Steven Waldman

Steven Waldman

Can Jesus Save You Without You Knowing It? (Is Obama a Christian Ctd)

posted by swaldman | 9:01am Friday November 21, 2008

Amidst the debate over Barack Obama’s controversial comments about salvation, I asked why progressive Christians don’t believe that John 3:16 means one can only be saved. Community member “Robert” responded:

Even Billy Graham has said that he has come to believe that, while all who are saved are saved through Christ, not all of the saved know that Christ saves them. Crunchy might agree with this, but perhaps he would rather not say so.
Why should the language of John 3:16 be interpreted exclusively. If anyone who believes in Jesus (who was the Word back in chapter 1) is saved, does that verse tell us anyone who doesn’t believe in Jesus isn’t saved? Or if Jesus is the only way to salvation, does that mean everyone must be aware of this fact to enjoy the benefit of it? It seems to me if Christians really believe in the saving power of Jesus, they should pay more attention to Jesus and less attention to who says what about Jesus.



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Comments read comments(12)
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Robert Morwell

posted November 21, 2008 at 10:33 am


When Jesus speaks of eternal salvation in Matthew 25, he sets no doctrinal standard, and doesn’t insist upon belief in him. In fact, many who are saved appear to be astonished and ask when did they do anything good to him?
In John, he says none come to the Father, but by him. However, that is true in the Matthew 25 story in which he advocates for all who gain salvation through their practice of selfless love.
I frankly see no other way to reconcile these two sayings.



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Andrea Reif

posted November 21, 2008 at 10:56 am


Remember this was not written in the words you are reading and there is no simple word for word translation from Greek, not to mention even if there was, meanings give to expressions vary. I read somewhere that the Greek translated as “only through me” could as easily have been translated “only through what I am teaching”, i.e. selfless love. Does anyone hear know Ancient Greek?



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nitrah55

posted November 21, 2008 at 11:27 am


The word “only” appears in John 3:16 solely in reference to the numbers of sons God has. People read it as if the word “only” precedes “whosoever.”



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Tom

posted November 21, 2008 at 12:06 pm


You know, it is up to Jesus to decide who he will save, not any of us. We need to back off on our arrogance that we know the mind of Jesus.



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LutheranChik

posted November 21, 2008 at 12:22 pm


Short answer to your question: Yes.



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Your Name

posted November 21, 2008 at 12:36 pm


Millions of innocent children die every year without the intellectual knowledge of the bible or Jesus Christ. This is irrelevant because in their hearts they know Him and He knows them. Just because you read your bible and go to church every week does not mean you are worthy of Christ’s love. You are not and will never be worthy. That’s the whole point. Even though we don’t deserve it, Christ offers salvation to all.



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ANGEL

posted November 21, 2008 at 1:29 pm


I am with you – the answer is not in the words of those explaining the Word, but in the Word itself.



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Robert

posted November 21, 2008 at 4:35 pm


And that same gospel of John states that “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word was with God,” that is, the Word of God to the world was Jesus, not words on paper we call a Bible.



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knerd

posted November 22, 2008 at 11:19 pm


The God incarnated in Jesus demonstrates unconditional love and forgiveness.
God gave us his Son and whosoever believeth in Him (unconditional love and forgiveness) will have life everlasting.
Distressingly simple.



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RobO

posted November 25, 2008 at 12:15 am


Especially interesting in the whole “Obama isn’t a Christian” thing … can you believe in Jesus and still not be a Christian if you also believe Jesus might save someone who doesn’t know who he is? Sounds silly to me.



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Douglas

posted November 30, 2008 at 11:28 am


The question is irrelevant.
Barak Obama shows all the properties of a psychopath:
1) No conscience;
2) No empathy;
3) Plays games.
Besides this is his charisma and glibness. He knows how to impress boomers.
Watch for the games.
This is not the sign of a Christian. It is someone solidly in “the other” camp.
By their fruit you shall know them.
Time will tell.
Unfortunately, by the time he is revealed for what he is, it will be far too late for the rest of us.
But that doesn’t matter, does it?
God the Father has solutions, not men.



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David

posted December 15, 2008 at 10:31 am


The first commands of the gospel are: Repent and believe. God initiates our call, but we must respond. You cannot do this and be saved without knowing it.



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