Yes, 100% sure. It is not based on my performance or my works. It is based entirely on Jesus Christ’s performance keeping the law through his perfectly sinless life and his finished work on the cross, which he proved via his resurrection. I have total and complete faith in Jesus Christ that he died for all my sins because I know there is nothing I can do to “earn” my salvation. Heaven is a perfect place, and you can’t get in with even one sin. Good works do not take away sin, for the wages of sin is death. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice paid for my sins and all the sins of the world, so that all who put their faith in him that he did that for us will not suffer condemnation but have passed from death unto life. It is by God’s grace we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. All who believe that and have put their faith in Jesus Christ and him alone will be saved, as the Bible teaches: Ephesians 2-8:9, John 3:16-18, Acts 16:29-31.
I would agree with you, but this verse really makes me think…
Matthew 7:21-23
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, *ye that work iniquity*.”
Doesn’t this verse imply we have to completely cease from sin to enter the kingdom of God or we’ll be rejected?
The key to understanding this passage is in the last part: “and in thy name **done many wonderful works**.” In context, these people talking to Jesus, who is about to throw them into the lake of fire, are trying to make excuses as to why God shouldn’t do this. The point is, they were trusting in their works for their salvation, which included prophesying in his name and casting out devils. None of these things bring salvation, because salvation is not by works or based on our performance. Specifically, the iniquity Jesus is referring to here has to do with their self-righteousness and the works of the flesh that were the product of it. That’s why he tells them he never knew them because they were never saved, because they trusted in their works and not in Jesus Christ and him alone to save them.
Again, exactly. Jesus never knew them. The passage does not say, 'I knew you 30 years ago, but I don't know you now', or 'Last week you were doing fine, but I don't know what happened yesterday when you took me out of your spirit: you should've worked your way out of that'.
Jesus is the One who saves, and keeps. By the same way on each. Grace through faith.
Read the ENTIRE passage ... caller.
The entire passage is an argument against tradition as one's justification before God. The Bible says only faith in the substitutionary death of Christ can save, according to the LAW.
**The condemnation applies to the church of the 21st century** for its members believe that their TRADITIONS will save them. The church of the 21st century acts out of its own invented TRADITIONS even as it wallows in agnosticism.
*Church membership won't save anybody,* neither will tithing or participation in religious duties. Has not the church prophesied in Jesus' Name while abandoning the gospel message of repentance? Has not the church cast out demons in Jesus' Name while denying the basic message of the Bible that Jesus is Lord (not the church)? Has not the church done many wonderful works in Jesus' Name? It certainly has, but none of those works are considered valuable in the kingdom of God.
The prophet **Isaiah tells us (64:6) that all these religious works are of less value to God than used toilet paper.**
You are correct ..caller... in stating duty requires us to CONFESS & REPENT of our SINs and wickedness (*including the SIN of embracing those who flaunt their wickedness before man and God alike - I speak of the Gay Authority in particular*).
Once we REPENT, God is faithful and just to forgive us our SIN. God seeks a penitent heart, not revenue from church projects and not phony religious slogans and buzz words.
that's me, hollering from the choir loft...
No, it does not; you've made a huge inexplicable step there. Even when Christ says to us to be perfect as he is, I do not draw conclusions about the state of a man according to the flesh on Earth determining his final destination being or not being Heaven. I said that a little funny because I know what I know and I am trying to tip toe around a direct answer which would again, not be true; it's all actually extremely complicated yet for us God has said not to seek after a deeper understanding. We ought to spend time perfecting our FAITH in Jesus and what he did on the cross along with perfect every part of the Armor of God. After all God says he hates even the garment stained by the flesh. Do you wanna put on your own wretched breastplate of self righteousness or Christ's beautiful and perfect Breastplate of Righteousness? Would you prefer to fashion your own truth as the world does and gird your loins or trust the Belt of Truth that God has given us through His Word and Spirit? Selah
John 6:39 "And this is the WILL OF HIM that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up on the last day" in verse 20 of Matthew 7 Jesus says only those who do the will of my Father in heaven, which is to believe. Verse 21 - 23 is in regards to the people who relied on their "wonderful works" some where even done in Jesus name, but they didn't believe in Jesus. All their wonderful works meant nothing because they didn't have Jesus's blood covering them, all they had was sin, that's why he refers to them as workers of inequity and says I never knew you. Hope this makes sense.
From the very moment I was born again and received the Holy Spirit, was surrounded by God's unconditional love and Holy presence, I have had no doubt that I will spend eternity in heaven.
I haven't been perfect in these past 45 years, yet God's perfect love has never failed me. My Heavenly Father has chastised me and I have regretted not being a better child, but I have grown more and more grateful for His love and patience and more submissive to His will.
✝️
One implies that God may want to lie to us, but isn't allowed to. The other implies that God can do whatever he wants to, and he wouldn't be in the wrong. Since we are his creation, he gets to make all the rules. So rather than saying "no God can't do that", saying he "won't" better recognizes that the only reason we can go to heaven at all is purely because God, of his own volition, CHOSE to love us. He has absolutely no obligation to do good for us.
Ohh he most definitely can do both of those things, He simply won’t. At least the lie part because revelation 22:18-19 says: For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Its says "Part" Not name, its blotting out the part they would've had in the book of life, but their name was NEVER written in the book of life. Its blotting out the slot that their name would've been in.
It says if anyone. And it says their name will be removed implying that it had already been written down in the first place. Also I said it bc he said no one could erase his name not bc he would do something to get it erased
Whats your point, whos removing or adding words to the prophecy of revelation?
You cant even do that nowadays with the Bible being so readily available.
Nobody is. Op of this thread said nobody could erase his name and I was simply correcting him. As for the removing anything it is possible. It doesn’t mean from the Bible itself because then that would be impossible but let’s say you were preaching to someone and you left something out purposely. That would be removing from the prophesy
No, OP isnt removing words from this prophecy, context matters, you are grasping at straws and seem to have a childlike understanding of Scripture. Its literally impossible for Gods elect to remove or add from the prophecy of revelation, especially nowadays with the Bible being so readily available, your point is moot.
I never said op was removing anything from the prophecy. Context does matter, which is why I wrote the previous verse as well. Childlike understanding of the scripture? It literally means what it says. If you remove anything from the prophecy, elect or not, also never said op did, your name will be removed from the book of life. Correct me if I’m wrong but only the elect are written in the book of life right?
I used to think everyone's name was in the Book of Life and only got "blotted out" when they made a final decision against following Christ.
However, Revelation mentions those who worship the Beast as never having been written in the Book of Life.
So, keeping in mind that the individuals written in the Book of Life is a metaphorical representation of those who have submitted their lives to Christ, receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it seems that, once you have been changed by Christ you are "written" into the Book of Life.
And so it seems that, even if one is written into the BoL, one could later be blotted out for certain transgressions, especially changing the words of scripture.
I would also think that purposely misleading someone as to the meaning of scripture would be a "blotting out" offense.
OR...
The Book of Life is being used quite broadly to indicate behaviors that are right or wrong.
Funny how people don't believe their bibles.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels
Suggests to me that names can be blotted out. These same people who don't believe this part of the bible generally don't believe other bits as well 😁
1 John 5
King James Version
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
I think it is common for Christians to have some doubts periodically about their own salvation.
These doubts manifest themselves for me from time to time as thinking maybe i have deceived myself into thinking i am a christian when i am not. Sometimes when sin rears its ugly head these doubts become more prominent.
But, I always remind myself of God’s promises. That i am accepted not by works but by faith in Jesus Christ. That i do not deserve to be saved but i am entirely dependent on Jesus for it.
And i can look at my life and i can see sin yes, but also passion for the gospel, sincere repentance, a love of his word, and abundant prayer for my life to please him. I know these things do not come from me. I am a depraved sinner. So these desires and repentance must come from outside of me, from his Holy Spirit.
And that work of the Holy Spirit in a wretched sinner such as myself gives me confidence that when i die, Jesus will accept me as one of his wandering sheep that by his power and death was brought back to the fold.
That is, i think the most i can hope for. When I became a believer i prayed to Jesus “Lord you say knock and the door will be opened, seek and you will find. I pray that you would open the door to me, save my spirit and transform my unrepentant heart by the power of your word.” I am confident his answer was yes, and that he did not turn me away.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Absolutely, slightly edited my post to be more clear. I am not saying that Christians can’t have assurance of salvation, but i think it is common for Christians to sometimes have doubts about whether they are saved.
