Confused by steps to salvation - Is Asking Involved / Necessary?

This Blogpost is a response to a newsletter I received.

**

I need to ask you for clarification on the steps to salvation you posted.

-God offers the free gift of forgiveness, relationship, and a perfect future home in heaven (Romans 6:23).

* Agreed - this verse ( Romans 6:23 ) and Ephesians 2:8-9 are two of the clearest verses on salvation being a GIFT,

and I've always shared with unbelievers who thought is was by works ( or some "effort" or "worthiness" ) on their part.

-The only requirement is to admit your sin and ask Him to forgive you because of Jesus's work on the cross (Acts 16:29-31), 

* I see nothing in Acts 16:29-31 about "admitting your sin" or "asking to be forgiven" in this ( or any other passage concerning how to be saved ).

I've seen it in many "tracts" and heard many "preachers" use these "conditions",

but I've always thought of them as "works".

Understanding your NEED for a savior would involve recognizing one's sinfulness, 

but forgiveness is provided by putting your faith ( trust ) in Jesus Christ as your Savior.

Reference Acts 10:43

To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

Now of course a person who is ASKING, 

could be simply BELIEVING this forgiveness is made available at no cost / no effort - based solely on the finished work of Jesus on the Christ,

but making "asking" a step ( condition ) could cause some to think this "work" is part ( their part ) of the salvation process.

and then ask for relationship with God and eternal life (Romans 10:9-11).

-God keeps His promises and will make you one of His children (John 1:12).

* I love to share John 1:12,13 to show that those who Believe are born of God ( become His children ).

This is definitely what God wants - a Relationship with us.

And it needs to be part of the "good news" message ( sometimes left out ).

He is offering us MORE than Eternal Life. 

He is offering us Abundant Life". 

He wants us to experience this relationship NOW.

I truly believe that you understand this continuing relationship ( daily trusting and talking to the Father ) better than I do.

It is just something I try to make clear as something a person is to "do" 

after they believe and are born again.

There is no need to ASK for this new relationship or eternal life.

When it comes to salvation,

I do not think that God is "asking us to ask",

I see Him "asking us" to BELIEVE - Trust - put our Faith in Him.

And I've always understood "calling upon the name of the Lord",

as just another way of saying to Trust - Depend - Rely Upon Him.

If you need forgiveness and salvation - Look to Jesus.

If you need help as His child now - Look to Jesus ( call upon Him ).

And yes, calling is a form of "asking" for something.

I have "called upon His name" as part of asking for help several time ( with great results ).

However, I think that Paul is really trying to explain deeper relationship truths in Romans ( chapters 5 - 12 ),

and not the basic "how a person is saved". 

I believe this is covered most clearly in chapters 3 and 4 of Romans.

*3:23 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. *

I realize that many people do like to use the verses in Romans 10 as part of their gospel presentation.

And I can imagine, it's the way you were taught ( and heard in your church for years ),

so you think nothing of the concerns I'm bringing up.

And if you are clear enough on the way to salvation as "only" what Christ has done ( and does ),

with No works - efforts - "conditions" by the unbeliever,

the message ( with the help of the Holy Spirit ) should be clear enough to the one who is ready to be born again.

I hope I've not upset you by these words, 

but I could not withhold them.

A clear gospel presentation is something I've always felt strongly about.

If you're not "mad at me" over this,

you should enjoy my most recent full video I posted last week.

It touches on both the gift of salvation and the availability of an abundant life now.

How to Receive the Gifts of Eternal Life and Abundant Life in Christ

https://youtu.be/b3f82jPhOEA 

You are and will continue to be in my daily prayers.

Your brother in Christ,

Andy

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 

but exhorting one another, 

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

YouTube channel = We belong to the Day

Receiving the Gifts of Eternal Life and Abundant Life in Christ

Youtube version = https://youtu.be/b3f82jPhOEA

First and foremost,

are you a born again believer?

Have you come to understand that Eternal Life can not be earned?

That is it a Gift of God to those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior?

That forgiveness for all sin, and a right standing with God is given to those who 

believe that Jesus did it all for you?

Here are a few references concerning the Free Gift of Eternal Life:

Ephesians 2:8,9, 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, 

and that not of yourselves; 

it is the gift of God, 

not of works, 

lest anyone should boast.

