Verses Stating Justification By Grace Alone Through Faith Alone In Jesus Christ Alone.
Credits go to our friend FryingPan9 for digging through Scripture and formatting these verses into a useable document.
It has been said here at ExPreacherMan.com as well other places that there are over 150 verses in the New Testament that demonstrate that our salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. Below are over 160 verses to illustrate that point. These are Bible verses (all King James Version) referenced by Richard A. Seymour in his great booklet, THE GIFT:
Luke 7:48-50 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Luke 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
Luke 18:42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:15-18 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
John 4:41-42 And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 5:45-47 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
John 7:38-39 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
John 8:29-30 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him.
John 9:35-38 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
John 10:24-26 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 11:41-42 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
John 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 17:20-21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 19:35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Acts 4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Acts 9:42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
Acts 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
Acts 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Acts 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Acts 17:4-5 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
Acts 17:11-12 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 3:25-28 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
Romans 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Romans 4:23-24 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
Romans 9:32-33 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Romans 10:8-10 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(Editor’s note: One receives eternal life by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone as referenced in the above passage: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. Confessing Christ is not a requirement for receiving eternal life. The terms “saved” and “salvation” in this passage are not referring to eternal salvation, but to salvation from physical danger or divine discipline).
Romans 11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Romans 11:30-32 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:5-9 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
1 Thessalonians 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
2 Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
2 Thessalonians 2:12-13 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:2-3 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 11:6-7 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
James 2:2-3 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
1 Peter 2:6-7 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Jude 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
Don’t forget this important one from John 11. Verses 25-26 were mentioned, but not 27 🙂
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. John 11:25-27
‘Chew the meat — spit out the bones’, or ‘don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater’. Nice little sayings that encourage people to tolerate error, I’ve heard it enough from pastors in my life, very frustrating. Those bones are poison. That ‘baby’ is not a baby, it is the beginning of a life gone into bondage with an ineffective gospel (assuming we have believed). Thankful for His Word, frustrated by the words of men being held up above His.
This qote is not mine but i did add to it.
for all of us who are coming out from or realizing that been exposed tofalse and weak teaching.
Also would say the phrase “eat the meat and leave the bones is a lie. False teaching will harm us. seperate unto Truth of God’s Word.
“God without violating our Free Will
and without negating negative consequences to bad choices is determined to work all things together For Our good and His Glory
God only punishes the unbeliever To Hell for rejection of Jesus payment of sin. God disciplines the believer soul. “
better to say. Stop trusting myself reading the scriptures and allow the scriptures to read me via Holy Spirit..
We all are on different levels /areas of growth. For me it took me a time just to trust myself reading the word of God again. just focusing on a couple verses of scripture. The most important for me was getting back to listening to Biblically sound Gospel of Grace Preaching and to stop messing around withYouTube roulette teachers/preachers.
Thanks, holly.
Vicki, sorry for spelling your name wrong.
One thing to remember is that Satan accuses us day and night. God is not the author of confusion, nor does He give us a spirit of fear. We only have to believe One and that’s God’s testimony of His Son. If He says a child can believe it, it’s true because He doesn’t lie. Keep bringing 1 John 5:9-13 and remind yourself, it’s His testimony you’ve believed. Remember His Word is our sword and remember to ‘put on’ your armor. Just spend time in prayer, and in His Word. Submit to Him, resist the enemy, just give it up to Him, and do the two needed things again (be with Him hearing His Word – Lk 10:38-42). It’s already been done, we’re already in His Kingdom (Col 1:13).
Seems a little easier the old way too. I usually go to the comments for all articles on the right. Then if I’ve missed some comments I’ll read back a few.
Vicky, if you click on a comment on the right top of the page, it will take you to that comment.
Anyways, I’ll adapt, right now I just got confused 🙂 but that can happen in my world 🙂
Jason, I agree – great article on the pointlessness of self-fruit inspection.
Vicki, I’ll take a look.
For those struggling with doubt induced by self examination, the thread Stemming Fruit Inspection seems like a good resource.
https://expreacherman.com/stemming-fruit-inspection/
I was arguing with SDAs on Youtube, and when I posted a link to that thread, they stopped replying. Investigative judgement is essentially the same thing.
Ok, no biggie. At least you got one thing done….what about a button you could click on and it takes you straight to the bottom? I’ve seen that used in some places. It’ll say click here to go back to the top or something on that order. May not be possible here.
try turning on email notifications.
thats how i keep up with current conversations on Android phone that i have replied too. When i get stopped somewete i get online to see if others commented on new topics.
Word press at one time kept me logged in but last couple upgrades i need to log in every time to see new posts.
Vicki, unfortunately, it’s not possible.
If that’s possible, not trying to be nitpicky, tho I guess it probably seems that way.
It looks like the newest are on top now which is great but one more suggestion….put the reply box on top otherwise you still have to scroll to the bottom to reply.
Sorry Jason. I wish everyone could have access to one of the moderator features – the ability to search all comments by name of commenter, word, phrase, etc.
The late Jack Weaver set up the site, and I’ve kept most of the settings and features intact.
I don’t usually arrive from the home page. I often go back and forth. Another annoyance is having to scroll down to find the reply box.
Jason, right underneath the title of each article is a count of the number of comments. If you click on that, you will not need to scroll to the end of the article.
Actually, I preferred the old arrangement. It’s easier to speed scroll to the end of comments than to find the end of the article.
That’d be great.
Vicki, I made a formatting change to order comments from newest to oldest.
You know it would be much much easier and simpler to sort those comments with newest on top going back to oldest. As it is, you have to scroll sometimes through hundreds of comments to get down to the newest.
Below is a sermon that were the Light came on for me I have listen to this sermon over and over because I forget easily.
Avoiding the Ditch Of Legalism
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=82513852383
Thanks!
Vicki, you might like the section in the attached called “Equipping the Saints as Evangelists”:
http://www.cleargospel.org/purpose-statement/
Thanks for you trouble. I know we need the armor but maybe I haven’t applied it well enough or correctly. I’m thinking about ordering some of those booklets.
Vicki, I made some modifications to the last comment to add some explanation.
You can get hardcopies from Clear Gospel. See link below:
http://www.cleargospel.org
Vicki, we need the full armor of God to withstand Satan’s attacks.
Thanks so much, I will look at that booklet. Is there any way of getting some hard copies of that? I find it frustrating that one can know they’re saved and that still does not stop doubts. The devil is an evil, insidious liar. He won’t leave you alone even after you get saved.
Vicki, a couple of thoughts.
Regarding the 100% question, it is not the quality of our faith, but the object of our faith that is the issue. If one has ever believed the gospel, he is saved. The gospel includes that Christ died for our sins. That means in complete payment for all of our sins – past, present, and future.
God’s will is for believers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. His will is that we not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. See Romans 12:2.
As believers in Christ we should seek to do His will in our lives. But, nowhere in scripture does it say that this is automatic. I avoid saying that good works are the result of someone having eternal life, because that makes it sound like it is automatic. And, if a believer will do good works, then he must do good works. And then it is no longer grace.
Don’t worry about what other people have told you. Look to God’s word. There can never be any assurance from “life change,” “new desires,” and so on. See John 5:24.
Vicki, Satan thrives on confusing people, including believers. He wants to turn our eyes away from Jesus and back to ourselves.
Look at the section on assurance in “The Gospel” booklet. It is on page 20. See also the section on becoming rooted in your faith. It is on page 24. It explains some of Satan’s goals in trying to undernine the believer’s faith in Christ. See below:
Click to access English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf
I need a little input on something. I’m a Christian and I believe God’s Spirit has even born witness with mine that I belong to Him many times. However, at the same time doubts come and I always seem to have a problem with answering the question “are you a hundred per cent sure that you’re going to heaven?” I cringe a little inside because I know the answer should be a resounding yes but I don’t know if I can be honest and say it every single time. Does that mean I’m lost? No, I don’t think so. I know Satan can attack us in this area plus I ask questions like “what if I didn’t believe exactly correctly” because I’ve read that if you trusting even just a smidge in Jesus’ sacrifice plus something else then you are lost. Well, how do I know that I’ve believed exactly right because I have indeed had thoughts like “this is the evidence of a Christian so I shouldn’t do these things and I should do these other things so I need to straighten up.” Yet at the same time I know I’m saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. I’ve looked at it in such a way that yes, salvation is free and doesn’t cost me a thing but AFTER salvation there should be some works in the believer’s life. I separate the two. Salvation itself is by faith in Christ alone but AFTERWARDS is works and they do not save or help save but are the RESULT of being saved. That’s the mindset that I’ve had most of the time. But now I hear that that’s not necessarily so and a true believer can live like the devil so to speak for a whole lifetime. There’s a lot of things going through my mind and I’ve been doing a lot of reading. And I’m beginning to think I should just stop listening to anyone because they’re not all saying the same things. I’ve even read some deathbed experiences that don’t help either. One woman said she was as sure of heaven as if she were already there but those watching her die said she had a hellish experience. Now granted it wasn’t made known what this woman was basing her assurance on. None of this stuff helps to make me more sure of my salvation. I ask myself what if whatever assurance is false since this lady thought she was going to heaven. I’m hearing too many different things. So, what do I do? Here’s a few questions:
Even though I believe I am saved, if I don’t feel I can answer “am I a hundred per cent sure of heaven” with a yes, what then?
If I believe I’m saved and even that God has witnessed that to my spirit, yet doubts still come, what does that mean? Is Satan constantly attacking me?
What if my belief isn’t just exactly right or I got some part of it wrong? I imagine God having a belief-o-meter in heaven and it dings when someone gets it just right and gets saved. Yeah, weird, I know. Is God really going to send someone to hell if they’re a bit confused and have combined a belief in Jesus with a bit of something else? If they don’t completely understand that works are the RESULT of salvation, not how we get salvation? If they’re coming to Jesus with whatever light they have?
There are too many mixed messages (from Lordship salvation to free grace to anything and everything in between) that cause confusion and God isn’t the author of confusion so I’m sure not knowing what to think. I’ve been saved for between 35-40 years now but am still plagued by doubts that come and go. The devil has so many different gospels out there and I know he does it to create confusion and keep people from the real thing…..keep them from evening being able to know what the real gospel is. Nowadays, a lost person seeking Christ can fall into any one of these messages for they all “prove” what they say by the word of God but they cannot all be right. None of this stuff gives assurance for you can always ask yourself “what if they’re right and I’m wrong?” Anyway, thanks for listening.
Vicki Frazier
Michael, I really appreciated that book by Pastor Cucuzza too. Lots of Scripture there and very well put together.
Yes Indeed John. Some people ask why tell them not to conform to the world if they automatically will not do it as true believers. The simple answer Is that Paul does tell them this is because,once a person believes,they have a choice as to whether they will submit to the will of God for their life or not.Certainly God wants them to submit and surrender,but it is a choice they must make themselves.
Unfortunately many have been taught the false teaching by Calvin of perseverance ,that clearly denies the fact that man has the ability to choose.
christianpacifists, Romans 12:2 comes to mind to describe the transformation we are called to undergo as believers during this lifetime.
Hiya John, thanks. I received Thomas Cucuzza book Secure Forever today,yes I found the eternal life part that explains it in more detail. The book has all the answers I need. Thanks for the recommendation on your site.
The articles I wanted regarding myself In the email, about how I live my life now (as per my email is In it too),and this has given me immense peace,as per my email.. Let me explain:
Mr Cucuzza mentions three types of sanctification: 1.Positional,2.Progressive and 3.Ultimate. Sanctification is the present tense of Salvation.It is deliverance from the power of sin.We have not only been saved,but we are being saved. To “sanctify” means “to set apart”,it shares the same root word “Hagious” as the words “Holy” and “Saint”. The CWS dictionary defines it as:
“Holy,set apart,sanctified,consecrated,saint.It has a common root,hag-,with hagnos ,chaste,pure.Its fundamental Idea is separation ,consecration, devotion to the service of diety,sharing In God’s Purity and abstaining from earths defilement”.. Sanctification has three aspects to it : position , progressive, or experimental,and ultimate.
A) Positional Sanctification is what takes place at the moment a person trust Christ as their Saviour.He is set apart to God and made pure and Holy.It is our position In Christ…It depends only upon ones union with and position “In Christ”. All Believers are “Saints” and are “sanctified”. The author includes the verse: 1 Corinthians 1:1-2 with this process. (There is a deeper explanation In the Book with scriptural references)
B) Progressive sanctification is what we experience as we walk by Faith,surrendered to the Lord and obedient to his word.This is what Christian growth Is all about-being saved from the power of sin on a daily basis. We need to grow- “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 22).
Make no mistake about it,growth In the life of a Christian Is the express will of God in the life of every Christian.We are able to become more and more like Christ In our Lives and character as we cooperate with the Lord and let him have his way. ” But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy”. (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Believers are given righteousness and holiness as a gift the moment thye believe, (Ephesians 2:8-9) ; Romans 6:2-3) (There is a deeper explanation In the Book with scriptural references)
C) Ultimate Sanctification is when we will be completely set apart from the world to Christ when Jesus comes back to take us home to heaven.The apostle John gave us a wonderful promise to look forward to In 1 John 3.
In the light of the fact that we shall be changed and be like the Lord when he comes back,we should live pure Lives now In preparation of seeing Him..
( (Their is a deeper explanation In the Book with scriptural references) .
I would say I’m at a B in this process. Anyone reading this and unsure about how secure they are reference their True Salvation, and its relationship to your Christian Life, then I highly recommend this Book by Thomas M. Cucuzza of Northland Bible Baptist Church In St Cloud,Minnesota. John has the link on the home page.
Remember the Truth will set You Free, Blessings, Michael
christianpacifists, the very moment one believes in Jesus as his Savior, he has eternal life that can never be lost or forfeited – no matter what. A person does not have to persevere in either faith or good works to remain saved. So, yes, a person who believes – even if he walks away from it and/or lives in sin and rebellion is still saved.
Please note that professing faith in Christ is not the same as believing in Christ as Savior. There are those who have only ever believed a false gospel, and thus may profess faith in Christ without really understanding the gospel and believing in Jesus. Others may make false professions for votes, marriage, etc.
Greetings John. As a firm believer in Justification By Grace Alone Through Faith Alone In Jesus Christ Alone also,Please may I ask at what point do you think someones Faith In Christ alone becomes acceptable to be granted Gods Grace/ Salvation ?
For example one could profess,proclaim their faith In Christ and then walk away from that proclamation sometime later,or make the proclamation of Faith and carry and some time later not walk in the spirit and keep sinning with no care in the world about its consequences. Is he then still saved ?
I’m sorry. I should have just NOT said anything. These arguments wouldn’t have happened. Just wanted some advice Y’know?
LET’S move on to other issues.
I would like to move on to other issues.
John, I agree with you. However, we still need to practice common sense and discretion when dealing with enemies that are wicked. We need to keep them at arms length. Some have ulterior motives and will go out of their way to leech and freeload off of our kindness and take advantage of us. If for example, a wicked enemy looks at your spouse with a lustful eye, you don’t invite that person into your home or want to associate with him.
Jon, Your comment – “Seems pretty clear to me: Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Easier said then done, but to take pleasure in someone getting cancer is sick in my opinion.”
My comment – I never got “pleasure” in seeing that evil principal getting cancer, but what I am saying is that she got what was coming to her. She was indeed evil. A child was hurt on the school bus and was bleeding and the bus driver immediately drove the child back to the school and presented the child to the principal whose responsibility was to notify the parents about the incident and call 911. Instead of doing that, she avoided her responsibility and instructed the driver to take the student back on the bus and told the driver to call 911. That is clearly avoiding responsibility on the part of the principal and her passing her responsibility on to someone else which can open her up to serious liability. Jon, how would YOU feel if that was YOUR CHILD?
The principal would make false accusations against people and was known to always twist and distort the truth. As believers in Jesus Christ, making waves for the sake of making waves is wrong and unjustified, BUT making waves for the sake of the truth and what’s right is justified. As Daniel earlier commented, we are not to let people walk all over us. We are salt and light in a corrupt and decaying society, We are to speak up and take action when it is in our power and right as Christians to do so.
Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do right; seek justice.
As a Christian, we must be careful in doing good to evil people. In some cases, if you do good to evil people, they will take unfair advantage of you and could get you in trouble with law enforcement. In my city, there are many con artists with criminal backgrounds who masquerade as “homeless” and “poor”. If you were to give money to them, the first thing they would do is run to the supermarket and buy beer, and cigarettes, or drugs. These are the ones who ruin it for the ones that are legitimately homeless, poor, and in dire straits.
I think we all agree that scripture is clear that we should love our enemies and pray for them.
God desires that all men be saved, and so should we.
Just for clarification, whoever does not believe in Jesus is in danger of hellfire, whether or not he persecutes God’s children.
Benchap, I agree with William here.
Surely we should 💖 our enemies and pray for them. But Benchap, we can’t just let them walk over us as if we’re some pathetic joke. That they get scot-off free satisfied. No man. We are NOT weak creatures of peace. The lord is a god of love and mercy. But he is also Holy and Just. Whoever messes with his children are messing with him. They are in danger of hellfire.
Sometimes though, I have a fleeting moment of empathy for these people. What if they are insecure just like I am? A bit misunderstood but end up hanging with the wrong crowd. It is but a fleeting moment.
William, Jesus said bless and curse not. It’s not a difficult thing to understand. I’m sorry, but you’re wrong on this.
Yes, God can punish people. No, you can’t say God gave someone cancer because you prayed, nor do you know that God gave her cancer.
Your example is one that proves that we are to allow the authorities to deal with criminals. It does not support your idea that God gave the other woman cancer.
I agree, there were ‘imprecatory’ Psalms, prayed for by Holy Spirit inspired people, and I feel like I’ll leave that outcome to the Lord. We pray for our enemies and we do good to them them that hate us. We love our enemies. It’s not easy, but the reason is that ‘wicked’ people are lost very likely, and so what is the alternative? God desires NONE should perish. So we should be praying for all men as 1 Tim 2 tells us so that they might come to a knowledge of the truth.
I know that one day those who have rejected Christ will be judged, but until then, let’s all do our best to pray for them and in doing good, maybe we will heap coals of fire (which I believe is conviction) on their heads, overcoming evil with good.
I had a well known preacher, Jacob Prasch, come in a group and through another woman call me down (for speaking against his railing manner and false teaching), and used the Word and no unkindness to do so. He called down Christ’s swift judgment on the liar (which he had already called me). I knew of course I had not lied, but that night as I was preparing dinner and thinking on it, I prayed and asked the Lord not to call down judgment on him, but if He was willing, to show Him the truth and bring him others to show him. I realize that may not happen, but I don’t want to presume what God will do in this lifetime to another via a sickness or otherwise. If so, well, I guess I could assume that regarding all the death and accidents and sickness in my life. We live in a fallen world. The rain falls on both the wicked and righteous alike.
Seems pretty clear to me: Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Easier said then done, but to take pleasure in someone getting cancer is sick in my opinion.
Benchap, Sometimes bullies and people that are evil need to be dealt with whether its by the Lord, by the police, or by us in self defense. Otherwise, bullies and evil people will continue to bully and do evil and not learn their lesson.
Benchap, I think it depends on the situation. The youths that Elisha cursed were probably unsaved and were in a gang, and I believe Elisha cursed them in the name of the Lord because there were so many of them which could have turned out to be a dangerous situation where the youths could have attacked Elisha. The fact that they called him a “baldhead” indicates that they were bullying him.
Yes, we are to pray for our enemies and bless them, but that does not mean that we are to become doormats or punching bags. Six years ago, me and my wife were in a situation where our evil tenant spit in my wife’s face and then punched me in my face knocking my glasses off. It became a physical confrontation where we had to call the police and had him arrested.
We then filed charges against him, took him to court, and had him evicted because of his violent nature. We had to keep him at arms length and considered him an enemy. Yes, we are pray for our enemies, but we also need to draw the line. We are not to invite them into our homes especially if they’re violent and have a criminal record. Self defense is justified for a Christian if it becomes a physical confrontation.
Maybe that is true, but Jesus said bless them and curse not. Stephen was being killed and said “lay this charge not to their account”.
If God dealt with us according to our sins, we’d be dead.
Benchap. I think that was in the Old Testament. When he cursed them.
I think we should love our enemies, and pray for them.
I thought we were not meant to pray bless our enemies, not wish curses upon them?
Daniel, Remember Elisha? 2 Kings 2:23-24 – 23 Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up by the way, young lads came out from the city and mocked him and said to him, “Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!” 24 When he looked behind him and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up forty-two lads of their number.…
Pray to the Lord, and He’ll deal with those bullies who are harassing you.
Daniel, Luke 6:22-23 – 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
I have worked in the public schools for 27 years and have experienced some very spiteful and vindictive people. About 3 years ago, the evil principal of the school where I formerly worked brought 3 pages of false accusations against me which resulted in my calling my union and also resulted in my transfer to another school. She was very unkind to the teachers and even the students and she was basically a cold and insensitive person who was there only for the $money$.
I prayed that God would deal with her and He did. Recently, I was told that she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, 3rd stage. Daniel, God is a God of JUSTICE.
Proverbs 11: 21:
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Daniel, people in the flesh are unkind.
Believers never have to worry about fitting in in God’s family.
Some people are jerks in my school. Sometimes I can see those punks talking smack about me. I just wish they’ll get what’s coming to them. Sometimes when I’m in close proximity, I might hear them say some things, and they might not know I’m there. People in general just irritate me, why am I even a human?
Daniel, Jack Weaver was gentle and wise, and served the Lord until the very end of his life.
God bless that man. I wish I was here when he was still alive.
Daniel, the expreacherman was Jack Weaver. He passed away in January, 2015.
If you would like to know more about him, please see the link, below:
Thanks. John
Who is expreacherman? Did he die?
While there is breath there is hope. Pray for more laborers for the harvest and think on Acts 17:24-27. He put us where we are for a reason, and also where they are so they would have the best place and time to seek Him. I take comfort in that for all as we labor together in the harvest, we never know who will water what we may have planted. Don’t give up!
Daniel, Hang in there. Sometimes it could take years or even decades before a person who is arrogant and prideful to wake up to the reality of John 3:16. My father never believed the gospel despite my mother’s many attempts for decades. I believe it is more than just pride and arrogance that are obstacles.
