Protestants: Sinner's Prayer-What must it say and does it assure Salvation?

[mikeledes]

They now REJECT the SINNER’s PRAYER ?? PLEASE, NO !!!

Millions/Billions of Protestants were Reborn by praying the prayer. To now reject it would be an absolute disaster / tantamount to rejection of their conversion. For Many, Many protestants … the Sinner’s Prayer gave them LIFE. Don’t even think of expecting them to reject their INITIAL salvation … that moment they stood at the foot of the Cross and made their first full CONTRITE CONFESSION, and Christ breathed/INFUSED the H.S. into them.

If anyone has been justified extrasacramentally, it was because of their faith and their act of contrition, not because of the Sinner´s prayer per se. They could have used any prayer for that matter… any prayer that expresses faith and repentance. It wasn´t the Sinner´s prayer that gave them life. It was God and they subjectively appropriated that life through their faith and contrition.

God Bless,
Michael

 

[FrJohnB]

@bbr3,

I think you’re quite confused with regard to the Journey Home and the average guest not disavowing their Protistant beginings. These people haven’t accepted the error of pluralism, something you pulmigate here. They fundamentally reject theologies such as the sinners prayer, they accept the Catholic Church as the true church and funadmentally reject their old beliefs where they dipart from good orthodox doctrine.

But they don’t reject the good that did exist, the love of Christ and Scripture. That is what we (at least should) hold in common with protistants and this is always useful as a Christian. Indeed I suggest it’s key to success, but again… It doen’t mean these people are out there trying to pulmigate bizzar evangelical / catholic hybird theologies. Doing what you’re trying to do ends in heresy, which is not where you want to be.

I would exhort you to reexamin what you beleive, because one can not accept both evangelical and Catholic views. They are mutally exclusive on many levels.

If I may add also…
If one closely examines the Journey Home these persons do thank God that they had a religious upbringing but they realize that they were not part of the one true church and disavow the old. We are told in Colossians to “put off” the old man and “Put on” the new; the same would hold true to a convert to the Roman Catholic church they would have to put on the new church and take off the old.

 

[mikeledes]

I think there may be a misunderstanding here. BRB, what do you mean by ¨Sinner´s Prayer?" What are you referring to? How do you define it?

God Bless,
Michael

 

[JustaServant]

They now REJECT the SINNER’s PRAYER ?? PLEASE, NO !!!

Millions/Billions of Protestants were Reborn by praying the prayer.

I think ‘millions’ of Protestants would disagree with that.

 

[JustaServant]

@bbr3,

I think you’re quite confused with regard to the Journey Home and the average guest not disavowing their Protistant beginings. These people haven’t accepted the error of pluralism…

Exactly.

 

[brb3]

If I may add also…
If one closely examines the Journey Home these persons do thank God that they had a religious upbringing but they realize that they were not part of the one true church and disavow the old. We are told in Colossians to “put off” the old man and “Put on” the new; the same would hold true to a convert to the Roman Catholic church they would have to put on the new church and take off the old.

Yes, they all clearly perceive the superior position of the Church … over their first beginnings. I too acknowledge the fact the Catholic Church is vastly superior to every Protestant Faith I’ve examined. Still Christ taught we ALL must come to him as children, by simple faith, — not seminary theology. Most cradle Catholics don’t really have the aptitude or desire to learn a fraction of what the Church teaches ! At least the ones of the last several generations don’t.

Nevertheless, we Catholics do accept that both Catholic & Protestant understandings are developmental. God accepts the incipient faith of all his creation … whether Protestant or Atheist, when they ‘put off the old man/woman’ by Confessing the Sinner’s Prayer [or some varient thereof]. Trinitarian Baptism is also essential … as an appeal to Christ for their regeneration as a New man/woman In Christ. We all must begin at some point in our journey to the Kingdom, with a mixture of truth and errancy. God molds his creation over time, refining our lives in the furnace of life through judgments, by His Eternal Spirit … provided we welcome His spirit.

It’s our will to persevere to a fuller enlightenment that matters. Our process & ending is Key, … and ALLS WELL only for those who end well. We can only build upon what Christ has begun. God starts a GOOD WORK in the Protestants, then by his Spirit he further shapes their minds/souls to Catholic dogmatic Ideals. A regenerated Protestant is already a good work IN CHRIST … and cannot ‘put off’ or reject their beginning enlightenment. They have received Initial Justification/Sanctification … but, now need the secondary, pure Spiritual ‘Food for the Journey’ [Sister Anne’s - Renewal Ministries teaching].

