Can a genuine, blood-bought, regenerated believer forfeit their salvation?

Rapture Bound · Jul 27, 2021

fhansen replied, "So Scripture tells us that we must persevere, because of the very real possibility of our not persevering. Scripture tells us that we must remain in Him, for the same reason. So if we read further in Rom 8 we'll find:
"So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Rom 8:12-13."

"So Scripture tells us that we must persevere, because of the very real possibility of our not persevering. Scripture tells us that we must remain in Him, for the same reason."

I would agree that there are many scriptures revealing the necessity of a true believer's
persevering by faith in order to receive their heavenly inheritance. (John 15:6; Heb.12:14-15, 10:36; 1 Tim.4:16; and many more).

The scriptures also supply compelling evidence for the assertion that all genuine believers will persevere by means of God's keeping or preserving power. (1 Peter 1:3-6; Phil.1:6; John 6:37-40; 2 Tim.1:12; and many more).

So, what are we to do with these dual truth statements? Simply accept both of them! Why would any person decide to reject either one of these clear-cut, scriptural truth claims? I believe it is a huge mistake to deny either of these statements; it is the equivalent of setting scripture against scripture, rather than reconciling them. It is not those who hold to the doctrine of the preservation of the saints who are unwilling to accept both truths, it is those who believe that believe a person cannot have assurance of their heavenly inheritance (i.e.- those who believe that some of the elect will forfeit their eternal salvation). This scenario should not be viewed as an "either/or", but rather "both/and."

This is not to say that there will never be an element of mystery involved. Fundamentally, we simply do not know all of the answers concerning the dynamic relationship between Divine grace/sovereignty and human freedom. On the other hand, this does not mean that we free to reject or deny those elements that God has decided to clearly reveal in His Word.

Also, this is not to say that the believer's cooperation is not part of this equation. That is what is clearly by implied in Calvinism's "T.U.L.I.P." (Exhaustive Divine Determinism). This is not the perspective held by those who hold to the preservation of the saints position such as myself. God's grace provided at the cross is sufficient for all who receive that free gift of eternal life through faith. To those who freely make that decision, the full benefits of the atonement become efficient (i.e. - realized and actualized).

This is to say, a person's cooperation, although indispensable, is never meritorious. The
only ground for any person's acceptance before God is the placing of their faith in the substitutionary work of Christ :
2 Corinthians 5:21,"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Our faith in this precious promise ("The Great Exchange") is not the ground for our justification, it is simply the indispensable means or channel by which it is obtained ("lest any man shall boast" - Eph.2:9). In other words, we are not to have "faith in our faith", but rather in the object of what we have placed our trust in - Jesus Christ and His substitutional atoning work on our behalf.

"So if we read further in Rom 8 we'll find:
"So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Rom 8:12-13."

In order to properly understand this passage, we must carefully study through the entire context in which it is situated - Romans 8. It appears to me that the context will clearly bear out the reality of the principles asserted by "The Molinist can/won't model of perseverance."[refer to posts #1 & #42 for further clarity].

It is contradictory to say “You can lose your salvation, but you can't." It is not contradictory to say “You can lose your salvation, but you won't." The former statement makes two mutually exclusive modal statements, while the latter makes a modal statement followed by a de facto statement".

We need to be careful not to conflate modality with actuality. Can a Christian fall away? That is a modal question, a question of what can or cannot happen. Will the elect fall away? That is a de facto question, what will or will not happen. Yes, losing your salvation is possible. No, it won’t actually happen......

Just because something is possible doesn't mean that it will happen.
Being trampled by a herd of elephants is something that could happen to me in my lifetime. That does not mean that it will, in fact, happen to me. And should I never actually get trampled by a herd of elephants during my lifetime, that fact in no way negates the possibility that I could have done otherwise (it was certainly within my ability or capacity to have done so).

Therefore, we must keep the two questions distinct in our mind.

(1) Can a true believer fall away?
(2) Will a true believer fall away?

We can take these questions to the biblical text and see if they are answered differently. I contend that they are.

(1) Modal Statements on Eternal Security (what can happen/possibilities)
(2) De Facto Statements about Eternal Security (what will happen/actualities)

(1) Modal Statement:

Rom.8:13(a), ""So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die;"
[note: it appears that the death spoken of here, "you will die" is indeed a reference to the eternal destruction of the soul, as opposed to physical death.]

(2) De Facto Statement:

Rom.8:37-39,"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The entire chapter is permeated through and through with evidence supporting the Defacto Statement made by the Apostle Paul.

Rom.8:9,"But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His."

So, "if you live according to the flesh, you will die." However, we are plainly told in verse 9 that all who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit are not in the flesh. And clearly, all those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit are genuine believers. Paul is making a clean delineation between two groups; those who have been regenerated, and those who have not.

Therefore at this juncture we are faced with a crucial question, "How can a genuine believer "live according to the flesh" when they are simply "not in the flesh"?

Perhaps the difficulty and confusion among many emanates from misunderstanding what it means to "live according to the flesh."

1 John 3:6:,"Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him."

"Whoever abides in Him does not sin" - all who are born again will not sin habitually. the very act of sinning is against their habitual inclination and purpose of their souls.

"Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him." - all who have are not genuine believers, those who have never been regenerated by the eternal life-giving Holy Spirit
do in fact sin habitually. The habitual inclination of their soul is to live according to the flesh.... "Because the carnal mind is emnity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be" (Rom.8:7)....therefore:

Rom.8:5,"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."

Those who are genuine believers will set their minds on the things of the Spirit, but those who have never been regenerated by the Holy Spirit will set their hearts and minds on the things of the flesh, they are incapable of doing otherwise (while they choose to remain in that state). They were never born again, as seen in the following verses:

Matt.7:21-23,“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘(I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

1 John 3:9,"Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God."

Here we discover the main reason why true believers will ultimately persevere and receive their heavenly inheritance.

I agree with Albert Barnes comments on this glorious promise of God:

" He who is born again will not sin finally, or will not fall away. "His seed remaineth in him," 1 John 3:9. See the notes at that verse. There is a principle of grace by which he will ultimately be restrained and recovered. This, it seems to me, is fairly implied in the language used by John; for if a person might be a Christian, and yet wholly fall away and perish, how could it be said with any truth that such a man "sinneth not;" how that "he doth not commit sin;" how that "his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin?" Just the contrary would be true if this were so.

Whosoever sinneth - That is, as explained above, habitually, deliberately, characteristically, and finally. - Doddridge. "Who habitually and avowedly sinneth."...

"For his seed remaineth in him - There is much obscurity in this expression, though the general sense is clear, which is, that there is something abiding in the heart of the true Christian which the apostle here calls "seed," which will prevent his sinning. The word "his" in this phrase, "his seed," may refer either to the individual himself - in the sense that this can now be properly called "his," inasmuch as it is a part of himself, or a principle abiding in him; or it may refer to God - in the sense that what is here called "seed" is "his," that is, he has implanted it, or it is a germ of divine origin. Robinson (Lex.) understands it in the latter sense, and so also do Macknight, Doddridge, Lucke, and others, and this is probably the true interpretation. The word "seed" (σπέρμα sperma) means properly seed sown, as of grain, plants, trees; then anything that resembles it, anything which germinates, or which springs up, or is produced.

It is applied in the New Testament to the word of God, or the gospel, as that which produces effects in the heart and life similar to what seed that is sown does. Compare Matthew 13:26, Matthew 13:37-38. Augustin, Clemens, (Alex.,) Grotius, Rosenmuller, Benson, and Bloomfield, suppose that this is the signification of the word here. The proper idea, according to this, is that the seed referred to is truth, which God has implanted or sown in the heart, from which it may be expected that the fruits of righteousness will grow. But that which abides in the heart of a Christian is not the naked word of God; the mere gospel, or mere truth; it is rather that word as made vital and efficacious by the influence of his Spirit; the germ of the divine life; the principles of true piety in the soul. Compare the words of Virgil: Igneus est illi vigor et coelestis origo semini. The exact idea here, as it seems to me, is not that the "seed" refers to "the word of God," as Augustin and others suppose, or to "the Spirit of God," but to the germ of piety which has been produced in the heart "by" the word and Spirit of God, and which may be regarded as having been implanted there by God himself, and which may be expected to produce holiness in the life. There is, probably, as Lucke supposes, an allusion in the word to the fact that we are begotten (Ὁ γεγεννημένος Ho gegennēmenos of God. The word "remaineth" - μένει menei, compare the notes at 1 John 3:6 - is a favorite expression of John. The expression here used by John, thus explained, would seem to imply two things:

(1) that the germ or seed of religion implanted in the soul abides there as a constant, vital principle, so that he who is born of God cannot become habitually a sinner; and,

(2) that it will so continue to live there that he will not fall away and perish. The idea is clearly that the germ or principle of piety so permanently abides in the soul, that he who is renewed never can become again characteristically a sinner.

And he cannot sin - Not merely he will not, but he cannot; that is, in the sense referred to. This cannot mean that one who is renewed has not physical ability to do wrong, for every moral agent has; nor can it mean that no one who is a true Christian never does, in fact, do wrong in thought, word, or deed, for no one could seriously maintain that: but it must mean that there is somehow a certainty as absolute "as if" it were physically impossible, that those who are born of God will not be characteristically and habitually sinners; that they will not sin in such a sense as to lose all true religion and be numbered with transgressors; that they will not fall away and perish. Unless this passage teaches that no one who is renewed ever can sin in any sense; or that everyone who becomes a Christian is, and must be, absolutely and always perfect, no words could more clearly prove that true Christians will never fall from grace and perish. How can what the apostle here says be true, if a real Christian can fall away and become again a sinner?

Because he is born of God - Or begotten of God. God has given him, by the new birth, real, spiritual life, and that life can never become extinct."

"And he cannot sin - Not merely he will not, but he cannot; that is, in the sense referred to. This cannot mean that one who is renewed has not physical ability to do wrong, for every moral agent has; nor can it mean that no one who is a true Christian never does, in fact, do wrong in thought, word, or deed, for no one could seriously maintain that: but it must mean that there is somehow a certainty as absolute "as if" it were physically impossible, that those who are born of God will not be characteristically and habitually sinners; that they will not sin in such a sense as to lose all true religion and be numbered with transgressors; that they will not fall away and perish."

Albert Barnes (although not a professed advocate of Molinism) holds precisely to the Molinistic principles that I have been attempting to demonstrate here (see above paragraph). They are in fact, inescapable truths that are woven throughout the totality of scripture.

Rejoice, those of you who have truly had the experience of new birth... you have received a life that can never become extinct!!!

Rapture Bound · Aug 14, 2021

Are you truly secure in Christ?

Have you ever experienced the assurance and security that you have been accepted as righteous in the sight of God, knowing that you will receive a heavenly inheritance?
(refer to post #55 - "The Genuineness of your Faith").
Well, this is precisely what has been offered and promised in the gospel to all who have placed their faith in Christ's substitutionary atoning work on their behalf:

2 Corinthians 5:21,"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

The above scripture has been called "The Great Exchange" - God reconciled sinful man to Himself by making His sinless Son the sin bearer and dying in the sinner's place. Jesus Christ paid the death penalty for the sinner so that God could set the sinner free and declare him righteous in His holy presence. Moreover, He did more than just forgive us our sins; He imputed the perfect righteousness of His Son to us. Justification, in the gospel sense, is God's free forgiveness of a sinner, accepting him as righteous through the righteousness of Christ received by faith.

Galatians 3:10-13,"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree).”

Galatians 2:21,"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Hebrews 10:14," For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."

The sobering question now becomes, "Have you ever truly placed your trust in these paramount gospel truths? All those who have been justified are now in the process of sanctification; and all those who are presently in that process are said to be perfected (positionally) in Christ forever - that is eternally! 1 Corinthians 6:11,"And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."

The anxieties of those who are trusting in their own righteousness or good works (to one degree or another) can be mainly (if not entirely) be attributed to their inadequate apprehensions (due to either ignorance or rejection) of the nature, value, and efficacy of the remedy provided for them in Christ's atonement. Within them there exists a latent feeling that there is still something that remains to be done or suffered by themselves in the way of satisfying the justice, averting the wrath, and propitiating or appeasing the favor of their righteous Judge.

