Deception ?

Many people are positive that they are saved.  They base this on emotions.  They may make certain comments, such as, "I am a good person.  I do what is right.  I’m not as bad as that other person.  I had an experience with God.  I feel that I am saved.  I can feel God is with me.  I know the Holy Spirit is inside of me.  I am a preacher, or an elder, or a prophet.  I am a preacher’s wife.  I have prayed, and God answered my prayer.  I believe in God.  God did this or that for me.  I sing to God.  I sing in the choir.  I go to church.  I praise and worship God.  I give my money to the church.  I was baptized."   While all of this sounds very nice, it is not based upon biblical knowledge.   Many people, who are now in hell, have said such things.  The Pharisees in the New Testament also could have said many of these things, but Jesus showed them clearly they were nota\ saved.

    If you have received Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, as your Lord and Savior, it is because God, in His mercy, has opened your understanding.  As it is written, FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.  FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE ORDAINED THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM-Eph 2:8-10.