Romans 6:23, 

For the wages of sin is death, 

but the gift of God is eternal life 

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 1:12

But as many as received Him, 

to them He gave the right to become children of God, 

to those who believe in His name:

Romans 4:4-6 

Now to him who works, 

the wages are not counted as grace 

but as debt.

But to him who does not work 

but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, 

his faith is accounted for righteousness,

just as David also describes 

the blessedness of the man 

to whom God imputes righteousness 

apart from works:

NOW, assuming you are a Child of God,

have you learned to enjoy your new relationship?

Do you pray 

( talk things over with Jesus - constantly),

or do you only ask for help when things get tough?

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Rejoice always, 

pray without ceasing, 

in everything give thanks; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Romans 12:12

rejoicing in hope, 

patient in tribulation, 

continuing steadfastly in prayer;

To enjoy the abundant life and peace that Jesus spoke about,

one must be aware of their new relationship.

Being "in Christ" results in a "new creation".

Once you realize that you are a beloved child of God,

you can REST in the knowledge 

that:

1 ) The Lord has been with you from your beginning.

He saw your future decision of faith before you were even born.

He has been working things out in your life to lead you to Him.

And as His child 

( and because of His Love for you ),

He has been providing and protecting you 

up until this point in your life.

I'm sure you can remember a time or two 

that God  provided what you needed,

or answered a specific prayer just when you needed it.

And the Bible is FULL of examples of the Lord 

meeting the Needs and Providing for those that are His.

2 ) A REST ( peace of mind - free of fear ) 

can be your experience in the NOW.

But you must be trusting in His faithfulness. 

Not your own worthiness, 

as you will often fall short when walking in your own strength.

Remember He abides faithful, 

even when our faith may falter.

2 Timothy 2:13

"If we are faithless,

He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself."

3 ) Understanding ( believing ) your FUTURE

is also in His hands.

And knowing His perfect Love, 

should case out all your fears.

1st John 4:18

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear"

RECAP - Rest / Peace / Joy 

can be YOUR daily Experience 

BECAUSE you "know" that

1st ) God has taken care of you in the PAST

2nd ) God is with you - watching over you NOW

3rd ) God will always be there for you, 

no matter what the FUTURE may hold.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, 

that in Me you may have peace. 

In the world you will have tribulation; 

but be of good cheer, 

I have overcome the world."

Matthew 28:19

.... I am with you always, even to the end of the age...

--

Saved by Grace,

Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 

but exhorting one another, 

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

YouTube channel = We belong to the Day

​Proof scriptures that support a Post Tribulation Rapture of the Church

Google AI mode created the following information 

that supports a Post Tribulation Rapture of the Believers.

And while some of the points could be expanded 

( and have been in other posts in this BLOG ),

I find myself in agreement with this summary.

A key difference in understanding the timing of the rapture (the taking up of believers to meet Christ) depends on the interpretation of various scripture passages related to the Tribulation, a period of intense persecution and upheaval prior to Christ's return

. The post-tribulation rapture view, in contrast to the pre- or mid-tribulation views, holds that the church will go through this period of tribulation before being caught up to meet Christ at his Second Coming. 

Here are some scripture passages that are often cited to support a Post-Tribulation Rapture:

• Matthew 24:29-31: This passage describes Jesus' return immediately after the Tribulation, mentioning cosmic disturbances and then the sending out of angels with a trumpet to gather the elect. The language implies a direct connection between the end of the Tribulation and the gathering of believers.
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: This passage speaks of the rapture occurring "at the last trumpet," when the dead will be raised incorruptible and the living will be changed. Post-tribulationists argue that this "last trumpet" aligns with the seventh trumpet in Revelation, which sounds at the end of the tribulation period.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: Paul describes the Lord descending with a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God, at which time the dead in Christ will rise first, and then the living will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This passage, when viewed through a post-tribulation lens, aligns with the timing of Christ's return after the Tribulation, as implied in Matthew 24.
• Mark 13:24-27: This passage is a parallel to Matthew 24, also describing cosmic disturbances and the gathering of the elect after a period of distress or tribulation,.
• Revelation 20:4-5: This passage speaks of the "first resurrection" occurring after the tribulation events described in the preceding chapters, where believers are persecuted and then live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.
• Daniel 7:21-25: This passage describes the Antichrist warring against and wearing out the saints, suggesting that believers will be present during a time of intense tribulation.
• Revelation 13:7: This verse also indicates that believers will be involved in a battle with the forces of evil during this period. 

