The Way of Salvation and Eternal Life

[Mem]

Also, the rich young ruler was breaking a commandment—though not by outward sin like stealing or lying, but in his heart. God’s first commandment is: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3), and Jesus saw that the man’s attachment to wealth had become a god to him. By valuing his possessions more than God, he was disobeying the commandment to love God with all his heart (Matthew 22:37). Jesus emphasizes again and again that sin begins in the heart; obedience is shown by what we truly love and trust. The story shows that placing anything above God—even money—is breaking His law in the heart, which is exactly what Jesus calls us to correct through love and obedience.

I think it is especially peculiar is Mark 10:17's observation of Jesus' regard toward the rich young ruler, "Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him..." Mark thought Jesus' love as noteworthy while Matthew and Luke might have left it as going without saying and I agree that this tidbit shouldn't be overlooked or taken for granted as I'm certain the rich young ruler completely missed the sentiment, as evidence of his asking "what must I do (that is, to secure God's love and earn) to enter...?

We love God because (we come to accept that) He first loved us, and we love God with all our heart only when we've realized the full depth breadth and width of that love extended toward us. Jesus was aware of where the young ruler had directed his affections and effectively demonstrated the void in love that all his possessions 'returned' to him. I mean, what is sadder than an unrequited love, so it's no wonder that he went away sad. However, if he'd just accepted that 'trivial' fact that Jesus loved him... he would've found heaven within himself.

 

[vassal]

in your second paragraph, you say, "the way to remain saved". no born again Christian has to be concerned about remaining saved. once saved always saved is totally true. study these verses: John 10:28, John 3:36, Hebrews 5:9 & 1st John 5:13. we are assured salvation forever by Jesus, eternal life! guaranteed!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Karlon, I will add simply that Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15) and “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me” (John 14:21). He also warned, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Jesus taught that salvation is real and eternal, but it is lived out in obedience and faithfulness. He said, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) and “He who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13). Being born again gives life, yes, but the evidence of that life is in following Him and persevering.
In short: eternal life is assured to those who remain in Him, and remaining in Him means keeping His commandments and enduring to the end—not ignoring them.

 

[Mem]

Mark 10:17's observation

correction Mark 10:21

 

[mailmandan]

Salvation through obedience to the law is a hard pill to swallow for those who see salvation as being the unmerited favor of God towards those who have trusted the safekeeping of their souls to Christ.

4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Tt 3:4–7).​

 

[vassal]

Salvation through obedience to the law is a hard pill to swallow for those who see salvation as being the unmerited favor of God towards those who have trusted the safekeeping of their souls to Christ.

4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Tt 3:4–7).​

I say here the ten commandments, the bible says they are not a burden so why do we make one for ourselves? If loving God so difficult? what about the rest of the commandments, what it so hard that we cannot do? When the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, all is possible but first we must believe and have an open heart and Listen to Jesus, All He wants is give us eternal life.

The commandments are not a burden because Jesus teaches us to walk in them with the help of the Holy Spirit. He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15), and again, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love” (John 15:10).
He never spoke against the Father’s commandments; He fulfilled them and taught their true meaning.

Obedience is not salvation by our own strength; it is the life that naturally grows in someone who truly believes, truly repents, and truly loves God. Jesus said that keeping His words is what shows a person is building on the rock (Matthew 7:24–27). He told the rich young ruler that if he wanted eternal life, he must keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17).

And Jesus also warned that many will say “Lord, Lord” but will not enter the kingdom because they did not do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21). His words are simple and clear.

So yes, salvation begins with God’s mercy, but the life that follows must be a life that walks with God. Jesus offers to forgive us, renew us, and give us the strength to follow Him. Nothing He asks is meant to crush us; it is meant to heal us and lead us to life.

 

[mailmandan]

I do not understand why people who insist that salvation is through obedience to the law also claim that salvation is not by works.

Over the years I've heard numerous SDA's make that claim then turn around and deny it when you call them out on it yet they still end up teaching "salvation by grace plus law, faith plus works."

SDA's can be very cunning! Here is an example below in blue taken from one such SDA who made that claim.

"There is another Gospel out there. What is the other Gospel? It is a Gospel that tries to separate God's Law (10 commandments) from the Cross. The counterfeit Gospel is out there. It is a Gospel that tries to separate God's 10 commandments from the plan of salvation. God’s Law has always been part of the true Gospel of Christ. The counterfeit Gospel does not have it. God's forever Law (the 10 commandments) is the foundation of both the Old and the New Covenant and the very foundation and basis of the true Gospel of Christ."

