I am somewhat uneducated concerning religion.  So excuse my ignorance and thanks for the help...

What does God require us to do in order to go to Heaven?

If you would, please list your church affiliation with your answer. If this is a dupe I apologize, as I am new to this forum.

Edited: I guess I meant to ask what are the first steps to becoming a Christian?

Church of Christ.

Belief.

Repentence.

Confession.

Baptism.

Continuing in God's goodness.

So simple, that simple First Century fishermen could preach it....and turn the world upside down.

Eric The(KeepingItSimple)Hun

Lutheran

Justification by Faith alone.  Salvation cannot be earned, but is freely given to those who accept him as Lord (meaning that you acknowledge His laws and attempt to abide by them) and Savior (meaning that  you accept the sacrifice of His Son as an offering for your sins).

Calvary Chapel (Non-Denominational)

God made salvation simple.  There is nothing that we do to earn salvation. Its a free gift.  We only have to ask Him. Believe in Him, trust in Him alone.

Romans 10:9-10
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

John 3:16-17
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.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  


I believe this is the foundation for salvation. Yes, you have to see your sin and know that you need a Savior and as a follower of Christ we should follow His commands, but first and for most ask Jesus into your heart.

I hope this helps you.
Hank

There is nothing you can do to get into heaven. It is a gift because ALL men fall short of being worthy. All that is necesary is to believe in Christ who gives you this gift.

BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD

no, wait.
that's what makes the grass grow  


but seriously.  we are saved by grace alone.

Okay, so some think Baptism is needed and others don't.  This is where I get confused.

I understand that the act of becoming Baptized (sp?) is not gonna "earn" your salvation, but I can't fathom any reason why a Christian would not want to become Baptized.

It is obviously very important and Jesus states in Mark 16:16  "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..."

I am not wanting to start a flame war, so please don't take this out of context.  I just don't understand why some agree and other disagree concerning Baptism.

If not required, is it expected? Merely suggested?

P.S.  I am speaking about Baptism by submersion, after the age of accountability.  Not Infant Sprinkling.  Thanks.

Bubba

Baptism is NOT required.
the thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized.

but it does "wash out the sink of that palmade"

do you have to?  no
should you want to?  yes.
will it matter in the end?  nope.
Jesus looks at you Heart.  not the fact that a pastor sprinkled or dunked you in some water that he blessed.  so first focus on the man who is coming and not the one who is unworthy to untie his shoes.

My congregation (Church of Christ) believed in adult immersion baptisms.  I have met people who feel the baptism is spiritual (washed in the blood of the lamb) only and any physical reenactment is unnecessary.     YMMV and this is a major bone of contention between different sects of Christianity.

Quoted: the thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized.

The 'penitent' thief on the cross died under the Law.

Not Christianity.

Big, no, HUGE difference.

Eric The(BornAgain,ButAsYetUnsaved)Hun

Quoted: Quoted: the thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized. The 'penitent' thief on the cross died under the Law. Not Christianity. Big, no, HUGE difference. Eric The(BornAgain,ButAsYetUnsaved)Hun

no he did not.  he believed and confessed Jesus was the Christ.
and he died a Christian.    

Luke 23 (New International Version)
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

   42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

   43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Quoted: Quoted: the thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized. The 'penitent' thief on the cross died under the Law. Not Christianity. Big, no, HUGE difference. Eric The(BornAgain,ButAsYetUnsaved)Hun

No, he was forgiven by Jesus and told he would be with him in heaven.

Interestingly, he's one of the few human being we KNOW went to heaven (If you believe the Bible is correct of course)

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: the thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized. The 'penitent' thief on the cross died under the Law. Not Christianity. Big, no, HUGE difference. Eric The(BornAgain,ButAsYetUnsaved)Hun no he did not.

Did not what?

Die under the Law?

Of course, he did.

Until the establishment of the Christian Church on Pentecost, 50 days later, there was nothing but the Law.

Now, ordinarily I answer this question about the 'Penitent' thief much more fully.

First, we have no idea whether this thief had been baptized or not. It could just as easily be that he was one of the many who flocked to Jesus, and were baptized, since he knew something of Jesus and His Kingdom.

