Page 494 … Jesus as Lord
“We are not saved on the basis of simply saying we believe Jesus existed, or that he was a great guy, or that he was a prophet, or that he was a wonderful teacher … [We are saved] on the basis of our continued belief that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he will ultimately save us and give us eternal life.”
Again, my Friend, just like the sentences that preceded it, this statement is not in harmony with the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. While it is true enough that we might indeed be given eternal life by the Father after we die (and sadly, that it is also possible that God’s Grace is not complete, meaning that only conservative Christians will receive this “gift”), such a bestowal is most certainly not what Jesus came to give … Please consider the following Scriptures that combine to clearly show this to be so:
“Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die … Whoever believes in me will DO the works I do.” ~ Jesus Christ (John 11:25-26 + John 14:12)
“Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone … For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done for you … If you understand these things, you are blessed while you DO THEM.” ~ Jesus Christ (Mark 10:18 + John 13:15-17)
“The Kingdom of God is not coming in the future with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘Look, there it is!’ For, in fact, the Kingdom of God is already within you.” ~ Jesus Christ (Luke 17:20-21)
“Very truly, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life … Very truly, whoever believes has eternal life … Very truly, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do.” ~ Jesus Christ (John 5:24 + John 6:47 + John 14:12)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who DOES the will of my Father in Heaven … And my Father is glorified by this: that you bear much fruit and become my disciples … And by this everyone will know that you are my disciples: when you show Love towards one another.” ~ Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21 + John 15:8 + John 13:35)
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