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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Can A Christian disown Christ? | Matt 10:33 | Searcher56 | 15603 | ||
Can A Christian disown Christ? If not, who does this apply to? Why did Jesus say "My" Father? |
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2 | Can A Christian disown Christ? | Matt 10:33 | charis | 15877 | ||
Dear Steve, and fellow saints, This question is similar to 'once saved, always saved?' My answer (opinion) to this is, Yes, for all intents and purposes. There are places in the Bible that speak of 'falling away' and the 'unforgiveable sin.' Without becoming too deep for my own good, I will just say that there *seems* to be a possibility of disowning Christ, but it is remote! (Praise God!) In fact, it is so remote that I, personally, discount it, and place that decision in God's capable hands. (some may have noticed that I like that phrase!) The alternative seems to be that we on earth have some insight into the heart of man regarding his relationship with God. For instance, if we believe that we can (relatively easily) lose our salvation, few would 'make it.' Or, that those that seemingly 'fall away' were never saved in the first place, which is absolutely frightening. Is there going to be an earthly test? NO! The results are known only 'off-site!' "You shall know them by their fruits?' Who is 'you?' And are 'you' going to tell 'us?' All I can say is that these alternatives stink! I preach and portray the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray for those I meet and know, regardless of my view of their 'status' with God. I serve them, knowing that if they are saved, I must serve them as His, and if they are not, I must serve them His promises. The only time I am 'off the hook' is when I could be 'casting pearls before swine.' Even then, my prayer is that another might be more effective in giving forth the Good News. I have several acquaintances that once served Christ with me years ago, that now are not doing so. I have no Biblical foundation for condemning them to Hell. I did my best to dissuade them from worldly ways, but was unable to do so. Are they unsaved because I don't see their salvation? Sorry, but that's not my department! Can a Christian disown Christ, (and thereby be stripped of salvation?) I HOPE NOT! What do you hope? What do you know? Blessings and much grace. In Jesus' name, charis |
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3 | Can A Christian disown Christ? | Matt 10:33 | There | 15888 | ||
This is where I thought Tim might be going with his earlier question to me. Jesus speaks of the sower and the seed. Some believe but throw it away for various reasons. And the last group believe, understand, and produce fruit. So I do believe that some believe and fall away. I further believe that once a believer is born-again -- Spirit filled, having received the Holy Spirit of promise, we will not fall away. Ephesians 1:13-14 "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the "earnest" of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. "Earnest" comes from the Greek word "arrhabon" meaning "pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest: -- earnest". This same word is used in 2 Cor. 1:22 "who also has sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts". And again in 2Cor. 5:5 "Now he that has wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also has given us the earnest of the Spirit". Since God knows the final outcome before the fact, I don't believe He would give the earnest of the Holy Spirit knowing that someone would later fall away. So if one is born again of the Spirit, i.e. filled with the Spirit -- then I do not believe they would ever fall away. I sometimes think this is why some people refer to some Christians as having "head knowledge" rather than "heart knowledge" concerning following Christ. I'm not making a judgement, since I KNOW that I can't judge anyone's heart. I agree with you, obedience to the Lord and prayer can bring about miracles though, the greatest of which, in my opinion, is the salvation of a soul. |
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