 

[Aaron56]

You are asking me to judge Gideon, but that is not my place; each person is guided by their own conscience and can make their own choices.

So when you wrote this to Gideon3000:

The message was intended to those who follow Christ and keep his words.It was NOT for you.

What did you mean?

 

[pinebeach]

Over the years I've heard numerous SDA's make that claim then turn around and deny it when you call them out on it yet they still end up teaching "salvation by grace plus law, faith plus works."

SDA's can be very cunning! Here is an example below in blue taken from one such SDA who made that claim.

"There is another Gospel out there. What is the other Gospel? It is a Gospel that tries to separate God's Law (10 commandments) from the Cross. The counterfeit Gospel is out there. It is a Gospel that tries to separate God's 10 commandments from the plan of salvation. God’s Law has always been part of the true Gospel of Christ. The counterfeit Gospel does not have it. God's forever Law (the 10 commandments) is the foundation of both the Old and the New Covenant and the very foundation and basis of the true Gospel of Christ."

He insists he is not SDA and states he is not a Christian. A couple of others who seem to be in tandem with him, say the same.

So, they will not say what they are, but will say what they are not.

IMO, they have their own 'very special' thing going on. Well, you've seen the 10 commandments are the covenant thread.

 

[mailmandan]

He insists he is not SDA and states he is not a Christian. A couple of others who seem to be in tandem with him, say the same.

So, they will not say what they are, but will say what they are not.

IMO, they have their own 'very special' thing going on. Well, you've seen the 10 commandments are the covenant thread.

Even these folks who are not officially SDA still have similar beliefs in regard to the 10 commandments.

 

[pinebeach]

I say here the ten commandments, the bible says they are not a burden so why do we make one for ourselves? If loving God so difficult? what about the rest of the commandments, what it so hard that we cannot do? When the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, all is possible but first we must believe and have an open heart and Listen to Jesus, All He wants is give us eternal life.

It really is very disengenuous of you to make comments like the above when you have created a thread with the title
"The Ten Commandments are the Covenant, did you know?"

You also accused myself and others posting in response to you, on that same thread, that we are lawbreakers if we say the New Covenant is through the blood of Christ. You have consistently refused to acknowledge the following scripture:

26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.”

27Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28This is My blood of the covenant,e which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

30And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Matt. 26

40 pages of you telling people they are not saved and God does not recognize them because, they refute your unbiblical renderings.

Did you think we were going to just ignore those facts and let you start up all over again with people who might not know what you say and what you really believe?

No one is saved through the commandments and that's another thing. You falsely accuse people of saying the commandments are done away with and no one ever said that. What we have said, and what is actually in the Bible, is that Jesus fullfilled the commandments and satisfied God's requirement for righteousness ON OUR BEHALF which does not mean the commandments are now null and void. So you fudge the truth and accuse of us saying the commandments are done away with when no one ever said that anywhere.

 

[Nedsk]

Beloved of God who believe in Christ and keep His words, grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to you concerning the most essential matter of life, the way to remain saved and possess eternal life. There is but one way, one truth, and one life, and it is through our Lord Jesus Christ. As He Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NKJV).

Salvation is not by works, so that no one may boast, but by grace through faith. We are saved when we believe in the finished work of Christ on the cross, trusting Him as the Son of God who bore our sins, died in our place, and rose again for our justification. The apostle Paul said, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NKJV).

Those who are saved are not those who simply call themselves believers, but those who have genuinely received Christ into their hearts. They are those who have been born again, born of the Spirit, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, NKJV). The evidence of being born again is a transformed life—one that turns away from sin and follows Christ.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). The promise is clear: eternal life belongs to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who abide in His word, and who live according to His commands.

You who are saved, hold fast to the faith. Do not depart from the path that leads to life. The Scripture says, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13, NKJV). Your salvation is secure, but only as long as you remain in Him, for “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:6, NKJV).

The Danger of Not Keeping God’s Word

But woe to those who hear the word and do not keep it, for they will not inherit eternal life. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, NKJV).

You must understand, beloved, that salvation is not merely a verbal profession; it is a life surrendered to God, lived out in obedience to His Word. Many in this world hear the gospel, and many even profess to know God, but they do not do His will. This is the danger of a heart that does not submit to His Word.

