HOW CAN I BE 100% SURE THAT I WILL GO TO HEAVEN WHEN I DIE?

[mailmandan]

Beckworth is quite correct about you.

Your whole defense of faith alone regeneration theology is forcing "alone" into generalities and explaining away the obvious meaning of clear passages.

You are only fooling those who are looking for cheap grace and not the truth.

Backworth is wrong and does not even understand what myself and other believers mean by "salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone" and neither do you. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) Hence, GOD IMPUTES RIGHTEOUSNESS APART FROM WORKS/SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, NOT WORKS.

As for cheap grace, it did not come cheap for Jesus Christ who died a horrific, bloody death on the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-21; Ephesians 1:7) to pay for our sins and provide eternal life for us as a free gift through faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9)

Romans 11:6 - And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

 

[Lamar]

As for cheap grace, it did not come cheap for Jesus Christ who died a horrific, bloody death on the cross

And yet people like you cheapen His sacrifice everyday by insisting that obedience to His commands before salvation is works.

 

[ZNP]

I try to live as righteous a life as possible since being baptised and try to live a sinless life. But I still have problems with things like swearing and smoking mainly. I wish God would speak to me directly so I know where I'm at spiritually because if theres no hope in making it to heaven then I may as well just live recklessly right?

"I try to live as righteous a life as possible". Let's break that down, how possible is possible? What is the standard? That was set by Jesus Christ who committed no sin and yet chose to die to pay the price for those that have sinned. The Bible is clear, if you have violated any of God's laws and sinned you are guilty of all. Think of Humanity as a lump of cheese, some is really stinky, some involves the most heinous criminals imaginable, and other parts of this block is less stinky, but it is still the same block of cheese. The fact that you have sinned is proof that you are part of this block of cheese. Maybe you haven't killed someone, but if you had been put into the same situation as someone who did murder, same upbringing, same everything, the fact that you have sinned is an indication that you too would have done the same things. There are different kinds of sins as well, some are more prone to covet, or to lie, or to steal, or to kill. These laws are like a test to determine if something is holy, if you fail any one of the tests the answer is no, you are not holy. For example, consider a mineral that is gold colored. Is it gold? You have to test it, what is the density? Is it malleable? We have fool's gold, just because it looks like gold doesn't mean it is.

So here is what the New Testament says, the standard for righteousness was set by Jesus. When He died it wasn't for his sins, He was paying the price for your sins. When you sin you are selling yourself as a slave to sin. Jesus redemption freed you from that slavery. But that doesn't mean your job is to now "try to live as righteous as possible" in your own strength. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is our righteousness. Our job is not to try in our own strength, our job is to be "crucified with Christ" so that it is "no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me".

For example, we are all like a piece of wood. It might be rotten wood, or it might be a very fine hard wood. Either way wood rots, and it burns. We cannot be built into an eternal habitation of God as a piece of wood. But, if you submerge that wood into water that is saturated with silica the silica will replace the molecules of the wood one by one until you have "petrified wood". It still looks exactly the same, but now it is made of Jasper and can be built into the eternal habitation of God. That is why the Christian life begins with being baptized into the name (the person) of the father and the son and the Holy Spirit. You can immerse yourself into the word of God, into worship, into prayer, into fellowship and into study. If you immerse yourself into the triune God, the incarnated word of God, then on a daily basis you will be transformed into the image of likeness of God. Jesus Christ is the image and likeness of God, the promise is that it will be no longer I but Christ who lives in me.

 

[mailmandan]

If belief alone was the only thing required for salvation, then we would expect Jesus to mention it in the following verses, (3:15,1618; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) and verses such as Acts 2:38. Acts 22:16, 1st Peter 3:21 etc. should not exist.
*BELIEVES. *What happened to alone?* Hermeneutics Rule# 5

The rule of LOGIC: Interpretation is merely logical reasoning. When interpreting Scripture, the use of reason is everywhere to be assumed. Does the interpretation make sense? The Bible was given to us in the form of human language and therefore appeals to human reason – it invites investigation. It is to be interpreted as we would any other volume: applying the laws of language and grammatical analysis. Apologetics Index*

It is both unreasonable and illogical to assume a text is absolute unless it is purposely written with definitive verbiage such as "alone".