Without getting ‘molded’, shaped by Catholicism … many, sadly will not persevere. Without frequent INFUSIONS of grace … we become ease prodigal marks for the foe.

 

[brb3]

I think there may be a misunderstanding here. BRB, what do you mean by ¨Sinner´s Prayer?" What are you referring to? How do you define it?

campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm

This is a very, very efficacious sinner’s prayer — from my own PERSONAL EXPIERIENCE !!!

… because it comes after the explanation of the 4 laws, one being presented with this Gospel message is moved to pray the sinner’s prayer with FULL CONTRITION/CONVICTION, and belief of God’s intent & desire to save/adopt them as His redeemed … thru Grace of Christ’s Blood of Cross.

Millions upon Millions of the lost have been justified by this salvation presentation of the Protestants. It has been used successfully now since the 1960’s.

 

[Loboto-Me]

Yes, they all clearly perceive the superior position of the Church … over their first beginnings. I too acknowledge the fact the Catholic Church is vastly superior to every Protestant Faith I’ve examined. Still Christ taught we ALL must come to him as children, by simple faith, — not seminary theology. Most cradle Catholics don’t really have the aptitude or desire to learn a fraction of what the Church teaches ! At least the ones of the last several generations don’t.

Nevertheless, we Catholics do accept that both Catholic & Protestant understandings are developmental. God accepts the incipient faith of all his creation … whether Protestant or Atheist, when they ‘put off the old man/woman’ by Confessing the Sinner’s Prayer [or some varient thereof]. Trinitarian Baptism is also essential … as an appeal to Christ for their regeneration as a New man/woman In Christ. We all must begin at some point in our journey to the Kingdom, with a mixture of truth and errancy. God molds his creation over time, refining our lives in the furnace of life through judgments, by His Eternal Spirit … provided we welcome His spirit.

It’s our will to persevere to a fuller enlightenment that matters. Our process & ending is Key, … and ALLS WELL only for those who end well. We can only build upon what Christ has begun. God starts a GOOD WORK in the Protestants, then by his Spirit he further shapes their minds/souls to Catholic dogmatic Ideals. A regenerated Protestant is already a good work IN CHRIST … and cannot ‘put off’ or reject their beginning enlightenment. They have received Initial Justification/Sanctification … but, now need the secondary, pure Spiritual ‘Food for the Journey’ [Sister Anne’s - Renewal Ministries teaching].

Without getting ‘molded’, shaped by Catholicism … many, sadly will not persevere. Without frequent INFUSIONS of grace … we become ease prodigal marks for the foe.

You know what? I can’t see anything that you’ve written here that I can disagree with! Actually I feel that non-catholics are where they need to be on their journey toward God at that moment in their lives. I’m not including those who are refusing to move forward into a more mature religion that Catholicism is. It still is their beginning and I respect that and I think God respects that too (my opinion as I can’t speak for Him) .

Even as Catholics though, we can’t get so comfy in our little Catholic world as to not make use of what Christ has given us through the Church to move forward on our own journey toward Salvation. I’m not saying this to you specifically, I’m actually just warning Catholics that come here that some of us do tend to slide back and focus only on the cerebral aspect of Catholicism and forget the Spiritual.

 

[brb3]

I think ‘millions’ of Protestants would disagree with that.

What do Protestants know ?

They know they’ve been saved !!! They know the supernatural has breathed new life into them. They know they are a NEW MAN/WOMAN, by power of Christ. If the prayer works … then it is efficacious.

Should they be Baptised by immersion? Absolutely, but if no clean, flowing river water be found, then a lake/ocean, or if no lake, then by pouring. Finally, by sprinkling— if sufficient water be not available /// paraphrase of DIDACHE, on Baptism

 

[crazzeto]

What do Protestants know ?

They know they’ve been saved !!! They know the supernatural has breathed new life into them. They know they are a NEW MAN/WOMAN, by power of Christ. If the prayer works … then it is efficacious.

