I know of no false religion that does not produce dramatic lifestyle improvements among its faithful followers. Just consider the austerity and self discipline among so many in the eastern religions. Or consider the vain faith of the islamic that leads them to murder and suicide.
The same is true of false-christianity. What a tragic thing indeed to read of false-christians dying for their faith.
One of the most difficult of souls to convince to become a real Christian by obeying Acts 2:38 is one who has been pronounced saved by some false preacher because of some vain claim of belief AND who has reformed their lifestyle.
In my support of conservative politics I occasionally encounter some very nice false preachers who are quite correct in their politics but zealous in their blind service to the devil as they deceive souls into hell. Most of their boasting has to do with how their converts have reformed their lives.
Of course reforming one's life is a great thing and does produce results. If a person quits drinking then they will have no more hangovers or DWIs and that is good, but it is not Biblical salvation.
The only way for a person to become a Christian is by obeying Acts 2:38. All other roads lead to hell. If a person does not obey Acts 2:38 then it will not matter how they lived or how many of the other Bible verses they obey.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
What awaits those who do not obey the Acts 2:38 salvation regardless of what their false preacher promised them and supported with misunderstood, out of context, scripture twisting?
II Thessalonians 1:And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
When we consider the implications of things like "flaming fire" and "everlasting destruction" even the slower among us should see that the false preacher is not your friend as he explains away the parts of the Bible that teach obedience.
Where would we be if some false preacher had been around to convince Noah that he really didn't need to build a boat since he was being saved by grace?
Don't be deceived!
Bro. Steve Winter DD
http://www.christjesus.mobi http://biblefolk.com/forum/4