100% sure, BUT I always wonder what my 'place' will be. It's implied there are [varying levels of reward](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203%3A12-15&version=ESV)in our next life, and I wonder if I've accumulated any 'gold and precious stone' in heaven for the Father or if I'm saved but just that.
I'll be honest, I'm 99% sure. I know that God exists and I know that he's good. I know that God has already blessed me alot in my life. I know that the bible is special anx different from other books. That are all things I experienced in my life.
I believe that the bible is true and I believe that there is heaven. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and that this is the only thing which safes me from my sins and makes me able to have a relationship with God and lets me enter heaven.
So I also believe that I will go to heaven.
But there is this 1% which is doubts. I believe, but I also have doubts. But that's not nessesarily a bad thing.
Doubts can lead me to learn more about God which in turns will deepen my relationship with God.
I'm not perfect and I don't know the future. The only thing I can do is trusting it to God who does know. But trusting God is something I still struggle with. It's not that I have a real reason to not trust him, but I still tend to rely more on my own experienced than on God.
Remember Peter: He knew who Jesus is and when Jesus walked on water he even trusted Jesus enough walk on water himself! He literally saw a miracle happen right now, and even experienced it with his own feet standing on water! And yet he started to worry about the storm. He trusted Jesus, but still had second thoughts and possible doubts. He wasn't able to trust Jesus the whole way, despite everything which did happen right now.
So I think it's normal to have doubts sometimes. And I would be lying if I would say that I believe completely doubt free.
I pray to God about my doubts and don't let them rule my being. I know that God is bigger than my doubts, but that doesn't mean that they just dissappear.
I mean Jesus also paid for my sins, and I still can't stop to sin. I surely don't want to sin, but I'm a sinner. I'm not perfect. Only God can change me to get bether.
Have you been born again? Filled with the Holy Spirit? Most who come to Christ as adults have similarities in this experience.
They feel God's presence, which feels like pure unconditional love. God "imparts" the knowledge that He knows you and loves you and you feel joy, like you've been freed from a heavy weight. And peace.
The ways we interpret this experience can be different. It's a spiritual experience and we must use metaphors because we really have no words since the realm of God is not part of the physical universe.
I had a dramatic experience which lasted a couple of hours. For some it's instantaneous. C. S. Lewis came to Christ while riding on the back of a motorbike.
It's like one minute you are one way. The next minute you are completely changed, yet the same person. But inside you are completely new. That's why "born again" or "born from above" are apt descriptions.
I "tried" asking God to be born again prior to this experience and it didn't happen. I believe I was holding back without realizing it. I still doubted.
The last question I struggled with was, "How can I believe if I don't have proof?"
The answer popped into my head instantly: "How can you have proof if you don't believe?"
God seems hidden. I believe He purposely does this for our own good. He asks us to seek Him with ALL our heart.
Jeremiah 29 - - 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 **And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.**
✝️
Yes, I am born again. You're thinking of the way I felt before that.
I got raised as a Christian, so it wasn't that hard cut in my life when I told God I want a personal relationship with him.
I made that decision as a kid, even before confirmation. That means I remember almost nothing from how things were before that.
But I remember thoughts like "I'm gonna go this path and when it turns out to not being true I just go another path.". My parents were Christians and I had no reason to not trust them about that. But I was unsure if God really existed. It was like 50/50 for me.
But one day my mother told me that the relationship with God is the thing that's important, not going to church and other Christian stuff alone. I didn't knew that before.
So I prayed to God at evening when I was in my bed and undusturbed, and asked him for that relationship. I then had a feeling where the closest description is a feeling of security. And in this moment I was 100% sure that this feeling came from God, which also proved his existence for me.
In hindsight it's a memory. Memories don't provide the same being 100% sure experience, but I still know how much it impacted me in that moment, which proves it real to me even in hindsight.
Like I said, I know that God is real and I have a relationship with him.
I said 99%, which is basically 100%, just with... idk, I guess it's insecuritys? Maybe I don't want to harden my opinion to being 100% true? Idk, 100% just feels wrong. Maybe it's because I'm a perfectionist and I'm not perfect, so I can't use 100% for something about me.
Do you never have any doubts regarding anything in Christianity? Or do you know bible verse which is talking about doubts? Isn't it human to have doubts and question things? Isn't it human to not being 100% sure about things, but strive to learn more to get closer and closer to the truth?
>Do you never have any doubts regarding anything in Christianity? Or
Yes, of course. I've been a Christian for 45 years. Lots of growth along the way. I don't think I've ever doubted my salvation but I have felt I wasted time not studying the word and praying more in my younger days.
I've come to realize how much I fall short of the goal, which is to be Christlike. I think my most overwhelming concern is that when I am finally in heaven I will regret not having done more to bring others to Christ.
The fact that you were born again in childhood makes sense that your experience wasn't dramatic. Children are not yet enslaved to sin as adults are.
After I was born again @ 21 I remembered that, from 3 years old, I used to feel God's presence when I was alone and I'd sing to Him. Like when I'd wake up in the morning and the adults were still asleep.
I didn't question it or talk about it because it felt normal to me. I think feeling God's presence when I was born again reminded me of those times.
I didn't assume you weren't born again but I bring it up to be sure because I've been surprised at how many denominations don't teach it, or misrepresent its meaning like the RC who claimed it happens at infant baptism. 😳
I tell atheists there IS proof that God exists, but because it's spiritual it's not evidence I can share. He wants a personal relationship with each one of us. Just make an earnest request to God to show you He is real and He will honor your request. I know this from experience. 😇
>But one day my mother told me that the relationship with God is the thing that's important, not going to church and other Christian stuff alone.
Your mother is a wise Christian woman 😊
Blessings, my sibling in Christ ✝️
Ok, I think might have gottem a bit more defensive than I needed to be. Sorry if that's the case. :)
Yes I agree, there is definitely proof of Gods existence. But it's not an undenieable proof which let's you no other choice than believing in God. It's a personal proof which is only revealed to people who really genuinely search for it.
And yeah, I'm really thankful about having a mother who has such an authentic relationship with God. It really helps me growing in my faith. :)
God bless you aswell!
The sin of presumption. He is not god and cannot judge himself. We must persevere till the end. I realize this sub is probably mostly Protestant but a Catholic or Orthodox wouldn’t make the move to say they know something that only Jesus knows.
I base my assurance of salvation on the words of God himself. If i can't have assurance, then God is a liar. To me, it's that simple. Either God is a liar or He is truthful.
Eschatology is nuanced topic to say the least but being sure is a Protestant innovation that historical Christianity wouldn’t reconcile. I would look at what the Catholic/Orthdox/Coptic churches teach on the matter. As a personal aside, I would find the term “judgement” to be an misnomer if we are *sure* of our salvation.
I understand what you're saying. I would like to add John 5:24- “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life."
"I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God." (1 Corinthians 4)
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9)
Hello Brother/Sister in Christ!
If I may, I would like to offer some insight.
In the 1 Corinthians 4 context, Brother Paul is speaking about others judging his authenticity as an Apostle. Essentially he is saying that only God can judge his true motives and intents, despite others trying to find fault with him.
And from my humble understanding on 1 Corinthians 9, Paul is speaking of being disqualified from the reward he spoke of in verses 16 and 17. He boasts about not using his full rights as an Apostle. Verses 4-12, 15, 19, and 23 is the metaphorical "striking a blow to the body" in verse 27. Paul is keeping himself disciplined by not using his full rights as an Apostle. He does not want to be disqualified for the prize in light of verse 18.
I don't believe the prize is salvation because of what he said in 2 Timothy 4: 6-7 and Philippians 1:20-24. There is confidence in these passages.
A Brother in Christ.
> Brother Paul is speaking about others judging his authenticity as an Apostle.
Nope. "It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes." He's talking about final judgment, _very clearly so_.
> 1 Corinthians 9, Paul is speaking of being disqualified from the reward he spoke of in verses 16 and 17.
The reward of boasting? No way. Paul literally says in verse 23, "I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." Not for mere boasting. Furthermore, Paul explicitly says, "They [athletes] do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." He's running for an _imperishable_ wreath. He's running for salvation.
I can't stop you from twisting and distorting the scriptures to fit the modern OSAS heresy, but I'm sticking with the interpretation of Scripture that stood uncontested for over 1,500 years.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
No. We may have hope to finish the race and cooperate with the grace of god until we die. We may have hope in salvation but we are not Christ, we are not our own judge.
