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Paul' Gospel of Grace - Salvation by Faith Alone & OSAS

BrotherJJ

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Grace = God's freely given kindness, generosity & saving provision toward the undeserving, unearned favor expressed as a gift, never as a response to human performance (Rom 3:20 & Isa 64:6).

Titus 2:11 For the [remarkable, undeserved] grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

God' Grace is not a system it's a Person!

PAUL'S BACKGROUND — NOT A KINGDOM‑GOSPEL DISCIPLE

Acts 23:6 (B) Paul affirm in the Council chamber, “Kinsmen, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees

Acts 22:3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness of the law of our fathers, being ardent and passionate for God just as all of you are today.
(NOTE: Paul was trained in the Mosaic Law from youth & later studied under one of Israel's greatest doctors of the Law. He was NOT trained by Jesus or the 12. He was NOT part of the kingdom gospel mission. This background proves Paul did not inherit the kingdom message - he was formed in the strictest Pharisaic tradition.)

THE RISEN CHRIST CHOOSES PAUL

Acts 26:
15 Paul asks, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

16 ‘Get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you [to serve] as a minister and as a witness [to testify, with authority,] not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you,

17 [choosing you for Myself and] rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you,
(NOTE: Paul was on his way to imprison Christ followers when the risen Lord appointed him as a minister & witness & sends him to the Gentiles. This is AFTER the resurrection, AFTER Israel's rejection of the kingdom message & marks a NEW commission & not a continuation of the 12's kingdom mission.)

PAUL RECEIVES ""HIS"" GOSPEL DIRECTLY FROM THE RISEN LORD
Gal 1:
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
(NOTE: Paul did NOT receive HIS gospel from the 12 in Jerusalem. He received it directly from the risen Lord Jesus.)

PAUL GOES TO ARABIA - NOT JERUSALEM
Gal 1:17 Paul says, he didn't go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before him; but I went to Arabia.
(NOTE: Gal 4:25 identifies Arabia with Mt Sinai & this is where Paul received the gospel of the gospel of the grace of God, the Body of Christ doctrine & the Gentile commission. Jesus gave Paul the gospel of the grace of God in Arabia/Sinai. A different administration from the 100% Jewish Kingdom Gospel)

THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
(NOTE: Jesus & the 12 never use this phrase. This is Paul's God-given gospel - revealed after the resurrection & distinct from the kingdom gospel.)

Having established Paul's God given gospel of the grace of God, we now turn to the Scriptures that declare, plainly & repeatedly the administration of the gospel: salvation accessed by faith alone in Christ alone.

SEE POST #2 FOR A COMPRESENSIVE SCRIPTURE-BASED FAITH-ALONE SUMMERY
 

BrotherJJ

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SALVATION COME BY FAITH ALONE IN CHRIST ALONE

Jn 3:
14 Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross],

15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever].

16 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.

18 Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation];
(NOTE: The result is stated four times: Whoever believes > has eternal life > shall not perish & is not condemned. The condition is BELIEF. The outcome is ETERNAL LIFE & the ground is Christ being lifted up (up on the cross & from the grave). Nothing here is states: probation, performance, obedience or endurance requirements. It is simply hear > BELIEVE > receive eternal life.)

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST - 1 CORINTHIANS 15

1 Cor 15:
1 Now brothers and sisters, let me remind you [once again] of the good news [of salvation] which I preached to you, which you welcomed and accepted and on which you stand [by faith].

2 By this faith you are saved [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose], if you hold firmly to the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain [just superficially and without complete commitment].

3 For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold],

4 and that He was buried, and that He was [bodily] raised on the third day according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold]
(NOTE: The gospel/good news is Jesus died for your sins (paid sins wage/Rom 6:23), was buried (proof he died) & roses on the 3 day (Fathers receipt My Sons sin payment received & accepted & stamped PAID In FULL)

Titus 2:11 For the [remarkable, undeserved] grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
(NOTE: FIRST IMPORTANCE: Christ died for our sins, was buried & rose again for our justification (Rom 4:25). The gospel of Jesus Christ is: HE died > was buried & rose again. His resurrection is the Father's receipt stamped, sins required wage PAID IN FULL.)

Titus 2:11 For the [remarkable, undeserved] grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
(NOTE: Grace is not a system. Grace is Christ Himself. Salvation is brought by Him, not earned by us.)

JUSTIFIED BY FAITH
Rom 5:
1 Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).

