Your commentary by Mr. troupe was very disturbing to me as true salvation is something that is very dear to me for evident reasons, and for my own personal reasons. While it is probably the most important topic of the bible, as a Christian it is also the most important question in your life. Basically in a nutshell, you had better have it right!!

1.) He brings up Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus.
The scripture says, "...unless he is born of water and of the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to Spirit." Giving birth or being born is stated 3 times in these 2 verses. Can we agree that before you can be born again in any way, that there first must be death? So while you say that baptism is a symbol of death only, and not new life, it is most assuredly a symbol of both. Baptism was so important to salvation that Paul sneaked out of prison with the guards at midnight to baptize them, all with the threat of them all probably being killed if caught.

2.) Please explain to me then the wide and narrow roads, or gates. These were people that did many miracles and other things in the name of Jesus, so apparently they believed in him, but yet they are sent to hell. He says that He did not even know them. By the way, I asked God about this and the analogy of modern roads were given to me. A single lane dirt road can be as narrow as ten feet across while some major freeways will be as much as 400 feet across. That's a 1 in 40 ratio. While not stated plainly in scripture, and nothing to back it, I believe this to be true. That's 1 in 40 BELIEVERS actually have attained true salvation. This brings me to the next verse you bring up.

Philippians 2:12 "...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." First of all, if it is as simple as believing alone, then why would I ever have to fear and tremble about it? Secondly, the Greek word used there for work out is katergazomai, it means to produce, accomplish or bring about. Its not about performing those good works that will store up rewards in heaven as you say. Its about walking in light and as God "...who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

3.) How many times are we told in scripture to seek one thing or another. Proverbs 25:2 "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, to search out a matter is the glory of Kings." If salvation were as simple as believing and then go ahead and live your life, why are we told these things about seeking all the time?

These are topics that could go on for a very long time.

In closing I will just try to sum up my views on true salvation. It is a 3 step process. Confess that Jesus died for your sins and you believe in him, water baptism (full immersion. Every baptism in the Bible was and so was Jesus'), and Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Mark 16:16 "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." Baptism is essential. While my personal belief of a 3 step process MAY be more than necessary, it is not jeopardizing your salvation where the other view may very well cost you eternity somewhere you probably would rather not be. Remember when Jesus told the Apostles to wait until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit before they went out. Do you think there's a possibility that He knew their salvation wasn't complete yet? That if they went out and were killed, He knew where they were going.

I enjoyed responding to this article. Believe it or not, I really never do respond to anything. Just ask the Lord. Seek, knock, He will open the door and tell you in a way you will know for sure. He has me.

With pure love,

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