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NASB | 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. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 7:21 ¶ "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. |
Bible Question (short): Are soldiers certain of winning? |
Question (full): Doc, Response as follows: #1. …(1 John 2:4-6 ESV)This speaks of one who is obviously not a believer." My question takes into consideration one who outwardly, for all intents and purposes, professes Christ as Lord and behaves consistent with Gods commands (as best he can, anyway). "…Habitual sin never characterizes a believer (1 John 5:18)." Is this verse a promise a true believer will never sin or fall away? Don’t many believers admit to sinning and committing the same sins more than once? What do you mean “habitual sin”? Once a year? Once a month? Once a day? And what sin? Stealing? Adultery? If one falls into lust on the internet once a year, can that be considered a habit? #2. "Believers are sealed…(Ephesian 4:30)…as earnest payment…until glory." But how does one know for certain they presently possesses the Spirit that guarantees eternal life in the future, that is, “until glory”? #3. "…there will be people who thought they were saved, but were not (Matthew 7:23)…We should be constantly examining ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5)…" My question presupposes one who shows every indication of being a true believer. As such, if one is being careful as much as they can, judging themselves as best they can, examining themselves constantly in the “mirror” (introspection?), do these acts assure – provide that certainty that cannot be mistaken - that he/she is saved? On second thought, why all this “introspection” if one knows for certain they are saved? Is it because there is the possibility they may actually not be saved? #4. "See above.The good news is that God grants grace to those that are utterly dependent on Him (Psalm 51:7). So seek…the 'means of grace'…" If my heart is deceptive, how can I know I am “utterly dependent on Him” or sincerely seeking grace? Does use of “means of grace” give assurance of salvation? In any case, are there not those who have used the “means of grace” and have fallen away anyway? "Soldiers do not win wars by being half-hearted…(Matthew 13:44-46)…" But neither do they know for certain that victory is theirs when once the war begins. |