2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].
(NOTE: Faith is the conduit, grace is the ground, Christ is the access point. We stand in grace - NOT wobble in works.)

Rom 3:
22 This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,

23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,

24 and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,

25 whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith

Gal 2:16 yet we know that a man is not justified [and placed in right standing with God] by works of the Law, but [only] through faith in [God’s beloved Son,] Christ Jesus. And even we [as Jews] have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law.

Acts 2:21 ‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD [invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord Jesus] SHALL BE SAVED (rescued spiritually).’

Rom 10:
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” [d] that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Rom 10:13 For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.”
(NOTE: Calling = invoking, appealing to, trusting in the Lord Jesus. No works. No probation. No endurance. Calling > Saved.)

Summery
Believe > eternal life (Jn 3), Jesus death & resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-4), Grace appearing (Titus 2), Justified by faith (Rom 3 & 5, Gal 2). All proclaim the same gospel: salvation is received by believing in Christ's sin‑atoning death & resurrection, not by our performance, our obedience, probation, or endurance. Faith accesses grace. Christ saves. Eternal life is the result.

ASKING FOR ETERNAL LIFE
Acts 4:10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew [about] God’s gift [of eternal life], and who it is who says, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him [instead], and He would have given you living water (eternal life).
(NOTE The Samaritan woman was living in sin. Jesus did not say: Fix your life 1st. He said: Identify who I am > Ask > Receive eternal life.

Lk 11:13 “If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
(NOTE: Jesus ties the giving of the Holy Spirit to asking, not to obedience, endurance, performance, ritual or law keeping. Ask > Receive the Holy Spirit.)

THE 1ST GENTILES ENTER NEW COVENANT
Acts 10:
44 “All the prophets testify about Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him [whoever trusts in and relies on Him, accepting Him as Savior and Messiah] receives forgiveness of sins.”

45 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message [confirming God’s acceptance of Gentiles].

46 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
(NOTE: Jesus alone baptizes with the Spirit (Matt 3:11, Lk 3:16) These Gentiles received the FOREVER indwelling Holy Spirit (Jn 14:16). No circumcision. No water baptism. No obedience requirements. No endurance requirements. No performance requirements. Hear > Believe > Receive)

COMFIRMING VERSES
Eph 1:13 In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God].

Eph 2:
8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;

9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].

SUMMERY #2
Scripture consistently teaches that salvation & the Holy Spirit are received by: calling (Acts 2:21 & Rom 10:13), asking (Jn 4:10 & Lk 11:13), believing (1 Cor 15:1-4 & Jn 3:14-18) & NOT by: performing, enduring, obeying, working or maintaining.

THE POST‑ACTS‑10 CHALLENGE: THE BODY‑OF‑CHRIST SALVATION PATTERN
Once Acts 10 establishes the Gentile pattern, the New Testament never again ties justification or Holy Spirit baptism to anything but faith. If anyone claims otherwise, let them produce a single post‑Acts‑10 verse where salvation is conditioned on something other than believing the gospel.

SEE POST #3 FOR A COMPRESENSIVE SCRIPTURE-BASED TRINTIRY OSAS
 
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BrotherJJ

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THE NT TRINITARIAN STRUCTURE MAKES LOSS OF SALVATION IMPOSSIBLE
The New Testament grounds eternal security in the irreversible saving actions of the Triune God: The Son's once‑for‑all justifying-Holy Spirit baptism, the Father's legal declaration of righteousness bases on faith in Christ' sin-atoning death & resurrection & the Holy Spirit's forever indwelling, sealing & guaranteeing ministry. These 3 divine acts secure the believer's eternal life.

Romans 11:29, God's gifts and calling are irrevocable.
(NOTE: What God gives, He does not take back. What God calls, He does not un‑call. What God seals, He does not un‑seal. Loss of salvation would require: reversing the Son's initiating act, overturning the Father's legal declaration, breaking the Holy Spirit's eternal seal. No NT text teaches any of this.

THE PROMISE
Lk 24:49 Jesus said; behold, I send ""the promise"" of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high
(NOTE: Jesus teaches he will send THE PROMISE the Father made to him)

Acts 1:
4 While being together and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Of which,” He said, “you have heard Me speak.
(NOTE: Jesus tells them to wait in Jerusalem for what the Father had PROMISED)

5 For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized and empowered and united with the Holy Spirit, not long from now.”
(NOTE: Jesus foretells of baptism of His salvation sealing (2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, Eph 4:4, 4:30), forever indwelling (Jn 14:16) Holy Spirit to come)

THE PROMISE fulfilled:
Acts 2:
1 When the day of [a]Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place
(NOTE: Temple MT 50 Days after Christ's resurrection)

3 There appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were being distributed [among them], and they rested on each one of them [as each person received the Holy Spirit]
(NOTE: Each one of them receives the PROMISE (Lk 24:49) God' eternally indwelling salvation-sealing Holy Spirit]

4 And they were all filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (different languages), as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately].
(NOTE: Here the PROMISE is fulfilled. Believers receive Christ's promised baptism with His salvation‑sealing, forever‑indwelling Spirit.

Act 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear
(NOTE: 50 days after His glorification/resurrection. Christ sends the PROMISE given to Him by the Father-the forever (Jn 14:16) indwelling Holy Spirit.

2 Tim 1:14 Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
(NOTE: Present tense - the Holy Spirit dwelling in us is God's deposit.

2 Cor 5:5 Now He who has made us and prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the [Holy] Spirit as a pledge [a guarantee, a down payment on the fulfillment of His promise].
(MY NOTE: God has given PAST TENSE/DONE DEAL)

2 Cor 1:22 it is He who has also put His seal on us [that is, He has appropriated us and certified us as His] and has given us the [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as a pledge [like a security deposit to guarantee the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life].
(NOTE: God's seal, pledge & deposit remain until our final redemption/Glorified Body)

Eph 1:13 In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God].
(NOTE: Sealed at belief PAST TENSE/DONE DEAL)

Eph1:14 The Spirit is the guarantee [the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own [purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory.
(NOTE: The Spirit is God's down payment guaranteeing final redemption/Glorified Body).)

Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealed and marked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin].
(NOTE: Sealed until the day of redemption, not until your next failure. The believers in Cornelius' house (Acts 10) received the PROMISE-the Holy Spirit ""at the moment of faith"" & that is how every member of the Body of Christ receives eternal life today: hear > believe > sealed > guaranteed until the day of redemption.

1 Jn 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
(MY NOTE: Present tense believers HAVE eternal life now!)

SYNOPSIS
Believer, Jesus Christ Himself pours out the Holy Spirit: who cleanses, transforms, regenerates & continually renews you (Titus 3:5–6). Through this Holy Spirit‑wrought work, Christs Spirit baptism justifies you, the Father declares you righteous & you become an heir of eternal life (Titus 3:7). You are already experiencing eternal life now because His Spirit in you is His guarantee. Through His sinless shed blood, Christ purchased the forgiveness of all your sins—past, present & future, according to the riches of His grace (Eph 1:7).

LOSS-OF-SALVATION THEOLOGY COLLAPSES UNDER ITS OWN WEIGHT
To affirm loss of salvation, one must affirm: Christ's once‑for‑all act is reversible - God's legal declaration can be overturned - The Holy Spirit's seal can be broken - The Holy Spirit's FOREVER indwelling is not forever - The guarantee does not guarantee - Eternal life is not eternal. No NT author teaches any of this.

THE GLORY OF CHRIST WHO SECURES HIS OWN
Jesus Christ is: the Creator (Jn 1:3), the Redeemer who gave Himself for our sins (Gal 1:4), the Mediator between God & humanity (Heb 9:15), the One who indwells believers (Rom 8:9-11), the Sustainer who keeps us to the end (1 Cor 1:8), the righteous Judge of all (Jn 5:22), the faithful & gracious Lord who never abandons His own (2 Tim 2:13 & Heb 13:5). He is the Alpha & the Omega (Rev 22:13) & all who trust Him rest in His finished work, His present intercession & His eternal faithfulness. All praise, glory & honor belong to Him. Amen.

FINAL CHALLENGE TO LOSS‑OF‑SALVATION THEOLOGY

If anyone claims salvation can be lost, the burden of proof is simple & unavoidable: Produce a single verse - anywhere in the New Testament - that shows any Person of the Trinity reversing His own saving act.

Specifically: A verse where Christ un‑baptizes a believer from the Holy Spirit (undoing His forever indwelling salvation sealing act)

A verse where the Father reverses His legal declaration of righteousness (overturning His own sovereign declaration)

A verse where the Holy Spirit breaks His own seal, stops abiding forever, or cancels His guarantee (nullifying His eternal ministry)

NOTE: These are the 3 pillars of salvation in the NT - Christ's initiating act, the Father's legal declaration & the Spirit's sealing/indwelling/guaranteeing work. If salvation can be lost, Scripture must show God undoing what God Himself has done. No NT author ever teaches this.

Until such a verse is produced - loss‑of‑salvation theology remains a system built on assumptions, not Scripture.
 
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AFrazier

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Until such a verse is produced - loss‑of‑salvation theology remains a system built on assumptions, not Scripture.

Mat. 18:34–35 — And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. [A servant already granted forgiveness (grace has been received, so this refers to a believer), does not forgive another in turn, and his forgiveness is revoked]

1 Jn. 3:17–19 — But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. [If you don't have the works of love, the love of God doesn't dwell in you. By loving in deed and in truth is how we assure our hearts before God]

Jms. 2:15–17 — If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [This mirrors John. If your faith is not coupled with the works of love, that faith is dead. No faith means no salvation]

Gal. 5:6 — For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. [The faith through which grace is received is a faith that does the works of love]

Mat. 25:14–30 — For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. . . . Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [A clear example here of having received from the master, and being punished for doing nothing with it. The unprofitable servant is cast into outer darkness]

Mat. 25:41–46 — Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment . . . [those who don't do the works of love, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc., will be cast into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels]

1 Cor. 13:2 — And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [Even with faith great enough to move mountains, if he doesn't have charity (ἀγάπην, love, in the sense described by John and James), he is nothing]

The teaching isn't fringe. It is prevalent throughout the New Testament. Salvation can't be earned. That's where the faith versus grace argument truly lives. Nothing you do is enough to earn or deserve salvation. It is given to you freely. But once it has been given to you, you absolutely have a responsibility to behave accordingly, and the scriptures are plain as day that it can be revoked if you choose not to embrace the works of love. Once you are forgiven, you are expected to forgive. Choose not to, and your forgiveness will be revoked. Believe with all your heart, but withhold charity to those who come to you in need, and it is to Christ himself that you withhold it. Though you have all the faith in the world, if you don't have love—which is a thing of deeds, not emotion—you are nothing.
 
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BrotherJJ

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Mat. 18:34–35 — And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. [A servant already granted forgiveness (grace has been received, so this refers to a believer), does not forgive another in turn, and his forgiveness is revoked]

1 Jn. 3:17–19 — But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. [If you don't have the works of love, the love of God doesn't dwell in you. By loving in deed and in truth is how we assure our hearts before God]

Jms. 2:15–17 — If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [This mirrors John. If your faith is not coupled with the works of love, that faith is dead. No faith means no salvation]

Gal. 5:6 — For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. [The faith through which grace is received is a faith that does the works of love]

Mat. 25:14–30 — For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. . . . Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [A clear example here of having received from the master, and being punished for doing nothing with it. The unprofitable servant is cast into outer darkness]

Mat. 25:41–46 — Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment . . . [those who don't do the works of love, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc., will be cast into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels]

1 Cor. 13:2 — And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [Even with faith great enough to move mountains, if he doesn't have charity (ἀγάπην, love, in the sense described by John and James), he is nothing]

The teaching isn't fringe. It is prevalent throughout the New Testament. Salvation can't be earned. That's where the faith versus grace argument truly lives. Nothing you do is enough to earn or deserve salvation. It is given to you freely. But once it has been given to you, you absolutely have a responsibility to behave accordingly, and the scriptures are plain as day that it can be revoked if you choose not to embrace the works of love. Once you are forgiven, you are expected to forgive. Choose not to, and your forgiveness will be revoked. Believe with all your heart, but withhold charity to those who come to you in need, and it is to Christ himself that you withhold it. Though you have all the faith in the world, if you don't have love—which is a thing of deeds, not emotion—you are nothing.
None of the passages you cited answer the actual challenge. Every text you listed is either (1) Old‑LAW‑Covenant, (2) pre‑cross discipleship language to Israel, or (3) ethical exhortations about love & works. Not one of them provides a single verse showing any Person of the Trinity reversing His own saving act. Not one shows Christ un‑baptizing a believer from the Holy Spirit, the Father reversing His legal declaration of righteousness, or the Holy Spirit breaking His own seal. Your use of Galatians 5:4 also misfires. Paul is not describing a regenerate believer becoming un‑regenerate. He clearly says the issue is people ""seeking to be justified by the Law,"" which is a contrast between 2 systems of justification - grace versus Law. To ""fall from grace"" is to leave the grace-system & place yourself under the Law‑system, forfeiting the benefits grace supplies (freedom, assurance, Spirit‑empowered living, joy), not to lose salvation. No New Testament author ever uses the phrase to describe God undoing His own saving work. Until a verse is produced showing Christ reversing His once‑for‑all act, the Father overturning His declaration, or the Spirit cancelling His seal, loss‑of‑salvation theology remains a system built on assumptions, not Scripture.
 
