Thank you Stumpmaster....I still have a question though. It isn't written that those that believe have to also obey and follow in order to not be damned. Just that "he that believeth not shall be damned." The devils believe. They aren't saved but...are they damned?
I teach a system of Bible Study which asks three questions:
1. What does the Bible say?
2. What does it mean?
3. How do I apply it?
Careful reading of passages takes time, so does researching for meaning. I once found six different explanations of the same passage and asked the Holy Spirit what I should understand about it and came to a suitable conclusion as a result. Often meanings are implied but not literally stated. This is acceptable and I have been taught this is an inspired method of communication throughout the Bible.
Jesus was casting demons out and they knew who He was. He gives us insight into their nature and the weight of evidence is that they have no place in His kingdom.
Matthew 12:43-45
(43) When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.
(44) Then he says, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished.
(45) Then goes he, and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Mark 1:23-27
(23) And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
(24) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with you, thou Jesus of Nazareth? are you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.
(25) And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold your peace, and come out of him.
(26) And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
(27) And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandsHe even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him.
1John 3:8-10
(8) He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
(9) Whosoever is born of God dooes not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
(10) In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.