Replies

Is someone who believes in Christ as Savior YET also believes - based on a lifetime of teachings - that they must do other things to deserve heaven, get saved? I have a sinking feeling that they aren’t because they aren’t really trusting in Christ as their Savior after all.

I believe that their trust, although imperfect theologically, could still be soul saving. Consider the faith of a child ~ do they understand the difference between the doctrines of justification and sanctification?

What I find sad is the lack assurance that these people have. We all have doubts from time to time, and that is why we examine ourselves. The examination of my life shows me that I am a failure but I am “in Christ” and count on His righteousness which is more than weight-lifting. To be counted righteous in Christ, is joy filling.

When I stand before God, I will plead Christ’s perfect righteousness. There is no need for me to wonder if I have done enough. Thanks be to God that He gives me this assurance through the reading of scripture.

By grace I am an heir of heaven: why doubt this, O my trembling heart?
If what the Scriptures promise clearly is true and firm in every part,
This also must be truth divine: by grace a crown of life is mine.

Consider the faith of a child ~ do they understand the difference between the doctrines of justification and sanctification?

We don't need degrees in theology to have unconditional faith, children are a great example. Children have blind faith. They just believe. They do not seek to make God a debtor who is obligated to save them because of their good deeds, or the rituals they performed. They just believe.

The person who adds to their faith, even with the best of intentions, is following a different gospel.

I, too, find the lack of assurance in some people who claim to be Christians, very sad. So many have been convinced by preachers and teachers that they MUST be good to go to heaven. I remember as a child, imagining when I died and thinking God would take all my good deeds on one side of a scale and all my sins on the other side and whichever side weighed the most would determine if I went to heaven or hell. I was taught not grace but debt.

The good news of the Gospel is that we can never be good enough to go to heaven and that is why Jesus came to earth to take our place and die for our sins. He paid the penalty we deserved for sinning and he offers us his righteousness in the place of our unrighteousness. That is what is meant by being justified in Christ. Just-as-if-I’d never sinned. He cleanses us as white as snow. I agree with you that when we stand before God at our judgment we are acquitted of all charges because we are found IN Christ, robed in HIS righteousness. Praise God!!!

I hope so much that my loved ones who do not understand this truth will be covered by the grace of God, that he deals with them as children who, though earnest in their worship of him, have been deceived by those they have been convinced to trust.

Thanks for your input.