In the Gospels, if we are to assume that what we read are the original words of Jesus, he frequently talked about the subject of Salvation in one form or another. The following are expressions he mostly used, the way that it is translated into English — I am assuming that when he used these expressions he was referring to salvation:
- Kingdom of God
- Kingdom of Heaven
- Eternal Life
- Everlasting Life
- Life
Upon examining all the verses that contain these expressions, most people would agree also that these are all different expressions referring to some form of Salvation. You will find that many of these expressions involve Works of Righteousness involving requirements of Salvation. Examples:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Mat 7:21)
“…but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Mat 19:17)
“And these (the disobedient and unrighteous) shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous (those who do the good works he listed here) into life eternal.” (Mat 25:46)
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mat 4:17)
That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in NO CASE enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:20)
The whole point of this article is that Jesus put a great emphasis on Works of Righteousness being required for Salvation, in contrast to Paul’s teaching of Paul who taught that Salvation is “NOT by Works of Righteousness but by his mercy (Grace) he saved us” (Titus 3:5).
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