Atonement—Reconciliation

[Papa Zoom]

Tone matters. Charity matters. There are posts in here that I should delete on tone alone. Nasty tones escalate conflicts. So stop. This is a warning.

Now to Baptism. While growing up, I was taught that baptism was necessary for salvation (Church of Christ). So, I believed it. And I preached it. Then an incident in college changed all that (I attended a Bible college). It was a slow process but my view of water baptism changed.

To all new believers: Get baptized. It's commanded. So do it. Don't think about it. It's about obeying the commands of the Lord. We publicly identify with Christ's death and Resurrection this way. We publicly confess our faith this way. No matter what you believe about baptism, just get er done!

And be charitable to those whose views on baptism differ. Don't call it satanic or cultic or whatever. If you can't share your view without insults, leave the thread. This also is a warning. It's in red for a reason. If things don't tone down, I'll call in for backup and shut the whole thing down.

I no longer believe in baptismal regeneration. But some do (like my whole family). I won't argue with them about it because it causes division. And I love them. We are called to love here as well. Speak the truth in love.

Only Jesus saves. Faith alone in Christ alone. But, then comes faith in action. We follow the Lord in obedience into the waters of our death, burial, and resurrection in Christ! If you see it differently, fine. Get dunked and then find a service unto the Lord and get busy. We've work to do! Stop bickering!

 

[Papa Zoom]

The following is from the stickies at the top of the Theology forum. Please read and follow.

• Do not make the unsupported claim that another member's position has no basis in scripture. If you believe that someone is in error you must respectfully cite scripture to support your assertion.
• Do not use phrases such as, “You’re wrong.” or any other similar phrase. This is insulting and inappropriate and there are nicer ways to disagree without being insulting.

• You may ask a member questions as to what they believe on certain topics relative to the subject of the thread, but keep in mind the member is under no obligation to answer. Do not speak for other members by declaring what they believe or make leaps and draw your own conclusions. Let them state their own theology or doctrine. Assume other members have understood what they are responding to unless they state otherwise.
• Failing to answer someone’s question doesn’t necessarily amount to an admission of error or surrender but keep in mind that in any debate if you refuse to or can not answer a reasonable question, it may weaken your position and do not badger other members about not answering attempting to guilt them into it.
• Violations of these Theology Forum rules are subject to the same disciplinary consequences as failing to adhere to the ToS.

Following some lengthy discussion among the staff, the following line of the CFnet Statement of Faith (SoF) has been modified.

From SoF:
We believe that genuine believers are born again by the Holy Spirit of God, and are indwelt, baptized into the body of Christ, the true church, and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

We have a diversity of understandings in our Christian community. I am sure there are things I think I understand but I've got it backwards. :/ No one has a perfect theology. Aside from a purely heretical view, we need to show charity to others and unity in our diversity. I will be removing people that fail to heed the warnings I've just issued.

 

[LovethroughDove]

Hi JP, and always appreciate your replies and comments! Obedience concerning the fruit of the Spirit is the only manifestation of salvation, thus to know you have salvation, this fruit will be seen in you and to others. One cannot know salvation if obedience is absent, therefore all who are reborn will manifest obedience because you can't be reborn and not manifest obedience. God ensures that those who are His "desire and do of His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13).

Blessings!

100% in agreement.

We will now be doing God's will, his holy will because we have his Holy Spirit.

 

[Papa Zoom]

100% in agreement.

We will now be doing God's will, his holy will because we have his Holy Spirit.

I think this is the key to living the Christian life. Holy Spirit driven living.

 

[Papa Zoom]

• Above all, focus on the issue being debated. Do not direct your comments toward the member and make the discussion personal if you disagree with what's been said.

• Original posts should reference specific scripture and what it is the member wants to say or ask about that scripture.

• Do not make the unsupported claim that another member's position has no basis in scripture. If you believe that someone is in error you must respectfully cite scripture to support your assertion.

 

[Jim Parker]

I no longer believe in baptismal regeneration.

