WORTHY

[Michael]

………………

Do you believe salvation means that you will have eternal life with God?

Hi friend, responding here as the post I started on “Biblical Repentance” has been closed.

My response to your question above -
No. I do not believe salvation means that you will have eternal life with God. Not the way we use the terms in our evangelistic assemblies today.
"Salvation" means primarily 'rescue' in the Greek, meaning when we come to the Lord Jesus He 'rescues' or "saves" us from our bondage to sin and begins to grant us "knowledge of Himself and God", which is "Eternal Life." (John 17:3)

"Eternal Life" is a quality of life, a relationship with Jesus and God. It does not mean to 'live forever', for every human being will live forever, either IN the Kingdom of God (saved nations), AS the Kingdom of God (royal priesthood), or forever separated from God in either the "Lake of Fire" or "blackest of darkness forever."
As with a marriage, a “relationship” is hard work. As a husband I have to DO things daily to prove my love to my wife. Having said ‘I love you’ and swearing vows at the altar will mean nothing if I don’t actually live up to what I’ve declared before God and man. If we proclaim a ‘sinner’s prayer’ and vow to follow Jesus, but then don’t actually DO what we said (repent, surrender to Him, “deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him”), that relationship will fall apart. If we take His grace and forgiveness for granted, we have “neglected our salvation”, and “drawn back.”

Again, being "saved" means that we now have an opportunity to follow Jesus and come to know Him as Savior AND LORD (denoting surrender & obedience), and to know the Father as well. This is where all of us are now, us who have actually 'accepted Christ' and the conditions He has set forth (repentance, baptism, belief. - Matt 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)

Oh yes, Repentance is taught throughout the Scripture as a vital, necessary part of our salvation, that will determine our eternal lot. And although Jesus taught far more about repenting than He did about being saved, we in modern Christendom simply cannot accept His Word (many flat out refuse to believe Him!). To every church (not to the world) in Revelation 2 & 3 comes the Word from Jesus to "repent" (Rev 2:5, Rev 2:16, Rev 2:21-23, Rev 3:3, Rev 3:11, Rev 3:18-19)
And when Jesus does speak of being "saved" in the Gospels, He teaches that "those who endure til the end shall be saved." (Matt 10:22, Matt 24:13). Today it's taught 'close your eyes, raise your hand and repeat a scripted prayer' and you’re saved! Jesus and the Apostles taught it differently. We must "obey God rather than man" and receive the whole of Scripture, not a verse or two plucked out that we like, while ignoring the rest. Can't make the cake like it shows on the box if we neglect even one of the ingredients. As the Holy Spirit warned us 'Christians' - "how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation." (Heb 2:3) This was spoken directly to 'saved' people, not to the world as most 'preachers' mistakenly teach.

Sadly, many behind the pulpits today would probably rebuke the Apostle Peter for making people think that actually had to DO something to be forgiven and saved; yet we would be absolute fools to dismiss what the Apostle preached to those who asked him, “what shall we do?”
“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 2:38)

True Repentance must precede full forgiveness and deliverance from sin. A scripted prayer will not do it. And uttered confession not followed by actions which prove what was declared is worse than not confessing at all.

As the Prophets & Apostles & Godly men throughout the Centuries, and Jesus Himself experienced, I know I will be rebuked and even hated for what I teach. But this is the Word of the Lord, and I “speak as the oracle of God” on this matter of “repentance.” There is no doubt in my mind; and with the great bulk of Scripture to confirm it I know I am on the right Path.

Can anyone who is familiar with the Bible really deny the literally hundreds of verses from Scripture I’ve quoted in context throughout the videos on Repentance, Righteousness and walking Worthy?
And the few verses some have used in attempt to discredit my teaching actually fit in well with the Truth I share. No Scripture has to be ignored or twisted to see the clarity of God’s charge to His people to Repent and be found worthy if they are to “attain unto the resurrection out from among the dead” and receive the precious promises given only to “those who overcome” in Revelation chapters 2 & 3.