2 Corinthians 4:4 – In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
In the past I tried many times to share the gospel with my weight training partner in the gym, but he just like you said will not “budge” an inch. He was prideful, arrogant, and deeply entrenched in Darwinism and the theory of evolution. The best we can do is pray and let God do the rest.
Daniel — I know it’s hard. There is a reason why we love our enemies and do good to them. There is a reason why we pray for those who spitefully use us. There is a reason why we love others as ourselves. There is a reason why we live our life in such a way that men might see it and glorify our Father that is in heaven. There is a reason we keep grace and salt in our speech. Just do your part. Pray for them, walk in wisdom towards them, redeeming the time wisely. Pray for opportunity, pray for them, use God’s Word when you can in a sincere way. Do good to them. Have others pray for them. Praying for them to take heed to God’s Word.
Daniel, I will pray for your parents as well.
Daniel, we can all pray that your parents would soften their hearts to God’s word, and that they would hear and understand the gospel.
It fills me with joy knowing that it’s so easy to be saved. But my parents are stubborn. They won’t listen when I present it to them. My dad doesn’t believe in a eternal hell and no matter how many times I try to convince him, he won’t budge. My mom just rolls her eyes and scoffs, I cannot help but get angry with this behavior of theirs. I’m about to give in. I don’t know what to do. They’re too arrogant and prideful. Ugh.
“God brought me through a time when He took his word away from me. I had to re learn scriptures all over again and learn to even trust myself reading scripture after over 10 years having false doctrine ground into me. It was extremely difficult. I would not want any other soul to have to go through what I did..”
Curtis, I know that pain all too well! I have gone through a year or so where I have basically avoided the Bible because each time I read it I become confused or attacked with fears that “this” or “that” verse is about loss of salvation (when it is not).
This website – along with its commenters – is such a blessing!
A jump start…. how well put Phil R.
I think you nailed it, people must not have it really taught to them at the presentation of the gospel, as you would have to get stuck on the ‘turn from sins’ as you are dead in your sins, powerless, without strength, ungodly…. if people don’t understand what Christ as done, (as you said),
1) taking way all their sins
2) imputing his perfect righteousness to them
3) reconciling them to the Father, (making peace)
4) raising them with Him
5) welcoming them into eternity
ALL (the above) as a gift that only has to be received by faith….
I believe many haven’t been told that at that moment they can KNOW they currently possess eternal life, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. They they will NEVER PERISH, that their inheritance is reserved and UNDEFILED in heaven, that they were born again of an INCORRUPTIBLE seed… So many things, so many if they did believe, they have not been discipled. And then they meet these ‘radical disciples’ who are going to lead them right into the ditch…
Phil, I agree that it’s sad. And, I don’t think it’s relegated to internet trolls. I think works for salvation, or works to prove salvation is the dominant mindset in professing Christendom, whether Catholic, Reformed, or Pentecostal.
Many professing Christians have never understood the gospel.
john, maybe what I am reading on a lot of forums is simply people who will troll these forums and make legalistic salvation remarks just to get a reaction and start a debate. Or they will simply not have a grasp of the gospel message, but simply have their handful of quotes like “faith without works won’t save anyone.” I think also that people naturally think they have to make their way in life, so it stands to reason they have to make it themselves being a Christian: IWO, self justification. It’s like the cross, grace, and faith are just to jump start a person to live a godly life in order to make it to heaven. To them, the cross, grace and faith take a back seat to our performance. The idea of totally depending on Christ is so foreign to them and takes them so far out of their comfort zone. And also they just cannot conceive of someone just having faith that Christ gave it all for them; that a person could just believe the gospel and still live sinfully or just do nothing is unthinkable to them To the LSer and other legalists minds Christ sacrificed everything in love for us, so therefore we must respond in love with our lives as a requirement for salvation. If this is true then this is the dominant thinking in the professing Christian world. Sad.
Phil, I am sure we are in the minority. How small? I can’t say. I am pretty confident that there are believers among churches that teach false gospels (or at least compromise or blur the gospel) and for whatever reason they will not separate.
Phil, I am sure we are in the minority. How small? I can’t say. I am pretty confident that there are believers among churches that teach false gospels (or at least compromise or blur the gospel) and for whatever reason they will not separate.
HI, after reading through this great thread on justification and our complete forgiveness through Christ, I am concerned that a vast majority of evangelicals, fundamentalists, and others who read the Bible or call themselves Christians just don’t get it about all that Christ has done for them. It seems that just don’t see that it’s all about what Christ has done taking away all their sins, imputing his perfect righteousness, reconciling them to the Father, raising them with Him and welcoming them into eternity all as a gift that only has to be received by faith.
The majority of what i read on these other Christian forums is “me, me,me” The “you have to do your part too” and their usual gospel of “faith without works is dead” and “Christ won’t save those who don’t change their lives” on and on…..
I guess my question is this: are we free grace believers, people who literally and truly believe that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone somehow in some very small minority compared to the those who believe we are saved by faith along with this or that from us, like we have to exchange this or that, or “repent or forsake our sins”, and start making Christ Lord, or changing our lives for Christ? And they say if we don’t also do these things they we are not truly saved.
If I am in a tiny minority then I am happy that Christ did it all for me saving me, and that it is not up to any of my doing.
Bobbie Jo – it was so nice to read it again and just see the people come to read it today, I pray for fruit for Jack even after the fact ❤
Thanks for the top the article, Holly. It is def a great read! 🙂
This seems like the page to post this letter by Jack on.
John if you feel it would better somewhere else, please feel free.
This is an article Jack Weaver wrote to another friend and cancer patient who used to work with Peter Jennings. It is Jack’s story of how he came from a Calvinist background, to all sorts of religions to atheism. Please read and share. For those of you who have been thinking and talking of writing friends or family who do not believe, maybe this will give you help on what you could share. The clear gospel is presented. In Jesus Christ eternally (Jack’s sign off). And it is true, there he is… ❤
http://redeemingmoments.com/2015/03/24/faith-and-prayer-by-jack-weaver/
Thought it would be good to supply some more places here people can go to share links, and shod their feet each day. We need more laborers for the harvest.
…and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…
(ABOVE) ETERNAL LIFE FOR YOU – Jack Weaver
DR. RAY STANFORD’S PERSONAL EVANGELISM BOOK. (Presents the gospel and also ways to witness to different religions along with explaining predestination and the two natures).
Click to access personal-evangelism-handbook.pdf
PDF FILE – ), “HOW TO BE SURE YOU ARE GOING TO HEAVEN”, BY PASTOR THOMAS CUCUZZA
http://northlandchurch.com/content.cfm?id=316&download_id=11#attached_content
VIDEO OF SAME
THE GOSPEL BOOKLET BY CLEAR GOSPEL – Ron Shea
Click to access the-gospel.pdf
VIDEO BY DR. HANK LINDSTROM-CLEAR GOSPEL PRESENTATION
BIBLE BASICS: WHAT IS ETERNAL SALVATION? by Jim F. at Standforthefaith.com
http://standforthefaith.wordpress.com/2014/05/22/what-is-eternal-salvation/
Aaron, glad you joined us, good to meet you. I pray you will be blessed as you read here. Lots of sound Biblical exhortation, vs. quotes and teachings of men. I like how you worded that, ‘hard believism’, men like John MacArthur don’t even mind admitting that, as they go about corrupting minds from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Welcome to an Oasis of Grace Aaron ,
Thank you for your testimony Aaron , may we continue to stand for the “Truth of the Gospel ”
Gal 2:5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Curtis
THANK YOU so very much for this wonderful blog site and Biblical truth of the eternal security of the Christian, sir!
I joined your blogsite.
I was saved when I was a teenager, and I trusted in Jesus Christ as my only eternal Savior, the Messiah, who died for my sins and rose from the dead. I struggled for many, many years with the issue of the eternal security of the born again/born of God person. Jesus used other believers and directed me to His Bible and the issue is settled with me. I am opposed to lordship and all forms of works salvation.
It sickens me how there are these un-Biblical extremes where on one hand we have the universalistic, “positive thinking” crowd like Joel Osteen and the new age “emerging church” people who want to unite all the false religions into one and also under the banner of Christianity…and on the other hand we have the extreme of the “hard believism” lordship salvationists who want to sneak works into justification.
You have achieved the Biblical balance in which we admit there is an eternal torment in the Lake of Fire/Hell for all who reject the Lord Jesus Christ as their only Savior….but….eternal salvation is a settled and eternally secure fact once the person has believed alone in Christ alone/faith alone in Christ alone.
And so, I say THANK YOU for defending the Gospel truth!
Some more wonderful passages to reflect on… 🙂
Amen , Eternal Life is a very present possession and is here and now to all those who by grace through faith Trust Christ Jesus as Saviour alone.
Very important to remember and need to hear it often. also it is Impossible for God to lie. No Born again Soul can have any part in the second death or God would be a liar.
Num_23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Heb 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Curtis, funny, I shared those two passages today as one had difficulty with the ‘removing of the lampstand’.
Jim Floyd – in more ways than one I believe they misunderstand eternal, they think eternal begins when we die, vs eternal being the here and now. They also think one dimensionally concerning time, it’s hard for any of us to begin to comprehend that God is timeless, we believe it, but wrapping our mind around it to understand it, different story…
John- they often use 1 John 3 regarding practicing sin, to suggest those that ‘practice sin’ are not saved, in fact one brought up practicing sin over on my blog, I referred them to Yankee’s sermon on 1 John 3, think it’s a good explanation regarding poieo and prasso, and people needing to understand the difference between our two natures, also between the eternal and temporal.
I agree John. Those who say eternal life can be lost don’t understand the concept of the new man and how it relates to the old. They also fail to comprehend the simple meaning of “eternal”.
I am going to keep my words out of this as much as possible .
I would also suggest reading the entire chapter of 1 John 5. The answer is right in front of you as you allow the Word of God minister to your heart mind soul.
who are the overcomers of revelation ?
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
1Jn 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
1Jn 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1Jn 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Holly and Jim, I think about the passages in scripture in which the terms of eternal life are presented. There is never any mention in those passages of the possibility of losing one’s salvation. The proof texts that the Arminians use to suggest that one can lose eternal life are never presented in those passages.
Let’s look at a couple:
John 3:5-7:
[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
[7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(1 John 3:9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.)
How can someone who is born of God commit even ONE sin? He can’t. It is the old nature (the flesh, the old man) that still sins. The new nature does not sin – at all. So, any sin committed by the old man cannot taint the regenerated man.
John 4:13:14:
[13] Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
[14] But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
How can someone “never thirst” if they could “thirst again”?
When Jesus was talking to Nicodemus and the woman at the well, Romans 8:13, 2 Peter 2:20, and Revelation 3:5 had not even been written.
Me too Jim Floyd. I have seen so many people who are in the Pentecostal circles that seem to really hit those passages hard. But in trying to require believers to follow the law (yes Pentecostals, that is what you are indeed doing), you are unsettling people’s souls.
