Salvation any other way?

[karenoka27]

So many times I hear people say "I've known God all my life.." or "I am saved...I believed in God." Maybe it's just me, but when someone tells me they are saved, I'm looking to hear "I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried and rose again, having victory over death." ok not necessarily all those exact words..but you have to be able to say "Jesus Christ" I am amazed at how many call themselves Christians but won't give "Jesus Christ" the honor due Him.
Am I missing something? I really am curious. I also hear it often that some grew up in a Christian home so they always heard about Jesus Christ..but that doesn't mean they are personally saved. I think I fear for those who think they are saved by association. I would love to hear input and verses.

John 14: 6-"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."

1 Corinthians 15:3-"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,"

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

[GothicAngel]

Although I do not believethe same as you on salvation...

Why or how could someone who believed all their life, would they be not saved as thoise who convert... what can they do about it?>

[Sold Out]

So many times I hear people say "I've known God all my life.." or "I am saved...I believed in God." Maybe it's just me, but when someone tells me they are saved, I'm looking to hear "I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried and rose again, having victory over death." ok not necessarily all those exact words..but you have to be able to say "Jesus Christ" I am amazed at how many call themselves Christians but won't give "Jesus Christ" the honor due Him.
Am I missing something? I really am curious. I also hear it often that some grew up in a Christian home so they always heard about Jesus Christ..but that doesn't mean they are personally saved. I think I fear for those who think they are saved by association. I would love to hear input and verses.

John 14: 6-"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."

1 Corinthians 15:3-"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,"

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

The best way to 'wade thru the muck' when getting answers like that is to find out exactly what that person is depending on to get them to heaven. The word 'saved' can be a relative term.

This is a way I learned to do it. Ask them, "What do you think it takes for a person to get to heaven?" (don't let them answer - proceed with the following..)

"Of course, believe in God, right?" (they will probably shake their head 'yes') Then continue with the following questions, holding up a finger for each one they agree with..

1. "What about going to church? Do you think that would help a little bit?"
2. "What about living a good life? Do you think that would help a little bit?"
3. "What about helping the poor? Do you think that would help a little bit?"
4. "What about keeping the commandments? Do you think that would help a little bit?"

Then say, "So what you're telling me is that you are depending on 4-5 things to get you to heaven right?"

Now you've got them...you've forced them to admit what they are depending on to get them to heaven. If they are truly saved, they will not be depending on ANY of these things to get them to heaven.

Then you present the Gospel to them!

[wimp35]

To get at what the person believes in their heart. I also would add to have a Bible handy andsome salvation scriptures memorized.

[Jesusinmyheart]

Why or how could someone who believed all their life, would they be not saved as thoise who convert... what can they do about it?

Do you know how many people proclaim His name, but walk not according to His teaching ?

In have met plenty of folks like that. They claim they are saved, but yet know not a single thing about obedience. I have recently experienced a sister's husband being enlightened, and all of a sudden this man turned athiest.

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.


I know a person who claims the name, but does not act like it at all. Many claim to know Yeshua on a personal level, and go to church every sunday, but yet they do not seek Him out on their own.

Php 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

[karenoka27]

Although I do not believethe same as you on salvation...

Why or how could someone who believed all their life, would they be not saved as thoise who convert... what can they do about it?>

you help me make my point...it is impossible to have believed all of your life. Ok perhaps since you were a baby you heard Jesus Christ taught to you. That doesn't make you saved. At some point in your own life you have to make a commitment to Christ, a personal surrendering of your own life, completely trusting in what Jesus Christ did for you trusting only in Him for your eternal life. Even your parent's can't do that for you.
Romans 5:12-"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned"

No one is born saved. Yet so many say, "I knew Him all my life." It scares me when I hear people say this, for what if ...just what if they someday here the Lord say, "I never knew you..."Matthew 7:23

[GothicAngel]

You say that you cant believe all your life, you have to make a commitment?

I dont know, as long as I can remember I have believied in Christ as God, idk about that

[punk]

I think there is a strange sort of legalism in looking for a person to mouth the right words.

[Sold Out]

You say that you cant believe all your life, you have to make a commitment?

I dont know, as long as I can remember I have believied in Christ as God, idk about that

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:" I John 5:1

[karenoka27]

I think there is a strange sort of legalism in looking for a person to mouth the right words.

I never said "mouth the right words..." I am only curious to know who thinks they were maybe born saved? Because that is the impression I get from those who say they knew Him all of their life.

And if believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord is legalism....I'm legalistic. (Romans 10:9)

[Sold Out]

Guys, the point here is how to DETERMINE if someone is saved, especially when that person uses familiar terms like "I believe in God." or "I have faith." or "I went to church all my life...", "I said a prayer at the altar."

None of those responses means that person is saved. The only way to tell is to find out what they are depending on to get them to heaven.

[GothicAngel]

I never said "mouth the right words..." I am only curious to know who thinks they were maybe born saved? Because that is the impression I get from those who say they knew Him all of their life.

And if believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord is legalism....I'm legalistic. (Romans 10:9)

But if it is true that your belief gets you to heaven andyou have always believed, wouldnt you have been born saved in a awy?

[corijoysdad]

Guys, the point here is how to DETERMINE if someone is saved, especially when that person uses familiar terms like "I believe in God." or "I have faith." or "I went to church all my life...", "I said a prayer at the altar."

None of those responses means that person is saved. The only way to tell is to find out what they are depending on to get them to heaven.

Even by them saying what they depend on to get into heaven doesn't mean they will be there. That too can be just words. I know many, many people who can say the right things. They will tell you that they are saved through Christ on the cross, but not one other thing in their life changes.

To me, someone can talk all they want about how they are saved, but it will show in the way they conduct their life, what they do with their time, talents and resources. And I'm not talking about doing "works" in order to score brownie points with God, but a life changing encounter with the Holy Spirit that compells you to do thhese things in His name.

[diffangle]

But if it is true that your belief gets you to heaven andyou have always believed, wouldnt you have been born saved in a awy?

As we know, the demons believe in Him... so belief alone doesn't get you into heaven.

[Slug1]

Believing that God exists and following God and two different paths. Your fruit will show the path you're on.

edit: Another thought, demons "know" God exists, no faith or belief involved.