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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 was listening to a Christian Radio station the other day, as I do every day, and I heard something that confused me and I would like some one to give their opinion. This PASTOR said that we can go to heaven just by being good and doing the right thing. That you don't have to know Christ. He was refer. to those who are not able to worship the Lord and those who know nothing about the Lord. Those of different countries. I know what the bible says about this, but I also know that Jesus Christ is LOVE and showing love to one another is something that even Christian's lack sometimes. |
Bible Answer: God created two ways to enter the kingdomof heaven. The first was through the law, and the second was through Christ Jesus, Jesus died so that we would be free from the law, and have a chance to enter the kingdom of heaven. Those that do not know Jesus and those that do not believe in God cannot enter heaven. They are not condemned to hell, but they will not know eternal life. How can someome go somewhere that they don't believe exists or that they don't have faith in? I think what the Pastor was saying, is that there is another way to know God other than through Christ, and that is by following the law. The law is the covenant that God made with the Jews in the Old Testament. However, in Ephesians in clearly states that the law (works) along will not allow you to enter the Kingdom, you must have faith. So people who just do good things, need to also believe in God and practice the old covenant, or believe in grace by Christ. |