You may think you are a student of hermeneutics, but your defense says otherwise.

The words in red above are your personal commentary and are not from Apologetics Index. As I have always said, we must properly harmonize scripture with scripture before reaching our conclusion on doctrine. There are no contradictions in God's word. It's not that Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16 and 1 Peter 3:21 should not exist, but they must be properly interpreted in context and in harmony with the rest of scripture.

Acts 2:38 must be read alongside verses like (Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) and consider the fact that forgiveness is explicitly tied to repentance/belief/faith and not water baptism.

In Acts 22:16, the cleansing happens as he calls on Christ, not by the water itself. The water is symbolic; the appeal to Christ’s name is the saving act. Romans 10:13 - For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The remission of sins has three applications: 1. Literally, by the blood of Christ - Matthew 26:28 2. Experientially, by faith in Christ - Acts 26:18 3. Figuratively, by water baptism - Acts 22:16. Acts 22:16 - WHAT IS TRUTH: Acts 22:16--Baptism Essential for Salvation?

In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter tells us that baptism now saves you, yet when Peter uses this phrase, he continues in the same sentence to explain exactly what he means by it. He said that baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh (that is, not as an outward, physical act which washes dirt from the body--that is not what saves you), "but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (that is, as an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction that is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism).

In 1 Peter 3:21, by Peter saying, "not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Peter guards against saving power to the physical ceremony in H20. Baptism is a symbol of salvation in that it pictures Christ's death, burial and resurrection and our identification with Him in these experiences. In reality, believers are literally saved by what baptism symbolizes--Christ's death, burial and resurrection.

So, the only logical and Biblical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) *Perfect Harmony*

 

[mailmandan]

And yet people like you cheapen His sacrifice everyday by insisting that obedience to His commands before salvation is works.

It's actually people like you who cheapen His sacrifice by insisting that you must "add" works to Christ's finished work of redemption in order to help Christ save you, which renders Christ an IN-sufficient Savior. Water baptism is an act of obedience (work) to a command that "follows" salvation through belief/faith in Christ. (Acts 10:43-47)

A previous member of Christian Chat (who attends the church of Christ) once made this statement to me below in blue:

"It is works of obedience and not works of the law or works of merit that help save us." Now that is absolutely false. Jesus doesn't need our help. His finished work of redemption is sufficient and complete to save believers. (Romans 3:22-26) No supplements needed.

 

[Lamar]

The words in red above are your personal commentary and are not from Apologetics Index.

Of course, that should be rather obvious.

As I have always said, we must properly harmonize scripture with scripture before reaching our conclusion on doctrine.

What you are doing is not harmonizing but butchering.

It's not that Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16 and 1 Peter 3:21 should not exist, but they must be properly interpreted in context and in harmony with the rest of scripture.

There is no honest way to harmonize these verses into meaning water baptism is not part of the means to salvation.

Acts 2:38 must be read alongside verses like (Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) and consider the fact that forgiveness is explicitly tied to repentance/belief/faith and not water baptism.

In Acts 22:16, the cleansing happens as he calls on Christ, not by the water itself. The water is symbolic; the appeal to Christ’s name is the saving act. Romans 10:13 - For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The remission of sins has three applications: 1. Literally, by the blood of Christ - Matthew 26:28 2. Experientially, by faith in Christ - Acts 26:18 3. Figuratively, by water baptism - Acts 22:16. Acts 22:16 - WHAT IS TRUTH: Acts 22:16--Baptism Essential for Salvation?

In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter tells us that baptism now saves you, yet when Peter uses this phrase, he continues in the same sentence to explain exactly what he means by it. He said that baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh (that is, not as an outward, physical act which washes dirt from the body--that is not what saves you), "but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (that is, as an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction that is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism).

In 1 Peter 3:21, by Peter saying, "not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Peter guards against saving power to the physical ceremony in H20. Baptism is a symbol of salvation in that it pictures Christ's death, burial and resurrection and our identification with Him in these experiences. In reality, believers are literally saved by what baptism symbolizes--Christ's death, burial and resurrection.

This is just you attempting to explain away clear scripture.

So, the only logical and Biblical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) *Perfect Harmony*

The Bible is already in Perfect Harmony, it does not need you to bend it to fit your warped theology.

Baptism is a symbol

Water baptism is no more a symbol than the water baptism of Jesus was a symbol.

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

The water baptism of Jesus was not simply a symbol but a needed act with a purpose.

 

[Lamar]

It's actually people like you who cheapen His sacrifice by insisting that you must "add" works to Christ's finished work of redemption in order to help Christ save you, which renders Christ an IN-sufficient Savior. Water baptism is an act of obedience (work) to a command that "follows" salvation through belief/faith in Christ. (Acts 10:43-47)

Here is the verse:Acts 10:43–47
43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Where in this rather descriptive passage can you point to as evidence that these people received the remission of sins before they were water baptized. Hermeneutics please.

A previous member of Christian Chat (who attends the church of Christ) once made this statement to me below in blue:

"It is works of obedience and not works of the law or works of merit that help save us." Now that is absolutely false. Jesus doesn't need our help. His finished work of redemption is sufficient and complete to save believers.

What is this??? Some lame attempt at a strawman?

 

[mailmandan]

What you are doing is not harmonizing but butchering.

Butchering is what happens when one distorts and perverts' passages of scripture in an effort to "patch together" a different gospel plan that culminates in salvation by works.

There is no honest way to harmonize these verses into meaning water baptism is not part of the means to salvation.

There is no way to harmonize your baptism is the means to salvation without contradicting salvation through faith, not works.

This is just you attempting to explain away clear scripture.

It's called HERMENEUTICS.

The Bible is already in Perfect Harmony; it does not need you to bend it to fit your warped theology.

Your warped theology which culminates in works righteousness is not in perfect harmony with the Bible and is a perversion of the gospel.

Water baptism is no more a symbol than the water baptism of Jesus was a symbol.

Water baptism is a symbol, and false religion turns signs and symbols of salvation into the substance and the source.

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

This act of baptism (which was a work of righteousness) was a necessary part of the righteousness that Jesus secured for sinners. Newsflash for you" Water baptism is a work of righteousness, and we are not saved by works of righteousness which we have done. (Titus 3:5)

The water baptism of Jesus was not simply a symbol but a needed act with a purpose.

Fulfilling all righteousness was unique to Christ alone. For us, water baptism is a symbol.

 

[mailmandan]

Here is the verse:Acts 10:43–47
43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Where in this rather descriptive passage can you point to as evidence that these people received the remission of sins before they were water baptized. Hermeneutics please.

These people believed in Him/received the forgiveness of sins through his name/spoke in tongues (spiritual gift that is ONLY for the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 12) and were saved BEFORE water baptism.

The evidence is obvious. One would have to be blind not to see it.

 

[Beckworth]

Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Again, if he who believes shall be saved (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) then he who believes and is baptized shall be saved as well, yet who did Jesus say would be condemned? he who does not believe. Try reading it all.

If water baptism was absolutely required for salvation, then we would expect Jesus to mention it in the following verses. (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) Yet what is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentions NINE different times in each of these complete statements *BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.

John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Take your pick. Either you can choose to believe in Jesus for salvation or else you can continue to believe in your baptism for salvation but you can't have it both ways! These verses above that I cited are not going away and neither is the second half of your pet verse, Mark 16:16.

