Results 1 - 5 of 5
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Easy to deny Christ? | Matt 10:33 | Makarios | 31415 | ||
Greetings, charis! If someone were to just outright deny Christ, or willfully reject Him and every part of Him, then it would not be a "moment" happening. I believe that if someone was led to do this, then it would be based on circumstances that would happen over the course of the time of someone's life. But, I believe that it is not possible for one who is genuinely saved to completely deny and willfully reject Jesus Christ. In the situation that you have described, (a good question, I would add), I understand it in this way: By accepting Christ, we are dead to our former selves. We have died to the former and left it for dead; that is, we have left the former life behind completely, and irrevocably. So therefore, we are a "new creation" in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we were to deny Christ (as believers), then it would mean that we would have to return to that self that has already died; that self that has already been "put to death." I sincerely do not think that it is possible to return to that, our old selves, which has been irrevocably 'erased', even on our own behalf, and with our wishes! However, we are reminded (at least I am) of our former selves from time to time, and what we used to be like and how we used to act, but we find that we are not what we used to be, not in essense nor in spirit. We have become something totally different now, we are completely and irrevocably changed. And once this "metamorphosis" has occurred, I do not believe that we can return to our former state of being. I liken this suggestion, of completely denying Christ and returning to our former selves, as like to that of a butterfly going back into the cocoon and coming out as a caterpillar again. We all know that the development of a butterfly is a "one-direction" process: caterpillar, cocoon, and then butterfly, and I believe that this is the same case for those who come to salvation as well. Blessings to you, Nolan |
||||||
2 | Easy to deny Christ? | Matt 10:33 | charis | 31444 | ||
Dear 'blessed' Makarios, Greetings in the name of Jesus! You well know that I lean strongly toward 'once saved, always saved,' but I just cannot state unequivocably, absolutely that this is "God's final word." The reason is that the 'other camp' DOES have soem good points! However, for all intents and purposes, for virtually every practical application, I still believe that God will keep us close to Him, and protect and guard His own. That said, your (by the way, VERY GOOD!) comments do lead me to ask if the only way we (here on earth) can tell if a person is saved is if he lasts 15 rounds and 'takes it to the judges?' If we finish the race without denying Christ, it is proof that we are saved, a new creation? Please understand that I am not arguing against a secure salvation, but for it! I am simply trying to answer the 'naysayers' effectively. I know that the Lord has made me alive together with Christ Jesus, and I am certain that He will keep me until that day. I am just as certain that the Lord has similar plans for many, even if they do not produce the same fruit of an outward appearance of salvation. Trust that I am NOT saying all are saved, only those that have confessed Christ, but have a more difficult time manifesting that salvation. I think that those who are sensitive to the Holy Spirit can discern salvation beyond outward good works, and that we must be careful not to become too 'selective' in who we call saved. (I am sure that God is not as hard to please as man is!) Some might say I am arguing both sides. Indeed, I might be doing just that! Both sides have merit, but only in a matter of scale. I am 99.99 percent in favor of eternal security, with the remainder totally in God's hands, and beyond my ability to grasp. Thank you for a well thought out answer, good friend. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
3 | Easy to deny Christ? | Matt 10:33 | Makarios | 31538 | ||
Greetings, Charis! Yes! Thank you for the compliment! I did know beforehand what your stance was on 'once saved, always saved', and I believe that I was writing with the intention of showing how salvation is something of a whole lot greater importance than to be completely dismissed on a whim at any moment's notice. But your very Username means "grace", and I am convinced that I know where you "lean", my friend! :-) Also, noone ever said that you had to make a choice between one side or the other, even though we agree on this topic! You ask "How can we tell if a person is genuinely saved?" Excellent question! We are told to 'examine ourselves' (2 Cor. 13:5) to see if we have a "genuine saving faith." (1) In the back of the MacArthur Study Bible, which I'm pretty sure that you also own a copy, it displays a chart that describes the character of someone who has a 'genuine saving faith.' I believe that we can tell if a person has this kind of faith by observing them, but the following are some things that neither prove nor disprove the evidence of this kind of faith: Visible Morality (Matt. 19:16-21; 23:27), Intellectual Knowledge (Rom. 1:21; 2:17ff), Religious Involvement (Matt. 25:1-10), Active Ministry (Matt. 7:21-24), Conviction of Sin (Acts 24:25), Assurance (Matt. 23), and Time of Decision (Luke 8:13,14). (1) The chart also goes on to say that the "proofs" or fruit of authentic 'genuine saving faith' are: Love for God, Repentance from Sin, Genuine Humility, Devotion to God's Glory, Continual Prayer, Selfless Love, Separation from the world, Spiritual Growth, and Obedient Living. It also states that if a person has all the qualities listed in the above paragraph but does not have the qualities listed in this paragraph, then there is cause to question the validity of one's salvation. But if a person exhibits the qualities in this paragraph, then they will most likely also exhibit the qualities in the prior paragraph as well, since the person is genuinely saved. I hope that this helps us in leading the "naysayers" into a deeper understanding of our position! I spared some of the Scripture above, which was listed in the chart (and quite extensive), since I believe that you also own a copy.. Your Brother in Christ, Makarios (mak-ar'-ee-os) meaning "Blessed" P.S. I made a 'deal' with the 'big guy' and asked him to change my Username for the sake of anonymity. And this change is permanent, since I will not go back and forth on him like that. :-) Source: (1) The MacArthur Study Bible, 1997, Word Publishing, John MacArthur, Author and General Editor |
||||||
4 | Easy to deny Christ? | Matt 10:33 | Hank | 31543 | ||
Dear Makarios: Welcome to the Forum! :-) Wow, did I come close to a faux pax; I nearly said, "It's a delight to see a newcomer who is actually using copious scriptural references to support what he is saying." But I hasten to add it's equally delightful to see an old-timer like yourself continuing to use in context appropriate Scripture to substantiate his remarks. Albeit this procedure may be something of a rara avis, it still well could be the preferred method to be considered in a medium such as this that calls itself a study (the) Bible forum. Soli Deo Gloria! --Hank | ||||||
5 | Easy to deny Christ? | Matt 10:33 | Makarios | 31553 | ||
Greetings again, my friend! It is good to know that I haven't "lost anything" in a year's time! :-) Thank you for the compliment! Blessings to you, Makarios |
||||||