Second, we are dealing with the Righteous Judge who will ultimately determine whether any of us come into His Kingdom. If Jesus says to anyone, 'Come in', then that person will certainly go in.

But the most obvious answer was that 'baptism' was not required under the Law for this penitent thief to enter into Heaven. Forgiveness of sins by God was required.

And the Penitent Thief was forgiven of whatever sins he had...by God.

Under the Law.

Not in the Christian Dispensation.  

he believed and confessed Jesus was the Christ. and he died a Christian.

Well, then your Bible has more dialogue between Jesus and the penitent thief than mine does.

I'm using King James....how about you?    

Strange, even in the New International Translation that you appear to be using, I see no confession of Jesus as the Christ....

The simplest answer is always the most likely. This poor man died under the Law.

God, Who was there, hanging beside him on His Own Cross, heard the man's voice and forgave him of his sins...thereby ushering him onto the Kingdom of Heaven.

A touching story, but one that only happened once in History.

I wouldn't bet my Eternal Life that it is likely to happen again.

If you know what I mean.

Eric The(GettingThere,SlowlyButSurely)Hun

All this foolishness about whether Baptism is required or not in order to enter Heaven, can be answered simply by looking at one clear and concise statement by Jesus Himself.

It is found in the Gospel of Mark 16:16 and reads thus:

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Here is the Righteous Judge telling His Church exactly what to tell 'every living Creature', and He tells them that they must BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED...in order to be saved.

You simply cannot get around that simple directive.

And why, in God's Holy Name, would you even wish to try?

Hydrophobia?

Eric The(Mad,Mad,ITellYou)Hun

Quoted: All this foolishness about whether Baptism is required or not in order to enter Heaven, can be answered simply by looking at one clear and concise statement by Jesus Himself. It is found in the Gospel of Mark 16:16 and reads thus: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Here is the Righteous Judge telling His Church exactly what to tell 'every living Creature', and He tells them that they must BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED...in order to be saved. You simply cannot get around that simple directive. And why, in God's Holy Name, would you even wish to try? Hydrophobia? Eric The(Mad,Mad,ITellYou)Hun

You act like your interpretation of that text is the only authoritative one.    The spiritual form of baptism (washed in the blood of the lamb) would suffice and it would make sense because he does NOT say that being unbaptized will damn you.  Just not believing....

I was baptized in water as an adult but I do not believe.  If the Bible is correct, I am going to hell.

Were I believer and not baptized in water (like the Good Thief), I could still goto heaven because of my spiritual baptism.  

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: the thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized. The 'penitent' thief on the cross died under the Law. Not Christianity. Big, no, HUGE difference. Eric The(BornAgain,ButAsYetUnsaved)Hun no he did not. Did not what? Die under the Law? Of course, he did. Until the establishment of the Christian Church on Pentecost, 50 days later, there was nothing but the Law. Now, ordinarily I answer this question about the 'Penitent' thief much more fully. First, we have no idea whether this thief had been baptized or not. It could just as easily be that he was one of the many who flocked to Jesus, and were baptized, since he knew something of Jesus and His Kingdom. Second, we are dealing with the Righteous Judge who will ultimately determine whether any of us come into His Kingdom. If Jesus says to anyone, 'Come in', then that person will certainly go in. But the most obvious answer was that 'baptism' was not required under the Law for this penitent thief to enter into Heaven. Forgiveness of sins by God was required. And the Penitent Thief was forgiven of whatever sins he had...by God. Under the Law. Not in the Christian Dispensation.   he believed and confessed Jesus was the Christ. and he died a Christian. Well, then your Bible has more dialogue between Jesus and the penitent thief than mine does. I'm using King James....how about you?     Strange, even in the New International Translation that you appear to be using, I see no confession of Jesus as the Christ.... The simplest answer is always the most likely. This poor man died under the Law. God, Who was there, hanging beside him on His Own Cross, heard the man's voice and forgave him of his sins...thereby ushering him onto the Kingdom of Heaven. A touching story, but one that only happened once in History. I wouldn't bet my Eternal Life that it is likely to happen again. If you know what I mean. Eric The(GettingThere,SlowlyButSurely)Hun

.......

that is the most twisty, booklawyering explanation I have ever seen on a religous subject.    Its an interesting take I have not heard before.  