Jesus plainly says that we CAN have it both ways—because He puts BOTH “belief” and “baptism” together BEFORE salvation.

“He that believes AND is baptized ….that’s both ways; those are not my words, but HIS. The fact that Jesus put BOTH of them. BEFORE salvation is “deliberate”—that’s no accident. That was not a mistake. And it literally means that you do not have salvation unless you have BOTH belief AND baptism. It seems so simple that it shouldn’t have to be explained.

Just because baptism is not mentioned in EVERY VERSE is no proof at all. It doesn’t prove anything except what the Holy Spirit is actually saying in that verse. Your conclusion is based on assumption and second guessing what you think the Holy Spirit means—that because baptism is not mentioned it must not be necessary. Who second guesses the Holy Spirit? Who dares to even try? John 3:18 does not destroy what Jesus says in Mark 16:16. Are you saying one scripture, or in your case, several scriptures, prove that what Jesus says in Mark 16:16 IS NOT TRUE? Do your scriptures that you have given DESTROY what Jesus says in Mark 16;16? No. Not at all. Instead of just quoting more scriptures that you think make Jesus a liar, maybe you should just explain the ONE Scripture that puts baptism BEFORE salvation.

Clearly, with the power and wisdom of the Son of God, if He had actually meant for us to be saved by “belief” alone He would NOT have written it that way. He would have said He that “believes alone” will be saved and baptism is optional. That is how you teach it. But Jesus did not say that at all. In fact, your plan of salvation is not taught anywhere in the New Testament. Jesus has plainly taught salvation is by faith AND baptism, but YOU teach salvation is by faith alone. Which way is the “truth”? Which way is the right way? Which way leads to heaven? I must choose what Jesus says OVER what you say if I want to be saved. I have to put my trust in Jesus—not man. That means I must believe and trust that what He says is the TRUTH, the right way. I am not trying to prove that “I” am right, because I didn’t say faith and baptism equals salvation—JESUS said it. Those are not “my” words—those are HIS words. I am trying to prove that JESUS IS RIGHT! And that should not ever have to be done. No one should ever have to argue, contend, or try to prove that What Jesus says is the “truth.” And certainly not to another who claims to be a “believer.”

If you want to know how to be SAVED read the first half of Mark 16:16. If you want to know how to be LOST, read the second half of Mark 16:16. The last half of that verse does NOT destroy, change, or cancel out what Jesus says in the first half. That would be totally unreasonable; to say that Jesus says baptism is necessary to be saved in the first part of the verse and then, you think He is saying baptism is NOT necessary in the last part if the verse. That would make Jesus sound like a lunatic. Who contradicts themselves in the same sentence?? Do you actually believe He is contradicting Himself in ONE VERSE?

Mark 16:16
Belief + Baptism = Salvation
1. +. 1. =. 2

Faith Alone doctrine
Belief - baptism = salvation
1. - 1. =. 2
Belief (alone) = salvation
1. =. 2

You do the math.
Which is the right answer?

 

[dkontner]

I believed, Jesus baptized, I was sealed

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

"Simplicity In Christ!!!":

I believed, trusted with all my heart, with faith In Jesus Christ, And
The Holy Spirit Identified ( Immersed ) me By His Baptism Into The Body Of Christ,
And Sealed me "Unto The Day Of Redemption"!!

Simple, Amen!

 

[amazingrace]

In regard to Acts 10:35, working righteousness is the result of having been saved through faith. We are not saved by works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5) but works of righteousness in connection with salvation are the fruit of, not the means of obtaining salvation. God accepts those who fear Him and work righteousness from a right principle, and to a right end, yet their fear of Him and working righteousness are not the origin of their acceptance; but are to be considered as descriptive of the persons, who are accepted by Him in Christ.

