I've come to the point where it is necessary for me to place a disclaimer at the top of each page on my site. I work tirelessly to maintain a professional website so the information it contains is easy to read and understand. For whatever reason, Weebly has ceased to function as it should and often disregards the corrections I make, not to content, but to presentation. This includes, but is not limited to, font size and spacing. I apologize for any inconvenience or unappealing aesthetics, but I do not have the time or patience to battle these irregularities ad nauseum. Weebly, itself, is of no help. My sincere apologies. God bless you, Madison.
Can people who have found faith in Jesus, having accepted His sacrifice to pay their sin wage, ever lose their salvation and the opportunity to live in heaven? Christians have always been divided on this issue and I say 'issue' because there are many scriptures which speak of this very thing, but how these scriptures are interpreted greatly impacts the way they are understood, and implemented in one's life. Let's look at what the Bible actually says, starting in Matthew and progressing through the New Testament. Any number listed next to a word is that word's numerical reference in Strong's Concordance. Also, I do not use actual scriptures, excepts for small snippets, such as the relevant words from each scripture. I work really hard to avoid copyright infringement. I base my work here on Green's Interlinear Bible. Please, look up the individual verses to see what they say and plug in the definitions I list from Strong's Concordance. Also, bear in mind, that I in no way represent myself as a Hebrew or Greek scholar. I know little to nothing of the grammar involved in either of these languages (verb tense and the like). The summaries I write, using the original definitions, are REASONABLE conclusions based on the original languages. They help me tremendously as I study the Bible. They provide fresh insight and keep me excited about learning from God's word.
Matthew 13:1-23 and Mark 4:1-20 tell the Parable of the Sower. This is a story, told by Jesus, and it presupposes that the seed is the word of God. It clearly teaches that God's word does not always fall on ground which allows it to flourish. Some seed withers instantly because the person who hears it doesn't understand it. Before they pursue truth, Satan comes along and snatches God's word from their hearts. Some seed takes root in rocky soil, and God's word is received with joy, but the roots aren't allowed to reach deep, so they wither and die when the person has problems or persecution come against them. Sometimes God's word falls on the heart of someone who allows it to be crowded out by weeds (other things in our lives become more important). The ONLY seed which flourishes is that which falls on the heart of good soil and the person truly accepts God's message, their life reflecting the wonderful harvest their faith produces (which indicates long term growth).
So, for the purpose of this study, there are many people who, having accepted God's word, will not stay the course but allows other things to become more important (idols- please reference commandment number 1 in Exodus 20). The importance of finishing a life of faith will become increasingly obvious as this study continues, so hang in here with me.
Mark 4:26-29 Parable of the Growing Seed. In this story Jesus explains the importance of a seed maturing to the point where it can be harvested. Enough said.
Matthew 7:13-14 Broad and Narrow the paths. These two little verses make it very clear that most people will not choose the narrow path, and, in and of itself, it does not speak to LOSING one's salvation, but when understood in the context of a scripture from the same passage, Matthew 7:21-23, there are many, many people who believe they are saved, but will one day find out that their salvation was not secured. Now, why would anyone believe they're saved and then find out on Judgment Day they were wrong? The last half of verse 21 tells us: whether or not they obeyed God. Obedience to God is what determines if you are walking the broad or narrow road. Hang in there, all these scriptures are going to come together in a cohesive picture because that is the magnificence of God's inerrant word.
Matt 12:31-32 Those who blaspheme Holy Spirit are lost. The book of Matthew was written to Jews as an evangelical letter. In verse 31 Jesus tells us that any sin (offense 266) or blasphemy (vilification against God/evil speaking 988) can be forgiven except that against the Holy Spirit, which is unforgivable. He goes on to say in verse 32 that sinning against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven in this age or the age to come. In John 14:7/16:13 Jesus teaches that God's Spirit leads people into all truth. Part of this truth is that we are sinful before God (Romans 3:10-12/Isaiah 64:6) and cannot save ourselves. We must seek the forgiveness of Jesus to be restored to a right standing with God (1 John 1:9/Psalms 103:10-14). The Holy Spirit is the part of the Trinity which leads us to Jesus for forgiveness. If we vilify or speak evil against God's Spirit and reject His attempts to lead us to Jesus we, in effect, reject forgiveness. This is the reason blasphemy is the unforgivable sin. It's impossible to receive forgiveness when you vilify or speak evil against the One who forgives. This is true for unbelievers who never received forgiveness from Jesus. It is also true for Believers who at some time decide they no longer wish to be a part of God's kingdom (please reference the Parable of the Sower explained earlier in this study). Jesus clearly stated that blasphemy of God's Spirit is unforgivable in this age (world/ Messianic age (present or future) 165) OR in the age to come (world without end 165). Jesus is telling us, that even in heaven, if we decide, at any time we don't want to be there, we have the option of refusing God's Spirit a home within us. Before you get your panties in a wad, remember that Satan exercised his free will and was cast from heaven because of it.
