WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Mercy Shown · Wednesday at 12:51 PM

Bro.T said:
Paul said in (1 Cor. 9:24-27) (v.24) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (v.25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible. Paul says that when you run in a race every body is running for a prize. But this prize that he is referring to is eternal life, that’s what he means by an incorruptible, he’s talking about an incorruptible body, a heavenly body. (v.26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly, so fight, not as one that beateth the air: (v.27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. You see Paul knew exactly what was going on that why he says he has to bring his body under subjection. Under subjection to what? To God’s Law, Paul knew that if he didn’t continue to keep Gods law that even after he had preached to many that he himself could still become a castaway. This doesn’t sound like Paul thinks that he has guarantee salvation.

Also Paul says in (Rom. 5:13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. If there is no law, there is no sin!

You’re noticing a tension that many readers pick up on between Paul’s teaching that eternal life is a free gift (Romans 6:23: “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”) and his call to discipline, effort, and “running to win” in 1 Corinthians 9:24–27. The key is that Paul uses different metaphors for different aspects of the Christian life. In this passage, he is not talking about earning salvation, but about living out salvation in a way that is faithful and fruitful.

Paul is clear elsewhere that you cannot earn eternal life by effort or moral performance (Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation is by grace through faith—like being handed a place in the race as a free entry ticket. You don’t buy your way in; God calls and justifies you entirely apart from your own merit.

In 1 Corinthians 9, however, Paul uses athletic imagery to describe reward and faithfulness, not initial salvation. The “crown” he speaks of here is likely the reward of faithful service (see also 2 Timothy 4:7–8, where he talks about the “crown of righteousness” given to those who long for Christ’s appearing) and the satisfaction of finishing well without his ministry being discredited (“so that I myself will not be disqualified”). Disqualification here does not necessarily mean losing salvation; rather, it points to losing reward, credibility, or fruitfulness. Paul is concerned that his life’s work stand the test, as he describes in 1 Corinthians 3:12–15.

Paul knows that the gift of salvation is secure, but he also knows the Christian life is not passive. God gives eternal life freely, yet He calls believers to respond with effort, self-control, and perseverance. In Paul’s thinking, grace is not opposed to effort—it is opposed to earning. The gift saves you, the race shapes you, and the crown rewards you.

Think of it this way: you are invited to a marathon by someone who has paid your entry fee. You cannot earn your spot—it’s theirs to give. But once you are in, you still need to train and run in order to finish well. Slacking off will not cost you your entry, but it will affect your finish.

Bro.T · Wednesday at 5:56 PM

Mercy Shown said:
You’re noticing a tension that many readers pick up on between Paul’s teaching that eternal life is a free gift (Romans 6:23: “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”) and his call to discipline, effort, and “running to win” in 1 Corinthians 9:24–27. The key is that Paul uses different metaphors for different aspects of the Christian life. In this passage, he is not talking about earning salvation, but about living out salvation in a way that is faithful and fruitful.

Paul is clear elsewhere that you cannot earn eternal life by effort or moral performance (Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation is by grace through faith—like being handed a place in the race as a free entry ticket. You don’t buy your way in; God calls and justifies you entirely apart from your own merit.

In 1 Corinthians 9, however, Paul uses athletic imagery to describe reward and faithfulness, not initial salvation. The “crown” he speaks of here is likely the reward of faithful service (see also 2 Timothy 4:7–8, where he talks about the “crown of righteousness” given to those who long for Christ’s appearing) and the satisfaction of finishing well without his ministry being discredited (“so that I myself will not be disqualified”). Disqualification here does not necessarily mean losing salvation; rather, it points to losing reward, credibility, or fruitfulness. Paul is concerned that his life’s work stand the test, as he describes in 1 Corinthians 3:12–15.

Paul knows that the gift of salvation is secure, but he also knows the Christian life is not passive. God gives eternal life freely, yet He calls believers to respond with effort, self-control, and perseverance. In Paul’s thinking, grace is not opposed to effort—it is opposed to earning. The gift saves you, the race shapes you, and the crown rewards you.

Think of it this way: you are invited to a marathon by someone who has paid your entry fee. You cannot earn your spot—it’s theirs to give. But once you are in, you still need to train and run in order to finish well. Slacking off will not cost you your entry, but it will affect your finish.

First let me say that God had Peter to clearly warn us about some of Paul’s writing. (2Peter:3:15-16) (v.15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (v.16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Now let us take heed to this warning, we can’t ignore all the bible and just concentrate on a hand full of verses out of the writings of Paul. Because some of Paul’s writing is hard to be understood.

Also Paul says in (Rom. 5:13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. If there is no law, there is no sin! Paul says in Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. You wouldn’t know what sin was if there was no law. Paul concerning the unchangeable Royal Law of God. (Rom. 13:7-10) (v.7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (v.8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. That’s the biblical definition of love, the keeping of God’s law. (v.9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. (v.10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that is what God’s holy commandments are all about; the first four tells you how to love God and the last six tells you how to love your neighbor. If you love your God you will not do any thing to offend him, like having other gods before him. You will do as he says like remember the sabbath day to keep it holy on the seventh day of the week. If you love him you will obey him when he tells you not to eat certain meats etc… And the same goes for your fellow man, if you love your neighbor you wouldn’t steal from him, you wouldn’t kill him, you wouldn’t try and sleep with his wife and so on and so forth. (See exodus 20: 1-17)

Mercy Shown · Wednesday at 6:19 PM

Bro.T said:
First let me say that God had Peter to clearly warn us about some of Paul’s writing. (2Peter:3:15-16) (v.15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (v.16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Now let us take heed to this warning, we can’t ignore all the bible and just concentrate on a hand full of verses out of the writings of Paul. Because some of Paul’s writing is hard to be understood.

I understand where you’re coming from now. I know there are some Christians who share your doubts about Paul. Personally, I don’t see a conflict between Paul and Peter, but I can see why some people might perceive one and feel the need to decide which is correct. For me, it’s important not to dismiss any scripture simply because it challenges our own reasoning. I also think it’s worth considering that it can be inconsistent to use some of Paul’s writings to make a point while disregarding others. From what I’ve read, Paul speaks more often about righteousness as a free gift than about striving to earn salvation. In fact, I don't believe that he contradicts himself at all.

Mercy Shown · Wednesday at 6:52 PM

Bro.T said:
First let me say that God had Peter to clearly warn us about some of Paul’s writing. (2Peter:3:15-16) (v.15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (v.16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Now let us take heed to this warning, we can’t ignore all the bible and just concentrate on a hand full of verses out of the writings of Paul. Because some of Paul’s writing is hard to be understood.

Also Paul says in (Rom. 5:13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. If there is no law, there is no sin! Paul says in Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. You wouldn’t know what sin was if there was no law. Paul concerning the unchangeable Royal Law of God. (Rom. 13:7-10) (v.7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (v.8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. That’s the biblical definition of love, the keeping of God’s law. (v.9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. (v.10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that is what God’s holy commandments are all about; the first four tells you how to love God and the last six tells you how to love your neighbor. If you love your God you will not do any thing to offend him, like having other gods before him. You will do as he says like remember the sabbath day to keep it holy on the seventh day of the week. If you love him you will obey him when he tells you not to eat certain meats etc… And the same goes for your fellow man, if you love your neighbor you wouldn’t steal from him, you wouldn’t kill him, you wouldn’t try and sleep with his wife and so on and so forth. (See exodus 20: 1-17)

Since we are using Romans for our authority let me say that I think Romans helps shed light on how the law is fulfilled, not by our own striving, but through the righteousness God credits to us through faith. In Romans 3:20–22, Paul says that no one is declared righteous by works of the law; rather, righteousness comes apart from the law and is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

He expands on this in Romans 4, pointing to Abraham: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Abraham’s standing before God wasn’t earned through his own works but was a gift, received through faith — and Paul says this applies to us as well (Romans 4:23–24).

Then in Romans 8:3–4, Paul explains that what the law was powerless to do — because of our weakness — God did by sending His Son. The result is that “the righteous requirement of the law” is fully met in us, not because we perfectly keep it ourselves, but because we “walk according to the Spirit” who applies Christ’s righteousness to us.

In other words, the law is fulfilled in us because Christ’s righteousness is counted as ours, and the Spirit transforms us from within. Our obedience flows from that gift, rather than being the means of securing it.

The law was not done away with for if it had been than Christ would not have had to die to fullfill it by taking its punsihment for us. Our current righteousness does not come from the law but apart from the law: through Jesus Christ imputed righteousness to us.

Dan Perez · 2025-08-14T14:35:57-0500

Danthemailman said:
Acts 16:31 clearly states, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" and not Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and get baptized and you will be saved.