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AFrazier

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None of the passages you cited answer the actual challenge. Every text you listed is either (1) Old‑LAW‑Covenant, (2) pre‑cross discipleship language to Israel, or (3) ethical exhortations about love & works. Not one of them provides a single verse showing any Person of the Trinity reversing His own saving act. Not one shows Christ un‑baptizing a believer from the Holy Spirit, the Father reversing His legal declaration of righteousness, or the Holy Spirit breaking His own seal. Your use of Galatians 5:4 also misfires. Paul is not describing a regenerate believer becoming un‑regenerate. He clearly says the issue is people ""seeking to be justified by the Law,"" which is a contrast between 2 systems of justification - grace versus Law. To ""fall from grace"" is to leave the grace-system & place yourself under the Law‑system, forfeiting the benefits grace supplies (freedom, assurance, Spirit‑empowered living, joy), not to lose salvation. No New Testament author ever uses the phrase to describe God undoing His own saving work. Until a verse is produced showing Christ reversing His once‑for‑all act, the Father overturning His declaration, or the Spirit cancelling His seal, loss‑of‑salvation theology remains a system built on assumptions, not Scripture.
You're mistaken. The example of the king forgiving and revoking the forgiveness, which is followed up with a plain interpretation, says everything that needs to be said. If the servant was forgiven, then that is representative of someone already in possession of grace. That grace is then revoked when the servant doesn't do likewise to his fellow man.

So does the example of being cast out for not feeding the hungry, etc. If you don't do the works of love, you will be cast out. I don't need your agreement. The passages say what they say. These aren't ethical exhortations. John is clear that if you don't have love for your brothers and sisters, you are no better than a murderer, and you don't have eternal life.

Treat this as my final response. You asked for scripture. I gave it to you. What you do with it is your choice. But I'm not going to argue the point.
 
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BrotherJJ

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You're mistaken. The example of the king forgiving and revoking the forgiveness, which is followed up with a plain interpretation, says everything that needs to be said. If the servant was forgiven, then that is representative of someone already in possession of grace. That grace is then revoked when the servant doesn't do likewise to his fellow man.

So does the example of being cast out for not feeding the hungry, etc. If you don't do the works of love, you will be cast out. I don't need your agreement. The passages say what they say. These aren't ethical exhortations. John is clear that if you don't have love for your brothers and sisters, you are no better than a murderer, and you don't have eternal life.

Treat this as my final response. You asked for scripture. I gave it to you. What you do with it is your choice. But I'm not going to argue the point.
You still haven't met the actual challenge. None of the passages you cited show God the Father, God the Son Of God the Holt Spirit reversing His own saving act.

And yes ""the passages say what they say,"" New Covenant salvation passages that speak directly to the issue:
NO condemnation for the believer: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1)

Eternal life is a present possession:
He who believes has eternal life. (Jn 6:47)
He... has passed from death to life. (Jn 5:24)
I give them eternal life & they shall never perish. (Jn 10:28)
No one can snatch them out of My hand... no one can snatch them out of My Father's hand. (Jn 10:28–29)

Forgiven forever, perfected forever:
Their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more. (Heb 10:17)
By one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. (Heb 10:14)

Believers are sealed, guaranteed & kept:
You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Eph 1:13)
The Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until the day of redemption. (Eph 1:14)
You were sealed unto the day of redemption. (Eph 4:30)
He gave us the Spirit as a pledge. (2 Cor 5:5)
He will also sustain you to the end. (1 Cor 1:8)

Christ's ongoing ministry secures the believer:
Paul adds the unbreakable chain of security: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:35–39)
Jesus is our Advocate (1 Jn 2:1)
Jesus is our Mediator (Heb 9:15)
Jesus is our Intercessor (Rom 8:34, Heb 7:25)
Jesus is also the Judge (Jn 5:22)

The One who defends you is the One who judges you & His verdict for the believer is NOT GUILTY!

