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

[Michael37]

15 hours ago, Cyoder said:

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

Hi @Cyoder

Don't misidentify faith in Christ for salvation as arrogance.

1Co 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those being lost, but to us being saved, it is the power of God.

The very essence of Biblical Christianity is the absence of human effort and the complete trust in the finished work of Christ crucified, dead, buried, resurrected, ascended to heaven, and accepted as our Saviour

The special theological term for God's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice is propitiation. This means that Jesus' sacrifice fully satisfied God's justice and wrath against sin, making reconciliation possible between God and humanity.

The Bible speaks of this in Romans 3:25, which says: "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith." The Greek word used here for "sacrifice of atonement" is hilasterion, which is often translated as propitiation.

Additionally, 1 John 2:2 states: "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." This verse highlights that Christ's sacrifice was sufficient for all who believe.

Here are some powerful Bible verses that affirm the truth that salvation comes by grace through faith:

• Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
• Acts 16:31 – "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."
• Romans 10:9 – "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
• John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
• Titus 3:5 – "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy."

These verses emphasize that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human effort or works. They offer assurance that believers can know they are saved by God's grace.

[Cyoder]

7 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Hi @Cyoder

Don't misidentify faith in Christ for salvation as arrogance.

1Co 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those being lost, but to us being saved, it is the power of God.

The very essence of Biblical Christianity is the absence of human effort and the complete trust in the finished work of Christ crucified, dead, buried, resurrected, ascended to heaven, and accepted as our Saviour

The special theological term for God's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice is propitiation. This means that Jesus' sacrifice fully satisfied God's justice and wrath against sin, making reconciliation possible between God and humanity.

The Bible speaks of this in Romans 3:25, which says: "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith." The Greek word used here for "sacrifice of atonement" is hilasterion, which is often translated as propitiation.

Additionally, 1 John 2:2 states: "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." This verse highlights that Christ's sacrifice was sufficient for all who believe.

 

Here are some powerful Bible verses that affirm the truth that salvation comes by grace through faith:

• Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
• Acts 16:31 – "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."
• Romans 10:9 – "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
• John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
• Titus 3:5 – "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy."

These verses emphasize that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human effort or works. They offer assurance that believers can know they are saved by God's grace.

There are several other Biblical quotes that suggest works are at least part of the equation.  "Faith without works is dead" comes to mind.  There are so many Christians that think they can do whatever they want, live like a heathen and be saved just for "believing".  I put believing in quotes because I don't think that people acting like this truly believe.  I think if belief was the only key, Jesus wouldn't have spent so much time telling us how to live properly and warning us of hell so much.

I doubt myself as I think everyone should, I don't doubt the promise Jesus made.  Questions I ask myself, how do I know I believe completely?  That I believe enough?  His own disciples didn't believe until they saw Jesus standing in front of them, risen from the dead.  Nobody knows for sure that they are saved, that's up to God.  All we can do is try our best.  Learn, develop our relationship with God, repent and most of all believe as much as we are able.  

[Alive]

54 minutes ago, Cyoder said:

There are several other Biblical quotes that suggest works are at least part of the equation.  "Faith without works is dead" comes to mind.  There are so many Christians that think they can do whatever they want, live like a heathen and be saved just for "believing".  I put believing in quotes because I don't think that people acting like this truly believe.  I think if belief was the only key, Jesus wouldn't have spent so much time telling us how to live properly and warning us of hell so much.

I doubt myself as I think everyone should, I don't doubt the promise Jesus made.  Questions I ask myself, how do I know I believe completely?  That I believe enough?  His own disciples didn't believe until they saw Jesus standing in front of them, risen from the dead.  Nobody knows for sure that they are saved, that's up to God.  All we can do is try our best.  Learn, develop our relationship with God, repent and most of all believe as much as we are able.  

One good measure of assurance is a changed life. When we are born again, the HOLY SPIRIT begins a work in each of us shining a light on the sin previously lived in.

We recognize sin for what it is and turn from it in repentance. This is what repentance is---turning away from. At the same time we learn that Christ is truly Lord and Savior and learn to seek Him for Help each day. He said, "without me, you can do nothing". Confess your inability to Him and seek Him for Grace to Help in time of need.