Bible Question: once saved always saved? |
Bible Answer: Hi bmarshall, Welcome to the StudyBibleForum! If you enter the words "once saved" in the search box, you will find the many discussions that have taken place on this forum. I think you will find that this question really comes down to vocabulary, mostly. Look at the parable of the sower. Mt 13:20 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. This person 'receives the word with joy' - but not with faith and commitment - and does not continue, and is not saved. (this is my way of thinking of this). 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. John speaks of these people as appearing to be saved, but as time goes on, they depart, and reveal that they were never actually re-created. Some would say that a person is born again, and returns to sin, and loses their salvation. I myself do not believe that is a correct understanding, but consider this: there is really no difference to the final state of that person. I believe salvation is shown to be real and genuine when the person's life is transformed, when we turn from our sin and STAY turned. Simply put, if you are born again, you will forgive, and you will be forgiven. If you are not born again, even though you said a prayer or were submerged in the river, your heart does not forgive, and you are not forgiven. If you want a more technical answer, enter these post numbers in the 'search' box: 141170 and 141090. This will direct you to a particular thread on this discussion. I have also done an extensive study that is simply too large for this forum. I will email it for your review if you wish. markdseyler@yahoo.com I like the way my Pastor puts it: You are safe if you are abiding in Christ. He means it in that so long as you abide in Christ, you will not lose your salvation. I mean it in that so long as you are abiding in Christ, you know your rebirth is genuine. To the one who continues in sin, without the correction of the LORD, I warn - repent before it is too late. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |