My opinion is to try to keep it as simple as possible. The gospel is simple. Trust in Christ, and know you have eternal life.Philip wrote:To be clear, my question concerning what thought-provoking questions we might ask to provoke self-contemplation in those whom might not be saved (but THINK they are) - it's not about what WE can discern from such people, as to any work's-related "proofs" of their salvation, because we can't peer into people's hearts and minds. Its about making others contemplate what they might have deluded themselves over.
Again, the saved thief on the cross comes to mind - he articulated to Jesus an understanding of precisely Who Jesus truly was in his response to the other thief ("Do you not fear GOD?"/ "Remember me when you come into YOUR kingdom."), and his desire for Jesus remember him. What possible WORKS could WE discern from such a man, just hours from death? I would imagine he actually said very little, with every word being excruciating and beyond imaginable effort. Any supposed works would have been in what he articulated for the ages, and more importantly, from the WORK God did in the thief's HEART and MIND, that he RESPONDED to. Also, very interesting, as to the supposed great depth of understanding and theologically correct articulation and manifestation necessary, from many in the Lordship Salvation crowd, that we don't read of some great repentance and deep commitment from the thief Jesus reassured - we see a very simple but powerful understanding has come upon him, of precisely Who/What (Lord) Jesus is, and yet it is articulated so thinly. He doesn't request forgiveness, but that he has turned to Jesus in faith is apparent in the boldness of his "request" - actually, almost a directive: " He does acknowledge that they (the thieves) are paying for sins he himself acknowledges Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
The saved thief's story is, essentially, a death-bed salvation, during great duress, pain, and realizing that he is soon to die - all of which, and most importantly, his close-up encounter with Jesus, brings him to faith. In fact, it is almost certain that this man, without his fearful dilemma and ALSO encountering Jesus, would never, otherwise have turned. And yet, in the very same situation, witnessing Jesus up close, the other thief echoes the world's mockery of God. But, really, my point of all this is that the INTENTIONS OF THE HEART of this thief are why Jesus judged him acceptable for His Kingdom. From many whom promote the way LS is often articulated, based upon the thin evidence that any MAN could have perceived (without Jesus having validated the thief's salvation), they would likely highly question anyone else's salvation ("Where's the evidence???!!! Where are the WORKS???!!!"). And so I think we all need to emphasize that WE just can't KNOW whether any person having prayed a simple prayer isn't saved - or that they are. But there are cautions of self-examination that are important for everyone. But I will say, when we see NO evidence of works in a LONG-time supposed believer, especially if they are given to certain behaviors and actions - we should be suspicious and at least WONDER about the likelihood they are not saved. But to dogmatically assert that if we haven't seen A,B or C in a person, then we KNOW they aren't saved - degenerate that someone has "prayed a prayer for Jesus to save them," and assert they are likely unsaved - I think, this is complete arrogance, that a MAN can know things only God can about another's salvation - as these may well be things that cannot be SEEN by men.
With that said, I'd focus on asking who that person says Jesus Christ is. Then, see if that person knows what Christ has done for him so that he may have eternal life.
Then go from there.
You've seen how many times just on this forum, people have claimed to be a believer, or even claimed to once have been a believer. Then with a little basic questioning, we find out that they either have some other Jesus that they though was the Christ who saves. Or we find out that they never actually believed on/trusted Christ. Maybe they just believed Christ was the Son of God, but never actually trusted in his atoning work.
I know you know this, but people tend to over complicate the gospel. It's really very simple. It's when people start adding stuff to the gospel, like works, keeping faithful, forsaking sin, making Christ Lord above all, etc., that the gospel that saves, becomes a false gospel that confuses and puts unbiblical burdens on people.
People need to be saved first. Then we can worry about teaching them to be a good disciple, as one with complete assurance that God is faithful in what He has promised.
The gospel is not "believe in Christ, AND be a faithful and good Christian, AND do good works in order to stay saved.