In the end, ‘belief” is a choice. Either we choose to believe and obey what the Lord has said, or we choose not to. It’s always up to us. Christ Jesus has done His part, will we do ours?

Please understand… I say this not to belittle anyone. The spirit realm is ever watching, both the Lord God (who “is for us”), and those “principalities and dark rulers in the heavenlies” (who want us to “shrink back to destruction.”) I am bold oft-times because I know who our real enemy is. I’ve had brief encounters with the darkness and with the Light. I am coming to really KNOW who our enemies are and what God truly has in store for “those who love Him and keep His Word.”

Peace & Blessings, God’s Wisdom & Understanding to us all.

 

[Arsenios]

Michael - The literal translation of "to him who overcomes"...

Rev 3:21
To him that overcometh
will I grant to sit with me in my throne,
even as I also overcame,
and am set down with my Father
in His throne.

Is "to him overcoming..." -

eg "To the one who is overcoming (sins and the powers of darkness)..."

Ongoing Greek present tense participle...

It describes a way of life, not an event or a series of them...

Although there will be events, and series!


Arsenios

 

[Arsenios]

You will find that most here believe you can do nothing for or against your Salvation by God...

Menno likes to attack those who think our actions matter at all for or against our Salvation...

Most here, in their zeal for God, simply believe it is all up to God...

They denounce our actions to win Salvation from God as "works righteousness"...

In the process, they have zeal without knowledge...

Who do you read on spiritual warfare?


Arsenios

 

[NewCreation435]

………………


Hi friend, responding here as the post I started on “Biblical Repentance” has been closed.

My response to your question above -
No. I do not believe salvation means that you will have eternal life with God. Not the way we use the terms in our evangelistic assemblies today.
"Salvation" means primarily 'rescue' in the Greek, meaning when we come to the Lord Jesus He 'rescues' or "saves" us from our bondage to sin and begins to grant us "knowledge of Himself and God", which is "Eternal Life." (John 17:3)

"Eternal Life" is a quality of life, a relationship with Jesus and God. It does not mean to 'live forever', for every human being will live forever, either IN the Kingdom of God (saved nations), AS the Kingdom of God (royal priesthood), or forever separated from God in either the "Lake of Fire" or "blackest of darkness forever."
As with a marriage, a “relationship” is hard work. As a husband I have to DO things daily to prove my love to my wife. Having said ‘I love you’ and swearing vows at the altar will mean nothing if I don’t actually live up to what I’ve declared before God and man. If we proclaim a ‘sinner’s prayer’ and vow to follow Jesus, but then don’t actually DO what we said (repent, surrender to Him, “deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him”), that relationship will fall apart. If we take His grace and forgiveness for granted, we have “neglected our salvation”, and “drawn back.”

Again, being "saved" means that we now have an opportunity to follow Jesus and come to know Him as Savior AND LORD (denoting surrender & obedience), and to know the Father as well. This is where all of us are now, us who have actually 'accepted Christ' and the conditions He has set forth (repentance, baptism, belief. - Matt 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)

Oh yes, Repentance is taught throughout the Scripture as a vital, necessary part of our salvation, that will determine our eternal lot. And although Jesus taught far more about repenting than He did about being saved, we in modern Christendom simply cannot accept His Word (many flat out refuse to believe Him!). To every church (not to the world) in Revelation 2 & 3 comes the Word from Jesus to "repent" (Rev 2:5, Rev 2:16, Rev 2:21-23, Rev 3:3, Rev 3:11, Rev 3:18-19)
And when Jesus does speak of being "saved" in the Gospels, He teaches that "those who endure til the end shall be saved." (Matt 10:22, Matt 24:13). Today it's taught 'close your eyes, raise your hand and repeat a scripted prayer' and you’re saved! Jesus and the Apostles taught it differently. We must "obey God rather than man" and receive the whole of Scripture, not a verse or two plucked out that we like, while ignoring the rest. Can't make the cake like it shows on the box if we neglect even one of the ingredients. As the Holy Spirit warned us 'Christians' - "how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation." (Heb 2:3) This was spoken directly to 'saved' people, not to the world as most 'preachers' mistakenly teach.

