J Jump said:
Linda once again if someone believes and professes that Jesus Christ shed His blood and died on the cross on their behalf a sinner they are saved whether you like it or not. And no they don't have to say a prayer, they simply have to believe (Acts 16:30-31 and Ephesians 2:8-9).
Sure hope you don't kiss your mom with such a nasty mouth.
First of all, my mom is dead--second, I don't consider that a nasty statement --sorry you took it that way.
Simply believing that Jesus Christ shed His blood and died on the cross for our sins does not save. That's like someone asking you if you believe the sky is blue and you say "yes, I believe the sky is blue". You can believe all you want about Jesus Christ and His atoning death, but until you actually "trust Christ" and repent, you are simply a "professor" of Christ and you are still lost.
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to
repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. (2 Corinthians 7:9) For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that
they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20)
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:
for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick:
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17)
I came not to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over
one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give
repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31)
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks,
repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21)
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and
do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20)
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them
repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (2 Timothy 2:25)
There needs to be a change of heart--there has to be "repentance". Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John all taught repentance. Although the word "repentance" is not found in John's gospel, it is implied. Saved people are "changed" people. They have "turned from" (repentance) sin and "turn towards" God. James said that "faith without works is dead"--this doesn't mean he was teaching "works salvation". It means that if you are going to profess and say you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, your "actions" will prove your faith.