Do they even let lawyers into Heaven?  

I would argue that the Good Thief was the first to be forgiven by Christ's sacrifice, not the last to be forgiven under the Law.

Always good to get a new point of view.   There is so much left up to interpretation that I'm surprised different denominations can agree on anything at all.

The various views (sprinking, water baptism as child, water baptism as adult, anointing with oil, spiritual baptism) all have adherents who can argue just as well for their particular view.

I have a feeling that if God does exist, he looks down on us and laughs himself silly.

The law ended when Christ died and He said "It is finished". The veil (a symbol of the law) in the temple tore and it ended. And we have no idea if the thief died before or after Christ did. I would assume he died after since he was not hung on his cross like our Lord and Savior. They rended to hang them with ropes around their wrists rather than nails in their palms and let the weight of their bodies suffocate them after many painful days of suffering. But, Jesus did say that "today" he would be with Him in paradise so I would assume he died that day as well.

And, to the original poster, I apologize for the hijack. First off, don't listen to all the legalism and dogma if you're wanting to know Jesus Christ. You are asked to only believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, call on His name to save you, and be baptized. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but is part of the New Covenant by the Grace of Jesus Christ.

The law never ended.  Christ came to fulfill the law, not overthrow it. There was no beginning to Christ's Kingdom, nor will there be an end, and all who believe and have faith will be saved.  The point of the law is that it is impossible to fulfill.  No one can follow all of God's commandments.  Those patriarchs of the ancient Jews (including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are listed by name in the New Testament as having a place at God's table) who will be in Heaven will similarly be justified by their faith in God and not their works.

Justification is by faith alone.  

Quoted: The law never ended.  Christ came to fulfill the law, not overthrow it. There was no beginning to Christ's Kingdom, nor will there be an end, and all who believe and have faith will be saved.  The point of the law is that it is impossible to fulfill.  No one can follow all of God's commandments.  Those patriarchs of the ancient Jews (including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are listed by name in the New Testament as having a place at God's table) who will be in Heaven will similarly be justified by their faith in God and not their works. Justification is by faith alone.

You are absolutly correct. When I said the law ended, I meant that we are no longer bound by the law because we are under the New Covenant. Maybe I should edit my post....

Baptist

There is nothing you can do to earn your way into heaven. Confess in your heart that no matter how good you try to be you fall short. Confess in your heart that without the help of god you can not obey his law. Tell the father that you beleive that Jesus died for your sins. Come to the realization that the true miracle of the cross was that Jesus rose from the dead and overcame the curse of death.

After that the Holy Spirit will guide you. It may not happen all at once you may not have a giant flash of thunder and light. Have faith in your father and pray for his will in your life. He will not dog you. His laws will be written in your heart not on paper. You will know. The key is Salvation is a gift.

Google the book Classic Christianity by Bob George. One of the best books for new Christians.

Faith, and acceptance of what he offers you.

Quoted: Church of Christ. Belief. Repentence. Confession. Baptism. Continuing in God's goodness. So simple, that simple First Century fishermen could preach it....and turn the world upside down. Eric The(KeepingItSimple)Hun

Pentecostal, but ETH pretty much summed it up.

Genuine recognition of your sin and of Christ as Savior.

Repentence from a true heart.

Baptism (every Christian ought to be baptized....)

Dedication of your entire life to living in submission to the Lordship and Law of Christ.

Repentence and rededication when you fail.

Quoted: Okay, so some think Baptism is needed and others don't.  This is where I get confused. I understand that the act of becoming Baptized (sp?) is not gonna "earn" your salvation, but I can't fathom any reason why a Christian would not want to become Baptized. It is obviously very important and Jesus states in Mark 16:16  "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." I am not wanting to start a flame war, so please don't take this out of context.  I just don't understand why some agree and other disagree concerning Baptism. If not required, is it expected? Merely suggested? P.S.  I am speaking about Baptism by submersion, after the age of accountability.  Not Infant Sprinkling.  Thanks. Bubba

Is being dunked in water strictly necessary to enter heaven? No. I know people who have repented who didn't have time to be baptised before dying.

