What must I do to be saved

[Dan1988]

Vague generalisations of any group is not a good idea if one is being critical of what they are alledged to believe.

I was a Roman Catholic, so I'm not vaguely generalizing. I'm stating the fact that 90% of so called Christian Churches teach a works based salvation.

The Bible doesn't teach a works based salvation, it teaches salvation by the election of God. He is the only one who decides who will be saved and who will be damned.

Those Churches that teach that salvation is offered to all mankind and it's up to the individual to decide if they accept Christ or reject Him, are teaching a false Gospel.

Salvation is not a consumer product, which can be sold as the Roman Catholic Church teaches and offers. Salvation is the greatest privilege a person can receive. It can only be received, it can't be earned by any action or work and it can't be purchased at any price.

Most Churches preach that, you can be saved if you believe the Gospel. That automatically becomes salvation by works, because the person is asked to trust in his wise decision. So they are saved by making a wise choice which is nothing more than a work, so they can boast about how smart they are and how dumb the unbelievers are.

 

[Tolworth John]

Most Churches preach that

Again vague unsubstainsated accusations.

you can be saved if you believe the Gospel. That automatically becomes salvation by works, because the person is asked to trust in his wise decision

Salvation is through faith/trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is the gospel and it has to be believed.
If this was purely of ourselves then you would be right, but the bible clearly teaches that even the faith to belief is a gift from God.

 

[Dan1988]

Again vague unsubstainsated accusations.



Salvation is through faith/trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is the gospel and it has to be believed.
If this was purely of ourselves then you would be right, but the bible clearly teaches that even the faith to belief is a gift from God.

I'm not quite sure what you're saying here, so allow me to clarify what I said. I believe the Bible teaches us that salvation is given to those who God chose to save before the world was made, so it has nothing to do with personal choice and everything to do with Gods choice.

I hope I have made is simple enough to understand, we contribute a big fat ZERO to our salvation. God does everything from start to finish. He gives us the ability to believe and obey, we were born dead in our sins like the reprobate but He quickens us to life and saved us from the penalty our sins deserve through His Son.

The problem with most, like 90% of Christian Churches teach a false Gospel, they teach that the individual is saved by believing in the Gospel and doing good works. Christ never mentioned good works, He just said as many as believe in Him shall be saved.

 

[Tolworth John]

I'm not quite sure what you're saying here, so allow me to clarify what I said. I believe the Bible teaches us that salvation is given to those who God chose to save before the world was made, so it has nothing to do with personal choice and everything to do with Gods choice.

I hope I have made is simple enough to understand, we contribute a big fat ZERO to our salvation. God does everything from start to finish. He gives us the ability to believe and obey, we were born dead in our sins like the reprobate but He quickens us to life and saved us from the penalty our sins deserve through His Son.

The problem with most, like 90% of Christian Churches teach a false Gospel, they teach that the individual is saved by believing in the Gospel and doing good works. Christ never mentioned good works, He just said as many as believe in Him shall be saved.

Well it is clear you do not know the bible or you would have recognised my talking about Eph 2v 8+9.

 

[Dan1988]

Well it is clear you do not know the bible or you would have recognised my talking about Eph 2v 8+9.

Eph 2:8-9 Confirms Calvin's view that salvation is a gift from God and therefore is freely given by God to His elect, so nobody can boast that they were saved because they made a wise choice to believe.

I'm not sure how you understand Eph 2:8-9 but it sounds like you have misunderstood it. Calvin understood it correctly, only Gods elect can understand the Gospel message correctly. The rest are all deceived, just as the Bible said would happen in the last days.

The Word of God has only been given to His elect, it is foolishness to the unbelieving reprobate. 90% of Christians are actually the reprobate, they think they are Christians but they will discover that they aren't when Christ sends them into the lake of fire.

 

[DeaconDean]

[Staff edit].