I say "to one degree or another", because there are some who have erred to such a degree, that they have failed altogether to receive "The Great Exchange."- they are yet dead in their sins. It simply doesn't get any more serious than this my friends. One of the vital evidences of a person falling into this category is the absence of ever possessing the assurance that they have been accepted as righteous in God's sight and will receive a future heavenly inheritance.

This is certainly not to say that those in the other category (those who have actually experienced the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit) will never have doubts or fears, or will possess an unwavering assurance subsequent to their conversion. The critical distinction here is this groups' initial knowing that their sins have been forgiven, and that they will inherent the heavenly promise.

Here is another very important question to ponder. "Were we simply put in a position of possibly or potentially gaining an entrance into Heaven when we believed on Jesus' blood sacrifice at the point of our regeneration?.. or was a future entrance into Heaven actualized and realized when we experienced our new birth?"
It is very plain to see that the latter is the gospel truth.. it is truly the Good News
that the Creator of the universe legitimately offers to all!"

Will you be a believer tomorrow morning?

Some answer this question by saying, "Yes, of course I'll still be a believer, "once saved , always saved". Well, what exactly do they mean by that? There are many who claim that regardless of whether we or anyone else wakes up as a believer tomorrow morning is largely irrelevant to whether we will spend eternity with Christ. The only thing that matters is that at some point we believed the truth of the the gospel. The decisive issue isn't whether we persevere in faith, but whether we ever believed at all. If we did, we're in. If we didn't, we're out. (this approach does not line up with scripture IMHO - it's much closer to a false sense of security).

Others (of the Arminian variety) insist that there's simply no guarantee that anyone will wake up as a believer tomorrow morning. Most will, but some likely won't. Before tomorrow they may very well cross a line of no return. They may sin so grievously as to cut themselves off from the saving grace of God. They very well may turn their back on Jesus and abandon their faith. Therefore, those who do so will wake up tomorrow morning discovering that God has likewise abandoned them (although by that time they won't care).

The scriptural evidence sides with the position that asserts those who genuinely believed at some point in the past (whether days or over decades ago) will most assuredly wake up tomorrow morning still being believers. That doesn't mean that they will remain secure in their salvation exclusively on the grounds that they have placed their faith in Christ. It means that they are secure primarily because of the object of their faith - the God in whom they have placed their trust, preserves them in that faith, apart from which there is no hope of eternal life.

(1) We must persevere in faith to enter heaven (2 Tim.2:12; Heb.3:14;10:26). Not to persevere is to perish.

(2) God will preserve us in our faith even though at times we may doubt and wander from the path of righteousness. But He will always remain true to his promise by ensuring that none of His children will fall so far as to finally and forever fail. God will preserve us, we will in fact persevere, we will endure in faith.

Jude 1:1-2,"Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:"

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24," Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."

God doesn't simply require holiness; He promises it to all of His sons and daughters. If you know that you are in fact a child of God, then you can rest knowing that you will persevere. As Dr. Kenneth Keathly said, "perseverance should be viewed more as a promise than a requirement." The necessary conditions/requirements/fruits/works mentioned throughout scripture will be manifested and produced in all true believers by the Holy Spirit. They will exist as the inevitable by-product of the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit and the new nature/heart miraculously delivered at the new birth (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5).

Titus 3:5," not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,"

Many have greatly underestimated, and failed to grasp the magnitude of the renewing, regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, and His radical transformational effect upon the
believer's nature. The Apostle Paul regards this change from sin to righteousness, from bondage to freedom, from death to life, as summed up in one definite act of the past; potentially available to all men in Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, and actualized (effectual) in each individual when they place their trust in Christ's atoning work. It is the definiteness, the absoluteness of this change, considered as a historical crisis, which forms the central idea of St Paul’s teaching, and which the aorist marks.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21,"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

What is the condition of renewal? ‘If any man be in Christ’-how distinctly that implies something more than human in Paul’s conception of Christ. It implies personal union with Him, so that He is the very element or atmosphere in which we live. And that union is brought about by faith in Him.

How does such a state of union with Christ make a man a new creation? It gives a new aim and center for our lives. Then we live not unto ourselves; then everything is different and looks so, for the center is shifted. That union introduces a constant reference to Him and contemplation of His death for us, it leads to self-abnegation.

It puts all life under the influence of a new love. ‘The love of Christ constraineth.’ As is a man’s love, so is his life. The mightiest devolution is to excite a new love, by which old loves and tastes are expelled. ‘A new affection’ has ‘expulsive power,’ as the new sap rising in the springtime pushes off the lingering withered leaves. So union with Him meets the difficulty arising from inclination still hankering after evil. The new love gives a new and mighty motive for obedience.

That union breaks the terrible chain that binds us to the past. ‘All died.’ The past is broken as much as if we were dead. It is broken by the great act of forgiveness. Sin holds men by making them feel as if what has been must be-an awful entail of evil. In Christ we die to former self.

That union brings a new divine power to work in us. ‘I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.’ It sets us in a new world which yet is the old. All things are changed if we are changed. They are the same old things, but seen in a new light, used for new purposes, disclosing new relations and powers. Earth becomes a school and discipline for heaven. The world is different to a blind man when cured, or to a deaf one,-there are new sights for the one, new sounds for the other. All this is true in the measure in which we live in union with Christ.

Ezekiel 36:26-28,"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God."

This wonderful promise to the nation of Israel was cut at Calvary, and the wonderful promise to give His people a new heart and put a new spirit within is fulfilled in the life of (all) who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior of their soul and the Mediator for their sins. < What Does Ezekiel 36:26 Mean? >

Hebrews 8:10,"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
< Heb 8:10 Cross References (34 Verses) >

Romans 8:30,"Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."

John 10:26-28,"But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."

John 6:39,"This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day."

Rapture Bound · Aug 26, 2021

Connecting the Dots between Justification and Glorification :

Romans 8:29-30,"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."

The above passages ("The Golden Chain of Redemption") clearly tell us that all who have experienced justification will also receive a future glorification.

Justification refers to the act which declares a person righteous in the sight of God. In Justification we are saved from the penalty of sin. This work is entirely of God (passive) and outside of us through the imputed (legally credited) righteousness of God in Christ. It is past, finished, and as the Greek tenses often show - done once and non repeatable. This is done by grace through the vehicle of faith alone.

‘Therefore being justified by faith...’ (Rom.5:1). It affects our very spirits, making them legally perfect... ‘the spirits [not souls or bodies] of just men made perfect’ (Heb.12:23).

This justification comes through imputation. In Romans 4 the word ‘logizomai’ is mentioned 11 times in a classic Pauline and Reformation passage on Justification. ‘Logizomai’ is translated as: imputed, credited, reckoned, accounted.

Romans 4:3,"For what does the say Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted
[‘logizomai’] to him as righteousness." This Scripture is a direct quote from Genesis 15:6 where the Hebrew equivalent ‘chashav’ is used. The idea is that God registered, counted, credited Abrahams faith as righteousness. Again this word is used in a legal sense and is essentially an accounting term (Lev.25:27; 50, 52; 27:18,23). Hence the reformers called this a ‘legal’ and ‘forensic’ righteousness. The Reformers also called it an ‘alien’ righteousness because it was and always will be a righteousness outside of us.

This righteousness is in fact a person, as Jeremiah 23:5,6 says: ‘...The Lord our
righteousness...’, (‘Yehowah our tsadheq’; see also Phil.3:9). ‘Our righteousness’ now sits on the right hand of God! Thus this righteousness is not of us but is substitutionary: ‘He shall justify many for He shall bear their iniquities’ (Is.53:11- literally: ‘make many to be accounted [‘tsadeq’] righteous’).

Sanctification (although not specifically mentioned in Romans 8:29-30) refers to a separation from sin and the world; and a separation to God and His word. In sanctification we are saved and being saved from the power of sin. Sanctification is past (‘positional’ at salvation) and present continuous (‘progressive’) by the indwelling Holy Spirit from within:

1 Corinthians 6:11,"And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."

2 Timothy 4:18,"The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." --- The word here, ‘bring me safely’, is the Greek ‘sozo’ - the same word for ‘save’. This work will continue until Glorification:

Philippians 1:6,"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

1 John 3:3,"And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure"

Glorification is the final step in the application of redemption, that final change and redemption of the body. In glorification we are saved from the presence of sin in us and in the world. 1 Peter 1:9,"receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.."these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."- Romans 8:30.

"1 John 3:2,"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

Ephesians 1:11,12," In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory."

God has predestined or predetermined that all who would place their trust in Christ's atoning work alone as their only hope as being accepted as righteous before God will in fact experience a future glorification. All those who have experienced this justification before God have already been glorified in the eyes of God; they are now simply playing out in real time the intermediate stage of their promised salvation (i.e., sanctification).

If we have trusted in the true Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the substitute for our sins, and His righteousness alone - in his death burial, resurrection...then justification, sanctification and glorification are a foregone conclusion (Rom.8:28-30; Eph.1:3-14).

However, as you well know, this is not a foregone conclusion in the minds of many of those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. It is my sincere conviction that many fail to properly connect and assimilate these three stages of redemption, resulting in their rejection of my above truth claims.

Frequently, the lack of, or even the non-existence and never-existing, of a person's assurance of their right-standing before God can inevitably be traced back to his failure to properly understand and embrace the true nature of conversion.

The vast importance of the role of assurance in salvation simply cannot be overstated. When a person is genuinely regenerated/converted he knows it, though buffeted at times, this core conviction will never die. The very nature of conversion and regeneration insures that the believer will receive this knowledge. Therefore, assurance is of the essence of saving faith.

Hebrews 11:1,"Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen."
(NASB).

Assurance is the believer's full conviction that through the work of Christ alone, received by faith, he is in possession of a salvation in which he will be eternally kept.

It is the unregenerated by the Holy Spirit that have never received assurance that their sins were forgiven, the fear of death lingers within them (whether or not they vocalize that reality). Hebrews 2:14-15,"Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

It is only those renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit that can confidently say that they no longer fear physical death...Rom.8:11,"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

The scriptures clearly teach that those who are genuine, blood-bought, Holy Spirit regenerate followers of Jesus can and will have assurance of their acceptance before God, and that all their sins have been blotted out through Christ's atoning work.

Subjectively speaking, this "knowing" or assurance is seen in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,"

The objective truth is found in 1 John 5:12-13,"He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."

How incredibly priceless are these dual realities! Associated with this is [a very critical question to ponder], a question that is derived from a Molinist perspective : "If any genuinely regenerated (and therefore justified) person will ever fall away and lose their salvation or "place in Heaven" one day, then how can any individual ever be certain that they will not be counted among those who will lose out on Heaven being their eternal abode at some point subsequent to their new birth experience?"

It surely appears to me that any person who believes that there will be some (or even one regenerate person) who will lose out on Heaven cannot claim that they will enter Heaven ... assurance for them becomes a logical fallacy.

You see, those that view a believer's perseverance merely from the perspective of conditionality will inevitably struggle (if they have actually been regenerated at all at one point in their lives) with issues of insecurity concerning the reception of a heavenly inheritance. As I have said before, this is not to say that persevering by faith to the end of a person's life isn't a necessary condition for salvation, or that fruits of salvation do not ever need to exist or be manifested in a true salvation experience - they most assuredly will.

The "cause-effect" aspect is perhaps the most important concept to recognize and embrace in the relationship between salvation and behavior. The faith that saves is a faith that will persevere - God will preserve us..1 Thessalonians 5:23-24," Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."

1 John 5:4,"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

At the point of a believer's conversion/new birth experience, he has not only been promised a future heavenly inheritance, but was also guaranteed to be renewed and transformed by the Holy Spirit in such a manner in which his lifestyle will be characteristically righteous (although far from sinless perfection) according to 1 John 3:9.

