now, i was saved when i was 5 years old. but i made sure of it several times. i believe that Jesus died on the Cross. but i have been reading matthew lately, and am starting to think that maybe just believing in Jesus Christ is not enough. i mean, if you ask Jesus into your heart, but you dont live like a Christian, are you still going to heaven? i you listen to bad music, cuss, get in fights, steal, cheat, and lie on a regular basis even though you are saved, is there really a difference between you and a non-christian. i really want some well grounded Christians to help me, because my faith is starting to struggle. i have seen so many referenses in the book of matthew that are making me believe that being saved isnt enough. someone please help me out.
2007-07-19 08:39:19 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
First of all you are right to question this! I believe that the holy spirit, the spirit of truth is leading you as you read, and seek the truth...the Bible says...
(Matthew 24:13) “13 But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.”
The Apostle Paul even said this of his own salvation...
(1 Corinthians 9:26-27) “. . .Therefore, the way I am running is not uncertainly; the way I am directing my blows is so as not to be striking the air; 27 but I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.”
And then of course, the verse that totally shows that it takes more than just believing...
(James 2:26) “. . .so also faith without works is dead.”
You know, even the Devil, Satan, believed, but we learn his outcome in the book of Revelation...
(Revelation 20:10) “. . .And the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur, ...(Revelation 20:14) “. . . This means the second death, the lake of fire.. . .”
He will cease to exist! Yet he believed.
So it is vital that we as Christians show by our behaviours and our lifestlye that we are Christians. we have the privilege of serving the one true God, and his Son, Jesus Christ. It is vital that we apply godly principles to our lives...
(Proverbs 27:11) “. . .Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.”
This is God, speaking to his people, about the Devil, who is taunting him...so each one of us has the obligation to live in a way that can give Satan no cause for reproach.
~wannaknow~
2007-07-19 16:29:20 · answer #1 · answered by wannaknow 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Okay, well in the bible, and I will add the verses at the end of this, it says you are saved by grace and not works. It also says that faith without works is dead. So...lemme go into detail more of how I feel.
You say you believe in all the bible says about Jesus, that He is God's son. You confessed that to Him. You are forever saved and will enter the kingdom of heaven.
I, too, was saved at a young age. I grew up in church, but I have so often slacked, especially lately. I know I am still saved, though, and will go to heaven. However, because I am slacking and not obeying like I should, I will be punished and not receive as many crowns when I do go to heaven.
Being saved is enough to go to heave, but it is not enough necessarily for God. He wants us to obey and to be a witness to others. I know how hard it is, though, cuz I wanna have fun. You can have fun and be a christian, too, though. It's just hard. I think we're both just going through a time where we need to balance everything and maintain a good christian lifestyle.
Be blessed. Email me anytime.
2007-07-22 15:35:33 · answer #2 · answered by Mama C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well when you are saved you surrender your life to Christ therefore it is expected that you will try and follow in Christs ways. Such as not cursing, drinking, having premarital sex etc.
Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14
Clearly light cannot have communion with the dark so if you are saved you cannot be doing things which belong to the dark such as the above mentioned things. However if you do fall into it but ask forgiveness with a humble heart then you are ok. God will forgive you so many times but when it gets to a point where you just keep doing and your no longer sorry then eventually you lose that grace. However as long as your alive you can still be forgiven and reconciled with God should you ever slide from your salvation. This is what comes with being saved. Its a tough road sometimes but it is the best you will ever take. Take it from a person who has been through the good and bad. But it is all worth it. Just stand strong youll do great things for God.
2007-07-19 08:53:18 · answer #3 · answered by pony 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I don't believe being saved means you get a free ticket to live an unchristian life. There's more to being saved than saying a few words, it has to be in your heart, and if its really in your heart, you're going to do your best not to sin. None of us is ever going to be perfect, or even close, the point is the sincere attempt. I've had my share of falling away, but I always come back stronger than before. If you're living your life cussing, fighting, stealing, cheating, etc., you're not really making an attempt. Maybe the fact that you're reading the bible and questioning your own actions is a sign that you are starting to get it. Even Satan believes, so believing alone isn't enough. God bless you in your search.
