Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Who will believe (only the chosen)?
In John 6:37, Jesus says "All that the Father has given me will come to me and whoever comes to me, I will never drive away". Does Jesus mean that only those the Father has given him will come to him? I think it is implied but it is certainly not stated. Other scriptures such as Romans 8:29-30 are more specific in this respect. However, I believe they both contain at least this truth: we have no barrier to a relationship with God if God calls us. He may or may not call all of us - that's a subject for another discussion - but those He does call He gives everything to provide for their salvation, or relationship with Him.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Believe and be saved
John 3:16 - believe in Jesus and receive eternal life
John 3:18 - believe in Jesus and you are not condemned (and vice versa)
Acts 16:31 - believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved
Mark 16:16 - he who believes and is baptized is saved
Romans 10:13 - whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved
These scriptures would certainly suggest that only belief is required to be saved.
John 3:18 - believe in Jesus and you are not condemned (and vice versa)
Acts 16:31 - believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved
Mark 16:16 - he who believes and is baptized is saved
Romans 10:13 - whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved
These scriptures would certainly suggest that only belief is required to be saved.
Salvation - once for all?
The question of salvation in the Christian faith is a hotly debated one, but let me open with some simple questions (simple to pose, complex to answer).
- What is required to be saved?
- Do you only need to believe in Jesus Christ as your savior?
- Once you're saved, are you saved for good?
- Are there two kinds of salvation (a present and a progressive)?
