John 3:16 AMP “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
People use this one passage, saying “all you have to do is believe Christ is the Savior and died for our sin… “
There are several places in scripture that address people that believe in Jesus and yet they will not enter the gates of Heaven.
Matthew 7:22-23 AMP “Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].’”
They performed miracles, signs and wonders… cast out demons…. and yet they are banished from his presence?
Revelation 3:16 AMP “So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust].”
This is said to the church of Laodicea… believers… and yet he says he will spit them out his mouth???
Why???
Because, It is not just belief… it is relationship…
In Matthew he said “I never knew you…”
In many places in the Bible to “know” someone is mentioned.. and it is use in reference to an intimate relationship…
Most people think of an “intimate relationship’ as being sexual, but it also means “close” or “personal”…
You have to have a “close” and “personal” relationship with him… give your heart to him…
I am saved… how do I know… because I have given my heart to Jesus… I am not lukewarm…
Does this mean I am without fault… absolutely not… every day I try my hardest… every day I fall short…
The price was paid… and I am already forgiven…
Read your bible… Pray… Meditate… ask for Discernment… ask for wisdom…
There will be great deception in the end times… Don’t just believe everything you hear or even see…
Read your bible…
Mark