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Do you believe the once saved can again be lost?
- Thread starter 37818
- Start date
Ascetic X
Active Member
The real question to start with is “what is my absolute undeniable assurance that I really am saved, born again, converted into a child of God?”
Each of us likely has some anchor of the soul that seems to prove that the Holy Spirit truly resides in them. Once we are fully convinced we are true saved Christians, the question of eternal security is less important, as long as we continue to trust and obey God as best we can, combatting self-indulgence and resisting sins of the flesh and mind.
It is when we are backsliding and deliberately enjoying sin that we worry about losing our salvation and how to regain it.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Each of us likely has some anchor of the soul that seems to prove that the Holy Spirit truly resides in them. Once we are fully convinced we are true saved Christians, the question of eternal security is less important, as long as we continue to trust and obey God as best we can, combatting self-indulgence and resisting sins of the flesh and mind.
It is when we are backsliding and deliberately enjoying sin that we worry about losing our salvation and how to regain it.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
DaveXR650
Well-Known Member
What makes it tough is that theologically, it is probably true that once saved you cannot be lost. And there is plenty in scripture to give assurance to someone who is repentant even though they might fail or sin. What is not found is that someone has a warrant to feel secure based on "once saved always saved" while living in willful sin and disobedience and presuming upon the theology as if it applies to them anyway. I have seen presumptuous people claim the doctrine in that manner, and I have seen people read too many Puritans and get depressed when they really examine themselves.
It is difficult to realize that you really and truly don't deserve to be saved, and you really don't even merit staying saved after being initially forgiven - yet, somehow, you are. Yet a dangerous presumption is possible too. That's why you had the Puritans saying salvation is all of God and the perseverance of the saints was taught, and yet much was said about the necessity of pursuing holiness, doing good works, and avoiding apostacy.
It is difficult to realize that you really and truly don't deserve to be saved, and you really don't even merit staying saved after being initially forgiven - yet, somehow, you are. Yet a dangerous presumption is possible too. That's why you had the Puritans saying salvation is all of God and the perseverance of the saints was taught, and yet much was said about the necessity of pursuing holiness, doing good works, and avoiding apostacy.
37818
Well-Known Member
Too many cases in one Post.
37818
Well-Known Member
If someone is one of Christ's sheep, he may, for a time, lose his way, but the Good Shepherd will come and find him and bring him home.
If the Good Shepherd doesn't come and find him, that is an indication that he was never one of Christ's sheep
[QUOTE+"DaveXR650"] It is difficult to realize that you really and truly don't deserve to be saved, and you really don't even merit staying saved after being initially forgiven - yet, somehow, you are. Yet a dangerous presumption is possible too. That's why you had the Puritans saying salvation is all of God and the perseverance of the saints was taught, and yet much was said about the necessity of pursuing holiness, doing good works, and avoiding apostacy.[/QUOTE]
I think OSAS - Once Saved, Always Saved - is a very dangerous doctrine. It is true, but it allows some people who have never been born anew to pray a quick sinner's prayer and then think that they are all sorted out with God for eternity, even if they are living like the devil. Dangerous presumption indeed! The Puritans taught the Perseverance of the Saints. By God's grace, we will persevere, but it is also necessary that we do. 'Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.'
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37818
Well-Known Member
37818
Well-Known Member
Matthew 7:21-23, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
These are cases of never being saved. Not of being saved and losing salvation.
These are cases of never being saved. Not of being saved and losing salvation.
The questions I posed were rhetorical. I don't know where their souls are now, no one knows, not enough info. Going on my personal beliefs, God's children are capable of doing everything they're told NOT to do in The Book, and that includes the sins committed by Ananias, Sapphira, Hymenaeus, and Alexander.
Which begs the question, what about Solomon?
Alan Dale Gross
Active Member
When is it, if ever, that your natural father is no longer your natural father?
Amen.
Silverhair
Well-Known Member
If you believe Jesus then you do.
Joh 15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.
Joh 15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.
Or do you think you are in Christ when you are not saved?
canadyjd
Well-Known Member
According to Hebrews 6, if you could lose your salvation, it is “impossible” to regain it because you would have to crucify Christ again.
So no, you can’t lose “salvation”. Can you grieve God Holy Spirit? of course, knowing that God disciplines those He loves.
Peace to you
So no, you can’t lose “salvation”. Can you grieve God Holy Spirit? of course, knowing that God disciplines those He loves.
Peace to you
easternstar
Active Member
Even against their will? What if they change their mind and decide they no longer want God? Or do you believe they can't do that, if saved?
Silverhair
Well-Known Member
canadyjd
Well-Known Member
Have you ever encountered anyone that believed you could lose your salvation and regain it by repenting? Hebrews 6 that is “impossible” because you would have to crucify Christ again.
In chapter 6 of Hebrews, just after this statement, the author states he is convinced of better things concerning them… the things that accompany salvation.
These things that accompany salvation include ministry and perseverance.
Additionally, there are many passages which declare a person in a right relationship with God will not lose that relationship, not the least of which Jesus stating those people are in the hands of the Father and no one can take them away.
Peace to you