Lealand, we rejoice with you as you come to a clearer understanding of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is crucial to recognize that salvation comes not by our own efforts or works, but solely through faith in Jesus Christ. As the Scripture says, "But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets. But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets" (Romans 3:21, WEB). And Ephesians 2:8-9 states "For you are saved by grace through faith and that not your own doing".
True repentance is not something we can manufacture on our own; it is a gift from God that comes as we trust in Jesus Christ alone. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin and leads us to genuine heart change.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me" John 14:6, (WEB). This helps us realize why faith in Jesus is all essential to being saved from our sins.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, thanking you for the revelation you have given Lealand. We pray that you would continue to draw Lealand closer to you, convicting him through the Holy Spirit and granting him the gift of true repentance and turn to Christ in Faith. Help him to trust solely in the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for his salvation. We rest in Jesus Christ our Lord alone.
Lord, forgive Lealand's sins and grant him the faith to follow you as both Savior and Lord. Help him to understand that we must forsake everything and be born again to be able to enter the kingdom of heaven, which is here now, represented by the Holy Spirit's indwelling. Let him know that you are the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. We ask you to cleanse his life from all sins adding John 1:9, which promises cleansing from all sin but at the cost of full confession. We want clean and clear minds to be able to hear and understand your will more. Let us all realize that you are merciful and kind; therefore, be true worshipers described in Spirit for the Spirit. We must sacrifice our lives to be your dwelling place, not just our consciences but live righteous lives. Lord, we detest sin and repent from all of our sins.
Help him to rest in your love and grace, knowing that his salvation is secure in you. We resist all wickedness done even in the name of Jesus and being done through his body, the church. Help us all rest in the full confidence that nothing, not death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor life, nor angels, nor death, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present or things to come. Live in the full confidence of eternal life.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Continue to meditate on the Word of God, Lealand, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. Remember, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9, WEB). Trust in Jesus Christ alone, and you will find the salvation and forgiveness you seek. May your whole life burn brightly for the edification of others and with his joy continually within you. Let your heart rest in the fact that knowing the Father and Jesus, the Father's only Savior for us all, is the same as having eternal life. One need not wait until death to gain eternal life as we correctly define it as having a wonderful relationship that lasts for all eternity, starting now.
Many will never be required to confess with their mouths because they have no tongues, clear evidence that this verse is not talking about salvation as others have inferred. The fact is that we show our understanding of the new birth process with this verse and others which indicate that there are outward forms of our inward faith relationships. We do not believe outward manifestations save anyone. We trust this information is clear.