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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | 491 Club? | 1 Tim 4:1 | 10ECPreacher | 33424 | ||
Greetings, charis. I will be the first to admit that there is MUCH misunderstanding concerning just how great is the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I consider this to be one of the most tragic of all observable phenomena in the entire arena of Christianity. I am convinced that there are very many who consider themselves irretrievably lost when they are really just a prayer away from reconciliation. We probably agree more than we disagree on this point. I simply would like to point out that there are far too many scriptures warning the believers against "apostasy" for it to be only a "theoretical possiblity." Why would automobile manufacturers repeatedly post warnings against the dangers of approaching the speed of light in a vehicle, for example? It is "theoretically possible" to do so, but "practically impossible" in our vehicles. Yet, we have repeated warnings against apostasy in the N.T. If it were only a "theoretical possibility," then many, many passages could be argued to have little or no practical value. One more passage for consideration: "But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off." [Romans 11:17-22 NASB] Kind regards, Tim D. Cormier Tennessee Preacher |
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2 | The measure of death? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33433 | ||
Dear 10EC, Greetings from Japan in the name of Jesus! You are correct that we probably have much more in common than we do not! :-) The problem is (to me!) quite simple. If we claim that salvation is 'loseable,' we must bear the burden of knowing how it is lost! It is very convenient to say, "That's easy! Whenever we deny Christ, or deny the Holy Spirit (depending on which 'proof-Scripture' we are using), we are separated from His grace by our willful departure." But the hard part is being more specific! This is why I use the word 'theoretical.' According to most popular methods of accounting, some of the greatest men of faith (Moses and David come to mind, as well as Paul by self-confession) deserve death. Yet God has a different method of accounting that we can never fathom. I have given this completely to the Lord. I see your Scriptures, and I see the 'opposing' Scriptures that claim proof of absolute assurance. Both parties (camps) lead to a form of legalism that I do not see substantiated in the Bible. To give an example of said legalism, the 'loseable' side usually ends up having to decide on a 'measure' of saved/unsaved, which does not bear up under the historical record of the Bible. The 'unloseable' side does fine until someone starts acting unsaved, which inevitably leads to 'not saved from the beginning' or 'that was false salvation' judgement. I KNOW the measure of life, but can I know the measure of death? If I err, I err on the side of salvation and grace, placing my life in His capable hands for measure. If you are right, I plead mercy to He who is merciful! Thank you for your kind regards! My blessings to you as well! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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3 | The measure of death? | 1 Tim 4:1 | 10ECPreacher | 33474 | ||
Greetings, charis! Your reasoning is very sound. I, too, cannot find in the Scripture a clear-cut and concise way of knowing exactly and precisely when a person has lost his or her salvation. You are exactly right--we do know the measure of life, but only God knows the measure of death. I think of it like the "line" that separates day from night. Obviously, at the two extremes may be found light and darkness; yet, between them lies a pretty big area of gray--in varying intensities (some call this the "twilight zone"). Who but God really knows at what point the one that wanders from the light into the twilight zone actually crosses over into gross darkness? All I can say assertively is what the Scripture says. "Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?" [Hebrews 10:28-29 NASB] Only God knows how long he will allow someone to "insult grace" before visiting them with judgment. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Tim D. Cormier Tennessee Preacher |
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4 | The measure of death? | 1 Tim 4:1 | EdB | 33482 | ||
10EC Your a wise man with another astute observation. Again this dialogue between you and Charis should be "Once Saved Always Saved 101". Bless you both EdB |
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