 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (RM 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1CR 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (LK 2:11, JN 14:6, ACTS 16:31), which means trying to obey His commandment to love one another (MT 22:37-40, JN 13:35, RM 13:9)—forever (MT 10:22, PS 113:2).
5. Then God’s Holy Spirit will establish a saving relationship with those who freely accept Him (RV 3:20) that will eventually achieve heaven when by means of persevering in learning Truth/God’s Word/sanctification everyone cooperates fully with His will (JN 14:6, 17&26, RM 8:6-17, GL 6:7-9, EPH 1:13-14, HB 10:36, 12:1, JM 1:2-4).

No one can 'achieve ' heaven. Eternal salvation is unmerited favour. Perseverance is part of sanctification, not justification.

 

[GWH]

No one can 'achieve ' heaven. Eternal salvation is unmerited favour. Perseverance is part of sanctification, not justification.

Cooperation with GW/HS achieves heaven.

Justification is the beginning of perseverance/sanctification. There is no qualitative difference between faith that accepts God’s saving grace at conversion and faith that accepts God’s working grace while walking/living (EPH 2:8-10, 2CR 5:7, RM 1:17), but only a quantitative difference as each additional moment passes–and of course faith remains non-meritorious during the saint’s entire lifetime.

 

[timf]

Most people look at salvation and see a choice (either by God or man). Some who wish to also add a component of intensity often add some associated work such as "say this prayer and mean it".

I see salvation as the result of faith which is more of a reflex. The person who is "of the truth" (John 18:37) responds to truth. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. When a person hears the gospel he can identify that which is true and can trust it.

I see the faith / trust model as a more accurate way to communicate salvation than the belief / acknowledgement model. Scott Adams died this year and said that just before his death he was going to become a Christian. This was more reflective of the acknowledgement model and may not have included actual trust.

 

[memberofthebride]

So, we have many phrases we often use instead of these scriptural words, to talk about getting eternal salvation.

'Turning from sin and making Jesus Lord or your life '

'Committing your life to Christ'

'Asking Jesus into your heart'

Etc..

These aren't actually in scripture..although may be fully supported by scripture.

The key thing is.. how do you know if these kind of scriptures are the same as 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ'

I have heard the phrase: 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ', all my life.

I see too many that will utter these words but do not walk the walk so to speak.

I rephrase this to :: Do you 'believe' Jesus Christ?

If you believe Christ is the WAY then you will do what He says we are to do.

Satan believes, but He will not Do what Christ commands His follower to DO.

There are too many that utter words but refuse to DO.

 

[GWH]

Most people look at salvation and see a choice (either by God or man). Some who wish to also add a component of intensity often add some associated work such as "say this prayer and mean it".

I see salvation as the result of faith which is more of a reflex. The person who is "of the truth" (John 18:37) responds to truth. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. When a person hears the gospel he can identify that which is true and can trust it.

I see the faith / trust model as a more accurate way to communicate salvation than the belief / acknowledgement model. Scott Adams died this year and said that just before his death he was going to become a Christian. This was more reflective of the acknowledgement model and may not have included actual trust.

Yes, trust is synonymous with faith, whereas belief may be defined demonically as mere acknowledgment without commitment or cooperation.

 

[mailmandan]

I have heard the phrase: 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ', all my life.

I see too many that will utter these words but do not walk the walk so to speak.

I rephrase this to :: Do you 'believe' Jesus Christ?

If you believe Christ is the WAY then you will do what He says we are to do.

Satan believes, but He will not Do what Christ commands His follower to DO.

There are too many that utter words but refuse to DO.

There are too many who simply go through the motions of DO but do not believe on the Lorrd Jesus Christ. Such folks are trusting in works for salvation and not in Jesus Christ alone. Satan believes in his head but not in his heart (Romans 10:9,10) so of course he does not obey the commands of Jesus.