Romans 8:12-14 Resist the sinful nature or perish. This is where scripture really begins to get specific about the loss of one's salvation. In these scriptures Paul is talking to Jewish Christians, people who had already accepted Jesus as Savior. He reminds them they are under no obligation to behave as their sinful nature urges them to. In verse 13, he tells them if they continue (live according= intensification of opposition (to God's Spirit) 1063/2596) to follow their sinful nature, they will PERISH (to die off/be slain 599). So, for a believer to follow the sinful nature (flesh= human nature with its frailties (physical or moral) 4561) they must suppress God's Spirit within them. How do I know? The last half of verse 13 clearly tells us that if we avail ourselves of God's Spirit, the opposite of suppressing Him, we can turn from our sinful nature and LIVE (to live/lifetime 2198). In verse 14, Paul qualifies what it means to be a child of God: children of God are those who are LED (to lead/be open 71) by/to His Spirit.
Galatians 6:7-9 Paul's warning of reaping/sowing. Here again, Paul is addressing Gentile Believers, those who have already accepted Jesus as Savior. He warns them against allowing themselves to be misled (led astray= to roam from safety, truth, or virtue 4106), that they cannot ignore (ridicule/mock 3456) God and skate without consequences. He reminds them they will get out of (reap/harvest 2325) their faith what they put into it (scatter/receive seed 4687). Paul says anyone who scatters seeds (4687) of the flesh (4561) will harvest corruption ( decay/perish 5356). But anyone scatters seed (4687) to the Spirit will reap ( harvest 2325) everlasting life (perpetual life 2222/166). He reminds us we shouldn't lose heart (faint/become weary 1573), for if we do not faint (relax 1590), in time we will reap (harvest 2325) what's been promised to us.
This short passage begs the obvious question, as do many of the scriptures which speak of losing one's salvation; if it isn't possible to lose one's salvation, why is Paul reminding us of the dangers of being led astray, of mocking God (like lost people do) and exhorting us to stay faithful? I mean, would any of the scriptures I'm going to discuss in this study be necessary UNLESS it's possible for people to throw away their salvation?
2 Timothy 1:14: Guard the good deposit. "Guard the good deposit given through the Holy Spirit indwelling in us." Guard is defined by Strong's (5442) as "through the idea of isolation, to watch, to preserve." Here again, why the need to preserve something, to watch over it, if it can't be lost?
Hebrews 6:4-8 Impossible to restore to repentance. In this passage of scripture, Paul is, again, speaking to Jewish Christians. For me, this short passage of scripture sums up what all the others says: Anyone who was once enlightened ( made to see 5461) they needed Jesus as Savior, those who have tasted (experienced 1089) the heavenly gift (celestial gift 2032/1431), and have become partaker (sharer/partner 3353) of the Holy Spirit ( morally blameless breath of God 40/4151) and having tasted (experienced 1089) the good (beautiful, valuable, honest, worthy 2570) Word of God (utterance of the deity, esp. Supreme Divinity 4487/2316) and the works of power (force, specifically miraculous power, usually implied by a miracle itself 1411 this means that God's spirit speaking to you us is considered a miracle!!!) of a coming age (to intend/world without end 3195/165), those who have fallen away (to fall aside, apostatize 3895), it is impossible for them to renew (restore 340) to repentance (compunction (a feeling of guilt or moral scruple, online dictionary) 3341) for they again (once more 3825) will be crucifying (crucify afresh 388) to themselves (a vast variety of pronouns 1438) the Son of God ( kinship, child/ 5207/Supreme Divinity 2316) and putting Him to shame (expose to infamy, make a public example 3856). For the earth which drinks up the rain that comes upon it, producing plants for those who work it, they receive (accept, partake 3335) blessings (a matter of bounty 2129) from God, but bearing (bringing forth 1627) thorns (thorn 173) and thistles (a thorny plant 5146) it is deemed (disapproved 96) and a curse (execration, a great loathing 2671) which will end (limit, termination, result 5056) in burning (the act of burning, to be burned 2740).