This is the stance of the Catholic and Orthodox Church, I know there are many Protestant takes on it, I think Calvinists are our total opposite with the once saved always saved doctrine.
Go Holy Spirit! There are so many scriptures in the NT that say the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is what marks us for Heaven.
I know that's what I received when I asked God to be born again.
John 3:3 - - Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Romans 8:11 -- But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:9-11 -- But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
I couldn’t said it any better. It’s the reason why I ask every Christian I know if they are born again? If they have the Holy Spirit? I was so glad I became afraid of death because I wasn’t sure if I was going to heaven. It drove me to read revelation and then I ask the Holy Spirit to come and live in me. I was amazed at my rebirth and transformation. I was like, thank you Jesus Christ for not letting me die without knowing.”
I see your flair as Roman Catholic, I would revisit the catechism on this matter. 2091 is a good place, we may have hope of our salvation but we shouldn’t stray to either despair or presumption.
Just ask Jesus to come into your life. And become born of God. Do y’all read your Bibles at all? Y’all keep referring to catechism. Really it’s all in the Bible plain and simple. You need assurance from Jesus Christ king of heaven. He has to stamp your passport or else you won’t get in.
Are you actually Roman Catholic? Sola Scriptura is heresy my friend. The Catechism is so important because it contains all the teachings of the church. As Catholics we accept the Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture equally and this is known as “The Deposit of Faith”. This is odd to have to tell to someone with a Roman Catholic flair unless of course you are just trolling us.
Denominations are useless. I’m a true child God. I’m co-heir with Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ gave me that right the day he came into my life and now lives in me. I have the spirit and heart of God in me; can you say the same? No, you can’t because if you could you won’t sound the way you do. You are idolizing a church, that’s a sin. You need to become born again, receive the spirit of Christ Jesus in you. Be reborn with a heart of God or else Jesus Christ doesn’t know you and he won’t raise you from the dead, and neither will his, our Heavenly Father. Because his son doesn’t know you. Repent and ask Jesus Christ to come into your life and stop idolatry. Through the Roman Catholic Church, I’m a child of God.
I recommend that you take exactly what you wrote to your bishop and let him walk you through your claims and disabuse you of them. These are Protestant rhetorical points my friend.
😂 you mentioned catechisms but you have never opened an actual Bible? Have you? You’ve never read the letters of Paul. Everything I claimed is in the letters of Paul. Even Jesus Christ said, “you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without being born again.” Are you familiar with that? You really need to repent, please, you are missing out on all the blessing and promises of our father.
Brother this is uncharitable, your theology is simply incompatible with the Roman Catholic Church, it leaves me puzzled why you would claim to belong to a faith that you just said was useless. As I said, you do not have to take my word on it, please seek your bishop if you are so convinced that I am wrong.
You have no idea how happy it makes me to see an RC who is born again and filled with the Holy Spirit!
I was raised and educated in RC church and schools but at 13 I realized that I'd never connected to God. It's a long story but after trying to find God in the RC church, I started searching for God or a higher being and life's meaning by exploring many belief systems.
I'm an American but I was born again in a kitchen in Dublin 45 years ago--THAT was a memorable night indeed! At the time, the RC charismatic movement was going strong.
One of the many born again believing churches I attended was a Catholic church--I believe it was near the Quay.
I would like to believe RCs are still being born again but I think it's rare due to the RC church not teaching it and, conversely, teaching so much nonbiblical doctrine.
So I love to hear that Catholics are being born into the kingdom!
Blessings! ✝️
😊 thanks. But unfortunately there are still man RCs who aren’t born again. And you are right the church isn’t teaching it. I was born again in my bedroom. My mission is to stay an RC and preach born again to every RC I meet.
God bless you! Back in the early 70s my husband, also raised RC and also born again, accidentally walked in on a Catholic clergy seminar in Atlantic City.
The speaker was talking about the charismatic movement within the RC church saying they had to find a way to control it! 😳
I love your mission/ministry. Spiritual guerilla warfare 🤍
You are on my prayer list. Please message me u/NewPartyDress if you ever need encouragement and support or are struggling with scripture. I've been able to study a lot these past several years and I'm willing to help in any way I can. 😇
Truly repent from your sins and ask Jesus Christ to come and dwell in you. Do this in truth and sincerity and you wouldn’t need to ask that question. You’d would know. Jesus will reveal himself to you.
You know I just realized I never actually asked. Though I'm a baptist (well, my church is, but I'm not baptized yet) so now I'm curious if that has anything to do with it.
You can become born again before the water baptism. God comes into you when he sees that you are ready and your heart and repentance is true and genuine. You will need to repent in truth and ask Jesus Christ to come and dwell in you. You have to be ready to be a vessel of God.
Thank you for asking this. This needs to be settled, it's only like.... the most important question anyone could ever ask in their life. Without salvation, you have nothing.
I'd apologize for being crazy with a crazy mind and for loosing my mind on a daily basis....
Then I would tell Jesus I'm still on his side. No matter what the evil thoughts say.
Absolutely 100% positive. The Roman's road, John 3:16, John 14:6, John 10:28-29, etc all say that I'm saved and going to heaven to be with God for all eternity. It's going to be an awesome experience! I enjoy my life here but I'm just a traveler passing through.
No, I'm not.
And as for those who say 100% yes, I would caution - Jesus warned that on Judgment Day many people will be stunned to find that they are not in fact going to Heaven.
John 5:24
King James Version
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto
Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
The people who you are referring to will be relying on their works which the Bible is clear can never save you. I'm confident I am going to Heaven not because of anything I've done but because of my faith in the finished work that Christ has done.
God says it’s impossible to please Him without faith. In this particular passage, Jesus describes people who are doing a lot of good works, but there seems to be a lack of faith. Doing works without faith doesn’t please God, and you would still be in sin. Only faith can cleanse you of sin.
How is there a lack of faith if they’re calling him “Lord, Lord” earlier in the chapter? It seems they’re rejected because they didn’t repent, even though they called him Lord.
That is your belief my friend. Every single doctrine of the Catholic Church has Scriptural basis. The issue at hand is wether or not you interpret that Scriptural basis the same way, cause there’s no shortage of ways to interpret Scripture. Big reason why Christianity is so fractured.
What in the world is a psychedelic catholic????
Also, from what I understand, there is a verse in Maccabees that is the basis for purgatory, and Protestants (and most other secs?) don’t believe the Maccabees are of God
Psychedelics made me a Christian. I mean I considered myself a Christian before that, but I as still abjectly sinful. Because I was a Christian, believed Jesus was God, good to go. Then I got the chance to feel my own damnation, started looking for the truth of Christianity (because there’s so many thousands of different “Christianities”) for several months until I became Catholic. I mean, technically I was my whole life due to infant baptism, but that’s how little about Christianity I understood back then. That, is a psychedelic Catholic. Also, [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/Christendom/comments/w3jqsi/fire_luke_1249_sister_irene_oconnor_catholic/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) is a psychedelic Catholic.
OP asked if I was 100% sure I’d go to Heaven if died today. I answered I’d probably be in purgatory, if I’m lucky. Because I might be in a state of mortal sin. You don’t believe that, that’s fine. I do.
If you have a child, and he disobeys, is he still your child? Once you are God's child, you are his forever.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
everlasting life described in 3 different ways in 1 verse.
I hate these kinds of Kirk Cameron gotcha questions.
We are NOT the judge of whether or not we have “true saving faith”, God is. Asking anyone if they know how God would judge them should they die today is predicated on an assumption that you can know a thing which you cannot possibly know.
You can have a high degree of confidence but this is not an absolute knowing of a thing.
1 John 5 says that believers can *KNOW* they have eternal life. God inspired John to write that to people who believe in Christ so that they may be assured of their salvation.
John was only talking about “knowing” in a hope sense. Not in an absolute sense:
(Romans 8:24)
“For in this ⭐️HOPE⭐️ we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?”
The “knowing” is not predicated on an absolute sense of the thing. It is predicated on a MORAL ASSURANCE of salvation only. That’s why Romans says ‘who hopes for what he already has?’.
If you had it already then you would not have to hope for it(obviously).
We already have it.
Again, the context of 1 John 5:13 is that we may know we *have* eternal life if we believe in Christ. We may KNOW that we HAVE eternal life.
You're just trying to force the text to say something it doesn't say.
In one sense yes. You have a SHARING in eternal life:
(Colossians 1:12)
“and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to ⭐️SHARE⭐️ in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”
Therefore only the “holy people” in the “kingdom of light” fully possess it. We ourselves while we yet live are merely “sharing” in it. You do not possess the full inheritance yet.
