Jesus told the story of a prodigal son in Luke 15. This son went out and lived a riotous life. He then came to his senses and decided to return to his father's house to become one of his slaves. And although he confessed his sin, his motives were not necessarily all that pure - he was tired of being hungry and eating pig slop. Yet his father ran to meet him when he was still a long way off and embraced him and kissed him, clothed him with the best robe, put a ring on his finger, and sandals on his feet. All of these things have significance of the new position and standing bestowed upon him by his father. The father even said, "For this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost and now has been found." A grand celebration ensued.
All this young man did was to turn from his sinful life, return home, and confess his sin to his father. Other than that he did NOTHING. So, is he home free, or does he have a lifetime of work and effort ahead of him in order to earn his father's favor and a place in his home? And since Jesus was teaching this as an allegory of how God relates to us, are we saved when we turn from our sin and confess our sins to God, or do we have to do some more things in order to earn heaven? And what is the significance in him saying, "For this son of mine was dead, and has come to life."? And is it possible the father may have later taken the best robe and the ring from him?
All this young man did was to turn from his sinful life, return home, and confess his sin to his father. Other than that he did NOTHING. So, is he home free, or does he have a lifetime of work and effort ahead of him in order to earn his father's favor and a place in his home? And since Jesus was teaching this as an allegory of how God relates to us, are we saved when we turn from our sin and confess our sins to God, or do we have to do some more things in order to earn heaven? And what is the significance in him saying, "For this son of mine was dead, and has come to life."? And is it possible the father may have later taken the best robe and the ring from him?