Consider the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9). Some hear the word of God, but their hearts are like the path where the seed is sown and quickly snatched away by the enemy. These are those who hear the gospel but do not hold fast to it, and so they are lost.

Others receive the word with joy, but when trials and tribulations arise, they fall away. These are those who do not endure to the end. They may seem to believe for a time, but when faced with difficulty, they abandon the faith, showing that their belief was not deep-rooted.

Then, there are those whose hearts are like the thorny ground. They receive the word, but the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful (Mark 4:18-19). These are the people whose love for the world exceeds their love for God, and as a result, they bear no fruit of righteousness.

Finally, there are those whose hearts are like good soil, those who hear the word, understand it, and keep it, and bear fruit in their lives (Matthew 13:23). These are the ones who will inherit eternal life, for they keep the word of Christ and endure in it.

As Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV). The word of God is clear: to be saved, one must not only hear but obey His word. Those who do not keep God’s word, whose hearts are hardened, whose lives are unfruitful, will not inherit the kingdom of God. Their end will be like the foolish man who built his house on the sand. When the storms came, it fell, and great was its fall (Matthew 7:26-27).

The Lord also warned us with another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way” (Matthew 13:24-25, NKJV). The tares represent those who are among the true believers but are not genuinely saved. They look like believers on the outside, but they do not bear the fruit of the kingdom of God. In the end, the angels will gather the tares and cast them into the fire. So, it is with those who do not keep God’s word.

Let this be clear: eternal life is promised to those who remain in Christ, who live by His word, and who endure to the end. “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me” (John 14:21, NKJV). The love of God is not a feeling or a mere verbal declaration; it is seen in action, in obedience to His word.

To Keep God’s Word and Inherit Eternal Life

Therefore, beloved, let us not be hearers only, deceiving ourselves, but doers of the word (James 1:22). Let us continue in the faith, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in Him (1 Corinthians 15:58). Remember, Jesus has promised eternal life to those who remain faithful to His word, and He is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy (Jude 24).

Be encouraged, be diligent, and continue to press forward toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). For it is written, “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25, NKJV). Keep His word, endure in faith, and you will inherit the eternal life He has promised.

Grace and peace be with you.

No one claims salvation is by works but James does say can hbis completed by works. If faith needs completion then by definition it is not sufficient for salvation

 

[pinebeach]

So yes, salvation begins with God’s mercy, but the life that follows must be a life that walks with God. Jesus offers to forgive us, renew us, and give us the strength to follow Him. Nothing He asks is meant to crush us; it is meant to heal us and lead us to life.

That sounds right but it is not right.

Salvation begins and ENDS with God's mercy. The life we live after salvation is called sanctification and it is on ongoing process in our lives as we follow Christ until our death. We (those who have accepted Christ under the terms specified in scripture, with no additions or caveats) are to be being filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him.

Claiming the commandments are the covenant, as you know you have done, is NOT salvation. So, you say different things at different times but when we add up what you say, we are left with you saying the commandments are the covenant. That, is not a New Testament concept. Jesus is our High Priest and has made an everlasting covenant for us with God, our Father so that we do not have to fear and we can be assured we will not be turned away when the time comes.

11But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come,f He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

15Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9

 

[Nedsk]

That sounds right but it is not right.

Salvation begins and ENDS with God's mercy. The life we live after salvation is called sanctification and it is on ongoing process in our lives as we follow Christ until our death. We (those who have accepted Christ under the terms specified in scripture, with no additions or caveats) are to be being filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him.

Claiming the commandments are the covenant, as you know you have done, is NOT salvation. So, you say different things at different times but when we add up what you say, we are left with you saying the commandments are the covenant. That, is not a New Testament concept. Jesus is our High Priest and has made an everlasting covenant for us with God, our Father so that we do not have to fear and we can be assured we will not be turned away when the time comes.

11But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come,f He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

15Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9

If this is true, "...we do not have to fear and we can be assured we will not be turned away when the time comes." then why does Paul tell us to, work out our salvation in fear and trembling?

 

[pinebeach]

If this is true, "...we do not have to fear and we can be assured we will not be turned away when the time comes." then why does Paul tell us to, work out our salvation in fear and trembling?

Paul says an awful lot. What else does he say?

and what do you mean by 'if this is true?" do you disagree with scripture?