Still, every Christian IS EXPECTED to be baptised. They ought to WANT to be baptised as a symbol of their dedication to and obedience of Jesus Christ.

But it doesn't say beleiveth and baptiseth not be damned.

The thought on not being required is that beleif and baptism are two distinct areas and why some baptise later in life when they have beleif.  I'm in a strict Lutheran congregation and even our pastor states all that is required is to repent and beleive.  This goes along with the thought that the Holy Spirit is present in beleif.  The actuall water part also causes dilema's to what happens to babies who die before baptism.  We do teach and follow infant baptism and I see nothing wrong with that.  I see nothing wrong with adult baptism either.

pssst... Hey, bubba, let's you and I go over here a moment and talk. Let them debate the baptism thing and the grace/works thing. They'll never agree and it doesn't matter anyway.

What does it take to be a Christian? Ask many people and you'll get as many answers. It can be rather bewildering. What do you think is the answer to that question? You don't know? Find out.

My advice?

Read everything you can get your paws on. Get as many different points of view as you possibly can and then make up your own mind. I suppose that's the key.... making up your own mind.

You can go back to the fundie mellee now.

I'm Lutheran.  This was my confirmation verse.


Ephesians 2, verses 8-9

"By grace you are saved through faith and that not of yourselves.  It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast"

Quoted:

Is being dunked in water strictly necessary to enter heaven?

That is what Historical Christianity has accepted for almost 2,000 years.

It was what distinguished us to the Ancient Romans historians, who wrote that the two distinct customs that Christians, 'They are initiated in a ritual bath, and partake of a sacred meal', meaning Baptism and Communion, respectively.

But why even cite pagan authors?

Find one example of anyone in the New Testament, following Pentecost, who was not 'initiated' into Our Faith who was NOT baptized....you will find none.

And you will find many, many statements about the necessity of Baptism as an adult believer...

No. I know people who have repented who didn't have time to be baptised before dying.

Which is precisely WHY Baptism was administered immediately upon anyone's declaration of Faith in the New Testament, following Pentecost.

The 3,000 on Pentecost were not told to come back another day...but that very day they were 'added unto the Church' by Baptism.

The jailer at Philippi, and his family, were baptized at Midnight, after their conversion!

The Ethiopian Eunuch was immediately baptized by Philip the Evangelist upon his declaration of 'the Good Confession.'

See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:36,37

And then they both straightway went down into the water!

Why on earth would anyone wait?

See? Here is water, what doth hinder thou?

A more convenient time?

That was the answer given St. Paul by Felix, the Roman governor.

Trust me, that more convenient time might never come....as it likely never came for Felix.

Still, every Christian IS EXPECTED to be baptised. They ought to WANT to be baptised as a symbol of their dedication to and obedience of Jesus Christ.

Why?

Why should anyone wish to be baptized...simply as a symbol of their dedication and obedience to Jesus Christ?

Wear a cross on your neck, carry a cross or a very large King James around with you at all times, name your first born male child 'Salvator' or 'Jesus', or do any of the other 'symbols' that show your 'dedication and obedience' to Jesus.

And yet some would neglect the very 'symbol' that became the First Sacrament in His Church.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3: 13-17

That scene alone should teach us the essential significance of Baptism!

Jesus, the One Without Sin, humbled Himself, and submitted to Baptism, which was considered an acknowledgement of the need for remission of sins, and identified Himself with His Own.

We must undergo the same ritual in order that we may be identified with Him!

Why? In order that all righteousness might be fulfilled!

And, as St, Paul wrote, to be 'buried' with Jesus, by being identified as joining in His Death, Burial, and Resurrection!

Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

And, again:

Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. Colossians 2:12

I am truly sorry for anyone who thinks that they can escape the essential Sacrament of Baptism because they 'think' that it is unnecessary, or merely useless 'symbolism'!

The Church of Christ has been continuously and vigorously preaching the necessity of Water Baptism since Pentecost until this very day!