Conclusion from the original Greek: Anyone who was once made to see they needed Jesus as Savior, anyone who experienced God's celestial gift and became a partner with the morally blameless breath of God, who experienced the honest beautiful utterance of His Supreme Divinity, who experienced the miracle of His Spirit which is of the world without end, those who did these things and have fallen aside, it's impossible for them to be restored to a feeling of guilt because to do so would make necessary the crucifying of Christ a second time, exposing Him to infamy (implying His first death was insufficient). Those who produce plants receive bountiful blessings from God, but those who produce thorns and thistles are disapproved and under a great loathing from God which results in their being burned.
Hebrews 10:26-31 Warning to Believers. Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Believers, those who had accepted Jesus as Savior. Many scholars believe Paul wrote this letter, while others disagree. It doesn't really matter. What does matter is that God wanted it in His Word, and this is the reason we have it.
V. 26. If, after we receive (to take, to get hold of 2983) the complete knowledge (recognition, full discernment 1922) of God's truth (true as not concealing 225/227), we continue (voluntarily, willfully, willingly 1596) to sin (to miss the mark so as to not share in the prize 264), there no longer remains (to forsake, leave behind 620) a sacrifice (to slaughter for any purpose 2378/2380) for our sins (offence 266),
V. 27. but a fearful (frightful, formidable 5398) expectation (looking for 1561) of judgment (justice, especially divine law 2920) and zealous (heat, in an unfavorable jealousy 2205) fire (fiery fire 4442) sent to consume (to eat, devour 2068) the adversaries (covertly contrary, opponent 5227).
V. 28. If anyone failed to regard Moses' law, that person died without pities (mercy 3628) on the word of several witnesses.
V. 29. How much worse (more evil or aggravated 5501) will be the punishment (penalty 5098) received (to deem entitled or fit 515) for those who trampled (to reject with disdain 2662) on the Son (son, child 5207) of God (Supreme Divinity 2316), having counted the blood (specifically the atoning blood of Christ 129) of the covenant (disposition, specifically a contract 1242) which sanctified (to make holy, purify 37) him as common (profane, unclean, unholy 2839), insulting (insult 1796) the Spirit (superhuman breath of diving God 4151) of Grace (graciousness, especially in the divine influence upon the heart 5485)?
V. 30. For we know (be aware, behold, perceive 1492) Him who said, "Vengeance (retribution, punishment 1557) belongs to Me; I (I 1473) will repay, (to requite (make appropriate return) for good or evil 467)" says the Lord (supreme in authority controller 2962)." And again, ( once more, furthermore 3825) "The Lord will judge (distinguish, decide, condemn, punish 2919) His people (people 2992)."
V. 31. It is a fearful (formidable, terrible 5398) thing to fall (be entrapped by, be overwhelmed with 1706) into the hands (literally or figuratively power, especially a means or instrument 5495) of the living God (Supreme Divinity 2316).
Conclusion from the original Greek: If, after fully discerning and taking hold of God's unhidden truth, we willfully act in contradiction to His truth, in a way which disqualifies us to share in the prize, if we forsake the slaughter of Christ for our offenses, we can look forward to the formidable justice of God's divine law, and the unfavorable jealousy and fire sent to devour us because we became His opponents. If anyone failed to regard Moses' law, that person died without mercy on the word of several witnesses. How much more aggravated will be the penalty for those who disdainfully reject the child of the Supreme Divinity, those who entered the contract to be made holy, but live as unholy, insulting the superhuman breath of God's divine influence on the heart? For we are aware God said, "retribution and punishment belong to Me; I will make an appropriate return for evil," says the Supreme Authority. And, once more, The Lord will distinguish, condemn and punish HIS people." It is a formidable, terrible thing to be entrapped by, to be overwhelmed with the power of the living God.