Just asking about Acts 16:31 , why you left out the word be saved you and your HOUSEHOLD. ?

Household //. OIKOS. is inbthe Nominative Case , in the Singular??

dan p

Bro.T · 2025-08-14T19:03:23-0500

Mercy Shown said:
Since we are using Romans for our authority let me say that I think Romans helps shed light on how the law is fulfilled, not by our own striving, but through the righteousness God credits to us through faith. In Romans 3:20–22, Paul says that no one is declared righteous by works of the law; rather, righteousness comes apart from the law and is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

He expands on this in Romans 4, pointing to Abraham: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Abraham’s standing before God wasn’t earned through his own works but was a gift, received through faith — and Paul says this applies to us as well (Romans 4:23–24).

Then in Romans 8:3–4, Paul explains that what the law was powerless to do — because of our weakness — God did by sending His Son. The result is that “the righteous requirement of the law” is fully met in us, not because we perfectly keep it ourselves, but because we “walk according to the Spirit” who applies Christ’s righteousness to us.

In other words, the law is fulfilled in us because Christ’s righteousness is counted as ours, and the Spirit transforms us from within. Our obedience flows from that gift, rather than being the means of securing it.

The law was not done away with for if it had been than Christ would not have had to die to fullfill it by taking its punsihment for us. Our current righteousness does not come from the law but apart from the law: through Jesus Christ imputed righteousness to us.

When the bible speaks of laws we no longer have to keep, it is speaking of the animal sacrificial laws and Priesthood laws. These animal sacrificial laws were a school master pointing us to the fact that Jesus would be sacrificed for our sins. Since Jesus died we are no longer under a school master, (required to offer up bulls and goats for our sins).

Now we must believe (have faith) Jesus died for us (Hebrews 10:4,9-10) 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 9 then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

This doesn't mean we don't have to obey God's moral laws of conduct. That would be like a man getting paroled from prison and then ignoring the same laws that sent him to prison in the first place. Jesus only died once, so if we willingly break God's law, after accepting Jesus, our reward will be eternal damnation (Hebrews 10:26-27) 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

The point that is not understood is that we all have sin, but until Jesus came, there was no way of getting out from under your sins. So God institute a Priesthood and laws that went with the priesthood to control the sinning, and so the Lord use animal Sacrificial laws, even though it could not remove sins.

When Jesus died on the cross that was the end of the first covenant, which consisted of the blood of animals and the keeping of God’s commandments. And his death also brought in the second covenant, which consist of the blood of Jesus and the keeping of God’s commandments.

Let us avoid this at all costs, seeking a better reward. Jesus will return real soon And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12).

Bro.T · 2025-08-14T19:08:04-0500

Mercy Shown said:
I understand where you’re coming from now. I know there are some Christians who share your doubts about Paul. Personally, I don’t see a conflict between Paul and Peter, but I can see why some people might perceive one and feel the need to decide which is correct. For me, it’s important not to dismiss any scripture simply because it challenges our own reasoning. I also think it’s worth considering that it can be inconsistent to use some of Paul’s writings to make a point while disregarding others. From what I’ve read, Paul speaks more often about righteousness as a free gift than about striving to earn salvation. In fact, I don't believe that he contradicts himself at all.

Not really, let's get a full understanding of what Paul is talking about even in other areas. Let's go to (Gal. 3:1, 13, 16-17, 19, 24) (v.1) O FOOLISH Ga-la’-tians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (v.13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, CURSED IS EVERYONE THAT HANGETH ON A TREE: What law is this talking about? Let the bible speak for itself.

(v.16) Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of One, AND TO THY SEED, which is Christ. (v.17) And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

To sum up what going on here in Galatians, Paul is explaining that Christ came from Abraham seed, and remove the animal Sacrificial law. But in the days of Abraham that animal Sacrificial law never was on the table, and was not needed for Abraham to obey and have faith in God. But the Commandments was always on the table.

Now pay attention, the law that is being spoken of here came four hundred and thirty years after this covenant. But God’s holy commandments have been around forever even before man was created. Remember that Satan was kicked out of heaven because iniquity (sin) was found in him. And what is sin? The transgression of the law (commandments). Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Now we have just read the biblical definition of sin, the transgression (breaking) of the law (commandments.) It doesn’t matter what you or I think sin is, it’s what God says sin is that counts. (1John 3:4)

(v.19) Wherefore then serveth the law? A question is being asked here. Then why should we serve this law? It was added because of transgression, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; the law that we are talking about here was added because of sin. But we now know that sin is the transgression of the law.

