Can I be saved from just saying I love God?

Question

Most Christian religions say that if I love God and accept Jesus I'm already saved. So, is that it? I mean, there's no need to change anything? I say so because a friend of mine was looking for a church that required little changes in his lifestyle. I guess that's what most people want. But then I come to think, will I really be saved if I just say I love Jesus, but then I go and bow to some image in the church and the commadments say we cannot do it? or I say I love Jesus, but I still belief I will return in another body as soon as I die, even though I saw a place in the Bible where it says the dead will rise when Jesus come back? And talking about that, if I say I love Jesus will He take me with him when I he back? I'm worried about this. Some people say you are saved by grace, which means you just have to accept. However I have accepted and I feel I'm still little worthy of salvation, I still gotta change my character. And for so I have to do good. So, do I have to worry so much???

Answer 1

Hello friend,
You asked a very important question. And if you'll give me the time, I'll tell you what the Word of God says about Salvation.

First, to answer your question directly, no just saying you love God does not save you.
The Bible has a lot to say about Salvation and some folks simply do not take the time to read all about it. I will show you some places you can look to get started.

Using whatever version you're comfortable with, please check out these passages.
1) God's Book says one mush "HEAR" the word: (see Jn.5:24) (Ro.10:14)(Jn.6:45). Please note that to "Hear" does not mean you have to hear audible words. Deaf folks can have the Gospel communicated to them perhaps through sign language foe example. Hear basically means the Word is communicated and received.

2) A person who's heart is receptive Will "BELIEVE" what they've "Heard". (see Acts 16:31)(Jn.6:47) and (Jn.20:31). Look also at (Jn.6:45) to see how the Father "draws" you to Himself.

3) A person will "REPENT" when they've heard and believed the Gospel. (see Acts 2:37,38) (Luke 13:3) (Acts 3:19). Repentance is turning away from sin and toward God.

4) A person will also "CONFESS" (see Matthew 10:32) but don't forget verse 33 while you're there. Then check out Romans 10:9,10). This is a hard thing for some folks because they may be shy or timid in front of their friends or family. But Jesus is more than able to strengthen them.

5) A person will be "BAPTIZED". Many many people get caught up here. Some want to prove a doctrine or put you under a legal system of forced obedience, but friend, it is not like that in God's Book. Biblical Baptism actually has two parts. Mans part is to be Immersed in water for the remission of sins. (Acts 2;38 etc.)
God's part is done by God the Holy Spirit when He baptizes you into the body of Christ. Please read 1.Cor.12:13.

Friend, this is a very short look at what is involved in Salvation. I prefer the words Jesus uses in Jn.3:3 "BORN AGAIN".
Salvation is being Born Again or sometimes called the new birth.

I am not presenting a formula or a set of do's and don'ts in order to get to Heaven, nor am I saying that the above is set in a certain order or ritual you follow and get Saved. But rather, I've listed some helps for you to consider as you search God's Book.

Don't forget to ask the Father for His help as you read, otherwise
you'll be depending on human understanding. The Bible is a spiritual Book and can ONLY be understood with God's help.
Please read 1Cor. 2:12-14 emphasis on vs 14.)

This is a lot friend, but well worth your time. Where you are for Eternity depends on your response to Jesus.
Blessings,
2 Tim. 2:7

Answer 2

In the 1880's certain Protestant organizations realized they could build big congregations and a steady flow of donations by requiring very little from the people they recruited. And so the "cheap grace" movement was implemented. It isn't a new thing. The Nicoliatanes spoken of in Revelation believe in cheap grace.

"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into laciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:4).

Turning grace into license is, in essence, "cheap grace". It is the equivalent of denying both the Father and the Son.

Real grace is unmerited pardon from God based on our acceptance of the sacrifice of Christ. This grace is required so that we may receive salvation as a gift (by grace through faith).

What type of faith is required for salvation?

There is a dead faith and there is a living faith.

The faith that is without works is a dead faith (James 2:26). Most of the religious leaders know this but, for the most part, they run their religion as a business. And telling people they have nothing to do is an effective recruiting tool.

There is, of course, a rude awakening at the end of time when the sheep and the goats will be in front of Christ to be judged.

What's wrong with the goats?

They had no works!

