Is accepting Christ enough to be saved?

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ebdesroches

Well-known member
Aug 20, 2022
969
490
63
76
#61
Many on this forum are looking for ways to be delivered eternally, The only ones that are redeemed were those that God gave to his Son to pay for their sins. Jesus's crucifixion covered those that his Father gave him from the beginning of time to the end of time, and God looks upon them as Holy and without blame.

When those that he died for commits a sin, it does not affect their internal inheritance., even if they do not repent of the sin, because Jesus paid for "all of their sins". that they will ever commit.
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,044
1,028
113
New Zealand
#63
Classic thing here...

Initial salvation verses are being mixed with verses about the response to having already been given eternal life.

Don't mix em up ! :)
 

ebdesroches

Well-known member
Aug 20, 2022
969
490
63
76
#64
It still all boils down to what does it mean to believe in Jesus. Just an intellectual acceptance or believing all that He taught. And if you believe all that He taught, he did encourage us to do good works and we will be judged upon them. Familiarize yourself with the Gospel of Matthew and the 'Judgement of Nations'. Those that showed love of neighbor were simultaneously showing their love for God. And they will be awarded eternal life.

We have faith, hope, and love. Faith without love of God and neighbor is like a clanging gong, worthless. So, if you only have an 'intellectual faith' in Jesus and can't apply it to your Christian life then your definition of 'Faith in Jesus' is sadly truncated and prettty much worthless.

Faith in Jesus includes the whole package, believing in Him as Lord, God, and Savior and believing all that He taught and commanded us to do.

If you think that believing in Jesus is easy, look at all the martyrs. Even all the Apostles, except for John, gave up their lives in martyrdom. No Gospel reading ever said that being a Christian would be easy. What does 'Pick up your own cross and follow Me' mean to you? Does that sound easy?
Dead on! Oops! You are Alive on!
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,318
1,186
113
#66
It still all boils down to what does it mean to believe in Jesus. Just an intellectual acceptance or believing all that He taught. And if you believe all that He taught, he did encourage us to do good works and we will be judged upon them. Familiarize yourself with the Gospel of Matthew and the 'Judgement of Nations'. Those that showed love of neighbor were simultaneously showing their love for God. And they will be awarded eternal life.

We have faith, hope, and love. Faith without love of God and neighbor is like a clanging gong, worthless. So, if you only have an 'intellectual faith' in Jesus and can't apply it to your Christian life then your definition of 'Faith in Jesus' is sadly truncated and prettty much worthless.

Faith in Jesus includes the whole package, believing in Him as Lord, God, and Savior and believing all that He taught and commanded us to do.

If you think that believing in Jesus is easy, look at all the martyrs. Even all the Apostles, except for John, gave up their lives in martyrdom. No Gospel reading ever said that being a Christian would be easy. What does 'Pick up your own cross and follow Me' mean to you? Does that sound easy?

You left out a very important part of scripture. Before you pick up your cross and follow him, you, first, have to deny yourself.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
113
#67
Ephesians 2
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,596
541
113
#69
The thief on the cross was an acception, Jesus knew he had no more life to live. So since he had no more life to live, just the faith was enough.

So what you are saying is Jesus who is God showed Favoritism -----and that goes against scripture ----which says ----

Romans 2:11 and Cross references for this
Context
God's Righteous Judgment
…10but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.

11For God does not show favoritism.

12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.…
Berean Study Bible ·


Cross References

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.

Job 34:19
who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

The thief on the cross that went to Paradise ----repented and believed that Jesus was the Messiah -----which is what is needed to be saved ----Jesus didn't just feel sorry for this guy and save him - and leave the other man to go to hell -----the other thief didn't repent and didn't believe who Jesus was ----


Luke 23:39-43

New American Standard Bible

39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was [a]hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the [b]Christ? Save Yourself and us!”

40 But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving [c]what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Understanding Faith and how Faith works is key ------Salvation is first by God's Grace alone ---and Grace comes through Faith alone ------no works is ever needed to be Saved -----but a Saved Person will do good works as Faith will propel the person to act which gives God the glory for the good works done --

Grace makes available Salvation ----Faith accepts or receives it to the person ------Faith requires a positive response ----acceptance or receiving what is made available by God's Grace -----

Ephesians 2

Context
Alive with Christ
…7in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

8For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not by works, so that no one can boast

i say ---
We need more Teachers in the pulpit than just preachers ---this is a 27 min video that Teaches what Faith is and does -----very much worth the listen Folks

Dr. David Jeremiah teaches how faith is acquired and demonstrated in the life of a Christian. It is not tangible, but it is real and life changing.

 
Nov 26, 2021
1,125
544
113
India
#70
I believe the verse below.

Romans 10:13
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
So how do you reconcile the two, Inquisitor? Both must be correct. If OSAS is true, it's hard to see how the verses reconcile.

The first is referring to initial salvation, or justification. The second to final salvation, or persevering and going to Heaven.

God Bless.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,327
714
113
#71
I believe Jesus when He said, "Many will call Lord, Lord and will not be saved."
Here is the verse your quoting from.

Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.

Sure looks like these folk were relying on their works for salvation.

Same works as the apostles performed, 'and in Your name perform many miracles?’

So how come Jesus never knew them?
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,327
714
113
#72
So what you are saying is Jesus who is God showed Favoritism -----and that goes against scripture ----which says ----

Romans 2:11 and Cross references for this
Context
God's Righteous Judgment
…10but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.

11For God does not show favoritism.

12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.…
Berean Study Bible ·


Cross References

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.

