The Narrow Path Ministries

If a person had believed in the "simple facts" of Jesus' death and resurrection, and understood it, and trusted in Him . . . is it possible that this person would be saved -- apart from repentance?

I recall from my adolescence that I did believe in the work of Christ, but never repented. Some may conclude that I never 'actually' believed, because I bore no fruit, but, as far as I can tell, I did believe. There are many people who genuinely believe the "simple facts," but they live like the world. What does this mean; are they saved . . . if they simply believe? What role does repentance play in salvation?

Paul says in Romans 10 and i think it's said in other places , that it is with the heart we believe.
Clearly God wants our hearts more then our heads and it sounds like your faith stayed in your head but your heart was elsewhere so my vote is that headfaith is not salvation.

STEVE7150 wrote:Paul says in Romans 10 and i think it's said in other places , that it is with the heart we believe.
Clearly God wants our hearts more then our heads and it sounds like your faith stayed in your head but your heart was elsewhere so my vote is that headfaith is not salvation.

That's a really good point, Steve. I never thought of that. But how was the heart viewed in their culture? Was the heart the seat of all thoughts, like a mind, or was it viewed differently, like we think of it today?

That's a really good point, Steve. I never thought of that. But how was the heart viewed in their culture? Was the heart the seat of all thoughts, like a mind, or was it viewed differently, like we think of it today?



I think that Paul believed we have an inner spirit man and that the Holy Spirit witnesses to our spirit that we are sons of God. Rom 8. And this inner spirit man is our heart as i understand it. But it does involve our mind (Love the Lord with all your heart,soul, mind and strength) but also something beyond that perhaps our desires,hopes and dreams.

James 2:19 (New American Standard Bible) New American Standard Bible (NASB)

19You believe that God is one You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.

It's not exactly about the "simple facts" of Christ, but the principle is the same -- it's the condition of the heart towards God, I believe, and our response to that knowledge that matters, and not our intellectual belief.

Benzoic,

Here is the way I see it:

(All scripture quotes New King James Version)
Romans 8:9
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Here Paul informs us that the person who does not possess the Holy Spirit is not a Christian.

Acts 5:32
And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

And here Peter says the Holy Spirit has been given (past tense) to those who obey (keep on obeying) Him. The Holy Spirit enables us to be fruitful.

And here Peter promised the gift of the Holy Spirit:

Acts 2:38
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.


I do not believe the Apostles and evangelists who proclaimed the gospel expected those who believed their message would not act upon it. "Faith" is an "action word".

I do not believe the Apostles and evangelists who proclaimed the gospel expected those who believed their message would not act upon it. "Faith" is an "action word".

Though James seems very much concerned with a type of faith that does not so act.

Though James seems very much concerned with a type of faith that does not so act.

Agreed! That is the point I was attempting to make, although perhaps not very well. Faith that is not acted upon is not Christian faith.

There are many people who genuinely believe the "simple facts," but they live like the world. What does this mean; are they saved . . . if they simply believe? What role does repentance play in salvation?

Mat 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
Mat 3:2 and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Mat 3:7 But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mat 3:8 Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance;

Mat 22:37 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

Joh 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Rom 15:31 that I may be delivered from those disbelieving in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted by the saints;

apeitheō
ap-i-theh'-o
From G545; to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely): - not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving.
Strong's Hebrew and Greek dictionaries

It seems like believing and being obedient are linked together in the Scriptures.