It is sad that some denominations preach and teach otherwise...and thereby lead many astray.

Eric The(SeeYeToIt)Hun

Quoted: We must undergo the same ritual in order that we may be identified with Him!

Yes you are right.  Baptism was public acknowledgement of being associated with Christ.
Yes we are commanded to be baptised, like we are commanded to love our neighbor.

But it is not necessary for salvation , only faith is necessary for salvation.

Ephesians 2, verses 8-9

"By grace you are saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast"

Quoted: Quoted: We must undergo the same ritual in order that we may be identified with Him! Yes you are right.  Baptism was public acknowledgement of being associated with Christ. Yes we are commanded to be baptised, like we are commanded to love our neighbor.

And do you think that IF you do not love your neighbor, you will enter into Heaven?

It's NOT the public acknowledgement of being associated with Jesus Christ that makes Baptism necessary, it is the clear commandment of Jesus Christ.

So far as we know, the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist occurred with only those two present.

Same as with the Baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch.

The public need not know that you are baptized in order that your union with Christ occur.

Only the Heavenly Father need know....

But it is not necessary for salvation , only faith is necessary for salvation. Ephesians 2, verses 8-9 "By grace you are saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast"

So, belief in Jesus as the Son of God is unnecessary for salvation?

So, repentence is unnecessary for salvation?

So, once you have faith, you can do anything you wish...and still hold onto that 'salvation'?

'Once saved, always saved', eh?

The Holy Bible teaches no such thing.

Eric The(Fundamental)Hun

Quoted: 'Once saved, always saved', eh? The Holy Bible teaches no such thing. Eric The(Fundamental)Hun

So do you have to be baptised each time you lose your salvation and repent ?

so no one can be saved on their deathbed since they must be baptised ?

it is all very simple

Ephesians 2, verses 8-9

"By grace you are saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast"

 Belief in Jesus is all that is required for for salvation. like the thief on the cross.

Quoted: Quoted: 'Once saved, always saved', eh? The Holy Bible teaches no such thing. Eric The(Fundamental)Hun So do you have to be baptised each time you lose your salvation and repent ?

You cannot 'lose your Salvation' in this Present World, because you will never obtain Salvation in this Present World.

As St. Paul described it, it is a race in which all who finish are given an incorruptible crown...as the prize...but this crown is given unto those who finish in the Next World, not in the Present World.

...so no one can be saved on their deathbed since they must be baptised ?

Why would being on your deathbed prevent you from being baptized?

The First 'Christian' Roman Emperor Constantine put off his own baptism until he was actually on his deathbed, in the imperfect and erronenous belief that, once baptized, you couldn't receive forgiveness of any further sins.

it is all very simple

Indeed, it is.

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. Gospel of John 3:5

Being 'born of water and of the Spirit' is simply being baptized.

And so His Church has understood it for almost 2,000 years.

Oh, some Romans and other 'High' Church congregations baptize infants, but that is simply because they realize, however imperfectly and erroneously, that baptism IS absolutely necessary for Salvation.

Belief in Jesus is all that is required for for salvation. like the thief on the cross.

Sorry, my dear friend, but Satan and his demons also believe in Jesus as much as any of us, and that ain't going to help them one damn bit on Judgment Day.

Eric The(FireAndBrimstone)Hun

Quoted: So far as we know, the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist occurred with only those two present.

I believe you will find that John the Baptist was teaching and Baptising others when Jesus showed up to be baptised.

Jewish...Reform Celtic

Keep the 10 Commandments, for a non Jew keep the Laws of Noah.

Quoted: Quoted: So far as we know, the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist occurred with only those two present. I believe you will find that John the Baptist was teaching and Baptising others when Jesus showed up to be baptised.

That's certainly the manner in which later artists and the movies always portray this Sacred Encounter....



....but the Scriptures simply say:

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. Matthew 3:13

This Baptism of Christ is mentioned in all of the Books of the Gospe, Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11;
Luke 3:21-23; John 1:29-34, but not one of these passages requires an audience other than St. John.

Immediately after this Baptism, Jesus went into the Wilderness.

