Originally posted by Keifer
Hi Bill,
The reference is in the very first verse. Jesus says, "no one comes to the Father but through Me..." ( John 14:6 ). Father is in Heaven, so this is an indirect reference.
Other than that, there is no direct reference...the primary focus of the post is the importance of obtaining salvation through Jesus
Originally posted by billhabing
I don't believe Jesus ever said you must accept Him as your savior. Nor do I think he said if you don't you will be condemned for eternity.
Originally posted by Keifer
Hi Bill,
We are to 'confess Him with our mouth' and 'believe in our heart' ( Romans 10:9 ). Verbal confession brings salvation, and heartfelt belief brings righteousness ( Roman 10:10 ).
Jesus said Himself, if we're not willing to confess Him, He will not confess us before Father ( Matthew 10:32-33 ).
Jesus requires this of us, Bill. He loves us and wants us to voice our belief in Him to others. If you consider Him your Lord and Savior, it is His requirement that you do this for Him.
Keith
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ( Romans 8:30 KJV )
Originally posted by billhabing
Keith, I agree but you still did not answer my response: I don't believe Jesus ever said you must accept Him as your savior.
Originally posted by Keifer
Jesus said Himself, if we're not willing to confess Him, He will not confess us before Father ( Matthew 10:32-33 ).
Originally posted by billhabing
Nor do I think he said if you don't you will be condemned for eternity. [/B]
Originally posted by Keifer
Yes, He did, Bill:
You remind me of an attorney seeking a loophole within the testimony, Bill. You are correct in that Jesus did not say in 'His own words' that one would be condemned for eternity. However, all Scripture is given by "inspiration of God" ( 2 Timothy 3:16 ), and Jesus being One of the triune Godhead ( John 1:14 and 1 John 5:7 ), the condemnation spoken of in John 3:18 as such is factual, not presumptive.
Do you have Jesus as your Lord and Savior, Bill...or are you only wanting to debate 'how many angels will fit on the head of a pin'?
Originally posted by billhabing
...I am not sure of your age but the young people I know want a bit of a challenge, like becoming like Jesus...I have actually accepted the call of Jesus to give up everything and follow Him. It is my disire that others will follow Him to, I don't know about "accepting Him as my personal Lord and Savior"...