I have already explained the truth to you.[/FONT]
You've given your understanding of it. Which isn't correct.
God does not make us do anything.
Not even for salvation.
We have a part in our relationship with God.
Yes, in order to be blessed and rewarded, we must be obedient and faithful.
I have already given you the scriptures.
Again, none of them SAY what you think they MEAN. Are you aware of the difference in meaning between what is SAID and what is MEANT?
We have to keep the faith.
1 Corinthians 15:2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.[/QUOTE]
Have you looked at the meaning of the Greek word translated "hold firmly"?
katechō
1) to hold back, detain, retain
1a) from going away
1b) to restrain, hinder (the course or progress of)
1b1) that which hinders, Antichrist from making his appearance
1b2) to check a ships headway, i.e. to hold or head the ship
1c) to hold fast, keep secure, keep firm possession of
2) to get possession of, take
2b) to possess
The meaning in 1 Cor 15:2 is "to possess". Has nothing to do with "holding firmly", as if it depends on your grip.
iow, Paul was saying that if we POSSESS the Word (gospel), we are saved.
He was not making any kind of statement about believers trying to "hold on" to their salvation. That is just works salvation.
I tell you what is sad, what is sad is that you do not know the joy of obeying Jesus.
No, what is sad is how little you understand of what I believe. Illustrated by just this kind of erroneous statement.
His words are LIFE. We do not have life by merely hearing the words of Jesus and agreeing. We have life by doing what Jesus says.
I suggest you read carefully through the gospel of John. He quoted Jesus many times about what Jesus said to do to be saved. Hint: believe in Him.
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Right. That's what believers are supposed to do. Where do you find "loss of salvation" here?
Why wont you believe Jesus?
I do believe Him. He died for my sins and saves me from the lake of fire, which I, and everyone else in humanity deserves.
You keep denying the truth. You have been ensnared.
I'm still waiting to hear your understanding of the verses I gave you. I've denied nothing but your errors, since you haven't backed up your claims with any Scripture that actually SAYS what you have claimed.
By ignoring the verses I gave on rewards, it seems apparent that you have no understanding of the FACT that God promises rewards based on behavior.
To your way of thinking, those believers who fail to be obedient/faithful simply lose salvation, rather than rewards.
How do you understand 2 Jn 8, please?