John Gill comments:

"The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us

The ark, and deliverance by it, as it was a type of Christ, and salvation by him, so it was a figure of baptism, and baptism was the antitype of that; or there is something in these which correspond, and answer to, and bear a resemblance to each other: as the ark was God's ordinance, and not man's invention, so is baptism, it is of heaven, and not of men; and as the ark, while it was preparing, was the scorn and derision of men, so is this ordinance of the Gospel; it was rejected with disdain by the Scribes and Pharisees, as it still is by many; and as the ark, when Noah and his family were shut up in it by God, represented a burial, and they seemed, as it were, to be buried in it, it was a lively emblem of baptism, which is expressed by a burial, ( Romans 6:4 ) ( Colossians 2:12 ) and as they in the ark had the great deep broke up under them, and the windows of heaven opened over them, pouring out waters upon them, they were, as it were, immersed in, and were covered with water, this fitly figured baptism by immersion; nor were there any but adult persons that entered into the ark, nor should any be baptized but believers; to which may be added, that as the one saved by water, so does the other; for it is water baptism which is here designed, which John practised, Christ gave a commission for, and his disciples administered: it saves not as a cause, for it has no causal influence on, nor is it essential to salvation."

John Gill, Commentary on 1 Pet. 3:21

So here again, baptism does not save, it does not offer remission for sins either.

And if it does, then we also have a clear contradiction in the scriptures.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." -Acts 4:12 (KJV)

[Staff edit].

One other, "can-o-worms", did Moses' "baptism" save?

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[now faith]

Matthew 3: 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Yet our outward cofession in being in the Body of Christ, shows we are partakers with him ,death burial, and resurrection .
Water baptism is our Wittness.

Matthew 3: 15. And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

It becometh us or it is proper conduct.
Christ was sinless He need not be Baptized, yet in all things He is our example.

Acts 1: 5. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7. And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 

[now faith]

I'm not quite sure what you're saying here, so allow me to clarify what I said. I believe the Bible teaches us that salvation is given to those who God chose to save before the world was made, so it has nothing to do with personal choice and everything to do with Gods choice.

I hope I have made is simple enough to understand, we contribute a big fat ZERO to our salvation. God does everything from start to finish. He gives us the ability to believe and obey, we were born dead in our sins like the reprobate but He quickens us to life and saved us from the penalty our sins deserve through His Son.

The problem with most, like 90% of Christian Churches teach a false Gospel, they teach that the individual is saved by believing in the Gospel and doing good works. Christ never mentioned good works, He just said as many as believe in Him shall be saved.

Lol well you could have stated you are a Calvinist, as with many others here.

 

[now faith]

Eph 2:8-9 Confirms Calvin's view that salvation is a gift from God and therefore is freely given by God to His elect, so nobody can boast that they were saved because they made a wise choice to believe.

I'm not sure how you understand Eph 2:8-9 but it sounds like you have misunderstood it. Calvin understood it correctly, only Gods elect can understand the Gospel message correctly. The rest are all deceived, just as the Bible said would happen in the last days.

The Word of God has only been given to His elect, it is foolishness to the unbelieving reprobate. 90% of Christians are actually the reprobate, they think they are Christians but they will discover that they aren't when Christ sends them into the lake of fire.

Is this why John MacArthur teaches people to take the mark of the Beast?
Even when Revelation clearly states the Beast and all that have His Mark will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
But I suppose Mr MacArthur is not followed by all Calvinest.

Do all Calvinest promote Lordship Salvation?

The controversy moved to the forefront of the evangelical world in the late 1980s when John F. MacArthur argued that the one-third of all Americans who claimed to be born again according to a 1980 Gallup poll reflected millions who are deceived, possessing a false, soul-destroying assurance
Wikipedia

Personally it's hard to imagine 80% of a Baptist congreation are not saved, how would anyone determine this notion?

 

[DeaconDean]

Is this why John MacArthur teaches people to take the mark of the Beast?
Even when Revelation clearly states the Beast and all that have His Mark will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
But I suppose Mr MacArthur is not followed by all Calvinest.

The "Mark of the Beast" is a fairly open ended subject. In fact, debates recently focus on the RFID chip. And believe it or not, this not something new. The United States Army began working on that as far back as 1968.

And if it just so happens to be an RFID chip, chances are, you yourself already have one. If you have debit card, or a bank card with a chip in it. You have it.

