How does one stay saved?

[druidhaxored]

I have accepted christ into my heart and my life, and I want to go to heaven when I die. So what more do I need to do? What does it mean to take up my own cross? What can I do that would make me unsaved? What will judgement day be like btw?

 

[welcome_snacks]

I have accepted christ into my heart and my life, and I want to go to heaven when I die. So what more do I need to do? What does it mean to take up my own cross? What can I do that would make me unsaved? What will judgement day be like btw?

Congrats first of all, probably one of the best decisions you have ever made!! . First thing you need to do (if you haven't already) is get a bible and read it - It is God's personal love letter to you so make sure you read it like that. You also need to get connected with other christians (ie a church, a bible study etc) They can help you when you have questions, when you feel like it's too hard and all that. Thirdly talk to God, if you develop a prayer habit early it's easier to keep it, you can talk to God just like you would talk to any one of your friends, because through his Son, you are His friend.

To take up your cross is to live the christian life - and that means the whole deal, strive not to sin (none is without sin, so don't worry if you stuff it up sometimes, ask for forgiveness and strive to not do it again)

As for what you can do to make you unsaved, this is a bit of a hot topic amongst christians, but to me there are only a couple of things 'blaspheming the holy spirit' - which is saying that the HS (Holy Spirit) is the devil and to deny Jesus before men.

As for judgement, that's a toughie. As a new christian I wouldn't recommend the eschatological threads on this board because they do get a bit heated, but the basic belief is that Jesus is coming back at the end of this age (no-one is sure when) as a rightful judge and king, to cleanse sin from the earth. The book of Revelation in your bible has the whole story, and don't be afraid to ask if you have questions (I'm just a personal message away!)

I hope that quick summary helps, remember keep asking questions!!

Blessings in Christ

Joe

 

[iamjcs]

You have done the single most important thing you can, accept Jesus into your life as God & Savior & friend & helper.

You need to understand that now, after this/\, nothing is your own (including your family & the body in which your soul & spirit live currently).
ALL is God's, He just lets you borrow them for a while.

The next important thing to do, which will help keep you saved, is pray humbly & sumissily, that God will put you & keep you in the mainstream of the Holy Spirit's flow.

Then let God's love for all shine through you.

When troubles come your way, look to & lean on your Heavenly Father, who will NEVER fail you.

 

[one11]

Read the Bible too. The word is nourishment. For new Christians it is recommended to stay within the Gospels at first.

Welcome brother, and don't forget to rely on your brothers and sisters for strength. Also now that Jesus will send a helper to you, The Holy Spirit, if he hasn't already, and that God's Angels are keeping watch over you too.

And pray a lot for strength and for others.

 

[Nurbz]

once you're saved, you're always saved. No worries about that.

 

[Adrift*]

I have accepted christ into my heart and my life, and I want to go to heaven when I die. So what more do I need to do? What does it mean to take up my own cross? What can I do that would make me unsaved? What will judgement day be like btw?

Hello druid,

I'm brand new to the forum, but have been a Christian for a number of years, so I hope you don't mind me offering a bit of advise. Though I concur with the others here that it's a good idea to get yourself a Bible and start reading, reading without understanding isn't going to help you much. My advise is that you find a good local Jesus-based church that offers substance in their teaching rather than fluff. This means that you may have to do a little investigating and homework on your own, but don't just settle for the closest church to home because it's convenient. Find a place where you'll feel spiritually fed.

To answer one of your questions... Scripture tells us that by accepting Christ into your life, you are saved. You now have eternal life! There is nothing that you can "do" to acquire or retain the gift of salvation outside of making Christ Lord in your life and receiving his gift of salvation. We are not saved by works, but by faith. Your trust and love for Christ Jesus should, however, manifest itself in good works. So... this means, you can't work yourself into heaven, but once you've made the decision to make Jesus first in your life, you'll naturally want to do good.

Your other questions are good ones, but are a bit hefty to cram in one thread. Better left for other threads maybe...

 

[toolite]

I have accepted christ into my heart and my life, and I want to go to heaven when I die. So what more do I need to do? What does it mean to take up my own cross? What can I do that would make me unsaved? What will judgement day be like btw?

No man is perfect so we all do our best every day to make the right decisions sometimes we fail but, we do our best not to do wrong again. Anything you are struggling with that you can not stop on your own then you must give it to God. There you will find peace and not beat yourself up. Those who seek him God changes them. Its a process and not always a tomorrow process. God Bless You!

All The Glory Belongs To God!

 

[Stephen Kendall]

once you're saved, you're always saved. No worries about that.