So again, until a verse is produced that overthrows Christ' once‑for‑all act, the Father overturning His declaration, or the Spirit cancelling His seal, loss‑of‑salvation theology remains a system built on assumptions, not Scripture.
 
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AFrazier

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You still haven't met the actual challenge. None of the passages you cited show God the Father, God the Son Of God the Holt Spirit reversing His own saving act.

And yes ""the passages say what they say,"" New Covenant salvation passages that speak directly to the issue:
NO condemnation for the believer: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1)

Eternal life is a present possession:
He who believes has eternal life. (Jn 6:47)
He... has passed from death to life. (Jn 5:24)
I give them eternal life & they shall never perish. (Jn 10:28)
No one can snatch them out of My hand... no one can snatch them out of My Father's hand. (Jn 10:28–29)

Forgiven forever, perfected forever:
Their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more. (Heb 10:17)
By one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. (Heb 10:14)

Believers are sealed, guaranteed & kept:
You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Eph 1:13)
The Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until the day of redemption. (Eph 1:14)
You were sealed unto the day of redemption. (Eph 4:30)
He gave us the Spirit as a pledge. (2 Cor 5:5)
He will also sustain you to the end. (1 Cor 1:8)

Christ's ongoing ministry secures the believer:
Paul adds the unbreakable chain of security: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:35–39)
Jesus is our Advocate (1 Jn 2:1)
Jesus is our Mediator (Heb 9:15)
Jesus is our Intercessor (Rom 8:34, Heb 7:25)
Jesus is also the Judge (Jn 5:22)

The One who defends you is the One who judges you & His verdict for the believer is NOT GUILTY!

So again, until a verse is produced that overthrows Christ' once‑for‑all act, the Father overturning His declaration, or the Spirit cancelling His seal, loss‑of‑salvation theology remains a system built on assumptions, not Scripture.
This is what they call cherry-picking, or confirmation bias. Perhaps even cognitive dissonance. A properly objective view sees these passages and the others. You are only telling half the story. But that's typical of certain types of doctrine. It's not a coincidence that the church has split into more than a thousand denominations. Some people only see what they want to see.
 
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BrotherJJ

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This is what they call cherry-picking, or confirmation bias. Perhaps even cognitive dissonance. A properly objective view sees these passages and the others. You are only telling half the story. But that's typical of certain types of doctrine. It's not a coincidence that the church has split into more than a thousand denominations. Some people only see what they want to see.
Calling Scripture ""cherry‑picking"" doesn't make the passages disappear & it doesn't produce a single verse showing the Father reversing His declaration, the Son undoing His saving act, or the Spirit cancelling His seal.

The passages I listed aren't ""half the story""-they are passages in the New Covenant that directly address the permanence of salvation: No condemnation for those in Christ (Rom 8:1). Eternal life as a present possession (Jn 6:47, 5:24, 10:28). Forgiven forever, perfected forever (Heb 10:14, 17). Sealed, guaranteed, kept until the day of redemption (Eph 1:13–14, 4:30, 2 Cor 5:5, 1 Cor 1:8). Christ's ongoing ministry-Advocate, Mediator, Intercessor, Judge-who ensures the believer's security (1 Jn 2:1, Heb 9:15, Rom 8:34, Heb 7:25, Jn 5:22) & Paul's unbreakable conclusion: nothing in all creation can separate the believer from the love of God in Christ (Rom 8:35-39).

These are not ""my verses."" They are God the Holy Spirit's own testimony about the nature of New Covenant salvation.

So again: Until a verse is produced showing the Father overturning His justification, the Son undoing His once‑for‑all offering, or the Holy Spirit breaking His own seal, loss‑of‑salvation theology remains a system built on assumptions—not Scripture & Labeling the New Testament ""confirmation bias"" is not an argument. It's an admission that the text itself does not support your position.
 
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AFrazier

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So again: Until a verse is produced showing the Father overturning His justification, the Son undoing His once‑for‑all offering . . .

Mat. 18:23–35 — Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Point 1: Servant forgiven all debt. This is indicative of someone in Christ. You aren't forgiven outside of that.
Point 2: Servant didn't forgive a fellow servant.
Point 3: King revoked forgiveness.
Point 4: Servant made to pay entirety of debt.
Point 5: Jesus interprets. His father will do likewise to us if we don't forgive our brothers their trespasses.