No, John MacArthur isn't followed by all Calvinists.

Do all Calvinest promote Lordship Salvation?

Here again, I know some Baptist who teach this even though they may not know it. "Lordship Salvation" can and often does come into play when people after repentace and confession, are usually asked "Are you ready to make Jesus your LORD and Savior.

The controversy moved to the forefront of the evangelical world in the late 1980s when John F. MacArthur argued that the one-third of all Americans who claimed to be born again according to a 1980 Gallup poll reflected millions who are deceived, possessing a false, soul-destroying assurance
Wikipedia

Personally it's hard to imagine 80% of a Baptist congreation are not saved, how would anyone determine this notion?

That may be true.

When I was in seminary, I remember reading and hearing that as little as 8% of the members in a congregation actually read their bible. And that perhaps only 2 to 4% actually understand what they are reading.

Who besides God, knows just who actually is and isn't saved?

Just like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, many looked good dressed up, were haulty, gave the impression they were the "perfect" Jew. What did Jesus call them?

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[now faith]

The "Mark of the Beast" is a fairly open ended subject. In fact, debates recently focus on the RFID chip. And believe it or not, this not something new. The United States Army began working on that as far back as 1968.

And if it just so happens to be an RFID chip, chances are, you yourself already have one. If you have debit card, or a bank card with a chip in it. You have it.

No, John MacArthur isn't followed by all Calvinists.



Here again, I know some Baptist who teach this even though they may not know it. "Lordship Salvation" can and often does come into play when people after repentace and confession, are usually asked "Are you ready to make Jesus your LORD and Savior.



That may be true.

When I was in seminary, I remember reading and hearing that as little as 8% of the members in a congregation actually read their bible. And that perhaps only 2 to 4% actually understand what they are reading.

Who besides God, knows just who actually is and isn't saved?

Just like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, many looked good dressed up, were haulty, gave the impression they were the "perfect" Jew. What did Jesus call them?

God Bless

Till all are one.

Matthew 23: 27. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.


You are more versed on Calvinism for sure than I am.

I started to notice in conversation and preaching, that a large part of time is spent on presuming most or some of the people going to Church are not saved.
I have watched a young man teach or Preach on 2 occasions and
He drove this idea into the ground.
As well non Calvinest often will say some of the same things.
Even in a small group who has been together for years the non Calvinest will have a Alter call.

I believe taking the mark will be a choice between it and being beheaded.

Revelation 19: 20. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with Brimstone.

Depending on your view of who is here during this time..

1 Corinthians 10: 13. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

I do understand that not all Calvinest are proslites of MacArthur ,
There are many in my belief who claim to be like believers but are far from us.
It usually involves a false teaching, but sad to say they have large groups into the millions who believe everything the false teacher says.
We need more Christian Apologetics, and people to stay in the Word.
God Bless

 

[now faith]

As for being saved and Baptized

Speaking as a Calvinist, having seen several dozen debates on the subject, I think clarification is needed on the matter. Predestination doesn't mean we have no choice. It simply means that our choice does not extend beyond God's sovereign election.

We get into that Arminian robotic straw man argument often enough when we argue against free will, as if we did not freely make our own choices. We do actually have a choice, but there's a superseding power that we do not see, which cannot be overcome, which masters our destiny. We freely make our choices, but our choices are not free from God's sovereignty.

To simply say that we have no choice gives a different impression from what is actually Calvinistic doctrine.

That is a very good explanation of Calvinism.
For most who are outsiders the terminology used seems to make God somthing He is not.

 

[now faith]

I spoke to our pastor about this issue, he said it's not a deal breaker if a person doesn't get the concept correctly. He reminded me that Jesus said, as many as believe in Me shall be saved.

The thief on the cross didn't have time to study the Bible or get his theology in order while he was hanging on the cross. All he did was believe in Christ and he was saved.

God is not impressed with how learned we are and how well we know the Scriptures. He's no respecter of persons, all he requires is that we believe in Christ and then the Holy Spirit will finish the work of salvation.