I am not one who likes to paste large numbers of Bible verses, but instead I would rather just speak my own words for someone to hear. It is important to realize the challenges of being a Christian, so here they are:


NIV Bible
Hebrews chapter 10:

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[d] and again, "The Lord will judge his people."[e] 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
38 But my righteous one[f] will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him."[g] 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

There are many times we are told to conquer and the dangers of falling away from God & Christ. Even Apostle Paul gave concern of his own salvation and the possibility of falling away. Salvation is very serious business. It took the blood of the son of the Living Almighty God to make it possible. Fear and trembling with joy and rejoicing are a mix that does match the calling of God through Christ Jesus.

What is infallible about the Bible is the rendering of its message by the Holy Spirit in us and not by our simple human minds & their limited ability to understand things alone. All Christians that are truly followers & obeyers of Jesus Christ have the Holy Spirit to render a personal understanding of the message of the Gospel & Bible. We must seek out our own salvation in fear and trembling, yet rejoicing in the Word. We must be honest and obey Jesus.

Sorry to be long winded. I am sure that you understand much of the messages of Christ. Salvation is serious and we should try to be holy and loving as Christ has showed us, remembering the schemes of Satan are very real.

 

[Stephen Kendall]

I have accepted christ into my heart and my life, and I want to go to heaven when I die. So what more do I need to do? What does it mean to take up my own cross? What can I do that would make me unsaved? What will judgement day be like btw?

Joining Light and leaving darkness is a big step, the largest step possible in your life. Welcome to the war. You have chosen the winning side, but the pains and sufferings of this world may well increase, for that which isn't loving & forgiving will try to face you off by your own natural human nature that you were first born with here on Earth. The lust and corruption of the natural man (who we were to varying degrees) will fight against you as you try being unselfish and obedient to Jesus. I will tell you that you either will grow or begin to die spiritually (obey Jesus' Gospel or the darkness will try to take you back over) (darkness: selfishness, self-indulgences, lies, corruptions, sins, lusts, envy, hatred and much worst). As you gain knowledge that comes from the Holy Spirit, your helper given by Christ Jesus, you must grow on this that you have received. There are save-guards also; for every temptation there is also a way-out. Leap into the way-out quickly when temptation does come. Remember that temptation is coming from darkness and the old human nature, God isn't causing it, but he can use it as you can to build yourself spiritually strong.

Falling flat on your face is most likely going to be a reality as a new Christian, but realize that you probably would never have been able to recognize such a condition if you were still lost. You now have the sight to see darkness, where you didn't really have this before, or didn't really care. Find the way out of darkness, if you were to step in it. The way out is by confession, humility and seeking Christ Jesus (his Gospel & teachings, his way of love and understanding).



"So what more do I need to do?

Find out what Jesus Christ taught about. Rely on the promised Holy Spirit to help you understand Jesus & God. Ask God questions; you can do that and the answers will come at the proper time (some immediately, others when you are ready). Remember, you are just a pawn in this terrible war that is fast coming to a close. Remember that you have a Lord (Jesus) and a helper (the Holy Spirit) that will explain all things; take your orders from them and not from institutions (churches) no matter how holy and great they appear to be or claim to be. You are sufficiently equipped by Christ to carry out the work of God. I love the churches and people of them, but my fellowship is second to my God and Jesus Christ. The Bible (accurate or paraphrased one) is your guide book, but the Holy Spirit and your prayers to God allow you to see and understand its inspired writings. What is infallible of the Bible is the rendered & personally given understanding of it through the Holy Spirit within you. Obedient Christians and spiritually strong (having proven followers of Jesus' Gospel) can help you, but even they will lead you towards God through Christ and the Holy Spirit within you. Apply the teachings & commands of Christ within your moment to moment existence. This is radical, but think of what you are doing (you are following examples of love, forgiveness and reconciliation). Your honesty and truthfulness before God is paramount to your growth.

"What does it mean to take up my own cross?

You have entered into a quest that is spiritual and most rewarding. The cross is a representation of the hatred from the world and from your old natural man towards what you are striving to become, part of the family of God, children of light (obedient ones to Jesus Christ). Have you noticed an increase in the hatred & intolerance of the world towards Christianity? It will get much worst. In the days of the Roman Empire, 10 major persecutions of its Christians occurred. The eradication of Christians within the Empire was the objective. The persecution of Christians (just the real Christians, true followers of Jesus) usually is brutal and extremely evil while in the process of trying to get Jesus back out of them. False Christians throughout history have used this form of ugliness and evilness against true Christians. It has been a mess. It still is a mess. There has been more persecution of Christians this past 100 years than in the entire period of Christian history. Why? Just remember, that true Christians (ones who love God, obey Jesus, even to point of death) have the Holy Spirit and Christ living within them. This helps them to endure till the end. They are able to stay with Christ as a witness in the sufferings to show the light of God and his love to the world. It is a very powerful statement. In the stands overlooking the Roman Arena during times of the many persecutions against Christians, Roman citizens have been so overwhelmed by the demonstrated love and peace of the Christians being slaughtered that they gave their lives to Jesus while watching this horrific spectacle, and some of them asked the guards to let them join the Christians down below. Jesus Christ will never forsake you. Praise God! Your cross is real, but take courage. We don't know how we will be used, but we should be willing to stay with Jesus until the end and not be afraid of those who can kill our bodies.