Should they be Baptised by immersion? Absolutely, but if no clean, flowing river water be found, then a lake/ocean, or if no lake, then by pouring. Finally, by sprinkling— if sufficient water be not available /// paraphrase of DIDACHE, on Baptism

I’m sure they do… Funny thing about that passage of the didache that you quoted… Notice all the “if not be available…”'s in there?

 

[Padrej]

campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm

This is a very, very efficacious sinner’s prayer — from my own PERSONAL EXPIERIENCE !!!

… because it comes after the explanation of the 4 laws, one being presented with this Gospel message is moved to pray the sinner’s prayer with FULL CONTRITION/CONVICTION, and belief of God’s intent & desire to save/adopt them as His redeemed … thru Grace of Christ’s Blood of Cross.

Millions upon Millions of the lost have been justified by this salvation presentation of the Protestants. It has been used successfully now since the 1960’s.

I think your key wording there is “salvation presentation of the Protestants,” with all respect, you are now claiming to be Roman Catholic. You are no longer Protestant so why do you want to cling to something that is Protestant? Let me put it this way, would you go into a Presbyterian church and receive communion from them knowing the Roman Catholic stance on receiving communion from a Protestant is a no no. Most practicing Catholics would stay away from the rail.
Look, what you have put here is GREAT for Protestants and you probably had a great experience with them. The problem is that the Roman Catholic church does not recognize this as valid practices of Catholic faith. Does it bring a Protestant close to God? MY YES IT DOES. Should a Practicing Roman Catholic avoid this practice because of what the catechism says on the matter and the historic teachings of the Catholic Church? YES. This is the problem some are having with your posts.

Look I agree with the Evangelical parts of what you write but not all of the Catholic parts, that is why I am not a practicing Roman Catholic. A great many in my family are Catholics and I do respect their opinions and they mine. But the thing is they in my family who are Catholic DO NOT practice what id do and what you are proposing in many of your posts.

 

[FrJohnB]

campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm

This is a very, very efficacious sinner’s prayer — from my own PERSONAL EXPIERIENCE !!!

… because it comes after the explanation of the 4 laws, one being presented with this Gospel message is moved to pray the sinner’s prayer with FULL CONTRITION/CONVICTION, and belief of God’s intent & desire to save/adopt them as His redeemed … thru Grace of Christ’s Blood of Cross.

Millions upon Millions of the lost have been justified by this salvation presentation of the Protestants. It has been used successfully now since the 1960’s.

Here is the problem with what you have posted here, to add on to what Padrej has already said. where in Catholic teachings and the catechism do you find the “4 laws” or “sinner’s prayer” that makes one have the desire to save/ adopt as you so eloquently put it? As you say,

Millions upon Millions of the lost have been justified by this salvation presentation of the Protestants

I notice that you say that it is not Catholic; then why do you want to incorporate it into Catholic teaching? The Vatican may choose to do this but I do not foresee it happening in any time in the future. Your past should be just that, THE PAST!!! Your future is with the Catholic Church and not part or baggage should be brought in from the past.

 

[FrJohnB]

What do Protestants know ?

They know they’ve been saved !!! They know the supernatural has breathed new life into them. They know they are a NEW MAN/WOMAN, by power of Christ. If the prayer works … then it is efficacious.

Should they be Baptised by immersion? Absolutely, but if no clean, flowing river water be found, then a lake/ocean, or if no lake, then by pouring. Finally, by sprinkling— if sufficient water be not available /// paraphrase of DIDACHE, on Baptism

Let me get this clear, If you as a Protestant knew you were saved and the supernatural was “breathed into you” why did you become a Catholic? IF that prayer works then why don’t I just introduce it to all in my parish and they all can be good Protestants.

:nope: NOT going to happen!!! Not gonna do it. It is simply not part of Catholic teaching.:banghead:

 

[mikeledes]

campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm

This is a very, very efficacious sinner’s prayer — from my own PERSONAL EXPIERIENCE !!!

… because it comes after the explanation of the 4 laws, one being presented with this Gospel message is moved to pray the sinner’s prayer with FULL CONTRITION/CONVICTION, and belief of God’s intent & desire to save/adopt them as His redeemed … thru Grace of Christ’s Blood of Cross.

Millions upon Millions of the lost have been justified by this salvation presentation of the Protestants. It has been used successfully now since the 1960’s.