For the life of me, I don't understand how anyone can misunderstand this.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Guarded through faith. Verse 3 tells us that we are privileged to have been born again and we have an expectation because Jesus has risen from the dead. V. 4 God has reserved an inheritance (heirship/possession 2817) and keeps it in heaven where it is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading. V. 5 "By the power of God, having been guarded (to be a watcher in advance, to mount guard as a sentinel, to protect 5432) through faith (denoting the channel of an act/ conviction of religious truth, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation 1223/4102) to a salvation (rescue or safety, deliver or save 4991) ready to be revealed..."
Our salvation is waiting for us in heaven where it is kept safe for us by God. The Holy Spirit is a down payment on our salvation (Ephesians 1:14-16, 2 Corinthians 1:2;5:5, Romans 8;23. There may be others, but you get the idea.) The incorruptible (immortal 862), undefiled (pure, unsoiled 283), and unfading (perpetual 263) aspects of our salvation will not begin until we get to heaven.
Conclusion from the original Greek: V. 5 In advance, we must watch over and guard/protect our salvation through faith which is our reliance upon Christ to save us.
Comment: If we do not protect our salvation, if we let down our guard, our faith in Christ will be adversely affected. How do I know? Because a guard isn't posted because something good is going to happen.
2 Peter 2:20-22 Warning about turning one's back to Christ. For if through the full knowledge (give self wholly to/ recognition 1722/1922) of the need for Jesus Christ, you escaped the defilements (foulness, pollution 3393) of the world, but again (repetition, once more 3825) become entangled (to entwine, to involve with 1707) to the point of being defeated (to make worse, to vanquish, to make lower 2274), you are worse off than you were before. For it is better not (negation 3361) to have fully known (give self wholly to/recognition 1722/1922) the way (a road, a progress, a journey 3598) to righteousness (equity of character, justification 1343), than it is to have fully known (give self wholly to/recognition 1722/1922) and turned (to revert 1994) from the holy commandment (sacred, morally blameless/ injunction, an authoritative order 40/1785). But the true proverb (an adage (a short statement expressing a general truth) 3942 Proverbs 26:11) has happened (to concur (take place) 4819) upon you: the dog turned (to revert (return to a previous state 1994) to his own vomit; the washed (to bathe 3068) sow wallows (the effect of rolling (in filth) 2946) in mud.
Conclusion from original Greek: By giving ourselves wholly to the recognition of our need for Jesus as Savior we escaped the foulness/pollution of the world, but if we once more become involved with pollution to the point of worsening our faith, we are worse off than we were before accepting Jesus as Lord. It is better not to have given ourselves wholly to the path of righteousness than it is to have given ourselves wholly then turn from the morally blameless, authority of God. But this proverb has taken place for them: the dog returned to its own vomit; the bathed pig rolls in filth.
This short passage of scripture clearly teaches that people who have accepted Jesus as Savior can return to a life filled with sin, creating a situation for themselves which is worse than if they'd died without ever having known salvation.
1 John 2:18-22: This scripture is a favorite of those who hold the position that it's impossible for Believers to lose their salvation. Let's see what it really says: “Young ones, it is a last hour, and as you heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have risen up; from which you know that it is a last hour. V. 19. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they were of us, they would have remained with us; but they left so that it might be revealed that they all are not of us. And you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I did not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because every lie is not of the truth. V. 22. Who is the liar, except the one denying, saying that Jesus is not the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one denying the Father and the Son.”
The word ‘antichrist’ is number 500 in Strong’s Concordance. The word is ‘antichristos’ and it means ‘an opponent of the Messiah.’ This is proven by what’s said in verse 22: ‘the liar who says Jesus is not the Christ, the antichrist, the one denying the Father and the Son.’ The pronoun ‘they,’ used in v. 19, refers to these antichrists, opponents of the Messiah, who had never accepted Jesus as Savior, but who HAD infiltrated the church John pastored in an attempt to undermine the divine authority of Jesus. It stands to reason ‘they,’ the antichrists, left John’s church once their false doctrine had been identified and dealt with.
1 John 2:19 does NOT mean that believers can never lose their salvation. This is an egregious understanding of this scripture which is readily corrected when it’s understood within the context of its entire passage.