Are we headed for a great Christian persecution in the first world nations like that which is happening in the communist and Islamic nations? The answer is yes. Revelations reveals it coming.

check out: http://www.persecution.com/

"What can I do that would make me unsaved?

(Put down your cross and walk away. Stop loving your neighbor and God. Do not be a believer in Jesus Christ. Sin without conscience or repentance. Keep doing this till the end of your life.) Please, really don't do any of these things, but this is an answer.

For understanding an unforgivable sin: Maybe read the second half of Hebrews chapter 10.

Remember that our sinful nature is part of who we are while we are still here on Earth. We are still human beings while alive here. When we sin and are then always sincere in our repentance (even of habitual sins), then victory is God's and we are forgiven and we will eventually come to and reach the 'sin no more' condition that we have long for. I would rather bare my own cross in the worst persecution (even to die) then to not yet have reached my 'sinning no more' condition (to have not yet stopped sinning, like that of main habitual sins). ((Note: that while we are here, even if we are saints, we sin, but we are to try to stop sinning, especially some perpetual sins of ours are to be conquered, remembering that we were once under their power.)) The time frame of most persecutions can be short & sudden, but that of trying to get a handle on our habitual sinful nature can go on for a long time. I don't want to ever give up. I want to always stay with Jesus.


"What will judgement day be like btw?

Awesome. Be fruitful. Remember that it is Light and not darkness that judges. It will be very fair. It will be a time of receiving convincing evidence of the justice and fairness of God. It will be a time of harsh revelations to many who were not honest with God. The greatness in the minds of men is surely just rubbish before God. This human greatness is also disobedience to the Gospel of Christ. Christianity through the truth of Christ Jesus is radical to the natural and logical way of thinking. Why? Love & honesty with God versus a show of conceit (pride, selfishness, indulgences,...) is the reality check of the differences. Many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first. Love is a big word when it comes to God. Love without any trace of counterfeit is imperative. Be honest with God and search him with zeal through Jesus Christ. Being willing to go towards God's Reward (Heaven, Paradise, His Rest), especially means to take up your cross (receive the persecutions as they come) to get there.

The whole idea is to be loving, kind and holding onto your hope in Jesus Christ (willing to reveal him in yourself to others and share his Gospel) also to realize this involves picking up your cross now (accepting the persecutions of the world and even your own natural man within you, flesh).

I hope that I helped you some. Church mission work is wonderful to do or do your own with humility before God. May God bless you. Seek him out by applying Christ's teachings, read the Bible and ask God & Christ.

Love you brother.

 

[Cassidy]

That's not your department - It's God's job to keep you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith and you will always be assured of your salvation.

 

[Stephen Kendall]

Cassidy
I come from the land downunder


"That's not your department - It's God's job to keep you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith and you will always be assured of your salvation."



That is what I said.

Unity comes by understanding. Apostle Paul isn't understood so easily, but his messages and that of the other Apostles are really unified.

I write from my heart with honesty towards God and all. The war of light and darkness plays out most terribly in the churches.

If what I wrote bothers you, please forgive me, but I tell it like it is. It is recorded throughout history. It is just history. Love the truth. The truth is what we grow by.

May God bless you and all.

 

[Stephen Kendall]

Why do I spend so many hours and perhaps days writing in forums like this one? I am trying to help others and serve God & Christ. I seem foolish to do so much with little evidence of results and my own responsibilities are being neglected some. We are Christian and should be of help to others. If all I ever did was to help one soul make it besides my own by keeping their eyes upon Jesus Christ alone, that is enough to accomplish while on Earth. However, I want to do all that I can. It is the nature of a Christian to help others.

Revelations and prophecies speak of the people of the Earth hearts growing cold and love vanishing in the last days. We need to be tolerant and loving to show that Jesus & the Holy Spirit (our helper) resides in us. I feel that I have much to offer others in their growth towards God through Jesus Christ. If I do, then I will be hated and persecuted by any who are against God & Christ. I feel like a bull in a china shop at times, because of my zeal for God and yet my lack of care, restraint & patience. Christ is coming quickly in each one of our lives (believers & unbelievers); for we will all know shortly whether we are alive when he comes or are asleep (dead) when he comes (we will be awakened).