Have you not considered your own? What is the standard? Do they judge their own lewd behavior, or that of their favorite prophet or prophetess? Who are into worshipping of angels and intruding into those things which they have not seen (although claiming they have), they are vainly puffed up by their own fleshly mind,
These all believe they can lose their salvations, but they also believe they can become like gods. They err in not knowing the Scriptures, they quote bits and pieces and ignore others, I always think of Psalm 50:16-17 and Is 66;2, along with so many others. They think of men beyond what is written 1 Cor 4:6, they know very well they are not living by God’s standard of holiness, yet they seem to have no fear and trembling before God. I am afraid they will trying to be justify themselves by their works in that day, and it won’t be because they have lost their salvation, but because they have never had it.
Seeker,
I pray that you will repent (change your mind) and believe the truth that salvation in Christ is eternal – not temporal. Justification means be declared eternally not guilty. No verses in the Bible negate that. It is a matter of you choosing to believe it or not.
Jim F
I don’t want to be the only one commenting in a row, but rejoice as I read the excellent answers here.
Curtis – I too was taken aback when I saw that he said ‘repent of sin’ regarding Rev 3:5, then saw you had answered it (was trying to read in a row in my email, sometimes easier)
You correctly re-quoted Rev 3:5 without the ‘repent from sin’ addition.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
You said (which I agree and appreciate) “The phrase ” Repent of sin ” or “unrepentant sin ” is not in the bible it also heresy to suggest believer people will be judge for unrepented sin . according to Heb 9:26
Heb 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
I agree very much with what you shared, and am thankful that what He did was once for all (Heb 10:14), perfecting us forever…vs. 14, For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
So many seem to misunderstand that He sanctified us when we believed, that is a positional sanctification that is immediate and forever. Yet we have still what some call a practical or progressive sanctification, as we still have the old man and continue to walk in this dirty world while we are still in the flesh. We have people out there that understand and try to help other believers by washing their feet (a picture I believe of practical sanctification – as the 11 were already clean), or we have wolves out there trying to take off the believers shoes… and not in order to wash their feet…
It is Jesus who has overcome the world, being in Him, by believing, makes us an overcomer, so many of the lack of eternal security teachers have to consistently preach about being ‘victorious’ as part of their salvation vs. pointing to the One who overcame for us…
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Jn 16:33
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5
Holly and all regarding Seeker,
To those who have laboriously searched the scripture to answer Seeker, we appreciate your excellent prayerful efforts.
Seeker is not seeking scriptural answers and Truth but he was attempting to peddle his brand of a works, Lordship “salvation.”
ExP cannot become a forum for those who oppose God’s Grace.
Seeker has been given everything he needs to trust Jesus Christ alone as his Savior but refuses with tricky words and blatant pride.
We are banning him from future comments at ExPreacherMan and will appreciate your prayers for him, that Seeker will actually seek and find the Biblical truth to trust Jesus alone as his Savior.
Thanks to all of you for trying but Seeker is obviously “willingly ignorant.” It is his decision now.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
John, you said: “I thanked God this morning that I am secure in his powerful hand, and that I don’t have to try to rely on my feeble inability to keep myself saved.”
My prayer isn’t exact, but similar thanks as I daily encounter those who do not seem to understand how important to leave off their own additions to the gospel. For me, when I remember to thank Him for what He has done, it’s part of ‘putting on’ my armor. I don’t take up salvation every day, but I should remind myself, or be thankful for, the fact that the mind of Christ is covered by the helmet of salvation, no mortal wounds… That He is my breastplate of righteousness, and I am not somehow the nuts and bolts that help hold it together. I am no part of that, He is my total covering through His Spirit and His Word.
I ask this sad question. If they do not understand the gospel, or have had their minds corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ, how can they shod their feet every day with the preparation of the gospel of peace? Let alone every other piece of armor which encompasses His truth, His Word? They are defenseless or worse, lost.
Jack, funny… I was wondering about that comment, ‘rules’ can be helpful, but they are established by men, just as creeds are.
It is good to understand the genre of a book, the five w’s and the how, the reason for it, the underlying message i.e., Hebrews, or Galatians, both have different underlying messages, all useful to us, but we should understand the book. I know we should not superimpose our own ideas on any text, but I didn’t even think of those words when I wanted to know the truth as Curtis suggested, I prayed, asked Him to help and dug into context (wasn’t really thinking context, just digging). Sometimes much more must be taken into account, not just a couple of verses. I remember being with a group who was using Job 22:28 to ‘decree’ things, and I had to point out that they might not want to count on Eliphaz’s words being right. That required the whole context of Job, not just a few verses, but you know that.
Having been to a seminary yourself, you are familiar with some of the less than plain speech they use. I’m trying to remember that myself as I write, the great plainness of speech, the fear and trembling, the lack of excellency of my own wisdom of words, so that people might hear and believe about Christ and Him crucified. The manifesting of His truth, not in hidden things of dishonesty, or walking in craftiness, or handling the word of God deceitfully, but commending ourselves to every man’s conscience (pp from 2 Cor 4).
I found out the other day that a young boy about 15, a grandson of a friend, had read some of my blog. I like that there is usually true exchange here between people, a reasoning with His Word. Not lawyers waiting around the corner to trap someone.
Thank you Jack for your ministry.
John seems as if I have been redundant… Are we talking to Ben? Seems like I recognize the tone of silent seeker but I thought it was another previous commenter.
Curtis, Excellent answer…”Put all the books down and teachers who you are massing together to help hold an opinion even what you are reading here on this blog. Make a determination before God that you desire Truth for He is the master teacher who teaches us Spirit to spirit..”
Yes silentseeker (101)
Yes there is a difference between walking after the Spirit, and in the Spirit. Thank you for the reference to Gal 5, we just finished the book in my Bible study.
Do you want to know something really? Because I’ve asked you some questions in reverse but you’ve not answered. Seems like you are a little more determined to say you are taking the plain approach to understanding, yet you don’t seem to do that in reverse with the preponderance of eternal security passages. Going to continue to read the other’s comments here.
Seeker I got your response but don’t see it posted here. but anyhow you said
“Rev.3:5 – believers can have their names removed from book of life for not repenting of sin”
If I may suggest when it comes to matters of the eternal soul and growth Please only study the KJV at least for a time. I am not a KJ only person but I do prefer KJ when it comes to study.
this is what KJV says
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
The phrase ” Repent of sin ” or “unrepentant sin ” is not in the bible it also heresy to suggest believer people will be judge for unrepented sin . according to Heb 9:26
Heb 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
To me you did not learn that on your own but someone taught you that. I am familiar with that teaching and have a good idea who the teacher is .
I absolutely despise that doctrine.
If you think I am taking sin lightly I beg to differ even after several years coming to the “Truth of the Gospel. my eyes still swell with tears when I ponder the judgement seat of Christ for I know I am going there ashamed for spreading false doctrine.
If you think Salvation is only to save you from Hell then you are already in error.
Jon 3:10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Jon 4:1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.
ooops ? what God repented of evil ??
2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2Co 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Curtis
Seeker,
Your position on God’s Holy Word amazes me. You asked John,“Isn’t one of the main rules of biblical hermeneutics NOT to approach God’s word with preconceived doctrinal, social, or personal biases..?”
What a confusing sentence and untrue statement!! That question and approach to God’s Word is one of the oldest Liberal Seminarian tricks in their book (the Liberal rule of “higher criticism”?). In other words, your approach to studying the Holy Bible, (inspired by God Himself) is simply as one would study a secular or pseudo “religious” book. You would approach it just as one would read the Koran, Mien Kampf or Calvin’s Institutes! Your premise is that Eternal Life, offered Freely as the Gift from God, is only temporal. Such a position is simply un-scriptural and offensive to Bible believers.
1 John 5:11
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
Eternal Life is very simply ETERNAL in Jesus!
We here at ExPreacherMan study God’s precious Word in context — convinced that it is His Word, not a novel or just another book. We know it is The Book from God Himself proclaiming the free GIFT of Eternal Life. We know it is without error, without contradiction and we study it from that Truth as we grow in His Grace. (2 Peter 3:18)
Seeker, we am grieved that you cannot see or understand the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3), that you do not understand the Bible as God’s personal message of salvation and Eternal Life to you. We pray that you will truly be a Seeker and reconsider the offer of Jesus Christ to you – believe/trust in Him and have Everlasting Life. (John 3:16-18).
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Curtis, great advice. I was confused on the doctrine of eternal security before I believed in Christ as my Savior. I had read much false doctrine, and did not know what to believe.
I told God that I didn’t know what the truth was, and I asked him to reveal it to me.
The next day, I was reading a case for once saved always saved, and was just overwhelmingly convinced if its truth.
Shortly after I became convinced of the truth of eternal security of the believer, I understood the gospel message. I understood that Jesus took away all of my sins (past, present, and future) and that salvation was a gift, not a trade for my performance or promise of any works (such as turning from sin or committing to follow Christ).
I received Christ as my Savior more than three years ago by simple faith in Him. I had to repent from my religious beliefs (Southern Baptist LS) in order to trust in Christ alone. I found ExPreacherMan about a year after I was saved.
Like everyone who takes a stand for the purity of the gospel message, we are falsely maligned by religious people for teaching people that they SHOULD sin, for teaching people that they SHOULD NOT do good works, for being “drunk on grace”, for teaching half of the gospel, etc.
I have to remind myself constantly, when I am interacting with lost religious people or confused brothers in Christ, that I didn’t understand or believe the clear, simple gospel until I was 49.
I thanked God this morning that I am secure in his powerful hand, and that I don’t have to try to rely on my feeble inability to keep myself saved.
My heart is burdened for you Ben it is very dangerous holding onto opinion’s when coming to scripture. God brought me through a time when He took his word away from me. I had to re learn scriptures all over again and learn to even trust myself reading scripture after over 10 years having false doctrine ground into me. It was extremely difficult. I would not want any other soul to have to go through what I did.. If i may say , Put all the books down and teachers who you are massing together to help hold an opinion even what you are reading here on this blog. Make a determination before God that you desire Truth for He is the master teacher who teaches us Spirit to spirit. my prayer before God was , Please God I shall not be ignorant of your righteousness. I shall not be ignorant of the Gospel .
Curtis
some more thoughts
All see; few observe, fewer still compare.
None so blind as those who are sure they see.
Many men have the “courage of their opinions,”
few the courage to abandon their opinions.
Ben, I have read those scriptures many times, but I do not think they contradict the preponderance of other scriptures that so clearly teach eternal security.
Let me ask you the same question, but in reverse: Have you ever read the many clear scriptures on eternal security? How do you answer them? Do you think they are true? If not, how have you chosen which verses to “take at face value”?
If you think the Bible teaches that one can lose his salvation, at what point does that happen? How do you know it hasn’t already happened to you?
I have tried to answer your questions, but I don’t know that I have helped. I’m not sure I am hearing questions from you at this point, but rather insistence on a point of view that you already hold. If all you want to do is debate, I won’t be participating further.
We are here to promote the gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
Thanks. John
yes, I get that that’s your current doctrine John – but there are many scriptures that do not agree with your interpretation of scripture.
Examples of some are: 2Peter 2:20 which clearly shows a believer can be overcome and loose salvation. Rev.3:5 which clearly shows a believers name can be removed from book of life. Rom.8:13 – which clearly shows that if a believer does not put to death the deeds of the flesh, they will die the 2nd death.
