Once Saved, Always Saved?

[Michiah-Imla]

ALL the warnings...BECOME MOOT!

There are many warnings in the New Testament addresses to believers.

According to you they are “moot” (having little or no practical relevance).

So the Bible is only useful to get saved. And then it’s practically of no use at all anymore…

Ookie dokie…

 

[Taken]

There are many warnings in the New Testament addresses to believers.

Absolutely!

According to you they are “moot” (having little or no practical relevance).

Absolutely false.
I have been VERY specific between “a Believer” and “a Converted” person.

So the Bible is only useful to get saved. And then it’s practically of no use at all anymore…

Your thought, Your expression....your ignorance....Not my claim!

Ookie dokie…

Means nothing to me that you make a claim then agree with it.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

@Taken

I’m only showing the logical conclusion of your sayings.

Otherwise I don’t get where you’re coming from.

 

[ScottA]

Sir, would YOU like to tell me ALL the wrong outlooks I have on the MANY BIBICAL FACTORS?
I would like it in a concise list of my wrongness and the proper outlook as ordained by God !

Thank you !

A list was not my intension. I asked you a question regarding one factor of error which is more than enough. When you have that one correct the others will follow. No list necessary.

1. Those who appear to be alive in the flesh to people and the world, are dead to God.

Romans 8:10
And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

James 2:26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.​

 

[Taken]

@Taken

I’m only showing the logical conclusion of your sayings.

Otherwise I don’t get where you’re coming from.

I know.
I am speaking of spiritual things.
And you are hearing with carnal understanding.

 

[L.A.M.B.]

We will live in this house of clay,called flesh, until our last breath.
Gal.6
If we sow to the flesh we reap that which we sow.
Rms.7
Paul states there is a war in his members, one that brings him into captivity to the law of sin.
Mark.14
Jesus's disciples failed him in his hour of agony when he prayed the Father would take away the cup of wrath. He told them to WATCH lest they enter into temptation bc the Spirit (of man) is ready but the flesh is weak.
2 Cor.7
Paul tells us our flesh and our spirit ( of man) must be cleansed from all filthiness. This spirit is not the HS.
Rms.8
Paul again speaks of the war between the flesh and the Spirit of God that it is a battle to bring the flesh under subjection to the Spirit.
1Peter 4
Peter also wrote for the BELIEVERS to be sober, watch and pray for the gospel is preached to the DEAD which we once were .
We WILL REMAIN FLESH until we are glorified.
Rms.8
Paul calls us to mortify the deeds of the body, and not life after the flesh but to live by the Spirit of God.

 

[L.A.M.B.]

 

[GEN2REV]

I think something that really needs to be clarified in these OSAS/NOSAS debates is what exactly the definition of Salvation is.

I can find a good bit of Scripture that appears to imply that Salvation is simply having resurrection life in your physical body. In other words, the spiritual life that allows your body to be resurrected.

Jesus tells us that He quickens (gives spiritual life) to "those He chooses." John 5:21 So, ... not everybody.

We are also told that we must ingest Jesus' Spirit in order to receive this spiritual life. John 6:68 So, again, not everybody receives that due to that condition.

The point I'm getting at?

It seems that it's possible to have Salvation (resurrection life), but not necessarily be guaranteed Heaven.

Where do we see an example of this? Matthew 7:21-23 depicts believers in Christ, who did a great many faith-fueled deeds for Him, being turned away at the time of Judgment.

OSAS supporters vehemently deny that these can possibly be believers in Christ, but the passage makes it absolutely certain that they are. And how could this possibly be the case?

If Salvation is just resurrection life, but not a guarantee of being accepted into heaven.

 

[mailmandan]

It seems that it's possible to have Salvation (resurrection life), but not necessarily be guaranteed Heaven.

Not according to Scripture. 2 Corinthians 1:22 - who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 5:5 - Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Ephesians 1:13 - In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Where do we see an example of this? Matthew 7:21-23 depicts believers in Christ, who did a great many faith-fueled deeds for Him, being turned away at the time of Judgment.

Works-salvationists typically get this wrong. Jesus clearly stated that He never knew these many people in Matthew 7:23 which means they were never saved. These many people in Matthew 7:22 were not genuine believers.

OSAS supporters vehemently deny that these can possibly be believers in Christ, but the passage makes it absolutely certain that they are. And how could this possibly be the case?

