...Even John 3:16, which most use to promote this doctrine is not “present tense” but says those who believe SHOULD NOT perish. Not that they won’t perish but they shouldn’t perish. Why? Because true believers should obey whatever God says. God says He that believes and is baptized will be saved. True believers are willing to obey what He says because they believe. A person may CLAIM to believe but if they aren’t willing to obey God then they are NOT true believers. Jesus said those that love Him, obey Him. That’s one way Jesus knows who loves Him and who do not love Him.
Thank you for sharing! This revelation is powerful. My prayer is others will see the truth that God has used you to point out. It is yet another reminder that believing, in and of itself, does not assure a person will receive what Jesus died to provide.
I am reminded of the words Jesus spoke to believers in Matthew 7:18-24; I never knew you. Immediately afterward, Jesus explained the need to lay a proper foundation. And baptism is stated as one of the foundational elements according to Hebrews 6:1-2
Scripture also reveals water baptism is to be administered in the name of Jesus. Something many reject. Consider the implication in regards to what Jesus said, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John 12:48) The implication is that those who refuse to believe and obey water baptism in His name are openly rejecting Jesus and His word.
Take note that the individuals in Matthew 7 professed prophesying, casting out devils and doing many wonderful works in Jesus' name, as do many believers in various denominations. But did they, like many today, reject the idea of being water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of their sin.
"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" Matthew 7:18-24