In answer to your questiion, no, you don't need to worry. Simply continue to learn from the Bible, allowing the scripture to interpret the scripture. It will bring you past all the traditional absurdities of the establishment religions (both the mother and the daughters) that represent a portion of our modern day Babylon.

Answer 3

There's a little more to it than that. Unfortunately that is all you usually hear about. First of all, "saved" means you are standing before the Lord of Glory on the Golden Shores! It's past tense! None of us are 'saved' until we are home. We can live in a state of salvation. That's where you need to be.
Read the First and Second Chapter of Acts. It is still exactly that real. I f anyone tells you you don't need that or it was "only for them back then", they have not received this gift. It is for everyone. If you could have that experience with God wouldn't you want to? Sure you would! The Holy Ghost is what gives you the power to change that you mentioned. That is what the desciples and apostles were praying for. Jesus had told them to wait for the power that he would send. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus was there that day. It is for everyone! That happened to me over thirty years ago and it is still just as real. More! God has so much more than most people realize but you have to be willing to seek it. You have to want it.
After you read those chapters in Acts pray about it. Ask God to guide you. This matters and it is personal. God is personal! And he is all about you right now. You have a hunger for the truth or you wouldn't have asked this question.

Answer 4

Say it, have faith abou it, and then live it. Really though, by believing in Christ and then asking for Christ to live in your heart and forgive you of your sins is the way to get into heaven. You really have to believe it. Your life will change (and you'll probably revert back to some things at times) as you now feel freedom from this world. Knowing that this isn't it and that the real life awaits you after you die.
There is a lot to it. But it is Christ that changes you and believe it or not you will want to change a bit. Its not extreme for most. As I believe what I just told you, I still have my moments.
You and your friend should read the bible and get your own ideas and beliefs before you join a church if you are worried abou it. I read it 6 times before I went to find a church. I wanted my beliefs and not to be swayed by others. I have an open mind, but my core beliefs won't change as they are from Christ's mouth.

Good luck mate! And no worries!

Answer 5

God bless you for accepting God's grace. He loves you so much for going to Him. The next thing you need to do is learn your faith. Pray. Go to church, study your bible, read other books that will help you learn the Faith, study with friends and family. When we give ourselves to Jesus, we must learn the Faith He taught so that we can follow It and change our lives. This is the call from God. We are to walk as Jesus walked and talk as Jesus talked. Get my drift?

Just take it a day at a time. Some things will come easy, some won't. Just know that God is with you the whole time, through thick and thin. He loves you.

God bless.

Answer 6

Bowing to an image at church is just the recognition that God is present. You're not (or at least, shouldn't) worship the image itself.

Back to your question, some Christians believe that if you accept Jesus/God into you're life, then you are saved. I disagree completely with this kind of mindset. You can't keep sinning without remorse just because you believe in Jesus. You have to actively be kind to others and show charity.

Answer 7

salvation does require a lifestyle change. you don't just get saved and keep living the way you used to before you got saved. your right, we're not worthy, but God loves us so much that He gives us the chance to get saved. He wants to have a relationship with us.

it's not always easy. being a Christian is not a bed of roses. Jesus said take up your cross daily and follow me. there is going to be persecution and pain, but the reward for following Him is so much greater than anything we will ever experience here on earth.

Answer 8

Salvation is a free gift. The Lord Jesus Christ did it all for you. He died for your sins, He was buried and took your sins away and He rose again the third day for your justification. All you have to do to receive this free gift is believe and trust in what He did on the cross. Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 1 Corinthians 15: 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15: 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Answer 9

You have lots of questions! I really wish I could answer them all right now but I cannot. Your faith is a wonderful thing but it is not everything you need to be saved, you must act according to your beliefs. I know this looks long but read it all because it is true:

" For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world."

I sincerely hope you think about that and it's meaning and I wish you the best in your search.

Answer 10

As a christian one doesn't bow down before any images. Don't put pastors in any high places like a "Pope" and adore him. Don't believe in reincarnation. One rises only after Christ comes back once the final battle with the devil is won.
Yes, there are sacrifices to be made, like living without sex before marriage, drinking, speaking the truth regardless, living righteously, mainly the 10 commandments and common sense.
Yes, one needs to invite Jesus into ones heart and life, believe in His resurection and on His coming back and that He sacrificed His life for you dying for your sins.
This life on earth is nothing compared to eternity with Him.
Godspeed