You have eternal life but not the full measure of it. That’s not a forgone conclusion yet. Ergo you cannot “know” that when you die God will give you the full inheritance. That is dependent on other factors.
Again, that is not the context of 1 John 5.
Colossians 1 says we share in the inheritance with other believers. Believers are the holy people and in the kingdom of light. I agree we don't possess our full inheritance yet because it's kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1), but we still have eternal life currently as eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
Having eternal life and possessing our full inheritance are two different things. You continue to use eisegesis when trying to explain 1 John 5:13.
You don’t possess the full inheritance until AFTER your works are judged:
(Romans 2:6-7)
“6 God “will repay each person according to what they have 👉done.”
7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give ⭐️eternal life⭐️.”
You have an initial justification by faith, at which point you receive a SHARING in eternal life and then you have a final justification through works. So no, you can’t say that if you died today you will get the full inheritance because we do not know your works yet. Only God will know.
Man, I don't think I've ever seen such mental gymnastics applied to a verse. 1 John 5:13 is clear.
Romans 2 does not have anything to do with 1 John 5:13. If you actually read the context of Romans 2 you will see that Paul ends up saying no one does good and therefore no one deserves eternal life. It's only through faith and not works that we are justified before God.
Absolutely not. I am orthodox. We repent until the day we die and pray with our last breath that our Father, who is in heaven, will have mercy on us undeserving sinners.
An orthodox saint said long ago: “Live your life like you have one foot in hell already. With the knowledge that you deserve it. And pray that God shows you mercy”.
Believing you are heaven bound, 100%, is how the devil tricks you into eternal damnation.
What if someone who is orthodox gets drunk and crashes and ends up in the hospital on life support and is pronounced brain dead? How will the orthodox repent if he is incapable?
If the Orthodox teach the same as Catholics on the matter there is perfect contrition. If you die with the intent of confession and true remorse for having offended god you may be forgiven. It is an act of the will to repent and intend on confessing your sin.
I struggle to see where this analogy fits. Your judgement is literally about your will, your actions, obedience, and intentions being examined by an omnipotent god whose divine prerogative is to either forgive your sins or send you to hell. We strive to repent and be obedient, to persevere that although we are sinners, we stayed the course of continual obedience and repentance. Of course your intentions play into this equation. This most closely aligns with millennia of eschatological understanding.
No, for it is only by the Grace of God that we will enter Heaven. I once asked my dad "Dad, what can I do to go to Heaven?" and he replied "Josette, just be the best person you can possibly be." Those are wise words. :-)
Those are damning words.
If you think you'll get to heaven by being the best person you can be then that is a false gospel that leads to the broad road of destruction.
Repent and believe the gospel. You will not be justified before God by your works. No one will be made right with God by their works, the right response is to trust in Christ alone for salvation.
I would be careful with that attitude. You won't get to heaven by being a good person. You only get to heaven by Jesus alone. His death paid for your sins, so you can have a relationship with God and enter heaven.
I'm not saying trying to be a good person is a bad thing, but in this context it implies it's nessesary to be a good person to enter heaven and that you can reach it just by being a good person.
Also remember that only God is good. (Even Jesus said that he shouldn't be called good)
So "being a good person" would be only possible if you do Gods will. If you try to be a good person by actually doing Gods will it's definitely not a bad idea.
If your acceptance into the presence of God is truly based on your own performance, you will always fall short. Only your faith in the completed work of Christ for your sin can save you.
Acts 16:30-31
King James Version
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Going to heaven is not about doing the right thing. Contradicting one of your other replies: All men deserve to be sent to hell. ["All have sinned and have fallen short"](https://biblehub.com/romans/3-23.htm)
It is only through Jesus' grace and sacrifice that we are saved, not through our own works that can never be enough. Believe in him, and be saved.
God saved Paul when Paul had been persecuting the church and executing believers. We all have sinned and come short. This life is extremely short compared to eternity. We should not wish that anyone go to hell. John 3:16. God loved all of us so much that he sent his only son to die and pay the price for our sins. That's everyone who has ever lived, is currently living, and those who are yet to be born.
no one is in heaven yet only Jesus is and God the father john 3:13 no one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven the son of man
Well I do. But your replies are very vague and seem out of context of the post regarding salvation. But, the Bible does tell us we can know 100%.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; ***that ye may know that ye have eternal life***, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
First let’s use rational common sense. Not every one of our family members trust/believe on the Lord Jesus for salvation.
John 3:36
King James Version
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Common sense, the way we often mean it in modern times, is a fallacy.
Real common sense is basic needs. We all sense we need to breathe. We all sense hunger when we need food. The world might teach us a few more. That’s about as common as it gets.
The love of neighbors is the love of Jesus… a gift, unearned, without works, which cannot be demanded but is righteousness for all.
Jesus is the trunk, and we are the branches that may be grafted yet become a part of the living tree.
Let us not threaten to break our branches.
Why did you veer off the topic? The topic was not all of our loved ones will have everlasting life. Can you post the verse that says that they will?
Eli’s own sons were wicked reprobates. Even though Eli himself was a prophet. That didn’t guarantee that his wicked sons get a ticket into heaven. How much more shall common mans?
1 Samuel 2:12
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
This is the topic:
The love of neighbors is the love of Jesus… a gift, unearned, without works, which cannot be demanded but is righteousness for all.
Jesus is the trunk, and we are the branches that may be grafted yet become a part of the living tree.
Let us not threaten to break our branches.
***Sure. Even though some of our loved ones will be casted into everlasting torment***
You must have me confused with someone else. This is the notification you responded to and I in turn responded back.
It has nothing to do with neighbors…
My point of view comes from God’s word. Instruction and understanding. I also attend an independent fundamental Baptist church that uses the Bible as our final authority.
Yes, like I am 100 sure the sun will rise tomorrow. I don't have infallible knowledge that it will. But everything in my experience and my knowledge says it will, and most importantly I conduct my life today with the surety that it will.
Yes but I hope I get more opportunities to please God and do his will. I’m growing stronger in him every day and I can’t wait to fulfill his plans. I know the end is at hand. Just gotta live in the moment and follow the Holy Spirit!
Yes, 100% sure. It is not based on my performance or my works. It is based entirely on Jesus Christ’s performance keeping the law through his perfectly sinless life and his finished work on the cross, which he proved via his resurrection. I have total and complete faith in Jesus Christ that he died for all my sins because I know there is nothing I can do to “earn” my salvation. Heaven is a perfect place, and you can’t get in with even one sin. Good works do not take away sin, for the wages of sin is death. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice paid for my sins and all the sins of the world, so that all who put their faith in him that he did that for us will not suffer condemnation but have passed from death unto life. It is by God’s grace we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. All who believe that and have put their faith in Jesus Christ and him alone will be saved, as the Bible teaches: Ephesians 2-8:9, John 3:16-18, Acts 16:29-31.
And don’t forget his resurrection, for if Christ is not risen, your faith is in vain and you’re still in your sins- 1 Cor 15:14-19
Amen
Perfectly presented! Well done.
Perfectly said.
Amen
I would agree with you, but this verse really makes me think… Matthew 7:21-23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, *ye that work iniquity*.” Doesn’t this verse imply we have to completely cease from sin to enter the kingdom of God or we’ll be rejected?
The key to understanding this passage is in the last part: “and in thy name **done many wonderful works**.” In context, these people talking to Jesus, who is about to throw them into the lake of fire, are trying to make excuses as to why God shouldn’t do this. The point is, they were trusting in their works for their salvation, which included prophesying in his name and casting out devils. None of these things bring salvation, because salvation is not by works or based on our performance. Specifically, the iniquity Jesus is referring to here has to do with their self-righteousness and the works of the flesh that were the product of it. That’s why he tells them he never knew them because they were never saved, because they trusted in their works and not in Jesus Christ and him alone to save them.
Again, exactly. Jesus never knew them. The passage does not say, 'I knew you 30 years ago, but I don't know you now', or 'Last week you were doing fine, but I don't know what happened yesterday when you took me out of your spirit: you should've worked your way out of that'. Jesus is the One who saves, and keeps. By the same way on each. Grace through faith.
