Subject: What exactly must a person to be saved? |
Bible Note: "Oh, I thought before the Cross was Old Testament." To be technical about it, Jesus instituted the New Covenant at the Last Supper. "But maybe you know something else. Hebrews 9 shows the Old in force until the Cross." It shows that the system of sacrifices was still in force, but as the epistle clearly teaches elsewhere: "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." --Hebrews 10:4 No one has ever been saved by keeping the Law, because no one has ever kept it to the extent that God requires (with the exception of Christ, of course). Likewise, slitting Lambchop's throat at the temple in itself did not save anyone, but rather prefigured the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The Savior of the Old Testament saints was not grazing out back with the rest of the flock. He was in heaven waiting for the appointed time to become a man and die for the sins of all of God's people of all ages. You wrote: "About the ruler, he wanted to go to heaven but walked away sad. Was that because he did not obey Jesus?" The Bible says: 'Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.' --Matthew 19:21-22 You wrote: "You quote passages of works and shouldn't." Why not? Am I mistaken that the writers of the New Testament command believers to DO things in light of their new nature? "I want you to be careful not to emphasize works." You mean like Paul does? "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." --Ephesians 2:10 "But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers." --1 Timothy 4:7-10 You wrote: " No true Christian will lie, cheat, steal, murder, commit adultery." Are you saying that you never sin? "You talk that faith must do works to be genuine, but I was saved by a non-genuine faith?" No one is saved by a faith that is not genuine. The question is, according to the Bible, what shows our faith to be genuine? You wrote: "Forbid it that a working faith be needed." James wrote: 'What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.' --James 2:14-17 You wrote: "I just have faith which God gave me. I did nothing for salvation." Absolutely true. "So why tell people to obey?" Good question. Why do you think all the New Testament writers instruct Christians to obey? You wrote: "That takes the glory from God." Not at all. Our God-honoring works, while they do not qualify us for salvation, bring Him great glory. And that is why we exist, to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. That is the very purpose for which God saved Christians. You wrote: "Do you not agree that Romans 10:9,10 are the most important verses in the Holy Scipture?" No, I believe that "all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (Yes, works again!) So much damage can be done by isolating a single verse or two and interpreting the rest of the Bible in light of what one assumes that brief statement means. We have seen many on this Forum quote Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16 in every single post they submit, in order to support baptismal regeneration. People isolate James 2 to promote a salvation based on works. And, yes, people isolate John 3:16 to support a works-less theology. The fact is that the church needs the rest of the Bible to help us figure out what Romans 10:9-10 precisely means. Blessings to you! --Joe! |