The big theological problem with these four laws is with law 4 and everything that comes after it. We are normatively born again and hence receive the grace of justification in the sacrament of baptism. Can God work extrasacramentally. Yes … but that is the exception and not the rule. The problem is the theology behind this prayer, it is not in accordance with Catholic teaching. It makes this prayer the rule. Can a person who recites this prayer receive the grace of justification extrasacramentally? It’s possible. Is it because of this specific prayer? No. They receive it because of their faith and their contrition, not because of this prayer. It’s not the words of the prayer that are efficacious.

God Bless,
Michael

 

[brb3]

Let me get this clear, If you as a Protestant knew you were saved and the supernatural was “breathed into you” why did you become a Catholic?

IF that prayer works then why don’t I just introduce it to all in my parish and they all can be good Protestants.

:nope: NOT going to happen!!! Not gonna do it. It is simply not part of Catholic teaching.:banghead:

Because … as all should recognize by age 40 or so, we get wiser with life experience. We recognize that what brought us to Initial Salvation … doesn’t always constitute God’s full & final revelation to us. A new Christian is easily misled / deceived … w/o good discipleship.

IME, revelation as taught by the 12 and Paul, is depicted in two stages. Step 1 is Initial Conversion [justification / sanctification by faith alone] … Christ calling/sealing his adoption to discipleship. Step 2 is the secondary justification / sanctification graces we need to Persevere as disciples, in accomplishment of Beatitudes/good works.

Step 1 is Baptism by water and Spirit. Man baptizes, but Christ annoints. Only the contrite, who confess in full faith receive. Original & personal sins [all those up til that point in time] are forgiven. Only a full confession is acceptible. Hold back on one matter … and Christ will not perform the adoption & sealing.

Step 2 begins on Day 2, and goes til we flatline. W/0 the Church and Sacraments of Confession & Eucharist, … few could persevere against the present World’s temptations, and remain IN CHRIST until their last day.

So, in summary … the Protestants introduced me to Christ by superb explanation of 4 Spiritual Laws and it’s companion Sinner’s Prayer. But, they don’t teach Step 2 so well. It’s the Catholic Church that excels @ Step 2. Step 2 is best accomplished thru the Church and Full Sacraments.

This is why Ecumenism is so essential. Protestants excel at beginnings, Catholics at everything thereafter. The Protestants came out from — once part of us. But, from the Pentecost beginnings the Catholic Church was on fire with evangelism. We lost our way in the 1400-1500’s. The Great Commission suffered neglect. God may perhaps chose to use the Evangelicals & Protestants to re-invigorate our early heritage. Our recent Pope’s are convinced of need for reunification. They know Christ desires to be the Shepherd of One Flock … and since it was written, it will come to pass.

Never say never! God may desire that you be a light to the Protestants. Its high time they got CHURCHED … where the Eucharist is kept, taught, and received rightly. Give a Protestant some Supernatural Food … and you get a Scott Hahn, a Marcus Grodi, a Tim Staples, etc. – who can preach the word.

 

[Fisher]

Just as you were born physically to your parents, so you were born spiritually into the Family of God when you received Jesus! Please understand that we are not saved because we pray a prayer; but because we believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. It is certainly appropriate to ask the Lord in prayer to forgive and save us; but it is our faith which prompts us to pray. You could just as easily believe in your heart upon the Lord to be saved, and not pray at all. Salvation is of the heart, as we read in Romans 10:10, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness…”

It’s not what you’re doing that gets you to Heaven, it’s where you’re looking. Look to Jesus!

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Salvation is of the heart, NOT the mouth.

We are NOT saved by saying certain magic words or by performing certain religious rites. The Scriptures are clear—we are saved by doing God’s will. And John 6:40 tells us what God’s will is concerning salvation—to BELIEVE on Jesus Christ!

Matthew 7:21, “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 which is in heaven.”

These people in Matthew chapter seven were sincere I believe, they were religious no doubt. Let’s hear their testimony in Matthew 7:22, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” They had done so many wonderful things “in Jesus name,” but listen to what Jesus told them in Matthew 7:23… “And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Whoa! These people had spent their lives prophesying “in Jesus name,” casting out devils “in Jesus name” and doing many wonderful works “in Jesus name.” Now they’re about to be cast into Hell for their disobedience. They failed to do GOD’S WILL. People get the wrong impression that they can earn their way to Heaven or merit salvation by their own works—this is a lie of the Devil! There is NOTHING we can do to earn Heaven. We ALL deserve to burn in Hell.

