Continued from FAQ Page...
"According to the grace of God that was given to me, like a wise
master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on
it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it (10).
For no man lay a foundation lay a foundation other than the
one which is laid (11),
Now if any man with gold, silver precious stones wood, hay,
straw (12),
Each Man's work will become evident; for the day will show it
because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself with test
the quality of each Man's work (13).
If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive
a reward (14).
If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself
will be saved, yet so as through fire (15)."
-1Cor. 3: 10-15 NASB.
There is a correlation between 1 Cor. 3: 10-15 that speaks of both the earthly and the heavenly evaluations, and Matthew 7: 24-27 that speaks
of the earthly evaluations along the way. Both passages speak of there being a wise and a foolish builder.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and
acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built
his house on the rock (24).
And the rains fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew
and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it
had been founded on the rock (25).
Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act
on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on
the sand (26).
The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew against
that house; and it fell--and great was its fall (27)."
- Matt. 7: 24-27 NASB
We will study how these passage apply to the here and now and what they reveal concerning the final evaluation that will take place in Heaven. It is important to note that in neither case are the events to determine who is saved (gets into Heaven) and who does not. The final evaluation spoken of in 1Cor. 3: 11-15 that takes place in Heaven is for the divine purpose of revealing what good deeds were of divine nature and reward them, and what good deeds were of human origin and are "burnt up", that is rejected as having no value towards eternal reward. Note that sin and/or bad deeds do not come into play at this evaluation.
The "bad" news is that the 1Cor. 3: 10-15 final evaluation of deeds will be an eye-opening event for many believers, as much of what many had come to believe was worthy of heavenly reward goes up in smoke. The good news in even the worse case scenarios in which many born again believers sreceive NO or little reward, he still retains the eternal life that he received on the day of his salvation here on Earth.
There are NO unbelievers present at the 1Cor. 3 event. Judgment day and the final condemnation for the unbelievers, presently suffering in the Torments section of Hades, is a separate event (Rev. 20: 13, 15). At the Rev. 20: 13-15 event, the unbeliever has his day in the Court of Heaven when the books are opened but will be found in want of the one and only factor that allows ANYONE into Heaven; that being eternal life. The unbeliever is then cast into what the Bible calls the lake of fire for all of eternity (Rev. 20: 13, 15); not because he/she was necessarily any better or worse (humanly speaking) than his believing counterparts, but because the unbeliever was never born again (John 3: 3). The only (spiritual) difference between the SINNERS that get into Heaven, and the SINNERS that find themselves in Hades and ultimately in the lake of fire is that the believers were saved by the grace of God when they CHOSE to BELIEVE in a presentation of the TRUE Gospel Message, here on Earth!
The (Matt. 7) evaluations (plural) and potential crashes (plural) take place on Earth. The one (1Cor. 3) event (singlular) takes place Heaven. The purpose of the "wind and rain" of the earthly (Matt. 7) events, is to reveal any areas of weakness in either the (false) foundations if there any, and or the soul structures that are being built on them, so that the appropriate action can be taken. The 1Cor. 3: 10-15 event, however, offers NO opportunity to make ANY such adjustments. "Credit" for the good deeds that were accomplished via human ability (including Man-made "religious" rituals) during the POST salvation spiritual life of each believer is what is "burned up" at the 1Cor. 3: 10-15 event. What remains, symbolized as gold, silver, and precious stones, are the good deeds that God the Holy Spirit (John 15: 5) produced through each (Spirit-filled) born again believer, and are rewarded accordingly (Matthew 5: 5- 12/Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26/Rev. 3: 5, 12, etc., etc.).
The "house" of Matthew 7 is symbolic of one's soul structure that is either built on the solid foundation of 1Cor. 3:11, or on one of the many alternative and defective foundations that are the products of false religion and/or human good.
As Matthew 7 teach, without the solid foundation of 1Cor. 3: 11. the entire soul structure comes tumbling down when put to the test. The tests of Matthew 7, symbolized as wind and rain, are the thoughts and activity that come (or are sent) our way throughout the course of one's post salvation spiritual life, affording the believer to see where he/she is in his/her walk with the Lord at any given time. It is during such "storms" that the type of foundation we chose (rock vs. sand) is made known to us, as well as the quality and quantity of the material (accurate vs. inaccurate post salvation doctrine) that we had chosen to build our soul structure upon the foundation. The wind and rain can come upon us in the form of sprinkles and gentle breezes or with torrential rain and tornado force wind, but BOTH with the long term goal of eroding or destroying our soul structure.
Note that it is not the soul that is destroyed, but the soul structure that we have been called to build as we continue (John 8:31) in His Word, and, "grow" in His grace and knowledge (2Peter 3: 18)."
When there never was a foundation on the rock (rock = faith in the Person and the Work of the Lord Jesus Christ), the builder must first lay down one on the "rock", and THEN rebuild his soul structure based on it. The is the scenario of many "religious" souls that comes to realization that although he had been going through all the motions required by his chosen religion ("Christian" or otherwise), he/she had never been born again, and that he/she was just as spiritually dead as the day he/she came into the world. It is NOT until one IS born again, that he/she has the John 15:5 power and Romans 7 discernment to build a soul structure that is pleasing to God.
Needless to say, the devil has a warehouse full of alternative designs and means to build soul structures that will be held in high esteem by Man here on Earth, but are detestable in the eyes of God (Luke 16: 15) and will be totally burned up at the 1Cor. 3: 10-15 evaluation of believers, and the Rev. 20: 13, 15 judgment of unbelievers.
The deceptive part of "religion" is that followers of it are convinced that they do have "the" right foundation, and that they do have a soul structure that is pleasing to God. The stumbling block of the ancient Jews as that although they (as a group) received many of the things of God in the past, the failed to see the manifestation of the plan of God in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The stumbling block of the "religious" soul of the Church Age, is that although they receive and practice rituals and live relatively moral lifestyles, they will still find themselves in Hades and eventually in the lake of fire because they failed to understand the "MUST" part of being " born again (John 3: 3, 7)."