The following section (in quotes) is taken from an article by "Berean Christian Bible Study Resources", entitled,"Eternal Security (Once Saved, Always Saved)?" :

"Part IV Saving Faith -

Take into consideration the fact that the Bible at times uses the word "believer" to refer to false brethren. For compare Acts 5:15 "Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." with Gal 2:4 where Paul spoke of the same circumstance "This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves." For Acts was speaking of the outward claim and affiliation, but Paul speaking of their inward conviction.

Jesus and Paul speak likewise of wolves in sheep clothing. Thus the outward "faith" is merely skin deep. I content that such faith is not the kind of faith that saves. Non-application oriented faith does not save because it's not genuine faith. Anyone who has genuine faith in any particular thing will end up taking action on it.

Likewise Paul speaks of a "vain" faith, which I contend is not genuine faith. For example he says, "By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain." 1Cor 15:2 Notice also the tenses here, which cannot be explained other then by the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. For he does not say, "By this gospel you will be saved if you hold firmly", but rather "By this gospel you are saved if you hold firmly". For a person who doesn't continue in the faith is not indicative that they lost their salvation, but rather that they had never been saved to begin with, their belief being futile. Likewise, notice Jesus description of those who "believed for a while", speaking of the sower who sowed the Word of God to those whose hearts were characterized as rocky ground. "Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away." Luke 8:12 Notice that the Word stayed only on the surface, failing to take root in their hearts, and as such their faith was vain, only having a surface faith, but not genuine faith.

And again in the case of 1John 2:19 John evaluates those who leave the faith as never having been saved to begin with based upon the principle that "if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us"

The faith that saves is the faith that perseveres. Thus Jesus said, "he who endures to the end shall be saved." Mt 24:13....

(Promise of Eternal life based on a past condition or point in time event) :

Likewise with all the verses which speak of salvation contingent upon faith, but which use the aorist tense. The aorist tense is a tense in Greek (the language of which the New Testament was originally written in) which expresses a point in time or historical event, as opposed to present tense that has a strong sense of continuity, stronger than we generally use in English.

John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever (ean) enters (aorist subj) through me will be saved. (fut ind) He will come in and go out, and find pasture.(all fut ind)

Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls (aorist subj) on the name of the Lord will be saved.(fut indic)

Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe (aorist imp) in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (fut ind) -- you and your household."

Rom 6:5 If we have been (perfect) united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

Rom 6:8 Now if we died (aorist) with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Rom 10:9 That if (ean) you confess (oarist subj) with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe (aorist subj) in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

1Tim 2:11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died (aorist) with him, we will also live with him;

The future indicatives are basically promises of that which will occur, not simply may or may not occur. For the subjunctive would be used for possibility, but the indicative for certainty. But notice the condition. Here each example is a case in which a promise of future salvation is contingent not upon continued faith, but upon a past or point in time event. Not that there isn't a continued faith, for in fact there is. But since perseverance is inevitable, therefore salvation can be spoken of as being contingent solely upon one's initial faith, if it is genuine." Therefore, it is also true to say that all of a genuine believer's future sins were been blotted out at the point of his conversion experience.

Kenneth Keathley, in his book entitled "Salvation And Sovereignty, A Molinist Approach"
basically summarizes the truth claims I have presented in this post under the heading of
"A Variation Of The Evidence-Of-Genuineness Position" :

(1) The only basis for assurance is the objective work of Christ - Christ is the foundation of assurance; good works merely support and confirm.

(2) Assurance is the essence of saving faith - a certain knowledge of salvation is simultaneous with being saved. Subsequent doubts may come, but a core conviction remains.

(3) Saving faith perseveres or remains until the day when it gives way to sight - Perseverance is a faith that cannot be annihilated. Perseverance is more a promise than it is a requirement.

Rapture Bound · Sep 25, 2021

The Effects of Justification :

Every genuine follower of Jesus Christ is a spiritual billionaire!!.. that is,
all who have been justified in the eyes of God. The more we, by faith, lay hold
to the glorious facts of our position in Christ, the more it will affect our
actual state and condition as we walk with the Lord in real time (i.e. -
"experiential" sanctification).

In order to fully appreciate the riches of God's grace we need to contrast
our present position in Christ with our former unregenerate state when we
were outside of Christ and dead in sin. At that time we were without Christ,
being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having no hope, and without God in (your) world (Eph.2:11-12 and
compare Titus 3:3).

Therefore, before we consider our true riches in Christ, let us consider ...

61 Things That Were True Of Me Prior To Justification :

I was on the broad way (road) leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13).
I was lost (Luke 19:10; 2 Corinthians 4:3).
I was condemned already because of my unbelief (John 3:18; compare 1 Corinthians 11:32).
I was a lover of darkness (John 3:19).
I was under God's abiding wrath (John 3:36) awaiting God's coming wrath (Luke 3:7; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6).
I was an ignorant worshipper (John 4:22).
I was an evildoer deserving judgment (John 5:29; compare 3 John 11).
I was of the world and from below or beneath (John 8:23).
I was yet in my sins (John 8:21,24; compare John 20:23).
I was a child of the devil (John 8:44).
I was a Christ-rejecter (John 12:48).
I was a Christ-hater (John 15:18) and a hater of those belonging to Christ (John 17:14).
I was under the power of Satan (Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19).
I was unthankful, not giving honor to God (Romans 1:21).
I was unrighteous (Romans 1:29-31; 3:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
I was under sin (Romans 3:9) and sin-sick (Luke 5:31-32).
I was unprofitable (Romans 3:12; compare Philemon 11).
I was without the fear of God (Romans 3:18).
I was guilty before God (Romans 3:19).
I was a sinner (Romans 3:23; 5:8).
I was without strength (Romans 5:6).
I was ungodly (Romans 5:6; 4:5).
I was God's enemy (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21).
I was a servant (slave) of sin (Romans 6:17,20; John 8:34).
I was deserving of death (Romans 6:23; compare 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
I was in the flesh (Romans 7:5; 8:8).
I was in danger of perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Luke 13:3,5).
I was a natural man who considered the things of God as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14).
I was under God's curse (1 Corinthians 16:22).
I was blinded by the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4).
I was part of this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).
I was dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1,5; Colossians 2:13).
I was walking according to the course of Satan's world (Ephesians 2:2).
I was a child of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).
I was a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3).
I was without Christ (Ephesians 2:12).
I was an alien from the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12).
I was a stranger from the covenants of promise (Ephesians 2:12,19).
I was one who had no hope (Ephesians 2:12) and no foundation (Luke 6:48).
I was without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).
I was far off (Ephesians 2:13).
I was walking in the vanity of my mind (Ephesians 4:17).
I was one whose understanding was darkened (Ephesians 4:18; Romans 1:21).
I was alienated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18; Colossians 1:21).
I was ignorant (Ephesians 4:18).
I was blind and hardened (Ephesians 4:18).
I was given over to unbridled lust (Ephesians 4:19).
I was corrupt according to deceitful lusts (Ephesians 4:22).
I was once of the darkness and of the night (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; 1 John 2:11).
I was in the realm and under the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13; Luke 1:79; Acts 26:18).
I was one who did not know God (1 Thessalonians 4:5).
I was foolish (Titus 3:3; Romans 1:22).
I was disobedient (Titus 3:3).
I was deceived (Titus 3:3).
I was one who served various lusts and pleasures (Titus 3:3).
I was one who lived in malice and envy (Titus 3:3).
I was one who was hateful and was hating one another (Titus 3:3).
I was a sheep who had gone astray (1 Peter 2:25).
I was one who lived in the flesh to the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:2).
I was one who walked in lasciviousness, lusts, abominable idolatries, etc. (1 Peter 4:3).
I was sensual, having not the Spirit (Jude 19).

Having reminded ourselves of our former, unregenerate state, we are now ready
to consider the great things God has done for us in His grace, saving our souls and making us whole!! The following (and former) listing was composed by George Zeller ...