Some believe "being saved" is the end of their obligations, that they have no need to do good works, but personally, I think if a person is truly saved, they'll want to do good works. I'm not saying its a condition, just that it seems to me to have a clue who Christ is, you'd have a hard time not wanting to help others.
2007-07-19 08:50:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Let me put it this way, if you are saved you should want to change for the better and do your best to leave your bad habits behind to please Jesus.
I have just gone through the same problem of your not too long ago. My faith has struggled many times too because we're human and well, I don't know what you think of the devil, but he wants us to doubt Jesus and to think we're not good enough. He wants you to never change for Jesus.
Jesus loves you so much and He wants you to be close with Him. I prayed that He'd help me find a way back to Him-closer to Him. And He did.
Start by praying/talking to Jesus like He's your best friend...I mean, you can't lie anyway or sugar coat anything because He knows all. Be honest with Him...tell Him how you feel. Take small steps with Him, (but keep moving forward) and eventually you will grow closer to him and know without a doubt you are saved. You'll still struggle with doubts here and there but you'll know how to deal with those better too!
2007-07-19 10:59:51 · answer #5 · answered by art14ist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus is the very best example we have of how we should live our lives. He was dedicated to serving God and doing His will. Take a look at Luke 4:43. Jesus Himself said that he was "sent forth" to "declare the good news of the kingdom of God." Then, he told his disciples to carry on that mission to preach about God's kingdom to other people. (Matthew 28:19,20) Many people think that simply saying "I believe Jesus died for my sins" is enough to be saved. But what does the Bible really say? Read Luke 13:22-24. Then, read John 17:3 to see how to get in through "the narrow door".
Hope I've helped.
Rachel B
2007-07-19 09:01:57 · answer #6 · answered by Rachel B 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I dont care that are my thoughts on it. and incredibly am not being rude. even with the reality that i know that's took that way. the only reason i'm posting is by the fact I dont know the way everyone can examine something. Then turn around and say that they know this could be a reality or not. no rely what we examine we are examining something that yet another wrote and believes or believed. And from what i will tell human beings like to talk. And that would pass on and on. So once you pass finding around for the reality know which you would be able to wander off. Its that little burning feeling that jumps in our chest that tells us we've been given to be staggering. which will kill us everytime. seek for God or what each and every you suspect in. And know that each and every person is possiable. And for people who dont know Astrologer isn't a nasty element and could be in each and everything. human beings to right this moment are nevertheless attempting to discern all of it out. yet I dont think of that the celebrities or moon or the solar gets any individuals into heaven. If thats the place you're desirous to pass. O properly thats my suggestions wish you detect what you're finding for. :)
2016-10-22 02:23:04 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I would say you have taken the first , very important step. You have asked Jesus into your heart, confessed your sins and repented of them. That is super ! Now, you need to follow Him and His teachings , as you start your Christian walk with Him by your side to guide you. Read His word on a daily basis and meditate on what you think He is revealing to you as you read it. Just before you sit to read, pray that God will reveal the treasures in His word . Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you strength each day to fight the good fight against the darts of the devil. The devil will try to fill you with doubts and fears, but resist him and he MUST flee from you. Might I suggest that it's much easier to walk with Jesus if you become part of a good Bible believing Church so you will have the support of others in the same walk as you. May God bless you as you seek His face & study His Word.( Brian)
2007-07-19 10:24:37 · answer #8 · answered by The Count 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always remember that God is the lover of your soul - He saves, keeps and santifies - but there is a responsibility on your part to keep yourself holy... there will be struggles along the way, He knows that very well... but he will never love you any less because of your struggles... A person that do the things that you do is called a carnal christian - but you can change with the help of Christ to be an overcomer in all aspects of your life.... He stands by you side waiting for you to ask Him to help you overcome...
2007-07-19 08:54:50 · answer #9 · answered by Pastor David 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your reading a lot of law, which condemns us. After Christs death on the cross we came under grace. Start studying the difference between law and grace. If you react as I did (after years of study on this subject) you will get a whole different perspective on this. don't read Matthew with the idea that this is what I have to do. I could go on, but won't. Just put your faith in Jesus and his grace and go from there. You don't need to do anything but believe.
2007-07-19 08:59:58 · answer #10 · answered by expertless 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