Once a soul IS born again, he/she will see the worthlessness (Isa. 64:6) and the blasphemous nature of much of what "religion", Satan's trump card, has to offer! ANYTHING that is raised up and promoted as the equivalent or necessary "additive" to the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Especially in the apostate world in which we presently live, the Biblical phrase, "born again (John 3: 7)", has been so severely beaten on by the devil and his (Ephesians 6:12/2Cor. ) forces of evil, that it's true meaning is hardly recognizable, even within the Christian Community, let alone the world at large.
What DOES the Bible have to say about being "born again"?
"Do not be amazed that I said to you,
"Your must be born again (John 3: 7 NASB)."
These words were initially spoken to Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a member of the Pharisees, and therefore one of the most religious and relatively moral individuals of that time period in history. But as the Lord Jesus Christ, unless one is born again, that soul cannot see the Kingdom of God. Rev. 20: 13, 15 makes it clear that ALL the souls of the human race that choose to leave this world just as spiritually dead as the day they entered it, will find themselves in the Torments of Hades upon departing this world and in the lake of fire for all of Eternity.
The first time we are born involves physical activity (John 3: 5), at which time the body comes forth from the womb, receives its first breath of natural life (Gen. 2: 7). At that time, God (not Man) places the soul that He creates into the body that comes forth. Scripture is clear on this. When the body receives its last breath, the body dies, but the soul lives on in ONE of two general environments, being in or being out of a relationship with God.
Coming forth from the womb, receiving a soul, and taking in one's first breath of natural life is what being born of water is all about, and had got NOTHING to do with water baptism rituals. Such rituals IDENDITIFY the recipient with something else. John (the Baptist) baptized those who identified themselves with his message that announced the coming of the Messiah. 1st century believers were baptized with water to identify them with a body of believers AFTER they were already born again, and NOT for purpose of being born again or to retain salvation.
The Lord Jesus Christ was baptized to fulfill all righteous, that being (for Him) to identify with and fulfill His mission of providing the means of salvation for Man. The only time that our Lord's human spirit encountered spiritual death (out of fellowship with God the Father) was while on the cross and the sins of the whole world was "poured" upon Him, resulting in fulfillment of many messianic prophecies of Psalms 22.
The man on the cross next to our Lord was NEVER baptized with water, but was never the less assured of his salvation by the highest of authority (Luke 23: 43).
Water baptism rituals, when in their proper place, take place AFTER one is ALREADY saved and can serve as a public testimony of what has already taken place in the spiritual realm, but is NOT a requirement to seal the deal or finish the regenerating (Titus 3:5) work of God.
In past dispensations, one was "saved" from the wrath of God by b-e-l-i-e-v-i-n-g in God, to the extent that God revealed Himself and His plan to them (Gen. 15: 6).
"Then he (Abram, later named Abraham) believed
in the Lord and He (God) reckoned it (Abram's
faith) as righteousness (Gen. 15:6 NASB/italics mine)."
Just as the ritual of circumcision was for the purpose of identification with God's chosen people, post salvation baptism rituals are, at best, a means of identifying with a group of believers in a local assembly or denomination. The ONLY spiritually significant pre-salvation activity that matters is what God the Holy Spirit will use to bring a soul to a place and setting in which the TRUE Gospel will be presented, affording the soul that has then reached the age or stage of moral accountability, the opportunity to be "born again".
As of the Church Age, that began in 30-33 AD at the Feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem, Israel (Acts 2:1), and will end at the Rapture (1Thess. 4: 17), every soul that is saved does so by choosing to b-e-l-i-e-v-e- in a presentation of the true Gospel that God the Holy Spirit makes understandable as part of HIs pre-salvation ministry of grace. At the same time, choosing to disbelieve in a presentation of the TRUE Gospel, results in the soul remaining spiritually dead and headed for the lake of fire. Souls that depart this world spiritually dead, find themselves in the Torments of Hades and eventually in the lake of fire.
"He (the human soul) who BELIEVES in Him (the Person
and the Work of the Lord Jesus Christ) is NOT judged
(Rev. 20: 15); he who does not BELIEVE in Him is judged
already, because he has not BELIEVED in the name (what He
and His Work represents) of the only begotten Son of God
(John 3: 18 NASB/italics mine)."
When a soul believes in a presentation of the Gospel, he/she is then and there "baptized" (marked/sealed for identification - Ephes. 4: 30); receives a "regenerated human spirit (Titus 3:5) and the eternal life of God (John 3:16); ALL of which is the Work of God and NOT of human activity, beyond making a decision to believe. Being saved is an automatic and the immediate response to a soul's decision to believe in a presentation of the Gospel. This responsive process is what the second birth, or being born again is all about. John 3:6 makes the distinction between these to birth crystal clear.
"That (our humanity) which is born of flesh is flesh, and
that (soul/spirit) is born of the Spirit is spirit ."
(John 3: 6 NASB/italics mine)."
John 1: 12, 13 makes it crystal clear HOW that second birth, or being "born again (John 3:5) is to be accomplished, and the necessity (John 3:7) of it.
"But as many as received (believed in) Him, to them
He gave the right to become children of God,
even (specifically) to those who believe in His
name (titles-Son of God, Savior) (12)
"who were born, not of blood or will the will of the
flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
As of the Church Age, where the departing human souls go at the moment of physical death is determined HERE on Earth when the soul is presented with the TRUE Gospel Message. A presentation of the TRUE Gospel explains why one MUST be born again, and HOW to accomplish it. ANY other
Any other means to either obtain or to retain salvation is based on a FALSE GOSPEL, regardless of who or what organization promotes it (Gal. 1:8/2Cor. 11: 14). Such gospels are not merely inaccurate doctrine(s) or practices, but are blasphemous in nature in that their alleged significance elevates such things to a position of equality with, or necessary additives to the Works (John 19: 30/Titus 3:5/Romans 14: 4) of God to obtain or maintain one's salvation.
"But if we, or an angel from Heaven, should
preach to you a gospel contrary to what we
preached to you, he is to be accursed."
(Gal. 1: 8 NASB)
In the natural realm, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, the conclusion is that it is a duck. But this method of inclusion falls short of the (Acts 17: 11) practice of the Bible for discerning what is and what it NOT coming from God. The believers in Berea of Acts 17 did not have the completed Canon of Scripture, as we do today. Much of the "Scripture" being referred to in the passage would be of the Old Testament variety, with which Paul, being a former Pharisee would use as he brought the news of the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. If such scrutiny was applied to the teaching of the Apostle Paul, should not the teaching of ANY pastor-teacher be like-wise verified through Scripture?\
Concerning false teachers:
"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers,
disguising themselves as apostles of Christ (13).