Have you ever read these scriptures at face value – do they not seem straight forward? Do you have another interpretation of them?
Holly… there is a differenc between being in the Spirit, and walking after the Spirit. See Gal. 5:16 as well. Here in Rom.8:9 Paul tells them they are in the Spirit – but Rom.8:13, by the Spirit they MUST STILL PUT TO DEATH DEEDS OF FLESH (meaning they have option not to) – OR THEY WILL DIE (2ND DEATH=LAKE OF FIRE).
I don’t know if I’m making it clear, the contrasts. “After the flesh” = nonbeliever as far as I understand it, not = practice sin, as some explain it. Here’s how I am seeing it. They were NOT in the flesh IF the Spirit of God dwelled in them. But after the contrast back and forth, and with the law in prior chapters, we see that non believers are ‘live after the flesh”
Verse 9 says
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Whose righteousness? Our body is dead because He brought us from death into life. Spiritual death no longer has a hold on us either.)
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(I take that to mean a contrast, you are one or the other, nonbeliever or believer.
If you are a nonbeliever = live after the flesh = death,
If you are a believer, through the Spirit, you’ve put to death the deeds of the body)
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Forgive me if it didn’t make sense, if not, I’ll try tomorrow. (And open to the right understanding anyone, I know I may not have done a very good job on that).
In Him, Holly
I hope the bolding etc. works, kind of tired, so I pray I can make sense to you, and if not, tomorrow, silentseeker
I am no teacher but believe that chapter 7 is part of the context, really, there are divisions not as simple as one verse in understanding what is being said.
I believe we see several contrasts. There is the flesh/old nature, the spirit/new creation. There is, walking after the flesh which is the contrast of a non-believer to one who is walking after the Spirit who is a believer (in Christ-8:1). Then there is the flesh (law of sin) and the Spirit in us (law of God). The law of sin and death, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ.
(This is as I understand it, please prove all things 1 Thess 5:21)
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.</b (believers as I see it)
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (believers as I see it).
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
OK, so question here, now, the carnal mind, is that the same as the mind that serves the law of God in last verse of Rom 7? It has to speak to a non believer, not a carnal believer, or we are back to 1 Cor 13.
To be continued (sorry) I know they like the posts to be shorter if possible, so I’m trying 🙂
Silentseeker101, yes, definitely have ideas on what you posted, but I wish there was a way to read what you wrote at the same time I’m typing, but Romans 8:13, I believe you have to go back aways. A couple of things I see in that passage, and I’ll explain and I go copy and paste the passage, the best I see it any how.
One thing I’d like to ask you as I go to do that, is what passages do you see that say we have eternal life when we believe? Or do you see any? Do you see many or just a few? Just some questions to ponder and maybe we can talk about.
Silentseeker101, I thought you might also be interested in the article linked below from Jim Floyd:
http://standforthefaith.wordpress.com/2013/09/07/the-foundation-of-eternal-security-a-breath-of-fresh-air/
Silentseeker101, I approach it like this: do I think God can lie? I don’t. Nor do I think he can contradict himself.
Titus 1:2: In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Following is one of the clearest verses, to me, on eternal security:
John 5:24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
My view is that eternal life is eternal – no asterisks or caveats. Either one believes it, or not. I have chosen to trust in Jesus as my Savior, not in my works.
Romans 11:6: And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
The following from Clear Gospel Campaign may also help:
The Perfect Atonement
A believer cannot lose his salvation, because when Jesus died on the cross at Calvary, the sin debt of mankind was paid in full. The last thing that the Gospel of John records Jesus as saying before He died on the cross is “tetelasti.” (John 19:30) This term is translated “it is finished,” in most translations, which is accurate. However, the term was a figure of speech in the time of Christ, which meant that a debt had been PAID IN FULL. (Kittel, Vol. VIII, pg. 57, 60.) When Jesus shouted this as he die, He was indicating that His death had paid in full for the sins of man.
This makes it quite impossible for one who has accepted Jesus Christ to somehow commit a sin that was not paid for at Calvary.
When one trusts Jesus as their Savior, they are not trusting that He paid for some of their sins. They are believing that Jesus paid for all of their sins. His perfect atonement paid for our past, present, and future sins.
Justification
A believer cannot lose his salvation because he has been justified in the tribunal of heaven. Because Jesus paid the debt for your sins, the moment you believe on Christ alone as your Savior, you receive the benefit of his death for your sins. The author of Hebrews describes this as being “sanctified” once for all. (Hebrews 10:10-12, & 10:14). When we accept Him as our Savior, we are not taking an arm or a leg. We are accepting JESUS.
In contrast to the term used in Hebrews, Paul uses the word “justify.”
Justification is a legal term, To be justified is to be declared not guilty of one’s sins. Because God required a punishment for sin, when Jesus died on the cross, He suffered God’s wrath to pay for your sins, thereby satisfying God’s legal demands. Because the sin debt has been paid, God is able to declare us “not guilty” of our sins in the tribunal of heaven. Our sins have been paid for. The Christian has not been paroled (guilty, but free to leave prison if we keep on the straight and narrow), he has been pardoned. He has been legally declared “not guilt” of all his sins, past, present and future.
Justification (“dikiao,” “dikiasune) is not a process by which God cleans up the life of a lost sinner and conforms the sinner to His image. Rather, justification is a forensic (legal) declaration wherein God declares a lost sinner to be “not guilty” in the supreme tribunal of Heaven. This is why Paul declares that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Because justification is by faith, and not by the works of the law, and because it is a declaration by God that man is no longer guilty of is sins, a denial of the doctrine of eternal security demonstrates an utter failure to grasp, even on the most rudimentary level, the biblical doctrine of justification by faith.
The doctrines of the atonement and the doctrine of justirfication are of no small significance. The gospel message by which men must be saved is that Christ died for our sins, and arose again from the dead. We are never told to trust Jesus for simply payng our past sins. Jesus paid it all. To deny this is to deny the very gospel itself . . . “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that he rose again on the third day.” (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
Regeneration
A believer cannot lose his salvation because regeneration is an irreversable process. It cannot be un-regenerated.
“Whomsoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed (sperma) remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1st John 3:9
The regeneration is done by the “sperma” of God. When a child is begotten, he receives 23 chromosomes from his father, and 23 chromosomes from his mother. However, that which partakes of his father’s seed is not the father, but a new person, separate from the father, and distinct from the mother as well. He is a new person. It would be impossible for the father to “take back” his genetic input, for the father no longer exists as an separate entity within the child. Only the new person exists. To suggest that a father could withdraw his life from a child would be to ask one to take a microscopic tweaser and pluck from the DNA the genes or base pairs which the father contributed. A human child, once born, may be killed, but it cannot be “un-personed.” The begetting of a child from the seed of his father is in irreversable process. Similarly, one who is begotten of the “sperma” of God cannot be “un-personed.” The act of begetting is an irreversable process.
Therefore, a denial of the doctrine of eternal security demonstrates an utter failure to apprehend, even on the most rudimentary level, nature of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Life
A believer cannot lose his salvation because he has received the gift of eternal life as a result of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. That the eternal life formed during regeneration is infused with divine life from the very “sperma” of God (1st John 3:9; 1st Peter 1:23), thereby divinely imparting unto a lost man, a regenerate nature, having the same imperishable nature as the life that God himself possesses, which is not even subject to death.
“Whomsoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1st John 3:9
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1st Peter 1:23
Just as a child receives some of the genetic nature of his father, so the regenerate man receives some of the “genetic” nature of God Himself! We do not receive God’s omniscience. The regenerate man is not all knowing. Nor do we receive God’s omnipotence. The regenerate man is not all powerful. But he does receive God’s LIFE. And God’s life is inextinguishable. If the regenerate nature implanted by the Holy Spirit could somehow die or be extinguished in punishment for sin, this would necessarily mean that that the life of God Himself is not eternal or incorruptible, but subject to death.
Therefore, a denial of the doctrine of eternal security demonstrates an utter failure to grasp, even on the most rudimentary level, the inextinguishable nature of God’s life which is imparted to the believer in the regeneration.
Thx John.
You said ; “.. I don’t think any passage of scripture can be properly interpreted to mean that someone can lose his salvation..”
Isn’t one of the main rules of biblical hermeneutics NOT to approach God’s word with preconceived doctrinal, social, or personal biases..?
I’m over halfway through Tom’s booklet. Very good. I would like to make contact with him – as I don’t believe 2Peter 2:20, Rom.8:13, Rev.3:5 and a few other “challenging” scriptures have been adequately answered by most I’ve asked.. 😦
I mean, honestly John, do does what I said about 2peter make sense to you – whats your view?
Silentseeker, I understand your point, but I don’t think any passage of scripture can be properly interpreted to mean that someone can lose his salvation.
Read Tom’s booklet. We at sealed with the Holy Spirit the moment we believe. One believes in Jesus FOR eternal life, or he hasn’t yet believed unto salvation.
I am thrilled that you are here and asking these questions. I am praying that you will understand that salvation is a gift. We don’t earn it, so it can’t be lost or forfeited.
Thanks John. Pastor Hosler’s seems mostly accurate – he gives evidence that 2Peter 2:20 refers to believers and that they can be overcome. But then his presentation seems to become very weak, when it comes to vs.20b,21. Hosler says that “worsen state” of the believer is just temporal. But this doesn’t make sense. If Peter says that it would have been better for them not to have “known the way of righteousness” (Hosler previously went on to prove, through many other scriptures, that this type of ‘knowledge’ usually refers to salvation… see pg.2 of tract) – so Not to know the way of righteousness, in context, is not to be saved. What could be worse?? To be saved and then loose salvation, obviously. To be saved and then suffer worsen “temporal” state (as Hosler presents) – would still be better than being unsaved… Right?
mmm… you understand my point john?
Silenseeker101, let me invite you to read the following booklet on eternal security:
Click to access cucuzza-the-permanence-of-salvation.pdf
I think you will also find the following article on 2 Peter helpful:
Click to access hogs_and_dogs.pdf
Hi Johninnc. Thanks I will. I find quite a few versus in the NT that seem to indicate that a believer can loose their salvation. Apart from the verse I just quoted to Holly, maybe I can give you another I find ‘troubling’ – 2Peter 2:20 : Again its addressed to believers: the phrase “those who have escaped the pollution of the world” is used , the same phrase that describes believers in 2Peter 1:4. And then Peter tells us, that if they are again overcome by these worldly pollutions, their end state is worst than before..
Any ideas? thx
Hi, thx Holly. I find quite a few versus in the NT that seem to indicate that a believer can loose their salvation, if they are not led by the Spirit. Eg. Rom.8:13 – it’s definately addressed to those who have the Spirit (ie. believers) and its definately not talking about just physical death, because all die physically, therefore must mean spiritual/2nd death…?
Any ideas?
Silentseeker101 – Nice to meet you, and pray you might also re-read the verses on justification here. I believe when we understand and believe the gospel, apart from works, that knowing God’s Word is true, and will endure forever, as does His promise of salvation, we find peace in His Word, in growing in His grace. I am looking forward to hearing your questions,
In His love, Holly
Silentseeker101, welcome to ExPreacherman!