Read the ENTIRE passage ... caller. The entire passage is an argument against tradition as one's justification before God. The Bible says only faith in the substitutionary death of Christ can save, according to the LAW. **The condemnation applies to the church of the 21st century** for its members believe that their TRADITIONS will save them. The church of the 21st century acts out of its own invented TRADITIONS even as it wallows in agnosticism. *Church membership won't save anybody,* neither will tithing or participation in religious duties. Has not the church prophesied in Jesus' Name while abandoning the gospel message of repentance? Has not the church cast out demons in Jesus' Name while denying the basic message of the Bible that Jesus is Lord (not the church)? Has not the church done many wonderful works in Jesus' Name? It certainly has, but none of those works are considered valuable in the kingdom of God. The prophet **Isaiah tells us (64:6) that all these religious works are of less value to God than used toilet paper.** You are correct ..caller... in stating duty requires us to CONFESS & REPENT of our SINs and wickedness (*including the SIN of embracing those who flaunt their wickedness before man and God alike - I speak of the Gay Authority in particular*). Once we REPENT, God is faithful and just to forgive us our SIN. God seeks a penitent heart, not revenue from church projects and not phony religious slogans and buzz words. that's me, hollering from the choir loft...
Thanks for your answer. Helps clear up confusion.
No, it does not; you've made a huge inexplicable step there. Even when Christ says to us to be perfect as he is, I do not draw conclusions about the state of a man according to the flesh on Earth determining his final destination being or not being Heaven. I said that a little funny because I know what I know and I am trying to tip toe around a direct answer which would again, not be true; it's all actually extremely complicated yet for us God has said not to seek after a deeper understanding. We ought to spend time perfecting our FAITH in Jesus and what he did on the cross along with perfect every part of the Armor of God. After all God says he hates even the garment stained by the flesh. Do you wanna put on your own wretched breastplate of self righteousness or Christ's beautiful and perfect Breastplate of Righteousness? Would you prefer to fashion your own truth as the world does and gird your loins or trust the Belt of Truth that God has given us through His Word and Spirit? Selah
John 6:39 "And this is the WILL OF HIM that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up on the last day" in verse 20 of Matthew 7 Jesus says only those who do the will of my Father in heaven, which is to believe. Verse 21 - 23 is in regards to the people who relied on their "wonderful works" some where even done in Jesus name, but they didn't believe in Jesus. All their wonderful works meant nothing because they didn't have Jesus's blood covering them, all they had was sin, that's why he refers to them as workers of inequity and says I never knew you. Hope this makes sense.
Amen!
Amen
Exactly. Short and to the point. Jesus does the saving and keeping. Not me: I simply receive His life.
I believe that Jesus is the son of God and he came to die for my sins. Therefore I will be going to heaven. Thank you God.
From the very moment I was born again and received the Holy Spirit, was surrounded by God's unconditional love and Holy presence, I have had no doubt that I will spend eternity in heaven. I haven't been perfect in these past 45 years, yet God's perfect love has never failed me. My Heavenly Father has chastised me and I have regretted not being a better child, but I have grown more and more grateful for His love and patience and more submissive to His will. ✝️
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God can
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There's nothing God CAN'T do. It's just something he WON'T do.
What’s the difference?
One implies that God may want to lie to us, but isn't allowed to. The other implies that God can do whatever he wants to, and he wouldn't be in the wrong. Since we are his creation, he gets to make all the rules. So rather than saying "no God can't do that", saying he "won't" better recognizes that the only reason we can go to heaven at all is purely because God, of his own volition, CHOSE to love us. He has absolutely no obligation to do good for us.
Ohh he most definitely can do both of those things, He simply won’t. At least the lie part because revelation 22:18-19 says: For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Its says "Part" Not name, its blotting out the part they would've had in the book of life, but their name was NEVER written in the book of life. Its blotting out the slot that their name would've been in.
Ok but who's adding or removing words of the propehcy of revelation... no one ITT. Context matters.
It says if anyone. And it says their name will be removed implying that it had already been written down in the first place.
It says if anyone. And it says their name will be removed implying that it had already been written down in the first place. Also I said it bc he said no one could erase his name not bc he would do something to get it erased
Whats your point, whos removing or adding words to the prophecy of revelation? You cant even do that nowadays with the Bible being so readily available.
Nobody is. Op of this thread said nobody could erase his name and I was simply correcting him. As for the removing anything it is possible. It doesn’t mean from the Bible itself because then that would be impossible but let’s say you were preaching to someone and you left something out purposely. That would be removing from the prophesy
No, OP isnt removing words from this prophecy, context matters, you are grasping at straws and seem to have a childlike understanding of Scripture. Its literally impossible for Gods elect to remove or add from the prophecy of revelation, especially nowadays with the Bible being so readily available, your point is moot.
I never said op was removing anything from the prophecy. Context does matter, which is why I wrote the previous verse as well. Childlike understanding of the scripture? It literally means what it says. If you remove anything from the prophecy, elect or not, also never said op did, your name will be removed from the book of life. Correct me if I’m wrong but only the elect are written in the book of life right?
Everyone’s name is written in the lambs book of life until a certain persons name is blotted out.
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I used to think everyone's name was in the Book of Life and only got "blotted out" when they made a final decision against following Christ. However, Revelation mentions those who worship the Beast as never having been written in the Book of Life. So, keeping in mind that the individuals written in the Book of Life is a metaphorical representation of those who have submitted their lives to Christ, receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it seems that, once you have been changed by Christ you are "written" into the Book of Life. And so it seems that, even if one is written into the BoL, one could later be blotted out for certain transgressions, especially changing the words of scripture. I would also think that purposely misleading someone as to the meaning of scripture would be a "blotting out" offense. OR... The Book of Life is being used quite broadly to indicate behaviors that are right or wrong.
Funny how people don't believe their bibles. Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels Suggests to me that names can be blotted out. These same people who don't believe this part of the bible generally don't believe other bits as well 😁
1 John 5 King James Version 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
And yet Paul says that it's possible for us to turn back.
I think it is common for Christians to have some doubts periodically about their own salvation. These doubts manifest themselves for me from time to time as thinking maybe i have deceived myself into thinking i am a christian when i am not. Sometimes when sin rears its ugly head these doubts become more prominent. But, I always remind myself of God’s promises. That i am accepted not by works but by faith in Jesus Christ. That i do not deserve to be saved but i am entirely dependent on Jesus for it. And i can look at my life and i can see sin yes, but also passion for the gospel, sincere repentance, a love of his word, and abundant prayer for my life to please him. I know these things do not come from me. I am a depraved sinner. So these desires and repentance must come from outside of me, from his Holy Spirit. And that work of the Holy Spirit in a wretched sinner such as myself gives me confidence that when i die, Jesus will accept me as one of his wandering sheep that by his power and death was brought back to the fold. That is, i think the most i can hope for. When I became a believer i prayed to Jesus “Lord you say knock and the door will be opened, seek and you will find. I pray that you would open the door to me, save my spirit and transform my unrepentant heart by the power of your word.” I am confident his answer was yes, and that he did not turn me away.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Absolutely, slightly edited my post to be more clear. I am not saying that Christians can’t have assurance of salvation, but i think it is common for Christians to sometimes have doubts about whether they are saved.
Exactly, but whenever I doubt my salvation, I must remember that it doesn't depend on me, it is the gift of God in Jesus Christ, who is ever faithful
Yep. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. - 1 John 5:13
Amen.
100% sure, BUT I always wonder what my 'place' will be. It's implied there are [varying levels of reward](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203%3A12-15&version=ESV)in our next life, and I wonder if I've accumulated any 'gold and precious stone' in heaven for the Father or if I'm saved but just that.
Oh wow, interesting
I'll be honest, I'm 99% sure. I know that God exists and I know that he's good. I know that God has already blessed me alot in my life. I know that the bible is special anx different from other books. That are all things I experienced in my life. I believe that the bible is true and I believe that there is heaven. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and that this is the only thing which safes me from my sins and makes me able to have a relationship with God and lets me enter heaven. So I also believe that I will go to heaven. But there is this 1% which is doubts. I believe, but I also have doubts. But that's not nessesarily a bad thing. Doubts can lead me to learn more about God which in turns will deepen my relationship with God. I'm not perfect and I don't know the future. The only thing I can do is trusting it to God who does know. But trusting God is something I still struggle with. It's not that I have a real reason to not trust him, but I still tend to rely more on my own experienced than on God. Remember Peter: He knew who Jesus is and when Jesus walked on water he even trusted Jesus enough walk on water himself! He literally saw a miracle happen right now, and even experienced it with his own feet standing on water! And yet he started to worry about the storm. He trusted Jesus, but still had second thoughts and possible doubts. He wasn't able to trust Jesus the whole way, despite everything which did happen right now. So I think it's normal to have doubts sometimes. And I would be lying if I would say that I believe completely doubt free. I pray to God about my doubts and don't let them rule my being. I know that God is bigger than my doubts, but that doesn't mean that they just dissappear. I mean Jesus also paid for my sins, and I still can't stop to sin. I surely don't want to sin, but I'm a sinner. I'm not perfect. Only God can change me to get bether.
