CAN A CHRISTIAN LOSE HIS/HER SALVATION? Most people and churches have an opinion in this subject, through conversations, teachings, and debates that have lasted centuries. But, do we really delve into the scriptures to rightly divide The word of God, to really know the truth and finally put this subject to rest. The truth, as you know, shall set you free with knowledge, wisdom, and answers found only in the scripture. We learn early in life in John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. As believers, we know that we were saved by the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord. And through repentance and submission to His will and obedience to Him, as per the direction of the Holy Spirit, we have eternal life. If we are in the Lord, He assures us through Paul in Romans 8:38 and 39, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angles, nor principalities, nor powers, nor death, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus Christ, our Lord. I will not dwell on the precepts of salvation, as if you are reading this, most probably, you are a Christian. Let us ascertain how or why a Christian can lose eternal salvation! (Or can he?) When we first accepted Christ as our Savior, many of us were on fire for the Lord. This may last for any length of time, but sooner or later, we ALL fall short by our sin nature. When we do, we repent, and immediately we are restored to the Graces of God and dwell in His will. We have many heard, once saved, always saved. Is this true? We must first know if when we accepted Christ as our Savior, did we really mean it, did we really intend to follow and serve Christ, was it an emotional moment, or simply a lip service. Perhaps, we joined a church or not, and stated to others that we were Christians, but in reality, we continued in sin without regret and put on a false face, for people. While in our hearts, we were the same person as before, inwardly. We may fool the people around us, but Christ knows our hearts and says in Matthew 7:21-23, Not everyone 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 may say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, we have prophesied (or taught) in thy name? And in thy name have cast out demons? 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. Pretty stern words from our Lord! These words are designed to address the lip service Christian, or a true hypocrite. This is a sad state to be in. Perhaps, you have truly accepted Christ as your Savior, and for a while, you walked the walk, but for your lack of desire to serve Him or to be willfully disobedient, or never really knowing Him as a Father and friend, via of studying the scriptures, spending time in prayer to know and communicate on a personal basis. For example, if married, and you spend more and more less time with your spouse and communication is nonexistent, usually, this may result in loss of love, new loves, and eventually, a breakdown, and an end in divorce. The same is true with your Lord, Jesus Christ, and God, our Father. As with marriage, a daily commitment, more so is your Christian life with your Savior. If you do not listen to the Holy Spirit, after time, you will quench to Holy Spirit. As in first Thessalonians 5:16-19, Rejoice even more, pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ, concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. If we do this we are becoming a reprobate. Hebrews 10:26-27 and 29, For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Or how much sorrer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the son of God and hath counted the blood of the covenant, where as he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of Grace. A second witness in scripture is Second Peter 2:20-21, For if after they have escaped the pollutions (sin) of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. To fall from Grace is a terrible thing! The most assuredly way to lose it all is through apostasy. Apostasy in Christianity refers to the rejection of Christianity by someone who formerly was a Christian. The term apostasy comes from the Greek word apostasia, meaning defection, departure, revolt, or rebellion. It is described as a willful falling away from, or rebelling against Christianity. It is one who voluntarily and consciously abandons their faith in the God of the covenant, who is in Jesus Christ, the Lord. This would be unthinkable to a man who loves and follows Christ, but many apostates abide in this world now and in the future as the scripture foretold as in First Timothy 4:1, Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times (after the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ, even then, now, and the future.) some shall DEPART from the faith, giving need to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (4:2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy having their conscience seared with a hot iron. (This is where you walk away from the faith, because of your desire, and follow into the evils against God. God will release you, to serve your new masters, and affirm your rebellion and allegiance to your new god by sealing this apostate status in your spirit.) Simply, you walked away from God and have sworn love to a false deity, and God lets you go FOREVER! So I say to you as Paul in Romans 8:38-39, no man, or anything, can cause you to fall away from our Lord. Only you, by allowing the world’s seducing spirits to entice you and lie to you that can cause your loss. Stay the course, finish the fight and know that a crown is laid up for you in Heaven to those that serve and obey the scriptures and adhere to the unction, or direction, of the Holy Spirit. God help you to strive for this eternal goal- It is the only eternal finish with an everlasting reward. Now, I say to you- Answer your own question, Can an individual, man or woman lose salvation? It has been shown to you biblically, and you, with eyes to see, and ear to hear, rejoice our Lord draweth near! Sr. Pastor William E. Green, Jr. (Eddie Green) Questions to email: [email protected] or friend me on Facebook at Eddie Green in Normandy, Tennessee 37360
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 05:09:05 +0000
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