Jesus said I never knew you and not I once knew you but don't anymore. In regards to Matthew 7:21-23, (I will never forget, prior to my conversion several years ago while still attending the Roman Catholic church) I read Matthew 7:22 and thought to myself, oh my goodness! These many people accomplished all of that, "prophesied in His name, cast out demons, and did many wonderful works" but that still was not "good enough?" Then I thought to myself at that time, how am I going to "top that" and be "good enough?" Such is the mindset of someone who erroneously believes that salvation is based on works. Both Roman Catholics and Seventh day Adventists teach salvation by works. Go figure.

*Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

*John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.

These many people in Matthew 7:22 had the wrong foundation. They were trusting in their works to save them and NOT IN CHRIST ALONE. Sound familiar? Jesus NEVER knew them which means they were NEVER saved. Their hearts were not right with God, so their "attempted external obedience" (apart from the righteousness of God which is by faith and the blood of Christ) was still stained with sin. *Seeking salvation by works is not the will of the Father. (Romans 4:5-6; Romans 10:1-4; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9 etc..)

John 17:3 - And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. The term "know" implies intimate, experiential knowledge, through a relationship with Him and not merely theoretical knowledge. These many people were not true converts. *Without faith it's impossible to please God no matter how many alleged wonderful works that these many people set out to conjure up through the flesh in a vain effort to obtain salvation based on works.

This is why Jesus referred to these many people as "workers of iniquity." God does not see the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus (Romans 4:5-6; Philippians 3:9) in unbelievers, but He see's all of their sins which remain and have not been washed away by the blood of Christ. Psalm 94:4 - They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. There are genuine Christians and there are "nominal/pseudo" Christians. There are genuine believers and there are make believers.

 

[GEN2REV]

Not according to Scripture. 2 Corinthians 1:22 - who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 5:5 - Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Ephesians 1:13 - In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Works-salvationists typically get this wrong. Jesus clearly stated that He never knew these many people in Matthew 7:23 which means they were never saved. These many people in Matthew 7:22 were not genuine believers.

Jesus said I never knew you and not I once knew you but don't anymore. In regards to Matthew 7:21-23, (I will never forget, prior to my conversion several years ago while still attending the Roman Catholic church) I read Matthew 7:22 and thought to myself, oh my goodness! These many people accomplished all of that, "prophesied in His name, cast out demons, and did many wonderful works" but that still was not "good enough?" Then I thought to myself at that time, how am I going to "top that" and be "good enough?" Such is the mindset of someone who erroneously believes that salvation is based on works. Both Roman Catholics and Seventh day Adventists teach salvation by works. Go figure.

*Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

*John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.

These many people in Matthew 7:22 had the wrong foundation. They were trusting in their works to save them and NOT IN CHRIST ALONE. Sound familiar? Jesus NEVER knew them which means they were NEVER saved. Their hearts were not right with God, so their "attempted external obedience" (apart from the righteousness of God which is by faith and the blood of Christ) was still stained with sin. *Seeking salvation by works is not the will of the Father. (Romans 4:5-6; Romans 10:1-4; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9 etc..)

John 17:3 - And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. The term "know" implies intimate, experiential knowledge, through a relationship with Him and not merely theoretical knowledge. These many people were not true converts. *Without faith it's impossible to please God no matter how many alleged wonderful works that these many people set out to conjure up through the flesh in a vain effort to obtain salvation based on works.

This is why Jesus referred to these many people as "workers of iniquity." God does not see the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus (Romans 4:5-6; Philippians 3:9) in unbelievers, but He see's all of their sins which remain and have not been washed away by the blood of Christ. Psalm 94:4 - They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. There are genuine Christians and there are "nominal/pseudo" Christians. There are genuine believers and there are make believers.

You completely ignored the entire point of my post and just went on preaching Salvation, and its guarantees, etc., as if I'd never brought up the concept that I was addressing.

The very Salvation, that you posted multiple verses to prove, is exactly what I was proposing was simply 'being resurrected'. If Salvation were to mean 'resurrection', then Matthew 7:22-23 makes more sense. And you also are ignoring the fact that Jesus told the 'Many' who cried 'Lord, Lord' that they were workers of iniquity - that means they were Commandment-breakers.

And what does Jesus tell us is the requirement for He and the Father coming to us to make their home with us in Spirit? John 14:21-23 That we have in our heart, and obey, the Commandments.

Therefore, Jesus tells those people that He is rejecting them NOT because of their lack of belief, but because they failed to obey the Commandments and worked that iniquity (sin) into the surrounding society by their example.

 

[mailmandan]

You completely ignored the entire point of my post and just went on preaching Salvation, and its guarantees, etc., as if I'd never brought up the concept that I was addressing.

