If salvation is by faith alone, then are Satanists saved?

[TaylorDonBarret]

This is a popular topic here recently. Some believe that the only requirement for salvation is faith; and that everyone who has faith will be saved. But I disagree. And I would like to use Satanists as an example why.

Lets consider the person who, after being informed completely about all the facts of the bible, decides to worship Satan. There are many of these people in the world. Some of these people believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He was crucified, that He was resurrected, that He is seated in Heaven. But these people choose to love darkness more than they love light, and they knowingly choose to love and worship the evil one.

So, are these people saved because they believe the gospel? If not, then what are they missing?

 

[Curtis]

They were never saved to begin with. They only masqueraded as a Christian. Even Satan transforms himself into an Angel of light.

1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1Jn 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Satan has his hands on those who are not Children of God. He that is born of God "keeps" himself, and the "wicked one" can not touch him.

 

[Curtis]

This is a popular topic here recently. Some believe that the only requirement for salvation is faith; and that everyone who has faith will be saved. But I disagree. And I would like to use Satanists as an example why.

Lets consider the person who, after being informed completely about all the facts of the bible, decides to worship Satan. There are many of these people in the world. Some of these people believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He was crucified, that He was resurrected, that He is seated in Heaven. But these people choose to love darkness more than they love light, and they knowingly choose to love and worship the evil one.

So, are these people saved because they believe the gospel? If not, then what are they missing?

I think your understanding of "faith" and "knowledge" are wrong. Information about about salvation means nothing. This type of knowing goes and resides in the "mind" of man. Faith has nothing to do with the mind of man, it goes and resides in the "heart" of man. Understanding of salvation is done in the heart not the mind of man.

 

[Cturtle]

Lets consider the person who, after being informed completely about all the facts of the bible, decides to worship Satan. There are many of these people in the world. Some of these people believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He was crucified, that He was resurrected, that He is seated in Heaven. But these people choose to love darkness more than they love light, and they knowingly choose to love and worship the evil one.

So, are these people saved because they believe the gospel? If not, then what are they missing?

I have to say i agree with curtis that just because they believe that it is truth, they do not believe in (or have a desire to follow ) what Jesus life was all about. Besides one that truly believes in Jesus as the Messiah, and Savior of the world...will have a changed heart and attitude.

One can believe that green vegetables are good for you, but if you don't actually consume them, you will not get the benefit of what they do.

 

[WaterRock]

So, are these people saved because they believe the gospel? If not, then what are they missing?

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.1 Tim 2:4

 

[KingJ]

This is a popular topic here recently. Some believe that the only requirement for salvation is faith; and that everyone who has faith will be saved. But I disagree. And I would like to use Satanists as an example why.

Lets consider the person who, after being informed completely about all the facts of the bible, decides to worship Satan. There are many of these people in the world. Some of these people believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He was crucified, that He was resurrected, that He is seated in Heaven. But these people choose to love darkness more than they love light, and they knowingly choose to love and worship the evil one.

So, are these people saved because they believe the gospel? If not, then what are they missing?

How people misuse the word faith is always amusing.

I always challenge atheists to try and understand the faith Abraham had. Was it faith that God existed? Was it faith that Jesus sits next to Him? Abraham had faith IN God. Abraham had a knowing that God is good and righteous. This good God had to have an unbelievably good reason for wanting him to kill his son.

Faith in God's existence when every atom that exists is evidence of Him, is hardly faith . Faith that a man who worked the earth 2 000 years ago is God, died for us and can reconcile us with Him for eternity in heaven....entirely different story.

We can only receive this faith if the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus as Lord to us 1 Cor 12:3. The Holy Spirit first judges our hearts and minds Jer 17:10 after we draw close to Him James 4:8. John always intended on us calling Jesus, Lord in John 3:16.

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

How people misuse the word faith is always amusing.

I always challenge atheists to try and understand the faith Abraham had. Was it faith that God existed? Was it faith that Jesus sits next to Him? Abraham had faith IN God. Abraham had a knowing that God is good and righteous. This good God had to have an unbelievably good reason for wanting him to kill his son.

Faith in God's existence when every atom that exists is evidence of Him, is hardly faith . Faith that a man who worked the earth 2 000 years ago is God, died for us and can reconcile us with Him for eternity in heaven....entirely different story.

We can only receive this faith if the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus as Lord to us 1 Cor 12:3. The Holy Spirit first judges our hearts and minds Jer 17:10 after we draw close to Him James 4:8. John always intended on us calling Jesus, Lord in John 3:16.

i agree with nearly all of that

but I think there are evil people who love darkness rather than light and even though they believe in their heart they still do not love and yet are not saved.

do you think that it is impossible for a person to believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord and yet not love Him?

 

[RJ]

So, are these people saved because they believe the gospel? If not, then what are they missing?

Satan knows every detail of the Bible, probably better than you and I ever will. I think you are a bit misguided to think these people believe the gospel to the point that they posses the Holy Spirit. that is absurd! There is a difference between believing and accepting Jesus and believing and rejecting Jesus! They are missing the deposit of the Holy Spirit by God!

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

Satan knows every detail of the Bible, probably better than you and I ever will. I think you are a bit misguided to think these people believe the gospel to the point that they posses the Holy Spirit. that is absurd! There is a difference between believing and accepting Jesus and believing and rejecting Jesus! They are missing the deposit of the Holy Spirit by God!

I agree with you 100%.

