Should we make salvation easier than the Bible makes it? I am afraid in many cases we have and the results have produced very few disciples through the years. Often I have heard a well meaning leader say all you have to do is believe...but believing is not enough, even sincere belief. Is having faith enough? I think that depends on how a person defines faith. These days everyone seems to be defining what things mean to them which does not lead to the most accurate definition in many cases.
In the salvation experience and process the key lies in transformation. This begins when a person truly gives their life to Jesus and never stops until they leave this life. Could it be that there was a misunderstanding of faith after Paul preached it? This is possible I am sure as there is a misunderstanding of faith for many today. James comes back and further explains what kind of faith the Lord is looking for, the kind that leads to action.
Repentance is not always included in an invitation yet John The Baptist seemed to think it was important. Many times in scripture we see where Jesus gives examples of the narrow doorway and how hard it really is to be His disciple. Commitment is a word mentioned many times as well.
Transformation is not just behavior modification, people do that all the time depending on the particular situation they are in. Salvation should produce a transformation that has taken hold of and continues to mold a person's motives. Our behavior should always be improving because more and more we are giving way to this new reprogramming of our thoughts from the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
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