Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | NT general Archive 1 | MPierce | 79412 | ||
I have a question as to how and when a person is saved. What exactly must a person do inorder to be saved? Some people tell me that you must go before the chruch alter and profess Jesus Christ as your lord and saviour. I've also been told that making this profession where 3 or more gather in his name, will also save someone. Also, what about if one was Catholic from birth and went through the various practices of the Catholic religion up until adulthood. Then began practicing another religion. Was that person saved as a Catholic or were they never saved? I find this all very confusing. There is nothing worse than someone calling you a non-Christian when you thought you were. | ||||||
2 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | NT general Archive 1 | Tathanas | 79455 | ||
In examining how to be saved, there are many different opinions. Perhaps if we could get this one figured out, we wouldn't have such division within the kingdom of God, but even with all the scriptures available, we still seem unable to clear it up. So here goes my shot: 1/ At the core is belief. We all would have heard Jn 3:16, and other scriptures like it, so we can generally agree that this is essential. Many would say that this is enough, but I would have to mention Jas 2:19. Then we need to read the whole passage to keep it in context. From this passage we can see that there is more involved than plain belief. NB: I should note that definitions of 'belief' vary, with some meanings even suggesting more than what is commonly held to be the definition. That brings me to the next step. 2/ Repentance: Here I would point to Acts 20:21 as an example of what the disciples were preaching in the early years in the church. The problems with this come when the decision to repent, and the actual change, merge into one. One is a choice, the other is a 'work'(which instantly troubles the group that believe in 'faith alone'.). Yet if we look at Acts 26:20 we see the choice and the deeds ARE clearly separate, though obviously connected. But as you can see, the theme of repentance continues throughout. So on to the next point. 3/ This is the one that causes the most controversy in the entire kingdom, but cannot be ignored. Baptism. Some consider it unnecessary, but I would point out that Acts 2:38 suggests that Baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins. If that is so, then how 'not necessary'? Others call it symbolic, which in on sense it is, yet by downsizing the importance of it, we risk that it will become scorned and ignored, which is what has happened. Baptism is symbolic in the sense that it doesn't equate with what such a gift should cost us, but that doesn't change that fact it is still the pivotal point of salvation from all biblical accounts of the early church. If we look also at the historical accounts, it becomes even more clear. These then, are the building blocks I've found from studying the word, though I can almost guarantee others will suggest other ideas and scriptures. All I can suggest is doing the same as the Bereans (Acts 17:11). Check out all of it. One thing I should note. What I've written means nothing without the heart to love God, and love others. Because when all is said and done, thats what it's really about. |
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3 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | NT general Archive 1 | Radioman2 | 79458 | ||
If there is something we can or must do, something we must add to our faith, to gain salvation, what would that be? Over a period of time on this forum we have ruled out surrender to the lordship of Christ (this is not a condition for salvation); baptism (this has been discussed here ad nauseum); and repentance (a false addition to faith when understood as a prerequisite, requiring the cleansing of the life FIRST in order to be saved. (See page 1950, MacArthur Study Bible.) We have said hundreds of times: Good works are the result, not the cause of salvation. Remaining faithful is the result, not the cause of genuine saving faith. So what must we DO to be saved? Keep the commandments? Obey the law? AMPLIFIED Acts 13:39 And that through Him everyone who believes [who acknowledges Jesus as his Savior and devotes himself to Him] is absolved (cleared and freed) from every charge from which he could not be justified and freed by the Law of Moses and given right standing with God. AMPLIFIED Romans 3:20 For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character]. AMPLIFIED Romans 3:28 For we hold that a man is justified and made upright by faith independent of and distinctly apart from good deeds (works of the Law). [The observance of the Law has nothing to do with justification.] AMPLIFIED Galatians 2:16 Yet we know that a man is justified or reckoned righteous and in right standing with God not by works of the Law, but [only] through faith and [absolute] reliance on and adherence to and trust in Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). [Therefore] even we [ourselves] have believed on Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law [for we cannot be justified by any observance of the ritual of the Law given by Moses], because by keeping legal rituals and by works no human being can ever be justified (declared righteous and put in right standing with God). [Ps. 143:2.] AMPLIFIED Galatians 3:11 Now it is evident that no person is justified (declared righteous and brought into right standing with God) through the Law, for the Scripture says, The man in right standing with God [the just, the righteous] shall live by and out of faith and he who through and by faith is declared righteous and in right standing with God shall live. [Hab. 2:4.] So whatever it is that we must do to be saved, keep our salvation or add to our salvation, it is not surrender, baptism, repentance, keeping the law, good works or holding on and holding out. If one finally is saved and makes it into the kingdom of God it will be because God held on to that person, not the other way around. GOD DOES THE SAVING. GOD DOES THE KEEPING. SALVATION IS OF THE LORD. |
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4 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | NT general Archive 1 | Tathanas | 79578 | ||
If that is indeed the opinion of all at this site, then I have come to the wrong place, for I am not allowed to argue. That said, I would suggest you also check the history books about the early church regarding baptism. It's quite informative. ciao everyone (Maybe disciplerami had a point...) | ||||||
5 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | NT general Archive 1 | Morant61 | 79585 | ||
Greetings Tathnas! While I love reading the writings of the early church, it is good to remember that they are not inspired writings. Their writings can be informative of how some in the early church thought, but they hold no authority over our doctrine. In fact, it has always been intresting to me that the quality of their writings is so obiviously inferior to those of the New Testament authors. So, I would recommend that one sticks with what the Bible says when forming one's understanding of the great doctrines of the Bible. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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6 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | NT general Archive 1 | Radioman2 | 79587 | ||
Good point. No one needs to consult any history books to answer the question, "What must I do to be saved?" The Bible is the only -- repeat ONLY -- inspired and, thus, authoritative book we need to answer that question. | ||||||