Discuss John 3 Page 25

Reply to Adam.

1 John 3:9 tells us

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (We are the sons of God right now)

3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (All true believers will purify themselves. Fake believers will not.)

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. (Jesus takes away all sins of true believers, past, present, and future.)

6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. (Those who continue to abide in Jesus do not continue to live in sin.)

7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. (Sinners who live in sin are of the devil.)

8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth 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 doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (True Christians cannot sin because their Godly nature is miraculously united as one with the Spirit of God who cannot sin.)

10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Reply to GiGi.

I got saved in 1971 just before I joined the Army. I ended up in a church with one of my supervisors at Ft. Gragg and we became close friends for more than two years. But in 1974 my friend and I had a disagreement over a Bible teaching and he accused me of possibly having committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit for which I would never be forgiven. This bothered me a great deal so I began praying for God to show me what the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost was all about. After seeking the answer for several years I believe the Lord finally answered me. Here is what I believe:

God has promised to enlighten every sinner born into the world ( 1 John 1:9). The Holy Spirit seeks to save every sinner in the world ( 1 Tim 2:4.) The Holy Spirit draws all men to Christ ( John 12:32.) The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is committed by sinners who see the light, are pointed to Jesus by the Holy Spirit, and yet reject the light and speak evil of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or God. ( John 3:19.) The basis of condemnation to hell is rejecting the light clearly revealed to the unrepentant sinner by the Holy Ghost.

We see that in Romans 1 where sinners who clearly see and understand the light reject the light and are therefore condemned without excuse. The Pharisees who blasphemed the Holy Spirit in Mark 3 knew Jesus was God because Nicodemus said so in John 3:2. We know sinners who have not yet been shown the light by the Holy Spirit can be guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit because of what Jesus said in John 15:22-24.

Reply to Adam. Hebrews 10:

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

The message here is a warning for all hearers, both saved and lost, not to turn away from God and go back into the world of sin, forsaking the things of Christ for the pleasures of the world. I do not agree with those who interpret this passage to mean Christians can turn their back on the Lord and return to the world of sin after they have been born again by the indwelling Holy Spirit who will never leave nor forsake them.

Turning away from God after having been enlightened by the Holy Ghost is an unpardonable sin. According to Hebrews 6 those who commit such a heinous sin can never be brought again to repentance and salvation. According to Hebrews 10 such a sin has no remedy because there is not another sacrifice for sins apart from the one the apostate rejected. According to Romans 1 those who have been enlightened and subsequently turned away from and rejected the light will be condemned to hell without excuse.

According to John 3:19 rejecting the light is the basis for condemning all lost sinners to hell.

In addition to my post I just added, I wanted to clarify on what you said when you said "rue Christians are not in danger of losing their salvation because of sin but false religionists are still in sin and will never be saved if they fail to seek the Lord for forgiveness. Lost sinners do not 'lose their salvation' because they never had salvation to begin with"

You are only painting half a picture. Yes, there are many out there who won;t genuinely have the Godl'y sorrow that Paul refers to in 2 Corinthians that leads to true repentance, but, many will. As such, even when we are filled with God's Spirit we MUST remain on guard. If not, then everything Jesus warned about in His Earthly ministry was a lie. Since God does not lie, we have to take Jesus at His word. And, just to set the record straight, while Jesus' ministry on Earth was to "save the house of Israel" ALL of his teaching were for all people, including gentiles who would convert. If one is going to quote John 3:16 then they also need to quote all of Jesus' warning, including remaining steadfast.

So, you only painted half a picture. The other half, which paints a full picture, is that even us who are saved MUST endure in faith. This is very clearly spoken of by Paul, Peter, Jude and James in the NT. 2 Peter 2: 14 says "Wherefore, beloved (true believers), seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, WITHOUT SPOT, AND BLAMELESS." Compare what to Col. 1: 22-23 "yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you (true believer) holy and UNBLAMEABLE and unreproveable in his sight: IF ye CONTINUE in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel". Jude says Christ is able to "keep us from falling and present us faultless, but, also says we need to keep ourselves in the love of Christ!

