Subject: And what about those who will die before |
Bible Note: You wrote: "My attempt was not to enrage you, but to open your mind to the fact that Salvation is not free..." Then what do you do with Romans 3:23-24, almost all of Romans 5, Romans 6:23, and the rest of the epistle (for starters)? 'To blindly give salvation away goes against the teachings of the prophets... For if no unclean thing can dweal in the presence of God then how is it I merely say, "I believe." and I am saved?' No one is saved by merely SAYING "I believe." However, I have been declared righteous because my Savior lived a holy, perfectly obedient life and died for my sins 2000 years ago. I have been made clean by the perfect life and substitutionary death of the now-risen Christ. Having been justified by faith, I have peace with God through my Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1) 'The children of Isreal and the early Christians were constantly commaned to repent and be baptized... Why would we be COMMANDED to Repent if all I have to do is "Belive"' Because repentance accompanies biblical faith. Repentance is not a work; it is a change of disposition toward one's sin. "God's gift of Salvation is the greatest gift of all, but it is not a free gift, and to presume so is ignorant to the teachings of Apostles" It is a gift, but not a FREE gift? So it is an EARNED gift? Does that make sense? "Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness" --Romans 4:4-5 "I hope this will help humble you and know that I do not undermine the greatness of God, but glorify Him in exponding the importance of His Son, Jesus Christ..." How is it humbling to state that I earned my salvation in any respect? "If I offended you I am sorry, but I am not sorry for the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets" No, it is your interpretation of the apostles and prophets that is sorry... --Joe! |