For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
James Kraft
One of the great storys Jesus told was of the prodical son. He was a son even though he went into a far country and lived in sin. After all, we do not want to sin where our friends and niebhors will see us living in sin. But, in the end he returned to his father and confessed his sin. Even the most righeous of us are still sinners. None of us can live up to Gods standards. The law was given to show us we are sinners and in need of a savior.
Another story overlooked is in Corinthians where the chruch let a believer that was sleeping with his fathers wife fellowship in the church. Paul said he should be kicked out of the church and turned over to satan so that his spirit would be saved in the day of the lord. Paul knew he was a believer, but he was living in such great sin that he should be excomunicated. Later the man did repent and was restored to fellowship. One way we can know that we are saved is if the Lord chastens us. But, the Lord is slow to anger and still loves his children. In the end the bible says all that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Even to them that believe on his name. God does not lie.
Delores Easthom
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul. You must put me first in your life above every thing else. Love your neighbor as yourself.
True love covers a multitude of sins. God is faithful and just, and will finish the work he started in your heart. He will not let you be tempted above that which you are able to stand, but will make a way of escape.
Marvin Reynolds
This issue is based on a factor that we all who read the Bible note that there are people who have epikanosas vs kanosas which deals with the principle of having knowledge against FULL knowledge. You can know that Jesus is the Son of God but FAITH in Christ and his Father is another matter as the Holy Spirit in your soul makes a different in being able to stand before God in Joy.. I suggest you review this subject in the original form of Greek and note how this appears many times in the Bible.
James Kraft
John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE.
Acts 16:31 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Period. First John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God, that ye may KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
John 3:18 Believers can never be condemned again. Unbelievers are condemned already because they have not believed on the name of the Son of God.
Why I have to go to heaven. First Corinthians 15:1-4 That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, ALL OF THEM FOREVER, that He was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures.
Galatians 1:7-9 Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let them be accursed. As we said before, so say I again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received from us, let them be accursed.
When we believe that gospel that all our sin debt, past, present, and future sins we have not even thought of yet are paid in full, we are sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13, who will never leave us or forsake us, Hebrews 13:5. and He will never cast us out. John 6:37
John 3:18 Believers can no longer be condemned because Jesus only gives eternal life. John 10:28-29 What if I sin all next week? Paid. If I have eternal life now, I will still have eternal life 10 years from now. If I have it now I have it forever.