Hope of Glory said:
Many who try to prove you can lose your spiritual salvation use Judas to "prove" it, btw. Many people, besides those who espouse the doctrine of the Kingdom that Jesus and John preached, see the truth that Judas was saved. I even know some OSAS proponents who are KDer's and EIREITADer's, who "show" that Judas was so bad that God made an exception.
That is so true. There's a lot of sophomoric interpretation out there. To the devil, any "truth" but THE Truth is good "truth."
But, on to the question that no one seems to want to answer:
What is a "sinner"?
IMO, as God looks on the soul, there are no sinners. His Son paid for everyone. God looks on the soul and sees 1) believers or 2) unbelievers. God either sees Jesus or a stranger. The soul has either been oriented toward the Father by belief or still turned away unto self.
So the real "sinner" resides in the spirit -- in the mind, emotions, and will. And this is why there are lists galore of sins that won't get into heaven. It's not whether you have committed them or not -- it's whether you are "hell bent" on committing them. Most believers 1) have faith too shallow to stop sinning or b) are too focused on this world to change their minds and attitudes. Don't worry -- every believer's spirit is going to be "tried by fire" at the Bema (1Cor 3:13). There will be no sinful thoughts, wisdom or glory thereafter.
Sound familiar? These are the "seeds" sown in Mt 13 that sprang forth to life but had no root or were choked out by the cares of this world. There absolutely is such a thing as a believer who sins but realize, with what they are working with, they may be powerless to change. You're right -- they're not feeding on the Spirit. Isn't that exactly when you fall into sin?
They need help, not condemnation ME-ers! Putting more pressure on them with false doctrine will not help the situation! Paul said, and Jesus before him, to exclude such an one from the kingdom HERE letting them know that they are welcome back if they repent but that they will be treated like "outsiders" until then. But condemning them, as Paul goes on to say, is a "device of the devil!"
Actually, the application of ME is good IF you acknowledge its application in the correct kingdom. Bro Bob is over on another thread trying to deny what you say and yet say that these won't go to heaven at all! NO, get your application right! In heaven, I'm gonna welcome every backslidden believer who comes home because I been there! Haven't you? It's gonna be the ultimate victory over the flesh to be home with the Father together!
Love those who have made a profession back to the fold just as you would woo a lost person into the kingdom! Find that "lost" sheep that belongs with you --- help them find the "lost" coin that once they were so thankful for. This 1000 years purgatory is WRONG and you know it if the Spirit speaks to you at all!
skypair