How do you add a law if sin is the transgression of the law? Because there are two sets of laws, you have God’s holy commandments which abided forever, and you had the animal sacrificial law which was added because of sin, but it was only good until the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and that seed was Jesus.

(v.24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. This animal sacrificial law was only a schoolmaster. (Paul breaks down more of this law in Hebrew 10th Chapter)

And this schoolmaster taught you that when you sinned in ignorance blood had to be shed (an animal sacrificed). But Christ being the ultimate sacrifice shed his precious blood once and for all, and by doing this putting an end to the animal sacrificial law.

Paul says in Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. So when you quoted all the places in the Bible that do away with this animal sacrificial law, not understanding that Paul talks about two sets of law. The Royal law (Ten Commandments) and the animal sacrificial law sometimes in the same verse you bring can bring destruction to yourself not knowing which law is which.

Mercy Shown · 2025-08-14T20:01:41-0500

Bro.T said:
Not really, let's get a full understanding of what Paul is talking about even in other areas. Let's go to (Gal. 3:1, 13, 16-17, 19, 24) (v.1) O FOOLISH Ga-la’-tians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (v.13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, CURSED IS EVERYONE THAT HANGETH ON A TREE: What law is this talking about? Let the bible speak for itself.

(v.16) Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of One, AND TO THY SEED, which is Christ. (v.17) And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

To sum up what going on here in Galatians, Paul is explaining that Christ came from Abraham seed, and remove the animal Sacrificial law. But in the days of Abraham that animal Sacrificial law never was on the table, and was not needed for Abraham to obey and have faith in God. But the Commandments was always on the table.

Paul calls the Galatians “foolish” in Galatians 3:1 because, in his view, they were turning away from the truth of the gospel they had already received and were being misled into thinking they could complete or perfect their salvation by keeping the law rather than by faith in Christ.

Here’s the flow of Paul’s reasoning:

They had already received the Spirit by faith, not law-keeping

"Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?" (Galatians 3:2)
Paul’s rhetorical question points to the fact that their experience of God’s Spirit came when they believed the gospel, not when they kept the Mosaic law.

They were acting as if faith wasn’t enough

"Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:3, ESV)
“Flesh” here refers to human effort apart from God’s grace. Paul is astonished they thought they could start with God’s supernatural work and then finish by their own effort.

They were being influenced away from the truth

"Who has bewitched you?" (Galatians 3:1)
The word “bewitched” suggests they were under a kind of deceptive spell—false teachers persuading them that keeping the Jewish law (like circumcision) was necessary for salvation.

They were ignoring the centrality of Christ’s crucifixion

"Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." (Galatians 3:1)
Paul had already set before them the meaning of Jesus’ death—that it fulfilled the law and provided righteousness through faith—yet they were acting as if that wasn’t sufficient.

In short:
The Galatians were “foolish” because they were abandoning the gospel of grace for a distorted message that mixed faith with legalistic law-keeping, undermining the sufficiency of Christ’s death.

Today we do not consider the works of the law to be salvationsl, yet some fail to see the correlation they ahev to good works and have substituted good works as a means to salvation.
Paul is consistent throughout his letters that good works do not and cannot save us—salvation is by grace through faith, not by anything we do. But he’s equally clear that good works are the fruit and evidence of salvation, not the cause of it.

Here’s the breakdown from Paul’s own writings:

1. Good works cannot earn salvation

Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Paul rules out boasting because salvation is God’s gift, not a wage we earn.
Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy…”
Even “righteous” deeds can’t merit salvation.
Galatians 2:16 – “…a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…”
Whether ceremonial or moral, human effort is not the basis of justification.

2. Good works flow from salvation

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Good works are the result of being saved—they’re part of God’s plan for believers.
Titus 3:8 – “…those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.”
Faith naturally produces a life of service and love.
Galatians 5:6 – “…the only thing that counts is faith working through love.”
Faith is active, not passive—it expresses itself in love-driven actions.

David Lamb · 2025-08-15T01:16:41-0500

Dan Perez said:
Just asking about Acts 16:31 , why you left out the word be saved you and your HOUSEHOLD. ?

Household //. OIKOS. is inbthe Nominative Case , in the Singular??

dan p

But the passage does not say that other members of the household were saved by the jailer believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, for just a few verses later we are told:

“33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” (Ac 16:33-34 NKJV)

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

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