First, The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Many sincere and loving people will be shocked someday to find out that their name is NOT in the Book of Life. They thought they were going to Heaven, for any number of reasons, but THEY WERE WRONG. “There is a way which SEEMETH RIGHT unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Second, Many false religions operate in Jesus’ name. I cannot stress this fact enough, beware!

Third, The only way to be saved is by doing GOD’S WILL. What is God’s will? We find the answer in John 6:40, “And this is the WILL of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” God’s will is for each and every person to see Jesus as He is portrayed in the Word of God and to BELIEVE ON HIM. Many religions come to us today, but they have “another Jesus.” We must believe on Jesus Christ as he is presented in the Scriptures—as God manifest in the flesh.

Fourth, We are NOT all God’s Children. I often hear Modernists say, “We are all God’s Children.” Not so! We are all God’s creation, but we are definitely NOT all God’s Children.

For with the HEART man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). It is with the heart that we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. The confession of the mouth can only follow the believing of the heart. It is the believing of the heart that makes us righteous in God’s eyes because of Christ’s righteousness which is applied to our record. If we believe on Christ in our heart but fail to confess Him to men with our mouth, we are still saved. Why? Because it is “with the heart” that a person believeth unto righteousness. The very fact that a mute person cannot confess Christ audibly is proof that God doesn’t require it as part of saving-faith. Salvation is of the heart. We are saved by believing on Christ.

 

[mikeledes]

IME, revelation as taught by the 12 and Paul, is depicted in two stages. Step 1 is Initial Conversion [justification / sanctification by faith alone] … Christ calling/sealing his adoption to discipleship. Step 2 is the secondary justification / sanctification graces we need to Persevere as disciples, in accomplishment of Beatitudes/good works.

I would say we are justified by formed faith. “Faith alone” is not the language used in Scripture, except in James 2:24).

Not by faith alone…

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=450844

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=337641

God Bless,
Michael

 

[brb3]

If we believe on Christ in our heart but fail to confess Him to men with our mouth, we are still saved. Why? Because it is “with the heart” that a person believeth unto righteousness. The very fact that a mute person cannot confess Christ audibly is proof that God doesn’t require it as part of saving-faith. Salvation is of the heart. We are saved by believing on Christ.

You give the exception here. If one is dumb, speech is not required. If one is an imbecile … logical proofs are not expected. God alone knows what our gifts are … and his expectations for us are based accordingly.

Nevertheless, we generally talk in normative terms. For the Early Christians, if one was captured by the Romans and put on trial for their beliefs … it was essential that they professed VERBALLY their faith. I AM CHRISTIAN, was the expected response to the questions put to them about being a Christian. Those who would not say this … were often released and used by the Romans as propaganda tools against the other Christians. “Deny your Christ as this one did, and save yourself from torture & sure death”.

Those converts who broke and verbally denied knowing Christ … were considered Apostates, not SAINTS. This was the case for the first 200 years of the Church. This public profession was essential, bedrock dogma of the early Church. Many were denied admittance to the Church and denied the Eucharist … after being shown as Apostates.

Later, some leniency was shown to those who broke AFTER torturing. This seems the correct call by the Church.

 

[Padrej]

Because … as all should recognize by age 40 or so, we get wiser with life experience. We recognize that what brought us to Initial Salvation … doesn’t always constitute God’s full & final revelation to us. A new Christian is easily misled / deceived … w/o good discipleship.

IME, revelation as taught by the 12 and Paul, is depicted in two stages. Step 1 is Initial Conversion [justification / sanctification by faith alone] … Christ calling/sealing his adoption to discipleship. Step 2 is the secondary justification / sanctification graces we need to Persevere as disciples, in accomplishment of Beatitudes/good works.

Step 1 is Baptism by water and Spirit. Man baptizes, but Christ annoints. Only the contrite, who confess in full faith receive. Original & personal sins [all those up til that point in time] are forgiven. Only a full confession is acceptible. Hold back on one matter … and Christ will not perform the adoption & sealing.

Step 2 begins on Day 2, and goes til we flatline. W/0 the Church and Sacraments of Confession & Eucharist, … few could persevere against the present World’s temptations, and remain IN CHRIST until their last day.