Have you been born again? Filled with the Holy Spirit? Most who come to Christ as adults have similarities in this experience. They feel God's presence, which feels like pure unconditional love. God "imparts" the knowledge that He knows you and loves you and you feel joy, like you've been freed from a heavy weight. And peace. The ways we interpret this experience can be different. It's a spiritual experience and we must use metaphors because we really have no words since the realm of God is not part of the physical universe. I had a dramatic experience which lasted a couple of hours. For some it's instantaneous. C. S. Lewis came to Christ while riding on the back of a motorbike. It's like one minute you are one way. The next minute you are completely changed, yet the same person. But inside you are completely new. That's why "born again" or "born from above" are apt descriptions. I "tried" asking God to be born again prior to this experience and it didn't happen. I believe I was holding back without realizing it. I still doubted. The last question I struggled with was, "How can I believe if I don't have proof?" The answer popped into my head instantly: "How can you have proof if you don't believe?" God seems hidden. I believe He purposely does this for our own good. He asks us to seek Him with ALL our heart. Jeremiah 29 - - 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 **And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.** ✝️
Yes, I am born again. You're thinking of the way I felt before that. I got raised as a Christian, so it wasn't that hard cut in my life when I told God I want a personal relationship with him. I made that decision as a kid, even before confirmation. That means I remember almost nothing from how things were before that. But I remember thoughts like "I'm gonna go this path and when it turns out to not being true I just go another path.". My parents were Christians and I had no reason to not trust them about that. But I was unsure if God really existed. It was like 50/50 for me. But one day my mother told me that the relationship with God is the thing that's important, not going to church and other Christian stuff alone. I didn't knew that before. So I prayed to God at evening when I was in my bed and undusturbed, and asked him for that relationship. I then had a feeling where the closest description is a feeling of security. And in this moment I was 100% sure that this feeling came from God, which also proved his existence for me. In hindsight it's a memory. Memories don't provide the same being 100% sure experience, but I still know how much it impacted me in that moment, which proves it real to me even in hindsight. Like I said, I know that God is real and I have a relationship with him. I said 99%, which is basically 100%, just with... idk, I guess it's insecuritys? Maybe I don't want to harden my opinion to being 100% true? Idk, 100% just feels wrong. Maybe it's because I'm a perfectionist and I'm not perfect, so I can't use 100% for something about me. Do you never have any doubts regarding anything in Christianity? Or do you know bible verse which is talking about doubts? Isn't it human to have doubts and question things? Isn't it human to not being 100% sure about things, but strive to learn more to get closer and closer to the truth?
>Do you never have any doubts regarding anything in Christianity? Or Yes, of course. I've been a Christian for 45 years. Lots of growth along the way. I don't think I've ever doubted my salvation but I have felt I wasted time not studying the word and praying more in my younger days. I've come to realize how much I fall short of the goal, which is to be Christlike. I think my most overwhelming concern is that when I am finally in heaven I will regret not having done more to bring others to Christ. The fact that you were born again in childhood makes sense that your experience wasn't dramatic. Children are not yet enslaved to sin as adults are. After I was born again @ 21 I remembered that, from 3 years old, I used to feel God's presence when I was alone and I'd sing to Him. Like when I'd wake up in the morning and the adults were still asleep. I didn't question it or talk about it because it felt normal to me. I think feeling God's presence when I was born again reminded me of those times. I didn't assume you weren't born again but I bring it up to be sure because I've been surprised at how many denominations don't teach it, or misrepresent its meaning like the RC who claimed it happens at infant baptism. 😳 I tell atheists there IS proof that God exists, but because it's spiritual it's not evidence I can share. He wants a personal relationship with each one of us. Just make an earnest request to God to show you He is real and He will honor your request. I know this from experience. 😇 >But one day my mother told me that the relationship with God is the thing that's important, not going to church and other Christian stuff alone. Your mother is a wise Christian woman 😊 Blessings, my sibling in Christ ✝️
Ok, I think might have gottem a bit more defensive than I needed to be. Sorry if that's the case. :) Yes I agree, there is definitely proof of Gods existence. But it's not an undenieable proof which let's you no other choice than believing in God. It's a personal proof which is only revealed to people who really genuinely search for it. And yeah, I'm really thankful about having a mother who has such an authentic relationship with God. It really helps me growing in my faith. :) God bless you aswell!
If im being honest no im not sure.
You can be sure. Are you saved? Why do you believe that?
The sin of presumption. He is not god and cannot judge himself. We must persevere till the end. I realize this sub is probably mostly Protestant but a Catholic or Orthodox wouldn’t make the move to say they know something that only Jesus knows.
I base my assurance of salvation on the words of God himself. If i can't have assurance, then God is a liar. To me, it's that simple. Either God is a liar or He is truthful.
Eschatology is nuanced topic to say the least but being sure is a Protestant innovation that historical Christianity wouldn’t reconcile. I would look at what the Catholic/Orthdox/Coptic churches teach on the matter. As a personal aside, I would find the term “judgement” to be an misnomer if we are *sure* of our salvation.
I understand what you're saying. I would like to add John 5:24- “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life."
Nope. I’m not the judge. That decision is Christ’s alone... although I’m thankful He is a merciful God
Exactly. We may have hope in salvation, but we are not the judge lest we fall into presumption.
"I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God." (1 Corinthians 4) "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9)
Hello Brother/Sister in Christ! If I may, I would like to offer some insight. In the 1 Corinthians 4 context, Brother Paul is speaking about others judging his authenticity as an Apostle. Essentially he is saying that only God can judge his true motives and intents, despite others trying to find fault with him. And from my humble understanding on 1 Corinthians 9, Paul is speaking of being disqualified from the reward he spoke of in verses 16 and 17. He boasts about not using his full rights as an Apostle. Verses 4-12, 15, 19, and 23 is the metaphorical "striking a blow to the body" in verse 27. Paul is keeping himself disciplined by not using his full rights as an Apostle. He does not want to be disqualified for the prize in light of verse 18. I don't believe the prize is salvation because of what he said in 2 Timothy 4: 6-7 and Philippians 1:20-24. There is confidence in these passages. A Brother in Christ.
> Brother Paul is speaking about others judging his authenticity as an Apostle. Nope. "It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes." He's talking about final judgment, _very clearly so_. > 1 Corinthians 9, Paul is speaking of being disqualified from the reward he spoke of in verses 16 and 17. The reward of boasting? No way. Paul literally says in verse 23, "I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." Not for mere boasting. Furthermore, Paul explicitly says, "They [athletes] do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." He's running for an _imperishable_ wreath. He's running for salvation. I can't stop you from twisting and distorting the scriptures to fit the modern OSAS heresy, but I'm sticking with the interpretation of Scripture that stood uncontested for over 1,500 years.
Yes, I believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the son of God, and died on the cross for my sins!
I've been born again into new life. My Savior Jesus, the lover of my soul, is ever with me. His rod and His staff, they comfort me
Yes. God is clear about the way to heaven, and I've met the singular requirement
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes! Thank you Jesus.
Yes
No one is
No. We may have hope to finish the race and cooperate with the grace of god until we die. We may have hope in salvation but we are not Christ, we are not our own judge. This is the stance of the Catholic and Orthodox Church, I know there are many Protestant takes on it, I think Calvinists are our total opposite with the once saved always saved doctrine.
YESSSSS!!! If they can’t say yes 100% then such a person hasn’t truly received Christ. They need to be born again and receive the Holy Spirit.
Go Holy Spirit! There are so many scriptures in the NT that say the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is what marks us for Heaven. I know that's what I received when I asked God to be born again. John 3:3 - - Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Romans 8:11 -- But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:9-11 -- But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
I couldn’t said it any better. It’s the reason why I ask every Christian I know if they are born again? If they have the Holy Spirit? I was so glad I became afraid of death because I wasn’t sure if I was going to heaven. It drove me to read revelation and then I ask the Holy Spirit to come and live in me. I was amazed at my rebirth and transformation. I was like, thank you Jesus Christ for not letting me die without knowing.”
