What if more people are saved than 'we' think?

[tobpleasing]

Yes, I agree, the Lord knows those that are His, and we that are His know Him. Since I was born again several consist things began to happen, 1) unending desire to study God's Word (bible or genuine christian writers), 2) unending desire to fellowship with genuine christians (with the Lord as our basis for assembling), 3) pray regularly (not always asking for things, but also thanking Him, other times just talking out loud to Him), 4) despise seeing pridefulness, corruption and insincerity 5) cannot walk away from a discussion about the Lord or scripture, no matter who or where the discussion is...... So, these are some of my tell tale signs that the Holy Spirit dwells in me, in spite of my sins and weaknesses.

[AbidingInHim]

Praise the Lord for this thread!!!!

I was "saved" when I was 9. But I was not raised in a Christian home and did not receive the earthly grounding in the truth. I thought because I "accepted Jesus as my Saviour" that that was all that I needed. I went through my life living for me, making my own decisions, being very independent (which was in my mind necesaary because I came from a very abusive backgound - if I didn't watch out for me, then no one was going to).

Went through my 20's, and 30's thinking, I'm saved, all is well.

Then about a year ago, I realized the one thing that was missing, I never truly repented. I believed, but I realized I had never given Jesus the reigns to my life to be the Lord of my life. I hadn't turned from my life of sin and fully trusted Him to lead me in His will. One day I said, Lord I totally surrender to your will, and then as plain as day, I heard Him say "Clear your schedule." I obeyed, surrendered, immersed myself in prayer and Bible study, and in fellowship with other true believers (whom God sent into my life in answer to my prayers). I asked Him to put an unsatiable desire for Jesus, His word, and His truth in my spirit, and BOY!!!! did He deliver!!!

I now know in my knower that He is Lord of my life. I would have it no other way. I know that if left up to me, my life would be a train wreck. I rest in the comfort and peace of knowing that He is in control!

[scrappergirl]

abidinginhim,
amen!
amen and amen!

[buzzbee]

:hug AbidinginHim :hug

You know what I personally lacked when I thought I was saved? A healthy fear of God. Now I weigh what I am about to do with what I understand the Bible to say about it before I make the next move. A healthy fear of God could have saved me a lot of time in a therapist's office.

[HeIsEnough]

Your thoughts and critisims are appreciated,
Mark

Shalom Mark.


Revelation 7:9

[ The Great Multitude in White Robes ] After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.


I do believe that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I don't believe people when they want to confine salvation to their own form of prejudice, nor do I desire to fall into the same incorrect thinking that Elijah demonstrated.

The fact is, we don't know any facts, other than it is few compared to all, and a very great many few, of which no man can count the number.

[AbidingInHim]

:hug AbidinginHim :hug

You know what I personally lacked when I thought I was saved? A healthy fear of God. Now I weigh what I am about to do with what I understand the Bible to say about it before I make the next move. A healthy fear of God could have saved me a lot of time in a therapist's office.

You are so right about that healthy and necessary fear of God. My best is but filthy rags to God. I know that! That's why I come humbly to him, knowing that it's all about Jesus and His finished work at the cross, and has abosolutely nothing to do with my works, good intentions, outward appearance, etc.

How awesome is our Redeemer!!!

[WiseSheep]

Jesus said few find heaven.

Amen.

Interesting quote here:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord say, "Away, I never knew you." I was suddenly frightened that what I was seeing was those who "thought" that they were saved. Then I saw all of them pointing a finger at each of us pastors and together, in one voice that shook my soul, "WE SAT IN YOUR CHURCH AND THOUGHT WE WERE SAVED. WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US WE WERE LOST?"

Tears were pouring down my face and the faces of all of those pastors. I watched as one by one those people were cast into hell. One and then another, and another, and another......., until they were all gone. I died inside as each one screamed in agony and gnashed their teeth, cursing us as they went into the lake of fire.

Source (http://www.calvarychapelfreegift.com/other.shtml#email)

[Jany]

Hi pslam84; I haven't read through the whole thread but I would like to comment on your OP which said, What if many more people are saved than we think? What if simply believing that Jesus was who He claimed to be, rose from the dead, and is going to return are all that is required to be saved? 1st, I don't have a clue how many folks are or have been saved - who does? :) Are you possibly thinking of the OT folks? Maybe you addressed this in a later post? :)

What I do know is that in the OT times, Isarelites and others, were given the hope of the resurrection, hope of individual judgment and reward. They were also promised blessings in the new heaven and new earth. They are saints because of the faith "In Christ" by looking forward to a coming Messiah, the Saviour, just as people today are savied by looking back in faith to the Saviour :) <><

[blitzkreig]

But based upon a count of "numbers" ... it is not beyond reason to conject the wild idea that the number of members in the Body of Christ is that number which replaces those of the Heavenly Host which had fallen under Lucifer.

The good fortune of humanity having a Saviour ... has a lot to do with the Angelic host NOT having one ...

At any rate it will be billions upon billions ... or "Satan wins" (if any were to keep score). And I'm pretty sure that God's plan doesn't include conceding in the end to Satan ...

When we get there you will have all the time you want if you wish to count them ... although God wasn't big on census takers ....

[HeIsEnough]

Shalom Kreig, good to see you again.

But based upon a count of "numbers" ... it is not beyond reason to conject the wild idea that the number of members in the Body of Christ is that number which replaces those of the Heavenly Host which had fallen under Lucifer.

I've pondered that...

When we get there you will have all the time you want if you wish to count them ... although God wasn't big on census takers ....

:nod

One....two....three....