Parent: JesusWordsOnly
What About John 3:16?
Picking just one verse from Jesus that sounds Pauline, i.e ., (John 3:16), is not a solution. The verb tense for believes in (John 3:16) has indeed been translated to sound Pauline. In the original Greek, it means something not only quite different, but also actually the opposite of how it reads in the KJV and NIV. It should read: "He who continues to believe/trust should have eternal life." This is the true meaning of the underlying Greek verbs. (See JWO/JWO_19_01_GreekIssues_0111) Faithfulness, not one moment of faith, is what should save.
Therefore, we have a choice to make. We can explain salvation based on Jesus' Words Only. Or we can use Paul's words. They are two radically different messages.
Andreas Rudolf Borenstein von Carlstadt (1480-1541). Co-leader of Reformation with Luther. Believed Jesus' words in Gospels more important than epistles for formulating doctrine.
| What About John 3:16? |
| TABLE 10. Salvation Checklist - |
| Jesus |
| The one who repents from sin is "justified." (Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Luke 18:1014.) Th son who was dead but now repents is "alive again" (born again). (Parable of the Prodigal\Son, Luke 15:1-32, viz. v. 24.) |
| The one who relies upon God's election to salvation and does not repent goes home unjustified. (Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Luke 18:10-14.) |
| To have eternal life, follow the\Ten Commandments, deny yourself (i.e.,
\TABLE 10. Salvation Checklist - Jesus versus Paul |