Is belief enough to be saved?

[Lion King]

We think so, but of course we cannot know for sure.

How can you not know for sure? Wasn't Balaam a prophet of God?

I believe Balaam's faith was fully displayed by his spiritual gift of prophecy.

Hard to answer that because I don't know exactly what you mean.

Is it that everyone who SEEMS to have Faith but ...

Or do you mean everyone who REALLY has Faith but nevertheless commits sins?

According to your beliefs, will a person such as Balaam be saved?

 

[Keachian]

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’ Revelation 3:1-6


Then, skip down to Revelation 20:


And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15

So you skip all other references to the Book of Life in Revelations because?

 

[Albion]

How can you not know for sure? Wasn't Balaam a prophet of God?

God has a way of using all manner of people for his purposes.

According to your beliefs, will a person such as Balaam be saved?

According to my beliefs, I don't claim to have enough information to know who is saved and who is not, by virtue of my being an onlooker.

 

[Lion King]

So you skip all other references to the Book of Life in Revelations because?

Please do show me the other references you are speaking about?

 

[Lion King]

God has a way of using all manner of people for his purposes.



According to my beliefs, I don't claim to have enough information to know who is saved and who is not, by virtue of my being an onlooker.

Ok.

 

[Lindas Place]

Hi guys, I am a Christian but I have a question about whether or not belief in God is enough to be saved.

Here are some verses that show that belief = salvation.







You guys get the point. And this sounds great. But, what about this?



The way I understand it, "belief" in Jesus Christ isn't enough to be saved. True belief in Jesus will result in fruit that is evident by a lifestyle change, a heart change: that you want nothing else to do with the world that satisfies the needs of the flesh but really only care about satisfying God and being led by the Spirit.

However, if this is the case, what do we make of the first 3 verses I posted? They clearly seem to state that belief is all that is needed for salvation.

Can somebody please shine a light on this issue for me? I think how we understand salvation really changes how we live our lives and especially how we evangelize to others (in other words, if belief isn't enough to be saved, we shouldn't be spreading that as a final end).

Thank you for your help.

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.
By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:
that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
that he was buried,
that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
Whether, then, it was I or they,
this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.
1 Corinthians 15: 1-4 & 11

 

[Lindas Place]

We are not saved by works, but faith without works is dead faith. Who can say they love God and ignore His will?

Not everyone who says lord lord with enter the kingdom.

Matthew 7
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40

 

[Lindas Place]

Faith, not mere belief, is what saves. Specifically, a living faith, which is a faith which is active, not passive; which produces fruit.

Faith is belief + works. God initiates, we cooperate with the help of God the Holy Spirit.

and His discipline.


because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Hebrews 12:6

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Hebrews 12:7-8

 

[B-74]

Matthew 7
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40

Jesus also said:

Mt 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity

And Paul said:

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.




I rest my case sister, unless you have additional scripture to admit into evidence.

 

[Lindas Place]

You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:24

At Judgement day, each man will be judged according to their works and those whose names are not written in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire.

I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. Mark 9:41

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; He himself will be saved. but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3 13-15

 

[B-74]

A cool video someone shared with me today.

Eric Ludy - The Gospel - YouTube

 

[Keachian]

Please do show me the other references you are speaking about?

Revelations 13,17,22

 

[B-74]

I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. Mark 9:41

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; He himself will be saved. but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3 13-15

I like Mark 9:41 and MT 10:42. Thanks for sharing them. I can add to my collection of random verses. At least we agree on those verses.

 

[Lion King]

I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. Mark 9:41

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; He himself will be saved. but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3 13-15

It's also written that:

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’ Revelation 3:1-6


_ _ _ _ _


But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 2:5-10


_ _ _ _ _


And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15

_ _ _ _ _

“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37


_ _ _ _ _

Also to you, O Lord, belongs mercy: for you render to every man according to his work. Psalm 62:12

_ _ _ _ _

What does it profit, my brethren, though a man says he has faith, and has not works? can faith save him? James 2:14

 

[Lindas Place]

Jesus also said:

Mt 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity

And Paul said:

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.




I rest my case sister, unless you have additional scripture to admit into evidence.

for sure those who God never knew were never saved because they did not do the will of the Father. God would not say he never knew them, if He had known them at one time... God never lies, He would have said I don't know you any more.... or something along thoses lines... He would not lie and say He never knew them, if He had known them at one time.....

Matthew 7
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40

 

[Lion King]

Revelations 13,17,22

Can you please quote the verses onto this board?

 

[Lindas Place]

I like Mark 9:41 and MT 10:42. Thanks for sharing them. I can add to my collection of random verses. At least we agree on those verses.

Do you believe 1 Corinthians 3 13-15


his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; He himself will be saved. but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3 13-15

 

[Lindas Place]

I like Mark 9:41 and MT 10:42. Thanks for sharing them. I can add to my collection of random verses. At least we agree on those verses.

It's also written that:

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’ Revelation 3:1-6


_ _ _ _ _


But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 2:5-10


_ _ _ _ _


And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15

_ _ _ _ _

“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37


_ _ _ _ _

Also to you, O Lord, belongs mercy: for you render to every man according to his work. Psalm 62:12

_ _ _ _ _

What does it profit, my brethren, though a man says he has faith, and has not works? can faith save him? James 2:14

Yes, faith in Jesus can save.... and isn't is awesome how God warns us that we will suffer lose of rewards if our works burn up.... He wants the best for us and I think we will be very sad when we get to heaven and see what we could have had, if we had only been obedient.


his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.
If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED,
but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3 13-15

 

[B-74]

for sure those who God never knew were never saved because they did not do the will of the Father. God would not say he never knew them, if He had known them at one time... God never lies, He would have said I don't know you any more.... or something along thoses lines... He would not lie and say He never knew them, if He had known them at one time.....

Matthew 7
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40

What do you think of this one sister? God wants us to be a soldier in His army, to represent Him. How can those who can be blamed represent Him? Notice after you read Mt 7:21, notice what Tit 1:7 says, i know this verse refers only to men, but anyone who preaches the Gospel must be blameless. So it still applies to women teachers in that sense. We can do better than we are doing, we must strive to live a clean life in all that we do, say and think. That's where Gods power is, in obedience. Why rob ourselves of that?

Mathew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Tit 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

 

[Lion King]

Yes, faith in Jesus can save.... and isn't is awesome how God warns us that we will suffer lose of rewards if our works burn up.... He wants the best for us and I think we will be very sad when we get to heaven and see what we could have had, if we had only been obedient.


his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.
If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED,
but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3 13-15

Frankly, I do find it quite strange that you keep bringing that same passage from Paul, when I have brought numerous passages which state otherwise. Do you have any other passage to go by besides that one passage?

You should have, after all, the Scriptures do repeat themselves.