Failure to remain in Christ only leads to hell. No exceptions!!

Sins of ignorance are not what sends sinners to hell. Romans 5

Romans 5:13

(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

No sinner goes to hell in ignorance. Condemnation is the sentence issued to those who reject the light clearly revealed to them by the Holy Spirit.

John 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Romans 1

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

He does.

1st through creation, our very breath, heartbeat, vision, taste, smell, every flower, tree, sunset, sunrise, the oxygen we breathe, every beautiful creature, every created thing. He made & gave us trust to keep it. Through HIS creation HE speaks to us. If we choose to listen. Through the seasons & sunrise, sunsets we see He is faithful. Through domestic animals we see HIS compassion. In life we see hope. All given by GOD!

2nd His WORD the Bible, is GOD speaking through HIS people, 2Timothy 3:16, to us, all that are willing to read it.

3rd GOD has spoken through HIS Prophets: Jeremiah 7:25, & HIS people

4th Through JESUS The Messiah John 3:15-16,

5th Through the HOLY Spirit that was promised by JESUS to all who believe: Ephesians 1:13, John 14:26, Luke 11:13,

Sometimes in our most difficult moments in life we want GOD to speak to us outloud. In those times we need a quiet voice of comfort, which we can find in HIS WORD, in prayer, all around creation if we seek HIM. The voice of GOD recorded in scripture is like thunder, many accounts it makes those who've heard it tremble in fear. Exodus 19:9,16,18,19, Job 37:5, Psalms 77:18, John 12:28,29,

I hope you will hear GOD more clearly

Hopefully this is helpful

Hi Marke, thanks for the follow up. John 3:9 is not a OSAS verse. The one who is walking with Christ "can't sin" because they are covered by the blood of Christ. However, you can't ignore 1 John 1:7 "But IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Only by walking with Christ will his blood cleanse us. This is not a guarentee that a Christian can't be moved away from the hope of Eternal Life, as stressed by Paul in Romans 2 and Galations 6. In addition to that, 1 Jn 2:24-25 lays out the condition for eternal life, which is abiding and continuing in the Son. We ware warned to remain in Christ. If we were eternally secure all these verses would read "the one who is in Christ will remain in Christ", but, it doesn't. There is the if/then condition, which is clearly salvation related.

Take the parable of the 10 virgins. All 10 started with the oil in their lamps, which oil represents the Hoyl Spirit. 5 were foolish and not on tending to their oil lamps. They let it burn out and were rejected at the door by the bride-groom, representing Christ on the last day. Even though he said "depart from me, I never knew you" doesn't mean they never had the oil! They just let their oil run out. Christ, Paul, James, John, Peter, and all the writers of the OT all echoed the same thing. One who starts their journey with God MUST stay the course. If they don't then they won't go to heaven.

Reply to Erich.

A Christian becomes a new creature when born-again. There are certain sins that Christians are no longer capable of committing, such as denying the Lord that bought them.

1 John 3:9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Chris,

Thanks for adding that! Later after I posted the answer. I remembered I didn't include the amazing gift of Salvation, that we ourselves could not accomplish with out Christ JESUS!

Okou Agnatius,

I answered the question as I would have, to someone who had already received the gift of Salvation through believing in Christ. Chris was right to add that! It does cover that issue some in: 1Peter 1, but in my spirit, I did feel afterward that I had not given you the best most complete answer & it bothered me as I was trying to rest.

Please also see: John 3:15-16, Revelation 19:1, Acts 4:12, Romans 1:16, Romans 10:10, 1Thessalonians 5:8-24, Hebrews 2, Hebrews 5:9,

John 14:6

Forgive me, I ask

Dear God, We ask You to save souls today. Help your people to throw out the the true net of the Gospel and bring them in Lord! I lift up all the laborers today. Please let the YOUR truth reach all, and work through all. Let the harvest of souls be great today and every day. In Jesus name Amen

Thank John 3:16

Luke 17:21

I know this is not a prayer request and I don't normally just post scripture here but I felt like posting this. Maybe it will help somebody today

John 3:16-18

16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that who so ever believe in Him should not Perish but have everlasting life.

17. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world. But that the world through Him might be saved.

18.He that believeth on Him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God.

John 3:16

Unbelief is what sends individuals to eternal hades. Jesus defined the will of God like this: believe in the Son of God (Jesus) and to love others. So you see, it's not a "works salvation" it's a gift from God the Father to those who will believe and accept. See John 3:16

I'm elderly. Some are not able to go to church physically, but they see church on tv or they listen to the ones on FM or AM radio stations; 24 hrs a day.

If you have a cell phone, you can go on YouTube and type in Greg Laurie or John Hagee; even Billy Graham! Many of his videos are on YouTube. :)

God knows exactly where your heart is, so keep growing as His dear child. He will make a way for you. If transportation is the problem, you can call and see if churches in your area have a bus ministry who will come pick you up and take you home.

Book of John

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Other scriptures:

Philippians 2:5-11

John 15:16 and 18

1 John 3:13

We are always here. Come whenever you need prayer or answers. I love the spirit of your heart.

One godly woman on her knees praying can break the chains of the evil one. Don't give up.

Mishael

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Water is the natural birth, the Spirit is the spiritual birth. If Baptism in water would save a soul there would have been no need for Jesus to die on a cross and raise again.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. -- (Adam dies and we become a NEW creature sons of God)

As Jesus taught in John 3, the Holy Spirit comes alongside of you for your education, comfort,

To keep us straight by convicting us about sin and judgment, things to come.

He helps us to pray. He comforts us.

He comes alongside of us in difficulties.

We're very blessed to have the Holy Spirit. He is a person. Third person of the Godhead. Roman's 1:20

He can be grieved or quenched by our behavior.

I mark his verses in the Bible with blue color pencils because of how Jesus describes Him as like the wind, in John 3:8

Whatever you need_ask the Holy Spirit first.

Andrew, you are BORN AGAIN by the TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD.

Christ came as SINFUL FLESH, YOU ANDREW, SINFUL FLESH, died on that cross, You ANDREW, rose with CHRIST, the LIKENESS OF CHRIST, being in union with Christ, he is the LIFE, you are the BODY.

Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery....CHRIST IN YOU ........you are the body, Christ is the LIFE

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (the life) that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is BORN OF GOD (born of truth, because God is truth) doth not commit sin....

TRUTH: you (the body) CANNOT sin because you ARE NOT the LIFE, but God is the LIFE, and God doth not commit sin.

Being born again by the truth of God's word.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and Holy is he that hath his part in the first resurrection (YOU and CHRIST rose as a new creation).......

Truth will set you free.

When you depart this flesh, you are instantly in the presence of Christ because YOU and CHRIST are ONE, joined TOGETHER.

God Bless You as you LIVE IN TRUTH.

Psalm 34:5-8

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalm 23:5-6

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Mark 10:18

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

Nahum 1:17

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 Timothy 4:4-5

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, IF it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (Bible), that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Note these verses on the back page of your Bible. For days that go wrong and make us doubt.

Mishael

Daniel 7:27

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, SHALL BE GIVEN to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and ALL DOMINIONS shall serve and obey him.

Daniel 6:26

I make a decree, That in every DOMINION of my KINGDOM- men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and HIS KINGDOM that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

John 18:36

Jesus answered, MY KINGDOM is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

***** Luke 17:21*****

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.

Luke 21:10

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

[mishael: every nation on earth is called, a kingdom. But none is called THE kingdom.

Gods kingdom exists in heaven and within every born again believer in Jesus Christ.

JOHN 3:3, 5. Jesus's own words about the ONE KINGDOM OF GOD.

1 John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1 Peter 4:8 - And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Romans 8:6 - For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1 Thessalonians 4:4 - That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

Romans 13:10 - Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Ephesians 4:1-3 - I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (Read More...)