 

[GWH]

There are too many who simply go through the motions of DO but do not believe on the Lorrd Jesus Christ. Such folks are trusting in works for salvation and not in Jesus Christ alone. Satan believes in his head but not in his heart (Romans 10:9,10) so of course he does not obey the commands of Jesus.

Yes, true DO allows Jesus via the HS to indwell believers, who cooperate by reflecting divine love (DL).
(Rev. 3:20, Rom. 5:5, John 13:35, Gal. 5:6, etc.)

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

we have many phrases we often use instead of these scriptural words

There is "give your heart to Jesus"? = Q: Why in Heaven's Name would He want that Filthy thing?:

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"​

(Jeremiah 17:9 AV)​

 

[mailmandan]

Yes, true DO allows Jesus via the HS to indwell believers, who cooperate by reflecting divine love (DL).
(Rev. 3:20, Rom. 5:5, John 13:35, Gal. 5:6, etc.)

True believers, yes. But not make believers who are mixed up in various false religions and cults that merely claim to be Christian.

 

[memberofthebride]

There are too many who simply go through the motions of DO but do not believe on the Lorrd Jesus Christ. Such folks are trusting in works for salvation and not in Jesus Christ alone. Satan believes in his head but not in his heart (Romans 10:9,10) so of course he does not obey the commands of Jesus.

Satan knows who made him, he knows he can not do anything without Christ's permission,
That is way way past -- just believing,
Satan has seen and talked with the ONE who made him, Jesus the Christ,
Satan has been at the Throne of the Father,
but Satan "knows" he is right and God is wrong,,
even with all of this---- Satan refuses to obey.
Adam, tempted by Satan, thought He knew how to decide what is right and what is wrong and man has followed that same lie for 6000 years.

 

[rewriter]

Rather than worry about a theological question that humans have created, why not worry about if you are living, or attempting to live, a life in keeping with what you claim to believe? God has assured us that everyone whose name is recorded in the "Book of Life" will be in heaven. We here on earth keep trying to determine whose name is in and whose is out when we are not allowed to see the book.

 

[Cameron143]

The translation of believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is more accurately believe into the Lord Jesus Christ.

Humans have the ability to believe things in general, and things about God more specifically, in and of themselves. They do not, however, have the ability to believe into Christ apart from the activity of God in them. Faith that results in salvation requires both the word of God and Spirit of God. This means God isn't responding to an individual's faith, but is creating in the individual that which necessary for faith. This is true grace and God's promise in the new covenant...Ezekiel 36:26-27.

 

[GWH]

True believers, yes. But not make believers who are mixed up in various false religions and cults that merely claim to be Christian.

Yes, and we discern whose belief is false via how it aligns with the true Christian creed, such as that in #5.

 

[GWH]

Rather than worry about a theological question that humans have created, why not worry about if you are living, or attempting to live, a life in keeping with what you claim to believe? God has assured us that everyone whose name is recorded in the "Book of Life" will be in heaven. We here on earth keep trying to determine whose name is in and whose is out when we are not allowed to see the book.

What theological question?
What life in keeping with what belief?
Whose name does God assure is in the Book of Life?
What book does God allow us to see?

 

[rewriter]

What theological question?
What life in keeping with what belief?
Whose name does God assure is in the Book of Life?
What book does God allow us to see?

There are any number of theological questions we humans raise, including, what is the proper understanding of various scripture passages. There are ample arguments in this forum over such passages such as does a specific passage support or not support OSAS.

As for life, we are living physical lives while we claim specific spiritual beliefs, are we consistent in how we live our physical lives and what we profess to believe?

We do not know whose names are in the Book of Life with any certainty, but we like to claim that our names are included.

If God has the book, He does not allow us to see it. He does allow us to see multiple books that we profess to believe are His word, but those books are defined as God's word by other fallible humans, using various claims of faith to provide the necessary proof. We do not have any written record, or verbal record for that matter, that can be proven, except by faith, to be from God that dictates what books qualify as God's direct words to us. For instance, the Book of Jasher was highly regarded for divine insight at one time according to works we call "God's Word", but no one knows what it said.