So, in summary … the Protestants introduced me to Christ by superb explanation of 4 Spiritual Laws and it’s companion Sinner’s Prayer. But, they don’t teach Step 2 so well. It’s the Catholic Church that excels @ Step 2. Step 2 is best accomplished thru the Church and Full Sacraments.

This is why Ecumenism is so essential. Protestants excel at beginnings, Catholics at everything thereafter. The Protestants came out from — once part of us. But, from the Pentecost beginnings the Catholic Church was on fire with evangelism. We lost our way in the 1400-1500’s. The Great Commission suffered neglect. God may perhaps chose to use the Evangelicals & Protestants to re-invigorate our early heritage. Our recent Pope’s are convinced of need for reunification. They know Christ desires to be the Shepherd of One Flock … and since it was written, it will come to pass.

Never say never! God may desire that you be a light to the Protestants. Its high time they got CHURCHED … where the Eucharist is kept, taught, and received rightly. Give a Protestant some Supernatural Food … and you get a Scott Hahn, a Marcus Grodi, a Tim Staples, etc. – who can preach the word.

I don’t know if you know it or not but your steps one and two portion are almost perfect Anglican, Methodist, Wesleyan and almost Lutheran theology. You make the Protestant points WELL.
Seems to me the late bishop Fulton Sheen was an excellent Catholic preacher. There are some good ones (Catholic) out there that can preach the word.

 

[Padrej]

Just as you were born physically to your parents, so you were born spiritually into the Family of God when you received Jesus! Please understand that we are not saved because we pray a prayer; but because we believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. It is certainly appropriate to ask the Lord in prayer to forgive and save us; but it is our faith which prompts us to pray. You could just as easily believe in your heart upon the Lord to be saved, and not pray at all. Salvation is of the heart, as we read in Romans 10:10, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness…”

It’s not what you’re doing that gets you to Heaven, it’s where you’re looking. Look to Jesus!

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Salvation is of the heart, NOT the mouth.

We are NOT saved by saying certain magic words or by performing certain religious rites. The Scriptures are clear—we are saved by doing God’s will. And John 6:40 tells us what God’s will is concerning salvation—to BELIEVE on Jesus Christ!

Matthew 7:21, “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 which is in heaven.”

These people in Matthew chapter seven were sincere I believe, they were religious no doubt. Let’s hear their testimony in Matthew 7:22, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” They had done so many wonderful things “in Jesus name,” but listen to what Jesus told them in Matthew 7:23… “And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Whoa! These people had spent their lives prophesying “in Jesus name,” casting out devils “in Jesus name” and doing many wonderful works “in Jesus name.” Now they’re about to be cast into Hell for their disobedience. They failed to do GOD’S WILL. People get the wrong impression that they can earn their way to Heaven or merit salvation by their own works—this is a lie of the Devil! There is NOTHING we can do to earn Heaven. We ALL deserve to burn in Hell.

First, The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Many sincere and loving people will be shocked someday to find out that their name is NOT in the Book of Life. They thought they were going to Heaven, for any number of reasons, but THEY WERE WRONG. “There is a way which SEEMETH RIGHT unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Second, Many false religions operate in Jesus’ name. I cannot stress this fact enough, beware!

Third, The only way to be saved is by doing GOD’S WILL. What is God’s will? We find the answer in John 6:40, “And this is the WILL of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” God’s will is for each and every person to see Jesus as He is portrayed in the Word of God and to BELIEVE ON HIM. Many religions come to us today, but they have “another Jesus.” We must believe on Jesus Christ as he is presented in the Scriptures—as God manifest in the flesh.

Fourth, We are NOT all God’s Children. I often hear Modernists say, “We are all God’s Children.” Not so! We are all God’s creation, but we are definitely NOT all God’s Children.

For with the HEART man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). It is with the heart that we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. The confession of the mouth can only follow the believing of the heart. It is the believing of the heart that makes us righteous in God’s eyes because of Christ’s righteousness which is applied to our record. If we believe on Christ in our heart but fail to confess Him to men with our mouth, we are still saved. Why? Because it is “with the heart” that a person believeth unto righteousness. The very fact that a mute person cannot confess Christ audibly is proof that God doesn’t require it as part of saving-faith. Salvation is of the heart. We are saved by believing on Christ.

Excellent post!!! Those things needed to be said!!! Sadly, many today have a “said faith” rather than a faith that has transformed them.