215 Things That Are True Of Me Now That I Have Been Justified Before God :

My salvation is fully accomplished (John 19:30).
I have eternal life as a present possession (John 5:24; 6:47; 1 John 5:11-13).
I have Jesus Christ as my present possession (1 John 5:12).
I know the one, true God (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3; 5:20).
I have been saved by His grace (Eph. 2:1-10).
I have been justified by His grace (Tit. 3:7).
I have passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14).
I have been quickened (made alive) by God (Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13).
I have been made fit for heaven (Col. 1:12).
I have the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
My sins have been taken away (John 1:29; Heb. 9:26; 1 John 3:5).
My sins have been completely purged (Heb. 1:3).
My sins will never be remembered by God (Heb. 8:12; 10:17).
I have been washed (1 Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:5; Rev. 1:5).
I will walk with Christ in white (Rev. 3:4-5).
I have been healed by His stripes (1 Pet. 2:24).
I have been forgiven all trespasses (Col. 2:13; 1 John 2:12).
I have been fully justified (Rom. 4:5; 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:7).
I am reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19; Col. 1:20).
I am made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
I am redeemed through His blood (1 Pet. 1:18,19; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
I am redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13).
I am redeemed from all iniquity or lawlessness (Titus 2:14).
I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).
I am delivered from so great a death (2 Cor. 1:10).
I have been delivered from this present evil world or age (Gal. 1:4).
I have been delivered from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13).
I have been delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).
I will not come into condemnation or judgment (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1).
I am a child of God (John 1:12; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26; 1 John 3:1,2).
I am a son of God (Gal. 4:5-7).
I belong to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:29; 5:24).
I have been adopted (Gal. 4:5; Rom. 8:15,23).
I am an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7).
I am an heir of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7).
All things are mine (1 Cor. 3:21-23).
I possess all things (2 Cor. 6:10).
I will inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).
I am enriched by Christ in everything (1 Cor. 1:5; 2 Cor. 9:11).
I am a fellow heir (Eph. 3:6).
I am rich because of Christ (2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 2:9).
I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).
I have obtained an inheritance (Eph. 1:11,14; Heb. 1:14; 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:4).
I have been appointed to obtain salvation (1 Thess. 5:9; Heb. 1:14).
I am His inheritance (Eph. 1:18).
I am a partaker of His promise in Christ by the gospel (Eph. 3:6).
I am a new creature (creation) in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:24; Col. 3:10).
I have been renewed by the Holy Spirit (Tit. 3:5).
I am accepted and highly favored in the Beloved One (Eph. 1:6; cf. Matt. 3:17).
I have been seated in heavenly places with Christ (Eph. 2:6).
I am to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:6,12).
I am light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8).
I am a child of light (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5).
I am a "peculiar person," even God's special, purchased possession (Tit. 2:14; 1 Pet.2:9).
I am a priest who can offer spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10;20:6).
I am a king who will reign (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
I am privileged to have fellowship with the Father and with the Son (1 John 1:3).
I dwell in Christ (John 6:56; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15,16).
Christ dwells in me (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
I am in Christ (John 14:20; 2 Cor. 5:17).
Christ is in me (John 14:20; Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10; 1 John 4:4).62. The Spirit of God dwells in me (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:21-22).
The Spirit of God dwells (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
I am not in the flesh but in the Spirit (Rom. 8:9).
My "earthen vessel" houses a great Treasure (2 Cor. 4:7).
My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
I have been blest with the gift and pledge of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:22; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Thess. 4:8; Tit. 3:6; 1 John 3:24; 4:13).
I have an anointing (unction) from the Holy One (1 John 2:20,27).
I am one of the "called" of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6; 8:28-30; Jude 1; Rev. 17:14).
I have been called unto the fellowship of God's Son (1 Cor. 1:9).
I have been called unto eternal glory (1 Pet. 5:10).
I have been called with a holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9).
I am a partaker of the high, heavenly calling (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 3:1).
I have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9).
God foreknew me (Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).
God predestined me to be conformed to Christ's image (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5,11).
I have already been glorified according to God's mind and purpose (Rom. 8:30).
I am eternally secure in God's love (Rom. 8:38-39).
I am chosen in Christ (Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:14).
I have been chosen to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13).
I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).
I am beloved of God (Col. 3:12; 2 Thess. 2:13).
I am chastened and disciplined by my Heavenly Father (Heb. 12:6-7).
I am part of that group that Christ is not ashamed to call His "brethren" and "friends" (Heb. 2:11; John 15:14-15).
I am a child of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).
I am Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29).
I enjoy the blessing of Abraham (Gal. 3:9).
I am a child of promise (Gal. 4:28,31).
I am faithful (Rev. 17:14).
I am a sheep in His flock (Luke 12:32; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25).
I am a member of His body (1 Cor. 10:17; 12:27; Eph. 3:6; 4:25; 5:30).
I am a stone in His building (Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5).
I am a branch in the Vine (John 15:1-7).
I am a child of the kingdom (Matt. 13:38; compare Mark 10:14-15).
I am born again into His family (John 1:12-13; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3,23; 2:2; 1 John 5:1).
I am one of God's people because He graciously claims me as His own (1 Pet. 2:10; Rev. 21:7).
I am a fellow citizen with the saints (Eph. 2:19).
I was baptized into Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).
I was identified with Christ in His death (Rom. 6:3-6,8-11; 2 Cor. 5:14; Col. 2:12,20; 3:3).
I was identified with Christ in His resurrection (Rom. 6:5,8,11; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:12; 3:1).
I died to sin (Rom. 6:2).
My "old man" was crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6).
I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20).
I have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24).
I am alive unto God (Rom. 6:11,13; Gal. 2:19,20).
Christ is my life (Phil. 1:21; Col. 3:4).
I can walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).
I can serve in newness of spirit (Rom. 7:6).
I can live unto righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24).
I died to the law (Rom. 7:4; Gal. 2:19).
I am delivered from the law (Rom. 7:6).
I am not under the law but under grace (Rom. 6:14).
I have God's laws written in my heart (Heb. 10:16).
I am married to Jesus Christ (Rom. 7:4).
I am a partaker of Christ (Heb. 3:14).
I am identified with Christ in His suffering (2 Tim. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20; 4:12-13; 1 Thess. 3:3; Rom. 8:18; Col. 1:24).
The knowledge of God is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:14).
The savor (aroma) of Christ is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:15-16).
I am an epistle of Christ (2 Cor. 3:3).
I am being changed into Christ's glorious image (2 Cor. 3:18).
I am being perfected (Phil. 1:6).
My inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16).
I have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).
I am not of the world (John 17:14,16).
The world is crucified unto me (Gal. 6:14).
I am crucified unto the world (Gal. 6:14).
I am separated unto the gospel of God (Rom. 1:1).
I am set apart and sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10; Jude 1).
I am holy (Col. 3:12; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:6).
I am clothed in His righteousness (Rev. 19:8).
I am a saint (1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2; Rom. 1:7).
I am faultless in Christ (Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; Jude 24).
I am perfected forever (Heb. 10:14).
I am not my own (1 Cor. 6:19).
I am called unto holiness (1 Thess. 4:7).
I am a citizen of heaven (Phil. 3:20).
I am a stranger and pilgrim who is not at home in this world (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11).
I have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13).
I am circumcised in my heart (Col. 2:11; Phil 3:3; compare Deut. 10:16).
My faithful God will sanctify me wholly (1 Thess. 5:23-24).
My faithful God will keep me from evil (2 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 4:18).
Christ has made me free, free indeed (John 8:32-36; Gal. 5:1; 1 Cor. 7:22).
Jesus Christ is my Deliverer (Rom. 7:24-25).
I am free from sin (Rom. 6:7,18,22).
The law of the Spirit of Life has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
I am God's servant or slave (Rom. 6:22).
I am Christ's servant or slave (1 Cor. 7:22).
I am a servant or slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).
I have been called unto liberty (Gal. 5:13).
I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).
I have a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
Christ has given me an understanding (1 John 5:20).
I have the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
I have all sufficiency in all things (2 Cor. 9:8).
I have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).
I can ever be content for I have Christ (Heb. 13:5).
I have all the armor and weapons I need (2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-17).
I have God's all-sufficient grace (2 Cor. 12:9).
I have grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
I have God's power (Eph. 1:19; 3:20).
I have access to the Father (Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:16).
I have a great High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 8:1; 10:21).
I have an unfailing Intercessor (Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rom. 8:34).
I have a righteous Advocate with the Father for times when I sin (1 John 2:1).
I have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).
Christ is my peace (Eph. 2:14).
I have rest for my soul (Matt. 11:28-29; Heb. 4:9).
I am led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14).
I am enabled during trials and temptations (1 Cor. 10:13).
I am given assurance by the Spirit (Rom. 8:16; Heb. 6:18).
I am given comfort by God (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
I am tranquilized by His peace (Phil. 4:7).
I am freely given truth and knowledge by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12).
I am not distressed (2 Cor. 4:8).
I am not in despair (2 Cor. 4:8).
I am not forsaken (2 Cor. 4:9).
I am not in darkness (1 Thess. 5:4).
God is my Sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).
God is my Strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13).
God is my Helper (Heb. 13:6).
I belong to a Sovereign God who works all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28).
All things are for my sake (2 Cor. 4:15).
My God is for me (Rom. 8:31).
My every need is supplied (Phil. 4:19).
I am a laborer together with Christ (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1).
I am His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
God works in me (Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21).
God's Word works in me (1 Thess. 2:13).
I am sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13).
I am on the Rock, Christ Jesus (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11).
I am established securely in Christ (2 Cor. 1:21; 2 Thess. 3:3).
I am kept by the power of God (1 Pet. 1:5).
I am preserved in Jesus Christ (Jude 1).
I am kept from falling (Jude 24).
I have a building of God eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1).
My name is forever written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
I am more than a conqueror, even a super-conqueror (Rom. 8:37).
I have victory through Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
I have overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5).
I always triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).
I am indwelt by the victorious Christ who is greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).
Satan cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
I have a living hope (1 Pet. 1:3).
I have a glorious future (Rom. 8:18; 2 Thess. 2:14).
I have been given eternal encouragement and good hope through grace (2 Thess. 2:16).
I will be preserved unto His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).
I am receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved (Heb. 12:28).
I have a place reserved in heaven for me (John 14:2,3; 1 Pet. 1:4).
I will eat of the tree of life (Rev. 2:7).
I will not be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:6).
I will have a new name (Rev. 2:17; 3:12).
I will have power over the nations (Rev. 2:26; 5:10).
I will not have my name blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5).
I will be a pillar in God's temple (Rev. 3:12).
I will sit with Christ in His throne (Rev. 3:21).
I will be with my God forever (Rev. 21:3-4).

Can you read this list of unspeakable spiritual blessings and promises that have
been given to you freely without your heart bursting forth with unspeakable joy and gratitude??...
If so, then it is extremely likely that you have not been justified in the eyes of God.

Mark Quayle · Sep 25, 2021

Rapture Bound said:
The Effects of Justification :

Every genuine follower of Jesus Christ is a spiritual billionare!!.. that is,
all who have been justified in the eyes of God. The more we, by faith, lay hold
to the glorious facts of our position in Christ, the more it will affect our
actual state and condition as we walk with the Lord in real time (i.e. -
"experiential" sanctification).

In order to fully appreciate the riches of God's grace we need to contrast
our present position in Christ with our former unregenerate state when we
were outside of Christ and dead in sin. At that time we were without Christ,
being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having no hope, and without God in (your) world (Eph.2:11-12 and
compare Titus 3:3).

Therefore, before we consider our true riches in Christ, let us consider ...

61 Things That Were True Of Me Prior To Justification ...............................

215 Things That Are True Of Me Now That I Have Been Justified Before God :

My salvation is fully accomplished (John 19:30).

I have eternal life as a present possession (John 5:24; 6:47; 1 John 5:11-13).

I have Jesus Christ as my present possession (1 John 5:12).

I know the one, true God (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3; 5:20).

I have been saved by His grace (Eph. 2:1-10).

I have been justified by His grace (Tit. 3:7).

I have passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14).

I have been quickened (made alive) by God (Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13).

I have been made fit for heaven (Col. 1:12).

I have the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).

My sins have been taken away (John 1:29; Heb. 9:26; 1 John 3:5).

My sins have been completely purged (Heb. 1:3).

My sins will never be remembered by God (Heb. 8:12; 10:17).

I have been washed (1 Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:5; Rev. 1:5).

I will walk with Christ in white (Rev. 3:4-5).

I have been healed by His stripes (1 Pet. 2:24).

I have been forgiven all trespasses (Col. 2:13; 1 John 2:12).

I have been fully justified (Rom. 4:5; 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:7).

I am reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19; Col. 1:20).

I am made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).

I am redeemed through His blood (1 Pet. 1:18,19; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).

I am redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13).

I am redeemed from all iniquity or lawlessness (Titus 2:14).

I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).

I am delivered from so great a death (2 Cor. 1:10).

I have been delivered from this present evil world or age (Gal. 1:4).

I have been delivered from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13).

I have been delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).

I will not come into condemnation or judgment (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1).

I am a child of God (John 1:12; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26; 1 John 3:1,2).

I am a son of God (Gal. 4:5-7).

I belong to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:29; 5:24).

I have been adopted (Gal. 4:5; Rom. 8:15,23).

I am an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7).

I am an heir of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7).

All things are mine (1 Cor. 3:21-23).

I possess all things (2 Cor. 6:10).

I will inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).

I am enriched by Christ in everything (1 Cor. 1:5; 2 Cor. 9:11).

I am a fellow heir (Eph. 3:6).

I am rich because of Christ (2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 2:9).

I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).

I have obtained an inheritance (Eph. 1:11,14; Heb. 1:14; 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:4).

I have been appointed to obtain salvation (1 Thess. 5:9; Heb. 1:14).

I am His inheritance (Eph. 1:18).

I am a partaker of His promise in Christ by the gospel (Eph. 3:6).

I am a new creature (creation) in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:24; Col. 3:10).

I have been renewed by the Holy Spirit (Tit. 3:5).

I am accepted and highly favored in the Beloved One (Eph. 1:6; cf. Matt. 3:17).

I have been seated in heavenly places with Christ (Eph. 2:6).

I am to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:6,12).

I am light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8).

I am a child of light (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5).

I am a "peculiar person," even God's special, purchased possession (Tit. 2:14; 1 Pet.2:9).

I am a priest who can offer spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10;20:6).

I am a king who will reign (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).

I am privileged to have fellowship with the Father and with the Son (1 John 1:3).

I dwell in Christ (John 6:56; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15,16).

Christ dwells in me (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).

I am in Christ (John 14:20; 2 Cor. 5:17).

Christ is in me (John 14:20; Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10; 1 John 4:4).62. The Spirit of God dwells in me (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:21-22).

The Spirit of God dwells (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).

I am not in the flesh but in the Spirit (Rom. 8:9).

My "earthen vessel" houses a great Treasure (2 Cor. 4:7).

My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).

I have been blest with the gift and pledge of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:22; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Thess. 4:8; Tit. 3:6; 1 John 3:24; 4:13).

I have an anointing (unction) from the Holy One (1 John 2:20,27).

I am one of the "called" of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6; 8:28-30; Jude 1; Rev. 17:14).

I have been called unto the fellowship of God's Son (1 Cor. 1:9).

I have been called unto eternal glory (1 Pet. 5:10).

I have been called with a holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9).

I am a partaker of the high, heavenly calling (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 3:1).

I have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9).

God foreknew me (Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).

God predestined me to be conformed to Christ's image (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5,11).

I have already been glorified according to God's mind and purpose (Rom. 8:30).

I am eternally secure in God's love (Rom. 8:38-39).

I am chosen in Christ (Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:14).

I have been chosen to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13).

I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).

I am beloved of God (Col. 3:12; 2 Thess. 2:13).

I am chastened and disciplined by my Heavenly Father (Heb. 12:6-7).

I am part of that group that Christ is not ashamed to call His "brethren" and "friends" (Heb. 2:11; John 15:14-15).

I am a child of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).

I am Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29).

I enjoy the blessing of Abraham (Gal. 3:9).

I am a child of promise (Gal. 4:28,31).

I am faithful (Rev. 17:14).

I am a sheep in His flock (Luke 12:32; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25).

I am a member of His body (1 Cor. 10:17; 12:27; Eph. 3:6; 4:25; 5:30).

I am a stone in His building (Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5).

I am a branch in the Vine (John 15:1-7).

I am a child of the kingdom (Matt. 13:38; compare Mark 10:14-15).

I am born again into His family (John 1:12-13; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3,23; 2:2; 1 John 5:1).

I am one of God's people because He graciously claims me as His own (1 Pet. 2:10; Rev. 21:7).

I am a fellow citizen with the saints (Eph. 2:19).

I was baptized into Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).

I was identified with Christ in His death (Rom. 6:3-6,8-11; 2 Cor. 5:14; Col. 2:12,20; 3:3).

I was identified with Christ in His resurrection (Rom. 6:5,8,11; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:12; 3:1).

I died to sin (Rom. 6:2).

My "old man" was crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6).

I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20).

I have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24).

I am alive unto God (Rom. 6:11,13; Gal. 2:19,20).

Christ is my life (Phil. 1:21; Col. 3:4).

I can walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).

I can serve in newness of spirit (Rom. 7:6).

I can live unto righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24).

I died to the law (Rom. 7:4; Gal. 2:19).

I am delivered from the law (Rom. 7:6).

I am not under the law but under grace (Rom. 6:14).

I have God's laws written in my heart (Heb. 10:16).

I am married to Jesus Christ (Rom. 7:4).

I am a partaker of Christ (Heb. 3:14).

I am identified with Christ in His suffering (2 Tim. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20; 4:12-13; 1 Thess. 3:3; Rom. 8:18; Col. 1:24).

The knowledge of God is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:14).

The savor (aroma) of Christ is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:15-16).

I am an epistle of Christ (2 Cor. 3:3).

I am being changed into Christ's glorious image (2 Cor. 3:18).

I am being perfected (Phil. 1:6).

My inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16).

I have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).

I am not of the world (John 17:14,16).

The world is crucified unto me (Gal. 6:14).

I am crucified unto the world (Gal. 6:14).

I am separated unto the gospel of God (Rom. 1:1).

I am set apart and sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10; Jude 1).

I am holy (Col. 3:12; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:6).

I am clothed in His righteousness (Rev. 19:8).

I am a saint (1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2; Rom. 1:7).

I am faultless in Christ (Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; Jude 24).

I am perfected forever (Heb. 10:14).

I am not my own (1 Cor. 6:19).

I am called unto holiness (1 Thess. 4:7).

I am a citizen of heaven (Phil. 3:20).

I am a stranger and pilgrim who is not at home in this world (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11).

I have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13).

I am circumcised in my heart (Col. 2:11; Phil 3:3; compare Deut. 10:16).

My faithful God will sanctify me wholly (1 Thess. 5:23-24).

My faithful God will keep me from evil (2 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 4:18).

Christ has made me free, free indeed (John 8:32-36; Gal. 5:1; 1 Cor. 7:22).

Jesus Christ is my Deliverer (Rom. 7:24-25).

I am free from sin (Rom. 6:7,18,22).

The law of the Spirit of Life has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).

I am God's servant or slave (Rom. 6:22).

I am Christ's servant or slave (1 Cor. 7:22).

I am a servant or slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).

I have been called unto liberty (Gal. 5:13).

I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).

I have a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).

Christ has given me an understanding (1 John 5:20).

I have the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).

I have all sufficiency in all things (2 Cor. 9:8).

I have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).

I can ever be content for I have Christ (Heb. 13:5).

I have all the armor and weapons I need (2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-17).

I have God's all-sufficient grace (2 Cor. 12:9).

I have grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).

I have God's power (Eph. 1:19; 3:20).

I have access to the Father (Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:16).

I have a great High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 8:1; 10:21).

I have an unfailing Intercessor (Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rom. 8:34).

I have a righteous Advocate with the Father for times when I sin (1 John 2:1).

I have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).

Christ is my peace (Eph. 2:14).

I have rest for my soul (Matt. 11:28-29; Heb. 4:9).

I am led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14).

I am enabled during trials and temptations (1 Cor. 10:13).

I am given assurance by the Spirit (Rom. 8:16; Heb. 6:18).

I am given comfort by God (2 Cor. 1:3-7).

I am tranquilized by His peace (Phil. 4:7).

I am freely given truth and knowledge by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12).

I am not distressed (2 Cor. 4:8).

I am not in despair (2 Cor. 4:8).

I am not forsaken (2 Cor. 4:9).

I am not in darkness (1 Thess. 5:4).

God is my Sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).

God is my Strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13).

God is my Helper (Heb. 13:6).

I belong to a Sovereign God who works all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28).

All things are for my sake (2 Cor. 4:15).

My God is for me (Rom. 8:31).

My every need is supplied (Phil. 4:19).

I am a laborer together with Christ (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1).

I am His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).

God works in me (Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21).

God's Word works in me (1 Thess. 2:13).

I am sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13).

I am on the Rock, Christ Jesus (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11).

I am established securely in Christ (2 Cor. 1:21; 2 Thess. 3:3).

I am kept by the power of God (1 Pet. 1:5).

I am preserved in Jesus Christ (Jude 1).

I am kept from falling (Jude 24).

I have a building of God eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1).

My name is forever written in heaven (Luke 10:20).

I am more than a conqueror, even a super-conqueror (Rom. 8:37).

I have victory through Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).

I have overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5).

I always triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).

I am indwelt by the victorious Christ who is greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).

Satan cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).

I have a living hope (1 Pet. 1:3).

I have a glorious future (Rom. 8:18; 2 Thess. 2:14).

I have been given eternal encouragement and good hope through grace (2 Thess. 2:16).

I will be preserved unto His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).

I am receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved (Heb. 12:28).

I have a place reserved in heaven for me (John 14:2,3; 1 Pet. 1:4).

I will eat of the tree of life (Rev. 2:7).

I will not be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:6).

I will have a new name (Rev. 2:17; 3:12).

I will have power over the nations (Rev. 2:26; 5:10).

I will not have my name blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5).

I will be a pillar in God's temple (Rev. 3:12).

I will sit with Christ in His throne (Rev. 3:21).

I will be with my God forever (Rev. 21:3-4).

Can you read this list of unspeakable spiritual blessings and promises that have
been given to you freely without your heart bursting forth with unspeakable joy and gratitude??...
If so, then it is extremely likely that you have not been justified in the eyes of God.

From Job 19:
25 I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!

Dave G. · Sep 25, 2021

Rapture Bound said:
The Effects of Justification :

Every genuine follower of Jesus Christ is a spiritual billionare!!.. that is,
all who have been justified in the eyes of God. The more we, by faith, lay hold
to the glorious facts of our position in Christ, the more it will affect our
actual state and condition as we walk with the Lord in real time (i.e. -
"experiential" sanctification).

In order to fully appreciate the riches of God's grace we need to contrast
our present position in Christ with our former unregenerate state when we
were outside of Christ and dead in sin. At that time we were without Christ,
being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having no hope, and without God in (your) world (Eph.2:11-12 and
compare Titus 3:3).

Therefore, before we consider our true riches in Christ, let us consider ...

61 Things That Were True Of Me Prior To Justification :

215 Things That Are True Of Me Now That I Have Been Justified Before God :

You forgot our guarantee:
Ephesians 1:14

New King James Version

14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

As far as those who turn away,they were never of Him, they looked the part but were not.
1 John 2:19

King James Version

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.

prophecy_uk · Oct 5, 2021

Rapture: ""Have you ever experienced the assurance and security that you have been accepted as righteous in the sight of God, knowing that you will receive a heavenly inheritance?"

Yes, we ignore many called and few chosen, and the entire purpose of the Gospel to judge the prideful men of Israel.

The first on your list of 61, emphasizes this, how we are to strive to enter, not talk of an easy way that is eternally secured...

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

"I was on the broad way (road) leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13)."

Watch carefully, and the ones I picked from your list of 61, all highlight the pride of the devil and the pride through being hardened through the devil unto sin. That is unbelief in the lowliness of Christ, and is belief in the exaltation of that devil and have no fear of God, although it is a common saying for people...

1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Job 41:33 Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.
34 He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Job 35:12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.

Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

"I was condemned already because of my unbelief (John 3:18; compare 1 Corinthians 11:32)

I was an evildoer deserving judgment (John 5:29; compare 3 John 11).

I was a child of the devil (John 8:44).

I was under the power of Satan (Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19).

I was under sin (Romans 3:9) and sin-sick (Luke 5:31-32).

I was without the fear of God (Romans 3:18).

I was guilty before God (Romans 3:19).

I was walking in the vanity of my mind (Ephesians 4:17)."

Rapture Bound · Oct 5, 2021

prophecy uk replied, "The first on your list of 61, emphasizes this, how we are to strive to enter, not talk of an easy way that is eternally secured..."

Yes, there are two very different ways that people perceive Luke 13:24 -- "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."...and it's critically important that we gain a proper perspective of it.

The big question here is, "who are you trusting in to save you?" Have you trusted in Christ to save you, or is your entry in Heaven depended upon your (past, present, or future) behavior or performance? My friend, it doesn't get any more important than this, we simply cannot afford to get this one wrong.

Those who are depending upon their performance to "compliment" or 'complete" Christ's finished work on the cross (in some manner, in one degree or another) will never gain full assurance that their sins were all washed away, and that they will receive a Heavenly inheritance. This "PBA" mindset ("performance based acceptance" before God) is what prevents multitudes from entering the narrow gate, and explains why Jesus said the path to destruction is so very wide. It lies at the heart of the deceived masses of humanity. Matthew 7:13,"“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it."

In 1 Corinthians 6:11 we are told, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.".... All those who have been justified (past tense) are also clearly said to have been sanctified (past tense)....then,

In Hebrews 10:14 we are told, "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."...those who are in the process of sanctification are said to be perfected forever!..this truth in itself should put to rest the entire debate over the issue of the eternal security of the believer.

Those who have not yet entered into the strait or narrow gate (through faith in the atoning work of Christ and the imputed righteousness of Christ on their behalf) are yet seeking for salvation (as their absence of full assurance inwardly testifies to them). Those who have placed their full confidence in Christ's atonement have already entered in through that narrow gate, they have (past tense) obtained eternal life.

So yes, there is a sense in which we are exhorted to "strive" to enter in, but the meaning is quite the opposite of what most people believe. The true sense of "striving" brings with it the sense of searching out the scriptures for ourselves for the truth, so that we can discover the method or means in which we can be justified or accepted before God. Think about it, what is the grand distinction between the true Christian faith and all of the rest of the world's major religions?.. all of them, in some form or another, are seeking acceptance before the One True God through their (self-righteous) performance, and deny the scriptural truth that trusting in Christ's atoning work is the only "work" required for justification or acceptance before Him....this is the common denominator in all of them!

Many have a difficult time accepting this ultimate reality of the grace of God. They wrongly suppose that once a sinner accepts the free gift of eternal life and are guaranteed a future entrance into Heaven, they then believe that they have received a free pass or license to sin. This is a total misunderstanding of the nature of grace, and what develops in the constitution of the sinner's mindset subsequent to their new birth. After regeneration they are in no sense whatsoever striving to gain or "maintain" acceptance before God; but instead, by virtue of their new nature, they will desire to please their Heavenly Father.

The Apostle Paul knew full well the problems that would exist, that is, the denials , and misunderstandings that would exist concerning the true nature of the amazing grace of God, and addressed it in the book of Romans...Romans 6:1-2,"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

That is to say, all those who truly have experienced the new birth will not continue to practice sin in thought and deed as they priorly did, but will possess an inward desire and ability to depart from it's practice. 1 John 3:9,"Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." (see my post #61 - July 27th - page 4) - those who have truly experienced new birth will not habitually, deliberately, and characteristically practice sin.

This reality was made actual through the Holy Spirit's agency when He implanted a new heart in the believer (and thereby became a new creation). 2 Corinthians 5:17-21,"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The necessary conditions/requirements/fruits/works mentioned throughout scripture will be manifested and produced in all true believers by virtue of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. They will exist as the inevitable by-product of the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit and the new nature/heart miraculously delivered at the new birth (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5). (see my post # 62 - Aug.14 -page 4).

There are many who would like to label this great gospel truth, the claim that eternal life is forever secured for a person when they place their full confidence in Christ's substitutionary work on the cross on their behalf, as "easy believism". My question to them is, "If it's so easy to believe, then why do so very few truly believe it?"

prophecy_uk · Oct 6, 2021

Rapture; "The big question here is, "who are you trusting in to save you?" Have you trusted in Christ to save you, or is your entry in Heaven depended upon your (past, present, or future) behavior or performance? My friend, it doesn't get any more important than this, we simply cannot afford to get this one wrong."

Our past is forgiven, we now strive for the gospel, and the future is when we shall be judged, for what we do now.

Rapture: "...and it's critically important that we gain a proper perspective of it."

There is confusion in satan, but simpliity in Christ, it cant be confused, a child understands all.

Striving to enter, only needs another verses told to do the same, to contend for the faith, and not be as the seducers in the end time now, telling us to not strive or contend for the faith...

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

Jude 1: 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Rapture Bound · Oct 6, 2021

prophecy uk, "Our past is forgiven, we now strive for the gospel, and the future is when we shall be judged, for what we do now."

Well, it looks like we're all in big trouble now, that is, if what you say is true. Since the implication here is that after Christ has redeemed us, it then becomes our impossible task to continue "justifying" ourselves. The very reason Christ shed His blood for our sins was that it was impossible for us to justify ourselves before a righteous God any other way.

I've just clearly shown that the scriptures tell us that once we have been justified through the blood of Christ we are (forever) perfected (considered as possessing the perfect righteousness of Christ). It sure seems to me that forever includes not only forgiveness for past sins, but present and future sins as well.

In 1 Corinthians 6:11 we are told, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.".... All those who have been justified (past tense) are also clearly said to have been sanctified (past tense)....then,

In Hebrews 10:14 we are told, "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."...those who are in the process of sanctification are said to be perfected forever!..this truth in itself should put to rest the entire debate over the issue of the eternal security of the believer.

1 Peter 1:6-7,"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you
have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more
precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise,
honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"

For those who believe that the blood shed for them at the cross does not actually blot out all sin (past, present , and future) for all those who place their faith in that reality, here is my question to them in the light of 1 Peter 1:6-7.....

In that passage we are told to greatly rejoice in the testing of our faith. If any genuine follower of Christ will ever fail these trials to the destruction of their souls (the forfeiture of their salvation), then how could the possibility of rejoicing in them even exist? After all, the eternal destiny of their souls are yet to be determined, that is, if any one will actually fail the test. (see post #55, July 22nd, page 3)

Returning to your statement, "Our past is forgiven, we now strive for the gospel".. and specifically addressing the issue of past sin(s) :

Romans 3:25,"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"

The above passage is perhaps the most disputed and misunderstood passage concerning this issue. Many make the assumption that this verse is stating that when a person applies the blood of Christ to their hearts by faith, it is only their past sins that have been blotted out. But is this actually the case? I agree with the perspective that is provided in the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary :

"25, 26. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation—or "propitiatory sacrifice."
through faith in his blood—Some of the best interpreters, observing that "faith upon" is the usual phrase in Greek, not "faith in" Christ, would place a "comma" after "faith," and understand the words as if written thus: "to be a propitiation, in His blood, through faith." But "faith in Christ" is used in Ga 3:26 and Eph 1:15; and "faith in His blood" is the natural and appropriate meaning here.

to declare his righteousness for the remission—rather, "pretermission" or "passing by."

of sins—"the sins."

that are past—not the sins committed by the believer before he embraces Christ, but the sins committed under the old economy, before Christ came to "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

through the forbearance of God—God not remitting but only forbearing to punish them, or passing them by, until an adequate atonement for them should be made. In thus not imputing them, God was righteous, but He was not seen to be so; there was no "manifestation of His righteousness" in doing so under the ancient economy. But now that God can "set forth" Christ as a "propitiation for sin through faith in His blood," the righteousness of His procedure in passing by the sins of believers before, and in now remitting them, is "manifested," declared, brought fully out to the view of the whole world. (Our translators have unfortunately missed this glorious truth, taking "the sins that are past" to mean the past sins of believers—committed before faith—and rendering, by the word "remission," what means only a "passing by"; thus making it appear that "remission of sins" is "through the forbearance of God," which it certainly is not).

prophecy uk, "There is confusion in satan, but simpliity in Christ, it cant be confused, a child understands all.

Striving to enter, only needs another verses told to do the same, to contend for the faith, and not be as the seducers in the end time now, telling us to not strive or contend for the faith..."

So, if I understand you correctly, you are defining "the simplicity in Christ" as striving to enter into Heaven after we have been redeemed (saved), by "contending for the faith."?

Well, this plan of salvation really appears to be anything but "simplistic" to me. The way I see it, it would be much more simplistic to reduce God's plan of salvation like this....
John 3:16,"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Neither "striving" or "contending for the faith" are the grounds for our salvation. Only Christ's substitutionary work on the cross qualifies as the grounds for our acceptance before God. Trusting in this precious truth is the only means or channel for it affects to become efficacious, that is, effective, helpful, or beneficial in a person's life.

The above is the true understanding of what it means to "contend the the faith". It certainly is not to say that we are not to contend for the faith, but rather to contend for it's intended sense - the truths surrounding the essence of "the faith", and most specifically .... the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for the redemption of all humanity. (1 Cor.15:1-4).

Jude 1:3,"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

"The faith" can be reduced at it's core to "the Christian message of the gospel" - and this is precisely what I am contending for in this post! We are certainly exhorted to keep pressing ourselves to grow spiritually and build ourselves up in the faith (Jude 1:20), but unless we have first trusted in "The Great Exchange" (Christ's righteousness imputed as our righteousness) for the forgiveness of our sins and our salvation, "spiritual growth" will be illusory or imagined. There must be a spiritual birth, a new birth (John 3:3), before spiritual growth can exist.

Galatians 2:21,"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."

John 6:40,"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."

prophecy_uk · Oct 7, 2021

Rapture "I've just clearly shown that the scriptures tell us that once we have been justified through the blood of Christ we are (forever) perfected (considered as possessing the perfect righteousness of Christ). It sure seems to me that forever includes not only forgiveness for past sins, but present and future sins as well."

Perfected by the righteousness of Christ, an sins that are past are not a perfect way to be righteous, they are an imperfect way, that is the way of the first covenant, which has been CHANGED.

So they are washed, sanctified and justified. Then 1 Peter 1 confirms the elect are through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ..

1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

"In 1 Corinthians 6:11 we are told, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.".... All those who have been justified (past tense) are also clearly said to have been sanctified (past tense)....then,

In Hebrews 10:14 we are told, "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."...those who are in the process of sanctification are said to be perfected forever!..this truth in itself should put to rest the entire debate over the issue of the eternal security of the believer.

1 Peter 1:6-7,"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you
have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more
precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise,
honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"

Now they need to be found in praise and honour and glory at the appearance of Jesus Christ, to be holy and without blame before Him in love, as God is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before His presence in glory, to be dilligent that we may be found of Him in peace, and without spot and blameless..

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Rapture Bound · Oct 12, 2021

Have You Trusted in the True Gospel of Jesus Christ?... A Litmus Test :

2 Corinthians 11:3-4,"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Galatians 1:8,"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."

1 Corinthians 15:1-4,"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain."
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,"

2 Corinthians 5:21," For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Unquestionably, the most important effect of placing our faith in Christ's substitutionary atoning work is "knowing", that is, having the assurance that we have been saved from the wrath to come and will spend eternity in Heaven. This assurance is directly contingent upon obtaining a proper understanding of the gospel and Christ's finished work on the cross.

Multitudes have mistakenly believed that they are presently justified (accepted in the eyes of God) without ever coming to the knowledge that they have in fact been forgiven of all their sins. In other words, there are many who profess to be followers of Christ that have never experienced the necessary regeneration that occurs at the new-birth which provides the assurance of their salvation. Plainly stated, they are attempting to maintain a salvation that they have never obtained, and therefore possess an illusory form of Christianity.

Possession or non-possession of this assurance is the ultimate litmus test which separates the wheat from the tares, the genuine article from the counterfeit. A litmus test can be defined as - a test in which a single factor (such as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive. Unfortunately, this reality is not brought to the forefront in many churches for fear of man. Many church leaders are afraid to "go there" because they realize it will "step on the toes" of many, and carries with it the potential of causing "division" or losing members of "their" church. Others may not address the issue simply because they themselves are unaware of this reality or reject the scriptural truths associated with it.

Sadly, in my many years of walking with Jesus, I have personally witnessed this tragic reality of non-assurance in the lives of the majority of those who consider themselves as being Christians. Please don't misunderstand me, my intent is certainly not to stand as some type of all-knowing judge as to who the genuine articles are. Rather, it is to hopefully awaken some to the reality of their true standing before God from a Biblical perspective before it is too late. The truth of the matter is that those people I have spoken with have stated out of their own mouths that they have never had gained the assurance that they had been forgiven of all their sins and will arrive safely in Heaven one day.

The scriptures clearly teach that those who are genuine, blood-bought, Holy Spirit regenerate followers of Jesus can and will have assurance of their acceptance before God, and that all their sins have been blotted out through Christ's atoning work.

Subjectively speaking, this "knowing" or assurance is seen in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,"

The objective truth is found in 1 John 5:12-13, " He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."

How incredibly priceless are these dual realities! Associated with this is [a very critical question to ponder], a question that is derived from a Molinist perspective : "If any genuinely regenerated (and therefore justified) person will ever fall away and lose their salvation or "place in Heaven" one day, then how can any individual ever be certain that they will not be counted among those who will lose out on Heaven being their eternal abode at some point subsequent to their new birth experience?"

It surely appears to me that any person who believes that there will be some (or even one regenerate person) who will lose out on Heaven cannot claim with certainty that they will enter Heaven ... assurance for them becomes a logical fallacy.

Are you trusting in Christ's righteousness for your salvation?, or your own? Do you possess a "know so" salvation? :

no assurance = no salvation

know assurance = know salvation

"Assurance (of Your Salvation)" - Robert Breaker - May 24,2019 :

chad kincham · Oct 12, 2021

Rapture Bound said:
"Can a genuine, blood-bought, regenerated believer forfeit their salvation?" Right here is where the unique contribution of Molinism is perhaps best demonstrated and utilized - via the Molinist model of perseverance.

Many Bible students have been frustrated to the point of giving up on their pursuit of arriving at a intellectually satisfying and scriptural based answer. Tragically, they have come to the point where they simply write it off as "mystery".

On one side of the debate a litany of scriptures are recited as evidence that a genuinely regenerated believer can forfeit their salvation, while the other side says they cannot.

The great distinction that those who hold to the Molinist model of perseverance (like myself) is seen in the fact that they do not deny that there are certain verses or portions of scripture (warning passages) that do in fact say that a regenerate believer can forfeit their salvation (such as 2 Peter 2:20).

This perspective clearly differs from the widely accepted position amongst those who believe a genuine believer will not ever lose that salvation that was gifted them at the point of their new birth. This camp claims that all of those warning passages are directed to those who are merely professing, but not possessing believers.

Tragically, many have either not been exposed to the principles of Molinism, or reject them because they have not studied them sufficiently ; and as in most things, the tendency is to reject the minority viewpoint. But keep in mind that the eternal security of the believer is a subject that contains many components to it that are very complex and therefore need to be addressed on both a scriptural and philosophical plane (which Molinism provides). 2 Peter 3:16 tells us," as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures."

The following excerpts come from an article entitled, "Eternal Security? a Molinist Perspective (part 4)" - by hampton45

The Molinist view would make three basic claims.

(1) The two sets of texts are actually in two different logical categories, and therefore are not contradictory.
(2) God has actualized a possible world where all true born-again believers will freely persevere to the end, though it is possible for them to choose otherwise.
(3) God uses the warning passages, as just one of many means to keep true born-again believers from falling away.

First, we must recognize that the two sets of texts are not contradictory because they occupy two separate logical categories. One set is modal (what can happen, referring to possibilities), while the other set is what philosophers call de facto (what will happen, referring to actualities). Just because something is possible, does not mean that it will be actualized. Just because something can happen, doesn’t mean that it will happen. Here’s an illustration. It is possible that I wreck my car tomorrow, but that does not mean that I will wreck my car tomorrow. Similarly, it is possible for me to choose to stop writing right now, since it is past my bedtime, but that does not mean that I will stop writing. I am having too much fun. We would indeed have a contradiction if we affirmed that one stream of texts says that a believer can lose their salvation, and the other stream of texts says that a believer cannot lose their salvation. But that is not what the Molinist affirms. Rather, the Molinist says that one stream of texts teaches that a believer can lose their salvation, and the other stream of texts teaches that a believer will not lose their salvation. This is why Eric Minton calls this Molinist model of perseverance the “Can/Won’t” model.

Therefore, we must keep the two questions distinct in our mind.

(1) Can a true believer fall away?
(2) Will a true believer fall away?

We can take these questions to the biblical text and see if they are answered differently. I contend that they are. The warning passages cited by the advocate of conditional security make it clear that a true believer can in principle forfeit his salvation. However, the promise passages cited by the advocate of unconditional security make it clear that a true believer will in fact never forfeit his salvation. The warning passages either explicitly use the language “if” or imply it, noting only possibilities. The promise passages either explicitly use the language “will” or imply it, noting actualities. See the table below for some examples.

(1) Modal Statements on Eternal Security (what can happen/possibilities) = (A)
(2) De Facto Statements about Eternal Security (what will happen/actualities) = (B)

(A) if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. (Col 1:23)
(B) I give them eternal life, and they will never never perish. (John 10:28)

(A) if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. (Heb.3:14)
(B) I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:6)

(A) For if having escaped the world's impurity through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in these things and defeated, the last state is worse for them than the first. (2 Pet 2:20)
(B) ...as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 1:7b - 8)

(A) ...if you remain in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off (Rom 11:22)
(b) The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Tim 4:18)

Having distinguished these logical categories, one can better understand the second claim of the Molinist- namely that God has actualized a possible world where all true believers can freely reject Christ but will not. Those terms may be new to some. I am assuming in this article that one has a good grasp of Molinism. But I will give a very brief overview here.

God’s omniscience consists of three types of knowledge. He has natural knowledge- he knows everything that could happen. That is to say he knows everything that is logically possible. God also has foreknowledge- he knows everything that will happen in the future. But God also possesses a third type of knowledge that logically proceeds his natural knowledge and precedes his foreknowledge. Because it lies between these two types, it has been named middle knowledge. It is with this type of knowledge that God knows everything that would happen in any given set of circumstances. In a more philosophically rigorous sense, through middle knowledge God knows the truth value of all counterfactual propositions. So, for example, God knows whether the following counterfactual proposition is true or false- “if Jordan Hampton was the Roman prefect at the time of Christ, he would have condemned Jesus to crucifixion.” In God’s natural knowledge this is a logically possible scenario. However, there are other logically possible scenarios as well. I’m thinking of the possibility that I would not have condemned Jesus to crucifixion. So, God knows what could happen. Since I never was the Roman prefect though, God could not have known the truth or falsity of that counterfactual proposition through his foreknowledge. His foreknowledge only includes knowledge of the things that actually will happen. But it never did happen that I was the Roman prefect. So, God knows the truth of this counterfactual proposition through his middle knowledge, what I would have freely chosen to do under those circumstances.

So with that very brief introduction to Molinism, now you can begin to imagine how this would apply to the topic of eternal security. Through God’s middle knowledge, he knows the exact set of circumstances in which I would freely accept his offer of salvation, but later freely reject him and fall away. God also knows the exact circumstances in which I would freely accept his offer of salvation and persevere to the end. My contention is that God has actualized a world in which all true believers are put in circumstances under which they will freely persevere to the end though they still possess the freedom to do otherwise. This is only possible through God’s middle knowledge though. God is able to guarantee my perseverance, while leaving me the possibility of forfeiting my salvation. God can do this because he knows precisely what I would do with my freedom under any set of circumstances, and he knows what circumstances to place me in such that I will not use my freedom to forfeit my faith in Christ.

Having defended the second contention of the Molinist view of eternal security, I will move to the third and final claim- God uses the warning passages as just one of many means to keep true born-again believers from falling away. The reason I include this final claim in my Molinistic argument for eternal security is that someone may object to my argument at this point and say that the warning passages are meaningless or purposeless if a true believer will not fall away. Why would God need to warn them if he already knows that they will not fall? The Molinist response is that if God did not give the warnings, then some true believers would fall away. Notice how I said that. That is a counterfactual about which God knows the truth value via his middle knowledge. If that is difficult to grasp, let me briefly describe it another way. Here goes...

Prior to God creating the world, he had a range of possible worlds he could create, each unique in the people who who make it up, and the affairs they would engage in. So God chose to create a world in which the maximal number of people are saved and the fewest are lost based on the their own free choices. For every single person in that world, God chose a meticulous set of conditions for their entire life. Conditions like the time they would be born, the place they would grow up in, the family they would be born into, the school they would attend, the job they would work, the group of friends they would surround themselves with, etc. Now prior to creating this world God knew (via his middle knowledge) the exact conditions to put an individual in that would result in that person freely choosing to follow Jesus. God also knew (via his middle knowledge) the exact conditions to put that same individual in so that they would freely choose to follow Jesus their entire life, never falling away. The Molinist would say that among the many conditions that God would have to put that individual, one of those conditions is exposure to warnings of the fate he or she would suffer if they denied Christ. On this understanding, the warning passages of scripture are a necessary (but not sufficient) condition for Christians to freely persevere. So, the Molinist contends that God knew he needed to give these warnings in scripture or else at least some people would not freely persevere. And since God desires that all true believers would persevere he uses the warnings as a means to that end.

An analogy would be like a mother telling her child not to touch the hot iron or the child will be severely burned. Had the warning not been given, the child would have touched the hot iron. But the warning gives the child the motivation necessary to freely choose not to touch the hot iron. The mother used the warning as a means to protect the child. Similarly, God uses the warnings of punishment for apostasy to protect us from it. Now, I do not want to suggest that the warning passages are the only means that God can use to help someone persevere. I am contending that every single minute event in their life is ultimately aimed at them persevering to the end. Worshipping God in song, regularly meeting with and being encouraged by believers at church, prayer, fasting, studying God’s word are all examples of the means he uses to help us persevere. For me, God has used apologetics to help me persevere through significant challenges to my faith. And on this Molinist view, God also uses the promise passages to help encourage us that we will persevere.

So in summary, I contend that the traditional positions of the POS, OSAS, and CS make sense of only part but not all of the biblical data with regard to eternal security. Each side has what I consider an unnatural or forced interpretation that does not fit well at certain points. However, I hope to have persuaded you that Molinism can make good sense of both streams of texts. The key is that we see each set of passages in separate logical categories, which the text itself seems to do. Then we can affirm that a true believer can fall away, but a true believer never will. God has actualized a possible world in which they will have all the means necessary to freely persevere. He uses warnings as well as promises, and many other features of our lives to do so. The only question now that could lead one to fear that they will not persevere is if they are not sure that they are truly born-again. If you know that you are in fact a child of God then you can rest knowing that you will persevere. As Dr. Kenneth Keathley said “perseverance should be viewed more as a promise than a requirement.”

Note : "POS" = perseverance of the saints : "OSAS" = once saved, always saved ; "CS" = conditional security. God Bless!

Jesus taught that the prodigal son was dead in his sins while out sinning in the world.

Jesus says some believe onky for a while and then fall away.

Peter taught that it’s better to never be saved than to be saved and then turn back, and he used the unmistakable analogy of a pig that comes out of the muck and mire of the pig-hole and is washed clean, but then goes back into the pig slop again.

Jesus used the graphic analogy of a dog that is purged by throwing up, but then eats the vomit.

Hebrews warns the brethren in chapter 3 not to harden their hearts through the deceitfulness of sin and thus departing from the living God.

Paul said he had to subjugate his flesh daily, lest he become a reprobate.

prophecy_uk · Oct 13, 2021

Assurance is to believe without doubt n Jesus Christ, not in ourselves.

If a person is so sure in themselves being saved, what fear of God do they have ?

The Gospel teaches to be the last, to be the least of all, to sit in the lowest seat.

All the first, and all those who seek to be exalted ( up to Heaven) and who sit highest, will be made lower ( down to hell)

But Jesus comes to rise up the meek, they are not meek if they rise themselves up in their own hearts.

Assurance is the way for Israel, all seeking what thy can get from God.

Now, the love of Christ is not self seeking, it is to seek for others, not for yourself.

Rapture Bound · Oct 13, 2021

prophecy uk, "Assurance is to believe without a doubt n Jesus Christ, not in ourselves"...."If a person is so sure in themselves being saved, what fear of God do they have?"

Prophecy, you bring up a couple of excellent points that need to be further clarified. The main issue of my post centered on the forgiveness of our sins at justification, and our knowing that we have indeed been forgiven. Notice the word "never" in my post, "In other words, there are many who profess to be followers of Christ that have never experienced the necessary regeneration that occurs at the new-birth which provides the assurance of their salvation." They have never experienced the assuredness that accompanies regeneration due to the fact that they had never been regenerated.

We must keep our focus upon Christ as the object of our faith. We must constantly keep in view the fact that He is our righteousness, and all the "great moral acts" we may ever perform will never be accounted as containing an ounce of merit before God; that merit and acceptance was purchased solely through the shed blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13,"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Romans 5:9,"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

Assurance is the believer's full conviction that through the work of Christ alone, received by faith, he is in possession of a salvation in which he will be eternally kept.

The anxieties of those who are trusting in their own righteousness or good works (to one degree or another) can be mainly (and in some instances) entirely be attributed to their inadequate apprehensions (due to either ignorance or rejection) of the nature, value, and efficacy of the remedy provided for them in Christ's atonement. Within them there exists a latent feeling that there is still something that remains to be done or suffered by themselves in the way of satisfying the justice, averting the wrath, and propitiating or appeasing the favor of their righteous Judge.

(1) At the time (or point) of regeneration, the Holy Spirit will bear witness with our spirit that we have indeed been forgiven and justified in God's eyes.

(2) After a person has experienced regeneration and assurance of right-standing before God at their new-birth, a believer will inevitably experience (to one degree or another) lapses in their assurance due to different factors. Although it may certainly be possible for a regenerated person to never experience a doubt or fear subsequent to their justification, it would certainly be an exception to the rule IMHO. Every believer that I've spoken with said that they have experienced times (of varying duration) when they have struggled to maintain this assurance, and I myself certainly fall into this category. Subsequent doubts may come, but a core conviction remains.

"If a person is so sure in themselves being saved, what fear of God do they have?"

The only way a believer can maintain a consistent confidence in their salvation is to continually focus upon what Christ has accomplished for them at the cross...not in themselves. It comes by trusting and meditating upon the promise of God that all of our sins have been forgiven and nailed to the cross (past, present and future) - see posts #62 & #63.

The issue of the role of fear in the life of a believer is a very complex and highly disputed topic indeed. 'Is fear something positive or negative in a believer's life?' - the question that basically lies at the heart of the discussion. If you have been following my thread, you will know that I address and approach many of the issues involved in the eternal security of the believer from a Molinist perspective (as well as God's "preservation of the saints" overall mindset).

Let me start by saying that like any topic, extremes need to be avoided; the truth is always found somewhere between the polar opposites. In other words, when properly understood in the entire context of scripture, fear in a believer's life should never be viewed as being an entirely negative, or entirely positive entity...it is not an "either/or", but rather an "both/and" scenario.