"No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as
angel of light (14).
"Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also
disguise themselves as servants of righteousness,
whose end will be according to their deeds (15)."
-2Cor. 11: 13-15 (NASB).
The Greek word a-n-g-e-l-o-s, as it appears in the original manuscripts, can literally refer to a member of the angelic race, but it can also apply to human beings who make various announcements and disclosures to individuals and groups of individuals (Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18; Rev. 3: 1, 7, 14.
There have been many individuals, inside and outside of the Christian Community who have claimed to have had divine revelations made to them since the time of the Lord's ascension (Acts 1). Among those within the Christian Community were the Apostle Paul, the human author of many of the New Testament epistles, and John, the author of what we now know as the Book of Revelation.
There are many persons, outside of Scripture, who have claimed to have experienced divine messages of revelation on both a personal (for self) and corporate (for others) scale. In fact, although they do not usually (Acts 8) manifest themselves via audio/visual means, EVEYONE "hears" the voice of God the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 3; 15), when God the Holy Spirit makes uses the spoken or written words of human communicators to present the Gospel to unbelievers and post salvation doctrine to believers. God may use other believrs, but the disclosure and confirmation of one's individual spiritual gift and the location and area of service where the gift is to exercised, can ONLY come from the voice of God the Holy Spirit who desires such things (1Cor. 12: 18).
Many believers make the mistake of doing what they want to do, rather than listen to the voice of God to disclose to them what He (John 15:5) wants to do through them!
Outside of the Christian Community we have claims of divine revelation by such persons as Mohammad.
How then, are we to know what alleged claims of divine revelation are to be accepted and incorporated into our soul structures, and what claims are to be dismissed?
Whatever contradicts what an accurate interpretation and application of Scripture discloses is to be immediately rejected. Whatever does not necessarily contradict, but adds to what is disclosed in Scripture, is to be rejected. Whatever information (outside of Scripture) remains after excluding all contradictions and/or additions have been eliminated, is to be examined with the understanding that there ARE the "secret things of God (Deut. 29: 29)" for which we do NOT have knowledge of, but there is NOTHING that we NEED to know that has not been disclosed to us.
""But even if we (an apostle), or an angel from Heaven
should preach to you a gospel (that is) contrary to what
we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!"
-Galatians 1: 8 NASB/italics mine
Among the false gospels that come from the devil are the ones that would diminish the significance, completeness, and/or the integrity of the Person and/or the Work of the Lord Jesus Christ that was finished (John 19: 30) on the cross; the Person and the regenerating (Titus 3:5) and the sealing ( Eph.4: 30) Works of God the Holy Spirit that takes place at the moment of salvation; or the veraity of the promise of God to see to it that HE will cause the believer to "stand" Romans 14: 4, that is, remain saved.
The words of Galatians 1:8 were first penned to the ancient local assembly of believers in 1st Century Galatia. At that time, the primary issue was over the alleged need for circumcision to be saved. That issue was addressed, but Satan and the Ephesians 6: 12 of evil have continued to introduce and promote a host of religious requirements down through the centuries of the Church Age with the same evil and blasphemous intent in mind. Religion has come up with its own agenda that covers everything from the cradle to the grave, much of which that has NO bearing on the eternal location and environment that the souls of Man will experience.
Having f-o-r-e-v-e-r resolved the issue of the foundation, the BELIEVER is then called to the true post salvation spiritual life. Performance, or lack of it, during the TRUE post salvation spiritual life neither increases nor does it diminish the integrity of the foundation already set in place. Wher self-centered individuals "go off course" is to conclude that since salvation can not be lost, they are "free" to do just about anything without fear of divine response. but has much to do with the type of soul structure and what one does with it throughout the course of his post salvation spiritual life.
All believes are called to build a soul structure, as this becomes the logistical support center of the base of operations for executing the TRUE post salvation spiritual life when empowered by God the Holy Spirit (John 15:5). One remains saved, with or without an edified soul structure, but his availability and level of service is severely handicapped without it, and can even be unwittingly used by the devil and the Ephesians 6:12 forces of evil.
The making of disciples (disciples = students and appliers of the Word of God) was (and remains to be) the authorized mission of the Church, as revealed in the Great Commission.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the
disciples, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (19).
"teaching them to observe all that I commanded
you....(20) Matthew 28: 19-20 NASB.
The ultimate objective of a Christian disciple is to first be trained, and then participate in the making of other disciples by functioning in the capacity and the individual gift that God the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12: 18) assigns, and where He places each one of us within the Christian Community at large.
EVERY spiritual gift, and EVERY born again believer, has its place and part in the fulfilling of the Great Commission given to the Church.
In the name of religion, Satan has distracted the Christian Community from its true calling by generating many activities inside and outside of the Church that are held in high esteem by Man (Luke 16: 15), but are of no value in the spiritual realm. This creates a win-win scenario for the devil, as not only does it deny God much of the glory it could be producing, but contributes to making the devil's world (Luke 4:6) a "better place to live" for as long as it lasts.
As noted earlier, the baptizing (marking for identification) is the Work of God the Holy Spirit. The disciple takes part in this baptizing, but beings used of God to present the Gospel to unbelievers. The teaching part is primarily the job of the pastor teacher, but both the proclaiming of the Gospel and the teaching of post salvation doctrine is the call and duty of ALL believers within their own personal periphery as ambassadors for Christ (2Cor. 5 20). The "all that I commanded" refers to the celebration of the Lord's Supper (1Cor. 11: 24, 25) as He intended for it to be done, and the corporate and personal compliance with relevant post-salvation doctrine disclosed in the Epistles of Scripture.
Salvation is the divine response to a ONE time decision on the part of the soul. Discipleship. however, is a moment to moment, day to day process that encompasses one's entire post salvation spiritual life as we learn, refine, and apply the Word of God to our personal lives.
One cannot pass onto others what he does not first learn of himself. Being sincere accomplishes NOTHING when one is sincerely wrong. A bullet fired in ignorance can be just as lethal as the one that is fired with malicious intent.