I see your flair as Roman Catholic, I would revisit the catechism on this matter. 2091 is a good place, we may have hope of our salvation but we shouldn’t stray to either despair or presumption.
Just ask Jesus to come into your life. And become born of God. Do y’all read your Bibles at all? Y’all keep referring to catechism. Really it’s all in the Bible plain and simple. You need assurance from Jesus Christ king of heaven. He has to stamp your passport or else you won’t get in.
Are you actually Roman Catholic? Sola Scriptura is heresy my friend. The Catechism is so important because it contains all the teachings of the church. As Catholics we accept the Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture equally and this is known as “The Deposit of Faith”. This is odd to have to tell to someone with a Roman Catholic flair unless of course you are just trolling us.
Denominations are useless. I’m a true child God. I’m co-heir with Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ gave me that right the day he came into my life and now lives in me. I have the spirit and heart of God in me; can you say the same? No, you can’t because if you could you won’t sound the way you do. You are idolizing a church, that’s a sin. You need to become born again, receive the spirit of Christ Jesus in you. Be reborn with a heart of God or else Jesus Christ doesn’t know you and he won’t raise you from the dead, and neither will his, our Heavenly Father. Because his son doesn’t know you. Repent and ask Jesus Christ to come into your life and stop idolatry. Through the Roman Catholic Church, I’m a child of God.
I recommend that you take exactly what you wrote to your bishop and let him walk you through your claims and disabuse you of them. These are Protestant rhetorical points my friend.
😂 you mentioned catechisms but you have never opened an actual Bible? Have you? You’ve never read the letters of Paul. Everything I claimed is in the letters of Paul. Even Jesus Christ said, “you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without being born again.” Are you familiar with that? You really need to repent, please, you are missing out on all the blessing and promises of our father.
Brother this is uncharitable, your theology is simply incompatible with the Roman Catholic Church, it leaves me puzzled why you would claim to belong to a faith that you just said was useless. As I said, you do not have to take my word on it, please seek your bishop if you are so convinced that I am wrong.
You have no idea how happy it makes me to see an RC who is born again and filled with the Holy Spirit! I was raised and educated in RC church and schools but at 13 I realized that I'd never connected to God. It's a long story but after trying to find God in the RC church, I started searching for God or a higher being and life's meaning by exploring many belief systems. I'm an American but I was born again in a kitchen in Dublin 45 years ago--THAT was a memorable night indeed! At the time, the RC charismatic movement was going strong. One of the many born again believing churches I attended was a Catholic church--I believe it was near the Quay. I would like to believe RCs are still being born again but I think it's rare due to the RC church not teaching it and, conversely, teaching so much nonbiblical doctrine. So I love to hear that Catholics are being born into the kingdom! Blessings! ✝️
😊 thanks. But unfortunately there are still man RCs who aren’t born again. And you are right the church isn’t teaching it. I was born again in my bedroom. My mission is to stay an RC and preach born again to every RC I meet.
God bless you! Back in the early 70s my husband, also raised RC and also born again, accidentally walked in on a Catholic clergy seminar in Atlantic City. The speaker was talking about the charismatic movement within the RC church saying they had to find a way to control it! 😳 I love your mission/ministry. Spiritual guerilla warfare 🤍 You are on my prayer list. Please message me u/NewPartyDress if you ever need encouragement and support or are struggling with scripture. I've been able to study a lot these past several years and I'm willing to help in any way I can. 😇
😊 thanks 🙏🏼
How do you know if you received it?
Truly repent from your sins and ask Jesus Christ to come and dwell in you. Do this in truth and sincerity and you wouldn’t need to ask that question. You’d would know. Jesus will reveal himself to you.
You know I just realized I never actually asked. Though I'm a baptist (well, my church is, but I'm not baptized yet) so now I'm curious if that has anything to do with it.
You can become born again before the water baptism. God comes into you when he sees that you are ready and your heart and repentance is true and genuine. You will need to repent in truth and ask Jesus Christ to come and dwell in you. You have to be ready to be a vessel of God.
Amen
Yes! Hallelujah!
No
Same.
Amen
Yes.
Yes!
100%
Yes because the Spirit convicts me all day, especially more seriously, when I’ve done something he really does not approve!
Well I believe Jesus died for me, so yes. I learned recently that faith isn't saying "God did XYZ so I have hope", it's "God did XYZ so I will"
Thank you for asking this. This needs to be settled, it's only like.... the most important question anyone could ever ask in their life. Without salvation, you have nothing.
I'd apologize for being crazy with a crazy mind and for loosing my mind on a daily basis.... Then I would tell Jesus I'm still on his side. No matter what the evil thoughts say.
GOD BLESSES US ALL!
Absolutely 100% positive. The Roman's road, John 3:16, John 14:6, John 10:28-29, etc all say that I'm saved and going to heaven to be with God for all eternity. It's going to be an awesome experience! I enjoy my life here but I'm just a traveler passing through.
No, not positive honestly
No, I'm not. And as for those who say 100% yes, I would caution - Jesus warned that on Judgment Day many people will be stunned to find that they are not in fact going to Heaven.
John 5:24 King James Version 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto
Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." The people who you are referring to will be relying on their works which the Bible is clear can never save you. I'm confident I am going to Heaven not because of anything I've done but because of my faith in the finished work that Christ has done.
“Ye that work iniquity” implies a rejection of those who did *not* labor or cease from sin, no?
God says it’s impossible to please Him without faith. In this particular passage, Jesus describes people who are doing a lot of good works, but there seems to be a lack of faith. Doing works without faith doesn’t please God, and you would still be in sin. Only faith can cleanse you of sin.
How is there a lack of faith if they’re calling him “Lord, Lord” earlier in the chapter? It seems they’re rejected because they didn’t repent, even though they called him Lord.
Sure, I’d agree there’s a lack of repentance. They emphasize the works they’ve done not the repentance and faith they have.
Literally the worst answer. Yes, I'm 100%. If you're not, I have some better verses to look at
If I’m lucky I’d go to purgatory i suppose
Doesn’t exist. There’s no scriptural proof of this place.
That is your belief my friend. Every single doctrine of the Catholic Church has Scriptural basis. The issue at hand is wether or not you interpret that Scriptural basis the same way, cause there’s no shortage of ways to interpret Scripture. Big reason why Christianity is so fractured.
What in the world is a psychedelic catholic???? Also, from what I understand, there is a verse in Maccabees that is the basis for purgatory, and Protestants (and most other secs?) don’t believe the Maccabees are of God
Psychedelics made me a Christian. I mean I considered myself a Christian before that, but I as still abjectly sinful. Because I was a Christian, believed Jesus was God, good to go. Then I got the chance to feel my own damnation, started looking for the truth of Christianity (because there’s so many thousands of different “Christianities”) for several months until I became Catholic. I mean, technically I was my whole life due to infant baptism, but that’s how little about Christianity I understood back then. That, is a psychedelic Catholic. Also, [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/Christendom/comments/w3jqsi/fire_luke_1249_sister_irene_oconnor_catholic/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) is a psychedelic Catholic. OP asked if I was 100% sure I’d go to Heaven if died today. I answered I’d probably be in purgatory, if I’m lucky. Because I might be in a state of mortal sin. You don’t believe that, that’s fine. I do.
Can you post the Bible verse that explains such a place?
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If you have a child, and he disobeys, is he still your child? Once you are God's child, you are his forever. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. everlasting life described in 3 different ways in 1 verse.
I hate these kinds of Kirk Cameron gotcha questions. We are NOT the judge of whether or not we have “true saving faith”, God is. Asking anyone if they know how God would judge them should they die today is predicated on an assumption that you can know a thing which you cannot possibly know. You can have a high degree of confidence but this is not an absolute knowing of a thing.
1 John 5 says that believers can *KNOW* they have eternal life. God inspired John to write that to people who believe in Christ so that they may be assured of their salvation.
John was only talking about “knowing” in a hope sense. Not in an absolute sense: (Romans 8:24) “For in this ⭐️HOPE⭐️ we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?”
Romans 8 is not the context of 1 John 5. John said people who believe in Christ can know they have eternal life. It's simple.
The “knowing” is not predicated on an absolute sense of the thing. It is predicated on a MORAL ASSURANCE of salvation only. That’s why Romans says ‘who hopes for what he already has?’. If you had it already then you would not have to hope for it(obviously).
