The Delusion of Instant "Salvation"

During the last century, the doctrine of instant "salvation" by faith in Jesus' work on the Cross has been propagated by Christians with unprecedented zeal and has become extremely popular. Apparently it appeals to fearful individuals, who cannot stand the uncertainty of what is happening after one's death. This doctrine has taken strong roots primarily in USA and from there it spread rapidly to Europe and all over the world. >From the moment one embraces the doctrine of instant salvation by the blood of Jesus, one becomes overwhelmed with gratitude for this "free gift" and he/she naturally endeavors to pass it around to others. Thousands of Evangelical missions have spread all over the world propagating the inerrancy of the Bible - the "Word of God" - from which, however, they leave out what does not match with their doctrines. There is no doubt, and this can be proven, that most of those missions are politically sponsored, as they serve subtle imperialistic schemes. It is extremely difficult for instantly "saved" Christians to be set free from their deception because it is so comforting! Who would give up such a "free gift" of eternal salvation? It takes greater love for the Truth than for security, in order for a deceived Christians to see the light. And, of course, one must get rid of the fear of damnation, in order for his/her spiritual eyes to open and start the long and difficult process of de-conversion. The "free eternal salvation" dogma has, unfortunately, obscured the central message of Christ's teaching, and has bewildered many a good Christian, who find it difficult to solve their inner conflict over the issue. Moreover, people of other faiths, or no faith at all, are discouraged to come closer to Christianity and know the wonderful spiritual teachings of Christ and the truly worthwhile aspects of Christian Religion. There are, of course, many verses in the New Testament to support the instant "salvation by faith", but there are also more verses to refute it. And, as with other Christian beliefs, one must study the Bible diligently and unbiasedly and endeavor to establish each Truth by many verses. Of course, God is unfathomable to be described in a book, whether the Bible or the Quran, or any other "holy" book for that matter, and the most subtle and dangerous idolatry is the idolatry of a Book. As far as I am concerned, the only "Book" written by God is the Universe, and we should endeavor to know our Creator by observing and studying His Creation, starting from our own nature. The "holy" books, often presenting a god made in the image of man, might be misleading - and they have been - while those who fanatically adhere to the "letter" therein have been responsible for many a bloody war throughout history. Let us now see several Biblical verses that contradict the doctrine of instant salvation, and, as with everything else, "those who have ears let them hear": "He that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it." (1 Peter 3: 10-11) "Therefore, my beloved, ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2: 12) "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret; but worldly grief produces death." (2 Cor. 7: 10) "And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake; but HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED." (Matt. 10: 22) "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven; for I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5: 19-20) "...'Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' And Jesus said to him, ... You know the commandments: 'Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.' And he said to him, 'Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.' And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, 'You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions." (Mark 10: 17b, 18a, 19-22) "Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death." (John 8: 51) "And someone said to him, 'Lord, will those who are saved be few?' And he said to them, 'Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able'." (Luke 13: 23-24) "Strive for peace with all men, and for holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." (Heb.12: 14) "Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers'." (Matt. 7: 21-23) "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it'." (Matt. 16: 24-25) "And Peter opened his mouth and said, 'Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him'." (Acts 10: 34-35) "Blessed are those who keep his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life ..." (Rev. 22: 14a) Well, I think these Biblical verses are enough to convince us that "salvation" is not so easy as modern, "born again" Christians want to present it... And it is not my fault that such verses exist in the Bible.