One's soul structure, as the logistical support center of one's base of operation, is like a collection of power tools. Having all the right tools (correct and applicable doctrines) will NOT get the job done if they are not picked and used properly. The right power tool for any specific task is a great asset, but is worthless if it is NOT plugged into the correct power source (John 15;5). Post salvation sin (especially sins of mental attitudes and lifestyle) "unplugs" the tools from its power source (John 15:5), and can ONLY be re-connected via the 1John 1: 9 confession, and is maintained by the John 8:11 forsaking of sin!
Again, performance (or lack of it) in one's post salvation spiritual life neither increases nor does it diminish the integrity of one's salvation, but has EVERYTHING to do with glorifying God. While glorifying God is NOT at the top of the list for a weak or back-sliding believer, not doing so by an advancing disciple is like being a fish out of water.
Allowing the wrong materials (false doctrines) to become a part of one's soul structure will insure an inevitable crash (Matt. 7: 24).
Unbelievers may have "a" foundation and "a" soul structure based on false religion that "will do" during their time here on Earth, but will not sustain them at the Rev. 20: 15 judgment of unbelievers.
The soul structure of a believer can be compromised by defective material (post salvation doctrine) and subject to system crashes. System crashed can be a very painful experience, often times leaving the soul involved with a sense of betrayal. If not handled properly, this sense of betrayal will be used to drive a wedge between the believer and the believers functioning as an ambassador. The fallen believer needs only to rebuild it his structure with good material (accurate post salvation doctrine) to enter into the TRUE post salvation spiritual life. The foundation of a born again believer remains uncompromised, even AFTER repeated fall.
A defective foundation means that the builder was never saved in the first place. He needs to both lay down the correct foundation and THEN build a Biblically sound soul structure.
A defective post salvation spiritual life is subject to failure, but the believer remains saved. He has a need to rebuild the structure after a crash, but not for the purpose of regaining or retaining salvation, but in order to have a base of operation from which he can execute the true post salvation spiritual life.
The rains and winds of Matthew 7 are symbolic of all the events and thoughts that the devil and his Ephesians 6: 12 forces of evil will bring that are designed to destroy our opportunities to be saved if we are an unbeliever, and to shake the confidence and further advancement of believers. Note that the rain and wind came upon the soul structures of BOTH the believer and the unbeliever alike!
The 1Cor. 3: 11 opens taking note that, " .... no man can lay a foundation other than the one that which is laid, which is (accomplished via placing one's faith in the Person and the Work of) Jesus Christ (1Cor. 3: 11 NASB/italics mine).
There are NO family or denominational plans of salvation. No one is saved by what parents or clergyman do or d0n't do for us via human effort or desire, including participating in "religious" rituals. Born again believers, at ANY age, that choose to enter into and to remain in the life of post salvation discipleship have a SEL-generating. and ever increasing personal desire to continue (John 8: 32) to grow in God's grace and knowledge (2Peter 3: 18).
Being sent, taken (or dragged) back and forth to worship services on a regular basis may (or may not) contribute to setting the stage for the
presentation of the TRUE Gospel Message.
I say "may" because it hinges on the assumption that the TRUE Gospel is in fact being proclaimed wherever it is that the unbelieving soul is being sent, taken or dragged.
I say "may" because exposing a child to "religious" doctrines and rituals that run contrary to what Scripture establishes can be counter-productive in leading a soul to the truth concerning both his salvation and the post salvation edification. When souls are born again (John 3:3) that come from a "religious", but unscriptural, background, there are varying degrees of deconstruction to be entertained in order to remove the wood, hay, and straw that had been a part of his/her soul structure prior to his salvation.
There are no family or group plans for salvation.
No one is Roman Catholic, Protestant, non-denominational, Christian, Orthodox Jewish, Islamic, etc., etc., etc., as a result of his physical birth. What we are ALL born as is SPIRITUALLY DEAD and in need of the Titus 3:5 regenerating Work of God the Holy Spirit that can ONLY be secured by BELIEVING in the Person and the Work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross! The LAST thing that anyone should want to remain is what we were born as (spiritually dead).
Most yuman beings around the world ARE "raised" in the either the religious, non-religious, or spiritual environment of our parental and/or familial traditions. There comes a time, however, when we will make a personal choice to accept such things as our own or not. Satan is well aware of and capitalizes on the familial, social, and religious pressure that can come upon a soul that chooses to depart from the religious traditions of his family or society. Accordingly, we find the strong admonition of Luke 14: 26 but IF an WHEN he does so in order to pick up his cross and follow the Lord, such scenarios are a part of his calling (Luke 14: 26).
"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate (love less) his
own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and
yes, even his own life, he CANNOT be My disciple ."
(Luke 14: 26 NASB/italics/mine)."
Being a disciple has got NOTHING to do with retaining one's salvation, but has EVERYTHING to do with identifying and executing the TRUE post salvation spiritual life. Just as the devil has a warehouse full of alternative, false Gospels for salvation, he has another warehouse full of alternatives for true post salvation spiritual life. Just as the false Gospels will result in the lake of fire of Rev. 20: 15, the false post salvation spiritual life will provide fuel for the fire when ALL such things are burnt up at the 1Cor. 3: 10-15 event!
Through "religion", Satan has a plan to encourage the development and continuation of religion in the life of every soul that God creates, knowing that the concept of there being "a" god or God is placed in every human heart (Eccl. 3: 11). It matters not (to Satan) which "religious" path one chooses to take, as long as it is not the ONE and ONLY spiritual way (John 14:6) to God. Hell, or what the Bible calls the "lake of fire", will be filled with "religious" persons from virtually EVERY denomination or group out there. If the Rapture should take place during worship services, there will be individuals left behind, sitting in the pews and standing behind the pulpits.
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life;
no one comes to the Father but through
Me (John 14:6)."
Once born again, the issue of one' salvation has been forever resolved, but one's post salvation spiritual combat with the forces of evil has only just begun. One's salvation is never in jeopardy, but the quality of one's post salvation spiritual life that glorifies God is on the line. For addition study on what the TRUE post salvation spiritual life is all about, go to the "OK, I'M SAVED, WHAT"S NEXT?" page on this website.
master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on
it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it (10).
For no man lay a foundation lay a foundation other than the
one which is laid (11),
Now if any man with gold, silver precious stones wood, hay,
straw (12),
Each Man's work will become evident; for the day will show it
because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself with test
the quality of each Man's work (13).
If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive
a reward (14).
If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself
will be saved, yet so as through fire (15)."
-1Cor. 3: 10-15 NASB.
There is a correlation between 1 Cor. 3: 10-15 that speaks of both the earthly and the heavenly evaluations, and Matthew 7: 24-27 that speaks
of the earthly evaluations along the way. Both passages speak of there being a wise and a foolish builder.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and
acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built
his house on the rock (24).
And the rains fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew
and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it
had been founded on the rock (25).
Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act
on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on
the sand (26).
The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew against
that house; and it fell--and great was its fall (27)."
- Matt. 7: 24-27 NASB
We will study how these passage apply to the here and now and what they reveal concerning the final evaluation that will take place in Heaven. It is important to note that in neither case are the events to determine who is saved (gets into Heaven) and who does not. The final evaluation spoken of in 1Cor. 3: 11-15 that takes place in Heaven is for the divine purpose of revealing what good deeds were of divine nature and reward them, and what good deeds were of human origin and are "burnt up", that is rejected as having no value towards eternal reward. Note that sin and/or bad deeds do not come into play at this evaluation.
The "bad" news is that the 1Cor. 3: 10-15 final evaluation of deeds will be an eye-opening event for many believers, as much of what many had come to believe was worthy of heavenly reward goes up in smoke. The good news in even the worse case scenarios in which many born again believers sreceive NO or little reward, he still retains the eternal life that he received on the day of his salvation here on Earth.
There are NO unbelievers present at the 1Cor. 3 event. Judgment day and the final condemnation for the unbelievers, presently suffering in the Torments section of Hades, is a separate event (Rev. 20: 13, 15). At the Rev. 20: 13-15 event, the unbeliever has his day in the Court of Heaven when the books are opened but will be found in want of the one and only factor that allows ANYONE into Heaven; that being eternal life. The unbeliever is then cast into what the Bible calls the lake of fire for all of eternity (Rev. 20: 13, 15); not because he/she was necessarily any better or worse (humanly speaking) than his believing counterparts, but because the unbeliever was never born again (John 3: 3). The only (spiritual) difference between the SINNERS that get into Heaven, and the SINNERS that find themselves in Hades and ultimately in the lake of fire is that the believers were saved by the grace of God when they CHOSE to BELIEVE in a presentation of the TRUE Gospel Message, here on Earth!
The (Matt. 7) evaluations (plural) and potential crashes (plural) take place on Earth. The one (1Cor. 3) event (singlular) takes place Heaven. The purpose of the "wind and rain" of the earthly (Matt. 7) events, is to reveal any areas of weakness in either the (false) foundations if there any, and or the soul structures that are being built on them, so that the appropriate action can be taken. The 1Cor. 3: 10-15 event, however, offers NO opportunity to make ANY such adjustments. "Credit" for the good deeds that were accomplished via human ability (including Man-made "religious" rituals) during the POST salvation spiritual life of each believer is what is "burned up" at the 1Cor. 3: 10-15 event. What remains, symbolized as gold, silver, and precious stones, are the good deeds that God the Holy Spirit (John 15: 5) produced through each (Spirit-filled) born again believer, and are rewarded accordingly (Matthew 5: 5- 12/Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26/Rev. 3: 5, 12, etc., etc.).
The "house" of Matthew 7 is symbolic of one's soul structure that is either built on the solid foundation of 1Cor. 3:11, or on one of the many alternative and defective foundations that are the products of false religion and/or human good.
As Matthew 7 teach, without the solid foundation of 1Cor. 3: 11. the entire soul structure comes tumbling down when put to the test. The tests of Matthew 7, symbolized as wind and rain, are the thoughts and activity that come (or are sent) our way throughout the course of one's post salvation spiritual life, affording the believer to see where he/she is in his/her walk with the Lord at any given time. It is during such "storms" that the type of foundation we chose (rock vs. sand) is made known to us, as well as the quality and quantity of the material (accurate vs. inaccurate post salvation doctrine) that we had chosen to build our soul structure upon the foundation. The wind and rain can come upon us in the form of sprinkles and gentle breezes or with torrential rain and tornado force wind, but BOTH with the long term goal of eroding or destroying our soul structure.
Note that it is not the soul that is destroyed, but the soul structure that we have been called to build as we continue (John 8:31) in His Word, and, "grow" in His grace and knowledge (2Peter 3: 18)."
When there never was a foundation on the rock (rock = faith in the Person and the Work of the Lord Jesus Christ), the builder must first lay down one on the "rock", and THEN rebuild his soul structure based on it. The is the scenario of many "religious" souls that comes to realization that although he had been going through all the motions required by his chosen religion ("Christian" or otherwise), he/she had never been born again, and that he/she was just as spiritually dead as the day he/she came into the world. It is NOT until one IS born again, that he/she has the John 15:5 power and Romans 7 discernment to build a soul structure that is pleasing to God.
Needless to say, the devil has a warehouse full of alternative designs and means to build soul structures that will be held in high esteem by Man here on Earth, but are detestable in the eyes of God (Luke 16: 15) and will be totally burned up at the 1Cor. 3: 10-15 evaluation of believers, and the Rev. 20: 13, 15 judgment of unbelievers.
The deceptive part of "religion" is that followers of it are convinced that they do have "the" right foundation, and that they do have a soul structure that is pleasing to God. The stumbling block of the ancient Jews as that although they (as a group) received many of the things of God in the past, the failed to see the manifestation of the plan of God in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The stumbling block of the "religious" soul of the Church Age, is that although they receive and practice rituals and live relatively moral lifestyles, they will still find themselves in Hades and eventually in the lake of fire because they failed to understand the "MUST" part of being " born again (John 3: 3, 7)."