The very Salvation, that you posted multiple verses to prove, is exactly what I was proposing was simply 'being resurrected'. If Salvation were to mean 'resurrection', then Matthew 7:22-23 makes more sense. And you also are ignoring the fact that Jesus told the 'Many' who cried 'Lord, Lord' that they were workers of iniquity - that means they were Commandment-breakers.

And what does Jesus tell us is the requirement for He and the Father coming to us to make their home with us in Spirit? John 14:21-23 That we have in our heart, and obey, the Commandments.

Therefore, Jesus tells those people that He is rejecting them NOT because of their lack of belief, but because they failed to obey the Commandments and worked that iniquity (sin) into the surrounding society by their example.

I ignored nothing and like I said, works-salvationists typically get this wrong. Be sure not to ignore the context. (Matthew 7:15-23)

 

[mailmandan]

Therefore, Jesus tells those people that He is rejecting them NOT because of their lack of belief, but because they failed to obey the Commandments and worked that iniquity (sin) into the surrounding society by their example.

Typical SDA response. Your argument does not line up with (John 3:18; 1 John 2:3-4; 3:9-10)

 

[GEN2REV]

I ignored nothing and like I said, works-salvationists typically get this wrong. Be sure not to ignore the context. (Matthew 7:15-23)

Typical SDA response. Your argument does not line up with (John 3:18; 1 John 2:3-4; 3:9-10)

Your 1 John 2:3-4 verse actually supports my post perfectly.

Your adamant, stubborn, hard-hearted refusal to accept Scripture as it is written is a systemic problem within your entire doctrinal structure.

That would be correctable in a sincere individual. Personally, I see you as a complete fraud.

In every single Forum that you've frequented for the last decade or more now.

Your knowledge of Scripture is surface data and your faith is non-existent.

The book of Jude was written about you. You are a stain upon charity feasts, a cloud without water, a tree with withered fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.

There is a very special place reserved for you and your kind.

 

[L.A.M.B.]

 

[mailmandan]

Your 1 John 2:3-4 verse actually supports my post perfectly.

These many people in Matthew 7:22 were not genuine "believers." Instead, Jesus clearly stated that He never knew them which means they were never saved. So Matthew 7:22-23 is not about born again "believers" in Christ being turned away at the judgment for being commandment-breakers. Only Jesus Christ has flawlessly obeyed ALL of God's commandments 100% of the time and ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) except for Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:15) so that makes everyone (except for Jesus Christ) a commandment-breaker.

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23) and not through works of the law. (Galatians 2:16) God see's the righteousness of God which is by faith in genuine believers (Romans 4:5-6; Philippians 3:9) but not in unbelievers. Their sins remain. So this is about 'make believers' who 'trust in works for salvation' being turned away at the judgment. BTW do you claim to have flawlessly obeyed all of God's commandments 100% of the time? Be honest. I know the answer.

1 John 2:3 - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (already know Him/already saved/demonstrative evidence) if we "keep" (Greek word "tereo" - guard, observe, watch over) His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Verse 3 is descriptive of believers and verse 4 is descriptive of unbelievers. John is not talking about flawlessly obeying the 10 commandments under the old covenant of law.

Your adamant, stubborn, hard-hearted refusal to accept Scripture as it is written is a systemic problem within your entire doctrinal structure.

I have clearly accepted Matthew 7:21-23 as it is written and these are not born again "believers" in verse 22. Jesus clearly stated that He never knew them which means that He never had a saving relationship with them. In context, Jesus is discussing false prophets/wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matthew 7:15-23) It's your hard heart that stubbornly refuses to accept the truth.

That would be correctable in a sincere individual. Personally, I see you as a complete fraud.

I am very sincere and your hate fueled slander further expose your true colors.

In every single Forum that you've frequented for the last decade or more now.

Last decade or more? You have been following my posts for that long? How many different Christian forums do you remember me from? You sound like a stalker.

Your knowledge of Scripture is surface data and your faith is non-existent.

My knowledge of Scripture penetrates far below the surface and my faith in Christ is very real. Your further slander continues to expose your true colors. You are making judgment calls that are well above your pay grade. You claim to be obeying the commandments and seem to confidently and self righteously believe that you will receive eternal life based on that standard, yet just in this post alone you are guilty of bearing false witness against me (Exodus 20:16) and have failed to love one another as Jesus commanded (John 13:34) which makes you a commandment-breaker according to your standard.

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

The book of Jude was written about you. You are a stain upon charity feasts, a cloud without water, a tree with withered fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.

Oh the irony and there is no end to your hate fueled slander. Jude is exhorting believers to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (vs. 3) because certain ungodly men have crept in unnoticed. Jude further describes these ungodly men as ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit (vs. 19) In CONTRAST to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ (vs. 1).

