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NASB | 1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 4:1 But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, |
Bible Question:
Dear Charis, I'm not sure I understand clearly. Are you saying that: 1. Salvation can be lost 2. It is difficult to lose 3. It rarely happens 4. Verses that support this view have been quoted by both camps?? :-( Sorry if I seem confused. I'm not even sure which camp I belong to, because I want to belong to the "ALWAYS SAVED" camp, and yet am afraid that I may be led astray by this belief. I would love to be assured of my salvation, simply because I know I could never do everything right to keep it, nor could I NOT do anything wrong - ever - that I might lose it. One thing I am sure of (and agree with you about)and that is that the Bible is NOT wishy-washy. That is why I would like to be sure of what it is that the Bible has to say on this very important matter. Please share in detail, if possible. Thank you and may God bless u for taking the time to share your wisdom with us. In His love, Your sister, Bhawna |
Bible Answer: Dear Bhawna, Greetings from Japan in Jesus' name! Indeed, the points 1-4 that you listed sum things up pretty well. In my humble opinion, the assurance of our salvation is a promise from God, and we must lean upon this promise. The 'other camp' is more of a theoretical possibility. It can happen, but easily, or again and again? I cannot see evidence of that in the Bible. The evidence I see in the Word tells me that *certain* very willful men may throw away their salvation by denying the Holy Spirit, but they do not 'lose' it by accident, and satan does not have the power or authority to 'snatch' it away! My own experience leads me to believe that *certain* Christians (very few!) may have chosen this path, but I don't know for sure. God does know, so I leave it to Him. (and Him alone!) So, the hope of salvation we should hold dearly, and hope for others, too! But the possibility, the theory of denying Christ I leave totally unto Him. Anything beyond that is conjecture, and could lead to condemnation of another saint (or even ourselves!), which is none of our business! As to specific Scriptural proof, I will let you browse through the dozens of posts written on this forum. Just use the search function above and you will be 'filled until it comes out of your nostrils!' :-) I think I know which camp YOU are in! In Christ Jesus, charis |