- Dec 12, 2002
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Then why are there so many warnings to believers who are saved about refraining from sin and abiding in Christ that can result in loss of salvation if they are incapable of losing salvation? For example John 15 or Ephesians 5?
How do you know who is saved? The one who walks away isn't.
1 John 2
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
The Bible tells us how to recognize a follower of Christ. The Bible tells a Christian how to live a life that brings glory to God.
Matthew 7
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them
2 Timothy 3
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
When hypocrites who actually joined different congregations are warned, they know what their end will be. They've heard the preacher many times, and made excuses in their minds. Others thought that because they heeded an altar call, they are saved regardless of there being no change in their lives. "Ye must be born again" is a verse they don't understand.
When God warns true believers, he does it for their sanctification. And the believer who reads 1 John 4 knows whether or not he has been saved. Likewise, he will recognize unbelievers and hypocrites.
John 13
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
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