We would be glad to try to answer your questions on assurance. Before asking them in detail, you may wish to read the section on assurance in the booklet linked below (page 20).
http://cleargospel.org/booklet.php?b_id=3
Hi there guys. I would like to ask some questions on assurance of
salvation?
Thank you Jack. They say it is not the ‘whole counsel’ but are somehow unable to come up with a complete gospel. It dawned on me. It’s just like lying. You can’t remember what you said, and you keep adding to it, and adding to it. Similar to their presentation of the gospel. It was never meant to be complicated or to be hard to understand, that would fly in the face of what God says He desires (for none to perish).
How dishonest that would be if the truth was not made manifest to the light through the gospel…?
I only recently found this thread and want to thank Frying Pan for putting the verses together and for the contribution of others with comments.
Curtis
Holly,
Yes your friend is right, in that we give the whole counsel of God — but she must not understand the concept of IN context. As has been said, “Text without context is pretext.”
And my dear old-time friend, Max Taylor just posted in another thread, Romans 4:5 which should stop the works “salvation” folks dead in their tracks..
But folks who are willingly ignorant and comfortable there will not want to see.
Will be praying for your friend and you.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
My point was, everyone should read this, refresh themselves daily in His gospel I believe, part of having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Here’s a ironic statement (when I consider and think on John 20:31).
I asked one who was adding ‘repentance’ as meaning ‘turn from sin’, to the gospel, why the book of John was written. I asked her to tell me from that verse.
She replied we had to give the ‘whole counsel of God’ (from Acts 20 speech and warning to the elders by Paul), and she did not consider the gospel of John to have that, although she did not state those exact words.
She said the actual ‘concept’ of “turn from sin and believe” was in John and so that is how she made her point. She has since modified her thinking and now it’s just a change of heart based on a change of actions (still works)…
I just cannot help but think on that, pray for her, when I see John 20:31 and hope people will see, that until people hear the good news, Jesus did it all, all to Him I owe, that they will never be able to do any good works in God’s sight… They will never live by grace. If they were ever believers, they are finishing in the flesh. If they are not, they are in danger of dying in their sins and self-righteous filthy rags…
Good answer Jane… I remember Ironside saying when he was in the Holiness movement, they would constantly have backsliders go up and get saved again, and it would bother him because he figured once you were lost then you couldn’t do it again. Of course they didn’t have an answer for why they bothered to ‘renew people again to repentance’….
This makes sense too, because, think about it.. Upon belief I am TOTALLY saved (positionally /in my standing), as far as GOD’S declaration goes, but practically, do I know it???? Not always. As far as my experience (state), most times we don’t even begin to taste it -though it’s perfectly & eternally true- until I begin to, with my mouth confess (Gr Homologeo: homo=same, logeo=speak) = speak the same thing as God —about what? About the righteousness which I already possess, because of the finished work.
What happens when I confess with my mouth the gospel which I have already believed, and the benefits which are already mine.. the fact that I’m righteous, the fact that I’m forgiven, a child of God etc?… It combats religious doubt, Satanic doubt, and world system barrages of doubt, as I hear it with my own ears and it registers in my mind, which starts to think in line with God’s truth, and affects my decisions and attitude and walk and vwalaa, without effort, I find that I am delivered from things I struggled with for years, through the Spirit. (Am3.3, Rom7/Rom8)
Rom10.9 is not complicated & does not need to be isogeted..
Vs 10 has the key to vs9
1) Believe: POSITION/ ETERNAL SALVATION: with the heart we believe unto RIGHTEOUSNESS (we have been justified/ declared forever 100% righteous/ in “right standing” with God in our new position in Christ the moment we believe);
2) Confess: EXPERIENCE/ SANCTIFICATION/ DAILY DELIVERANCE: with the mouth confession is made unto salvation/SOTER=”DELIVERANCE” (this is NOT salvation from hell but practical deliverance from old religious thinking as I discover and CONFESS (agree with God) GRACE! This is the practical experience of being practically and experientially and progressively delivered in our soul, mind, decisions, self image, conscience, etc, in time… Rom12:2, & especially 2Co1.10 by application).
Holly, that interpretation of “confess” would be consistent with grace. What would give me pause to making that interpretation is the addition of “with they mouth” in verse 9 and “with the mouth” in verse 10. Then, in verse 13, we see calling on the name of the Lord coming after believing in verse 14 (reverse order).
You know, I was wondering too as the word ‘confess’ above from Rom 10:9 was discussed, is it possible it means that we believe Who He is and what He did? God come in the flesh as man to give Himself for us as our Savior (1 John 4)? Such as the Word Lord (kyrios) in that passage as a title means God the Messiah? I’m not sure I’m wording this correctly, but basically I saw the confession verses as what we believe, not part of what we actually say out loud to another person. Or am I taking these out of context. Would love your thoughts.
John, What Jack just said. I don’t think I’ve ever read a clearer explanation of those verses. Reading that a couple of years ago would have served me quite well, to say the least.
John,
Tell Jane, Thanks…” That is an exact and well done interpretation of those verses of eternal security. It shows a believer cannot be lost and then saved again and lost and saved again.. but is eternally secure in Jesus FOREVER!!
What a comfort!!!
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
My wife, Jane, wrote the following explanation of Hebrews 6:4-6 to one of her Facebook friends who denies the doctrine of eternal security. It is very good:
Hebrews 6:4-6: [4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, [5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, [6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
This is saying that you cannot be saved more than once lest it make a mockery, by saying the gift of eternal life, which you first believed, was not sufficient enough to hold you through eternity. Therefore, it stands to reason that you may leave the faith, stop believing, etc, but you are always held, from your first belief, for all eternity. Very comforting for those times when Satan nags you about your salvation, or if you are having a skeptic moment.
Always a blessing to read the exchanges here… Praying for someone reading here now, to consider God’s great love and sacrifice for them. Jesus Christ, knowing them, knowing their sins, even the ones they themselves don’t even know what sins they will do…And He already paid the price for them, and forgave them, if they will just will just accept that free gift, and through belief on Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for them, come to have peace with God…
Peace on earth… good will toward men… May someone soon realize (maybe in that hospital room with their loved one), how short life is, and come to the One, who gave His life for them, with such great love and tender mercy for them…
d taylor, I think you are right that Hebrews includes strong admonishments to Jewish believers to not return to Judaism. I had never considered that they might wish to return to Judaism, and then return to Christianity when the persecution subsided.
Following is an interesting discussion of Hebrews 6:4-6 by Richard Seymour from “Examining Difficult Passages Concerning Eternal Security”:
Hebrews 6:4–6
“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”
Some use this passage to teach that a man once saved may later lose his salvation, often drawing the following conclusions.
First, the people referred to in Hebrews 6 are really saved as seen in such phrases as that they “were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come.”

Second, it is possible for these saved people to lose their salvation because the context also says, “if they fall away.”
I agree that those referred to in Hebrews 6:4–6 are genuine Christians. Yet, if verse 6 teaches that saved people can lose their salvation, that same verse must also teach that once their salvation is lost, they can never regain it. Notice carefully what these verses say: “For it is impossible … if they fall away to renew them again to repentance.” What is it impossible to do? To renew those who have fallen away to repentance.
Many people believe they can lose their salvation. They also believe that even though they have lost their salvation, they can repent and be saved again. But if the phrase “fall away” is the same thing as “lose salvation,” then Hebrews 6:4–6 can only mean once a saved man is lost he can never be saved again.
Consequently, what does Hebrews 6:4–6 mean? To answer the question we need to define certain things, for instance, the phrase, “fall away.” Basically, it means to fall to one side—not like falling off a cliff where there’s no return, but in the sense to be out of step. Also needing clarification is the phrase, “to renew them again to repentance.” A modern way of saying it might help. Williams translates it “to keep on restoring them to their first repentance.” Philips renders it “to make them repent as they did at first.”
According to this understanding, the thing that is impossible for a believer who gets out of step with the Lord is to go back to his original repentance—the repentance that brought him into eternal salvation at the beginning. Why would it be impossible to do this? The last part of verse 6 tells us why: Jesus Christ would have to be crucified over again. Such a possibility is unthinkable. Berkeley brings this out in his translation, “for they repeat—so far as they are concerned—the crucifying of the Son of God afresh …”
Nevertheless, we know that the people mentioned here are not lost because of what the writer goes on to say about them:
1. They are “rejected” (disapproved).
2. They are “near to being cursed.”
These believers are similar to those mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:11– 15. They were on the foundation, Jesus Christ (verse 11). They built upon that foundation “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw” (verse 12). All their work will be tried by fire for its quality (“what sort it is,” verse 13). If their work endures, they will receive a reward (verse 14). If their work is burned up, they shall suffer loss but they themselves “will be saved, yet so as through fire” (verse 15). The subject matter of 1 Corinthians 3 is rewards. We work for rewards, but receive salvation as a gift—not of works.
Hebrews 6 is also talking about rewards, not salvation. The illustration given in Hebrews 6 confirms this. In verses 7 and 8 God says, “For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, w2h0ose end is to be burned.”
Notice, the productive earth “receives blessing from God.” The nonproductive earth “bears thorns and briars [and] is rejected [disapproved] and is near to being cursed whose end is to be burned.” Notice, not cursed but “near to”—like 1 Corinthians 3:15, ‘he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.’ Again, notice that these nonproductive believers themselves are not burned but their “end” is. In other words, the end of all that they produced (“thorns and briars”) is burned.
John thanks for that point wrath was the wrong word for what i was trying to say i guess discipline may work better.
but i do believe the affect of the sin of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit plays plays a part of what going on in the early church up to the 70 A.D. destruction and dispersion of Israel.
that verse in Acts 2:40 With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!”
that to me just sounds like a call to discipleship because it just does not sound like a call for eternal life
was not Hebrews written to Believers that were wanting to return to the Judaism they had left in order to escape persecution and then return after the persecution was over. I was thinking that these verses are addressing this problem Hebrews 6:4-6 and that if they did leave they were in danger of experiencing Gods discipline
thanks for the thoughts. when there is no one around (in person) to sound ideas off of, this is helpful in studying difficult areas in the Bible.
d taylor, good point. God does chasten believers – sometimes quite sternly.
However,I don’t see any Biblical reference to believers experiencing the wrath (greek “orge”) of God. A couple of verses seem to support this:
1 Thessalonians 1:10: And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
and 5:9: For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
just making some observations . any thoughts about the sin unto death like that happened to Ananias and Sapphira.
i was seeing that as an example of a believer receiving discipline from God (wrath). It seems like they were not given a chance build up good works on earth as to have a great reward waiting them in Heaven. God removed them they did not loose their eternal life but they did loose their physical life.
John, I too think that believers never experience God’s wrath. At least that’s my understanding.
d taylor, I think there is some merit to the argument that these verses may not pertain to salvation from hell. However, I think that there is stronger support for the argument that they do pertain to salvation from hell.
In either event, I don’t think “repent” in any of the referenced verses means “turn from sin.”
I also don’t think that believers ever experience God’s wrath.
i wanted to make a few observation towards Kayla’s post concerning the three verses she posted 2 Peter 3:9 and Acts 3:19 and Luke 13:3?
it is most important that verses be studied in the situation they are addressing and not taken and used as a single verse. a perfect example is the verse (Romans 10:9) we have been speaking about on this post. anyway back to your post.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance
if you look at this verse in its context Peter starts out in 3;1 Dear Friends, he is speaking to believers here and as this chapter goes on the subject is not salvation from hell for the unbeliever, but physical salvation for the believer from danger,or from the wrath of God . the patient toward you is addressed to the friends in verse 3:1 and 3:8 which are actually the same people. and the perish is a physical perish not a perish going to hell.
Acts 3:19 is in this context Acts 3:1 to 4:22 and if you notice this is really similar to the crowd in Acts 2:1 to 2:41 and in Acts 2:1-2:41 this is connected to the Judaism that was connected to, taking part in the death of The Christ and the sin of The Blasphemy of the Holy Sprint and the rejection of the offer of the Kingdom By The Christ. i say it is connected because of this verse in Acts
Acts 2:40 With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!”
What Generation is Peter speaking about, the Generation (Judaism) that participated in the Blasphemy of the Holy Sprint and that Judaism could have included believers so the call i am seeing in Acts 2:37-41
(2:37 Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, brothers?” 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 2:39 For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 2:40 With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!” 2:41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added.)
is a call to the crowd. Which i am seeing as having believers and unbelievers and for the unbelievers first to become a believer by faith alone in Christ. Then after becoming a believer along with the believers already present, come out of the Judaism that took part in the death of Christ / the rejection of the Kingdom and they did that by what verses 2:37 and 2:38 speak of
2:37 Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, brothers?” 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
notice the call is what shall we do, not like Acts 16:30 where the jailer ask what shall i do to be saved.
The nation of Israel had commented the Blasphemy of the Holy Sprint, that sin for the nation was unforgivable and Judgment was set and that Judgment came in 70 A.D.
But for the believer God allowed a way the individual could escape this Judgment if they were part of the Judaism that rejected The Christ and The Kingdom and that is seen in acts 2:38 and in Acts 3:19 .
Look at the next verse 3:20
3:20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and so that he may send the Messiah appointed for you – that is, Jesus.
to me the times of refreshing looks like the bringing in of the Kingdom.
This sounds more like a verse speaking about the discipleship area of a believers life. Seeking for believer to get right with God not for eternal life
(even though unbelievers could be in the crowd like in Acts 2) but so Christ will come back to setup the Kingdom.
and where the verses say in Acts 2:41 and in 4:4
2:41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added.
4:4 But many of those who had listened to the message believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
this sure could be unbelievers coming to faith in Christ, but also in this group could be believers separating out of Judaism and becoming committed believers to the faith.
hope this observation is some what clear again i am not a writer and struggle writing thoughts out as to be understandable.
and Luke 13:3 is also a physical perish not a spiritual perish just look at the examples Christ uses all physical deaths in the context Luke 13:1-5
Jack, thanks for that great reminder. The Bible is the Word of God. God cannot lie, not contradict Himself.
For readers who have not seen it, the “Goals” page is worth a look. It lays out a good, basic, interpretive framework for salvation-related passages. Please see link, below:
Sam and D Taylor,
Thanks for a good discussion and an amicable conclusion. Excellent.
In serious Bible exegesis, it bears repeating — that if the Bible is True (and it is) and if Salvation is God’s free gift for the taking (and it is), then there will NEVER be any contradictory verses regarding Salvation, no additions or subtractions to the precious salvation message of God’s Grace anywhere in His Word, including Romans 10. 😎
It might take time and thought — but we study with those solid principles in mind.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
sam
some times it takes a while to see. working through all the misleading teachings to see words like salvation, does not all ways mean salvation from hell that context plays a great part in determining what a particular word means.
keep studying and just remember always when trying to learn what the Bible is saying regarding salvation. That the fact that salvation is only by faith in Christ. judge every verse by that fact to see if teachings are in line with faith alone.
all the best
To d Taylor I’ve read article by John F hart last night and again today and It helps my understanding on Romans 10. Even though I have spent quite a lot of time studying I see I don’t know much.i really enjoy learning from this blog and thank God for the simplicity in Christ
To d Taylor you know the more I study this I am realizing that you and John are correct so I concede and repent right now and thank you for your insight as I never viewed those verses in that way before .
no the verses just do not give that idea, there are references back to the Old Testament and physical deliverance’s why would that be the case.
sam take a look at Romans 10:13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. this verse is saying the same principal as Romans10:9
Romans 10:13 is a quotation of Joel 2:32
Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
in The context of Joel this again is a physical deliverance from danger, not a salvation from hell.
and one more point
Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.
a person is saved in a moment of time (seconds), as long as it takes a person to simply believe in Christ, as the first part (a) of Romans 10:10 says.
so when you come to the second part (b) of Romans 10:10 the person in this verse already has eternal life (spiritual salvation) there is simply no way the first part and the second part of 10:10 are saying the same thing.
the first part believe and have eternal life. the second part confess and have salvation (physical saving from harm)
when a person makes confession a part of receiving eternal life salvation. they are basically saying this verse is saying this 10:10 For with the heart one believes and thus has salvation and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.
they are trying to make two different thoughts say the same thing.
if you do not see it i gave it a good shot at trying to explain this you might want to look up a paper by John F. Hart Why Confess Christ? The Use and Abuse of Romans 10:9-10
To d Taylor I forgot to add verse Rom 10 :10 says confession unto salvation (not for salvation) I certainly don’t want to be adding anything on to simple faith for salvation.
To d Taylor I take the confess as acknowledgment of the truth not necessarily having to speak the words as there were secret believers and also some people aren’t able to speak. Let me know what you think I may be way off .
sam if you make Romans 10:9 a eternal life salvation (from hell) verse then you are adding the act of Confessing Christ as Lord to the simple act of Faith. if that is the case that is the only place in the Bible you find this.
where you will find over 90 time in the Gospel of John the only condition is belief. take a look at John 12:42,43
John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
The Bible call the rulers believers and these ruler believers did not confess Christ.
To john and Taylor thanks for your comments I still think Romans 10:9-15 is talking about eternal salvation but I’m not ruling out physical salvation as being the correct interpretation. I’ve read it so many times and I’m still not seeing it that way, but hey I will keep reading and if it clears up for me I will repent (and I don’t mean turn from sin)anyway I’m completely with you by grace alone , faith alone , Christ alone … thanks I’ve made many notes in my bible from the comments here and appreciate all the time you guys spend to help us defend the Gospel. Thanks to you also expreacherman
one more thought on Romans chapter 10 especially Rom 10:9 basically what Paul is speaking about is saving the saved
sam
johninnc gave a good explanation
i will try to add a few thoughts to your question.
take a look at Romans chapter 9 remember all this is revolving around how salvation is defined 1. as a physical salvation from danger or 2. spiritual salvation receiving eternal life.
in Romans 9 the context Paul is speaking about is a physical salvation, that is known by Paul’s quoting of Isaiah 1:9 (Rom 9:29) Paul directs the attention to the Assyrian invasion and this is surly speaking about a physical salvation by God leaving a remnant to survive. the remnant becomes a fulfillment of the promise that a remnant would one day return to God Romans 9:27,28 again this surly is a physical salvation. Notice the same thinking Paul is using in Rom chapter 9 is carried over into Rom chapter 10, in Rom 10:16 Isaiah is still being referenced.
remember the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the rejection of the offer of the Kingdom by Jesus and after the rejection Christ announced judgment on the Nation of Israel and that judgment came in 70a.d.(Matthew 24:2) That physical judgment was unreservable concerning the nation it was set but Jews could escape this judgment First by becoming believers (if they were not all ready a believer) and then confessing Christ as Lord this saved them physically from this coming destruction and also from other possible attacks from enemies of God.
Kayla,
To tell a person to believe the gospel implies that they must change their mind in order to believe it because they don’t currently believe it. The thing is that a person must be begotten again. Jesus pointed Nicodemus to the fact that He is the Savior and that salvation was available to all who would trust him for it.
Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
There are not two steps or methods of conversion. Repentance then at conversion has to be synonymous with faith. It is a change of mind from unbelief to personal trust in Christ alone to save based on the gospel.
As for 2 Tim 2:25, I believe it is referring to erring believers who have gone into heretical teaching and need to be shown there error that they may be recover from the devils snare. Even if you could argue that these also could include unbelievers their repentance to the acknowledging of the truth would be to see the truth of the gospel, change their minds, and believe it.
Hope that helps some.
Jim F
Kayla, welcome back!
You said: “Is mans way not idolatry which is sin? (Aint changing still doing something?) In other words turn from your sin of worshiping yourself/other gods? So when saying “turn from your sin” its not speaking of conduct but of which it all comes from. Salvation is a gift and with a gift one has to receive it.”
My comment: If one thinks worshipping himself (or any other gods) will take away his sins and guarantee him a place in heaven, then he would not be trusting in Christ. So, giving up confidence in oneself or other gods would be required in order to trust in Christ alone. In this case, turning from those confidences would constitute repentance.
You said: “So when saying “turn from your sin” its not speaking of conduct but of which it all comes from.”
My comment: Many sins are sins of the heart (strife, envy, covetousness, impure thoughts, etc.). Sins of the heart do not necessarily have anything to do with conduct. So, turning from sin, if it were required for eternal salvation, would require turning from sins of the heart as well as changing one’s conduct.
You said: “Is that the NIV translation? In looking in the ESV at 2 Tim 2:25 it says “correcting his (the godly man) opponents with gentleness.” Opponents are not fellow believers are they? It goes on to say ” God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth…”. It doesn’t mention doctrine in these verses here or is that what 26 emphasizes?.”
My comment: No. I was quoting the King James Version. I think the use of the word “recover” in verse 26 indicates that this has to do with helping a believer return to sound doctrine. Following is a link from Clear Gospel Campaign that deals with this passage directly. I would also recommend that you read the entire section on repentance from Clear Gospel Campaign, which is also linked below:
http://www.cleargospel.org/topics.php?t_id=27&c_id=242
http://www.cleargospel.org/topics.php?t_id=27
You said: “And what about 2 Peter 3:9 and Acts 3:19 and Luke 13:3? Does this mean that we are not supposed to say” you got to repent(turn from your sin), and trust in Jesus Christ” when proclaiming the Gospel?”
My comment: No. We are not supposed to tell an unbeliever that they must turn from their sin in order to be saved. If we do that, we are asking them to believe a false gospel of works. That is, that God will trade them salvation for their willingness to turn from sin. One must accept salvation as a gift, or not at all. A gospel presentation that includes “turn from sin” is likely to result only in false converts, since it is no longer the gospel. If Jesus really did pay it all, why would we be required to turn from sin to be saved?
Regarding the verses you cited, you will find good explanations for these in the second link from Clear Gospel Campaign, above.
There is a great discussion of how to talk about repentance in the “Handbook of Personal Evangelism” by Dr. A. Ray Stanford. Please see excerpts and link, below:
The important thing in witnessing is to lead the lost person from wherever he is spiritually to having faith in Christ as his Saviour. You should try to do this as smoothly and naturally as possible. Using first or third person illustrations in your conversation is an excellent way of achieving the desired results, and particularly in giving a proper, Scriptural explanation of repentance.
That great giant of the faith Dr. William L. Pettingill put it well in his book, Bible Questions Answered. Under Repentance and Salvation, page 215, he answers the following question: “What place has repentance in salvation? Should we tell people to repent of their sins to be saved?”