 

[Ophel]

This is a popular topic here recently. Some believe that the only requirement for salvation is faith; and that everyone who has faith will be saved. But I disagree. And I would like to use Satanists as an example why.

Lets consider the person who, after being informed completely about all the facts of the bible, decides to worship Satan. There are many of these people in the world. Some of these people believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He was crucified, that He was resurrected, that He is seated in Heaven. But these people choose to love darkness more than they love light, and they knowingly choose to love and worship the evil one.

So, are these people saved because they believe the gospel? If not, then what are they missing?

No they are not saved. They have no faith in Jesus Christ as their own Saviour. It is a personal conviction that Jesus has been our substitute and taken OUR PERSONAL punishment for OUR OWN sin that makes one's faith a saving faith.

Head knowledge doesn't count. Heart knowledge does.

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

[Christ4Ever]

This very easily could be where the "grieving of the Holy Spirit" comes in. If the premise is that "all are saved" then the Satanist having turned away can easily have done the unpardonable sin mentioned in Matthew 12:31-32, Luke 12:10, and one can include Hebrews 6:4-6, also 1 John 5:16 which suggests of such.

This line of thought however, leads those who believe in OSAS actually arguing for the Satanist still being saved. I've always been of the mind that either one has never been saved, or that if saved; has walked away from it. Which of cause is not the smartest thing one would do. Confirming that Man in general is consistently inconsistent in much of what they say and do!

What I will always add when these discussions go into this area of study and debate. Until I can see into the heart of a person. I will never say with a surety that a person cannot be saved or is saved.
YBIC
C4E

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

i agree with nearly all of that

but I think there are evil people who love darkness rather than light and even though they believe in their heart they still do not love and yet are not saved.

do you think that it is impossible for a person to believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord and yet not love Him?

Demons beleive Jesus is the son of God.....are they saved ?
You keep twisting the WORD BELIEVE from one scripture to another...
It is not about Faith that you are concerned about but the believing part. I believe Jesus walked on water but it wont get me saved. I beleive Jesus worked with wood but it wont get me saved.

Believing in Jesus in your heart as being your Lord and Savior is done through faith in Gods word. This is not simply believing Jesus is the Son of God.....

 

[RJ]

Believing in Jesus in your heart as being your Lord and Savior is done through faith in Gods word. This is not simply believing Jesus is the Son of God.....

It is not as much believing Jesus is the son of God, as it is believing and having the son of God in you!

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

No they are not saved. They have no faith in Jesus Christ as their own Saviour. It is a personal conviction that Jesus has been our substitute and taken OUR PERSONAL punishment for OUR OWN sin that makes one's faith a saving faith.

Head knowledge doesn't count. Heart knowledge does.

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

That verse only says "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord" and "believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead".

 

[RJ]

That verse only says "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord" and "believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead".

I think what you fail to bring up is that the decision is up to God; with the "true" believer, only God knows this and God puts his His son inside you. These others do not have the son inside them!

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

I agree 100% that only God knows and the difference between the saved and the unsaved is the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. But I would not say the difference is between "true believer" and "they say they believe but they dont really believe". I think its obvious that some truly believe but are not saved because they love darkness rather than light.

 

[RJ]

I think its obvious that some truly believe but are not saved because they love darkness rather than light.

• Where do you see this is obvious?
• To truly believe and not be saved is an oxymoron, it is not possible or the gospel is a lie!
• With Christ in you, "The Light" in you, it is impossible to love darkness!

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

Because the bible says that faith without works Is dead. Therefore, if one truly believes, but does not work, then they are not saved. Faith without works is dead. The Gospel says that all who believe will be saved. But I think that what is assumed is love of God, THE God, and not just simply love of the god of our imagination. It is true that if The Holy Spirit lives inside of us that we will be saved. But I think its possible for a person to grieve The Spirit to the point of The Spirit leaving them. "THE BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

 

[RJ]

Because the bible says that faith without works Is dead. Therefore, if one truly believes, but does not work, then they are not saved. Faith without works is dead.

With being saved is to be marked by the possession of the Holy Spirit, the works here are not your own, but the works of Christ through you. Remember your are a part of the body of Christ, you are in him and he is in you. He is the vine and you are the branch, you bear HIS fruits , not yours! ver been saved in the first place!These works that prove your faith is valid, is one of the "First Fruits" of the Holy Spirit in and through you...he is the Master, you are the slave!

But I think its possible for a person to grieve The Spirit to the point of The Spirit leaving them

You may drift away at at times, but how is this possible when God said, he would never leave or forsake you and will see his work finished in you?

"THE BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

This is Apostasy, the all out rejection of Jesus Christ and proof you have never been saved in the first place!

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

I am not saved because I mentioned the blasphemy of The Holy Spirit?
Let me remind you, it was Jesus who taught us about the blasphemy of The Holy Spirit!

You ask how it is possible for a person to drift away completely from salvation, well, how is it possible for a person to drift away at all? Free will. As long as we strive to draw near to Christ, God promises to finish His work in us. God does not and will not force anyone to do anything they don't want to do. His promise was not "once you show an interest in me, I will force you to come to me eternally". It is that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. Granting us The Holy Spirit does not mean that we can not reject The Holy Spirit. I would argue that the very fact that Jesus taught about the blasphemy of The Holy Spirit indicates that we can indeed reject The Holy Spirit. It is a terrible sin, an unforgivable sin. But a possibility nonetheless.