Now, it is unnecessary whether the Baptism of Christ was a 'public' or 'private' event, under any circumstances.

I merely wanted to demonstrate that the 'public' acknowledgement aspect of Baptism, that you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, is quite unnecessary for Salvation.

It can be Scripturally accomplished with only two present.

The Heavenly Father is the only other 'Witness' that you need.

It is CONFESSION that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God which must be made before men.

Eric The(Legalist)Hun

Sorry I am late to the party folks!

Dram

Church of Christ

Same as listed above by Eric.

Hmm... where to start in on this one.

Joh:3:5: 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.

Hmm... cannot enter the kingdom without water and the spirit.

How do we get this water?

Through burial in baptism.

Why is burial necessary?

You must die to be free of your past sins, by being buried like Christ was buried in His tomb, you are buried in a watery grave and rise up a new creature in Christ. Lets listen:

Ro:6:3: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Ro:6:4: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Ro:6:5: For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Ro:6:6: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Now, people, howso is it hard to understand the Scripture given above? Many claim to be reborn... ie born again Christians, yet have not undertaken the figure that Christ chose for us to ALLOW us to be reborn.

Nicodemus could not understand this, but it is unfailingly clear in Romans what Jesus meant when He spake thus:

Joh: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.
Joh:3:4: 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?
Joh:3:5: 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.

The second death that Nicodemus faltered at is BAPTISM, a burial in a watery grave that we might rise up a new creature. The Apostles knew what was required of them by Jesus to be preached and they did just that.

Eph:4:5: One Lord, one faith, one baptism,


How is it that those who call themselves baptist... spurn the very thing that they call themselves?

That is a hard doctrine indeed, frankly.

Dram out

Romans 10:9
... if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Oh boy.......



I'm so glad that I can HATE religion and still be in LOVE with my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, everythng else is gravy.

Quoted: Romans 10:9 ... if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

I don't see where St. Paul mentions the need for repentence or for confession in that verse, do you?

Is it possible for anyone to be 'saved' who has NOT repented of his or her sins, or who has NOT confessed Jesus Christ before men?

Nope.

So, it's obvious that the verse that you cited was not an exhaustive list of the requirements for Salvation.

Right?

Just look at the verses from St. Paul which Brother Dram cited above.

It's obvious that UNLESS you are united with Jesus Christ in His death by Baptism, then you are simply NOT united with Him.

And that is what the Christian Church has always understood.

Until recently.....

Eric The(Stiffnecked)Hun

Quoted: I'm so glad that I can HATE religion and still be in LOVE with my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

From The Gospel of John, Chapter 14, Verses 15,21,23,24

Pretty simple way to measure your love for Jesus Christ.

His Words, not mine.

Salvation is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, everythng else is gravy.

Do you have a verse of Scripture which you can cite for that?

I cannot find it anywhere.

Maybe I'm not looking in the right place?

Help me out.

Eric The(Scriptural)Hun

Quoted: Oh boy....... I'm so glad that I can HATE religion and still be in LOVE with my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, everythng else is gravy.

Amen

Quoted: Quoted: Salvation is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, everythng else is gravy. Amen

Great!

Maybe you have a clue as to where that thought can be found in Scripture....having a 'personal relationship' with Jesus Christ is all that is necessary for Eternal Life?

If so, please share it with us.

Eric The(Inquisitive)Hun

Quoted: I am somewhat uneducated concerning religion.  So excuse my ignorance and thanks for the help... What does God require us to do in order to go to Heaven? If you would, please list your church affiliation with your answer. If this is a dupe I apologize, as I am new to this forum. Edited: I guess I meant to ask what are the first steps to becoming a Christian?

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Hi bubba99 !

I'm Jewish...here is my answer to your question.  Perhaps, though, as you stated, more accurately would be answers to your quest.

I'm returning to the original post in this thread to keep things on-topic.  The question was posed as what does G-d require...not what do people and their denominations require.

That topic would be a seperate thread.

Divinely inspired, or authored by the experiences and spirituality of a people, what is common amongst nearly every religion is that we treat each other as we would expect to be treated.

This is found in the "Ten Commandments", and is similarly summarized in the "Golden Rule".

In the words of an ancient rabbi, the rest is commentary--go study and learn.


Ed

Sorry Ed,

This thread IS on track, the original poster asked what God requires.

Some of us are threshing that very thing out.

Dram

Quoted: Sorry Ed, This thread IS on track, the original poster asked what God requires. Some of us are threshing that very thing out. Dram

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Ouch!!

In review of comments I simply noticed there were more of human expectations and tenets...less, perhaps of substantive answers which were non-denominational.

Thank's for playing.

Ed

Thanks for playing?

You sir, may be at play here, I most certainly am not thankyouverymuch!

You throw out a platitude about "lets all be kind and treat eachother like we would like to be treated" and somehow expect to be taken seriously? Hmm...


You are a jew, and should give your views based on that religio-philosophic basis. I can only assume if you have no dog in the Christian based discussion, that you would refrain from calling Holy Scripture "human expectations and tenets".

You may have noticed that I have not deigned to call your 10 commandment commentary into question... so do us gentiles a favor and stick to your Law of Moses canon or its subsidiary rabbinical teaching. Teach us about THAT, not about what you have no earthly idea of.

Dram out

Quoted: Thanks for playing? You sir, may be at play here, I most certainly am not thankyouverymuch! You throw out a platitude about "lets all be kind and treat eachother like we would like to be treated" and somehow expect to be taken seriously? Hmm... You are a jew, and should give your views based on that religio-philosophic basis. I can only assume if you have no dog in the Christian based discussion, that you would refrain from calling Holy Scripture "human expectations and tenets". You may have noticed that I have not deigned to call your 10 commandment commentary into question... so do us gentiles a favor and stick to your Law of Moses canon or its subsidiary rabbinical teaching. Teach us about THAT, not about what you have no earthly idea of. Dram out

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Wow, and golly gee-wizz!

There was nothing concretely indicated within the original post that indicated this was a "...Christian based discussion."

Dude, you may need to cool your heels...well, actually, you really should.  Or perhaps take a "DRAM" of something to calm down.

Simply that your comment of  ..."your 10 commandment commentary into question... " is to also disassociate your (I presume--Christian; which I have apparently so tread upon as to have you respond with the internet version of a tactical nuclear missile when a simpler and more gentle comment would have been required...well, so much as your input here is valid!) from inherited Jewish texts.

I'm out of here...luv ya!  

Ed

Reading comprehension is vital to posting ANYTHING meaningful.

Now isnt it?


You were politely cracking wise on the discussion going on in this thread, saying it was off track.

Which it certainly is not.

If you wish to add the jewish view of "what God requires", please educate us all. I would LOVE to hear what you have to say. Really.

But your commentary and reply to me were not called for.

Nor, did I claim this was a Christian based discussion.

The poster asked what God required.

Please give with the answering, already even.

Dram

Quoted: Ed Reading comprehension is vital to posting ANYTHING meaningful. Now isnt it? You were politely cracking wise on the discussion going on in this thread, saying it was off track. Which it certainly is not. If you wish to add the jewish view of "what God requires", please educate us all. I would LOVE to hear what you have to say. Really. But your commentary and reply to me were not called for. Nor, did I claim this was a Christian based discussion. The poster asked what God required. Please give with the answering, already even. Dram

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Ohh, just couldn't resist... .

Re:

"Reading comprehension is vital to posting ANYTHING meaningful."

Well, to again quote yourself from your last post:

"Nor, did I claim this was a Christian based discussion."

That's funny, 'cause your ealier comment was "...I can only assume if you have no dog in the Christian based discussion"


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Now, when I was raised in Northern Indiana, the idea that "Reading is fundamental" was still being taught...perhaps they should have also included a section of "Understanding Reading is fundamental"....



'Still luv ya...you're just too funny!

Yeah Ed,

Funny haha.

You still dont get it, friend.

There is Christian based discussion WITHIN THIS THREAD. But with you posting here it is not in toto Christian based. I asked that your commentary about the Christian portion be left out, but from the jewish view... go wild.

Wow are you a pain.

Dram