Too many people want to complicate the Gospel message, it's a simple message but it's foolishness to those who are perishing. So I have to come back to the old truth that only Gods elect will truly embrace the Gospel and obey it.

How does the Holy Spirit finish the work of salvation?

Do you think the purpose of God as told in Ephesians 1 was to provide a means for man to be reconciled with God from the foundation of the world?
And it was God's will and good pleasure that Christ was that Lamb.
To me it's obvious that God knew man would need a Saviour from the foundation of the world.
God is sovereign , and omnipresent.
God created all things in the Worlds to come, and rather than purposely creating man for Hell, He provided grace through Christ.
Man will accept this grace by Faith that Christ made the way.
Or man will turn his Back.
God is omniscient in all things, Christ has made intersession for us.
He is God yet became flesh, laid aside his glory to walk as a man.
Does God see our sin ?
Who is the judge of man?

John 16: 7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9. Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Who gives us faith?

John 16: 26. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27. For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. 28. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

God's ways are not our ways, and our true knowlage is found only in God's Word.

 

[DeaconDean]

Matthew 23: 27. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

Also relevant is the verse where "Christians" (notice the little "c") point to their works, deeds, etc, but Jesus rebukes them. "I knew you not"

You are more versed on Calvinism for sure than I am.

Naw, just been in it a little longer.

I started to notice in conversation and preaching, that a large part of time is spent on presuming most or some of the people going to Church are not saved.
I have watched a young man teach or Preach on 2 occasions and
He drove this idea into the ground.
As well non Calvinest often will say some of the same things.
Even in a small group who has been together for years the non Calvinest will have a Alter call.

As far as "altar calls", it is a "tool" in some cases, but there is no scriptural reference for it. It is debated as to when it actually came into being, for I have seen references to it as far back as the 1700's.

And without starting a debate, the most famous "Evangelist" known for using this "tool" is Charles G. Finney. Often thought of as the most prominate authors of what became known as "The Second Great Awakening" in America.

Even today, there is a great debate on whether this should be used or not. Just as in Finney's day, the debate raged as to whether or not "true conversions" took place. The argument was made that the "altar call" he used, played on the persons "emotions" rather than a "guiding by the Holy Spirit".

I believe taking the mark will be a choice between it and being beheaded.

Revelation 19: 20. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with Brimstone.

Depending on your view of who is here during this time..

1 Corinthians 10: 13. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

You are absolutely correct, it will be a "choice". However, let me put this to you.

Quite a number of years ago, I had a dream. (perhaps 15-20 years ago) Within the last 10 years, my younger brother and my cousin, have had the very same dream, but in a different version. Personally, I believe there will be a rapture of the saved. That when the events described From Revelation 6, to Rev. 20, we will not have to endure. (Now, please no debating over that point, I WILL NOT ANSWER ANY POSTS DIRECTED AT THAT POINT BY ANYBODY!)

Now, having said that, my dream was that my wife, son, and I were running away, trying to escape that particular event. We were caught.

(Have you ever seen the movie Cats Eye? I one of the stories, James Woods is trying to quit smoking. Upon accepting help, he unknowing finds out, there is more to this than he realizes. He slips up, and is caught smoking. He comes to the office of the place where he is seeking help stopping smoking. He is taken to a room with a mirror. He finds out it is a two-way mirror. He sees his wife standing, with no shoes on. The man tells him that he agreed to suffer the consequences if he was caught smoking. The man turns a knob on. His wife is standing on chicken wire that is connected to DC current. She receives "shock treatment". The man tells him, the next time he is caught smoking, they will cut off his wifes finger. Later on, during a dinner with another couple, James Woods sees the hand of the wife of the other man, and sees part of her finger cut off.)

Now, why go into such detail? Lets suppose my dream is true. You, your wife, and your son are Christians on the run, fleeing this event. You get caught. You are taken to a room, you see your wife and son tied to the wall. They are being tortured. A man asks you, if you would rather take the mark, or see your family tortured and killed. What would you do to save your family?

If, there is no rapture, this is a distinct possibility that every "Christian" will face during this Tribulation time!