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

Colossians 3:14 - And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Ephesians 5:9 - (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Read More...)

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 Corinthians 13:1-5 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (LOVE) I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal__

Additional scripture for you:

Matthew 3-7, Matthew 5, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 9:10-13, Matthew 9:14-17, Matthew 9:27-34, Matthew 12:14, Matthew 12, Matthew 15, Matthew 16, Matthew 16:6,12, Matthew 19:3, * Matthew 21, Matthew 22, Matthew 22:15, it appears they were wrongfully referring to the book of Tobet, in 1611 version, Tobit 3:7,8, Matthew 22:29,

* Matthew 23:2, whole chapter Matthew 23, Matthew 27:62,

Matthew 23:13,14,

Mark 2:16, Mark 2, Mark 3:1-6, Mark 7:1-23, Mark 8:11,15, Mark 10:2, Mark 12:13,

Luke 5:17-39, Luke 6:2-11, Luke 7:29-50, Luke 11:37-54, Luke 12:1, Luke 12:31, Luke 14:1-24, Luke 14, Luke 16:14-31, Luke 16, Luke 19:35-39,

John 1:19-34, John 3:1-21, John 7:28-32, John 7:43-53, John 8:3-22, John 9, John 9:15,16, John 11:37-57, John 12:19, John 12:42, John 18:3,

Acts 15, Acts 23,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study, I included several Chapters to read next to verses, to read within context, for better understanding

Pharisees were members of a party that believed in resurrection and in following legal traditions that were ascribed not to the Bible but to "the traditions of the fathers." Like the scribes, they were also well-known legal experts: hence the partial overlap of membership of the two groups.

According to Josephus, whereas the Sadducees believed that people have total free will and the Essenes believed that all of a person's life is predestined, the Pharisees believed that people have free will but that God also has foreknowledge of human destiny.

The Sadducees refused to go beyond the written Torah (first five books of the Bible) and thus, unlike the Pharisees, denied the immortality of the soul, bodily resurrection after death, and-according to the Acts of the Apostles (23:8), the fifth book of the New Testament-the existence of angelic spirits.

What Jesus said about Pharisees?

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to."

John 3. Jesus's teaching to Nicodemas

Guess no one has attempted to answer you yet-so I will say the easiest answer is BOTH. In addition to this; of course we have the Holy Spirit as part of the Godhead. The easiest way; I suppose to look at it is that the Godhead (Elohim as mentioned in Genesis 1) consists of all 3 members of the Trinity. There is perfect unity; but different functions for each member. Jesus was referred to as my Lord and my God in John 20:28 by "doubting" Thomas after viewing His wounds after the Resurrection. Clearly; God the Father had to remain untouched by sin so that the universe could be held together; for sin had to bring death to the Son as predetermined by the Father ( Isaiah 53:10). Christ had conversations with and prayed to the Father; so clearly this is an eternal past; present and future state with the exception of that brief moment at Calvary.

It seems that the Holy Spirit is misunderstood for His main role bringing conviction of sin righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8). There is no scripture where the "helper" ( John 14:26) is instructed to be worshipped. Instead; it strengthens the believer; as a small reflection of Christ who possessed the Spirit "without limit" or measure ( John 3:34).

Believers have quibbled as to verses that mention the Trinity and others only mentioning baptism in the name of Christ. We also need to understand the Christophenes or preincarnate appearances of Christ. No one has seen the Father according to Christ; surely the full glory of God would kill a man ( John 1:18; Exodus 33:18-20). The Spirit has only been described in a visible manifestation or accompanying sign once; in Acts at Pentecost. Jesus makes it clear that when the Comforter (i.e. Spirit) comes that WE shall dwell with him ( John 14:23). He is to ask the Father and He sends it ( John 14:16).

I suppose a a good read of John is appropriate on these matters! Even one member of the Godhead is beyond our puny minds to understand. Agape. Rich P

Hey GiGi,

If I may, I love the love and care you show for others on this site. I agree with you on the importance of the creeds aligning with scripture, we are told to try the spirits, 1John 4:1. Also, we should look at how and for what purpose these creeds were written and the consequences of them. Does it matter the Holy Spirit was not included in the Nicene Creed; it was years later when it became the trinity?