1 John 3:6-10: "Everyone who remains (to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy 3306) in Jesus does not sin (to miss the mark so as to not share in the prize 264). Everyone who sins (to miss the mark so as to not share in the prize 264) has not seen Jesus, nor known Him. 7. Little children, do not be lead astray (to roam from safety truth or virtue 4105); the one who does (to make or do 4160) righteousness (innocent, holy/ justification 1342/1343) is righteous, even as Jesus is righteous (innocent, holy 1342). 8. The one who does (to make or do 4160) sin (offense 266) is of the Devil (traducer (to expose to shame or blame by means of falsehood and misrepresentation, Mirriam-Webster 1228), because the Devil sinned from the beginning. For this reason, the Son of God was revealed (to render apparent 5319), so He could undo (loosen, break, destroy 3089) the works (toil, act, deed, labor 2041) of the Devil. 9. Everyone begotten (origin 1537) of God does not sin because His seed remains (something sown/to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy 4690/3306) in Him, and he is not able (possible 1410) to sin, because he has been born of God. 10. Through this manner the children (a child (as produced) 5043) of God and the children of the Devil are revealed (externally apparent 5318): Everyone not doing (to make or do 4160) righteousness is not of God (origin/Supreme Divinity 1537/2316); also the one not loving his brother."
Conclusion from original Greek: Everyone who has accepted Jesus as Savior (context of passage from verses 1-5) and stays in the given relation to Jesus does not miss out on salvation (salvation is the prize). Everyone who misses the mark so as to not share in salvation has not seen Jesus, nor known Him. Little children, do not roam from safety, truth or virtue; the one who knows Jesus is made holy/innocent even as Jesus is holy/innocent. The one who makes offense is of the one who exposes you to blame through lies and misrepresentation because the Devil sinned from the beginning. For this reason, the Son of God was made apparent so He could break/destroy the deeds/labor of the Devil. Everyone who originates in God does not sin because God's sown seed stays in it's given place, and it is not possible for him to remain in sin because he remains sown in Jesus. (The two are mutually exclusive). Because of this given state, the children God produces and the children of the devil become externally apparent. Everyone who fails to make righteousness does not originate in the Supreme Divinity; also the one who does not love his brother.
Comments: These verses say that everyone who REMAINS with God does not sin and miss out on the prize. So, it stands to reason that those who do NOT stay in a given relation with God do sin. They also say that the person who does righteousness is righteous and the one who does sin is of the devil. Additionally, 'to make or do' are action words, so they involve activity on the behalf of the person. NO ONE is able to do everything required for salvation. The Old Testament Law proves that. Paul said the law was given to us so that we'd know what sin is, and when he said this he was talking to the believers in Rome (Romans 7:7). Since NO person is able to perfectly 'do or make' righteousness, we continue to sin because our efforts are not the perfection required by God. The ones who are righteous are those who do not "abide, continue, deal or keep' sin! It does NOT mean that saved people are incapable of sinning, but that they do not ABIDE in sin, you don't keep on sinning so that grace may abound (Romans 6:1). You must use the entire Bible to interpret itself. It is theologically unsound to build your entire faith around lone random scriptures, especially if you aren't willing to do the work of going back to the original languages to determine their true meaning.
Consider the following passage for this reason: It corroborates with the scripture just prior to this one in that it distinguishes between sin that leads to death and sin that doesn't.
1 John 5:16-17 Sin that leads to death. If you see a brother (near or remote (much like one) sinning a sin (offense 266) not (negation 3361) unto death (forward, toward/death (literally or figuratively 4314/2288), you should ask (ask, call for 154), and He shall give life (life (literally or figuratively 2222) to the brother, to those not sinning (to miss the mark so as to not share in the prize 264) unto death. There is a sin (offense 266) unto death. I do not say (to lay forth 3004) that you should ask (request, beseech 2065) about that (demonstrative idea 2443). All (Any, every, the whole 3956) unrighteousness (injustice, moral wrongfulness 93) is sin, and there is (consisteth 2076) a sin not unto death (forward, toward/death (literally or figuratively 4314/2288).
Conclusion from original Greek: If you see a fellow Christian commit an offense which does not lead toward the death of their spiritual life, you should pray for them so that Jesus can restore their spiritual life, to any fellow Christian who sins in this way. There is an offense which leads to the death of a spiritual life. I do not lay forth (advise) that you should pray about that. Every moral wrongfulness is sin, and there consists an offense which does not lead toward death.