You error by reading the Bible through the lens of works salvation/works righteousness.

not our own natural works no! but the supernatural works in Christ by grace!

thks

 

[amazingrace]

In regard to Acts 10:35, working righteousness is the result of having been saved through faith. We are not saved by works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5) but works of righteousness in connection with salvation are the fruit of, not the means of obtaining salvation. God accepts those who fear Him and work righteousness from a right principle, and to a right end, yet their fear of Him and working righteousness are not the origin of their acceptance; but are to be considered as descriptive of the persons, who are accepted by Him in Christ.

You error by reading the Bible through the lens of works salvation/works righteousness.

does not include a requirement to quote: "be saved"!

acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

only two requirements:

fear of the Lord and acts of righteousness

thks

 

[amazingrace]

Only Jesus Christ has fulfilled all righteous. (Matthew 3:15) As for us, it is not by work so righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us. (Titus 3:5)

Obeying works of righteousness "follows" having been saved through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-10) You are trying to smuggle works into salvation through faith, not works.

A distinction without a difference.

Because that is 'descriptive' of those who are born God. Period.

Oxymoron.

Another oxymoron.

You are in error because you have your own personal definition of non meritorious works when we are not saved by works in general. (Romans 3:24-28; 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9) Believers have already obtained salvation from the PENALTY of sin (justification - Romans 5:1).

we are members of Christ by grace and must be righteous as He is righteous

Lk 1:75
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.


not our own works or righteousness but in Christ by grace!

thks

 

[amazingrace]

We certainly will be judged by what Jesus says. Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who (only believes? - NO) but he who does not believe will be condemned, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed.

Belief and Baptism = Salvation

Unbelief = Condemnation

Take your pick.

These verses are not going away.

what if Abraham had faith alone?

what if Noah had faith alone?

what if Moses had faith alone?

What if Joshua had faith alone?

what if Joseph had faith alone?

and not obedience to do the will to of God? all would have ended in total disaster!

thks

 

[Lamar]

If you want to know how to be SAVED read the first half of Mark 16:16. If you want to know how to be LOST, read the second half of Mark 16:16. The last half of that verse does NOT destroy, change, or cancel out what Jesus says in the first half. That would be totally unreasonable; to say that Jesus says baptism is necessary to be saved in the first part of the verse and then, you think He is saying baptism is NOT necessary in the last part if the verse. That would make Jesus sound like a lunatic. Who contradicts themselves in the same sentence?? Do you actually believe He is contradicting Himself in ONE VERSE?

It is mailmandan's willful blindness to this simple truth that forces such silly comments as; (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized).

Theology should never based on exceptions or "unusual cases".

Except of course when you are defending a false one.

Your comment is spot on.

 

[mailmandan]

not our own natural works no! but the supernatural works in Christ by grace!

thks

Acts 10:35 is not talking about our own natural works, but works literally done in righteousness. So, fears Him and works righteousness is 'descriptive' of those who have already been saved.

 

[mailmandan]

we are members of Christ by grace and must be righteous as He is righteous

By grace through faith. Don't confuse imputed righteousness with personal righteousness. (Romans 4:5-6)

Lk 1:75
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

not our own works or righteousness but in Christ by grace!

thks

Philippians 3:9 - and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.

Romans 5:1 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

[mailmandan]

It is mailmandan's willful blindness to this simple truth that forces such silly comments as; (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized).

Theology should never based on exceptions or "unusual cases".

Except of course when you are defending a false one.
Your comment is spot on.

Theology should never be based on one half of one verse while ignoring the second half of the verse, along with ignoring multiple other passages of scripture that do not harmonize with your half baked biased interpretation. D

The willful blindness is by those who refuse to believe the gospel. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4)

Again, if he who believes shall be saved (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) then he who believes and is baptized shall be saved as well, yet who did Jesus say would be condemned? he who does not believe. Try reading it all.

If water baptism was absolutely required for salvation, then we would expect Jesus to mention it in the following verses. (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) Yet what is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentions NINE different times in each of these complete statements *BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.

John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.