11But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come,f He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

15Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9

 

[vassal]

Over the years I've heard numerous SDA's make that claim then turn around and deny it when you call them out on it yet they still end up teaching "salvation by grace plus law, faith plus works."

SDA's can be very cunning! Here is an example below in blue taken from one such SDA who made that claim.

"There is another Gospel out there. What is the other Gospel? It is a Gospel that tries to separate God's Law (10 commandments) from the Cross. The counterfeit Gospel is out there. It is a Gospel that tries to separate God's 10 commandments from the plan of salvation. God’s Law has always been part of the true Gospel of Christ. The counterfeit Gospel does not have it. God's forever Law (the 10 commandments) is the foundation of both the Old and the New Covenant and the very foundation and basis of the true Gospel of Christ."

who is SDA here?

 

[vassal]

No one claims salvation is by works but James does say can hbis completed by works. If faith needs completion then by definition it is not sufficient for salvation

James simply says that people should be doers of the words of Christ, and.by good deeds prove your faith, it does not say works or deeds will save you. first you have to believe then obey Christ commands.

It really is very disengenuous of you to make comments like the above when you have created a thread with the title
"The Ten Commandments are the Covenant, did you know?"

You also accused myself and others posting in response to you, on that same thread, that we are lawbreakers if we say the New Covenant is through the blood of Christ. You have consistently refused to acknowledge the following scripture:

26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.”

27Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28This is My blood of the covenant,e which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

30And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Matt. 26

40 pages of you telling people they are not saved and God does not recognize them because, they refute your unbiblical renderings.

Did you think we were going to just ignore those facts and let you start up all over again with people who might not know what you say and what you really believe?

No one is saved through the commandments and that's another thing. You falsely accuse people of saying the commandments are done away with and no one ever said that. What we have said, and what is actually in the Bible, is that Jesus fullfilled the commandments and satisfied God's requirement for righteousness ON OUR BEHALF which does not mean the commandments are now null and void. So you fudge the truth and accuse of us saying the commandments are done away with when no one ever said that anywhere.

Do you follow the TEN commandments?

stop lying here about everything I say this is not appropriate. All I say in my posts is accompanied by scripture in the proper context. and anyone can easily prove that what I write is correct.

 

[Nedsk]

Paul says an awful lot. What else does he say?

and what do you mean by 'if this is true?" do you disagree with scripture?

11But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come,f He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

15Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9

You didn't really answer my question did you?

 

[mailmandan]

who is SDA here?

SDA or not there are folks here who make a lot of the same arguments that SDA's make in regard to the law, 10 commandments, sabbath day etc..

 

[Nedsk]

James simply says that people should be doers of the words of Christ, and.by good deeds prove your faith, it does not say works or deeds will save you. first you have to believe then obey Christ commands.

Do you follow the TEN commandments?

stop lying here about everything I say this is not appropriate. All I say in my posts is accompanied by scripture in the proper context. and anyone can easily prove that what I write is correct.

Prove your faith to whom? God? Really? Where did I say works save? Copy and paste where I did.

Believe and then obey God's commands. I agree but if belief/faith were sufficient you wouldn't need obedience to God's commands.

Disagreeing with you it's me lying. Quoting scripture doesn't mean you do so properly. You're claiming I said things I never said so don't point a finger at me.

 

[vassal]

That sounds right but it is not right.

Salvation begins and ENDS with God's mercy. The life we live after salvation is called sanctification and it is on ongoing process in our lives as we follow Christ until our death. We (those who have accepted Christ under the terms specified in scripture, with no additions or caveats) are to be being filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him.

Claiming the commandments are the covenant, as you know you have done, is NOT salvation. So, you say different things at different times but when we add up what you say, we are left with you saying the commandments are the covenant. That, is not a New Testament concept. Jesus is our High Priest and has made an everlasting covenant for us with God, our Father so that we do not have to fear and we can be assured we will not be turned away when the time comes.

11But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come,f He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

15Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9

prove what you say and give me scripture! and yes we are under God's mercy. but what you wrote:'""Claiming the commandments are the covenant, as you know you have done, is NOT salvation."" was not the point of the previous post why do you bring this here? to speak against me who tells you the truth that you find inconvenient? the other post was just about teaching that the ten COMMANDMENTS are the Covenant as God declared and are distinct from the Law of Moses.

You hate everything I write so much that you mix everything together, by your lies you prevent others to find the truth, not my truth but what the bible actually teaches.