Bible Truth FAQs
WHAT YOU CAN DO
A certain religious doctrine teaches that God has pre-determined who will be saved and who will be lost, that the number of the saved is so definitely fixed that it cannot be added to or diminished. The doctrine of pre-destination and fore-ordination precludes any action on the part of believers toward gaining favor with God and an eternal inheritance. How does this measure up to plain scriptures?
Paul affirmed that the saved are saved by grace (Eph. 2), but that it is not by grace only but by grace through faith. Saving faith necessarily includes obedience because the devils believe (Jas. 2:19). Why would Jesus say, "...he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" if there were nothing that could possibly avail? The closing words of inspiration gives hope to everyone (Rev. 22:11), "...whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Obviously the scriptures have been wrested to produce the doctrine that nothing can be done either to enhance or to lose salvation. The earnest seeker will find that he can be saved through obedience to the gospel of Christ (Matt. 16:15-16; Heb. 5:8-9). God is not willing that any should perish (II Pet. 3:9).
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