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NASB | Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace [God's remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; |
Bible Question: I am a fairly new Christian although I have believed in Jesus my whole life. As with everyone else in this world I am very imperfect!! I lived in the world for 40 years before I actually became born again. I am unfortunately a smoker(cigarettes only)I have been trying to quit. I'm even trying medication from the doctor. I have cut back a great deal but not completely quit yet. I have gone forward for prayer many times and spoken to Jesus about taking this habit from me but, I still not there yet. Someone close to me told me if Jesus came to Rapture the Church, I would not get to go!!! That devastated me!!! Is that true??? I talked to a couple other people that said no Jesus loves us unconditionally and in him we are made perfect. What do you say? |
Bible Answer: Paul applauded the Bereans for testing everything he said. 1 John 4:1 tells us to test each spirit to see if whether or not they are from God. The Bible gives one and only one requirement: Belief in God's only son, Jesus Christ. All other requirements that people list are purely for personal fullfillment. Being a smoker no more makes you unable to enter heaven than carrying a set of car keys makes you a Chevy. With all things that people tell you, be it religious or no, and be it who tells you, remember John's words in 1 John 4:1 and test what they say. If they are genuine, then what they say will be true. Test against a reputible and respected source. In this case, against the Scripture itself. Jesusman |