There is a very special place reserved for you and your kind.

You once again make a judgment call that is well above your pay grade and have the audacity to sit in God's place of judgment condemning believers in Christ. I sincerely hope and pray that one day you will find your way out of the SDA cult. That church has truly blinded your mind and poisoned your heart.

 

[Scott Downey]

There are a few things that should not be misunderstood...although they commonly are:

• James was not exactly saying that faith without works is dead, as many understand it. But rather, he simply stated a fact, that faith results in good works...and if not, such a person has died. Which is not to say that there is a kind of faith that is exempt from good works, but rather that one who is dead is exempt. He only equates faith with life, and not with death. This is completely different than what many preach, taking up the words as a sword.

• Hebrews 6:4 "For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit", does not only speak of those who are "saved" as having the Holy Spirit. But rather, it speaks of "partakers" of the Holy Spirit-- which includes many who have no part with the Holy Spirit, except that they were moved by the Spirit as was foretold by Joel the prophet, saying that God would pour out His spirit upon "all flesh", all not being good or of God. Which is the power of God, "to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life." Giving those who were "partakers" no excuse, having seen the workings of God.

Yes, like Judas who was a partaker in the ministry, but did not believe in Christ, as in what He said, and was never saved.
Jesus also called Judas a devil. Judas also stole money from their purse.

Acts 1:16-18 New King James Version

16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.

We are warned to not be like them, like unbelieving Israel.
1 Corinthians 10 New King James Version
Old Testament Examples
1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Jude says they fell because they did not believe in the LORD God, meaning they were not converted, but they also were partakers, as in they experienced the deliverance of God from the Egyptians. but did not enter the promised land and died in the wilderness.

5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

These many people in Matthew 7:22 were not genuine "believers." Instead, Jesus clearly stated that He never knew them which means they were never saved. So Matthew 7:22-23 is not about born again "believers" in Christ being turned away at the judgment for being commandment-breakers. Only Jesus Christ has flawlessly obeyed ALL of God's commandments 100% of the time and ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) except for Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:15) so that makes everyone (except for Jesus Christ) a commandment-breaker.

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23) and not through works of the law. (Galatians 2:16) God see's the righteousness of God which is by faith in genuine believers (Romans 4:5-6; Philippians 3:9) but not in unbelievers. Their sins remain. So this is about 'make believers' who 'trust in works for salvation' being turned away at the judgment. BTW do you claim to have flawlessly obeyed all of God's commandments 100% of the time? Be honest. I know the answer.

1 John 2:3 - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (already know Him/already saved/demonstrative evidence) if we "keep" (Greek word "tereo" - guard, observe, watch over) His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Verse 3 is descriptive of believers and verse 4 is descriptive of unbelievers. John is not talking about flawlessly obeying the 10 commandments under the old covenant of law.

I have clearly accepted Matthew 7:21-23 as it is written and these are not born again "believers" in verse 22. Jesus clearly stated that He never knew them which means that He never had a saving relationship with them. In context, Jesus is discussing false prophets/wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matthew 7:15-23) It's your hard heart that stubbornly refuses to accept the truth.

I am very sincere and your hate fueled slander further expose your true colors.

Last decade or more? You have been following my posts for that long? How many different Christian forums do you remember me from? You sound like a stalker.

My knowledge of Scripture penetrates far below the surface and my faith in Christ is very real. Your further slander continues to expose your true colors. You are making judgment calls that are well above your pay grade. You claim to be obey the commandments and seem to confidently and self righteously believe that you will receive eternal life based on that standard, yet just in this post alone you are guilty of bearing false witness against me (Exodus 20:16) and have failed to love one another as Jesus commanded (John 13:34) which makes you a commandment-breaker according to your standard.

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Oh the irony and there is no end to your hate fueled slander. Jude is exhorting believers to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (vs. 3) because certain ungodly men have crept in unnoticed. Jude further describes these ungodly men as ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit (vs. 19) In CONTRAST to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ (vs. 1).

You once again make a judgment call that is well above your pay grade and have the audacity to sit in God's place of judgment condemning believers in Christ. I sincerely hope and pray that one day you will find your way out of the SDA cult. That church has truly blinded your mind and poisoned your heart.

Sadly, I feel he will get a rude awakening when he tries to tell Jesus about all his works. And he is fatefully asked to depart..

these people that want to replace the grace of God with works need to become like the tax collector. and stop being like the pharisee

 

[L.A.M.B.]