Once a soul IS born again, he/she will see the worthlessness (Isa. 64:6) and the blasphemous nature of much of what "religion", Satan's trump card, has to offer! ANYTHING that is raised up and promoted as the equivalent or necessary "additive" to the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Especially in the apostate world in which we presently live, the Biblical phrase, "born again (John 3: 7)", has been so severely beaten on by the devil and his (Ephesians 6:12/2Cor. ) forces of evil, that it's true meaning is hardly recognizable, even within the Christian Community, let alone the world at large.
What DOES the Bible have to say about being "born again"?
"Do not be amazed that I said to you,
"Your must be born again (John 3: 7 NASB)."
These words were initially spoken to Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a member of the Pharisees, and therefore one of the most religious and relatively moral individuals of that time period in history. But as the Lord Jesus Christ, unless one is born again, that soul cannot see the Kingdom of God. Rev. 20: 13, 15 makes it clear that ALL the souls of the human race that choose to leave this world just as spiritually dead as the day they entered it, will find themselves in the Torments of Hades upon departing this world and in the lake of fire for all of Eternity.
The first time we are born involves physical activity (John 3: 5), at which time the body comes forth from the womb, receives its first breath of natural life (Gen. 2: 7). At that time, God (not Man) places the soul that He creates into the body that comes forth. Scripture is clear on this. When the body receives its last breath, the body dies, but the soul lives on in ONE of two general environments, being in or being out of a relationship with God.
Coming forth from the womb, receiving a soul, and taking in one's first breath of natural life is what being born of water is all about, and had got NOTHING to do with water baptism rituals. Such rituals IDENDITIFY the recipient with something else. John (the Baptist) baptized those who identified themselves with his message that announced the coming of the Messiah. 1st century believers were baptized with water to identify them with a body of believers AFTER they were already born again, and NOT for purpose of being born again or to retain salvation.
The Lord Jesus Christ was baptized to fulfill all righteous, that being (for Him) to identify with and fulfill His mission of providing the means of salvation for Man. The only time that our Lord's human spirit encountered spiritual death (out of fellowship with God the Father) was while on the cross and the sins of the whole world was "poured" upon Him, resulting in fulfillment of many messianic prophecies of Psalms 22.
The man on the cross next to our Lord was NEVER baptized with water, but was never the less assured of his salvation by the highest of authority (Luke 23: 43).
Water baptism rituals, when in their proper place, take place AFTER one is ALREADY saved and can serve as a public testimony of what has already taken place in the spiritual realm, but is NOT a requirement to seal the deal or finish the regenerating (Titus 3:5) work of God.
In past dispensations, one was "saved" from the wrath of God by b-e-l-i-e-v-i-n-g in God, to the extent that God revealed Himself and His plan to them (Gen. 15: 6).
"Then he (Abram, later named Abraham) believed
in the Lord and He (God) reckoned it (Abram's
faith) as righteousness (Gen. 15:6 NASB/italics mine)."
Just as the ritual of circumcision was for the purpose of identification with God's chosen people, post salvation baptism rituals are, at best, a means of identifying with a group of believers in a local assembly or denomination. The ONLY spiritually significant pre-salvation activity that matters is what God the Holy Spirit will use to bring a soul to a place and setting in which the TRUE Gospel will be presented, affording the soul that has then reached the age or stage of moral accountability, the opportunity to be "born again".
As of the Church Age, that began in 30-33 AD at the Feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem, Israel (Acts 2:1), and will end at the Rapture (1Thess. 4: 17), every soul that is saved does so by choosing to b-e-l-i-e-v-e- in a presentation of the true Gospel that God the Holy Spirit makes understandable as part of HIs pre-salvation ministry of grace. At the same time, choosing to disbelieve in a presentation of the TRUE Gospel, results in the soul remaining spiritually dead and headed for the lake of fire. Souls that depart this world spiritually dead, find themselves in the Torments of Hades and eventually in the lake of fire.
"He (the human soul) who BELIEVES in Him (the Person
and the Work of the Lord Jesus Christ) is NOT judged
(Rev. 20: 15); he who does not BELIEVE in Him is judged
already, because he has not BELIEVED in the name (what He
and His Work represents) of the only begotten Son of God
(John 3: 18 NASB/italics mine)."
When a soul believes in a presentation of the Gospel, he/she is then and there "baptized" (marked/sealed for identification - Ephes. 4: 30); receives a "regenerated human spirit (Titus 3:5) and the eternal life of God (John 3:16); ALL of which is the Work of God and NOT of human activity, beyond making a decision to believe. Being saved is an automatic and the immediate response to a soul's decision to believe in a presentation of the Gospel. This responsive process is what the second birth, or being born again is all about. John 3:6 makes the distinction between these to birth crystal clear.
"That (our humanity) which is born of flesh is flesh, and
that (soul/spirit) is born of the Spirit is spirit ."
(John 3: 6 NASB/italics mine)."
John 1: 12, 13 makes it crystal clear HOW that second birth, or being "born again (John 3:5) is to be accomplished, and the necessity (John 3:7) of it.
"But as many as received (believed in) Him, to them
He gave the right to become children of God,
even (specifically) to those who believe in His
name (titles-Son of God, Savior) (12)
"who were born, not of blood or will the will of the
flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
As of the Church Age, where the departing human souls go at the moment of physical death is determined HERE on Earth when the soul is presented with the TRUE Gospel Message. A presentation of the TRUE Gospel explains why one MUST be born again, and HOW to accomplish it. ANY other
Any other means to either obtain or to retain salvation is based on a FALSE GOSPEL, regardless of who or what organization promotes it (Gal. 1:8/2Cor. 11: 14). Such gospels are not merely inaccurate doctrine(s) or practices, but are blasphemous in nature in that their alleged significance elevates such things to a position of equality with, or necessary additives to the Works (John 19: 30/Titus 3:5/Romans 14: 4) of God to obtain or maintain one's salvation.
"But if we, or an angel from Heaven, should
preach to you a gospel contrary to what we
preached to you, he is to be accursed."
(Gal. 1: 8 NASB)
In the natural realm, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, the conclusion is that it is a duck. But this method of inclusion falls short of the (Acts 17: 11) practice of the Bible for discerning what is and what it NOT coming from God. The believers in Berea of Acts 17 did not have the completed Canon of Scripture, as we do today. Much of the "Scripture" being referred to in the passage would be of the Old Testament variety, with which Paul, being a former Pharisee would use as he brought the news of the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. If such scrutiny was applied to the teaching of the Apostle Paul, should not the teaching of ANY pastor-teacher be like-wise verified through Scripture?\
Concerning false teachers:
"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers,
disguising themselves as apostles of Christ (13).
"No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as
angel of light (14).
"Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also
disguise themselves as servants of righteousness,
whose end will be according to their deeds (15)."
-2Cor. 11: 13-15 (NASB).
The Greek word a-n-g-e-l-o-s, as it appears in the original manuscripts, can literally refer to a member of the angelic race, but it can also apply to human beings who make various announcements and disclosures to individuals and groups of individuals (Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18; Rev. 3: 1, 7, 14.
There have been many individuals, inside and outside of the Christian Community who have claimed to have had divine revelations made to them since the time of the Lord's ascension (Acts 1). Among those within the Christian Community were the Apostle Paul, the human author of many of the New Testament epistles, and John, the author of what we now know as the Book of Revelation.
There are many persons, outside of Scripture, who have claimed to have experienced divine messages of revelation on both a personal (for self) and corporate (for others) scale. In fact, although they do not usually (Acts 8) manifest themselves via audio/visual means, EVEYONE "hears" the voice of God the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 3; 15), when God the Holy Spirit makes uses the spoken or written words of human communicators to present the Gospel to unbelievers and post salvation doctrine to believers. God may use other believrs, but the disclosure and confirmation of one's individual spiritual gift and the location and area of service where the gift is to exercised, can ONLY come from the voice of God the Holy Spirit who desires such things (1Cor. 12: 18).
Many believers make the mistake of doing what they want to do, rather than listen to the voice of God to disclose to them what He (John 15:5) wants to do through them!
Outside of the Christian Community we have claims of divine revelation by such persons as Mohammad.
How then, are we to know what alleged claims of divine revelation are to be accepted and incorporated into our soul structures, and what claims are to be dismissed?
Whatever contradicts what an accurate interpretation and application of Scripture discloses is to be immediately rejected. Whatever does not necessarily contradict, but adds to what is disclosed in Scripture, is to be rejected. Whatever information (outside of Scripture) remains after excluding all contradictions and/or additions have been eliminated, is to be examined with the understanding that there ARE the "secret things of God (Deut. 29: 29)" for which we do NOT have knowledge of, but there is NOTHING that we NEED to know that has not been disclosed to us.
""But even if we (an apostle), or an angel from Heaven
should preach to you a gospel (that is) contrary to what
we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!"
-Galatians 1: 8 NASB/italics mine
Among the false gospels that come from the devil are the ones that would diminish the significance, completeness, and/or the integrity of the Person and/or the Work of the Lord Jesus Christ that was finished (John 19: 30) on the cross; the Person and the regenerating (Titus 3:5) and the sealing ( Eph.4: 30) Works of God the Holy Spirit that takes place at the moment of salvation; or the veraity of the promise of God to see to it that HE will cause the believer to "stand" Romans 14: 4, that is, remain saved.
The words of Galatians 1:8 were first penned to the ancient local assembly of believers in 1st Century Galatia. At that time, the primary issue was over the alleged need for circumcision to be saved. That issue was addressed, but Satan and the Ephesians 6: 12 of evil have continued to introduce and promote a host of religious requirements down through the centuries of the Church Age with the same evil and blasphemous intent in mind. Religion has come up with its own agenda that covers everything from the cradle to the grave, much of which that has NO bearing on the eternal location and environment that the souls of Man will experience.
Having f-o-r-e-v-e-r resolved the issue of the foundation, the BELIEVER is then called to the true post salvation spiritual life. Performance, or lack of it, during the TRUE post salvation spiritual life neither increases nor does it diminish the integrity of the foundation already set in place. Wher self-centered individuals "go off course" is to conclude that since salvation can not be lost, they are "free" to do just about anything without fear of divine response. but has much to do with the type of soul structure and what one does with it throughout the course of his post salvation spiritual life.
All believes are called to build a soul structure, as this becomes the logistical support center of the base of operations for executing the TRUE post salvation spiritual life when empowered by God the Holy Spirit (John 15:5). One remains saved, with or without an edified soul structure, but his availability and level of service is severely handicapped without it, and can even be unwittingly used by the devil and the Ephesians 6:12 forces of evil.
The making of disciples (disciples = students and appliers of the Word of God) was (and remains to be) the authorized mission of the Church, as revealed in the Great Commission.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the
disciples, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (19).
"teaching them to observe all that I commanded
you....(20) Matthew 28: 19-20 NASB.
The ultimate objective of a Christian disciple is to first be trained, and then participate in the making of other disciples by functioning in the capacity and the individual gift that God the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12: 18) assigns, and where He places each one of us within the Christian Community at large.
EVERY spiritual gift, and EVERY born again believer, has its place and part in the fulfilling of the Great Commission given to the Church.
In the name of religion, Satan has distracted the Christian Community from its true calling by generating many activities inside and outside of the Church that are held in high esteem by Man (Luke 16: 15), but are of no value in the spiritual realm. This creates a win-win scenario for the devil, as not only does it deny God much of the glory it could be producing, but contributes to making the devil's world (Luke 4:6) a "better place to live" for as long as it lasts.
As noted earlier, the baptizing (marking for identification) is the Work of God the Holy Spirit. The disciple takes part in this baptizing, but beings used of God to present the Gospel to unbelievers. The teaching part is primarily the job of the pastor teacher, but both the proclaiming of the Gospel and the teaching of post salvation doctrine is the call and duty of ALL believers within their own personal periphery as ambassadors for Christ (2Cor. 5 20). The "all that I commanded" refers to the celebration of the Lord's Supper (1Cor. 11: 24, 25) as He intended for it to be done, and the corporate and personal compliance with relevant post-salvation doctrine disclosed in the Epistles of Scripture.
Salvation is the divine response to a ONE time decision on the part of the soul. Discipleship. however, is a moment to moment, day to day process that encompasses one's entire post salvation spiritual life as we learn, refine, and apply the Word of God to our personal lives.
One cannot pass onto others what he does not first learn of himself. Being sincere accomplishes NOTHING when one is sincerely wrong. A bullet fired in ignorance can be just as lethal as the one that is fired with malicious intent.
