Featured When were you saved ?

I honestly cannot pinpoint WHEN. I grew up going to a SB Church and from my earliest memories Jesus Christ was my hero, for real. That's not to say I didn't stray, because I've sinned greatly, but in my heart I've always known Him as long as I can remember, no matter what I did, He was the supreme being, the ultimate example to aspire to.

 

I have not read the article, but I agree wholeheartedly that "saved" in scripture is much broader than "when were you born from above". I actually like the way you worded that, and I have truly struggled in the past to frame the question in such a way as to convey a proper understanding of what is being asked and answered

As for 5 stages (or phases), I would not agree in whole. I see 7 aspects of salvation, the other two not listed are:
1) I was saved from a guilty conscience when I was baptized in water (1Pet 3:21) which has enabled me to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4)
2) the future aspect of salvation mentioned is actually two-fold:
a) physical resurrection (Rom 5:9-10) Reconciled by His death is now. Shall be saved (from physical death) by His [resurrection] life will happen when we are also raised imperishable, as He is the first fruit (1Cor 15:23)
b) when we share in His glory and receive rewards, at His coming (Heb 2:9-10, Matt 10:20, Rom 8:17, 10:9-13, James 2:12-14)

 

Nicely formatted brother ....thanks:thumbsup:

 

The Arminians must view us as nuts:laugh:

 

I read the article, and I would say it is definitely coming from a Calvinist perspective, which I do not share. The author had the future aspect as the time when we will finally be made perfect, which reminds me of the WCF. That's always been a head scratcher for me, as it seems to relegate regeneration to a subjective change in disposition, rather than an objective washing as described in Titus 3:5.

But, regardless of the driving perspective, I appreciate teachings that are likely to make people study.

One bible study at our church was taught by a visiting seminary professor, and he chose the subject of whether or not we can lose our salvation. When he polled the class, he was totally surprised that I raised my hand for both yes and no. Then I went on to explain that salvation is very broad in the NT.

Afterwards, he asked me where did I go to seminary, because that's not something a layman would typically know. I said it's a shame that people learn in seminary and then fail to teach the laity

 

I was five years old. We had been attending this IFB church for a little while, and one day I decided I wanted to accept Jesus into my heart...so I told my mom and she said, okay, let's talk to the pastor after church.
I don't remember that, though. I'm going by what my mom told me about that day. What I DO remember about that day is one moment when praying with the pastor.

Later on in my teens some things happened that led me to question God's existence, although I had never questioned up to that point. I didn't give up on believing just like that, but I kept on searching. God eventually revealed Himself to me (just when I was ready to give up, seemingly), and that was the start of a life-changing experience and some of the most exciting times of my life.
There were times (such as my period of doubt and later on in dealing with deep depression) that I just wanted to quit, throw my hands up and walk away from the faith. But God wouldn't let me go.

I honestly believe that I was saved as a five year old. Sure, there were things I didn't have the mental capacity to understand back then. But I believed that Jesus died and rose again and I believed the Bible.

 

Please elaborate. I read your 7 aspects on page 1. How can you lose your salvation(s) in light of those 7 aspects?

 

Regeneration affects a change in disposition -- 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Acts 9; Ez. 36:26,27; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Timothy 2:19, the entirety of 1 John. Not only do we believe this, but we also believe the washing in Titus as well, all elements fitting together nicely, both washing and sanctification showing true regeneration.

 

That's just pure mysticism.

 

My salvation is a long story. I was first confronted with the Gospel at a young age, maybe 10 and I believed at that moment and this was in a UMC church.

At that point I continued in my belief in the Gospel, then at about age 22 we felt drawn to Christ to serve Him and especially know Him and so we joined with the Baptists.

I've felt God's hand upon me from a young age, hard to explain, but I feel He has always been saving me. I think of this when I read the Psalms how David is always calling upon God for salvation from many differing aspects of his life. I guess it goes along with 'I am saved, I am being saved, I will be saved'.

 

Only one aspect of salvation can be lost, rewards.

James 2:12 instructs us to speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. v13 tells us that judgment will be without mercy for those who have shown no mercy. v14 asks "what if a man says he has faith but has no works? Will faith, by itself, save him?

It's a rhetorical question, being answered "no". Faith by itself will not save him. From what? The judgment just mentioned, which is the believer's judgment. The only judgment a believer will face is at the Bema Seat, for rewards. 3:1 tells us that teachers will receive a stricter judgment.

Matthew 10:40-42 says "He who receives you receives Me...And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."

Many parables that Jesus taught show that what one has will be taken from him and given to the one who did more - minas, talents, etc.

There are many scriptures which contain a conditional element for "salvation" or "eternal life". Unfortunately, many try to reverse the prescription, as if Jesus said "he who is saved will endure to the end" which is not at all what He said.

I don't believe justification or regeneration can be lost, nor will the Holy Spirit be taken from a believer.

 

It varies from person to person. For example, I know exactly, to the minute, when I was saved. People find this hard to believe, but I felt the Holy Spirit enter in! It was an instantaneous change of heart and mind -- and many of you Reformed are going to deny this, hate it as untrue: It was after I prayed for relief from myself, knowing that I did not understand who God was, but knowing absolutely by His divine knowledge shared with me that I was a sinner in need of a Savior. That is not how I put it then. I couldn't "put it" anyway then. But it is what I have come to understand and know about that glorious moment. The second that prayer was finished, He was in me. I knew it, I felt it, and I broke down and cried.

 

Don't drop that bomb w/o an explaination. Mysticism how?I grasp mysticism like RC dogma....Our Lady of Fatima...that stuff. Presbyterians with their sacrimentalism....but Primitive Baptists!?! Come on.....:smilewinkgrin: