Why Most People Who Think They’re Saved Aren’t

[bdavidc]

On 5/20/2025 at 12:19 PM, streeter said:

Doesnt John say in ch 3.

Something like  It was just like the serpent on the rod where all they had to do is look and be healed.    All you need is to believe in Jesus and recieve eternal life?       I always took that as God wants us back so much he literally makes it as easy as he can.    

 

Yes, John 3 does reference the bronze serpent in the wilderness, and you are right that Jesus used that to explain how salvation comes through believing in Him. In John 3:14–15, Jesus said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” This shows that salvation is by faith, just as the Israelites were physically healed by looking at the serpent, we are spiritually saved by looking to Christ in faith.

But the same chapter also explains what that kind of belief truly is. John 3:18 says, “He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already,” and John 3:36 says, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” The word “believe” in these verses is not about a casual acknowledgment, it means to fully trust in, rely on, and submit to Christ. It is faith that changes a person from the inside out.

God absolutely desires for people to be saved (2 Peter 3:9), and salvation is available to all who believe. But the Bible is also clear that real faith results in a new life. Jesus said in John 3:3, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” So yes, God makes salvation available through simple faith, but that faith must be genuine, not just words or mental agreement. As James 2:17 says, “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” The Gospel is simple, but not shallow, it is a call to die to self and live by faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:20).

[bdavidc]

17 hours ago, Prycejosh1987 said:

Jesus makes alot of demands, which only someone who truly loves and accepts Him will do. Love people. Most people dont do that. Never get jealous or be lustful. Forgive and do not hold grudges. These are all things a christian naturally does. I havent met someone at any church who does none of these things. 

You are right that Jesus makes many clear commands, and Scripture teaches that those who truly love Him will obey Him. In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is not what saves us, but it is the natural result of being born again. 1 John 2:3–4 says, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

At the same time, the Bible also makes it clear that no one walks in perfect obedience all the time. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Yes, a Christian sins, but they do not walk in habitual sin. A true believer is someone who is convicted by sin, confesses it, and turns from it. 1 John 3:9 says, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” This does not mean sinless perfection, but it does mean a changed relationship with sin, no longer practicing it as a way of life.

The issue is not whether a believer ever struggles, but whether their life shows a pattern of repentance, growth, and submission to God. A true Christian walks according to the Spirit (Romans 8:13–14, Galatians 5:24–25). Forgiveness, purity, love, and humility are not optional traits, they are the fruit of the Spirit in a believer’s life (Galatians 5:22–23).

So while many claim to be Christians and may attend church, Jesus warned that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom, but only those who do the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21). That is why it’s important not to measure salvation by church attendance or outward appearances, but by whether someone has truly been born again and is walking in obedience to Christ.

[Cyoder]

I'm in the I hope I'm saved category.  I almost think it shows some level of arrogance to know you are going to heaven. I have confidence that God is just, and I also know I deserve death.  I just hope my belief is strong enough and I have repented enough.  Nobody actually knows.  

[Starise]

On 5/20/2025 at 12:19 PM, streeter said:

Doesnt John say in ch 3.

Something like  It was just like the serpent on the rod where all they had to do is look and be healed.    All you need is to believe in Jesus and recieve eternal life?       I always took that as God wants us back so much he literally makes it as easy as he can.    

 

 The gospel always has and always will be the blood of Jesus covering our sins, our confession of our sins and trusting his sacrifice to cover our sins. Some can point to the exact time and day it happened. The question is, was it a one off event with no other input from us or is there some ongoing efforts from us? I compare it to marriage. I went to a ceremony to be joined to my wife. After that there is commitment involved. Relationships require some sacrifice, but if we love our wife we will be willing to make the sacrifice.

Again, love grows over time. Most will tell you they have come to appreciate and love their spouses even more over time. Love doesn’t see that relationship as demanding. It’s patient love and sometimes endurance. Same with a relationship with Jesus. He did not come to make things worse for us in the long haul. They will only get better and better. There will be some growing pains due to our sinful natures, but don’t give up, live for holiness. You’ll see. 

Back to your comments, this is something I would not want to get wrong due to the implications. In life most decisions are educated decisions. I have seen people who  said they believed in Jesus but lived like the devil and never really changed. This is because they seen God more like an insurance policy. A one off statement intended to indemnify them, but they never turned  to God. Maybe never chose to look at their sinfulness as a human being, so two different outcomes can happen all depending on the person and their heart.

Lots of folks have an external form of Christianity that isn’t real. It just gets the church people off their back so they can go back to what they were doing.

[Starise]

36 minutes ago, Cyoder said:

I'm in the I hope I'm saved category.  I almost think it shows some level of arrogance to know you are going to heaven. I have confidence that God is just, and I also know I deserve death.  I just hope my belief is strong enough and I have repented enough.  Nobody actually knows.  