Job 34:19
who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

The thief on the cross that went to Paradise ----repented and believed that Jesus was the Messiah -----which is what is needed to be saved ----Jesus didn't just feel sorry for this guy and save him - and leave the other man to go to hell -----the other thief didn't repent and didn't believe who Jesus was ----


Luke 23:39-43

New American Standard Bible

39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was [a]hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the [b]Christ? Save Yourself and us!”

40 But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving [c]what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Understanding Faith and how Faith works is key ------Salvation is first by God's Grace alone ---and Grace comes through Faith alone ------no works is ever needed to be Saved -----but a Saved Person will do good works as Faith will propel the person to act which gives God the glory for the good works done --

Grace makes available Salvation ----Faith accepts or receives it to the person ------Faith requires a positive response ----acceptance or receiving what is made available by God's Grace -----

Ephesians 2

Context
Alive with Christ
…7in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

8For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not by works, so that no one can boast

i say ---
We need more Teachers in the pulpit than just preachers ---this is a 27 min video that Teaches what Faith is and does -----very much worth the listen Folks

Dr. David Jeremiah teaches how faith is acquired and demonstrated in the life of a Christian. It is not tangible, but it is real and life changing.

Good to see that you are on the right track.

By grace alone, through Christ alone.

Works do not save us but we were created for good works. Should works be absent during a Christian life, then faith logically, would also be absent during that Christian life.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,327
714
113
#73
So how do you reconcile the two, Inquisitor? Both must be correct. If OSAS is true, it's hard to see how the verses reconcile.

The first is referring to initial salvation, or justification. The second to final salvation, or persevering and going to Heaven.

God Bless.
You have generated two ideas that do not exist in the scripture.

"initial salvation" and "final salvation"

There is no mention of these two concepts in the New Testament.

Either you believe in Jesus for your salvation or you do not believe in Jesus for your salvation.

It's that simple.

Romans 10:13
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
 
Nov 26, 2021
1,125
544
113
India
#74
The Lord said in Mat 24: "12Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. 13But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved."

The Lord did not say, those who once believe, but then fall away, are still saved. He said those who persevere till the end will be saved, which is final salvation.

God Bless.
 

ebdesroches

Well-known member
Aug 20, 2022
969
490
63
76
#76
So what you are saying is Jesus who is God showed Favoritism -----and that goes against scripture ----which says ----

Romans 2:11 and Cross references for this
Context
God's Righteous Judgment
…10but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.

11For God does not show favoritism.

12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.…
Berean Study Bible ·


Cross References

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.

Job 34:19
who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

The thief on the cross that went to Paradise ----repented and believed that Jesus was the Messiah -----which is what is needed to be saved ----Jesus didn't just feel sorry for this guy and save him - and leave the other man to go to hell -----the other thief didn't repent and didn't believe who Jesus was ----


Luke 23:39-43

New American Standard Bible

39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was [a]hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the [b]Christ? Save Yourself and us!”

40 But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving [c]what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Understanding Faith and how Faith works is key ------Salvation is first by God's Grace alone ---and Grace comes through Faith alone ------no works is ever needed to be Saved -----but a Saved Person will do good works as Faith will propel the person to act which gives God the glory for the good works done --

Grace makes available Salvation ----Faith accepts or receives it to the person ------Faith requires a positive response ----acceptance or receiving what is made available by God's Grace -----

Ephesians 2

Context
Alive with Christ
…7in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

8For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not by works, so that no one can boast

i say ---
We need more Teachers in the pulpit than just preachers ---this is a 27 min video that Teaches what Faith is and does -----very much worth the listen Folks

Dr. David Jeremiah teaches how faith is acquired and demonstrated in the life of a Christian. It is not tangible, but it is real and life changing.

I have a fun verse for you on God being fair:

Before Esau and Jacob were born (at nearly the same time)

Romans 9:13
Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

No matter what God does, even if I think its unfair, i accept it: He is God, not me.

Job did not especially appreciate the way he was treated by God.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
8,135
3,383
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#79
Ephesians 2
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Which do you believe salvation is based on my friend, grace through faith or works?

I see that Paul's making two points:

1. Saved through faith. NOT of works .
What does God want those who are saved and in His family to do?

2. Walk in good works. We are His workmanship. I therefore should work.
God desires that His children walk with Him and are designed to work for Him.
I'm taking a break from my workmanship of making a camo bag to write this. Once I'm done taking that cloth, sewing in the drawstring and seams, it will be finished. It didn't deserve that or do anything to become that. I made it for my purpose and expect to get some use from it.

My salvation is a choice, unlike the bag.
Faith is the proper response, because it's by His kindness, grace. He did what was necessary for my salvation, because I can't work my way to heaven or keep myself saved . That said, I want to be used by God to the fullest. My flesh doesn't, but that's not the issue when it comes to salvation.

1. Salvation by grace through faith

2. Walk with the Lord as He designed is to be working. Obeying His commands as saved individuals takes works. Salvation does not.

Thank you for the blessed verses Oyster.
I love those too.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,678
113
#80
The one time mere confession of "accepting Christ" from the non-Christian and the Christian is far from enough! It only puts you in the same category as Satan who believes! If you are a Christian what should your attitude be about doing the right thing? Are you saved? 1John 3:9 says “No one born of God commits sin; for God’s nature abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God.” Many translations say "continue" in sin, a habit of sinning. Matthew 7:21 says: “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Christianity is about doing God’s will. Rev 20:13: "... and they were judged every man according to their works."
Well a sin is a transgression of God’s law according to 1 John 3:4. So if we can determine the difference between breaking a law and offending God then maybe it could be clearer what to do. Basically which laws are Christians expected to follow?