That's too bad.
It is what teaches, (ex: Paul taught it at Romans 6:3-4)
And it was the understanding of the entire early Church based on the teaching of the apostles and disciples of Jesus.

Baptism in scripture and the early Church
- In the NT Scripture

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God

Acts 3:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Tit 3:4-5 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

1Pet 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

- In the Early Church Writings (A few Selections)

Justin Martyr (100 – 165 AD) The First Apology, Chapter LXI, “Christian Baptism”
I will also relate the manner in which we dedicated ourselves to God when we had been made new through Christ; lest, if we omit this, we seem to be unfair in the explanation we are making. As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water. For Christ also said, “Except ye be born again, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Now, that it is impossible for those who have once been born to enter into their mothers’ wombs, is manifest to all. And how those who have sinned and repent shall escape their sins, is declared by Esaias the prophet, as I wrote above; he thus speaks: “Wash you, make you clean;...”
And for this [rite] we have learned from the apostles this reason. Since at our birth we were born without our own knowledge or choice, by our parents coming together, and were brought up in bad habits and wicked training; in order that we may not remain the children of necessity and of ignorance, but may become the children of choice and knowledge, and may obtain in the water the remission of sins formerly committed, there is pronounced over him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe; …… The illuminand is also washed in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and in the name of the Holy Spirit, who through the prophets foretold everything about Jesus.

Theophilus (Ca.180)
The things proceeding from the waters were blessed by God, that this could be a sign of men destined to receive repentance and remission of sins, through the water and bath of regeneration - as many as come to the truth and are born again.

Irenaeus (Ca. 180)
When we come to refute them (the Gnostics) we will show in its proper place that this class of men have been instigated by Satan to a denial of that baptism which is regeneration to God. They have renounced the whole faith…..For the baptism instituted by the visible Jesus was for the remission of sins.
But there are some of them (Gnostics) who assert that it is unnecessary to bring persons to the water. Rather, they mix oil and water together, and they place this mixture on the heads of those who are to be initiated…this they maintain to be redemption…Other (heretics), however, reject all these practices and maintain that the mystery of the unspeakable and invisible power should not be performed by visible and corruptible creatures. …These claim that their knowledge of the unspeakable Greatness is itself perfect redemption.

Tertullian (Ca. 198)
Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life… we, like little fishes, after the example of our ichthus, Jesus Christ, are born in water.
Now, the teaching is laid down that “without baptism, salvation is attainable by no one.” This is based primarily on the ground of that declaration of the Lord, who says, “Unless one is born of water he has not life.” However, when this is laid down, there immediately arise scrupulous (or rather, audacious) doubts on the part of some.
“Unless a man has been born again of water and spirit, he will not enter the kingdom of the heavens.” These words have tied faith to the necessity of baptism. Accordingly, all thereafter who became believers were baptized. So it was too, that Paul, when he believed, was baptized.

Your old church was right.


iakov the fool

 

[Papa Zoom]

That's too bad.
It is what teaches, (ex: Paul taught it at Romans 6:3-4)
And it was the understanding of the entire early Church based on the teaching of the apostles and disciples of Jesus.

Baptism in scripture and the early Church
- In the NT Scripture

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God

Acts 3:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Tit 3:4-5 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

1Pet 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

- In the Early Church Writings (A few Selections)

Justin Martyr (100 – 165 AD) The First Apology, Chapter LXI, “Christian Baptism”
I will also relate the manner in which we dedicated ourselves to God when we had been made new through Christ; lest, if we omit this, we seem to be unfair in the explanation we are making. As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water. For Christ also said, “Except ye be born again, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Now, that it is impossible for those who have once been born to enter into their mothers’ wombs, is manifest to all. And how those who have sinned and repent shall escape their sins, is declared by Esaias the prophet, as I wrote above; he thus speaks: “Wash you, make you clean;...”
And for this [rite] we have learned from the apostles this reason. Since at our birth we were born without our own knowledge or choice, by our parents coming together, and were brought up in bad habits and wicked training; in order that we may not remain the children of necessity and of ignorance, but may become the children of choice and knowledge, and may obtain in the water the remission of sins formerly committed, there is pronounced over him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe; …… The illuminand is also washed in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and in the name of the Holy Spirit, who through the prophets foretold everything about Jesus.

Theophilus (Ca.180)
The things proceeding from the waters were blessed by God, that this could be a sign of men destined to receive repentance and remission of sins, through the water and bath of regeneration - as many as come to the truth and are born again.

Irenaeus (Ca. 180)
When we come to refute them (the Gnostics) we will show in its proper place that this class of men have been instigated by Satan to a denial of that baptism which is regeneration to God. They have renounced the whole faith…..For the baptism instituted by the visible Jesus was for the remission of sins.
But there are some of them (Gnostics) who assert that it is unnecessary to bring persons to the water. Rather, they mix oil and water together, and they place this mixture on the heads of those who are to be initiated…this they maintain to be redemption…Other (heretics), however, reject all these practices and maintain that the mystery of the unspeakable and invisible power should not be performed by visible and corruptible creatures. …These claim that their knowledge of the unspeakable Greatness is itself perfect redemption.

Tertullian (Ca. 198)
Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life… we, like little fishes, after the example of our ichthus, Jesus Christ, are born in water.
Now, the teaching is laid down that “without baptism, salvation is attainable by no one.” This is based primarily on the ground of that declaration of the Lord, who says, “Unless one is born of water he has not life.” However, when this is laid down, there immediately arise scrupulous (or rather, audacious) doubts on the part of some.
“Unless a man has been born again of water and spirit, he will not enter the kingdom of the heavens.” These words have tied faith to the necessity of baptism. Accordingly, all thereafter who became believers were baptized. So it was too, that Paul, when he believed, was baptized.

Your old church was right.


iakov the fool

Well I'll say this: You cover your bases. Gives me pause to be honest. Makes me wanna go, "hmmmmmmm"

 

[Jim Parker]

Makes me wanna go, "hmmmmmmm"

"Hmmmmmm" is a very clear indication of the existence of a large amount of live grey matter between the ears.

 

[chessman]

Makes me wanna go, "hmmmmmmm"

Notice within the very passages referenced the very definition of regenerational baptism requires being baptized in “pure water” (Christ) and specifically precludes baptism in water that washes flesh (H2O):

Acts 3:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Tit 3:4-5 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He [Christ] saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

1Pet 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In all good conscience, the question of regenerational baptism is answered in Christ, not in being H2O born.

 

[Papa Zoom]

Thanks to Jim Parker and chessman for the posts. Good food for thought. A feast of thinking. Good stuff to consider.

 

[Jim Parker]

Notice within the very passages referenced the very definition of regenerational baptism requires being baptized in “pure water” (Christ) and specifically precludes baptism in water that washes flesh (H2O):

There is no passage in the Bible that refers to baptism in pure water.
If I am wrong, please cite the book, chapter and verse so I can be corrected.

In all good conscience, the question of regenerational baptism is answered in Christ, not in being H2O born.

Jesus we must be born of water and spirit.
Baptism is being born of water since in baptism we die and are buried with Christ and then raise to new life. Raising to new life is being born again of water. (Se Ro 6:2-3)
Being born of the Spirit is being indwelt by or baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Also consider:
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
If you have "put on Christ" the you are "in Christ."
Rom 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

[UberMink]

Jesus is the water of life. Wouldn't then water, if one thinks baptism somehow saves, be when the repentant sinner accepts Christ as their savior?
John 7:38-39
"He who believes in Me", as the Scripture said, "From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water."

 

[Jim Parker]

Jesus is the water of life. Wouldn't then water, if one thinks baptism somehow saves, be when the repentant sinner accepts Christ as their savior?
John 7:38-39
"He who believes in Me", as the Scripture said, "From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water."