In essence, the Post-Tribulation Rapture view integrates the Tribulation period into the church's experience, arguing that Christ's return to gather believers occurs after they have endured the tribulation, according to The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources and other sources. 

No gap between Daniel's 69th and 70th week

Text generated by Google AI 

response = August 3rd, 2025

Textual arguments against a gap between the 69th and 70th week of Daniel's prophecy are often rooted in a closer examination of the Hebrew language and grammar of Daniel 9:24-27. 

Here are some key points:

 

1. Grammatical structure and unity of the 70 weeks

• Hebrew word for "weeks": The Hebrew term "shabuwaʿ" used for "weeks" (or "sevens") throughout Daniel 9:24-27, especially with the masculine plural ending in verse 24, can imply a sum total and unbroken span of time, according to Digital Commons @ Andrews University.
• Consecutive nature: The angel Gabriel presents the seventy weeks as a continuous, unbroken period for Jerusalem and the Jewish people. To suggest a gap goes against this implied sequence and the stated purpose of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:24.
• No textual indication of a gap: The passage does not explicitly indicate or warrant inserting a significant gap in time between the 69th and the 70th week.
• Parallelism in verses 26-27: Some scholars suggest that verses 26 and 27 utilize a Hebrew poetic device known as repetition with elaboration or synonymous/synthetic parallelism, where verse 27 repeats and expands upon the ideas presented in verse 26. If this is the case, events described as occurring "after" the 69th week (v. 26) are further elaborated as occurring "in" the 70th week (v. 27), rather than after a gap. 

2. Fulfillment of the goals in Daniel 9:24

• Messiah's work: The traditional, continuous interpretation understands the cutting off of the Messiah (v. 26) as referring to the crucifixion of Jesus, which occurred during the 70th week.
• Fulfilling the six goals: The six goals outlined in Daniel 9:24, including "to finish the transgression," "to make an end of sin," and "to bring in everlasting righteousness," are seen as having been fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ within the 70-week period.
• End of sacrifices: The phrase that "he will put an end to sacrifice and offering" in the middle of the week (v. 27) refers to the termination of the need for the temple sacrificial system due to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross, according to Ministry Magazine. 

3. The timing of Jerusalem's destruction

• Destruction after the 69th week: Daniel 9:26 states that the city and sanctuary would be destroyed "after the sixty-two weeks" (which, combined with the initial seven, marks 69 weeks). This was fulfilled in AD 70 with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army.
• Connected to Messiah's work: The destruction of Jerusalem is seen as a direct consequence of Israel's rejection of the Messiah's mission, connecting it to the time immediately following the 69 weeks and the events surrounding the 70th week. 

In conclusion, textual arguments against a gap in Daniel's 70 weeks emphasize the linguistic and grammatical cues suggesting a continuous timeframe, the fulfillment of the prophecy's goals through the Messiah's work within the 70 weeks, and the historical fulfillment of Jerusalem's destruction following the 69 weeks and related to the 70th week, according to Sam Storms. 

*** Youtube on the subject,

The 70 Weeks of Daniel - When is the Last Week?

Daniel 70 weeks with No 7 Year GAP

here:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Smyk5troQ0s

What are metaphors for the Church?

Answers gathered by Google AI

In Christian theology, particularly within the New Testament, various metaphors are used to describe the nature and role of the Church, highlighting different aspects of its relationship with God and its purpose in the world.

The Body of Christ

• This is one of the most prominent metaphors, emphasizing the organic unity and interdependence of believers with Christ as the head.
• Just as a human body has many parts that work together, so too the Church is made up of diverse members who are unified in their purpose and mission, dependent on Christ as their head. 

The Bride of Christ

• This metaphor focuses on the intimate and loving relationship between Christ and the Church.
• It highlights the Church's purity, devotion, and faithfulness to Christ, ultimately looking forward to a joyful union at the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

The Household/Family of God

• This image emphasizes the Church as God's spiritual family, where believers are adopted as sons and daughters of God and are brothers and sisters in Christ.
• It underscores the importance of loving relationships, care, and support among believers, who are united by the Holy Spirit. 

