Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Heb. 6:4-6 Security | Gen 1:1 | Beja | 219808 | ||
I think we need to be slow with this issue. Our modern time has taken a biblical concept, "once saved always saved," and added some very unbiblical thoughts to this. This is often used to argue that a person who is completely devoid of any fruits of the spirit, most notably repentance, is saved because we remember them making a profession early in life. Sometimes it is foolishly even applied to those who once professed faith but no longer even believe the gosple. What has happened is that we have striped the doctrine away from "the perseverance of the saints." Those who are saved are indeed saved eternally, but they are also kept in the faith by the power of God. Consider passages like the one in Hebrews, but also Colossians 1:21-23, Galatians 5:2-5, Hebrews 3:5-6,14. This list could be expanded but if you look up these passages you get the point. We can not simply explain away all of these. We must finally reach the point that we admit that turning from the gospel is indeed fatal. And by fatal I mean eternally damning unless there is later repentence and faith. Keep in mind the issue here is not that we sin, but that we turn from the gospel. Once saved always saved? Yes, but saving faith is life long faith. To have a faith that only lasts a certain season is to show it was not true faith at all. Is this not in harmony with Johnn when he says in 1 John 2:19 that they went out from us but weren't really of us? And that they went out from us for the purpose of showing that they were not really of us? Is this not what Jesus is portraying in the parable of the soils when he shows two soils that apparently received the gospel quickly but then later showed that they weren't the good soil? So, it would be far better that we hold tightly to the "Perseverance of the Saints" rather than to "Once saved always saved." Both teach that salvation can not be lost, but one clings fast to the doctrine of perseverance at the same time, and assures that new Christians are not ambushed by the passages I listed, and as a result think eternal security is refuted. Brother John, just for clarification I don't lay any of this at your feet personally, but only used your post as an excuse to preach. God bless you. In Christ, Beja |
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2 | Heb. 6:4-6 Security | Gen 1:1 | justme | 219866 | ||
Beja: After reading this post I was reminded of a close friend I knew form 1964. We served in the Us Navy together in the same time period, not the same places. Only three months ago we made contact after nearly 40 years. I saw my friend come foward at an invitation, and felt he was a Christian. The heartbraking truth is he is now completly anti Christ, and a bitter man. I am sure Jesus Christ is far deeper hurt than I, but it hurts me very deeply that he has rejected Jesus Christ. A common saying is faith that falters, had a flaw from the first. Just saying a prayer is no proof of conversion. Complete surrendering to Christ is a daily action of trusting and submiting to Christ. The "once saved always saved" is very true. The key point is the person must be genuinely saved. The perseverance of the believer is totally in control of Jesus Christ as per John chapter 10. There is the fact that no one can snatch or pluck us out of the keeping of our salvation from Jesus Christ hand or holding power. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit as proof of our salvation. If satan can bring doubt into our minds as to if we really are saved than it can render us useless. I suggest that assurance of our salvation comes as we mature in Christ. I do believe once saved we are always saved. Salvation is by grace and faith that Jesus gives us. Romans 8 is filled with many things we can endure, not a single reason to doubt being genuinely saved. The key Word is "genuine". We can do nothing to earn our salvation. I hope this adds to what you have said. justme |
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3 | Heb. 6:4-6 Security | Gen 1:1 | Beja | 219867 | ||
Justme, Yes, it does indeed go right along with what I was trying to say. I regret to hear that you have such a vivid example. God is still saving soul's though, and the day may come that he knows Christ in truth. I'll join you in praying to that end. In Christ, Beja |
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