Sadly, many behind the pulpits today would probably rebuke the Apostle Peter for making people think that actually had to DO something to be forgiven and saved; yet we would be absolute fools to dismiss what the Apostle preached to those who asked him, “what shall we do?”
“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 2:38)

True Repentance must precede full forgiveness and deliverance from sin. A scripted prayer will not do it. And uttered confession not followed by actions which prove what was declared is worse than not confessing at all.

As the Prophets & Apostles & Godly men throughout the Centuries, and Jesus Himself experienced, I know I will be rebuked and even hated for what I teach. But this is the Word of the Lord, and I “speak as the oracle of God” on this matter of “repentance.” There is no doubt in my mind; and with the great bulk of Scripture to confirm it I know I am on the right Path.

Can anyone who is familiar with the Bible really deny the literally hundreds of verses from Scripture I’ve quoted in context throughout the videos on Repentance, Righteousness and walking Worthy?
And the few verses some have used in attempt to discredit my teaching actually fit in well with the Truth I share. No Scripture has to be ignored or twisted to see the clarity of God’s charge to His people to Repent and be found worthy if they are to “attain unto the resurrection out from among the dead” and receive the precious promises given only to “those who overcome” in Revelation chapters 2 & 3.

In the end, ‘belief” is a choice. Either we choose to believe and obey what the Lord has said, or we choose not to. It’s always up to us. Christ Jesus has done His part, will we do ours?

Please understand… I say this not to belittle anyone. The spirit realm is ever watching, both the Lord God (who “is for us”), and those “principalities and dark rulers in the heavenlies” (who want us to “shrink back to destruction.”) I am bold oft-times because I know who our real enemy is. I’ve had brief encounters with the darkness and with the Light. I am coming to really KNOW who our enemies are and what God truly has in store for “those who love Him and keep His Word.”

Peace & Blessings, God’s Wisdom & Understanding to us all.

Belief is a choice, but ultimately we would not have the ability to chose unless God gave us that ability

John 6:44 says
"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day."


So you see it isn't just a matter of personal choice or will alone, but God is involved in the very beginning drawing us to Himself

 

[Andrew]

You will find that most here believe you can do nothing for or against your Salvation by God...

Menno likes to attack those who think our actions matter at all for or against our Salvation...

Most here, in their zeal for God, simply believe it is all up to God...

They denounce our actions to win Salvation from God as "works righteousness"...

In the process, they have zeal without knowledge...

Who do you read on spiritual warfare?


Arsenios

Work salvation welcomes accusations from the evil one, Christ teachings are either written in your heart or they aren't but that's only for God to see (our works) it can never be evident nor should it be for any man as we see through a glass darkly.
We may however judge by the fruit of men as Christians ourselves! Meaning WE inherit that gift of discernment, none of His flock are ignorant lest all are ignorant.. that's Election, the Apostles of Christ have explained to us all we need to know thus theology can be left to the beholder and from what they tell us it is unwise to get caught up in theological debates.. The Body of Christ is a spiritual hospital and if you aren't square with the Lord you are in ignorance (which means there is still hope) but if you are in great knowledge and know the Lords teachings but use it to exploit his people to bring glory to yourself as an example you are in danger, Paul never gave glory to himself in fact he said he was the chief of sinners. He even suggested many things such as "i wish you all spake in tongues" and "i wish you all would be unmarried" but he said these things as a humble servant and mentioned why those things could never be, so he suffered a bit with high expectations of others but he always put it right back into the hands of the Lord.
Be as wise as serpents! Teach community and glory of the Kingdom and especially the good news of Christ's atonement for all sin. Leave the harping to the teachings itself it's what causes righteous and just conviction in the Christian's heart, saying we can earn our way with just a little help from Christ is idolatry and it makes one a thief.. why? because even the most righteous and naturally decent saintly people still need soul repentance, even Mary needed it.

