If so, then know that their claim is a boastful statement based on arrogance and the belief that faith alone will save them.
When they say they are guaranteed Paradise by faith then they have negated the value of the Mercy of God by not acknowledging that the final decision rests upon GOD and he will judge based on HIS criterion which may include the fruits of faith.
Therefore, there is no guarantee for Paradise based on anyones faith alone and nobody can be proud of their status based on faith.
If anyone tells you that if you bring faith into your life you will be guaranteed Paradise then know that they are boasting about something that is not in their control.
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2007-09-20 23:16:04 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
thanks Larissa.
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2007-09-20 23:30:10 · update #1
From an Islamic point of view, this is quite true. However, there are Christians who seem to believe that just proclaiming their faith and belief in the Christ is enough. They can then live their lives as they wish, with a few nods to Jesus along the way. It would be better if a few more of the followers of the Christ actually tried to live up his example.
2007-09-20 23:26:38 · answer #1 · answered by Valarian 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you sort of. Some Evangelicals teach as you say, but fail to understand what it exactly means to "accept" Jesus. Does accepting Him merely mean acknowledging that He exists? The book of James states that the devils believe yet they fear and tremble. James also states that faith without works is dead and vain. Those who REALLY accept Jesus as their Savoir also accept the COMMANDMENTS that Jesus taught and practiced. Those involve works and deeds that we must do. Even Paul who taught grace many times states that he keeps his own body under control lest at the judgment day he himself would be a castaway.
1 Cor. 9: 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.
Some Evangelicals will reply that we are saved by grace, not works... yet they fail to understand that the works Paul was preaching about were the old works under the Law of Moses, animal sacrifices, circumcision, empty rituals and rites. These are indeed dead works, filthy rags that cannot save you. Yet BY OUR CHRISTIAN works we prove to God that we really believe in Him and the sacrifice of Christ and then is grace applied... if we endure to the end.
Matt. 24: 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Grace is freely given (in other words no money is required) but it is conditionally obtained through obedience to Christ's commandments , and it can be forfieted by our apostasy if we so choose.
2007-09-21 06:43:17 · answer #2 · answered by Technoman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I get your point. It happened many times for missionaries to come to my door and to tell me that if I accept Jesus then I am saved. I never bought that story, not even as a child.
I have a question on a symilar topic, I posted it a few minuts ago so it's stil on the first page. You might like it
2007-09-21 06:26:49 · answer #3 · answered by larissa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sense something in your question so I'll tell you this. It is written in Luke whereas Jesus said "The law and the prophets were ultill John. Since then the KINGDOM OF GOD IS PREACHED, and the people are pressing into it. So you take your paradise,,,I'll take the KINGDOM! And you, what is your scripture? or your authority?
2007-09-21 06:36:52 · answer #4 · answered by hamoh10 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow! You just called the Creator of life a liar.
2007-09-21 06:33:22 · answer #5 · answered by witness 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Isn't thins the only thing they Say ???
Getting a bit tired of it... Arn't we ?
2007-09-21 06:30:54 · answer #6 · answered by R G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
faith without works is dead... i read that in a book somewhere
2007-09-21 06:28:25 · answer #7 · answered by specky 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