Forgive my “butting in” but I have given this some thought as well. I think it boils down to the very nature of salvation. It’s not just “believing in Christ” (for even the demons do that) but repentance and regeneration (which of course the demons do not and cannot do). If that has occurred it will be obvious in the manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit. HOWEVER, if one simply believes in Christ like the demons believe — and is trusting in a system (man-made) of works, membership in a church, certain acts of piety, charity, or “sacramental acts” as defined by one’s denomination, then no — that doesn’t pass muster.
I think there are many who are saved but who torture themselves unnecessarily by denying the saving power of Christ, believing they must “add” to His sacrifice because they worship an insufficient Savior who just can’t get the job done. To me that is sad. Others may be trusting in a man-made system to earn their way to Heaven. These are the ones who are truly in danger of Hell because they are trusting in a man-created doctrine to get to Heaven.
As for those who believe you are being presumptious, it is not “presumption” to take God at His word. He expects no less of those who claim Him.
OK - you didn’t ask for my thoughts and I apologize, but there they are — for what they’re worth if anything.
Thanks very much for your thoughts! My comments were not directed specifically at anyone in particular, so I’m glad you “butted” in! ;o)
I agree with you that believing we are saved is not presumption but trusting God to keep his word. When you speak about what “believing in Jesus Christ” means, of course I am not speaking of simply acknowledging he exists. The demons - and all angelic beings - believe in him, but they are simply acknowledging the truth, being honest about it since he DOES exist and they have seen him. The demons nor the Heavenly angels have the ability to trust in Christ to save them. He came for the “world” of humans, not angels.
But the issue is, what does it mean to “believe” in Christ? My thoughts are that it is repentance - changing the mind - and trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior rather than thinking we can be good enough. When we really do this at the heart level - meaning it is more than a head knowledge - we surrender to Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Placing our faith in him to save us, trusting that he IS who he claims to be and accepting his sacrifice in our behalf. That is the point I am trying to clarify. 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 think it is as simple as just "believing in Christ". Repentance and regeneration follow real faith. The fallen angels "know" who Jesus Christ is, but they don't believe in Him unconditionally.
I think there are many who are saved but who torture themselves unnecessarily by denying the saving power of Christ, believing they must “add” to His sacrifice because they worship an insufficient Savior who just can’t get the job done.
Then they don't believe in Him unconditionally. Therefore they have added to The Gospel and in turn believe a different gospel.