The Temple of the Holy Spirit

• This metaphor portrays the Church as the dwelling place of God's presence on earth.
• It emphasizes the Church's holiness and its role as a spiritual house where God dwells by His Spirit, a place of worship and spiritual sacrifice. 

The Flock of God

• This metaphor emphasizes the Church's need for guidance, care, and protection, with Christ as the Good Shepherd who leads and nurtures His sheep.
• It also highlights the vulnerability and dependence of believers on Christ and the importance of leadership that serves and protects the flock. 

The Vine and the Branches

• This metaphor emphasizes Christ as the source of life and vitality for believers, who are connected to Him as branches to a vine.
• It illustrates the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit (transformed character and actions) and the consequences of being cut off from the source of life. 

The Army of God

• While less frequently used than some other metaphors, the image of the Church as an army emphasizes its role in spiritual warfare against evil.
• It highlights the need for unity, equipping believers for service, and using spiritual weapons to overcome spiritual strongholds. 

The Pillar and Buttress of Truth

• This metaphor describes the Church's role in upholding and defending the truth, especially the truth of the gospel.
• As the Church faithfully obeys Scripture and lives out the truth, it supports and reflects the truth of God to the world. 

These metaphors work together to provide a holistic and rich understanding of the Church's identity, purpose, and relationship with God and the world.

​Is the Church the Bride or Body of Christ?

Answer provided by Google AI 

In Christian theology, the Church is understood as both the 

Bride of Christ and the Body of Christ. These are two distinct but complementary metaphors that describe different aspects of the relationship between Jesus Christ and believers. 

The Bride of Christ

This metaphor emphasizes the intimate, loving relationship between Christ and the Church, similar to a husband and wife in marriage. 

• Love and commitment: Christ's sacrificial love for the Church is likened to a husband's love for his wife, giving himself up for her to make her holy and blameless.
• Purity and devotion: The Church, as the Bride, is called to live a life of purity and devotion, remaining faithful to Christ and rejecting spiritual idolatry.
• Eschatological hope: The image of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation symbolizes the future consummation of this relationship, a joyful union between Christ and his Bride.
• Preparation: Just as a bride prepares for her wedding, the Church is being prepared by Christ to be presented to him as a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, . 

The Body of Christ

This metaphor highlights the unity and interconnectedness of believers in Christ, functioning as a single organism with Christ as the head. 

• Unity and function: Each member of the Church, regardless of their background or gifts, is a vital part of the Body and contributes to its overall function and mission.
• Christ as the Head: Christ is the Head of the Body, guiding and directing its members in fulfilling his purposes in the world.
• Physical representation: The Church, as the Body of Christ, serves as Christ's physical representation in the world, embodying and extending his presence through their actions and ministries.
• Interdependence: The analogy emphasizes the interdependence of believers, where the suffering or honor of one member affects the entire Body. 

In essence, while the "Bride of Christ" emphasizes the Church's intimate and loving relationship with Christ and its future hope, the "Body of Christ" emphasizes the Church's unity, functional diversity, and role as Christ's continuing presence in the world. 

Protection Promised but Not a Rapture Escape

The most popular teaching on the End Times 

includes a secret Rapture of believers

before a 7 year tribulation.

While appealing,

it is not supported by scripture.

There is literally no place in the Bible that states

that Jesus comes half way back to Earth,

to remove the believers and take them to heaven.

I know the passages that are sometimes used 

to support this theory,

and I've discussed them in greater detail,

in many of the videos on this channel.

Today I'm going to focus on the reasons

a believer should NOT be afraid 

of the coming time of Tribulation.

First off I'd like to point out 

nowhere in the Bible will you find

the Great Tribulation as being 7 years in length.

The Bible repeatedly tells us 

in Daniel and Revelation

that it will only last for 3 and half years, 

or 42 months,

or 1260 days.

7 years is not mentioned.

So, where did the idea 

that the Great Tribulation

is to last 7 years 

come from?

Most agree that it started with 

the teachings of John Nelson Darby

and later from people reading 

the Scofield reference bible

that popularized Dispensationalism 

at the beginning of the 20th century.

Others have continued to teach this theory 

for the last 150 years.

The theory is based on how dispensationalists 

interpret the 70 weeks of Daniel. 

And divide God's dealings with Israel and the Church.

I've gone into more depth in other videos 

on why I disagree.

