mailmandan
Well-Known Member
We have been saved (from the PENALTY of sin) through faith (justification) and believers await the day they will be saved from the PRESENCE of sin (glorification). Its not uncommon for works-salvationists to confuse these two tenses of salvation.eph 2 refers to the general redemption when Christ quickend or brought us to life in grace, not our personal salvation!
To have eternal salvation we must abide in Christ and bear fruit (Lk 3:9 Jn 15:1-6) and endure to the end (mt 10:22 rev 2:10) and be judged faithful then we enter into eternal salvation!
thks
Abiding in Christ, bearing fruit and enduring to the end confirms we really have been born again and are justified. (Matthew 13:23; John 15:5; Romans 8:30; 1 John 4:13-15)
Now if Revelation 2:10 teaches that we must be "faithful enough" (in addition) to placing our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation then just "how faithful" would you have to be? Where do you draw the line in the sand and say that you were "faithful enough" so now the Lord will be able to save you? That is vague and could include any number of good works, which results in "works righteousness."
I see Revelation 2:10 as an encouraging statement from the Lord to Christians at the church of Smyrna who were being persecuted, even to the point of death. I don't see Jesus telling these Christians that if they are not "faithful enough" (in addition) to having faith in Him for salvation that they will not receive eternal life. That would be salvation by works! I do see Jesus telling them that they will receive the crown of life after death, be faithful, hang in there!
In the very next verse, Jesus said - "He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." 1 John 5:4, we read - "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. ONLY (genuine) BELIEVERS are saved, overcome, and are faithful unto death (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Peter 1:9). Make believers/unbelievers are not saved, do not overcome and are unfaithful unto death.