Posts Tagged chapter

Can a person be saved without keeping the Ten Commandments?

The answer is yes.

Of course, there are going to be many people saved, and no one is saved by keeping any law. We are saved by grace alone.
However, at the same time, nobody will be saved who willingly disobeys. The Bible says, “If we continue to sin willfully after we know the truth, then there is no sacrifice for sins” (Hebrew 10:26). So at that point it is open rebellion against God. And how can God accept that into heaven?

In Mark chapter 10 Jesus said to the rich young ruler, ‘Come and follow me.’ And He actually asked him to be an Apostle.  No one will ever know what the history would have ever been but God’s plan for that young man was to be a follower.  And he went away.  He chose not to because he loved his money more.

So we can choose to follow the Lord.  We can choose not to follow Him. I believe we have a choice.  Now because God knows everything, some people think that He’s making it happen; but just because someone knows something doesn’t mean that they’re forcing people to make choices.  God gives us the freedom to choose.  He may know what we’re going to do, but that doesn’t mean He’s making it happen.

We couldn’t choose to love God if He had pre-programed us and made us love Him.  That’s not love. God’s plan for everybody is to be saved.  1 Timothy 2:4 says God who will have all men to be saved. And then God says in 2 Peter chapter 3 He’s not willing that any should perish.  So that’s God’s perfect Will; but many will perish because they don’t choose.

Remember that many are called but few are chosen. I believe many are called but few will choose to respond, and so we all have freedom of choice.  That’s why Jesus invites everybody in The Great Invitation: whosoever will, let him come.  Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden.  And not all will choose.  Judas chose to turn his back on Jesus.  Jesus knew what Judas would do, but He didn’t make him do it.

Blessings,

Darrell B