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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | Greg Martin | 37331 | ||
charis, You ask "you seem to be saying that if a person claims salvation, but sins (doesn't have his heart right), then he was never saved to begin with. Is that right? No. The condition of the heart and attitude at that point of salvation is what matters. Our heart is not right several times and we sin several times. There is not a single person fathered by men who has not. So obviously this can not be a condition to prove that you've been saved or no one would have ever been saved. What I am saying is at that point when you ask Christ to come into your heart and rule your life, your heart has to mean it. I can say to my boss, I would love to take that project, and even complete it and excell at it, but not really like it. And when I said I would love to take it, not have meant that, but said it to get on his good side, or because I knew it was right. I can tithe faithfully but grumble as I write that check, 'Boy that sure is a chunk of money. That could pay some bills this month..." That would be Cain's attitude. God does not want this money. He can manufacture his own. He wants your heart. So instead one has to believe "Thank you, Lord, for *allowing* me to give this to You" But if we don't it has no bearing on our salvation, it means that that particular event was not right. Therefore, if this is the case at the moment one prays for salvation, that event is not right. He never takes back His grace. You can not lose salvation. |
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2 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 37819 | ||
Dear Greg Martin, Greetings in Jesus' name! My friend, you illustrate my point exactly! Only God knows the heart, so only God knows whether one is saved or not. We can try to point to a person's works (actions or inactions) and discern their 'position' in God's sight, but there is no accurate practical means for man to measure another's salvation. The only starting point we have for ascertaining someone's salvation is their own testimony, and according to your post, subsequent denial of Christ is not a measure of one's eternal situation. I agree with this position. I know of some that are not presently serving God, but at one time did confess Christ as Savior. In the same way that I trust Christ for my own salvation, even though I fall short, I will trust in His salvation for those not 'keeping up' their salvific works. To me, this is 'once saved, always saved.' All this said, God is sovereign! If He should choose to 'break His own rules' and take away salvation from those who were once saved, that is His business. I trust that this is a rare occurrence, and is completely in accord with His infinite wisdom and knowledge. This, IMHO, would satisfy the Scriptures that seem to speak of 'lost salvation.' In any case, we on earth, are not privy to any specific knowledge. Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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