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That is at the root of our question, though. While we agree that those who do not continue are not in the faith, you are saying that they never truly were. I believe that they were, but they, like Ephesus in Revelation, they have left their First Love.

As much as possible, I try to understand original audience relevance. However, I did not know that. Interesting perspective.

Nobody would ever do it on purpose. However, those who are deceived don't understand what their eternal future holds. I must agree with you regarding the passages above. That makes perfect sense regarding our legal standing in Christ. Would you take the same view with Colossians 1:21-23? The...

I never questioned that the main point of the Revelation passage was a warning not to add to or take away from Scripture. I was making the observation that the one who does so will have his name taken out of the Book of Life. This would not be possible unless his name had been in the Book of...

Agreed - Christ did indeed die for the whole world. Unfortunately, the whole world will not be saved, but only those who actually follow Christ, as we both know. The righteousness of Christ is imputed upon every believer. This still does not take away our ability to reject Him afterwards. If...

While you present a good argument, I must disagree. John 15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes." In this passage, Jesus is speaking of people who are truly saved. They were IN HIM, yet they did not bear fruit. Earlier I...

Note - I thought I had posted a reply, but it disappeared. I apologize if it's a duplicate. "Who would reject Salvation?" Well, we are compared to sheep for good reasons. We are easily led astray. Per your suggestion, I re-read James chapter 1. True, it's not God who tempts us. That...

Prime example of one who runs from God. His example shows there is hope for all of us.

Why would only those "actually in the faith" receive encouragement and warnings to remain in the faith? If there was no danger of them leaving the faith, warnings about the dangers of leaving the faith would be unnecessary.

I must respectfully disagree. We know we have eternal life because we follow Christ. If we decide to follow another path, we lose salvation. Regarding those whom Jesus "never knew", I believe these were people who never truly knew Him. 1 John 5:9 also tells us that whoever is born of God does...

True, He is our High Priest, and we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. However, consider Colossians 1:21-23 "And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and...

Yes, they are no longer slaves to sin. That doesn't mean they couldn't reject Him afterwards. Scripture is filled with many warnings against turning away from the Faith.

Eternal - unless the receiver of the gift rejects it to serve another master (sin).

You present an excellent argument, MB. I'm not entirely sure I can disagree with you, but I would like to present some questions all the same. You are right, of course, regarding the Law. That doesn't quite answer my question regarding the Hebrews passages. Maybe I am just missing...

Would it be "freedom of the will" in the sense that we choose which master we serve? If we don't choose Christ, we are slaves of sin by default - but that is from our own choice. Gotta run - catch you tomorrow.

That is REALLY good news!!!! It's about time Christians started taking the Left to court. We need to take our stand - whether it's in a debate, on social media, or in the courts.

I hope that I never come across as being arrogant, and I apologize if I have done so, Brother Wesley. I will try to address your points in order. "Thy will be done" in the Lord's Prayer is an appeal that our Father's will be done on the earth. This appeal is necessary because man's will is...

Thanks. I don't want to break any protocols, even accidentally. From what I've read, the Baptist Board folks seem to handle different views very well. I used to have a "Disqus" account, but they argue and insult each other over there.

Thank you, IoDebar. While I totally agree that Christ cannot be crucified again, I don't agree with the "Once Saved, Always Saved" idea. Besides the verse above, I also see the danger of losing salvation in Hebrews 10:26-27 "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of...