Please read Romans 6:3-4 (Here in NKJV)
Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

So, in baptism we die and are raised to new life.
The way a person starts life is by being born.
So when a person dies with Christ in baptism, the only way to return to life is to be "born again."

Also, please see my post #47 in this thread for historic Christian teaching on baptism.

iakov the fool

 

[Rajesh Sahu]

Since there is no like button! You have perfectly rebutted something that even in my short time here is hard to miss and yet insists on its way. Well said brother! WELL SAID!

There is no passage in the Bible that refers to baptism in pure water.
If I am wrong, please cite the book, chapter and verse so I can be corrected.

Jesus we must be born of water and spirit.
Baptism is being born of water since in baptism we die and are buried with Christ and then raise to new life. Raising to new life is being born again of water. (Se Ro 6:2-3)
Being born of the Spirit is being indwelt by or baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Also consider:
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
If you have "put on Christ" the you are "in Christ."
Rom 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Excellent post Jim Parker. Jesus, in my opinion, clearly defines in his great commission of Mathew 28: 18-20.

what we need to do to get full blessings of what he promises.( I'm avoiding the word saved due to site restrictions)
1) Discipleship ( accepting Christ as Savior)
2) Baptism
3) Obedience
According to my understanding of the scripture, Christ clearly expects us to do all three in order to be...

 

[Papa Zoom]

Excellent post Jim Parker. Jesus, in my opinion, clearly defines in his great commission of Mathew 28: 18-20.

what we need to do to get full blessings of what he promises.( I'm avoiding the word saved due to site restrictions)
1) Discipleship ( accepting Christ as Savior)
2) Baptism
3) Obedience
According to my understanding of the scripture, Christ clearly expects us to do all three in order to be...

I agree with this but see salvation happening at number one. BTW, and I'm not trying to be picky (yes I am hehehe) but we don't really accept Christ as Savior - He is the Savior. We put our faith in him. We believe in Him and His works and His claims. I know that's what you mean but I'm being picky (and maybe too picky - I don't know.)
:0

 

[chessman]

There is no passage in the Bible that refers to baptism in pure water.
If I am wrong, please cite the book, chapter and verse so I can be corrected.

​

let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.​

Hebrews 10:22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews 10:22&version=NASB

3068 loúō – properly, to wash (cleanse), especially the entire person (bathing the whole body). 3068 /loúō (and its derivative, 628 /apoloúō) implies "fully-washing" (literally and metaphorically) – i.e. a complete bathing to cleanse the entire person (body).

Which is what the High Priests of Judaism did upon the altar with goat’s blood yearly but now Jesus does to Christian brothers’ bodies with His blood once. And the Holy Spirit does to our spirit.

It comes mid-sentence describing how it is now that Christian brothers enter into the Holy sanctuary. A place previously reserved for the priests only to enter but now all Christ’s brothers have entered. That is through Jesus’s living blood. Which is why we’ve been made “made perfect”, cleansed by pure water, by His pure sacrifice.

But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to tens of thousands of angels, to the festal gathering and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel’s does.​

Hebrews 12:22-24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews 12:22-24&version=LEB

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence for the entrance into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in the full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.​

Hebrews 10:19-22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews 10:19-22&version=LEB

Baptize is the English word for the Greek (βάπτισμα)

βάπτισμα is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word וּטְהָֽר׃ (wash)

Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, you must wash seven times in the Jordan, then your flesh shall return to you, and you shall be clean.”​

2 Kings 5:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2 Kings 5:10&version=LEB

Which is why you find the Greek word in the LXX multiple times for “washed”.

 

[Kidron]

Please read Romans 6:3-4 (Here in NKJV)


So when a person dies with Christ in baptism, the only way to return to life is to be "born again."

Also, please see my post #47 in this thread for historic Christian teaching on baptism.

Using symbolism as your literal proof of baptismal regeneration?
Really?

Do you really not understand that water baptism comes after salvation?
It follows it.

Paul himself said, " CHRIST did not send him to BAPTIZE".
1st Corinthians 1:17

Also, did you ever read Acts 10:47?
(Acts of the APOSTLES)
You should study it, asap.

""""" Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which now have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?'"""

Notice carefully ...>"which have RECEIVED THE Holy Ghost".....
Do you comprehend this clear explanation that the Holy Spirit is given, NOT in the water, but BECAUSE they have believed and been born again, and this explains why they have now the Holy Spirit, (BEFORE they are dunked).



<K><

 

[Jim Parker]

let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.Hebrews 10:22

Okay! Right you are.

Which is what the High Priests of Judaism did upon the altar with goat’s blood yearly

Huh???
They washed with pure water using goats blood?????

None of that applies to the apostolic teaching that, in baptism, we are born again of water.

 

[Rajesh Sahu]

Okay! Right you are.

Huh???
They washed with pure water using goats blood?????

None of that applies to the apostolic teaching that, in baptism, we are born again of water.

I believe the accusation of legalism is being used as a shield to cover acts of disobedience and yet be a Believer

 

[Rajesh Sahu]

-
You are now playing word games with your own point of view. ????
Listen,
We. began this conversation after you INSISTED that without Obedience, you, wont make it into heaven.
So, THAT is where you have created your own legalism in place of "Justification by Faith".

Also, I have stated numerous times, since our first conversation, that Discipleship, (obedience) is absolutely to be personally maintained by a born again believer in a devout way that is as HOLY a lifestyle as you can possibly adopt and manifest.
"be ye/tho holy as I AM holy, "...is the "beauty of holiness" the Bible speaks about that we are to constantly and constantly govern our lives with, everyday, In all ways.
God is very clear about this, and so am I.
However, regarding you and your issue, as per your own words, is that without this being maintained, you will not go to heaven.
And that, is not true.
See, living a good life, being a clean living person, can be done before you are saved and also after you are saved, and in both cases NEITHER of these situation will God accept on your behalf to accept YOU.....ever.
This, oh ye legalist, is WHY we must be BORN AGAIN, as without this, no amount of obedience or holy living will save you., as Salvation is not based on YOUR BEHAVIOR, It is based on CHRIST'S SHED BLOOD and GOD"S very Righteousness being given to you in place of your SIN.
Understand?
Are you beginning to understand what Salvation is actually all about and WHO gave it to you, and how?
Listen, if "water" could save you, then everyone who takes a shower or gets in the tub is saved.
So isn't that ridiculous?.......Yes, but that is what you are trying to get people to believe along with works getting them into heaven, as long as they do it consistently.

So, I think its much better for your reputation around here if you don't try to back up now, and sort of hide the fact, or attempt to......regarding the reason I came to your space here to begin with, which is and was because you are teaching that without obedience a person who is saved, = will not go to heaven.
This is legalism..this is substituting God's Grace for self righteous effort to attempt by GOOD WORKS to make it into God's eternity, and that will never work, as it has no power to redeem you from YOUR SINS.
Do you see that?.....Are you able?
So, keep it on track, as now is not the time to start ducking your own clear legalism statements by trying to massage them and fudge them and smooth them and hide them, and so forth.
Ok?
Instead just stick to your legalism that you have proclaimed by stating clearly that without obedience (discipleship), following Salvation, a born again person will NOT go to heaven.
I can go and get your quote(s) if you need me to do it., but better for you to just stay on your legalistic course so that this allows the exposure to be much much brighter, regarding you.
Thx.



<K><

I believe Bible clearly states that only those persons whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 21:27), will enter the kingdom of heaven. It's funny so many guarantees and condemnations are issued, when no one knows whose names appear in the book of Lamb. Everything else is pure speculation ---- unless of course the Lamb's book got leaked

Revelation 21:27 ►

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
​

I wish not to sermonize. But I believe two things will be critical
1) Did he/ she believe? (Romans 10: 9)
2) Did / he/ she do the will of God, or their own will? ( Matthew 7: 21-23)

2 Kings 20:3 ►

"Remember, LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.​

​