I do understand that not all Calvinest are proslites of MacArthur ,
There are many in my belief who claim to be like believers but are far from us.
It usually involves a false teaching, but sad to say they have large groups into the millions who believe everything the false teacher says.
We need more Christian Apologetics, and people to stay in the Word.
God Bless

People are not being taught brother. In todays society, many are just perfectly happy to accept anything and everything that comes out of the pulpit. Nobody, well hardly anybody, takes the time to read, study, and check to make sure that what comes out of the pulpit and Sunday schools is what the Bible actually says. If they did, there would have been no Jim Jones, or David Koresh's.

I don't care who the man is, if my pastor said that he was Jesus Christ, or told me God told him I could no longer sleep with my wife, I'd run. FAST!

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[Hazelelponi]

Nvm

 

[now faith]

I'm a new Christian - reformed Baptist. Formerly I was Muslim.

My salvation is steeped in the "supernatural" (a short way to explain) and so naturally I ended up with a more Calvinist understanding of scripture, and of course the reformation teachers of old are so easy to understand, maybe because their experiences similar to mine - but they knew. It was in short, reading old reformation teachings and hearing some preachers, like coming home.

Plus, God gave me a husband whose background is reformation Baptist, and I think he's the only person on earth who knew how to deal with me.. lol. He knew Islam too, so he was actually helpful through it all.. it likely made it an easier transition overall. He left everything up to God that needed to be... and answered questions with patience... and had patience when I couldn't understand. Didn't push ever.

So.. reformation Baptist I am. However, I think questioning the legitimacy of other people's salvation is normal (?) I don't know. I do it.. my husband says it's not to us to judge, but it constantly throws me through a loop how odd this is...

I literally had more in common with Christians when I was a Muslim than I do now that I'm saved.. and for the life of me I can't figure it out other than to say, I'm not sure about some of these people.

I'm left fighting to keep my mouth shut all the time, unsure of whether they are saved, whether I'm normal, or why I don't "fit in" overall with people who you'd think, like my husband does, would all just understand having gone through similar experiences or have similar beliefs.

Lol. Anyway, long way to say I understand why reformation churches teach that maybe not everyone sitting in their pews knows Christ. It makes little sense otherwise.

Bless God for your salvation!
I love to hear that God has touched your heart and revealed His Spirit to you.

All the rest is simply theology among Believers in Christ.

As the old song goes"

I'm saved and I know that I am..
I'm so glad that I know that I'm saved....

 

[now faith]

Also relevant is the verse where "Christians" (notice the little "c") point to their works, deeds, etc, but Jesus rebukes them. "I knew you not"





Naw, just been in it a little longer.



As far as "altar calls", it is a "tool" in some cases, but there is no scriptural reference for it. It is debated as to when it actually came into being, for I have seen references to it as far back as the 1700's.

And without starting a debate, the most famous "Evangelist" known for using this "tool" is Charles G. Finney. Often thought of as the most prominate authors of what became known as "The Second Great Awakening" in America.

Even today, there is a great debate on whether this should be used or not. Just as in Finney's day, the debate raged as to whether or not "true conversions" took place. The argument was made that the "altar call" he used, played on the persons "emotions" rather than a "guiding by the Holy Spirit".



You are absolutely correct, it will be a "choice". However, let me put this to you.

Quite a number of years ago, I had a dream. (perhaps 15-20 years ago) Within the last 10 years, my younger brother and my cousin, have had the very same dream, but in a different version. Personally, I believe there will be a rapture of the saved. That when the events described From Revelation 6, to Rev. 20, we will not have to endure. (Now, please no debating over that point, I WILL NOT ANSWER ANY POSTS DIRECTED AT THAT POINT BY ANYBODY!)

Now, having said that, my dream was that my wife, son, and I were running away, trying to escape that particular event. We were caught.

(Have you ever seen the movie Cats Eye? I one of the stories, James Woods is trying to quit smoking. Upon accepting help, he unknowing finds out, there is more to this than he realizes. He slips up, and is caught smoking. He comes to the office of the place where he is seeking help stopping smoking. He is taken to a room with a mirror. He finds out it is a two-way mirror. He sees his wife standing, with no shoes on. The man tells him that he agreed to suffer the consequences if he was caught smoking. The man turns a knob on. His wife is standing on chicken wire that is connected to DC current. She receives "shock treatment". The man tells him, the next time he is caught smoking, they will cut off his wifes finger. Later on, during a dinner with another couple, James Woods sees the hand of the wife of the other man, and sees part of her finger cut off.)