 

[Michael]

Michael - The literal translation of "to him who overcomes"...

Rev 3:21
To him that overcometh
will I grant to sit with me in my throne,
even as I also overcame,
and am set down with my Father
in His throne.

Is "to him overcoming..." -

eg "To the one who is overcoming (sins and the powers of darkness)..."

Ongoing Greek present tense participle...

It describes a way of life, not an event or a series of them...

Although there will be events, and series!


Arsenios

Exactly! You are getting it! That is precisely the way I teach it.

 

[Michael]

Belief is a choice, but ultimately we would not have the ability to chose unless God gave us that ability

John 6:44 says
"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day."


So you see it isn't just a matter of personal choice or will alone, but God is involved in the very beginning drawing us to Himself

Oh, how I oft try to stay away from this when instructing the masses... For this calling of God here is to the "royal priesthood." This is by Election and is beyond salvation which is available to the masses. I've received many rebukes when teaching this absolute Truth of God, for it is not the calling of all. It IS only by God's design from the "foundation of the world"; and it must be "laid hold of" as Paul wrote.
Salvation is to "whosoever comes." What the Lord has given me to share concerns the "Elect"; those "predestined to be conformed into the image of the Firstborn Son." One can 'choose' salvation. Those of the Elect God chooses, and these must prove themselves worthy by how they live their life as He has called them. Oh, indeed God is involved. This is His idea from the beginning.

Read through our Lord's Prayer in John 17; meditate on Jesus' words to the Father and declarations concerning "those who were God's" that He "gave to Jesus", and about those whom have the incredible opportunity to become "one with Him as He is with the Father"; and you will begin to understand the vast difference between 'being saved' and being of the "Elect of God" whom He chose from among those He has "called." Remember, it is the "called, and chosen, and faithful" who appear with Christ Jesus when He is manifest. "Many are called, but few are chosen" and even fewer will be found faithful in that Day.
Man, we're getting into some "meat" here! I could preach for days on this topic alone!

I'd love to sit & spend time with many of you on this site and have True fellowship, where we can share what the Lord is speaking to us, and encourage, and glean from one another.
Online venues are difficult to get points across sometimes and very often assumptions are made regarding ones understanding because we are not communicating in real time, and with our Bibles open and the Holy Spirit in our midst.
That's why I cherish the times I teach at the churches I'm involved with, and the hours I can spend with fervent saints, delving into the Word.

 

[MennoSota]

So you must want to follow Christ...
Then you must deny yourself...
Then you must take up your cross...
Then you must follow Christ...

Nothing about working your way into heaven here...

But it is a LOT of work!

Yet of God the Gift!

Lest any should boast in his many works...


Arsenios

I read four MUSTs in a row. That is works, not grace.
Do you realize that Jesus is talking to his chosen ones when he tells them to take up their cross? Do you realize that God has already chosen his elect...by grace...when he tells them to pick up their cross?
Arsenios, you have missed the mark of what Jesus was saying and have rejected God's grace in an attempt to win his love by your own works.

 

[Michael]

Question for the nay-sayers...

We know from the Scripture that we are to "walk worthy" of our calling, the Gospel, the Kingdom, of Christ and of God. (Matt 10:37-38, Eph 4:1, Phil 1:27, Col 1:10, 1Thess 2:12, 2Thess 1:5, 2Thess 1:11, Rev 3:4)

So... what happens if we don't "walk worthy"? Do we still inherit the promises?

Please, if you can answer - with Scriptural support of course - I'd love to hear what you think will happen to those who have been 'saved' yet do not walk as the Word commands them?

 

[zecryphon_nomdiv]

Question for the nay-sayers...

We know from the Scripture that we are to "walk worthy" of our calling, the Gospel, the Kingdom, of Christ and of God. (Matt 10:37-38, Eph 4:1, Phil 1:27, Col 1:10, 1Thess 2:12, 2Thess 1:5, 2Thess 1:11, Rev 3:4)

So... what happens if we don't "walk worthy"? Do we still inherit the promises?