A good one to review would be = 

Is There a 2,000 Year Gap in Daniel's 70 weeks

https://youtu.be/2S-l7fAT5OY

Or just simply read Daniel chapter 9 verses 25-27 yourself,

for what it says, 

without trying to read anything into it 

that is not actually being said.

Another point I'd like you to consider is that

God's wrath is directed to the unbelievers,

and not the true Christians.

We, as Christians should not be afraid

of the tribulation period 

or the antichrist's kingdom.

As Paul points out in Romans chapter 8,

we are children of God,

and nothing can separate us from His Love.

In chapter 8 verse 35 - 39

We read

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 

Shall tribulation, or distress, 

or persecution, or famine, 

or nakedness, or peril, 

or sword? 

As it is written:

"For Your sake 

we are killed all day long;
We are accounted 

as sheep for the slaughter."

Yet in all these things 

we are more than conquerors 

through Him 

who loved us. 

For I am persuaded that 

neither death 

nor life, 

nor angels 

nor principalities 

nor powers, 

nor things present 

nor things to come, 

nor height 

nor depth, 

nor any 

other created thing, 

shall be able to separate us 

from the love of God 

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It is true that suffering and death 

may come to many believers 

during the Great Tribulation,

but you must realize, 

This is already true for Christians today 

in many parts of the world,

and has always been the case 

throughout the ages.

Jesus tells we should to be 

of good cheer - 

undaunted -

to have courage 

in John 16:33

He said,

These things I have spoken to you, 

that in Me you may have peace. 

In the world you will have tribulation; 

but be of good cheer, 

I have overcome the world."

We are told in many places 

and in many different ways,

throughout the Bible,

that we should not be troubled or afraid.

Instead we are to be trusting in God.

For Example,

In the book of Isaiah chapter 41 and verse 13,

we find this promise

For I, the Lord your God, 

will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, 

'Fear not, I will help you.'

In the New Testament we are told 

to not worry about anything, 

but to pray 

in Philipians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7

In 1 Peter 5:7, 

we read

casting all your care upon Him, 

for He cares for you.

What I am trying to point out is,

that no matter what is going to happen

we have nothing to fear.

God can provide and protect you 

if you ask Him for help.

I would like to point out that

when death comes to a Christian,

That is something we can be happy about.

We are to be looking towards 

our future with Christ.

Death is just like a doorway 

we will be passing through.

Our new life starts when 

Jesus resurrects 

the believers who have died, 

and transforms those who are still alive 

upon His return.

This is the promise 

found in I Thessalonians 4:13-18

and chapter 15 of 1st Corinthians.

For more on the coming Resurrection 

and our new Bodies,

see this video = 

When Do Believers Get Their New Bodies?

https://youtu.be/id9k7l7rwIs

The Bible is full of examples of God 

providing for His people.

The more you read and study them,

the stronger your faith will grow. 

Also by praying 

about everything.

Then God will show Himself strong and active 

in your life today.

The more you learn to rely upon God 

as your Father 

who loves you, 

the more you will find

your fears 

replaced by His peace.

 

Whatever problems you are facing today,

He wants to help you.

And whatever happens in the future,

Even the events foretold in the book of Revelation,

you can rest in the knowledge that 

nothing will separate you 

from the love of Christ.

He knows your every need.

Which really boils down to just two things,

Food and Clothing.

If we should find ourselves

in the Great Tribulation,

we are to be getting excited that 

the return of Jesus

is at hand.

This is a time when we can remember

passages like Psalm 46 verses 1 - 3,

which says,

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried 

into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar 

and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake 

with its swelling.

In closing I would ask you

to please consider 

and take to heart,

the words of Jesus 

found in Luke chapter 21 verses 25 - 28

we read,

"And there will be signs in the sun, 

in the moon, 

and in the stars; 

and on the earth distress of nations, 

with perplexity, 

the sea and the waves roaring; 

men's hearts failing them from fear 

and the expectation of those things 

which are coming on the earth, 

for the powers of the heavens 

will be shaken. 

Then they will see the Son of Man 

coming in a cloud 

with power and great glory. 

Now when these things begin to happen, 

look up and lift up your heads, 

because your redemption draws near."

Thanks for making it to the end of this video.

If you liked it, please check out some of the other

videos posted on this channel.

Until next time,

Maranatha

--

Saved by Grace,

Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 

but exhorting one another, 

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

YouTube channel = We belong to the Day