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NASB | Matthew 10:33 "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 10:33 "But the one who denies and rejects Me before men, that one I will also deny and reject before My Father who is in heaven. |
Bible Question:
Dear Steve, Please permit me to ask a young Christian's questions then: It is a historical fact the Peter denied Christ. Not just once, but three times. So, when Peter did this, was he saved? What if he had died after denying that he knew Christ? Would he have gone to hell? We know that he had, at some point, 'believed in the Lord Jesus Christ'. He actually said to Jesus, "You are the Christ." So was Peter saved when he denied Christ? How about Satan? He believes that the Lord Jesus Christ exists. The demons believe that God exists and tremble. Acts 16:31 says, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved...' Are they saved? Why or why not? The angels believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are they saved? The Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as well as the Mormons. Are they saved? Muslims believe that Jesus existed and was a prophet. Are they saved? Isn't then, everyone who 'believes in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31) saved? That is what the scripture says. Is it true? In Christ, Bill Mc |
Bible Answer: Bill Mc I think you asked an interesting question, one that those of the “cheap grace” community stumble on. They claim if you believe in Jesus you are saved you need nothing else. However James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!”, tells us even the demons believe. So there must be something else required. Jesus said in John 15:14 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” We must obey him to be saved. Peter when asked in Acts Acts 2:37-38 “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 38Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Told them they must repent and be baptized. However John 3:16 says all we need is to believe. It seems we have a contradiction. However if we look at the word believe used in John 3:16 we see if means far more than the word "believe" we use everyday. This word believe means to become dependant, willing to stake your life on it, to live your life in such a manner that shows your belief. To do that you could not deny Christ anymore than you could disobey one of Jesus’ commands. There are many people that believe in Christ, that do not depend on him for their salvation nor hold his teachings. As to the question of Peter quite honestly God never gave me the position to judge another of his slaves and until he does I'll let Peter worry about Peter. |