Will All Self-Proclaimed Christians Go To Heaven?

April 19, 2017/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
Romans 10:9,11 (NLT)

It’s better to be an atheist than a fake Christian. –
CNN, reporting on a homily by Pope Francis

I was intrigued enough by this headline to investigate Pope Francis’ meaning.

The Pope suggests that many who claim to be Christian but don’t behave like Christians will be turned away from eternal life. He believes Jesus will say “I don’t know you” as he does in Matthew 26 to those who fail to serve the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked , ill, and imprisoned.

Will all self-proclaimed Christians go to heaven? (tweet this)

Today’s scripture from Romans seems to contradict the Pope by saying that salvation comes by both believing and proclaiming that Jesus is Lord.

I pulled out all my Bibles for this one. The original Greek helped me understand that openly declaring means zealously proclaiming Jesus so that others will believe in him and be saved. Indeed, earlier in chapter 10, Paul says his heart’s desire is that everyone be saved – not with knowledge, but with a zeal for God.

In context, Paul is preaching that salvation is available to everyone – both Jew and Gentile. He encourages believers to spread the news to everyone so they can all be saved. The scripture he refers to, Isaiah 28:16, promises honor to those who firmly, faithfully, and permanently are true to Jesus.

Is salvation as simple as saying you believe? (tweet this)

Do you agree? Are you disturbed? Please join the conversation by commenting below.
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#SeedsofScripture #PopeFrancis #salvation

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Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.