Please, if you can answer - with Scriptural support of course - I'd love to hear what you think will happen to those who have been 'saved' yet do not walk as the Word commands them?

You've said before that you have forsaken the gathering together of the saints. This is commanded in Scripture.

19‡‡†Therefore, brothers,[2] since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20†by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21†and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22‡†let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23†Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24‡And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25†not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

It's not optional. Will you inherit the promises? If so, how?

 

[Michael]

You've said before that you have forsaken the gathering together of the saints. This is commanded in Scripture.

19‡‡†Therefore, brothers,[2] since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20†by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21†and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22‡†let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23†Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24‡And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25†not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

It's not optional. Will you inherit the promises? If so, how?

Hmmm.. interesting. I'm not only a member of a church for over 20 years, but also an Elder and Bible teacher in the church. And I often lead Bible Study groups in my home and meet often for fellowship, prayer and communion with fervent saints as did the original disciples, "from house to house." So, I have not forsaken the gathering at all! But thanks for your concern.

 

[Arsenios]

Exactly! You are getting it! That is precisely the way I teach it.

Then you are approaching the Eastern Orthodox understanding, which we have been discipling this way for 2000 years now and counting...


Arsenios

 

[zecryphon_nomdiv]

Hmmm.. interesting. I'm not only a member of a church for over 20 years, but also an Elder and Bible teacher in the church. And I often lead Bible Study groups in my home and meet often for fellowship, prayer and communion with fervent saints as did the original disciples, "from house to house." So, I have not forsaken the gathering at all! But thanks for your concern.

Why would you continue to be a member of a church that you said, and I'm paraphrasing here, would freak out, or excommunicate you, if they knew what you really believed? I remember when my beliefs didn't agree with the church I was involved with. I left when I couldn't take their false teachings anymore. The final straw was when in youth group (I was an adult volunteer) they said that Communion could be Oreos and Milk.

 

[MennoSota]

Question for the nay-sayers...

We know from the Scripture that we are to "walk worthy" of our calling, the Gospel, the Kingdom, of Christ and of God. (Matt 10:37-38, Eph 4:1, Phil 1:27, Col 1:10, 1Thess 2:12, 2Thess 1:5, 2Thess 1:11, Rev 3:4)

So... what happens if we don't "walk worthy"? Do we still inherit the promises?

Please, if you can answer - with Scriptural support of course - I'd love to hear what you think will happen to those who have been 'saved' yet do not walk as the Word commands them?

The Greek adverb,*aksiws, is translated "worthy of" in all six of its New Testament uses in the NASB. Five of those uses refer to our acting "worthy of God" or the gospel or our heavenly calling. What does this mean? Does it mean that we are to become "worth" God's favor? That is, does "worthy of" mean - deserving or meriting or earning God's favor? Does it call attention to our worth which God is obliged to acknowledge because it enriches his worth, the way a great computer programmer might be worth $200,000 to Microsoft?

Here are all five of these uses:

3 John 1:6, "You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God."

Thessalonians 2:12, "Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."

Colossians 1:10, "Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Philippians 1:27, "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."

Ephesians 4:1, "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called."

I don't think these texts mean that we merit from God or the gospel or our call; but that they merit from us. That is, to "walk worthy of the Lord" means to walk in a way that the Lord deserves from us, not in a way that we deserve from the Lord. A clue is found in*Colossians 1:10which says, "Walk worthy of the Lord, to please him." But*Hebrews 11:6*says, "Without faith it is impossible to please him." So the call to walk "worthy of the Lord" is at least a call to walk by faith.

But faith looks away from itself to the worth and ability and grace and strength of another. So walking "worthy of the Lord" would mean acting in a way that shows how worthy and able and gracious and strong the Lord is.

Another clue to this interpretation would be*Matthew 3:8*where John the Baptist says, "Bear fruit worthy of (aksios) repentance." This surely does not mean: Act in a way that deserves repentance or merits repentance. Rather it assumes that repentance is there as something extremely valuable and calls us to act in a way that fits the value and nature of repentance. Thus the NASB translates it, "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance," and the RSV translates it, "Bear fruit that befits repentance."

