Attitudes toward sin
A friend says that if she believes in Jesus she can live any way she wants and still go to heaven. I know one should not sin, but I can't find any Scripture that tells me that in conjunction with being saved. She has grown up in the church and is pretty knowledgeable. My go-to passage has always been "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." It doesn't add anything. I know we would not want to sin after receiving this gift, but I don't know what to tell her. It doesn't say believe and live a good life and you will be saved. She is baptized and confirmed and educated in archeology and history, which is part of her having issues with the Bible. She wants to be saved but has doubts. What do I tell her? I know she will not go out and sin just because she can, but there are others with and without faith who ask the same questions and I don't have an answer.
I commend you for your concern for your friend. A cavalier attitude toward sin is very dangerous. You might consider sharing the following Bible passages with your friend: Romans 6:1-4; 8:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:26; 2 Peter 2:20-22; and, 1 John 3:6. Those verses speak of the danger of deliberately violating God’s holy will.
Saving faith, Christian faith, is trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. Christian faith is a matter of the heart, but the Bible (especially the book of James) makes it clear that Christian faith is not confined to the head or heart but is visible in everyday life. You can remind your friend of Jesus’ words: “If you love me, keep my commands… Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me” (John 14:15, 23-24).
I do not show love for Jesus when I live anyway I want to—thinking that I have God’s forgiveness no matter what. No, I show love for Jesus when I fight against temptation and sin the best I can. I show love for Jesus when I recognize the high price he paid to win forgiveness for my sins and then live my life for him (2 Corinthians 5:15). God bless your efforts to share the truths of his word with your friend.