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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: Has anyone on this forum who initially logged on to it believing that salvation is by grace only through faith only in Jesus Christ only been persuaded to change his mind as a result of anything he has read on these pages about baptism and works being necessary for salvation? --Hank |
Bible Answer: Absolutely not! The more I read the New Testament, especially the Epistles, the more I realize salvation is TOTALLY of the Lord. So many verses, i.e. "He Who began a good work in you WILL complete it . . ."; "He is the Author and Finisher of our faith . . "; "He works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure . . "; "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy". These are just a few verses. Being the mother of three I tend to view my salvation as when my children were born and how I took care of them. No matter what they did or ever will do, they are STILL my children (eternal security). Even if they left and never saw or spoke to me again, that would not change the fact that they were born of me, part of my body. When the children were growing up whenever they'd disobey me, I'd discipline them. But they were still my children and I loved them dearly. (Ofcourse sometimes I'd like to have said to them what Bill Cosby said to his kids "I brought you into this world and I can take you out!" smile) And when my children didn't WANT to obey me, well, I certainly had ways to persuade them and they'd eventually come around. (smile) If I, as a finite human can take care of my children, my Heavenly Father sure can keep me. I feel totally sad for Christians who believe they can lose their salvation, or become "un-born again." How can a person become "un-born"? No one's ever been able to tell me. And people who DO believe this way must never be able to rest in their salvation. Oh, well, I know in Whom I have believed and am persuaded that HE is able to keep that which I have committed unto HIM against that day! |