Hello again friend,
Thank you for your continued civil discussion.
Here are some points we need to clear up with examining scripture.
OK, I believe we are on the same page. We "obey" because we are (already) saved, not to become saved or to remain saved.
John 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."
So, the gift we are talking about is for any and all peoples who decide to follow Jesus. The "believeth" is a verb. You must do something to account your faith in Jesus (Hebrews 11:8 example). Abraham did something to show his faith and it was accounted to him for righteousness. If you "believeth" (do) in Jesus, you will have everlasting life.
Little scenario: Would Abraham have been saved and in God's good graces, if he had not obeyed God but still believed in God?
No one sits on the couch saying "I believe in Jesus" and continues to watch a Sunday football game when they should be worshiping God, should expect God to be pleased with this person's choice. They would be disobeying, showing their lack of faith.
One of the main reasons Christians come together on the first day of the week is to take communion in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice for us.
No one should expect to be saved, when they do not obey a command from Jesus (Mark 16:16), and expect that they will receive eternal life.
No. One is not saved yet, until they have obeyed, by faith/belief (action/verb), and done commands asked of us.
For example:
If a person has not "believed and baptized" Mark 16:16, then they have not put on Christ Galatians 3:27 (Romans 6:1-5 also). If they have not done that, they are not saved. It is a command one does, if they have faith/belief in God, otherwise they will not be saved.
God knows our hearts far better than we do ourselves. He doesn't have to look at what we "do" to determine who we "are", and whether or not we are saved
Yes, God does know all. He know every avenue of choices we would make for every decision.
But see, the Lord is not slack on His promises, "not willing" that anyone should perish, even if He knows their choices already (2 Peter 3:9).
Really reexamine 1 Peter 1:17-19 again. It's clear cut with no hidden secret meanings.
"according to every man's work" they will be judged.
It is agreed, you cannot "buy" your way into heaven. However, you must obey and do, to get that free gift of eternal life (James 2:14-26 should be pretty clear).
Another scenario:
A friend calls you over the phone and tells you he has a (free) gift for you. He asks that in order for you to get your gift that you drive over and pick it up.
Now, question:
If you (action) go and drive there, will you get the free gift?
If you do not go there will you get the free gift?
Do you have to do something in order to get the free gift your friend offers?
The case is the same for the gift God offers us. We need to "do" to get the free gift.
We are granted salvation from
the moment we first "believe" ..
John 5:24 (see below), not after we've proven ourselves faithfully obedient.
No. You are granted the "free gift" of salvation that is offered when you
do these things:
Examples-
Romans 6:1-5
Galatians 3:27
Acts 2:38, 41, 47
Mark 16:16
Luke 13:3
So on and so forth