Rephrasing your question (without losing it's essence) looks like this, 'What are we to do with the many warning passages through the scriptures that are aimed at the believer?' Of course there are many who claim that these "warning passages" are never given or aimed at true followers of Christ (therefore there is never a reason to fear); however, this is not the Molinist position, it's the classical reformed position.

The warnings found in the New Testament - What are we to do with them? We need to take them seriously, as well as all the excerpts of the Holy Scripture. They are there to "light a fire beneath us", so that we do not become antinomian in spirit and deed. They are one of the necessary means that God uses to assure a genuine believer's entrance into Heaven. (see posts #1 & #42).

prophecy_uk · Oct 14, 2021

Our (moral immoral)acts deny Christ or confess Him...

Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Rapture Bound · Oct 15, 2021

Here's another spot-on YouTube presentation that expresses my thoughts on justification and it's inevitable by-product... the assurance of the permanence of our salvation, and our knowing that we will receive God's promise of a heavenly inheritance :

"Why I Know with a 100% certainty I am going to Heaven & you can too ..." (Oct.11, 2021 - Gregg Jackson) :

prophecy_uk · Oct 16, 2021

Damnation is permanent, so is glory.

Labour to enter the rest, as Christ did to enter His glory.

Rapture Bound · Oct 21, 2021

Preserved by the Faith of Christ :

Galatians 2:16,20,"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ [pistis Christou], even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ [pistis Christou], and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."...(vs.20)," I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God [pistis Christou], who loved me, and gave himself for me." (KJV)

The expression "faith of Christ" appears in Galatians in 2:16 (twice); 2:20 ('Son of God'); and 3:22. It appears elsewhere in Romans 3:22, Philippians 3:9, and Eph.3:12 ('faith of him').

The earlier standard of English Protestant translations, the KJV, translated the phrase as "faith of Christ," which was changed in most of the more modern English translations. The NET (New English Translation) Bible is a notable exception.

Over the last several decades, a lively debate has been taking place over the meaning of the phrase "faith of Christ" or "faith of Jesus Christ" in Paul’s writings. And because this debate is over whether the phrase "pistis Christou" means “faith in Christ or “the faith[fulness] of Christ”; it is commonly referred to as "the pistis Christou debate."

The debate becomes very important when we consider it's affects on how we present the gospel and understand salvation. The two principal ways this phrase is currently translated in the debate are Jesus Christ’s faith/faithfulness, or, faith in Jesus Christ. Thus, the person named can be either the doer (the subject) or the receiver (the object) of the action implied by the other noun—faith, in this case.

The issue at stake is whether these genitive constructions should be translated as objective genitives, “faith in Christ,” or as subjective genitives, “faith of Christ.” Consequently, if we take our phrase in the subjective sense, the meaning is the faith or faithfulness that Jesus Christ displays, while the objective sense is expressed as faith directed to Jesus Christ.

This kind of ambiguity is common in language, and we depend on something in the context or our experience to determine the correct meaning. For instance, when Paul says, “The love of Christ compels us” in 2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV), does he mean our love for Christ (objective genitive), or Christ’s love for us (subjective genitive)? Although either possibility exists in both the Greek and the English, as it pertains to the subject at hand, the grammatical evidence appears to favor recognizing "pistis Christous" as a subjective genitive.

Two passages are critical for me in establishing a grammatical base for a subjective genitive reading. First, although arguments for and against subjective genitive readings have appealed to sources outside Paul’s writings and have been used to strengthen their arguments, the most significant passage must be Romans 4:16..."Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all."

Here Paul uses a genitive construction without a definite article, that can only be read as a subjective genitive. It is clearly Abraham’s faith that Paul refers to, not our faith in Abraham. This passage proves that Paul understood and used genitive constructions when he wanted to talk of the “faith of” an individual.

The second is found in Galatians 2:16..."knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by the faith of Jesus Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."

In addition to encouraging a faith in Christ - "even we have believed in Christ Jesus", this verse also includes two examples of pistis Christou. The context suggests to me that Paul is making a distinction between the roles of the faith of Christ and the believer’s faith in Christ in this passage. If he is not making this distinction, then the passage reads as follows: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Although some disagree by asserting that the threefold reading of “faith in Christ” is for emphasis, the grammatical makeup of the verse strongly suggests to me that Paul is here distinguishing between the two critical requirements for justification before God. This is especially so due to the 'hina' clause that joins the two phrases: “we have have believed in Jesus Christ” and “we might be justified by "pistis Christou.” The Greek conjunction 'hina'
(in order that) shows that the second phrase is a consequence of the first, not just a restatement, requiring "the faith of Christ" as the correct rendering of "pistis Christou."

Those who gravitate toward a performance based acceptance before God have an extremely difficult time processing, and/or accepting "pistis Christous" as a subjective genitive; perhaps because this subjective genitive perspective provides yet another reminder as to why every believer can be assured of the reception of their heavenly inheritance by virtue of being "in Christ". It is a very compelling and eye-opening aspect of Paul’s theology because it emphasizes that salvation is rooted in God’s grace in Christ rather than our faith.

This is not to say that a person's faith in Christ isn't an essential component in salvation, but at the end of the day, it is Christ and His blood, rather than our faith, that provides the only sufficient ground of any person's salvation. The issue is not "either/or" but "both/and".. but first and foremost, we are to place our focus and trust in Christ's faith[fulness] rather than faith in our faith. Apart from this mindset we are at risk of turning the channel of faith into an act or a "work" that merits salvation. Perhaps another way of stating it would be...we are to place our faith in the faith/faithfulness of Christ, which without... "ye have believed in vain." - 1 Cor.15:2.

The issues involved in this discussion are complex. I am not attempting to undergo a thorough exegesis of all the many relevant texts, but rather to shed more light upon the issue. One of my goals is to demonstrate that reading 'the righteousness of God' as God's righteousness, and the 'faith of Christ' as Christ's faith/fulness is thoroughly consistent with the rightly cherished Protestant doctrine of 'justifcation by faith alone.'(primarily 'the imputed righteousness of Christ').

Romans 3:20-24,"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ [pistis Christou] unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"

Philippians 3:9,"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ ['pistis Christou'], the righteousness which is of God by faith:"

"The righteousness which is of God" can only be obtained by virtue of being in 'union with Christ' [being found 'in him']. This righteousness originates from God through the faith[fulness] of Christ, and is imputed to all those who do not trust in their righteousness (or moral acts) in order for their justification, but instead have believed in Christ's.

Those who trust in their moral actions and performance as the ground of their justification before God cannot be justified in the eyes of God , and consequently will never receive assurance that their sins have been forgiven (while, as long as) they remain in that mind-set. The enemy of our souls, Satan, doesn't want any person who imagines or considers themselves to be accepted in the eyes of God to know that they aren't; or, that they can and will receive the blessed assurance of their salvation, that is, the forgiveness of their sins, their acceptance before God, and a future Heavenly home by solely placing their trust in Christ's righteousness and not any of their own. Justification comes as a free gift by the grace of God through the redemption that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21,"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

Ephesians 3:12,"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him [pistis Christou]."

So, do we place our faith in "being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" (Romans 3:24)...or by our performance and best efforts?...the answer appears to be very obvious. If this be true, why would anyone suppose that they continue in a justified position on the ground of self performance or best efforts?

Some claim that a genuine believer may fall from, or forfeit, their justified position by failing to continue placing their faith in Christ. However, a believer's faith was never, at any time, the ground of their justification, it was the only appointed means to receive the free gift of salvation..."lest any man should boast."(Eph.2:9). Once a person commits to placing their sole confidence in Christ's atoning work for their salvation, their nature will undergo a radical transformation at the point of regeneration, resulting in a trusting, or faith, that will never totally or ultimately be extinguished.

2 Timothy 1:12,"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."

Philippians 1:6,"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

To read the expression 'pistis Christou' as a reference to Christ's faith[fulness] does not detract from the essentialness of the believer's faith; for everywhere Paul uses the phrase he juxtaposes another expression which unambiguously denotes a human response. However, to read it as the Christian's belief in Christ [faith in Christ] neglects important Pauline instruction concerning Christ's redemptive work.

There are certainly some who hold to 'the faith[fulness] of Christ' as being the best rendering of 'pistis Christou', yet hold differing positions which stand in serious conflict with the common Reformational confession of 'justification by faith alone.' Most prominently, N.T. Wright, for example, "The New Perspective on Paul", argues that Paul's justification language primarily refers to the divine declaration that a person belongs among the covenant people, that Paul does not affirm the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers, and that the final judgment will be passed 'on the basis of the entire life.'

Conclusions such as N.T. Wright's, and their theologically implications, certainly do constitue a significant revision of the Reformed doctrine of justification itself; a revision that I do not support.

Summary/Key Points :

(1) God’s grace as the source of the believer’s justification.

(2) The nature of justification as a judicial verdict, by which God grants to sinners a new righteous status, on the basis of Christ’s death.

(3) Faith, trust in Christ, as the sole instrument through which God’s grace of justification is received.

I agree with Murray Smith's (following) perspective on this issue :

"[The points listed above] are all clearly evident in Romans 3:21-26 [but most certainly not limited to those verses]. Nevertheless, the apostle’s emphasis in this crucial paragraph is first theological and Christo-centric : he affirms, first and foremost, that the gospel reveals and vindicates God’s own righteousness, manifested in Christ’s trusting obedience to the Father, even to the point of death, and that this work of Christ provides the only ground for the justification of all who believe.

Indeed, far from posing a threat to the long-cherished Reformed doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone, this understanding of Paul’s argument in Romans 3 provides it with deeper roots. For if the gospel reveals God’s own righteousness, it reveals nothing less than God’s commitment to act in accordance with his own name, the name which declares that he is ‘the Lord, the Lord, gracious and compassionate, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness’. On this reading, Paul’s affirmation that justification comes from God’s free grace is not limited to the brief statement in Romans3:24 (‘by his grace as a gift’), but deeply anchored in the very name of God.

In the same way, if the gospel reveals that God’s righteousness has been manifested in Christ’s faith/fulness, ‘the blood’ which provides the ground for the sinner’s justification is no arbitrary sacrifice, but the culmination of the perfect trusting obedience of the true Adam, the son of David, whose sacrifice of himself fully satisfies God’s justice precisely because it was the one and only sacrifice offered in perfect faith."

Rapture Bound · Oct 26, 2021

Here's my reply to questions that were posed to me by Bible Highlighter (posts #242 thru #248) on the thread, ""Why should I let you into my heaven? :

"'I'm sure you're aware that we could quite easily go "round and round" endlessly in circles here, since we approach the issue from very different perspectives. It appears to me that we really need to go straight to the root or origin of the dilemma.

It's apparent that much of the mindset of the perpetual eternal insecurity of the believer can be traced back to a person's denial or misunderstanding of the forensic justification (i.e. - the righteousness of Christ being imputed or credited to those who place their faith in Christ's atoning work).

Do you believe in the forensic justification of the believer (as held to by the Reformers in the Protestant Reformation) - 'imputed righteousness'? , or, do you deny it and believe the Reformers were in error and the Roman Catholic Church really had it right?

Perhaps you are one of those who hold to the forensic justification of the believer, but also assert that although a believer initially is justified by grace through faith alone, from that point on there are added conditions that are essential in order to maintain or retain their salvation....
or another way of stating it....'get saved one way.... stay saved another.'

Do we originally place all our faith in Christ's righteousness being credited to us, and then from that point on, believe we must compliment that imputed righteousness with some of our own? Although the denial of forensic justification was charged against the Roman Catholic hierarchy at the time of the Reformation, at least the Roman Catholic Church stayed consistent in it's heresy by denying this imputation through and through; but this new 'hybrid theology', propagated by non-Roman Catholic sources has virtually erased the doctrine of the believer's assurance of salvation that is promised in Scripture, as well as preventing many from entering into that salvation. In other words, Roman Catholic theology frontloads and backloads their false teaching, while the non-Catholics 'hybrid theology' simply backloads it.

Can a genuine, blood-bought, regenerated believer forfeit their salvation?

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Monergist; and by reputation, Reformed Calvinist

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