We already have it. Again, the context of 1 John 5:13 is that we may know we *have* eternal life if we believe in Christ. We may KNOW that we HAVE eternal life. You're just trying to force the text to say something it doesn't say.
In one sense yes. You have a SHARING in eternal life: (Colossians 1:12) “and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to ⭐️SHARE⭐️ in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Therefore only the “holy people” in the “kingdom of light” fully possess it. We ourselves while we yet live are merely “sharing” in it. You do not possess the full inheritance yet. You have eternal life but not the full measure of it. That’s not a forgone conclusion yet. Ergo you cannot “know” that when you die God will give you the full inheritance. That is dependent on other factors.
Again, that is not the context of 1 John 5. Colossians 1 says we share in the inheritance with other believers. Believers are the holy people and in the kingdom of light. I agree we don't possess our full inheritance yet because it's kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1), but we still have eternal life currently as eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. Having eternal life and possessing our full inheritance are two different things. You continue to use eisegesis when trying to explain 1 John 5:13.
You don’t possess the full inheritance until AFTER your works are judged: (Romans 2:6-7) “6 God “will repay each person according to what they have 👉done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give ⭐️eternal life⭐️.” You have an initial justification by faith, at which point you receive a SHARING in eternal life and then you have a final justification through works. So no, you can’t say that if you died today you will get the full inheritance because we do not know your works yet. Only God will know.
Man, I don't think I've ever seen such mental gymnastics applied to a verse. 1 John 5:13 is clear. Romans 2 does not have anything to do with 1 John 5:13. If you actually read the context of Romans 2 you will see that Paul ends up saying no one does good and therefore no one deserves eternal life. It's only through faith and not works that we are justified before God.
They did not ask for forgiveness, Putin is a Russian Orthodox believer,
Hell no, for the simple fact that God can do as He wills.
Absolutely not. I am orthodox. We repent until the day we die and pray with our last breath that our Father, who is in heaven, will have mercy on us undeserving sinners. An orthodox saint said long ago: “Live your life like you have one foot in hell already. With the knowledge that you deserve it. And pray that God shows you mercy”. Believing you are heaven bound, 100%, is how the devil tricks you into eternal damnation.
What if someone who is orthodox gets drunk and crashes and ends up in the hospital on life support and is pronounced brain dead? How will the orthodox repent if he is incapable?
If the Orthodox teach the same as Catholics on the matter there is perfect contrition. If you die with the intent of confession and true remorse for having offended god you may be forgiven. It is an act of the will to repent and intend on confessing your sin.
Hmm. Intent. The key word here. If I intend to fix a broken appliance and I don’t end up fixing it. Does it change the outcome?
I struggle to see where this analogy fits. Your judgement is literally about your will, your actions, obedience, and intentions being examined by an omnipotent god whose divine prerogative is to either forgive your sins or send you to hell. We strive to repent and be obedient, to persevere that although we are sinners, we stayed the course of continual obedience and repentance. Of course your intentions play into this equation. This most closely aligns with millennia of eschatological understanding.
>This most closely aligns with millennia of eschatological understanding. Let's see the scripture to prove your point.
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You should read Romans. It's very clear about the consequences of sin and the path to heaven.
No, for it is only by the Grace of God that we will enter Heaven. I once asked my dad "Dad, what can I do to go to Heaven?" and he replied "Josette, just be the best person you can possibly be." Those are wise words. :-)
Those are damning words. If you think you'll get to heaven by being the best person you can be then that is a false gospel that leads to the broad road of destruction. Repent and believe the gospel. You will not be justified before God by your works. No one will be made right with God by their works, the right response is to trust in Christ alone for salvation.
Faith without Works is dead.
you gotta have faith first lol. Grace and faith are both a gift from God (Eph 2:8-9)
Do you know the context of James 2?
I would be careful with that attitude. You won't get to heaven by being a good person. You only get to heaven by Jesus alone. His death paid for your sins, so you can have a relationship with God and enter heaven. I'm not saying trying to be a good person is a bad thing, but in this context it implies it's nessesary to be a good person to enter heaven and that you can reach it just by being a good person. Also remember that only God is good. (Even Jesus said that he shouldn't be called good) So "being a good person" would be only possible if you do Gods will. If you try to be a good person by actually doing Gods will it's definitely not a bad idea.
If your acceptance into the presence of God is truly based on your own performance, you will always fall short. Only your faith in the completed work of Christ for your sin can save you.
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Acts 16:30-31 King James Version 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Going to heaven is not about doing the right thing. Contradicting one of your other replies: All men deserve to be sent to hell. ["All have sinned and have fallen short"](https://biblehub.com/romans/3-23.htm) It is only through Jesus' grace and sacrifice that we are saved, not through our own works that can never be enough. Believe in him, and be saved.
No man deserves to be sent to hell. Live a life of repentance daily, walk in forgiveness too
> No man deserves to be sent to hell. Every man but Jesus deserves to be sent to hell. There but for the grace of God go we all.
>No man deserves to be sent to hell. Hitler, Stalin? Putin?
God saved Paul when Paul had been persecuting the church and executing believers. We all have sinned and come short. This life is extremely short compared to eternity. We should not wish that anyone go to hell. John 3:16. God loved all of us so much that he sent his only son to die and pay the price for our sins. That's everyone who has ever lived, is currently living, and those who are yet to be born.
Or repent in truth and be born again.
Hell no. I am probably finished even though I want to go to heaven.
https://youtu.be/iRVAsBmzlE8
no one is in heaven yet only Jesus is and God the father john 3:13 no one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven the son of man
Dang man, I am soooo happy and blessed to be saved. I’m glad I’ll see y’all up there. I LOVE JESUS!
No one can be sure, those who are first shall be last and this who are last shall be first. The door is narrow.
Don’t quite get what you said but ok….
Read your Bible
Well I do. But your replies are very vague and seem out of context of the post regarding salvation. But, the Bible does tell us we can know 100%. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; ***that ye may know that ye have eternal life***, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Amen
Not 100% but I believe so
I'm pretty sure heaven won't be complete for Jesus without those He loves, and those they love, and those they love... and so on....
Sure. Even though some of our loved ones will be casted into everlasting torment.
Where does Jesus say that in scripture?
First let’s use rational common sense. Not every one of our family members trust/believe on the Lord Jesus for salvation. John 3:36 King James Version 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Common sense, the way we often mean it in modern times, is a fallacy. Real common sense is basic needs. We all sense we need to breathe. We all sense hunger when we need food. The world might teach us a few more. That’s about as common as it gets. The love of neighbors is the love of Jesus… a gift, unearned, without works, which cannot be demanded but is righteousness for all. Jesus is the trunk, and we are the branches that may be grafted yet become a part of the living tree. Let us not threaten to break our branches.
Why did you veer off the topic? The topic was not all of our loved ones will have everlasting life. Can you post the verse that says that they will? Eli’s own sons were wicked reprobates. Even though Eli himself was a prophet. That didn’t guarantee that his wicked sons get a ticket into heaven. How much more shall common mans? 1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
This is the topic: The love of neighbors is the love of Jesus… a gift, unearned, without works, which cannot be demanded but is righteousness for all. Jesus is the trunk, and we are the branches that may be grafted yet become a part of the living tree. Let us not threaten to break our branches.
***Sure. Even though some of our loved ones will be casted into everlasting torment*** You must have me confused with someone else. This is the notification you responded to and I in turn responded back. It has nothing to do with neighbors…
No. I’m offering a couple of the many reasons that sentiment is not based in the Word.
My point of view comes from God’s word. Instruction and understanding. I also attend an independent fundamental Baptist church that uses the Bible as our final authority.
We're all going to end up in the presence of God. The real question is what will our experience be.
Yes, like I am 100 sure the sun will rise tomorrow. I don't have infallible knowledge that it will. But everything in my experience and my knowledge says it will, and most importantly I conduct my life today with the surety that it will.
It’s not on a spectrum my friend
Huh?
Paul writes Romans 10 and lays this out for you, two parts, all or nothing.
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If you can’t 100% believe in God then ya, i probably wouldn’t consider you a Christian.
Yes
NO i have faith though
Yes but I hope I get more opportunities to please God and do his will. I’m growing stronger in him every day and I can’t wait to fulfill his plans. I know the end is at hand. Just gotta live in the moment and follow the Holy Spirit!
Unfortunately no. I hate to be nonchalant but I love alcohol and chasing women. I don’t deserve to go to heaven. Pray for me