To: Alan Markoff who wrote (19032 ) 7/12/1998 11:19:00 PM From: Don Martini Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 39621
Few things tickle the ear so much as the offer of a free ride. The idea that all God requires for eternal salvation is a simple confession of faith in Jesus is alien to scripture. A life of obedient service to God is necessary, with application of Christ's words: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." "By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. ... Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Therefore by their FRUITS ye shall know them. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many might works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7, SERMON ON THE MOUNT "I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also ... If a man love me he will keep my word: and my Father will love him ... he that loveth me not keepeth not my words." John 14 "But as for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, [OJ?] and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the SECOND DEATH" Rev 21:8 Repentance, conversion, belief and salvation require a lifelong Walk with Christ: Colossians 2:6-7