I, like all true Christians, have one real purpose in life and that is to point all people to Jesus Christ and him crucified. We are each to be as mature as we can and if possible to be like his great disciples. Our faith should be great and not kept small. We need to eat meat and not milk forever. We need to grow and admonish others correctly in the Lord & Gospel.

My love to all. May God be with you each.

 

[VCViking]

once you're saved, you're always saved. No worries about that.

 

[VCViking]

I have accepted christ into my heart and my life, and I want to go to heaven when I die. So what more do I need to do? What does it mean to take up my own cross? What can I do that would make me unsaved? What will judgement day be like btw?

The big dollar question:

Will you go to Heaven? Here's a test. Have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God's name in vain? Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you looked with lust? Will you be guilty on Judgment Day? If you have done those things God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart. The Bible warns that if you are guilty you will end up in Hell. That's not God's will. He sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross for you. Jesus took your punishment upon Himself -"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Then He rose from the dead and defeated death. Please, repent (turn from sin) today and trust in Jesus, and God will grant you everlasting life. Then read your Bible daily and obey it.

LivingWaters

 

[Cassidy]

We all sin and fall short of the Glory of God...thank God that we have grace then or we'd all be doomed.

The bible teaches cleary that God is the one who keeps you and who will complete what he started in you. Jesus speaks clearly of those that God gave him NO ONE will be able to pluck them out of his hand.

The Holy Spirit was sent to lead and guide us to all truth...to discipline when we stuff up and to lead us unto repentence. We are instructed to do the only work that is required of us by Jesus own lips....."Believe in the one he sent". When you have complete faith in Christ....and his finished work on the cross then you can be assured of your salvation 24/7.

Nothing will separate you from teh Love of God now...not sin not principalities of darkness...nothing! To think otherwise is it lack faith.

 

[4hurting]

Nothing, oh boy, tricky one.
We can't accept that, cover this in another posting somewhere.

So easy that it can not be comprehended by us, and we go through life trying not to do this and do that.
Jesus came to set us free, not keep us bound up.

There are those that believe in once saved always saved.

Tricky, cause if that is true, why the warnings in letters from Paul, unless it was cause if he said nothing churches could end up going down the wrong path, like the Pharisees etc.

I tend to always err on the side of caution.
Trouble with that is satan knows and any fear, doubt is soon exploited.

If your new, comes with time.
Who knows why some testimonies say I was healed of drugs and drink and smoking and....

While another person says, 'I've been a Christian for 10 years and suffer with depression and can not give up smoking pot, what gives.?

Sometimes God leaves something, thorn in the flesh to keep us humble.
Does this mean we got to live with it, meaning, never be free.

No, I believe once we get close to God, and hear Him and obey Him, He no longer needs to correct us.
Does this mean nothing bad happens to those that follow His every word, no, we have an enemy, satan, demons, etc.

Yeah tricky one all right.

 

[4hurting]

Oh by the way, just thought of something, nipping to the loo, lol, why do I feel bit better, less suicidal now and less depressed, I'm sharing, I'm alive in others, hmm, until someone upsets me and I leave, lol, that's another story.

Think, First for Adam was who, God, second Eve.

Today we have things often out of balance, many, includes Christians don't even have God first in their life, goes for me too.
Second we then don't even have each other, why, cause we are all, sorry, some are screwed up, and we mess others up.
Then past hurts affect the here and now and future, hence rejection for me does it.

What I'm basically saying as if a magic cure, when it won't be, will help you dramatically, is if you have no church, no where in real life, share here, come here.
Confess here, run here.

When you wanna do something bad, run here, start typing, mix among others.
Before long you will find out who you like and don't, rather who you get along with and who you don't.

By the way, I'm okay only at a distance, NEVER get close to me, though if male, probably alright, lol.
As I have no friends and looks like I never will, longest was 1 and half years, record for me on the net and maybe in real life too over the last 2 decades anyway.

Hope all that helps you.

 

[Cassidy]

God warns us like a parent would warn a chilc...it's one of the ways in which he keeps us. Sometimes we need a stern warning.

I don't believe in once saved always saved...rather I believe in the perserverance of the saints.

 

[cjordan08]

Congrats!! it's indescribable and its far beyond the human imagination..
and sounds really exciting to me!!
you should just continue to live your life doing right, Pray and read you Bible and you should be good to go when it's your time..
you will make mistakes, no doubt, but ask forgiveness and repent.

 

[jja1981]

the three things jesus christ said in the bible i think is a good way of being saved thou shall not murder,and love thou neighbour and accept jesus christ and GOD in your heart.

as for judgement the best bet would be to read revaltion NT good luck in your search for the answer


jja