John is clearly teaching that every sin is wrong, but not all sins have the same consequences. So, what is this offense which leads to the death of one's spiritual life? The answer is found in Hebrew 6:4-8, the blasphemy, rejection, of God's Spirit which, if one could be restored, would necessitate the second crucifying of Christ for that individual. Even though all sin is wrong, there is only one which leads to death. John is saying that he does NOT advise anyone to pray for a believer who commits this sin. Why not? Hebrews 6:4-8 teaches it's impossible for them to be restored to repentance which means praying for them is pointless.
1 John 3:24: Keeping his commandments: Keeping is defined in Strong's (5083) as 'to guard from injury. We are to protect our faith. Why would this be necessary unless we can lose it?
2 John 8: Do not lose what you have worked for: First, second, and third John were written to Gentile believers. So, in this one verse John is talking to non-Jews who have already accepted Jesus as Savior. "Watch (beware, perceive, take heed 991) yourselves lest (in order that 2443) we may not (negation 3361) lose (perish/destroy 622) that (at which place 3739/3757) which we have worked out (to be engaged in 2038), but (contrariwise 235) that we may receive (to get hold of 618/2983) a full (complete 4134) reward (pay for service, good or bad 3408).
Conclusion from original Greek: Beware, perceive, take heed of yourselves in order that we (followers of Christ) may not destroy the place at which we have been engaged (salvation), to the contrary beware and take heed of yourselves so that you may take hold of a complete pay for your service.
This is short, and pretty straightforward.
Closing Summary: I have a few more scriptures to mention but will not go into the original language because I feel I've made my case. Here are other scriptures relevant to this topic yet fail to mention it overtly: Hebrews 7:27; 9:24-27; 10:12, 14, and 1 Peter 3:18 all speak of the fact that Jesus died ONE time for ALL people. These verses corroborate beautifully with Hebrews 6:4-8 when it says that anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit cannot cause Christ to be crucified a second time. Also, pertinent, is Philippians 2:12-13. In this scripture, Paul exhorts believers to "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling...." If it were impossible for anyone to lose their salvation, what is there to work out OR to fear? I mean, if once saved, always saved is true, what possible reason is there to fear God? Now, place this scripture next to Hebrews 10:31 which tells Christians that, after losing their salvation, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. God's word is flawlessly cohesive. It is the most miraculous thing on the earth today, alongside the presence of God's Spirit within us.
God's grace is big enough to keep those who WANT to be with Him, BUT God does not extend His grace to save those who take on the banner of Jesus and later decide, for any reason, they no longer want any part of HIM. This world is full of people who once chose Jesus as Savior, but were lazy and sloppy about their faith, and allowed themselves to be deceived. Many of them, I know because I talk with them on Face Book, ad nauseam, believe themselves to be morally superior to God. This sad truth just blows my mind; that we, mere humans, carbon units with FINITE abilities, are morally superior to the MIND that hung the galaxies in space. That's how effective Satan is in wielding his deceptions, telling people what they want to hear, and this is the very reason we are to guard our faith. It is incredibly easy, and expeditious to allow oneself to be conned into believing things which run contrary to the word of God. After all, guarding our faith takes effort and lots of time. Satan requires neither of those. Narrow is the path.
I find it devastating that most people do not understand this. When Believers operate under the impression that they either no longer sin (there are many Christian people who believe they are incapable of sinning once they are saved), or won't be held accountable for sin (those who are in denial, or ignorance, about losing their salvation), there are going to be a LOT of surprised Christians on Judgment Day. This is so sad because it's so preventable. We, the followers of Jesus, are in a war for the souls of men, women and children who span this big blue orb. People are going to hell if we don't help them understand the truth of their lostness before Almighty God. With all the scriptural evidence I've provided here which clearly speaks to the ability of a saved person to lose their salvation, even if you truly want to believe in once saved, always saved, wouldn't you take God at His word and behave as if He knows what He's talking about? I mean, you're basically taking His word that heaven/hell are marching straight for us, aren't you? One thing about it, if you live as if you believe you can lose your salvation, your bases are covered. If you live as if you don't believe it, and you're wrong, you're done. No second chances, no do-overs, no mulligans. It's too late and you've lost your one chance at life in heaven.
Thank you, for hanging in here with me while I got my study put together and posted here on my site. If you have any questions or find a mistake I've mind, please don't hesitate to contact me at authormadison@gmail.com. Have a wonderful day. Be sure to thank God for it! Madison.
Thanks Gerald Altmann for the pic! You do great work! M.