God's grace is umerited, nothing we could or can do to receive it, except believe.

He shed his love abroad to all mankind, to any that will believe, that Jesus is God made flesh. He sacrificed his son just as Abraham would have given Issac to God as a sacrifice.

What great love for God from Abraham, what GREATER love for mankind from God, that he became flesh and dwelt among us. He was tempted as we are, he grieved as we do, he loved as we love, and he suffered FAR greater than we EVER will for HE HAD ALL THE SINS OF THE WORLD FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END, upon him at the cross.

This is the matter most important; SALVATION.
If you don't believe and receive the GIFT of salvation, nothing ELSE MATTERS. You can visit the sick and shut- ins, the widows and orphans. You can visit the homeless, drug addicts of the street,and those in prison. You can even read and carry the bible with you. EXCEPT you are born again it is all nought.
These are the ppl that Jesus will turn over to God bc HE DID NOT KNOW ( INTIMACY) THEM!

If your doctrine is man- made, whether by your organization, the reformationist or ANY man and it doesn't match to the word of God, spiritually, then it is fodder, unsavoury salt, useless!

We desperately need to get away from man's teachings and get back to God, the Holy Spirit, our teacher, and let him plant the WORD in our hearts !

IT WILL BE THROUGH JESUS, AT THE END OF OUR JOURNEY, SAYING " WELCOME HOME MY CHILD" !

 

[GEN2REV]

Sadly, I feel he will get a rude awakening when he tries to tell Jesus about all his works. And he is fatefully asked to depart..

these people that want to replace the grace of God with works need to become like the tax collector. and stop being like the pharisee

Sadly, you and all those who agree with you, are absolutely clueless as to what that passage is portraying.

I have painstakingly dissected and laid it out for you, piece by piece, but the scales on your eyes are so thick that not a single ray of the light of Truth gets through to you.

It's an arduous experience to observe people walking in darkness, desperately reaching around for the obstacles in their path as they blindly struggle to navigate their lives.

What a sad sight to behold.

Matthew 7:21-23 says not a word about 'works', and doesn't even give the slightest implication that it's referring to 'works.'

"Works, works!!!"

The defensive scream of the blind leading the blind. "Works, Works! It's Works you're preaching! Works, I tell ya!!"

The last go-to, back-up position of the vipers that inhabit every place of Bible discussion; be it the fallen churches or the virtual universe of the Christian Chat Forums, it's always the same.

Very few can hear the Truth today; ... very, very few.

 

[GEN2REV]

God's grace is umerited, nothing we could or can do to receive it, except believe.

He shed his love abroad to all mankind, to any that will believe, that Jesus is God made flesh. He sacrificed his son just as Abraham would have given Issac to God as a sacrifice.

What great love for God from Abraham, what GREATER love for mankind from God, that he became flesh and dwelt among us. He was tempted as we are, he grieved as we do, he loved as we love, and he suffered FAR greater than we EVER will for HE HAD ALL THE SINS OF THE WORLD FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END, upon him at the cross.

This is the matter most important; SALVATION.
If you don't believe and receive the GIFT of salvation, nothing ELSE MATTERS. You can visit the sick and shut- ins, the widows and orphans. You can visit the homeless, drug addicts of the street,and those in prison. You can even read and carry the bible with you. EXCEPT you are born again it is all nought.
These are the ppl that Jesus will turn over to God bc HE DID NOT KNOW ( INTIMACY) THEM!

If your doctrine is man- made, whether by your organization, the reformationist or ANY man and it doesn't match to the word of God, spiritually, then it is fodder, unsavoury salt, useless!

We desperately need to get away from man's teachings and get back to God, the Holy Spirit, our teacher, and let him plant the WORD in our hearts !

IT WILL BE THROUGH JESUS, AT THE END OF OUR JOURNEY, SAYING " WELCOME HOME MY CHILD" !

Believing (faith) is a gift. Ephesians 2:8

Obedience is a condition; and it must be met.

The Spirit will not enter somebody who does not obey at a minimum. John 14:21-23

There are conditions to God's promises, just as there were throughout the entire Bible; and there are conditions to Salvation.

To believe that one can declare belief, and profess Christianity, and live the rest of their life just as they please is the most watered down version of the Truth of Scripture that has ever been perpetuated in the history of this world. God expects things of His children. Respect (fear) and obedience are prerequisite.

All those who believe, and live, otherwise will be turned away just as the 'Many' believers who will cry 'Lord, Lord' when they encounter Christ; and will be utterly shocked when they are directed to join the goats for their working of iniquity (disobedience to the Commandments). Matthew 7:21-23