It is worth revisiting, dear tec (peace to you, luv!) so thanks from booting it. And thanks for including the link as something there caught my eye... and heart. I am unable to comment there, but perhaps that's why you were compelled to bring it up HERE. There, dear Terry posted:
Quote:
Public declaration of Jesus for salvation is all that is required.
That was responded to with (oh, I can't remember who, now!! ARGHH!):
Quote:
That was an interesting thought. I wonder what would happen if you simply quoted or paraphrased Romans 10:9 and added, 'Anything else doesn't matter to me.'
The premise was that dear Terry's comment was correct. In truth, however, it is only partly correct. Because it only partially quotes Paul as to this matter. Here is what Paul wrote in FULL:
"For if you publicly declare that ‘word in your own mouth,’ that [Jesus] is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved." -
Romans 10:9 NWT So many forget THAT part... most probably because of the words "exercise faith IN YOUR HEART." Such words seem to imply that all one need do is BELIEVE (in their heart) that Christ is Lord. However... the demons believe. That's doesn't mean they'll be saved. The words "in your heart" are misleading, though, if one doesn't understand the context in which Paul was stating what he did.
And that context was with one EXERCISE that faith that is in their hearts. Which is MORE than just believing... but, as dear James wrote, "Show your faith without works... and I will show you MY faith... BY my works." And so, it is through our WORKS that we demonstrate the EXERCISING... or USE... of our faith.
Starting with the mouth, with which one makes PUBLIC declaration... and so OUTWARD, SPOKEN demonstration of faith... versus just saying "something"... silently... in our hearts.
It is very important to remember this truth. Because it is yet another one of those things that the WTBTS teaches... but DOES NOT DO (
Matthew 23:2, 3. True, they make public declaration... but it is NOT as to Christ; rather, it is as to the WTBTS. And, therefore, will bring no salvation to all of those poor, poor folks... going "door-to-door"... and "standing in the broad ways", etc.
Again, peace to you, all!
Your servant and a slave of Christ,
Shellamar
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
