Bible Question:
The question of salvation came up between a friend and myself. He and I agree that once saved always saved, except in the event that you reject God. Well if that is true then we then have to define rejection. He thinks by some undertermined amount of sinning and or lack of good works you are in essence "rejecting God". Where I would define rejection as a state of mind that says " I dont want God or what He has to offer". Now I guess what really bothers me is in my mind I choose to believe in Christ and the work He did but I am not doing so well in the works department. Is my salvation in jeopardy? I have always thought of it this way, get saved....go to heaven. do good works ......be blessed in this world and in heaven. Dont do good works and sin.....curses in this world but still go to heaven. LOL im starting to confuse myself :) Any clarity in this MUCH appreciated |
Bible Answer: Timothy Hart: Welcome to the Forum! Wow, right off the bat you hit the subject that has sparked a lot of angry, unkind debates. What is really a shame is how Christians on either side of the debate can attack and bring such anger into the forum and still say they represent Christ. Seems rather insensitive, and sorta like stepping on the very basics of the meaning of being a Christian. So we have in other words left you to fend for your self, and what notes were posted before the dialouge on OSAS was put in place. However, I do agree with Lockman's demand, as it was clear there were some rather unlovely statements made one side to the other. With Lockman's request in mind, and not violating that rule May I point you in a different direction, and maybe a looking at this issue in a way that's more open? Perhaps there are surrounding issues we should look at to come to a better conclusions. When Jesus said if you love me you will abide in me what does that mean? I know it means there must be a relationship that is more than just saying a prayer once saying I am a sinner, and want all Jesus has to offer and then rest on that once said prayer and call that being "born again". Marriage, which is compaired to Christ and the Church is not a couple repeating words and then going on their separate ways, never to be genuinely united and consumating their union in marriage. Even the law of the land does not call that a binding marriage. So what consumates our union with Christ? (spritually) I believe Scripture says to be joined with Christ we are to follow His directions. Jesus said we are to repent, this means confession of our sinful life, and as become closer in our relationship with Him we want to rid ourself of things that are not bringing us close to each outer. Jesus was baptized as an example, and we are to follow that example, this is not an optional direction. When someone has a problem with being baptized they really are disobeying and not abiding in Christ. Jesus said we are to Love one another, this is not optional! Jesus made so many parrables attempting to make it clear what "His followers" were to do and be, so it is not that He has not given us plenty of instructions to follow. Abiding in Christn is not optional either. The longer we abide in Christ the stronger our love grows in Christ, this is positive assurance we are in Christ's hand and no one can pluck us out! There is no doubt that such a abiding person is saved forever and has full assurance of salvation. There were no short cuts to Calvary for Jesus, and there are no short cuts to abiding in Christ. Paul constantly warns us not to turn back, and to press on with Christ. Salvation is not dependant upon our works, for Christ's work on the cross has filled that requirement. The clearer question is are we abiding in Christ? When my wife and I were joined in marriage some 35 years ago, we were husband and wife. The fact is we are married, no matter what my feelings are we are married! Someone can say you are only married as long as you believe with all your mind you are married. Not so, the fact is our marriage is recorded, proof that our marriage took place and we have a Covenant with each other and God. We abide with each other as proof that our marriage is reality. Abiding in Christ is solid 100 percent evidence we are "born agin" and the Holy Spirit lives in us as a seal of our salvation in Jesus Christ forever. The debate of OSAS is uncalled for, we simply ask ourself "am I abiding in Christ?" that gives us the answer. If we can not say we are abiding in Christ there is cause to question if our faith is a said faith or a living faith in Christ. I have found this little saying very interesting. "Faith that falters, had a flaw in it from the first." The more I have thought about this the more I find it speks volumes to what false salvation is. May I say the debate is not OSAS (which I do believe) it gets down to the demand of Jesus Christ to abide in Him, and the Grace Jesus gives as Jesus said we can do nothing by ourselves. Jesus calls, He holds us, He give us His seal, He gives us the faith, He abides with us, never leaves us and nothing can separate us from His Love. We abide in Jesus. If we are not in Christ abiding with Him. If we are abiding in Christ are we in His salvation? By going back to the words of Jesus we either have assurance or doubt. I hope this brings us back to Scripture, and not a debate over words and beliefs, but rather the question of is abiding in Christ the only assurance that our salvation is real? What are your thoughts? I welcome any thoughts of those who would care to make a comment. Blessings. justme |