Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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:
1. Note, "If". How can one be certain that he/she has died with him? How can one be certain that one has succcessfully endured hardships? Does this mean that if hardship (by whatever is meant) is not endured, he/she will not reign with Christ? 2. "If we deny him...are unfaithful". Does that mean salvation is conditional? There is no assurance because of the possibility of denial and unfaithfulness on the part of a professed believer? |
Bible Answer: Of course salvation is conditional. Your assurance is in your relationship with your Father. You are assured of your Father's love regardless of your performance. However, there is a warning in Hebrews. Have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said, "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who was never disciplined? If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children after all. Since we respect our earthly fathers who disciplined us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father and live forever? Hebrews 12:5-9 Fear of the future is not godly, fear is the opposite of faith. Fear involves punishment, faith appropriates forgiveness through the provision of Christ. |