Now, why go into such detail? Lets suppose my dream is true. You, your wife, and your son are Christians on the run, fleeing this event. You get caught. You are taken to a room, you see your wife and son tied to the wall. They are being tortured. A man asks you, if you would rather take the mark, or see your family tortured and killed. What would you do to save your family?

If, there is no rapture, this is a distinct possibility that every "Christian" will face during this Tribulation time!



People are not being taught brother. In todays society, many are just perfectly happy to accept anything and everything that comes out of the pulpit. Nobody, well hardly anybody, takes the time to read, study, and check to make sure that what comes out of the pulpit and Sunday schools is what the Bible actually says. If they did, there would have been no Jim Jones, or David Koresh's.

I don't care who the man is, if my pastor said that he was Jesus Christ, or told me God told him I could no longer sleep with my wife, I'd run. FAST!

God Bless

Till all are one.

I have to look at the Book of Daniel to perceive how things will occur.

This could be a mid Tribulation view due to the wars and events taking place before the dead and those in Christ are taken up.
When this happens many are going to know they missed it.
Some will never turn from their ways, and take the mark.
But others will fall to their knees and repent.
I believe this would be the stage you mentioned, with some fleeing torture.
We are in the last days now, how long no one knows.
People are perfect examples of 2nd Timothy 3.
A psychological study was done that said narrissisic behavior, was increasing faster than obesity in the US.
France and Sweden are haveing Satan worship in the open and cheering.
CERN looks like the world has gone mad.
I had a vision of Christ return as well,people all around were carnal and a few
Were just ignorant about God.
I woke up after I told a young soldier Its God Repent Now!
There was indeed a loud explosion and you knew it was world wide.
The sky turned multi colored as a huge cloud was descending.
I have not told many about this, but considering the days people may need to know.
God Bless

 

[SkyWriting]

Acts 16:30-31He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household

Romans 10:9-10
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

 

[JohnB445]

I believe there are the elect which the Bible says, because God is sovereign. God already knows who is saved or not, he knows our fate. Maybe the ones who decided to believe are the elect as well, I'm not 100% sure.

But I agree we are saved by grace. We believe Jesus is Lord, we know we have all fallen short and need a savior. We believe Jesus took our place for us and died on the cross for our sins, and that he raised on the 3rd day. What he did is enough for our salvation, we need to trust in him and believe.

And now we are saved.

After that I'm sure we all want to get closer to God, by prayer, repenting, and learning more about him through his word. He saved us, we didn't save ourselves he did. Its what Jesus did for us.

 

[DeaconDean]

I believe there are the elect which the Bible says, because God is sovereign. God already knows who is saved or not, he knows our fate. Maybe the ones who decided to believe are the elect as well, I'm not 100% sure.

A little FYI: that is 100% pure Arminian theology.

"To these succeeds the fourth decree, by which God decreed to save and damn certain particular persons. This decree has its foundation in the foreknowledge of God, by which he knew from all eternity those individuals who would, through his preventing grace, believe, and, through his subsequent grace would persevere, according to the before described administration of those means which are suitable and proper for conversion and faith; and, by which foreknowledge, he likewise knew those who would not believe and persevere.

Source

But I agree we are saved by grace. We believe Jesus is Lord, we know we have all fallen short and need a savior. We believe Jesus took our place for us and died on the cross for our sins, and that he raised on the 3rd day. What he did is enough for our salvation, we need to trust in him and believe.

That's all well and fine, but that notion and the one you said above are incompatible.

And now we are saved.

After that I'm sure we all want to get closer to God, by prayer, repenting, and learning more about him through his word. He saved us, we didn't save ourselves he did. Its what Jesus did for us.

Again, that is correct, but you cannot hold the above and that statement together.

God Bless

Till all are one.