Ironically - there is nowhere in scripture that gives a clear explanation of what short term "saving faith" is.
Actually, there is nowhere in Scripture that places any kind of "time frame" on faith that makes it saving.
In fact, faith of any kind, including "saving faith" must have 2 things: an object and a purpose (why one is believing).
In saving faith, the object MUST be Jesus Christ, period. No one else. Acts 4:12.
The purpose MUST be FOR eternal life. That's the purpose for believing in Him. That He gives eternal life (salvation) to all who believe in Him.
We see that specifically stated in 1 Tim 1:16 -
Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
What is in scripture are vast descriptions of what saving faith looks like and none of them include a description of a falling away and then coming back again.
Why would any description need to include "falling away"? In fact, Scripture is clear with warnings of "continuing in the faith", per Acts 11:23 "remain true to the Lord", 14:22 "continue in the faith" and Col 1:23 "continue in the faith".
The command is clear to "continue in the faith". That in itself proves that continuing in the faith is neither guaranteed nor automatic. One must persevere to continue in the faith.
In fact any description given of someone actually falling away includes them not being able to come back.
No, only the Hebrews passage, and that wa about repentance, not faith.
So I would say that its a preconceived idea to assume that a temporary faith can be scriptural
Since Jesus said it Himself, it IS Scriptural. Otherwise he wouldn't have made note of it.
[/QUOTE]Why is it speculation? I provided scripture to explain why.[/QUOTE]
Because to think that 'believe for a while' means 'not saved' IS speculation. The verses you provided do not say it is. And Jesus didn't indicate it is. What He did indicate is that those who's faith doesn't persevere won't produce fruit.
In relation to this topic of conversation false faith is a faith that does not last - if you stop believing in Jesus you never believed in Him.
There is no such concept in Scripture of a "false faith". If you remain true to what words mean, a "false" faith is a phony faith, meaning that what you are believing in won't deliver on the purpose of your faith. That's a false faith.
Muslims believe that Allah will provide 72 black haired virgins for any who die in jihad. that's a false faith. The object of their faith will NOT provide what they are believing in him for.
Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ for eternal life (1 Tim 1:16) will receive it. Because God promises it.
In addition to Hebrew 6:4-6 we have 2 Peter 2:21-22. Another definition is found in 1 John 1:19 - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
Saying "not of us" could mean any number of things, including having a different theology, just as Arminians, Calvinists, and Free Grace people have different theologies. Doesn't mean those who went out weren't saved at all.
And none of those verses says that a faith that doesn't last isn't saving.