A couple of weeks ago, I was searching online for the meaning of a Greek word and ran across a blog with an article saying that it is not necessary to continue believing to be saved. The author said that the Greek word used for “believe” does not mean that, and that only a moment of “faith” is required to be assured of salvation. (So much for the Parable of the Sower – Mark 4:1-20.)
One of the comments to the article is quoted below:
Here is what my reply to that comment (not the original article). (I tried to keep it short, which for me is NOT easy!):
“The fact is, though, that not everyone who “had a ticket” at one time will enter in. The ticket is belief and if you no longer possess it when it is time to enter in, then you will not enter in at all. (Matt. 7:21-28, Heb. 6:4-8) The one who truly believes will act upon that belief because they are worshiping the holy, almighty God of the Bible and not a god of their own imagination who cannot save them. (Jam. 1:22-2:26, 1John 1:5-3:10) The rewards are for the faithfulness of our service (Matt. 25:14-30). That we really believe in our hearts that Jesus is Savior and Lord is a prerequisite. (Rom. 10:8-10, Acts 2:36) The arguments on this website about the meaning of the Greek word “believe” not meaning continuous are the unprofitable sort of thing that Paul warned against.”
Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:14-26
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:19-39
I was not actually even sure if my reply to the comment had posted, since it didn’t show up right away. However, it bothered me that I had not taken the time to refute the idea of our “buying a ticket” of salvation, and so I went back several days later to see if I could add to my original words. At that time I saw his reply:
He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Luke 13:22-30
Here is my (second and final) reply to him:
That is ironic that you are saddened by my comments, since I am truly beyond sad for you, from my heart. I didn’t realize you had replied, but came back actually because it occurred to me that I had not addressed some other things you had said. I’ll start with those.
Your premise that a person “buys a ticket” is immediately starting out badly. JESUS alone paid the price and no one can purchase their “ticket” or repay Him. Also, you do not understand the grace to which you refer. Grace is not only a one-time gift of forgiveness of sins. Grace is also POWER from within to live a godly life to please God.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Titus 2:11-15
For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
It is you who is not paying attention to the context of Matthew 7. Preceding v. 21, Jesus talks about the narrow gate and the hard way that leads to it, then warns about false prophets with bad fruit. Following v. 23, Jesus expounds upon v. 21 (“the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”) with a parable about building on the rock or sand. He says again, that it is not enough to hear His words, but one must DO them. Also see Luke 6:43-49, where it is made clear that the bad fruit comes from any bad tree, not only from those who are specifically false prophets (but also “wolves in sheep’s clothing”). James reiterated what Jesus said (and I referenced in my first comment above):
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:22-25
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (Also see 1Cor. 2:9, Rev. 2:10)
Another of Jesus’ teachings about being wise or foolish is in the parable of the virgins. (Matt. 25:1-13) The foolish did NOT enter the kingdom of God. In the parable of the talents in Matt. 25:14-30, there is a picture of Jesus rewarding His servants for their faithful service during His absence (using the gifts of the Spirit He gave them before He left – 1Cor. 12:4-11, Rom. 12:6-8). In v. 30, the wicked and worthless servant who hid his talent is thrown outside of the kingdom into darkness. Do you actually think that those who no longer even believe will fare better than those who did believe, but were ineffective and unfruitful—hiding their light under a basket? (Also Mark 12:35-40, Matt. 5:13-16)
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8-11
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. 1 Peter 4:17-19
As for my life being hard because I seek to obey Jesus, it is quite the opposite. Because of His Spirit in me and my great love for Him, I WANT to do His will. His will and desires are the SAME as mine. There is nothing the world could offer that could compare to the joy of knowing Christ and belonging to Him. (Phil. 3:8-9) I seek to please and obey Him as my beloved Lord and Savior out of gratitude and respect, knowing what it cost Him to free me from the penalty for my sins. Our salvation is the most valuable treasure any of us has ever had the privilege to possess, and we would be wise to behave accordingly. Anyone who does not throw out his FREE “ticket” is being wise instead of foolish. (Phil. 3:14-21, Eph. 5:15-17)
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, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. John 14:23-24
We were warned about the deception in the last days. Each one must humble themselves before God in order to receive the grace (power from the Holy Spirit) to persevere and inherit the promises. (Jam. 4:4-10, Jam. 1:12-18, 1Pet. 5:5-11, Heb. 6:11-12) It’s not about “earning” anything, it’s about having the sense to revere and respect almighty God. A person who does not is foolish and can’t see where they’re going. (Psa. 119:105, Psa. 111:10)
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:12-17
I am telling you this for the sake of your soul. You need to examine yourself to see if you’re in the faith. (2Cor. 13:5) Jesus is returning for those who are His, and whoever does not have His Spirit does not belong to Him. (1Cor. 15:23) Wake up now and trim the wick on your lamp and be sure you have oil. (Matt. 25:7-8) A time is coming when it will be too late. The Spirit is our guaranty of redemption, and He bears good fruit. (Eph. 4:30, Gal. 5:16-24)
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:7-23
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
I am not going to argue with you. If you don’t have “ears to hear” (which is to listen and obey the voice of God through the Scriptures), then there is nothing I can do to persuade you. Choose for yourself whether to be wise or foolish, whether to serve yourself or God.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 1 John 2:19
That’s the end of that discussion. For my readers, I would like to ask you to pray for the deceived in these days of increasing darkness. If so many of those who profess to be children of God have no discernment during these times when we have freedom to read our Bibles and to worship and serve the one, true God freely in this country, then how will they fare when the persecution really begins, accompanied by false signs and wonders? (Jer. 12:5-6, Dan. 11:32-36)
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12
And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:4-13
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:21-27
One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. Revelation 13:3-17
For anyone who doesn’t know this and is alive on earth when these things occur, the mark (imprint) of the beast (who wants to BE God, remember) is an imitation of God sealing His people with the Holy Spirit. Don’t become an official child of Satan by taking the mark! (Rev. 3:12, Rev. 14:1, Matt. 10:39) We are transformed into the nature of which one we belong to and obey, and will go to live with our “father” in the Lake of Fire or with our Father in the new heavens and earth for eternity. (John 8:44, 1John 3:1-10, John 1:12-13, 1John 2:15-17, Rom. 6:16-23, Rom. 12:2, Rom. 8:16-17, Rom. 8:29, 2Cor. 3:18, Eph. 4:24, Rev. 21:3, Rev. 21:7-8, John 14:1-3, 2Pet. 1:3-11)
And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Revelation 14:9-13 (Also see Rev. 20:10.)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20