There are plenty of other examples. But it only takes one to prove your premise wrong.
 
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BrotherJJ

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Mat. 18:23–35 — Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Point 1: Servant forgiven all debt. This is indicative of someone in Christ. You aren't forgiven outside of that.
Point 2: Servant didn't forgive a fellow servant.
Point 3: King revoked forgiveness.
Point 4: Servant made to pay entirety of debt.
Point 5: Jesus interprets. His father will do likewise to us if we don't forgive our brothers their trespasses.

There are plenty of other examples. But it only takes one to prove your premise wrong.
The premise that your interpretation of a parable about relational forgiveness-or any isolated sin-can be weaponized to overthrow God the Father's grace, God the Son's once-for-ALL sin-atoning sacrifice (Rom 6:10, Heb 7:27, 9:12, 9:26, 10:10, 1 Pet 3:18), His eternal intercession (Rom 8:26, Heb 7:25) & God the Holy Spirit's repeated ""eternal life guarantee"" (Eph 1:13-14, 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, 2 Tim 1:14) simply does not line up with the promises of the Triune God.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable—He does not withdraw what He has given, nor change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace (Rom 11:29).
 
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AFrazier

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The premise that your interpretation of a parable about relational forgiveness-or any isolated sin-can be weaponized to overthrow God the Father's grace, God the Son's once-for-ALL sin-atoning sacrifice (Rom 6:10, Heb 7:27, 9:12, 9:26, 10:10, 1 Pet 3:18), His eternal intercession (Rom 8:26, Heb 7:25) & God the Holy Spirit's repeated ""eternal life guarantee"" (Eph 1:13-14, 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, 2 Tim 1:14) simply does not line up with the promises of the Triune God.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable—He does not withdraw what He has given, nor change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace (Rom 11:29).
I tell you what. I'll love those I come into contact with. I'll forgive. You do otherwise. And we'll see what's what when we both stand before God.
 
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BrotherJJ

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I tell you what. I'll love those I come into contact with. I'll forgive. You do otherwise. And we'll see what's what when we both stand before God.
Fair enough. I'm looking forward to standing before the Lord-not because of anything great in me, but because of His grace, His love & His unimaginable sin‑atoning death & resurrection. I'm grateful for the past, present & future forgiveness He secured & protects. For the joy I live with right now because I believe He is Lord, God & Savior & that His promises are faithful & unbreakable.

And when that day comes, every system that tried to mix works into grace will have to explain why it burdened people with demands God never placed on them. My hope is in Christ alone, not in my performance.

Like Israel prayed for generations, Next year in Jerusalem, I pray every day, Lord Jesus, I hope today is the day I hear the shout of the archangel and the trumpet of God. (1 Thes 4:16-17). Amen
 
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privatepop

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Not sure which version you are using. I use the KJV. I'm having a problem with some verses.
For example:
John 3:18. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation];

Here is the KJV
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Do you see a difference?

It doesn't say here how Belief has come upon someone, it simply says, He that believeth. In your version you have added, "and decides to trust".

You have added a work to this verse.
For faith is a work.
1 Ths 1:13, Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
2 Ths 1:11, Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
 
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privatepop

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Gal 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 Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
 
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SabbathBlessings

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Gal 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 Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Rom 2:13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified

Obviously there are two different laws Paul speaks of. The one in Galatians is about circumcision Gal2:3

Jesus answers this question- what do we do to be saved?

His answer- keep the commandments- quoting from the Ten Commandments Mat19:17-19

Why Paul contrasted circumcision with the commandments of God and came to the same conclusion the wisest man in Scripture came to. Ecc12:13-14 keeping the commandments of God is what matters 1Cor7:19

The law can't save us only Jesus can but it shows us our sins and how God wants us to live holy lives - the law shows us our need for repentance for breaking the law of God and sinning which separates us from God Isa59:2 the need for Jesus to save us from our sins Mat1:21, not in then Heb10:26-30 we need a complete conversion in Christ why the law of the LORD is perfect for converting our souls Psa 19:7 written by our perfect Savior Himself Exo31:18 as it is His righteous way He wants His children to live. Psa 119:172 Isa56:1-2

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
 
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tdidymas

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Not sure which version you are using. I use the KJV. I'm having a problem with some verses.
For example:
John 3:18. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation];

Here is the KJV
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Do you see a difference?