One's soul structure, as the logistical support center of one's base of operation, is like a collection of power tools. Having all the right tools (correct and applicable doctrines) will NOT get the job done if they are not picked and used properly. The right power tool for any specific task is a great asset, but is worthless if it is NOT plugged into the correct power source (John 15;5). Post salvation sin (especially sins of mental attitudes and lifestyle) "unplugs" the tools from its power source (John 15:5), and can ONLY be re-connected via the 1John 1: 9 confession, and is maintained by the John 8:11 forsaking of sin!
Again, performance (or lack of it) in one's post salvation spiritual life neither increases nor does it diminish the integrity of one's salvation, but has EVERYTHING to do with glorifying God. While glorifying God is NOT at the top of the list for a weak or back-sliding believer, not doing so by an advancing disciple is like being a fish out of water.
Allowing the wrong materials (false doctrines) to become a part of one's soul structure will insure an inevitable crash (Matt. 7: 24).
Unbelievers may have "a" foundation and "a" soul structure based on false religion that "will do" during their time here on Earth, but will not sustain them at the Rev. 20: 15 judgment of unbelievers.
The soul structure of a believer can be compromised by defective material (post salvation doctrine) and subject to system crashes. System crashed can be a very painful experience, often times leaving the soul involved with a sense of betrayal. If not handled properly, this sense of betrayal will be used to drive a wedge between the believer and the believers functioning as an ambassador. The fallen believer needs only to rebuild it his structure with good material (accurate post salvation doctrine) to enter into the TRUE post salvation spiritual life. The foundation of a born again believer remains uncompromised, even AFTER repeated fall.
A defective foundation means that the builder was never saved in the first place. He needs to both lay down the correct foundation and THEN build a Biblically sound soul structure.
A defective post salvation spiritual life is subject to failure, but the believer remains saved. He has a need to rebuild the structure after a crash, but not for the purpose of regaining or retaining salvation, but in order to have a base of operation from which he can execute the true post salvation spiritual life.
The rains and winds of Matthew 7 are symbolic of all the events and thoughts that the devil and his Ephesians 6: 12 forces of evil will bring that are designed to destroy our opportunities to be saved if we are an unbeliever, and to shake the confidence and further advancement of believers. Note that the rain and wind came upon the soul structures of BOTH the believer and the unbeliever alike!
The 1Cor. 3: 11 opens taking note that, " .... no man can lay a foundation other than the one that which is laid, which is (accomplished via placing one's faith in the Person and the Work of) Jesus Christ (1Cor. 3: 11 NASB/italics mine).
There are NO family or denominational plans of salvation. No one is saved by what parents or clergyman do or d0n't do for us via human effort or desire, including participating in "religious" rituals. Born again believers, at ANY age, that choose to enter into and to remain in the life of post salvation discipleship have a SEL-generating. and ever increasing personal desire to continue (John 8: 32) to grow in God's grace and knowledge (2Peter 3: 18).
Being sent, taken (or dragged) back and forth to worship services on a regular basis may (or may not) contribute to setting the stage for the
presentation of the TRUE Gospel Message.
I say "may" because it hinges on the assumption that the TRUE Gospel is in fact being proclaimed wherever it is that the unbelieving soul is being sent, taken or dragged.
I say "may" because exposing a child to "religious" doctrines and rituals that run contrary to what Scripture establishes can be counter-productive in leading a soul to the truth concerning both his salvation and the post salvation edification. When souls are born again (John 3:3) that come from a "religious", but unscriptural, background, there are varying degrees of deconstruction to be entertained in order to remove the wood, hay, and straw that had been a part of his/her soul structure prior to his salvation.
There are no family or group plans for salvation.
No one is Roman Catholic, Protestant, non-denominational, Christian, Orthodox Jewish, Islamic, etc., etc., etc., as a result of his physical birth. What we are ALL born as is SPIRITUALLY DEAD and in need of the Titus 3:5 regenerating Work of God the Holy Spirit that can ONLY be secured by BELIEVING in the Person and the Work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross! The LAST thing that anyone should want to remain is what we were born as (spiritually dead).
Most yuman beings around the world ARE "raised" in the either the religious, non-religious, or spiritual environment of our parental and/or familial traditions. There comes a time, however, when we will make a personal choice to accept such things as our own or not. Satan is well aware of and capitalizes on the familial, social, and religious pressure that can come upon a soul that chooses to depart from the religious traditions of his family or society. Accordingly, we find the strong admonition of Luke 14: 26 but IF an WHEN he does so in order to pick up his cross and follow the Lord, such scenarios are a part of his calling (Luke 14: 26).
"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate (love less) his
own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and
yes, even his own life, he CANNOT be My disciple ."
(Luke 14: 26 NASB/italics/mine)."
Being a disciple has got NOTHING to do with retaining one's salvation, but has EVERYTHING to do with identifying and executing the TRUE post salvation spiritual life. Just as the devil has a warehouse full of alternative, false Gospels for salvation, he has another warehouse full of alternatives for true post salvation spiritual life. Just as the false Gospels will result in the lake of fire of Rev. 20: 15, the false post salvation spiritual life will provide fuel for the fire when ALL such things are burnt up at the 1Cor. 3: 10-15 event!
Through "religion", Satan has a plan to encourage the development and continuation of religion in the life of every soul that God creates, knowing that the concept of there being "a" god or God is placed in every human heart (Eccl. 3: 11). It matters not (to Satan) which "religious" path one chooses to take, as long as it is not the ONE and ONLY spiritual way (John 14:6) to God. Hell, or what the Bible calls the "lake of fire", will be filled with "religious" persons from virtually EVERY denomination or group out there. If the Rapture should take place during worship services, there will be individuals left behind, sitting in the pews and standing behind the pulpits.
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life;
no one comes to the Father but through
Me (John 14:6)."
Once born again, the issue of one' salvation has been forever resolved, but one's post salvation spiritual combat with the forces of evil has only just begun. One's salvation is never in jeopardy, but the quality of one's post salvation spiritual life that glorifies God is on the line. For addition study on what the TRUE post salvation spiritual life is all about, go to the "OK, I'M SAVED, WHAT"S NEXT?" page on this website.