From the beginning of these creeds, were placed at the top of faith and the foundation of Christianity. Even today in most denominations you must believe and profess these creeds, or you are shunned, called a heretic, and told you are not a Christian. In the past you could have been burned at the stake, beheaded, or excommunicated, making you free game to be killed. Thousands upon thousands have been killed due to these creeds.

I have seen and heard it said it is a mystery but, in the Bible, mystery refers to a sacred secret, it is something that has been hidden and has not been revealed. The question is not, can we find scripture to fit the creeds, but whether we can find scripture that the trinity is explicitly taught in the Bible and is taught if we do not believe and have faith in it we can not be saved or be a Christian? Does man have authority over scripture? Is this seeking wisdom?

1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

I hope this will be taken out of love. Not believing in the Trinity is not denying the divinity of Jesus.

GOD bless.

RLW

Hi Donya

If you Google it you'll find a lot of information.

GBU

The Pharisee was the name of the Jewish leaders in the synagogue in scripture. They were the ones doing the buying and selling when Christ Jesus turned over their money tables in Matthew 21:12.

Please, explain or define "Pharisee

Kjv is the only English Bible I will read.

There is much information and studies on this topic I highly recommend.

VERY EYE OPENING

The pre trib rapture is not biblical but widely taught.

Salvation is not about anything you do there is nothing you can do to save yourselfit's about what Jesus did for us. It is the gift of God. John 3:16

If you are interested I can provide some good studies on these topics

Janet D:

1 John 2:27 For the anointing that you have received of him abideth IN YOU, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

The hardest thing, is THIS DYING TO SELF, and coming to TRUTH that the LIFE, IN US, IS CHRIST.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is BORN OF GOD doth not commit sin .....he cannot sin because he is BORN OF GOD

Why can't you commit sin; because the life IN YOU IS CHRIST.

Philippians 1:27 ... this mystery .... CHRIST IN YOU .....

If you pick up a pencil, it's not you, IT'S CHRIST, if you drive the car, it's not you, it's Christ, if you help you neighbor, it' not you, it's Christ, ETC.

Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit (life) WITHIN YOU, and CAUSE YOU (his body) to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements and DO THEM.

God speaks to you through HIS WORDS (the bible), the more you study, the more he speaks.

To whom much is GIVEN (the life of Christ); much more is GIVEN (the MIND OF CHRIST).

Ask and ye shall receive.

God Bless You as YOU DIE TO HIS WORDS and are GIVEN LIFE BY THOSE SAME WORDS.

David Earl Taylor,

The answer to that would be no. Belief alone does not save a person. A person must act upon that belief and surrender their life to Christ. There has to be a Spiritual birth that takes place.

In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus was a Pharisee and they were the strictest of the religious sect of the Jews. They kept the law to the letter. However, that will not get them into heaven.

So Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Except a man, (a person), be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

The word "again" in the Greek text is literally the word above. It is not PALIN, which is the word for again. It is the word ANOTHEN, which means "from above." So He is saying that if a person is not born from above, he is not able to see the Kingdom of God. What a thing to say to the Jewish leader who just gave you a complement in Verse 2!

You see, the Lord sees right past that and gets right to the heart of the issue. And basically He's telling Nicodemus, you are a leader of the Jews and you are recognizing who I am, but let me tell you something. You are a leader of the Jews and you are lost. You are not going to heaven the way you are right now. Every person must experience a spiritual birth from heaven, that is, the source of it is from heaven, not from man, and not from man's belief. It's a spiritual birth!

So, to answer your question, "Can they still go to heaven on believing that Jesus died and rose again, even though they trusting what they can do also?" I would say that the finished work of Christ is sufficient, apart from trusting in what we can do also. We cannot add anything to what Jesus Christ did for us. A person must surrender their life to Christ. They must be born from above. Apart from that, no one will enter into heaven.