The good part of this is that you clearly fear God and we are told that fearing/respecting God is the beginning of wisdom. If you think there is any chance you are responsible for your salvation, this could be reason for that feeling of instability. If you place all hope in Jesus covering your sins, then you are resting on His promise to you. If you are sorry for, and confessed sin you have a contrite heart. You have all the elements there. Trust Him. Look to Him to be with you day by day and into eternity as your savior.

[Cyoder]

Just now, Starise said:

The good part of this is that you clearly fear God and we are told that fearing/respecting God is the beginning of wisdom. If you think there is any chance you are responsible for your salvation, this could be reason for that feeling of instability. If you place all hope in Jesus covering your sins, then you are resting on His promise to you. If you are sorry for, and confessed sin you have a contrite heart. You have all the elements there. Trust Him. Look to Him to be with you day by day and into eternity as your savior.

I think I doubt myself so much that it makes me question everything.  I am constantly worried do I believe in Jesus enough?  Some people are so sure they are saved, I desperately want that feeling.  I think you are right, that I need to trust in him completely.  I still think I need to do something. I need to let that go and just spend more time learning and praying.  What's confusing is you do have to work at being a better person.  God will give us the power to conquer any sin, but we also have to do our part.  For example, God helped me quit drinking.  He made it something I could handle.  I still have to not buy it or turn it down when someone offers.   Together, I haven't drank since 2014.  

[Starise]

2 minutes ago, Cyoder said:

I think I doubt myself so much that it makes me question everything.  I am constantly worried do I believe in Jesus enough?  Some people are so sure they are saved, I desperately want that feeling.  I think you are right, that I need to trust in him completely.  I still think I need to do something. I need to let that go and just spend more time learning and praying.  What's confusing is you do have to work at being a better person.  God will give us the power to conquer any sin, but we also have to do our part.  For example, God helped me quit drinking.  He made it something I could handle.  I still have to not buy it or turn it down when someone offers.   Together, I haven't drank since 2014.  

I appreciate you sharing.  Some people are what they call ‘overthinkers’ and I also fall into that category. Mainly it’s just too amazing to contemplate and yet it’s true. As king David said, “why are you mindful of me Lord?, as far as the heavens are above the earth are your thoughts above my thoughts.” Even he was amazed at God loving him in such an individual way, and here was a man who took out a giant with a slingshot in faith. He also had an illicit affair and had the husband taken out. Through all of that God loved him enough to judge his actions and bring him back. 
 

How does that all apply to us? God says the very hairs of our head are all numbered. He cares for us, loves us, understands times of doubt. He won’t let go of you.

I see the part about where we work to stay up to snuff as really more of a synergistic relationship where He is with us to help every step of the way. He just wants willingness. He sees hearts. 

 

[Cyoder]

2 hours ago, Starise said:

I appreciate you sharing.  Some people are what they call ‘overthinkers’ and I also fall into that category. Mainly it’s just too amazing to contemplate and yet it’s true. As king David said, “why are you mindful of me Lord?, as far as the heavens are above the earth are your thoughts above my thoughts.” Even he was amazed at God loving him in such an individual way, and here was a man who took out a giant with a slingshot in faith. He also had an illicit affair and had the husband taken out. Through all of that God loved him enough to judge his actions and bring him back. 
 

How does that all apply to us? God says the very hairs of our head are all numbered. He cares for us, loves us, understands times of doubt. He won’t let go of you.

I see the part about where we work to stay up to snuff as really more of a synergistic relationship where He is with us to help every step of the way. He just wants willingness. He sees hearts. 

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply.  It's been helpful to me. 

[Anne2]

On 5/15/2025 at 8:52 PM, bdavidc said:

It’s true that we are called to encourage and love others, but genuine love must be rooted in truth. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter in John 14:26, but He is also the Spirit of truth, and John 16:8 says He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. That means part of His work is to warn, correct, and lead people to repentance, not just to comfort.

If we only speak what makes people feel good and avoid the hard truths of Scripture, we are not being faithful. 2 Timothy 4:2–3 commands us to “preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” We’re living in that time now.

The whole Bible is inspired by God, not just the comforting parts. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says all Scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. People need to believe the entire Word of God, not just the parts that make them feel safe. Real fruit comes from abiding in the truth, even when it cuts deep. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is a sword that pierces the heart. If we truly care about people, we will give them the whole truth so they can be truly saved and walk in the light.

It is just different parts of his body. Some body parts are suspect by other parts. Especially on forums where there is no structure of topics. It is an experiment.. 

Edited May 26 by Anne2

[Luther]

15 hours ago, Cyoder said:

I'm in the I hope I'm saved category.  I almost think it shows some level of arrogance to know you are going to heaven.   I almost think it shows some level of arrogance to know you are going to heaven. I have confidence that God is just, and I also know I deserve death.  I just hope my belief is strong enough and I have repented enough.  Nobody actually knows.  

  "I almost think it shows some level of arrogance to know you are going to heaven."

I understand what you were saying.

  Philippians 2:12 KJV
 "..........work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."