Saved

A person who commits everything they know themselves to be, to everything they know Christ to be enters into eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

Entering into life ("saved") is a conscious act of turning from the way you have been living your life into a life where your controlling concern is living as Jesus has directed. It is not about earning favor, but entering into God's welcome. You are entering into a relationship with Christ where He will teach you how to live and become a good person who easily and naturally does the will of God (Matthew 11:28-30).

Anyone who senses a call of God can be saved. Religious institutions do not mediate salvation - it is something that happens on an individual level. While religious institutions can be extremely helpful and used of God, they do not move you into the Kingdom or bar you from the Kingdom.

Yes, that's right.

Be at peace. Denominational backgrounds are not that important. A good Baptist church may be quite helpful to you in your spiritual growth.

Roman Catholicism is a mixed bag of teachings. There are official teachings and then there are local teachings. Some Roman Catholic congregations are very nearly Protestant and others are essentially pagan. Just like with Baptists, the membership of the church does not make you a believer nor prohibit you from being a believer. The real test of being a believer is found in the New Testament. Read what Jesus has to say about following Him. Read 1 John (understanding that John is writing about the intentions and patterns of one's life in relation to sin) to know that you are a believer. As for others, do not try to separation the wheat from the tares (Matthew 13:24-30), but be a witness of what Christ has done and is doing in your life and let God work that out.

Welcome to Baptistboard!

 

"Baptist" encompasses a plethora of varying beliefs. Some good, some bad.

I wouldn't hang my hat on denominational affiliation at the expense of being led by the Holy Spirit.

 

Hi PQ, your opening post (OP) asked several good questions:

1) Can anyone can be 'saved' if they consciously and spiritually accept Jesus into their hearts as saviour? Yes. But to be clear, God, who knows our hearts (our innermost thought, beliefs, and attitudes) has promised to credit our faith as righteousness if they go "all in" for Jesus. It is not just a belief that Jesus can wash away our sins, but also a wholehearted commitment to follow Jesus and serve Him. Matthew 13 tells of folks that made a superficial commitment (not deep rooted) and fell away when commitment to Christ brought hardship and persecution. Others continued to treasure things of this world and that choked out their spiritual life.

2) Can a person be saved in any denomination (Trinitarian)? Yes, people are not saved because they know all the "right" doctrines but rather based on their love and devotion to Christ alone. Lots of people believe all sorts of mistaken doctrine, but they love the Lord with all their heart and are laying down their lives every day to serve Him. Paul tells us of folks who missed so bad all their efforts were worthless (as something burnt up in a fire) but they still entered heaven.

3) If God credits your faith as righteousness and places you spiritually "in Christ" then you are saved forever (positional sanctification). But the next phrase of your life involves serving Christ. This is called progressive sanctification and has two goals (1) for you to be conformed to the image of Christ, i.e. to grow more "Christ-like" and (2) for you to work within the body of Christ (fellow believers) serving them and allowing them to serve you. You might rake the leaves and they might let you attend training classes. ​

May God bless and strengthen you

Van