It doesn't say here how Belief has come upon someone, it simply says, He that believeth. In your version you have added, "and decides to trust".

You have added a work to this verse.
For faith is a work.
1 Ths 1:13, Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
2 Ths 1:11, Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Faith is a gift from God motivated by His grace and love (Eph. 2:1-10), so faith is NOT a work. "Work of faith" in the KJV actually means work that comes from faith, or work motivated by faith, just as "labour of love" is a labor that is motivated by love.

"We love because He first loved us" is a kind of love that we receive from God, which motivates us to love others in kind. In the same way, if we understand that God has gifted us with the faith that justifies us unto eternal life, this is our motivation to work in service for others and edify them for having the same faith. Therefore, faith is a gift from God, not a work from us. "Work of faith" does NOT mean "faith work." It means "work from faith."
 
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tdidymas

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Mat. 18:23–35 — Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Point 1: Servant forgiven all debt. This is indicative of someone in Christ. You aren't forgiven outside of that.
Point 2: Servant didn't forgive a fellow servant.
Point 3: King revoked forgiveness.
Point 4: Servant made to pay entirety of debt.
Point 5: Jesus interprets. His father will do likewise to us if we don't forgive our brothers their trespasses.

There are plenty of other examples. But it only takes one to prove your premise wrong.
Based on your responses, this appears to be your strongest argument. However, it proves nothing at all. It shows that God is willing to forgive anyone at any time, except that those who don't forgive because they don't believe in Christ will not have forgiveness in the end. John 3:36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Since being born again involves real faith and receives the Holy Spirit to work the works of God, everyone trusting in Christ will forgive others of their miniscule sins. What this parable shows is that the man did not really believe in the king's forgiveness, enough to motivate him to forgive his fellow servant. The parable is a warning to those who claim they are Christians, but don't do what Jesus commanded because they don't really believe in Him or His message. Everyone who believes in the message of Christ will forgive, and those who don't won't, which is directly related to John 3:36.

Therefore, your "proof" falls flat.
 
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AFrazier

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Based on your responses, this appears to be your strongest argument. However, it proves nothing at all. It shows that God is willing to forgive anyone at any time, except that those who don't forgive because they don't believe in Christ will not have forgiveness in the end. John 3:36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Since being born again involves real faith and receives the Holy Spirit to work the works of God, everyone trusting in Christ will forgive others of their miniscule sins. What this parable shows is that the man did not really believe in the king's forgiveness, enough to motivate him to forgive his fellow servant. The parable is a warning to those who claim they are Christians, but don't do what Jesus commanded because they don't really believe in Him or His message. Everyone who believes in the message of Christ will forgive, and those who don't won't, which is directly related to John 3:36.

Therefore, your "proof" falls flat.
It's always the avenue of denial to claim that a person in these scenarios isn't a "real Christian." But I'll reiterate. There is no forgiveness outside of Christ. If the person in the parable has been forgiven his debt, then the person in the parable is a person in Christ. And when that person in Christ did not go and do likewise by forgiving another, his forgiveness was revoked.

You can argue this however you want. But the plain fact is, there are expectations placed on us as believers. We are required, as Christians, to do the works of charity, to forgive, etc., and if we don't do those things, the free gift can, and will, be revoked. I won't argue the point with you beyond this. People see what they want to see. No amount of argument is going to change that. But the scriptures say what they say. I can show the same principle from a dozen different passages. There is no ambiguity to it.

What's happening is people conflate reception with retention, and confiscation with surrender. We receive salvation as a free gift. It can't be earned. It can't be bought. It is given, and undeservedly. That's reception. Retention is maintaining the free gift that has been given. And there are numerous passages discussing that aspect, showing the expectations that have been laid on us, from the king revoking forgiveness to the barren tree that produces no fruit being hewn down and cast into the fire, to those who failed to feed, clothe, and visit Christ by not doing likewise to the least of God's children. No one can take your salvation away from you. The church can excommunicate you, but not take away your salvation. No man, no beast, no organized religion, can deprive you of the salvation you've been given. That's confiscation. But you can choose to act in a way that surrenders it. There are also numerous passages discussing this, from those who have strayed and been brought back in James, to those who have the truth and turn away like a dog returning to his vomit, and are worse than if they had never known.

At the end of the day . . . you do you. I'll do me. I will try to live up to the expectations that have been placed on me as a believer. You do whatever you think you do or do not have to do. When judgment day comes, we'll see who stands where.
 
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