“The Gospel of John is the Holy Spirit’s Gospel tract, written that men might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing they might have life through His Name ( 20: 31 ) . And it does not mention the word ‘repentance.’ But that is only because repentance is a necessary part of saving faith. Strictly speaking, the word repentance means a ‘change of mind.’ It is by no means the same thing as sorrow (II Cor. 7:10). Since it is not possible for an unbeliever to become a believer without changing his mind, it is therefore unnecessary to say anything about it. The only thing for a man to do in order to be saved is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ: and to believe on Him is the same thing as receiving Him (John 1:11-13).”
Any teaching that demands a change of conduct toward either God or man for salvation is to add works or human effort to faith, and this contradicts all Scripture and is an accursed message (Gal. 1:8, 9; Deut. 27:18). Study the book of Galatians.
Remember, the closer a counterfeit comes to the truth, the more people it will fool. Don’t be fooled. Yes, a Christian should make every effort to discipline his life, to lay aside every weight and the sins which so easily beset him, but this has to do with SERVICE, which can come only AFTER salvation. Salvation is always a gift; it is nothing we do ourselves.
Let’s make salvation as clear as we possibly can. If something might possibly confuse someone, let’s find some other way of expressing the truth so that it will be crystal clear instead of confusing.
You said: “I am not being sarcastic or full of attitude in any way behind the screen, but am truly wondering what is going on. Because some people say this and others say this. Who in the world is a sound doctrine teacher then. This is very messy it seems.”
My comment: There is a lot of confusion out there. Most of what you hear will be wrong. I would recommend that you read the King James Version of the Bible as your primary source of truth. Many of the Bible translations (including the NIV that you referenced) are not, in my opinion, nearly as reliable as the KJV. For more on this, see the link below:
Second, I would recommend that you pray for discernment. God knows when we are confused and he does not want us to stay this way.
1 Corinthians 14:33: For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Last, I would recommend that you check out the goals section of this website. I have found the following to be a pretty good way to think through a scriptural interpretation:
1. Is it consistent with eternal life by Grace alone through Faith alone in Christ alone?
2. Is it consistent with eternal security?
3. Is it consistent with assurance of eternal life, based on God’s promises alone (i.e., it is not internally-focused on changes in attitudes, behavior, etc.)?
Kayla, I believe the Lord has led you to this website for a reason. There are purportedly more than 600 million active websites on the internet. Millions of them are devoted to misinformation about what the Bible teaches.
I like how you described that John and it makes sense to me.
Jim F
Right.Still by Grace and faith in Christ alone. But are you saying that we are not to proclaim repentance along with the Gospel? According to “What We Believe”- ” Repentance in salvation means a change of mind from any idea of religion that man may have and to accept God’s way of salvation.” Is mans way not idolatry which is sin? (Aint changing still doing something?) In other words turn from your sin of worshiping yourself/other gods? So when saying “turn from your sin” its not speaking of conduct but of which it all comes from. Salvation is a gift and with a gift one has to receive it.
Is that the NIV translation? In looking in the ESV at 2 Tim 2:25 it says “correcting his (the godly man) opponents with gentleness.” Opponents are not fellow believers are they? It goes on to say ” God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth…”. It doesn’t mention doctrine in these verses here or is that what 26 emphasizes?. And what about 2 Peter 3:9 and Acts 3:19 and Luke 13:3? Does this mean that we are not supposed to say” you got to repent(turn from your sin), and trust in Jesus Christ” when proclaiming the Gospel?
I am not being sarcastic or full of attitude in any way behind the screen, but am truly wondering what is going on. Because some people say this and others say this. Who in the world is a sound doctrine teacher then. This is very messy it seems.
John,
Excellent analysis.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Sam, the construction of verses 13-15 helped me to develop my interpretation of verses 9 and 10.
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Verses 13-15 depict, in reverse order, the following:
1. Someone is sent to preach
2. They preach
3. They are heard
4. The hearer believes (this is the point at which he receives eternal life)
5. The believer calls on the name of the Lord (the believer calls on the name of the Lord for help)
6. The believer is saved (receives the Lord’s power for living victoriously)
I think step 6 (is saved) does not refer to being saved from hell, because the Bible tells us that happens in step 4. In other words, if the believer were to die after step 4 (or for some other reason never progress to step 5), he would still be saved.
In a similar fashion, one receives eternal life (justification) by believing in verses 9 and 10. Thus, “save” and “salvation” in verses 9 and 10 have the same meaning as “saved” in verse 13.
I realize the problem with using Rom 10;9 being twisted by works salvation teachers, but I must be missing something because I don’t see why this isn’t salvation from hell.My view is in verse Rom 8 says the word of faith which we preach; verse 9 is just acknowledge or agreeing which is believing.Then verse 10 believing unto righteousness;then verse 14 and 15 is about what they are doing in verse 8 (preaching which we do by mouth) I agree there are better verse to use salvation but need to know if im mess up on my view on this as I didn’t see this as physical danger or discipline. Thanks johninnc and d taylor I know Im missing something cause I agree with you guys on most everything and your explanations are usually clear as a bell.
Johninnc that reads clear to me
d taylor, I added an editor’s note. Please check it out.
john and let me add that using the word -reason- in my post may have been a poor choice, the better word may be validation.
i say because this site is not giving them a reason they are already have a reason (poor understanding of the Gospel or poor Bible study)
d taylor, good question. I am generally cautious when I see these verses used in gospel presentations, because they are so often misused.
i am just making an observation and wondering about Romans 10:9 in the Romans 10:8-10. If there should be a side note explaining this verse (10:9) is not a salvation from hell verse, but a physical salvation for physical danger or discipline.
I say this because most of the false gospels i come across here in the Baptist south use this verse for their salvation verse and i was wondering if including this verse even though it is not being used by itself.
would the use here with actual salvation verses, give people who use the verse (out of context) as a salvation for hell verse reason for their use of this verse in their false gospels.
Kayla, welcome and thanks for your comment.
Repentance, properly defined, is essential in salvation. And, believing and repenting do go hand-in-hand.
Following are some quotes on what repentance means in a salvation context:
From Northland Bible Baptist Church “What We Believe”:
Repent (metanoeo) means a change of mind. Repentance in salvation means a change of mind from any idea of religion that man may have and to accept God’s way of salvation. Repentance does not in any sense include a demand for a change of conduct before or after salvation. Matthew 21:32, Acts 20:21, 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, Eph 2:8-9, Rom 4:5, Rom 5:8, John 3:16-18, Gal 3:10-12, Acts 16:25-31, Rom 11:29.One of the counterfeits Satan is using today is the misuse of the word “repent”. To insist upon repentance that in any sense includes a demand for a change of conduct either toward God or man is to add an element of works or human merit to faith. Penance is payment for sin. Penitence is sorrow for sin. Works add something of self in turning from sin. But repent (metanoeo) means a change of mind. Nowhere does Scripture use the phrase “repent of sin” to be saved.
From Clear Gospel Campaign:
IF FAITH IS THE HAND THAT ACCEPTS SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, REPENTANCE IS THE HAND THAT REJECTS SALVATION BY ANY OTHER MEANS.
From “Attaching Personal Righteousness to the Back-side of the Gospel’s Requirements”, by Pastor J. O. Hosler, Th.D.:
Salvation repentance is not turning from sin to Christ, but rather a turning to Christ with one’s sins. If someone believes in a false gospel, he cannot add Christ to his idol, but must turn his faith from a gospel which cannot save to Him Who can. It is not what one does with his sins, but rather what Christ does with his sins, that saves him.
I don’t think that 2 Timothy 2:25 is dealing with repentance in a salvation context. Rather, I think that the object of repentance is heretical doctrine, with the consequence being the restoration of a believer who has embraced a heretical doctrine back to sound doctrine. Verse 26 makes this clear:
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Hello!
What about repentance? How does repentance play in here? Example Mark 1:15. It seems that believing and repentance go hand and hand but not as sealing salvation by works. It seems important and shouldnt be skipped over when proclaiming the Gospel as it was one of the first words spoken by Christ. “Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” Although its clear that God ordains this- 2 Timothy 2:25. Jesus commanded us in Luke 24:47 “and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed…”
In Christ
William Tom,
Welcome and thanks for visiting and commenting.
You will find many friends who know that God’s Salvation is by Grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. All humanity has a choice and a will to believe in Jesus. (John 3:16) Not of works.. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Just a quick question… Why does anyone use the Calvinist/Latin phrase, “Sola Fide” rather than the simple English, “Faith Alone”?
I don’t doubt your intent, just curious.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Amen! Sola Fide all the way! Faith alone in Christ alone APART from works!
Thank you all for always putting His Word first. God bless each and every one.
Thanks frying pan 9 for the volume of verses it’s not overkill.I think the Lord didn’t want us to miss the point and I never get tired of hearing it..Also Richard Seymore book is appropriately named The Gift
Great point, John! I appreciate how Clear Gospel Campaign doesn’t mince words and almost chucked at “mumbling some idiotic and lexically untenable statement”. Not that this is any laughing matter. The “you have your verses, I have mine” on the other hand, can be quite frustrating.
In terms of the sheer volume of verses here, I do tend to be a sort of overkill kind of guy but in this case I think it’s more than justified.
Thank you Jack, for helping me make this contribution to this area of standing for the faith and building His Kingdom!
John,
Thanks,
Excellent and true quotes from Clear Gospel Campaign!!! Cannot be refuted Biblically.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Jack, the numerous verses from the Word of God that clearly set forth the terms of salvation should be convincing beyond a doubt.
I would challenge anyone who still doubts that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone to try to explain away the above verses and see how they can point to any other conclusion.
The following excerpt from Clear Gospel Campaign comes to mind:
Yet in 2,000 years of church history, no salvation-by-works advocate has ever even tried to give a serious answer the galaxy of verses teaching salvation by grace through faith alone. A few have tried to dismiss the hundred plus verses by the wave of a magic wand, mumbling some idiotic and lexically untenable statement, such as “the word ‘faith’ actually implies works in the root meaning of the word.” (For discussion, see the section on FAITH on our home page). Most, however, don’t even try to answer Scripture. They simply play the “you’ve got your verses, and I’ve got mine” game. This is what the cults do, placing their hands over their ears, closing their eyes, and repeating their proof texts at the top of their lungs so that nothing else can penetrate the barrier. And that is not theology. In contrast, only a few verses in all of Scripture can be reasonably interpreted (in isolation) as teaching that some human work is necessary for salvation. And when scrutinized, those passages invariably yield to alternative interpretations that are consistent with the doctrine of grace.
The method is described in Titus 1:9. Not only exhorting in sound doctrine, but refuting those who contradict. And the jury is every man’s conscience.
Every man must face this controversy honestly, without an agenda of defending a cherished doctrine of salvation-by-works in which they have already invested their tithe, their time, their intellectual labor, their emotion, or which they have believed from their youth. For if a man is unwilling to do so, and the teaching of grace is indeed the message of Scripture, they will stand self condemned before the great white throne on judgment day.
Andy,
Thanks for dropping in. Convincing for those who choose to believe in Jesus, isn’t it?
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Jack, great stuff in a concise format, thanks, andy