The Bible doesn't explicitly say "not all Christians will go to heaven" in those exact words. However, several passages suggest that simply identifying as a Christian is not enough to guarantee salvation and entry into heaven. Here are some key passages and concepts often cited to support this idea:
* Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"
* Interpretation: This passage is often interpreted to mean that outward displays of faith (like claiming to be a Christian, prophesying, or performing miracles) are insufficient. True salvation requires doing "the will of my Father," which is generally understood to involve genuine obedience, love, and a changed life.
* Matthew 25:31-46 (The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats): This parable describes a separation based on how people treated "the least of these" (the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned). The "sheep" who helped them inherit the kingdom, while the "goats" who neglected them are sent away.
* Interpretation: This emphasizes the importance of practical acts of love and compassion towards others as evidence of genuine faith. While salvation is by grace through faith, this parable suggests that true faith is manifested in good works.
* 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
* Interpretation: This passage lists specific sins that, if practiced habitually without repentance, are incompatible with inheriting the kingdom of God. The key is the lack of repentance and continued habitual sin.
* Galatians 5:19-21: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
* Interpretation: Similar to 1 Corinthians, this passage lists behaviors that are characteristic of a life dominated by "the flesh" and warns that those who "live like this" will not inherit the kingdom of God. Again, the key is an unrepentant lifestyle.
* Hebrews 12:14: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
* Interpretation: This verse suggests that striving for holiness is essential for seeing the Lord. While we cannot achieve perfect holiness on our own, a genuine desire to live a holy life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is seen as evidence of a transformed heart.
Key Concepts that Support This Idea:
* Genuine Faith vs. Nominal Faith: The Bible emphasizes the difference between a superficial, intellectual assent to Christian beliefs and a deep, transformative faith that changes a person's life.
* Fruits of the Spirit: Jesus indicated people would be known by their fruits. True faith should produce good works, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
* Repentance and Transformation: Becoming a Christian involves turning away from sin and embracing a new life in Christ. A lack of repentance and continued willful sin is seen as evidence that a person's heart has not truly been changed.
* Enduring to the End: Some passages suggest that salvation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey that requires perseverance and faithfulness.
Important Considerations:
* Salvation by Grace Through Faith: Most Christians believe that salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). It's not earned through good works, but good works are seen as a natural outflow of genuine faith.
* Judging Hearts: It's important to note that Christians are not called to judge the salvation of others. Only God knows the human heart.
* Context: When interpreting these passages, it is crucial to consider the historical and cultural context in which they were written and to understand the overall message of the Bible.
In summary, while the Bible emphasizes that salvation is offered to all through faith in Jesus Christ, it also suggests that genuine faith involves more than just claiming to be a Christian. It involves a transformed life, obedience to God's will, and a commitment to living a holy life, enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit. The passages referenced above highlight the importance of examining one's life to ensure that one's faith is genuine and bearing fruit.