So it is with the phrases "worthy of God" and "worthy of the Lord" and "worthy of the gospel" and "worthy of the calling." They mean: Act in a way that fits the great value and glorious nature of God and the gospel and your calling. And what fits with that great value? Faith. Above all things, faith and its fruit of love fits the worth of God and the gospel.

So think this way. NOT: I must have faith and love so as to be worth God's favor; BUT RATHER: God's favor is free and it is infinitely worth trusting. Walking worthy of that favor means walking by faith, because faith is the one thing that agrees with our bankruptcy and God's infinite "worth." Looking to God's infinite worth for our help and satisfaction is "walking worthy of God."
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/walk-worthy-of-god

 

[Michael]

What "Worthy" means in the Biblical Greek

ἄξιος áxios, (Strong's G514); deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise):—due reward, meet, (un-)worthy.

ἀξιόω axióō, (Strong's G515); from G514; to deem entitled or fit:—desire, think good, count (think) worthy.


In the Biblical Greek, to be “worthy” is to be found “deserving” or “suitable”, even “entitled” because we have proven ourselves by our obedience to God. Those who have “denied themselves, picked up their cross and followed Jesus” will God “deem worthy” in that Day. (Jesus did not and will not bear our cross; He bore His, we MUST bear ours if we are to “overcome.”) (see Matt 10:34-39)

God will “count worthy” those who have proven themselves faithful; they are “fit” for their calling in His Kingdom. We need to know that just as Jesus had to prove Himself, “learning obedience by the things He suffered” (Heb 5:8)), we too must prove ourselves worthy of our calling and our place in God’s Kingdom, by obeying God’s commandments given through the Messiah. Yes, we have all the divine help we need, but we still must be the one who walks the Way of the Cross into death to self if we are to emerge victorious. There is no other way.

And again, for all those whose blood pressure is rising at this Truth… we are not talking about being “saved” here. This calling to “become One with Christ as He is One with the Father” and “inheriting” creation is so far beyond being “saved from God’s wrath.” (Rom 5:9) This Word is to the Elect. And as Peter clearly taught, there is much we must DO to “make our calling and election sure.” (2Pet 1:10-11). Jesus will not do it for us. He did His part, we must do ours.

 

[Arsenios]

ἄξιος
And again, for all those whose blood pressure is rising at this Truth… we are not talking about being “saved” here. This calling to “become One with Christ as He is One with the Father” and “inheriting” creation is so far beyond being “saved from God’s wrath.” (Rom 5:9) This Word is to the Elect. And as Peter clearly taught, there is much we must DO to “make our calling and election sure.” (2Pet 1:10-11). Jesus will not do it for us. He did His part, we must do ours.

!!! AXIOS !!!


Arsenios

 

[Lamb]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

 

[Arsenios]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

This passage very clearly shows us why God gave His monogenetic Son for our Salvation:

Because He Loved the World (Kosmos)...

Our place in the Kosmos is essential...

For the Kosmos...


Arsenios

 

[Michael]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Amen.

Question is... do we "believeth" everything Jesus taught, that we might know Him and the Father?

John 3:16 does not negate everything - not even a single verse of anything - else Jesus taught about repentance and having to be worthy of Him by how we respond to the call of God. If we believe it does, then our understanding of John 3:!6 is off.
Luke 13:1-5, Matt 10:34-39, and Matt 6:14-15 are just as True as John 3:16. Either we believe ALL this Truth Jesus taught, or we don't. We cannot pick & choose the verse we like and ignore the rest. Again, remember the recipe analogy.

"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love." - John 15:8-10 NASB

Peace & Blessings, God's Wisdom & Understanding to us all.

 

[Lamb]

Whosoever believeith on him...means just that. Adding to it is adding more than what the scripture is saying to you. Trust in the Lord to have eternal life, not yourself.

The sheep trust the shepherd and he keeps them in his fold.